#thank you very much anon i am feeling enlightened now

[mackmp3]

Radiohead, in rainbows disk 2, song 6, first line.

thom yorke doctor who reference real??

[roguelov]

Victorian!Dream starts romancing his lover only to realize just how prudish times have become since the slutty slutty Greeks. After months of blue balls, he decides that a glimpse of ankle just isn’t doing it for him anymore. You need a rather sensual education. Now.

ANON I HAVE NO WORDS EXCEPT FOR CONSTANT SCREAMING

Dream who had seen humanity regress in their sexuality, Dream who had watched layer be added to clothing, Dream who has seen any talk of sex being shunned by society, and Dream who has finally had enough and just wants you deeply

Lord Morpheus, the host of this party, pulled you away from the sea of guests. Not that you believed anyone noticed or cared. He weaved down the dark hallways of mansion until the two of you were completely out of sight and farthest away. You could barely hear anyone or anything, you only heard Lord Morpheus’s steady breaths.

“Lord Morpheus -“

“Morpheus is just fine.” He was desperately trying to keep his composure. Although, he wished nothing more to have you, even in this hallway exposed. He was still man of society. “Apologies for whisking you away.”

“No need to apologies, in fact I am thankful. You saved me from a rather dull conversation.”

He nodded. To be honest, he wasn’t fully listening. He was really enraptured with the idea of having you in the hallway. The simple idea thrilled him.

You asked, “Like I stated, I am grateful but may I can you why you brought me here?”

Morpheus sighed. He stepped closer. “Forgive me if I am being blunt, but I truly cannot bear this feeling forever.”

“Morpheus -“

He bent his head, whispering a secret into your ear. “Our dance has gone on for too long, and I need you.”

Your heart skipped. You were really flustered and stunned by his words. “Morpheus, I - I am flattered truly but -“

His lips trailed along your neck, “Please, allow me to enlighten you.”

You sighed, already being pulled under his spell, “Enlighten me?”

“Yes, enlighten you.” His body pressed into yours pining you to the wall. “I am well versed in one’s body and such pleasure to derive from it.”

“Is that so?” Your tone had a slight tease to it, hiding your genuine curiosity.

He chuckled. “Very much. Now, will you allow me to show you? I can teach you many things, things you may only dream of.”

“Yes.”

[aspoonofsugar]

Hello!!!! Anon who asked about your process here!! Oh my god. Oh my god. This is literally nothing short of being enlightened. I’m really so grateful you took so much time to help others by sharing what you know. It’s really just so generous of you- years maybe, of just. So much experience and knowledge. Absolutely speechless with how much you shared. It was not confusing, not even one bit. I really feel so lucky to be able to learn directly from who I look up to 😭 It’s really a blessing one can never come by. Your kindness and generosity to growing artists is. Baffling 🫂🫂🫂🫂 thank you so much!!!!!!!! do you mind also sharing how you started, or what made you start?? I’m kind of really curious about what road you took I guess that lead you to discover so much about. Everything you know now 😭 honestly wait going off track- personally speaking taking such a close look and picking apart something you love is such an awesome thing. The fact that you’re curious about impact, impression and meaning of a work to such an extent in which you analyze it, break it down, by observing it so compassionately- i really feel like you’re doing the artists good. To me there’s little else that conveys ‘this is meaningful. This is so cool to me!’ to such an extent, so ridiculously clearly and passionately. If I were one of the artists you’d had written for, I would be ecstatic to see someone so compassionate and obsessed(?exaggerating) with my work and the meaning of/behind it. Your passion and love towards your subjects is ridiculous evident in your work, and I just hope you know that it’s. It’s really amazing, what you’re doing. How clearly it means something to you. As an artist, I can’t help but feel excited just for whoever artist you wrote an analysis for.

once again oh my godddddd thank you so so so ridiculously much for your time attention and support its actually so much more than I could ever ask for!!!!!!! I will pay you back with being so awesome and promising I’ll make good use of all the everything!! The everything!!!!! I’m so sorry oh my gosh too excited after reading your reply

HI!! writing process anon here!! what i meant to say in my last ask was that your love and compassion shows through very clearly in your analysis’!!!!! Your blatant appreciation through meticulous efforts in breaking down meaning and what it entails/entailed shine through in everything you write. Thank you so much for all you do!!!!

