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grandline-fics · 17 days

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Shifting Focus

DESCRIPTION: The moment they began to see you differently

WARNINGS: None

CHARACTERS: Shanks, Kid, Smoker | Sanji, Law

WORDS: 2,850

A/N: Another part of this in honour of reaching 500 followers. This was my first time writing for Smoker so here's hoping you all enjoy!

*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*

MASTERLIST

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SHANKS

Everyone knew Shanks was a flirt, a laidback charmer who always had a smile and a wink at the ready for the next pretty face he came across. No-one was meant to really take it seriously, to see anything that happened to be more than what it was, a fleeting moment of enjoyment for both sides. Serious feelings never truly came into play, it was easier that way given that he was always on the move. To let anyone believe he was the settling down type would have been cruel and he didn’t find any enjoyment in hurting people needlessly, unless they were his enemy of course. Everyone in the crew were more than used to his mannerisms, yourself included. You could understand his worldview on the matter however you never entertained him when he chose to flirt with you. Something that he finally started to notice and when he did, he couldn’t let it go.

“Do I repulse you?” He asked suddenly one evening causing you to choke on your coffee. Your body tensed and you forced the liquid down your throat, wincing at the painful burn it caused and sharp tightness in your throat. You’d needed it to stay awake for your night shift but after that, you set the mostly untouched mug aside. Looking to your side you saw your captain staring at you intently, a small pout playing at his lips making you believe he was picking his words carefully to seem like he was keeping the conversation light. However underneath the joking you could tell there was a real question there.

“If you repulsed me Cap, I wouldn’t have joined your crew, now would I?” You answered, looking back down to the sea chart in your hands, needing to keep track of any notable features coming into view. “What is it you really want to ask me?”

“I’ve noticed something about you.” Shanks began, scowling when you looked away from him to continue your work. You were always so task-oriented and levelheaded that even when you were joking with another member of the crew, you were still focused on what was needed to be done. Finally you looked up at Shanks again, eyebrows raised slightly to invite him to keep talking. “You don’t flirt back.”

For a moment you had to think about what Shanks was getting at but finally you let out a laugh and lightly rolled your eyes. So he was in that kind of mood today. For a moment he almost had you by making you believe he was asking you a semi-serious question. Still smiling in amusement you shook your head and turned to go inside when a wind started to pick up. If you lost the charts in your hand it wouldn’t have been good. What you weren’t expecting was Shanks to follow you, with a sigh you settled down at your desk and sat back to stare at your captain who clearly wasn’t finished with this joke and you weren’t going to get any peace until you indulged him. “Am I being reprimanded for my lack of flirtation towards you, Cap? I’m surprised it’s affected you so much given how you’re never without company.”

“You flirt with the others on board.” Shanks pointed out, not really knowing why it was getting to him so much. Ever since he’d realised you’d joke around and tease the others on board but not him, it just kept gnawing at him. Shanks knew he shouldn’t get so irritated by it all but he just couldn’t help himself. He stepped closer until he was leaning of the edge of your desk, staring down at your calm expression. “So why not me?”

“I flirt with the others because it’s not serious and they know that.” You shrugged lightly, leaning back to regard your captain, a smile slowly pulling at your lips. “You, however are a different story, Cap.” With a breathy sigh you rose from your seat and Shanks’ earlier position meant you were now standing mere inches away from him, not quite touching but close enough for the warmth of your body to radiate into his. “If I gave in and flirted with you…I don’t think I’d be able to stop it as just a joke. I don’t have the same self-control that you do.” You murmured, tilting your head up slightly so your breath could softly dance against his skin. Satisfied that that should be enough for your Captain’s need for the joke to end you took a step back and grinned before sitting down at your desk.

With your presence no longer engulfing his, Shanks blinked and immediately wanted more. More of that rush, that spark, more of you. However fate had other plans when Lucky Roux called for him and he had to do his duties as the Captain. Sharply letting out a huff of annoyance, Shanks reluctantly left your side to head onto the deck. When he reached the doorway, he couldn’t help but look over his shoulder and see your attention already drawn back to your work. Yeah, this was far from over.

KID

There was never a dull moment on the Victoria Punk. Even on the calm days at sea, the heavy steps of the Captain and the usual tone of conversation was carried at a volume louder than some other ships were used to. But that was what you liked about it. It was only when the ship was deathly quiet outside of sleeping hours that any of you felt the need to worry. The seas were calm and laughter surrounded you all as you sat in the living quarters with plenty of drink to see you all through to morning if you wanted.

Currently you were all playing a game with the bounty posters you’d all seemed to collect. It was a simple enough form of ‘Kiss, Marry, Kill’ by selecting three posters from the pile however each person that had to answer ended up getting drawn into a fierce debate about their answers. If you didn’t want to answer on your turn however, you had to drink. It was an empty punishment since all of you were drinking happily regardless.

“Look I stand by my answer okay?!” Wire shouted, unable to keep the grin from his face knowing the argument was in good spirits. “I had the worst draw out of them all so far, you guys have been getting it easy.”

“Just hurry up and pick my three okay?” You grinned, sitting up from your lounged position to get a better look for your turn. Wire reached over to the pile of posters lying face down on the table and picked three at random, slowly flipping them over to reveal Blackbeard, Franky, and Bartolomelo. Grinning you sat back down into your previous position. “Kiss Bartolomelo, Marry Franky, Kill Blackbeard. Easy.”

“Not that I’d argue with the decisions, you just made up your mind so quickly…” Killer noted, a grin in his voice as his face remained hidden by his mask. You rolled your eyes and grinned.

“Nothing to think about, Blackbeard is…ugh” you suppressed a shudder at the mere thought of the Emperor. “Franky is dependable and skilled, and fun from what we saw when we allied with them so marrying him wouldn’t be the worst thing.”

“You didn’t think about Bartolomelo as marriage material?” Kid asked with a grin and you laughed up at your Captain who you’d been leaning against for a majority of the night.

“No way, he’s a major Strawhat fanboy. I’d be competing against that entire crew for his attention, sadly we just weren’t meant to be.”

“Yeah, you’re real heartbroken about it I see.” Kid laughed along with you and the others. The game continued for another while, some of the crew stopping from being too drunk to stay awake while others began to head for their quarters. Those remaining all agreed this would be the last round and it meant you were to deal out three posters for Kid.

You were still far too comfortable lounging against your Captain so you quickly reached over, fumbling you flipped over the first three you could get your hands on and flopped back before even seeing who he had to choose from. From the sound of the stifled laughter you could tell his options were going to be good. With an anticipated grin you turned on your side and pushed yourself up with your elbow only to become surprised to see your bounty on the table along with Buggy the Clown and Nico Robin. You couldn’t help but become curious about what your Captain would pick about you although you supposed as long as he didn’t pick you to kill it was all fine, it was just a game after all.

Kid suddenly felt tense and couldn’t help but look away from your printed face to the physical version of you. The you he suddenly became all too aware of. You’d been part of the crew forever and he’d never needed to see you as anything other than a valued member like the others. What if he said something that made you uncomfortable. But if he didn’t play then you could misread that too and make things worse. Fuck, why was he overthinking this? He had to finish the game and hope nothing more was said about it. “Kill the clown and kiss Robin.” He muttered quickly before looking away and draining the last of the alcohol in his mug.

“Aww you wanna marry me?” You cooed, the smile growing wider on your face. With everyone satisfied with a good ending to the game, the crew began to clear up their drinks and the bounty posters and move to turn in for the night. You got up with a groan and stretched out your arms, finally feeling the need to rest too. With a yawn you turned to Kid who was still sitting and smiled softly. “Not heading to bed, Kid?”

“Yeah, heading soon.” He grumbled lost in his own thoughts that were now occurring to him and you tilted your head, a frown falling on your lips. Quickly Kid realised you were going to worry and he recovered enough to smirk at you. “We need our rest, right? We’ve got a wedding to plan huh?” He forced the joke out, relieved to see you laugh and leave while wishing the rest in the room goodnight. When you were gone, Kid glared at Killer who was sitting far too relaxed for his liking. “When did you add their bounty to the pile, Kil?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about and you have no way of proving it.”

