#so i focused on their interactions here first and foremost

[purplecelestial-buddy]

Allow me to go insane about perhaps the entirety of chapter 28

First and foremost, we are in it since page 1.

The fact that we are watching this interaction develop from the pov of the guys (since we are watching Hirano from above, like Kagi would and we are watching Kagi from below, like Hirano would) is totally insane.

This exchange is kind of so funny because Kagi says Hanzawa is gone and Hirano, who I would argue is still kind of processing the... straightforwardness and "strengh" (that's the only word I have rn) of the hug request is standing there like "and what does that even have to do with us?" and to some degree this is very important to me because this is Hirano we are talking about. Marriage = civial law Hirano. The 10 secs rule cannot exclude hair because it's made from protein just like skin, Hirano.

I need you to understand that this man has one hell of a convoluted thought process and in other situations he has taken mere seconds to come up with some weird analysis just so he can win whatever debate him and Kagi are having. AND REGARDLESS here we head a head empty no thought Hirano, he's thinking of one thing and one thing only, that being the hug and how it will fit in the puzzle that is his relationship with Kagi. And the hand clenching. Gosh the hand clenching. If only I had a nickel for everytime Kagi closes his fist or grabs at stuff to physically stop himself from crossing the line I would be a millionare. The hand clenching even makes me wonder if he actually belives no one will see them. In fact this is such a funny scene in the sense that Hirano is completely focused in their interactions and Kagi is the one coming up with unexpected loopholes to validate his actions.

I always think back on the "that passion... is focused squarely on me" scene whenever I see this expression on Kagi.

In fact it's interest to see how his expression has changed along with his feelings, desires and expectations about Hirano.

Let's do a timeline:

This was the first instance in which Kagi ever thought about kissing Hirano:

This is the passion scene I was referencing:

And then there's Kagi now who always looks five seconds away from devouring Hirano.

So it's no suprise that Hirano looks uncomfortable. This is the same passion and drive he has always admired from Kagi but now it isnt a driving force used to put effort in basketball or to study so that they can remain roomies, it's being used to expose Hirano to as many romantic situations as posible in hopes that he can reach a conclusion, hopefully a romantic one. And that a very complex expectation because romance and dating are uncharted terriotory for Hirano so ofc he's even more cautious than he tends to be and gosh I'm projecting but I dont think people get how GODDAMN frsutrating and tbh scary it is to know people are expecting something from you when 1. you arent sure what that would even entail and 2. you arent sure if you could perfom even if you knew it.

So anyway, what happens next is very important: (but there's also the whole translation deal so... let's take it with a grain of salt(? (I'll put in italics all the comments/analysis that was biased by the mangadex translation)

Kagi makes his request, Hirano is squeamish and he begrudgingly agrees because that's isnt he kind of thing he "cant's say no to"

As in, he isnt allowed to stop each and every of Kagi's advanced even if they arent directed towards something he's comfortable with simply because theirs is a delicate situation and first and foremost he wants to keep Kagi close. And keeping Kagi close and remaining as roomies is heavily dependant on him not breaking Kagi's hard so he can't refuse all advances right? Because he's pretty much uncomfotable with all things romantic but he can't properly deny Kagi a relationship unless he knows how a relationship would work, right? (I think that fron here onwards the things would remain the same regardless of translation)

And I love that here Kagi inmediately panics and backtracks. Because many things can be said about Kagi, he's passionate, he's intense, he can come on to strong but he would never want to hurt Hirano. He would rather lose sleep and study than stop having his presence close, he would rather clench his fist and stand at the line than ever cross it. Because ven if he would get what he desired he would lose the person he loves the most.

And this whole thing was a kinda tense so when Hirano finally exhales so can we as an audience. And we proceed to get back to typical hrkg antincs of "but are you 100% sure that I'm not presurring you into doing this because I wouldnt want to do this is you arent on board" x "stop whining and going in circles, let's do this and get over with it"

And once again we get Kagi's pov of Hirano. And I dont know if it would be crazy to say that it feel different than the first one but for starters now we see more of Hirano, other than his face and you can see the uncertainty in his hands.

Then comes the hug which is honestly the one and only reason I started this whole ramble.

First, let's look at past hrkg hugs: We have the famous infirmary one. And I want to draw your attention at a few points; first Kagi grabs Hirano sort of by the shoulders, in the 2nd page at the 3rd panel of the sequence Kagi pulls Hirano into the hug, a futile attempt to make it feel more reciprocal I would say and then he squeezes Hirano.

Now, this chapter's hug has much more movement.

In fact it's six pages long

Its starts fairly similar, with Kagi sorta holding Hirano by the shoulders

and it goes down from there

This... this panel haunts me. This is not the face of someone that's comfortable. We can guess that the culprit might be Kagi's hand on Hirano's waist since it's much more lower than where he usually puts his hands.

And no one is comfortable with this so, Kagi soon realizes and again, he backtracks

We finish with the usual hearty squeeze, this time there's no need to get pulled for it to be reciprocal since Hirano relies/lays on Kagi.

And then of course we have the guilt and crisis of feeling uncomfortable ("repulsed" is one of the word choices being questioned)

I don't have much to say about the rest, Hirano gets thinking thoughts, realizes that maybe it can work out if he's the one doing the hugging and we all celebrate.

(also, I find it so funny that all of their "realization" moments have literally the same page composition. I wonder if it's a Harusono quirk of if there's deeper meaning. In fact, the line gets straighther each time so maybe it's all about how they are reaching an understanding of each other )

Then he have a much more comfortable hug and perhaps some of the most kira kira sparkly pages we've ever had

In summary this chapter is very important cuz:

1. We (Hirano included) see Kagi backtracking. This is important because Hirano has gone from not realizing the dept of Kagi's desires to being aware that Kagi will never push him to do anything he's not comfortable with.

2. Kagi says that he knows how much care, which surely lifted a heavy weight from Hirano's shoulders and will helps us in the future

3. Hirano basically learned how to say no and that he has a right to work things in his own way (can be debated based on the translation but I feel the point would still be something to worry over in general(?)

[spireofdeceit]

i don't really get simpatico but i would love to understand it more bc its such a big part of transformers now. if you're willing, you can do that big post on simpatico here?? if you wanna??? i'd really appreciate the help 🥺👉👈

The thing with Simpatico is that i didn't exactly Get it at first too, most of my exposure was through fan content and reading the thing i was just Yeah it Makes Sense people ship this, but then it kind of bestowed on me more how these two people are just two parts fitting together perfectly in a way they wouldn't with others, and it's not even inherently Romantic to me, even if i see them as very much in love and conjunxed post MTMTE/LL story.

Their relationship is quite silly in the context at first. Brainstorm's profile calls him a conflicted Perceptor fanboy. The only thing we get, up to this point, is his Annoyance with how his genius is overshadowed by Perceptor. While Perceptor doesn't seem to give him his time of day at all, more concerned with his work and what Rodimus wants from him than what Brainstorm is up to.

It's honestly just my personal interpretation of either characters, but Perceptor is finally allowed to fullly get back to science again, he's not expected to be holding his sniper rifle (even though he was never expected to! He had himself believe that holding a weapon will make him of more value!), while Brainstorm is there with his own super secret super important agenda.

Brainstorm is, apparently, an MTO, while we don't know what for, but MTOs have a very sad track record and usually have a lot of baggage as they're usually "born" and then kicked into the heat of battle, barely having any chance to learn who they are, just what they're for. Yet Brainstorm has never killed anyone - and despite that, he's still LIED about being an MTO.

Here they're talking about the concept of Constructed Cold, but there were TWO waves of them - pre-war and post-war. What Brainstorm is talking about he was not even born to witness yet.

They're both people who, one way or the other, "defying" what they are. It's a common theme with tf ships for me, but in case with this, it's Perceptor believing that he has to be more, and at the point of MTMTE, perhaps, not feeling entirely whole, and Brainstorm WANTING to be someone He actually Wants to Be.

Brainstorm feels threatened when his intellect is belittled by people calling Perceptor the genius. Brainstorm is quite egotistical and selfish, but it all ends up being just a facade, just as much Perceptor's cold and perfect exterior he cultivated throughout years during the war, of someone he thought his side needed.

Up until Brainstorm's time travel shenanigans, we saw them interacting sometimes, and a lot of the time, it was Brainstorm trying to impress Perceptor somehow, or just being himself that draws attention of Percy nevertheless.

And then we see Percy smiling the most he's ever smiled throughout the comic, calling Brainstorm a genius himself, impressed by the intricate work of Brainstorm.

Perceptor gets up to clap for Brainstorm at his trial, and i think it's the moment that sold Perceptor for his respect to Brainstorm. Everything he ever knew about Brainstorm - the careless egotistical and cowardly scientist - turned out to be nothing but means to an end, making way to a dedicated, caring, kind and brilliant person into his mind.

I think their finale just says it all regarding these two, honestly.

"I always wanted recognition for what I am."

"Me too."

