#I literally have no choose but to desperately think as positive as I can because for me it’s not a choice but a matter of saving my life

[venusskissed]

𝐏𝐀𝐂 - 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟖+

🪽 this pick a pack/pile is focusing on your FS’ sexual energy towards you in (or out) of the bedroom. or, if you aren’t too curious of your FS or not into marriage you can replace it with someone you are interested in/your soulmate/life long partner. whatever suits your cup pretty doll. 🫶🏻

#P01 #P02 #P03

 — ౨ৎ : close your eyes and take a deep breath, then choose the pile your eyes landed on. it’s also fine to choose multiple or the one you felt drawn to from the get go either because of intuition or something else. do what best suits you. 💖

🧾ㅤㅤ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. This is an intimate pile for adults. There is a reason for that, it is not meant to be viewed by minors as it’s too explicit and not meant for you. I don’t care if you think you are mature or ready to view it, these warnings exist for a good reason.

pile 01

⠀.⠀.⠀.⠀⠀💭 ace of swords, the star, ace of pentacles, wolf, swan, rat

please keep in mind that this is a very general reading, a lot of things will come through and some of it will resonate while some things might not. focus on things that do, as they are meant for you and the rest is possibly for somebody else.

hello my beautiful pile one! 🫶🏻 right of the bat I can tell that your chosen one thinks the world of you. in their eyes you are the most beautiful woman/man/person that there ever was or will ever be. some of you might agree with this, some of you might not, but that doesn’t matter. nothing in this world can make them change their opinion of you, they love every curve of your body, the feeling of your skin, your scent, the way you talk and the way you move they can’t help but get needy by it. you make them horny but in a really desperate way. even if your body isn’t curvy there is something about it that they can’t get out of their head; to them it’s just simply perfect.

they might even fantasise about you quite often, if not on the daily. the thought of you could very easily make them hard/wet. not in a slight way, rather very visibly and faster than they would like to admit. for most people this is a man, or someone who was born as one so they could often fantasise about slowly entering you and then fastening up the pace to drive you crazy, or if it’s a woman they could want you to do this to them. (for the submissive sapphic women & submissive straight men this is still very possible through pegging 🫶🏻) the thing they seem to enjoy about it is the visuals of you being hard/wet or perhaps the wetness, cum or lube creating a shine on your bodies which makes it aesthetically appealing. as well as your noises! they really like your moans, sighs, whines and perhaps even screams.

they seem to worship your body, mind and soul pile one. and while I know a lot of readings say that it is with a good reason. in their eyes you are the star, it doesn’t get better than you and they don’t even want it to. they are very much in awe by everything you do. I can see you arching your back a lot in pleasure, exposing your entire body to them while they are thrusting inside you/going down on you and their mind goes foggy because they just adore every single little thing about you. they don’t know if they should continue, do something else for bigger reactions or touch your beautiful body all over. (their words, in no way am I trying to sexualise you.)

while we are at that topic they also seem to have a strong desire to let you know they would do anything for you. literally anything you ask as long as it’s nothing too extreme. they would even switch positions for you (if they are a dom become submissive for you and wise versa), try out things they didn’t hear of before and what you might be curious of, try out things they aren’t into (public, swallowing, letting you have full control if you wish etc.).. your wish is their command, truly.

they might even get mad if anything or anyone interrupts them from giving you the utmost pleasure that you deserve. not in a toxic way, but rather they want to give you all the attention that you deserve. not a single thing can get their mind off you, and they don’t want to let you go ‘just yet’. they might be someone who enjoys making the entire process long when possible, could possibly be into rounds. they want to be the best you ever had. your best choice ever. your greatest. anything of those lines.

their higher self also wants to brag a bit, it’s kinda funny. however it’s not with any bad intentions, they just want you to know that they are capable of pleasing you and they will. the thing they really want to brag about is their body. If you have a preference for men their private era could be really big and whatever you consider pretty. big as in long and possibly thick too. if you have a preference for women their chest era could be bigger and their skin could be really smooth. (again, I am in no way trying to sexualise you or your FS, it’s just something they want you to know.)

they could also be protective of you in general. for some of you this person is a few years older than you so that might be the reason why. they can see through certain situations than you do thus having this desire to take care of you, to be there for you! this would translate into the bedroom too, they will always make sure you are comfortable, enjoying yourself and feel the absolute best you can. very big on after care too, they will massage your body if it’s sore, watch things with you, talk with you and reassure you. tell you what’s in their heart, how well you did and how much they love you. their favourite would be cuddling with you, possibly spooning while having deep heartfelt conversations with you. they are truly your lover boy/girl/person. hopelessly devoted to you~

this pile also has a very healing energy for the both of you. either you, them or possibly both of you. although the energy is coming through more for them for majority of this pile. though, you know yourself best, if you know this will be a healing connection for you I will trust you. 🫶🏻

your person could have had a past experience that left them quite scarred and have an unhealthy relationship with sex and intimate things in general. there are mixed messages coming through but for majority of this pile they became closed off and unwilling to look at it as anything that could possibly be a positive thing. for a very small portion of the readers it’s the opposite, meaning they could have became over sexual. (or possibly you two could be opposites, you have to trust your intuition with this.) either way it affected their mental health quite a lot. now I am not saying they would rely on you entirely to make their life better, to heal them completely and always drop anything for them. they aren’t asking you to push your limits. rather they gain energy from you being yourself. your words, actions, behaviour, opinions and the way you are will make them realise that they aren’t as repulsed by intimacy as they thought. that it’s okay to have natural urges and don’t be too hard on themselves since it. more than anything this feels like letting go of shame and allowing one’s self to live.

𐙚ᅠ what are their kinks?

there is a lot coming through this pile so please bear with me sweet sweet dolly 🫶🏻

first and foremost hair pulling seems to be a kink of theirs. not something they are huge on but do a lot regardless. possibly not even noticing that you are doing it or wishing for it. doesn’t seem to be a fetish they just enjoy it quite a lot.

something they are consciously loving is breeding kink though. which, might sound scary or possibly very unpleasant for many people reading this but don’t worry, they just enjoy the feeling of cumming inside you/you having an orgasm inside them. (I am really sorry for saying it that way, there is really no nicer way to say it.) so, they just really enjoy creampies. so make sure to keep yourselves protected my beautiful pile one!!! 🫶🏻 (most of you won’t listen but it’s okay.)

they might just really be into cum play in general.

size kink seems to be their thing too! it could manifest in many different kind of ways such as height difference or being aroused by the size of specific body parts. & for the people who are nervous about the height difference thing.. they mean well, nothing harmful! they might just really enjoy feeling needed and as if they can protect their partner. they want you to rely on them and feel safe, and to them personally this would be a visual representation of it.

they might really be into relationship dynamics such as gloomy x excited one, sunshine x sunshine protector, mean x sweet one. (if you have a hard time imagining this think of jade x cat or ymir x krista)

and of course, for some of you they could have a worship kink.

other things that might be relevant: ‘nah, baby I am a train wreck too. I loose my mind when it comes to you. I take my time with the ones I choose and I don’t want a smile if it ain’t from you’, red, doodle?, ‘take a hint’, plush fish/shark, jelly, cold, pom-poms, boyloves, cars, multilingual, chain, cross

🦢 that is all my beautiful pile one! thank you for your precious time, I hope you enjoyed this PAC! 🫶🏻 please keep in mind that this is a reading on current energies, these can change anytime! I am sorry for any spelling mistakes as english isn’t my first language and I haven’t proof read yet! 💖

︶֪︶︶֪︶︶︶֪︶︶֪︶︶ིྀ︶︶֪︶︶︶֪︶︶֪︶︶֪︶

pile 02

⠀.⠀.⠀.⠀⠀💭 five of swords, the tower, nine of cups, deer, monkey, lady bird

please keep in mind that this is a very general reading, a lot of things will come through and some of it will resonate while some things might not. focus on things that do, as they are meant for you and the rest is possibly for somebody else.

⚠️: I can see that some of you who chose this pile are in abusive relationships. If that’s not you, that’s wonderful. however if you unfortunately resonate with that and feel like you have to do stuff you don’t want to please leave or reach out to trusted sources for help.

hello my beautiful pile two 🫶🏻 first of all I would like to say that wow, this is so much different from pile one. this one shocked me quite a lot because I didn’t expect it. before you continue I would like to warn that this pile is very kinky, for half of you your person is heavily into bdsm and for the other half.. well, they are still very kinky just not to the extremes. so if you are uncomfortable with such things I recommend stepping away as this might not be your pile or just to wait until you are ready to read about it. of course, it’s your choice I just felt like some people reading this are inexperienced or aren’t used to a person like this.

with that said, I know some of you are rolling your eyes ‘but I would like that-‘ stop ✋ that was not for you bby, whatever you are into (I hope) comes right now.

I would like to start with saying your person has a degradation kink. mostly in a verbal way, they could have a preference for giving too. I don’t see them minding receiving, but they prefer to give it. such as slapping you during the act, dirty talk, speaking down on you, possibly spitting on you and cursing at you. there is a very assertive and aggressive energy here.

although I would like to say that they wouldn’t proceed to do any of it without your consent or permission. this person still seems loving, caring, thoughtful and attentive of your needs. they find you hot and adore your body. they just happen to have rough preferences.

they could like positions that require back hugs while thrusting inside you/being thrusting into. so possibly something that involves spooning so they can kiss your cheek or neck during it. shoulders too.

for most of you your fs/chosen person could go out of their way to make you feel loved after a rough round as they could have a tendency to challenge your limits. so they could possibly prefer to have second rounds or a make out session after so they can make you feel loved, appreciated and so you are aware that they don’t want to harm you or wish bad for you. of course, they wouldn’t neglect after care it’s just their way of making sure you know they do love you.

I also heard ‘it’s all just a play’ so they could be really into role playing, especially things that show a clear power dynamic between you two. so after all that they could/will possibly kiss your body all over while praising you and expressing their affection for you.

however they are still very kinky and before any of that could happen they will be making a mess out of you. for some of you they could want to tie you up (your wrists) with ropes or those adult play handcuffs.. you know, with some fluff. blindfold you and just hit it from behind (literally how their guides said it) while whispering into your ear. they seem to have an enjoyment of triggering your senses. it turns them on because it turns you on. they also enjoy seeing your body shiver and be more sensitive as it usually would be. they could be into overstimulation too, honestly.

gender doesn’t really seem to play a role here because they would want to do these things to you either way. though if you are a man or was born as one I would like to point out they would really like to tease your balls (might like to suck on it), and they could possibly want to ride you while you are blindfolded.

unfortunately I am not too similar with the name of toys so you will have to bear with me here.. </3 if you are a man/was born as one your person definitely wants to try out a cock ring (?) on you as long as you allow them, if you are a woman/was born as one they could possibly want you to wear those panty vibrators they can control. now I really don’t know the name of this one but do you know the name of those bdsm balls that goes into the mouth? it has straps at the side. they could be into that too

they could also look at you as a prize, not in a toxic way though but rather that they are the only one allowed to touch, see and make you feel this way. It makes them feel fulfilled, it feeds their ego and they honestly love it. they might even like to have public sex or make you so loud the whole neighbourhood hears you. or at least fantasise about it. they want everyone to know you are theirs and no one else can have you. maybe they want people to see you? but not your naked body, just enough to know they are making you feel good, driving you crazy.

If you have ever read ‘painter of the night’ your person reminds me of seungho. their ego, kinks, acts of affection, jealousy, possessiveness, stamina and teasing seem to be pretty much similar.

I also want to point out that the reason your FS/chosen person would go this far it that they are aware that you have been fantasising about such things for a while but couldn’t exactly get the chance to live it out. in fact many people who chose this pile might be virgins, curious, curious ones. (ofc not all of you.) so in a way they just want to please you, allow you to live your wildest fantasies out. of course, they enjoy it too but their focus is fully on you.

you might be someone that has really specific kinks but is shy about them and doesn’t have anyone to talk with about it or perhaps any way to healthily live it out. so they want to be there for you, be the one.

they want you to trust them, show you how good they can make you feel and that they are always ready to pleasure you whenever you need them. just say the words and they are on their knees.. or whatever position you want them to be in.

𐙚ᅠ what are their kinks?

I feel like we have pretty much everything since your person doesn’t seem to look at sex as a deeper spiritual/emotional act aside from taking care of your needs and making sure you know they do love you wholeheartedly, but I will still try to do my best to gather/organise everything that comes through.

bdsm. self explanatory, they mostly want to use toys on you and trigger your senses in order for you to feel everything in a deeper manner. (as in more intensely)

edging! they could/will/do enjoy teasing your body and withholding you from orgasming multiple times. they enjoy to see your body shake under their touch and hear your whines. and of course, they enjoy that it makes your orgasms more intense/stronger.

blindfolds. being blindfolded or blindfolding you.. they don’t really care, they just enjoy it being involved.

possibly being watched. it’s like bragging to them, rubbing it into people’s face (not literally..), making sure they know that your person owns you.

consensual r-*play. this is for a very small portion of you but if this doesn’t seem like your thing please do not force yourself to do things just for the sake of pleasing others. if it’s something you are into I won’t judge, just be safe.

other things that might be relevant: 80s/90s/00s songs or era in general, gojo, playlist, bts, butterfly, barbie phone (??), diary, manifestation, shy, shine, that one scene in euphoria, back massage, spanking, marks, snap, sounds, fantasia (?)

🦢 that is all my beautiful pile two! thank you for your precious time, I hope you enjoyed this PAC! 🫶🏻 please keep in mind that this is a reading on current energies, these can change anytime! I am sorry for any spelling mistakes as english isn’t my first language and I haven’t proof read yet! 💖

︶֪︶︶֪︶︶︶֪︶︶֪︶︶ིྀ︶︶֪︶︶︶֪︶︶֪︶︶֪︶

pile 03

⠀.⠀.⠀.⠀⠀💭 justice, king of swords, two of cups, monkey, owl, camel

please keep in mind that this is a very general reading, a lot of things will come through and some of it will resonate while some things might not. focus on things that do, as they are meant for you and the rest is possibly for somebody else.

hello my beautiful pile three! 🫶🏻 this is by far the calmest pile, there is a very calm, sure, confident and well balanced out energy here, it’s honestly quite refreshing.

are you a person who asks for signs a lot? because some people’s guides here seem pretty annoyed. they have been sending them but you either ignore them or miss them so they would like to kindly ask you to please pay attention to this reading! unfortunately it might be shorter than the other two piles but regardless I will try to expand on things as much as possible.

so, first of all I would like to start of with that this person is older than you so this is definitely an age gap relationship. I am talking older than 6 years~ they seem like a very serious person and quite honestly their current energy is stressed.

