#so much good content this year i am so emotional about them and ESPECIALLY. MISS MIKO

[bt79207]

blissful moments

[leyyvi]

My dear, you’re the best fanfic writer and I’ve been chasing the same high I felt when reading PWASOI ever since I finished it. I need to know which fics do you recommend from any fandom, I trust your judgement your writing is just immaculate.

okay thank youuu

-Amanda from FL

ALRIGHT HERE'S MY RECS!! Please keep in mind some of the warnings on the fics! Also a lot of these are unfinished/haven't been updated in a while, sorry lol. i also don't read fics very often anymore so most of these are from YEARS ago fdgjkhdfjkg. also also i tried recommending ones that i haven't talked about much before (TIASOS is the exception bc i think every levi and erwin lover needs to read it)

Levi x Reader:

this is a story of the sea by shinzouing

if you're looking to be in an emotional three-way relationship with eruri THIS IS THE FUCKING FIC FOR YOU!!! follows canonverse mostly, but they also have an alternate version where erwin lives through RTS arc AND they have a bunch of sexy side chapters within the same universe. god the tension between all 3 of them is just so delicious, especially with reader and levi. i've cried, i've laughed, i've ca-anyways. please read all their erurixreader stuff i'm begging you

sabbatical by doinmybesthere

one-shot fic. so good. i LOVE the way levi is portrayed here. ugh idk the setting of this fic makes me think of being in Forks from twilight...theres a certain vibe that i can't really pinpoint but i love it so much (i think this was by emme who used to be on tumblr :((( i miss them)

first times anthology by levmada(ao3) aka pookie aka @rivangel

ok not to be annoying but i absolutely would put everything kane has written about levi on this list. i am so serious. just go through his blog, you'll be eating so good especially if you're looking for gn/trans reader content.

anyways ABOUT THIS FIC SPECIFICALLY i love the way levi talks in this... it feels so... LEVI. god. Kane's way with Levi's dialogue makes me insane in the best way for real

Rapture for the Sinners by IXWrites

i think you need an account to read this

i haven't caught up with the last updated chapter but it's one of the first LevixReader fics I ever read and I love the characterization in it

The Silent Sounds of Shackled Hearts by silesy

I haven't caught up with this one either but I read the first few chapters as they were being released and I remember liking Levi's characterization and the premise of the story, I thought it was interesting and I'm a sucker for fantasy settings

Death's Door by SongsOfApollo

if you like REALLY slow burns this is so good. as a warning/disclaimer it's not finished and iirc they stopped in a point where you might feel like you're blue-balled fdgkdfjkgh

however they go into so much character/world/relationship building that i can't not rec it. this fic is so ridiculously detailed (in a good way) and immersive. if you wanna feel like you're in canonverse i would definitely read this

A Ballad of Broken Wings by Silesy

Modern au detective reader x levi!!!! i love this one!! i need to re-read it now that it's finished

note that reader does have a name idk if that's your thing or not (personally i didn't feel like it affected my reading experience)

OK onto the non-Levi content

Admist a Clash of Worlds by cloudsarefluffy

Arthur Morgan x reader

GOD PLEASE READ THIS EVEN IF IT'S NOT FINISHED. also there's pretty art. also it's probably my fave non-Levi fic ever.

600K WORDS IS BEAUTIFUL TO ME but seriously.... I love their relationship SO MUCH sdgvfdgvfdsgjkdfh this is one of the fics that inspired me to write

Set the Fire in Your Eyes by cloudsarefluffy

one-shot with A/B/O dynamics and man it's soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sexy that's all i will say. 11k words of delicious word porn (honestly I'd rec anything by this author w/ ArthurxReader)

Deviant Behavior by Precursor

Connor x Reader (Detroit Become Human)

ugh please read this, it's on the same level as Admist a Clash of Worlds for me, another fic that literally shaped me as a writer i am SO serious

i dont think you need to have played DBH either because they include a lot of the plot/storyline in it. i need to finish reading this one

niche fics that idk if you'll like but I wanna put them on this list bc i liked them a lot FKGJHDFJGKH

Gunsmoke in Mirrors by cyancherub

read the warnings!!!

psycho-pass fanfic, Kogami Shinya x reader. heed the warnings on it but my god the TENSION in this fic and the twists... i was absolutely feral when i first read this fic and it threw me so deep into Kogami brainrot

an act of kindness by Khismer

read the warnings!!!!!

i'm not sure if you'll understand this fic without knowing about mystic messenger tbh gsfhdjkdfh but Saeran was my blorbo before Levi...he's a little messed up in the head but if you don't mind being kidnapped in a fic....

OK I THINK THAT'S EVERYTHING??? at least what remained of my bookmarks... there's a ton more i could talk about but i'm trying to include stuff that i don't often see recommended so

[yuri-is-online]

Sorry if this ask makes absolutely no sense I just need you to know the absolute emotion I feel because of this Ayuu.

I need you to know just . how close to tears I am . I just reread your Azul meeting his Yutu and I am. IM CRYING. THE “Your daddy’s here” IS TAKING ME OUT AND SHOOTING ME DEAD . IM GENUINELY TEARING UP. I think I’ve read every part so far twice over, barring the Yuu specific ones cause they Hurt Me. Speaking of hurt, Deuce!Yutu and Riddle!Yutu hurt me so so bad . All of the Yutus do, but they’re the ones that just came to mind rn and it’s so so sad. Especially Riddle! Yutu because he hates his dad :( Idek why I might’ve blocked out why LMAO,,, I love all the Heartslabyul characters and their kids it makes me cry. Especially Trey. He’s such a weirdly domestic freak that the idea of him being denied the family life he’s always been content with is so so sad. ALL OF THEM . THEY MAKE ME SO SAD BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BE WITH YUU!! They want to be with Yuu, and most of them are obviously happy to have a kid, but to know that that’s been taken away from you by circumstances that are literally destroying the world you live and love in? Yeah. That’s Rough!!

I would love to see Jamil!Yutu and how Jamil reacts to his child feeling guilt for something he never did, was never responsible for, and again has to suffer through because of the family theirs has been forced to serve. I think he’d be so mad, so so mad this boy has grown up thinking he’s the biggest blight of his father’s life, the cause of his death, when in reality he’s probably someone Original Timeline! Jamil would have cherished.

I LOVE YOU RUGGIE BUCCHI!!! Sorry I needed to cry that out this made me love him so much more!!! And Rook!! I love you Rook Hunt you weirdo. Ruggie being like “Idrk what to do… but I can bug Leona about it” is so so real. Him not caring if his son is charismatic as long as he knows his cards and is able to survive. Rook as a phantom is genuinely breaking my heart idk why. All of the phantoms break my heart. I don’t want to imagine anything abt them if I do because if I imagine them having even a fraction of sentience I’m heartbroken. Imagine being unable to prevent something from possessing you. Imagine your body and soul being used to tear your home apart— imagine seeing any of that through your own eyes. Imagine seeing your own kid after years of thinking them missing. I would genuinely not be able to handle that. It’s giving the Last of Us zombies where they’re completely aware and conscious throughout the first phase. Scared . Heartbroken .

Anyways, this au is 100000/10 I need you to know this. YOUR MIND IS SO SO BRILLIANT!!! I’m probably gonna keep rereading everything you’ve written so far about it because I’m having so many brain worms . So so many. Sorry for this ramble!! Please ignore this ask if for any reason I might have said something you didn’t like >:]]]] I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL YEAR!!!!

;-; ty so much for your kind words anon I am injecting them into my veins to continue writing. You have said nothing wrong, rambles are nice to receive, though my ask box is a bit cluttered at the moment and I am super busy so getting to things in a timely manner is not something I am able to do.

Riddle! Yutu was the first one to get a post, and I am tempted to re do it as I was still figuring out the format. He hates his dad because he wasn't there for him when he was a child and he doesn't know why. In the good timeline he's something of a daddy's boy; he really wants Riddle to be proud of and praise him

After I finish editing the second part of Rook's post you will be pleased to know the next post is about Jamil. I'm still formulating the outline of it because I've been thinking some thoughts about stars and unique magics

The way I write the phantoms they posses the instincts of their former selves but the individual lacks the input you might associate with consciousness. I'll get more into it in the second half of Rook's post... but there is a degree of awareness of their actions.

There's a lot of tragedy in this ayuu, I'm glad I'm hitting my stride with it c: it's nice to know people are liking it

[sobx9]

Is it just me? The way I had such reasonable expectations for season 4 and it took a completely different direction. The faith I had in the writers and frankly the cast as well is embarrassing to look back on lmao

The gag is they didn’t need to invent a whole new storyline for this season (Groff). The material was there - they were the ones who MADE IT! And forgot about all of it for trash, brand new content? I’m talking about Ward and big John dying. Show more of JB and Sarah bonding over that. Resolution with rose, wheezie and rafe even. I’m talking about Kiara’s parents. They sent her away. They don’t approve of JJ. No resolution there after so much of season 3 being around that, and it being a thread in the story since season 1 . Theyre suddenly fine by mid-end of season. Luke being back was enough of a conflict for jiara. Also the weight of JJ living in his old childhood home that holds so much pain for him, and making it their own. I’d be fine with keeping the town council storyline and trying to save their home. THAT is season 1 roots. What does it mean for Jiara to be a couple now? How do they navigate that, being friends to lovers? JJ has loved her for years/seasons. I needed more. It wasn’t even believable. Pope and Cleo needed to figure out how their relationship would pan out being back in the obx. How does Cleo feel about having stability now? What does pope want to do? I thought he was going to college? I could go on forever. These are the questions those writers needed to ask themselves and WRITE accordingly. I don’t know how they got off path so bad to the point where almost every expectation I had for season 4 did not happen. Did I miss something? Did I misunderstand the show? I have to believe the writers are the ones who misunderstand their own show and characters at this point. I’m embarrassed to even admit I never believed the JJ death rumors because logically I thought, he’s a main character, fan favorite even, they will not kill him, it’s not that kind of show. OPE lol I guess the pates think it is. Netflix needed to give them a reality check because no one was honest with these clowns.

Hi, you make some good points❤️. With some distance I can see how my expectations for season 4 were unrealistic since the writers never really cared about the emotional stuff. The signs were there from the previous seasons (a good example of this is not showing us the emotional toll on Jiara after they nearly drowned together in season 2). For me, I could have overlooked this if part 2 wasn’t so bad, especially compared to part 1. I could have get my missing scenes from fan fictions just like I did with season 3.

My overall view on this (and I already talked about this here so sorry if I am repeating myself) is that there is a huge discontent between what show they wanted to create and what show the fans actually wanted. We wanted more family feel show about the Pogues themselves, about relationships, family drama and character developments, but they wanted to film action packed show with cartoon villains, lots of stunts and crazy locations. And since a season is only 10 episodes, they can’t possibly fit it all in. So since it’s more fun for them to do the action stuff (which is arguably more fun to shoot), the fans are left feeling disappointed because it’s all go go go without anything really meaning anything. That’s why I am worried they won’t do the “ mourning a friend “ plot line justice.

They created such interesting characters and we fell in love with them and had faith in the writers that they will develop them accordingly. And they failed to do that. They would also add more and more characters while ignoring the OGs that people were actually interested in (Wheezie, Barry, Rose, Mike, Anna…).

Groff was completely unnecessary, but since they wanted to outdo the previous season with more shocking twists and turns, they had to up the ante somehow. Unfortunately, they overplayed their cards in my opinion. Also the fans hated how much screen time John B and Big John had just the two of them in season 3, and they were pretty vocal about it. So why make the same mistake in season 4 part 2 with JJ and Groff? The writers clearly don’t actually care what the fans did and didn’t like.

Even if JJ had to be written off due to an actor wanting to leave, or because that was the plan from beginning, the death scene was just so short and lazily done and at the end was completely meaningless. But that’s another issue I already talked about.

I didn’t really believe the rumours for the same reasons you wrote down, until the season 5 renewal was announced and I noticed Rudy did not post anything about it. From that point, I had a gut feeling it was actually happening. Guys let me know if you believed those rumours or not, or if your opinion changed and why. I would love to hear your point of views ❤️

[noah-moth-cursed-chaos]

Mercer stared at Azaril as if that request was some great insult. As if it was not the bare minimum compensation for years of emotional torment.

"I could-"

"Ruin me, kill me, destroy my reputation, chase me out of the country again Mercer I know. One night. That is all I want. You have stolen decades from me. Give me one night." Mercer scowled, he took a deep breath, "Go on ahead, make camp, I will meet you, if I don't you are free to return, tell them anything you want, any lie, any accusation, I won't argue. I want one night that is only mine, before I die. Is that such a crime?" Azaril stared at him, daring him to deny him this one thing. After over twenty five fucking years of torment. "If you say no I'll tell them all. I'll tell them everything, they won't believe me but imagine how careful you'll have to be to keep what I know covered from then on out." A stupid threat, a risky threat, he knew Mercer was more trusted, more believed than him. He'd heard the rumors that circulated, he'd seen the ways Vipir and Niruin looked at him. Even Delvin and Vekel, who he'd grown up beside, regarded him differently now. If it came down to him or Mercer he had no doubt who the guild would choose. But maybe it'd be worth it to know he'd inflicted a fraction of the constant gut wrenching paranoia Mercer had plagued him with.

"... Fine. Have your one night. You better show." Mercer got up, and went to gather his things. Azaril let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

He went to the chest at the foot of the bed he'd been sleeping in in the Flagon, grabbed a small bag and clipped it to his belt. Despite its contents being hidden he tried to ensure Mercer didn't see.

And then, what did he do? With one night of freedom?

He found Brynjolf.

How could he do anything else?

He found him in the training room, and the smile that graced that absolutely perfect face the second Azzy walked in broke his heart. Especially knowing after this night he would never see that smile again.

"You look happy to see me."

"I always am, lad. Do you need something?" Azzy had to stop himself from just blurting out 'You' with no further explanation.

"Listen I know I haven't... Been. As available as I'd like to be since I've come back. I thought maybe we could get a room at the inn, and you and me could just. Talk. Like we used to. Have a night together." Azaril watched Brynjolf think for a moment, so afraid he'd be turned down, that his one night for himself would involve no closure.

"I just need to let the others know I'll be back tomorrow." Came the response instead.

And before long they were in a room at the Bee and Barb, much to Keerava's disdain, which was fair honestly.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Brynjolf asked him, sitting down on the bed and taking his shoes off. Azaril locked and leaned on the door, hesitating before...

"I missed you." He said, "I really did, every single day I was gone it was like a piece of me was missing, Bryn. Being away from Riften, but especially being away from you might be the hardest thing I've ever done, and I've killed an immortal world eating dragon."

There was that smiled again. Like Azaril was somehow the secret to all the good in Bryn's life, like Azaril just made everything that much better. A part of him wished he could see himself the way Brynjolf seemed to.

"I missed you too lad, more than I know how to express... Even if you haven't been able to tell me what happened yet, I couldn't be happier just to have you home."

Home.

Home...

God how Azaril had missed thinking of any place as that. Anywhere. Anyone.

Home.

Azzy was home.

He kicked off his shoes before joining Bryn on the bed and embracing him, pressing his head into his chest right over his heart, listening to the steady beat, feeling the warmth. Home.

Right here.

He couldn't help but smile.

He felt Brynjolf's hand run through his hair, gently, affectionately.