SMOKER

“Vice Admiral?” You paused in the middle of the G-5 Base corridor when you spotted the base commander leaning against the wall with his office just a few feet away. At the sound of your call he made no sign that he’d heard you. It wasn’t exactly uncommon for someone of his rank to get lost in thought especially if there were certain higher ups breathing down their neck or certain pirates occupying their minds. Adjusting the documents in your hands you approached the base commander. “Vice Admiral Smoker?” You asked again and moved to lightly touch his arm to get his attention.

At the same time, Smoker turned sharply and knocked into your hand causing you to drop your files in surprise. As the papers fluttered to the floor you kept your gaze on Smoker, concern growing in your eyes. His usual steely gaze seemed to have dimmed and you noticed the small tremor in his otherwise imposing frame. As one of the base’s medical staff your critical, scrutinising stare was pinpointing all that stood out to you. Since you were dealing with the commander himself, you felt you had to be somewhat nicer and couldn’t just order him to rest. “Are you sick?” You asked and immediately his stare sharpened at the implication.

“I’m fine.” Smoker’s answer was gruff as to be expected but you could hear the slight shake that could have been missed had you not been listening out for it. When he saw you weren’t fooled he finally took a proper look at you and through his mind that was getting foggier by the second he managed to recognise who you were and what department you worked for on the base. Inwardly he cursed his bad luck. He’d been trying to get to the safety of his office but a dizzy spell hit him hard and he had to stop to catch his breath just mere seconds before you’d approached him. Smoker didn’t want to be babied, getting sick was a rarity for him. He just wanted to get to his room and sit there in peace until he felt a little better. No one else had noticed his state all day, why did he get cursed with bad luck like this at the final moment? He just needed to get rid of you before you tried to take a closer look at him. “Aren’t you going to pick up your documents?”

“Well since you're not sick and are partly responsible for me dropping them. You can surely help me lift them, right Vice Admiral?” Your question was so sweet and innocent but still Smoker glared at the challenge in your eyes. In any of his previous interactions with you, you’d seemed so reserved and quiet but now he could see another side to you. With a grunt, Smoker lowered himself to the floor, trying to fight the wave of dizziness and aches rolling down his body. Mentally he cursed you as you smoothly crouched down and started collecting sheets at a pace far faster than he was able to. When Smoker was focused on the task you’d given him, you struck. Your hand touched his forehead before he could react and you scowled at the man in disapproval. “You’re burning up with a fever. You’re going to your room and resting.”

Your order left no room for disagreement and before Smoker’s mind could truly catch up, he found himself walking into his room with you. When he was lying on his bed you set about gathering what was needed to help his fever and aches before making yourself comfortable at his desk to fix the scattered documents into their right files again. From the small layer of dust gathering on the surface you could tell Smoker didn’t use it much, being a man of action over paperwork. “You don’t need to stay, I’m fine.” Smoker grumbled.

“The second I leave, you’ll rest for an hour at most and call yourself cured. I’m not leaving until I’m happy you’re actually fine.”

“An hour is all I need.”

“Didn’t know you had a medical degree.” You noted dryly. “Do I call you Doctor Vice Admiral Smoker or Vice Admiral Doctor Smoker?” It surprised you when Smoker’s deep laugh rumbled through the air and a small smile graced your lips at the sound. Perhaps he should laugh more, it was a nice sound and it would help make him more approachable to some people.

“You can call me whatever you want.” Smoker mumbled, it wasn’t often people stood up to him like this and he had to admit it was refreshing to see. Unable to fight it, Smoker yawned as his body was beginning to give in to its need for rest. When you heard the telltale signs of him falling asleep you let out a sigh of relief that the medicine you’d given him was started to take effect.

In the early hours of the morning, Smoker stirred at the soft feeling of fingers lightly running through his hair. It was a comforting feeling and still under the haze of sleep that hadn’t fully left him, his mind hadn’t properly caught up so he let himself relax into the feeling. Reaching up he curled his fingers around your wrist holding your hand in place as his eyes slowly opened and met your face.

“Your fever’s finally regulated.” You informed him gently, keeping mindful of the time and not wanting to speak too loudly. “If you promise to drink more fluids and stay in bed until at least late morning I can leave.”

“I promise, thanks Doc.” Smoker mumbled with a half-smile, stifling a small yawn and letting his eyes fall closed again but when he didn’t hear you leave he opened his eyes again to see you still standing there. “Problem?”

“Um, kinda need my hand back…or did you want me to stay?” you laughed softly, trying to hold back the grin when Smoker tensed and quickly let go of your wrist, allowing you to leave. “Remember your promise.” You reminded him as you left, smiling to yourself as you left to your room with the memory of Smoker’s blushing, embarrassed expression fresh in your mind. You had to admit it was pretty cute to see.

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primrosebow · 3 months

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An open letter to bigfatbimbo.🪽

Reasons why you should write for Adam.

1 -> He is a misogynist (not for long)

Look at his face. He is so weird. I swear. He has been favoritized for far too long, leaving him with the most mind-numbing god complex. Don't you want to stab him to death like niffty? Don't you want to put him where he deserves to be (either underground or under me)? I do. You should too! Because his way of thinking meets it's end where my heels begin.

2 -> He is stupid

He has the emotional maturity of a boiled lobster. He fits into heaven like an orca in the amazon river. He is so unbelievably incompetent it is actually kind of mind boggling. Don't you want to crush him like he's a little bug (either with your fists or your thighs)? Didn't he literally say one of the "biggest issues evet" was math or something? He probably couldn't tell you where Africa is in the world map even if you paid him. Even the fruit of knowledge couldn't give him enough braincells to function as a proper member of society.

3 -> he deserves humiliation

He deserves to have his entire worldview rocked and destroyed, something we can surely provide. His shallow thinking should be promptly obliterated. He has only ever gotten away from beautiful tall strong women because he always had the option of just asking for a different woman. They didn't have the mental fortitude to put him in his place. We are the bearers of the curse (liking repulsive men), and, since there is no "mental fortitude" to begin with, there is nothing for him to break down. We (as a collective) should end him.

4 -> I know what he is

His entire persona is a gigantic act to make up for the fact he cannot appropriatelly cope with losing in general, much less losing the, like, 2 wives he ever had (to THE SAME GUY!! MIND YOU!!!) and if he had more people they were one night stands. Not because he left them, but because people know he is worthless scum and he is good for nothing other than his "original dick" ( eugh. I usually refrain from cursing >:// ). It is the reason for his pride and also the only thing that makes him even remotely worth the hastle of talking to. He is the equivalent of a carnival prize to the people in heaven, scoring him is more of a show of your own endurance rather than how coveted he is. He has been objectified through his own hubris. He should be made aware of that. He should fear the knowledge we posses. It should be used against him.

5 -> he sounds.. like.. . He sounds good.

I watched the series while skipping most of the songs but I genuinelly could not do it when he was singing. No wonder he's in a band or something, I didn't actually pay attention to what he was saying I was paying more attention to the sound of his voice so I don't remember clearly what's up with that. Like he sounds REALLY good. If only he knew how to just use his voice without saying the most repulsive atrocities to be ever uttered by anyone ever. Oh yeah! We can make him incoherent enough for that to happen.

6 -> Lute deserves better

Lute deserves, like, a woman. Not him. She's too gorgeous for him, and, the difference between us and her is that while SHE is dealing with HIM, in our case, HE has to deal with US. Really, we're just saving a beautiful, amazing, stunning, showstopping woman a lot of trouble, and getting an ENTIRE PATHETIC MAN AS A TRADE! WIN WIN! Literally no downsides, I swear.

7 -> he is girl dinner

Don't you just love looking into your fridge and seeing the worthless scraps that built up overtime but somehow taste better now than they usually would have, which is particularly shocking considering it has 0 nutritional value? That would be what girl dinner is, and also an appropriate analogy for what Adam is like! Just roughly ok looking enough for you to not downright call it a biohazard. You will go to bed satisfied after fighting tooth and nail for your dinner (getting him to behave properly) and, it'll be easier the next times maybe! Operant conditioning is a heavy hitter with this repulsive individual, so it might actually get easier! Who knows!

8 -> Pretty please? (´｡･д人)ﾞ

I really. Uh . I really want him if you couldn't tell? Maybe the cannibalism and the fear I want to instill into him got in the way of you seeing my point, but, like, that's just how I love. The highest honor I could bestow on him is wanting to eat him, so, maybe that'll assist in your judgement? I also just really like your writing and would love to hear your thoughts on his idiotic self. AND! AND! Other people also want you to write about him if I well remember the 1 ask you received about him!

