#ruins rebuild AU

[asherashedwings]

I can’t stop making shitposts help

And yes, I actually thought about AU timeline logistics when making these

[georgiapeach30513]

Rebuild Your Ruins, Part 9

Summary: Steve takes you in. And you have a new job

Pairings: Steve Rogers X Saeta!Reader

Rating: mature

Warnings:  language, mentions of sexual assault (not details), mentions of kidnapping, mentions of sexual content, 18+ ONLY

Word Count: 2.3K

Previous

Series Masterlist

Steve groans, rubbing a knot in his shoulder while you cower off in a corner. You didn’t think the giant would hurt you, but you weren’t used to Vikings. They had plucked you out of your home, and forced you to be a healer for them. His fingers dig into a spot in his shoulder, and you bite at your lip. It was in your nature to want to help his ailments.

“You can lay down,” he motions his head over to the one bed in this stupid tent. You shake your head, starting to squat down on the ground, “Please, don’t do that. Lay down on the bed.”

“That’s your bed.”

He sighs, you are going to be difficult for him. He is tired, sore, and he also worries about Aesir. He’d never seen Bucky look more scared. It took that moment for Steve to realize she meant more to him than just a lay. It’s why he waited so long to be with her.

“In the bed.”

“No,” you stub up, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Get in the bed.”

“I don’t want to sleep in the bed with a Viking because…you’re going to touch me. I don’t want to be touched. I’m tired of men touching me!”

His mouth turns into a straight line as he lets out a slow breath of air. “I’m not going to touch you. I’ll sleep on top of the furs,” you hesitate. The bed did look comfortable. And all the furs…they look amazing.

“If I have to, I will put you in this bed. You need sleep.”

“You won’t touch me?”

“Not if you don’t want me to. I’m not like that. I don’t need to touch someone when I…I’m not a sexual fiend,” he doesn’t want to spend all this time on getting some girl in the bed. But he couldn’t have you sleeping on the cold ground. You’d wake up frozen, and then he’d have a body to deal with.

“But you’ve had sex? And it was your choice? Because Rollo tried to take that away from me and the goddess,” Steve’s eyes follow your steps over to the bed, and you gently climb in. Burrowing yourself under all the layers of furs. It feels amazing. Cozy and warm, something you haven’t felt since you were brought to the strange countries of the north.

“I’m sorry,” Steve whispers as he walks over to the bed. “Can I get under one fur? It is quite cold?” It is his tent, and you don’t want to make him uncomfortable, so you nod your head. He asked. You couldn’t let him freeze to death.

The giant of a man picks up only one cover, and crawls into the warmth. Moaning uncomfortably when his back settles down, and you jolt up, “Please, just lay down.”

“What is wrong with your shoulder?” He cuts his eyes over at you, groaning again as he tries to turn his back to you. “Take off your shirt.”

“I thought you didn’t want me to touch you,” he snorts out a laugh, but it’s quickly replaced by a groan of pain.

“I don’t want you to touch me, but clearly, I need to touch you. Take your shirt off and let me look at your shoulder,” you wait patiently as he situates himself with much difficulty, and removes his shirt where a nasty bruise had painted his entire shoulder black.

“Oh, dear!” You jump into action. Going to your satchel of things, and then you sit behind him. Fixing him up the best way you know how. “What happened?”

“Aesir was struck.”

“You love her?” His bright blue eyes peek at you over his shoulder, but he shakes his head no. “Everyone does.”

“No, they don’t. They fear her. Respect her. She's the daughter of Lagertha and Ragnar, and so much more. People believe she is a descendant of Thor. Granddaughter of Odin. Ravens.”

“They follow her around,” you mumble. You saw the little one eyed beast come into the tent. “She’s stubborn. But that doesn’t explain your bruises.”

“You have no idea how stubborn she is. She was struck, and I saw a shift in Bucky. Ari continued to fight around them, but Bucky — he went to her. Damn near got hit himself, and would have been killed. But I stopped it. Getting a bit of some dull pain myself.”

“It’s deep,” your eyes roll up to meet him before quickly looking back down at his back. “You’re a good friend to them. You don’t find it odd?”

“What? That my best friend is in love with a girl who loves two men equally. And you say there’s two babies. One for each of them. You know how they did it?” You shake your head no with a bit of a smirk, continuing to work out the other knots in his broad back. He was beautiful. Blackened ink draped his skin just as much as Bucky and Ari. Even Aesir. He clearly wanted to be covered in his story.

“They…they had her at the same time. It’s how they know that those kids are both of theirs. It would be weird, two husbands, and only one was the father. Ow,” he turns back to glower at you.

“The Mountain and White Wolf will love any child that Aesir produces. That’s how much they love her. Odin is not happy at the delay. Do you believe that she’s Thor’s daughter?”

“Ragnar and Floki themselves say her appearance to them is weird. That a streak of lightning led them right to her. She was always destined for greatness.”

“Fighting wars with men that would rather stick their cock in you when you can’t move. They don’t mind having her as an ally, but want to take from her when she can’t fight back,” Steve’s eyes soften at you. He hated Rollo as much as the next. He would pay for trying to hurt her and the babies. “She’s with child. He could have hurt the babies, or marked them before birth.”

“Rollo is an asshole. He knew better. We don’t fight wars, we raid. Not all greatness comes on the battlefield. Mmm,” he whimpers, dropping his head back to look at the ceiling. “Some greatness comes from healing and comfort. Aesir can’t do that.”

“But she can take two men at once,” Steve chuckles while you move back to your spot. “Did you ever want her?”

“No. I had her, but we were just figuring sex out.”

“Is it not weird that you had your best friend’s wife’s pussy before him?” Steve shakes his head, laying back onto the mattress. He lets out a satisfied sigh. This felt so much better. He could move without being so stiff.

“Is it not weird seeing her after you’ve seen her naked?”

“Aesir and I weren’t always naked. Sometimes she was leaned against a tree,” your nose turns up in a snarl, and Steve can’t help but laugh. “You’re not born into our world, huh? A Christian?”

“I was stolen from a village in England. I had special talents so I was forced into this, rather than the flesh that they wanted. I was better suited out here than laying on my back.”

“You think we’re all sex fiends?” He cocks his brow up, while he looks at you. You don’t answer, just nod silently.

“In your world you’d be forced to breed with some pudgy sweaty man that bathed once a month. Laying underneath him while he pumped you full of children. Or you would have been whisked away to serve your God. All the while you’re lower than a man. Here you can be our equal. You think Bucky and Ari tell Aesir what to do? She may sink to her knees fast with Ari, but she controls them. They stand beside her, instead of in front of her. She’s every bit as capable as they are.”

“I don’t think you understand,” he turns to his side. Bending his arm at the elbow as he looks over your features.

“What would have happened if you were caught getting fucked before you were married?”

“I would be labeled a whore. I wouldn't be suitable for marriage. A public display of humiliation would have been put upon me.”

“The woman you hold in such high regards was caught several times with me inside of her. She wasn’t punished. She was celebrated by two men. One she gets to be a brat with, and the other makes her weak. But she wasn’t told she was a terrible human because she has desires of the flesh. I’ll admit there are some such as Rollo that think it is their right to take. But I assure you, there’s more of us that would kill a man that was taking from a woman. It wouldn’t be her fault for crimes against the skin, it would be his. You see your backwards thinking now. What do they call you, girl?”

“Saeta,” Steve gives you the sweetest crooked smile, and you hide your face in the furs. They feel so warm and heavy.

“Sweetie suits you. You’re stronger than you realize though. Don’t sell yourself short. And get some sleep. I heard a big Mountain has claimed you as his babies’ doctor,” his finger lifts over his one fur, tapping you a bit on the nose, and you scrunch it up, and Steve giggles.

“Where do you live, Saeta?”

“Close to the docks,” he understands your fear of being touched now. Forced to move here, and then they force you to be a healer, all while not giving you the proper care to live here. You are grown, and weren't taken in like Aesir.

“I want you to live with me.”

“No.”

He blows out an exasperated breath, this time giving you a tap to your forehead, “Quit fighting me. Are you uncomfortable right now?”

What an odd question. You are laying in the bed with him, comfortably and with heavy eyes, and he starts poking your face. “No, I’m not uncomfortable.”

“My home isn’t much, but it’s damn sure warmer than the docks. I always have more furs than this. I’m a bit of a hunter. And, I offer you my protection. Plus, it’s closer to the Mountain and White Wolf’s home. You can be right there with Aesir when she gives birth to two giant babies.”

“Wait…I won’t…they don’t want me working with…I’d just be with Aesir?”

“She’s a bitch sometimes, but it’s mostly bark. I’ve seen her with her mother, she’s quite soft. But yes, what Ari and Bucky want they will have. Ragnar has already agreed since there’s two babies in her womb that you should be with her all the time. She’ll hate it, but it beats her being wheeled around. You’ll have all of our protection,” his soft blues meet your own, and even though there is a part of you that wants to scream yes, anything to get away from the flea infested area, you have questions.

“What…what am I to you?” His head tilts to the side, unsure of your words. Steve was blunt, much like the other Vikings. “I don’t want to be used for your pleasure.”

“Saeta, I have been with one woman. And you can ask her, I don’t take. If this progresses into something that’s one thing. But you can safely lay in the same bed with me, and I won’t touch you.”

“Will you touch yourself?”

Steve chuckles, stretching his arms above his head, “You’re funny. I am but a man, and sometimes men need a certain type of touch. I promise to not be openly stroking my cock in front of you. If you saw it, you just might want to join me.”

“I wouldn’t,” your voice is flat as you turn your back to him.

“I’ll remember you said that. Get some sleep. We’ll journey back soon.”

“And I’ll live with you.”

He lets out a low rumble, flipping the opposite way of you, “Good choice. It was either me, or the with the goddess and her mountain and wolf. You’d get to hear them have Aesir in every which way. Her being with child will not stop them from filling their needs. And hers. Pleasure isn’t only for the man, Saeta. Remember that. And if it is just for the man, he’s doing it all wrong.”

It gives you something to ponder. You had never heard anything about taking a man, except when you were of age to marry. And all you were told was you would take your husband, whenever and however he wanted. But judging by the talk of the village, Aesir was more than satisfied with her two men. And the care that they gave her. It was like she was a precious gem.

You peek over your back, looking at Steve’s broad shoulders. His bruise was deep, but you knew in time it would heal with your help. He is already sleeping soundly. His lungs fill with air deeply, and you see him as more than just a Viking, but a kind man. One that would rather his back be to you, instead of crowding your space. The docks hadn’t been kind, but he was offering you a sanctuary. And for that you are thankful.

Feeling at peace with becoming a goddess’ personal nurse. And you knew she would test you every step of the way. A brat was how Steve described her. There could be worse fates for you than to follow the wife of a mountain and a wolf. The daughter of Thor that was housing two future Vikings, and you they were bound to be as fierce as their parents. And you would be greatly rewarded by the gods.

Snuggling deeper into the furs you find a solace of warmth. The steady breathing of Steve lulls you to sleep, and for the first time since coming to their world, you feel relaxed. You aren’t shivering. You feel at peace. Cared for, and that was the best feeling in the world.

