aslmiller

[aslmiller]

Can we talk about this guy for a second? I feel like he doesn’t get enough credit even though he played, arguably, one of the most important roles in Mulan. For those of you who don’t know, this is the Chinese soldier stationed on top of the Great Wall at the beginning of the film.

After his helmet is knocked off and he sees the Huns throw grappling hooks up onto the ramparts, he calls out to the person who is supposed to be on top of the tower to light the signal. We don’t know where that person is supposed to be, but given the fact that several Huns come out from the door in this shot, we can assume they likely killed him.

But does that stop this guy? No. He judges the situation and reacts accordingly. Despite being swung at by a Hun with a large sword and being forced to pull himself up onto the tower, he doesn’t even stop to take a breather. He just grabs the torch and is about to light the signal himself when something stops him.

This guy. Shan Yu is already on top of the tower as this soldier is about to light the signal. Now, Shan Yu is already a scary mf, but I think it’s important to see how our soldier reacts to seeing him because it tells us an important detail that many people may overlook.

Look at his face. This soldier isn’t just stunned because there a massive Hun waiting for him on top of the tower, but because he recognizes said Hun. Or at least he knows enough about what Shan Yu looks like to put two and two together and assume that this is him. He knows this man and his reputation. He knows exactly the kinds of things Shan Yu is willing to do to people who stand in his way. And what does this soldier do? Does he beg for his life? Does he try to escape?

No. This bamf just looks Shan Yu right in the eye and does his duty. He lights the signal, knowing full well that doing so will likely get him killed. But, he does it anyway. And immediately after lighting the signal, he looks up the the Hun leader with this expression.

This is a man who would look Death in the face and say “Fuck you!” He knows he has maybe a few more seconds of life left and yet he stands tall. And why is this important? Because this one act of valor led to this.

The signals are being lit. All of the people of China are being warned of invasion and now they can properly prepare for the war to come. And it’s all thanks to this one brave soldier who doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his service.

[aslmiller]

Round 2 is coming up!

Hello Everyone! Yes, it’s that time of the year again. And, wow, what kind of year… I absolutely hope everyone and their family is okay and got through the worst without any bigger problems <3  So, I thought about it and because it was so much fun, I decided, that yes - another round is awesome. And maybe it takes our minds off what happens around the world right now a bit. There are a few changes made - lesser words for authors for example (now with 1k minimum, a few were struggling), I opened it up to all Marvel Fandoms and a few other things.  You can read about them in the FAQs and the Rules. There’s also an updated Schedule already! But still, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me - Discord, Tumblr, Mail - all is fine! Everyone who is new to this event, have fun looking around, take a look at the Masterpost from last year on Tumblr or over at AO3  if you want. And if you decide to join this year, this would be awesome, too! It would be awesome if everyone who is interest could like this post or maybe even reblog it. That way I can estimate how many people we will be :) (And yes, as long as I can get at least two people together, this will be happening!) But until then; Stay healthy, stay as sane as wanted and don’t let anyone get to you <3

[aslmiller]

My work for the IMBB is complete! It’s called Here for You. You can find it at https://archiveofourown.org/works/24917143/chapters/60298840

@ironmanbigbang

I just want to say a big thank you to my artist, Judy_The_Dreamer and to the wonderful mod who made this possible.

[aslmiller]

Mission Report

Date 6-20-20

Location [Redacted]

I arrived in [Redacted] in the afternoon on Saturday the 13th. Without much intel to go on, I decided to stake out a coffee shop on the east side of town in the hopes that Clint might appear. It is with some irony that I report he did appear, from thing air no less, in the alley behind the shop – or at least, a version of him did – and one of me as well. At first I suspected it might be the Skrulls that had been impersonating me, but they both knew our passcode and details a little too deep for a Skrull to gather on a surface skim.

Turns out this version of Clint and I were aiding Dr. Strange in finding an artifact – that then sent them into the Multiverse “on accident” (there was a low spoken banter between the two that led me to believe it might not have been an accident). Three heads is better than one, and two of them readily agreed to assist me in locating my Clint. Between the other Clint and myself, we sent out a few feelers to some of my Clint’s contacts in the area and settled in to wait, booking a small but comfortable Air B&B near the lake.  

