#“but in the end it doesn't even matter”

[bluegiragi]

I don't want to sound rude, you may have already answered this question (if so, I'm sorry, I didn't find that answer), but I'm wondering why you're so against AI bots specificly. Obviously, this is a personal matter for everyone, but I'm a little confused by such harshness. Of course, I'm not going to prove anything to anyone, but I just wanted to understand the roots of your position. I really like your work, but to be honest, your last answers have thrown me into a kind of stupor :(

i have an ideological opposition against AI as a whole to be fair. a lot of it comes down to it's environmental impact

Globally, AI-related infrastructure may soon consume six times more water than Denmark, a country of 6 million, according to one estimate. That is a problem when a quarter of humanity already lacks access to clean water and sanitation.  

but i also believe it's inherently anti-human.

In a time when global literacy rates are diving (did you know that half of american adults read at a 6th grade level or below?) , I think it's incredibly short-sighted to be essentially surrendering your ability to write your own emails/essays/messages to an AI, when doing it yourself, despite what online contrarians will say, does have value (emails teach you how to communicate professionally, messages improve your social skills, essays improve your critical thinking skills). In this political landscape, it also feels dangerous to have your ability to read critically by yourself get dampened by AIs which are, at the end of the day, owned by silicon valley billionaires many of whom attended trump's inauguration, which is a good indication of where they lie politically.

Generative AI when it comes to art is also killing culture, removing opportunities for existing artists who are the ones who can extend the ceiling for human creation and helping society devalue art even more even though it's the only thing keeping us all sane. How would you feel if all you had in your life was just school or work, leaving out music, movies, tv shows, books, art? Doesn't art bring enough value to your life that it's worth properly compensating the people responsible for it? Why should we ever encourage or normalise throwing art into a meat grinder and feeding on the approximated soulless sludge it generates?

For AI chat bots, my beef with it is that it's an inherently anti-social product. All it does is remove the need to ever communicate with another person, which is horrible for people's brains. Some people are "falling in love" with their ai chatbot, some people are using their ai chatbots as therapists. The desire for real human connection is getting lost. An AI chatbot also makes RP obsolete, which is a foundational part of fandom which, i always feel like i need to remind people, is based on community. The point is to connect with people! I just fear that the popularisation and normalisation of this technology is going to end up with people shut in their homes their entire life, lost to whatever toxic pipeline their anti-social behaviour inevitably leads them down.

i know people love to play with AI like it's a fad, and it's "not that deep bro" but i think it's shameful and embarrassing to act as if you don't have agency in your life. You can choose to abstain from technology, you can choose to find entertainment elsewhere, you can choose to be a person independent of technology. If all AI went away tomorrow, would you be able to still do your job? Write a story? Read a book and understand its meaning? AI is a product built on instant gratification and entitlement - not to get too deep on an ask about AI chatbots, but i think art, relationships, culture, all of it is worth the journey to get there.

[novelistwriter]

The Necromancer

DP x DC Prompt inspired by 'The Ghost Warlock' on A03 by Cas3_Blanca

The Justice League has been dealing with matters related to the Undead recently. And JLD could barely handle the undead. That is until Constantine had called in a favor from someone he knew. A young man in a black trench coat with a skeleton following him everywhere, that skeleton had a burned headband on it.

The young man is a necromancer, and he is very good at handling the matters of the undead. He just has a bit of disdain for the Justice League and keeps to himself whenever he is around any Justice League member. The only person he seems to trust is Constantine, as he doesn't even interact with the rest of the JLD members. The young man had told them that he's only helping because he owed Constantine quite a few favors, and once Constantine used up all those favors on helping the Justice League, he's done with them, which means he'll leave the Justice League and Justice League Dark to deal with the undead.

Danny's life was as good as it could get. His parents had accepted him as Phantom, Clockwork assured Danny that he doesn't have to be the Ghost King just yet, his grades are steadily rising, and he is scheduling fights with his Ghostly Rogues.

That is until the GIW had shown up again. They were in the process of isolating Amity when the entire city fought back against them.

There were a few casualties, which mostly consisted of people Danny is close to. His parents, Jazz, Sam, Tucker, Valerie, Dash, Mr. Lancer and Star had perished during the struggle, and only those close to Danny hadn't become Ghosts. There wasn't enough to recover from them. Danny only has a few things to remember them by. His mom's Goggles, his dad's fudge recipe, Sam's bracelet, Tucker's PDA, and Valerie's earrings. Jazz was the only one to be buried, as she still had a body that wasn't vaporized.

He tried looking for Dani and Vlad but learned from Technus that they were captured and ended by the GIW. Now, the only person he has to lean on is his "Uncle" Constantine.

Constantine has helped Danny many times during his first years as Phantom. That's why Danny owes Constantine so many favors. He had tried to call help from the Justice League whenever Constantine wasn't around, but he was just brushed off. Hence why he doesn't like helping the Justice League's undead problems. He had also asked Technus to put his information and anything else related to him under lock and key. He doesn't want the Justice League to access and have files of his information. He's got Jazz's skeleton with him because he's taken up the role of Ghost King, and it came with Pariah's ability to raise a skeleton army if need be, but he only uses it on Jazz and other nearby buried bodies to help him deal with undead that aren't Ghosts. He also doesn't want to show his Ghostly half to the Justice League.

He's gotten quite good at hiding his mental presence from the Martians on the Justice League, but some of his emotions and thoughts slipped through. Now, the Justice League is being annoying to him by trying to apologize to him for whatever it is they did to him so they could still rely on him for any undead related issues.

[sangunary]

Yandere BatFam x other dimension Reader.

SYPNOSIS: In another world they did love you.

IMP: Reader did get neglected in her dimension.

You've never been a figure or anything important, not something worth the light. Even in picture everybody looked so good and you're just there, even just from a glance it's hard to notice you.

You've tried to shine to take that light everybody else have in their grip but the light was purposefully avoiding you.

No amount of grade, beauty or perfection would make you their baby. Someone they cared for.

You weren't some star like them just the black sheep, everybody else have a life they can call theirs but your life was already written out for you, every possible things already carved out by everyone else but yourself.

Unlike Dick you weren't charming or good looking everything about him was amazing and admirable... The first Robin and the first to become their own person. Not even Bruce get to curve his story...

He treat his siblings equally, that was what he preached... It was true. You weren't a family to him, you didn't matter enough to be apart of his family.

Even when Jason decided to started killing you stayed by his side, brought him food and even tried to build an actual relationship but it was no use.

Everybody called you desperate for crawling to him when he needed somebody and the moment he healed(kind of) he throw you away. Ignoring how you were the only one who stood up for him, took all the insult and humiliation for his sake yet he took you for granted.

You took the word, hit and almost got disowned, for somebody who doesn't even care. You almost died for somebody you thought was your brother yet he didn't do shit when the family almost disowned you for staying by his side... Didn't offer home or solace. Just ignored your suffering for his sake.

Tim was smart everything you adore in a brother, stayed by his side spent sleepless nights just to watch over him when he was in the hospital, trying your best to support your brother who you fear might die.

Yes, everyone didn't get enough sleep but you didn't even sleep stayed by his side to make sure no harm could happened to him. Took your time to read book's knowing he can't even hear you, doing everything.

Yet when he opened his eyes he hugged the family and not you, even have the audacity to ask you to go out while they had some 'family' catch up...

Damian was one hell of a monster, yet you never gave up on him. He was just a kid and you wanted to be the admirable older siblings you never had.

It wasn't easy it never was, the constant lie about you to everyone and yes nobody in this world pity you enough to hear your side... Yout life was already hell and it wad just unfair how everybody else got what they wished for and you never get anything... Not even a family.

To the eyes of the media you were the black sheep often left out even in family portraits or any major Wayne gala, just some avarage citizen that was living the life...

Bruce couldn't remember your name's at times blaming it on old age, Alfred only saw you as an extra mouth nothing more nothing less.

Even when The joker kidnapped you and made Bruce choose between you and Catwoman he almost hesitate, you were never the first or second, you weren't an option to everybody... Just some extras living with them to make them look better.

Being you was painful itself, when your family who were supposed to be the hero rejected your presence.

So, when you accidentally step into another dimension you became attached.

Your false family loved you to no ends, you were dead in that universe... Dying a gruesome death.

Yet when they saw you alive even tho you weren't their family they cherished you and most importantly treat you like a family.

There was no more I no more threats just a loving family.

Who will do whatever to make you stay.

"I like this" You told them, you couldn't help but smile.

You've never played games with your actual family before, to them you were an actual bot with nothing interesting.