I await your response when you are available @bigfatbimbo

If you need more convincing; I can, like, draw him? I'm going to draw him no matter what but like I can cook something up for you in particular who knows.

You did say you were already considering writing for him, so, maybe this can be a final push in that direction for you!

- sincerely, Bow

#hazbin hotel x reader #hazbin hotel adam #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel adam x reader #he is the worst #I want him reaaalll bad #if anyone also sees this letter and is convinced by my arguments #I absolutely insist that you @ me in whatever you chose to make #I would be honored

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bethanydelleman · 11 months

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I'm listening to Emma as my falling-asleep audiobook right now and I'm thinking a lot about Harriet. The movie adaptations very often have her remaining friends with Emma after the end, but the book says their relationship sank into mere acquaintances after that. Is that a personality thing, do you think, or is it a class thing? And why the difference in the adaptations? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

It is definitely a class thing.

I think one of the reasons Emma can be unpalatable to modern audiences is because it ends with a restoration of a social order that we find repulsive today. How is it fair that Jane Fairfax, born as lower gentry, gets to marry into Enscombe but Harriet Smith, the natural daughter of a tradesman, 'deserves' only Robert Martin and is basically ejected from membership in Highbury's gentry class? And that's a good thing? The adaptations maintain the Emma and Harriet friendship because the way the book ends really appalls a lot of modern readers.

(Also, never really talking about the age difference between Emma and Knightley was a great choice in Emma 2020 because that is not people's favourite either.)

I think the most charitable way to look at it is that Harriet always wanted Robert Martin. She loved staying there over the summer, the family was extremely kind and loving towards her, and her status as a natural child would be largely ignored. Emma's interference gave her ideas above her station... ug, veering into territory I don't love again... but then again, could Harriet have ever succeeded at marrying into the gentry? Probably not on Emma's sponsorship.

There are only two characters that a member of the gentry tries to move from "middle class" (I know it's not really the middle class) to gentry, George Wickham and Harriet Smith. Both attempts are disasters. Captain Wentworth, Fanny/William Price, and Jane Fairfax are all born into the lower gentry and they climb higher, which seems to be fine. There are a bunch of characters who go from extremely wealthy trade to gentry, the Jennings (Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton, and Charlotte Palmer) and the Bingleys. They seem to be fine, Charles Bingley at least is portrayed positively.

I don't know what the message is there. The Gardiners are presented as gentleman-like but have no apparent intentions of jumping class. Does that make them good? As someone raised in Canada whose worldview is rooted in The American Dream Lite, it's hard for me to appreciate the upholding of a classist system. Jane Austen herself was clinging to gentry status by her fingernails, so why does she write a novel that glorifies almost everyone staying exactly where birth placed them? Jane Fairfax can improve herself and be worthy of a rich marriage but not Harriet? I guess Harriet never improves herself much though, but she hasn't had the same opportunities as Jane F...

But then the very next novel, Persuasion, seems very anti-classist!

Something about hubris...

I actually feel sorry for Emma at the end of the book. She got a husband, sure, but she loses a friend. She has Mrs. Weston still, but she'll be busy with her baby, she loses Harriet, Jane Fairfax is gone (again), and she's still stuck in Highbury, which has become worse because Mrs. Elton is there now. She just remains as much trapped and limited as she was before...

Anyway, that is my long and rambling answer. I'm not very happy with the ending of Emma. If someone who does like it wants to defend, you are more than welcome.

(I do think there might be something to like, this is how the class system could work well if everyone actually did their jobs. Knightley is the perfect, model landlord. Cares for the poor, lives at his estate, involved in running it etc. Emma does her duty to the poor, everyone seems to do well under their United management)

#emma #emma woodhouse #the end of the novel #harriet smith #punish those who dream above their station #I guess? I donno

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chuuyrr · 1 year

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love at first heal

bungo stray dogs x scarlet witch! reader

masterlist of the series

╰➤ CW(s): possible bungo stray dogs spoilers. mentions of scarlet witch's powers. subtle reference to mcu's infinity war. akutagawa falling in love but he's a bit in denial lolol

╰➤ PAIRING(s): akutagawa ryunosuke

╰➤ SYNOPSIS: in which you are assigned to a mission with akutagawa ryunosuke by the port mafia boss. akutagawa gets severely injured and is stubborn about it, but you heal him anyway, and he is astounded that someone as ruthless and strong as you can be so gentle and kind. full request.

akutagawa has a black and white "survival of the fittest" worldview, with the strong ideal that weak people should die and be replaced by stronger ones. he is not afraid of pain or defeat. he's also merciless, blunt, and incredibly stubborn, making him the self-proclaimed port mafia's black-fanged hellhound.

but, if there was another person akutagawa believed to be as powerful as port mafia executive nakahara chuuya, or even more powerful, it would be you—[surname] [name].

the ability user who is feared by both allies and enemies, the harbinger of chaos; the witch.

he doesn't think much of you. akutagawa believes you're just another member of the underground organization he frequently encounters, but that all changes when mori ougai summons both of you to his office.

as you enter the office a few minutes after him, akutagawa barely looks at you. he doesn't even bother greeting you after you've said hello to him. it was nothing at all.

you're just another subordinate; another mafioso in the organization. akutagawa is definitely not thinking about how you could easily win dazai's favor if he was still here and knew what you can and would do given your dangerous ability.

"i have called the two of you here for an important assignment," mori explained, placing a few papers on his desk to show you and akutagawa, "you two will be on the frontlines. as you know, the black order is one of the mafia's enemies, and they are after the mind stone that we have recently smuggled."

you lifted your hand and to use your red psionics to grab the papers and read them while passing the others to akutagawa, who quietly accepted it back and read them.

"the mission you have along with the rest is simple: protect the mind stone and get rid of the black order," mori explained, clasping his gloved hands together.

as soon as the assignment was given to you, you and akutagawa went to the expected area of attack from the black order based on mori's deduction, while the rest of the black lizard and port mafia subordinates scattered outside, carrying firearms with the intent to protect and kill.

"tsk, they should be here any minute now," you warned akutagawa, stopping in your tracks and straightening your posture as you felt multiple presences entered the parameters, "on your guard, akutagawa."

"you don't need to tell me that," scoffed akutagawa, finally looking at you with his arms folded across his chest.

despite your warning to your partner for this mission, turbulence in the air was something you and akutagawa failed to notice right away as you looked around. only when you snapped your head did you notice a spear stabbing akutagawa straight across the stomach at blinding speed.

"a-ack!" gurgled akutagawa, immediately activating rashomon and shooting black tendrils of his coat to attack his pursuer, but the cloaked person jumped aback with their spear fast.

"akutagawa!" you screamed, and before you could dart towards him and use your red psionics, you were blasted by a similar repulsive force of energy.

you grunted, feeling it burn through your clothes and pierce your skin painfully, but you ignored it as your red psionics immediately pulled you back up. you acted quickly, already making your way towards akutagawa, watching him fight his pursuer while activating a force field around yourself to protect yourself from your own opponent who was tailing you.

"stay back and focus! i don't need your help, witch!" akutagawa yelled as he wiped the blood from his chin.

you scoffed at akutagawa's stuborness, but who were you to judge him? this was who he really was. without any choice, you reluctantly left and let him be before confronting your own opponent, mentally noting the healing of akutagawa as soon as you see the effect of his wound on him. even though he could be a pain in the ass, he was still your ally; your partner.

you faced the other enemy who arrived with the cloaked figure you recognized as midnight from the information mori provided you both. you engaged your opponent in hand-to-hand combat while using your red psionics, dodging swings and jabs with quick and light feet.

you effortlessly used the wall as a boost before leaping to evade the spear that was thrown at you at blinding speed, but you quickly stumbled back as your opponent landed a high-jump drop kick and felt your shoulder get wounded as your opponent returned the spear to themselves.

you clutched your shoulder, breathing heavily, and began to use your red psionics to patch yourself up when your gaze was drawn away from your opponent to see akutagawa's state. your eyes widened as you saw him gravely injured, barely standing with trembling knees and clutching his bloodied stomach and other arm.

the black order was unquestionably skilled. they were as stealthy as gin, akutagawa's sister. given how quick and almost silent they were as assassins, you and akutagawa failed to even prevent them from ambushing you both earlier.

but you and akutagawa were members of the port mafia, and you despised seeing your partner and allies in such a state. you moved quickly forward, your power augmenting your speed, as you blasted an abnormally large red psionic at your opponent, eventually sending them flying together with the damn spear.

you positioned yourself protectively in front of akutagawa, extending both of your hands, one aligned to your arm, blazing red psionics seeping from your fingertips as you made a direct shot of another abnormally large blast of red to akutagawa's opponent.