I couldn’t help but notice a certain…closeness between the other versions of Clint and myself and after a few days I suppose my interest had been a little too apparent because the other version of me saw fit to inform me that they were together – were, in fact, married. I admit I can’t quite believe it, but it looks like, at least in one universe, Clint and I are in love and happy.

Perhaps there is hope he returns my feelings in this universe…

It took almost a week, but eventually we were approached by a woman named Ashley Crawford. She didn’t seem all that confused by the fact that there was another me and a different Clint than the one she had met and she offered me a set of coordinates and the rumor that Clint had been seen near them and told me to tell him the GLA sends its regards when I meet up with him.

As for our alternate universe counterpoints – a portal appeared later that evening as I was my booking my flight to [Redacted] and they were whisked back to their home by their version of Doctor Strange.

It’s been a very long and strange month so far. Hopefully my time in [Redacted] will lead me closer to finding Clint.

@greatwinterhawkescape​

[aslmiller]

Thing i learned some time ago!  hope you all find it helpful ( perspective grids can be your friend!)

[aslmiller]

While collecting information at his next location ,Clint daydreamed of fun times with Bucky, Thor, and Carol.

@greatwinterhawkescape

[aslmiller]

Clint is off to his next destination! He left early this morning!

[aslmiller]

a few of my favorite soft Tony™ moments include

Tony telling the nurse to keep the TV at Downton Abbey because Happy loves that show :(

Tony helping that lady that fell down in IW despite all the chaos happening because he just cares. so. much. he didn’t even think about it, it was instinctive

also connected to that, telling the others to help the people in the car crash 

when he gave harley all those gifts and science supplies at the end of IM3 and even bought his sister a replacement L.E dora watch !!!

he mentions that time peter got a churro from that old lady he helped which shows that tony actually listens to peter’s voice mails??? or at least is constantly updated via happy??? i jUSStttt those are A LOT of voice mails and messages! 

the suits he builds for peter are amazing but also reek of protective father syndrome

telling wong to look after bruce while bruce is having ehem performance issues ehem lol BUT he genuinely looks so concerned for bruce and wants him to be safe :(

science bro reunion in IW was short but sweet and you could tell how concerned and worried he was for bruce? and that hug <3

every time he calls Pepper honey :(((((( like, he isn’t trying to be a sweet talker, it’s just second nature to him at this point (their last phone call conversation, his voice with that reassuring “honey” but y’all know he’s a wreck inside </3) i dont normally care for pet names but this is just so genuine

his little interactions with his friends aka dum-e, u, butterfingers and jarvis :( even when he’s being a dick to the bots, it’s still so soft cuz he actually keeps them around because they really are his friends??? he has almost full-on conversations with them! bonus: he built dum-e when he was young and decided to just keep it :(((( he doesn’t have too many people friends so how about some bot pals instead :(

he calls harley his friend so add that to his “people friends” list. 

burying his head in the crook of rhodey’s neck when they finally found him in the dessert isidufajnkdfasdfak

that necklace he gives Pepper at the end of IM3? oh nothing, it just has the pieces of shrapnel from his chest so pretty much akin to him giving a piece of his HEART to her, no biggie 

“She was already perfect.” wow someone stab me instead hahaha 

he designed each of the OG avengers their own floor in the Stark Tower. no, this ain’t fanon, this ain’t something that only happens in fanfic, this is canon ladies and gents and i am a glass case full of emotion

he reads and keeps all the fan mail kids send him JUST FUQ ME UP INSTEAD

he honestly looks so domestic in Barton’s farm house lol that plaid shirt is everything

tony and rhodey after that airport debacle. tony quickly creating something to help rhodey because that’s what he does, he fixes stuff. tony walking with rhodey and kneeling when rhodey fell down. tony looking at rhodey with so much guilt but so much love. still trying to joke around despite how shity they’re both feeling. :(

calming pepper down when she is (understandably) freaking out after being Extremis-fied. she was scared that she’ll burn him but he is so reassuring and concerned and just watch this entire scene pls listen to his voice and look at his expressions. It is peak TONY SOFTNESS. He really needs to change the “playboy” in that “Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” line

[aslmiller]

Mesmerized 😃

[aslmiller]

I wish that ao3 had an option to filter warnings (and tbh certain authors) out like I will never ever want to read it and just seeing it puts me off so much that often I end up closing my browser because that content upsets me so much lmao

[aslmiller]

hey new girl, everybody in this room is about that superhero life.