"Oh, you won't like it for long... I'll beat you"

Tim said as he aggressively nudge at you to make you lose control.

"Hey! That's cheating, someone take him out!"

Barbara stood up for you.

"Everything is fair in games... As long as you're the winner"

Damian speak up as he instinctively grab Tim hoodie and cover his eyes with it. To let you win.

"That's cheating! I should have won"

"Everything is fair in games... Just gotta have the right support"

You couldn't help it, everybody were together. You were finally in the picture, you didn't have to fit in they just have to accept you and they absolutely did.

You couldn't help but tear up, your heart aching slightly.

"Little wing are you okay? Should w-"

Dick spoke before he was cut off by Damian.

"Let's beat up Tim, he made them cry"

"Huh?! Im the one that lost... Your violence towards me make them scared!"

Before anyone else could argue on who made you cry Jason who was just there because of you spoke up.

"Don't be so obnoxious and loud... They're obviously emotional for a good reason. Bunch of wannabe adult in this room"

With that said he would gave you this handkerchief which was very unusual of him.

Taking a seat next to you on the ground as he pick up the extra controller, not even weirded out by your suddenly burst of tears just pure understanding.

Your Jason was the one who kick you aside the moment he felt healed but this one... He was trying his best to comfort you, he didn't like to be so upfront yet he was doing this to save you from embarassment and a little comfort.

Looking at the Handkerchief you couldn't help but smile, the same one you gave to your Jason when he came back but the one you made was burned into crispy by the very person you made for. He took it and throw it inside the crumbling building that was ignited into flames by him.

Called it a waste of fabric and time, not worth his precious time or life even tho you spend weeks stitching everything by hand... You just wanted to encourage him to be better you didn't knew he would take offence to your kindness.

There was some holes on the handkerchief yet it was extremely clean and ironed... He seems to cherish it alot.

"Took it everywhere and I ruined it, it was my lucky charm but you're here now so you'll be a good replacement"

"I don't think being compared to a literal fabric is fulfilling"

Duke commented.

"It's not just a fabric it's made by our beloved sibling here, shame on you Duke, shame on you"

Stephanie tease him with a fake offended look.

"They only made it for Jaybird... Im abit upse- Very upset"

Dick decided to bring another reason to start a full on war again.

"Hey! I want one but with our special logo!"

"This is childish, but I need one for a good purpose"

"Im the oldest so I should be first"

"Want one"

"Enough!"

Bruce spoke up, seems like all the arguing had finally went into his brain.

"As your Father... I am first priority"

"Master Bruce, as your somewhat father I must be the first I insist"

This was what family should be, united and happy. One that are willing to be by yourside even at your worst, willing to take the hit with you and just be ourselves to eachother without shame.

While you were finally getting the life you deserved your actual family were crumbling. Trying to find you, turning every nook and crook up side down.

Gotham was turning into literal hell, they were acting like dog hound pounding onto anyone who they assume have information on your whereabouts.

It seems like they have finally realised your worth. But you've already replaced them.

You were slowly healing but too bad they won't tolerate being replaced.

Watch me flop.

[elysixns]

Chrysos Heirs w/ clumsy reader !

Content: GN!Reader, fluff, mentions of light injuries + sprains, yandere behavior on Anaxa's part (?)

🌹 Note: Shout out to the mfs that get cuts and bruises just by standing still. Me too.

INTRO

The Sky Titan must absolutely despise you for you to trip over air as often as you do.. How you haven't gotten a broken bone is baffling, and yet here you are. For all of your clumsiness, you do manage to get out of almost any situation with only minor scrapes and bruises (most of the time). You're not allowed outside of Okhema for any reason, though, not even to help bring in refugees. The last time you were allowed outside the city, you sprained your ankle so badly that you were bedridden for about a month.. But do not fret!!! There are still plenty of ways to entertain (injure) yourself in the holy city, much to your partner's distress.

– Dear, if you keep falling over your own feet every 20 minutes, she's going to think you like when she catches you in her golden thread

Aglaea

– ^ (You do. She knows you do, so you can't deny it when she teases you for it, yes?)

– If you somehow sprain any of your limbs, she WILL pamper you for the entire time you're injured. This is probably one of the ONLY times she’ll baby you when you're hurt, so try to take advantage of it as much as you can

– One of the few who isn't overly concerned with your penchant for getting injured simply by existing

– Unless you are quite literally impaled by a spear, Aglaea assumes that you can handle yourself and she won't fuss over you too much

– She does get a bit antsy if you end up getting an open wound, though

– You're much too precious to bleed, Dear. What happened? Does she need to kill someone to avenge you?

– ^ She says she's only joking if you get worried/upset. (She is not joking)

– Aglaea may tease you often about your clumsiness, but that's only because she thinks it's endearing

Phainon

– “Who did this? Are you okay? What happened? Who do I need to fight?–”

– He'd try to fight the air if you asked him to. Phai will do anything to defend your honor!! Anything.

– He worries about how often you fall over and drop things– Anytime you're carrying a heavy object, he about has a heart attack before quickly taking it away from you

– “Your hero’s got it covered. Just tell me where I need to put this!”

– Whenever you get a sprain, he'll insist on carrying you everywhere that you want to go for as long as you're healing up

– Doesn't matter if you're bigger than him or not. Phai can lift you with ease and is eager to show off how dependable he can be!!!

– He genuinely spoils you so much when you're hurt. It is as sweet as it is silly

– Please remind him that it's just a sprain or else he'll keep treating you like you're dying 😭

– After you're healed up, he usually spends at least the next few days kissing any and all scars/bruises left behind from your injuries

– It's almost like he's apologizing for not being there to prevent them in the first place 🩵

– ^ (In a way, he is. Even if he has nothing to apologize for, Phai will always feel guilty for not protecting you from yourself)

Castorice

– Ohh you cause her so much stress, she thinks she might have a heart attack one of these days

– Cas genuinely doesn't know what to do!!! She can't just tell you to sit still and do nothing, she's tried that!

– ^ (Somehow, you ended up falling off of your chaise lounge and spraining your elbow..)

– Her only other solution is to spend as much time with you as possible, making sure you don't fall down a flight of stairs or get stomped on by a Dromas D:

– You've got an overprotective angel of death hovering around you nearly 24/7.. It's almost comical, but also a bit unsettling!

– If there's one thing she hates the most, though, it's that she can't patch you up on her own

– Seeing you injured tugs at her heartstrings so much, but all she can do is put a first aid kit in front of you or go find someone else to help you

– You also hate not being able to touch her, but you always reassure Cas that her just being beside you is more than enough

– It may take her a while until she's able to believe you (if ever she does), but she likes hearing it nonetheless because she knows you're being sincere when you say it <3

Mydeimos

– (Affectionately) calls you an idiot whenever you fall or drop things in front of him

– He doesn't usually help you when you stumble because he knows you'll be fine on your own, and he doesn't want to treat you like a child

– That being said… If you've fallen one too many times that day, Mydei will simply pick you up bridal style (all the while grumbling complaints) so that he can carry you around wherever you need/want to go

– He says it's because you're slowing him down, but in reality, it's because he caught a glimpse of the scars and bruises on your legs from previous accidents

– Mydei will never admit this to anyone, especially not to you, but seeing bruises on your skin hurts him more than any physical blow ever could

– He is once again reminded of how fragile the average person is. he is reminded of how fragile you are in particular

– ^ (Just another reason to break this damned curse. What's the point of being indestructible if you're not allowed to share in this “blessing” with him?)

– Mydei can't keep you safe from everything, least of all from your own gracelessness, but he can be there to patch you up and (reluctantly) wait on you hand and foot until you feel better

Anaxagoras

– Oh, you must be studied; he just can't believe you're naturally this clumsy. Are you sure you haven't been cursed?

– Anaxa finds your inelegance as adorable as he does irritating; it's quite a confusing mix of emotions for him

– You are very precious, truly! But if you fall on the way down the steps of your own home one more time, Anaxa will have to resort to drastic measures to keep you from harm

– ^ (“Drastic measures” being forbidding you from using any stairs by yourself, and keeping you by his side for the rest of your life)

– Overkill? Not at all. Maybe. But he loves you, so he'll never admit that he's being overprotective

– You trust him, don't you? So you'll let him do what's best for you without any complaints, right?

– You're simply too much of an airhead to keep yourself safe and uninjured… Those bruises and scars on your legs are proof of that, wouldn't you agree?