"I love you, I have loved you for-for so long, by the time I realized I knew I had to leave so it didn't seem fair to admit it." It wasn't fair now, but after all this time he could be selfish, just this once, just before the end, "But all this time without you has been torture, and now I'm back and I don't want to hide this anymore. Brynjolf I love you, you are my home." He pulled away enough to make eye contact with Bryn, to take in the flustered look of surprise on his face. To memorize as many details as possible while he still could.

"Lad I-" He paused, it was so rare Brynjolf was at a loss for words. For a moment Azaril was afraid, that he'd come on too strong, this his feelings weren't reciprocated.

And then Brynjolf kissed him.

Gods what a kiss.

One worth waiting decades for, more than worth risking Mercer's anger for this one night.

When their lips finally parted, Azaril pushed Brynjolf back in the bed, climbing on top of him and kissing him again, desperate and hungry to make up for the time he'd lost.

He pulled away a moment, just to admire the man under him more, this gorgeous perfect being that somehow chose him. He cupped Brynjolf's cheek, and smiled affectionately when Brynjolf took his hand in his and kissed it. "I've wanted this for so long." Brynjolf said, "I never want to be without you again."

Azaril's heart ached hearing that, how badly he wished he could promise he wouldn't have to, how he wished he could promise not one more day would pass when Brynjolf would wake up alone.

But tonight was all they had. After tonight he'd leave Brynjolf with only the truth for comfort.

But he could promise one thing.

"Tonight's going to be perfect."

When Brynjolf woke up in the morning he reached across the bed to-

...

Where was Azzy?

His eyes snapped open and he stared at the empty bed space next to him in confusion.

Why would he just leave?

A shape on the bedside table caught his eye, an envelope, with a note left lying over it.

He sat up and grabbed it, his eyes scanning the page and his heart dropping to the pit of his stomach.

'Brynjolf,

You have no idea how much it pains me to do this to you, but you may never see me again.

Me and Mercer are going to Snow Viel Sanctum to confront Karliah once and for all.

I know you have questions, a lot, and I owe you answers. The letter under this note will answer them all, but please don't open it unless you know for sure I'm dead, otherwise when I come back I'll explain everything, I promise.

I love you more than words can express, Azaril Avalaron'

This couldn't be real.

He just got him back.

He just got him back he couldn't lose him again.

[wtchgrrl]

alright so here’s the thing. im making a story abt two little freaks in love and i want to hear other opinions on it.

The following content contains discussions about murder/violence, cannibalism, sex, child abuse and forced surgery onto intersex people, specifically children/adolescents, also known as medical abuse. Please, proceed with caution.

so. the main characters in this lil thing im writing are Lily and Nick, short for Elizabeth and Nicholas. Lily was born with ovotesticular syndrome, while Nick was born with partial androgen insensitivity. they both meet in their senior year of high school, specifically in the nurse’s office. they bond a lot during their adolescence, specifically over the fact that they were both being abused by their fathers. Lily’s abuse was emotional and sometimes physical. Nick’s was verbal and spiritual. they both suffered medical abuse.

Nick was forced into a surgery because of his gynecomastia, which left him with permanent scars that he is very ashamed of. Lily was forced into a procedure that would remove her testicular tissue. her father decided to perform it himself, since he was a doctor. it did not go well, and not only did it leave very a bad scar, she was also left infertile afterward, due to her father messing it up somehow (haven’t decided on the specifics yet).

after all their pent up anger and hatred towards their fathers builds, they both decide to kill their own father(s). they meet in the woods, both dragging bloody bags the size of bodies behind them. not saying anything, they decide to run away together, surviving off the flesh of the people they hate the most.

what follows is them killing, and sometimes eating, the ones they feel deserve it (usually people in positions of power), moving across the country, hiding from the police, and eventually, developing romantic and sexual feelings towards each other. they feel like they are the only people who can truly love, understand and respect each other. their trust has been so broken by the world around them forcing them to endure such horrors, that they can only trust themselves. it’s the only way they know that they won’t be hurt. because they could never hurt each other. neither of them could live with hurting the other.

the whole story is supposed to be, essentially, a love letter from an autistic intersex horror author to the slasher community and over the top internet creepypastas. it’s about people being so scared of being hurt again, that they kill and maim anyone they suspect of being capable of hurting them. it’s about falling in love with the things you thought others saw as horrific and disgusting. it’s about finding love in the most decrepit, gory places. its about unlearning the idea that wanting to be romantic with someone and wanting to have sex with someone doesn’t make you filthy, it never has. it’s about cannibalism as a metaphor for romance.

im very passionate about these two little weirdos, in case you missed it, and am looking forward to writing about them and their relationship. im especially interested in the one sex scene i have planned for the two, as i feel like it’ll be a really good way to show how close they are/how much they trust each other, how much they love each other and their insecurities, and because you don’t really see intersex people having sex in media (unless said media is making a joke about their body, cause haha their body looks like this, and that makes them ugly!!!! haha aren’t ugly people so gross?? god, micropenises are sooo funny haha/sarcasm) im especially excited cause i plan on having them kiss and caress each other’s scars and then them loving the parts the other hates the most, and Lily ensuring Nick that it’s not filthy to want to be intimate with someone while having scars, and Nick telling Lily that she’s not broken and she’s always been lovable, and then they kiss and touch each other’s scarred bodies and they’re so in love and aaaaaaa

i just really love these two little freaks and wanna share my thoughts about them with people (even if a very small amount of people are gonna see it). i also wanted to know if anything about it could be seen as offensive. like, i don’t find any of it offensive, but im not the spokesperson for intersex people, we don’t have one. i just wanted to get some different perspectives, different opinions, see if anything came across as kinda wrong. (other than the murder and cannibalism, obviously).

i think im mostly just scared of people reading it and watering both of them down to “cis people with disorders”, even though their intersexuality is a key element to the story. maybe i just hear too much about discourse on tiktok and this won’t be an issue. idk.

why do i even bother with that little note at the end, no one’s gonna see this lmao

[mincedpeaches]

this is a post about south park in the year of our lord 2022

general notes (aka I watched this shit when I was a teen and its grandfathered in and I don’t have to explain myself to anybody):

Listen okay listen I understand the appeal of Stan/Kyle I FULLY understand the appeal. but I’m a Kyle/Cartman girl through and through. I’m sorry OKAY I’m sorry. The good thing about this though is I have absolutely no expectations of it ever happening and it would be bad if it did so I can have fun you know.

It’s jokes and comedy and a piece of poop talks yes but its also about the characters and them being dumb kids and sometimes character moments come through. DID YOU WATCH THE LANDSLIDE EPISODE WHEN YOU WERE A TEEN? DID YOU?? If not don’t talk to me. 

The episode where Kenny died for real too. PEAK emotional dramedy my dude. 

This video (timestamped 12:06 but the whole thing is good)

post covid special notes (aka what got me thinking about south park in the year of our lord 2022):

The special being in the future where none of them are friends and the regrets. That what its about actually.

The way Craig & Tweek showed up there together but they couldn’t do  the solid of having them like, hold hands or some shit so it was #confirmed

Why did they have to make Kyle so handsome. Like. Notably so. 

Also Kyle definitely gave off some gay man vibes. Not being single and handsome in South Park at forty-whatever... 

The way Cartman being Jewish WASN’T a bit.

Future Stan Kyle & Cartman just sitting on a BENCH like damn we can’t stop covid, now what, and then the solution is to get their past selves to be friends again. It hits okay. They’re CHILDREN Brent. 

Very intrigued by the concept of Kenny/Butters now like in my incredibily brief forey into fanfic years ago but also years after I’d stopped watching the show I had assumed it was very much a pair the spares situation especially since Kenny’s character back in the day was mostly being the Horny for Titties one. But the fact that they stayed working together the whole time in the covid special? Is there something I missed the last decade maybe. 

I DID feel bad for Cartman at the end even though that probably wasn’t the point. But I did feel bad. The show got the gang back together as kids only to break them up again. :(

the fractured but whole notes (aka I bought this game and played it to get more south park content in my life without actually watching more eps or *shudders* reading fic)

The yaoi art had exactly two people credited for it in the end game credits. Their RANGE. One of them turns up nothing conclusive on google but the other worked on DC and Marvel comics and shit. 

Yaoi Art aside the way that Creek is STILL like the most respectful that I know of a show being about fangirl shipping, like they’re actual BOYFRIENDS and have a whole ass sideplot and everything. Fucking CRAIG AND TWEEK from fucking SOUTH PARK the most respectful I am SO

Shout out to Captain Diabetes being the best fighting roster character in the game. Now I do actually know who you are from the covid special. 

The game was funny and good actually. 

The shuddering up there was a lie. I already read a fic. It wasn’t very good but here I am. 

[outcastbybirth]

HI THERE AND HOWDY! :D

First off, welcome! I’m excited to meet you and get to know you and your lovely muse/muses! I’m even more excited to start plotting and writing together! I just have a few things I’d like to address and get out of the way first! 

If we start talking and or plotting and then you suddenly stop talking to me. I am going to assume you didn’t want to write and may abandon the entire thing, as I am shy and fear of bugging others tends to stop me from asking if they wanted to continue. So please, keep talking/interacting/plotting with me so I know we are okay!   Even if it's just to say hi the last thing I want is to miss out on a chance to make a new story with you. 

I also reserve the right to choose who I roleplay with. I am a mom of three, and I don’t want to feel overwhelmed or ruin any potential good rps between us by taking on too many partners! 

I won’t force myself if I don’t feel a connection/don’t have muse/am uncomfortable with the content of your blog. Please respect my right to take care of myself and make RPing a fun experience. 

I tend to be ship shy especially when it comes to my ocs, and have a hard time asking for a ship/rp, please bare with me for the time being as I gain the courage to ask you to RP. However, I am open to any ship as long as asked and it is plotted. I am 29 years old and will not ship or do NFSW stuff with you unless you’re well over 18. 

I am comfortable with almost anything but child-related offenses, rape, incest, self-harm, and suicide all of these things are extremely triggering for me due to some intense things in my childhood. Absolutely no pedophilia rp or anything to do with harming children on my blog, I will not reply whatsoever. Absolutely ZERO talk about self-harm to me ooc please, I am a recovering self-harmer, and that kind of chatter triggers me severely. However rping it as long as it is not c***ing/burning/hitting oneself (like locking themselves in their room type, doing it for rituals or distractions in battle is different.), then I am usually okay.

When it comes to venting: I completely understand that you might be feeling overwhelmed and in need of someone to talk to. However, as a mother of three, I also have other responsibilities that require my attention. While I am always here to lend an ear and offer support, it can be challenging to constantly handle emotional dumping without any breaks. I truly value any and all conversations and enjoy being a listener, but I also need to take care of myself and my family. I hope one can understand where I'm coming from and know that I'm always here to help in any way I can.

When it comes to my aesthetics: Now normally I don't see this in a lot of rules but I feel the need to add it in mine. If I post an OC aesthetic, PLEASE DO NOT REBLOG IT FOR YOUR OWN OC. Especially if we're not mutuals, and you do not plan on crediting me. I cater my work specifically toward my muses and spend hours on said aesthetic. Please, I work hard on them to promote my ocs the last thing I want is to feel like they're just resources. However, if I happen to post an aesthetic related to a CANON CHARACTER, one is more than fine to reblog and reuse all I ask for is credit. :)

Please refrain from reblogging memes and such from me, as I am not a resource blog and would love the actual person who made the memes to get the credit!

No god-modding my characters, canon or otherwise, I will refuse to respond to the post. I respond best with basic roleplay etiquette.

I WILL NOT respond to any form of AI generated replies/rps.

I have over 15+ years of roleplay experience under my belt, and I am open for plotting. I am a huge plotter and love to make friends, I’ll even spoil you rotten with ship songs and blurbs of said ship! As much as I love to plot, I am open to winging it too! 

I do double/triple up in characters during roleplay, but that’s only because my muses generally tie into one another at some point.

I am extremely oc friendly, and am just plain friendly in general, I also roleplay on discord too.

[beatenxnotxbroken]

HI THERE AND HOWDY! :D

First off, welcome! I’m excited to meet you and get to know you and your lovely muse/muses! I’m even more excited to start plotting and writing together! I just have a few things I’d like to address and get out of the way first! 

If we start talking and or plotting and then you suddenly stop talking to me. I am going to assume you didn’t want to write and may abandon the entire thing, as I am shy and fear of bugging others tends to stop me from asking if they wanted to continue. So please, keep talking/interacting/plotting with me so I know we are okay!   Even if it's just to say hi the last thing I want is to miss out on a chance to make a new story with you. 

I also reserve the right to choose who I roleplay with. I am a mom of three, and I don’t want to feel overwhelmed or ruin any potential good rps between us by taking on too many partners! 

I won’t force myself if I don’t feel a connection/don’t have muse/am uncomfortable with the content of your blog. Please respect my right to take care of myself and make RPing a fun experience. 

I tend to be ship shy especially when it comes to my ocs, and have a hard time asking for a ship/rp, please bare with me for the time being as I gain the courage to ask you to RP. However, I am open to any ship as long as asked and it is plotted. I am 29 years old and will not ship or do NFSW stuff with you unless you’re well over 18. 

I am comfortable with almost anything but child-related offenses, rape, incest, self-harm, and suicide all of these things are extremely triggering for me due to some intense things in my childhood. Absolutely no pedophilia rp or anything to do with harming children on my blog, I will not reply whatsoever. Absolutely ZERO talk about self-harm to me ooc please, I am a recovering self-harmer, and that kind of chatter triggers me severely. However rping it as long as it is not c***ing/burning/hitting oneself (like locking themselves in their room type, doing it for rituals or distractions in battle is different.), then I am usually okay.

When it comes to venting: I completely understand that you might be feeling overwhelmed and in need of someone to talk to. However, as a mother of three, I also have other responsibilities that require my attention. While I am always here to lend an ear and offer support, it can be challenging to constantly handle emotional dumping without any breaks. I truly value any and all conversations and enjoy being a listener, but I also need to take care of myself and my family. I hope one can understand where I'm coming from and know that I'm always here to help in any way I can.

When it comes to my aesthetics: Now normally I don't see this in a lot of rules but I feel the need to add it in mine. If I post an OC aesthetic, PLEASE DO NOT REBLOG IT FOR YOUR OWN OC. Especially if we're not mutuals, and you do not plan on crediting me. I cater my work specifically toward my muses and spend hours on said aesthetic. Please, I work hard on them to promote my ocs the last thing I want is to feel like they're just resources. However, if I happen to post an aesthetic related to a CANON CHARACTER, one is more than fine to reblog and reuse all I ask for is credit. :)

Please refrain from reblogging memes and such from me, as I am not a resource blog and would love the actual person who made the memes to get the credit!

No god-modding my characters, canon or otherwise, I will refuse to respond to the post. I respond best with basic roleplay etiquette.

I WILL NOT respond to any form of AI generated replies/rps.

I have over 15+ years of roleplay experience under my belt, and I am open for plotting. I am a huge plotter and love to make friends, I’ll even spoil you rotten with ship songs and blurbs of said ship! As much as I love to plot, I am open to winging it too! 

I do double/triple up in characters during roleplay, but that’s only because my muses generally tie into one another at some point.

I am extremely oc friendly, and am just plain friendly in general, I also roleplay on discord too.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

For The Gold 🥇 | Top Gun Maverick Imagine

Takes place after the events of TGM

Link to my TGM Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Pilot/Olympian!reader x Dagger squad (platonic), slight Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin

Content warnings: fluff, mentions of injuries, slight profanity. Might be emotional for you so be warned| Gn!reader (They/them) | wc: 12k+

Premise: In which the 2019 TopGun Uranium detachment return to Fightertown to watch and cheer on their colleague & friend as they compete on the greatest sporting stage the world has ever seen for their last chance at Olympic glory.