Brainstorm spent his life on science and to be recognized. He didn't hide the fact he's an MTO just because. He wants to be seen for his achievements. Perceptor's war trauma had him feel useless to his comrades, who's "purpose", who's Genius, was ultimately the thing people saw in him, brushing off his personal achievements, maybe even the fact he could be more, his person, the way he feels Brainstorm could understand, too.

They're simpatico for a reason, and its just one of them, but pretty crucial and at the very core of why they're so compatible.

While i understand simply thinking of them as "science duo" they're so so much more than that.

[sunshades]

alright anon is encouraging me so here goes- as you said, lets go lesbians!!! a thing i was considering is: it is pretty accurate that ishmael hasn't gotten close with the other sinners since her canto, and i understand why that bothers people, especially the ones that are really partial to the "sinners as family" theme the game does every now and then.

at the same time it's definitely not negative character development, since ishmael's growth in her canto is never about that to begin with. of course during her worst moments the most visible problem is how she affects the others, refusing to help the other sinners with the various lake problems and eventually hurting dante, but the development in itself isn't about becoming a kinder person and letting people in. in fact this was never really a problem for her! we see her friendship with the crew of the pequod, we see some moments of vulnerability between her and queequeg, and ishmael being open about her wishes for their future together.

the actual development is about regaining control of herself, from her own fears and trauma and from other people seeking to influence her to do their bidding. this was always what triggered her in this exchange back in s.e.a, it was what she read as the denial of the individuality of her experiences, but also of her desires, the insinuation that even her reaction was in some way pre-ordained, that ahab had robbed her of even her own emotions.

and of course it's the theme of so many of her egos- blind obsession is obvious, but capote points to the feeling of being directionless, bygone days is about being bound to a futile struggle, even roseate desire is less about, yk, and more about the loss of your free will and being controlled by an external force.

in that context i genuinely enjoy that the way she interacts with the sinners hasn't changed much after canto v, that she can still be pretty unfriendly and still definitely sees this as a job first and foremost. while she does explicitly say she sees them as her friends as well, she often focuses on dante and later on verglius as the ones in change of the group, making it clear she sees the lcb as, yeah A Group that she is collaborating with, rather than seeing each (or even, any) of the sinners as people she's personally attached to.

ishmael's story has never been about family or friendship, it's about the balance between personal freedom and what you owe the people around you. it doesn't end with love, but it does end with trust!

[just-a-ghost00]

Crush series : how you feel vs how they feel

Note : you can pick different groups if you feel called to. Meaning, you can think of one group for the way you feel and another for the way they feel.

Group 1 - Holy sh*t

How you feel about them - The Magician, The Devil, 4 of cups, The High Priestess

You are extremely attracted to this person to the point you are constantly thinking about them. They have become a vital part of your life and at this point in time, you can't think about anything but being with them. You wish to manifest this person into your life and you are so caught up in your imagination and feelings for them that you may ignore other areas of your life. You energy towards them is very sensual. Clearly, your main focus right now is to seduce this person at all costs. I asked for clarification for the Devil card and got the 6 of cups. The reason why you are so obsessed and attached to them is because you believe this person is your soulmate. They could be but even if it isn't the case, this shouldn't change how you treat this person and how they treat you. They are a human being first and foremost. So treat them as one. You are putting this person on a pedestal, constantly daydreaming and fantasizing about them. You intuitively know that this person is important to you and your journey, you intuitively know they are here for a good reason and you may fear losing them which urges you to act in anyway possible. You may be communicating a lot with them, making yourself known and seen, trying to get their attention. Be careful not to get too caught up in this. You may be receiving messages about this person in tarot readings. You may be a reader yourself. You are definitely using your psychic abilities to your advantage in this situation. Your energy feels extremely powerful and addicting I must say. You are standing in your feminine power, being the baddest B in town and making sure that they know who they're dealing with. You may not directly express to them that you care but rather use subbtle ways to show them your interest. For some of you, I feel like this thing you have going on is kind of a behind the scenes thing.

How they feel about you - The Emperor, 2 of pentacles, 10 of cups, 4 of swords

This person knows what you're doing. They know how you feel. They know your intentions and they feel in full control of the situation. They are extremely happy about the way things are going because they don't have to do a thing. They have you all figured out. They may be enjoying this a little too much and playing this game of push and pull with you. But little do they know that you are aware of this and are more in control of the situation than they think. They are interested in you to some extent but they might not be as into you as you are with them. This person is more wary when it comes to expressing their emotions and showing interest in someone. They voluntarily hold back and refrain from interacting with you. I asked for a clarifier for the 4 of swords and got the knight of pentacles. This person is holding back because they need time to study this connection and to trust you. They are going at their own pace. They also may be busy with other responsibilities which don't allow them to indulge fully in this connection. They're indeed playing with you, not because they want to take advantage of you but because they feel playful towards you and your energy makes them think that you're okay with it, that you can handle it. This person is currently more focused on their own well being and satisfaction. They may go back and forth with you, sometimes interacting and sometimes acting like a ghost. If that is something that doesn't sit right with you, you should make your boundaries known to this person. This person may be afraid to hand over control and surrender to the connection. They can be doubting you and your intentions, hesitating between focusing on themselves or giving you a chance because they are currently doing very well in their personal life and they don't want that to be ruined. They are being protective of their space and want to make sure you don't know what their thoughts or feelings are.

Shufflemancy : Stray kids - Chk chk Boom, Danny Worsnop - I got bones

Group 2 - Peace

How you feel about them - Queen of swords, the Magician, Emperor, 9 of cups, 4 of wands

You are very protective of this person because you consider them to be your future partner. You dream of being in a committed relationship with this person and you are willing to put in the work to be in this person's life and make this dream a reality. You are working hard to embody the best version of yourself and manifest this connection. You want to appear under your best light in front of them so you pay a lot of attention to the way you communicate around them, how you act, how you sit. You want to impress them with your skills and prove them that you are trustworthy, independent, mature, confident. You may dream about this person a lot. You may have clearly stated to this person that you liked them but you haven't shown them the full extent of your feelings and intentions. A part of you may be fearing rejection so you try to be careful about the amount of emotion you show them. You don't want to scare them. You wish to remain cool, calm and collected for this to be going well. You really want to build solid foundations with this person so you are taking your time with them. You may be fearing that this person is trying to manipulate you. You may be afraid of ruining the chemistry you have because of past experiences. But I really see you standing in your power and confidently interacting with this person in a very respectful and classy way. Your ways are very honorable and I can definitely feel your maturity here. You don't want to rush this process and risk losing this person. I don't know why but I picked up on someone expressing their feelings through music. Maybe when you communicate with this person, instead of straight up telling them how you feel, you send them songs that remind you of them and represent your feelings for them. You may be watching this person from afar, investigating about them to figure out what kind of person they are.

How they feel towards you - Judgment, 8 of swords, 4 of pentacles, King of wands, 2 of cups

I had to ask for a clarifier for the 8 of swords. And got the knight of pentacles. This person feels so strongly about you that it hurst them. They feel stuck because they feel like they don't have the opportunity to fully express how much they care about you. They are scared of being hurt but their attraction towards you is stronger than their fears. They feel like their karma is the reason why they met you. And they feel like life is unfair to them because they are currently stuck or at least they believe so. They feel like they can't have you, like they can't be with you. Maybe this person doesn't think they are worthy of you. Maybe they think that you don't like them and it pains them. They love you so much it breaks their heart. They wish they could free themselves of these feelings but they also don't want to let go of the love they have for you. It is a difficult situation for them. This person deeply believes that you are meant for them. Butterflies can be significant to this connection. Flowers as well. I get the feeling of someone praying for fate to be in their favor and allow them to be with the person they love. I am feeling very emotional doing this reading. There's a feeling of desperation coming from this person. I'm hearing "God please let this be my person, God please watch over them until we can see each other again". This person is afraid to show how much they care because they think that you would think they're crazy. They wish to seduce you and court you but they feel like they're not in a good position to do so. Maybe they think they're not beautiful enough or not rich enough. I get the feeling of two people coming from different backgrounds, living very different lives. They feel that you're out of their league. They're being very harsh on themselves when it comes to you. A part of them doubts that there is a possibiliy for you to be together and another prays for it to be true.

Shufflemancy : BTS - Butterfly, Ariana Grande - Thinking 'bout you

Group 3 - Fresh

How you feel about them - Empress, Queen of swords, Queen of wands, 6 of cups, King of pentacles

You are very certain of your feelings for this person. You genuinely love them and you are intimately convinced that they like you back. You feel very good about yourself and in control of what is going on between you. You are standing in your power and being very serious about this person and the connection. You know very well what you're doing with this person. You are aware of the effect you have on them and you feel like you don't have to nudge them too much for them to be into you. You feel pretty positively about this connection. You believe that they are your soulmate. You are very friendly and at ease with this person. You have no trouble communicating with them, being around them. You feel pretty confident about your ability to attract them and to keep them around. Maybe this person has already shown you that they liked you back. They could have offered you to spend time with them. You are approaching them with a very friendly energy and you are perfectly fine with being friends with them but you think that you would also be very happy if it turned into more. You just know you want to be around this person no matter what. You are trusting the divine with this connection but also mostly trusting yourself. You feel very attracted to them but also very protective of them. Your energy feels like a good mix of masculine and feminine. You are balanced and know when to be in their space and when to stay away. It looks like things are going well for you my dear! Your intentions are pretty clear when it comes with this person. You don't hide from it which I feel is a good thing in your case. You're not afraid of what this person's opinion will be because you are confident they will like you no matter what.

