Place to discuss, rec, and generally squee over fan fiction about Steve Rogers and Tony Stark
Wednesday Fic Recs #4: Soulmates & Amnesia
As part of our weekly regimen, we're now introducing themed Wednesday fic recs! Each week, we're offering you the chance to submit you favourite fics for our two themes. Of course you can still make new recs once Wednesday has passed!
This week, theme #1 is SOULMATES AU (suggested by @Willidothefandango ) -- A classic in almost every fandom! Give us your very best identifying marks, signatures and times on wrists, colour vision or any other broader interpretation of this tope.
Theme #2 is 'AMNESIA' (suggested by @nostalgicatsea) -- Be it caused by supervillainy, magic, accidents or self-induced, amnesia has a firm place in this fandom so we'd like to know which of those stayed with you!
Please use the following format for your recs (you can just copy & paste this):
**Title**:
**Link**:
**Author**:
**Rating**:
**Word Count**: (Please note if it's a WIP)
**Relationship(s)**:
**Warnings**: There's no need to tag everything, but please heed
at least the mandatory AO3 warnings for Rape/Non-Con, Dub-Con,
Major Character Death, Underage and Graphic Violence. Also note
if the author *chose not to warn*.
**Author summary**:
*(Optional)* **Comment**: Why do you rec this story?
Do you have a rec that doesn't fit either of the themes? Submit it to the general Stony Fic Rec Library, open 24/7 :)
Other great places for recs are:
- Hale Roger's tumblr
- Bea Recs' DW (you need to request access to these)
- Wingheadshellhead's tumblr FAQ
We also want to ask you to name themes for future Fic Rec Wednesdays, so pop into the comments and let us know what you suggest! We'll use your ideas for sure (and of course give proper credit!). This and future posts will be tagged with 'Wednesday Fic Recs' so if you ever want to go back to old themes, you can find them easily.
And now unto the fics!




Reply to this comment with your suggestions for FUTURE THEMES :)
I'll suggest fairy tale AUs, if that hasn't been mentioned yet, and maybe post-CW fics? I know we did that once in some thread, but it might be good to have it collected in one of these.
My other suggestion is historical romance AUs because I love those and there aren't enough, so maybe people would write more!
Somebody already suggested fairytale AU, I think I've pencilled that in for in two weeks :D Post-CW and historical romance are noted!
Ok how about multiverse shenanigans? Anyfic where they meet other versions of themselves, fall in other universes, and anything along that line. And of course all the incursions stuff would fit here nicely. :)
That's one of my favourites! Definitely coming up soon :D
What about secret relationship fics, whether they're hiding it from the press/public or the team or anyone else? That's a fun trope :)
Good one!
Time travel/time loop, or anything dealing with time?
As it happens, that's scheduled for next week :)
Yay!
This has probably been suggested before, but modern military au/modern aus where one of them is/was in the military?
That one hasn't been suggested actually. Noted!
Reply to this post with your recs for AMNESIA :)
Falling Into You
http://archiveofourown.org/works/3731302/chapters/8269387
sabrecmc
Mature
53,595
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Warnings Apply
Tony and Steve end up as fuck buddies after the events of The Winter Soldier until Steve calls it off. When Loki's spell wipes all of Steve's memories since the last time Loki was in town, Tony decides it will be so much easier to just not tell Steve they had something of a relationship. Spoiler: It isn't.
Or, how Steve fell in love with Tony and forgot about it, and how Tony fell in love with Steve and realized it.
Comment: This was based on a prompt from brandnewfashion, which I couldn't pass up.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Oblivion
http://archiveofourown.org/works/2271921/chapters/4991661
sabrecmc
Mature
66,616
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Warnings Apply
“Mr….Mr. Stark?” the man asked, shaking his head as if to clear it, grip convulsing spasmodically on Tony’s hand.