Note: so I was an athlete growing up (I did gymnastics, soccer, and figure skating) and although I no longer pursue my dream of going to the Olympics (my biggest regret in life) I still get super excited when it comes around. It’s currently World Cup season & I’m hyperfixating to say the least on sports and now have these ideas of a professional athlete!reader works for the dagger squad. Let me know if you want more because I totally have ideas for other sports— especially the ones I played because I have more personal knowledge of them, but I LOVE watching the track and field and nearly went that path when I was a kid because I loved to run and was really fast (I played wing for soccer in high school and I always had people tell me I should’ve been on the track team instead). For this imagine, imagine you were born in 1990 so it would put you at age 30-31 in 2021 and just to be clear this is following the idea that the events of TGM took place in 2019 since the movie was supposed to come out around that time or 2020.

“Let’s freaking go!!!” Javy practically shouts as he claps his hands when entering The Hard Deck to a crowd of people and his friends. Eyes were already glued to the multiple TV screens Penny had set up with the help of regular patrons. There was a table filled with food set out, coolers of ice and beers donated by customers. The bar was buzzing with excitement with many sporting team USA gear and waving American flags. It was the early hours of the morning—literally 5 am and everyone in the building had slept the duration of the previous day in order to pull an all-nighter or had just woken up. They wanted to watch the event live and not the replay later that day due to the 17 hour time difference. News crews were there as well, hoping to catch everyone’s reaction.

The squad rolled their eyes at their colleague, but smiled nonetheless. They too were filled with anticipation. “How much time until their up?” Coyote asked, taking a beer before finding a place beside Hangman. The Dagger squad had arrived early to get good spots with Coyote being the last to arrive. Now there was hardly any space in some areas with the turn out. Civilians and servicemen swarmed every corner.

“About thirty or so minutes. They should be coming into the arena soon.”

Everyone from TopGun was there, including Cyclone, Warlock, Hondo, Maverick and the current aviators going through the TopGun program. Many of the former 2019 detachment had gone off to their old or new assignments, but as soon as the announcement of the team hit the news they were popping off in the group chat and booking flights to Fightertown.

So here they all were. All 12 of the special detachment that trained together for a high-risk uranium enrichment plant mission back again in the Hard Deck like the first night three ago. Rooster, Hangman, Coyote, Phoenix, Bob, Fanboy, Payback, Fritz, Halo, Omaha, Harvard, and Yale. They were only missing one person.

The person across the Pacific Ocean who was the reason they were together to cheer on from home, and would be going for the gold in one final run.

It was the first week of August, 2021. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo, Japan.

What should have been held the year prior, was postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now after years of hard work & dedications, nearly 12 thousand athletes from 206 nations around the world were gathered for the greatest sports event in history.

17 days, 339 events in 33 sports. The gold medal on the line.

For Y/n L/n, this was the moment they’d been waiting for. At 31 years old, Y/n spent their entire childhood and adolescence dreaming of the day they would walk through the tunnel of an Olympic arena to represent the USA. From the moment they could walk the track became their life. Their parents were coaches at Vanderbilt University and were the contributing factor to them pursuing the sport. And at age six, Y/n sat in the stands of the Centennial Olympic Stadium in the summer of 1996 where they witnessed with awe as Micheal Johnson won the gold for the USA in the Men’s 200m & 400m sprint and Carl Lewis defended his title of the long jump champion for four consecutive Olympics. Just days prior Y/n witnessed history for USA Gymnastics when the Magnificent 7 defeated Russia for the US’s first women’s All-Around team gold medal.

It was a memorable Games, held on home soil in the city of Atlanta and with many firsts and defenders.

It was the spark of a lifelong goal for the six year old in the stands.

Blood, sweat, and tears were put into training. From an early age Y/n loved to run. But sprinting was their passion. The 100m, 200m, & 400m became their sole focus.

Everyday, sometimes twice or three times Y/n was running drills and sprints. Their day would start with an early morning jog with their dad before the sun was even out, followed by breakfast before heading to the track. From there they would stretch, run drills, and conditioning. Then they would have an hour break for lunch before doing it all over again until dinner. The day would end with another cycle of drills and conditioning. Y/n would be out of breath, sweating, and sometimes in pain.

But they were determined. Like most athletes who dedicate their lives to the international level they became homeschooled and missed out on many things a typical child or teen would experience. Though Y/n had friends it was only a select few. There was hardly time for a social life and therefore it was hard for them to form connections. It wasn’t until they got into competitions did they begin making friends with fellow competitors.

At age 10 Y/n participated in their first meet. It was a let down, but not a total loss. Sure they didn’t win a medal but they didn’t come in last and that in itself was a win in their eyes. It just made them more determined to do better and the next season they delivered by claiming a regional title. As years went by regionals became state titles and soon Y/n was a national champion at age 16. That winning season had brands reaching out to sponsor the teen, but if they were to also take a chance at an NCAA title in college then sponsorships were gonna have to wait.

2008 was the year to remember. Y/n had attended their first World Championships and although they didn’t win gold, they took the bronze and became a likely contender to make the Olympic team in the upcoming trials. They had just graduated with their diploma and had accepted a full ride to Vanderbilt University as part of their track team. What came as a big surprise to their parents was Y/n would not just be getting their degree and competing for the college team, they would also be doing the Naval ROTC program.

Unbeknownst to their family, Y/n was drawn to the world of aviation. Their grandfather was a fighter pilot for the Navy and would tell them stories of what it was like in the air. He even had a cool callsign, ‘Viper,’ and taught at the Navy’s prestigious school for pilots. When Y/n was a child, he would take them to the air shows and teach them all about the maneuvers they were doing and even brought them to TopGun. They were in awe as he would explain all the gadgets and weapons of the F-14.

Yes, track and the Olympics was their life, but something was calling them to the skies.

“Honey, where did this come from? You never talked about joining the Navy before,” their mother said with confusion at the dinner table when Y/n explained their upcoming schedule. “If you make the team this summer I hope you’re not planning for this to be your only games. You’re so young and could easily go again for London and the 2016 games.”

“That’s still the plan, mom,” Y/n sighed, “But you remember all those stories grandpa would tell me about his pilot days? I want to do something more in case this doesn’t work out—have a backup plan per say. What if I tear my hamstring or something happens that I have to retire?” It wasn’t something they liked to think about, but with being an athlete the next meet is never guaranteed. Injuries are common—especially torn ACLs and hamstrings. Y/n had other passions besides track and wanted something there for if the worst happened.

“Y/n, if you do two years of their program you have to decide whether to commit or not and you’ll likely be commissioned when you graduate,” their father pointed out, “That means you’ll have new priorities and if you're serious about flight school that is going to cut time off the track. London is possible given it will be your last year in college—maybe we can pull some strings and have your commission pushed back if you make the team—-but I don’t think 2016 would be. You’re talking balancing a career as a Naval officer and professional athlete. That’s a lot to take on—physically and mentally.”

He had a point and Y/n knew it. London was in four years and definitely possible even if they fail to make the Beijing team. The location of 2016 had yet to be decided, but with the timing it would put Y/n four years into a possible Navy career.

Still they were wanted to make both work.

An Olympic champion and a fighter pilot.

First they had to get through 2008 and boy was it a year to remember. It fulfilled one half of the Olympic dream for Y/n: making the team and competing on the world’s greatest sporting stage. Tears streamed down their face as they embraced their parents following the end of the trials. It was a hell of a trials with Y/n competing against some of the best track stars in the country. They were completely starstruck when Allison Felix congratulated them following the announcement, Y/n remembered watching her four years prior in Athens for her Olympic debut and thought, ‘I really hope we’re teammates in Beijing.’

Unfortunately, a gold medal was not in store for the athlete. Of the three events; 100m, 200m, & 400m, Y/n only qualified for the 200m & 400m after finishing in the top two of their heat. The night of the 200m finals was a saddening with Y/n finishing fourth, just shy of a medal, but the Games were not a total loss when days later an Olympic bronze medal was placed around their neck and the American Flag rose alongside Great Britain and Jamaica’s.

And so the next four years of training for London—with Rio De Janeiro in 2016 looming around the corner—began the second they touched back on U.S soil. On top it was the pressure of securing NCAA titles not to mention A’s & B’s in their classes, while also getting through one of the top collegiate ranked NROTC programs.

It was a lot. And Y/n became burnt out at times. They had already set their name in record books at the national level, now it was time to amp up the game on the international and college level. A bronze medal would not satisfy Y/n, gold was the goal.

It all paid off by the time 2012 arrived. With a few more national titles under their belt and a World Championship in the 400m, Y/n was the talk for a gold among commentators. At the end of their collegiate career they secured several titles in their three events and managed to come out with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. In regards to the NROTC Y/n committed to the program after their second year and was set to commission that summer. The trials were around the same time as what would have been the ceremony, but after several meetings they allowed it to be postponed until after the trials. It would be some time before Y/n would be assigned an OTS due to the path they were taking with flight school and therefore it would likely not interfere with the upcoming Olympics. “Bring home the gold for us,” the officer shook their hand at the end. It filled them with nerves, but mostly perseverance, “I plan to.”

The trials were a success once again with Y/n having the honor to call themselves a two-time Olympian. The five colored rings were tattooed on their bicep, something they did immediately after Beijing that often resulted in being recognized in public, and gold was in their mind. After qualifying for all three events and earning a place on the 4x100 relay, Y/n had four chances at the gold: 3 individual and 1 team.

It was a silver lining moment in all three individual events. After failing to qualify for the 100m finals in Beijing, Y/n pulled a show stopping finish in the last heat earning them a place in the final. It was the most heat pumping 10 seconds of their life that happened in the blink of an eye. Before they knew it they were on the podium with a silver medal and the same would follow in the 200m and 400m. At the end of the 400m ceremony they were bombarded by reporters with the same question, “Y/n, what a run tonight, congratulations again this is your third medal in these games and it seems to be a silver lining moment for you. What are your thoughts?”

Still coming off the emotion from winning their fourth Olympic medal, a privilege not many could say, Y/n smiled wide, “It’s amazing really, you know I took the bronze four years ago in this event and I’m so grateful to come out with another medal—this time being silver. I couldn’t believe Monday night when I took the silver in the 100m—just making it to the finals after not qualifying in Beijing was an accomplishment and same goes for taking second in the 200m. I want to thank my parents, who are also my coaches and have been with me on this journey since the beginning. I’m just so blessed and filled with happiness tonight—I could not have done this without them.”

“You still have a chance at the gold in Wednesday’s relay. How are you feeling about that? What can we expect by the team?”

“We have such an amazing group for the relay, I’m so honored I get to represent the United States alongside them. Every one of us have worked so hard to be here and have really put our blood, sweat, and tears. Hopefully bring home the gold—I know each of us are going to give it our best.”

Y/n’s publicist from the side was signaling for them to hurry up, “One last question before you go,” the reporter quickly said. “For the people at home who have been cheering you on these past four years, can we expect you to return for Rio? I know you could very well take the gold in the relay, but are you hoping to try for an individual in the future?” This was the question Y/n had been preparing for the entire games. Having managed to keep their NROTC program hidden from the media, it troubled Y/n to reveal they would be a Navy officer by the end of the summer. It wasn’t odd for active duty members to be athletes, there were plenty who participated in the games every four years. It would just be difficult given the career path they chose and having to get all the paperwork filed for time off around meets and international competitions.

After a moment of thinking, they finally answered, “I’m very lucky I get to say I competed in these games twice now. I’m twenty-two now and will be twenty-six by the time Rio comes around—not to mention I start flight school pretty soon,” there was immediate surprise by the reporter, but Y/n continued and was quick to finish with. “I’m gonna work hard as I always do and hopefully Rio is in the cards for me. But to give a yes or no imma just say yes, that is the plan.”

Before the reporter could question the topic of flight school, Y/n was already saying goodbye and letting their publicist pull them away. The relay was in two days and was their last chance at winning a gold for the London games. Of course, Y/n was hopeful they would make the Rio team for the sake of winning an individual gold medal. There would no doubt be glory and honor if they were to win the relay, but it had been their dream since childhood to stand on the podium with a gold around their neck for one of their events.

The relay was all they ever dreamed of. A strong group with Y/n leading the first leg before handing it off, giving their teammate a great start to pull a lead against the other nations. As they were walking back to the start, their heart was racing and not just from the adrenaline…but by their teammate being the first to cross the finish line. Then there was the sound of the announcer amongst the roaring crowd, “WORLD RECORD!!!” with the USA appearing beside the #1 spot.

Y/n was screaming before they could stop themselves, “Oh my god!!” knees hit the track as they sank to the ground. They couldn’t even hear themselves by the cheers. It was a spectacular moment with Y/n pulling themselves up to run and embrace their teammates and share the glory they just made. Not only were they Olympic champions but also World Record holders of the 4x100m relay.

“The United States has taken the gold here today in the 4x100m relay and a new world record has been set thanks to the extraordinary start by Y/n L/n.” “This relay group gave it their all today, John. It was such a close call coming around on the third leg, but the Americans pulled through for a stunning finish for Olympic gold.”

With an American flag in their hand, Y/n joined their teammates beside the record projection. They were teary eyed, but held off from crying because they knew the emotion would come full heartedly on the podium. And boy did it come. The second the national anthem was playing, the first tear fell from Y/n’s eyes. The medal was heavy around their neck, but it was a reminder that they achieved the goal they set out when they were six years old.

Olympic champion.

And they got to share it with their teammates—an immense honor they would cherish till the end of time.

Y/n could barely remember all that happened following the podium ceremony. After a celebration with their parents and best friend, who flew all the way out to London to support them, they had no more events and got to rest for the remainder of the games. Closing ceremonies were spectacular. One of Y/n’s favorite moments from the Beijing games was getting to mingle with athletes from the other nations during the closing ceremonies. This time around Y/n was speechless as they got to see a Spice Girls reunion and One Direction perform.

Life became chaotic to say the least following the return from London. After winning four medals including a gold, Y/n was asked by several talk show hosts to appear for an interview. They accepted a few and were immediately bombarded with questions about the little detail they slipped after winning the silver in the 400m. “You made it known to the world that you’ll be going to flight school, was it? What can you tell us about that?”

“Well during my time at Vanderbilt, where I competed for them in the NCAA—which can I say, It’s a completely different ball field when your parents are not only your coaches for international competitions but also college meets. The energy is different, especially because they’ve been there for almost two decades now and are the definition of school spirit. Anyways, while I was there I also took the route of doing their Navy ROTC program. My grandfather was a fighter pilot for the Navy and pretty much became my inspiration for wanting to fly—on top of being an athlete. It was something I thought long and hard about. I wasn’t sure if I would even make the London team and of course anything can happen, but I knew I wanted to go to fight school back when I competed in 2008. I actually will be commissioning once I’m done with all this post-Olympic press.”

The ceremony was a bittersweet moment. With their friends and family around them, Y/n was pinned on with the ranks of Ensign and named an officer of the United States Navy. From there were the challenges of balancing a career as both a professional athlete and naval aviator. Often were days of bad mental health and aches after overexertion. OTS & Flight school was intense but shaped Y/n in many ways. The first day they were recognized by a classmate resulting in the callsign, “Olympian,” after everyone would say, “Hey, Olympian!” when calling out to them after two straight days.

