#maggiemerc

[antiapathy1980]

No, no.... they are haunting the god damn rest of us as well. I have no idea what fandoms your write for, but I felt this shit in my motherfucking narrow as a reader.

It is a painful truth that actually none of my fics are abandoned, no, not even the ones that haven’t updated in five years. I still know exactly what happens next, and after that, and so on. They’re not abandoned; they’re right here, haunting me, characters climbing up my pants like kittens nagging for dinner.

[dustdotorg]

👻 for the writing ask

(from this ask meme)

👻 Is there a new genre you'd like to write?

i'd love to get better at writing comedies. there are writers out there who seemingly with little effort can be funny just by how well they use language to comedic effect, while still keeping everything in-character. admire that and haven't quite figured out how to do it yet.

so that would definitely be a challenge for me but one i'd like to try one day, i think.

thanks for asking!

[warningsine]

Your answers to the asks about fanfic has been so interesting but now I’m curious about those 1% of fics that are amazing. Would you mind gives us some examples?

I mean, sure, but keep in mind that

a) even those are my 1%,

b) most of them are pretty old recs, because I don't read as much fanfiction as I used to.

Without further ado:

The North Remembers by qqueenofhades (ASOIAF) It's the one I mentioned earlier. Back in the day, I read another work in this fandom, but this one made me forget where canon ended and where this fanfic began.

The Narrative Strain by The Noble Arduenna (Wicked, bookverse) The author utilized horror elements to make Elphaba and Glinda swap roles in a way and turn the latter into a tragic heroine.

A Colder War by Charles Stross (Lovecraftian horror) The Cold War set in the Cthulhu Mythos world.

Eighty-Six Years by jimmymcgools (Better Call Saul) This is the 7th season of the show. To me. The same author wrote this pre-canon/canon compliant series that I adore.

Roads by panademonium (Breaking Bad) Post canon neo-noir/western with Jesse, Saul and Skyler. Sadly, the last two chapters were never posted. The same author wrote a missing scenes type of fanfic for what Jesse went through while in captivity.

Interstitium by AssaultSloth (Mass Effect) I was reminded of this one last year, because the 8-Bit Big Band used the author's full set of lyrics of "Scientist Salarian" and gave musical life to it. Anyway, I remember enjoying other Mass Effect fanfics like Interregnum (how Garrus became Archangel) and The Siege of Shanxi (what happened during the First Contact War, this one had some punctuation issues), but AssaultSloth should have been on Bioware's payroll. The author managed to delve into every single ME2 character's head and make sense of certain things that didn't in the game, e.g., how a bunch of murderers and war criminals that hated each other were able to work together. And few people could write Mordin as brilliantly as AssaultSloth.

The Monomythical Adventures of Regina Mills and Emma Swan by maggiemerc (Once Upon a Time) No, come back, don't leave! Yes, (as far as I remember) these works had some typos and the 4rth part of the series remains unfinished. Yes, sometimes they got borderline crackish (not a bad thing in my books). That being said, maggiemerc took that atrocious soapy mashup of Disney fairytales and made it gayer with Emma/Regina, Aurora/Mulan and a bisexual Hook. Except the romances were a subtle thing that didn't get in the way of the work's epic fantasy adventure plot. She included various myths and fairytales that weren't Disney's latest hot property. The story had a good pacing and focused on Regina's character development without defanging her or whitewashing her into a contrived redemption arc. Honestly, the third part alone (steampunk dystopia with Cora in charge) is worth it imo.

unsentimental by foxbones (Happiest Season) Listen, I give zero fucks about this film. I'm usually lenient with lighthearted romcoms, but the only thing this one managed to make me do is open AO3 to check if other people thought that Kristen Stewart's character should have ended up with Plaza's. (They did.) Accidentally, I stumbled upon a romcom about Plaza and Brie's characters. That made me chuckle at the time, because I'm pretty sure the only words they exchanged were each other's name. Out of curiosity, I clicked on it (I was familiar with the author because of this post season 1 "Killing Eve" fanfic) and ended up liking it more than canon. It's been a while for me, but if you want a "Happiest Season 2" that is focused on Riley, check it out.

He Who Pours Out Vengeance by Underground (Hannibal) Alternate version of season 2. Considering it was written before the actual season, it’s prescient about certain things. Not many people could capture the tone of the show; stay true to the dark and obsessive nature of Will and Hannibal's connection. This writer could. Unfortunately, the sequel remains unfinished.