How they feel about you - Queen of cups, 4 of wands, Strength, 5 of swords, page of pentacles

I asked for a clarifier for the 5 of swords and got the 5 of cups. Group 3, your approach is working. Not only do they like you but they want to commit to you. This person is dead on wanting to make you their queen no matter what. They want to fight for you. They feel conflicted because they are scared they will lose the opportunity to be with you. Something may have happened that made them think you were not going to stay around. They are studying you and trying to learn how to match your expectations. They want to be good to you and good for you. This person can be doing actual research to figure out how to appeal to you. Lmao I feel like someone is inexperienced in love and typing "how to show your crush you like them" on the Internet because they're so scared to mess up. I also pick up on someone actually learning new skills to impress their crush. So maybe they're learning a new language or doing a new sport or learning to play the guitar. I don't know. I feel like this person misses you. Or fears that this connection will be a missed opportunity. Maybe you live at a distance from one another. That doesn't show in the cards but that could be possible. This person is just so in love with your energy. I feel like the lion on the strength card is just turning into a big purring kitty looking for cuddles lmao They just instantly melt in your presence. If this person is pretty strong and confident in their daily life, when they're around you they feel like a marshmellow. They just can't find their composure anymore. They become giddy and just so dorky. If they appear very mature in public, with you they become a kid again. You bring out their inner child. They just feel so good in your presence they don't ever want this feeling to stop. They love your warm aura, your beauty, your confidence. Good job group 3 !

Shufflemancy : BTS - Spring Day, Beyoncé - Halo

[leebrontide]

New Intro post!

Hi everyone, I'm Lee (any pronouns) and I write, draw, and animate a bit. I am a therapist by day, but I'm not your therapist, so please do not try to interact with me in that capacity.

My blog is a writeblr first and foremost but I'm gonna be honest I post about a whole lot of different things. My favorites include psych stuff, gardening, science, politics (mostly US), very intermittent fandom things, the odd shitpost, and pictures of my very photogenic cats.

I have a free monthly newsletter that I'm very proud of, where I write about those things and then actually edit them, add research links, etc. Especially when those subjects interact with research for my books.

I have two books out: Secondhand Origin Stories and Names in their Blood. Those are the first 2 books in a 5 book series called Second Sentinels. On the surface they're superhero novels. At their heart they're family dramas. In the middle they're low neon cyberpunk, near future scifi, political commentary, midwest gothic, and sometimes a murder mystery. They are very queer but most of the angst is not about that. They're also very much about disability but please don't picture some Very Special Episode shit when I say that. This is much angrier and messier than that.

You can find a variety of ways to read or listen to those here, and the first book in the series is free in ebook form. ALL my profits from those sales go to proven climate orgs.

I'm working on book 3 in the series, tentatively called Brittle Idols, right now. It has a genetic engineering cult in rural Iowa in the middle of a blizzard! It's gonna be fun.

I'm also working on a fun mecha/body horror/terraforming story with my wife. It’s inspired by anime we watched in our youth and frustration with late stage, unfettered capitalism. This is very much in early development, but here are my poor unfortunate pilots.

My animation is entirely focused on making a full movie-trailer style thing for Secondhand Origin Stories. I learned to animate specifically to be able to make this, but my animating won't end there.

I like following writeblrs, especially writeblr's that aren't ONLY about people's writing. I like getting to know PEOPLE. It doesn't feel like community to me otherwise. I particularly love:

scifi

late YA

heavily character driven work

family drama

queer stuff

multi-POV stories

chonky series

Thanks for reading this far!

Here are those photogenic cats I was telling you about.

[ifindus]

Here's a question for you: When and where do you think Norway was born/came to be? 🙏 Who were the first people (or nations) he interacted with? Something else you'd like to talk about regarding his earliest years?

Would love to see what baby Norway looked like. Or if it's more fitting; Norway reminiscing his youth? 😊

Thank you again for this amazing historical ask 🙏💖

As soon as we start talking about “birth” etc. in the nation!verse it suddenly becomes very lore heavy, so I’ll share my thoughts and ideas about this subject first ✨

For me, the nations are not human. They are human-like entities, but first and foremost they are countries/nations and do not have parents or biological relations in the same way humans do. Which is why it becomes important to know how nations irl are formed from a political and sociological point of view. Nations are can appear differently: a group of people with a common social and cultural identity; or as a state/formation of state that encompass a group of people under a common law. The actual birth of nations can be a complicated subject irl, but in the nation!verse it looks like the birth of nations are focused around when we start to see a common identity form – together with an organisation of a state. The status of the political organisation and how well the country operates likely contributes to the country’s growth physically.

With this definition of a nation in mind, we can take a look at historical sources and events to try to see the formation of the nation that is Norway. We know that Norway was formed as a nation in 871, under the king/chieftain Harald Hårfagre, but the Norwegian identity could’ve existed before this. Even though Norway was made up of several smaller “kingdoms” with their own identities, there was still something that separated them from the Danes and Swedes. This separation exists clearly in Snorre’s sagas from the 1200s, and we also see it with certainty as early as in Ottar’s stories from the 890s. Certain areas (like Trøndelag) likely had their own laws and way of govern from the migration or Merovingian period (4-600s) and still keeps their own smaller identity today – though still being primarily Norwegian of course.

I think Norway popped into existence around the 600s, but did not get the “status” of a fully formed nation until the early 800s, with certain periods of more growth parallel with the more extensive organisation of state during the 1000s especially. Norway hits another growth-spurt in the 1200s, before his stagnation in the late 1300s due to the effects of the Black Death.

The first other nations Norway probably interacted with would obviously be Denmark and Sweden – and Scotland and England, as Norway has always been oriented more towards the west and across the ocean.

[pavedinashes-if]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

First and foremost, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful time ringing in 2025 and are starting the year with energy and enthusiasm. Regardless of how last year turned out for you...whether it was a fantastic year or one you’d rather forget – I sincerely hope that this year becomes your best one in a long time, perhaps even the best ever. One thing is for sure: you made my last year truly unforgettable, and I’m endlessly grateful for that.

You gave me the opportunity to share my story with the world, accompanied me with your enthusiasm, made me laugh with your Qs more times than I can count, and occasionally even brought a blush to my face. It was an incredibly amazing year in this regard, and I can hardly wait to make 2025 even more extraordinary. This year, there will be plenty of updates, both here and on my other blogs!

But for now, focusing on PIA... [… while putting together the FAQs , which you’ll find here on the blog later today... ] I could hardly believe all that has happened. Some asks may have slipped through the cracks, but I’m glad I compiled the FAQs for you. Now that the demo is out (WOOT WOOT), I think it’ll be sweet to revisit or discover some of the asks and snippets anew.

Thank you to everyone!! ... whether you’ve been here since day one, joined just today, or even those who will find their way here in the future. Whether you interact regularly and diligently or quietly read along in the background, I truly appreciate each and every one of you 💜💜💜

There’s so much content coming your way in 2025, and I’m beyond excited! By the way, the next update is just around the corner. 😉

See you very soon!

SAI

[sugar-grigri]

Let's make the revolution, but let's make it right s’il vous plaît…

Yes I need to take a break but I'm not only tired but I'm fucking autistic so let me say two quick words

I think Haruka is a character worth exploring, and that he's deeper than the comic relief he seems to be, because I think he's a very good representation of adolescence.

Yoshida doesn't live his adolescence as a public hunter, Asa almost rejects the experiences because of her social isolation and emotional problems, which implies that they are teenagers but want to carry the weight of suffering like adults.

And what is Haruka? The perfect example of the mix between childhood and coming-of-age.

Denji is unable to experience adolescence because he has been deprived of his childhood, or even his humanity, and his interactions lead inexorably to rejection and suffering.

Haruka, on the other hand, is a useful standard by which to compare the other characters' failings in exploring their own adolescence.

Haruka is portrayed as arrogant, but not as negatively pretentious, but as an over-confident teenager, following a role model to the point of pretending to be him, of having a false cable across his chest.

He's also hard on the others, representing those teenagers who never minced their words when pressing Asa's failures, just as he remains deeply human, panicking, relying on his role model to save him.

Above all, his typical teenage behavior and funny yet profoundly candid personality are at odds with what adolescence is all about: realizing the world we live in.

If Chainsaw Man is so popular with teenagers, it's first and foremost because he remains anonymous, so everyone can see what they want in his face, but he's also an element of confrontation with the established order.