“Could’ve been worse,” Y/n chuckled after their parents were like, ‘really?’ when they told them. “I mean it could have been something like ‘Short-track,’ or ‘Goldilocks,’ if they thought about it. If I fucked up doing something then they would’ve named me something related to it. I’ll take Olympian cause that’s what I am.”

After completing flight school and receiving their first duty station, Y/n made the decision to hire a new coach. The World Championships were coming up and they did not want to uproot their parents while they were still the head coaches at Vanderbilt. At first they protested, but eventually relented on the condition that Y/n’s coach would be their former colleague. He was the former head coach of Vanderbilt when their parents were athletes themselves before becoming assistant coaches. “He is everything you need to bring your A-game these next seasons and Rio. I’ll make the call first thing in the morning and see what he says.”

The four years between London and Rio were brutal. The training with their new coach and balancing an aviation career showed more hardships than ever. Y/n proved themselves to be a talented pilot despite the struggles and eventually was invited in 2015 to attend the Navy’s prestigious Fighter Weapons School more commonly known as Top Gun. The same place their grandfather attended and taught at.

A hard decision had to be made when the invite came. The time period interfered with the track season and Y/n would not be able to defend their two-consecutive world titles in the 400m sprint. In the end, Y/n announced they would be pulling out from the 2015 season to attend Top Gun. They weighed out the pros and cons and felt it was the best route given the Olympics were a year away. If an injury were to occur then it could result in Y/n not even having the chance to do the trials. Their coach was frustrated in the beginning, as one would be after dominating the national and international meets for two years straight. He eventually put his differences aside to put focus on what Y/n needed to improve if they were to take the gold in Rio.

It was at Top Gun that Y/n met fellow naval aviator Natasha “Phoenix” Trace. They were seated next to each other in one of the many lecture rooms at Fightertown where Nat had to do a double take after recognition sparked in her. Nat was an athlete in high school and college who, like many, would sit with her family to watch the Olympics every four years. Though she didn’t run track, a sibling of hers did so they would always tune into the events when they came on. After seeing the patch reading ‘Olympian,’ Nat had to hold back her fangirling as the memory of her cheering when the US took gold in the 4x100m relay. ‘It has to be them.’ At the end of the lecture she approached Y/n with a shy smile, “I’m so sorry if this is weird for you, but are you Y/n L/n? I’m Natasha—Phoenix.”

They struck up a friendship during their time at Top Gun. The two bonded over their NCAA careers and sports in general. Nat admired Y/n for being able to balance being an athlete and aviator, for she made the difficult decision to not pursue her sport after college. What was ironic was they didn’t feel threatened by the other when going after the top spot in their class, considering they were both obviously competitive. Both had immense respect for the other, and didn’t care at the end of the day who came out on top. They both had similar hobbies outside of flying and would spend nights watching movies, going to the bars, or playing volleyball with their fellow pilots. It was a genuine friendship with Nat supporting Y/n even after they graduated from Top Gun both ranked #1 in their class.

Nat even took time off to attend the 2016 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials. There she witnessed Y/n, who she now called a best friend, qualify for their third consecutive Olympics. Nat never screamed louder in her life than when Y/n took the top spot on the team for their events. “Oh my God, you did it!” She hugged the athlete when it was all done. “Holy shit congratulations, Oly! This is it—this is gonna be your year!” Nat wouldn’t be in Rio, but promised to cheer Y/n from home.

Unfortunately the journey for the individual gold medal ended before it could even start. After qualifying for the 100m and 200m finals with the expectation of being part of the relay team once again, Y/n’s dream of gold crashed during the semifinals of the 400m.

Literally crashed.

Their signature event which had an Olympic bronze and silver to their name as well as several World titles, ended in catastrophe. As Y/n came up on the last leg with the final turn, Y/n had a tight lead against their main opponent. But before they could blink the athlete to their left tripped and fell to the side directly in front of them. Moving so fast and unable to stop to avoid the person, Y/n topped over and felt a searing pain in their side as they landed awkwardly.

Gasps rang out before the stadium fell silent with just the faint sound of cheers from the winners of the race. Y/n was panting, clutching onto their side as fire filled the entire right side of their body. The athlete who tripped was in tears and apologizing profusely. There was still adrenaline from the sprint as the arena stopped spinning around Y/n. Determined to cross the finish line, Y/n pulled themself up and helped their fellow athlete up, “It’s okay, c’mon. Let’s finish this.” They were crying and Y/n had their own tears from the pain in their side and leg, but they only had a few yards to go. Cradling their right arm, Y/n was practically limping alongside their opponent while struggling to breath. Each time they took a breath they were met with pain, not to mention each step had them wince.

They didn’t want to think of the extent of the injuries. The pain alone indicated it was bad. Y/n knew right there their Rio run was done for. Their lips trembled as the reality set in.

The athlete saw Y/n’s condition and immediately brought them to their side as they approached the finish line. Cheers and claps ignited the stadium. There was no doubt they were moved by the display of sportsmanship between two athletes from differing nations. Both with the same goal of Olympic glory that would not be delivered.

Y/n was swarmed by the medical staff. The athlete who tripped them kept apologizing, filled with guilt, embarrassment and shame causing injuries to the Olympian. They felt a little pain from falling but nothing to the extent Y/n had. They had practically gone flying forward and crash landed to avoid hitting their head hard on the track. Now that the adrenaline had finally worn off, Y/n was having to do everything to hold back from collapsing. Y/n embraced the athlete with a hug despite the multiple medics yelling at them, “Don’t blame yourself, it could have happened to anyone. Okay? I’m not angry with you at all.” It was true, Y/n wasn’t angry. Were they sad? Of course, their Olympics were totally over after being diagnosed with a fractured right arm, a bruised rib, mild concussion from hitting their head on the track, and a torn ACL in their right knee.

Commentators were speechless when the incident occurred, “Coming around the corner on the final stretch it’s a tight race between USA, Jamaica, and France—Oh! Oh no! Oh my goodness, there’s been a crash here ladies and gentleman and it doesn’t look good for the American Y/n L/n. Not at all, they are not moving—oh wait no they are getting up right now and helping the athlete from Poland. But L/n looks to be in pain they’re holding onto their arm and I can see they are having trouble jogging—a slight limp to their step. Now the Polish athlete has taken L/n under their arm and they are crossing the finish line to the cheers of the arena in a display that could only be described as what the Olympics is truly about. Great sportsmanship here folks. It’s unsure what L/n is feeling right now but one thing is certain, we will not get to see Y/n go for the gold in the 400m final.”

After the race when the NBC announcers live from Rio were in the studio recapping, they gave an update to Y/n’s situation.

“Breaking news we’ve just received on American Y/n L/n. After the unfortunate incident in tonight’s 400m semifinal, the 26-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee was rushed to the hospital after it was realized the injuries they sustained were more severe than what they thought. It’s being reported Y/n is in surgery for a fracture to their right arm and torn ligament in their right knee. It’s also been noted the athlete suffered a mild concussion as well as a bruised rib. Their coach has come out with a statement on behalf of L/n letting it be known they’ll not be competing in the 100 and 200m finals nor the 4x100 and 4x400m relays they were scheduled to compete in. L/n also has said they will remain in Rio to recover until after the conclusion of these Olympic Games before returning with their teammates to the States.

“The gold medalist in the team relay from four years ago has not said if they will be aiming for a shot at the 2020 games in Tokyo, Japan. L/n was the 2008 bronze medalist in the 400m dash before claiming silver medals in the 100, 200, and 400m in London as well as sharing the gold for the 4x100m relay. They were the leading contender for an individual gold in one of the events after dominating the 2013 and 2014 World Championships. The three-time Olympian pulled out from the 2015 season due to conflicting commitments after revealing in 2012 they were commissioned into the United States Navy following their time at Vanderbilt University. These games in Rio were their first international competition since the one year hiatus. We can only hope Y/n will continue their journey to an individual gold medal in Tokyo, but from those of us in the studio and on behalf of everyone watching at home, we wish Y/n L/n a speedy recovery and safe trip back to the States.”

It was a solemn week in Rio with Y/n sitting in a hospital bed and the games playing on the tv screen. Their coach was with them, as was their dad and together they cheered the US when they took the gold in several events including defending the 4x100m relay. The doctors in Rio gave Y/n a recovery period of nearly one year—the longest healing process being the torn knee. It would be nine months until Y/n could even jog on it, but the doctors recommended waiting a full year before testing it. PT was going to be a pain in the ass, but as long as they didn’t run or do sprints then Y/n would be able to do all else after everything else healed.

Their concussion lasted a couple weeks and the bruised rib took over a month to heal, as did the fractured arm. The 2017 worlds and nationals were out of the question. Thankfully Y/n was still able to fly once the concussion was gone and their arm was fully functional.

The entire year the athlete was unsure of what to do about Tokyo. All their focus was put into flying. Running missions instead of the track and being promoted to Lieutenant in 2018. That same year they decided to try for one more shot at Olympic gold by training for Tokyo. Their coach and parents were all too pleased—even Nat after Y/n called her up to ask for advice. They had a lot to work on since Y/n waited an extra six months after fully recovering. The 2018 season was unattainable so the goal was a comeback in the 2019 season gearing up for the 2020 Olympics.

Just like when Y/n was a child, blood, sweat, and tears were put into training. More times could they remember wanting to quit when their knee started to act up after a bad start off the blocks. They had more arguments with their coach which only fueled the fire. Lastly they were on intense missions that took a toll on their mental health. Nat would check in on them every once in a while, but Y/n brushed it off. This is what they signed up for. They made their bed, now they were to lay in it.

2019 nearly brought deja vu. The World Championships were held in Qatar at the end of September leading into October when Y/n got the call from Vice Admiral Beau ‘Cyclone’ Simpson.

“The Pentagon has tasked me with assembling a strike team for a special detachment. I’ve seen your record and I feel you have what it takes to be a possible member of this mission. Now I know your situation and it is my understanding you’re currently in Qatar, what time are you expected to be stateside?”

Y/n’s hands were shaking, dread filling them at the thought they would likely have to decline an assignment. But these championships were more imported. “The last day is the sixth, but if I qualify for the finals of all my events then I should be done by the fifth, sir.”

“That’s perfect,” his words had them sigh in relief. “The tentative date to report to North Island is the 24th. I’ll be emailing you the information at another time.”

“Yes, sir. I will be there. Thank you for informing me, sir.”

“Oh and Lieutenant?” Cyclone stopped them before they could end the call.

“Yes, sir?”

There’s a slight pause, “Good luck out there. Bring home the gold for us.”

And bring it home they did. In an amazing comeback after what could have been a career ending injury, Y/n L/n reclaimed their title as the world champion in the 400m dash. They fell short in the 200m, but left with the silver and even secured the gold for the team 4x100m & 4x400m relays. People called it the ‘comeback of the decade,’ and Y/n fell subject to a lot of media attention in the world of sports. Their publicist did their best to handle the press once they found out about Y/n’s upcoming commitment. “I won’t let a single soul find out about this, Y/n, I promise you. The devil works hard, but I work harder.”

Once stateside track was put on hold to prepare and partake for the special Top Gun detachment. Dressed in their service khaki’s, Y/n entered The Hard Deck for the first time in three years and was immediately tackled by Phoenix. “You’re here! Holy shit when did you get back?”

“Like two weeks ago, I’ve been chilling since Qatar since there were no assignments until this.”

“Wait, you’re here for the Top Gun detachment too?” Phoenix raised a brow before frowning, “Why didn’t you tell me the other day on the phone?”

Y/n gave the woman a look, “I wasn’t sure we could even mention it to people. Plus you didn’t say anything either, Phee.” They got her there, the pilot raising a hand as if to say, “touché”. By now they have drawn the attention of several other aviators, who all appeared amused by the display of affection by Natasha and were curious to know who it was that received it. One person, Bob, had their jaw dropped when it clicked who they were. Payback appeared to be deep in thought, like they recognized Y/n but couldn’t put a name to their face.

“Trace, you gonna introduce us to your friend?” the blonde aviator, Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin said with a pool cue in hand. He was totally checking Y/n out with a settle drift of the eyes up and down. They didn’t look impressed but smiled to the others nonetheless.

Natasha brought the pilot over and proudly introduced them, “Fellas, this is Y/n L/n. Better known as ‘Olympian.’ One of the best damn pilots you’ll ever see. We both shared the honor of first in the class at Top Gun in 2015.” Nat then introduced all the guys and their callsigns, Y/n shaking each of their hands—Bob still appeared starstruck when they let go of his hand.

“Olympian, huh?” Hangman chuckled at the name, “That’s quite the callsign. What are you Greek? Or obsessed with mythology?” Rooster glared at the man, but also looked curious for the reason behind the Y/n’s callsign. Even their name sounded familiar. They had yet to see the tattoo on Y/n’s bicep, which now had the names Beijing XXIX, London XXX and Rio XXXI in tiny cursive below the rings.

Before Nat or Y/n could fire back at Jake, Bob dropped his cup of peanut shells. Everyone looked at him like, ‘what the hell, man?’ But Y/n started to smile, recognizing the shock in his face as though he had been right about something.

“S-sorry. Oh my God,” he stuttered with red cheeks, “You’re Y/n L/n. L-like THE Olympic gold medalist Y/n L/n. Oh my God I’ve watched you since 2008–since Beijing!” The revelation had shocked looks from everyone now besides Nat of course.

Payback suddenly jumped from his seat, “holy shit! I knew I recognized you from somewhere but couldn’t exactly figure it out for the life of me.” The man was stationed in London at the time of the Olympic Games and attended the night the US won gold in the relays. Now here is a member that he cheered on from the stands in front of him. “Wow, I was in London seven years ago—I-I saw you compete. This is fucking unreal.” Y/n laughed, shaking Payback’s hand. He was still coming down from the shock, having just crossed his mind that all over ESPN and Sportscenter the past month sportscasters were talking about Y/n’s comeback.

“Wait a minute,” Rooster pitched in, the memory of being in a bar the summer of 2016 played in his mind. In the same memory he remembered watching the 400m semifinals on the tv scream and gasping with everyone else when the American contender for the gold had tripped over their competitor and was out the remainder of the games. Coming closer to the scene in front of him, Rooster’s eyes caught the black ink on Y/n’s bicep. “Well I’ll be damned. You’re a pilot, a naval pilot like us? And you’re a fucking olympian?”

“Three-time to be exact, but who’s counting?” Y/n teased, causing Phoenix to chuckle and hand them a beer. All the men minus Payback and Bob, who had slight knowledge of Y/n’s career, practically had their eyes bulging. Rooster honestly thought they had just been in London and Rio. “It’s nice to meet you all. And to answer your question…Bradley, right?”

“Yeah, but please call me Rooster.” Y/n tried not to giggle at the callsign.

“Rooster, but yes I am a pilot, as our lovely Phoenix has pointed out I graduated Top Gun with her three years ago.”

“Weren’t you just in Qatar two weeks ago?” Payback asked when he remembered the World Championships in Athletics had just taken place. All over sportscenter they were talking about the comeback of the decade. “I swear I just watched you on my tv the other day during replays of the world championships.”

Y/n sipped their beer before replying with a nod, “Yeah I was. I probably wouldn’t be here if the timing wasn’t perfect.”

“That’s crazy,” Fanboy commented, still in disbelief he was speaking to an actual Olympic athlete. After hearing the stories from his fellow athletes— and doing a quick google search when no one was looking—Mickey was internally fanboying like his callsign namesake. “How have you managed to do both?”