– Anaxa knows what's best, of course he does. If you can't trust in yourself, then just trust in him

– He won't outright force you to go along with what he wants, but he will try to “subtly” encourage you to stay indoors. Or even better, move in with him!! Just so that he can take care of you more efficiently, of course :)

Cipher

– You are very cute. Extremely cute, really.. But if she keeps having to run to your rescue (for free!), she will get a perpetual migraine

– It also ruins her image of being independent and selfish when she’s clearly always close enough to hear you stumble or drop something

– Cipher can not be tied down! She is untamed!!! She waits for NO ONE! … Unless it's you, and you're injured. Then she’ll wait for a minute or two

– She does steal things from you as well, but she always says she's only taking them away because they pose a danger to you

– “Oh? Your brush? The handle was real high-quality wood, uh-huh… It was way too heavy for the likes of you, though, so I decided to take it off your hands and sell it! Ah, but don't worry; I'll find an even better one for you, okay?”

– Cipher worries a lot about leaving you alone for too long without supervision (you didn't hear that from me, though)

– You're so unsteady on your feet that she doubts you could survive a day without her

– She may or may not pay Aglaea to check in on you from time to time

– Such a shame you'll never have proof of this :3 can't tease her about it if it's not definitively true!

[dcxdpdabbles]

Has Menace!Danny ever gotten into a fight at school?

Bruce's emergency phone goes off in the middle of a WE Board meeting. He had always started any meetings by explaining that his emergency phone was the one he used for his children's emergency contact listings and for the children themselves to reach him if they absolutely needed to.

He would always have it on to answer, no matter how important the meeting was. They have all accepted it long ago that Bruce would never back down on that rule.

It was a necessity after all the kidnapping attempts on his children, and it's unfortunately rung before. Still, this knowledge doesn't stop the cold terror from sinking into their stomachs as Bruce scrambles to answer.

The board holds their breath as Bruce rasps, "Hello? Yes, this is he."

There is a moment of silence before the CEO jumps to his feet, scrambling to gather his things. He doesn't look in their direction, eyes unusually serious as he listens carefully to the other person.

"Which hospital was he taken to? How bad are his injuries? The ones who did that to him, where are they?"

Oh no. A few board members think. One of the Wayne boys was attacked.

Bruce pauses in his movements, going white. "He what?"

Susan from Accounting gasps, pressing her hands over her mouth. Seh recognizes that look on his face. Bruce wore the same look the night he had heard about Riddler taking a entire school bus of children- in including his second oldest, Dick- and three of the students had not made it before Batman was able to take him down.

She sends Tom a horrified look as the man grimaces, tapping on his phone to check in on his teenage daughter. She goes to school with a few of the Wayne children, which means that if something happened, she may have been affected.

Susan can't blame him. Her nephew is two years older than Danny Fenton-Wayne, and the number of attacks targeting the Academy to reach that boy had gripped her in worry for years. She pulls out her phone to send him a text, too, praying that whatever happened, it happened to one of the younger ones or away from her nephew.

A horrible thought to have, but one she has often.

Thankfully, Alex was set to graduate soon and was no longer in danger, which is her only comfort as she presses send.

"How bad was it?" Bruce finally whispers, face white as milk. The board stiffens, glancing at each other, but no one dares to say anything as Bruce finishes packing up and running to the door. He doesn't even give a by your leave, which means that it was bad. " I understand. Yes. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

The door slams closed behind as multiple pings go off in the room. Tom and Susan are the fastest to check their phones. They blink at the letters before Tom rubs his face with a sigh. "Of course it was about that one."

"What?" Amy gasps, rubbing her hands. "What happened at Gotham Academy? Someone tell me something, my little cousin isn't answering!"

"Danny Fenton-Wayne happened. He sent the entire football team to the ER." Tom sighs, waving his phone. "My daughter said they found out there was a hole that let them see into the girls' changing room and had spent the last few months taking videos and photos. The photo of an underwear-clad Barbara Gordon got passed around, with none of the team players admitting who took it and shared it. The school discipline board was going to just slap them all with a three-day in-school suspension, and Fenton-Wayne thought it wasn't enough. He took matters into his own hands. He jumped the team."

"Wait, the kid took on the whole Football team?" Neil scoffs. He wasn't from Gotham, so he's not in the know about the eldest Wayne child. "No one, he ended up in the hospital."

"No." Susan gasps, watching her nephew's texts come flying in at neck-breaking speeds. "No, Danny Fenton-Wayne isn't the one in the hospital. He.... he beat the entire team, including the ones on reserve, and then drove them to the ER. Technically, he kidnapped them for medical attention for injuries he caused. He was lecturing them the entire time about respecting women."

The room is silent, and then they all shiver. That kid was not normal.

"I think they are going to expel him." Tom continues, face pulled into a tight frown. His phone screen is also blowing up with updates from his girl. Susan can see a lot of rage emojis. "My daughter and almost all female students are going to protest his punishment since he was the only one protecting them. She wants me to help plan a walk-out at the next PTA meeting."

"Are you?" Amy asks.

Tom's eyes flash. "Of course. My daughter uses that changing room. How dare they."

"I'll help," Amy announces, tapping on her laptop keyboard. She's the youngest in the room a intern that just got hired while in her first year of college. Her whole job was to take notes, which is why her fingers fly at a speed that's almost awe-inspiring to see. "I just made a post to the Phantom's official blog. We'll have a mob in an hour."

Two hours later, Amy's words came true as the school was surrounded by half the city demanding that Danny Fenton-Wayne's punishment be overturned or lowered. Many of them were mad for the crime the football team committed, but most are there after a video of Phantom reacting to the News was posted.

The hero had cried at the horrible news. He personally went to Gotham Academy to fix up the girls' changing room, installing changing rooms with curtain walls, sad that he had to resort to that measure.

The people were ready to riot in his name.

[calebsdog]

One of the things I love most about Caleb is how much reciprocation matters to him.

During their childhood Caleb kept his feelings a secret because he was sure Mc didn't love him the way he loves her. He was prepared to keep his love a secret from Mc forever. Quietly supporting her financially and emotionally as she achieves her dreams.

During his limited myth Caleb is very aware of the fact that he was the only positive figure Mc has in her life. He was the one who helped her escape, gave her the first real food she's tasted, was the first to make her smile, and more.

Even though Caleb could have taken full advantage of being the only person Mc trusts— of course he doesn't. That's the complete opposite of who he is. He tells Mc that she should be able to see the world without being stuck at his side. He hates the idea of Mc being trapped and never wants to hurt her in that same way. He encourages Mc to live on and find happiness without him if that's what she needs.

Even in the present day when Caleb is starting to open up about his feelings and begin to work towards the relationship he wants he always has a way of getting a green light from Mc first.

During his exclusive aftertaste card Mc hears him moving around in the middle of the night. Caleb was unable to sleep while thinking about her. But Mc only knows Caleb was awake because she couldn't sleep either. They're haunting each other's thoughts even when they're only a few rooms apart.

In another card Caleb says he's not afraid of death. But he's afraid of Mc letting him in, finally giving their relationship a chance, only for her to end up regretting it. Picture that. Caleb is more afraid of hurting you than dying.

Caleb saying "I held myself back day after day" was never meant to be malicious. He wasn't physically restraining himself from pouncing on you or trying to push you to return his feelings. He was holding himself back emotionally. He was wearing a mask because he was terrified of scaring you with the depth of his love.

He only wants to push your relationship further if you want it too. He'll bite back his love for Mc for the rest of his life, never pursuing anyone else romantically, if she can't accept his heart. In fact, he'll think he's selfish for having those feelings in the first place.

I wish more people realized how important reciprocation was to him. If Mc didn't let Caleb back into her life he would've stayed away for good. They've only gotten this far because Mc kept letting him in. Because, of course, she loves him too.

Caleb is just so 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.

[harpnotes]

All of this is SO important. Especially for Tumblrinas to hear. It is way too easy to fall into "I'm the only good, moral person". It's too easy to fall into "people who do/say/think bad things are also retroactively bad".

Especially since it never seems to work the other way- once someone is bad and tries to reform, SOME OF Y'ALL are like "no, doesn't matter, you were bad once, you're bad forever and nothing you ever do will be good, even if you donated ten million dollars to end world hunger". (Anyone who holds that opinion is, by their own definition, irredeemable garbage and ought to be ridiculed and bullied.)

ok im going to #seriouspost for a second here. I don't think Harry Potter is a manifesto. I think it was a flawed passion project that millennials latched onto because of the fantasy of sticking it to their mean teachers and arbitrarily categorizing themselves (hogwarts houses; it's the thinking millennial's astrology). I think the fact that the series got popular when and how it did was very much a product of its time.

