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miksterrr · 9 months ago

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i've been known to go on tangents for headcanons like these so be warned.

Kai def has a muscular frame too from yk years of being a blacksmith and then a ninja. Though I wanna say he prolly is on the skinnier side, maybe like Chris Evans but skinny? Seeing as he and Nya were alone for most of their childhoods, I would believe that he would give her bigger portions or if there was nothing left to eat, he would always give her the food instead of himself. He prolly has some body issues too. Height-wise prolly like 5'8" or 5'9" (he lies about his height constantly) he would be taller but due to him not getting enough food in his childhood he'd prolly be slightly shorter.

Nya is def buff-buff. It took her years to get definition in her muscles and she is very proud of it. She can def bench like half the team easily. She's a healthy weight, with a lil bit of a tummy, but overall fit as fuck. Both because of her years of blacksmithing and her mechanics' style (and fighting style, i think.) Height-wise I would say she's about 5'9" or 5'10" like just slightly taller than Kai yk? Enough for him to be absolutely pissed abt it lol.

Zane, he's an android. Nindroid. He is prolly v rectangular, just like straight up and down, no curves no nothin. He probably looks very unintimidating, easily approachable. Prolly looks just like your average jo. Height-wise, I think during s1-3 he was probably like 5'10" max, but after he was rebuilt then mayhaps between like 6'0" and 6'3" idk, shorter than Cole but tall enough to be intimidating?

For Cole, I usually like to write him/view him as very muscular and tall but like that chubby kind of muscle yk? Like real kind of muscle? Not the kind from those muscle competitions that are like pretty much for show. You can tell he's muscular and strong though. He's probably pretty intimidating, as he is just simply a big guy. The personification of gentle giant, if you will. Height-wise, prolly the tallest out of the ninja for my hcs. Like at least 6'3" or 6'4" (i also full heartedly believe that Lilly is taller than that)

On the other hand, I fully believe that Jay is the sleeper builds of sleeper builds. He looks like a fucking shrimp. It's just muscle does not want to appear on him. Unless he flexes. If he flexes all bets are off. He doesn't mind not looking muscular though. It keeps up his unintimidating factor, as well helps with his flexibility. In general, he's probably like very lithe. He'd have a dancer kind of body. Height-wise he's probably around 5'9" or 5'10" but he slouches so so so much that it's physically painful to watch sometimes, making him at least 5'5" or 5'6".

So, for Lloyd, I like to think he is very small and scrawny. Mainly because in real life, if a kiddo doesn't get enough to eat and exercises a bunch on top of that they end up being shorter and skinnier than usual. He can def build muscle, but he prolly also has a sleeper build like Jay. Not as much as him though, so you can still see the muscle if he's not flexing but it doesn't look like much unless he is flexing. Height-wise def like 5'6" or 5'7" he still might be growing, and if he does, it soley bc of his oni/dragon genes.

Pixal, I know she's not technically a Ninja, but I have a hc for her too. Seeing as she made to be all welcoming and whatever, I'd like to think that her s3 body was on the slightly curvier side and maybe slightly chubby? Overall, she just looked super fucking friendly. Max height for s3 would probably be about 5'2" or 5'3" just to increase her unintimidating standard. But when she rebuilds her body she is tall and buff as fuck. Like she's probably a mixture of Cole and Nya's build rn, all the while being 6'0" tall.

I wanna say Arin prolly has a natural runner's build. He's fit and strong but maybe on the chubbier side? Mainly because of all the pies he makes? But also I just think he'd have been really cute as a lil' chubby kid with all of his baby fat?? I think as he gets older and ninja training starts getting more intense, that baby fat quickly goes away and is replaced by muscle. Height-wise probably about 5'5" or 5'6" for rn, but he is still growing. Lloyd is absolutely thrilled to finally be taller than someone on the team. (Arin definitely surpasses him in height at some point.)

I think Sora would be on the curvier side? Like idk, she's probably what? 13-15 y/o, I started growing curves when I was eight. She def does everything to hide them, especially when they were in the crossroads alone. She def as muscle too, but it's hard for her to define them/get bulky but she's trying. She's probably also on the skinnier side too. Height-wise I would say she'd be around 5'5" or 5'7" but like 5'7" is her max height yk?

