#if u have any recs i'd love to hear them too !!

[swampstew]

UNI REVERSE I LOVE U

Fic authors self rec! When you receive this, reply with up to five favorite fics you've written (include links, and if you want- a few thoughts about each one), then pass on to at least five other writers if you're up for it. Spread the self-love ✨

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAndie! I can't believe you've done this. Well, I did one version of this where I talked about my pretty much all my fics - however, this will go a little more detailed with other things I've done :)

Captain Kid's Fiery Passion - !Yandere Kid. I really enjoyed exploring a darker, crueler Kid that would take reader with no hesitation. I know I only scratched the surface of 'dark fic' with this one, but part of me is entirely too hung up on Kid being an actual cinnamon roll to his beloved that I can't really imagine him being mean mean. That doesn't mean the inspiration isn't there. I have plenty of questionable scenarios I'd like to write out, and my only fear is accidentally triggering myself XD

Spoiling Killer - this is my guilty pleasure. Subjecting my comfort characters to simple pleasures. I can't help writing rottingly fluffy stuff. It's my nature. And I'll do it again too. I won't stop until every crew member is given the pampering they deserve.

Meet the Kid Pirates series - Heat the HR Director and emotional support human! - We know SO LITTLE about this crew and their roles so I decided to make up roles and titles. IF we ever get canonized information, I will update these. However, this was meant to just be fun head canonning :) I was going to do every crew member but after...THAT...chapter, I was too depressed to continue. Still kinda am. BUT FRET NOT - I DO INTEND TO FINISH THIS! and also do the Straw Hats section. In time in time.

Ok, I know I said I was gonna limit this to the drabbles, BUT I JUST REMEMBERED, I also have a WIP book that's part of the What's the Magic Word? universe. Rowena's Future Vision! This is gonna be composed of just drabbles, thoughts, and ramblings of things I wanna see for my ship. Nothing is canonized until its written in the official book(s). This is my sacred space for adding more to Rowena's lore, her relationships with Kid and the world around them. It can kiiiinda be spoilery if you're not caught up to the main fic. Inspired by @abysscronica 's standalone fic "Emperors (dad!Kid x mom!Reader)" which is SOFCKING GOOD but also gave me the courage to write beyond my main fic and explore other themes and tropes that would not otherwise fit in WTMW? NGL I'm inspired to do a Stampede book too cause my mind literally cannot shutthefuckup about Kid and Rowena and making Kid stressed about showing off that he's a better Captain than Luffy, but I have too much on my plate already. I hope that's not stepping on your toes Abyss!!!!!

Ending on a collaborative note, it was a DELIGHT AND HONOR to host this collection of stories for Halloween 2023 with some of my dear moots. SUPER SECRET HALLOWEEN PROJECT was so much fun from conception to execution. I had so much fun envisioning the theme, and hearing from my friends how much they enjoyed being able to do something low-pressure and just for funsies. Plus being able to include fandom by voting on the best costume was really cool - and I'll take any excuse to commission @yamiyamiart ;) Shoutout to my crew: @quinloki @zoros-sheath @sanjis-all-blue @writing-yarn-goblin @icy-spicy @mewiyev @bulle-d-bulliver @leakyweep

[redfurrycat]

☃️Icemav Fic Recs🏍️

☃️🏍️Icemav Goodies to Read🏍️☃️

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

List of Icemav Ao3 Authors:

Aaronhotchners | Aelibia | Alannaofroses | AncientAviators | AstronomicalFog ~~~ Boasamishipper ~~~  Captainstilinski | Compacflt | Content_scrapbooker ~~~ DancingDisaster ~~~ Eclair_Fair98 | EliasHirsch | Emmedoesntdomath | Enthyrea ~~~ Fangirl6202 | Fuddlewuddle ~~~ Gh0stytoasty | Glitterfayy ~~~ Honckity ~~~ Icezansky | IWannaDoBadThingsWithYou237 ~~~ Juliabaggins ~~~ Kazanskysmitchell ~~~ Laceyamethyst | Ladylanera | Lemonsandsugarmakelemonade | Logan73 | LoveChildofInsertShowHere ~~~ Metro_gnome | Miiichaaan | Mtnofgrace ~~~  Oceannaya | Orphan_account ~~~ QED_Art | Qin_ling | Quantumoddity ~~~ Reformedtsundere | Resacon1990 ~~~ Saintclaire | Saturn | Seventeensteps | Simplecoffee | Soberhyuck | Solangelosunangel | Stardustsunflower | Storiesofmylife | Streetsweepershenanigans | Susiecarter ~~~ Tartie | Thecarlysutra | Theineffableprofessor | Themodernmerlin | Trinipedia ~~~ Umbrella_enthusiast ~~~ Vannral | VarjoRuusu | Viridimessorem ~~~ WhisperingNights | Wildglitterwolf | Winterbitch | Winterotter | Writteninwaves ~~~ XoAnnaxo ~~~ Yellowdaisy2023.

Property of Maverick Mitchell by gh0stytoasty {G}

"What's so funny?" he asked, turning to face the class. One of the new recruits, Phoenix, replied between giggles: "It's on your back, sir." "What's on my back?" Or, Maverick decides to pull the classic sticky-note prank on Ice.

baby, baby, i'd get down on my knees for you by boasamishipper, simplecoffee {T}

Or, the Wooing of Iceman Kazansky by a Very Smol Mr. Darcy (Five times Maverick proposed to Iceman, and one time Iceman accepted.)

Gift Me Your Love by ReformedTsundere {G}

"Weird? That's all you're gonna offer me?" Slider laughs and knocks his shoulder into Ice's. "Not sure what else I can, princess; looks like you got yourself an admirer." He leans off the lockers and moves around Ice to head out. "Or," he says, looking over his shoulder to smirk wide and far too amused for Ice's taste, "a stalker." Ice throws his towel at Slider's face.

let’s talk about sex, baby (let’s talk about you and me) by boasamishipper {T}

Prompt: I keep coming in to take condoms from the health services desk because I think you’re cute and I’m pretty sure you must think my sex life is wild.

Read My Damn File! by viridimessorem {T}

Why don't people ever read the files? It would save everyone a lot of trouble. Or The 5 Times the Navy didn't realize Maverick and Iceman were married, and the 1 Time they did.

1am by quantumoddity {G}

It's the early morning and Tom Kazansky's house hasn't been quiet in a long time. And he couldn't be more grateful.

Smooth by viridimessorem {T}

The Five times Maverick didn't know who gave him a gift and the one time he did.

The Role of a Lifetime by Fuddlewuddle {M}

Maverick never expected to be a father, but sometimes roles in life are chosen for you without any of your say so in the matter. That's how the Captain ends up with seven adult kids after coming back to Top Gun. Lucky for him he has a husband who doesn't mind the sudden increase in Christmas stockings they're going to have to buy at some point. A husband that 6 out of the 7 kids have no idea he has. He could tell them, but where would be the fun in that?

Brilliant Beyond Brilliant Idea by boasamishipper {T}

Identical twins Violet Kazansky and Josephine 'Joey' Mitchell, separated at birth and raised by one of their parents, discover each other for the first time at summer camp and hatch a scheme to bring their wayward fathers back together.

Can't Take the Heat... by ReformedTsundere {T}

No self-respecting bisexual man turns down gay chicken a la Lady in the Tramp.

Pick me up, Buttercup by Fuddlewuddle {M}

Everyone keeps picking Maverick up or having him sit in their lap because he is small. Maverick finds he doesn't actually mind it.

Icing And Ice Cubes by CaptainStilinski {G}

Bradley can hear his dad and Uncle Mav talking quietly in the living room, the noise from the tv drowning out most of what they're saying, but he does catch the tail end of the conversation. He pauses with one juice box in his hand, his little mind suddenly sparked with inspiration. Uncle Mav’s birthday is soon, and now he has the perfect gift idea. Or: little kid Bradley is the best, unintentional wingman.

Mother Goose Knows Best. by StreetSweeperShenanigans {T}

Maverick finds himself left out in the rain only to be rescued by his rival (synonym: crush). A lot can change in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic lagged down by the rain. Who knew? Goose knew.

Amortentia by thecarlysutra {T}

Pete Mitchell is a new recruit to the MACUSA Auror Office, and his new partner is a blast from his past.

I can go anywhere i want (just not home) by LaceyAmethyst {T}

“No wife. No kids. No one to mourn you when you burn in.” Maverick froze like prey on the wrong side of a rifle barrel. Bradley had taken a direct hit, a shot meant to kill. He watched Maverick wince, slowly, before his face split open, raw with hurt and disbelief. The look would haunt Bradley in his dreams for many nights. And that’s when he saw Admiral Kazansky in the doorway. Or: Ice overhears Rooster when he says Those Words to Maverick. Predictably, he eviscerates him on the spot. But perhaps less predictably, Hangman's just as ready to defend Rooster.

Homeward to a Harbor by aelibia {M}

Ice is a selkie. Maverick finds out the hard way.

Maverick’s Mystery by Oceannaya {T}

The Daggers took notice of their beloved instructor always gushing and smiling his face off whenever he spoke on the phone. They wanna know why.

This Means War by Metro_Gnome {G}

Maverick and Iceman's rivalry didn't end when they became instructors. From sticky notes to love confessions, what started as a simple prank war goes directions neither expected.

You and me, no matter how they toss the dice, it had to be by Logan73 {_}

Iceman kissed his temple, left his lips on Maverick’s skin, and then kissed it once again. Then they both fell asleep, safe and sound. Next morning, Iceman prepared a speech, and it wasn’t until DADT was overturned and gay marriage legalised that he got to read it.