"oi, didn't i tell you to stay back, witch?" scowled akutagawa, his knees weakly buckled to the floor.

"throw all the insults you want, akutagawa. i am not going to let you die out here," you retorted, your eyes glowing red as you locked your gaze on his harsh gaze.

"i don't need your help. i already told you, i'm fi—ACK!" you instantly recoiled as he got cut off.

your eyes widened with concern as akutagawa violently wheezed, causing him to stop applying pressure to his exposed wounds, which turned out to be more serious than you had anticipated.

"akutagawa," you muttered in a whisper as your eyes began glowing into a menacing red color.

with your raw emotions now amplifying your ability, a massive repulsive force of red psionics emerged from you and it immediately seized the black order assassins you and akutagawa were facing, as well as the rest of the black order members who had now arrived on the scene to ambush you and him altogether, just as they were about to attack you with their respective weapons at blinding speed.

the sight of you standing there frozen still as your red psionics violently constrict the black order and cut through them like nothing widened akutagawa's eyes—it was something he could describe as ability on autopilot.

red painted the atmosphere, both psionics and blood splurging around you and him like a splash of red color on a canvas with bodies crumbling and falling like rain.

everything was red instead of black and white, and finally, akutagawa recognizes you as someone rather than a mere nothing or a simple subordinate or protege of nakahara chuuya bearing the monstrosity of a witch. it was almost as if he was seeing colors for the first time.

you knelt down to his height as he was on his knees on the floor, but the ingrained memory of you using your ability for chaos and havoc caused akutagawa to flinch. despite his obvious reluctance, your hands still held him.

you were already using your red psionics again before akutagawa could react and have his rashomon seize you. his eyes widened as he felt his deep wounds gradually stitch up and glow red, similar to your eyes and hands.

"you should never put your life in danger like this again," you said calmly as your fingers interlocked and twitched incoherently to put your magic to work.

akutagawa's eyes narrowed at your words, but he quickly stopped speaking when you continued talking, "i know, it feels weird, and that's because i'm sewing up damage at a molecular level."

akutagawa's eyes widened, and the next thing you know, he was speaking again, "you just... read my mind..."

"yes, i can, apart from getting into people's heads to control them like kyusaku," you explained before returning your gaze to his wounds, "anyway, stay put for me, okay? your wounds are deeper than i expected."

normally, akutagawa would have acted out by now. he most certainly should have.

because if there was one thing he despised, it was being the weaker person and having his most private thoughts and feelings exposed. but for the time being, all akutagawa could do was stare at you and stay put as you told him to.

the proximity between you and him was making his chest twinge in an oddly good way, just like the sensation of being patched up by your red psionics.

he took advantage of the opportunity to see you this close while you were focused on healing him. akutagawa's gaze was drawn to the way your brows were furrowed and your face contorted into such intense concentration that you were subconsciously biting your bottom lip.

damn. you were practically glowing and mesmerizing, especially with the light from your red psionics illuminating you.

akutagawa immediately shut his eyes. you weren't reading his thoughts right now, were you? because if you were, he wouldn't know what to do, especially now that he's seriously injured. this should not have happened to him, yet here he was, admiring you.

"are you okay? does it hurt?" you inquired, seeing as akutagawa had his eyes closed and his face slightly scrunched up.

as akutagawa opened his eyes, he did not see the witch that everyone was terrified of. instead, he saw you. akutagawa saw [surname] [name]; someone he didn't expect to be as gentle and kind given your ruthless, captivating yet manipulative allure as a mafioso and an executive's subordinate and protege.

"i'm.. just resting my eyes.." akutagawa replied quietly, his voice tame instead of harsh, "and it doesn't hurt. i can't even feel it.."

"i'll be done in a minute. i'll have you feeling better in no time, akutagawa," you said with a smile on your lips as you stared at him.

"tsk, you don't have to do that. i can get myself checked back at the headquarters later," akutagawa exclaimed, his gaze drawn away from you, "you should save your energy. i doubt that was the rest of the black order, [name]."

this time, your eyes widened in surprise.

akutagawa called you by your name, and it wasn't just any name. instead of calling you witch, he addressed you by your first name.

"oi, why are you looking at me like that?" akutagawa asked, almost scoffing, "you know, if you're tired, just stop. i can move now."

aside from that, he was suddenly incredibly time and surprisingly caring. did you just flip a switch on akutagawa, or did you hex him by accident with chaos magic? how strange.

"it's nothing... i was just trying to feel the other presences," you replied, blinking and returning your focus to his wounds.

"you better not be reading my damn mind again, you hear?" akutagawa clicked his tongue, clearly not believing your words, "or i'll cut you up myself using rashomon."

"you wouldn't do that," you countered immediately, your lips slowly curving into a smirk.

he asked, scoffing, "and how do you know that?"

"simply because i know you wouldn't," you replied, now fully-smirking as you finished healing him up, "but also because i can and will kill you just as you could kill me, ryunosuke."

akutagawa felt the twinge in his chest all over again with his heart skipping a beat.

you really were a bewitching being.

[ author's notes ! ok so yeah i haven't written for akutagawa in a long while, so i really hope this was okay. tried sticking with his character and avoiding portraying him out of character while also making him admire and fall for reader, which i honestly found challenging but quite fun to write :) thank you so so much for requesting and enjoy reading <3]

[ p.s. ! in this writing, reader is a mafia subordinate under the care of chuuya. i figured it would only make sense because of their said abilities and how they both turn/glow red lolol ]

#bungo stray dogs x reader #bungo stray dogs imagines #akutagawa ryunosuke x reader #akutagawa x reader #bsd x reader #bsd x y/n #bsd x you #bsd scenario #bsd scenarios #bsd imagines #bsd oneshot #bsd akutagawa #akutagawa x y/n #akutagawa x you #akutagawa ryuunosuke #bsd headcanons #bsd #bsd fluff #bsd drabble

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crazysodomite · 1 month

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the dumbest thing ever is when people genuinely think other people who are appreciative of non-stereotypically-conventionally-attractive traits are somehow lying to themselves.

trust me. people who aren't repulsed by peoples existence in all forms are much more honest and true to themselves than people who shit themselves when they see body hair or fat.

just because your worldview is so narrow you cannot imagine it doesn't mean it's the actual truth... dont be fucking stupid

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adiola · 8 months

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When I was super liberal, I used to be physically repulsed by any media, news, information, etc. that challenged my worldview. I think I have now grown to examine myself more critically when I have a visceral reaction to information or opinions that I do not agree with. If I feel strongly about something, I will try to take the time to look up unbiased sources of information both for and against my stance. The results have been:

I am less argumentative, especially when it’s a topic I do not know very well. When I cannot speak on a topic in conversation due to my lack of knowledge, I make a note to read a few articles or books on it later.

I am better equipped to defend my views when I am confronted. I rely more on facts and less on my feelings. I also know when it’s pointless to debate on something so I usually don’t even engage.

I am able to craft nuanced takes on various hot topics, which allow me to explore the complexity of issues. I am less extreme on some things.

I encourage everyone to consume media (books, news, podcast, etc) that you may not necessarily agree with, not so you can change your mind on the topic necessarily (although you might) but to become less reactionary and less sensitive to things that might trigger or offend you.

#thoughts #i actually enjoy joe Rogan’s podcasts for this reason lol

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pinkandpurple360 · 4 months

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Okay, so for some reason when I started reading your post about octavia and Fizz being opposite but similar 'n' all, I instantly thought about Blitzø and Fizz adopting her, and quickly scrolling down it appeared that it was ALSO the point you were getting at!

And, like, gay dads adopts late-teenage girls from unknowing, bad, families, is a Trope that sound awesome.