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season @marveloustaylortot @pono-pura-vida @sstan-hoe @peaches1958 @seitmai @smile1318 @whimsyplaty92 @sgtjaamesbaarnes @thebuckybarnesvault @harrysthiccthighss @cjand10 @midnightramyeoncravings @kmc1989 @ashychangeling

[siren-darkocean]

Mata Kids AU Time!

The Markings

Spoiler warnings for post Journey's End events aka in the book I have it named Rebuilding Ruins

Since Mata Nui made the Toa up from the Energized Protodermis that runs through his person/wires with raw elemental energy like blood they have a golden mark of the Three Virtues each on a different part of their body

Gali - On her right palm

Onua - On his left palm (true Twins fashion)

Tahu - On his forehead underneath his Hau (yes like Dipper Pines)

Kopaka - Underneath his chin

Takua/Takanuva - Underneath his right upper arm

Pohatu - Along his right ankle bone/joint

Lewa - His upper back

Berix gains his after the incident with Metus' snake venom that required the Energized Protodermis to cure (since Metus was turned to a snake via the Ignika the venom was a special case and there wasn't time to even think of making an antidote for how fast it was acting, Mata Nui's words "If there was a choice it would be better if he died swiftly than slowly and in agony even for his age") and due to the Energized Protodermis being from Mata Nui's body he gained his mark an hour later after his Spirit Bond was created on his right wrist

MAJOR SPOILER - During the before wedding night Mata Nui did an altered version of it to open a parent side bond for Ackar, his mark wraps around his ring finger at the base slightly above the knuckle, the altered bond required Mata Nui to share a wave of his power to Ackar and for Ackar to literally and I'm not joking take a small sip of the Energized Protodermis blood (look if Wine is considered the Blood of Christ for Christians this shouldn't be that hard to swallow okay? No puns intended), the mark itself is a proof of the bond and the power "share"(?) makes him age immortal as well meaning he no longer ages like the GSR Inhabitants

[silly-peanut-is-taken]

In the land of Sumeru, upon which a red sky now sits,

Where the trees used to stand tall, and the buildings even taller,

The hand of destruction came,

The dream has ended.

Golden sands reach godless lands

And the Gods are dead, dead, dead,

Lush rainforests have succumbed into the dull greyness,

Leaving vast, empty, and leveled ground.

Kaveh, O Kaveh,

Light of Kshahrewar,

How should you look upon your works today?

Shattered, standing still, in ruins.

Palace of Alcazarzaray, should your maker gaze upon you, shall he weep?

Shards of your legacy are all that remain.

Kaveh, O Kaveh, whose pride and praise was earned

Where is your pride now?

After the war, none remain,

Not even one was spared Celestia's reckoning.

[lillithsalvatore]

million dollar man

pairing: royal!jacaerys velaryon x fem!reader

summary: the price of loving a million dollar man, a prince

warning: modern royal au!, mention of cheating, angst, minor dni, cursing, asshole jace (?), cried. like and reblog are appreciated!! my 1st imagine, please be nice!!

---

"Did you fuck her, Jace? Answer me!" you demanded your soon-to-be-husband, your voice trembling with anger as you stared at Jace, eyes burning with rage. In your hand was a newspaper from a well-known publication, which you held up in front of him. A news about him with his 'childhood bestfriend'

When Jace finally confessed, nearly shouting, "Once, just once, and I fucking regreted it" your heart tightened. His admission felt like a powerful blow to the trust and pride you had invested in him. Your anger intensified, but beneath it all, a deep sadness began to take hold of your mind.

"Once?" You gave a bitter smile. "Even once is fucking enough to destroy everything we had, Jace."

Jace looked at you with regretful eyes, but that only made you feel more exhausted. "Do you know? I trusted you more than I trusted myself. And you betrayed that trust for a moment of weakness."

"Y/n…" Jace began, trying to approach you, but you raised your hand to stop him.

"Don't!" you choked out, but your voice remained firm. "Don't make this worse Jace”

You took a deep breath, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. "I loved you sincerely, but love cannot continue when trust has been shattered."

Finally, you turned away, heading toward the door,

"I hope you never make anyone else feel the way I did."

Jace stood there, frozen, feeling the pain in every word you spoke. He realized that you were not just angry about the betrayal, but also about feeling disregarded, pushed aside in a relationship where you had poured all your heart and soul.

"Y/n, I'm sorry, —" Jace said, his voice trembling, but you couldn't bear to hear any more. Apologies at this point only deepened the pain.

"Don't apologize, Jace," you replied, your voice breaking with sobs. "Sorry doesn't change anything. You chose her over me, It's always been her, Jace."

You could feel Jace's hand still holding yours, but now, that warmth no longer provided the comfort it once did. Instead, it only reminded you of the times he wasn't there for you, when he chose to protect someone else over you.

“Please don’t do this, please let me fix it” He begged

"I tried so hard, Jace. I gave you everything I had, but you chose her, even if you didn't realize it," you said, your voice now filled with nothing but exhaustion and despair.

Jace didn't know what to do, what to say to fix his mistake. He could feel everything between you falling apart, piece by piece, with no way to put it back together.

"Y/n, I—" Jace started, but you interrupted him, pulling your hand out of his grasp.

"I can't stay here anymore, Jace. I can't keep going like this. I guess that's the price of loving a million dollar man."

"And I giving this ring back to you, I hope you'll find someone who deserve it" You turned away, moving towards the door, trying to leave this suffocating space before your heart completely shattered.

Before opening the door, you looked back at Jace one last time, hoping he would understand what you couldn't put into words: that you had loved him deeply, but you couldn't stay with someone who no longer belonged to you.

And then, you walked out of the apartment. As the door closed behind you, you felt a profound sadness but also a sense of relief, as if a great burden had been lifted. The tears had dried up, leaving a void in your heart, but it was a necessary emptiness, allowing you to move forward, to find yourself again and rebuild your life from the ruins.

And though the pain was immense, you knew you had done the right thing. You chose yourself

Jace might realize his mistake, but it was too late. The love and trust you had given him were no longer intact. Now, you had to seek happiness for yourself, a happiness unbound by emotional scars.

And so, you moved on, looking toward the future, knowing you deserved a true love, a love that would never betray you.

[brightdrawings]

Unexpected Meeting

"Hello to you too, Pa." Rosie said, her words were as bitter as her expression.

"Rosie I-"

"Cannit." She interrupted.

Stan, Dipper and Soos remained silent, the tension of the room too tense for any of them to make a move.

"Auntie Rosie is that-" Mabel looked between the disheveled man that stumbled through the broken portal and her usually gentle aunt.

"Not now sweetie, I've somethin' important to deal with right now." Rosie said, she gave Mabel as best of a calm smile as she could before turning back to Stanford, her expression falling the instant her eyes left Mabel.

"Please, darling, I know I was wrong I'm so-"

"Don't you try to apologise Mister." She spat. cutting down her father's words with her stare. "30 years. 30 long long years yer brother an' I toiled at this blasted machine trying to get you back. I told 'im it weren't worth it. I told 'im you got what you deserved. but he didn't listen. I couldn't watch Uncle Stan throw his life away workin' on this accursed portal. He didn' deserve that. but he was stubborn. Too bullheaded to listen to reason. Just like you."

"Rosie-"

"You hold your tongue. you don' get to call me that anymore. not after you ruined my life!" Rosie stamped her foot. her voice rang through the portal chamber.

Stanford held his tongue.

"Ya notice anyone missin' here Stanford? Anyone you promised to support through sickness and health? You didn't did you? Just like ya did back then too. I had ta watch pa lose his mind and become worse and worse till he couldn't recognise me no more. Do ya know what that's like? Goin' to visit a man who held me when i was afraid, only for him to chase me out of his shoe box shanty 'cause he don' recognise me?" Rosie cried. he glasses began to fog from her tears, her cheeks burned red as she spoke.

"I- i didn't know." Stanford said in a small voice. his shoulder hunched as He tried to meet his daughter's gaze, but she refused to grant him that luxury.

"Ya didn't know 'cause ya didn't wanna know! We were working swell. ya both had amazin' jobs but ya threw it all away and for what? so that some demon could promise you the moon and stars? Was Pa not enough? Was I not enough?" She choked out between tears.

She fell to her knees. tears flowing freely as a damn built over 40 years finally broke. after so long she had finally reunited with her father. she had wanted to be happy, she had wanted to rebuild what she lost. But seeing the face of the man who had thrown everything away dashed those dreams in an instant.

Stanford stood silently, his gaze cast down in shame. He reached his hand out to Rosie, but he could hardly recognise her. He watched as Stan walked up beside her and laid a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. She instantly pulled him down into a hug, crying into his shoulder. The sight of his daughter crying Stan's arms cut ford deep. it should have been him that was comforting her, not Stan. him and fiddleford. But he watched As the two children and the strange gopher walked to her side and embraced her in a family hug. Just like he and Fiddleford used to give her when she was awoke from a fearful dream.

Standing on the far side of the cold portal room. Stanford realized that despite escaping Bill's domain, he had yet to truly awake from his nightmare.

----

art by @stephreynaart

wrote this little piece after Steph showed off the above art in this post https://www.tumblr.com/stephreynaart/767722582172631040/au-for-my-au-aint-no-story-here-the-image-came and the words just started flowing. I hope you enjoy the angst as much as i did writing it!

[yezzns]

random thoughts about hitman!yeonjun

pairings: hitman!yeonjun x gn!reader

genre: fluff (kinda), smut, slighty angsty, non idol au, double life.

warnings: mdni, meandom!yj, brief mention of gunplay, high stamina yj, mention of guns and murder, reader dgaf about her bf killing ppl, reader is kinda naive¿ yj calls reader ‘slut’ once.

a/n: I have 2 more works ready to post 🥴, already working on my masterlist. If you love Yeonjun feel free to check out the rest of my work in here.

MDNI / not proofread, sorry in advance for any mistakes

You first met hitman!yeonjun in a seemingly ordinary setting, like a coffee shop or a bookstore. He was charming and mysterious, and you were instantly drawn to him.

He’s careful to keep his profession a secret from you at first. He’s intrigued by the kindness and light you bring to his otherwise dangerous life. But soon you notice small things about him—like the way he’s always on high alert, or the occasional bruises he tries to hide. You chalk it up to him being a bit of an enigma.

Hitman!Yeonjun is a mysterious but passionate lover. You don’t know about his family, or his location most of the time— you even question why you’re dating this guy in the first place. Until he comes knocking on your door one night, a bouquet in his hand and an apologetic expression on his face. Making love to you for hours and getting you dumb on his dick until you forget he disappeared out of nowhere for a few days.

Hitman!Yeonjun is fiercely protective of you. He makes sure you’re safe without you even realizing it, subtly steering you away from potential dangers. You often find yourselves talking late into the night. Yeonjun opens up about his past, though he leaves out the deeper details.