If only for today, I am unafraid by JuliaBaggins {T}

Bradley just returned from a longer deployment and is happy to spend some time with his dad. But when he notices a scar on Mav's shoulder he previously hadn't registered, it sparks a lot of feels, realisations and the wish to help Mav to find the same kind of happiness that he has found with Jake. Ideally with a certain Admiral… [Bradley & Mav family feels, established Hangster, Icemav getting together///Bradley's POV, then Mav's]

And they call it (puppy) love by StoriesofmyLife {T}

Ice honestly isn’t sure what, exactly, he’d been expecting upon his entrance to the kitchen—an explosion of some sort, a new construction project that would go unfinished until Ice got annoyed with it and called a professional in to finish it, a dead body—honestly, the possibilities were endless—but it isn't almost being bowled over by a black and brown blur that’s covered in something dark and wet and Maverick yelling at said blur, that upon closer inspection, is a dog. More specifically, a puppy. Even more specifically, a puppy that's covered in mud. And getting said mud all over Ice’s freshly pressed uniform. “Maverick.” Ice manages, trying to wrestle away from the eager puppy, who’s tongue is hell bent on licking every square inch of his face. He doges an overexcited attempt at his eyeball, narrowly avoiding getting blinded by an uncoordinated paw. “Why is there a dog in our house?” or - Maverick adopts a dog and Ice is just a long for the ride.

when i see your face by boasamishipper {G}

In which Maverick Mitchell wakes up from surgery, high on painkillers, and hits on his husband.

doppio espresso (over ice) by seventeensteps {T}

The bell jingles, and in walks the most gorgeous man Pete’s ever seen in his entire life. “What can I get for you today, sir?” Pete says cheerily, putting on his best customer service smile, offering everything and more. “Double espresso-” “On it,” says Pete’s unfiltered mouth, his hands already moving, before it belatedly occurs to him that he’s just cut a customer off. “Sorry, you were saying?” The man’s stony expression doesn’t change but Pete feels like he’s being scolded anyway. “Double espresso over ice,” he says. And boy, doesn’t that just absolutely obliterate the moment.

Flower Power by ReformedTsundere {T}

Flowers, Pete reminds himself, slamming the last of the books closed, are the worst.

you're trying hard not to show it, but baby, i know it by StoriesofmyLife {T}

Ice wants to know who Maverick was before he became Maverick. He wants to know Pete Mitchell, too, because they’re two parts of the same whole and Ice wants to love that part, too. Because Pete Mitchell was worth loving just as much Maverick Mitchell was worth loving. And God, does Ice love him. Or --- The one where Ice gets drunk and serenades Maverick in front of God and everyone.

Moving In Slow Motion by boasamishipper {E}

Maverick never thought he’d actually like the nitty gritty details of working at TOPGUN — the lesson plans, the tests, the endless paperwork — but it grows on him over time. Viper’s even taken to giving Maverick these approving glances when he thinks Maverick’s not looking. He’s got a good thing going here. A year after that, in walks Iceman Kazansky, cool as can be, and Maverick starts to think that he might have a problem.

Recovery Period by Content_Scrapbooker

Whiplash {T}

Getting booted from a plane twice within a month really was not in Maverick's best interest, and Rooster needs to come to terms with his godfather's recklessness before the fear of losing him sends them both into a flat spin.

Heads up, Iceman is not dead in this, I don't care what the movie says, Maverick can't lose any more friends, and canon is being adjusted.

Recovery Period Working Timeline {_}

This is just an organized timeline of this current series. This is not a fic or oneshot, just a timeline. Do with that what you will.

Cracked the Case {T}

While Maverick's in recovery post-surgery, he drops a bit of information that leaves Rooster's head spinning. The two of them might as well talk about it.

On Tape {T}

During the IceMav wedding reception, a certain wedding gift captures the attention of everyone in attendance, and emotions begin to run high. And a ghost from the past ends up with perfect timing to make a speech.

Waking Nightmare {T}

Rooster has a nightmare and has to call Maverick after. They bond over it.

Out You Come {T}

In the 25-week gap between Ice popping the question at Maverick's bedside, and the two of them getting hitched, the US government finds itself thrown into a conundrum that might finally prove more than these two pilots are worth. See how they react and deal with politics, drama, emotions, and an unusually-cooperative Commander in Chief who just wants to be invited to the wedding.

Whatever They Need {T}

Alternatively known as the twelve times the aviators of the special detachment needed Mav, and he came in clutch, plus the one time he realized he needed them just as much.

Blood Is Thick {_}

Today is the day of Ice's surgery, and tensions are high between Sarah and Pete. The two of them talk it out.

The Retirement Of Admiral Bradshaw by SaintClaire {T}

Goose and Carole both live and go on to be happily in love and their son's biggest supporters.

no fear, just faith by qin_ling {M}

Canon-divergence of Top Gun (1986) in which Goose survives, Slider suffers, and Maverick and Iceman are idiots in love. Featuring Goose as Maverick's relationship therapist and resident General Hospital expert.

Easier Done Than Said by COMPACFLT

When We Get Around to Talking About It {M}

Goose has been dead for a week and a half when Iceman loses his first wingman in a dogfight with six Soviet MiGs over the Sea of Okhotsk. Goose has been dead for thirty years when Iceman loses his second wingman to a surface-to-air missile on the tail-end of a mission he's responsible for: he's sent his family on a suicide mission to destroy a uranium enrichment facility in Siberia. This is the story of those thirty years in the middle. (Or: Tom Kazansky rises through the ranks while trying to stay a good man. If he ever was one to begin with.)

Debriefing (& Other Stories) {M}

"We can start here, I guess. If we're talking about us," Pete says. "Nineteen-eighty-six. The first thing I thought, when I saw you in that O-club, was: Iceman is off-limits. Capital O, capital L." Despite himself, despite the fear, Tom laughs a little. "Oh, yeah? Why's that?" "Well, first off, we were competition. And yeah, you were attractive, but then you opened your mouth and I swear. You were just an asshole. Goose is trying to introduce you to me and here I am thinking about how much of an asshole you are. Shut up about Cougar, asshole." "It was supposed to be a friendly competition!" "Yeah, right. So that's what I was thinking: he's attractive, clearly doesn't know how to talk to other men, might be into the proposition if I framed it the right way. But he's an asshole, so this competition is just gonna be friendly." Pete pauses. Then he says, "Ice, you wanna get married?" And that's how they start talking about it. (Or: they finally get around to talking about it. Plus a couple extra stories for good luck.)

Tremors & Aftershocks {E}

They both come back to their senses and stop openly crying again eventually. The stitches fall out of the thirty-year-old wounds and the scars fade back to skin-color. Life stops being so painfully raw after a couple weeks back home. You get used to miracles the way you get used to anything else. One day at a time. [Or: 40 years of extras, from 1982-2022. Some true love, some heartbreak, some miracles.]

Maverick Whisperer by LadyLanera {T}

Let it be known that Maverick Mitchell is a self-sacrificing dumbass who absolutely knows how to play the system to get exactly what he wants out of the Navy.

I will always hold you close by LadyLanera {G}

Tom only wants two things: his boys together on the sofa and dinner. Thanks to his darling menace and his ridiculous antics, he quickly amends his wants to include a third--or was it more like eleven.

and you moved me, honey by vannral {M}

”Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” Slider says somewhere on Goose’s left. His voice is gruff, flat and so deadpan it would be hilarious under any other circumstances but unfortunately Goose is stuck on this ride, too, so he can relate heavily."

Slider and Goose are 200 % done with their pilots and their stupid pining. Goose also realizes he might care a lot more for Slider than he thought.

Vampire!Ice by LadyLanera

Blood Ties {M}

Originally born Avtonom Konstantin but nowadays known as COMPACFLT Admiral Tom Kazansky, this is the story of how Ice lived in secret as a vampire, searching desperately across all of time for his green-eyed menace who plagued his dreams most nights.

AKA IceMav across the ages

The Home Ice Built {M}

There once was a house in Coronado filled with love and happiness. It sat at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, but it was anything but inside. Full-body laughter erupted from its seams at any given time.

This is the story of the home Iceman Kazansky built.

Bloody Halloween {G}

After learning there's going to be a Halloween party at Maverick's, Jake decides he's going to show up to meet the family so to speak since things have been going so well between him and Bradley. Things, however, quickly go wrong unfortunately.

Welcome to the Family {T}

Bradley has the rest of his life to figure out when he's ready to die as a human and be reborn as a vampire. When tragedy strikes, though, he realizes that maybe he doesn't have that long after all.

In other words… This is the epic conclusion to the Vampire!Ice series. Please note the Main Character Death warnings are temporary.

the bet by aaronhotchners {T}

“Okay, okay, okay,” Ron interrupts, suddenly sounding undefined. “It’s settled. If Mitchell loses, Kazansky gets his bike. If Kazansky loses, he goes for a date on said bike.”

Kind of the same way - TGM Edition by trinipedia {M}

When Les Grossman, the US President, goes into a coma, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hot-headed and caring Temp Agency operator who by a staggering coincidence looks exactly like the President, finds himself stuck in the role indefinitely. The corrupt and manipulative Chief of Staff, Chester "Hammer" Cain, plans to use Pete to elevate himself to the White House, but he doesn't count on Pete enjoying himself in office, using his luck and friends to make the country a better place and falling in love with the President's personal assistant, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.

Love and heartbreak walk a thin line by glitterfayy {E}

Knowing you have a soulmate, a romantic soulmate, and wanting to know them were two different things, and Bradley was sure of one thing. Knowing only ended in heartache.

Mav wonders if he's always destined be left behind.

OR Soulmate AU when you turn 18 you get a compass that leads you to your soulmate. A story in 2 parts. First part covers Mav. Second Bradley and Jake.

etymology of a soul by writteninwaves {T}

etymology

n. the study of the origin of words, how they got their meanings and how they change over time

a study of souls, soulmates, friends you choose, family you find & all the ways souls can feel sorrow, break, and mend themselves back again.

Bradley Bradshaw has two soulmates, one platonic and one romantic. However, it isn't that easy to find your loved ones when you have loss and grief following you everywhere.

Based on & Inspired by Comin2U's Fic "You'd Say I Love You and How Proud", where Natasha is IceMav's long lost daughter.

Bad Ideas! by LemonsAndSugarMakeLemonade

Bad Idea! {T}

Bradley: Hey, are you and Ice around?

Well, this is slightly odd Mav thought but he replied anyway.

Yeah, why?

Bradley: We have our baby! We’ll be there in 10.

Mav almost dropped his phone at the reply. What the fuck.

Bradley Bradshaw, you better call me this instant.

Even worse idea! {T}

“Bradley, Ice just texted me to come to “hang out”, is this a threat?” “Jake you’ve known him for almost five years now, it is definitely just Ice wanting you to do some work around the house.” “Okay but-” “Baby, this exact conversation happened last week, you know Ice is so different at home than he is at work.” “But is he?” “Jake, please,” “Okay yeah, I’ll go over.”