I wanted to mention a rather dark "Killing Eve" fanfic (took place after season 1 ended, but the tone and Villanelle's characterization leaned into the books), but the author took it down. Sad, because it was one of those rare stories in the fandom that went beyond lesbian yearning/sex between Eve and Villanelle. It had an interesting plot. Anyway, I'll link a cheeky reimagining of season 1 instead: Down, down under the earth goes another lover by Vaultdweller. It is technically an AU (see, I can do AUs after all, heh), but only technically since the characters and their world are the same. The main difference? Eve is darker (think of seasons 3 & 4 Eve) from the get go.

Elainie by The Scorpion (Phantom of the Opera) Okay, I don't remember this as well as the other pieces on here (it's been many, many years), but it was distinct. Most works in this fandom used to be fluffy/smuffy takes on the musical (which I do not care for). This one was Leroux-based, gruesome horror with good characterizations.

P.S. I'm pretty sure that had I finished this one, it would have become a fave too. I started reading it a few years ago, because Mike was one of my favorite characters in the BB/BCS universe, but stopped due to life™ developments.

[runawaymarbles]

Fic Cover Remakes | The Lady is a Tramp by @maggiemerc

Angie’s got suspicions on what Peggy does for a living and she’s determined to protect her at all costs…to other people. It’s not like she’s crazy and about to risk her life for a dame that’s more hot and cold than the plumbing on the third floor of the Griffith Hotel.

[themculibrary]

Fics With Titles That Start With T Masterlist

Take Me Home (ao3) - dabblingwithwords steve/bucky, pepper/tony M, 78k

Summary: “I’m so sorry, I’m gonna help you I promise, just don’t move, fuck, I ran over Captain America–” the man apologized, over and over, and all Steve managed to say was, “You’re really attractive,” before passing out on the guy’s lap in the middle of the road.

Terrible Idea (ao3) - MountainRose, szzzt steve/tony M, 55k

Summary: Steve and Tony get captured by AIM. Steve can handle bad wine and worse monologuing, but when he gets back to the cell, Tony’s not quite how he left him.

It doesn’t slow them down much.

That Moment Divine (ao3) - synonym4life steve/bucky E, 61k

Summary: “‘S okay. It don’t have to mean nothing,” Bucky said, trying to convince himself as much as Steve. “‘S just rutting. Just a bit of rutting.”

His lips were so dry, his mouth too, and his throat, but the rest of his body felt like hot languid liquid was flowing through it. Steve swallowed, licked his lips. Maybe Steve’s mouth was dry too?

One hot summer, when Bucky and Steve are fifteen, the line between their friendship and something new that Bucky can’t quite name blurs. It is only years later that the line disappears completely and Bucky can finally put a name to that something.

that’s my wife!!! (ao3) - cpt_stvngrntrgrs steve/natasha T, 4k

Summary: Detectives Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff are rumored to be dating despite being married to different people. Well, at least they got the married part right. Wanda really should’ve asked first.

The Carnival Committee (ao3) - orphan_account pepper/natasha T, 50k

Summary: Pepper Potts has been elected as Student Body Vice President for her senior year. Excited to work with her best friend, Tony Stark, and the rest of the leadership council, they go into the first task of the year- to pull off homecoming week- with a cut and dry attitude. And that is exactly how it goes, especially when Pepper has as great of an assistant and girlfriend as Natasha Romanoff by her side. That is, until everything the duo plans becomes as far from cut and dry as an event can get.

Peptasha HS!AU

The Lady is a Tramp (ao3) - maggiemerc peggy/angie M, 21k

Summary: Angie’s got suspicions on what Peggy does for a living and she’s determined to protect her at all costs…to other people. It’s not like she’s crazy and about to risk her life for a dame that’s more hot and cold than the plumbing on the third floor of the Griffith Hotel.

The Secrets That We Keep - haveufoundwhaturlookingfor ned/peter T, 10k

Summary: In which Clint has never told any of the Avengers, not even Natasha, about his son Peter. His sister Laura is the only person he’s ever told, trusted. Clint has only ever wanted to protect his son, to keep him safe from harm. But, when the accords come around, things get a little complicated. And Clint finds out that he’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Things Unseen (That Are Captured on Film) (ao3) - scifigrl47 steve/tony, clint/phil M, 41k

Summary: In which the Avengers discover the video footage of Tony testing the Iron Man armor, and that goes about as well as it could be expected. Steve Rogers attempts to make peace with his lover’s rather cavalier attitude to his health and safety, and starts learning more about Tony’s family along the way, both the one he was born into, and the one he’s chosen. And, of course, the one that’s chosen him.

Subtitled: It’s all Clint’s fault. No one is surprised.