Hello anon!

Awwww thank you so much for your nice words, they really mean a lot! And I am happy my answer was useful <3

As for how I started... I was Meta Anon in @hambliet's askbox!

I started by reading analyses here on tumbrl and before making a blog of my own I was an anon sharing my thoughts in people's inboxes. Hamliet realized it was the same person sending her meta-thoughts and after some time I made my own blog and here I am <3

Thank you for passing by and I hope you have fun analyzing stories, as much as I do! It really is an activity that brings me joy!

[kisilinramblings]

Was wondering why a lot of people said Adrien almost has no agency and having codependent relationship with Marinette in this season and your reply to that anon enlighten me greatly. So, thank you!

Tbh I myself thought this will be the season for Adrien to finally step up his game. I mean, the whole s4 is about Marinette role transition from being a holder to guardian so it just make senses (for me) that this season would be about Adrien. And in a way, it does, but not in the way I like it.

It's good that he decided to focus to be a good boyfriend for Marinette as it will be a good lesson for a young kid, but the fact that's the only thing he could focused on his life at the moment is disturbing. All because he's NOT allowed to know more things because no one tell him anything and thus limited his own agency.

Where's his reaction when Ladybug didn't show up? Why he never ask what actually happened in s4? He forgive her without even knowing what he forgive her for and it's not good. Why Felix doesn't even said anything about Gabriel? Why Nathalie doesn't?

If what people said about the fairy tale Nath and Marc created in s4 foreshadowing a plot where Marinette as Adrien sole savior is true, I would definitely hate it if Marinette become the one who solve the Agreste mess without Adrien knowing that there's a problem in the first place. That just not the ending I want for Adrien.

You're welcome but please, let us all keep in mind though that while the narrative focus on Adrien and Marinette romantic relationship, the biggest obstacle to Adrien's freedom (and agenda) is Gabriel himself.

It is Gabriel who forbids Adrien to do things. It is Gabriel who is imposing his will and agenda (the contract with Tomoe) on Adrien. It is Gabriel who gives this illusion of choice to Adrien.

Like we got some cases this season of Adrien asking his father for permission and have Gabriel replies "But of course you can, you are free" while sounding hypocrite about it. And Adrien isn't asking just out of politeness. He is asking because he feels obligated to wait for his father's decision for everything.

It is not mere coincidence we get this after Adrien asked to not be a model anymore at the beginning of this season.

Adrien asks for some autonomy? Gabriel allows it only when it doesn't go against Gabriel's interests. Been there since S1 of course, but more focus gets put now that Gabriel pretends to be more present in Adrien's life.

Also, remember what was Adrien's buried childhood dream back in Wishmaker? To become whatever his parents wanted him to be. Now, we have an Adrien who is going against his father's wishes (unless Amok's magic is at play whether we like it or not).

Yes, Adrien could have a bit more independant scenes, but for S5, it doesn't bother me as much as some because I do see a growth in his character. Though I do wish for one more episode or two centered on Ladynoir's relationship. We know they are in good terms and Ladybug (finally) accepting Chat Noir's helping hand at the end of Strike Back despite having lost everything and entrusting Chat Noir with the Rabbit Miraculous (a very powerful and dangerous Miraculous mind you) did a lot in mending the gap that was created between. But yes, I too would have liked to have a bit more continuity with a few more episodes focused on the hero personas and there is 6-7 episodes to go so maybe? Still, I understand that the narrative focus for now is with what is going on in the civilian side.

You asked : "Where's his reaction when Ladybug didn't show up?"