A Friendly Chat by Content_Scrapbooker {G}

Prompt: Could we maybe see a circumstance that brings them all of the ’86 flyboys together for the sake of Mav, where the ‘86 crew is witness to his disgustingly loving and fatherly nature over the Daggers, and the kids also see how the older guys take care of and protect Mav?

By Night, My Love, Tie Your Heart to Mine by SOBERHYUCK {T}

Tom thinks that his bunkmate’s snores might be the same decibel level as the planes they fly.

-  where they are bunkmates and fall in love

When the flowers bloom by miiichaaan {T}

“Are you also gonna stay with Uncle Mav forever?” Bradley wants to know, his tone as serious as a five year old’s can be. Ice feels heat rising to his cheeks. His eyes flick up to Mav for the split of a second. I’d love to, if you let me, he thinks.

5 Times Goose Observes +1 time Maverick sees/hears him by LadyLanera {G}

Inspired by tumblr's forsty's "Goose's Force Ghost" art series. Five times Goose's Force Ghost observes events surrounding Maverick or Maverick-adjacent after Goose's death, but there's one time Maverick sees/hears him.

With a little help... by miiichaaan {T}

“Look, we kinda have to set them up, huh?” Slider barked out a laugh at that, “Figured that out all by yourself?” Goose rolled his eyes, “You help me or no?”

You're DINOmite by ReformedTsundere {T}

When a poacher problem comes to Isla Sorna, InGen sends out a group of mercenaries to help keep their assets secure. Maverick is not pleased with that development. Until he is.

if we were apart I could still see the lights in the sky by stardustsunflower {T}

Mav joined the Navy to follow his father’s footsteps and to be part of something. He got far more than he bargained for, far more than he deserves. For all the years since he’s met Goose, he’s been happy. He’s been grateful. And he truly has become part of something – part of their family. For the first time in his life, he gets to feel like he belongs.

In which Mav stuffs too many balloons under a dining table, regrets not taking home economics, and almost ruins his favorite jacket, not necessarily in that order.

You're Gonna Be The One That Saves Me by orphan_account {M}

Of all the inane things Maverick’s done—of all of the rules he’s broken, and all of the ways he’s risked his neck—falling for Iceman is both the most ludicrous and the most expected.

Build this Dream by VarjoRuusu {G}

"I'm sorry to have to do this this way," Ice starts and he can already see the devastation and panic on Bradley's face, thinking Ice is going to rip his wings away before he even has them. Again. Ice sighs. "Sit down," he says softly. "Please."

Bradley casts a glance at him, then does as he's told as Ice takes a breath.

"Maverick pulled your papers because your mother asked him to," Ice says bluntly, and Bradley's world collapses.

"What?" he manages to croak and slowly, carefully, Ice explains everything Maverick should have four and a half years before. Tells him how Carole was so scared of leaving her boy alone when he was only fourteen, how she didn't want him in the air, she didn't want him to die young like Goose had. He explains how Maverick didn't want Bradley to end up hating his mother, or resenting her, so he took it all on himself.

There is silence for a long time after he finishes before Bradley quietly asks to be dismissed and after a moments hesitation, Ice nods.

"Bradley," he says, catching him at the door. "I didn't know until after. If I had, I would have stopped him." It's the best he can offer, and it's the truth. -- Or, Ice is gonna fix this once and for all.

Men Like Us by DancingDisaster

Time And Tide {M}

'The Kazansky-Mitchell Shitshow Extravaganza,' Carole had once called his early fumblings with Tom. Maverick thinks history might just be repeating itself as he sits at the Hard Deck watching whatever the fuck is going on between Bradley and Seresin these days, yet another member of the captive audience witnessing their disaster of a mating dance.

God, Maverick really hoped he and Tom were never this bad.

Or— Unfortunately for everyone else trapped in Miramar during the summer of '86, Pete Mitchell and Tom Kazansky aren't any closer to figuring out what's between them now then they were when they first met five years ago.

"Mav," Goose hisses into his ear at the officers' club, "please tell me he isn't the guy from the Academy."

"Fine, I won't tell you that."

The Importance of Personal Connections {T}

Tom didn’t put so much work into building his career just so he could spend it putting out Pete’s fires. Alas, given that half the personal favors owed to Iceman stem from him handling another officer’s Maverick Problem of the Day and the other half are kept on reserve for smoothing over whatever nonsense Pete causes next, it’s become something of a reputation for him.

“At least I’m cute, right?”

Tom drops his head back and stares at the ceiling in dismay. Sometimes, he truly wonders why he keeps this impulsive idiot of his. “You do have that going for you.”

Or— There are few things more universally feared in the Navy than owing Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky a favor.

Ten Out of Nine Times by EliasHirsch {G}

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“Do you?”

“Because I’m thinking the same thing. We’re living in a sitcom, Ice. They think I’m a lonely old man who has no one. Fritz made a suggestion to hook me up with Penny.”

Ice laughs this time, managing to make it sound like he’s laughing with and at Maverick. “She’ll kill you if you ask her out.”

“Thanks for the confidence.”

“No problem. So, what’s the plan, Captain?”

“I’m thinking we let them have fun. They survived the mission, right? Got their medals and everything. I say we see their grand master plan.”

Or Maverick goes through his week while juggling being a full time dad. Unfortunately, his kids can't figure out he already has a man at home.

a higher fidelity by basedchamp {T}

“C’mon.” Tori nudges him with an elbow. “C’mon. He’s cute. You can admit that one thing but you can’t admit this?”

Gritting his teeth, Ice thinks very carefully about his next words. “He’s…” he trails off. “Some would say that…Mitchell is not. Unpleasant. To look at.”

(Alternatively: the one where Ice and Mav learn to park bad, eat good, and love even better.)

Family Is So Much More Than Blood by tartie {_}

When Ice and Mav decided to adopt an adult Bradley, neither expected to be adopting Hangman as well. But that’s just how things happened.

Goodness Gracious, Great Balls o' Fire by BigBellRings {T}

Carole seems taken aback by that, but continues talking to Iceman anyway, “Because unless you are a fool, that boy is off the market. He is one hundred percent, prime-time in love with you.”

Or; Iceman in Charlie's place during the bar scene.

Landing Zone 'verse by AlannaofRoses

A Soft Place to Land {M}

Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky hummed quietly to himself as he shuffled through the reports on his desk.

Mav was coming home.

Landing Zone {T}

He only had a moment to absorb the impact ‘we’re alive we’re alive holy shit we’re alive’ before the plane is being swarmed from all directions, someone popping the canopy as the last remnants of smoke and flame retardant flare into the sky.

Ice, Ice Baby by yellowdaisy2023 {G}

"Ice ice baby." It comes from the phone and Maverick looks away from Iceman. Rooster and Maverick make eye contact briefly and Maverick feels his face flaming. Rooster has a wide smile on his face, nodding his head to the song.

OR Maverick loses his phone and Ice calls it to help him find it

Hotshot by Honckity {T}

“I’ll just get a beer.” Slider ordered way too easily with a steady voice.

“Alright. And for you, hotshot?”

 or ice meets bartender mav and falls in love

Oblivious by umbrella_enthusiast {T}

Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Tom “Iceman” Kazansky have been around Bradley Bradshaw for long enough that they know how he interacts with his friends. Hell, they practically raised the kid.

But the one thing that Mav and Ice can’t wrap their heads around is Hangman.

Seven Horses Seem To Be On The Mark by themodernmerlin {T}

Hangman and the rest of the special detachment want to know more details about why exactly Rooster had such an issue with Maverick.

Knees Buckled, White Knuckled by Winterotter

Twice the Speed of Life {M}

Maverick spends the weekend with Iceman after training Rooster and the rest of his Top Gun class, and things take an unexpected turn.

An AU set after the events of Top Gun: Maverick. Beware spoilers for the new movie in this fic.

Holdin' on Tight {T}

“Look,” he said. “I’ve been scared to ask all these years. But I’m finally gonna. Did you help him pull my papers?”

“You know better than most that Maverick has his own kind of influence within the Navy.”

“That’s not an answer. . ."

Or, Rooster has three conversations, with and about Maverick.

Don't Go Hittin' that Panic Button {M}

Maverick invites the Daggers out to his hangar and quickly learns that bonds can be tested outside of suicide missions.

A selection of scenes and stories set in this universe, which will include: how the daggers convince Maverick to keep teaching, Rooster & Hangman figuring things out, Maverick's first meetings as an Admiral and more. Not truly necessary to have read the other entries in the series, but the added context will help.

Mighty Wings (Across the Sky) by Resacon1990

you shake my nerves and you rattle my brain (too much love drives a man insane) {T}

Mav sighs and drops his head. “Even if he felt the same way,” he mutters, “you know why I can’t.” Carole hums and her hand comes to rest over his wrist. “And you know that's not really an excuse.” She squeezes his wrist until he looks up, and her eyes are so damn kind. “If this is what you want, Mav, what you need, then I don’t see any obstacles.” Or, the course of true love never really does run smooth... especially not for Pete "Maverick" Mitchell

Under Pressure by ReformedTsundere {T}

"And miss out on all the action?" Maverick jokes, pressure crawling up his spine as he fully steps into the inferno blazing on the third floor. It's almost too bright to see properly. He has to squint. Some of the smoke has cleared, though, heat pushing it out of windows no doubt shattered and melting into their frames.

Wrench the Golden Retriever by emmedoesntdomath {T}

“Mav, please tell me you didn’t get us a dog.” Silence. He sighed. The contractually obligated hey-I-bought-a-dog-without-asking-and-then-gave-it-a-name-you’ll-hate-but-you-should-still-love-me fic

Sharkbait by ReformedTsundere {G}

In the nearest, deepest tidepool, the ocean so close that every other wave splashes into it before pulling back, there is a person. Only, with the weak sunlight just beginning to press into the sky, a single line of muddled yellow that teases sunlight, is Pete able to see that it's not exactly a person at all. Sure, there are arms, a chest, a head, all pale skin slick with water as another wave rushes into the pool, there's even blond hair and a pair of eyes watching him, but there's so much more than that. It has Pete floored, his pulse climbing into the back of his throat as he's unable to blink.

here in our bed (’til the morning comes) by vannral {E}

“Are you sure?” Goose asks hopelessly, completely aware that he sounds whiny. The receptionist’s smile tightens. “Very sure, sir,” she says, her tone still extremely polite. “Two rooms, like I said.” Two rooms which – like she very patiently explained to him – also means two beds instead of four.' In which there’s Only One Bed™, both for Slider and Goose, and for Maverick and Iceman, because the RIOs won’t stand for their pilots pining anymore and can’t deny the affection for each other, either.