“Lot’s of sleepless nights, determination, desire to win, and tequila on the weekends.” There were laughs at that. For the rest of the night Y/n fell into conversation with everyone. A few asked for a picture, which they were happy to do, and even signed some autographs for Bob and Fanboy. They caught up with Nat, relieved London memories with Payback and went into detail about their injuries when Rooster brought it up.

“I was at the bar with some buddies and saw that happen live. Everyone couldn’t believe it and I remember seeing you limp across the finish line with the, I think it was the Polish athlete? That’s amazing you even managed to get up after a crash like that.” Y/n was on their second beer, sitting between Bob and Coyote and across from Rooster while the others listened from the sides as they continued the game of pool.

“What were you thinking at that moment?” Javy asked with curiosity. “Did you like automatically know it was over for you?”

Y/n thought for a bit before replying, “the second I hit the track I knew my chances for the 400m were done—it was the semifinals after all. When I first felt the pain I thought it was the typical instant pain that would go away after a bit. Then when I started to move it got worse and as soon as I got up I thought, ‘yeah there’s no way I’m gonna be able to do the finals or relays.’ My chest was on fire from the bruised rib and then I could barely feel my knee once the adrenaline wore off. I probably would’ve collapsed after the finish line if they weren’t holding me up.”

‘Damns’ and ‘wows,’ rang out before Bob politely asked, “Are you going to try for the Tokyo team?”

“Yup,” they exhaled with a nervous chuckle at the end. “It’s gonna be tough I feel with how these past couple seasons have been, but I’m hoping for one final Olympics. It will be my last chance at gold—Individual gold,” they corrected before anyone could comment.

“You’re gonna retire?” Fanboy tilted his head, a little saddened at the thought. Throughout the night he had been on his phone watching replays of Y/n’s meets including their Olympic and World Championship runs. He tried not to react when he watched the 2016 400m semifinals. Now the thought of them retiring felt like a loss to the sport. It was like how he felt when Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt retired.

“Maybe not fully,” Y/n gave a small smile. “I might do one last season and a Worlds, but I don’t think I’m gonna go for the Paris Games.”

Payback came over and clapped them on the back, “Well I don’t know about these clowns but you can count on me to cheer you on next year. Hell I might even come to the trials.”

“That’s what I did in ‘16,” Phoenix cut in with a smile. “It was amazing and I’ll be in the stands again. Already planning to take time off to be there.” Y/n felt the warmth and gratitude swarm in them, “Thanks, Phee.”

What should have been three weeks of special combat training turned out to be two. The pressure was on with Y/n pushing their limit harder than ever—even exceeded that of their comeback. Never had the F-18 they’d become accustomed to flying feel like a stranger. Maverick was like their coach and Y/n made it their own personal goal to prove to him they had what it took to fly the mission.

At one point Y/n nearly pulled out as a candidate. When the details of the assignment were brought into light Y/n had to think hard about what they were doing. It was not going to be an easy mission. Not by a long shot. Ending badly was a great possibility compared to actually pulling it off. Their life was on the line.

What if they died? What if they got injured to the point they would have to medically retire? Decades of training for the Olympics would end if something horrible happened. Y/n had three to their name, an honor not everyone gets to have, but there was their chance at redemption after 2016 was now on the line.

In the end 6 of the 13 candidates were chosen and although Y/n felt a little saddened they were not chosen, there was a sense of relief. They were put on reserves and boarded the carrier for a long week ahead of them. When it was time to send off their teammates, Y/n pulled them each into a hug, letting it linger on Nat and making her promise to come back. “If worse comes to worse, L/n,” Payback said, “You better win the gold in our honor.” There were mutters of agreement from the others.

“How about you focus on coming back so you can watch me win it in your honor.”

They fulfilled the promise, because now here they were in The Hard Deck about to watch Y/n attempt to keep their side of the bargain. It was 5:15 am on Friday August 6th, 2021. The second to last day of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad held in Tokyo, Japan. And it was the finals of the 400m sprint.

Just a couple months ago in June several members of the squad including Phoenix, Payback, Rooster, Hangman, & Bob met up in Eugene, Oregon to attend the trials for the U.S Olympic Track & Field Team. Following covid precautions they wore their masks and stayed together in their own little group literally competing themselves on who could cheer the loudest. It was a bittersweet moment watching their friend and former teammate secure their place in their fourth and final Olympics. Hangman and Phoenix nearly shed a tear, the former consumed with emotion as they looked on proud at their partner waving to the crowd. Their romance was a surprise, but after the two met to catch up in March of 2020, they ended up having to go thorough lockdown together.

And well…..forced proximity can do wonders when you’re attracted to someone.

Jake wished he could be in Tokyo with Y/n, but even though it had been over a year since the virus broke out and sanctions were being uplifted there were still regulations set in stone for the Olympics. The entire event was postponed a whole year, but was still referred to as the 2020 Olympics despite being 2021. Only the athletes and coaches, which were limited to only one, were allowed to travel. Leading up to the Games, Penny had issued a vaccination verification and made the mask policy optional for those who had been fully vaccinated. She even went as far as making a limit for attendees during the week of the track and field events and had people reserve a spot in advance. She even set up screens outside for people to keep space in the building.

It was still a pretty full house and it was buzzing with excitement as it had been the whole week. Many were regulars who came every night to watch the heats, semifinals, and finals of many events but mostly people were there to watch their very own Top Gun alumni Y/n L/n. Even their parents were there—flying to San Diego to be a part of the watch party. They were already filled with nerves, Y/n’s mother was very upset she couldn’t be there in Tokyo with her child. If they won the gold it would be a bittersweet moment since her parents wouldn’t be there to celebrate in person until they returned home.

It was already a successful Games for the Olympian. The week before Y/n won the bronze in the 100m dash and 4x400 mixed relay and reclaimed the silver in the 200m. The place erupted in cheers each time with the dagger squad being the loudest. It would increase whenever the camera panned to Y/n, who was in obvious joy at racking more medals to their Olympic collection.

But now the pressure was on with one final individual event.

The 400m sprint.

Their signature event with two medals and several titles to their name.

One final shot at gold.

There would still be the relays, in which the final for the 4x100m would take place an hour after the 400m final and then the 4x400m the following night, but Y/n becoming an Olympic champion for an individual event would happen in less than fifteen minutes. The program flipped between other events while in prep for the race, often showing Y/n in the tunnel as they awaited the announcement of the finalists.

At around 5:20 all eyes were glued to the screen with someone yelling, “Turn it up!’ when the sportscasters appeared to be talking about Y/n. The pilots all had the same expression, wincing when they replayed the footage of the 2016 semifinals.

“I think we can all agree we are looking forward to this race, right Steph?”

“That’s right, John. You know, all eyes have been on Y/n L/n these Games. They have already had a great run with three medals, two bronze and a silver with three more events to go. They have quite the Olympic career since their debut in 2008 at the age of eighteen. They came up forth in the 200m in Beijing and walked away with the bronze medal in the 400m,” below the commentator was Y/n’s Olympic statistics. “Then they had a spectacular run in London where we saw them on the podium in each of their events. Silver medals in the sprints and It was their start off the blocks in the 4x100m relay that I believe is what secured the Americans the gold.”

“I agree, Steph. I can still recall that race and the emotions I felt. L/n had an amazing post-Olympic run after London—totally dominating the 2013 & 2014 seasons. Let’s not forget they were one of the top athletes in the NCAA’s during their time at Vanderbilt. I definitely believe it would have continued into 2015 if they hadn’t pulled out, but they still were the leading contender for the Rio Games. It was the height of the career I feel.” The screen was now split to showcase footage of Y/n’s 2013 & 2014 Worlds. Then it showed the heats and semifinals of Rio.

“Totally, John, they dominated the trials that year. They very well could have left Rio with more medals—quite possibly a gold in 400m which is their signature event. Everytime I rewatch the semifinals I almost have to look away at the final turn.”

“I know, it was an unfortunate incident that ended Y/n’s Olympics before they could really start. We almost didn’t know if we would even see them here in Tokyo, but after a spectacular comeback at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar, I had very high hopes we would get to this moment.”

“Me too, John, the pressure is on for the 31-year-old, let’s see if they can deliver,” the commentator turns to look at the camera with Y/n’s picture beside her, “Well it’s almost time for the 400m and it looks they are about to announce the finalists so we are going to have our crew in the stadium takeover our coverage. We will see you back here in the studio after the race and be sure to stick around because the night won’t be over for the four-time Olympian. Y/n is set to be one the four of today’s 4x100m relay final and tomorrow’s 4x400m relay.”

The screen switched to reveal the stadium, specifically the entrance tunnel where a projection would show the name and nation of the finalists. Y/n had taken the top spot in their heat and the semifinal so they would get the fourth lane on the track.

“Here we go!” Someone in the Hard Deck clapped, causing a few more people to follow. The cheers heightened when the American flag appeared above the name Y/n L/n.

First the announcement was in Japanese, then the English translator spoke through the stadium “In Lane Four, representing the United States of America, Y/n L/n!” With a shy smile, Y/n appeared from the side and walked until they were directly beneath their name. Then they turned to the camera and gave a wave followed by blowing a kiss to the screen and lastly throwing a peace sign. It must have been a little awkward without a packed stadium like the previous Games. Only a small section was filled with locals and the coaches of the athletes.

“That’s my best friend!” Nat yelled over the cheers. Several others followed the pilot, “Let’s go, Y/n!” “Bring it home!” “One last time, baby, let’s go!”

The remaining finalists were announced and took their place behind the starting blocks. When the camera panned to Y/n, their eyes were closed in a silent prayer.

“Take your mark.”

Their eyes snapped open with a shaky breath, feet carrying them to the starting blocks. Y/n did a ritual stretch down, tapping the tops of their toes with their hands before bending down to place their feet in the right position. Glancing up to the sky, Y/n said in their head, “please, give me this one moment.” Tucking their chin into their chest, Y/n waiting with anticipation like everyone else in the world watching.

It was like time slowed. “Set.” Their knees lifted off the track.

*Pop* the sound of the gun and Y/n catapulted off the blocks. Their eyes never faltered as they ahead at the track and let their legs do the work. In their peripheral they saw their opponents, the space between them slowly decreasing by the second as they pulled into the final stretch. Coming around the corner there was no one in Y/n’s sight. The finish line drew closer. Y/n didn’t know if they were in the lead by a long shot or if it was only a nanosecond.

Their heart pounded in their chest, sweat dripping from their forehead. Heaved breaths left their mouth and Y/n could feel her bad knee start to burn. But they pushed and they pushed.

All Y/n knew as they crossed the finish line was the world record flashed and their eyes snapped to the board which resulted in them screaming. As the announcer yelled through the coms, “WORLD RECORD!!” Y/n fell to their knees in tears.

#1 Y/N L/N—USA 47.50 (WR, OR)

Below their name were spots 2-8. And not only did Y/n just take the gold in their last individual event, but they also broke the World and Olympic records. Records that had been set for decades.

When Y/n finally lifted their head they were met with beaming faces of their competitors. They all congratulated the athlete, some hugging and patting their back. The world record sign was still flashing and Y/n felt another wave of emotion. This time they ran to their coach, aware the cameraman was keeping up with them to get a close look for the viewers at home.

Y/n could only imagine what it was like in Fightertown.

The second the athletes were lining up, Coyote yelled, “Everybody shut up!!” Silence filled the building, everyone’s focus on their respected screen. “Set.” *Pop* The racers were off and the commentators were already speaking frantically. “Great start off the blocks for L/n, coming around on the first turn neck and neck with the athlete from the Bahamas. Jamaica and Great Britain are not too far as they take on the long stretch of the track.”

“Go! Go!” People started to scream. Bob was biting his nails, Rooster was gripping his beer bottle. Hangman and Coyote were already off of their seats, “C’mon, Y/n! You got this!” It got louder as they approached the final turn.

“L/n is starting to pull a lead as they come up the turn, but the Bahamas are right there—this was the moment L/n’s Olympic dreams were shattered in Rio—O-oh! L/n has overtaken the Bahamas—they’ve got a huge gap as they pull into the final stretch! Oh my God we could be witnessing history—L/n is .10ths of a second ahead of the World Record and increasing their lead ahead of the others by an outstanding margin!”

“Let’s go!!!” The commentators' words were barely there as it competed with the uproar of spectators in the Hard Deck. Everyone was pretty much out of their seats and jumping as they watched Y/n’s lead increase with each step to the finish line. “You’re almost there!! Go! Go! Go!”

Then it exploded.

“THEY’VE DONE IT! Y/N L/n has won the gold for America!! They smashed the Olympic record and set the World record for the 400m dash by .10 of a second at these Olympic Games in Tokyo!”

“OH MY GOD!!!” Phoenix and several others screamed. She and Halo embraced in a hug with Nat covering her mouth to hold back her emotion when the screen showed Y/n screaming out to the sky before falling to their knees. The guys were all jumping around, Rooster and Payback embraced in a side hug, pulling Jake who was pretty much in tears as he watched the display of his partner.

“After heartbreak four years ago in Rio that put them out of a chance for the gold, Y/n L/n has come out on top in Tokyo. They can finally add Olympic Champion to their name as well as Olympic and World record holder of the 400m dash. In what could be the last time we see Y/n L/n in an Olympic Games, they have achieved what they set out to do since their debut in Beijing 13 years ago. What a stunning finish to a beautiful Olympic career in the sport of track and field.”

Y/n’s parents were clenched in each other’s arms, eyes rimmed as their own tears poured. They were filled with so much happiness for their child and wished nothing more to be in the crowd and share this moment with them. At the bar top Warlock, Hondo, and Maverick were high-fiving while Cyclone clapped along with a smile. Penny rang the bell simply to join the cheers.

It was truly spectacular to witness. The slow motion replay was on the screen followed by the Y/n’s reaction when they looked up to find their name on the board. The cheers kept going and only started to quiet down when TV showed the athlete in their post race interview. “Y/n, what a night here tonight. Congratulations are in store, you have not only taken an individual gold but also the World record—and the Olympic record! It’s your fourth medal in these Games, the first gold—how are you feeling right now after this victory?”

Everyone hushed to listen, but were grinning wide and some were wiping away tears. Y/n’s face was flushed, still coming off of the high of what had just happened. “O-oh I can’t even put it into words how I’m feeling right now,” there was a slight sniff, Y/n using their finger to wipe their face but was careful not to let the material of the American flag draped around their shoulders touch their skin.

“This is a dream come true. It has been a long journey to get here and I-I am so honored to have been a part of this team for as long as I have. You know after the 100 & 200 I didn’t want to have my hopes too high because as you can see anything can happen in these Games,” Y/n chuckled, eyes glossy, “I think I may have actually blacked out on the last stretch. I just kept my focus on the finish line and was just as amazed to see I had broken the records.”

The title card on the screen now showed: Y/n L/n, Gold Medalist, 400m (WR, OR: 47.50).

“Your friends and family have all gathered in San Diego—they’re watching right now and we actually got footage of their reaction to your win tonight. We’d love to show you if you like.”

“Oh God please,” Y/n was already giggling. The assistant brought over an ipad with a video and pressed play. On the tv screens the image split to show the video beside Y/n’s face to capture their own reaction. They saw the daggers squad in front of the bar while their superiors including Maverick were seated at the bar top. They were all surrounded by servicemen and women as well as civilians. Y/n teared up when they spotted their parents near Jake. By the end of it Y/n was basically crying while laughing. “Oh my God, that is amazing. I wish they could’ve been in the stands. I know my parents are probably thinking how the one time they can’t see me compete in person is when I win.”