Wyldfyre, unironically, has the same exact build as Kai, but probably skinnier than him. She was raised by dragons. She constantly played with them, so her strength grew around them, maybe not as fast, but still. Say this, she was raised by dragons. She probably didn't get the correct nutrients that she needed as a human. So she's defiently on the skinnier side. She'll probably end up similar to Lloyd with that factor in play. She's not as muscly as Kai yet, but she's getting there. Height-wise she's probably like 5'4" for right now, but is definitely still growing.

reblog with ur headcanons for the ninjas builds. im curious.

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eetherealgoddess · 1 year ago

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ꨄExotic Troubleꨄ

Oneshot - Yandere Hybrid Au

❦Y/n pet sits a rich owner’s exotic hybrids❦

Sano Manjiro, Hanemiya Kazutora, Sanzu Haruchuyo, & Haitani Brothers x Reader

Not fully proofread!

MY TR FANDOM WORKS ARE ONLY ON TUMBLR, AO3, AND WATTPAD UNDER EETHEREALGODDESS! REPORT IF YOU SEE IT POSTED UNDER ANYONE ELSE BUT ME!!!

Japanese language is red

I apologize if I get any Japanese etiquette or culture wrong, I literally have to research the culture for some of my fandom stories so if anything is wrong, please excuse my ignorance.

Notice:

✩Y/n is 18+. I picture her as a black female but you can see her however.

✩Some parts of the story may not be realistic or factual. After all, this is a work of fiction.

✩Although it's a dark 'romance,' I do not condone any of the behavior displayed.

✩Dark content such as: gore, violence, triggering topics, graphic scenes, vulgar language, explicit sexual content, etc.

✩There will be scenes that involve non con and/ or dubcon so don’t read if that makes you uncomfortable

✩That being said, this story is for 18+ only.

Enjoy!

Exotic Trouble

“Rin, Ran! Goddamnit, what is this?!” Y/n exclaims after closing the front door of the mansion behind her. Glaring at the culprits as she waves her hands around the mess that lies everywhere, including the scratched furniture and fallen frames, glass shards all over the wood.

The oldest brother could be seen sleeping on the torn couch, his furry ears flipping down as his slumber is disturbed, turning his body to face the back of the couch as his tail drapes over the seat. The youngest simply sat on the floor beside his brother’s tail, leaning back against the bottom of the couch as he licked his hand, claws out.

“Explain yourselves, right now!” She stomps one foot as she places her hands on her hips. She throws her hands out as they slap against her thigh, dropping as she frustratingly sighs when she’s ignored.

“You’re getting paid for this, you’re getting paid for this, you’re getting paid for this.” She murmurs to herself as she walks past the mess, walking up the staircase in search of the others she’s been paid to pet sit.

“Mikey! Kazu! Haru!” She calls out. The door down the hall creaking open as the tiger hybrid walks out, strolling towards her.

“I don’t know about Sanzu, but Mik-.”

“Master!” A cheerful cry reaches her ears. A short, blonde lion hybrid dashes toward her as she holds her arms out, already knowing what he was about to do. He jumps on her, arms wrapping around her neck as she holds him up. He buries his face into the crook of her neck, causing her to lightly shiver as his warm breath reaches her skin.

“Mikey, you know I’m not your master. Where’s Sanzu?”

“I don’t know.” He whispers as he drifts off to sleep. She sighs as she eyes Kazutora.

“Y/n, can we lay down? I want to watch a movie.” Kazutora yawns as his fangs show, rubbing his eyes. She smiles slightly at the cuteness before her frown returns.

“It would have to be later, before I go home. Kazu, do you know who trashed the foyer downstairs?”

She has an idea that it’s the Haitani brothers doing, but she had to make sure so she could explain why the owner’s furniture is torn apart.

“No.” He shakes his head. “Can you spend the night, again?” He questions as he gives her a doe - eyed expression.

“Kazutora, I know you’re lying to me.” He flinches as her tone changes. He crosses his arms as he looks away.

“Fine, I won’t make you snitch. Perfect timing to have company over, great.” She sighs. His eyebrows furrow.

“Company?” She ignores his question as she walks from room to room.

“Damn, Haru hides too well.” She murmurs as she searches. A ring at the doorbell halts their movement. Kazutora sniffs the air.