Coming Home by mtnofgrace {T}

Top Gun Maverick if Iceman had lived. Icemav raised Bradley, and Ice is determined to get him back home.

last train home by enthyrea {G}

It’s the man again. Except instead of his head swaying in time with the train, it’s stopped. Directly on Tom’s shoulder. Tom feels the man nuzzle in a little as he exhales, and Tom’s higher brain function filters straight out of his eardrums. He sucks in a breath, and keeps it there, afraid to let it go like something will explode if he does. What… in the world does one do in this situation? Does he wake the man? Nudge him softly or say something? Poke him in the eye? Hit him with his book? AKA, Tom Kazansky repeatedly running late from work leaves him as Pete Mitchell's personal pillow on the train ride home.

All The Lonely People by IWannaDoBadThingsWithYou237 {_}

Post 1986 film. Alpha/Beta/Omega AU: Tom offers to help Pete through his heats post the mission. He tells himself it’s the act of a friend helping a friend. Not a man desperately in love with his wingman and taking what he can get. Because that’s not him. That’s not him at all.

a binary star by vannral {E}

"Ice hasn’t ever given much thought to celestial things up in the sky but he knows that Maverick burns like one." In which Hop 31 happens, Ice thinks about Maverick a lot, and eventually they figure out what ’wingmen’ means for them. Or; two pilots pine for each other and share tender moments and sort of make it everybody's problem.

Radio Waves by ReformedTsundere {T}

Pete stares at the speakers as the song's first notes start playing, but his brain is looping back the words, rolling the radio name over until it sticks to the warm voice that had spoken it. He removes his hand from the dial. There's no indication that this man's show will play his regular kind of music; the current song choice directly reflects that belief, but... Pete's always been a sucker for voices, and this Ice fella has a pretty nice one (and if the morbid thought that maybe it'd be a good enough voice to be the last one he hears crosses his mind, that's not for anyone else to worry about.) He lets Lauper croon and sets his paper cup down, ready to get back to work.

Rock In The Road by IWannaDoBadThingsWithYou237 {_}

Or Duke Mitchell lives, teaches at Top Gun, is in a relationship (secretly and steadily committed) with Mike Metcalf, call sign Viper and is constantly exasperated by his son and the bizzarro mating dance that he is doing with Tom Kazansky. AU first movie. Viper/Duke, Ice/Mav.

the beginning and end of everything by AstronomicalFog {T}

Tom Kazansky didn't realize that he was in love with Pete Mitchell until he watched his plane crash into the ocean. (Or, Ice goes to TOPGUN, meets the most infuriating man in the universe, loses a friend, flies a rescue mission, and falls in love along the way.)

rose period by enthyrea {T}

A couple of days later, while mindlessly doodling on his couch, Pete finds his hand laying out the familiar lines of swooped back blonde-gray hair, boxy eyes lined with crows feet, and sharp cheekbones. The face is smiling, something soft and tender. He didn’t even realize until he was basically done with it. Pete slams his forehead into the paper. He’s so screwed. AKA, Pete Mitchell gets hired to paint Admiral Tom Kazansky's official portrait. He ends up way over his head.

watching, I keep waiting, still anticipating love by solangelosunangel {E}

Tom Kazansky sees Pete Mitchell sitting in a coffee shop, and it's love at first sight. Will Tom be able to give up his life for a chance at love with the man of his dreams?

jet blue skies by winterbitch {M}

Neither Hangman nor Rooster have any idea how come none of their friends know they're married, and have been for years. Sure, they're not the most affectionate in public, but they're smitten with each other, and to be honest, they went at it in way too many public spaces not to be caught. Apparently, their friends and Captain are just not that bright, which turns very interesting when Rooster becomes obsessed with getting Mavering and Iceman together. Somehow, through it all, neither Hangman nor Rooster realise their marriage is somehow a secret...

Time Warp AU: From Now On by QED_Art {G}

Time Warp AU: Due to hand-wavey science/Darkstar-induced time ripples/etc, teenage Pete Mitchell and Tom Kazansky find themselves unexpectedly ripped from their timeline and dropped 40+ years in the future. When it’s determined that sending them back simply isn’t possible, Ice and Mav decide to take their younger-selves in an attempt to raise them properly this time around.

just to see each other (feel it all) by susiecarter {M}

After Goose's death during a fight with a kaiju, Maverick left the PPDC and didn't look back. But his self-destructive bender gets interrupted by Charlie Blackwood, showing up to invite him to participate in a brand-new weapons development program, codename Top Gun: the first two-pilot jaegers to ever be deployed in the fight to defend humanity. That means Maverick's going to have to get back in a piloting rig again—and he's going to have to do it while drifting with another pilot. Drift compatibility means getting each other, understanding each other, on a level nobody else can beat; so whoever his partner is, at least he's not going to get stuck with the Iceman, who pretty much hates him.

it's not fair, how much I love you by theineffableprofessor {_}

The problem with Maverick, as Goose would tell you if you got him drunk enough, is that he’s incapable of doing anything halfway. Some might look at his showy flying and laid-back approach to classes and assume that he’s a slacker, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell threw himself into everything that he did with a kind of passion that begrudgingly impressed anyone who bore witness to it. Of course that would extend to falling in love, Goose would later think to himself, almost disappointed he hadn’t seen it coming. If only he didn’t commit himself just as fully to believing that love wasn’t reciprocated. Or: Five times Maverick falls a little more in love with the Iceman, and one time Ice finally does something about it.

What Was Three Has Become One by EliasHirsch {M}

Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell was there when the first Kaiju made land. And he was still there, years later, fighting a never-ending war of chaos and destruction. Only this time, he’s in a Jaeger. When an accident puts a rift between him and his co-pilot, Goose, the Marshal decides to fix their problem by throwing a new person into the equation. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, is ice cold, no mistakes. He’s as competent as them, and he’s not afraid to let his displeasure known. It grinds Maverick’s gears to no end. But Iceman ends up being there for him when Goose was ripped out of their Jaeger and hurled into the dark seas. Dead. Can Maverick ever stop blaming himself for letting it happen? And can he let Iceman in, knowing the two of them together are only going to end in heartbreak?

A Box of Love by ReformedTsundere {T}

It's black and embossed, a medium-sized thing with a careful label facing outward— Wedding, 2014. Jackpot.

the well traveled road to you by Saturn {E}

“You said we’re dating?” Maverick asks, eventually, incredulous, with no indication of whether or not he’s willing to help Ice. After Ice’s divorce, he tells a harmless white lie to get his kids off his back. Turns out it’s not that simple.

Daisies and Dandelions by xoAnnaxo {G}

Covers prompts: "Picking flowers and making flower crowns out of them" and "One of them makes a wish by blowing on a dandelion puff" ~~~ All his life he'd assumed people were joking when they said 'once you meet the right person, you'll know'. Ice had cynically passed the statement off as a bit of whimsical dream. But here Pete Mitchell was, and for the first time in his life, Tom Kazansky knew what to wish for.

Here by the Sea and Sand (nothing ever goes as planned) by wildglitterwolf {T}

Tom Kazansky has taken over the main duties of his father's candy shop on the local pier, running it with what he believes to be the Kazansky brand of perfectionism in everything they make. He would never waiver on those principles... until some guy in an aviator jacket with a blue hanky in his pocket walked into his store.

you come back to me in dreams by fangirl6202 {G}

Tom calls out over all the noise on the carrier. "You need to tell him. Take it from me, you'll regret it if you don't." "I'm not sure what you mean, sir." Jake said. Tom was getting very tired of this; he got in the Lieutenant's space with the cover up of shaking his hand. "It took him nearly dying for me to tell the man I love the truth," he says and he feels Jake's hand tense in his grip. "Don't make the same mistake as me, kid.  Not when they might not make it back from this." Or; the mission, but Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky finds himself waiting on the carrier.

Home's Not Home (Unless You're There) by AncientAviators {M}

Pete can admit to himself that his breath catches a little when he takes in the sandy-colored blond hair and tan skin. “Tom,” he says, keeping his voice low so he doesn’t wake Bradley. He dips his chin in acknowledgment. “What can we do for you?” Tom Kazansky is… definitely something. He’s tall, dirty-blond, and lean. He’s got a gum problem; he wasn’t chewing it earlier in the morning when he was re-introducing Pete and Goose to the ranch and its many wonders, but every other time Pete saw him, he was chewing it. And every time Pete’s come back over the years, Tom always had a piece of Polar Ice Extra to smack on. Or: It's the ninety's, Maverick is a retired bull-rider, Goose is his rodeo clown in and out of the arena, and Iceman... just wants to take care of some goddamn horses.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Eclair_Fair98 {M}

”There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled. / There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. / You feel it, don't you?” — Rumi. Summer, ‘73: A month before she dies, Mabel Mitchell signs away her son’s future in Tom Kazansky's name. Fall, ‘78: An eighteen-year-old Pete Kazansky, is married, bonded, and expecting his first baby. Until one day, he isn’t. Summer, ‘83: Two people find their way back to each other, and on the path of healing and forgiveness, also find themselves. -- Or, A story spanning decades—about love, loss, and carving out an identity for yourself, in a world that doesn’t want you to have one.

Mine, Immaculate Dream by kazanskysmitchell {M}

After the ever-so-stressful Dagger mission, Pete Mitchell is tired and craves some normalcy. It's seemingly difficult for him to return to normal this time, and his protective (and very worried) husband can't help but notice the changes in Pete's mental health. After an official PTSD diagnosis, being permanently grounded, and the adoption of a service dog, Pete Mitchell attempts to adjust, but can't do it without the help of his wingman and their adopted and dysfunctional family.