And I'm sorry, I am not sure of understanding to what you are referring too. Do you mean during the Kwami's choice? I can't say for sure but I know that after Hack-San, Adrien trusts Scarabella. That she replaces LB when LB cannot be there to protect Paris. And in the interview at the beginning of Deflagration, for security measure, no detail was given and Adrien understands that too. But it also shown us that Adrien without Plagg, without being Chat Noir, without his friends (basically without his connections) is in a depressive state alone at home. It was even illustrated before Plagg left (aka that one shot during Jubilation showing Adrien's room being a mess). So, there is something lingering in his character, but it is also very in character for him to put it in a drawer and not look back at it... until it blows that is.

Why Felix doesn't even said anything about Gabriel? Why Nathalie doesn't?

Can't say for Félix, but it looks like he is one to take actions for supposedly another's sake, without waiting for them to ask nor consulting with said character first.

But out of the two, I so wish Nathalie would be the one to reveal some truths to Adrien. Especially since she has the other half of the Graham de Vanily ring. And during the episode Félix, she is the one who pushes Gabriel to tell the truth to Adrien. We however don't know which truth she was refering to. But like she also said back then : the longer someone waits, the harder it gets to reveal the truth.

If it is about Adrien being a sentihuman, there is the possibility she is respecting a wish made from Émilie, especially if there is a fear of othering here.

As for letting Adrien knows that his father is Monarch, it may be yet again a way to protect him, to preserve his innocence in this. Especially since Gabriel is doomed anyway. I think she considers it is for the best.

In both cases, it seems Nathalie is taking the "ignorance is bliss" route.

About the Fairy Tale analogy, yes, the imagery is there, but I'm going to use a direct quote from Protection here.

Marc : [Y]ou two just turn off your brain, follow the comic book, kiss each other and that's it! End of the show. Everything is magically sorted out. Nathaniel : Hence the name Magic Kiss. Marinette : I'm not so sure. What are you basing that on? Marc : Just about every fairy tale, shoujo manga and Hollywood romantic comedy ever. Adrien : Oh? And it works in real life too? Who knew?

And what happens in the very next scene? No kiss, just Marinette and Adrien being miserable. The opposite of the friends' (read audience's) expectations of how it would turn out to be.

Meaning the show is self aware here. Yes, the writers are using imagery, analogies, metaphors and codes/tropes of the romantic comedy genre. But they will do it with their own twist.

For example, on top of the princess tropes in fairy tales, they are using the good old narrative of a [young royal / noble] wanting to be with the person their heart choose rather than the person imposed to them. With the main villain calling himself Monarch. And they are paralleling somehow Émilie and "Gabi" loves story when they were young themselves. So there is a goal. There is this window of the heroes could potentially become like the villain.

Anyway, the story focusing its second half of S5 on Marinette and Adrien's romantic relationship is their way of tying the civilian and the hero's arc as one. At least, that is how I perceive it. It's Maribug and Adrichat vs Gabonarch.

I understand the fear of Maribug being the Knight in Shiny Armor Savior. At the same time, it is ironically what Argos tried to do during Emotion with the result we have seen. Argos did litteraly remove Adrien from the narrative, in order to do his coup meant to "save them" before making Adrien coming back and we have seen the results. Adrien was legitimately upset at his cousin.

Hopefully, Adrichat will have his own mission during the finale. At least, if Gabonarch isn't unabling / using him in the first place.

[icharchivist]

Hi, do you still keep touch with norowareshimono? How is she? I remember she switched fandoms long ago, but does she plan to glance back at dgm? I was a fan of hers (and yours! haha), I adore how she managed to pick up Japanese, her contributions were huge.

omg hiii <3 that's such a sweet ask!

I am indeed still in contact with Noro! We still talk once in a while. She's been very busy lately, life hasn't cut her any slack recently @.@

we've talked about dgm recentlyish and she did mention to me she fell behind a little but was planning on going back to it when she gets a little more time. though i don't know if it means she'll come back to post about it.