I don’t think they are focused on sex, or intimate things in general at the moment. they have very little experience and for some of you they have been saving themselves for marriage. (yes, even if they are older.) this could be either because of religious reasons or their very own principles. either way they look at sharing their body with someone as something very intimate, special, something that only the love of their life is deserving of. they look at it in a very precious light, it’s something they treasure.

now, they do not mind if you have more experience than them. it’s just that for them there needs to be a special connection before they allow someone to have access to their body and the other way around. they don’t wish to engage in anything sexual or intimate (so, even if it’s a kiss.) unless they are in love with the person. if there are no mutual feelings involved this person will one hundred precent be uninterested. so, I will be honest with you pile three, your future spouse/chosen person might very well be demisexual. (for those who are unaware it’s a form of asexuality. demisexual people can still have and enjoy sex, however they will need a strong bond in order to go that far. I recommend searching it up if that resonates. 🫶🏻)

because of this they might be unaware of some if not most of their kinks. or even be lost about why some things might be appealing to people. their energy is really disinterested.

not necessarily in you though. for you pile three they would be shy, needy and want to try out many things. it’s just that they have zero desires aside from you. you will awaken a lot of things inside them, make them realise many things about themselves that they never had any idea about. for some of you, you might be the first person (and probably last) to ever get them hard/wet or possibly you would be the first ever reason they orgasm. it’s not like they have problems, your body just has that kind of affect on them.

they find you beautiful, every inch of you. they could really like your waist and skin. if you have a darker skin tone (tan to black) they are over the moon. not in a fetish kind of way, they just find you beautiful. your beauty is enough to turn them on honestly, you don’t even have to be naked. If you are though they will be the neediest, clingiest person ever. kissing every inch of your body between praises. sucking and biting your skin as they grab your thighs, ass, waist, play with your chest.. whatever you let them. they just want to feel you under their hands. to know you are there, to know you are theirs.

they also really like the way you taste, especially if you like sweets. (they just really wanted me to highlight this… do some of you like pineapples?)

if you are on the chubbier side they love it. some of you might be really anxious about your body type but they honestly think you are the most beautiful ever. at times they could/will stare at you in awe, checking you up and down and getting turned on just by the sight. might even bite their lip. they seem to really really like your stomach, waist, hips and butt. their energy is still shy but they are one horny mf.

they will want to make love to you on some kind of desk, possibly have many fantasies of it. (not exactly the words their guides used, but it felt wrong to use for this pile.) honestly some of you might be coworkers even despite the age gap.

despite their lack of experience they seem to know what they like, which is you bending over and screaming their name while you whine, moan and cry uncontrollably from pleasure.

do you guys know that one ship that started as a joke? nanami x tiana. you two remind me of that.

𐙚ᅠ what are their kinks?

possibly something with clothes. maybe massaging them through pants/skirt or having sex with clothes on. they seem to be curious of ripping them off you too but they are unsure if they would like the after math of it. (aka destroyed clothes)

they seem to have a thing for sun x moon dynamic. as in polar opposites. it could possibly turn them on for some reason. (ofc they still want to have things in common)

possibly blowjob under the desk while they are working.. they seem to be curious about how far they could go before it gets too good? as in before the feeling of pleasure makes it impossible to focus.

unfortunately I cannot tell you more than this as they seem very unsure too. </3

other things that could be relevant: ‘finally your dreams come true’, princess and the frog (seriously), ‘almost there, closer closer everyday’, sneezes, scarfs & earmuffs, eyeshadow, dinner date, romance/romantic/romantica, books, acts of service, sweets

🦢 that is all my beautiful pile three! thank you for your precious time, I hope you enjoyed this PAC! 🫶🏻 please keep in mind that this is a reading on current energies, these can change anytime! I am sorry for any spelling mistakes as english isn’t my first language and I haven’t proof read yet! 💖

#tarot #tarot cards #tarotblr #tarot reading #intuitive #pick a card #pick a pile #pick a picture #pick an image #spirituality #free tarot #free tarot reading #collective #message for the collective #astroblr #astrology #astro community

[crystaldivination]

𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐀 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎: 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 💌

𓈒 ˙𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𓈒 ˙

Hello beautiful souls, I hope you had an amazing day! I feel called out to do a reading on this topic so here it is. Maybe it’s something that needs to be get off of the chest. Reblogs, likes and follows are highly appreciated. Stay hydrated always and don’t forget to shine my little stars ✦

★ my other pacs • paid services • leave me a 👛

© 2023 Crystaldivination | All rights reserved.

How to choose your pile? As alwavs meditate or close vour eyes before looking at each picture. Trust your intuition and pick out a picture you feel the most drawn to.

The piles

from left -> right

Disclaimer: this is a general reading which may or may not resonate with you. Take what resonates and leave out anything that doesn't. Feel free to choose another pile if you'd like.

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐍𝐄

My dear, I miss you so much. It aches me that you’re still not here with me now. I know that we still have a lot of things to do for ourselves in order to be together but I just want you so much. I want you laying in my arms now, I just need to hold you for a while but I know I can’t and that makes me so sad. When will we be together?… I know I shouldn’t be so desperate. I know I shouldn’t rush. Believe me I want us to last for a long time if not for eternity but I feel so lonely nowadays, if only you can be by my side… but I won’t be weak. I will be strong enough to be able to wait for you so please do the same for me too, okay? We are meant to be together so nothing can stand in our way. I believe in that. Until then take care of yourself and be happy as much as you can. I need to know that you’re well. Reassure me that you are, so that I don’t need to be worried about you all the time. Trust me, you’re on my mind 24/7. You’re my dream person. Sending you all the good things in the world.

I love you my darling.

[CRYSTAL’S NOTE] I think your significant one is likely going through a spiritual or emotional transformation/ transition right now so send them all the positive and lovely energy you can to support them. They do need it. Mark it with something they’d know it’s from you.

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐖𝐎

My love, I think about you often. How are you doing these days? Do you eat properly at the right time? Go out in the sun. Don’t stay in your room even if you don’t feel the need or desire to get out. Fresh air will make you feel happier. I promise. I hope you take good care of yourself. You know that’s the only thing that gives me reassurance right? I can’t see you nor pamper you myself so you have to do it all by yourself now. Just until I’m beside you then I’ll make sure you feel like a princess every minute. I’m your servant for life. I can’t wait to treat you like I’m supposed to. I’ve been waiting for this moment in my imagination my whole life. I can still wait, until you really appear in front of me. I know this sounds ridiculous and a lot of this might seem exaggerated but I really mean it. You might not believe me or you could even laugh at me, it doesn’t matter but do know that I’m really sincere with my words. This is all I want to tell you in this moment. I hope you feel better hearing these messages.

May this made your day, my love.

[CRYSTAL’S NOTE] Remember to take good care of yourself and love yourself enough for their sake because your significant other is someone who might be literally devastated if they knew you were struggling. They might have a developed intuition or spiritual awareness so they could be able to feel your energy through their chakra system which is why it could make them feel weak as well if you were down.

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

Baby, it’s me. It’s been a long time. How are you doing? I’m doing pretty well. Sometimes I feel a little bit lonely but I’m okay. I think of you from time to time. I have to be honest I don’t like to push myself to do anything that doesn’t feel natural. I know you’re there waiting for me and I’m here doing my job to get closer to you. I know what we both want and things always come at the right time so I believe we will be together (again) when the time is right. Do we decide when it’s time? Or is it divine timing? I don’t care but whenever you’re ready I am. I can feel our time coming nearer. I can already feel it close to me. I can’t wait for you. I have faith in us so I choose to trust the process. I know that no one or nothing can separate us. I’m so in love with you. Stay strong I’ll be by your side soon. I will never change my mind when it comes to you. I’m standing firm in my convictions so do you. When we do meet let us meet each other with a happy face, deal? A kiss to your cheek.

I’m forever yours, babe.

[CRYSTAL’S NOTE] Your significant other is really firm in their belief of you. They know what they want so nothing can shake them. They’re ready for you. I sense stubborn energy as well. You should know. Make whatever you think out of it.

© crystaldivination ── all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, edit, alter, or redistribute my work. Plagiarism in any form is prohibited.

#pac #pick a card #pick a card reading #pac reading #tarotcommunity #tarot reading #intuitive readings #pick a photo #tarotblr #pick a pile

[partycatty]

thinking about young mk11 johnny being a bad boyfriend then you meet him again years later when he’s mature and he REGRETS IT SO BAD

i have so many ideas but i can’t get them out recently so ur account gives me life lol <3

OUGH it aches in the bones

older!johnny cage > as the day you left

notes: oooghuig "in another life" trope hurts so BAD.

[ masterlist ]

• a military job wasn't in your grand plan, but a position opened for equipment maintenance it was hard to turn down the potentially heavy paycheck.

• you were buried in your paperwork, taking quick strides to your office to make sense of your diagnostics and order the proper parts for one of the on-field machines when you slam into what feels like a brick wall. just as the force of the blow sends you backward, a hand grabs your arm and suspends you mid-fall.

• you don't even have time to properly react to the scene, only opening your harshly clenched eyes to meet your savior.

• "sorry, i wasn't looking where i—" your apology was cut off when you properly processed just who was in front of you. even with the tattoo peeking through his shirt, you knew that face from anywhere. "johnny?"

• you expected johnny to not even remember you, maybe take a second to realize you weren't just a fan. this expectation is torn from you when he replies with your name, loud and clear. his eyes are wide. gently, he lets go of you to allow you to regain your footing, pulling away as if you were a glass doll bound to shatter.

• he looked the same as when you walked out, perhaps a little more weathered but glowing with charm and personality just as he did twenty odd years ago. thankfully, you thought, he never lost that puppy-like shine in his eyes.

• the moment was lost to him the second he locked eyes. just like that, a torrent of memories flooded back to him. you two were young, too young to be serious in his eyes. johnny was in his acting prime and he couldn't help but flaunt it. all those smiles and sparkly outfits for the cameras but as soon as you were behind closed doors you were nothing more but exhausted.

• "i can't keep living like my life is under a microscope," you huffed, shrugging off the luxury shawl johnny went through hell to make sure you'd have for the red carpet. "would it kill you to just settle down, slow down? i want kids, johnny! i want to go to the store without paparazzi up my ass, i don't need stalkers on our property, i don't need the gold and glamor all the damn time!"

• "well, that's on you for choosing a megastar!" johnny shouted back, undoing his tie in one harsh tug. "all you've ever done is complain when you are literally living large! mansions, super cars, money! and you're complaining."

• you spin around, a horrified expression on your face as you unpacked his wording. "i didn't choose a megastar," your voice drops, so angry you couldn't bring yourself to shout. "i chose john carlton. where the hell is he now, because all i see is a narcissistic child that refuses to grow up."

• you slide your engagement ring off and you slam it into the ground. johnny's eyes widen as he immediately drops to his knees, trying desperately to grasp at the ring as it rolls and spirals out of grasp. he curses to himself, then at you.

• "look at yourself," you grit your teeth. "you care more about a rock than your fiancée. we're done, johnny. you can go tell the media that, too, since that's all you care about."

• johnny blinks once, then twice. he swallows thickly.

• "i'm sorry," is all he can mutter out. god, how he wishes he could say more, but time felt nonexistent when looking at your face. you, however, didn't quite understand his meaning and brushed yourself off.

• "no, it's fine, really," you try to shove past him, anything to break this eye contact that feels as if it's pulling you apart piece by piece. as you think you're out of the weeds, his hand finds its place on your arm once more.

• "please look at me," he pleads, voice barely above a mumble. "i-i haven't seen you in..."

• "—twenty six years," you blink up at him, straining yourself so hard to not break down. "forget it."

• "i'm sorry," he emphasizes the phrase again. "i... i was an asshole, an arrogant, self-centered—"

• "johnny." you cut him off, face stern but voice soft. "it was so many years ago."

• "i know, i know, but — fuck — you've... you've been on my mind this entire time. you never left. god, when you left it felt like my entire... everything fell apart."

• you want to interject, stop him from this spiral, but you can tell he had it bottled up for so long, you'd be cruel to deny him of it now. that, and you had an unfortunate tendency to hear people out and forgive those who don't need your forgiveness.

• "when you walked out i realized just how good i could've had it. you were the only sane person in my world, you tried so hard to keep me in track but i was so afraid of being nothing that i... chose my priorities wrong. you know, i've kept your contact information, even... just in case."

• "i changed my number years ago, johnny. to stop the media from bugging me for a comment."

• "just another thing i fucked up," he runs a hand through his hair. "sorry, i don't mean to be all self destructive." he pauses, and eyes you down. you yourself aged well too, fine lines and trickles of grey hair peeking through your uniform hat. johnny chuckles dryly as his eyes focus on the little details. "you look just as beautiful as the day you left me."

• "don't do this," you quietly plead, eyes now feeling wet and face feeling hot. "not now. not after all this time."

• "i..." he swallows again, now averting his eye contact. the pause is long, and you almost considered walking away before he speaks up again. "i got married, by the way, though i'm sure you saw... in the news."

• "i haven't." johnny shoots a dubious look at you, then realizes you probably avoided his name like the plague in news articles.

• "my wife runs the army. my daughter is commander."

• "daughter?" now it was your turn to frown.

• "cass... cassandra?" johnny explains, though you sense a hint of shame in his tone. "cassie."

• "didn't strike you for a family man." the irony stings when it slips past your lips.

• "i didn't either," he wipes his face. "but i realized... far too late... that what i wanted more than a legacy for myself was a legacy for my family. i wanted my efforts to mean something. i wanted to better the world with more than just shitty movies."

• just as your turn rose to frown, now you couldn't help but let out a chuckle yourself. "your movies weren't shitty," you reply, smiling weakly. "i liked them."

• "no you didn't," his grin is teasing, and you notice just how deep his smile lines were. "no need to lie."

• "honest to god," you hold a hand up, swearing. "they were a nice escape from reality."

• his lips turn into a fine line. maybe your choice of wording was more painful than intended. his fists clench and unclench and you watch his mouth fight to get more words out.