When I say that Chainsaw Man is a fairly mathematical manga, it's because everything fits together perfectly: if teenagers can make Chainsaw Man an object of protest, or even make it their own design, it's precisely because they don't see Denji behind Chainsaw Man.

If everything finds its balance, it's because the teenagers see in Chainsaw Man something superior, to the point of making him a model, an ideology, while Denji, the boy behind the mask, puts himself in the position of standing outside normality.

Denji can't belong to normality, since Chainsaw Man's interest is in disrupting the established order, whether it's the dominance of demons or what parents think.

So he's in a position of literal support, since his only point of interaction is to be acclaimed without being recognized.

It's interesting that Haruka's here, because he's a Chainsaw Man fan.

Denji has been a figure in the shadows, supporting a teenager in need of guidance in spite of himself.

He was the savior of a humanity prey to demons in spite of himself

But from a more symbolic point of view, Denji is literally dismembered, because carrying this on his shoulders as a teenager, even though his rank is denied, leads not only to exhaustion and withdrawal, but also to a literal breakdown.

It's as if the chair has just cracked... then the adolescence that stood over it also collapses...

People love Denji with difficulty, while he loves them with ease

People adore Chainsaw Man and completely ignore Denji's plight

Teenagers need to see Denji, to see his state of dismemberment, to see every last part of his being instrumentalized.

Because that's what he is, an image from which everyone can pick and choose to see what's missing.

That's why Asa has a missing arm, because she's in the position of a savior who doesn't wallow in her lack and compensate for it with Chainsaw Man, but focuses on the mission of putting him back together.

We repeat: the teenagers have projected themselves into Chainsaw Man as a means of fighting against the established order.

But isn't projecting oneself and being saved by Chainsaw Man precisely what the established order is all about?

Wouldn't it be revolutionary to save a savior who has always asked to be saved? Just as the suffering of the people has been ignored has needed saving

Revolution... represented by what?

Guillotine.

And that's precisely where I find it all interesting, because Haruka effectively compensates with Chainsaw Man in everything he lacks, when he was portrayed completely panicked during the aquarium arc, Denji was serene. Haruka may have a cable on his chest, but he'll never dare pull it.

This absence of fear is what keeps Chainsaw Man a machine. Denji has no self-worth, not a little arrogance like Haruka, so he's not afraid of danger. Whereas what constitutes adolescence is precisely the fact of becoming attached, of having things you value and are not afraid of being deprived of.

Above all, being an adolescent gives you a protective status, protected by society. So Haruka experiences what Denji experienced: being deprived. Deprived of what he holds dear. Deprived of his status as a child protected to be a terrorist. Haruka is a teenager who needs to be protected, but is now seen as a terrorist, a threat to order.

To be a threat to the established order, while at the same time being guaranteed by it, is the exact ambivalence of what Chainsaw Man is, and what Haruka is experiencing, being in the shoes of his savior in an attempt to save him.

The guillotine demon has an interesting design, a huge bird as a kind of almost inanimate ornament, to emphasize its interior, a piece of skeleton hanging headless. How does it feel to be close to decapitation? We suffer in anticipation of what we're going to miss: our head, death, the skeleton, and what we're going to leave the world, a body that's missing something.

Just as others must learn to compensate for their own insecurities, Denji must allow himself to feel his own, and instead of accepting suffering, to compensate for it like a human being with his nearest and dearest, his entourage, his family.

Because the right behavior is not to artificially complete oneself by rejecting one's fear and accepting one's suffering, but to accept one's incompleteness in order to be better influenced and completed by others. That's why Denji's loved ones are there to help him, even though he's been cut into pieces. Just as the teenagers saw in Fami, whom they reject, this guillotine, both reversing the order and focusing on what they lack, poor children in identity crisis.

We're in a bit of a pre-French Revolution mood, which I like, so let's embrace it completely by concluding with a quote from one of France's bloodiest revolutionaries, Robespierre:

"First of all, you should know that I am not the defender of the people; I have never claimed that lavish title; I am one of the people, that's all I've ever been, and that's all I want to be; I despise anyone who pretends to be anything more."

To make a revolution not to overthrow the order, but to be a simple, incomplete, imperfect teenager.

[gatheredfates]

POSES. It happened! ✨

I made a smaller post this morning, but I am super pleased to announce that Tumblr's moderation has approved SEAFLOOR as a Community! We're live, baeby!

If you don't know what a Community is, you can check out Tumblr's post about it here.

If you are interested in joining, I will copy/paste the information contained on the Community's pinned post in the read more below, as you won't see it otherwise (outside of joining). I'd like to kindly request that if you are already a member of the Community to not like this post (it just saves me doubling up) but please reblog it to spread the word!

Welcome to SEAFLOOR! This a Community run by myself, Sea (@gatheredfates), as an offshoot of the identically named Discord server aimed to contain both my personal projects and promote member-created content. If you would still like to keep up to date with my projects, interact with members of my community, and generally enjoy xiv content without the pressure of a Discord, this is the place!

This server has mandatory tags that MUST be used for spoilers. A general rule of thumb is the most recent patch/live letter is considered spoiler content and must be marked accordingly; as well as major spoilers for the most recent expansion. If it doubt, it always pays to tag. Please mind the following:

#dawntrail spoilers

#7.0. spoilers (will likely come into effect for 7.1 to differentiate from general Dawntrail spoilers, but you can tag for both!)

#liveletter spoilers

Much like my Discord, there are some house rules I want to put in place first for first-time users. Please familiarise yourself with the below. This post is pinned; you can't claim you haven't seen it. A lot of these are near-identical to the server rules, but I'll be no-less forceful in implementation if they are not adhered to.

If I'm being entirely honest, moderation past Community maintenance is something I do not want to engage with, so I will be intervening only when it is entirely necessary and will be harsh in my implementation. Therefore, if you don't think you can conduct yourself in a healthy, adult manner, do not join. Some of these rules may seem 'harsh' but are the product of me making clear boundaries in what I will expect, tolerate and foster. I will not hesitate to curate where I feel it is necessary.

I believe in the age-old phrase "Be excellent to each other," and that underpins every rule featured below. If in doubt, refer back to this mantra.

This Community is strictly 21+ only. This is to keep in line with my personal boundaries regarding minors. It's nothing personal, I just don't have time to moderate for a younger audience.

Common-sense rules apply. Do not break Tumblr's ToS, spoiler/content warm where appropriate and sensible, and don't be rude/harass people in the comments. Just because a rule isn't explicitly stated doesn't mean you have full reign to do the thing.

Intolerance (namely racism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.) will not be tolerated. If you don't like it, the back button is free.

Due to this being a predominately XIV focused Community, dark themes will present due to subject manner explored in the game. I will not enforce mandatory tags/censors outside of patch/expansion spoilers; I just ask that people use their common sense and consider peoples' safety and mental wellbeing when posting work(s). If you do not warn appropriately or mock/ignore requests for things to be censored/warned, you will be removed.

As Communities are in their infancy, rules may be amended/adjusted to better fit this space's purpose as time goes on. While I will attempt to make these changes obvious, please check back on occasion just in case. "I didn't know," is not a valid excuse.

HOKAY, now that the serious of the rules are out of the way, you might be wondering to yourself, "Sea, what can be posted?" I'm glad you asked! ✨ First and foremost, as I do not encourage secular spaces, please make sure all content has originated from a public tumblr blog. I want to encourage people to reach out, interact and follow other people, not just stick to this space! Beyond that, I accept:

Screenshots (gpose), writing, art, think pieces and other xiv content created by members. You can tag these with #gpose, #writing, #art, etc.

Resource gathering similar to what is featured in the Discord server including resources, prompts, commissions, etc. You can tag these with #resources, #prompts, #WoLQoTD, #commissions, #other, etc. These do not have to be created by members in the community.

Event, character profiles, looking for content/rp/free companies and more! You can tag these with #events, #character profile, #lfc, #lfr, #free company, etc. These do not have to be created by members in the community.

Links to lodestone posts/dev commentary and other official posts provided they are tagged correctly. You can tag these with #lodestone.

Anything you've created in response to my projects! You can tag these as #sea's character questions OR whatever the event is at the time (for example, Down to Dawntrail posts can be tagged as #(count)down to dawntrail)! I will try to reblog anything that I am tagged in if the owner doesn't reblog it here.

Anything xiv related that isn't covered here but you think is in line with the spirit of this community and what I'm trying to foster. Please DM me if you're unsure.

[storkmuffin]

Hello! I literally just came back to Tumblr after a several year hiatus because of the tiktok drama, and stumbled across your posts. It's been really fun to see your thoughts, especially getting a bit of cultural context here and there has been wonderful! You've written a lot about what you like about each member, but I'm curious about how you feel about their relationships with each other, especially as a baby atiny. I find their interconnected friendships really interesting, even outside of a shipper context (and I am curious about how you feel about that as well!) I have always had a huge weakness for found families lol

Hi! Welcome back :D Thank you for reading and commenting!