I did transfer her your ask though!

here's how she replied:

It really cheered her up and i'm so happy for that <333

That's genuinely so sweet and i'm so happy you felt this way. Noro's analysis were always fascinating to read, because she really ended up looking deep into the Japanese text or extended material (like interviews) that we wouldn't normally have access to, and i loved how she could point out to hidden meanings we weren't usually tuned to because of the language barrier.

i love to overanalyse things and i'm so touched you liked also my contribution to it, but truly being able to point at things i thought were worth looking into and having Noro deep dive into the Japanese pages to comment on that has been one of the most inspiring and fascinating way i've approached dgm.

I owe a lot to the angle Noro brought to those readings. And an interview Noro translated was what made so much of dgm click to me and has been a basis for my analysis since then. I genuinely feel like Noro's contribution to the fandom has been enlightening, i genuinely owe her so much for it.

The fact others people agree about it, even now after all these years, just makes me so happy. Noro really deserves all the praise, and she mentioned further in the conversation we had about your ask that it was so unexpected and confusing, but especially she felt so honored about it, it genuinely made her day and that makes me so happy for her sake.

So thank you very much for this ask, and as Noro's friend, thank you so much for brightening her day like you just did <333

Hope you have a nice day anon, and hopefully we'll discuss all of those again one day <33

take care!!

[solarsavoy]

001 for Assassination Classroom?

Egads, is this an ask I see? *holds the precious*

Favorite character: Tie between Karma and Nagisa, each for different reasons. Shuu is an extremely close second. (I also get a kick out of him being second in everything. XD) Least Favorite character: Gastro is an absolute waste of a character. Sorry not sorry. His gun into ramen does make for some really funny memes though. XD 5 Favorite ships (canon or non-canon): KARMAGISA FOR LIFE!!! I also firmly support Shuuritsu, Karushuu, Sugizaki/TomoYuki, and Chihaya. Character I find most attractive: Karma... Character I would marry: Karma but not Karma because I know better than to get tied down to that. Wait... maybe Nagisa. He'd make for a wonderful house husband. ^^ (He still gets to be a teacher though.) Character I would be best friends with: This one's kinda hard actually, and random. Probably Itona. He seems like he'd be pretty chill to hang out with and I'd love to sit back and talk shit about the Terasaka gang while we do our own thing in the background. a random thought: Why don't I like Gakuhou more? (Or was this supposed to be and actually enlightening answer? You asked for a random thought and this randomly popped up in my head when I read it. How much more random can you get?) An unpopular opinion: Hiromi is redeemable. Now hear me out! Until I wrote it into Life in Retail, I hated her just as much as the next person, but surprisingly? She's just as much a victim of the same type of abuse as Nagisa, and that's just sad. :/ No it does not make it okay, but generational trauma is quite difficult to overcome for anyone of any age. My Canon OTP: I feel like there's only one to choose from, so Karasuma x Irina. My Non-canon OTP: KARMAGISA! Most Badass Character: So, I'd say Karma, but it's a tie between Nagisa, Itona and Kaede imo. They're all unexpectedly badass because of their height, and I love that. Most Epic Villain: Tentacled Reaper 2.0. 😢 It's also very sad. Pairing I am not a fan of: Fuwa with anyone. She's a queen all by herself. 😊 Character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): Tie between Karma, Shuu and Nagisa. Karma because they always make him so heartlessly cruel sometimes and he really isn't. Shuu because they basically make him Karma as though he weren't his own, completely valid person. And Nagisa because they make it seem like he likes girly things when he clearly has issues with his femininity. Like, come on people. (Realized I answered this for fanfic writers, not Matsui. 😅) As far as Matsui goes, I don't think he did anyone wrong. That's probably also an unpopular opinion, but if everything was done right and perfect, then you'd have nothing to add, and as an avid fanfic writer, I think the more perfect characters are the ones your own mind can add too. Their background, their personality, anything really. And Matsui has an all-star cast of characters that do just that, feed the imagination with a good foundation. Favourite Friendship: Another tie between Nagisa & Sugino and Karma & Rio. Character I most identify with: Karma Character I wish I could be: Karma XD

Thank you muches for the askies, Anon!

Ask thing.