I don't think Harry Potter is the biggest symbol of JKR's bigotry. I think the most flagrant sign of that was how she responded to critics. I watched her become radicalized in real time. I watched how she doubled down on her racism when she was called out for the ways she promoted her tragically mid fantastic beasts movies. I watched her chase marginalized teenagers with a double digit follower count off of twitter for daring to criticize her thought process, and no one with any kind of power standing against her because she was the one who was paying them. This isn't to say Harry Potter is without flaws. This is to say she really didn't give a shit about that. Getting rich and powerful is a hell of a drug, and she had enough sycophants that she had no reason to care about what her critics were saying.

She was convinced that she was a martyr; a voice for the unheard; a leader for the ages, so of course her detractors were the bad guys. And I think we should take this to heart. We should see this as an example of how easy it is to get radicalized; if you think of yourself as a paragon of virtue, you are going to think that whatever you see as good and right is an objective fact. Most people don't know this, but the majority of terfs start out as trans allies. You are not immune to propaganda! You are not immune to falling into dangerous ideologies!!!

This is why the most important thing you can do as an activist is to listen. Do NOT think you're above being wrong; do NOT develop a god complex; do NOT form an identity out of being right all the time. Involve yourselves in the groups you claim to speak for. Listen to trans women; share resources that help trans women; familiarize yourself with the diversity of experiences that trans people have and the struggles they face.

No, none of you are as bad as JKR because you don't have her money or her power. You will likely never have the capacity for harm she does. But check yourselves. Do not affirm yourselves into thinking you always have the moral high ground. Watch yourselves; humble yourselves; check yourselves for signs of cult behavior and internalized prejudice. You are always learning. You will always be learning. Do not allow yourselves to get a power trip from brushing off marginalized voices.

[bluukive]

!MDNI: JJK men as Omegas

an - I find this so funny. Warning for explicit detail no one needed or asked for

ᡣ𐭩 G. Satoru

WHINY. Normally, Satoru's so playful. It's in his stupid omega nature. But once his heats kick in, he's rolling around like a rotisserie chicken with his back arched, moaning your name so obnoxiously. He's adamant on getting his scent EVERYWHERE. If he has to feel so ridiculously aroused, then so do you.

As for his scent, it's rather subtle outside of his heats. But during them? It's sickeningly sweet like vanilla and clogs up your nostrils, kind of like how the air does before a storm. Your tongue feels heavy to the point where you can taste it.

Okay, so his slick... silky, clear and also very sweet. He's constantly leaking to the point where if you pull his boxers down, there's glossy strands connecting his twitching thighs together. It tingles when it somehow ends up in your mouth ('somehow' - you ate him out whilst simultaneously jẹrking him off whilst he was on all fours). Poor guy physically can't stop himself from leaking all the time.

CRIES. Especially when he cụms. Every inch of him feels as if it's on fire as he rolls his hips against whatever's nearest to him. Doesn't matter to him if you're an alpha or not. He needs to be in something or have something in him. Both at the same time, even.

Nipplẹs are incredibly sensitive. If you aren't sucking on them, then he's rolling them around between his slender fingers, trying to get as much stimulation as possible. He wants your hands on him at all times and gets very needy. He doesn't want anyone else to touch him but you.

Plugs lol. Wants to feel himself stretch around something, especially if you can't provide him a knot. He likes feeling feel full, and will happily plug himself whilst emptying himself into you.

ᡣ𐭩 G. Suguru

A surprising one. Very vocal during his heats and will let your name roll of his tongue like a prayer. Suguru's extremely feline-like with that purring voice of his, which does crack when the spikes of arousal hit him repeatedly.

Slightly mąsochistic, wants you to edge him repeatedly until his slick pools beneath his ąss and his cọck is drooling with pre. He thinks that the orgasm is better that way when he's forced into being good for you.

Slick, hmm... Slightly thicker than Satoru's and warm. Tastes like his scent (honey) and takes longer to leak out of him. His heat doesn't feel as frantic, and his slick is representative of that. It's kind of sticky when you taste him, but probably makes for a good lipgloss...? Idk I'm just being silly

He gets all antsy when you get too gentle with him. Suguru will let you know if you want it that way, but usually? He wants to be covered with evidence that he's been thoroughly pleasured. That includes hịckies, hand prints, the whole lot.

His scent gets progressively sweeter the more you turn him on. It's not as heavy as Satoru's, and one might consider trying to bottle up his slick to turn into candles (I read this on wattpad once when I was too young and it stuck with me)

ᡣ𐭩 N. Kento

Fake nonchalant final boss. Nanami tries to act like this is another day for him, but the scent of spices become more prominent when you're in close proximity. Once you touch him, he's a goner. He's nuzzling his face deep into your palm, which is cute enough, but he's already tensed up and grimacing at the way his ąss is getting ready for you.

His slick also tingles a tad and is slightly more watery than everyone else's. It's the tiniest bit bitter, sort of how if you lick perfume/cologne DIRECTLY off of someone's neck. It's so, so him. That being said, Nanami hates leaking because of the sensory implications his slick brings him.

He gets so handsy and desperate for the feel of your lips on his since it brings him back down to Earth. Nanami is quiet throughout it all, almost ashamed of how much he needs you. He becomes reliant on your reassurances and holds your hand if he wants to be fụcked.

BRẸEDING. Wants to be THOROUGHLY bred. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to ask, but at least both of you are incredibly in tune with each other. His ąss will clench repeatedly around you when he's at the bottom (but then he stops because the slick so filthily squelches when he does that, and he gets shy)

ᡣ𐭩 S. Ryomen

Bites, growls, snarls. Sukuna is completely feral, even as an omega. He's into marking you more than he's into being marked, but he does like being clawed at. It just makes the slick leak out of him even more in hot, weighted oozes.

His slick...It feels both solid and the same time somehow, and the smell hits your nose with a tangy note. You'd rather not have it in your mouth since the taste lingers long after his heats are done (which are longer than the average omega). If you won't try it, Sukuna will. I don't know why but I feel like he would.

Destroys the whole bedroom. Nothing is left of the sheets and it's quite comical how he lounges around with an arm behind his head. As if the middle of the bed isn't sinking because of the intensity of how he broke the mattress.

Hates being teased. You're not edging him, you're not licking his cock, and you're definitely not wasting time on fingering his ąss either. He's wet and loose enough to take whatever you're able to give him (personally, I find that outrageous).

ᡣ𐭩 T. Fushiguro

Feral pt. 2. He thinks he's so big and bad pinning you down like that, but Toji's begging for some sort of touch. He cries tears that he tries to wipe away, but you notice anyway (even if he hides them under a growl).

Toji is unashamed of how he drips all over. He takes pride in it, knowing that it doesn't diminish his masculinity in the slightest. His slick is syrupy and incredibly potent, the thick ropes clinging to his ąss and thighs much like Satoru. It gets everywhere.

The scent of his slick (and him in general) is incredibly musky and earthy. There's a smokey undertone to it accompanied by the taste of caramel. The scent gets you almost drunk immediately, triggering your own arousal. It tastes the same but more pleasant than Sukuna's.

Surprisingly wants to be manhandled, which is tough because he's huge. But at the bare minimum, he's rịding you like a pro. His hips are fluid, and you can see the veins in his body become prominent with frustration the longer he goes without cụmming thick, creamy loads all over you both.

Licks a lot and wants to scent everything you both own. Panty thief Toji comes back, and he's got a hoard of your underwear scattered across the bed. One's even around his cọck when you walk in on him (recurring theme I fear).

[n0tamused]

⋆.˚ ★—University AU!Anaxa x Reader

Content: a collection of modern au headcanons for Anaxa, some voicelines at the end, sfw, GN reader, yapping Words: 737

Masterlist ✦ Rules ✦ Ko-Fi

-Anaxa is a biochemistry major, he's simultaneously going to two universities actually. First one, his major, is in the morning hours while the second on is in the evening hours and the schedule for that one is much more relaxed. It's a miracle how well his schedules worked out. But that being said, catching Anaxa alone and while he is not busy is a rare event. He comes home and it is straight to his business again, studying, researching and reading some more like the nerd he is. Staying busy is what keeps him calm, which some find mind boggling

 -He isn't a morning person even if his uni has always started early, he never got used to it. He hates waking up so early and downs coffee down like it is water. He's not proud of it but he makes shit tasting coffee because he's simply not in the mood to spend too much time thinking about it so early...so if you happen to wake up around the same time as him or earlier and make him coffee?? Immediate brownie points that he saves up for later, but he also gives you a big kiss before he departs for class

 -Anaxa never misses a class he's interested in, and in general he is the type of person to always be there. Class starts at 6:00 am? He’s there before anyone else, somehow. There are one or two classes that he dreads to go to since he deems them worthless and not up to par with the modern advancement in technology and biology, but they're necessary so he drags himself to those too- although...you have a good chance of talking him into going to get a meal or a drink with you instead of going to those classes. This guy is just looking for an excuse and god knows he could use a good meal

-Anaxa has a reputation for debating professors or simply talking to them the entire duration of the class, which is both good and bad. It is something that landed him on the uni's debate team. He is quite snappy but it is hard to refute his arguments... 