Supersonic in the Air by icezansky {E}

Against all odds, Maverick has been selected for Top Gun. The night before their first day of classes, he decides to blow off some steam with an anonymous hookup in a seedy by-the-hour motel. The last thing he expects in the morning is to see his one-night-stand standing at the front of the class, being introduced as their instructor: Tom "Iceman" Kazansky.

I was just dreamin’ (of bumpin’ into you) by kazanskysmitchell {T}

Pete Mitchell thought he had everything figured out. When a tall, gorgeous blond comes walking into his shop, he questions everything he’s ever known. Or Pete Mitchell keeps running into Tom Kazansky. He has many feelings about it.

A cat named Crow by LoveChildofInsertShowHere {T}

The Meowfect Evening

Sometimes a kitten can make an evening even better

Some Birds Can't Fly

Crow becomes more of a part of the Mitchell-Kazansky family

How Crow Won Slider's Heart

Sometimes a cat will settle an insane debate better than Ice can

The Bumps in Quiet Nights

Ice worries when Maverick takes too long to come back home from picking up dinner

And A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Mav and Ice obtain 3 new family members in the form of kittens

Is it a Racoon?

Rooster meets the new additions to the Mitchell-Kazansky family and gets talked into getting a pet

Goosebumps

Jake and Bradley find the perfect cat for them, which brings up some emotions for Bradley

Ethan and Mav byEliasHirsch

A Tale of Two {_}

What do you do when you see your rival acting weird at the bar? Ice wondered how his life had come to knowing Maverick's every move so well, that a slight tick and shift of tone would ring alarms in his head.

can I get a kiss? (and can you make it last forever?) {M}

Ice never thought he'd worry about their resident little shit. It's weird as hell. or Maverick’s attitude is enough to grind everyone’s teeth. Unfortunately, this time, it’s his last name that paints a target on his back. Thank god for Tom Kazansky then. (And Ethan Hunt.)

clones = real? {G}

“Mav would never lie to us,” Payback says. “Right, Captain Dad?” Ethan and Maverick nod at the same time. “You’re right.” “Okay, that was creepy,” Hangman says. “Wait a minute,” Fanboy says. “We didn't know there are two of you. Have you ever switched places without us knowing?” “What are you talking about?” Ethan and Maverick say, the exact tone and timing. “It’s always been me. I’m Maverick, your captain.” — It's fun being a twin. Fun for Ethan and Mav, anyways. For the Dagger Squad? Not so much.

Pontiac Blues by icezansky {E}

When Tom's car breaks down outside of a small town on Christmas Eve, Maverick and Goose Auto Repair is the only shop to pick up the phone. A Hallmark Holiday Movie AU.

A Kazansky Redemption by WhisperingNights {E}

This is a Kazansky love story. Can one win back the love of their life? Can the other find love in a storm of hate? **** “Sarah, that’s been over for 26 years, besides your my wife, remember? It wouldn’t be good to go tell a man I love him now would it?” Ice grinning playfully at her. She gave a small laugh that quickly turned into a cough, causing him to lean toward her in concern. “I’m alright, I’m alright, sit down,” she rasped, waving him off, then she looked at him “I love you Tom, but we both know our love was foraged in partnership nothing else. We did what was necessary for the safety of ourselves and your career. But it’s 2017, it's easier now. Sexuality rights are better, people are more open. I’ll never get to have a wife, but you Tom, you deserve to have a husband.” ***** Jake’s eyes landed on a figure in an awful Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. His irritation instantly grew, the universe really must hate him.

[needsmoretea]

Just thought I'd post some random Pixiv recs for my fellow enjoyers of ZOOL shenanigans~

カキ has some really cute illustrations. This is one of my favourite collections, and I particularly love the how it started vs how it's going pic of Touma being all, "uhh, guys???"

猿川円 also does some lovely illustration collections. One of my favourites is a collection of stuff from APOZ and Beyond the Period, partly for this lovely scene of Minami being reminded of Haruki before rejoining the rest of the group.

ymd does a lot of gen stuff as well (along with some ToraMina if you like that sort of thing), and their art is super pretty. This comic collection is very amusing, especially this one. Very rough and short translation...

Haruka: This is hilarious. They’re saying ZOOL get along so well, the four of them should just live together and marry each other. Do we really seem that buddy-buddy?

Touma: M-marry?! Why would they say that!?

And then Haruka, Minami and Torao are like lol sounds like fun, let's do that, live in a crazy expensive Midou residence and buy a really big rice cooker, while Touma eventually just kind of goes along with it and is all

Touma: You really look like you’re enjoying this… Sure, why not. Let’s live together and be happy!

(GOOD END?)

And then there's U, my absolute favourite ZOOL fanartist, who draws the most hilarious comics. I did a rough translation of this collection here when I sent an ask to @always-a-joyful-note, so I'll repost it here for good measure.

Q: Which entertainer do you message most on Rabbichat?

Minami: I... (Inumaru-san...)

Haruka: To... (Touma, I guess...)

Torao: To... (Touma, probably...)

Touma: It's Riku.

Minami, Haruka and Torao: HMMMMM????

Touma: He's always active on Rabbichat, after all.

And then to save face they all change their answers instead of 'Touma' or 'Inumaru-san' to...

Minami: Iroke no aru hito desu. (A certain sexy person)

Haruka: Toshiue no onna! (An older woman)

Torao: Toruko no onna. (A Turkish woman)

Touma: You can't answer with any of those! (We're idols, you know).

And now for some other comic translations under the cut to break things up a bit.

Like the last comic when they finish up work early so Touma asks the others if they want to grab dinner together but they all play hard to get, so he's like, whatever, guess I'll invite Riku instead, and they're like WHY AREN'T YOU TRYING HARDER TO ASK US OUT??? and he's like GOD YOU'RE SUCH A PAIN IN THE ASS.

I also greatly enjoyed this collection and this comic of the rest of ZOOL getting jealous of Touma's interactions with Riku the most.

Riku: Touma-san!

Touma: What’s up?

Riku: Take that~ *thwack* I smacked you with my towel, so now we have to hug!

Touma: Uh… I don’t really get it… wait, listen to me!

Riku: A hug with Touma-san~ *squeeze*

Touma: Get offa me already!

Minami, Haruka & Torao: … *THWACK THWACK THWACK*

Touma: Ow… that hurts! What’s with you guys? Are you bullying me?!

Also this collection too, and the comic of them bumping into Re: Vale.

Yuki: *staaare*

Touma: Wh-what is it?

Yuki: Those yaeba sure are nice. (They remind me of Momo’s) *just noticed*

Touma: !!!!!!!!

Momo: Hey, Yuki, are you cheating on me? I’m supposed to be your number one!

Toao: That ice queen again. Hey, Touma, pull yourself together!

Touma: Yuki-san gave me a compliment… (Well, my teeth.)

Torao: What are you blushing for? Just what kind of relationship do you have with that guy?!

Again, another quick translation via an ask @always-a-joyful-note for this comic here, here and here of Touma's 'I love you' scene from Beyond the Period:

Touma: (Wow, Haru is actually saying 'I love you' to the fans. He sure has become cool. Okay, I should say it too.) I love... you... (Huh? Those two are really staring at me for some reason.)

Torao: Did you hear that, everyone? Touma just said he loves me.

Haruka: No, he looked at me when he said it.

Torao: He was looking at me longer though.

Haruka: No, he was looking at me 5 seconds longer than you.

And then while Touma's being all what the heck are you guys talking about, it's like...

Minami: I'm the only one you didn't say 'I love you' to.

Touma: No, it's not like that, Mina. When I said 'I love you', I meant -

Minami: I'M THE ONLY ONE YOU DIDN'T SAY 'I LOVE YOU' TO.

Touma: OKAY OKAY YOU'RE SCARING ME

The collection with the Monster Parade comic is also super funny because even teeny tiny mon-mon ZOOL refuses to leave Touma alone (sasagero fuwafuwa version?)

Touma: My shoulders feel heavy lately

Haruka: Isn’t that just you getting older? 

Tora: Don’t tell me you’re being haunted

Minami: Fufu, has someone cursed you?

Touma: Don’t scare me like that

Staff member: Excuse me

Touma: Coming~

Haruka, Minami & Torao: !!?

Also, this comic. I guess everyone just lives at Touma's place now?

Touma: We’ve done our first shrine visit of the year, so now I guess we should head home

Haruka: You’re leaving already?

Tora: But I kept my schedule open for you

Minami: I feel like we should still hang out

Touma: Ehh… Well, my place is nearby. Wanna come over?

Torao: It’s tiny. It’s smaller than the bathroom at my place.

Touma: Your bathroom is just ridiculously big!

Minami: How like you to have a kotatsu, Inumaru-san

Haruka: Kotatsu are awesome

Touma: I know, right? Anyway, make yourselves at home

*A few hours later*

Torao: It’s small but it’s comfortable. It’s not so bad

Minami: I don’t want to get out from under the kotatsu

Haruka: Zzzz

Touma: I know I told you to make yourselves at home but when are you guys planning to leave…

While once again, the rest of ZOOL gets jealous of Touma's relationship with Riku and decides to take it out on poor Shirou instead.

Minami: Inumaru-san, are you drinking Li*ton again?

Haruka: Probably because of Nanase Riku

Torao: Yesterday it was Sougo. What a cheater

Touma: I’m just drinking Li*ton! But you know, collabs sure are nice. When I look at them like this, it makes me feel like I can do my best. Like I wanna see Riku.

Minami: Ohh….

Haruka: Hmm…

Torao: Hehh…

Minami: Utsugi-san, why aren’t we getting any collab jobs?

Haruka: If you’re our manager then you’d better get us some collab jobs!

Torao: If you don’t, we’ll tell on you to Ryou-san

Shirou: I get it already, calm down! (Inumaru-san, what have you been saying to them?!)

Speaking of Shirou, looks like Torao needs to be cautious around him too.

Shirou: Excuse me, about tomorrow’s 5 year anniversary…

Touma: What about it?

Torao: (That’s it, Touma. Stay vigilant around this guy.)

Shirou: Shall we have a chat over some grilled meat after you’re done?

Touma: MEAT?! (I knew it, he’s a good guy!)

Shirou: Inumaru-san, you really are like a dog. I can see why Ryou-kun said you looked good wearing a collar. 