“That’s me,” Tony responded gruffly. Of course the man recognized him. His face had been everywhere before the whole Iron Man thing and now…well, now…so yeah, totally understandable. Guy was probably thinking of his lawyer’s speed dial number. “Look, ambulance is on its way, okay, so just sit tight. You’re going to be fine.”
“I—I think I missed my date,” the blond man said. And promptly passed out.
Or, how Tony accidentally kidnapped Captain America and then wanted to keep him.
Comment: Why, yes, I do like this trope, and yes, I will self-rec.
commission amnesia fic for ishipallthings
http://theappleppielifestyle.tumblr.com/post/152015440611/this-is-a-commission-for-ishipallthings-who
theapplepielifestyle
Gen?
9K
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No warnings apply
This is a commission for ishipallthings, who wanted a stevetony fic where tony gets temporary amnesia. This rolls in at 9k.
Comment: I just read this today on tumblr, and it is adorable! Takes amnesia for Tony to figure out Steve is a big mess of pining goodness.
I wanted to rec this but wasn't sure how since it's not titled and it's not on AO3 so it doesn't really fit our system. It's awesome :D
Think of This as Solving Problems (That Should Never Have Occurred)
http://archiveofourown.org/works/5451815
Sineala
Teen
35,216
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Warnings Apply
No one knows Tony is Iron Man. Then Tony gets amnesia, and literally no one knows Tony is Iron Man.
Bonus tropes: Identity Porn, Pining, and Hurt/Comfort.
Without Irony
http://archiveofourown.org/works/148868
tsukinofaerii
Teen And Up Audiences
28980
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Open file TS_762-b.ims... Sometimes, when a drive is completely broken, the only thing to do is wipe it clean and start over. When he wakes up, Tony has no idea who he is, or what he did to end up where he is. Depending on who he talks to, he was a villain or a hero, a genius or a degenerate. What he is now is still up for debate, but it doesn't look like he's going to have much time to figure it out. With a computer in his head screwing up and a country falling to pieces, options are getting limited. Steve The world needs Iron Man a lot more than it needs Tony Stark.
Ok this was one of the first fics I read on this fandom, and it was kind of confusing at points but sooo good. I´ve read it a couple of times since and is still one of my favourites so far.
Sea Stars
http://archiveofourown.org/works/9945
Muccamukk
Teen And Up Audiences
41960
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Warnings
Steve comes back to life somewhere entirely unexpected; Tony doesn't remember being a hero; something is rotten in the province of British Columbia, and the 2010 Olympics are doomed.
Ahh yes. This has a lot of action and adventure and I just love it.
I keep meaning to read this fic, but I always end up forgetting! I'll have to read it one day.
Someone to Love
http://archiveofourown.org/works/545037
blue_jack
Mature
47161
Steve Rogers/Tony StarkPepper Potts/Tony StarkClint Barton/Natasha Romanov
No Warnings
What does it matter that it’d been because of Loki and his damn magic? He’d fallen in love with Steve once. He can do it again.
Take Two
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1336213
wordsplat
Teen
24,049
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Warnings Apply
Steve loses his memory, but he gets the feeling he's lost a lot more. Who exactly is Tony Stark to him, and why won't he come out of the basement?
Comment: Everything wordsplat writes is wonderful, and this is no exception. Love that it starts out with a mystery and we, the readers, sort of figure things out along with Steve instead of having all the information.
The Last Love Song of Anthony E. Stark
https://archiveofourown.org/works/349478
jibrailis
Mature
42328
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Loki/Sif
No Archive Warnings Apply
After contracting an Asgardian virus, Tony starts forgetting things. And people. And Steve.
Summary: A 'classic' Steve/Tony fic that always gets recced, this is one of the most beautiful fics I've ever read, hands down, and my favourite Steve/Tony amnesia fic. Go read it now if you haven't yet, and it's always good for a re-read <3
Always, always, always a fave and one of my first fics ever (which I think I already mentioned to you before haha). There are some great moments in there and certain lines that never fail to hit me hard every time I re-read this. ;_;
I love this story SO MUCH.
the bruising of unfinished business
https://archiveofourown.org/works/1578848
theappleppielifestyle
Not Rated
3205
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
"Close friend," Tony says, and Pepper looks older, so much older than those nine years that Tony’s lost.