-Has a pet bird that his sister gifted him and he loves that little bird lots. Named her something stupid though but endearing like Ribbit or something

-Anaxa doesn't let anyone inside his office room in his home, not that he really has anyone over nearly as much, but still. It stands that the office room is his room, his space, and no one else's. It did take a while for him to get warmed up to you but once he did he began inviting you inside, and slowly you began to just hangout in his office without him asking and he was 100% fine with it. He loves your company, even if you may not be engaged in an active conversation or interaction in general

-It goes without saying that Anaxa only indulges in physical touch with you, cuddling with you with a good book in hand or simply closing his eyes while listening to your heartbeat while he dozes off for a little while

-He doesn't dress that fancy around you, which is a sign of comfort. He doesn't like when anyone else sees him "underdressed". But you see him in the most absurdly casual clothes around the house. I'm talking stuff like pink slippers + shorts + beanie hat + sweatshirt. Does the fit make sense? It does to him. It's comfy to him. Don't question the genius

⋆.˚ ★—Voice lines

-"Beloved...why have you gotten out of bed so early? Hm? Mhm..." (He then gets up to spend the morning with you before you leave, regardless if he needs to be anywhere that early himself)

-"Such a matter could not have been in your control. Do not bash yourself over it, it is useless. What you should look forward to is this opportunity.. No, no, it is quite expected to feel lost. But remember, I'm here"

-"Come here... What? Yes, I'm calling you in for a hug. Don't make it a waste"

-"Here.. I've made us some tea. This blend will help your body relax. And while the tea takes its effect on your physical body, you and I can work on unraveling these knots and twists your mind has been pulled into"

-"No rush. This sort of thing takes time, breathe.."

Ⓒ n0tamused/jarttavia_. Do not repost, translate, edit, and/or copy any of my works. Likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated.

[bookished]

💵 nsfw sugar daddy!sung jinwoo headcanons

dom!jinwoo | rich, cold, dangerous | possessive & obsessive | treats you like a princess, fucks you like a problem | obsession kink | power/control | mean + praise mix | overstimulation | restraint | ruined & marked

He’s quiet, mysterious, and terrifyingly powerful, and somehow, you’re the only one who makes him soften.

Everyone thinks you’re his spoiled little arm candy.

They have no idea what he turns into when the door shuts.

“Buy it. All of it.” You mention liking a dress? The next day, the entire line is hanging in your walk-in closet — tags still on.

Custom lingerie sets, just for his eyes. He chooses what you wear under your clothes. Always black. Always lace. Always ends up torn.

He pays your rent just because he can. But makes you come over every weekend and “earn it” in ways that leave your legs shaking and your voice gone.

His black card? You don’t touch it. He personally hands the cashier his card while keeping his hand possessively low on your back.

Text messages like: “Be ready by 7. No panties.” “Sit on my lap and act innocent while I finish this meeting.” “You don’t need to check your balance, baby. You have me.”

Buckle in, baby. Because when Jinwoo snaps — he doesn't just ruin your body, he owns it.

You wear a new dress he didn’t buy you? He cuts it off you. Quietly. Deliberately. Knife trailing your skin. "You don’t wear what I don’t approve."

He doesn’t like being disobeyed — even subtly. Flirted with the waiter? Wore lip gloss he didn't pick? He bends you over the bed and makes you say you're sorry with his cock still inside you.

He always finishes inside. Always. “You’re mine. Mine to fill, mine to keep. I don’t care if it leaks out. You’ll walk out dripping for me.”

He ties your wrists with his silk ties — not to restrain you, but to remind you: you don’t get to touch him unless he says so.

Takes his time ruining you. One orgasm? Not enough. He’ll keep your legs spread, vibrator locked between your thighs, and whisper in your ear: “C’mon, cry for me. You wanted to be spoiled, didn’t you? Then take it.”

Will blindfold you and let you beg — for his fingers, his cock, his permission. And he’ll just watch. Smirk. Let you fall apart with nothing but his voice. “Say please, and mean it.”

Soft voice. Hard words. He’ll call you sweetheart while breaking you open with every thrust. “What’s the matter? Can’t take Daddy’s cock now? Thought you were a spoiled little brat, remember?”

Humiliating praise kink. “Look at you. All fucked out and drooling. You were so confident earlier. Now you’re just a shaking mess on my cock.”

Growls in your ear while he’s fucking you face-down. “Don’t you dare run from me. You wanted this.”

Makes you wear a diamond choker with a lock on it after sex. “So everyone knows you’re owned. You’re not leaving this penthouse unless I see that around your neck.”

Strokes your hair while you cry from overstimulation, voice soft but smug: “That’s it. That’s my perfect girl. So good for me. So full, so fucked, so mine.”

If you pass out after too many rounds? He kisses your forehead, carries you to the bath, and whispers, “No one else will ever get you like this. You understand that?”

[werevampiwolf]

Also Historical Examples (some of which continue today)

The mines (children can drag carts through smaller tunnels, which is cheaper to dig, and you can pay them less!)

Industrial Revolution factories (everything from machines that regularly take off body parts to things like the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, which resulted in so many deaths because the doors were kept locked during shifts to prevent theft, meaning employees couldn't escape the blaze)

The entire institution of chattel slavery (I know slaves aren't actually employees but slaves were regularly worked to death, and a lot of it was due to the mindset that the people who do the work to make your money are easily replaceable and just a business expense and not, you know, Actual Human Beings)

Never forget, every right you have as an employee, no matter how small, was fought for and probably died for.

Ford banned his employees from speaking

Within the last few years, there was pushback against a law in Texas requiring that people working outside in the summer, in as high as 120°F heat, be given a 10 minute break after two hours so they can drink water

Factory jobs often had 12, 14, 16, or 18 hour shifts, six to seven days a week

Children as young as four (and sometimes even younger) were regularly hired for incredibly dangerous jobs, like picking broken threads out of running machines in the textile industry

Hell, a few years back, one of our soda machines was spraying water into a display case, and I was given the task of drying it up after it was fixed.

Me: [on radio] "This display doesn't have bulbs, but the other cases in the same circuit are on. Is this one actually disconnected from the mains or is it just bulb-less?"

Boss: [annoyed] "what is your concern?"

Me: "well. I'm being asked to stick my hand in a box of exposed electrical stuff and water."

Boss: "Oh. Just try not to touch those."

I ended up cleaning it up, and the other cases remained on. I'm lucky that I wear EH-rated work shoes because I used to do repair work and didn't trust my boss. I was afraid that if i refused, she'd just make someone else, who wasn't wearing insulating shoes and potentially had no idea of the danger, do it. And she didn't give me the task because of my shoes, because I never told anyone about them. The only way she could know is if she spent enough time staring at the bottom of my shoe to see the little EH logo stamped into the sole and knew what it was.

"It doesn't help your credibility to exaggerate, most employers wouldn't literally work you to death" like, I used to work in distribution. If booking a truck driver for back to back shifts until they fall asleep at the wheel, crash, and die counts as being worked to death, I have personally met employers who've worked employees to death and gotten away with a slap on the wrist. It may not be universal, but it's a hell of a lot more common than a lot of us would prefer to think.

[minh907]

Why not a Jinwoo x Reader, where the system sends Jinwoo a quest telling him to go out with Reader? Reader actually doubles Jinwoo's XP points, and he goes out with Reader just for that reason. One day, Reader hears him talking about it, realizing he doesn't love her and is using her, she leaves.

Except Jinwoo realizes he really loves her, only he had to lose her to realize it. So he decides not to use the points he's accumulated and stops going on raids to prove his love, except Reader refuses to talk to him.