[aslmiller]

100 meet ugly writing prompts for your ugly writing needs!

Because people aren’t perfect. People make mistakes. Sometimes they react first and think later. Sometimes circumstances are less than ideal, but good things come from it anyway.

01.  we were set up on a blind date but it went horribly, so now you message me every time you have a good date because you think your tips will help me in the future, you ass 02.  I bought a house three months ago but I’m finally moving in and discover you’ve been squatting because you’re homeless 03.  you’re drunk in the department store I manage and you keep yelling at other customers so please come into my office while I call the cops 04.  I organize a petition to get you, the ceo, to live off of my wage for three months and since it’s getting media attention, your PR manager suggests you accept the challenge and you keep coming into my department to ask me how to do things 05.  I’m a pro-athlete at a press conference and I make a comment to my buddy about you because I forgot my mic was on 06.  in a moment of stupidity, I keyed what I thought was my ex’s car only to be surprised when you come screaming towards me 07.  I’m assigned to write a piece rounding up all the bad press that you, a famous celebrity, have been getting and you show up in my office and demand me to write a retraction and get the ‘real’ story 08.  I wrote my crush a note except I started it with ‘dear you’ and my friend stuck it into the wrong locker and now you think I have a crush on you 09. we’re strangers who meet at a bar, get drunk, and wake up to announcements of our new engagement all over our social media - what did we do??? 10.  you’ve been breaking into my car to sleep at night and I’ve let it slide because it’s been cold out but I have a date and I need you to find somewhere else (fine, go in my house/garage, I don’t care, you’re not messing this date up for me) 11.  my old dealer is moving to be with his boyfriend, so he hooks me up with you and you refuse to sell to me because I cut in front of you in line one time YEARS ago and I’m not even sure that it was me. this is ridiculous 12.  I’m working at the cash and when I ask you how your day is going, you tell me that it’s the anniversary of [something horrible] and I don’t know what to do with that information so I accidentally blurt “well hope it’s a good one!” when saying goodbye  13.  we make contact before trying to steal the last seat on the subway/bus/train and I end up in your lap and fuck you, I’m going to stay here because I’ve had a really long day and this seat was mine 14.  you caught me doing something a few weeks ago but didn’t report me and now you’re trying to blackmail me into secretly tutoring you even though you and your friends have always been assholes, no I don’t ‘owe’ you 15.  I step out of the bathroom and right into the middle of a bar fight and you punch me accidentally so I punch back on instinct

85 more meet ugly prompts under the cut

Keep reading

[aslmiller]

How to Care for a Sad Person

Title: How to Care for a Sad Person

Name of Participant: Flamegirl22

Card Number: 3112

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23337043

Square Filled: S5 (Vulnerability)

Ship: Tony Stark & Bucky Barnes

Rating: G

Major Tags: A whole lot of fluff, Bucky trying to care for “sad” Tony, Friendship

Summary: Pepper leaves Tony and Bucky doesn’t know how to help. The Internet tells him how. 

Word Count: 2,460

A big thank you to my beta Politzania for the work they did on this story.

This is based on a meme I found on the internet. The list at the end was borrowed from the meme. I hope you enjoy this fluffy little fic. 

How to Care for a Sad Person  (Vulnerability Square)

Tony was sitting on the sofa in the communal living room. He felt numb, unable to move. There was a tiny voice in the back of his head that was telling him he should be nice and go help, but he couldn’t convince himself to move. So, he just sat there as Pepper packed what she absolutely couldn’t do without until she could get movers in for the rest of her belongings. Tony felt her come to a stop behind him. He heard the soft thud of her suitcase being stood on all four wheels, then the tapping of her heels on the floor coming closer to him. He raised his eyes from the tasteful cream heels, up the cream skirt and blazer with a blue top, to her face. It was her work face. The one she used when facing down the board, but then she softened a little.