Hitman!Yeonjun has the stamina of an Olympic athlete. This applies to both his job and sex. Fucking you like an animal all night when his day didn’t go as planned and he has to work double now. Filling you up nicely for hours when he knows he’ll be out of town for a while (and ruining you just as good when he’s back).

Hitman!yeonjun who sends you nudes when he’s on a ‘work trip’. Going back to where he’s staying for the night after a long day of stalking and getting rid of his objective, missing the feeling of your skin and the sound of your sweet moans. You’re too focused admiring his hard cock to notice that in his exhaustion, he forgot to hide his gun in the background of the picture.

But you eventually stumble upon evidence of hitman!Yeonjun’s true profession by accident. Maybe you find a hidden weapon between his folded clothes or overhear a suspicious conversation. When you confront him, Yeonjun is torn between protecting you and being honest. He eventually confesses, fearing he might lose you. You’re shocked and scared, but also understand that his actions were driven by a desire to protect you and others.

You both work on rebuilding trust. Hitman!Yeonjun promises to keep you safe and be honest with you, while you set boundaries to ensure your own safety. Despite the risks, you become his anchor. Your support helps him navigate the moral complexities of his job.

When he’s not on a job, hitman!Yeonjun loves spending quiet moments with you. Cooking together, watching movies, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Hitman!Yeonjun whose job turned him into a discipline freak most of the time. Sucking in a sharp breath when you’ve been getting on his nerves all day, being a brat when he’s already in a sour mood. Throwing you into the bed as soon as you get home, crashing your lips in a bruising kiss and almost ripping the clothes off your body. Swatting your hand away when you try to tug on his dressing shirt, muttering a “stay still, slut” under his breath as his hand reaches to squeeze your neck just enough to make you dizzy— quickly reminding you of just how dangerous he is. Effectively shutting you up and ending the night balls deep in you, making sure you come for more times than you can count. And maybe fucking you with his gun if he’s feeling kinky.

Hitman!Yeonjun surprises you with his hidden talents, like playing the guitar or being an amazing cook. These moments remind you of the normal life you both crave. It’s not always easy, but your love for each other keeps you going.

Hitman!Yeonjun struggles with the moral implications of his actions, drowning in guilt and regret. Your perspective helps him see things differently, and he starts questioning the path he chose, the many lives he’s taken. You both dream of a future where Yeonjun can leave this behind. It’s a distant hope, but it gives you both something to strive for.

Through all the challenges, your bond with hitman!Yeonjun grows stronger. You become each other’s safe haven, navigating the complexities of love and danger together.

a/n: remember this is fictional!

[razorblade180]

Streamer AU 6

Number 5 <-

Weiss:*rolls into view*….I’ve returned.

Yang:The bitch is back.

Weiss:Wow! Okay, rude. It’s not like I really left. I was in your streams all the time. I just don’t feel like doing my own after missions.

Yang:And yet somehow you still have more subscribers than me.

Photo Bunny gifted 30 subs

Weiss:Oh my gods! Velvet, thank you so much!

Yang:And the rich get richer!!!

Weiss:She says, knowing I’m not rich anymore.

Yang:And yet the money still pours in. Chat, make her play a horror game for being gone for so long.

“Yes!”

“PLEASE!”

“Alien Isolation.”

Weiss:Absolutely not. We have plans already. I’m just waiting for my co-host.

Yang:What am I then?

Weiss:A person who saw me hit the “live” button and immediately hopped into call to call me a bitch.

Yang:It’s in all in good love.

The Reaper: “Ayo! Look who’s back!”

Yang:Ruby, call Weiss a bitch.

Weiss:I’ll un-mod you. I’ve learned to do that recently.

Ruby: *enters call* Oh gods, chat, she’s learning computers. Tech savvy Weiss is dangerous. Who taught her such power?

Weiss:Your girlfriend.

Ruby:Oh, sorry chat. My girl can do no wrong.

Protector of Friendship: “💚”

Ruby:What’s the gameplan today? “Just chatting?” We can play Uno again.

Weiss:You hate teamwork. I swear you do.

Yang:Sends us on a life threatening mission where trust is needed, just to ruin it a day later.

Thunder Thighs: “How was mission? Everyone okay?”

Weiss:It was just bandits. Lots and lots of them. Unfortunately they ruined a village so most of the expenses went to rebuilding the town.

Yang:Chat, this woman is only on camera right now because her power bill is scaring her. This cute face has a price tag.

Weiss:Hey! I actually missed gaming. It’s oddly relaxing when I don’t listen to Ruby’s suggestions. Or Blake’s.

Ninja of Love: “League actually isn’t that bad.”

Ruby:That’s what I’m saaaaaying!

Yang:Don’t listen to them. They’re ill and can’t be cured.

Weiss:*looks at scroll*…Oh, I’ll be right back. Yang, you’re in charge. *gets up*

Ruby:Why not me?

Weiss:Because Yang doesn’t play League!

Ruby:You two lack vision. The four of us could be our own team! We could grab a few more friends and train for tournaments.

Ren: *enters call* Ruby, you are way too toxic for that. *leaves call*

Yang:Hahahahaha!

Ruby:You can’t just show up to say that!?

Weiss walks back into view rolling a second chair next to her. She’s then handed a coffee cup she gladly sips as she sits back down, all nice and cozy. Sitting next to her is Jaune, chilling in her merch hoodie as he waves.

Jaune:Hello…

“Whaaaat?”

“Oh it’s the guy.”

“Hi Jaaaaaaune!”

“Nerd alert”

“Co-host?”

Yang:I can’t believe you chose the other blonde over me. How cruel. What does he have I don’t?

Jaune:*holds up Kingdom Hearts*

Ninjas of Love: “FINALLY!”

Yang:..I would’ve bought it.

Ruby:Alright, maybe you chose better than Uno.

Weiss:Okay everyone, you can guess tonight’s game. It’s not like it hasn’t won several polls.

Ruby:Oh! Oh! Weiss, sub goal idea! 80 subs and you have to do a cover of the opening!

Weiss:I haven’t even heard it yet!

Jaune:You might like it more than the song from FFX.

Weiss:….

Yang:She’s setting you up for success.

Weiss:…We will circle back to that. Speaking of FFX, same rules apply. I don’t need back-seating from chat. My wonderful co-host here will help manage the stream and aid me with anything I ask.

Blake: *enters call* Jaune, what version is that?

Jaune:It’s from the 1.5 collection, so final mix. Post the patch.

Blake:You’re a good man.

Weiss:Do you want the camera on you or is that uncomfortable?

Jaune:I’m okay. This setup is nice.

Ruby:Questions like these wouldn’t be an issue if you got a VTube model. Penny could hook you up.

Weiss:I only recently learned how to fix normal PC problems. Don’t put that burden on me.

Yang:What does OBS stand for?

Weiss:I saved your life yesterday. What’s your damage with me?

Big Bags & Miniguns: “Is this the mystery boyfriend we’ve been searching for?”

Weiss:Cocoa, you’ve known Jaune forever. He’s always been around as a mod.

Thunder Thighs: “That wasn’t a no.”

Jaune:I literally showed my copy of the game. You all know why I’m here.

Cardinal Pride: “As if she’d date someone as lame as-

Message Deleted

Photo Bunny: “Please remember the chat guidelines before typing”

Ruby:I would’ve blocked him.

Weiss:He gets one more chance. I’m in a good mood.

Jaune:That’s the Kingdom Hearts spirit. *puts disc in*

Weiss:This won’t make me cry like Final Fantasy did, will it?

Blake:Oh….sweetie….

Weiss:*inhales* Great.

Yang:I already made a crude layout for the singing goal. I swear graphic designers should be thankful I like cars and fighting Grimm more.

Jaune:Don’t have any lower goals?

Weiss:I’m 20 away from having to cosplay a character from a game I’ve played. They also get to vote on an emote.

BB&MG: “How many subs for a boyfriend reveal?”

Weiss:…*rubs chin*

Ruby:You’re thinking about it!?

Weiss:I mean I’d have to talk it over with him to see if he’s comfortable with others knowing, but also that goal has to be high enough for Cocoa to be scared.

Jaune:….This game isn’t terribly long, and you have new followers. Personally I’d shoot for no less than 300.

The Monkey King: “Bleed her dry. 350”

BB&MG: “I thought we were friends Sun?”

Weiss:350 it is! After I discuss it of course.

“You’re on!”

“You underestimate our power!”

“I swear if it’s Neptune.”

“Just wait until payday!”

Yang:Like I said, the rich get richer.

[thecocodrille]

Hello, hope it's not a dumb question (I literally just found you) but I saw that you drew starscream with his optics covered while Op takes care of him

Could I know why he has his optics covered?

Oh that’s easy, I’m making fan art (propaganda) of the “young seekers au” for contex on the au, “The war ended with a lucky shot. Megatron and Shockwave were dead, Starscream was missing, and the majority of the Decepticons were captured, or even helping the Autobots rebuild.” But starscream actually was still on the nemesis stuck inside an isolation cell thanks to megatron and how megatron was dead he never let him out (Oops) so starscream was stuck there for a long time, until Optimus realice that and when to rescue him, but starscream was already super damage so in the end he can’t hear, see or talk and can barely move.

And meanwhile the rest of Autobots are rebuilding Optimus and ratchet take some extra time to make sure starscream is ok, safe and recovering but of course starscream being starscream he’s gonna make it difficult.

For more contex read the fanfic that started all this.

[georgiapeach30513]

Rebuild Your Ruins, Part 8

Summary:  it’s time for a raid

Pairings:  Ari Levinson X Reader X Bucky Barnes

Rating:  mature

Warnings:  language, mentions of double vaginal penetration, blood, attempted dub con, stabbing, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  2.3K

Previous

Series Masterlist

*dividers created by @firefly-graphics​

Bucky steps up behind you.  His long calloused fingers grazing on your sides before you push his hands off.  Walking away to busy yourself with gathering your things for the raid.  “Aesir!” Bucky whines, looking over at Ari.  “Ari, make her get back over here.”

“Aesir, our beautiful goddess, is something wrong?”

“I am packing,” you answer with a curt nod, returning back to anything but them.

“And I need to fuck.  It feels good right before a raid,” you blow out a puff of air, and completely ignore Bucky.  

Ari gives a quick look over to your other almost husband, and sighs.  Bucky had no calm about him when he wanted to have sex.  Ari had a bit more finesse.  He took a steady approach with you.  “Aesir,” his voice sounded warm on your back, but you change directions, moving to another part of your now shared home.

“You should really pack,” you tell them, but his hands were on your sides.  They weren’t demanding, it was more a concern.  

“Is there something wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.  Nothing is different.  I’m anxious about the raid.”

“You won’t look at us.”

Turning around in his embrace you look up at him, and then over to Bucky that was at your side in two strides.  “I don’t want to have sex before the raid.  I’m weak after sex with you two.  You won’t quit shoving both your cocks in my cunt.  I’m tired.”

“You don’t seem to mind it while we’re doing it,” Bucky smirks at you.  Leaning forward to kiss beside your mouth.  “You are practically begging for it.”