"Maybe a little more than that," she says, and then allows: "Maybe a lot."
The room goes quiet, and over the beep of the machines, Tony can hear the muffled sounds of Steve breaking down in the hallway.
Comment: Jesus, this is so angsty, and Steve missing and longing for Tony is equal parts beautiful and painful, but the happy ending makes up for it <3 I love amnesia fics with established relationship, and this is my favourite of the bunch :)
you jump so hard but I always catch your fall
https://archiveofourown.org/works/6144367
theoddoodisnude
General Audiences
3786
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Tony assumes that the guy already actually knows what went down, so he asks, instead, "We have a personal chef?" and looks the guy over. Thoroughly. There's something to be said about manbuns. And a mechanical arm, jesus christ. "Did I build him?"
Somewhere in the background, it sounds like Mr Muscle is choking on air.
Comment: This fic is worth reading not only for the awesome Steve/Tony and Tony mistaking Bucky for a personal chef, but also for the hilarity of Tony calling Jarvis 'God' and the ensuing pick-up line :P Read it and you'll see what I mean :D
Title: Delete
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/422329
Author: ashinan
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 3481
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Warnings: Unhappy ending
Author summary: Tony doesn’t know when it starts, doesn’t know how it really comes to a head, but for the last few months they’ve been fighting, a constant stream of nonsense fighting that tears at Tony’s resolve.
Comment: I forgot about this story until a friend mentioned it to me last week and I went back and read it again. It's one of those rare fics from the early days of MCU fandom that I can still read without cringing or getting too sad although this is a really angsty fic. I just love how much regret and desperation there is and how the ending is so mixed because technically it's an unhappy ending, but at the same time Tony's trying to do what he thinks is the right thing.
Title: W.I.P.E. (series)
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/10994
Author: tsukinofaerii
Rating: Teen (first fic); Mature (sequel)
Word Count: 28980 (first fic); 28722 (sequel)
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Author summary: First fic: Open file TS_762-b.ims... Sometimes, when a drive is completely broken, the only thing to do is wipe it clean and start over. When he wakes up, Tony has no idea who he is, or what he did to end up where he is. Depending on who he talks to, he was a villain or a hero, a genius or a degenerate. What he is now is still up for debate, but it doesn't look like he's going to have much time to figure it out. With a computer in his head screwing up and a country falling to pieces, options are getting limited. Steve The world needs Iron Man a lot more than it needs Tony Stark.
Sequel: After the events of Without Irony, Tony wakes up with a freshly rebooted memory and nearly all of his memories from before the deletion and none after. Nearly all isn't nearly enough, and what's missing just might be the most important thing he's ever forgotten. Tony's not sure he wants to remember, but if he doesn't it's going to be the death of him.
Comment: This was one of the first 616 fics I read and it stayed with me through the years because WOW. W O W. The heart-wrenching angst of it all. I only knew the basic points of Civil War and wasn't familiar with the comics (I had to do a lot of Googling while reading, but that's how I got to know the 616 world more so I'm not complaining) so I remember being confused while reading it, but it says a lot about a fic if you don't know that much and YOU STILL ARE WRECKED AF. I love things that deal with Tony's decision to delete his memory, and oh man...when you find out what things he struggles to remember/what he tries to forget, it breaks you. This is a must read. It's one of the staples of this fandom imo.
Oops. I just realized someone recced the first fic in this series already lol. Oh well! It deserves all the recs.
Yes it does! I really love it, it deserves all the recs
Title: Changeling (series)
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/284025
Author: Sineala
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 23,398 (total over three fics)
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Author summary: A Siege/World's Most Wanted AU in which Tony's brain deletion proceeds a little differently. (Not a fix-it.)