And one day, a really dangerous portal opens in the middle of South Korea. All the hunters are gathered, but they're not effective. They need Jinwoo. Jinwoo, who hasn't used any portals since Reader left her, says he'll only help if Reader comes back with him. President Go Gun Hee calls Reader and tells her what Jinwoo told him, Reader looks at the President and Go Gun Hee tells her that one person's life doesn't matter when you can save several. Reader who looks at the meeting room and sees that all the other hunters are looking away and don't want to help her, Jinwoo is there with a smile finally happy to see Reader again kneels and all his shadows are also kneeling in front of their queen and he says his words to her: '' my dear and tender just a word and I will do everything you want '' Reader whose eyes no longer have any shine whispers the words that the President said over and over again (that her life is worthless) and ends up looking at the people in the room and Go Gun Hee realizes that he may have made a mistake (if Reader decides to turn against them)

Fall for a lie.

Sung Jinwoo x Reader.

_____________

You should have known this.

That this love is nothing more than a lie.

How pathetic!

You fell for lies, and even indulged in them.

Your hands were clenched at your sides. Your vision was blurry, your eyes were stinging, tears were gathering in the corners of your eyes, then falling like waterfalls. You started to cry and just couldn't stop. It was like your heart was being held in an iron grip and twisted till it hurt.

You loved him.

You really loved Sung Jinwoo.

And now you realized that this love was a lie. He didn't love you. He was with you for the power, for the double XP you could give him from some damn system.

Today is your one year anniversary, you plan to go to Jinwoo's apartment with a surprise for him. The watch you bought for him, carefully wrapped, is still in your hand, placed in a nice bag, along with the photo album of the two of you. The watch that you spent a lot of time earning money to buy for him, the album that you spent a lot of time making for him.

You go to his place with excitement, only to receive a bucket of cold water in return.

You heard what Jinwoo said to Beru, when Beru asked if he really loved you. Beru didn't understand human love, but Beru could feel Jinwoo's feelings, he was curious.

You heard Jinwoo laugh. "No, Beru. I don't love her."

"Then why..?"

"She's useful, that's all. She can double my XP, and dating her is just a system quest."

Your eyes widened in shock. Disbelief and pain rushed over you. Your heart stops beating.

"The system gave me the mission, and the strategic advantage was too good to pass up. Double XP just for being by her side? I couldn't refuse."

You're just a tool.

The gift bag slipped from your numb fingers, falling to the floor with a thud in the middle of the apartment hallway, and Jinwoo clearly heard it. When Jinwoo ran to the door and saw you there, his horrified expression confirmed everything.

Looking at your pained face, looking at the tears, he realized that you must have heard what he said. He panicked, even though he didn't understand why he was like that.

"Baby, Y/n, I-", he reached out to you.

"Don't 'baby' me-", you yelled at him, tears still streaming down your face, choking your voice, "You bastard, Sung Jinwoo!"

You stepped back, tears blurring your vision. "Don't touch me."

"It's not what you think-"

"I've heard enough," you whispered, stepping back. "Our entire relationship was just a mission for you. A way to level up faster."

"That's how it started, but-"

"But what?" Your voice caught. "Were you ever going to tell me? Or was I just a tool to power you up forever?"

"I love you," Jinwoo said, his voice desperate in a way you had never heard before.

"Love me?", you laughed sarcastically. "No! You just wanted to use me, that was your goal from the start."

Jinwoo's eyes turned bitter, his hand still reaching out to you, but he couldn't say anything more, because he had somehow written that you were right, that his original purpose of approaching you was to level up faster.

"But-"

"I loved you. Deeply," you cut him off. "But you were the one who destroyed this love." You pointed at your heart, laughing bitterly. "Destroyed my heart."

Jinwoo struggled to breathe after swallowing hard because his tears threatened to escape. Deep guilt weighed down on him with the strength of steel shackles that constricted his movements.

You picked up the gift bag from the floor and threw it at his chest hard. "Today was our one year anniversary, you fucking bastard!" You broke down in tears and ran off, leaving Jinwoo staring at the door, bewildered and alone.

Jinwoo stood still like a statue, his fingers still trembling where you had pushed him away. The act of throwing the gift bag at his chest didn't hurt him, but your words did. It hurt like a knife cutting straight to the bone.

He bent down and picked up the bag. Inside was the expensive watch you had worked overtime to buy, and a thick album. He opened it.

The first page was a photo of the two of you together on an autumn evening walk, you smiling brightly, your hand tightly clasped with his. The next page was your neat handwriting. 'Every moment with you, I cherish. I don't know what the future holds, but right now, I'm truly happy...'

His hands clenched the album. He felt his chest tighten, his breathing becoming heavy. In his mind, he kept hearing your footsteps as you walked away, your sobs, your calling him 'a bastard'.

Why did his heart hurt so much?

He should have been happy. The quest system was complete. His level increased dramatically. But none of it mattered anymore.

____________

It all started about two years ago, when Jinwoo received a strange mission from the system.

The familiar blue light of a notification flashed in Sung Jinwoo's vision, interrupting his fighting stance. He paused, letting the notification expand before his eyes as his darkness dissipated around him.

[Misson: Heart's Power]

[Description: Form a bond with [Y/N]. Her presence will double the experience points you gain from all sources.]

[Reward: XP multiplier is 2x when near L/n Y/n]

[Failure: None]

[Accept?]

[YES] [NO]

Jinwoo's eyebrows rose in surprise. The system had never given him a personal quest like this before. He knew who he was - a mid-level hunter who had caught his eye during the recent guild negotiations. But a romantic relationship for XP? It seemed ridiculous. But the rewards were too tempting to pass up.

"Double XP," he muttered to himself, already calculating how much faster he could level up with such a reward. It was too valuable to pass up.

Since then he has been trying every way to get close to you.

The Hunter Association headquarters buzzed with activity as hunters prepared for their upcoming raid mission. Jinwoo spotted you sitting alone in the cafeteria, reviewing documents while casually stirring a cup of coffee. Perfect opportunity.

As he approached, several nearby hunters fell silent, eyes widening as they watched him purposefully walk across the room. Jinwoo paid them no attention, focusing solely on his target.

He called out your name, standing in front of your desk.

You looked up, clearly startled to see the infamous S-Rank hunter standing before them. Your coffee spilled dangerously close to the edge of your cup.

"H-Hunter Sung!!!???" you stuttered, quickly setting your spoon down. "What can I help you?"

Jinwoo sat down in the chair opposite you without being asked to. Several nearby hunters were now staring.

"I have noticed you," he said bluntly.

Your eyes widened. "Me? Why?"

"The way you handled the Gangnam Station incident last month. You led your team so well despite the surprises." Jinwoo maintained a stoic expression while his eyes radiated his determination. "Very few hunters possess the ability to adapt so rapidly."

Your cheeks flushed. "I was just doing my job. Anyone else would-"

"No," Jinwoo interrupted. "They wouldn't. Most hunters panic or freeze when their plans go awry. But not you." He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "I need someone who shares perspective. Someone who can see what others miss."

You looked confused. "To raid?"

"Dinner," Jinwoo replied. "Tonight. 8pm at Haru."

Your mouth fell open. People needed to book their reservations at Seoul's upscale Haru restaurant at least a month ahead since it maintained premium pricing. More importantly, had Jinwoo just asked you out?

"I... um..." you tried to form a coherent answer.

"Do you have other plans?" Jinwoo asked, his expression calm but somewhat challenging.

"No, but-"

"Then I'll see you at 8." Jinwoo stood up abruptly. "Wear something nice."

He turned and walked away before you could react, aware of the whispers breaking out around the cafeteria.

Jinwoo smiled to himself. Step one was done. Now he just had to make her fall in love with him within a week. For double the XP, he could do that. It was just another quest, after all.

That evening, Jinwoo arrived at Haru ten minutes early, wearing a black suit that his sister Jinah had helped him pick out. He rarely dressed formally, preferring practical clothes suitable for combat, but the quest parameters were clear. This wasn't a combat quest; it was a seduction quest.

You arrived at exactly 8pm, looking nervous but elegant in your outfit. Jinwoo found himself actually enjoying the sight, a fact that surprised him. He thought the quest would prove less monotonous than he initially imagined.

After sitting at your private table with Han River view you expressed yet again your confusion about being here. "I still don't know why I am here."

Jinwoo looked you straight in the eyes. "I want you to."

"How so? We've hardly talked before today."

Jinwoo had his answer ready. He couldn't reveal the true reason, but he needed something that sounded true.

"We frequently face death in our profession," he said, in a low voice. "That makes us ponder on life... And on what's worth living for." He stopped, looking closely at you. "I've been alone for so long. Only thinking about getting stronger. But, to be honest, I've recently figured out that strength isn't the only thing worth living for."