“And then I can’t walk properly.  I am weak, and we’re going on a raid.  I don’t…”

“What about just normal taking turns?” You shake your head no, looking up at your mountain.  “Can I ask why?”

“You two come one time.  You want me to be overstimulated.  Practically falling asleep after how many times you’ve made me come.  It’s fine, just not before a raid.”

“And there’s no other reason?” Your eyes drift to his chest for but a split second, and you shake your head no.  “You’re not mad at us, or wanting to leave?”

“No!” Giving them both a swat on your shoulder, you roll your eyes.  “No.  I don’t want to leave.  I’m not mad.  I’m just not ready for sex before a raid.  Maybe the next raid.  Not this one. I want to be on my game.”

“It’s a long journey.”

“She said no.  Get acquainted with your hand, White Wolf,” whispering out a silent thank you to Ari, you continue to pack.  Ignoring the pangs in your stomach.  You had other things to worry about.

“Can we not just snuggle under the furs?”

“Naked?” You shake your head no, but give a smile to Bucky.  “Can I be naked?”

“As long as you’re lying next to me, I don’t really care.”

“Aesir!” Ari’s fight changes immediately when he sees Bucky run to your side. ��Red.  All he could see was blood, and then burning red.  He was angry.  Standing in front of you, while Bucky was picking you up to carry you out of the church.  The three of you had pillaged enough.  They could deal with the absence of the three of you.  His priorities changed when you were hurt.  

“Bucky, where was I hit?”

“Looks like an arm and a leg,” his eyes constantly moves down to your body, worried that there were other places you were struck.  “Nothing that our healers can’t fix.”

“It wasn’t my stomach?” You panic.  You could feel the pain in your leg and arm, but everything else seemed numb.  He shakes his head no, heading to a small tent where a tiny little woman yelps at the sight of three Vikings.  

“She was wounded,” Ari tells her immediately.  Looking around the tent, and nodding in approval.  “Can you help?”

“Lay her on the bed.  I need you out,” the men shake their heads no, and she shrugs.  “You make me nervous.  She seems fine.  Just a bit of cleaning, and removal of her clothes, and…”

“She’s going to be our wife.  I assure you we’ve seen every inch of her.”

“I can’t work with you two hovering over me.”

“Ari, Bucky, I’ll be fine.  Finish up at the church,” they didn’t want to leave, but hearing your voice both soft and tired, they figured you were in good enough hands that they could leave you to finish up.  

Grunting you adjust your weight.  Watching as the timid little thing gathered a few of her herbs.  “Two husbands?”

“Yeah.  Men do it all the time.”

“Lay still,” she chastises.  She was getting tired of your grunting and discomfort moans.  “It seems like a lot of work.”

“It is.  I wouldn’t change it.  I’ve always wanted Bucky.  For as long as I can remember.  Ari is new, but…have you seen him?” Ripping off your sleeve, she presses something against your arm, and you scream out.  “What was that for?”

“Cleaning,” she didn’t care about your screams.  She was now in a zone and focusing on her task.  Moving quickly to dress the wound.  “How does your relationship work?”

You shrug your shoulders, wincing when she starts pressing in her mixture.  “I don’t know.  It just does,” your hand instinctively rubs over your stomach as you think about them.  “It’s tiresome, but I also think they both mean well.  They’re protective of me.  Even if they’re needy.  I get to have this back and forth relationship with Bucky, and be the submissive housewife for Ari.  I didn’t think I wanted that, but I want to make him happy and proud.”

Lifting up your hands, she presses her own on your stomach, and then moves to your leg.  “Bucky we’re more equal.  The banter is amazing.  Ari has me dropping to my knees.  Ow!”

“How long have you known?” She asks softly.  Never taking her eyes off your wound has she tends to it.

“I don’t know what you mean,” you awkwardly smile, and she looks up at you.  “I really don't.”

“You can leave,” a growling voice says as he walks into the tent.  Seeing Rollo, you sit up.  “And you can lay back down,” looking out of the tent, he walks over to the table where you are laying.  Placing his hand on the girl’s shoulder, he pushes her out of the way.  “I suggest you leave,” he says again, placing a hand on your knee and gripping it tight.

“Get off!”

“Too bad you weren’t knocked out cold.  This would make this so much easier,” with both hands on your knees he yanks your legs apart.  “I said leave!”

“Don’t you touch me!” Trying to get him off, you use your bad arm, screaming out in pain.  “They’ll kill you!”

“I’d like to see them try,” Rollo starts nipping at your skin, chuckling when you try to push them off.  “You always were weak,” hitting him in the nose, he picks you up, and slams you face down on the table.  His forearm over your neck.  “You think it’s funny having me hear the three of you all night long.  You want to be a slut to two cocks, here's another one,” his hand slides up your backside, lifting up your dress with it.

“This isn’t you…” you lie.  Rollo always had this in him.  Rumor had it, you were not the first.  “Get off!”

“No!  Ask Ragnar.  He’ll tell you, you were meant for me!” He screams out in pain when something hits him in the back of the head.  “You fucking bitch!” Turning around, you try covering yourself back up, but now he was on the tiny woman.

Her body trembles as he knocks her to the ground, jerking her legs apart.  “Asshole!” Stabbing a knife in the back of his shoulder, he stands up knocking you to the ground.  Landing on your back, you gasp for air.

“Fucking stay down!  And then I’ll breed you like the little bitch you are,” the girl shakes her head at you, whispering something out, when your vision goes blurry.  A raven caws at the door of the tent, before flying over to you.  The one eyed beast, walks up your body before pecking your forehead with his beak, and blackness.  Complete void.  Nothing there.  No feeling, no sound.  Nothing.

“What’s wrong with her?” Bucky asks, looking into the tent at your sleeping body, but the girl was too frightened to answer.  “Ari?”

“Buck, she’s breathing,” his fingers brush against your soft skin, but you weren’t waking up.  “Where’s Rollo?”

“Ragnar and Floki are dealing with him.  Are you okay?” Steve asks the girl, who shakes her head.  “Did anything happen?”

“No, she stabbed him,” the poor girl looked like a leaf in the wind.  Terrified, and unsure how to recall the chain of events.  And even more concerned with you passing out.  “I need to check her.”

“She’s going to be okay.”

“Aesir,” Lagertha calls, walking into the tent.  “What’s wrong with my daughter?”

“Rollo…he…he pushed her back, and she passed out.  I need to check her.  She…can I speak to you, alone?” Lagertha flicks her head to the door of the tent, gently rubbing on Ari’s shoulder.

“I’ll sit with her.  As soon as we’re done talking, you can come back,” looking up at Lagertha, he gives her a solemn nod.  He didn’t want to leave your side.  Bucky just wanted answers.  His body was buzzing with anger when he thought about Rollo being alone with you.  He had the gall to touch you.  He would pay with his life.

“What is the problem?” The girl’s fingers softly move across your stomach, and presses a bit harder.  “Take off her dress,” Lagertha demands, and helps her remove your armor and clothing.  “Aesir,” your mother sighs, rubbing over the small pooch of your stomach.  “My fierce goddess, you are stupid.”

“I have this gift,” the girl answers, moving her hands back to your stomach, “She’s not as far along as you think.  But both babies are fine.”

“Both?” She gives Lagertha a quiet yes, and presses her hands against your head, “And my daughter?”

“Sleeping.  It was her body’s response to keep her safe.  If she continued to fight Rollo, he could have hurt the babies.  She’ll wake soon.  She needs to tell her men about her condition.  She knew.  How long have the three of them been together?”

“Only two months.  My daughter, with child…children.  You’re sure?”

“She’s much too large for one baby,” you croak out a broken version of Ari and Bucky’s name, and Lagertha looks at the girl.

“Go get them.  If she’s waking soon, she’ll want to see them,” with a quick bow, she goes to fetch the two of them.  “You stupid girl.  You shouldn’t have come.  That's why you didn’t tell us, huh?  Aesire, you’re to be a mother and a wife.  You’ve got to quit thinking with the passion of proving yourself worthy of your name.”

Ari is the first to arrive.  Walking through the door, and his eyes settle on where your mother’s hand was.  Looking back at Bucky with the biggest smile.  “After this is finished, we will punish her later.”

“What…oh!” He watches Ari press his hand against your stomach.  “This is why she was withholding sex.  We would have noticed.  That still doesn’t make sense as to why she’s out cold,” grabbing at your hand, your fingers bounce around in his embrace.  “Aesir, you’ve got some explaining to do.”

You can finally hear his voice in the distance.  Your mouth turns up in a smile, feeling both of their hands on you. “Goddess, open your eyes,” you shake your head no, but reach for Ari’s hand.  “Aesir?”

“We need to get married.  Odin is not happy with the delay.”

“We need to talk about today,” Bucky growls, looking over at Ari.  He still wanted to deal with Rollo immediately.  

“No,” you start to sit up, but Ari presses his hand on your shoulder.  “I’m pregnant, the end.”

“You came to a raid knowing you were with our child.”

“Children,” you look over at the healer, shaking your head.  “There’s two.  One for each.  It’s not unheard of.”

“Okay, enough of the crazy talk.  Let me get up.  I won’t go on any more raids, okay?”

“Aesir,” your mother stands up to walk over to you, “What about Rollo?”

“Nothing happened.  I stabbed him.  Can I go to my own tent now?” With a single shift to the side, Lagertha lets you walk out, and you’re followed swiftly by your future husbands.  They would not be leaving your side ever again.  

“Steve,” Lagertha smiles looking at the girl who was beginning to shake again.  “I want you to stay with her.  Give her whatever she needs, and offer her protection.  Young lady, no harm will come to you.  My husband is going to have to think of a way to punish Rollo, but he won’t touch you again.  Are you okay?”

“Just frightened.  She stabbed him before he ever touched me.  I…could it not be you?” She looks over at Steve, and then back to Lagertha, “Vikings terrify me.”

“I assure you, Steve is the perfect one then.  You will be greatly rewarded by the gods.  Steve, do not leave her,” no one ever questioned Lagertha’s final say.  She always meant what she said.  And now Steve was left to tend to the terrified girl who was much more his speed than you.

“I’m Steve,” she just says her name, before she finally gets to clean up her space.  Trying to ignore the tall Viking standing at the door.  Ignore it.  Just like you did your pregnancy.

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season​ @marveloustaylortot​ @pono-pura-vida​ @sstan-hoe​ @infatuatedharleys​ @peaches1958​ @seitmai​ @smile1318​ @whimsyplaty92​ @sgtjaamesbaarnes​ @thebuckybarnesvault​ @harrysthiccthighss​ @cjand10​

[galoogamelady]

Why does buttons always seem so sad?

Because for 20+ years he thought his life was going in a certain direction and he was looking forward to a slightly meaningless but comfortable existence where he has to make 0 decisions and he will be taken care of forever

but now he's in a world that doesn't care if he lives or dies (it is actively trying to kill him actually), there are no rules, no justice, only hardship after hardship and fight for survival. Now he has killed people, hurt people, ruined lives and seen the worst humanity has to offer. His whole world crumbled, there is no going back and rebuilding who he was or what he expected from a future he was promised, even if he found more meaning and love on the surface than he ever had in the Vault.