• "i wish..." the always confident actor couldn't bring himself to look at you. "i wish i had grown up sooner, you know." johnny could be digging a dangerous hole, but he didn't care in the moment. he felt young again, nostalgic. "we could have had a life like this together, like you want... wanted."

• "you have that now," you get defensive, trying to put a barrier between his words and your heart. "a wife, a kid, a good job. you got what you wanted."

• "but it's not with you."

• whether it was dread or excitement, your heart flutters. was it really true that after all this time, he still wanted you, missed you like you missed his mature self? your thoughts of what could've been claw their way into your mind, and you feel hazy. your eyes wander around his form again, taking in his impressive physique, kind eyes, mature outfit... stopping at the ring finger. your breath feels sucked from your lungs when you pull yourself back to reality.

• "maybe in another life," you propose, a weak shrug tugging at your shoulders. "but i hope you know i don't... i don't regret what we had. our story, though, ended twenty six years ago, johnny. you're in a new chapter, enjoy it, okay?"

• the rejection at his desperation feels like a gunshot to the chest, like he could just die then and there. yeah, he had roots here, but if you had just asked him to run away with you, lord knows he'd consider it. but you wouldn't ask him to do such a thing, when he's finally got his shit figured out.

• another coworker enters the long hallway, entranced in their task that tears both of your attentions away from the heavy conversation. you know even still that his reputation is important, on screen and now off, too. so, you abandon the conversation as it stands, not giving johnny a chance to agree to your request and spin on your heel, returning to your own assignment and leaving him to his own. your head is down as you hug the papers, wishing to forget that you work with your ex-soulmate. it's an impossible task, really, when you catch his lingering cologne and scent on your body from his hold. that scent didn't change, either.

• johnny feels frozen in place, afraid to move and lose the moment where it stands. he watches you until you turn the corner, and listens for your footsteps until there isn't a trace of them anymore. his heart feels... heavy.

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat x reader #johnny cage #johnny cage x reader #mk11 #marley writes ☆

[brain-rot-central]

ok so has anyone made a list of things that Astarion said that had a different meaning than first thought?

For example, if you tell Astarion when you first meet that you’re Baldurian as well, he says they must not be in the same social circle. With the way he talks and dresses it seems like he’s implying you’re lower class, but later it becomes clear you’re not those petty criminals or brothel goers that he targets. (And there’s the separate “of course it’ll turn me into a monster” line that becomes obvious later.)

He reveals he fears breaking his nail to the dryad, and it seems shallow but we learn he’s traumatized by digging himself out of his coffin, and the year he endured being trapped inside a coffin and desperately scratching and breaking his nails off as punishment, which is also why he refuses to dig anyone out like Nere.

Also, he mentioned he targeted brothel visitors, and at first it sounds like he just waited outside those establishments for victims, but then if you visit the drow twins he mentions he never thought he’d be on the paying end, plus if you choose one of the twins then Astarion says you have a type for elven prostitutes. And if you really think about it, considering how Petras’ lines are similar to Astarion’s, it wouldn’t be weird to imagine Cazador forcing them to work at a brothel for a few years as training…

Some of Astarion’s lines have a lot to unpack

Many things Astarion says are doublespeak. It's a common coping mechanism used by trauma survivors to "make peace," in a way with what they went through. It's not until you've played through his whole story that you understand that, and honestly it breaks my heart. He has a lot of self-depreciating language. Little quips here and there where you realize he's not only commenting on the current situation but himself, as well.

The monster line in the beginning gets me the most, because he follows it up with, "What did I expect?" For the first time in 200 years, he's able to stand in the sun without burning. He's grappling with that entire realization while also readjusting to there being light and color in the world, and probably was looking at the whole Nautiloid experience as something slightly positive... only to learn that no, this is not something positive. In fact, it's horrendous, because if it's not rectified, he'll become a grotesque monster, worse than he already is. And idk, that guts me. He has this small glimmer of hope for the first time in two centuries, all to realize that it's a giant farce.

But, Astarion is also stubborn, so he holds onto this small glimmer of hope to see if there's a way he can work the tadpole to his advantage. So that he can continue to walk in the sun. Once he realizes that Cazador's compulsion has been interrupted due to the tadpole, he doubles down on wanting to keep the tadpole and control it.

Astarion's story is such a beautiful portrayal of what being in survival mode feels and is like. You're so entirely desperate to make it out of your current situation that you would quite literally give anything and everything to obtain it, even if it means burning the entire world down around you.

The elven prostitute line made me laugh when I first heard it; I knew he was referring to himself and trying to make some light humor about his past, but it's also heartbreaking to realize he sees himself as one. He hasn't yet taken the grace with himself to distinguish between being forced into that line of work vs who he actually is. The lines are still blurred.

I can't think about the intricacies of his background/personality too long, because it all feels way too familiar to me. To know even a smidge of the despair he probably felt for years and the constant mental and physical struggle he endured (there's even disordered eating/food insecurity in his back story too and no one really talks much about it; Cazador purposely kept all the spawn near-starving as a form of control).

Our boy was severely abused and neglected and I really just want to give him a fucking hug.

#astarion #trauma tw #i mean i totally get why he burns down the palace post game #i probably would too #like how could you not want to do that #neech's speeches #answered

[professional-demon-master]

Cutting you off pt3

Leviathan

Light angst/ fluff. Good ending !! GN reader

I had to change colors to avoid confusion lol

Levi was a jealous person. It didn’t took you long to notice that. I mean, he was literally envy incarnated and he did showed that pretty well.

Despite of that and the disastrous way you guys met, you did ended up having a good relationship with him. There were anime nights every week and at least one day you would dedicate to gaming with him.

At least there were when he actually approved your presence in his room

And it wasn’t even the fact that you were human, but he still hold a grudge at you for being a normie.

*And don’t get him wrong, he knows you watch animes and have enjoyed a manga or two and let’s not talk about you video games experience, but you’re still too normie for him.

And that’s way most of the time when you asked him to do anything together, he would take a long time before accepting, because he just couldn’t believe a normies like you would want to do activities with him.

Please! A normie like you asking him to see a new anime together? You’re probably joking.

You? Asking him how Henry 2.0 was doing? You were probably doing it to make fun of him!

But you still found patience to actually convince him that you just wanted to spend time with him and that it wasn’t a tactic to mock him later

Up until one disastrous day where everything went wrong

You couldn’t concentrate in class, you had a pop quiz and you had a ton of homework.

You were just praying for the day to be over so you could finally relax and spend time with Levi like you had planned two days ago, the new season of an anime you both liked was airing that day, and you were going to celebrate it by spending the day together.

After leaving school, you practically ran all the way from RAD to HoL, only stopping once you were in front of Levi's door answering his password to get there and finally relax.

“Hey Levi! Where were you after class? I had to drag Mammon all the way home because I couldn’t find you.”

He didn’t actually answered, but since he was looking at cd's you supposed he was too concentrated to actually answer you.

“You choosing what to watch? That’s wise, the new chapter won’t drop for another three hours”

…

“Levi?¨ Still nothing.

“You can just drop it, you know?”

“What?”

“I-I said you can drop it! The act!”

It was your time to be in silence. He turned around to look at you.

“Don’t act dumb! You know what I’m talking about!”

“I really don’t Levi. Please explain it to me”

He inhaled a little bit frustrated. “The act where you come in here pretending to be interested in my and my hobbies, wanting to watch an anime with me that you probably don’t even like!”

“Oh my… really? This again? It’s getting ridiculous, Levi.”

Levi dropped the cd's in his hands, position both arms at his side while walking towards you.

“You’re the one who’s acting ridiculous! Why pretend you like me?”

“I’m not pretending! I thought by now you would’ve realized I like spending time with you.” You explained, a little bit desperate this time.

“I know your type M-MC! Just pretending you’re interested, but you’re just passing the time cause I’m the only one who’s available right now!”

“Levi, what the fuck?” You frowned while painting your gaze locked with his. “I think I better leave”

“Yeah, there’s probably another demon you can throw yourself at by now”

You bit your tong to avoid answering. Levi often got into these moods and arguing with him was like yelling at a wall.

“You know what? Forget it, think whatever you want to think.” You opened the door and muttered an “asshole” before closing it behind you.

Levi knew it, he knew he was acting like an asshole and that it technically wasn’t your fault, but he had spent the whole day at RAD watching you pass the time with everybody else. Reading at the library with Satan, eating lunch with the twins, passing notes with Mammon during class and even walking through the halls with the angels. And please don’t even get him started on how you hugged Solomon during the morning after he gave you human realm chocolate he had retrieved for you!

Even though he knew he was in the wrong he couldn’t stop himself from thinking that MC was going to come to him and apologize at any moment. That’s how it worked before and he was almost sure that’s the way it was going to work now too.

Still, as time went by he was getting worried he had now scared you off for good.

It’s not like it was just an idea in his head, you were actively avoiding him now.

You stayed behind to watch Beer practice instead of meeting him after school to watch anime together, you had ramen dates with Mammon and even started watching movies with Satan! He didn’t bothered to pretend he thought they were lame normie movies, he still wanted you to watch them with him!

His breaking point came when he heard you laughing while playing video games with mammon and beel in the living room.

¨That’s enough! Stop it!¨ he sprinted to unplug the console before any of his brothers could stop him. Everyone stopped abruptly, not even having time to complain before Leviathan started yelling again. ¨I knew it wasn’t gonna be hard for you to replace me but this is enough!¨

You just watched him a little bit concerned, the brothers looked at each other a little bit confused by the sudden appearance of Levi’s temper tantrum and apparently not realizing it was directed to you.

“Man I swear Levi keeps gettin’ weirder by the day” Mammon whispered and frowned while he sunk by your side.

That same night, when you were in your room getting ready for bed you heard three little knocks in your door. You were pretty sure it had to be Mammon who was probably coming to spend time with you before falling asleep, a little ¨Come in¨ escaped your mouth almost in automatic.

“Hi” you lifted your head and observed Levi there, opening the door just enough so you could see his face. You kept quiet, and Leviathan took that as a sign to continue talking before his little window of bravery closed. “I-I wanted to say I’m sorry. About the game… and yelling at you… and, well, e-everything.”

You stood up from your seat at your bed and went started walking to the door without taking your eyes from him. Levi felt nervous and started playing with your doorknob while his gaze looked down.

“I-I know it was wrong, but I guess I was just… jealous. N-Not that it’s an excuse! I know you were just being your usual normie charming self. Just… sometimes it’s hard seeing you being so close with everybody, b-because I know they’re cooler than me, and that after spending enough time with them you’ll stop coming. Nobody would want to spend time with a yucky- eek!”

You interrupted him with a hug that caught him off guard. “Shut up”, you fix your posture so you could look at him without breaking the hug. “Levi I love spending time with you, and nothing will change that. C’mon, you know it.”

“B-But… I mean, you spent this last days just with my brothers and you looked just fine.” Levi spoke through scarlet cheeks and a little stutter. You gave him a sad smile.

“I mean… yeah, but they were just helping me pass the time. Don’t get me wrong I love them, but it just felt weird not spending every free time I had with you. They tried to help me take my mind off of our argument but it just wasn’t the same.” You finally broke the hug and looked at him while you tilted your head. “I missed you, Levi, but this can’t happen again, next time you’re feeling like this please just talk to me.”

“I’ll try to be better, I promise” You nodded and walked inside your room again. Levi stood there, a little awkward and unsure of what to do.

“Aren’t you coming in? We have a lot of catching up to do on a lot of Animes”

His face lightened up while he run to your bed. You were right, how could he doubt you?

Omg I’m so sorry It took me so long to finally post but work is literally killing me. Why can’t they just leave me be the silly little sheep writer I am 😩

Hope you like it guys! -B

#obey me mc #obey me #obey me scenarios #obey me levi x you #obey me levi x reader #shall we date leviathan #om! leviathan #obey me oneshot

[kradogsrats]

I'd Do Anything (... But I Won't Do That)

This started out kind of weird and petty but then turned into an actual thing about the relationship of Viren's character arc(s) to the Arc 2 "I'll do anything for you" theme, because that's actually pretty important for the context of how both Callum and Claudia will have to confront the same conflict.

Pictured: Do NOT take a shot every time we get a callback to this line, you will die.

Basically, the petty part is that I think evaluating Viren's Arc 1 decisions through the "I will do anything for my family" lens is... disingenuous is too strong a word, but maybe simplistic? The "Viren doesn't reveal/offer the egg to save Harrow's life because he's too preoccupied with hanging on to his own power" take has never sat right with me because the real core problem of Viren is a lot more complex than just "he's lying (to himself)," it's a whole pattern of denying his own agency in doubling down on his mistakes. He'll make one bad/selfish decision, and it becomes a cascade of subsequent actions that he sees as being unavoidable, but that aren't necessarily even informed by the same reasoning or values as the initial decision. Like everything else in Viren's dream, Kpp'Ar's take that his choices are all oriented toward power is both accurate and not necessarily as literal as it seems.

Because, like... Viren's not actually a manipulator or even much of a planner—he's a very skilled opportunist. That's why all his choices wind up being based entirely on the context of past choices, and frequently make no sense when you look at them from a "hey buddy, where exactly do you think you're going with this" angle. It also contributes to why he's so desperate for control all the time, in that he acts primarily in a reactive way rather than proactively, which is always an inherently less secure position.

Pictured: The kind of statement that definitely always leads to things going super well.

Even taking the egg in the first place is a reactive decision—not that he doesn't make a choice there, or that he doesn't choose power over the threat he believes the egg poses, but he did actually walk all the way up the Storm Spire, fight five or six Dragonguard, and get kicked down a flight of stairs with the intent of destroying it. He didn't argue with Harrow about destroying it while secretly planning to take it for himself. He only even thinks of it as a weapon because Tiadrin planted the idea in his mind—as an opportunist, the temptation to leave an avenue to power open rather than close it off is what he can't resist. He sat on Sarai's last breath for ten years waiting for a chance to weaponize it to maximum effect, he can sit (figuratively... or literally, I'm not gonna stop him) on the egg for as long as it takes for an appropriate use it to appear. Tiadrin even specifically encourages that he not "waste" it, both specifically by destroying it now, and implicitly by using it too quickly and foolishly.

Pictured: Smart mom, dumb ass.