Touma: *not listening anymore* Haru, let’s go and eat some meat!

Shirou: Can I pet him just this once?

Torao: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Sorry for the super long post and the sucky translations, but please enjoy the pretty pictures and do feel free to give the artists a like if you enjoyed their work as much as I did. >3

[6okuto]

nia please tell me about cove… where does he come from… who is he…………………………

(I saw a glimpse of him in the “more posts like this” recs and I’ve been blessed)

REV REVERIE-STARLIGHT U JUST MADE MY DAY. Ok. mild spoilers (the beauty is in the small moments and casual intimacy,, But that's the Game so i can only say so much.) If u want to hear more Let Me Know. everypony should play and see for themself though. wink. my vn masterlist has some cove too!!

Cove Holden is the love interest in GB Patch's visual novel "Our Life: Beginnings and Always" available on Itch.io and Steam for free. You play through 4 life phases: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and fully grown—all with different moments you can play in any order!! Steps 1 to 3 have their own DLCs for 4USD each, and the wedding DLC is only 3USD, but the base game easily has up to 20 hours of playtime alone!! FOR FREE!! (there's also 2 NSFW DLCs on patreon. planning 2 get the second one soon. cove wait for me)

while you don't actually have to romance him,, cove can be the childhood friends to lovers story OF UR (MY) DREAMS!!!! his personality and appearance change depending on your choices (but can also be customized) bUT in general!!

he's very sweet and cares about those close to him deeply!! he's very thoughtful and respectful!!

it's stuff like,, he'll offer to give you his homework when you think you've lost yours. he'll buy you a gift to surprise you with at a market, even though you are Also at the market albeit separated for a while. there's a scene where you're watching fireworks and if you say that they're loud, cove will cover your ears to muffle the sound :'))

he loves the ocean (his special interest)! he surfs, volunteers to help clean the beach (you can join him), has pet fish, etc etc.

^ cove's canonically autistic!! some traits here

climbs through your window a lot.

my crybaby... /sooo affectionate. sobs..

clingy /affectionate /pos /my dream. he always wants to be with you if he can. you obviously don't have to be physically affectionate but i, too, am a clingy cuddly person especially when it comes to him... he can give you piggy back rides, you can cuddle on the couch and in bed, he'll offer his hand to hold, etc. etc.!! and he gets so so smiley and happy whenever you hug and kiss OHHHHMYNGJH

he gets flustered and shy about flirting orz... he has to kinda hype himself up to try a cheesy pick-up line on you 😭🩷

something that comes up is how cove can struggle with new things or taking steps (romantically) and how you stay patient with him!! because he really does want to do them!! I don't kneow it's very heartwarming to me 🥹

u can make it a slowburn! u can have a crush from the very beginning! U can say i love u first! He can confess! U can propose! He can propose (in multiple ways)! WHAT A WORLD!!

6 foot 4 (193 centimeters) 👍

his favourite flower is white linen poppies! :-)

he likes anklets. as in you can wear an anklet and he's like ( !!! )

bit messy /still affectionate. didn't want to say slob. he'll wipe his hands on his pants and there's sand on his bedroom floor hebsbdjsbdj

loves his parents.... there's some angst and struggling but. by step 4 him and his parents are so :-((( WAHHHHH!!!!

"i pick her and she picks me" -> "i pick you and you pick me" Ok. wjy. mi cabesa. MI CORAZON NO SABE YO COSA HABLA BUT WWAAAAHHH 😭😭😭😭🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Step 3 DLC Happiness Moment....

step 4 coves + opened my game for quick screenshots. Do u think he's a cutie patootie handsome beautiful gorgeous perfect angel boyfriend BEcuauseheis. HE IS 😭😭😭. Akaashi and Cove are the same level of boyfriend husband to me. Gen Srs. if u told me to pick one i'd spontaneously combust in front of u

If u like my writing U'll Probably Like Cove And OL. If you want to get to know me and also be so so happy giggly sentimental for a couple days,, U, reader,, should play OL and tell me so we can talk about it TOGETHAH!

aND! if u like the look of this, GB Patch is currently developing Our Life: Now and Forever!! a new story in a new town with two new love interests (qiu and tamarack my beloveds) and even MORE customization!! ^___^ YIPPEEE

[thekidsarentalright]

Hey, despite only being familiar with a handful of songs, I got the honor of seeing FOB yesterday at the Cuyahoga Falls concert. I went really impulsively because that's just how my dad plans things.

I was wondering about the importance of the song Hallelujah, and the source for that saving Pete's life? I'd also love a few good sources to getting to learn more about the boys, like a documentary or anything! I know that the day after a concert is a bit late to be getting invested in a band, but oops?? i love them though . i love them very much now and that was the most beautiful concert ever

hi there!!! ahh this is sooo wonderful and lovely to hear, anytime is a great time to get into fob and im so glad that it was such a good show for you and sparked you loving them!!! I don't wanna overwhelm you with too many links or anything to learn more about them/about the importance of hallelujah, but below the ‘keep reading’ (just so this isn't super long on the dash fksdjn) is the source about hallelujah, and then a few sources to learning more about the boys!! if u ever have anymore questions or want more sources, feel free to ask me!! <33

NME article where pete mentions listening to hallelujah while attempting to take his life / Genius annotations of fall out boy's song hum hallelujah where it (hallelujah) saving his life is specifically mentioned

Drunk history of fall out boy where their entire band history is very basically explained! br*ndon ur*e sucks But the video is entertaining and Does give a pretty good, brief synopsis of the band's history up until 2013

Honestly just all their music videos, they're all very enjoyable to watch especially for the first time and really showcases their evolution musically/creatively speaking and evolution as people so are Very important to watch, i think

Apple music interview with Pete and Patrick from earlier this year, it's a bit of a long watch (just over an hour!), but they talk about the band history and the newest album, so good place to get a lot of newer context/info straight from them!

Rock Sound best & worst interviews from 2014 (parts 1, 2, 3, 4), really just showcases their personalities and dynamics a lot, were The interviews that made me fall in love w the band as people and seek more out about them, some of my favorite interviews of all time still <3

hopefully these things help you!! it's kinda hard with them, because there Isn't really one specific documentary to point you towards, just a lot of little things to watch and take in that builds the whole story of fob! again, if u have any more questions or want any more recs on things to watch feel free to ask!!

[irritablepoe]

you're absolutely the poe / ranpoe moot but im also curious abt the other bsd characters that u adore !! am reading books that i think captures some characters (mainly sigma and yosano) and i wanna know ur other favs so that i can find books for em too and maybe even rec them to u hehe (AM WORKINH ON MY RESPONSE TO UR POETRY QUESTION HEHE IT'S MAKING ME SO HAPPY COMPILING STUFF HAHA)

HI HELLO OMG THANK YOU FOR THE ASK :D

so ofc fyodor, he'll always have a place in my heart and he can gladly work on that silly lil plan of his that he's been scheming on for god knows how long and ofc i need to know every single detail about this man asap plspls, also how is he so gorgeous

then higuchi, i know she's a side-side-character but idc i love her and i'll support her in every action ever, also she needs another arc and reveals her ability, i need to know (also i've been fantasizing about her becoming the pm boss but that's not going to happen but a guy can dream okay)

mushitarou, ofc. hello. look at this man. he's pathetic, he's tormented by his own denial of feelings. he's very tired and wants to leave. he's just like me fr

i have a soft spot for atsushi and the way he always sees hope

kunikida. this man deserves so much, mainly a sleeping pill and some comfy socks

i've not read their books (except dostoyevsky) but if you know any books of them or that capture their vibe i'd be so happy to hear your recs :D also how are you so motivated to read that much ahhh, i'm barely stumbling through books here lol

AND AHHH MUCH FUN!!! i'm so excited to see what your favs are yippiee :333

[shivunin]

🎶✨Rules: When u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. then, send this ask/tag 10 of your followers 🎶✨

Thanks @ndostairlyrium! <3 (and also thanks for Illuminated, it really is the perfect Shakarian song and I am absolutely gonna go listen to it again once I post this). (I just tagged a bunch of people in a different thing BUT consider this an open tag if you have any music recs; I'd love to hear them! and) @greypetrel @scribbledquillz, if you're interested c:

Any five songs was almost too much freedom and I agonized over which Amazing Devil song to add but:

[stardustanddaffodils]

wait wait im so late to this but i have song recs!!! soso amelia by mimi webb and story of a boy by jordy anddd message in a bottle by livingston and when you're young by clara mae :D also just. rec these artists in general but those are some of my favs

oh dont worry abt being late or w/e i am Always down to 1) talk about music or receive song recs and 2) talk to people in general!! especially friends and you are a friend i think :D also everyone is a friend cuz if you talk to me. then you could be a New Friend and isnt that awesome !!

gonna listen now !! :O

okay so i typed in soso amelia into my search bar before realizing. i am Stupid >w< oh this is very pretty it is very. nostalgic <3 i wanna learn how to play this on guitar someday maybe it is very pretty :) the chorus is so gentle also <33

story of a boy is cool ! from the title i was expecting smth introspective but it was !! cool i like that it's an outside perspective also SOUNDS !!! loving the tune it is so :] :] :] *bops head aggressively*

message in abottle is cool :O do u know the song by the police with the same name? very different vibes but i like it a lot. its so pretty i wanna listen to it until i know it enough to sing it its SO pretty. its interesting too cuz its a different view on the end of love than i have like "sincerely i wish we never met" and i dont think ive ever thought that regardless of where we end up everyone in my life meant So Much at the time and i'd never wanna get rid of that. and "this is my message in a bottle i hope u never find" i... i think id want people to find my messages for them. just so theres no misunderstanding and no love lost. also i LOVE the part abt how it travels space and time thats so neat :DD

okay okay when you're young time. is very pretty so far i like it :) OH I LIKE THE WAY THE MUSIC ESCALATES ON THE "HEY"s this is very cool it is. bitter it is a commentary very mcuh and it would be nice if it did not resonate :| me when the State Of The World. but this is a very cool song i like it a lot !!

thank u so much for the songs i like these all a lot !! if u have any thoughts on any of them that u wanna share id love to hear! same w other recs (tho i cant promise id listen to them tonight) ^_^