“I’m sorry Tony,” Pepper said.

Tony waved his hand. His voice was slightly hoarse when he replied “We’ve been over this Pepper. I don’t want to go through it again. I understand.”

She sighed, turned away from him and collected her suitcase. The sound of her heels grew fainter, then disappeared into the elevator and Tony was alone.

******

Over the next week the rest of the Avengers started trickling back in. Bruce was the first to return. 48 hours after Pepper left he arrived back at the tower from a conference on the West Coast. He checked in with Jarvis, asking him where Tony was, and was told that Tony didn’t want to be disturbed except for in the most dire of emergencies. Bruce shrugged, thinking nothing of it, before he went about settling back into the tower.

Clint and Sam showed up next. They had been doing a recon mission for a week. They finally got what Shield needed, allowing the next team to take over. They too asked who was in the tower and where they were. They found that Bruce was in his lab and that Tony was in his. They got the same statement about Tony that Bruce did. They looked at each other, shrugged and went about settling back into the tower.

The last to come back were Steve, Bucky and Nat. Their first stop was the communal area of the tower. They found Clint, Sam and Bruce in the kitchen. Bruce was stirring a pot on the stove while Sam was cutting a loaf of Italian bread and putting what appeared to be garlic butter on it. Clint was just in the way. The three men looked up and offered greetings. Bruce told them that dinner would be done in about fifteen minutes and if they wanted to take quick showers they would wait on them. The three quickly went about putting their gear away and washing up. They were settling around the table twenty minutes later to wonderful smelling soup and bread.

“Where’s Tony?” Bucky asked before anyone started eating. “Shouldn’t we wait for him?”

Bruce, Clint and Sam exchanged looks before Clint said “We haven’t seen him since we’ve come back. He’s been in the shop the whole time. Jarvis said he doesn’t want to be disturbed.”

“No one’s seen him in a week?” Steve asked.

When the other men shook their heads Steve turned his attention to the ceiling. Yes, he knew Jarvis wasn’t in the ceiling, but he did know that there were cameras there and he felt better addressing the cameras than the air. “Jarvis, is Tony ok?”

“Sir is fine, Captain.” Jarvis said blandly. “He simply does not wish to be disturbed.”

“Is he at least eating and sleeping?” Bucky cut in.

There was a pause then Jarvis replied “I am not at liberty to discuss Sir with you at this time.”

“So that’s a no,” Steve said and Bucky nodded along with him.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Bucky asked Jarvis.

“I do not believe there is anything you can do at this time. I will pass along your concern to Sir, however.”

The team sat in slightly uncomfortable silence for several long minutes before Nat broke it to say “He won’t be joining us, we might as well eat while it’s hot.”

There were murmurs of agreement before everyone started eating. Bucky and Steve were the last to pick up their spoons. 

****

Tony checked with Jarvis to make sure no one was in the communal living room before he made his way upstairs. Everyone was in separate corners of the tower. Steve and Bucky were both in the gym, Natasha and Clint were in Natasha’s suite and Sam was in his own. Bruce was in his lab and Thor was off world, as far as Tony knew. Tony had only told them the bare bones about his and Pepper’s breakup and he had no desire to start talking about it now. But his rooms were too painful to spend any time there. Echos of Pepper were everywhere. He was hoping that, with time, he would be able to reclaim his rooms, but right now it was simply too raw. In every other aspect of his life he had managed to move on. He could work with her just fine. Their working relationship was almost back to where it was before their failed courtship. It wasn’t a constant fight to not fall back into a bottle anymore. He was smiling and starting to laugh again. He had finally told the team almost a month after she had left. In the months since several teammates had offered to listen if he needed to talk, but he never took them up on that. The only one who hadn’t was Bucky. At first Tony didn’t know what to think of that, but he had come to realize that the man was more of a actions vs words guy and Tony could respect that. But Bucky never seemed to know what to do, so the friendship that had been steadily building had stalled out. Tony hadn’t really realized how much he had come to like the other man until he suddenly wasn’t there anymore. 