TLDR for what follows: I take a much harder, colder stance on the 'found family' narrative they keep pushing with Boy Idols than perhaps befits an Atiny about Ateez, but I do have my reasons.

I take the view that first and foremost, Idol groups are business working groups. I'm a little bit (okay, a lot) skeptical of what's presented as 'family' and 'friendships' among these people, generally speaking, because Kpop Idols are just following Korean norms of social interaction for coworkers.

Hopefully this isn't boring but I need to just use myself as an example: I am the 'leader' of my working group of 5 people in my department that has about 70 people in my Korean company. I report to 3 levels of bosses but mostly they let me 'run' the group. My one group-mate is the same age as me, the other three are younger. The woman who's the youngest (our maknae, though not by a lot) - she's a baseball freak. The rest of us dgaf about baseball, but whenever we have our monthly 'bonding' lunch (obligatory, by the way - I'm given a monthly budget that I have to spend eating with this group, all together), all of us take turns indulgently asking her about baseball news, and ooh and ahh and pamper her in her baseball speeches. Do you see what I mean? This is just how we behave. It probably looks like family, to a Westerner, but truth be told, we are none of us actually friends.

The fact that Hwa and Wooyoung have both called their CEO Father freaks me out, by the way. Absolute heebie jeebies, though this too is a feminist, gendered thing. Sexual harassers pre-MeToo always said they'd 'forgotten themselves' because they felt like they were 'family' with the woman they raped or molested. It sounded just as insane in Korean as it does in English, but that was an accepted excuse until it totally wasn't.

In addition, one of the requirements of Boy Idols is that they provide emotional succor to their almost entirely female audience (I am organizing my thoughts and what I've learned through research about why this is for another post). Korea is an exceptionally family-focused society, but that is often exploitative and terrible for women. (Which is why so many women keep saying they don't want to marry and form families - the potential personal burden is ruinous.) So Boy Idols showing what a 'family' can look like when nobody is a woman - when even the 'mommy' or the 'bossy big sister' or the 'baby sister' is all men - and are shown to always, in the end, get along, is the non-sexual equivalent of BL fiction, which I think functions to let straight women 'escape' from misogynist heterosexuality and enjoy the concept of male sexuality in an ultimately quite straight way. Boy Idol groups being 'found famliy' gets you to enjoy the nice things about a voluntary family completely denuded of even the possibility of misogyny, because women just don't exist in the story at all.

Further, because so many megastar Idols have committed suicide in recent years, and because the people who were in training for years and ultimately didn't make it also tell nightmare stories about their lives, it's become necessary for Idol groups to advertise that they are not toxic workplaces. So I see the 'miraculous getting together of pairs of friends to make a successful kpop group!' mythos as part of that counter-narrative, as well. My bet is that the 연습생 world, like any sort of prep situation in Korea, is fucking hostile. It has to be. In the normie world of just college prep, people don't share notes or pretend to be civil or anything other than competitors. Your failure increases my chances of success, type of deal.

Part of the Ateez self-narrative about how they came together to me also just seem pretty typical of people who are in the performing arts in general, as well. The School of American Ballet takes in little kids to train them, and if they manage to make it through many cuts over a number of years, they then debut with the New York City Ballet or American Ballet Theater, where they will compete against and/or partner with each other until the end of their usually short (like 10 years or less) careers, trying to get to the 'top.' The kpop Idol industry follows this system of 'growing' its own artists, often in boarding schools or specialized institutions, just like ballet dancers. It looks different because the cultural context is different, but the essence is the same.

I've seen all the K-Atiny flutterings about, THIS IS FATE and stuff, but given that K-Pop Idol has really specific physical requirements, it makes sense to me that as they got older, the kids who were really determined to do this as a job and also were not kicked/ flunked out would eventually all meet and some to become friends.

The fact that Mingi followed Yunho, and Wooyoung followed Yeosang to this small venture that had never launched an Idol group before can be seen in two ways, I think. One is that they are best friends, in a pure, childhood way. It's so sweet and moving that it doesn't feel quite real, and doesn't fit with how you expect people who in essence wanted to be child stars and then rock stars to be like. It makes them very lovable.

But, just to be the ultimate cynical bitch about it, the paths Ateez took may have more to do with the fact that Mingi-Yunho and Yeosang-Wooyoung are the tall and short versions of being 2% Off the Idol Standard, to my Korean eyes. These two sets of friendships may have come from sharing the same problem - of being almost, but not quite, 'right' or 'ripe' for debut.

Mingi and Yunho, despite the fashion for tall Boy Idols, seem to have not made the cut to become 연습생 (prep students? how do kpop international fans call this?) at any of the big houses nor get recruited off the street. And that makes sense - Mingi is in the 짐승돌 (Beast-Idol) mode, which has fallen out of fashion for some time, and Yunho suffers from being too standard and initially appears indistinct as a result.

Yeosang and Wooyoung seem to have fallen into a different kind of 연습생 hell - good enough to get a spot, do well enough not to get kicked out, but not have enough of what it takes for a 'big house' to include you in an actual group that will debut. Yeosang often being a mild person who doesn't react in a lightening fast way would have disadvantaged him for sure. Wooyoung is so handsome but like, if you compare him to say, Felix of Stray Kids, he also looks just so manly, which would have made him difficult to place. To drop out of Hybe 연습생 to try out this thing with KQ, which had never done it before speaks of a certain desperation.

Other than HongJoong, who did a really weird and unusual thing of making a company build a program around him, the 99z were all up against a fast approaching deadline of aging out of being able to debut, since they have a hard stop at age 28 each, and one of the key ways to cultivate a hardcore Korean female fandom is to have them participate in 'raising' you. Can't do that if you debut at 25, you know?

Almost 7 years later? First, they've achieved wild success, together, when none of them were necessarily the most likely to succeed, and they definitely are NOT with the company most likely to successfully launch an Idol group. That's gotta be great for bonding. Second, only the eight of them can actually really understand wtf that life is like - the hardships or pains that come with what otherwise just looks glorious. Third, all the psych studies agree that singing together and dancing together with other humans makes you love them more, and feel more bonded and more belonging, and doing singing and dancing together is these people's full time job. Fourth (sorry the cynicism is back), if they can't make it work within this group, they will have a hard time pursuing show business careers in the future. You have to have 'good character' as an Idol to not be decimated by the anti-fans, and an essential element of 'good character' in the Korean style is knowing how to be a good member of a collective. And fifth, what KQ and Ateez are doing vis-a-vis each other (Company v Contractors) as well as inside Ateez is a sort of positive-reinforcement of Mutually Assured Destruction with all this family talk. They're family and brothers and the CEO is their DAD and their producer Eden is their big brother so ... when the 7 year contract deadline rolls around, KQ shouldn't stomp on Ateez, Ateez shouldn't stomp on KQ, and the members should not go for broke as individuals. I think that's part of it.

[dead-dolphins]

We need to talk about the changes on Mr. Senator.

Friends, you know how much I cherish this AU to the point of being meticulous with the plot (as I am with any fic, really). However, I need to discuss the changes I intend to make to Mr. Senator from the “Things You Need to Know About Mr. Senator AU” that I wrote previously.

But before I begin, let me share what I aim to capture with this fic. Ideally, I should demonstrate things by actually writing rather than explain my reasons, but I feel it’s necessary to clarify so you can grasp the essence of what this fic is about.

Mr. Senator is a fic where I want to portray a Mikasa who is deeply in love with a man she has admired from afar. This man, however, is significantly older and a politician, making her feel insignificant and afraid to approach him for fear of appearing foolish. This changes when she hears a rumour that he plans to marry for electoral gain, needing a wife to secure more votes. Mikasa can not bear the idea of him belonging to anyone else. The pain of seeing him with another would be unbearable, a wound too deep to heal. Driven by this fear and her overwhelming love, she resolves to do whatever it takes to make him notice her, even if it means trapping him. What I essentially envision is a shy yet determined Mikasa. Though she may seem naïve, she is ready to step into the light, determined to make Eren see her as a brave woman and a potential wife. Her complex feelings of love, admiration, fear, and determination intertwine with the recklessness of youth and passionate infatuation. Her youthful impulsiveness propels her forward, making her bold in ways she never imagined. I dare to say that it's a lot of passion for someone so young YET this passion is not just a fleeting crush but a deep-seated need to be seen, to be valued by the man she loves.

So, with that being said, here are some changes (I will not say them all, lol).

First and foremost, to dispel any doubt, I’ve decided that this fic will be told solely from one point of view, and that will, of course, be Mikasa’s. She is the heart of this story, and although you might be interested in Eren’s perspective, I believe Mikasa’s lens will provide the clearest understanding.

With Mikasa’s point of view as the central focus, certain elements, such as Eren being of low-born status, will be adjusted. Instead, I’ll portray him as a wealthy man. This change facilitates their interactions mean to their social class. However, he will remain an Ackerman protégé, and his wealth will not alter this aspect. How he will do that? Keep reading.