And then you got one of those girls becoming hitman while the other becomes librarian/writer or something, and they're besties and spend lots of time together excepted when one got a contract or the other has a tense moment with her publisher or something, but sometime having a hitman bestie is quite useful, and sometime having a decent writer that looks like an ordinary person too.

And you got big sister hitman always here to help, with little sister writer/librarian always here to listen.

And two sad dads that could not believe their girls will end up their lives with another girl. (I don't know enough of octavia to ship her, so I make her aro, but not ace.)

I’ve created this semi dysfunctional half goth half clown family in my head and now I’m so attached to them I can’t undo what is done.

Gay clown dads with unresolved “something” between them adopt sardonic goth girls who have a friendship? Sign me up.

Octavia is sooo writer-coded, she has so many opinions, and I also love the idea that she does digital art on her tablet. If you ever annoy her she draws you really ugly and posts it on her blog, then if you try take it down she threatens to sue and serve you with a subpoena, cites her right to artistic expression (guess where she learned that from)

Via having tension with her publisher could be such an interesting avenue, it reminds me of the scenes in Little Women between Jo and the book publisher Mr Dashwood. Her book is only released on the condition that it end in the main character having a romance, because it was seen as improper for her to be a “spinster” —- it’s misogyny but also, something else called amatonormativity

This way of thinking values romantic, monogamous pairings above all else, and elevates sexual relationships as higher in value than platonic ones when this is rarely the case. It makes people feel they have to endure even toxic relationships just for the ‘normalcy’ of having a monogamous nuclear family. It also encourages attitudes of running off with some romantic interest and leaving platonic relationships behind. Since to some, romance and sexual relationships can save you from your troubles and is the ultimate goal.

Sound familiar?

It’s because this is the crutch of what happened to Stolas, the attitude of what made him maintain the lie, force the toxic relationship to stay together, and seek out sexuality as a way to escape it all. Because he thinks it’s the answer to his unhappiness.

Funny enough actually, Frozen is one of the most famous animated films to criticise this idea and stomp it out. Anna realises her love for her own flesh and blood Elsa is worth much more to her than any romance either with Hans or Kristoff. And this is incidentally where they based much of the Goetia themes (allegedly) especially with Andre being a walking Frozen reference…

Soooo yeah Octavia is now a massive Greta Gerwig stan because I said so, her favourite actresses are Winona Ryder and Fiona Shaw, she is scathingly critical of amatonormativity. Fizz had told her about the Barbie movie and how it “changed” his entire worldview and is deeply personal to him for some reason that he won’t say. Something to do with the dolls theme. She didn’t believe it at first, and was repulsed by saturated feminine colours, but then it awakened something in her as well. Feminism, and more critique of romance obsession.

She is someone who is now valuing friendship honesty, consent, and trust above all else. She and Loona are finally exploring social events together. Making friends. At a party she’s the one she goes to when she’d like to get home, and Loona always does even if she’s having fun.

I don’t want to imply that she became aromantic because of the trauma, so maybe she has always been on the aroace spectrum, which was why she could see through the rose coloured glasses from the start. She doesnt centre her life goals and self esteem on any type of love or male approval anymore, and it would take a significant amount of trust and mutual independence between her and a partner before she’d enter that type of relationship. She might not ever want to marry, and I don’t blame her.

Also she’s a lesbian because. I say so. This show has no lesbians yet and if she’s basically Janis from Mean Girls, that makes her gay. Don’t tell anyone but she has a massive celebrity crush on Glitz from the Twin Glam sisters and can you blame her. Fizz isn’t very happy about that poster in her room but he doesn’t comment.

To be fair I don’t think it was a surprise to anyone that she likes women it was a kindve “that’s great sweetie do you want pancakes or sliders for breakfast?”

So so so cute 🥺 and who knows, maybe there are times where Loona and Via break stereotypes and it’s Via who keeps Loona protected as the “muscle” while Loona becomes more interested in education

Text exchange:

Loona: it’s kinda funny how nobody expects you to be the muscle of the two of us.

Via: well, you know the most powerful muscle is the brain. And I make sure to exercise mine daily.

Loona: “The most powerful muscle is the brain” 🤓

Via: HEY! Well it’s true!!

#helluva boss #Octavia

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drdemonprince · 1 year

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What are your thoughts on tiktok / social media pathologizing extremely common human behaviors as autistic behaviors? (i.e., every regular interest is a hyperfixation, disliking small talk, introversion is synonymous with autism).

I'm all for self-diagnosis/self-realization, but the tiktoks that get circulated the most are the most generic, watered-down "definitions" of autism, and some are just complete disinformation. They don't mention the sensory issues, body/spatial issues, trauma from years of social rejection/pain and discomfort not being taken seriously. It feels like people want to claim generic autistic "traits" but at the same time are repulsed by the idea of ever identifying with autistic people (i.e. "you can't headcanon Wednesday Adams as autistic because I relate to her!").

But all this autism lip service hasn't transIated in increased services or support for autistic adults (at least in my area). I've still had to explain my autistic behaviors to therapists because they don't know.

Is there a path forward in all this towards true autism acceptance? Am I missing something, and these are the fledgling first steps in autistic and disabled liberation?? I want to be hopeful, but tiktok just makes me cynical 😩

Yeah, it worries me, largely because of the shoddy logic of "many Autistic people do X" being interpreted as "X is an Autistic Thing!" when really all human behaviors are multiply determined by a variety of variables, including in Autistic people. It also betrays a complete misunderstanding of what diagnostic categories are for -- insurance billing purposes and summaries of what traits tend to cluster together -- casting them as a causative explanation rather than merely an attempt at description (that is often quite flawed).

I also hate this phenomenon and a lot of the discourse surrounding it because I am one of the few Autistic self-advocates to argue that yes, neuro-conforming people actually are correct when they say "everybody is a little Autistic". They might say things like that and blur the lines between disabled and non disabled for the purpose of defending their own worldviews and not having to take ableism seriously, but they are right -- every trait that is described as an Autistic trait, or an ADHDer trait, or whatever does exist within the neuroconforming population, and all these traits exist on continuums and ableist norms of behavior, thought, and feeling actually do harm and pathologize everyone to varying amounts.

So in short i wish that instead of going "oh I experience xyz unpleasant experience, and that's an ADHDer thing, ergo I must be an ADHDer and need to be treated for it!" (or any other category) people would be capable of saying "Oh, it really sucks for ADHDers to be subjected to this experience, and I know how that experience feels too, so we should all fight together to change it!"

I firmly believe that anyone can align themselves with the neurodiversity movement and identify as belonging within our community, because neurotypicality is not real, it's a false standard of behavior nobody can wholly live up to, so in that sense a ton of people self realizing as disabled is totally fine by me. The problem is, people seem to all be self pathologizing instead of realizing they are in a very large and broad marginalized coalition that needs systemic justice.

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spuffybot · 1 year

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I put this together for my friends but thought some of you might enjoy!

 Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin This book will make you want to vomit but I promise you won’t be able to put it down. Following a pandemic that turns anyone with too much testosterone into a raging, murderous cannibal, two trans women try to get by amid depleting sources of hormones, a rising terf army, and the usual post apocalyptic problems. This book is witty, gruesome, and thought provoking. I loved every repulsive second. Felker-Martin is a clever writer with a knack for horror and her observations about humanity and the current state of gender politics are cutting.

Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White I seem to have read a lot of queer pandemic horror this year but luckily for me it’s all been stellar. This expertly written YA post apocalyptic nightmare explores a world where religious extremists have decided the only way to save the planet and fulfill gods will is to wipe out the human race. The virus they unleash turns everyone it infects into a grotesque monster, one I won’t describe because you should read the book and also I don’t want to be blamed for making anyone sick. Benji is on the run from the cult responsible for the virus because they’ve selected him for a special mission he isn’t sure he wants to complete. When he stumbles upon a rag tag band of survivors hiding out at the local LGBTQIA+ Center he is forced to decide who he wants to be. I loved this book so much. YA is a tricky genre but this book managed to lean into the hallmarks while also being challenging and thought provoking. It’s also EXTREMELY gory.   Maurice by E.M Forster Despite thinking A Room with A View is an absolute classic, I had no idea this novel existed. Written in 1914, Maurice is about a young well off man who grapples with his sexuality and place in society. The book wasn’t actually published until 1971 because Forster feared it would damage his career. For much of the time it existed, novels that ended well for gay characters were prohibited. The Price of Salt gets a lot of recognition for similar reasons and if you’ve read that, I highly recommend reading this! This book is beautiful and flawed and a must read for anyone interested in queer lit and queer history.   Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen Honestly if you read anything in 2023 please read this book. Wow. This is one of those books that has the potential to unlock something in your brain and change your worldview for the better. I’d never given much thought to asexuality. Plenty of people question their sexual identity, with more young people than ever before openly rejecting heterosexuality in favor of things that feel more authentic to who they are. Less people question sexuality in general. If you’ve never felt confused about whether or not you are interested in sex, why would you? This book invites all of us to question the things we’ve been taught about sexuality: about what consent really means, what being sexual means for you as an individual, and how society has shaped our expectations around sex in relationships. Author Angela Chen does an excellent job of exposing our preconceived notions about sex and breaking down what’s truly innate versus what we’ve been taught to be true. This is absolutely a book I would recommend to everyone. 

Girlhood by Melissa Febos

I lied, if you read any book in 2023, let it be this one. Idk maybe just read all of these books. How about that? elissa Febos' powerful memoir / dissection of female adolescence under the patriarchy is genuinely essential reading. It’s beautifully written, seamlessly blending complex theory with personal narrative in a way that makes convoluted subjects effortlessly readable. I suggest taking your time with this one and really sitting with some of the things she talks about. I found this book relatable, triggering, and eye opening. Febos analyzes how being sexualized transformed the way she moved through the world. The freedom and fearlessness she experienced growing up was forever changed when the world went from viewing her as a child to viewing her as a girl. Her chapters on consent are revolutionary and will change the way you think about a lifetime of sexual and non sexual encounters. This is the kind of book that opens your mind to new ideas and new ways of coping with your experiences.

#book recommendations #queer books #lgbtqia+ books #ace #girlhood #manhunt #Maurice #hell followed with us #book recs

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yridenergyridenergy · 2 years

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Kyo’s commentary on ARCHE

Translation of Kyo’s comments from the ARCHE special limited edition booklet:

‘Un deux’ represents the album and the lyrics were written with the image that: "Something will be born by moving forward while getting tattered."

To Kyo, what's indispensable in his life is the other person. He doesn't live for the fans, and fans don't live for him, but the intersection of those lives is something that he has come to find sacred.

Un deux

Kyo : This is the core song of the album.

Soshaku

Kyo : The first impression is "nostalgic". I strongly feel the atmosphere from VULGAR.

Uroko

Kyo: The main thing about it is the classical part.

Phenomenon

Kyo: It might be the darkest song? However, even if it's muddy, it feels clean within me.

Cause of fickleness

Kyo: The song with the most punk taste. It feels different from metal. I want for the voice to be listened to like an instrument.

Tousei

Kyo: While writing this song, I thought: "I haven't had an expression like that in a long time."

Rinkaku

Kyo: What I want to express is less blurry. I think it fits well in this album and in that order.

Chain repulsion

Kyo: We've already played this song live, it isn't busy.

Midwife

Kyo: This could also be called punk, or it feels hardcore within me. It's like an iron boulder was thrown from behind.

Magayasou

Kyo: This one is also nostalgic. I think it will be important to create a worldview, so I would like to try it live soon.

Kaishun

Kyo: Really Die-like, that song. The melody of the chorus is melodious, but it also gives an image of something that catches your ears.

Behind a vacant image

Kyo: I was wondering how to bring it about, but it's become a mysterious song that I can listen to again and again.

Sustain the untruth

Kyo: No matter where we would put it in the album, this song would pop out. I think it was interesting still. I like to play this song at the end of shows.

Kukoku no kyouon

Kyo: Among the rest, I think this is the one ballad. Just in terms of melody, this is the song I like the most.

The inferno

Kyo: That's what it is. A song about anger. It's good to strike each emotion from time to time.

Revelation of mankind

Kyo: Even though it's a maniac song, it is surprisingly easy to listen to, and the various elements mix without difficulty. With the way Dir en grey is, it's a song that is easy to explain.

And zero

Kyo: The instrumentals have had vocals recently, so I wanted something without any vocals.

Tefu tefu

Kyo: This makes me feel the most nostalgic. When we added it to the album, I think that it changed the worldview drastically. It's a song with a punching power.

#I feel so validated #ARCHE #Dir en grey #hope #translation #Kyo #京

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convenientalias · 1 year

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Yi Bang-won/Nam Seon-ho for the ask game, please! 💙

One of my OTPS <3

What made you ship it?

Good acting chemistry. The banter in their first meeting, and Bang-won's surprise at Seon-ho killing his horse when he initially thought Seon-ho was annoying but probably toothless. That was made me interested in their dynamic at first, but the lasting appeal is a lot about their parallels, the various instances of Seon-ho attacking Bang-won or breaking into his house, and the time Bang-won spared Seon-ho's life after his coup.

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

Their similarities--two coolly ruthless dudes with high political ambitions and dads who would sacrifice them if necessary, for whom they've had to commit murder and more. The way Bang-won should by his own worldview have no respect for Seon-ho but still has some pity and empathy for him, and Seon-ho's intense hatred and mistrust of Seon-ho in return. I think it reflects in some way how they feel about themselves: Bang-won sees himself mirrored in Seon-ho and feels some scorn but also pity, while Seon-ho sees his worst parts mirrored in Bang-won and just hates him, especially in context of Bang-won's relationship with Hwi. If that makes sense. I love that you can have any range of functional to dysfunctional relationship here and it still feels real to the characters: You can imagine them cooperating and having a sort of antagonistic alliance, but you can also easily picture a much darker dynamic. In particular, Seon-ho constantly loses to Bang-won (in a sense, he's at a disadvantage from the beginning), and Bang-won generally doesn't take advantage of his weakness, which gives itself well to either kind of dynamic: the fact that Bang-won has mercy on him makes you believe the two could someday get along and have hope for a kinder relationship, but also makes you wonder what would happen if Bang-won did take advantage.

Also they're both obsessed with Hwi and have a sort of rivalry there. So that's always sexy in an OT3 sense but also just in a shared pining and mutual understanding sense.

3.Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

I think I've played this game with this ship before and at the time I said this ship isn't really popular enough to have unpopular opinions about it, but uh... I think even if they were together, Bang-won would still kill Nam Jeon. If Seon-ho asked him not to, he would still do it bc he doesn't prioritize ppl's feelings or even his own feelings over his political ambitions, as can be seen by him killing Seo Geom and Poeun. If Seon-ho said he wanted to kill Nam Jeon himself, he would still do it bc he wouldn't want Seon-ho to carry that emotional burden and also bc he'd kind of expect Seon-ho to fall through. If Seon-ho was in favor of him killing Nam Jeon, however, I think part of him would be a little turned off and repulsed by that, bc despite his eventual betrayal of Yi Seung-gye he was loyal to Seung-gye for a long time and would never actually kill him. And I think he'd be like "not to be a hypocrite bc I also want to kill your dad but. you're messed up dude." and also I don't think he'd like Seon-ho using him to do his dirty work. (Seon-ho being in favor of taking Nam Jeon down politically, however, I don't think he'd mind. He'd do as much to his own father. It's reasonable.)

Thanks for the ask! <3

#my country the new age #nam seon ho #yi bang won

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grandhotelabyss · 1 year

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I think at least as far as the Trump as spiritually white ethnic/in a way homosexual you’re right, but I would add a quibble to that comment that I didn’t think quite fast enough to make at the time, but that’s surfaced in the wake of finishing Paradise as I’ve been thinking a lot about Toni Morrison lately, and specifically that closing note of the Beloved pod episode, where you bemoaned that she was til the end of her life loyal to left-liberalism. Some of those thoughts will probably get their own ask sooner or later, but one of the things that I’ve been thinking about is how Morrison, being of the generation she was, and moving in the circles she did probably would have been sharply aware of the way that the white ethnic tradition of liberals turned right that Trump ultimately wound up embodying was always in a sense partly about a discomfort with the changing racial status quo in America after the civil rights era and grievances I think partly legitimate and partly a sort of Baldwinian sense of having ones values undermined when those you thought beneath you are suddenly considered by the WASPs (who are still on top) to be your equals. There’s also I think another level that as an aesthete I’m sure she must have in some way (even if unconsciously) been alive to the way that Trump was sort of the upside down Obama, the slovenly, uncouth spiritual white ethnic (also) making promises on the campaign trail that he could not, and did not keep in office.*

*this has on some level been true for at least the last three or four American presidents, but it seems to me that maybe the most of any of them there is a stark and fascinating dualism between the aesthetics of Trump and the actual politics, once ensconced of Trump, but maybe that’s neither here nor there (or maybe, as you implied, it’s everything!)