The reporter laughed along with them. “I know I gotta let you go cause you’re set to race the relay in less than an hour and the podium ceremony is about to start, but before you go I just want to ask if this is the last time we’ll see you after these Games conclude Sunday night.”

Y/n softly smiled to the reporter, bottom lip slightly trembling, “uhh, you know I wasn’t completely sure. Since Rio I’ve had some troubles with my knee after the torn ACL—I almost wasn’t sure about these Games until 2018. I’ve been talking to Allison Felix these past couple days, since this is gonna be her last Games. Her and I have been part of Team USA for 13 years now and she’s become not only a mentor but a friend to me and i’m going to miss seeing her at competitions. I know I plan to do the 2022 season—especially the Worlds. Paris is only three-years away,” they shrugged, like they were considering it, “I’ll be thirty-four when it comes around so it’s really gonna come down to how I’m feeling after 2022.”

“Well I hope to see you again in Paris, but if not then it was truly a pleasure watching you these years. You’ve been an inspiration to many watching back home in the States. Congratulations again on this win and we can’t wait to see you bring it in the relays. Good luck again tonight.”

“Thank you so so much. I appreciate it and much love to everyone back home—thank you for all the support, especially my mom and dad, my coach, and my friends in Fightertown who I know are probably losing their minds. I love you all and I couldn't have got this gold without each and every one of you. Thank you,” Y/n shakes their hand and blows a kiss to the camera before following the volunteer to locker rooms to change for the podium ceremony.

Just like in London, Y/n was nearly a mess on the podium when the gold medal was presented to them. Per covid regulations, the athlete had to place it around their own neck instead of how it was at previous games with someone else doing the honor. Still, it held everything to Y/n.

They were an Olympic champion.

Tears streaked their face when the national anthem played and when it concluded Y/n kissed the medal and waved to the crowd of spectators that included the media and athletes from other countries. The rest of Team USA’s track athletes were there too, cheering the loudest as some of them have been Y/n’s teammates for over a decade. After pictures with the other medalists Y/n was rushed to get ready for the relay that was to start in 20 minutes. At the Hard Deck it was an emotional scene watching the podium ceremony. Jake and Nat were embraced, looking on with glossy eyes while everyone beamed at the screen. Y/n’s parents were with them too. It was bittersweet.

20 minutes later they were in cheers once again when Team USA took the silver in the 4x100m relay. Y/n kick started it off like they did in London, but this time fell short to second place by a smudge. It still was a celebration with Y/n adding another silver medal to their personal Tokyo medal count. It was passed one in the morning in Tokyo when Y/n FaceTimed Jake after the podium ceremony. They were met with shouts of joy from everyone in proximity that it was hard to even make out the individual voices.

“You fucking did it!!”

“Congratulations, Lightning McQueen, you were amazing!”

“Holy shit, Olympic gold!”

“I’m so fucking proud of you, Y/n. I wish I could hug you right now.”

The call was brief but wholesome with Y/n thanking the entire squad for their support and they loved watching their reaction to the race. Jake spoke on behalf of the others with the promise to celebrate the second Y/n returned to San Diego in three days. After goodbyes and a quick chat with their parents, Y/n ended the call to get much needed sleep for their final race the next day. The Hard Deck cleared out soon after with many calling it a day.

It was the same scene the next morning at 5:30 am to watch the final of the 4x400m relay. “It is the final day in these Olympic Games after a spectacular two weeks in Tokyo. Many firsts have been made. There are just a few events to get through tonight before closing ceremonies tomorrow evening. All eyes are now on the finals of the 4x400m relay. And boy is there a lineup tonight with the Americans looking to defend with a seventh-straight title.”

“It’s going to be an interesting finals tonight, Mark. Like you mentioned, the US have retained the title of Olympic champions in this event since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. They are unstoppable and this is the first time Y/n L/n is part of the group. They won the gold in London for the 4x100 and just last night took silver in the event. Four years ago in Rio they were set to be on both the 4x100 and 4x400, but after a tragic semi finals that ended with a torn ACL, L/n had to pull out of Games.”

On the screen the team was announced with all four athletes appearing from the side. Together they did a little dance for the cameras before going to the track. “I’m interested to see how L/n does tonight and if they can pull through. This event is truly a team effort and unlike last night, L/n is set to anchor the Americans in the final pass rather than starting. They just won the gold in the 400m last night in a stunning record breaking finish—I’m still in disbelief.”

The Hard Deck painted a familiar picture as the previous morning. The Daggers were on the edge of their seats when the race started and Penny stopped taking orders when the third pass began. The camera was split to show Y/n taking their spot on the track to await the baton. Then the screen went back to one when the American came up on the last turn. “Here comes the final pass of the bottom in the final leg of this 4x400 relay. Poland and Jamaica are not far behind, but the Americans have given Y/n L/n a lead—and there they go! Beautiful pass from teammate to teammate and Y/n L/n is off to hopefully bring the US their seventh consecutive gold.”

“C’mon, baby, let’s go!!” Jake yelled, the others echoing his cheers. At the bar patrons were clapping the surface.

“They’re gonna get it—look at the lead!”

“It’s not over yet.”

“Let’s go, Y/n, you’re almost there!” The athlete increased the distance between them and the polish on the stretch coming into the final turn. The cheers got louder and louder with many already celebrating when it was obvious the Polish were not gonna catch up. The announcers knew it too.

“Poland has overtaken Jamaica but it will not be enough for Olympic glory—Y/n L/n has increased the margin their teammates had given them and has no doubt secured them the gold! All there is left to do is cross the finish line and the Americans have done it again! L/n has finished the job and given Team USA their seventh straight gold medal in the 4x400m relay!!” The last line was in tune with Y/n crossing the finish line. A large smile plastered on their face as a cry of joy left them that the camera managed to capture. Their teammates met them in the middle with the four embracing in cheers.

The Hard Deck exploded again when Y/n crossed the finish line, matching their reaction as though they were the ones who just won the gold for their country. They couldn’t wait for Tuesday when Y/n came home and they could celebrate the big wins together. Jake was really excited especially after having a heart-to-heart with Y/n’s father. The ring was safely tucked away in his suitcase as a reminder of what he had planned for his Olympian.

The rest of the daggers, including Mav and Hondo ended up staying an extra hour after the podium ceremony to celebrate their friend. Many were still in disbelief, but filled with absolute joy. Who wouldn’t really? They had just witnessed their friend win their sixth medal in a single Olympics. Something uncommon for even athletes who qualify for multiple events.

But Y/n did it.

They left Tokyo with two bronze, two silver, and two gold. In four Olympics Y/n started from a single bronze in their debut to their first team gold in London, leaving with nothing in Rio to finally medaling in every event they raced in Tokyo. Their first individual gold after thirteen years of hard work and dedication to rise to the top since they sat in the stands of the Centennial Olympic Stadium.

It was a golden end to an Olympic dream 25 years in the making.

Or so they thought…..

When the stars painted Paris on the night of August 11th, 2024, the final night of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Y/n L/n waved to the crowd in a bittersweet goodbye as they wore the Stars and Stripes one final time. It was hard to hear over the roar of spectators from all over the world. Not a single seat had been empty for the final race of Y/n L/n’s career. Athletes from other disciplines attended, some in tears by the overwhelming emotion of the moment.

“It is an emotional scene here tonight in the Stade de France as we say goodbye to Y/n L/n of the United States. There isn’t a dry eye in sight as spectators and athletes from around the globe watch the five-time Olympian take their final bow after winning the gold with the Americans in the 4x400m relay in their eighth consecutive title. In what could be described as the greatest Olympic run a track athlete has ever done, Y/n L/n has achieved the impossible in Paris with six gold medals in six events. Never has an Olympian taken the gold in the 100, 200, 400m, and all three team relays in a single Olympics, but Y/n L/n has made history. They are also the second Olympian and only American to win gold in the 100, 200, and 400m in a single Olympic Games.”

Y/n walked the track with a cameraman following them, hand that was not waving patting their chest where their heart laid. The hand now had a gold wedding band and Tokyo XXXII and Paris XXXIII added to the bicep tattoo. Y/n’s teammates that they just won the gold with had stood to the side, clapping with the crowd with American flags draped around their shoulder and tears cascading their cheeks.

Y/n finally made it to the section where the majority of Americans who had traveled from the States were seated in a sea of red, white, and blue. Y/e/c went straight to the front few rows and were immediately met with the sight of not only their parents beaming faces, but the ones of their closest friends. None of them were hiding their emotion. Phoenix was embraced by Rooster, the two wiping away at their faces as was Bob. Fanboy and Coyote were teary eyed while Payback just nodded with a bright grin, bringing his fingers up to whistle. Even Maverick, who was now retired from the Navy, was in attendance looking like a proud father.

And Jake? Jake was a mess.

His green eyes were pretty much bloodshot but there was love and admiration in his gaze. His own wedding band reflected under the stadium lights and he made the motion of catching the kiss Y/n blew to him before placing it on his heart. All he wanted to do was jump over the railing and hug his spouse, but unfortunately that would have to wait until after the podium ceremony.

The extinguishing of the Olympic torch at the closing ceremonies would signal the start of Y/n’s retirement from the world of athletics. It would close one chapter, but the other was still in progress. There was still time for them to be the best of the best in terms of naval aviators. They were not even halfway into their Naval career.

And they were totally up for the challenge, because nothing is impossible when going for the gold.

[sukirichi]

sweet angel

With a heart of gold, sweet lips, and white lace all over your body — he’s pretty sure you’re his sweet angel.

REQUEST. lingerie under his white button up shirt for gojo + somnophilia + established relationship + oblivious reader

CONTENT/WARNINGS. smut, somnophilia, mentions of insecurity, very slight angst, creampie, cockwarming, body marking, UNEDITED

NOTES. I haven’t written Gojo for a while but I sure do missed it! We’re gonna have more Gojo content this week too! if i finish my wips anyway lmao

next

The clock blinks back a painful three am to you, the time way past what Gojo’s promised. You don’t stop the sigh leaving your cherry red lips as you stare at the mirror, jaw clenching at the sight. Today’s supposed to be your second anniversary with Gojo, and instead of spending it on a skyscraper dinner like last year’s, you both insisted on staying at home for a more romantic date instead.

Him being the strongest sorcerer, it’s only a given that he’ll be busy, even to this day. He’s unable to take a day off, but he promised to come home on time.

The dinner’s gone cold, the candles melted and aroma of roses sticking hard to the walls. You’re wearing his favourite black dress paired with ankle boots, wrists clinking from the bangles and makeup done to perfection. Today’s supposed to be simple, quiet, and romantic – especially with your surprise for him – but he’s still not home.

Washing your face in the sink and covering the dishes, you blow out the candles, heading back to your shared room to call it a day. You swipe your dress with Gojo’s white button, wanting to feel that he’s still with you even with just his scent.

A blaring red that reads three forty-five is the last thing you see as you burrow deep into the covers, trying your best to ignore the panging in your heart.

He promised he’d be home soon.

“Honey! I’m ho—” Gojo blinks at the darkness of your penthouse, hands patting the walls before flicking on the lights. He’s not surprised to see that it’s neat as usual, but then his gaze lands on the dining table, and that’s when he realizes he’s fucked up.

The candles are already melted halfway, one wine glass still and the other already washed in the sink. You must’ve taken a few sips as you waited for him; an image he can imagine already. He’s admired you long before dating you that Gojo’s used to your habits, like how you’d rotate the drink in your glass three times before you drink, tongue darting out to taste the wine mixing in with your lips.

He knows all this, mostly because it always drives him crazy when you do that, and he’s lost count of the times he’s pushed you up against the counter, shoving his tongue between your lips to find out what it is about wine and flavoured lipsticks you liked so much.

It’s a little hellish to him the more he thinks about it, even more so because you’re completely unaware of your effect on him.

But he’s not the only one, since no matter how perceptive Gojo could be, he’s scatterbrained more often than he likes to admit. And of fucking course he forgot tonight was your anniversary. He never set dates on his calendars, waving his hand and confidently stating he had an ultra memory and didn’t need reminders.

Well, now that ultra memory is reminding him of the last time he’s forgot to attend your work event, a time you needed him more than anything else, and you didn’t talk to him for a week straight.

He wishes you would shout at him, push or shove him even, call him names and tell him he’s horrible, but you’ve always been a sweet, little thing – you’re timid even in your frustration. You never glared at him, never scolded him, and it’s even more terrifying because you’re still so sweet to him – preparing him meals, giving him a kiss before he leaves for work – but Gojo isn’t entirely dumb. He notices how you turn away from him in your sleep, your arms that would usually be wrapped around his torso now hugging yourself in an attempt to make yourself small and invisible.

That’s how you felt every time Gojo doesn’t keep to his word.

Unseen. Unloved. Unheard. Unimportant. He’s no mind reader, but it’d be pushing it if he can’t even turn to your thoughts like that.

And even in your slumber, it’s written all over your face, evident in the way tears are staining your cheeks under the sheets. Gojo sighs upon seeing your crumpled form on the bed, your dress hanging neatly from the closet and your heels placed beneath it. He crouches down in front of the shoe, his hands crumpled into fists. This wasn’t just any shoe – it’s the one he made you get during that time you were debating whether you could pull it off, but he encouraged you that you looked gorgeous in anything. Despite having bought it a long time ago, you never wore it, only on this day because you trust your comfort and safety around him; one he’s so effortlessly crushed.

Gojo quickly changes into his pyjamas not long afterwards, sliding himself next to your body in slow, careful movements to not wake you up. Aside from a slight stir, you remain deep asleep, the frown permanent and deep on your face.

It breaks his heart to see you like this, especially because he knows he’s the one who caused it.

Gojo runs his hand across the apple of your cheeks, caressing your precious face on his palm before leaning forward to kiss your head. You smell amazing too, and yet, you’re uncomfortable with whatever’s playing in your head. He could take a good guess and assume it’s him.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs into your skin, sliding his arm over your body to pull you close to him. “I didn’t mean to forget, I’m so sorry. I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

He knows he should apologize when you’re awake, but he wants to say it now before his guilt eats up at him. Gojo’s eyes flutter close when his hands come into contact with something...lacey, and he pauses, lifting the sheets to inspect the material. He doesn’t really know what he’s expecting, but his breath stutters anyway, his aquamarine eyes zeroed in on his shirt draped over your form, the top three buttons left open and you’re not wearing shorts.

Gojo curses under his breath. His reaction is immediate; blood rushing to his groin and legs nudging yours apart. He doesn’t bother hiding under the sheets not anymore as he runs his hand over your body, his touch suddenly so cold in contrast to your warmth.

He’s fucked you a lot of times in different places and angles, so he shouldn’t be so nervous, yet he is, and his hands are fucking shaking.

His head snaps to your one more time, revelling in the way you open your legs just as he pries them apart. Even in your sleep, you’re still so trusting, so wanting – so perfect for him. Gojo situates himself between your thighs as he unbuttons your shirt one by one, his teeth clenched so hard it wouldn’t be anything surprising if he actually cracked his jaw.

You’re nothing short of looking like an angel; the thigh straps squeezing the flesh of your thighs and exuding such heavenly beauty he’s stunned.

You let out a sigh at his erection rubbing you through his boxers, completely unaware that Gojo’s fallen back on his thighs, eyes wide at the white lingerie set clad in your body. He licks at his lips, debating which land he should trudge on first.

The thigh straps he wants to rip with his fingers, the white lace panty that’s already nearly transparent with your arousal, or the frilly cups holding your breasts in place?