Think Before You Speak (ao3) - itsallAvengers steve/tony T, 4k

Summary: Tony talks to himself. Regularly. When you grow up alone for pretty much your whole life, live in a huge tower with no one but yourself and a disembodied voice for company and lock yourself up in your workshop for weeks on end, who else is there to talk to but yourself? What he thinks, he’ll say. It helps him keep track of all the shit going on in his ever-moving train of thought.

It doesn’t help, however, when five other superheroes make themselves welcome in your home- then it just becomes a big fucking problem.

this city bleeds its aching heart - brumous steve/bucky E, 34k

Summary: The one where Steve and Bucky pose as a happily married couple while on a mission for SHIELD, to catch an international arms dealer hiding in a suburban neighbourhood.

this crown of thorns (upon my liar’s chair) (ao3) - canon irondad (tomlinsoul) T, 4k

Summary: Peter doesn’t tell Mr Stark about the terrible pain he experiences after the ferry incident, too caught up in the guilt and shame and depression he feels as a result of Mr Stark’s reaction.

Tony still finds out. Two weeks later. After Peter collapses. Apparently, it’s time for a talk.

Through The Glass (ao3) - dentalfloss pre-slash clint/phil T, 70k

Summary: “Thoughts, Coulson?” Fury asked, finger tapping idly on Barton’s file.

“He’s dangerous. He has trust issues that we may not be able to breach, he will not like working with others, he will lie to us about his motivations every chance he gets and, most likely, be successful every time.” Coulson’s gaze drifted back to the empty chair Barton had chosen earlier, boxed in the corner yet protected on as many sides as possible. “It won’t be easy, but if we can win his loyalty he has the potential to be the asset we’re looking for.”

Fury agreed, though neither of them would ever dream that they already had Barton’s loyalty, or that the price it cost was so steep.

‘tis the damn season (ao3) - NoStringsOnMe steve/bucky T, 18k

Summary: || Or the one where, in the aftermath of his ma’s death, Bucky reconnects with his ex over the holidays. And not just any ex. Steve. But Steve has a kid now. And Bucky’s still grieving. It should be a recipe for disaster. Unless?

Tonight, We Are Young (ao3) - thebrightestbird peggy/steve G, 4k

Summary: “I might have made a wish on the Tesseract that could have had something to do with Peggy getting younger.”

Steve and Peggy get a second chance to live a lifetime together. There are a few details to work out first.

Tony’s Girl (ao3) - Crosshairs pepper/tony M, 130k

Summary: When Tony Stark finally opens his eyes after being rescued from Siberia, he isn’t the same man anymore. What happened in that abandoned Hydra base has broken him in ways that even Afghanistan hadn’t.

But Tony is famous for his innate ability to fix things, even himself. Slowly, with the help of friends old and new, he learns to deal with his new status quo, picks up the pieces of his destroyed existence and rebuilds it from the ground up.

Until an unusual accident puts a new, interesting spin to his already interesting life.

Tony’s Trauma Club (ao3) - justa_pileof_trash pepper/tony T, 4k

Summary: When Tony gets severely injured on a mission, Peter blames himself. Pepper steps in by sharing stories of the times Tony has gotten himself into trouble in the past.

Toy Soldiers (ao3) - copperbadge steve/tony E, 44k

Summary: When Steve Rogers, five foot four and a hundred and ten pounds, met Tony Stark in a bar, he didn’t expect it to lead to a relationship. Or that Tony would find out he’s not an art student during a SHIELD rescue mission in Afghanistan.

Trial and Error (ao3) - BowieGirl T, 11k

Summary: Or, alternatively: Peter Parker gets in trouble, gets sick, and gets a dad.

Two-Point Perspective (ao3) - FestiveFerret steve/tony E, 109k

Summary: Dear omega,

Congratulations! You’ve been selected. Alpha #95847872 has been assigned as your pre-bondee. A group bonding ceremony will take place on the 14th, unless other arrangements have been made by your alpha or their family. A valid bonding license must be submitted to Omega Services within 45 days of this letter or all services will be cancelled and any transferable benefits will not be applied to your alpha’s package.

If there is some reason why you cannot be bonded on this date, please apply for an extension by calling 1-800-555-6827 within 7 days of receiving this letter.

Sincerely, National Omega Services

two truths and a lie (ao3) - JobethDalloway yelena/kate E, 11k

Summary: aka, Kate is horny and overwhelmed and needs someone else to be in control for a minute.