Tiadrin's angle, of course, is that the longer Viren hangs on to the egg without actually using it, the higher the chance it can be recovered. She doesn't know that Viren will leave things in a state where the assumption is that the egg was destroyed, meaning no one will think to try recovering it, but that's not really her fault and it still pays off.

The gamble Viren makes, on the other hand, is that the opportunities the egg affords will be worth the risk of it somehow falling back into Xadian hands. If the egg returns to Xadia alive, he's back to square "his name will be vengeance" in the game of We Killed the Dragon King. So yeah, you could say Viren values keeping the egg over Harrow's life, but in doing that he's actually operating largely on the exact same values and beliefs that made him argue for destroying it in the first place. It's just that his prior choice of risking humanity's security for the sake of potentially world-altering power has backfired in the context of an immediate and direct threat to Harrow's life. Really, the entire rest of s1 and s2 are him doubling down specifically on keeping the egg from returning to Xadia while also milking the opportunities coming from that course—e.g. the egg cannot go back to Xadia, therefore Callum and Ezran cannot return to Katolis either with or without it (knowing their goal is to return it to Xadia, which it will be difficult to stop them from doing once Ezran is king), and that means someone has to take the throne. If the egg can't be recovered, their only hope is a decisive first strike against Xadia, so someone has to mobilize the Pentarchy immediately. None of them are things he planned in the sense of "well, if Harrow dies then I can get his sons out of the way and make myself king, and then conquer Xadia." It's all reactive to the situation with the egg. You could argue that he'd do the same things if the egg wasn't a factor, like it's possible he's always been kind of lying in wait to push Harrow's sons aside and seize the throne... but if that was the case, he'd really do much better to make a bid for regent like any normal evil advisor would.

Anyway, all of that does still undermine the statement that he'd do "anything" for his family (which includes Harrow), and it is ultimately because of that initial choice he made to take the opportunity of power over the certainty of securing humanity's future. It's just not as simple as, "Viren says he would do anything for his family, but he won't sacrifice his own power and ambition." In the wake of his critical failure to prioritize humanity in destroying the egg, he's making choices that do prioritize humanity (from within his worldview that Xadia is an existential threat barely held at bay)... but they're still bad choices because they're all reactive to that original bad choice. It's not that he's working at cross-purposes to what he says his goals are, it's that he genuinely thinks digging his hole deeper will somehow work out positively, or at least better than the alternative would.

Pictured: Another statement that for sure indicates you're doing totally great.

Really though, I don't think you can (or are supposed to) look at the trifecta of self-individuals-world and point to one that Viren—or really any character outside of Callum, Rayla, and Claudia—puts at the top. Part of the whole point here is that elevating one of those at the expense of the others is never going to be the right choice all of the time. Obviously always putting yourself first is shitty, but we get multiple examples of over-prioritizing one of the other two as being self-destructive and dangerous. Consistency isn't supposed to be positive, here—a core part of this arc is likely to be Callum grappling with that, and that's without even looking at what's going on with Claudia.

The other thing is that "I will do anything for my family"-Viren is actually on some level a different character than Arc 1 Viren, such that evaluating one based on the context of the other doesn't actually make sense. We don't get even a hint of the "I would do anything for my family" in the series until s4, after Viren has died and been revived. Yeah, we had it earlier in the novels, but in there it's really about Claudia and her relationship with Viren, not Viren's values or actions. Arc 1 Viren and Arc 2 Viren inform each other as characters, but most of the point is the ways they aren't the same. And while Arc 2 Viren is understandably preoccupied with the concept of sacrificing for family—given that he's been stripped of everything that was in his life except Claudia, who went to terrible lengths on his behalf—Arc 1 Viren is actually quite consistent with how he's laid out in his Tales of Xadia character sheet:

Like, check out those Liberty and Glory statements—not even close to the same ballpark as Callum's "I value those close to me more than anyone or anything" Devotion and "I'm beholden to my inner circle, not some silly kingdom" Liberty, but quite accurate as the through-line on his s1-s3 actions. There's nothing in there about family, because Arc 1 Viren isn't actually meant to be associated with "I will do anything for my family," and he's not lying to himself by not acting consistently with it in Arc 1.

Arc 2 Viren is then a kind of emotional reboot back to a particular point earlier in his life—not necessarily the point before he first did any dark magic at all, but before he did his ill-defined "anything" to save Soren, which is implied in multiple places to be the point where he started in on a spiral that had tangible and fairly rapid effects on his personality and outlook. That's further emphasized by the contents of his dream in s5—seeing him behave in a genuinely loving and joyful way with Soren is shocking, and immediately raises the question of what the fuck happened and why.

Pictured: Healthy coping mechanisms.

Part of what still distinguishes Viren's "I will do anything for my family; however dangerous, however vile" from Callum's developing "I would do anything for you" is that Viren is always deliberately addressing the "things that are so unforgivable, you will never forgive yourself" facet while Callum leaves it implicit because he doesn't really understand and/or want to acknowledge that yet (and also Rayla would probably twist his nose again, which fucking hurts). In how Viren describes it to Terry, he is using that up-front acknowledgement to then essentially abdicate any emotional responsibility for... well, anything at all. The entire "however dangerous, however vile" mantra is another way of denying his own agency, because if he'll do anything, then he doesn't actually have to go through the difficult emotional process of making those decisions and dealing with the aftermath.

Pictured: H-healthy coping mechanisms?

Terry correctly pegs this questionable excuse for philosophy as "not having feelings," and generally not the best approach, because it will do things like lead to a default state of emotional unavailability to your children—oh, wait. I think it's not unlikely that Viren's emotional distancing from what "I will do anything for my family" meant contributed a lot to the degradation of it as his core value and his ensuing Arc 1 state. A lot of what's going on in his s5 dream is that he's being confronted with the consequences of "I will do anything for my family," specifically. He's being forced through an emotional speedrun of what it has cost him and everyone around him, and what has he got to show for it? Claudia, corrupted beyond recognition, proudly repeating his own words back to him.

Pictured: Whatever the opposite of daddy issues is.

Because the whole point of Viren's "I will do anything for my family" in Arc 2 is the challenge of whether he would/will do it all again. If he holds to that value the same way he did before, he'll do whatever it takes to save Claudia—however dangerous, however vile. Most of Viren's moral and emotional stuff has been based on his self-serving resignation to having "no choice." He's so tragically trapped in a chain of spiraling consequences he can never break... except oh wait, he totally can. S5 is all about Viren recognizing the dark magic feedback loop and that he has the agency to break it, and his best and only chance to avoid doing further harm to Claudia is to not be willing to destroy himself that way again, even it it means his death will cause her terrible emotional pain.

We'll see how that works out. Because let's be real: Claudia's gonna Claudia, regardless. However it goes, there's an important narrative precedent being set for both breaking free from dark magic/Aaravos and evaluating the "I will do anything for you" impulse in a more nuanced way.

#the dragon prince #viren #thanks for coming to my petty TED talk #also like... do not even pretend that handing over the egg would have worked #or even more emphatically that VIREN would ever have considered handing over the egg as something that would work #the entire point of the cycle-breaking narrative is that the new generation has broader and more compassionate vision #while the old generation is stuck in The Cycle(tm) and therefore incapable of making OR accepting that offer #it would not just be wildly out of character but literally antithetical to the narrative itself for Viren to think it's a viable possibilit

[eastgaysian]

So . Tom definitely went to hug Shiv because he “lost his protector” in Logan and needs to get back with her for the money/power . And she definitely noticed but didn’t fully care because of how distraught she was . And also literally every character interaction in 4.03 was about the combination of romance and money/power huh (thinking about Kerry laughing, Roman and Gerri, Conwilla, even tomgreg a little) . What does it mean what does it all mean .

Tldr: here’s how tomshiv can still win /toxic

as a general rule i really dislike describing any succession character's motives as being solely one thing, and i especially dislike saying that one thing is malice or selfishness. of course there's money and power and positional stability tied in with the idea of reconciling with shiv, but like... come on. tom tried to call shiv twice before calling roman. is he even alive? i don't know, honey. are you just being nice to me? you want to choreograph some steps with my dead father, tom? that the dance you like? sorry. that's okay. it's a difficult day. tom still cares about shiv, deeply, and he wants to offer her whatever little comfort he can when her dad has just died.

the tragedy and toxicity of tom and shiv's relationship is that the genuine care and affection they have for each other is inextricable from the material advantages their marriage grants tom, and logan's shadow is looming over it all. this is going to be especially true in the wake of logan's death. tom was the one by logan's side when he died, so now he's the closest shiv can get to her dead father (and he's always going to remind her of logan and his death). at the same time as she resents him for choosing logan over her, that's why he was in the plane to make that call. he's always been her rock and source of comfort and she needs that reassurance desperately.

weddings in succession aren't really about weddings or about 'love' as the pure ideal we gravitate towards. there is some amount of 'real' affection in all of these relationships, but there's also so much money and power in the mix that can't be ignored. but also, roman does stand up for himself in that voicemail to logan because he doesn't want to do that to gerri, and connor and willa still get married, and tom and shiv leave together. maybe it is all doomed. but there is love there. it might not make a difference in the end but it is there

#mingbox #succession spoilers #chalkboard

[merakiui]

How about the twisted wonderland apocalypse au except the compound leaders are female and the mc is a slightly submissive male, would it be any treatment different from the original apocalypse au?

Riddle wouldn't be as strict with you. Rather, she's more strict with herself because it's her duty to bear children, so she's going to have so many rules for herself, all of which are intended to keep her physically and mentally healthy as she prepares herself for the day in which you finally knock her up. She's always worrying she'll be a bad mother, so she's constantly oscillating between fearful self-doubt and determination to be better than her own mother.

Leona pushes you around a lot. You really are an herbivore at heart, aren't you? She can be such a bully sometimes, especially since her word is law in the compound and everyone knows she's at the very top of the food chain here: an apex predator. Leona wants you to prove your worth, to snap back and stand up for yourself, but you're always so shy and submissive. It's actually a little boring at times. Really, if you're just going to bow to her every time she treats you just a little roughly how are you ever going to survive in the world?

Azul baby-traps you as soon as possible. I like to think that if you're too nervous to fuck her right away she's doing everything she can to seduce you. T_T please just fuck her already; she's desperate. She always wraps her legs around you to pull your body closer so it's a guarantee you'll cum inside. Or if you're fucking her in her mer form, chances are she's wrapping a tentacle around your waist and using you like you're a dildo lol. She is immensely proud when the test finally comes back positive. >:)

Kalim wouldn't treat you any differently. She loves you no matter what, so it doesn't matter to her if you're more submissive than other men in the compound. She still spoils you rotten and of course she wants a big, big family!! There is no such thing as protection with her; you're always going to cum inside every time because that's what she wants and who are you to deny the desires of Kalim? She's such a sweetheart and a sunshine and she means well! Naturally, you have to agree to make a happy family with her. :D

Vil cannot believe that out of every man in this compound she sees something in you. There must be some potential, otherwise she wouldn't have chosen you as a husband. Truthfully, Vil's tough on you. She tells you to speak up, to walk with good posture, to be confident in your stride and your words. Of course she only wants to help you improve upon yourself, but the way she goes about it can seem mean and strict at times. You are not allowed to fuck her until she sees an improvement in your submissive nature. orz

Idia's reaction is "he's just like me fr" because the both of you are literally so similar. She is so shy and so submissive and, if it weren't for lame compound rules, she wouldn't even consider choosing a husband. T_T she really just wants to watch anime, read manga, and game until the apocalypse settles down. Is that so hard to ask for? You are never knocking her up. I like to think Idia has this terrible fear of sex with a real man because in hentai it looks so easy and fun, but then she's comparing dildos to the length of her arm or hand and she's thinking, how is this fitting inside me? She is a virgin through and through. Also, she is terrified of pregnancy. >_< you'll likely have to start very slow and patient with her, but on the bright side she will put her minecraft bed next to yours. :D

Malleus loves you no matter what your personality is like, so in her eyes your submissiveness is incredibly charming. You have rizzed her up so bad omg. Sebek has no idea what she sees in you, but then Sebek can't understand the appeal of the Submissive Man. <3 Malleus probably values the quality time you spend with her more than anything else. She's just happy to be with you at all hours of the day. She always kisses the top of your hand in greeting. Truly, she is an elegant lady who adores you so very much! Also another virgin through and through, but what she lacks in experience she makes up for with sheer determination and passion! It's likely that, though her techniques may be a little sloppy, she will wring many orgasms out of you because she never lets up. <3 The type to very innocently ask, "You can keep going, yes?" after it's been like,,,, four long, intense rounds and your dick is so flaccid and you're so drained LOL.

#twisted chit chat #twst apocalypse au #i love my girlfailure azul ashengrotto <3 she's a loser hehe

[claymoresword]

The Queen And Her Knight

Alicent Hightower x Knight Fem!Reader

Summary: Alicent Hightower against her better judgement, falls in love with her sworn protector. Can she bear to fight her feelings or will she finally just give in?

Pairing: Alicent Hightower x Reader

Wordcount: 980

Warnings: fluff, shit ton of angst, reader is irrecoverably in love with alicent

Note: i have no idea what this is or what its gonna turn out to be i literally wrote it bc of a daydream i had lmao

reader is a greyjoy to me i know ironborns typically don't become knights i just like that house lol and felt like it would give the story more structure/conflict but u can choose to ignore or change it if u disagree idk dude go crazy

also i know they didnt side with the greens during the dance but if u imagine reader went against her family for alicent it gets fun

(historical accuracy is not my strong suit forgive me i am just a gay person in love with alicent hightower)

anyway that's it hope u enjoy and let me know what u think!

Chapter 2

The queen stood at the opposite end of the room her back faced you.

Silence with Alicent was always comfortable but right now it was agonizing, deafeaning. You needed it to end.

"Your Grace-" You croak.

A beat.

Still, the auburn haired woman said nothing.

"Alicent."

You made one last effort, pleading for her to acknowledge your presence in some way.

The queen finally turns to face you. She meets your gaze, tears evident in her eyes. Your own quickly welling up reflexively. It will always hurt you to see your love in pain.

You stare at her, studying her features and simply memorising every part of her face. The way her eyebrow creased. The dimple in her right cheek, always faintly visible even when she isn't smiling.

She swallows hard, you knew Alicent does this whenever she's upset. It's almost as if the wind gets knocked out of her anytime she lets her resolve slip.