Previously, I mentioned that Mikasa has younger brothers, but now they will be younger sisters. So, Mikasa is an older sister of a family full of girls. This shift will impact her psyche, offering rich narrative potential that I can't fully detail at this moment (but the keyword for this is: daddy's issues or something of the sort).

Eren has an ex-girlfriend from their social circle who will be displeased to see the senator she once knew taking an interest in a little girl. Her resentment will play a role in the unfolding drama.

And yes, you read that correctly—senator! In the earlier sneak peek, Eren was merely a candidate, but now he is firmly established as a senator seeking re-election. His ambition stretches further, for he harbours aspirations of one day becoming PRESIDENT.

In this iteration, Mikasa's father is absent, and instead, the family is under the care of her uncle, none other than Kenny Ackerman. This dynamic is one I haven’t fully explored in my previous writings, so I felt it was time to delve into it. Consequently, Uncle Kenny will be a prominent figure in Mikasa’s life, leading to numerous clashes with Mikasa’s mother.

Speaking of Mikasa’s mother, she is a formidable woman, ahead of her time. However, Kenny often outmanoeuvres her at every turn. To survive in this challenging environment, Mikasa’s mother focuses on empowering her daughter, making Mikasa a key player in their family’s struggles (you shall see it later!)

Lastly, Mikasa will be twenty years old in this story, rather than eighteen. This decision ties directly into the dynamic I want to explore between Kenny, Mikasa and Mikasa's mother. In their society, women were expected to marry quickly, but Mikasa defied this norm, which will be a significant element in the narrative. The full implications of this choice will unfold as the story progresses.

Additionally, Eren will be 32 years old!

That’s all for now, folks! I’m thrilled to bring this fic to life, like, for real! It’s shaping up to be a long, single shot (unless I separate it) and I’m diving deep into research to make it unlike anything I’ve written before.

¡Estén atentos para algo realmente INCREÍBLE!! ! :D

[hotnsweetnprimrose]

Who am I? Well,

I'm part boy part girl, boygirl, the protector and mayor of transgenders! Well. Not that last one, that's not an official position nor would I claim it in a non-joking manner. I'm just a silly t4t slut :P

If you see this blog in sfw areas or engaging with sfw blogs, I’m just there to shitpost and I cannot be bothered to do a main blog switch thing lmao. But if it makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay too! Feel free to block. I will also probably reblog sfw memes and such too. A laugh is a powerful thing.

Last Updated: Feb 6 2025

My name is Prim or Eden (switch 'em up when it's been a while). I'm 22, I am trans, non-binary, and bigender (androgyne flavor), and I'm here to fuck and get fucked, at least in what ways are possible over the internet. I'm interested in all genders, but have far more fondness in my heart for my fellow trans folk. :P (I’m on the aroace spectrum but absolutely sex-favorable. It’s fun)

I'm a switch and vers in many things! I am 5'1" and a tad fragile. However due to mental health stuff, domming requires a Lot of trust in advance. I’m more likely to sub simply because it’s less stressful for me at this point.

My pronouns are fae/faer, they/them, and she/he (alternating). If you’re ever in doubt for what to call me, just slam both binary gendered words together until it sounds not terrible. Examples include guygal, boygirl, princessprince, etc.

I might use it/its for myself while in subspace being a toy, don’t change any of your language in response unless I ask or you get permission, please!

I strongly believe in trans joy and t4t joy. Transmasc transfem transneutral trans [fill in the blank] we are all so hot and cool. <3 It brings me joy to lend aid whenever and wherever I can. This blog is focused on trans 4 trans first and foremost. Cis people are an afterthought, almost always.

Send me asks if you want! DMs even! I love meeting people! Don't be shy! Unless you're cis, then I have high standards so yes do be shy. And if you’re cis and heterosexual? …. Sorry, if you’re attracted to me, you absolutely cannot be both of those things! I have a discord available after I get dm'd because tumblr dms my behated.

Please don't interact if you're a minor or don't have your age in your bio. I will block you. Immediately. Be patient and you'll have a chance to explore when it doesn't endanger yourself or others.

More stuff under the readmore including limits, kinks, and other tidbits.

I also just block and unfollow liberally if you aren't firmly on the side of t4t solidarity and mutual support. We're all having a hard time out here. (I also will not hesitate break mutuals if you post content that damages my mental health that I can't filter for. This is my safe haven.) - if you support calling anyone theyfab without that being a thing they said they’re okay with I’m sorry but you’re getting fully blocked on here. I have moral OCD traits that are bad enough without me feeling like my very identity is fake to people I thought could be trusted. Thanks!

Top Surgery (No Nips!!!! Wahoo!!): 10/16/2024

Anatomical Terms:

clit, tdick, tcock, cunt, pussy = GOOD!

boygirl + any term that's deemed good already= GREAT!!

hole = fine. a bit boring

vagina = BAD! too technical

If I'm dominant in your scenario, call me mastress, mixtress, or captain. Sir is on the table for those who earn it. If I'm submissive in your scenario, call me toy, pet, diminuitive names, or kitten.

Let me know if you need anything tagged!

Due to me being bigender (androgyne edition), I try not to reblog posts with "men dni" or "women dni" on them as I feel like that's denying part of my identity. Also out of principle so maybe people will be less broad with those kinds of statements OR remember multigender folks like myself exist. Please don't binarize me, that sucks.

I call the rp/kink fiction/pretend element "kayfabe" because wrestling is y'know. somewhat analogous to kink in some ways!

I have a lot of posts I still have to queue and tag alas.

Not Planning on Going On Longtime Systemic T Please Don't Act Like I Am [I use tcock and tdick with the t meaning trans or t4t, not testosterone <3]

List time!!!!

g = giving, r = receiving

BIG YESES!!

body worship [g+r]

praise [g+r]

tentacles & monsters [...g+r] (used to be this blog's main theme, but I'm revamping! might still post/rb it though)

bondage & restraint & shibari [g+r]

hypnosis [g+r]

bimbofication & dumbification genre [g+r]

creampies [r+g but that requires a strap and/or imagination] - I hate this word I need a new word!! The stuff with breeding is good but pregnancy is such a no go for me…. 🤔

overstim [g+r]

edging [g+r]

Objectification in the sense of being a toy, a tool, something with a function that does a job [r, unsure about g]

petplay [g+r I am a kitten thank you not a puppy sadly]

gentle gender affirming genderplay/forcemasc/forcefem!!!!!! [g+r]

size kink [I'm so damn short I gotta sexualize it]

DEFINITELY MORE I DON'T REMEMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD

CONTEXT DEPENDENT (not always a big yes but the version eithout context is a no)

anal [giving ONLY, and only with gloves or a strap. I do not stuff in my ass or touching that hole]

intox [giving/domming ONLY]

Consensual non-consent but ONLY if it's clearly established as such with the post/fiction (I know I'm rare in that I find the prep and negotiation hot but hey, I love communication and trust!)

Painplay [giving/domming ONLY]

Breathplay [giving/domming ONLY] (picky about this one because safety but also I got asthma so I need to breathe normally)

NOS!!!!

Any kind of pregnancy or pregnancy focused kink

Any sort of inflation (cumflation is case by case)

Breeding with the INTENT of pregnancy (see creampies above, I do love the raw sex and being cum in but pregnancy still makes me dysphoric)

Nipple/breast focused content and/or kink (don't have those anymore and they gave me dysphoria) [except if you want to do like. breast theft. then we can talk about it but I'm super picky it's basically a no] {okay I’m cool doing it for others tits but not Mine}

Detrans kink and misgendering kink (I respect you but not my thing and usually makes me dysphoric. More power to ya though!)

Kinks involving urine, scat [shit], or filth [literal] in any large capacity

Consensual Non-Consent when it's in-universe just non-con

I respect y’all but no f4uxc3st and please tag it!!!! I have it blocked because my brain goes “you want ocd symptoms abt this? Okay!” I don’t even have full ocd just traits n trauma 😔

Nudes. Not without my express and enthusiastic agreement (rare). I might send but I do not like to receive.

[all of this is subject to changes and updates when I remember things not listed here or I learn more about my tastes!]

Tags:

#Prim Speaks = non-horny posts/writing/updates (that's what this is tagged as)

#Prim Whimpers = horny writing (submissive focus)

#Prim Smirks = horny writing (dominant focus)

#Prim Moans = horny writing (generally)

#Prim Reveals = if I ever do post suggestive pics this is the tag for that. we'll see how I feel.

#it's the little things you queue together = queued posts, if you know what song and musical that's from, kiss me on the mouth.

There are two sideblogs off this blog but they’re both secret. Thank you <3

[envahisseurzim]

Shadow is aplatonic: an argument.

"Friends? I'm only temporarily working with you to achieve a goal. Don't get the wrong idea."

from Puyo Puyo Quest's 25th Anniversary event

@apl-swag-bracket

What is aplatonicism?