[achinos]

A snippet from The Monomythical Adventures of Regina Mills and Emma Swan by @maggiemerc 

[thesanverslibrary]

The Death of Supergirl

by maggiemerc

Rating: M

Words: 23560

multi-chapter, incomplete

Description: When Maggie notices her new girlfriend is acting suspicious she starts to investigate and uncovers a group of people unravelling after the loss of their cornerstone.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8777467

[antiapathy1980]

God damnit. I guess I'm starting my yearly re-read of G.L. Dartt's Just Between/Millennium series a few months early. Of all the fics and series I've ever read that have never been and (probably) never will be finished, this one hurts the most. This particular series got me through both my 20's and 30's by reminding me to hold on to just a tiny bit of hope that tomorrow will be better.

MATERNAL MY ARSE!!

There is nothing in the way Captain Kathryn Janeway looks at Seven of Nine which suggests her thoughts and feelings are purely maternal! They share a strong chemistry in every scene they are in together. Captain Janeway risked her beloved ship and crew scouring the stars to find and then rescue Seven from the Borg Queen herself. Lets also not forget that Admiral Janeway travelled back in time to save Seven of Nine from dying. Hell even Chuckles told Janeway that she shares a very special bond with Seven. No shit Sherlock, that’s called being in LOVE! 

Janeway and Seven, the greatest love story ever told in subtext! ❤❤

[fandomandfic]

Hey! We made a thing! 

And here’s a link to the fic we talk about in the episode: Hamilton Gregg Wants To Kill Your Face by @maggiemerc

[calzona-all-ways]

The Talk Is Good: Stories 4 & 5

This week we are doing a @maggiemerc If/Then double shot*:

 Another Statement of Causality 

Summary: If Callie is meant to be with Arizona and Cristina is meant to be with Owen but Callie and Owen are married with kids then something must change. The status quo must shift. A continuation of 8x13 "If/Then."

and the sequel

Causal Fallacy

Summary: Sometimes there is no link between cause and effect. Sometimes it is just the natural world bearing down on you and devastating everything in its path. A sequel to the Alternate Universe episode, "If/Then" and Another Statement of Causality. Callie and Arizona are at a loss with how to make it work with three kids. Cristina and Owen are blindly moving forward damned the costs.

Don’t forget to give some love to the writer @@maggiemerc !

*gotta read them both!!

[thegaybachelorsims]

With all the power that I had been given, and with the magics of those with me, I was able to open the portal to where I knew I would be able to change the past and the future. It was almost as if I was passing through an electrical gate, my body felt the pressure but there was no pain, and once I entered I was thrust into a world that I knew, but didn’t know.

[likea-black-widow-baby]

If any Cartinelli fan hasn't read The Lady is a Tramp by @maggiemerc, I am begging you to go read it.

I've re-read it more times than is healthy and it's some of the best characterized and tightly plotted fic I've ever read.

[warningsine]

Not the anon who asked about the fic recs but I really appreciate them. It’s funny you wrote “wait, don’t leave” lol about The Monomythical Adventures of Regina Mills and Emma Swan and I love that one so much. I have so many WIPs that I wish it was finished in all my many, many years of reading fic but that series is really up there in my wish list. It’s so much fun and I love that Regina so much.

unsentimental is also a favorite so I know I’m going to be trying some of those other fics.

"It’s funny you wrote “wait, don’t leave” lol"

Heh. It was about the source material, not the fanfic itself. OUaT sure was an experience!

"It’s so much fun and I love that Regina so much."

Sorry, not to turn this into a convo about a guy, but maggiemerc wrote the best/goofiest Hook too. I'm mentioning this, because many fans who hated him on the show loved maggiemerc's take on him and no wonder.

Every character--cranky Snow included--was a delight.

But what I loved the most was how she gave Regina the weirdest combo of friends (Hook, Aurora, Mulan).

"I know I’m going to be trying some of those other fics."

Happy reading! If you prefer femslash, I'd suggest "The Narrative Strain" (the "Wicked' one, since it's topical).

[emerysaks]

do you have any go to fics or author recommendations for when you have a tough week?

Absolutely! In no particular order, these are some of my favorites.