As far as GTA/modern AU Buttons goes, he's just sad that his boss doesn't want to bone him.

[twentyfoursevenelevatormusic]

A form of time travel idea/au?

Stanley time travels and is stuck in his younger body, months before he ruined Fords project. He's stressed, he's snappy, he's been honestly, avoiding everyone in the family. Including Ford. There's just something about seeing his brother at this age again that just stabs him right in the heart... Like a heart attack, he'd know.

He's been avoiding him and kind of giving Ford the cold shoulder, because that's what sixty year old Stanley got used to whenever they fought.

He's also been pretty damn aggressive towards filbrick MCfuckface but that's a whole other story. Stanley's just trying to get through his sudden midlife (mid adulthood crisis?) and figure out what the hell he was gonna do.

Meanwhile, Ford is freaking out™ why does Stan suddenly hate him, why is he snappy at him, he hasn't wanted to hang out at all, not even to work on the Stan O'War. It's such a comple 180 for Ford that he's even stopped working in his project, because he can't stand this new dynamic between him and Stan. Stan has always been there for him, always defended him, always been on his side. Always loved him. Why was he suddenly mad at Ford, did he do something, say something wrong? Miss a social cue? What if Stanley doesn't love him anymore!

(adult Stanley in young Stanleys body has just honestly forgotten how close and horny they used to be. He's mentally sixty, sue him.)

So Ford is anxiously (codependent panic) been trying to make Stan pay attention to him again. Trying to hang out, getting Stan gifts, trying to do all the things Stan had been asking while Ford was ignoring him for his project (Mentally sixty Stanley doesn't even remember this stuff) Ford was just getting increasingly more desperate until one night their parents are out and Stanley is finally! at the house and Ford breaks down begging Stanley to like him again. He'll do anything just don't ignore him anymore. He's pawning at Stanley's clothes and trying to kiss him and babbling that he'll be better just don't leave him. And Stanley just gets a complete reboot of his brain because damn it that this does something weird to him and he can't stand to see Ford cry no matter the reason, and it feels a little weird because he's mentally sixty but god is his libido up and running in this younger body. And he starts comforting Ford and there's definitely a shift to their whole dynamic that is hard to explain but he'll have to learn to live with it because he's stuck there.

(not done with this but want to elaborate on something else.)

Stanley actually gets his life together, he's got the life experiences, smarts and wisdom of a sixty year old that managed to rebuild an interdimenaional portal. High school is nothing, he manages to get into college and Ford in this case, even if he got into WCT would follow Stanley or be absolutely sick worrying that Stanley was leaving him behind, that he didn't even need Fords smarts anymore, and that's all Ford has if he doesn't have Stan.

[eliashirsch]

God Tier Top Gun Fanfictions. A Masterlist. (3/3)

Part three of my fanfic recommendation! This one's for the best fics!

Winner Categories:

1. Best of the Best Authors (1/3)

2. Best of the Best Series (2/3)

3. Best of the Best Fics (3/3)

REMINDER! READ THE AUTHORS' TAGS AND WARNINGS!!!

Best of the Best Fics

Fics that shine bright as the stars. Make sure to check the author’s other works too!

ICEMAV

Kings of the Air by FabulaRasa @fabula-unica

Fighting and fucking: two things he did extraordinarily well. How could he have known what the effect would be when you combined the two?

This and COMPACFLT’s work directly inspired one of my works:) The writing quality is absolutely amazing. My favorite fics are those that have Ice returning to Top Gun and joining Mav as an instructor and this one just takes the whole motherfucking crown.

Indian Ocean. Present Day. by Jay Tryfanstone (tryfanstone)

Isolated on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Indian Ocean, cut off from any source of information about the global political and environmental disaster which has engulfed the planet, Maverick and Goose struggle to make sense of an increasingly claustrophobic command structure and failing resources on board. When a refugee helicopter is spotted approaching the carrier, its pilot could be the catalyst for an explosive re-evaluation....

This fic man. This fic. It made me fall in love with post-apocalyptic fics. The writing style, the plot, Ice and Mav and Goose. Goose, man… Oh my god. If you read this fic you know why I’m still thinking about these boys’ fates. 

Rhinestone Cowboy by omnidirectional

That’s Doctor Iceman to you! Maverick bangs himself up and gets rescued by someone he didn’t expect. A Missing Scene featuring contrived situations, questionable life choices, gratuitous product placement, and shirtlessness. You know, everything you love about canon.

And it is absolutely everything I love about canon! I always love missing scenes or canon divergent. Not to say that I don’t enjoy AUs, but I love vibes like this the most where the story works alongside canon and elevates it to a whole other level. Mav and Ice and Slider feels correct.

Sleepless Nights by demiclar @demiclar / @slidersimp

Five times Maverick wakes himself up with nightmares and one time he's woken by someone else.

Fics about Mav’s grief over Goose’s death will always wreck me. This one in particular shows itself as a physical manifestation. I love love love all the guys stepping up and taking care of Mav, never once judging his pain. I’m a sucker for portrayals of the ugly side of grief.

Mal de Mer by saurora_borealis

"I thought you said you didn't get seasick, you little liar," Slider snaps. Maverick doesn't answer, head bowed, but Ice can see him shaking from here. Of all the times for Maverick to be sick, did it have to be on a night that Ice is ill too? Or: the carrier experiences some ocean turbulence. Even the most seasoned aviators fall prey to it.

This one has sort of the same vibe as the fic above. I never get tired of seeing the flyboys take care of each other<3

be my soulmate (and i'll be yours) by ChexMix

Of course Maverick dreams about finding his soulmate. Who doesn't? But he'd never imagined the possibility that it could be the Iceman. So when he catches sight of Ice's soulmark, it suddenly becomes all he can think about.

Classic Icemav soulmate AU. This is like exactly my type of angst and happy ending. Sometimes the things you’re familiar with are still the best:)

To Build a Home by LadyLanera @k9effect

Eighteen years before Top Gun Maverick, there was a home being built from ashes and ruin. When the dust finally settled and dusk fell, the house of cards collapsed, shattering three lives forever. Is it possible to rebuild, reclaiming the past in the future...when they're all hurtling towards their worst nightmare?

Goddddd. I love Mav’s character flaw in this. I love Ice’s maturity born from grief and sickness. I love Bradley’s anger and abandonment issues. I love that these three have hurt each other more than anyone ever could, but their love is still starkly present. My thoughts when I was reading this was that LadyLanera wrote their flaws so beautifully, making them human, and by doing so I understood their motivations and their actions. Amazing characterization. 

all is fair (in love and war) by dulcetines (evecstasy)

oh, ice, maverick bisa merasakan hati kecilnya meringis, ice, sori banget— hollywood menyelak lagi, kali ini dengan suara impersonasi terbaiknya: “teruntuk kuncen TOPGUN, yang mana di sana kuyakin matahari belum juga terbit sebersamaan dengan ditulisnya surat ini. aku ingin saat ini juga kau bersyukur tidak mesti mendengarkan slider ngorok di sampingmu. tuhan jesus. pria ini sudah kuanggap saudara sendiri, tapi terkadang ada saja hal-hal yang dilakukannya yang membuatku ingin menggulingkannya ke laut. kau apa kabar di sana? sudah berapa pilot yang kauhabisi egonya? apapun itu. jangan mati kebosanan dulu. aku bisa bilang begini karena surat-suratmu selalu mengancam demikian. ingat kau masih hutang makan malam denganku. dan sepuluh dolar. sampaikan salamku ke bayi itik. bilang aku kangen padanya. dan,” hollywood memalsukan dehem, sambil ia melanjutkan, “padamu juga. setiap detikku. ice.” begitulah.

Hehehehehe. Now this is more for me LMAO because as you can see, it’s written in Indonesian. Finding this fic in my mother language is like finding GOLD. Again, I love love love Icemav in their Top Gun era. This is for all of you Indonesian Top Gun enthusiast *blows a kiss* 

a higher fidelity by basedchamp

“C’mon.” Tori nudges him with an elbow. “C’mon. He’s cute. You can admit that one thing but you can’t admit this?” Gritting his teeth, Ice thinks very carefully about his next words. “He’s…” he trails off. “Some would say that…Mitchell is not. Unpleasant. To look at.” (Alternatively: the one where Ice and Mav learn to park bad, eat good, and love even better.)

Ice’s family, man… It’s refreshing to see them so supportive and loving. I’m guilty of making Ice’s backstory so tragic>:) But this one is heartwarming! I love the style and flow of the writing. It’s something that I want to achieve in my own writing as well, so kudos to basedchamp!

Tunnel Vision by brainjuicey (anzietyfreak) @brainjuicey

Instead of Ice biting the air in the locker room, he antagonises Mav by biting his neck, unknowingly setting off dormant Omega genes and sending him into heat. Everyone involved is forced to remain secure on base until they’ve investigated. AKA. Five Alphas, a Beta, and an Omega in heat, walk into an Air Base prison. Ramifications ensue. Alternative title, "Locked in Sex Jail With The Boys"

This scratched that specific part in my brain, man. ABO with the original cast of Top Gun? Sign me up, baby. Steamy and perfect. 

The Five People You Can't Escape in Heaven by V_Evergreen

Maverick dies, but it doesn't end there. Alternately: [“Hey, kiddo, are you with me?” Maverick opened his eyes and found that he could see. He blinked in the sudden light as his surroundings came into focus. Quite literally came into focus, as though everything around him was resolving into itself as he looked, deciding to form a lawn, flowerbeds, the tree trunk that he had been leant against. The sun was blinding overhead, high noon. In the distance, hazy and indistinct, he could make out a house. It looked vague, like a half formed memory but it was familiar. Just like the man crouched in front of him. “Dad?” He croaked.]

I was reading the original book (The Five People You Meet in Heaven) and came across this fic. Which in turn made me want to write my own rendition from the same idea.  That last chapter, man. It’s unreal how creative it is. A punch to the gut for sure.

(Here’s my fic if you want to read about it :) >> Estrellita)

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother by V_Evergreen

Five meetings between Thomas Kazansky and Ethan Hunt. Alternately: [Ethan heard the door click shut behind him and turned to ask after the papers when he was abruptly spun by a hand on his shoulder and pushed against the door. His first and immediate thought was that he was certainly being attacked. Kazansky had him pressed against the door, chest to chest, a hand around his wrist and then- oh. Oh no. He wasn’t being attacked at all, it was infinitely worse. He was being very thoroughly kissed. He pushed back against Kazansky’s chest and tried to think of something eloquent to say. “Um?”]

Another banger by V_Evergreen. Ice not knowing Mav has a twin and mistakenly kissing him is so funny. And the end is heartwarming as well. Love love love it.

Allies by Shearmouth

After getting shot down over a war-torn Iraq, Maverick makes some unlikely friends. They have something– a big something– in common. But all Mav really wants is Ice. Too bad he's half a world away, and even Mav can't run that on a shattered leg. Not with the infected chest wounds thrown in, at least.