I agree, but the "white ethnic" shift happened with Nixon and Reagan, which is why I don't think it's all that explanatory re: Trump, especially after 2020. I am admittedly too attracted to the perversity of the reversal I'm outlining, that wittingly or not his supporters are drawn to his racial-sexual crypto-subalternity and his enemies repulsed by the same even as they tell themselves the opposite logic is at work. Still, I think it explains something of the emotion on both sides, which otherwise seems in excess of the object. And on your footnote, yes, Trump is closest in unbuttoned persona, strangely or not, to Clinton, the other first black president, whose persona echoed his policies, but pragmatically similar to both Bush and Obama (each in his own way a pious and reserved man) in promising to reverse some elements of the Reagan-Clinton neoliberalism (or whatever) and then not quite doing it.

On Morrison, I don't remember what I said, but I certainly do understand why she remained a loyal Democrat. I just don't see what, exactly, it has to do with the metaphysics of the novels. The metaphysics are counter to the stated worldview of the Republicans during most of her adult life—the rise of the religious right in the '70s if nothing else would have prevented her taking the Hurston-like turn that sometimes seems implied in her early fiction—but not, even so, congruent with the stated worldview of the Democrats, especially during and after Clinton.

That's the terrible genius of our system, though: there are only two parties, and the cult of democracy means you have to loudly support one of them. No Jüngerian anarchs in the American system; or, if there are, like Cormac McCarthy, they just get read as secret Republicans.

#american politics #liberalism #conservatism #toni morrison

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shiegra · 2 years

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who are your favorite antagonists on tv? what do you think makes for an antagonist that you specifically vibe with?

Oh god this made me remember I’m perpetually behind on TV forever. I feel like if I’d finished Arcane I’d have a really good answer for this. I remember the boss in Into the Badlands being super effectively frightening.

I loved Elijah (TVD) when he first emerged as a villain! My feelings on Katherine from that show are so messed around and complicated by her later writing 😔

Lydecker was SO good in DA S1 ofc, you know my feelings on him. Flawless performance. The steely fanaticism, the almost grotesquely real glimpses of humanity that saved no one. Honestly I would have loved to get another full season of him playing off Renfro while Max trusts no one in the tangle but will take advantage of his utility.

Feels like this is maybe the easy answer but I love an antagonist with a fleshed out internal core. With their own code, even if it saves no one and is repulsive to common morality. I’ve loved Axe Crazy villains and also Affably Evil villains, and I often love Still Waters Run Deep type characters.

(Dang it once again I just FEEL that as soon as I hit post better/more specific answers will hit me.)

But honestly I think what makes me most vibe with a villain is usually a good heroic/protagonist foil. Push and pull, people with tangled together (or funhouse mirrored) ideologies, or just heroes and villains that shake up each other’s plans and maybe worldviews in more ways than just some punches to the jaw.

#axbox #loisfreakinglane #I don’t know what’s happening with formatting I’m on mobile rn sry

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weirdthoughtsandideas · 3 months

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If DCLA characters had Tumblr part 12 🕺🏼

🌼 punk-not-dead Follow

I’m gonna sound insane but I do want kids but I don’t want a partner.

Like… sure, someone to get steamy with occasionally would be nice, but when I picture myself as a mom I want no one else involved (except for friends and family helping out ofc). I wanna raise my child my way. I’m too bossy to have someone co-parent.

💍 queenoftherink Follow

You sound like my adoptive mother but in a good way.

When I think about it you don’t really sound like my adoptive mother because she’s just repulsed by other people’s existence, and I think that’s why she raised me alone. No family or friends helping out. She also refused to let me close to anyone else as she wanted to have full control over me. But she also shut me off and didn’t want me to know stuff in her life, and then demanded to be involved in mine??

Sorry this turned into a rant. Didn’t mean to. Anyway you are NOTHING like her and I am sure you’re gonna be a great single mother one day.

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🎨 biamakesart Follow

I’ve gotten asks if I’ve ever thought about putting my art up in an exhibition ☺️ Yes! That would be a lot of fun! My art style is often more cartoony, but I have been thinking of doing more paintings on canvases. Maybe one day I’ll become a professional artist, maybe they’ll put up my paintings in a museum! 🤭

Ok, I’m dreaming big 😉 I’m just happy if one person likes my sketches I make in my notebook 🩷

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Remember to be yourself! 🌈

🧢 everythingscominguponmaxi Follow

I just wanna say that I see so much unhinged and crazy stuff scrolling through my dashboard, and then comes you with your sweet posts. Filled with calmness and love.

I hope you become a big artist one day and I’ll brag to everyone that I knew you when you were just a little blog on Tumblr

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💍 queenoftherink Follow

People are discussing if Regina George is a lesbian or not.

I think she is just high. She cares about no one because she is very high. Kissing people doesn’t feel like much because in her mind they’re probably dancing fruits.

Haha. Maybe Regina has a weird worldview like Cady had. But instead of everyone like animals it’s everyone as fruits or maybe ants. Or furniture. Talking furniture…

💄 not-homophobic-goth-girl Follow

Were you high when you wrote this

💍 queenoftherink Follow

Yes.

69 notes

👨‍🍳 kunsts-best-chef Follow

It is so funny to randomly mention to people that I’m a lawyer student.

Anyway, today we’re making carbonara on my youtube channel! Uploading in 2 hours!

8 notes

🧢 everythingscominguponmaxi Follow

Sometimes I think about my childhood and realize… there were some CLEAR signs.

🏳️‍🌈 creyendoenmi Follow

Yeah…

🛼 rollerskatingonthemoon Follow

Yeah…

🍓 chico-fresa Follow

I’m so confused, what is this about?

#Are you three even talking about the same thing??

899 notes

💅🏼 ja-jazmin Follow

Do you guys think I would be a good mom? 😘

✌🏼 arodarmivida Follow

Yes!! Omg

🏳️‍🌈 creyendoenmi Follow

Yes but you would probably be one of those moms who start a family youtube channel and record everything your kids do, until one day it gets out of hand you get cancelled and your children sue you.

But that is only if you start a family youtube channel😁 Otherwise I’d think you do a splendid job

🐬 fab-and-chic-delfi Follow

Yam’s brutal honesty scares me.

13 notes

🎸 beanie-guitarist Follow

Is she high or just like this? A new song I wrote the other day and thinking of performing later. It’s based on real events.

😎 rapmiro Follow

Idk man Luna can be a little quirky but I don’t like to think she is ever high on anything

🎸 beanie-guitarist Follow

Who says this song is about Luna?

😎 rapmiro Follow

I thought every song you wrote is about Luna?? I thought that was your thing or whatever

🛼 rollerskatingonthemoon Follow

🤣🤣

😎 rapmiro Follow

Why are you reblogging with laughter emojis? Aren’t you offended this song is not about you?

🛼 rollerskatingonthemoon Follow

😂😂

😎 rapmiro Follow

Maybe you are high.

16 notes

✌🏼 arodarmivida Follow

I went to that site where you can listen to music around the world from different decides and anyway, NO ONE put in A rodar mi vida for Argentina in the 90s smh

I could add it there myself but apparently you need to PAY to get an account there…

#i guess the rest of the world will never know the argentinean bangers of the 90s #also I listened to other countries #why does Iceland in the 70s have such bangers #Finland in the 70s too

2 notes

😎 rapmiro Follow

People who think I’m nothing… just you wait… one day the whole world will know the name of Ramiro Balsano

💄 not-homophobic-goth-girl Follow

Balsano…

😎 rapmiro Follow

Ponce*

🏳️‍🌈 creyendoenmi Follow

My dude how do you forget your own surname and write someone else we know’s surname

😎 rapmiro Follow

It was a typo

🍓 chico-fresa Follow

Are you trying to take my identity, rapper boy? 😉

😎 rapmiro Follow

No it was a typo

77 notes

🎤 singing-is-who-i-am Follow

You’d think I would be more cultured due to living in so many different countries growing up, but all it got me was like. Kids shows that maybe were good but were dubbed in languages I did not speak and if they aired in other countries they might not have the same names, so no one knows what I am talking about.