A habit of the queen you had noticed only moments after meeting for the first time.

She finally steps towards you. Diffident expression.

A tear flows down your cheek, you don't intend to hide it from her.

Alicent stops just inches away from you. Dangerously close, you can feel her breath against your lips.

Standing firm, you resist the urge to crumble to the ground.

The queen reaches forward and places her hand against your cheek. You shut your eyes, shamelessly leaning into her touch immediately.

Pathetic. Desperate.

You don't care anymore.

Quickly, she eliminates any remaining distance between the two of you. Her lips meeting yours, she kisses you softly, cautiously. You kiss her back fervently.

A whimper threatens to leave your lips as she pulls away. Her own eyes now closed. She leans her forehead against yours and breathes you in deeply. Her touch remains on your cheek and you fear to speak , to move, to breathe.

You cannot bare for this moment to end.

"My protector." Alicent whispers, barely audible.

She wanted only you to hear.

You finally remember to breathe, chest heaving as you finally let air into your lungs.

The queen also takes in breath, almost mirroring you. Though hers more ragged, sharp.

Sudden.

Alicent steps back and removes her hand from your face.

Her hands return to their usual position, clasped over her abdomen.

She quickly banishes any intimacy between you and all contact.

Her resolve is restored, you morn.

"You will leave for the Iron Islands at first light." Alicent firmly states.

You don't hear her at first, not until she looks up at you waiting for a reaction, a response.

"What?" You finally conjured the capacity to reply and you sounded angry.

The queen remains staring at you. With her words she is asking you to leave but her eyes are telling you something entirely different.

"You're sending me away?" Your voice trembles.

Her grace had refused to acknowledge you the past few days and you thought you had done something to upset her.

You realise now its because she feels the same.

You didn't conjure any of it up in your mind. This was real and she feels the same.

She loves you too.

This was all too much, too painful.

"I can't have you here. My duty is to the realm. That is my purpose. It has proven near impossible for me to carry out that duty with you around."

Tears threaten to leave your eyes again but this time, you force them back in.

"My feelings for you, they consume me. I am plagued by them every waking hour. They ravage my thoughts and intentions. I have not known clarity since meeting you, y/n."

A searing pain in your chest. You visibly wince at the feeling but say nothing in response.

The queen is scared. She is afraid of her feelings for you. There may be nothing you can say in this moment to change that.

You decide to try anyway.

"Alicent." You repeat her name this time firmly.

You move towards her but still yourself quickly when you noticed she had taken a step back. Clearly asking for you to remain at a distance.

You take in another deep breath before speaking.

"Your Grace, it need not be this way. I beg you to not let fear win. These feelings you speak of, I am too burdened by them."

"We need not run from it, Alicent. Would it not work to our benefit to instead embrace it?"

Alicent's eyebrows furrow as she was truly considering your words and your gaze softens.

"I want to love you freely, if you would let me. I only wish for you to love me the same."

You decided to leap. It is up to the queen now to catch you.

Alicent winces, breaking eye contact she unclaps her hands, begins to fiddle with her cuticles before stopping herself and resuming her previous stance.

She meets your gaze once again, indignant expression. The queen almost looks dissapointed.

You have said too much.

She is not going to catch you.

"Freedom is not something I am entitled to." Alicent states, a coldness to her voice you were unfamiliar with.

The queen was good at depriving others of her true self.

You have never been on the receiving end before but now that you are, you utterly despise it.

"You will leave at first light." She repeats.

You feel as if someone had taken a hot dagger and directly pierced it through your heart.

You take a moment to compose yourself, to take in Alicent's beauty one last time.

"If that is what you believe is best, Your Grace."

You bow your head perhaps for the last time at the queen.

Turning around, you walk out of her chambers without uttering another word.

#alicent hightower x reader #alicent hightower #rhaenicent #aegon targaryen #aemond targaryen #house greyjoy #hotd x reader #team green

[magistralucis]

Had my worst confrontation with The Pigs so far, especially awful because I didn’t even intend to stumble upon this. I didn’t choose any hostile options, I was alone (I think having Kim around makes this encounter worse and longer), and I passed the check for the gun just fine... but because I hadn’t talked to the Hardie Boys yet, literally hadn’t approached them at all, my detective had no idea what to do with her afterwards. All his mangled brain could come up with was this:

Sure, Lieutenant ‘I-will-instantly-pull-a-gun-at-a-mentally-ill-old-woman’ Kitsuragi totally would. 🙄 But in his absence, I’m shattered that HDB can’t act on any other option, despite being able to conceptualize one. Logic says it right there: the locals will take care of her. It’s the right answer. In terms of video game logic, this is exactly the sort of thing that'd be a positive modifier for the Hardie Boys talk. Even if you never approached them before, it feels like it’d forward your case if you ask their help, since you have the interests of the vulnerable members of their community in mind. Even if the Hardie Boys aren’t an option, Lilienne is a short distance away, isn’t she? Couldn’t HDB ask the Washerwoman, any other local in Martinaise? If he gives anyone a heads-up, he will have delivered a minimal duty of care.

But no. None of that happens, because this scene isn’t a brownie points exercise, and HDB isn’t a reasonable authority figure. He’s deeply unwell, like The Pigs. He’s been abandoned, like The Pigs. He’s in horrible pain, clinging to the vestiges of a cop identity like her, in the desperate hopes of something real and present to hold onto. This is a man who can barely face his own reflection. Seeing The Pigs, a near doppelganger of what he is and may become, is clearly too much for him to handle. HDB can react with compassion, or he can react with threats and violence, and both threads persist through the very end of the encounter with her.

Mutually exclusive options, but both present, and both possible. They are equally valid indicators of the person HDB is, and since he’s capable of the threat at all, it’s not looking good. And this is his double he’s saying this to. We know HDB hates himself to the point of self-destruction, and didn’t/doesn’t think he can improve (’I don’t want to get better, I want to get worse’): the fact that he can think up the pieces that might help her, yet his posterior neocortex shuts him down before he can put them together, implies to me that HDB is actively refusing to believe he can help The Pigs. He’s afraid to believe. He’s beyond help, after all. Everyone told him so.

He thinks it’s true, too, so the same must go for her, yes?

It’s. It’s just. How fucking broken is HDB that he knows what must be done, but simply cannot connect himself to the idea that he ought to do it. How are we meant to bear that his immediate thought upon seeing this poor woman - this horrific, devastated mirror of himself - is that Kim will know what to do, but he does not, because he convinced himself he’s utterly helpless. ‘Cause obviously, Kim’s stabilizing him, right? Surely Kim can do the same for The Pigs, and since RAC sure as fuck doesn’t know what to do about himself, he might as well just give up if Kim’s not around. So without Kim and without the Hardie Boys, HDB will simply walk away, and never bring up this incident again. It fucking breaks my heart it can’t end any other way. There are no adjectives for this level of self-loathing.

And you know, I bet he’d have reacted similarly had he been with any other RCM officer - Jean, others in Precinct 41, whatever - because he fundamentally doesn’t exist in a system that has compassion for people like this. Note that it is Esprit de Corps, your cop sense, which pipes up first to assert that you can’t help her. ‘’’Protect’’’ and serve my fucking arse

And no, Kim doesn’t know what to do in this situation either, according to FAYDE. Unlike HDB he doesn’t even come up with the right answer, only nightmare fuel, as regular cops with regular thoughts do

oh god. oh god, kim

#disco elysium #disco elysium meta #disco elysium spoilers #harry du bois #kim kitsuragi #the pigs (disco elysium) #magistralucis plays disco elysium #long post #ask for tags #this is a harrowing scene with no good paths and this post is definitely not about the better of those paths #the reason i hadn't talked to the hardie boys yet at this point was because i was testing to see if i could do the shivers check #without having progressed with the investigation at all #i could not. there was no payoff for this and i just abandoned this woman on the boardwalk for nothing #this post is pretty damning i get that but i was just so taken aback i had to scribble it out. no pulled punches in disco elysium no sir

[foreverformula1]

These are 2 comments under this post on the Formula1 Reddit page with whom I share opinions and made their point better than I could have.

Personally, when I discovered about what happened, I was confused. Then I thought about it and I agreed with Williams’ decision.

Then I thought about it some more and I did a full 360°! Why? Because in past Albon has crashed multiple times in that same turn. Almost every season there - In 2019, 2023 (and maybe another year? But I can’t find/remember it). Unfortunately, he might be likely to do it again during the feature race. But I imagine he would be extremely careful (more than usual considering the situation) BUT, this extreme carefulness might hold him back from getting into the points and/or worse: make him crash again.

Therefore, it might have been a crude but good idea in another racetrack, but not in this one. Absolutely not. The Albert Park circuit might be his weak point.

I heavily disagree with people shaming the situation. Just because Williams didn’t choose Sargeant, who is at the start of his second season and did little to nothing compared to Albon in 2023.

They literally do not even have spare chassis. This is how “desperate” they are. There are many people and teams who work day and night for all that, not just the drivers. It’s a bit unfair to Sargeant but what is it to the entire team then?

This situation wouldn’t have happened if they were somewhat on the same level of points scored last year. But they weren’t, they had a drastic distance between one another.

Sometimes drivers have to make sacrifices for the better outcome. I am not referring to other times when driver Y is just protecting driver X’s position for the entire season (All those 1th and 2th driver stuff we all collectively hate). But if driver Y has a problem with his abilities or car and can’t be as fast as driver X that exact weekend; instead of messing everything up, why not do the most with what you have got instead of pushing the limits or pretending to? (This is the same if the drivers were the other: If Y was Perez and X was Verstappen, but V broke his wrist and can’t be as fast as usual, at least he can cover for Y and not harm himself too much). That’s what teamwork is.

This was not meant to be an easy decision.

Everybody crashes and makes errors, but the main difference between P11 and P20 is the amount of sponsors to back up the teams in hope that they get even higher. Sponsors that pay the teams and help them stay in the sport. If 1 chance might turn the leaf for them even if they don’t get in the points.

We all say it ourselves, all or nothing and that drivers and teams must dare, and that’s what Williams is doing.

I 100% am sure that no team would ever do that multiple times if the driver they give the seat to has crashed multiple times too. It would only worsen their image. This is a one timer thing and I don’t view how Williams might lie on that. Maybe it will happen again in 7 years with completely different drivers but that’s up to the future to reveal. It was never supposed to happen.

Once again though, for the reasons I already stated above, I believe that this is too risky of a choice, considering Alvin’s history with the Albert Park, the pressure and possible guilt, the hyperconsciousness (more than usual) that he must be careful with the car and the difficulty to enter the points in general in a Williams. I know that nothing is given for granted but this is too risky the more you think of it. I personally would have preferred Sargeant to drive his car. It would have been understandable in another racetrack but Albert Park.

Original post where I found the comments:

#f1 #formula one #formula 1 #mine #alexander albon #alex albon #f1 2024 #logan sargeant #williams formula 1 #williams f1 #williams racing

[red-hot-temper]

Callisto apology

Before I continue interacting in VADD fandom, I would like to share my opinion about Callisto and his controversial first interaction with Penelope:

Callisto did nothing wrong by pointing his sword at Penelope, he was protecting himself because he thought she was a threat.

What I do agree with is that he was a fucking jerk when after the confession he "played" for a while with Penelope and her responses… And I was also a jerk for laughing at that, feeling bad about Penelope's stress, but not regret laughing (Don't play innocent because I know someone else laughed at that too lmao)

So yes, I completely understand if Callisto's taunting bothered you, because he behaved annoyingly, but getting upset that he was on guard? I'm sorry, but I really don't understand that. I know there are people who don't like to see violence, but it makes sense to me that he would react that way. They literally sent him an assassin early on, why wouldn't he still be on alert after that?

The fact is always brushed off as he did it because he was blinded with rage, but then why have a conversation where it's clearly revealed that Callisto is on guard over Penelope's actions?

Penelope was waiting for Callisto, but he wasn't, so it does look suspicious to meet someone who seems to be looking for something or someone insistently (in the novel it was mentioned that Penelope was looking in all directions)

The story is told from the perspective of Penelope/Siyeon and therefore we empathize faster with her and I can understand that anger towards him for our overprotection that we have towards our protagonist, but! The empress sent an assassin to Callisto, he went to his brother's birthday party bringing the murderer's half-dead, he gave a threatening speech disguised as a birthday present and… immediately afterwards, he decapitated the assassin and threw his head at the feet of his brother while the witch empress almost fainted (see later in paragraph "1.") … All while Penelope was witness to it…

So we all know the story: she went after him like yolo, let's find the reset button or die trying. I perfectly understand her point and also the fact that she regrets it later, it's obvious that she's going to try to survive no matter what. But I need to emphasize this, because when she mentions that she "sincerely came to comfort him", we as readers knew that she was lying, but Callisto? I'm 100% sure he was thinking: I cut off someone's head in front of several nobles, and I'm the one who needs to be consoled?

This was why he didn't believe her confession of love, not only because she told him "I like you", but that consolation thing doesn't make sense (and Oh God I can't blame Penny because when you're desperate you make terrible and illogical excuses jksjskjs)

So yeah, I don't condemn the fact that Callisto defended himself, If I were in his position I would do the same, but he was definitely a bastard making Penelope fool.

1. In case you didn't read the first few chapters of the novel and just picked up where the manhwa left off, this happened and was censored in the manhwa:

“So why didn’t you choose a proper attendant, younger brother?”

That was the moment. Seureung----The prince drew his sword in an instant with his empty hand, and cut the assassin's head as he was holding it.

Cheak-! The blood started gushing out like a fountain.

"I'll replace this as a birthday present."

The prince threw the severed head at the feet of the second prince.

"Aaaagh!"

The empress' tearing screams echoed through the banquet hall. The head of a person rolling around like a ball.

The 2nd prince couldn't say anything with a pale face like someone about to pass out.

“If you want to receive another gift from me, send it as many times as you like.”

#callisto regulus #villains are destined to die #death is the only ending for a villainess #death is the only ending for the villainess #death is the only ending for the villain #kallisto regulus #vadd #ditoeftv

[jester-lover]

this is my first time writing a request, so please let me know if i need to be more specific! i was wondering if you could write a desi reader x the dorm heads (twisted wonderland). like introducing the boys to the culture and stuff like that? thank you!!