Comment: Another brain deletion fic series! And what a wonderful one too. It's a fresh take on it, and ohhhhhhhhhh man, I still remember reading the first fic when it came out and breaking. It doesn't take the typical route, and you know going in that Tony doesn't remember things and you're told what exactly happened to him throughout it....and yet you're in Steve's shoes. You can't stop hoping for the impossible. You're in denial. And then it all comes crashing down in the sweetest, but most painful way possible.
Title: as long as we remember
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1864224
Author: laireshi
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 3680
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Author summary: “Good morning,” Tony said, his voice very steady. The way he would greet a stranger. They weren't strangers.
Or: the incursions are solved, but nothing is quite right.
Comment: If you know laire, you know that she's able to pack a lot of punch in a short amount of space. What I loved so much about this fic was Tony's rationalization. Tony's distant. Something's off about him. And it's....because you realize he took his emotions out of the situation and that feels so wrong because he's not only about logic. Tony's very driven by his emotions. I also love how Steve told himself he wanted nothing to do with Tony anymore, and he got what he asked for...but it's not what he wanted. At all. It's such a brutal ending because in a way, it's a conclusion that makes sense.
Title: Hard Reset
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/3939139
Author: Kiyaar
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 8798
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Author summary: “You used me,” Steve says, like he expected better.
“What are you going to do about it?” is all Tony ends up saying, pathetic and petulant and tired, though Steve has only ever recognized it as arrogance.
“Now?” Steve says, as if there will be a later. “Now, I’m going to beat you bloody.”
Warnings: Not a fix-it
Comment: Hickmanvengers was like a big, nice sandbox to play in if you like angst, and this? THIS IS AS PAINFUL AS IT GETS FOR THIS RUN. You know that sort of devastation and heartbreak that's so strong that you don't even cry? Your heart just shatters very painfully and you cave in quietly? That's how I felt reading this. Everything goes so wrong and so horrible, and there's no resolution. This is the end of the line for both of them. There's nothing left remaining of their relationship.
Title: Breaking Point (The Abort, Retry, Fail Remix)
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/5980720
Author: Sineala
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 4518
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Author summary: Here's a fact about Captain America that the entire world knows now: the last thing he did was commit murder.
Warnings: Not a fix-it, hurt no comfort, violence
Comment: This is a remix of Hard Reset by Kiyaar. You should probably read that before reading this. This is from Steve's POV, and I'm so glad this was written because I really wondered what Steve was thinking all throughout Hard Reset which is from Tony's POV. You really get into Steve's mind here, and you feel all the anger, pain, and horror he feels. This is the rare fic that is as good as the original and....I don't want to say "if not better" because Hard Reset is SO GOOD, but this fic broke me more? Broke me in a different way? I'm not sure how to explain it. You see why Steve decides to stay away from Tony, and it's because he cares enough to do that, but at the same time, he's done. He's done with Tony. None of what they had remains. It's all gone up in flames, and this is Steve and Tony standing in the ashes.
Title: Before the Darkness Swallows You
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/6833455/chapters/15597958
Author: Veldeia
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 30838
Relationship(s): Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Author summary: Steve was gone.
Tony was all alone in the dark, the blackness of the damp, rock-walled corridor only occasionally broken by the fluttering fluorescent lamps in the ceiling.
He wasn’t afraid of the dark. An abandoned mine was by no means the scariest environment he’d ended up in. Still, he’d have been crazy not to be afraid of what lurked in these shadows.