[rainbowsky]

Hello admin,

I became a turtle in March’22. I love reading your answers that you give to several Qs. And it is one of the reasons I believed in them and I thought they are really dating. But yesterday I saw a clip of WYB where he was dressed as an old man. It was a clip from Day Day Up episode 20210829. When asking about kids he said “3 children? That is too much for me. 2 is OK. Any way I must have a son. I will teach him motorbike, skiing, skateboarding.” This answer of him shook me. I heard that it is very difficult for gay to adopt child in China. If he is gay and dating XZ then he should say “I have not thought of kids now.” But he sounds pretty confident about having a son. Then I kept on questioning myself. Am I missing something? Am I exaggerating their good friendship into romantic relationship? I am really sad and confused now. I know you believe that their relationship real. I also believe that they are real but I also think that the Qs of mine is reasonable. Please enlighten me with your views from this topic.

Thank you.

Hi new turtle! 💛🐢💛

Normally I'm fine with people calling me by whatever comes to mind for them, but 'admin' feels scary. I'm not an admin - that sounds like too much responsibility! 😅

Feel free to refer to me by one of my many appellations, or to come up with something appropriately silly. 😅

I'm going to do my best to answer your question as gently as possible, but I apologize if I don't quite succeed. For reasons that will become clearer, I find this question somewhat unsettling.

Fake, fan fiction, CPN.

I don't think you realize how offensive it is, but your line of thinking comes across as "A queer guy in China who is serious about wanting kids can't really be serious about his gay relationship," and that rubs me the wrong way. It's like holding up the oppression that queer people experience, as proof of the lack of viability of gay relationships. I know that's not what you intended, Anon, but when you reflect on it I hope you can see why it feels that way.

This is a form of bigotry that queer people constantly experience, and is a huge part of how and why queer rights continue to be held back across the globe. Queer people are prevented from marrying and having kids, and then the same people who are standing in the way of those rights turn around and say, "See! Gay people are just a bunch of oversexed promiscuous pervs whose 'lifestyles' are incompatible with decent family values!!"

So when I hear you fall into a spiral of despair and doubt about DD really loving GG, just because he states openly that he wants a son... well, Anon... it just makes me so sad. It tweaks all my sensitivities about queer rights and sociocultural attitudes toward queer people - gay men especially - and it lands on me (totally unintentionally, I get it) in this saddening sort of way.

Just to be clear: DD is totally allowed to want a son - even to be determined to have a son - and still be totally gay and totally in love with and devoted to GG.

We don't know what their long term plans are, we don't know what the situation is going to be in China five or ten years from now, we don't know what queer people do in China to get around the laws, we don't know if they intend on leaving at any point... we just don't know. And it's also totally fine for DD to speak openly about wanting something that he might not yet be sure how he's going to achieve. Never underestimate that man. If there's a way, he will find it.

I find it similarly disappointing when turtles claim to believe GG and DD are a real couple, but then constantly question and challenge their relationship and fall into a wailing pit of doubt about it over the most inconsequential things. It lands on me in a very similar way. Perhaps without even realizing it, there is a strong thread of heteronormativity/homophobia that runs through a lot of that stuff.

GG and DD are real people. They've been together for years. They are clearly deeply in love. They shouldn't have to constantly prove it to us in order to keep us from going bald.

I get it, Anon, I really do. Heteronormativity is a powerful force, and we are all heavily conditioned to believe that straight relationships are normal and natural, and gay relationships are a rare, fleeting, inherently troubled thing. Especially for people who lack a certain degree or type of experience, it can be difficult to get one's head around the idea that gay relationships are actually totally normal, and are happening everywhere around us, all the time.

It's also common for new turtles to struggle to find a balance between their excitement about GG and DD and their uncertainty about GG and DD, and I don't want to be a total heel who isn't sympathetic to that process which a lot of fans seem to go through. But I think a lot of that upheaval is totally unnecessary, and fairly easily remedied by a shift in mindset.

Of course some doubt is understandable and even healthy, but to swing wildly from fervent belief to gut-wrenching doubt as some turtles tend to do, that's a sign that perhaps it's time to self-reflect a bit on what you really feel about GGDD, and what you're really trying to get out of being a turtle. Perhaps it's time to focus on things that will make you happy.