This is the first time Gojo’s gotten close to losing his mind, and lose his mind he did. Thoughts of making it up to you flies out the window, his emotions running turbulent with anger and regret in place. If he’d just gotten home, if he’d just killed the curses faster, he could’ve kissed you and heard you beg for him in your awakened state; he’d have the pleasure of seeing you squirm under him while he rips this pretty set apart.

His dick throbs harder at the fact you wore this for him, but you must’ve been so tired and sad to wear proper pyjamas. Should he be thankful? Angry at himself for making you feel this way?

He doesn’t fucking now, his mind is nothing but a mess as he sucks a wet spot into the juncture of your neck, large hands groping your breast. You mewl a little at the contact, neck arching to the side while you sigh, that slight dip in your brow a telltale you must be still in a sleepy daze.

“Fuck, baby,” he mutters through pants as he cups your mound, only to be met with such astounding wetness. You look so innocent right now in comparison to your soft moans that it ruins him. You’re a good girl, such a sweet lover for him that you’re always letting him take in charge under the trust he’ll make you feel good. This trust is extended even in your wildest dreams, but you don’t need to worry about that. He’ll soon make it a reality.

Gojo is too needy that he doesn’t bother pulling your thong off anymore, pulling it to the side with two fingers before his thumb flicks at your clit. He’s rewarded with a sharp inhale, cheeks planted to the pillows and you look so pretty, so hauntingly oblivious that the only thing able to pull the strongest sorcerer limb by limb apart is through your needy wet cunt.

He aligns himself with your entrance, groaning when his tip is coated with your slick, the warmth of your pussy radiating off of him. It’s fucking stupid that Gojo shivers, and he knows it’s pathetic because he chuckles, lifting both your legs up before he hugs them to his chest.

You’re so wet that Gojo no longer finds the need to prepare you, his eyes falling down to where your bodies connect, breath taken away at how your lips eagerly spread apart to take him in. He’s a little too big for your tiny, sweet pussy that your lips pinch into a flat line, chest rasping up and down.

He wants to apologize, wants to caress your face and look you in the eyes as usual to tell you that you’re doing good, just breathe and the pain will be gone soon.

The situation deprives him of that privilege, so he’s left with no choice but to kiss your ankles affectionately before thrusting all the way in. A loud moan echoes around the room the moment he’s seated in, dick throbbing inside your heated pussy that’s so tight it’s nearly suffocating.

“Oh, my baby,” he thrusts in slowly, not wanting to completely wake you up despite the fact you’re unconsciously grabbing the sheets already. “My sweet, pretty angel – I’m so sorry daddy couldn’t fuck you tonight but look at you, you’re so wet,” he bites your calf at the last word to muffle his groans, the tight sucking in of your pussy to his length making his cock throb. “Did you touch yourself when I was gone, hm? You must be so unsatisfied, but I’m here now, I’ll take care of you.”

Gojo’s unable to keep his promise to you before, but he’ll definitely keep this promise now. He leaves little love marks at your skin, reaching forward to tug the cups of your bra down. He’s rewarded with the intoxicating luxury of watching your breasts bounce at his pace, your nipples the only thing stopping the material from completely falling.

You mewl at the pleasure he’s giving you, the constant friction of your hardened buds against the cups must be so heavenly by now, and you’re tightening around him, walls clamped down over his dick that Gojo never wants to let go.

He thrusts harder this time in response to your greedy sucking, his tip kissing your cervix. You throw your head back deeper into the pillows, hands patting every spot beside you. He knows that look all too well – mouth falling open, eyes shut tight, brows pinched together and that angelic little pant – it’s the face you always wear when you’re about to cum and Gojo wants to make it up to you, pushing your legs to the side before heaving his weight forward.

“Aw, baby,” he coos, “Coming already?”

The sudden stretch in your body only has your walls sucking him harder, his hips stuttering in its pace. Gojo kisses you flat on the lips as his hands thread to yours, squeezing it momentarily just as pleasure washes over him too. You come first, the spasms of your cunt similar to that one time you’ve accidentally gripped him too hard in your hand that Gojo’s cum suddenly landed on your eye. It’s tight, too fucking tight, that Gojo actually loses the ability to breathe.

His hips snap harder, dick driving deeper into your hole that’s already leaking out with cum. Your precious lingerie set is ruined, guaranteed to get him another pout that Gojo shakes his head, gripping hard at your hips while he chases his own high.

“I’ll get you another one, angel, I’ll buy you – fuck! – all the sets you need if it means dressing pretty for me like this,” he stutters in one breath, mouth latching around your nipple. He tugs at it in his need to reach his breaking point, no longer caring that you’ll wake up anytime soon, not when he’s so close and the squelching of your pussy sounds like heavenly music to his ears. Gojo thrusts in one last time hard enough that his balls make a loud slapping sound against your ass, but he doesn’t slide out, keeping himself right deep into your cunt in his orgasm.

Breathing heavily, Gojo falls on top of you, thankfully still strong enough to not crush you with his weight. He’s leaving fluttering kisses all over your face, your sweat slicking his skin.

He wants to pull out from the sensitivity, but you feel so warm and comfortable that Gojo plops down to the side, hugging your back and kissing your shoulder with panted breaths. You’re still recovering from the tremors of your orgasm that’s most likely still a dream to you, body trembling in his arms. Gojo does you a favour by throwing your bra to the side, his hands acting as a replacement for the missing piece.

He sighs onto your neck, barely managing to properly cover the both of your bodies in his exhaustion after a long day. He holds you close and tight in his arms, an I love you merely audible from his lips, followed by a regretful I’m sorry.

Gojo dreads tomorrow morning, in all honesty. There’s no easy way to explain that he “simply forgot” after all your efforts, his heart already darkening with the fear of seeing you pull away like you did the last time. His eyes droop down as he makes a mental note to just do whatever he can, but you’re stirring in his arms, lips puckered at the edge of his jaw.

“Satoru,” you whisper, hands tracing patterns on his chest. “You’re home. I’m glad.”

Soft snores follow after that, but Satoru is wide awake just as you’ve fallen asleep once more. He’s left speechless, and he doesn’t hold back in hugging you closer to his chest as a silent promise of never leaving you alone again. Even now, you’re still such a sweet angel, and how lucky is he to find someone like that?

[asforthesoundtrack]

highlights from the dan and phil stereo show - 12.29.2020 ✨✨

we broke the app the MINUTE the show was about to start

SO MUCH ECHO OH MY GOD

phil got dan a bear sweater for christmas!!! it’s mostly black and white with a little yellow bear in the corner!! so dan can have some color in his life!!!

dan got phil a box of retro sweets and bath pearls for christmas and introduced it by saying “this is how well i know phil” AS IF WE DIDN’T ALREADY KNOW

dan listens to phil’s random ranting

a lot of the early messages just said “i missed you!” and they kept joking about us missing phil and dan said “if you miss me, be specific or i’m gonna assume you’re excluding me okay” and god i missed him dragging us so MUCH you don’t even KNOW

viewers pick my outfits 2 chat!!!

dan: i think you weren’t fair to yourself because you’ve had a style glowup” 🥺🥺🥺🥺

i think dan said his favorite outfit was the one with the cloud jumper?? but the app was cutting out a lot for me there sorry jkfslekgh

edit: ok nvm it was the one with the purple pants! (@ dnp pls be more coherent i am begging you)

THEY TRIED TO FIX THE ECHO BUT IT JUST GOT SO MUCH WORSE

i think they eventually fixed it by disconnecting dan’s headphones or something which resulted in the quote “we’re both coming out of phil’s mouth......... on stereo”

they joked about phil hitting on the tesco guy--phil said he recognized the guy from somewhere and NO JOKE, the guy goes “it’s probably because of the adult movies i’m in” ONLY THEM I SWEAR

THEY BOUGHT A HOUSE!!!!!!! it’s a new build that they’ve spent the past 3 YEARS working on!!! they didn’t design the outside but they designed the entire inside themselves!!!

THE FOREVER HOME IS HAPPENING!!!!!!!

but of course moving has been delayed all year bc of covid

they clearly stated that they won’t be doing a house tour (valid, not something i ever expected anyway)

they’ll both be sad to say goodbye to steve and scraggy 🥺🥺🥺

“if you’re missing steve, why don’t you get yourself a dog”-- DOG TALK DOG TALK DOG TALK!!!!!!!!

their camera shut off right when the dog talk started happening and i’m still laughing my entire ass off

they ALMOST had the opportunity to get a dog because they were going to be part of a charity dog adopting tv show but they couldn’t because the house wasn’t ready yet 😭😭😭😭😭

DAPG TALK!!!!!

basically, they haven’t made a full decision on the future of dapg but future joint content is basically an inevitability DO YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING

dan said they paused the gaming channel so he can sort his shit out, he’s still in that pausing period but he appreciates how much we miss him

they talked about the dan photo from september (you know the one) and dan’s attitude interview and told a funny story about how dan’s boot got really stuck as he was trying to put it on but i honestly don’t remember most of this bc of the previous emotional whiplash i’m so sorry y’all

oh yeah phil said something about lubing up dan’s foot during the boot story and i just kjflsjlfsgjlghslgh

dan joked about a “dan ass reveal” and just wow i really missed jokey dan alright

phil pitched both a sci fi show and a game show!!!! but they fell through :(((

dan fixed up dan’s hair after phil tried cutting his own hair 🥺🥺🥺

“in the dan and phil house, we’re very versed in the pasta section of food” 🥺🥺🥺🥺

they did joint yoga and there was a point where a really sad song came on in their mix and it made them both cry :(((((

they talked a bit about what dan’s been up to over his long break!!! (according to phil, he’s been “stressed but inspired”)

dan is working on 3 things: the book, something that got delayed by covid and something that can’t happen until a bunch of people can come together (book tour???)

the book was supposed to be the last thing dan did but now it’s the first thing??

phil was the first person to read dan’s book!!! his review: it’s rubbish! (jokingly, of course slfjslgh)

there’s been moments where phil brought dan tea while he’s been in his writing zone 🥺🥺🥺🥺

they talked about tabinof/tatinof for a second :((((

phil wants to spoil what dan’s working on so bad!!! but he’s refraining for now 🥺🥺🥺

they talked a bit about dan’s book and phil was really supportive, he thinks it will help people and it helped him learn some things that could help him and he learned a bit about dan too!!! he thinks it’s a very exciting time and he’s hyped for dan

dan: next year may be very exciting

dan is very appreciative of all our support and thanked us all for being here over the years. “we would have nothing if it weren’t for you. so, i appreciate you and i love you.” 🥰🥰🥰

dan:  is this the stereo exclusive segment phil in the blanks! WOW!!!

dan: do you think that since coming out of the closet, it has increased the likelihood that we’re gonna degenerate into filth, or that it’s just our natural tendency to kind of ruin any innocent moment by being weird”

phil feels more open now!!! he doesn’t have to hold back the gay!!!

dan: if a gay person dyes their hair, they are a visibly spiraling crisis twink

phil: i want to be a crisis twink!

dan does not want to dye his hair because he thinks it’ll make it clear that he’s going through something but phil says maybe he’ll dye his hair (LMAO)

baking video chat 🥺🥺🥺 (nothing we haven’t heard before but i’m soft anyway)

their siri went off to tell them their camera was turning off, phil: siri loves me and hates you

dan: how many shrimp do you have to eat, phil: before you turn pink! (I MISSED THEIR LITTLE SONGS SO MUCH SHUT UPPPP)

dan: we spent more time discussing the intricacies of flamingos than where the fuck i’ve been for the last year and a half--AKSJEFLSKHG

dan: i’d like to do a 17 and a half hour stage show, that’s why i uploaded an obnoxiously long coming out experience

one of the last phil in the blanks was LEGIT bdsm (this is the content the 18+ app was for) and phil told a story of how when they were house hunting, they toured a house with a 50 shades of grey room SKJFLSDHGKLSJLGH

harry styles was the nicest of the 1d boys to phil upon leaving the interview, he said “thanks, that was really fun. i had a good time” 🥺🥺🥺🥺

only one band that they interviewed was rude to them

little mix was the nicest band that they interviewed, according to phil!!!

dan, singsongy: phil,,,, he put himself in the blank and the blank is full of phil! yEAHHHHHH

dan, normally: and now we both simultaneously get banned from stereo. everyone regrets that they heard or saw dan. they want him to do another 7 mysterious projects he can’t talk about, but take another 17 years so he can just go away and be quiet. hey dan, you’re going on this journey to work out who you are and free yourself from the shackles of your past so you can live healthy and happily in the future. STOP SAYING WEIRD STUFF!!!! (PLS I MISSED SARCASTIC DAN SO MUCH)

dan: i just wanna say, as this whole thing comes to an end: thank you for having me, phil. thank you for watching, person at home. it’s been a year. hopefully the people who are commenting “WHO’S WATCHING THIS IN 2079!!!!!!” will go “wow, that was weird” but we all got through it and life became new and exciting. was dan ever alive? i guess we’ll find out.

dan, in a weird goose voice: bye! i loved you all! have a nice evening! (look i just missed this goofiness so much okay)

they were so flirty??? and we got so many gay jokes????

but most importantly, they were both so happy and excited to chat with us, dan especially

this was genuinely the highlight of my entire year. it was SO well worth the 2 year wait, their bants are just the same as they always are and we know how happy they are together. the future is so so bright and i, for one, have never been more grateful. thank you dnp. i think we all needed that more than you will ever know. 🥺🥺🥺

[cheryls-blossomed]

did you watch the flash s9 premiere? what did you think?

Yes, I did, and I quite enjoyed it! I went it with no expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the subtleties and nuances in Barry and Iris's relationship were handled. The last really great episode of The Flash, to me, was 6x17, although there were episodes I very much enjoyed since then, but in terms of matching that intensity, that story-telling, that emotional pay-off... I just do not think the show can pull it off anymore. So, having said that, I did really like that 9x01 instead leaned into levity, while handling the connotations of free will versus fate in the context of Barry and Iris being stuck in the time-loop with nuance. I really liked the notion of Barry wanting to fallback on needing to know every detail of his and Iris's future and needing to follow it exactly, because of the trauma of their past, and Iris wanting to choose and not have to be beholden to specific choice, because of the trauma of their past. Their feelings and emotions are informed by the trauma they have experienced the last few years, when they were physically separated repeatedly, due to Crisis, mirror dimensions, and time sickness.

I was unsure at first about Barry and his book, because initially I worried that this a lesson that Barry seems to need to learn over and over again, but it wasn't what I feared. Barry was very much in the wrong with obsessing about the book and foisting this upon his and Iris's lives, and he needed to come to that realization himself, but I understood why he was obsessing about the book and feeling like he needed to plot out the entire future, because of what's happened to him and Iris and them constantly being physically separated the last few years.

I absolutely adored the material for Iris in the episode. It was some of the best Iris content we have gotten since forever, especially because she has been dealing with so much pain and trauma and had so much violence inflicted upon her in the previous three seasons over and over again, so it was really nice to see Iris struggle internally with wanting to be able to make her choices without being told that she has to do something, because the future says so. Also, I found that scene where she's just like, "fuck it, I'm not dealing with these absurd decisions that may or may not have to be informed by the future, I am going to stay in this time-loop and not have to have all this weighing on me and just have a cocktail and for once not have to worry about all of this," so, so, so relatable. That's just such a good scene, and it felt so real. It's rare that The Flash gives us such good, relatable character moments these days, and this was one of them.