Oh my goddddd. I keep being at a loss for words when describing these fics. It won’t do anyone good if all I wrote was goddd, oh mannn, it’s so goodddd. But it’s the truth. This one hits home so much. The risk and homophobia present when you’re in a place that punishes queer people for existing and being in love, how a single mistake will cost you your future. And it’s so heartwarming to see that even then, you’re not alone. Mav being helped to reunite with Ice and breaking down that since their relationship was private, Ice had to grief Mav alone. Man, oh man. 

There is a pain—so utter by CurSirrr

Pete Mitchell was fine. Completely fine. He didn’t feel dizzy with denial, or an utter trainwreck of hopelessness. He hadn’t shed a single tear or cried himself to sleep for the past week. His guts were twisting and turning, squeezing and cramping. His eyes were swollen and red, and his scalp hurt from his vicious hair tugs as he tried to understand the past week. OR Three times Bradley misses the chance to say goodbye before it is too late.

Just read the summary and prepare for a world of pain:) Ice’s canon death still haunts me. Good thing he’s sleeping away in his big house that he co-owns with Mav, regularly saves his husband’s ass, have barbeque Sunday with Bradley and Jake and the dagger squad, happy and healthy:))

keeping his cards close to his chest by Serie11 @oathkeeperoxas

It's not that Lucy wishes that her boss would be more open with her. It's that she quite literally knows nothing about the man, despite Admiral Kazansky being her CO for half a decade. Or: 5 times Ice successfully hid something from his staff, and 1 time Ice revealed his biggest secret

Love seeing Icemav seen through other people’s perspective. It adds so much to the universe. Ice and Mav being their usual old married couple while everyone around them suffers. Excellent.

'til I meet you there by adiduck (book_people) @adiduck

Maverick wakes up in the snow, helmet on, entire body aching intensely and parachute still attached. It takes him about half an hour of trekking through the snow to notice that there’s anything amiss. (Or: Maverick Mitchell is in the habit of talking to his ghosts. Usually, they don’t talk back.)

Mav’s journey through the underworld. This fic is just too creative😭Always a delight to see how loved Mav is. It’s so whimsical and confusing and so great.

the ships have come to carry you home by indigofudge

“Here it is,” Carole says, bringing Mav’s wheelchair to a stop. Mav’s mouth is dry. He aches for another cup of water. “Carole, tell me something, and don’t lie to me.” “Anything, Maverick.” “How bad does he look?” Carole is quiet for a while. Then she comes around and kneels in front of Mav, taking both of his hands in her own. Her eyes swim with tears. “If I didn’t know any better,” she says, voice breaking, “I’d think he was dead.” • Or, Goose is alive when they hit the water. That's enough.

Goose survives AU!!!! Huh? This isn’t canon? What are you talking about? Of course, Goose survives and the Bradshaw family is still whole and Mav still has his family and gets to have Ice too. What are you talking about??

Swallow by wildglitterwolf 

Ice is getting tired of Maverick's inability to be a team player. Maverick is annoyed by Ice's gum chewing. Ice is more than happy to get rid of it, he just needs a place to put it...

TT.TT Just… I didn’t know I like this dynamic so much…

HANGSTER

cruise control by res_judicata

Rooster’s plane goes down on a Tuesday.  Jake remembers that it’s a Tuesday because he had been out grabbing a quick bite for lunch with Javy and the little chalkboard on the wall of the cafe had proclaimed that Tuesday’s special was linguine in white wine with fresh mussels. (Jake deals with grief and love)

Made me cry a goddamn river. I’ve said this before, but Hangster is one of those ships that I had trouble getting into. When I first got into the fandom back in June 2022, I strictly read Icemav, never dipping my toes into Hangster’s relationship because I never felt the spark. But as time goes by I’m starting to warm up and have read more and more. This fic is one of those where it captured my attention instantly. I knew it was going to be angsty, but still holding out hope for a happy ending (just like Jake in this story). The grief that blanketed the whole writing only made the resolution more beautiful.

WHORES IN MY BED. by pornogirl

“Jake-” Bradley’s eyes have a wet glimmer to them, the kind of wet that looks like the beginnings of tears and Jake wants to kiss him so badly. “Jake, is it loaded?” Jake rolls his eyes at the question. “Open your fucking mouth.” (Author’s notes: it's really not as bad as the tags may suggest but like. read the fucking tags!)

I’m a freak and I’m not ashamed of it:) Basically, Jake's going on about how pretty Bradley is crying and scared. If this is your kink, definitely worth the read. I don’t know if it’s because I find it hot, but I don’t get the unsafe feeling as opposed to reading other works that have noncon elements. I don’t know it feels more like it’s both of their kinks or like something they’ve discussed before but Jake didn’t warn Bradley prior. Like CNC, I guess? Anyway it’s really hot and I have not looked at my retainers the same way;)

we're fools to make war by whimsicule @baroness-elsa

In a Walmart at three am, between beef jerky and tortilla chips, with the lights flickering above them like it’s the fucking twilight zone, Bradley wants him more than he’s ever wanted anyone. or: it's a hundred degrees in texas.

This is so Jake and Bradley I’m blown away by how right they feel. Seriously. I didn’t even notice this was 66k words. The vibes, the writing, Jake’s family. Oh hell. Definitely check out the author’s other works too! They’ve got a lot of other Hangster long fics:)

cinnamon and sugar by bottledyarn

Jake was slumped in the doorway, propped up against the wall beside the door. He was a strange, pale, near-gray against the dark backdrop of his apartment, and he looked—well… “You look like shit," Bradley said. – Bradley draws the short straw and has to take care of Jake when he's sick with a stomach flu. Jake doesn't want to be taken care of.

Sigh. Jake and Bradley, man. They’re the ship that you can shove as much angst as you want and it’ll fit right in with their dynamic. They’re just so stubborn!!!! The push and pull between them is magnetic, man. I think I get why people love them.

habits by rararatatouille

Jake and Bradley come together in a series of jagged stops and starts. They fall apart in the exact same way. In which habits are hard to break, even for the people we love most.

Mannnnn. Goddamnit. I think this fic converted me to like Hangster. I think this has become canon in my brain too. I can’t even. Just read it. Words aren’t enough to describe this fic. 

Days Like This by chase_acow @cowsalot

Jake's in Hawaii to lose himself after getting the Navy's first air-to-air kill in decades. Instead he finds a ramshackle diner, a cast of odd characters, and possibly the love of his life. Bradley goes to the Hard Deck to order waffles. He orders waffles. He goes to the Hard Deck to get some waffles. He goes to the Hard Deck, and who is this hot asshole acting like they know each other?

So good. A 50 First Dates AU. Jake just loves Bradley so much, man. And Bradley finally showing up in the end. Love really will make you walk miles across Earth for your special person<3

OTHERS

Other pairings, romantic and not.

Mr. Blue Sky by omnidirectional

Tragedy first brings Iceman into Bradley’s life, but he quickly becomes the steadiest presence of the boy’s childhood… until a betrayal tears their small family apart. After years of silence, can Bradley find the words to make up for lost time? Five times Ice sings to Bradley, and the one time Bradley sings to Ice.

Another one from omnidirectional. Ice and Bradley’s father and son relationship… Here’s one of the tags: Who Wants To Cry Today? If you’re up for emotional damage, click the link🫵

On Mighty Wings by PurpleArrowzandLeather @purplearrowzandleather-blog

Maverick raised geese over the years while Bradley was gone. Bradley does not know this until the flock comes home for the summer.

Short and sweet. Legend author as well. Love the geese preening Mav and Bradley sobbing while surrounded by honks. This is just too damn cute!!

Neglected by proprioception @mnstrfkr

"Do I look God-fearing to you, ma'am?" Maverick asked with a grin. "You most certainly do not," Carole said. "That's why I didn't marry you." "That and the mustache," Goose added.

Can’t forget about this GooseMavCarole fic of course! Hot and heartwarming. Absolutely amazing smut. This one sparked my brain to make a fanart of my favorite polycule. Their dynamic is just so fun!

Yearling by Fopperies , pohjanneito @pilvimarja

Alone in a cabin in the snowy mountains, Maverick is supposed to help Bradley on the path to presenting as an alpha soon. Bradley's body has other ideas.

Just gonna put this here… A different take on ABO’s biology, which I absolutely love. It’s so hot… Bradley, I feel you, honey…

Seeing a Trailer by daenabenjen42

In the aftermath of the Layton rescue, Merlin has questions.

Sighs for the millionth time. It’s so good. Again, I love the portrayal of Mav’s PTSD and grief here. And it’s not just him, but daenabenjen42 wrote about the other boys’ trauma too. I love it so much I must’ve reread this one about fifty million times. 

in between what's already done by crawsley

“We aren’t doing this,” Maverick says, firmly, and he’s tensing like he’s about to move, about to shove Rooster off of him, push him away like he pushed him away before, when all Rooster had wanted was some guidance, some help, some love and kindness and— Rooster bears him to the ground, right there on the rug in the entryway.

This is legitimately one of the first, if not the first fic I’ve read from RoosMav. I still remember clearly going home from watching TG:M in the cinema and KNOWING that there were definitely going to be people who ship Mav and Roo. I rushed to AO3 straight away:D Imagine my delight when finding this one!

shake my nerves and rattle my brain by BogBeast

This wasn’t supposed to be intimate. This was about punishment, humiliation, stubbornness and spite. Not this gentle crap that made him sigh, the hand in his hair making his stomach swoop with every tug, the heavy scent making his head feel foggy, the praises making his heart skip a beat. That shit is just weird. The horrifying realization that he’s hard in his flight suit has nothing to do with it.  - Mav's gotten them into a lot of weird situations, but giving blowjobs to their rivals because of a stupid bet has to be the weirdest one.

Icemav AND Sloose? SIGN ME UP, BABY!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That’s all of it! This is my list for now. Thank you all for reading through to the end! Let me know if you enjoyed any of these fics so we can gush about them together:) I hope you enjoyed my yapping:}

My works have always and will continue to take inspiration from others. So thank you for creating stories as beautiful and profound as these, dear beloved authors<3

If you want to see my bookmark collection of all of these fics, click here >> TOPGUN (Best of the Best) While you’re there, how about you read some of my fics too?>:) EliasHirsch

(PS!!! There will be a 4th part because there are definitely more good fics that people need to know about:))

[kakushino]

Not like this

Rengoku Kyojuro x GN! Reader

He needs to learn how to stop Breathing, and focus on breathing.

Tags: fluff, slight angst, Kyo survives Mugen train AU

Word count: 0,8k

Masterlist | Rebuilding the ruins of castle Me masterlist

AN: Written as Christmas gift for the dearest @benkeibear - Merry Christmas, love!

“No no, you need to do it like this… See?” 

Kyojuro nodded, uncharacteristically silent as he focused on your hands. You pulled the string of wool through the created loop slowly so he could catch your movement. Around and around and around and through. Right. Easy.

“Try it now.”

He took the hook and half-finished product from you and briefly marveled at the difference in size of your hands in comparison to his own. He repeated your action slowly and carefully, showing you the result right after, waiting for your appraisal.