Of course everyone experiences things differently and everyone has different values and approaches, but from my perspective, fandom should be - first and foremost - about having fun. Fandom involving stars like GG and DD should be - first and foremost - about supporting them and enjoying their works. Getting overly invested in whether they're in a real relationship will only make the experience of fandom stressful and painful.

And I feel the need to point this out because it's incredibly important: no one is obligated to believe BJYXSZD. You aren't obligated, nor is anyone else. It's totally OK, totally normal, and totally fine to be unable/unwilling to believe, to falter in belief, to have never believed, to go back and forth, to still be weighing the evidence, etc. etc.

SZD might come to you or it might not, but GG and DD are always here to enjoy and support, and that's the most important thing we can focus on. Clownery is meant to be fun. If you find it isn't fun, or if you're starting to feel doubt and despair, just put your clown wig on and remember this is all fake.

I don't know if this is the answer you were hoping to get, Anon, or if it's made you feel better or worse, but hopefully it's helped a little bit.

And if my words have failed, surely GG and DD themselves are the real remedy for what ails you.

EDIT: A couple of articles about gay men and surrogacy in China were shared in the comments that I think will be of interest to readers.

Four years, two continents: a gay Chinese couple’s journey for a surrogate son

LGBT parents challenge stereotypes in China

There's also an interesting documentary about this on YouTube

[specialagentlokitty]

Loki x reader - Phoenix

Hi I was wondering if you could do a Loki x reader where the reader is a Phoenix on the avengers and when Loki meets the reader he wonders what she is but doesn’t know and only thinks that she has fire powers. Until one mission where she saves him in her full form. Pure fluff please. Thanks - Anon 💜

Loki was finding his time on Earth to be annoying but enlightening. He was learning about mutants, he found it strange how some humans had powers and how some didn’t.

Sometimes he was still a bit clueless however, and since he’d only met you a few months ago, he wasn’t sure if you had any powers.

You were sat on the couch playing a game when he walked over to you with a book in his hand and sat with you.

“Why do you give off so much heat?” Loki asked.

You paused your game and turned to face him, furrowing your brows.

“Huh?”

“I’m sat next to you and I feel like I’m in the depths off hel.”

“Oh... I think it’s because of this.”

You flicked your wrist and your whole hand lit up a bright orange, and Loki jumped, nearly falling off the couch.

“What in the world?!”

You put it out and smiled sheepishly.

“You remember what we talk about with mutants?”

He slowly sat back in his head, and nodded his head.

“Is that what you are? A mutant?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“What kind of mutant are you?”

“Well... under classification I’m a fire mutant.”

“Classification?”

“Yeah, it’s what mutants are labelled under. It helps the government keep track of who’s dangerous and who’s not, there’s a whole lot of different things in there too.”

You knew this sort off stuff made him interested in humans, but he would never admit it.

“Are you dangerous?”

“The government seem to think so, that’s why I’m here. Perks off being the last of my kind.”

“The last of your kind, what does that mean?”

You opened your mouth to reply but you were stopped by Jarvis telling you there was a meeting you had to attend.

Turning your console off, you stood and smiled apologeticly at the God.

“Sorry Loki, I’ve gotta go. We’ll talk later.”

“Okay.”

The meeting was about a mission you guys would be doing in the up coming weeks that needed to planned very carefully first.

“Are there any questions?” Fury snapped.

“Yeah, I’ve got one. If we’re doing this as a stealth mission, I think it would be a good idea to bring Loki and Wanda along.” You spoke up.

“Wanda I get, but Loki?” Tony scoffed, “bad idea fire bird.”

“Hear me out.” You sighed. “We’re going to split into two groups, with these guys it’ll even it out. Steve and Tony, Nat and Clint, Thor and Wanda, Me and Loki. Since Bruce and Vision will be our eyes.”

You looked over at everyone else who seemed to be thinking about this.

“I think it’s a good idea, the more groups the quicker we can find he captive agents.” Steve nodded.