Warnings: Blood, violence and multiple temporary character deaths
Comment: One of the best newer fics I've read in a while. If you like survival stories, if you like horror, if you like psychological mind games, if you like adventures, if you like cave stories, read this. If you want something extremely unique, read this (there are no fics like this in this fandom...at least I don't think there are). I don't get that creeped out reading fics, but I read this before bed and got kind of freaked out at points. That being said, it's A LOT OF FUN. I couldn't stop reading! At first it was because I didn't know what was going on and wanted to find out, but then it was because I was so caught up in all the action. Very, very interesting take on mind wipes/amnesia of sorts. It's also kind of fluffy! And has hurt/comfort! And it ends happily, I promise. (Yes, finally a sweet amnesia fic after all the angsty ones I've rec'd.)
Reply to this comment with your recs for SOULMATES :)
I'm not ashamed to self-rec, lol
Hireath
http://archiveofourown.org/works/4516170/chapters/10272438
sabrecmc
Teen
8389
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Warnings
"Do you believe the universe fights for souls to be together?" Tony asked, trying to keep his voice steady and tell himself the answer wasn't everything.
But Loving Him Is Red
https://archiveofourown.org/works/563570
theappleppielifestyle
Not Rated
25524
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, multiple side pairings
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
"It is- it is not just destined, Steve Rogers. It will reach through the decades, through entire universes if it has to. It will scour the galaxies without rest until the two of you are standing next to each other. Migardians-
Migardians call them soulmates, I believe."
-
Through the decades, through layers of realities, through superheroes and tangles of string- it will always be them.
Comment: The quintessential soulmates/multiverse fic. If you haven't read it, drop everything and go read it now.
Soul Bomb
https://archiveofourown.org/works/2280786
copperbadge
Teen And Up Audiences
1944
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Background Pepper Potts/James Rhodes, Background Sam Wilson/Female Character
No Archive Warnings Apply
Suddenly everyone in Manhattan has someone else's voice in their head. Tony got Steve's, for his sins.
Comment: A soulmate AU with telepathy? BEST CONCEPT EVER. Plus, Stephen Strange is hilarious
one foot in (and one foot back)
http://archiveofourown.org/works/789872
kehinki
Explicit
32529
Steve Rogers/Tony StarkPepper Potts/Tony Stark
No Warnings
This isn't the worst thing that's ever happened to Tony, but it's in the top five.
I really like this one. Things aren´t as easy for them just because they are soulmates. There´s a lot of talk of pseudoscience and world building to explain how soulmates work too, and it was really fun to read.
Like Sunlight
https://archiveofourown.org/works/1852120
sara_holmes
Mature
8309
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Steve is used to the way it feels by now; a strange but gentle tugging connection under his sternum, warm tingles in his skin whenever they touch. That is, until Tony gets himself kidnapped. Then it kinda feels more like someone is trying to wrench his heart out through his ribcage.
Comment: sara_holmes' description of Steve and Tony's soulbond in this fic is absolutely gorgeous and I DIED at how desperate Steve was to get Tony back when he's kidnapped and how their soulbond magnified their connection beautifully <3
OMG I freaking love this fic!!! It's so SO beautiful it makes me wanna cry, it's quiet and comfortable and bright, and you can almost touch their connection. Definitely one of the best soulmate fics out there. God bless Sara Holmes.
I KNOW. I re-read it just before reccing it here and everytime I re-read it just blows me away because their connection is so poignant throughout the entire fic and they love each other so much. Sara_Holmes writes some of the best Steve/Tony fics out there, another one of my favourites is Bond Has It Covered.
And it's such a tiny little lovely fic, isn't it? Amazing what she can do with 8000 words, which is probably small for her, lol. I love everything from Sara and lucky me, she also ships Drarry!
Bond has it Covered is a classic, probably one of my very first Stony reads, good times. From the Past is another oneshot that strikes me right into the feels. I've read it multiple times, it has the best blow job ever plus angsty plot -- I cried twice.