“Very good!”

Kyojuro beamed, the room seemingly warming up with how he radiated joy. “Thank you, my love!” He went back to his crocheting, looking like an old wife for all he was a powerful and highly intelligent man. It was endearing to see him squirrel away while working on a simple scarf with a little hook and his giant hands as tools. 

It was by his own prompt that you were teaching him your hobby; Kyojuro had all the time in the world on his hands now that he could no longer fight. The fight against Upper Moon 3, Akaza, had cost him an eye and half his core muscles - many things became difficult to do for the great warrior. 

One of such actions was getting up from his futon. You had been lucky Tengen was over to help when Kyojuro came home the first time, or he would remain bed-bound for weeks. A short trip to the woodsmith, and a group of kakushi carried over a western type bed Kyojuro didn’t have to get up from. Even then, he required ropes which now hung from the ceiling to help him sit or lay down.

Now, thanks to all the free time he had lounging at home, when not instructing the young trio, he took up multiple stress-free hobbies that he could perform sitting down. One of which was crocheting.

“How does this look?” Kyojuro showed you a neat row of the pattern, his face smiling but his eyes slightly anxious.

There was nothing to fear, he was excellent despite - what you felt like - your horrid teaching. “It looks amazing! Well done,” you grinned after inspecting his work. It filled you with pride and happiness to share this with your husband. You had never felt warmer.

You both had been at it for another half an hour when you heard his breath come out in a wheeze. Kyojuro dropped the yarn and started to cough weakly. Immediately, you fussed over him, massaging his back muscles just like the doctor taught you to help him steady his breathing.

Your heart squeezed painfully. 

“Shh, my love. Breathe for me,” you soothed him softly while the wheezing and coughs slowly ceased. 

Kyojuro was never going to be able to use Total Concentration Breathing after his injury, that was an irrefutable fact. Just - sometimes he got lost in the 'mundane' he forgot he shouldn’t, couldn’t, do it anymore. 

He slumped against your side in exhaustion, his frame shaking slightly under your careful embrace.

“I’m sorry, love… I lost focus again,” Kyojuro admitted with a slight flush on his cheeks, though the rest of him had gone white as a sheet from the pain. 

“You have nothing to be sorry for. Do you need something to drink? Painkillers? A snack?”

Normally, he would perk up at the mention of food, but he just blinked tiredly at that. “I’m okay now. Just need some rest.”

Kyojuro was not okay. You laid him down and stood up to get him medicine and tea. Before you could take a step, his hand tugged on your nightgown. “Hm?”

“Please, stay…” He had rolled over onto his side, now able to do so since his abdomen gradually healed. 

You hesitantly sat at his side and carded your fingers through his soft hair. “You should take the medicine Kocho-san got for us,” you whispered softly, as if any louder volume would spook him. “You will feel better after.” 

“It makes me feel odd, like I’m not entirely myself.” Kyojuro tugged on your clothes again, urging you to lay down next to him. “I’d rather stay awake and aware.”

You complied, facing him and pulling him closer so you could watch for any minute expression on his face indicating distress - if any appeared, you would get up regardless of his protests.

Your husband gave you a gentle smile, his face gaining back some healthy color to it as you both rested for a while. A shaky hand came up to caress your cheek - the gesture full of adoration and love, nearly bringing tears into your eyes. Kyojuro’s devotion was practically visible to the naked eye.

“My love, will you teach me how to paint?” he murmured.

You hummed your agreement, making him smile a little wider.

“Good. I want to capture your loveliness on canvas. I want you to see what I see when I look at you - for there is no greater beauty than you.”

His words made blood rush to your cheeks. 

Silly man.

dividers made by the gorgeous @benkeibear

network: @enchantedforest-network

[sciencewife]

Some GLaDOS Thoughts

I’m sure other people have written about this already, but I wish we got more time with GLaDOS after she’s reactivated in Portal 2, while she’s getting her bearings again and fixing up the facility as she has Chell test again. It’s majestic to see the facility slowly being repaired, the dust shaken off its many inner workings and moving parts, and just watching it become alive again, just like GLaDOS. The facility��s waking up with her because now she is the facility.

Maybe that was the case in Portal 1, too, but in a limited sense. GLaDOS was the facility (she says after Chell escapes that she can feel her there, etc), but kind of had one hand tied behind her back. She overcame the cores that the scientists attached to her to try and slow her down, but they were probably still blabbering nonsense and limiting her potential. Much of the facility, too, still appeared as if most of it was constructed by human hands. Which makes sense—Doug moved Chell up the list of test subjects so that she’d be tested and would face (and ultimately destroy) GLaDOS sooner, so even if she could, she didn’t have the time or ability to make the facility truly hers.

To me, the final battle with Chell in Portal 1 ultimately served as this big reset for GLaDOS. She was destroyed, the cores slowing her down were incinerated and the facility was left in ruins for who knows how long until she was reactivated—by the same dangerous mute lunatic who destroyed her in the first place. Naturally, GLaDOS is a little upset, at first. She had to endure a loop of getting destroyed over and over and over again for an unknown (but a VERY long) period of time. Not fun! And the first person she sees is the same woman who’s responsible for putting her through that.

And as she has Chell test while she fixes up the place, GLaDOS is sarcastic, and goes on about how you murdered her, etc, but at the same time she’s just. So happy that she can get back to what she was doing before. Setting up tests, doing science, gathering results… she gets to do what she loves again!!! Most importantly, she does it one on one with her favorite test subject forever and ever, isn’t that great? Now that she’s in charge again they have so much catching up to do <3. Whenever she’s being meanies, I see it as just her being cranky and again, what she had to go through wasn’t fun. Even with that she says she thinks that she and Chell can put their differences behind them!

And just listen to her. She’s soooooooo happy that she’s rebuilding her facility and making it her own, and Chell’s helping her test and do the science she loves. She gets to be in her element at last, no cores weighing her down, no scientists telling her what to do… she gets to be herself and make the facility in the way she sees fit. It’s perfection. It’s beautiful. It’s an extension of her and it is her, if that makes sense. Every panel, every component, its all her, all in sync… Aaaaaaaand then Wheatley shows up, and control of the place is handed over to him, and her hard work for the past couple in-game hours is undone. And towards the end she’s like “Ohhhhh no my facility 🥺 💔”. She’s so sad!! Her beautiful facility is a mess… I just wish we got to see have more time with her before all that. Doing tests and science with glabos with no orb interference, seeing her in her element building tests for the test subject she loves so much.

I do wonder how the game would’ve gone if Wheatley hadn’t interfered. An AU to consider perhaps…

Sorry if this post is kind of rambling (I was writing this at work and kept getting interrupted lol) if I need to clarify anything just send me an ask or something. I love talking about this kind of thing.

[luxaofhesperides]

Post-Apocalypse + Soulmate AU ; requested by @burr-burr!

When Danny was a kid, he used to imagine how the world would end. It was never a zombie apocalypse or the fallout of a nuclear war, but the death of the sun, the expansion of their star in death that would swallow their planet whole, leaving no survivors.

It would have been nicer than the post-apocalyptic world he stands in now, knowing that it’s his fault the world has ended. 

He’s still struggling to wrap his head around it. To understand that all of this is his fault because he cheated on one test, desperate to pass after being unable to study for it with how exhausting and time consuming fighting ghosts is. Everywhere he looks, there’s more destruction. His own home is rubble, with only the partially untouched Ops Center remaining to let him know that this is where he once lived.

The rest of Amity Park is in worse shape. Buildings are hollowed out, the skeletons of their foundations visible, if they still remain standing. Most homes have been burned to the ground, leaving blackened corners of walls and nothing else. The roads are cracked and difficult to walk through, as if an earthquake tore through the city. Cars are scattered along the road, overturned or left abandoned, doors still open.

Danny has yet to find any bodies. He doesn’t know if that’s a good sign or not. 

He’s only caught a few glimpses of his future self, the cause of all this, and can’t bring himself to chase after that monster. He feels sick to his stomach knowing what he’ll become. 

That monster has to be stopped. The world has already ended, but that doesn’t mean his future self can be allowed to go on like this. If there are any survivors, they need protection. They need to know they’ll be safe to try to start rebuilding, and that can only happen if his future self is dead.

Danny knows what he has to do; he has a responsibility to protect what little remains of Amity Park, and to do that, he needs to kill himself. 

But his head it spinning from the horror of the situation and his throat is tightening up the way it only does when he’s about to have a panic attack.

He needs to stop his future self, but he also can’t stay another second in the ruins of Amity Park without destroying himself.

The guilt sits heavy in his chest as he goes ghost and takes to the sky, flying blindly towards the setting sun. Danny doesn’t know where he’s going, and he doesn’t really care. He just needs to get away for a bit, until he can calm down and put together a plan of attack so he can take out his future self in one go.

He just…

He never thought he’d be a monster. But here they are.

Flying away from Amity Park reveals the truly harrowing extent to which this world has suffered under his future self’s hands. There are no intact cities or towns. Roads are broken beyond repair, highways littered with empty cars, most bridges crumbling into the rivers below them, and everything is covered in overgrowth. All signs of humanity’s careful cultivation of the world has been erased. The earth takes back what humans took from it, covering everything in green. 

There is no movement. No people. Barely any birds flying beneath him. 

What remains of the world is silence.

Danny is terrified that there’s no one left. That his future self has so thoroughly destroyed the earth that no human survivors remain. 

That gives his guidance, some idea of where to go: a big city. Any big city, really. 

He flies lower, searching for some sort of landmark, or a sign that will tell him where he’s going. A rusted over green sign farther down the road tells him that he’s 50 miles from Gotham.

Oh, Danny thinks, Maybe Batman can help me.

If anyone could survive the end of the world, it would be the superheroes, right? If anyone stands a chance at defeating his future self, it would be a superhero. Superman might have been a better choice, but Metropolis is the opposite direction and multiple states away; Danny’s not sure he can make it before his future self catches wind of him and hunts him down. 

Danny has no doubt about what would happen to him if he’s caught; there’s a reason he hasn’t seen any ghosts around, after all.

Gotham is a city of secrets and rumors. What little he’s heard of it is baffling and, frankly, insane. There’s no city in the country like it and Gothamites prefer it that way, stubbornly loving the home that will kill them. For all the manmade horrors they survive on the daily, they would be more prepared for the end of the world than anyone else. 

Gotham may be another casualty of his future self’s destruction, but it also offers him hope.

Danny follows the broken road towards Gotham, pushing himself to fly faster than he ever has before. What should have been a half hour flight is completed in fifteen minutes. 

As soon as the towering buildings of Gotham, dark and semi destroyed, come into view, Danny drops from the sky and returns to human form. The strain from pushing himself has exhausted him and he feels it like an ache in his chest, his heart twisting and trying to burst from how hard it’s beating. 

He collapses to his hands and knees and gasps for breath on the outskirts of Gotham. 

It takes a good few minutes to calm down and breathe normally, then another to gather his strength to stand up and begin walking. 