YES OF COURSE!!!! I’m desi myself! We desperately need representation in anime/game spaces, these are just the ones I could think of one the spot, but I saw this request and it made my day!!

also fun fact: this blog was originally supposed to be centered around desi women, but I couldn’t keep up with that idea, this is such a lovely reminder!!

Warnings: Fluff, food, hair mentioned, ‘starting a family’ mention but no kids or anything, unapologetic cultural appreciation, desi families (positive), author calls the pale ones gora pakoras, rambling

Dorm Leaders with a Desi Girlfriend!

Riddle Rosehearts

I don’t think you understand how much your mom loves him

His spice tolerance is at ZERO, but boy will he try for you

He adores gulab jamuns, I mean ROSES?? WITH DESSERT?? This is his destiny

Adores chai, drinks more chai than all your aunts combined

He loves chai so much he’ll ask for you to make it for the tea parties, drinks the chai with biscuits

OFF WITH THEIR HEAD to anyone who calls it ‘chai tea’ !!!

Desi jewelry is his favorite thing you wear, the intricate patterns and shapes make his heart beat faster

If you get him jewelry he’s probably gonna cry

“You look absolutely gorgeous, I almost can't believe you’re with me.” 

Leona Kingscholar

The mix of y’all’s cultures is perfect

He will happily eat spicy meat, he can go on about the meat

Biryani is his favorite, goat or chicken

You might expect me to say your parents don’t like him, but HE’S LITERALLY A PRINCE, man is rich asf you’re gonna be taken care of

He’s also so respectful to your mom, she def tells you to act more like him

If you have to accompany him to some gaudy event in the savanna, and  you choose to wear cultural clothing, like a sari or salwar kameez, he’s literally frozen

o

m

g

He’s buying a ring as we speak

All the whatsapp aunties are gossiping about the two of you, but you literally couldn’t care

He’s def the type to buy you jewelry

“I- god for once in my life I literally don’t have words, you’re glowing.” 

Azul Ashengrotto

I will defend fishy fishman until my last day

he is such a good boyfriend, always treating you out and keeping you happy

Your parents support you two, because Azul has a good head on his shoulders and has a good chance of being successful

He really adores you in blue, especially blue lehengas, you look like a princess to him

he is super appreciative whenever you introduce him to new recipes, his lounge may even use some of the spice blends you suggest (with credit)

He enjoys paneer pakoras, fried desi food is a wonder to him

“I know I’m stuffing my face right now, but can you really blame me?”

Kalim Al-Asim

HE IS PERFECT !!

He’s so happy to meet someone of a similar culture to him!

But this is also where his main problem lies..

He’s so blushy around you its crazy

Never did he think he could meet someone who he knows so well, who feels like home and warm welcomes

You two go on so many adventures

Jamil is so tired, let my man rest

Sometimes the cultural overlap is so prominent, especially in words and food items

Both of you adore a good lamb curry

You ever see that tikitok trend, the “I can’t date outside of my culture because how am I supposed to explain _______” 

You both can relate to that one.

Something about you brings out the poet in him

(I have to stop eventually because this could just become it’s own post)

“You are my home, you are warmth and kindness packed into a beautiful human being.” 

Vil Shoenheit

THIS

He’s honestly so happy to be in a relationship with a desi girl, you open up a whole new world to him

I feel like he would be an appreciator of desi bread on his cheat days

Especially paratha, it’s so buttery and rich, he’ll eat it with achaar

Your clothes always astound him

He’s used to glitz and glamour, but the sheer amount of detail in your outfits, that will leave him speechless

I believe he’d enjoy salwar kameez, especially in a more early 2000s way (think kabhi khushi kahbie gham)

Honestly he enjoys everything about desi fashion, he deeply respects you for wearing those HEAVY

Helps you oil your hair, it’s an extremely intimate moment and you grow a lot closer together

“Liebling, please hold still, I still have to get to the back of your head!”

Idia Shroud

(He’s Greek in my heart)

Idia is such a little loser/pos

He’s so nervous at any of your family gatherings, ortho has to hype him up before

He’s definitely the person at a desi house party who slips away after the food is served, literally gone

If he ever visits your country (in a different dimension lol) he might have a tough time

Homie is so sensitive to hot weather, he’s getting sunburned so hard

He gets so shy when you’re all dolled up, he can’t even look you in the eye

You just look so above his league

This is where you build his confidence, because he would look gorgeous in desi clothes 

Him in a kurta is the thing that would actually kill me

Idia is obsessed with you, even if the time you spend together is spent inside his room, cuddled up watching anime or playing games instead of socializing

You probably get him into old bollywood movies

“I mean, we ate already, what’s the point of sticking around?”

Malleus Draconia

He’s a well educated person, so he probably keeps a respectful distance until you start educating him on your culture

Malleus deeply enjoys the sense of family in desi culture, the community that helps one another and keeps your head lifted

It reminds him of his own caring upbringing

He’s another appreciator of desi desserts, more modern ones tend to stick to him better, like mango ice cream 

He is smitten with Rooh Afza in milk, even if he doesn’t need human drinks

He finds your cultural apparel so pretty

especially if you wear deeper colors like emerald and black

He really just wants to match

Really enjoys historical drama bollywood movies

Is the type to tell you when your chunni is slipping off, and carries extra safety pins to help with fashion mishaps

“I hope one day, our own family will be a beautiful as this.”

I’m so sorry for the bad dialogue, every time I try to think of something a character says, the voice in my head (inner monologue) turns into bob belcher from bob’s burgers. I will be trying my best to fix the flat dialogue with better nicknames and stuff. Thank you for reading.

#new fanfic blog #female reader #fanfic #fanfiction #reader insert #fem!reader #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twst imagines #riddle rosehearts x reader #riddle rosehearts #leona kingscholar x reader #leona kingscholar #azul ashengrotto x reader #azul ashengrotto #kalim al asim x reader #kalim al asim #vil shoenheit #vil schoenheit x reader #idia shroud #idia shroud x reader #malleus draconia #malleus draconia x reader #headcanons #desi reader #desi!reader #WOC #woc!reader #poc reader #cultural appreciation

[lightparty-fullparty]

Gods okay I need to talk about the Stormblood Antagonists for a hot minute. Whatever personal issues I have with how Stormblood is paced or how certain characters are handled, the villains are absolutely fantastic.

If there is one singular theme that ties the main three antagonists (that being, Fordola/Yotsuyu/Zenos) together. It's the idea of the Ouroboros. The snake that is caught in a self-destructive cycle of devouring it's own tail.

Historical in our real world, the Ouroboros has been symbolic of main things, the cycles of life and death, fertility, even immortality. However, it can also been seen in a more negative light as a symbol of perpetuated suffering. Of being unable to let go of something that only end up hurting you more. And gods doesn't that just sound familiar?

Now I can hear you, in your head saying "But Gengar - Yostuyu and Fordola obviously have those parallels of suffering abuse and becoming abusers themselves, but what the hell are you doing throwing Zenos in there too? He's the abuser." And I get it, I do. Aside from the fact I'm a self-admitted Zenos lover, he doesn't at first glance really fit in with the ladies. But hear me out okay?

It's not just suffering abuse. It's refusing to let go and allow yourself and your perspective to change, even though your current way of thinking and acting is only making you suffer more. Yotsuyu was victimised for *years* at the hands of her Aunt/Uncle/Asahi. Then sold off to an (asummedly) abusive husband, and then sold again into prostitution. She was never offered a shred of sympathy or kindness during this time. And when she was given power, given authority and the means to protect herself physically. She choose to return all of the suffering she endured onto the people of Doma. She did not see them as being in the same position as her, suffering under the abuse of the Garlean Empire. She did not offer them any sympathy or kindness of her own, because (in her mind) they had denied that basic decency to her. Yotsuyu couldn't let go of her hatred until a literal giant wooden beam smacked her on the head and gave her complete amniesia. At which point, she displayed the ability to be kind. To think of others and to try and do nice things for them (Persimmons anyone?). Tsuyu was freed from her self-inflicted cycle of pain. She stopped letting herself be comsumed by her own anger and fear. Fordola was much the same, though her family at least very clearly cared for her. She grew up in an occupied Ala Mihgo. In a family with supported the Imperial force. Out of genuine agreement with the Empire or as a means of ensuring a sightly better life for themselves we don't really know (as far as I can remember at least). Fordola's suffering, much like Yotsuyu's, came at the hands of her own 'countrymen'. People who (rightly) despised the Empire for it's brutal oppression, but who choose to take it on someone more vulnerable and accessable. A child. A young girl who was given a horrible and sudden lesson on just how cruel people can be. On both sides of the conflict.

Fordola chose to join the Garlean Army in the hopes of amassing power for herself. Of trying desperately to carve out some place of herself and her friends where they felt they actually belonged. Where they would be respected. Unfortunately, she found none of this. The Garleans saw her as a 'savage', the Ala Mihgian's saw her as a tratior. Like Yotsuyu, Fordola couldn't let go of her desire for revenge. Her desire to "make anyone who ever looked down on (her) pay!". It drove her to extremes to try and hold onto that scrap of power she had managed to gather. The resonant, the Castrum, all of it more teeth biting into her own tail. So what can Zenos not let go of?

His belief that the only joy he can find in life is from dying in combat. Because let's be honest with ourselves, Zenos has no desire to live here. He wants a meaningful death, a brilliant, climactic, perfect moment and then he wants to not be alive anymore after that. It's why he chooses to kill himself after the Royal Menagiere. You beat him! You gave him his perfect moment! He knows (believes) that there's nothing left for him after this! So he dies. Zenos is infact suffering. It's just not as clear as Fordola or Yotsuyu. He's miserable. He's perpetually bored, and lethargic, and consumed by apathy. A prison of his own making because he has had tunnel vision since he was like 8? 10? that combat was the only thing capable of making him feel anything. So he chases after it, chases after you (the WOL). Trying to push you and push you like he was until you're capable of giving him what he wants. His perfect, transcendant moment of pure joy, and then death after.

Really what it comes down to is that Fordola, Yotsuyu, and Zenos are stuck in their own self-perpetuated misery. Yotsuyu in her fear of powerlessness, Fordola in her need for revenge, and Zenos in his desperation for meaning.

And none of them can see a way to break their own cycles until it someone outside of it comes in to try and do it for them. (Gosetsu/Lyse + Arenvald/WOL+Alisaie)

'Ere does the head devour the tail.

#ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #zenos yae galvus #fordola rem lupis #yotsuyu goe brutus #it's important to me as well that Fordola is the only one to full break out of her cycle #the only one to get a meaningful second chance to try and start over again #because Fordola was the only one who knew what kindness and love was before her cycle started #she was the only one who was able to make connections with people #ghostly rambles

[highladyluck]

Predicting Mat and Tuon's Character Growth

Mat’s character development is temporarily plateaued along with Tuon’s at the end of AMOL, because they have been developing together since book 9, and have more developing to do together/catalyzed by each other post-series.

Mat‘s arc is about not just accepting responsibility reflexively, but doing it willingly and strategically. To fully grow as a person, Mat needs to move through abandonment of responsibility, through avoiding responsibility, through reactive, passive responsibility, and finally to proactive agency.

Tuon's arc should be about not just delegating control, but giving up control willingly and strategically. To fully grow as a person, Tuon needs to move through obsessive, self-defensive control, through reactive, passive control, through abandonment of control, and finally to responsible, appropriate control.

Tuon’s role in Mat's development is to push him to not just stop running from responsibility (a thing he has already mostly stopped doing) but to actively choose responsibility & thus gain a measure of control over his life and actions. Reactive responsibility- diving into crisis situations without thinking- is only getting him so far, and by the time Tuon shows up I think he's kind of desperate for a strategic change.

(This is long, so the following sections are under the cut:

Mat's First Shift to Proactive Agency

Why Mat is Tuon's Catalyst

How Tuon Can Help Mat Grow

Mat's Second Shift to Proactive Agency

How Mat Can Help Tuon Grow)

Mat's First Shift to Proactive Agency

Choosing to kidnap Tuon after she is revealed to be the Daughter of the Nine Moons and his fated wife, and therefore choosing to actively pursue his fate, is a huge turning point for Mat. It is an echo and synthesis of both the last time he made a decision to steal something valuable and dangerous for his own gain (the Shadar Logoth dagger) and the last time he actively searched for guidance (going to the Aelfinn to ask what he should do now that his internal compass- his memories- are gone.) In choosing to take Tuon with him, Mat is marrying (pun aggressively intended) his impulsive curiosity & pursuit of self-interest to his desperate desire for direction and purpose.

We know Mat loves to be needed. He eats that shit up. He craves respect so intensely because it’s the thing he didn’t have growing up, and he’s also in partial denial about that being what he wants, because he’s a lying liar who lies to himself more than anyone else.

He takes on the hero role because he can’t not- his values demand it and Mat defines himself by his values because they are literally all he had at one point- but it’s also a thing he does to get what he craves, which is respect and attention. (Any attention will do in a pinch, but positive attention is best.) That’s the part of him that gets super shirty about not being thanked/acknowledged. Being reactively heroic is a compulsion for him, but by around book 7 he's realized it's not getting him what he really wants, which is respect and (self-defined) success. He doesn't really have another plan though, until he willingly steps into his dire fate by kidnapping Tuon.

Over the course of the series, Tuon continues to push Mat to actively take responsibility and accept the consequences. The promise he makes to get her home safely turns into his education in the personal uses (and abuses) of power. She is the catalyst that makes him use his personal army in physical warfare for his own purposes. Before he’s used it as a facet of Rand’s army at Rand’s direction, and when he did use it for his own purposes, it was lending it to Egwene for psychological warfare only.

This education in power is why Tuon approves of his war crimes even though she fully admits they are brutal and committed against her own people; they show he understands that his actions as a leader can have horrible consequences, and also that he can prioritize the mission at hand. She says she's just waiting for him to prove he's the person from the prophecy, but she's also clearly testing him to see if he can handle the power she'd be delegating to him, by seeing how he handles the power he currently possesses in his own right.

Why Mat is Tuon's Catalyst

Tuon is very hard to impress, but Mat impresses her- and he impresses her the most when he’s not trying to be impressive, when he’s just being authentic and pursuing his self-interest. She's not just interested in his military competence, although that's certainly interesting to her- she's also interested in his political acumen and ability to deescalate or escalate situations as needed. His ability to fit in everywhere and command a situation- especially when she thought he was losing- like when she collars Joline, or when he scraps his winning streak in the hell- is so compelling to her.