“Loki can’t be trusted on the field, who knows what he’ll do.” Fury growled.

“That’s why I put him with me, Loki and I get along the most.”

“You think he’ll listen to you?” Tony laughed, “he doesn’t listen to anyone, he’s unpredictable!”

“Trust me, I think it’s time we take Loki out. He’s been here for a while, locked in the tower. It’s time for him to start repenting for what he’s done.”

“It’s a stupid move.” Nat sighed, “I know you think it’ll help but we can’t risk it.”

You sighed, and ran a hand through your hair, shaking your head.

“You guys didn’t trust me either when I was first here, but you gave me a chance. Do the same for him, whatever happens I will take responsibility.”

“Full responsibility?” Fury questioned.

You didn’t even think when you gave a reply.

“Full responsibility.”

“Fine, Rogers brief those two now. (L/N) stay behind, every out.”

They all left and you stood face to face with Fury.

“If this goes wrong it’s on your head.”

“I know sir.”

With that, you left.

You could’ve just made a huge mistake, but you think he could really do some good. You trusted Loki to help you, and you were ready to accept Full responsibility for whatever he would do.

Making your way to the lab, you sat with Bruce.

“Ready for the test?” He asked.

“Let’s do it.”

When it came to he day off the mission, you found Loki stood in front of the jet with a small frown on his face.

“Loki?”

“Why bring me?” He asked, “for all you know I could betray you.”

“I trust you.” You smiled, “Come on, let’s sit.”

It started off well, no one had been found out, and you guys were slowly making progress. But when a guy who wasn’t meant to be outside came out it messed everything up.

“Change of plans, get there as fast as you can!” Steve yelled.

“Loki lets go!”

You started to run, but when you didn’t hear him following you or reply you started to worry.

Frantically you looked around, and you started to fear that he’d just up and left, and when you saw him surrounded by HYDRA that worry melted away into a worry for him.

You started to run towards him, your whole body lit up in flames.

“Loki duck!” You screamed.

You jumped high into the air, your body blew up with flames all around, and you emerged a giant red and orange bird.

With a screech, you dived down, knocking the Hydra agents off their feet while burning them.

Ones that hadn’t been taken down in your attack simply turned and ran in fear.

“How beautiful...” Loki whispered.

You looked down at him, folding your wings into your side as you dipped your head.

“May I?” He said, gesturing to your feathers.

You gave a slight nod, allowing him to find his fingers through the firy feathers while you scanned the area.

“Is this your true form?” He asked.

Again, you gave another nod and he smiled softly at you, taking a step back as you turned back into your human form.

“That is amazing, what are you?”

“A Phoenix.”

You guys started to walk towards the HYDRA compound.

You noticed Loki kept glancing at you, so you smiled softly at him and followed behind Tony and Steve.

“Take it he found out.” Tony snickered.

“Yeah, he did.” You laughed.

Everyone shook their heads, and Loki simply just smiled.

“Will you tell me more about it later?” He asked.

“Sure thing.”

He nodded, you were by far the most intriguing human he’d ever met

[ryoceann]

Hi. Itk here. Believe me, don't, doesn't matter. Thought I'd drop (after you summoned ha) by given the chaos and try to enlighten the ones who choose to believe me, as much as I'm capable of.

The first thing I wanna say is: stop trying to figure out their relationship. You most likely never will. Fans are stuck on both extremes, when the actuality of it is far more in the middle (perhaps even up or down and all around ha). It's complex and strange and not at all "normal" (as normal as they could be, anyways).

It's not as simple as "oh they're just a closeted couple who engage in bearding and have kids and behind closed doors they're just a regular, old married couple and a big, happy rainbow family".

Doesn't sound like itk info, believe me, I get that but observing the fandom I'd say it almost is because most fans simply hang on extreme simplistic ideas of what their relationship is.

Second thing I'd like to say and unfortunately seems like it's not at all obvious but: do not believe anything they share publicly. Not saying they're lying compulsively, but they are public figures and they have a lot at stake to just casually drop the actual truth of any given situation.