I love that Barry and Iris come up with a solution together on how to end the time-loop, while making choices on their own terms. Iris proactively finding a way to expand CCC into the empire we know it to be through the Coast City Gazette, while turning down the CatCo offer, was wonderful. CHEFS KISS. I always say that CCC is Iris's baby, and so, getting to see her expand her media empire on her own terms was really, really great.

The Westallen content was really fun, as well. I love the rom-com time-loop where they kept waking up on February 1st over and over again. Peak comedy, lol. Also the tender early morning moment. The fireplace kiss was really lovely AND THAT WHOLE SCENE WAS JUST SO SWOON-WORTHY... the romantic lighting, the "Are you sure about this?" "I'm sure about you." GOD, I've missed this peak Westallen romance so much. The power couple energy of them working through the time-loop and saving the day and breaking the time-loop together, on their own terms. The peak best friends in love energy in the pool scene. The scene by the pier, "Okay. Okay. Okay." I just LOVE how the married best friends in love energy jumped out. SO GOOD. Getting to see Barry and Iris together and happy and in love is just... give me all of that content. I am glad that this seems to be a focus this season, and I hope that it carries throughout the season.

So yes, all in all, a really enjoyable hour. It's not equal to my all-time favorite episodes, but I was not expecting it to be. I really appreciated that the episode handled Barry, Iris, and the time-loop with real nuance in the episode and that we got to see some really good character moments, because I honestly cannot recall the last time the show has afforded us this kind of nuance and character introspection.

[whatsthisascianbullshit]

Blog Info

I am working on trying to make a carrd to make this shorter but brain power is limited lmao

I love my WoLs, other WoLs, the story, the lore, shared AUs, regular AUs, the list goes on so while not an RP blog I do try to do ask games and the like (time & energy permitting...I have a bit of a backlog)

I tag expansion-specific content with “ffxiv: expac name” and when there’s something particularly spoilery I try to tag “expac name spoilers”. Tagging specific patch spoilers is a little more iffy - especially for anything before EW seeing as I flew through from the Garuda fight to the end of Shadowbringers patches in just a little over a year.

My main WoLs I will be posting about are my main girlie Muireann Uais and the idol magical girl of my heart Sami Fashonti, I’ve got a couple of others but these two (and their various shards) are who will most likely be showing up. More info on them under the cut ^^ (contains spoilers up to patch 6.2)

Muireann Uais

She/her // SMN main // power knowledge hungry gremlin // ~ adventurer ~

Blurb-o: Insatiably curious with little regard for her own safety, Muireann will do quite literally anything For Science. Typically found with her nose in a book or up to her elbows at an archaeology dig hunting for the secrets of lost magical arts, her thirst for knowledge (and power) is tainted with a deep, debilitating fear of losing any of her ever-growing family.

Though initial impressions (outside of combat) are of a well-mannered young lady of the Shroud, she is quick to judge and anger, slow to forgive, and can hold a grudge for years. If first impressions are through combat, an academic field she’s interested in, or the benefits of expressing emotions through giant sharp weapons, Muireann has a much more feral energy.

Muireann has a chronic condition which causes pain and fatigue and as such she generally teleports or travels by mount and is followed around by one out of her collection of carbuncles, egis, and fairies at any given time.

Muireann was born Ralenne Canaux and due to a short series of misunderstandings as a child, believed she needed an “adventuring name” in order to pursue her dream of traveling the world and helping people as an adventurer. Muireann Uais is the name she decided on.

Ships: we multiship here. Muireann/Y’shtola, Muireann/Hien, different polyships between Muireann, Y’shtola, Hien, and Runar, Muireann/Haurchefant, and a good few others that don’t have enough meat on the bones

Family:

Parents Silvaire and Illiette Canaux (alive & well but somewhat estranged until some point after the sorrow of Werlyt),

unknown extended family in Werlyt.

Adopted brother Raer Angathril and mother figure Haname “Miss Hanna” Angathril ( both @azure-dragonsinger​ )

Shards of the soul:

Panthea, Ancient: (The GAP) Struggling with life in a perfect world where she cannot feel anything strongly enough to combat the oppressive numb contentedness of the world as she knows it. Spends her time developing concepts to scare her into feeling something. Responsible for several creatures in Pandaemonium.

Pandora, fall of Allag: (The Allagan Tempest) Allagan scientist and administrator, overlooked and underestimated her whole career. Responsible for most of the atrocities on Azys Lla. Does not live long enough to make good on her promise to Tiamat to make amends after being awakened and seeing the horrors of Allag for what they were.

Ufufu Ufu, War of the Magi: (magiposting) A scholar of Nym desperately trying to stem the progression of the green death amongst her colleagues. Responsible for maintaining the wards on Wanderer’s Palace after it was sealed before the flood.

Barbariccia, the 13th reflection: yeah look I’m being extremely self-indulgent here but there are themes and unhinged and violent power hungry woman is a big one.

Sami Fashonti

She/her // WHM main (while she’s in ARR at least) // naive teen // ~ idol ~

Blurb-o: Armed with a positive outlook bordering on foolish, Sami believes that music is the most potent and powerful magic of all. With her goal of spreading her love of all living things to the world, she believes that she can stop the Garlean invasion of Eorzea if she could just connect to the hardened hearts of their armies through her performance.

Shards of the soul:

Euterpe, Ancient: A young protégé of Venat, Euterpe was very young when she was given the title of Azem. Her enthusiasm and love of all living beings and the star itself was the defining characteristic of her time on the Convocation. While previous Azems gave reports on their travels, Euterpe instead preferred to learn songs from people she met or compose new songs to capture the essence of particularly beautiful and different places. This non-standard approach to her work clashed with the expectations of her self-appointed mentor Emet-Selch.

[gaykey]

I am feeling so tender after watching Taemin's live. I don't want to get all parasocial, but it really feels as though his relationship with Shawols is truly sincere. These past two years have been so hard for him and it must be a healing but overwhelming experience to be back and see everyone's love. I think it was really brave and sincere of him to do a very informal live on Instagram, bare-faced and all and very open about his feelings and insecurities.

Tender Taemin anon here, but I really have missed this kind of unpolished content from idols. I feel like it truly is different with SHINee, because of everything they have been through and what the fans have been through. No one else does it like them, and the openness about anxiety, nervousness and mental health in general is making me so emotional.

Same anon, but it's just so much, truly. Maybe I was subconsciously a bit scared that his return would be weird and the weight of all that happened during his enlistment would not be acknowledged. At first I felt awkward watching his live, but in the end I think the atmosphere was just... I don't know, vulnerable but authentic. And it was so sweet how he lit up and became more relaxed when talking about his cats, I can't.

hello anon!

i totally understand. i feel a bit? idk yeah, i guess tender is a good way to describe it, after seeing taemin's live yesterday.

mmm, it's seeing his face, but also seeing him a bit nervous and unsure, and US feeling a bit nervous and unsure. but, like you said, seeing him unfiltered and on his own terms, was the best way to do it. he didn't have to go on live and reassure us the way he did, but, he did, and i'm so grateful.

he was so open about everything, and even apologised for needing time to adjust, and making us worry, which makes my heart ache.

shinee have always been like that though haven't they. they really do try to be as honest and open with us as they can, whilst also maintaining their own privacy. and again, i'm so grateful to them, because they really don't have to.

and yeah, i was nervous too. i still am. like, i kinda feel like the fanmeet is a bit much too soon? especially after seeing him yesterday, but, if he's okay with it, then i am too. i just hope he is actually taking the time he needs to get back into things.

ahhh, his babies. i'm so glad he has them! you can tell they really offer him a lot of emotional support, which i think people without pets will find silly, but that's what pets do.

he seems happy though, if a bit subdued, shy, and slightly unsure of himself. it's understandable though, and it must be such an overwhelming situation.

i just hope he takes the right time and care for himself xx

[absandersons]

“Despair” and Dean and Cas

Well well well, winning is my favorite thing.

As usual, this is going to be as long as hell. And fair warning, it’s extremely emotional.

So here it is, the thing that we have been barrelling towards for years, literally years.

Just want to point out this.  Also, I will NEVER allow someone to speak negatively about this writing group, EVER.

Team Free Dads starting off the episode is so sweet, so scary.  Cas’ calming, Dean’s fear, Sam’s desperation, really just hammering home how much they love Jack, how his pain is pain for them, how losing him is unbearable.

“I can’t stop this.  I’m coming apart.  I don’t want to hurt you.  Don’t let me hurt you.”

Oof.  If you’ve ever question whether Jack is a Winchester, this line should shut that shit down for you.

When I tell you I was PISSED when Billie sent Jack to the Empty to EXPLODE?????  PAIN.

“Yeah the Empty can’t come to earth, not without being summoned.”

Hello Bobo, clue number 1.

The fact that they only had Jack in limbo for like five seconds was great for my heart health, thank u very much Bobo.

Also Dean wielding Death’s scythe?????? KING?????

Man, Sam and Dean’s growth.  The way that they’re able to, idk, actually speak on how they feel without death looming or fear or pain.  It’s just a conversation, just an honest conversation of Dean admitting his mistakes, admitting how he felt.  Admitting that he fucked up, and Sam forgiving him for it.

CHARLIE AND HER GF CHARLIE AND HER GF CHARLIE AND HER GF

Also...hunters and their “dates.”  Two hunters who are happily together, who are happily fighting monsters.  Hm.  Sounds like a Saileen/Destiel parallel to me boys.

You ever wish Cas would look and the mirror and take the great advice he gives others?  Because I do.  He’s always tried to be “useful” for Sam and Dean, for Jack, always tried to make sure that he’s useful enough that they keep him around.  But what he doesn’t understand, what he’s never understood, is that they need him because of who he is, not because of what he contributes.

Remind y’all of anything?

And here we have Clue Number 2

And then, Sam’s realization.  Eileen.

Did I begin full tilt screaming no in my apartment when he said her name?  Who’s to say?

How can a lock screen cause me this much pain????

Okay but: Charlie loses Stevie, Sam loses Eileen.  Clue Number 3.

I feel like I don’t talk enough about how much Sam loves Eileen.  About how obvious it is that they are endgame, about how happy he is when he talks about her.  This just feels like a blow to the stomach, but we’ve barely even started.

Sam immediately shifting into protective leader mode?  He is the love of my life.

Dean’s simple nod, like it’s a given?  Enough to do me in right there.

This is another episode where it’s just so clear that Sam is the leader of the North American hunters.  Everyone knows him, everyone is willing to follow him.  He’s knowledgeable and kind and fair and just and an incredibly capable fighter.  Once again, I don’t believe his work on earth is done.

Can we also please talk about how FRIGHTENING IT WAS for Jack to kill that plant???  I don’t really have much of a comment on it because I was literally just like ?????

With Billie saying that it’s Chuck, the way that people were dusted, very similar to Becky and Amara, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised, especially with Donna getting taken off the board.  It’s like I said last week, I don’t buy that he’s taken himself off the board, he’s too invested in the unraveling of this story to take a step back.  He’s gotta break them before he can defeat them, that’s the only way.

And here we go, into one of the most painful and surreal things I will ever write about.

Dean’s speech.  His guilt, his regret.  The shame of not only trapping himself, but the pain, the horror of trapping Cas.

“I just lead us into another trap.  All because I, I couldn’t hurt Chuck.  Because I was angry and because I just needed something to kill, and because that’s all I know how to do.”

“Dean-”

“It was Chuck all along.  We never should have left Sam and Jack, we should be there with them now.  Everybody’s gonna die, Cas.  Everybody.  I can’t stop it.”

His narrative arc.  Tied up in a bow.

“She’s gonna get through that door.”

“I know.”

“And she’s gonna kill you and then she’s gonna kill me.  I’m sorry.”

Cas smiles.

Cas knows.  He knows what’ll get them out of this, and he knows that he would do anything in this Universe for Dean Winchester. The human man he fell for.

“When Jack was dying, I made a deal to save him.”

“You what?”

“The price was my life.  When I experienced a moment of true happiness, the Empty would be summoned and it would take me forever.”

“Why are you telling me this now?”

“I always wondered, ever since I took that burden, that curse, I’ve wondered what it could be, what my true happiness could even look like.  I never found an answer, because the one thing I want, it’s something I know I can’t have. 

“But I think I know, I think I know now...happiness isn’t in the having, it’s in just being.  It’s in just saying it.”

“What are you talking about, man?”

The most selfless thing Cas does in this, and he does a lot of selfless things, is to tell Dean Winchester how impossibly good he is.  To tell him that he is worthy, to tell him that he is adored.

“I know, I know how you see yourself, Dean.  You see yourself the same way our enemies see you.  You’re destructive and you’re angry and you’re broken and you’re daddy’s blunt instrument.  And you think that hate and anger, that’s what drives you, that’s who you are.  It’s not.  And everyone who knows you sees it, and everything you have ever done, the good and the bad, you have done for love.  You raise your little brother for love, you fought for this whole world for love.  That is who you are.

“You’re the most caring man on earth.  You are the most selfless, loving human being I will ever know.  You know, ever since we met, ever since I pulled you outta Hell...knowing you has changed me.

“Because you cared, I cared.  I cared about you, I cared about Sam, I cared about Jack, I cared about the whole world because of you. 

“You changed me, Dean.”

“Why does this sound like a goodbye?”

Dean’s greatest fear. His fear of those loving him leaving him. The terror of being alone.

“Because it is.

The head shake.  Don’t love me.  Don’t love me if it means you’ll leave me, don’t love me, everyone I love leaves me.  Don’t leave me.  Don’t love me.  Don’t leave me.

“Don’t do this, Cas.”

Just like I always thought.  One last look at Dean before the Empty takes him.

“Cas-”

“Goodbye Dean.”

And Dean is left, broken on the floor, unable to answer Sam’s calls, unable to do anything.  It doesn’t matter to him that Chuck has wiped everyone out, it doesn’t matter to him that Sam and Jack might need him.  It doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t matter, because the thing that mattered still hangs on his lips, still waiting to be said, and now he won’t get another chance to say it.

The fact that I am writing this, even with all my spec, with all my analysis of the writers’ room, of their text, of the way Dabb and co had approached this story, nothing could have ever prepared me for this.  Nothing could have prepared me for a three and a half minute, uninterrupted scene where Cas confesses not only that he loves Dean, but that he has always loved him.

I talk a lot about how these writers don’t get the credit they deserve.  Unfortunately, from most of this fandom, they never will.  We will likely never know the fights with the network they had, the steps backward they had to take, the way they had to beg and fight and claw to get this on the screen.  But they did it.  They did it for these characters, they did it for this dinosaur of a show, and yeah, they did it for us.

It was not easy, I can promise you, to get this greenlit.  They had to fight for this, they likely had to call in favors and make threats and quite literally put their careers on the line (you may scoff at that, but WB is a BIG company, especially in the TV/movie world) for this story.  This story of Dean and Cas, the man dragged out of Hell and the angel who fell for him.

I have tons more to say, and will likely have several more posts about this, but I want to leave all my babes who are worried that that was the end for Dean and Cas with some takeaways.

Sam is missing Eileen.  Dean is missing Cas.  That is no longer a fun subtextual parallel, that is it for them.  Their respective endgames are missing, and they will not know their peace until they get them back.  Chuck will not win.  That’s not the story being told, and right now?  He’s winning.  He’s broken them, left them with nothing, left them with an empty world and a hole in each of their hearts where their person (or angel) used to be.

Our show is going to end with “contentment.”  “Contentment” isn’t from Sam and Dean being filled with grief and hitting the open road.  It isn’t Sam getting Eileen back and leaving Dean with no one.  “Contentment” is Sam and Eileen, Dean and Cas.  Together.