“Here, take him for me please?” She hands him Mikey before he could respond, rushing down the stairs.

Before she could make it to the door, she gasps as she sees both brothers at the doorway, interrogating her boyfriend.

“Who are you?” Rin glares at the newcomer while Ran sniffs in suspicion, his hands in his pockets while Rin’s arms cross.

“Uh, Hi. I’m Tanaka, Akio.” He bows as he sheepishly smiles, nerves a little wrecked as he wasn’t expecting to be greeted by exotic hybrids. He underestimated the words ‘pet sitting,’ thinking of them being regular pet hybrids and not exotic which are known to be bigger and intimidating creatures.

The door slams closed as Ran became bored of the conversation, if it could be called that. Tanaka scratches the back of his head before the door opens swiftly.

“I’m so sorry about that Aki, they’re just grumpy.” She says, moving out of the way to invite him in. “Hence the mess that I recently came home to.” She chuckles. The hybrids frown at her use of a nickname.

“Don’t worry about it, babe.” She grabs his wrist to pull him as she shows him around.

“By the way, that was the Haitanis. The tiger carrying the lion is Hanemiya and the lion is Mikey. The jaguar is hidden somewhere, but his name is Sanzu.” She explains.

“How is it taking care of exotic hybrids? I heard it can be troubling.” He inquires, readjusting his glasses as they walk down the hall to the kitchen.

“It’s not too hard. Some of them are troublemakers, though. I’d say that’s the only ‘issue’ that I've had.”

“Who is that?” Mikey asks, crawling out of Kazutora’s hold as he raises a brow. They walk behind the two humans, along with the Haitani brothers.

“I don’t know, but I don’t like him.” Kazutora responds.

“He looks weak.” Ran chuckles, “What is she doing with him?”

“He better be a friend. It’d be humiliating for him to be anything else.” Rin says.

“He’s obviously her partner.” A soft voice says behind them. They stop in their tracks as they turn their heads.

“Sanzu, where have you been?” Kazutora asks.

“If you look at their body language, you can see that they’re in a romantic relationship. Especially with how she looks at him.” He frowns, crossing his arms.

They all turn to observe the couple, to their disappointment they glare at the way they hold hands and laugh together. Some of them let out small growls as they see the man rubbing her arm as they converse.

“We should watch a movie. Need an excuse to cuddle.” He suggests, chuckling along with her giggle.

“Yeah, let's do it.”

They headed up the stairs having grabbed a few snacks as they made their way to the bedroom. The hybrids watch as they close the door behind them, shutting off access to their view. They all glance at each other before nodding.

After thirty minutes of watching the movie, the couple began their make out session on the bed, her leg draped over him, her body nearest to the door. His arm draped over her waist. As they motion their lips together, he slightly opens his eyes, only widening them when he sees two pairs of glowing purple eyes in the doorway. In response, he wraps both arms around her waist and pulls her on top so he can ignore the presence standing by.

He closes his eyes as he continues, his hands making their way to her ass, giving her a gentle squeeze before moving them back to her waist. When he opens his eyes, he jumps as if he wasn't expecting a pair of icy blue eyes or even the dark voids to be staring directly from his side, stoic facial expressions that give him the chill.

“Hey, are you okay?” She questions, not realizing the reason for his halted movements.

“Um.” He points at their audience.

“Mikey, Haru! What the fuck are y’all doing?” She exclaims.

“We wanted to watch the movie, too.” Mikey pouts.

“Fine. Let’s all move to the den.” She says, moving from her position as her bottom hits the mattress.

“No, I want to be comfortable.” Mikey whines as he hops on top of her, burying his face into her chest.

“Mikey, we can’t all fit on the bed. Let’s go.” She says as she carries him downstairs, her boyfriend and the other hybrids following behind.

Tanaka can feel the hatred radiating from the group, not only by the glares coming from every which way, including Mikey who’s staring at him from the crook of her shoulder, but also by the Haitani brothers bumping into him as they walk side by side. The tension in the room is thick, intimidating him.

When they all make it to the den, her boyfriend sits on the end of the sofa as she sits next to him, Mikey sitting on top of her with his face still buried on the crook of her neck. Sanzu sits on the floor, leaning his head against her leg farthest from the boyfriend as Kazutora sits near her other leg that’s nearest to Tanaka. Rin sits beside her, wrapping an arm around hers. Ran stands in front of the boyfriend.