On one level she's no stranger to winning from a position of weakness, given that her default M.O. is apparently 'play dead'. But I don't think Tuon has fit in anywhere without a great deal of effort, and Mat's sprezzatura is a pretty different strategy from her disappearing acts or virtuoso compulsion tactics. I'm not even thinking so much about Tuon's constant fending off of assassination attempts; more along the lines that we know she had to train herself to have Resting Bitch Face and project 6 feet of presence from 4'11".

(Incidentally, I don't know if she knows the Crystal Throne is a mind control ter'angreal, especially since she seems to be canonically resistant to mind control, so it's possible she's been assuming her mom's magically-augmented strength of presence is natural. No wonder she feels inadequate.) She's also clearly incredibly weird to both normal Seanchan and other people in her social sphere, whereas Mat is a social chameleon coasting on instinct (and thousands of strategic geniuses).

Tuon is desperately envious of and fascinated by authentic people who pursue their own self-interest, since she can't pursue her own self-interest without cloaking it as her duty, and she can't be an authentic person except by either flying under the radar or using up social capital by being stubborn. Her life is circumscribed by so many forces outside her direct control, yet she believes she is supposed to control everything for her own survival and the good of the world.

Mat seems to be to Tuon what she longs to be- a responsible, independent, kind leader who forges their own path in response to changing conditions & who has earned the respect, loyalty, and competence of their followers. She’s completely baffled at how Mat got there from being... Mat... but she recognizes that it gets results. I think the end result of her development is ideally to become more like Mat- someone who is a person first, albeit one with an outsized sense of responsibility, who is able to act productively on her instincts to help people.

How Tuon Can Help Mat Grow

Meanwhile, Tuon is someone whose strengths, struggles, and shared values Mat can learn from. Like him, she's been brainwashed by a paranoid culture where the ends justify the means, and unlike him, she spent almost her entire life in it. Yet she still has a powerful sense of empathy, even if it's twisted in the service of the Empire and she mostly uses it for manipulating people. It's clear that what she thinks will help people most is her control rather than her empathy, so that's what she tries hardest to give. But the empathy seeps out even when it isn't deliberately being used to build power or influence, like when she caught that Jain was feeling guilty about leaving his wife to die. Mat should follow Tuon at her best, and not completely strangle his sympathetic impulses in the service of power.

(A note on terms: Mat's sympathetic- he's always putting himself in other people's shoes and imagining how he would feel in their situation, and that motivates him to action on their behalf. It's about saving himself in the shape of the other. Tuon's empathetic- she can imagine how someone else feels and mirror their feelings back, or manipulate them based on her accurate assessment of their feelings. It's about modeling her social/political environment and therefore exerting the correct amount of control for the reaction she wants.)

Tuon's also built and sustained a culture of personal loyalty- one of her and Mat's shared values- in an utterly paranoid environment. The degree to which her personal slaves care about her is unusual for imperial Seanchan- it was very surprising that Selucia wanted to stay with her, and notably unusual for Karede to request to work with her again. The loyalty her personal damane show her is largely due to her skill at manipulation and brainwashing rather than anything resembling charisma or personal virtues- the damane have vastly less choice about who owns them or commands them than Selucia or Karede do- but she seems to be less openly cruel to damane and da'covale than say, Suroth. (Yes, I know, the bar here is in the ocean.) She also has Setalle Anan of all people willing to protect her, and while Setalle has an agenda and isn't doing it just because she likes Tuon, I think Setalle does actually like her. Mat should also be making friends and allies in his enemies' stronghold.

Finally, Tuon's weirdly open to other people's input and correction, for someone in her position and with her background. Again, the bar is so low as to be at the bottom of the Aryth Ocean, but she did apologize for 'giving an order in anger', which is to say throwing a temper tantrum, which is to say abusing her power beyond acceptable-to-her limits. The limits she accepts on her power and agency are more stringent than what would be acceptable to her peers or advisors in her position. Related to this sense of integrity, she's very stubborn around anything directly involving either her survival or her responsibilities to others. And because she's spent so much time building her personal integrity and being open to criticism from trusted advisors, she's very comfortable with having and using power, at least in terms of judgement and delegation (her own Power is, uh, the major exception.)

Mat, on the other hand, starts out the series very uncomfortable with power- and that's good in some ways- but people with power who aren't comfortable with power are like people who carry weapons they don't know how to use. Those weapons are just going to be used against them. His time with Tuon is there to give him practice intentionally wielding power.

Mat's Second Shift to Proactive Agency

One thing that I think Tuon still has to teach him, though, is the strategic value of lying low, keeping intentions secret, and quietly building a power base in pursuit of a long-term goal. Mat's great at dramatic, impulsive, risky gambles; not so great at staying still and waiting for the right moment in an intentional way. He always wants to be DOING something, immediately. But just thrashing out reflexively is not going to work for taking on the Seanchan, as Rand found out. Mat gets a taste of the kind of strategic timing he needs, when working with Tuon to trick everyone into thinking the Seanchan are out of the fight, then having her come back in with the army at a critical juncture.

I'm convinced that Mat's path to full character development will be to fully accept his power base in the Seanchan military/political machine... and destroy it from the inside out, either intentionally or as acceptable collateral damage in saving Tuon from herself.

Even Tuon can tell that structurally, he's got 'military coup' written all over him. She just doesn't believe he would ever do it because she knows he's loyal to her, and ever since becoming Empress she can't conceive of a situation where "Tuon" and "the Seanchan Empire" are separated that doesn't mean her own death. She has a blind spot in the exact place where Mat is most creative and motivated: preventing Tuon-the-person from dying (physically or spiritually) when the Empire does.

There's all sorts of interesting strategic gambles Mat can take advantage of. The Empire has cracks all over the place. The continent of Seanchan is a hot mess of civil war and domestic infighting and that's going to prevent Tuon from using it as a power base immediately, and distract her from local issues. The sul'dam secret and Tuon's relationship to it is already out among her most dangerous enemies (her immediate peers) and Elayne's gambit to rehabilitate sul'dam and damane and send them back to Seanchan territory is also going to spread that info.

Tuon and Mat's kids are a ticking time bomb of 'likely to be involuntary channelers' and even before that, you think Mat's going to do nothing to mitigate the childhood trauma of 'everyone is trying to kill me'? This man raised an orphan in a war camp in a perpetual 'take your adopted child to work day'. He might not be able to get them out of the Seanchan cultural deathtrap altogether, but he's going to do his best to make it less dangerous for them, which could mean radical cultural change.

Oh, and the Aiel are going to want their Wise Ones back in the next year and a day, which has the potential to be a real diplomatic time bomb. Also, as far as I can tell, no one has yet told the Black Tower they can't make war on the Seanchan, who will be in a tight spot re: getting more female damane, and therefore very interested in anything they can do with male channelers, ESPECIALLY if they can be convinced saidin is clean. Also: Moghedien is there!?! And Elaida, for that matter. Creator help anyone who goes to Elaida for Foretellings.

Seanchan has 99 problems and I guarantee you Tuon is thinking that at least her man ain't one. She is wrong. She is so, so wrong. (And we haven't even gotten to Min, who could convince Tuon to do pretty much anything if she played her cards right, because Tuon is weak to prophecy and trusted advisors. Or Mat's private army, which is going to be both a point of political tension and a valuable asset for him.)

How Mat Can Help Tuon Grow

I don't think people who think that Mat has utterly surrendered and lost his moral compass by falling in (love) with Tuon are correct. Mat has a history of losing to win. And I think Tuon is going to teach him- by example and circumstance- how to take responsibility in the most deliberate possible way, for the biggest possible stakes. She's going to teach him how to win friends and influence people in his new environment. She's going to teach him how to wait for precisely the right moment for maximum impact. And she's going to teach him how to sneakily rescue the fuck out of an entire society or die trying.

But Tuon can't learn that she's a person, not an institution, until she's literally removed from the institution and it is removed from her. When it comes to damane and slavery more broadly, she IS the Empire, and her changing her heart and mind- even if it were possible for that to come first- does jack shit to actually help anyone enslaved by Seanchan without the material conditions for societal change.

Empires change by economic, military, social pressures combined. You have to break the Empire before you can break Tuon, at least if you're Mat and you like her, and also if you want her along to help you pick up the pieces and fit them into something that doesn't just kill everyone and create more massive collateral damage. Tuon's relationship with power is cancerous; her desire for control has metastasized through her life and the lives of others, and the entry point of that relationship is her self-image as The Empress (and before that, a sul'dam, and an imperial heir...)

Mat's the mature one here, for a change, and that means his character development has to come first; Tuon's will fall into place once you change the conditions around her. She's infinitely malleable that way, because she was shaped to be responsive to those pressures from birth, and she kept shaping herself to be responsive to them as a survival tactic.

Mat listens to his instincts and the dice in his head because he relies on them for survival; Tuon looks for the omens in the world and the shifting currents of power because she relies on them for survival. Once Tuon experiences the consequences of her overreach, if Mat builds Tuon a world where she and others can survive without slavery and exploitation, where she doesn't HAVE to have an iron grip on everything, I promise you she'll go for it. Above everything else, Tuon is a survivor, and I think she could surprise you by how much she would change to survive.

#wheel of time #wot meta #wheel of time meta #wot book spoilers #a memory of light spoilers #mat/tuon #problematic fave tuon #oh look it's another multi-page essay no one asked for #tl;dr: Tuon will accidentally teach Mat how to military coup her and then she'll experience Consequences and Therapy in that order

[fullonfandomindulgence]

dimple is a great fucking character and i will fight anyone who says otherwise. specifically i will fight them by making them read this masterpiece client-crashing god-tackle effortpost about dimple

ive deliberately put off watching the telepathy arc episodes so i could finish this. i like tome So Much. you have no idea how much willpower it took. but it is done and its abt dimples like whole story and purpose and life and i think its a real good thing for you to read and enjoy

im so serious about this that I'm gonna capitalize and punctuate. My sorta thesis here is that Dimple's goals of manipulation are an expression of the basic act of choice that Mob Psycho 100 defines as living, but caring for Mob freaks him out because it distracts him from that purpose, and that contradiction and desperation to choose to live through control is tragically what ends him. Dimple is a friend. Strap in, motherfuckers, we're going for a ride.

Dimple's Goals (Dimpoals)

This is kinda an easy one.

I'm gonna be using images from the show and the comics but I'm not talking about anything past season three, episode six, so no worries anime-onlys. I describe all relevant visual info for each image, though there are also extra IDs in the alt text--I try not to repeat information.

Dimple wants to be a god, "the ultimate being in all creation," "the greatest power in the whole world," and "an object of devotion for all humanity." This dovetails with ideas about superiority and idealism in other parts of the comic but this post ain't about that. It's important that he never says what he'd actually do as a god. Like what is the power for? This comes up in his final confrontation with Mob, too.

Dimple claims that Psycho Helmet leads "people onto the right path," but the second Mob interrogates that he admits he has no plan, "no codex of any kind" from the comic. I don't think that's entirely true, though. Clearly Dimple doesn't care about ruling, because he doesn't actually know what he'd do with the power. But he does want to be revered--he wants positive attention!

Dimple's LOL cult is all about people laughing, and in this panel he says he chose that so he could gain a following without violence. Dimple's attempt with the divine tree is the same, he's trying to keep people the same besides their worship of the tree, make them feel happy in togetherness, help them "find peace at heart." I think there is a reading where making people happy is just a means to an end for Dimple. He for sure tries to kill Mob the first time they meet. But he doesn't have any logic for why he's not, like, using his powers to threaten people and demand tribute. He wants to become a god by making people feel good.

All this said--he's not gonna do it by being himself.

Identifying as evil

When Dimple meets Reigen he identifies himself as an evil spirit. Obviously this is sort of a joke. Like the idea that Mob's pet/mascot is actually an ancient malevolent ghost is pretty funny. But it's meaningful for Dimple's character too, so let's talk about what "evil" looks like. First, obviously the possession thing. How good is it that among all the people trying to manipulate Mob, one of them wants to literally control his every move? Second, here's a bunch of bad stuff Dimple did that Mob thinks about right after Teru tries to exorcise him:

Bro! She's like fourteen! (Dimple makes a lecherous comment about Tsubomi in this image.) He threatens Reigen, he tells Mob the body improvement club is a waste of his time, he straight up asks Mob if he can possess him... He's vindictive, pushy, mocking, and transparently manipulative.

Now to be fair lots of Mob Psycho characters are Like That. But there are some other things more specific to Dimple. Third, he tries to possess Ritsu, taking advantage of his fear of Mob. Fourth, again, the attempting-to-kill-Mob thing. Fifth, here's a bit from a recent side story:

My god. Dimple is terrifying in this. If you haven't read it, Uu is a little dog spirit that Reigen's been keeping around as a pet. Dimple notices that it's feeding on Reigen's energy so he gets rid of it. In these panels he waits until Reigen asks him where Uu is before telling him that he ate it. He has all these lines on his face and this expression of like hostile delight. There are creepy effects blobs behind him. He burps! He does a thing he knows will hurt Reigen and then rubs it in his face, acting like he takes pleasure in it. And finally from one of my favorite scenes in season 2:

I love love love this scene, when Mob is asked to exorcise the ghost family and he refuses. It takes the existing tropes in the story and introduces this like moral complexity and thoughtfulness, it communicates a change in stakes... "They won't have to exorcise you if the clients are dead." Again Dimple is smiling maliciously. He tries to manipulate ghost dad into attacking the college assholes, which is the one hand, for the purpose of getting him exorcised by Mob, which is the other hand. Harm in both directions. There is a third hand! We'll get to it.

But I want to summarize this section first: Dimple's default tool for dealing with adversity is manipulation. He, unlike, say, Reigen, is very comfortable looking like the bad guy, and to some extent he believes he is one. He wants to reach godhood by making people feel good, and he's going to do that not through bloodshed or by being a paragon of virtue but by using other people's flaws to control them.

The Living Spirit

Sorry, I want to do some more stuff before I get to the third hand.