That wasn't a total lie, actually. Those words seemed true as he was telling you.

You stared at him, totally astonished. "So you came to the conclusion that I'm part of these unexpected new good things of life?"

Jinwoo allowed himself a little smile. "You're not like the other hunters. You're not threatening me and you're not trying to use me."

You started laughing gently. "Most people would say that I'm not interesting enough for you."

"Most people are stupid," Jinwoo decisively replied.

That yielded him a big, honest smile from you, and Jinwoo suddenly felt a little satisfied to see it. "Forget about this hunter story. Tell me something about yourself that doesn't involve dungeons or monsters."

As you spoke, Jinwoo found himself genuinely listening - not only to fulfil his task, but actually because he was intrigued. Maybe that mission would be more interesting than what he thought.

The infamous Hunter Sung Jinwoo continued to pursue you after that first dinner. Your relationship developed quickly. But what started as a calculated move began to feel more natural than he expected. You were smart, observant, and could make him laugh in a way that few others could.

To you, it was like a dream. Jinwoo himself had noticed you. Every moment together felt magical, watching Jinwoo slowly open up, revealing glimpses of the person behind that fearsome reputation.

You accompanied him on less risky raids, providing support and strategy while Jinwoo's power grew exponentially thanks to the double XP he gained from being with you. Months passed, Jinwoo confessed to you, and you accepted him with love and joy. He invited you to join more raids, brought you to guild meetings, even let them wait nearby during training sessions.

You thought he loved you. You believed him that he didn't want to leave you for even a second. You were infatuated with him without a doubt.

But sadly, it was all a lie.

All to maximize his profits.

How funny your life is.

______

Since he turned into a Hunter Jinwoo had never felt powerless regarding his destiny but now faced this experience. He stopped participating in raids, stopped training, stopped leveling up. No more hunting sessions. No more plans to climb the ranks. He let everything go, because everything was meaningless without you.

There was only silence.

And a blank screen with no answer on the other end of the line.

How many times had he called you? Ten? Twenty? Hundreds? He couldn't remember. When phone calls rang unanswered for long periods he experienced a sensation of someone choking his breath and squeezing his lungs.

You blocked his number.

You requested to be transferred to a branch of the Hunter's Association in another district. A place so far away that no one would hear the name 'Sung Jinwoo' every day.

When Jinwoo arrived at your apartment, the place that held countless memories, all that greeted him was cold emptiness.

The room had been cleaned out. Not a single photo. Not a single letter. Not a single trace of you. It was as if you had never existed in his life. As if you had never been important enough to be kept in any of your memories.

And then, ironically, the System appeared, as if in mockery.

[MISSION STATUS: UNCOMPLETED]

[Return to L/n Y/n to continue receiving double XP.]

He chuckled. A bitter, tired laugh.

That was all the system saw in you, a reward, a utility, a temporary 'buff' in a never-ending game.

But Jinwoo did not. For the first time since he had gained his power, he chose not to use it. He had gained countless experience points while being with you, both in battle and in real life. But now, he let it all gather dust. No distribution. No stat increases. No skills added.

Why?

Because each of those numbers was the harshest reminder of how he had traded your heart for them.

He stopped participating in raids. He refused invitations from the Association. He did not respond to messages from other Hunters. Even when high-level gates appeared, Jinwoo remained on the sidelines. The darkness no longer swallowed his enemies like before, it swallowed him.

The shadows sensed it. They could no longer hear the King's cold, steady voice. They felt empty.

One night, Beru, the most loyal shadow, the one who had known no fear, finally couldn't bear it and approached Jinwoo. He was sitting alone in the dark room, the phone screen emitting a dim light, displaying the last text message from his friend. "Happy one year anniversary!"

Beru knelt down. "My King," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "This humble one does not understand. Why don't you hunt? You will become weak. The world still needs you..."

Jinwoo raised his head, his tired eyes staring into space. "Because power has no meaning without her."

The words were simple, but Beru fell silent.

Throughout his life as a hunter, Jinwoo had lost so much: his father, his youth, his freedom. But he had never truly understood the meaning of loss, until you left. Not dead, but alive, but gone forever from his world. Quietly, Jinwoo looked back at everything he had: power beyond the reach of ordinary people, fame, money, power.

But without you, all is just a mountain in the middle of the desert.

He whispered something that no one heard, except the shadows around him, and the dark night sky. "I wish I had never taken that mission, I wish I had just loved you, as a person."

_________________

The news was broadcast on every channel. A giant gate had appeared in the center of Seoul, unleashing monsters of unprecedented power. All S-rank hunters had been summoned immediately. The situation was dire, with analysts predicting catastrophic casualties if the gate was not controlled within a few hours.

Go Gun Hee, the President of the Hunter Association, personally called Jinwoo. "We need you, Hunter Sung. Korea needs you."

"I will help on one condition," Jinwoo replied. "Bring Y/n to me."

The President was silent for a moment. "Is this really the time for a private conversation?"

"That's my condition," Jinwoo said firmly. "No Y/n, no Sung Jinwoo."

A few hours later, you were escorted into the emergency command center, where all the hunters and top officials had gathered. Their eyes were dull, lacking the spark that Jinwoo had once found so alluring.

You hadn't expected a call from the Hunter Association, much less from Chairman Go Gun-Hee himself. When he explained the situation, the disastrous gate, and Jinwoo's request, your first instinct was to refuse.

"He's using me again," you said bitterly. "Just another tool to get what he wants."

"I understand your feelings," the elderly chairman said, his voice serious. "But the pain of one person cannot be greater than the lives of millions. Please, the city needs you."

Those words echoed in your mind as you were escorted into the Association's conference room. All of Korea's top hunters were present, their faces dark as they contemplated the impending disaster. No one looked you in the eye.

And then Jinwoo appeared, standing apart from the others, his eyes shining as you entered. The sight of him, skinnier, with dark circles under his eyes, made your heart clench in betrayal. As your eyes met his, Jinwoo slowly knelt before you. Around him, the shadows of himself, Beru, Igris, and everyone else, also appeared and knelt, bowing to you as if you were their queen.

The room was completely silent.

Through his broken voice Jinwoo spoke to you saying "My dear and tender....Utter a single word and I will fulfill your every wish."

Your eyes remained fixed on the scene in front of you. Behind you, Chairman Go Gun-Hee cleared his throat in annoyance.

"Hunter Y/n," he said, "Understand that one life is not important when we can save so many."

Those words, so similar to what he must have said to Jinwoo, hit you like a physical blow. You looked around the room, at all the hunters avoiding your gaze, at Go Gun-Hee's annoyed yet determined expression, at Jinwoo still kneeling before you.

And something inside you broke.

"A person's life doesn't matter," you repeated, your voice hoarse. "Is that what I am to all of you? A tool to be used when convenient?"

Your eyes, once shining with admiration for these hunters, now became dull. The temperature of the room seemed to drop as the hunters shifted uncomfortably under your gaze.

Chairman Go Gun Hee shifted uncomfortably, suddenly realizing the potential mistake he had made. The atmosphere in the room was changing, not just because of Jinwoo's presence, but because of what you represented to him. If you decided to reject this manipulation, if you turned your back on all of them in this vulnerable moment...

The lights in the command center flickered as Jinwoo's aura began to dim, reacting to your distress. Everyone present felt a chill run down their spines as they realized: in trying to manipulate you, they might have made the enemy much more dangerous than the monsters pouring through the gate.

The room fell silent again.

Suddenly, an explosion sounded from outside the window, a part of the gate had broken off, and giant creatures began pouring out into the streets, screaming madly. Every screen in the room showed one thing.

Seoul was falling.

An S-rank Hunter shouted, "We don't have time! Hunter Sung-"

"Shut up," Jinwoo growled softly, not taking his eyes off you. He was still waiting for your decision.

The entire room seemed frozen. They couldn't give Jinwoo orders. They couldn't confront Jinwoo either. All they could do was wait for you to speak.

You looked out the glass door, where the sky above Seoul was tearing apart, where the screams of people echoed like a death knell. You knew that if you said one word, just one word, Jinwoo would unleash darkness, destroying all those creatures in a matter of minutes.

You know, if you silently turn away from this place, the world might not have a second chance.

You take a deep breath. "Jinwoo."

He reacts immediately, eyes wide.

"I won't forgive you. Not now. Maybe never."

"...I understand."

You explain to the other hunters that you do not want innocent people to endure harm because of our conflict. "I'm not doing this for you. I make this decision because children need protection from the senseless violence around them."

Jinwoo performs an earnest deep bow which symbolizes his commitment to a goal beyond his own survival.