The world is eerily quiet as he enters the city, feeling the chill fall upon him as he is consumed by the shadows of tall buildings. It’s much more intact that Amity Park, but there’s no denying the destruction that still surrounds him. Buildings are empty and worn down, decaying and slowly being consumed by new growth. Burnt out husks of overturned cars fill the street, leaving Danny to carefully pick his way around them, unable to walk in a straight line. 

He feels like the only person in the world. He feels like he’s being watched by a hungry eyes. 

Danny shivers and walks faster. 

The deeper he goes into the city, the more he starts to hope that he’s not alone in this world. There’s small signs of life: the smell of smoke, recently burned, certain streets cleaned up, makeshift walls constructed from rubble to block access to certain areas of each block.

He swears he can see people move above his head, but anytime he looks up, the windows of every building are empty. 

“Batman,” he whispers to himself, “I just need to find Batman.”

He turns a corner and continues walking. Apartment buildings give way to stores and businesses, all with their windows broken and nothing on the shelves. Then the buildings end abruptly and he’s left staring at an overgrown park that resembles a jungle more than it does a part of the city.

The scent of something sweet lingers in the air. Fruit, perhaps, or flowers. 

If he was left in the aftermath of an apocalypse, he would go to where he could find growing food. If there’s anyone left in Gotham, he’s willing to bet they’re in here, surviving off of what food can be grown in the confines of the park. 

Danny crosses the road and takes three steps onto the grass before someone appears beside him and points an electrified baton at him.

“Who are you?” they demand, eyes hidden behind a cracked helmet, but the bottom half of their face is visible, revealing scars crossing on dark skin. 

Danny takes a step back, eyeing the electric baton warily, and lifts his hands to show he means no harm. “Danny. I came from out of town. I was hoping to find people here.”

“You don’t look like you’ve been traveling.”

His clothes are clean and intact and he has none of the world-weariness that weighs down this Gothamite. Danny winces, and says, “My situation is kinda complicated. But I did just get here. I’m looking for help, actually. Do you know where I could find Batman?”

There’s a long moment of tense silence, then he hears a quiet sigh and the helmet comes off. An exhausted looking man looks at him with one blind eye, turned a milky white, and his voice is low and stricken as he says, “Batman’s dead. But maybe I can help you.”

“Batman’s dead?!” Danny repeats, shocked.

“Yeah. Sacrificed himself in one of the last times Phantom attacked Gotham. Got me and Nightwing out of that encounter alive. We’re really the only heroes left in Gotham, not that there’s much need anymore with everyone trying to survive.”

Phantom killed Batman. His future self killed Batman. 

Danny feels sick to his stomach.

“Oh,” he manages to say. 

The man’s expression softens. “Don’t worry, we’ll help you as much as we can. Why don’t you come on in? Ivy can get you some food if you’re hungry.”

Danny nods numbly as he follows the man deeper into the park. He walks with ease, taking paths that only become visible when he walks them, leaving Danny to follow close behind. It takes some time before he realizes that the plants are moving out of their way just enough that they don’t trip, and when he looks back, the path is covered again, hidden from sight.

He’s taken to the heart of the forest, where the trees shift to the side to reveal a large encampment of survivors all living together. Beds are strung up as hammocks between trees and rope ladders dangle from branches to help people move up and down. The ground is full of small fire pits, a few in use to make make food, and sections in the back full of vegetable and herb patches, separated by berry bushes. 

The people here all look tired and worn down, but they still smile and speak in light voices, adjusted to a new life after surviving so much horror and destruction. He even spots a few people using powers, or just looking different, including one large man who looks like a crocodile. 

“Pick up another stray?” a raspy voice asks, humor lighting the tone. They both turn to see a woman with long red hair and a green tint to her skin be lowered to the ground by a vine. She’s also heavily scarred and her right arm is completely gone, replaced by a wooden limb covered in moss that moves as if it’s always been a part of her body.

“Hey Ivy,” the man greets, “I don’t think this one is staying. He came to Gotham looking for Batman.”

The words make Ivy’s gaze sharpen, and Danny feels a trickle of dread go down his spine. She’s dangerous and standing before her feels as if he’s in the mouth of a hungry beast.

“Is that so,” she says, voice flat. “How interesting. I’ll let you two talk somewhere more private.” Her gaze flicks to the side, and when Danny turns to look, he can see some of the people in the encampment observing them warily, bodies tense and poised to either flee or attack.

Ivy turns and the plants part for her. Danny waits for the man to begin walking before he follows, trying not to feel trapped as the plants close the path behind him. She takes them to a small pond full of water lilies, gives the man a careful look, then leaves, swallowed up by the plants.

“Is everything okay?” Danny asks hesitantly. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

“Nah, you’re good,” the man replies, “It’s just that people don’t trust me much.”

“Why? You’ve been really nice.”

The man shrugs. “My soulmate is Phantom. He’s the one responsible for doing all this and killing almost everyone we love. I didn’t know until the first time I fought him, but they hate anything to do with Phantom, including me.”

Danny’s heart stutters in his chest. This is his soulmate.

Most people don’t subscribe to the belief that they’re meant to be with their soulmate. Meeting your soulmate is rare enough that most people don’t try, and plenty of people have spoken of how important it is to have a variety of relationships, to not close yourself off for the slightest chance of meeting your soulmate. 

Danny never looked for his; he didn’t want to subject them to his parents, and then he became a halfa and gave up on all dreams of having a normal life or any relationship with someone who didn’t know he was Phantom.

And now he’s here, in a ruined future, standing before his soulmate who understandably hates him for destroying the world. 

“You’re Phantom’s soulmate,” Danny breathes. His hands are shaking. He wants to cry.

The man sighs. “Yeah. I am. Not that it’s stopped him from trying to kill me. Don’t worry, kid, I’m not working with him. I swear.”

“He’s your soulmate and he hurt you.”

“He hurt everyone,” he says, then gestures at his blind eye. “This is barely a thing compared to what he did to other heroes.”

Danny can’t find the words to expression his horror at seeing the damage he did to his own soulmate. His future self is heartless and cruel and bloodthirsty. He has to be stopped.

He doesn’t want to kill his soulmate. 

“I came here for Batman,” Danny says, “Because I thought he could help me stop Phantom.”

“That’s rough, kid. Batman couldn’t beat Phantom. I don’t think anyone can. We’ve tried, but most heroes are dead and we can’t just go out there and risk the lives of everyone here. We gotta focus on survival, not revenge.”

“I have to stop Phantom.”

“Sorry kid, but that’s a terrible idea. Don’t go out there trying to be a hero. You can stay here, alright? Ivy will get you set up and the others will help you settle in.”

Danny takes a step back and shakes his head. “No. I have to stop him. It has to be me.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I’m Phantom,” Danny whispers. 

The man immediately reaches for his electric batons again, taking a step back. “Not funny, kid,” he says with a tense voice. 

“I’m not joking. I am Phantom, just from the past. I’m not supposed to be here.”

“You’re Phantom?” the man repeats. “You. You’re just a kid, and you’re going to destroy the world one day?”

“I don’t want this to happen! That’s why I need to go back, so I can stop the event that will set me down this path. And to go back, I need to defeat the Phantom that exists here.”

“He’ll kill you, kid.”

“That still solves the problem, doesn’t it? If I die here, then he’ll never live long enough to destroy the world. He’ll die too.”

The man stares at him with cold eyes, then turns away, dropping his hands away from the batons. “Don’t turn this into a suicide mission, kid,” he says. “The Phantom who’s here isn’t you. You don’t have to pay for his crimes. Just… stay here and I’ll go fight Phantom.”

“He already hurt you,” Danny says. 

“What’s a little more hurt? I can handle it.”

“No,” Danny says firmly. He shoves away the fear and hurt in his heart and finds his strength in determination. No more running away. No more hiding. 

The timeline should not exist. He can’t hesitate at the thought of erasing this version of his soulmate from existence; he’s tired and injured and an outcast in the only community that still exists in Gotham. He deserves better. Everyone here does.

And to give them a better life, Danny needs to stop this one from ever happening.

“This is my future. It’s my responsibility. I’ll stop it and make sure this never happens. And… I’m sorry for everything I did.”

“It’s not your fault, Danny. You’re not this version of Phantom.”

That’s not at all true, since Danny’s actions lead to the end of the world, but he’s not going to argue when he’s preparing to fight a stronger, more ruthless version of himself. He takes a deep breath, then goes ghost and floats into the air. 

“Before I go,” he begins, hesitantly, “What’s your name? Since you’re apparently my soulmate.”

The man smiles sadly and answers, “Duke. If we ever meet in your time, tell that version of me to look for my mom’s favorite book.”

It’s an odd request, but if it’s important enough to be asked for, then Danny will do it. “Your mom’s favorite book,” he repeats, “Got it.”

“Take care, Danny. Good luck out there.”

Danny nods and takes one last look at his soulmate, older and worn down, stubbornly getting through each long day, and swears to make things better.

Then he flies off, ready to fight his future self and make things right again. 

. . .

He thinks of his soulmate for years after he’s back in the present. The timeline where his future self exists is gone and the world is safe, but he still remembers the pain he caused Duke. 

When the time comes to apply to universities, Danny sets his sights on Gotham. His parents take him on a trip during spring break to tour the campus, and it’s after the tour, as he wanders around on his own, that he bumps into a student walking out of a building.

“Sorry,” they both say at the same time, reaching for each other to help each other keep their balance. 

As soon as their hands meet, it’s as if lightning runs through him. From the look on the other guy’s face, he felt it to. 

This is his soulmate.

“Duke,” Danny says, amazed and disbelieving all at once. And the request crosses his mind, something he wondered about almost every night since he returned to his time. “Look for your mom’s favorite book.”

“How—?”

“I met you in the future. You asked me to take back a message for the you that’s here. So: look for your mom’s favorite book. What does that mean, by the way? I never asked.”

Duke blinks, then slowly retracts his hands from Danny’s. “My mom’s favorite book was a hand bound journal from my dad. They were soulmates and he wrote about their first year in a relationship together. It’s full of pictures, and she loved it more than anything. That message is to remind me to have faith in soulmates, to believe that something good can happen to me.”

“Oh! That’s… wow, sorry, I didn’t mean to pry into something so personal.”

Duke shrugs. “It’s fine. I needed the reminder. I would have already run away by now if you didn’t say that. You already know my name, but I think now’s a good time to introduce ourselves.”

“Right!” Danny says, flustered. He sticks his hand out, which Duke shakes with an amused smile. “I’m Danny. Fenton. I’m coming here next semester.”

“Duke Thomas. I’m a freshman here and I’d really love to get your number.”

He’s not hitting on Danny, not really, but it still makes him blush. The way Duke looks at him is full of light and laughter, so different from the exhausted and wary way he looked in the future now rewritten. 

This is what the future version of himself tried to kill. He doesn’t understand how anyone could ever hurt Duke when he’s so full of life. 

But he’s safe now. Everyone is; Danny changed the future and what lies ahead is wholly unknown to him.

The world is safe and full of promise. 

No matter what comes, Danny is sure he and Duke are going to be just fine.