I haven't finished the Puzzle Pieces series yet, but Counterpart (the first part) is absoutely gorgeous and plotty with the most amazing established relationship I've ever read. Though you probably know this one, too.
sigh
From the Past: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2054355
Counterpart: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1659452/chapters/3520658
oh my god, From the Past is one of the best post-TWS Steve/Tony fics out there, it's so deliciously angsty and hot. All the post-TWS Steve/Tony fics we have are super awesome, but I wish there were more, I'm so greedy for fics about these two :)
I haven't read Counterpart yet but it's definitely on my TBR list. The fic I re-read the most often of hers is probably Lesson Two: Penalties of Cheating, the team bonding is awesome and Steve/Tony are perfect like always.
Have you read Clint Barton's Super Secret Snipers' Club? I know it's a Bucky/Clint fic, but Steve/Tony are central to the fic as well, and their established relationship is so fascinating and angsty with a happy ending, it's so worth the read (and re-read, and re-re-read :P)
Thumb, Index, and Pinky Extended
https://archiveofourown.org/works/4280589
Eudoxia
Not Rated
4848
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Tony Stark is twenty-one when he loses his voice. It shouldn't matter, but in a world where the first words your Soulmate says to you are marked on your skin, it can be pretty damn annoying.
Summary: This fic is an amazing twist on the first-words version of a soulmate AU. The reveal to how it all eventually fits together is incredible, and Steve and Tony's love for each other comes across so clearly in this fic hearteyes.
I just read this, it was such a lovely story!! Thanks so much for reccing it.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it's one of my favourite soulmate au fics, and whenever I get to the part where Tony says his words, I always get teary.
Home
https://archiveofourown.org/works/5097590
america_chavez
General Audiences
4446
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, implied Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov
No Archive Warnings Apply
Tony then promised himself he would find his soulmate, even if it took him 70 years. He didn’t want to turn out like Howard, unhappy and bitter for the rest of his life. He would find the one meant to be with him. He would find home.
AU where everything is black and white until you meet your soulmate.
Comment: This is an awesome AA 'verse soulmate AU, and I really enjoyed how the author filled in the blanks of Tony's history. Plus, this is apparently going to a series of Steve/Tony soulmate AUs, so excited for the next fic :)
Stand Back, I'm Going To Try Science
https://archiveofourown.org/works/2309438
Good_News_Everyone
Teen And Up Audiences
2123
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Archive Warnings Apply
Soulmates are a rare and cherished thing, a simple touch of hands bringing love that lasts forever. By all the rules of romance, they're meant to wait for each other and to trust in the vagaries of fate to bring them together. Tony's never been good at waiting, and when he has science on his side, who needs fate?
Comment: Of course Tony would invent a machine that helps people find their soulmates because he's doesn't want to have to wait for his own and wants to go find them himself :DD And I loved that we got to see Armored Adventures Steve/Tony in this fic, their first meeting is absolutely adorable asdfghkhjehkwdhj
I Hear the Winter's Leave
https://archiveofourown.org/works/5197007
thistlethorns
Teen And Up Audiences
2329
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
No Archive Warnings Apply
The thing is, Tony genuinely didn't know he had a soulmate.
Comment: I love this fic so much because I adore the idea of Steve and Tony finding each other and falling in love even before they find out they are soulmates, and the final reveal is so happy!! <3 <3
Since I'm late to the party and many works I worship have already been recommended ("But Loving Him is Red" and "Like Sunlight" are both like religious experiences, and I don't need to rec Sabre's amazing work since she's already doing it lol), I'm gonna leave a favorite that hasn't been mentioned yet:
Chroma
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1566032/chapters/3323252
Toriceratops
Mature
49667
Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Warning: This fic has 5/6 chapters out and the last update was in 2014, so chances are that it has been abandoned. I promise it's worth it, but keep that in mind if incomplete series are a problem for you.
Summary: The first real color most people see is the shade of their soul mate's eyes. It is there that it begins, the change from seeing the world in muted tones of grey and blacks and whites, to a vibrant world full of wonder and so many colors, bleeding out from that one meeting, that one connection of two lives destined to find one another. It's just too bad that for Steve and Tony, nothing is ever that simple.
Enjoy and let me know your thoughts! :)