“Move.” He demands, nonchalantly, eyes heavy lidded with a stoic expression, his tail swaying. Although there was no tension in his face, those lazy eyes pierce through Tanaka, causing him to immediately get up.

“Wait, Ran that wasn’t fair! Aki-.”

“No, Y/n. It’s okay.” Tanaka responds. She continues to eye him as Ran sits down, using his tail to wrap around her waist as he leans his body onto hers.

“Are you sure? Ran come on don’t be mean.”

“It’s okay, baby.” Tanaka says, sitting next to Rin, although not too close.

“Alright.” She sighs, turning the tv on and another movie on display.

Thirty minutes passed once more as Mikey’s head rested on her shoulder closest to Rin.

“Master, can you rub my back?” He whispers, hot breath on her ear. She nods as she uses the hand closest to Ran to begin petting his back. Tanaka side glances. His eyes widen when he sees a wet tongue come out and glide up her neck.

“Mikey, I know you’re affectionate, but not right now, okay?” She whispers, knowing that he licks in content often like a normal hybrid pet, though she doesn’t want to freak her boyfriend out considering he has barely any knowledge of these creatures.

“But the movie is scary and this relaxes me.” He whines. Tanaka hears everything as he grits his teeth. Rin and Ran snort as they know what Mikey’s doing and they’re not against it.

“Fine.” She sighs. “Just try to chill out okay. It’s not real.” She rubs his back.

He continues to give her little kitten licks, to Tanaka’s disappointment, though he didn’t dare say a word. Finally, he and Mikey make eye contact, the lion hybrid staring intently as he uses his tongue to give a long lick before sucking the sensitive skin. His ears pull back as he gives another long lick, kissing her neck before nibbling.

“Mikey, stop that.” Y/n whispers, shivers going down her spine at the newfound sensation he gives her. He begins to purr as he continues his suckling, ignoring her as he continues to stare Tanaka down. He smiles when he stands up.

“Hey, babe. I’m gonna go, okay?”

“What? The movie isn’t even over.” She says, unknown to his real motives of leaving.

“It’s fine, I have work in the morning anyway and this was a distant drive.” He says as he walks near the exit of the den.

“Okay, let me at least walk you out!” She says as she begins to try and move Mikey, though she’s plastered in her seat by all of the hybrids holding her.

“It’s fine. It was good to see you. Text me.” He waves goodbye.

When he disappears from the room, Sanzu and the Haitani brothers hop from their seats.

“Where are y’all going?” She questions.

“To lock the door and get food.” Ran answers.

She nods as they disappear, Mikey’s tail wrapping around her waist as a sleeping Kazutora subconsciously rubs his face against her leg. Mikey’s grip tightens as he continues assaulting her neck.

“You must be overstimulated. Do I need to grab one of your toys?” She asks as his fangs lightly pierce her neck when he nibbles. He shakes his head no and continues his licks and kisses.

As Tanaka walks to his car, he fails to notice the figure before it jumps on him from behind. His glasses fall, shattering as he looks into crazed blue eyes. Before he could react, large claws scrape against his chest as he screams. Ran shoves a cloth into his mouth before moving to his arm, tearing it clean off using his mouth and claws. Rin grabs his leg, using his strength to break it, slicing the skin with his claws as he pulls it completely off. Screams muffled as Sanzu wraps his mouth around his neck, using his sharp teeth to take a chunk out of his body, killing him as the blood splatters out.

They continue to slaughter his body for fun before contacting the butlers and maids to clean the mess before their pet sitter could see.

“Guys?! What’s all this blood from?!” She exclaims when they enter the den. Kazutora wakes up as her yelling brings him from slumber. Mikey eyes the other hybrids in content.

“Food.” Rin simply responds.

She sighs, feeling sorry for the poor animals they fed from.

“Let’s get you guys bathed and ready for bed.”

As they walk to one of the bathrooms, the men converse in their own language, knowing she can’t understand anything that they’re saying. After all, she only just moved to the country, this being her first and only job considering the pay.

“How’d he taste?” Kazutora questions, smirking as they walk.

“I would never eat disgusting scum. We tore him apart and the employees completed the rest.” Sanzu states.

“Good.” Mikey smiles.