I'd like to think I've been helpfully analytical up to this point, though probably not too novel. But I haven't seen anyone talk about this. Dimple is the liveliest dead guy in the comic, by a wide margin. He has multiple genuine relationships with people, he gets embarrassed, he gets happy, he fears things, he fully laughs. Sure in-canon this might be a proximity thing but in a narrative context I think it's significant that he's so much more of a character than other spirits. Here, in essentially his introduction as a significant character, he says, "I don't want to spend the rest of my life as a ghost!" There's also a great pun he makes in the Dark Horse translation when Reigen questions the existence of urban legend spirits--"Look, pal, just because you're a fake, don't disrespect the lived experience of the dead!" He thinks about living a lot.

Dimple comes back from apparent evaporation more than once, first when Mob exorcises him at the LOL meeting, second when Teru exorcises him in their first encounter. He really really wants to live.

Then there's the brief conversation between him and Reigen about the woman being stalked by what appears to be a spirit, but ends up being a neighbor astral-projecting himself. In this panel Dimple denies that spirits get horny. "It's not like we can do anything about it." He doesn't even think about like romantic love. So most importantly, canon aroace Dimple. But also Dimple believes that being a ghost reduces your existence. It's not even a possibility to do certain things, whether you want to or not. There's a tension here, Dimple craves life but knows that as-is he can't have it.

And then there's this six-page omake at the end of volume five. Please please read it if you can, it's not in the anime and it's such a good little story. When Dimple is almost exorcised by Teru, he only just manages to pull together an ant-sized form, and is rescued from being eaten by a pig ghost by a tiny human spirit called Stubble. The above image is an abandoned house in the woods, with Stubble, off-screen, monologuing, "I simply don't want to perish. I don't hold any grudge against this world. Neither do I have any dreams. Years have passed, without a clear goal." Stubble lives an extremely reduced existence, figuratively and literally. He rides around on the back of the ghost of flea, i.e., he is dependent on the echo of a thing that needs to latch onto something else to exist. He has no agency at all.

It's disconcerting, how Dimple starts at Stubble's size and slowly grows--or, reframed, Stubble slowly shrinks. Here Dimple accuses Stubble, "You died, even before your death. But I on the other hand..." Stubble gets angry. "You're dead too!" Again you should read the story, the way it concludes really blows me away.

Remember in the first episode of season three the S&S crew help the bald guy out of his funk, and at one point he says, "Am I doomed to just repeat these meaningless days until my death?" And then, soon after, "Wait, is my life already over?"

This is about the desperation of agency. Because like, Stubble is right. Dimple has been dead for a long time. His goal is ridiculous. His existence is scraps, yet he's clinging to them with everything he has. What's the point? Lay down alone among the insects, shrink and fade.

Dimple doesn't have a counterargument to Stubble. He doesn't justify "why." But the last sentence he says in the omake is, "I want to stay alive." Dimple, and by extension this omake, and if I may be so bold all of Mob Psycho 100, identifies agency with life. It's not even that life is about making choices, it's that life is literally the act of choosing. You have to choose to live. And Dimple does.

He likes control. He likes choice. He may not be alive but he chooses to live every day. Why? Because he has a purpose: he's going to become a god. And he's going to take Mob there with him.

The Third Hand

Are you good? You're like 1500 words in, feel free to take a break, drink some water.

Maybe you're starting to sense where this is heading. On the third hand, Dimple manipulates ghost dad to help Mob. He attempts to take away both of their autonomy in order to ease Mob's obvious distress. Let's talk about Dimple's evolving relationship with Mob.

I say this a third time, Dimple tries to kill Mob when they meet. Then, despite a positive spin on his initial pitch to Mob, he's pretty transparently evil about it.

These frames of the show are from that introduction, the first with Dimple surrounded in stars and bright colors saying "Let's shoot for the top of the world together," the second with Dimple thinking, face lit from below and body language full of menace, "I'll just wait for my chance to possess him." To be fair again, lots of Mob Psycho characters are Like That. Compare this to the first episode of season two: when Mob tells Dimple the story about Emi, Dimple, excited, assures him that they should keep sticking together so Dimple can help him out with these things. The animators even use the same image of Dimple with the stars and colors:

"Looks like you'll always need an advisor like me!" But this time he doesn't have the sinister turn he did when they first met. This is how Dimple keeps acting throughout season two. He helps Mob, apparently so that Mob trusts him so that in turn Mob can help him reach godhood. But he goes so far above and beyond without any malice: he keeps Banshomaru safe, he possesses one of the high school kids bullying Mob, he eats the curse off Reigen's back, he tries to defend Mob against fucking Toichiro.

Here's a great couple panels: after Dimple explains the deal with urban legends becoming real, he reiterates that he wants to be a god. Then Mob asks Dimple to "make sure [Banshomaru] won't get hurt," and little surprise lines come off Dimple. He agrees but says, "You gotta do me a favor sometime too." Dimple is a little struck by Mob's trust, but maybe more importantly this is the first time in a while, and I think the last time in season two, that Dimple suggests Mob do something for him. It only comes after he reiterates exactly what his purpose is. Dimple's priorities are a little unstable.

Yeah this is just a full comic page from the encounter with Mogami but it's meaningful as shit. Dimple has just suggested taking over Mob's body to protect it. The first panel is Dimple looking away and down, deflated, ashamed. A few sweat drops come down his face. He says, "but something like that..." And to his surprise (action lines, closeup, wide eyes) Mob agrees. Dimple puts on an evil affect when he responds: a horizontally squashed panel shows his backlit face. He smiles unpleasantly and laughs a little, "Kuku..." But his heart clearly isn't in it! His eyebrows are worried, not hostile. There's no pleasure in his smile. He's covered in sweatdrops, eyes wide. When Mob assures Reigen, "It'll be okay," there's another panel of Dimple where the remnants of that affect slide off him. The backlighting is still present but not as severe, the echo of that smile is on his cheek. He's openly worried and covered in sweatdrops. Mob's speech bubble covers a large portion of his face.

Points about this. First, by now Dimple has given up on possessing Mob. This thing that seemed like the main path to his goal is not an option. Second, while both Dimple and Reigen believe that this is a bad idea for Mob, Mob disagrees. Dimple identifies as evil. Reigen identifies him as evil. Mob no longer does. This is classic Shigeo Kageyama behavior, being generous to people even when no one including themselves thinks they deserve it. And the worst part for Dimple is he's starting to agree with Mob. When the option he'd dropped is handed to him on a silver platter, he finds he doesn't want to take advantage of this kid that way. He's a different person than he was.

I don't even know how relevant this is but. Look how much fucking fun Dimple has when he's possessing Mob to protect him. He's doing all these flips and kicks. His smile when he's fighting Mogami!Asagiri is so funny. He does the wildest mid-air combo I ever did see when he attacks the Claw guy as Mob.

Mob becomes such a top priority for Dimple that in the first episode of season three he realizes he forgot that he wanted to become a god. Not only that, but when he comes to Mob to convince him to lead the cult together he's immediately distracted by Mob and what's going on in his life. Mob has to prompt him for him to remember that he's there about the cult.

All this is why Mob's mistrust of Dimple in this conversation is so tragic. Dimple has helped Mob so much, and been so much of a genuine friend, because he knew that Mob trusted him. Where did it go? What happened? Mob's parting words to him are, "Why don't you give your schemes a rest already?" What schemes?? This is the first he's had in months. The translation in the comic, though, is so much more brutal:

"Why don't you stop doing bad things?"

Dimple is

Dimple is terrified of Mob. When Mob wonders if Dimple is scared of him, he's right, of course he is. He has lots of reasons. Mob almost evaporates Dimple when they first meet, threatens him multiple times. Dimple saw him at 100% rage, Mob's first on-screen. He watched Mob hit ???% without being knocked unconscious. This is all especially threatening given Dimple's drive to live. He's terrified when Ritsu tries to fight Mob, he's terrified when Mob asks him if he had anything to do with Ritsu's kidnapping, he's terrified when he thinks Reigen is about to tell Mob that they don't know what happened to his family. But I also read his fear as a symbol of how important Mob is. Dimple attached himself to Mob as the way to achieve his goal. Dimple helps Mob out in so many ways, putting off his goal, so that eventually they can fulfill his purpose together. Then he starts caring about this kid so much that he forgets his purpose! Of course Dimple fears Mob, because their relationship threatens what drives him to live. As much as Dimple is a manipulator, Mob is the one who ultimately has power over him.

Dimple so easily reverts to an evil persona once he leaves Mob because without Mob that's all he can be. If he can't get to the top with Mob, then he has to do it the old way, by using people's flaws to manipulate them. He's able use the broccoli to become a physical presence and get around the "amazing power" problem--though the broccoli's presence and power are still kinda Mob's! But why does he need to become a god at all? Because that's all he is. If he doesn't have Mob and he doesn't have his purpose, then he has nothing.

"Don't go casually denying the thing I've been wanting so badly!" Dimple gets so angry when Mob tells him he's being fake because first, Mob is denying Dimple's manipulative tendencies, which are really important to Dimple right here because he feels his identity is so precarious. And because second, Mob is denying Dimple's purpose. Dimple is in equal danger from Mob's physical attacks and Mob's denial of what he wants. What he wants, what he chooses, is what living is. Dimple doesn't want to die.

Here's a lot of a comic page again, from the final confrontation. Dimple tells Mob that he's just been using him the whole time they've known each other. Mob says, "I'm sad... Does that mean it's time to say goodbye to Dimple?" He steps towards Dimple, who screams in fear and anticipation. I think this is basically the worst thing ever, because god, Dimple is so afraid. Mob is justified in what he's doing but Dimple's desperation is what stands out to me, how hard he's tried to cling to agency and life and how sincerely he believes Mob is about to take it all away from him anyway, to disappear forever and ever.

And then Dimple insults Mob's shirt.

Dimple insults Mob's shirt

Fucking kills me. These are two frames from episode six, Dimple sees how much Mob suddenly trusts him and his reaction is anger, "You okay with leaving me like this?" His eyes are wide, brow down in anger. And then what he says next, "I'm... a dangerous evil spirit!" Here the anger is present but has softened with worry on his brow. The lines by his nose and his pouty lower lip make him look scared and sad. This fight has made it important to Dimple's identity that Mob try to stop him, because he's evil, and Mob stops evil spirits.

Panels from the comic where Mob tells Dimple, "You weren't doing bad things. You were just doing what you wanted to do. Together with me. You trusted me before I trusted you, Dimple. Thank you." Mob doesn't think Dimple is evil, but he identifies how important Dimple acting on his wants is, and he tells him that he still values their relationship. He denies that he has to hurt dimple but affirms his power to choose.

I maybe could've skipped a lot of BS if I put this page further up but I wanted this to get felt, what Dimple's admitting to himself here. It's another section of a page. Panel one, a white splotch in darkness with Dimple's thoughts, "It felt like my ambitions would fade away. Did spending time with unselfish Shigeo cause even me to lose sight of my goals?" Panel two, Dimple is the white splotch. He's scared. "...eh? Wait, that's a problem...!! I'll lose my reason for existing!" So Dimple tells Mob, angry, "No, not yet... I'm not done yet! Even now... I've still got... plenty of things I want to do! And ambitions!" Mob agrees, with that tired, frank look. "I'll hear you out for real. As your friend." Accepting Mob's friendship like this is terrifying, because it means what it always has, forgetting about this purpose. What if Mob stops trusting him again? If he really, consciously abandons his purpose, will he still have agency? He wanted a friend, always wanted a friend. Will it be enough? Will he disappear?

Dimple takes Mob's hand anyway. This was such an amazing shot, I've reproduced its animated glory here, Mob and Dimple reach towards each other, Mob weakly, so Dimple closes the gap and grabs him. The hand grasp of all time. I'm not gonna talk about how this fits into all the other Mob Psycho hand symbolism, that's another 4000-word megapost.

It's worth it. I'm convinced that by involving yourself in a network of people and creating some sense of obligation to others you can actually give yourself an even deeper kind of agency than you could achieve alone. And this is awful, terrifying. Because it involves giving yourself up a little bit. You have to give up some control. Dimple wants to be a god, to have ultimate power and control, so much of him is his manipulation, but he has to give that up for this. Goals that may have guided you for a long time can become irrelevant--and then who are you? If you've defined your life by something for years, and at the end of the decade you realize you don't fit your definition anymore, where do you go? Dimple tells Mob, "Let's go home." But...

Panels from the comic, where Dimple carries a sleeping Mob and thinks, "I said 'let's go home,' but I don't really have any place to 'go home' to... And I don't have anything to aim for from here... I wonder what I should do now." That Dimple is allowing himself to think this is really powerful. I don't think this has to be a sad moment. Like obviously Mob thinks that Dimple's home is his house. He just asked him to stay away until he reverts to his smaller form, as in, he otherwise would've expected Dimple to stay with him. I appreciate the larger point that now Dimple feels unmoored, and deciding on a new purpose is existential. But I think Mob also has a larger point that he believes he can help moor Dimple. I think allowing yourself to wonder where to go next is so important. Dimple is where Mob was a few months back when he decided he wanted to join the body improvement club! He has a future, even if he can't see it very well.

Or, um.

I keep fucking crying while I'm writing this. I love the translation in the comic here. Dimple kneels before a prone Mob and, finger touching his forehead, says, "Listen well... I'm giving you orders for the first and last time. First, wake up. Stand up, Shigeo." Mob is still for a moment and then says, "...it's no use. I can't put any strength into my legs. I can't move my arms either." Dimple is very serious now as he relays, "Your body may complain, but still... stand up. Even if you cannot stand... you must stand." God damn it, god fucking dammit.

Sometimes it's not so easy to change. Your actions have consequences. Your history follows you. Dimple's desperate attempt to keep his old wants comes back to kill his new ones.

Dimple's final act is the same thing he always does, he manipulates Mob to protect him. And it is good and kind. Suddenly his reason for existence is paradoxical: he's going to have to die to fulfill it. Who exists to die? But that's not what it is. Because he's making a choice. He denies death, he says, no, you can swallow me whole, you can annihilate me, but even then you can't take my agency away from me. And I will use this final choice to protect someone I love.

Dimple was a friend.

#mp100 s3 #mob psycho 100 #mp100 #mp100 dimple #tumblr labeled this as mature! idk why!! #there is nothing in here that would warrant it #look out for spoilers in the replies #this is 30 images and thousands of words i deserve all these tags #as a treat #ekubo #mp100 ekubo #dimple #analysis #meta #mp100 meta #shigeo kageyama #mp100 shigeo #mp100 mob #IDs in alts #and in the post itself depending on context