Here is a quick definition to catch you up.

The aplatonic spectrum, otherwise known as the aplatonic umbrella, is a group of platonic orientations that fall under the umbrella term of aplatonic. Those on the aplatonic spectrum may lack platonic attraction or feel it so little that they relate more to aplatonic experiences. The common link between those on the aplatonic spectrum is that they do not feel the "standard" amount of platonic attraction or they don't feel it in the "standard" way, that alloplatonic individuals do.

Here is some more reading you can do on the topic.

Resources about aplatonicism are scarce and anyway, this is meant to focus on character analysis first and foremost, so forgive me if I cut this section short. Anyway, I believe I have given enough context, so let's get into the meat of this post.

Is Shadow aplatonic?

As stated outright in the Sonic Ultimate Character Guide, Shadow is a loner who relies on himself first and foremost.

from Sonic Ultimate Character Guide (2016)

He is extremely individualistic and doesn't compromise for the sake of others. He prefers to act alone rather than as a team, believing the latter to be futile, and will even choose violence over cooperation to get his way.

from "Team Sonic Racing Racers!" Interview (2019), IDW Sonic the Hedgehog (issue #09), Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and Sonic Rivals 2 (2007) respectively

If he teams up with others with cooperation in mind, it's always in the interest of a higher purpose. He'll actively ditch crowds and avoid gatherings once the action is over.

from IDW Sonic the Hedgehog (issue #11 and #31 respectively)

Most of his interactions with the rest of the cast follow this pattern, however there is some nuance to be considered when looking at his dynamic with a select few characters.

Rouge and E123 Omega are two characters Shadow has often been partnered with. Although the word "allies" would be more appropriate to describe their relationship, they're easily the ones Shadow is closest to out of everyone else. In the case of Omega, Shadow even displays bouts of camaraderie, likely due to the fact they share a similar mindset.

from Sonic Heroes (2003)

from Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (2008)

from "Team Sonic Racing Racers!" Interview (2019)

Another notable dynamic that stands out is that between Shadow and Sonic. Shadow's attitude towards him could be much the same as with everyone else if it weren't for their rivalry. Although Shadow is always focused on his goals above all else, Sonic's presence brings out a competitive side that distracts him and pushes him to act recklessly.

from "Team Sonic Racing Racers!" Interview (2019)

from Team Sonic Racing (2019)

Shadow doesn't see Sonic as his friend, but considers him an important part of his life despite himself.

and lastly,

from Sonic Channel's Shadow character bio

Conclusion

Shadow doesn't feel the need for companionship and doesn't seek to bond with others if he doesn't have an ulterior motive. He's a loner and a misanthropic, and would rather work alone to achieve his goals in the most efficient way. Because of his standoffish personality, the few close/intense relationships he has are with people who are "like" him in some way, given the impression of an unconventional connection in a very tangible and grounded manner, and not so much driven by feelings of affection or love. Hence why I think Shadow is aplatonic or is on the aplatonic spectrum... I rest my case.

(I would have liked to give more examples, but the 10 image limit makes this very difficult haha)

Here's where you can read the translated version of the TSR Interview (which I referenced a few times) in its entirety.

Here is Shadow's official character bio.

[danses-with-dogmeat]

C is for -- Charon

Oh, Charon 🥺

I just adore this guy, and still, I cannot believe how close it was between him and Boone on this poll. But either way is a win in my book, really😅

And here is the 2k event masterlist, for your browsing pleasure!

But I hope y'all love this! Just make sure to check out the rating 😉

--

Pair: Charon x F!Lone

Dialogue Prompt: “Can you just hold me for a moment?”

Word: Care

Rating: NSFW

Category: Fluff

Word Count: 1.6k

NSFW below, minors, please do not interact!

“Charon–”

Lone’s strained voice sent another shock down the ghoul’s searing spine. He gritted his teeth, his strong fingers clenching her thigh tightly where he held her legs open for him, where his broad hips slotted between them with every forceful thrust.

“Say it again.” He growled, his grip like iron, his expression focused on staving off that great feeling of release, in favor of tipping his partner over the edge first and foremost. 

“Charon, fuck,” She breathed out heavily, her mesmerizing chest rising and falling rapidly with his jostling, with her own jerky movements, the bucking of her hips pushing him deeper into her, and following him still as he pulled back. 

Close. She’s so close. 

Charon's eyes closed briefly, as he allowed his head to fall back, to soak in the mere feeling of her body beneath his. The warmth of her thighs and her ass, pressed flush against him, the softness of her smooth skin against his own rugged planes of flesh, his firm, calloused hands pressing divots into her yielding plushness.

The small, stone room within the abandoned house reeked of their lewd activities, and in it, he felt the slickness of her sweat, he reveled in the sweet sound of her keening moans, and the way her walls gripped him… Like she never wanted him to leave her. 

It took effort to haul himself in and out of her tightness, but the way she reacted when he hit that sweet spot deep inside her, when the roughness of his skin rubbed her just right, he couldn’t take it. 

Charon’s eyes sprang open again, his grip on her thigh tightened to the point of bruising, and he brought his free hand to her center. Expertly, his fingers delved between her lower lips, and began to press firm circles over the sensitive nub he found there. 

He braced himself again, as Lone’s hips flew up off the old, creaky mattress, her own fingers tightening against the fabric until they paled, her eyes rolling back as lightning seemed to explode up her spine. 

Charon groaned at the way her heat pulsed around him, as she came undone with the press of his fingers. He held onto her tightly as she rode out her pleasure, his stark eyes unblinking as he absorbed the rapturous sight beneath him. He usually made it a point not to ogle his employer– his partner. 

Right.

‘Were together now,’ she’d told him. Almost a month ago; still, for one as old as him, one who was as set in his ways as a person could be, it took Charon some getting used to. 

But he respected the hell out of her, no matter the nature of her personal relation to him. He’d seen enough of the way the other wasteland assholes treat young women, he’d ended enough of those interactions himself… He wouldn’t be a part of that problem, not like others had sometimes forced him to be. And yet… There were certain special times, where he let his eyes linger on her seemingly just as disrespectfully, where he let those feelings surrounding her engulf him, he let the sensations flow through his body and become evidence of the attraction he felt for her. 

But therein lay the difference between him and them. He'd never disrespect her, beyond a bit of a gawking look, that is. But beyond that? Charon would give his life for Lone, and not just because of that scrap of paper she held. He would do or be whatever she needed most, any time that she asked, simply because she was Lone, and the way she allowed him to be this?

To show her how he felt, truthfully?

She was the first smoothskin– or person Charon felt this sort of affection for in… who the hell knows how long?

Now was one of those times, though. When-- despite his respect, his affection, the rareness, the novelty of being with her in the first place-- he let himself really look at her. The way her breasts heaved, glossy and picturesque with sweat, the way her delicate brows furrowed and shielded her eyes from him, the way her mouth hung open, releasing wanton gasps that, when they met Charon's ears, left his stomach tightening and his cock throbbing with need. Need to tip over his own threshold and into the same such pleasure he saw her enveloped in. 

“Lone…” Charon’s low voice sounded from his chest, and he felt another shudder pass through her body and into his. Felt that heavenly gush of slick around him, felt the way she constricted him again, before her body fell, lax and tingling, back against the mattress. 

Her eyes blinked open, dark and sensual with the way her pupils were blown out with the pleasure he’d just wrought from her. 

“Hm?” She hummed, almost absently. 

“Where?” His bright, intense eyes stayed locked to her glossy ones as he began to thrust into her relaxed body once again, with a renewed vigor. Lone grimaced slightly as she felt his cock drag along her walls, feeling every rough sensation amplified by her own recent release. 

“A-anywhere, just– ah, just not inside.” 

He gave a gruff nod, before setting his grip upon her hips, and pulled her forward into him, instantly picking up his pace as she gripped onto the mattress for dear life. 

“God, Charon. Fuck, not too–” 

“Almost. There.” He grunted, feeling his member swelling further with each harsh thrust, each blissful drag of her hot, tight walls around him. 

He slammed in, one more time, before fully wrenching his cock out of her, just in time to spill his release onto the foot of the mattress. 

Charon continued kneeling, allowing himself just a moment to breathe, to let that feeling of relief wash over him as one hand gripped his throbbing member, giving it a couple final jerks, until he was fully spent. His eyes darted to Lone, noting the way small tremors still ran through her body, and damn-near smirking at that blissed out look upon her face. 

She’d closed her eyes, he noticed, as he stood up and gathered his clothes, already beginning to dress and prepare to take watch while his partner slept soundly behind him. 

He’d only managed to haul his pants up over his hip bones, when he heard a small voice sound through the dim. 

“Charon?” 

“Hm?” He stepped over to the mattress, his brow furrowed as he looked down at her. 

Lone’s hair was mussed, her eyes tired, her voice almost as raspy as his own. 

She needs to rest, after all that. 

He had to stop himself from looking visibly pleased at the thought.

“Do you… do you have to go on watch right now?” 