“It was too easy. I wanted a challenge but he just laid there.” Rin pouts.

“What else would you expect from a weakling, brother?” Ran smiles.

“Alright, let’s run this bath.”

She turns on the huge tub, adding soap as the hybrids undress. She turns away to block her sight from their human genitals as they hop in.

“Can you bathe us, master?” Kazutora teases.

“Stop calling me that. You can bathe yourselves, I’m just here to clean the mess.” She responds, crossing her arms.

“Please?” Mikey pleads, giving the signature doe eyed expression.

“What kind of pet sitter are you?” Rin taunts.

“Fine, fine, but you’ll have to wash your own balls.” She states.

“First, I’m gonna drain this bloody ass water and remake the bath.”

She does just that. As soon as the tub is full, she grabs the shampoo.

“Alright, who’s first?”

After everyone is done, they head to their designated bedrooms. Her walking each of them to make sure everything is okay. Finally, putting Sanzu to bed last, she tells him goodbye.

“Are you staying over?” He asks. She nods her head.

“Yeah, it’s gotten too late to drive home. Sweet dreams.” She says before walking out and closing the door behind her.

When she makes it to her room, she gets ready for her own shower. When she’s done she completes her night routine and hops in bed. Her brows furrowed in confusion when she didn't receive any routine responses from Tanaka. Suddenly, her phone rings. She answers the call.

As she talks with her friend, she reveals that their owner will be back either late that evening or tomorrow morning, indicating that this is her last night at the mansion, unknown to the prowling ears listening to her conversation. Once their call ends, she puts her phone down, falling into a deep slumber.

The moonlight shines through the room as the bouncing of the bed wakes her up. Sweat falls down her body as she feels cold air hitting all over her heated bare skin. Heavy breathing could be heard as moans and whispers filled the air.

As she comes back to her senses, she realizes the sensations brought to her skin, including her body rocking up and down. Opening her eyes wide when her thoughts click, she eyes in horror, a strangled gasp leaving her mouth as she sees Rin naked above her form. His hand is wrapped around a chain that connects to a collar around her throat. His other hand balances himself above her as the skin’s smacking sounds echo.

His forehead is leaning on hers as he thrusts hard, pulling his hips back and slamming it against her propped up thighs. His lips are slightly parted as his eyes are closed, breathing heavily as she feels his warm breath hitting her face. His ears flipped back as his tail wrapped around her leg.

“R-rin! Stop, right now!” She exclaims, breathlessly as her nose scrunches from the intense beating. He ignored her, continuing as he released a moan. Her hands reach up to push against his chest, his hand blocking one of them as he uses the balancing hand to hold her wrist down, claws scratching against the sheets.

“No. It’s my turn.” He breathes, sitting up as he faces her, smirking before accelerating his thrusts.

“Your t-turn?” She questions, still attempting to push him off with one hand on his chest. He nods as he motions his head to the side.

On the bed, the other hybrids, naked, are kneeled some palming their own erections while the others pump themselves, watching the display. She wails in humiliation.

“You have to stop! Th-this is not okay!”

Ran crawls toward her as he leans over to steal a kiss, shoving his tongue in her mouth as he grabs her cheek, caressing with his thumb. Sanzu comes to the other side of the bed, bending over as he latches his lips onto her neck. Mikey and Kazutora, on opposite sides, latch to her nipples, playing with them using their fingers as well as sucking.

Rin leans over as he thrusts into her from a deeper angle, causing a grunt to come out of her as he repeatedly hits her g-spot. Her toes curl as her head falls back. She pleads for them to not continue this madness, half way hoping she was still dreaming.

“My my, what a welcome home.” A familiar, sultry voice says. Y/n turns her attention to the doorway as the men continue their assault, not shifting their attention at all.

“P-please! Ah! I didn’t-! Fuck! Mean for thi-!” She tries to explain, tears falling as her eyes squint.

“Yes, I know. My boys have taken quite a liking to you so you’ll be staying here for now on. Isn’t that great?” The owner walks in as she strolls to the side of the bed, closest to Y/n’s upper body.

“B-but I can-! I can’t stay…! Ah! Here.” She responds before Ran grabs her chin and forces another kiss, tired of their conversation.

“Oh, but you can. You will. Everything has already been set in motion and you know how I spoil them. They’re good boys after all.” She walks towards the door before turning on her heel.