Tony looked up from his tablet when Sam came into the room. He didn’t say anything, just offered a friendly smile as he settled into an armchair to read a book. Over the next hour both Clint and Natasha wandered into the room. Natasha had a stack of magazines and Clint set a bunch of guns and knives down on the table before settling in to cleaning them.  Tony wasn’t sure how Natasha had convinced Clint to clean her gear along with his, but he wasn’t going to ask. Steve came in about an hour after everyone else, freshly showered, sketchbook in hand. Gradually light conversation started up and Tony found himself relaxing again. 

Today had been a hard day for Tony, a sleepless night followed by a major contract stalling out, Tony had his legal team on it, that left him feeling a little more raw than usual. But the presence of his friends was soothing that a bit. Everyone looked up when Bucky walked into the room. He was holding his phone in one hand and a folded blanket in the other. They all watched as he spread out the large, light blue plush blanket on the floor. He took a step back and looked at his phone. His blue eyes locked on Tony, before he came over to him. He gently pulled the tablet from his hand and settled it on the side table.

“Bucky, what-“ Tony started to ask before cutting himself off as the super soldier slid his hands under Tony’s legs and lower back, lifting him off the sofa. 

Tony couldn’t help but flail a little bit in his arms, prompting Bucky to pull him closer to his chest and murmur “I’ve got you.” With complete ease Bucky knelt down on the floor beside the blanket then laid Tony on the end closest to him. Tony was about to sit up when Bucky tossed the edge closest to himself over him, then proceeded to log roll him to the other end of the blanket. It took less than ten seconds. When Tony was laying on his back on the ground, looking up into concerned blue eyes, arms pinned to his sides, he heard the first sounds of chuckling. Bucky looked up at the other members of their team, then back down at Tony.

“You are now a sushi,” He announced softly, looking back down at his phone. 

Tony ignored the, now full blown laughter from their friends, and asked “What?”

Bucky ignored him as he continued to look at his phone. When he looked up he met Natasha’s eyes and said “Move please.”

“Bucky, what are you doing?” Steve finally asked, getting his laughter under control. 

“He is a sushi,” Bucky repeated.

“Yes, I got that part.” Steve said patiently, trying to keep his laughter under control. “But why?” 

Bucky flipped his phone around and shoved it in Steve’s face. Steve grabbed Bucky’s wrist and moved the phone away from his face so he could see it. Tony was wiggling around, both trying to see what was going on and to get his arms free. Steve looked up after he was done reading it, lips twitching, and looked from Bucky to Tony, still squirming on the floor. 

“Well,” Steve said in a carefully controlled voice. “I guess Nat needs to vacate the sofa.”

Natasha stood gracefully from her place on the end of the sofa, eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and stepped away. 

“Would someone please tell me what is going on?” Tony demanded.

“Shh,” Bucky replied as he carefully scooped him up. “It’s okay.”

Tony couldn’t believe this was happening. He had no idea why he was wrapped in a blanket in the other man’s arms. He was set gently down on the sofa, carefully leaning against the arm.

“I’ll be right back.”

Tony looked at Steve when Bucky left the room. “You want to tell me what is going on Steve?”

Steve seemed to think about it for a few seconds, mouth pulled down in a slight frown. “Nope.”

“Steve!” 

“I actually think the rest of us should clear out. Give them some time.” Steve continued, blue eyes lit up with glee.

“Don’t you dare!” 

“I think that’s a great idea,” Tasha chimed in, a small smile on her face.

Clint and Sam just exchanged a look before shrugging and gathering up their stuff. 

“Steve,” Tony hissed. “Do not leave me. You need to convince him to let me go.”

Steve shook his head, a slight smile on his face “He’s not holding you hostage Tony. Just relax and enjoy it.”

“Steve-“

The captain just laughed as he ushered everyone else out of the room. 