[heeracha]

hi!! ( ◠‿◠ ) how r u? you told me to tell you about the book fangirl and i finally finished it today so i decided to send in an ask (im currently too shy tho) and i'll keep it brief hehe so it wouldnt be too long to read

i'd rate it a 3.5/5. perhaps rowell's writing style isn't my type im srry huhu 🙏 i wouldn't reread but i was def invested!! it took me after 10 chapters to become hooked but what i really love were the characters (i am attached) and their relationships towards each other. otherwise, i wasn't a fan of the plot as much. i did once laugh but there are other books that i liked more (i will be rereading my fave one later for the 3rd time 🤍)

i have more to say but perhaps i'll do so once you've read fangirl as well hehe i wouldnt want to spoil. also!! i'm curious on your thoughts about rainbow rowell since you've read her books and i'd like to hear your perspective. anw pls have a nice day ◜◡◝ 〜!

p.s. your jay fic was so good i was inspired to use page markers (kinda scared to annotate but will try soon) for my fave lines HHH

hi honey,, im so sorry for the late reply JHSBHDFVAH

no omg dont say sorry ??? we have our own preferences !! but tbh i did hear some back then when rr books were like coming out (like 2015 ?) they did say fangirl is kinda boring :( funny shit is, i never read fangirl but i did read carry on (the book where simon snow was from also made by rr !!) i remembered i was so fucking hooked with it LMAOOO (but oooh whats the fave book?)

okok !! i might take a while though bcs i still have stuff to read lmaoooo + college is starting to be a bitch again lmaoOOO but omg if u have any book recs send them in <3

OH OHOH JFSBDFJHKSD THANK YOU :( pls omg if it's okay with you, do try to annotate !! it keeps you reading more and will have a deeper connection with the book <3 (or if not, just get those transparent sticky notes + long sticky tabs, serve as a highlight !! <3)

[cquackity]

hey this might be a weird ask or not idk but do u have any tntduo fic recs where they don't end up absolutely miserable or straight up dead? like i know they're not exactly healthy but sometimes a dude just wants to see them fall in love y'know

not a weird ask at all!! like thank fuck an ask about tntduo i could not ask for more😭❤️ BUT to be honest with you i don't read/enjoy a lot of tntduo centric fics unless they're directly recommended to me. ones i have read i just still wouldn't recommend for what you're looking for. ☹️ so unfortunately i'm not the best person to ask. i just find that a lot of tntduo fics write one or both of them very very ooc. or really weirdly oversexualize them. so i actually am an avid tommy-centric fic reader instead! 💀💀 been reading some bedrock bros shit lately. i'm so sorry anon i wish i could be of more help. if anyone has actually good tntduo fic recommendations i'd like to hear them too. i'm sure my mutuals have some diamonds in the ruff. feel free to shoot some my way!

i will however shamelessly plug my own my own ongoing project. if you want tntduo with over seven months worth of slow burn, character development, and build up to something healthier between them, i recommend checking out things i've done with holly @re-bi-vebur on @casinoroyale and @songbird-sunrise! casino's wilbur tag is #i don't want you to be alone down there (songbird sunrise). i know it can be a little weird to navigate tumblr rp blogs and we haven't finished the google doc with links to all of their threads (it's in progress. i promise), but i'm really proud of how far that project has come. and a good amount of people who don't even like tntduo enjoy our portrayal of them. so i think that has to say something :]

[theloveinc]

caitie do u want a niche perfume rec? im honestly rlly bored, just tell me what kind of scents you like and i’ll look for one

cog, you are so kind to offer!! i'd love recs, tho i don't know much about perfume so idk how helpful i'll be in terms of telling u what i like (and ofc, no worries at all if u change ur mind <3)

some perfumes i like in general, tho........ LOVE anything by sol de janiero (i collect their scents, killing myself for not managing to get sea&sol and tropical nights) + rituals... (the one i have has been retired sadly)... also replica? i don't have any but my friend does and every time i come over i'm smelling them ALL lol, i'll have to ask which ones. she also has fat electrician by etat libre d'orange, which is for men but smells SO good.

this is super embarrassing too, but moschino pink fresh + saint by kvd i LOVE... and less embarassing uhhh clementine california by atelier cologne, which is really beachy. my mom ofc got me daisy by marc jacobs when i was in highschool too jdsfajkdf.

but other than that idk really know abt scents, i apologize!! ig i'd say spicy vanilla, salty smells tend to be my range. i'm really trying to get better at perfumes bc i wanna wear more of them in the future, but so far i haven't done much to reach that goal.

which is just to say i appreciate u! and honestly would love to hear about your preferences too if picking for me is too much<333 thank u so much for stopping by anyway🫶🏻🥳

[equalseleventhirds]

Maybe I can help satisfy your gm-ing needs by asking some GM questions? I really want to play some ttrpgs and I've succesfully infected 3 of my friends (one is my wife who I live with, so sheduling is p easy there, but the others we see IRL maybe once every month). The field is really broad when I check itch.io which a lot of sites recommend for finding games. Also the most indepth 'role play' we have done as a friend group is like Betrayal at the House on the Hill stuff. i'd really rather start off playing face to face. All these stipulations LOL, So, do you have any recommendations for 1) starting GM's 2) 2 player games 3) three to Four player games that are on the short side. I don't mind GM-less games, but I'd really like to learn how to GM! I just have no idea how to start. The games that I'm looking at rn as a possibility is Grant Howitts stuff, bc I can also find examples of RPG streamers and podcasts playing Honey Heist 'n stuff, which gives me a possible starting ground to see how it might go, how other People react etc, so if you have any Roleplay podcasts to recommend that play short games i'd love to hear those too!

recommending games to ppl is another favorite thing of mine, altho ofc not quite gming. it'll be a few hours yet before I'm done with work and can go look at my games list, but in the meantime, some questions for you, anon (bcos you in fact did not provide me with enough stipulations lmao):

do you have a preferred genre? (I got fantasy, sci fi, romance, spooky, heist, and more!) what about time, wrt silliness/seriousness/etc? what type of game content would you prefer to focus on (social roleplay, combat, puzzles, etc etc)? what r ur feelings on rules, do you like them as a guideline or do you want to have fewer rules and go more freeform?

it's ok to not know your preferences yet ofc, but this'll help me think about things!

also I defs have podcast recs especially for shortform stuff with many games, but again, gotta go do work and can't look stuff up yet…. but I will have that for u later.

[eveningclouds]

i’ve been watching a lot of video essay people on youtube recently! are there any that you recommend?

hi!! yes (sorry if they’re all ppl u’ve heard of before): big joel’s videos themselves are always a hit or a miss for me but the way he approaches media analysis has had a big influence on the way i engage w songs/tv. hbomberguy, clementine productions, yhara zayd, kat blaque, contrapoints, amandamaryanna, & james somerton are a few others i like watching!!!

[straykats]

hi kat! im trying to start reading like i did when i was younger and i was wondering if you had any book recommendations?? i stopped reading once i got past the age of ya so im exploring genres right now!

ahhhh my current reads (my use of 'current' is very loose because i havent read a book in almost months) are a lot of ya wkdnsndnd not sure what i can rec. gonna put some stuff under the cut!!

ummm some that aren't ya...

ocean vuong - on earth we're briefly gprgeoud // UHHH idk hoe to describe it but it really. like its one of thode ones that kinda makes u put the book down and tske deep breaths bc the writing is phenomenal??

bonus: ocean vuong's poetry books! night sky with exit wounds ; time is a mother // havent read/finished reading these but if ur after some beautiful metaphors,,,, his works >

ursula k le guin - the left hand of darkness // ngl i read this in school for lit class HAHA but i really want to reread it !! its sci-fi fantasy (fantasy?? i think) and theres a lot of worldbuuilding to get ur head around but its a very interesting read

albert camus - the myth of sisyphus // ngl i still havent finished thid bc uni anf reading slumps lol BUT i had a pdf version of it on yr8 and now im 20 and finally found and ourchased a hard copy of it so if that doesnt .. reflect how much i wanna read it.. it's an essay about ... uh... absurdism? philosophy kinda stuff. i was introduced to it through another book i read in lit (camus' the stranger/the outsider) and idk what to really say about this but it explores the point/lack of point of life, as well as death/sui etc but yeah its quite interesting, the whole thing ! i deifnotely want to finish it

sally rooney - beautiful world, where are you // havent actually read it yet but its on my shelf and im excited to read it!

in ya, i do rec... (because yknow, it never hurts to still read ya as an adult! unless u meant the ya genre doesnt interest you anymore..?)

c. s. pacat - dark rise // fantasy! UMMM idk how to explain it but i did very much enjoy it and the .. there was a heavier sense of burden and loss on the characters than in some other ya books? the dynamics between the characters is also really interesting imo (esp between the main character and .. one of the antagonists who im not sure if theyre an antag or not bc of hoe the book ended but for the most part they were an antag) and theres gonna be another book!

cassandra clare - the infernal devices (i love all the shadowhunter books (although some less than others) but the TID trilogy is just <3 so good.