Anyway the trouble with this is that I sometimes don't know if anything aired globally or if it was a show exclusively shown in that very country and it's so annoying. I’m going around with vague memories of some french dubbed anime except I don’t even know if it was an anime or if I just saw Totally Spies in french, or if it was none of that at all. Maybe it was not even animated in the first place and I’m just gaslighting myself that it was. Maybe it wasn’t even french but actually german.

55 notes

🌼 punk-not-dead Follow

When I was small I saw a show where a girl got poured water over her by two mean kids, and her immediate response was to bring out her lasso she carried with her, capture one of the kid’s hands and attempt to drag him down from the balcony.

I remember I became so inspired by this I tried to do it myself by asking my childhood rival to stand on the balcony while I tried to catch her hand with a rope.

We had to stop abruptly because her mother thought I was trying to hit her with it like a whip and forced me to go home.

🌟 supernova-number-one Follow

I don’t even remember this, but it makes sense. My mom banned Pippi Longstocking in our house because she thought I was gonna learn to ??? throw kids up in trees with super strenght I guess ??

🌼 punk-not-dead Follow

That is something I also wanted to do and I used to throw my sisters up in trees.

But the lasso girl was another girl, she was blonde and had a pet racoon.

… I guess there’s been a theme with unhinged little girls who perform great revenges on their bullies and question authority and always get in trouble that I’ve always loved and wanted to aspire to.

🎀 italys-biggest-bow-collector Follow

Only Camila will say stuff like ”I used to throw my sisters up in trees” and then not elaborate.

28 notes

🎧 pixiemix Follow

I HATE THIS GAME SO MUCH AAH

💃🏼 daisydances Follow

I encourage you letting out your feelings, but I also saw you throwing your nintendo switch across the room almost making a hole in the wall. Please be careful.

3 notes

#if dcla characters had tumblr #violetta #soy luna #disney bia #i wanna say if you go to that radio site then it only really works on laptop #on phone you gotta download an app

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what-about-the-stray-cats · 4 months

Text

Morality and Immorality: The story of a black dragon

Akutagawa Ryunosuke is no doubt my favorite character from the series and I cannot help but sympathize with him. Hell, I even see a bit of myself in him. His backstory is one of the most interesting to me. I’ll be following the same naming logic as I did with Atsushi. The character I will refer to as Ryunosuke, and the real life author I will refer to as Akutagawa.

Akutagawa is often referred to as the father of short stories. Ryunosuke is based on two of his most famous works; 羅生門/Rashomon and 蜘蛛の糸/The Spider’s Thread, both of which tackle morality as a topic. In Rashomon, an ex-servant of a samurai is left with 2 choices: either starve to death or steal (note that this is directly parallel to Atsushi, who in the BSD-storyline starts off with the same dilemma!). Arriving in front of the Rajomon gate, he decides to climb up the staircase. At the top of the stairs he sees an old woman. Upon taking a closer look, he notices that the woman is carefully plucking the hair strands of a female corpse. The protagonist, absolutely repulsed by this action, shouts at the old woman. He tells her that she is committing “an unpardonable crime”, forgetting the fact that just a moment ago he himself was contemplating thievery. The old hag justifies her actions by explaining how the dead woman used to scam people; she sold snake meat and passed it off as dried fish to unsuspecting soldiers. Anyhow, the elder empathizes with this deception, for it was done out of necessity. After all, does simply wanting to live not justify the wrongdoings? While listening to this, the servant finds the solution to his problem that he was facing earlier. He concludes that it is alright for him to steal if it is necessary for his survival. If the old woman can, why can’t he? He applies the same logic the hag uses to his situation and the story ends with him stealing her kimono. The old woman is left all alone, staring into the abyss, signifying that one cannot find fulfillment in life by stealing. It is only a downward spiral.

Ryunosuke follows the same logic as the servant and the old woman. As a member of the Port Mafia, and the designated “mad dog” of the organization, his job is to kill all who get in the way of the mafia. Still, he doesn’t kill because he enjoys the act. Neither does he laugh maniacally while doing it, unlike some of his colleagues (mainly Motojiro Kajii). Of course, this is all due to his upbringing in the slums and the teachings of Osamu, the latter of which manipulated him and warped his worldviews completely. Growing up in the slums, a very hostile environment where survival solely depends on your luck, it was made clear to him that human life was not valued. He sees no value in life, because life itself sees no value in him. Throughout his childhood he has been treated as disposable, worthless, of no use. Osamu, after taking Ryunosuke under his wing, did nothing to change this view on life (mostly due to the fact that he shared the same opinion as his subordinate). Essentially, he views all life as equally worthless and that is why he can kill. What is the difference between the life of a child in the slums and that of a child in the city? Why can one die, but the other one cannot? Why does society care more for the child born in the city?

Murder is Ryunosuke’s paradoxal attempt at giving life, his life, meaning. He’s trying to prove that his life doesn’t only consist of misery and pain. In Ryunosuke’s world, everyone is struggling to get by so people take what they can from others, which is the main theme of Rashomon. He follows this mindset by killing and becoming the strongest. This is frowned upon by the story which is made clear by the last line wherein the woman stares in the darkness. We could draw parallels to Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”, where Raskolnikov, a law student, commits a murder and looks for a way to justify what he has done. He uses the same logic as the ex-servant: “I can kill this fraudulent pawnbroker cause I need the money and she is a bad person.”

The second work which Ryunosuke seems to be based off of, is The Spider’s Thread. The protagonist, Kandata, has led a life full of crime and ends up in hell because of this. Despite that, in his life he did one, albeit small, good deed; he had spared the life of a single spider. This results in the Buddha sending a thin spider thread to hell, one which he can use to climb out of there. Kandata immediately rejoices and starts climbing the thread. But as he climbs, he notices others are trying to climb after him. Scared that the fragile thread will snap under the combined weight of everyone, he starts shaking the rope. Ultimately, the spider’s thread breaks because of his efforts to throw everyone off. What actually kept Kandata from reaching salvation was his lack of empathy for the suffering of others. This also is the case for Ryunosuke who does not seem to notice other people’s misery, notably Atsushi’s. He just does not get why Atsushi is the one chosen by Osamu, and by extension the one that got ‘salvation’. It is incomprehensible to him how others can receive help and get saved, everyone but him. It is exactly this selfishness that makes redemption impossible for him. In order for Ryunosuke to get what he so desperately longs for, he must first learn to see and empathize with the suffering of others.

In my opinion, there is a third book that fits Ryunosuke’s character. It is “La Divina Commedia” by Dante Alighieri. The story is an allegory for a sinner who has recognized his wrongdoings and is repenting. In the end, the sinner finds redemption and reaches heaven. Now, if we compare this to Ryunosuke’s character development we see a lot of similarities. He starts off as a crazed killer, taking the lives of others to give value to his own. But as Atsushi confronts him and his ideals more and more, he starts refraining from killing. He doesn’t unnecessarily kill anymore because instead of looking for answers through murder, he now is looking for them in Atsushi. At one point he even promises to Atsushi to not kill anyone for 6 months, a promise he keeps. In chapter 87 of the manga, he even sacrifices his *own life* to save his enemy, his rival; Atsushi. This is a major development, because as I have made clear, Ryunosuke is selfish. He does not see the pain of others. But just this once, he did, he saw Atsushi and he selflessly saved him. Personally, I would love it if Ryu followed the same premise as The Divine Comedy.

The similarities do not end there! Ryunosuke’s Ability, Rashomon, makes him able to control and manipulate the cloth of his jacket. Rashomon is black and has a red glow to it; two colors that are important in the writings of Akutagawa. You see, Akutagawa suffered from many illnesses which made him very sensitive when it came to colors. Black, in particular, he associated with the sinners’ souls of Dante’s hell, while red he linked with blood and death. I’d like to think that this pairs up with the idea that Ryunosuke did not fall into hell, he was born there. This is one thing that separates him from the protagonists of the three aforementioned books.

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