The Wonder Years of the Greatest Generation series by QuickYoke

and i've got my hands in your heart by likebrightness

all these neon lights by maidenstar

Everybody Hit the Compound by The Stephanois (ballantine)

Higher Education by SteelLily

i broke my bones playing games with you by mooosicaldreamz

the mothering of us by QuickYoke and rathermbarrassing

My Neighbor's Garden is a Spot of Beauty by RainbowRiddler

Untitled CBAU by eyesascandles

You and I'd be a tough act to follow by turnitintolove

Eidolon by QuickYoke

there must be fullness somewhere by celaenos

She is messy but she's kind by turnitintolove

Amuse Me or Lose Me by meggycarter

Backstage Pass, Dear by LaserquestLove

Fast Cars and Slow Jazz series by maggiemerc

Of Bludgers and Hearts by wreckofherheart

The Blue Room by saltandbyrne

[themculibrary]

Femslash Masterlist

Links Last Checked: May 13th, 2024

part two, part three

5+1 Pepper and Natasha (ao3) - in_motu_proprio pepper/natasha E, 11k

Summary: The five times Natasha relieved Pepper’s stress and the one time Pepper relieved Natasha’s.

All About Trajectory (ao3) - 51stCenturyFox darcy/natasha, clint/phil N/R, 3k

Summary: Darcy has a crush. And nobody understands.

all of the while (i never knew) (ao3) - middlecyclone darcy/natasha T, 4k

Summary: Darcy works in a coffee shop. Natasha isn't her favorite customer, technically, but she's definitely the hottest. And the most secretive.

A Minor Distraction (ao3) - brilligspoons peggy/natasha, peggy/angie T, 3k

Summary: Rumors about an organization experimenting with the super soldier serum bring Peggy Carter to Russia, where she meets a young factory worker named Natalia.

a perception of sweethearts passing through (ao3) - thingswithwings maria/natasha E, 3k

Summary: Maria touches her forehead to the cool rough sheets, spreads her legs, and closes her eyes tight.

Gone to the Dogs (ao3) - avesnongrata, Woodface maria/natasha M, 173k

Summary: Being assigned guard detail is not exactly what Maria Hill wants from her first week at S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, but she really didn't expect it to turn out like this.

i break wild roses (ao3) - halfmoonsevenstars peggy/natasha, peggy/angie M, 7k

Summary: It's August 1950 and Peggy Carter, Director of SHIELD, is back in New York for the week, wrangling diplomats and soothing fractured bureaucratic egos by day. By night, Peggy goes out for drinks and dancing with Angie, but it's a beautiful Russian girl she brings back to the hotel room.

I Found Love (Where It Wasn't Supposed To Be) (ao3) - Darthelwig wanda/pepper M, 10k

Summary: Pepper Potts has never met a woman like Wanda, and she finds her irresistible.

I Have No Spy Stories to Tell (ao3) - Perpetual Motion (perpetfic) maria/pepper/natasha M, 3k

Summary: Everything in Cap 2 happens. Pepper deals with the fallout from the "involved" civilian perspective.

Like Poetry to Wine (ao3) - a_pious_cruelty darcy/pepper T, 4k

Summary: The first thing Pepper’s new assistant does is throw out her coffee.

In which Darcy is Pepper's assistant and Pepper has earned good things.

No Retreat, No Surrender (ao3) - Haywire maria/natasha G, 3k

Summary: After the Avengers send Loki back to Asgard in Thor's custody, Natasha and Maria run into each other and spend an unscheduled day together, changing their relationship in a fundamental way in the process.

Rebuilding (ao3) - vassalady maria/pepper/natasha G, 3k

Summary: Maria, Pepper, and Natasha eventually find their way to one another.

The Lady is a Tramp (ao3) - maggiemerc peggy/angie M, 21k

Summary: Angie’s got suspicions on what Peggy does for a living and she’s determined to protect her at all costs…to other people. It’s not like she’s crazy and about to risk her life for a dame that’s more hot and cold than the plumbing on the third floor of the Griffith Hotel.

Together (ao3) - Ramoth666 Pairing: Natasha/Wanda Rating: Mature

Summary: Wanda's never let anyone in, but when a particular woman made to be silent slips into her room at the wrong time on a thundery night, hearts are soothed and confessions are made. But not out loud.

undercover in our overcoats (ao3) - Dayadhvam peggy/natasha T, 5k

Summary: Prague, 1968. Neither Agent Carter nor the Black Widow would have called it anything like love.

Women's Weapons (ao3) - thingswithwings maria/pepper/natasha E, 4k

Summary: such_heights prompted me with "some combination of Natasha, Pepper, and Maria, weapons training." This is what happened.

'You'd Say Sorry, Believe Me, I Love You. But Not In That Way.' (ao3) - Ramoth666 Pairing: Natasha/Wanda Rating: Mature

Summary: A couple misunderstandings and a night alone with tears streaming down their faces. When the next morning comes around- will love be revealed or will they go back to "normal"?

[achinos]

The Four Thieves 

From The Monomythical Adventures of Regina Mills and Emma Swan by @maggiemerc