"Go out," you say softly.

And so, Jinwoo walks away. Black light billows out with each step he takes, darkness erupts, hundreds of black shadows tearing through space as they rush out of the base.

Every hunter, every person in the room gasped as they watched the scene unfold like a flood of darkness pouring down on the city. Jinwoo didn't need them anymore. He just needed you to speak up.

And you did. Even though your heart was still broken. Even though your trust was still broken.

After this, would you forgive him?

______________

Note: This request was sent on April 13th and I started writing it about 2 days later, but I'm just now finishing it. I'm sorry Anon 😭😭

I feel like I have posted so many angst lately??

[strwberri-milk]

How would the guys from Love and Deep Space react if Reader were married or in a relationship? Do you think they'd be "the other"? I don't know, I think they'd stop the wedding or something.

Pliss....🤗

i have this set of requests if you wanted it to be a request but i dont really know how to take it as a formal request but!! let me speak on this

i dont think any of them can handle being the other man. in my head, theyre wholly devoted to you and they would absolutely refuse to be in a relationship with you if it meant you're having him as your affair partner it just doesnt sit with him well also xavier isnt here bc idk where he falls on my scale and also this is kinda toxic so i hope you dont mind LMAO considfer it more. au ish

Caleb and Rafayel are more willing to be your affair partner. This is because he's confident that no matter what, you're going to love him more than you love your partner. He spoils you and is always ready to see you when you want to see him. He loves it when your partner leaves you for a long time because that means you're able to stay with him or he stays with you and gives you the full boyfriend experience.

It's obvious to him when you finally come to him and tell him that you're leaving your partner. It's the clear solution - you've never loved them as much as you love him and he's made sure of it. He doesn't worry that you're going to cheat on him either. He basically ruined your relationship because he wanted you. He's not going to give you the chance to even think of another man. He'll spoil you rotten, somehow even more than before. He keeps you both well fed and fucked, far too busy being happy with him to even entertain looking at another man.

Since he knows your "history" he is going to be even more jealous than he already is. He's overprotective and doesn't trust anybody who might get in the way of your relationship. He'll make sure you have no reason to leave him - whether it be because you're so happy with him, or because you don't have the opportunity to have an affair with how he keeps you.

Zayne and Sylus aren't going to get in the way of your relationship directly. He most definitely hates it and wants you to know that your partner is nowhere near good enough for you. He's your biggest opp and constantly telling you that you deserve to be with someone better. He'll talk down your relationship until you believe that he's right and then offer himself up.

If you end up not breaking things off with your partner, he'll be there until the bitter end. He isn't very happy about it and he'll sit there, urging you to look at him. If you don't, he'll end up basically either not seeing you ever (Zayne) or sits there and just silently judges everything your partner does (Sylus). His presence will be present in your life, but Zayne chooses to keep himself further and further away from the pain of being without you so you'd lose touch but Sylus is basically praying on the downfall of your relationship.

[xoluvx]

things billie does that drive you crazy ❥₊ ⊹ (as friends)

❥ eating: she makes everything look good. it can be the nastiest looking thing on the menu but the way she takes her time enjoying it, savoring each flavor as it melts on her tongue, drives you insane. you don't know if you want to eat the food or be the food. it's most definitely the latter.

❥ talking: the way her lips move when she talks and the way she listens carefully when you're talking. she doesn't take her eyes off you. even when you're ranting and you've gone on for minutes, she has the most intrigued look on her face, piecing all the parts together. you swear her eyes linger to your lips sometimes and you swear you're not crazy, it really happens. you try not to overthink.

❥ forehead kisses: she's an affectionate person. her go-to is always the forehead kiss. whatever you're doing, if she's saying 'see you later' the arms around your shoulders aren't enough, she needs to kiss your forehead too. sometimes the top of your head. she's so domestic and it'd all be fine and dandy if you weren't just friends.

❥ morning calls: when she calls you first thing in the morning and her voice is still laced with sleep, raspy and groggy. you can hear the lack of sleep most of the time and by the end of the call she's usually drifting back to dreamland.

❥ manspreading: doesn't matter where or if the intentions are pure there's something about seeing her legs open and hips pushed forward that drives you mad. bonus; if she rests her tattooed hand on her thigh or it falls between her legs. you just can't help but think of all the possibilities.

[byrdiboo]

What Colossal did is actually really fucking cool, and I'm tired of pretending it isn't. I'm also pissed because I can't just be excited about it, because they insist on doing such Corporate Bullshit about it. They didn't just "edit some genes", hell they didn't even just splice some genes in from a relative, they spliced in MULTIPLE PHENOTYPE-ALTERING GENES from a species that has been extinct for 10,000 years. THAT IS FUCKING COOL YES Science and conservation cost a lot of money in a world (or at least country) that is openly hostile to both. So, ok, they gotta pretend they're "totally real direwolves guys" to the public. Obvs people are going to get more excited to see "WOOLY MAMMOTH MICE" than "we identified the grow-hair-short gene in mice and edited it to be grow-hair-long." But seeing that they're not only sticking to the story, but actively doubling down on it even amongst the scientific peers that are calling them out is...sketchy. Based on some obscure generalized interpretation of "de-extinction" and wibbly wobbly species definition they're convinced they de-extincted direwolves. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what people call them, what matters is, as said above, what they want to do with them. And it sounds like they are, at least outwardly, committed to "rewilding" them. WHY I guess they just wanted something flashy and attention grabbing that they could slot in wherever the base creature currently resides? There's still better options but at least a "really big wolf" isn't gonna be as out of place as a mammoth. Idk I'm just so tired of things that should be Very Cool and Very Good and Very Exciting getting eaten up by the hubris machine.

This is pretty much the new crap with the "dire wolves"

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

hi batman :) this felt too tangential to directly contribute to the post literally specifically about reading books by black women BUT re: “would this ‘i don’t know who writes the books i read’ phenomenon be happening if the question was just ‘have you read a book by a woman’” i’ve often come across folks at work (bookstore) and online saying things along the lines of “i need to be reading more women writers!!” (probably true!) or asking for stories by queer/trans people specifically, (and having that be pretty much their only criteria for a recommendation at the start of the conversation). and like, that’s cool! i think it’s admirable to seek out voices you’re not familiar with. yippee! but NONE! of these requests (bookstore mostly, but in some casual convos online) are ever for books by Black people! let alone “hey do you have any books by Black women?” i don’t really feel equipped to speculate as to why that would be, but i’m wondering if you have any thoughts on why folks seem so much more comfortable (or even eager) broaching their comfort zone to talk about queerness or gender but not race. i mean. it’s the racism, but i’d love your thoughts. thank u for enduring some of the most insane takes ever it’s led me to reflect on how i engage with media in some really useful and actionable ways.

it's absolutely the racism, and I think it's very interesting that you specifically draw this parallel with people actively seeking queer authors, because I do have some fucking Things to say about that.

I believe it's actually on this sequel post, rather than the original that you're referencing, where some very confidently asserts that they only bother learning things about authors to make sure that queer books are written by queer people, which to me begs the obviously follow-up question of why this perceived authenticity of authorial experience matters for queer narratives but not for those of narratives by people of color, to which I fear the answer is that this person either doesn't care or simply isn't reading books that center people of color in the first place.

and while I have personally seen lots of white people, including many white queer people, doing the work to decenter whiteness in their reading (#notallwhites) I am also very familiar with the kind of white queer readers you're talking about, who treat "it's gay" as the end all of media recommendations. huge shout out to a former (white, bisexual) coworker from my time at the library, who once tried to pitch me on a "queer sapphic YA beowulf" retelling he was reading and couldn't understand why I wasn't interested in it at all when it had gay characters in it.

and I think for queer readers like this, who prioritize the consumption of queer #content above all else, there's an alleged willingness to engage with any book that will offer up LGBT characters that still prioritized white characters, white authors (especially when those white authors write some characters of color, so it still feels #diverse), and what's considered a normative (white, western) LGBT experience, with anything outside that framework being treated as unrelatable and optional to the white queer literary canon because it doesn't meld nicely with, I don't know, Red, White & Royal Blue and Heartstopper and Song of Achilles and Legends & Lattes. it's the classic move of white queers getting so caught up in being marginalized in one particular way that we forget there might be any other groups whose voices might be getting drowned out and need prioritizing.

and also, you know, having to read books about people who experience other forms of discrimination in addition to homophobia/transphobia gets the ol' white guilt churning and make them feel attacked, which many of my folks just cannot stand. white supremacy is built on comfort, and all that.