Tony sighed as he watched them leave. He couldn’t believe what was happening. He wasn’t sure why it was happening. All he knew was the rest of his friends were traitors. His eyes snapped to the doorway between the living room and the kitchen as he heard movement. Bucky was coming back into the room holding a tray laden with things on it. Tony watched as he placed it on the coffee table in easy reach. 

“Alright,” Bucky said softly. “Just bear with me, okay Tones?”

Tony just shot him a confused look. That confusion turned to surprise when Bucky leaned him forward and slid in behind him. Tony couldn’t help but stiffen slightly, but when Bucky didn’t do anything except let Tony lay against him, the engineer found himself relaxing. The slight rise and fall of the super soldier’s breathing was oddly soothing.

“Jarvis can you start Episode I: The Phantom Menace please?” Bucky asked. 

Jarvis didn’t reply, just dimmed the lights and started playing the movie. They were half way in when Bucky reached for the items on the coffee table. He opened one of the plastic containers, picked up a fork and speared something inside. He held a blueberry and a piece of strawberry in front of Tony’s mouth. Tony arched his neck so he could look at Bucky. The long haired brunette just smiled at him encouragingly, saying nothing. Tony turned back to the fork and the fruit on the end and opened his mouth. He could tell this whole thing was important to Bucky, so he decided to keep going along with it. He allowed Bucky to feed him several more bites then softly insisted that Bucky needed to eat too. There was a pause then he said softly “As long as you keep eating.” 

Once the fruit was gone, and they were on the second movie, Bucky broke out the chocolate covered coffee beans that everyone knew were Tony’s favorite chocolate treat. Bucky kept insisting that Tony drink some water as well. Tony found himself completely relaxed as the second movie came to an end.

“How do you feel?” Bucky asked, breath tickling Tony’s neck and ear.

Tony thought about it for a little while, then smiled.

“I’m a lot better than I was. Thank you Frosty.”

Bucky smiled down at him. “I’m glad. I don’t like seeing my friends sad. I didn’t know what to do to help you.”

“This was perfect. A little odd, but perfect. Where did you come up with this?”

Bucky dug around in his pocket, then carefully helped Tony free his arms before handing over his phone. Tony could only stare at the meme on the screen.

How To Care For A Sad Person:

1 Lay Blanket Out

2 Pick Up Sad Person

3 Lay Sad Person In Blanket

4 Roll Them Like A Sushi

5 Place Sad Roll On Bed/Couch/Comfy Place

6 Hug Roll Close

7 Put On Rolls Favorite Movies

8 Feed Roll Snacks

9 Make Sure Roll Is Well Hydrated. Tears Make Roll Dehydrated.

10 Happy ‘Lil Sushi Roll

“You are now a Happy ‘lil sushi roll.”

Tony huffed lightly, trying to sound annoyed, but failing spectacularly and said “I’m not that little.”

Bucky just smirked down at him and Tony couldn’t help but wonder when the last time someone had gone so far out of their way to make him comfortable. He figured it must have been Rhodey when they were at MIT together. He was drawn out of his thoughts when Bucky’s soft voice asked “But you are happy?”

Tony smiled up at him and deliberately snuggled back into him. “Yeah, I’m happy. You game for another movie?”

Bucky pulled him just a bit closer, tucking the smaller man’s head under his chin while saying “Good and of course I want to watch another movie.”

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it! Until next time.

[aslmiller]

Taking a Chance

Title: Taking a Chance

Name of Participant: Flamegirl22

Card Number: 3112

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/TonyStarkBingo_2020/works/23331688

Square Filled: S3 (Au:Nonpowered)

Ship: Tony Stark & Bucky Barnes, Tony Stark & Steve Rogers

Rating: G

Major Tags: Injury to a dog

Summary: Tony has only met two people in his entire life that he has felt an instant, strong connection to, a pull he cannot explain or understand. Until, one day, when he is in New York City, he is drawn to a stranger with a massive dog. An accident brings them together and Tony finds himself growing closer to the brunette. Steve isn’t happy at the intrusion into their lives, but Tony can’t deny or ignore the connection he has with Bucky. Tony risks straining his connection to Steve as he explores his pull to Bucky.

Word Count: 10,639

[aslmiller]