Charon knelt down, as she sat up on the mattress. Meeting one another in the middle.

Distractedly, the ghoul found his hand moving to her arm, rubbing over a healing mark there. Maybe from some scuffle with raiders or mirelurks, maybe from him, he didn’t know. 

Have to be more careful… He recalled his grip on her thigh earlier, and on her hips. She’ll bruise from that, too. 

“Charon?” 

Her voice hit him, and he looked back up to her with a shrug. 

He should go on watch. It’s what he was supposed to do, if he was going to protect her. But the terms of their agreement had changed so much over the months… 

“Well… Instead of that, do you think you could, um…” 

She was always so strong, outspoken, usually so direct. It had surprised him in the beginning, knowing the soft vault life she’d come from. But he’d always admired it. 

This behavior though… It was strange. 

“Is something wrong?” He heard himself ask, even as one rough hand continued to stroke over her skin. 

“N-no, I just… Can you just hold me? For a moment? It doesn’t have to be long, but…” 

“Yes.” He stopped her. It sounded as though she were going to explain herself, try and justify this request, that to any other partner should be more than reasonable. It was expected, he was sure. 

But with me… 

Not for the first time in their relationship, not even for the first time that night, Charon found himself wondering what she saw in him. What she wanted from him. 

But this… in a way, it helped him understand. 

She truly sees me as her partner. Not an asset, not a bodyguard or a beast of burden, not a weapon, not a means to an end.

But an equal. 

It was something that was going to take some getting used to. 

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, or anything. I know we’re never mushy like this, really, but I don’t know, tonight, I just…” 

“It’s alright.” 

Lone moved over a bit on the mattress, making room for his bulk as Charon settled, albeit a bit uncomfortably, beside her. The mattress stopped supporting him almost as high as his knees, but Charon tried not to pay mind to it. 

No, like he had earlier, he tried to ground himself in her. 

Lone moved closer to him as he settled, and Charon’s arm snaked around her shoulders as her hands seamlessly wound about his bare waist. Her puffy cheek pressed into the firmness of his chest, and he felt the soft puffs of breath over his ruined skin lulling him into a blissful state of quietude. 

A heavy sigh escaped her, and he felt any stiffness left in her body vacate, as she melted into his shared contact. 

It was something he never knew he might come to enjoy. Never dared to want, not with the people he usually found himself close to. But this… Charon felt that he may just be able to get used to it.

[garak]

No, I do not know your answer. Which is it? Top Madara or Bottom Madara? And why.

clearly you are not following me if you dont know but ill humor you since i like to talk about him anyways. under the cut since i dont think the world necessarily wants to be exposed to my analysis on this subject

i should clarify first that i don't see madara with anyone but hashirama, so this is going to be focused on their dynamic.

as any dedicated judas follower knows i am the worlds foremost madahashi crusader i am 100% on team madara tops. ive talked a little about this before because the way hsrm is characterized in stuff where he tops is very strange to me... while obviously our cultural association of bottoming with submission is rooted in misogyny, madara himself is a misogynist, so i do think he would still view things this way. madara is an extremely domineering person who refuses to submit to anyone else's will (besides, of course, izuna's, and unwittingly to kaguya's, but neither of those examples are particularly relevant here). hashirama, on the other hand, repeatedly shows us that he is a relatively submissive person through his interactions with madara, the other kage, etc. with the most relevant scene being madara's defeat after izuna's death where he refuses to concede without first turning it on hashirama, with hashirama willingly turning the knife on himself to win madara over (penetration metaphor? lol). madara's whole thing is literally world domination lol he loves control and wants to be in control at all times... while he enjoys a challenge and hashirama not being a complete pushover is an important part of their relationship, hes still very much so the more dominant of the two.

how this translates sexually obviously is not a perfect one to one, but i do think madara wouldn't want to bottom because he's sensitive to the idea of being dominated in a way that hashirama isnt - it's the dominance of the senju over the uchiha that ultimately drives him away from the village, while hashirama doesn't seem to be thinking in those terms the same way madara is. i think he would see hashirama topping as sort of a microcosm of the relationship between senju and uchiha in a way that would discomfort him, especially if this is during hashirama's time as hokage. maybe in another world where the uchiha were on equal footing as the senju (i.e. a hokage madara au) he would eventually be willing to switch but if hashirama is hokage there's no shot madara would let him top. hashirama doesn't have these same hang ups and i dont think he would view their relationship through that lens at all so he would only have all the normal weird feelings about bottoming that a man of his time and position would have (though in actual historical japan in the late sengoku early edo period having sexual relationships with other men was much less stigmatized). hashirama would probably be more hung up on the idea that he's not producing heirs.

in general i think their dynamic really depends on the time frame in which it's taking place (or au, if applicable), but even in a vacuum, i prefer madara to top because i want to see hashirama bouncing and moaning on it sorry. i think the general desire for madara to be on bottom comes from the general theme of uchiha men having to be on the bottom and because people want to see him as the big bad villain be "put in his place" by the good guy (though of course any true hashirama fan knows hes not the good guy lol). i think people also just like the idea of a role reversal since madara is so obviously domineering, but again i dont think he would allow himself to be put in that position unless the situation was really really different. his death being penetration from behind while obviously unintentional on kishimoto's part i think speaks to this - only at his very weakest and only through trickery can this occur.

i get that hashirama and madara fucking is well within the realm of fantasy land, so technically canon doesn't matter, but i like these characters because of their canon personalities so when those are thrown to the side it's just not as appealing to me. it should also be noted that i'm also still a sasunaru in 2025 so my preferences obviously follow a trend. what can i say i think its beautiful when men with incredible amounts of power willingly submit to other men who the rest of the world sees as lesser than them. is that so wrong...

[i-sveikata]

Hey!

I’ve been reading your fic for a year now—I used to comment as Jackdaw but recently changed my nickname. It always brings me so much joy to see a notification for a new chapter. I can’t even express how happy it makes me! I really admire your work. I wanted to ask you two questions; how do you stay on track writing this fic for such a long time? And do you have any advice for a starting author? Stay blessed and merry Christmas, Jackdaw/Sarina

Oh hello! God it’s so crazy that I’ve been writing it for that long but thank you so much!

That’s a really good question! I’d say it’s honestly a few things but the main fact is I’m interested in the pairing and how they might possibly fall in love after such a messed up start and that’s kind of been the driving force of the fic. So even though I’m posting chapter by chap I’m also writing future scenes past the current chap which kind of always leaves me with somewhere interesting to write in the story? Like say if I’m doing plot heavy stuff and I’m not feeling very invested or have the energy I’ll instead move down the doc and write a tension filled scene that captures my attention and keeps me engaged even if it’s happening way in the future. It’s very easy to write when you have so many scenarios on the brain at least for me.

But keeping it up means having to write character or fact notes at the beginning of the fic so I don’t forget them and even writing plot points of things that need to happen at the beginning of every chap before I continue writing it. When I feel like I might be losing the thread of the story I just go back and read what has already been posted (and what stuff I might have forgotten about lol terrible memory here) and that will help keep me on track.But yeah it’s also very very important to take breaks.

This has been a huge undertaking and if I hadn’t allowed myself the time to rest when necessary I might not have felt inspired to keep going tbh so that has been a pretty crucial part to it. The interactions with the readers make it especially fun but I’m also very very careful not to get too reliant on the response/ comments because whilst great and encouraging and really makes it feel worth it- that’s not enough to keep me motivated. Every time I’m writing a story it’s for me and how everyone receives it is just a fun bonus at the end and that makes it very easy to focus on the journey/ joy of it rather than the end result (ie how quickly people get to read the chaps, many people engage with it and like it and comment and how many kudos it gets etc)

For a starting author my best advice would be to sit down and consider what you like to read first and foremost because I truly believe if you’re not being engaged by your own story it’s so much harder to even get the thing finished and you might not love the end result in the same way as you would if you were following what appeals to you about a story first. If you’re unsure of what you like in a story then you need to get reading!!! And start reading as much as you can from a range of different genres. It’s so so important to read if you want to be an author because the more you do the more obvious it becomes to you what can really work for a story and what doesn’t. Then it’s just about finding or creating a story that really speaks to you.

It’s like working a muscle honestly and you’re not going to build that muscle or finish the work out if you get bored in between it- the whole process needs to be fun for you not a chore!! My second bit of advice will be just to write as fearlessly as you can. You won’t learn how to be a writer or how to get better at it if you don’t first put something out into the universe (and that doesn’t even necessarily mean you have to share your first story if you don’t want I just mean you need to create it first). And you won’t do that if you’re too focused on making it perfect and trying not to fail. But you have to fail to write! You have to write cringy sucky stuff until you find you’re own groove and begin to develop your own skills and preferences in a story but if you’re too bogged down in the ‘making it perfect’ element you won’t write anything at all! So my second piece of advice is truly don’t be afraid to suck. Just finish your story and then wait for the next lot of brainworms to inspire you for another and then keep going!! Write write write!!