“Also, you won’t be hearing from, what’s his name? Tanaka, right? Don’t worry about it, everything has been taken care of. Even the damaged furniture.” She smiles before walking out and closing the door. She pulls back from Ran.

“G-guys! What h-happen-?!” Ran bites her lips as Sanzu nips painfully at her neck. Rin pulls her chain roughly, causing pain in her neck as the two fondling her breasts pinch her nubs. She shuts her eyes in pain as blood is drawn from her lip and neck.

They continue, Rin thrusting sloppier as he reaches his climax, her head dropping back as her eyes roll in the back of her head. Her body convulses as her hips buck, creaming on his bare cock. With one deep thrust, he orgasms deep inside of her.

Rin moves off of her as everyone pulls back. She lies weakly as she catches her breath, attempting to face her new reality.

“That must’ve felt great. My turn!”

“You already went, Mikey.” Kazutora responds. “It’s my turn.”

“No, I’m going next.” Sanzu says.

“Doesn’t matter who goes next. She’s going to be bred full of our cubs.” Rin hisses.

Ran ignores all of them as he crawls above her, placing his head at her entrance before shoving himself all the way in. He lifts both of her legs and leans over her with his hands wrapped around them. One of his hands moves to the chain and pulls. He smiles with amusement.

“You look so pretty all worn out, Master. I’m glad we’ll get to have you like this all the time.” His thrusts harden, steady as he hits her cervix.

“Fine, but I’m after him.” Sanzu calls dibs.

“Hey!” Kazutora hisses.

Juice oozes out of her hole as his thick girth stretches her pussy. Once again, her nipples caught in fingers as well as her neck planted with kisses. Her lips caught as she’s once again, bredded. Ran slows down as his skin slaps against hers as they make eye contact. A red hue takes over his face as his fangs tingle.

“I’m ready to mark her.”

“No! We have to wait until we all get a turn.” Kazutora says, only because he wants to mark her while he’s inside.

“Why? Let’s claim her now.” Rin says.

“You only say that because you’ve already fucked her.” Sanzu growls.

She eyes them in confusion as she tries to decipher what they’re going back and forth about. Mikey rolls his eyes as he bites her side, causing her to flinch at the pinch.

“Damnit, Mikey!” Kazutora exclaims before grabbing her arm and biting her wrist. Rin bites her neck as Sanzu bites her other side. As she orgasms, Ran leans over to bite the other side of her neck.

She yelps as Ran accelerates drastically, thrusting his hips back and forth as the meat on her thighs jiggle. Her mouth drops open as she tilts her head back once more, her core overstimulated as she arches her back.

“That’s so hot.” Kazutora states as he drops her wrists, some of the others nodding as they watch.

Eventually, he releases deep inside of her with one hard thrust, the pressure pushing against her g-spot as it’s held there causing her to cum again.

She attempts to catch her breath before Ran moves and Sanzu climbs on her.

“Haru, please don’t.” She whispers, completely spent as she holds no more strength. He smiles warmly as he grabs her palm and places it on his cheek.

“Be good for us, okay Master?”

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disenchantedif · 2 years ago

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TAISIYA DID WHAT?!

Just when I think I can’t love that woman any more than I already do…

She and Mikhail both attended a regular human university; she was getting her Masters in Sociology, he was getting his double Bachelor’s in Education and Management (it was cheaper than a supernatural university).

Long story short, they pined hardcore but he didn’t tell her because of the whole supernatural thing. She eventually moved on to a (human) guy, but stayed close friends with Mikhail.

Four months before their wedding, she and her fiancé accidentally found out about Mikhail being a draca. He was injured by her fiancé in retaliation.

She left her fiancé due to this. A year-ish later she realized Mik never said anything about his feelings because of the supernatural stuff. The rest is history!