UMM idk if this helped at all. i've been really disconnected from reading these days and so i dont have any solid recs, unfortunately :(

[djservo]

1 pondering on gavin's sexuality, 1 windenburg matchmaking request, 3!!! jersey shore inquiries, once again compiled 4 ur viewing pleasure 💋

wait that's iconic i'd love to meet ur gay gavin & exchange book recs 👯 & yessss same i love seeing people's takes on the townies like ofc it's fun when there's a general consensus but when there's that one out-of-left-field take/pairing/lore.. we simply have to respect 🙌

candy & siobhan are actually so hard for me to pair in my head bc those r my GIRLS & i want the very best for them 😤 it's abt matching the energies so i'd see candy with someone outgoing & fun & silly but also responsible (her being her sister's guardian and all) i almost wanna say johnny but idk if he's responsible enough, then i wanna say miko ojo but idk if she's easygoing enough 🤨 siobhan also needs some1 outgoing & fun & like very Cultured/In w the times ykwim... like i don't think she's an influencer but definitely knows all the right people / is in that general vicinity of The It-Crowd so lowkey... penny 😶‍🌫️ as for partihaus ..... well . u will see soon 😌💋

IKR i feel like she's a household name especially now that that era is the Moment but at the same time i'm trying to be more understanding & less of a "YOU DONT KNOW XYZ ??? 😵‍💫😵‍💫" gal bc ofc everyone's pop cultural upbringings / experiences vary depending on so many factors so while it Is jarring sometimes O WELL the world turns, the icons change, the trends die off, C'EST LA VIE 🗿

LMAO ur totally fine, i was never that big of a reality tv girl until the pandemic made me revisit the Classics of my adolescence so i get the confusion 🐒 i think shows from that era are fun to watch bc it's this mix of pre-social media/influencer personalities, but in the midst of The Rise of the Reality TV Star™️ so it's interesting to see the different ways fame and like Performance were handled back then vs now where it's *gestures towards the wasteland of youtubers / instagram models / etc* & then the fact that the jersey shore cast was just regular ass east coast italians all grouped together for their big personalities rather than online clout made things Feel a little more real/easier to connect with? like you could've met any of these people on the boardwalk ykwim so there's something kinda endearing/homegrown to it IDK even the fact that it's not just partying & going crazy but they actually have to physically work at the shore store too LMAO it's like reality tv for minimum wage earning 20 yr olds 😮‍💨🙏 i do think a lot of it is the nostalgia factor too & recognizing these shows as the pop cultural artifacts that they are / the undeniable effect they have on pop culture even today, but maybe that's just my own fascination/fixation speaking 🥸

HEYYY BABE GOOD 2 HEAR FROM U AGAIN!!! 🫂 i actually dont watch family vacation 😶 after rewatching the original series w my friend @ the start of the pandemic we Tried to get into it but it was srsly so depressing seeing them all like shiny n botoxed n groomed & like milking out the glory days even though everything is so different ?? 🤕 like as i answered above, so much of the appeal (for me) was how unfiltered & personal they felt and now i just feel like they've all been corrupted w fame in a sense RIP still lovable & somewhat the same but ugh man i don't wanna see their mansions or their hyper-sculpted-for-the-gram bodies lounging at bougie resorts making up problems / playing on nostalgia bc they know it'll get clicks ykwim?? v against the spirit of the original jersey shore 2 me 🌬 also i feel so much 4 sam & hate that everyone seemed to forgive ronnie like in her place UGH just bad vibes all around ❌ sometimes i'll watch clickbait moments on YT & i follow most of the cast on insta so i'll see bits thru there too but ya deffo not a full time watcher i don't think my heart could take it 🥲❤️‍🩹

[i-did]

hi hello i couldn't sleep last night so i was scrolling thru all ur asks and stuff and ur opinions and analyses are so interesting!!! and then afterwards i was thinking about what u were saying about mlm smut and i'd also been thinking about such things a little bit recently bc like.....at a certain point it becomes quite clear that the vast majority of smut-writing is just imitation. like there's the sex noise verb list and all and the whole general mechanics of the sex and those things just .... replicate over and over. and the whole thing w people writing mlm vs wlw smut regardless of their own sexual orientation..... like i feel like a big part of that is just a self-perpetuating thing. like if u have not had sex and u r getting all ur (pleasure-related) sex ed from fandom (even if u do watch porn, that doesn't rlly tell u how to describe stuff? idk) regardless of What fandom , the majority is going to be mlm smut. which is itself majority imitation of other mlm smut, imitating and imitating back to whoever knows what the first smut fanfic was etc. there's just way More to mimic than there is on the women side of things. which then becomes a self-perpetuating thing, bc the mimicry continues and generates more and more. and---if there are fundamental misunderstandings of anatomy involved---those self-perpetuate as well. and maybe even exaggerate. and yeah. does this all make sense? idk i was just thinking about it. like all the stereotypes and stuff continue bc writers are getting their inspo from other writers rather than their own brains. or something. idk!!!!! it's just all... divorced from reality? bc words. or something!! i hope u get what i'm trying to say. just thoughts i've been thinking. anyway i think ur thoughts are cool. and ur writing. ok bye have a good day!!

Okay yeah this is kinda messy but hope u see this, uhh yeah I think you're right about the echo chamber effect fr about stuff. I think it's a mix of projecting too sometimes. talk more under the cut and also link to a video essay since I love video essays.

Here’s a video that sort of touches on this topic: 

“Gay fanfiction” by Sarah Z. (has CC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8E_C00dKwI

This video begins to talk about fetishization at the end, but also… not really. The words “gay fanfiction” is used as a catchall, when really gay fanfiction is largely mlm written by non-mlm.

Fandom is a largely women's space dominated by the female gaze in a media industry world that is dominated by men and the male gaze. I'm really glad women have this space to explore creativity and queerness, and I don't expect the female gaze to go away, but I am still ultimately bummed out I can’t read most fanfic or interact with most fandom spaces without having fetishization in my face. 

So about 80% of fandom is women, and most of those women aren't straight, but 90% of those women prefer mlm ships. Why don’t they prefer wlw ships? Well definitely part of it is the fact that queerbaiting is centered around white straight men, and then there is also the fact that women tend not to be written as well charcter wise. But the fact still remains that you get jerjean getting priority over Layla and Alvarez who are in canon just as much and are a canon wlw couple who actually interact as well as Alvarez could likely be a woc because of her Hispanic last name. Korasami doesn’t get nearly as much hype as zuko and saka, despite the fact that they are 2 fully dimensional characters who canonly kiss and hold hands, something the creators fought for and ended up having to sacrifice another reboot for. 

I do believe the fandom echo-chamber is largely responsible for… a lot of things, like you're saying. But what's interesting is that the complaints I've heard about visual porn from non mlm in the fandom space is that they can’t get off to it because its for the male gaze and misogynistic usually. But they also don't seem to notice how the mlm smut circles has the female gaze and is also… almost always mlm. If it was a pure anatomical not knowing thing, I get that, but I also think that leads to the question of “then why the male body for porn, and not your own? The one you know and are familiar with?” 

I know some people want to get outside of their own body for porn and don’t want to think of their own anatomy at all, but overall I'm still uncomfortable. If an anglo said “well I watch porn of only Mexicans so I don't self insert” I'm gonna be like … hhhh in a similar way. I understand people “like what they like” but I wish they also noticed said patterns in the first place. I understand the t4t tumblr porn circle, and how it's different from cis people who only watch trans porn. 

I actually wished that instead of fandom focusing on mlm ships where some asshole guy hits on bottom troupe charcter for top troupe character to save, was instead… a wlw character experiencing said shitty getting hit on and other wlw swooping in. what's interesting is fandom writes a lot about misogynistic experiences without often realizing it. Ive read fanfic where guys get called sluts for sleeping with people or called bitch for speaking their mind, these arent things men usually experience, but rather women. Fandom has a lot of internalized misogyny and also queerphobia imo. Women characters often get pushed to the sidelines and men become the canvas for female fans to project onto. 

There is this natural inclination to mlm. When people are talking about “gay shipping” or “gay books” or “gay feels” or even just “gay” mlm is what’s largely in mind. I honestly am kinda saddened by this because if gay fanfiction was really solely about writing more to feel represented, then you would see a lot of bi and ace and lesbian rep, but this isn't the case. Queer women are seriously underrepresented, and I want to hear their stories and read them in fanfiction as well as published. 50% of lgbt literature is mlm, and of that its largely written by women. Becky Albertalli, Rainbow Rowell, Maggie Stiefvater, are the YA big names and are all women writing mlm. Red white and royal blue is written by Casey McQuiston and Captive prince (which is not YA) is written by C. S. Pacat, who is non-binary, but is also TME and not mlm. These are all the big names in mlm lit, behind them is some gay men, but honestly their stories aren't preferred, they're not the right “flavor” for the consumers usually, who are largely women. In general YA consumers and authors are women, but I wish that they… just wrote about women too. I think there is a certain… snowball effect to the overrepresentation of mlm representing the whole LGBT community that leads to fetishization, as well as misogyny playing a factor in: less women characters being written well to write fanfic on, when they are written well they're taken less seriously or the audience struggles to relate to them, they're less marketable then men. 

Idk I never feel “seen” or “represented” by any of the books above, which don't address boyhood and manhood and queerness intersecting really, and AFTG doesn’t either. I relate to AFTG as a trauma victim who has experienced a lot of what many of the characters go through and have gone through in the EC as well as them just overall being very well written characters, but I don't relate to it as a mlm really. I've never seen like.. gay voice or being straight passing or femphobia or how boyhood can be affected from a young age by those around you sensing you're ‘other’ or if you didn't experience this you feel outside the mlm community. Let alone sub cultures like bear and leather and pup, at most you see the word “he's such a twink” in fandom which... i fr hate non mlm using that word because it's usually used to replace the f-slur essentially, used derogatorily or to call him “such a bottom” and stuff like that. It’s like a joke or an insult.

Long story short, idk mang this was a ramble and I think I'm coning down with something. I wanna see more queer women rep and women authors writing about being a queer woman too. I think it's a complex web of fetishization and a bit of forbidden love yaoi culture (or it used to be in the BOYXBOY days) as well as misogyny on an industry level, creator level, as well as reader/consumer and fandom level. I don’t think it’s inherently wrong to explore other peoples stories and what we read has to be segregated, “only mlm are allowed to read and write mlm, only wlw are allowed to read and write wlw,” but I also think author’s intent and audience and background is telling, as well as overall statistics. Like about an hour ago I was looking for cookbooks in spanish or in english, and I was looking for some mexican food cook books, but I had to look for them using words in spanish because otherwise what came up was a bunch of “fiesta party, easy as uno dos tres authentic cooking!” and I was like… hm. Since I could tell they were marketing to anglos. (also the author’s last names were like michelle smith, james cooper, and this could be for a variety of reasons, but I trust Hispanic names more tbh and deadass would look at the authors pictures and if they had other books in Spanish or what their specialties were.)

anyways. not sure how to end this. uhm if anyone has any book recs (my to read list is like 500 books tho no joke) preferably not YA white mlm written by a white lady, hopefully queer women written by queer woman, LMK, I need more wlw and queer women stories on my list. I have a decent amount but always looking for more. I kinda wanna link my goodreads or my storygraph but I also don't want to get doxxed and it has my legal name on it so.

Also, I'm dyslexic and using spell check but if there's like some wild typos my b.