#answered asks #taisiya orlova #mikhail orlov

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dailyanarchistposts · 7 months ago

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Radical perfectionism and paranoid reading

This tendency for constant evaluation and the imposition of external standards has percolated its way into many facets of life under Empire. It exists even among radicals: what changes is merely the kind of standards and the mode of evaluation. Is it radical? Is it anarchist? Is it critical? Is it revolutionary? Is it anti-oppressive? How might it be co-opted, complicit, or flawed? What is problematic? What does it fail to do? How limited, ineffective, and short-lived is it? Margaret Killjoy spoke to us about the ways that these tendencies can pervade anarchist spaces:

While I think there’s a decent bit of spontaneity and not-making-rules and such going on in radicalism, I see an awful lot less creativity at the moment. Particularly, I see very little creativity from tactical, strategic, and even theoretical analysis … For a bunch of anarchists, we’re remarkably uncomfortable with new ideas. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say that happens because we’ve really honed our ability to critique things but not our ability to embrace things.[167]

Applied incessantly, critique can become a reflex that forces out other capacities. The queer theorist Eve Sedgwick argues that this penchant for constant critique runs through many currents of radical thought, in what she calls paranoid reading.[168] Paranoid reading is based on a stance of suspicion: an attempt to avoid co-optation or mistakes through constant vigilance. It seeks to ward off bad surprises by ensuring that oppression and violence are already known, or at least anticipated, so that one will not be caught off guard, and so that one can react to the first sign of trouble. The result is that one is always on guard and never surprised. By approaching everything with detached suspicion, one closes off the capacity to be affected in new ways.

When we interviewed Richard Day, he suggested that this tendency is linked to being in pain and converting that pain into an incessant search for lack:

In general, I think rigid radicalism is a response to feeling really hurt and fucked up. And the real enemy is the dominant order, but it gets mixed into this big soup, so the enemy becomes each other. It becomes oneself. It’s a finding lacking as such … a finding lacking almost everywhere with almost everyone. And when that lack is found, then of course there needs to be some action: which is going to be to tell, or force, or coerce, or get at that lack, and try to turn it into a wholeness. So strangely enough I’d suggest that rigid radicalism is driven by a desire to heal. And it has exactly the opposite effect: of sundering the self more, of sundering communities more, and so on.[169]

Those of us who regularly find ourselves in pain might find this paradox familiar. Through the constant imposition of external standards, everything can be found lacking, and all kinds of coercive responses can seem justified. An endless cycle ensues: no one and nothing is good enough, and this paranoid stance constantly incapacitates exploration, healing, and affirmation.

Many of us learn this mode of thought through university, or through immersion in radical spaces themselves: we learn to search for, anticipate, and point out the pervasiveness of Empire. Even without the sad rigor of the Weather Underground, we learn to search the bodies, behaviors, and words of others for any shred of complicity. Mik Turje spoke to this tendency when we interviewed them:

I think as a youth I was really idealistic, and I came to the university context, and critical theory, where idealism and imagining something better was stamped out as something naïve. The only option was to master the hypercritical language myself, and one-upping people. I got really good at that. I won all of the political arguments in school, but … I was being a shitbag of a militant, tearing everyone down.[170]

By being immersed in paranoid reading, people learn to find themselves and others lacking. Having been “educated,” one becomes a pedagogue oneself, spreading the word about Empire, oppression, and violence, and in the process one tends to position others as naïve and ignorant.

This is clear in how surprise and curiosity are often infantilized by Empire. They are treated as foolish or “childish”—that is, lacking the educated, rational, civilized, adult capacities of detached evaluation. Paranoid reading and its association with adulthood and rational detachment are transmitted through schooling, founded on patriarchal white supremacy. Based on suspicion, perfectionism, and the penchant for finding flaws in ourselves and others, paranoid reading prevents us from being joyfully in touch with the world and with the always already present potential for transformation.

Crucially, paranoid reading and lack-finding have their own affective ecology, with their own pleasures and rewards. There can be a sense of satisfaction in being the one who anticipates or exposes inadequacy. There can be safety and comfort in a paranoid stance, because it helps ensure that we already know what to do with new encounters. Incessantly exposing flaws can be pleasurable, and can even become a source of belonging.

We think this is at the heart of what destroys the transformative potential of movements from within: the capacity for paranoid reading closes off the capacity to embrace and be embraced by new things. The stance of detached judgment means remaining at a distance from what is taking place. In contrast, experimentation requires openness and vulnerability, including the risk of being caught off guard or hurt. From a paranoid perspective, things like gratitude, celebration, curiosity, and openness are naïve at best, and potentially dangerous. When everything is anticipated, or one can see immediately how something is imperfect or lacking, one misses the capacity to be affected and moved.

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