Just don't. The same salt you have regarding itks, have towards them. It'd do you some good...Believe me. Unless you are involved in the entertainment or political life, you cannot even begin to fathom what it's really like, the level of manipulation, falsehood and well, overall deviation of it. It's quite disturbing tbh. So just always take whatever's said and shown with a good amount of salt. With public people hardly anything is accidental or casual.

I think the most prominent question now is...Why? Why would they do something like that? Regardless if you have the ingenuity to believe the little scene they made or not...Still, the question lingers.

With my level of "in the knowness" I cannot for sure say the real reason, yet from the pieces I've collected so far, seems to be a multiple gain scheme. It was a high risk, they were well aware, and it paid out in the way they were expecting, minus small bumps here and there. But overall it seemed to have worked in their favor. How in the hell, one would ask?

Believe me, I used my best sneaky capabilities to find out exactly why but they were smart enough to keep this one locked tight, minus a few loose lips. And from those all I've heard was that "whatever the purpose was, it worked out".

As weird as it may sound to the innocent mind, it's actually not at all, given that even leaked nudes are not at all leaked or accidental, and those tend to (at least in the past) get immense amount of backlash. It's not the first time famous folks fake a fight, surely won't be the last.

A lot goes into public image, it's not black and white as "well but it looked bad on Jensen", "it looked bad on the prequel", etc. You'd be surprised as how little this truly matters given the level of manipulation they are able to pull on the public. And well, even with them...It happens all the time. Both made mistakes far worse than just "not telling my bestie about my new project" and fans would eventually let that go and put them back on the pedestal.

So just remember, always: not in the industry? then don't judge anything because you simply do not understand how it works.

Another piece of itk information I can give besides "this was planned and it worked" is: they are fine. From what I've heard they are not fighting over it or going through anything more dramatic than what they usually have been going through ever since they met haha.

So just sit back and chill out. Breathe, read fanfiction and remember that we will never truly get answers, because even what comes out of their mouths are most of the time carefully thought out and directed to have a specific meaning and effect (why do you think Jared mumbles and rambles so much?).

Another interesting piece of itk: you know how they always say they never fight? Even though that sounds insanely hard to believe even if they were just friends because who knows someone for that long and is constantly together and never fights? Unlikely, right? Yes, as obvious as that was. But unfortunately a lot of you seem to believe that, given the level of shock you had for this little twitter feud (as fake as it was). Yeah. They fight. A lot.

They fight as much as individuals in their situation would. Like I said, not at all what most people absentmindedly seem to think it is. They go through a lot. Way more than anyone who isn't in a similar situation would understand. It's messy, although they try their best to make it simpler in the ways they can.

On top of being in a very complex situation, they both have strong personalities and one of them is quite hard to "pin down". So altercations happen a lot, but they know how to deal, and they are exceptionally good at making sure that doesn't interfere in their work (oh well, at least not any work that doesn't benefit from intense emotional exchanges, anyways 😉...chemistry isn't something random, you know? haha).

I find it quite...interesting (to put it nicely) that a lot of hats easily believe they are a couple that lies constantly about almost every aspect of their lives, yet, they cannot believe they would fake a social media narrative. It makes no sense whatsoever.

It'd do you all good to be a little less tendentious and look at them as, you know...Humans? They are not what they seem to be, just as you guys also take in different versions of yourselves in different situations, they do too. And don't be so hopelessly naive to actually believe they see fans as "hashtag family". This is their work. And as grateful as they are for supporters, they certainly do not consider them family. To the point of never lying and trusting you with their life.

I'm sure they love their fans, but come on, saying they would never lie because that's mean to fans is just beyond naive. They've been doing it all along and oh, another interesting info? They don't think they're doing anything wrong.

Yeah, sounds weird, you'd think they'd feel guilty. But again, unless you were media trained, you'd never get it.

From years now if there's one consistent info I've gotten was this: they don't feel obligated to tell you anything. They believe they are doing "what they are supposed to do, the right thing for everyone involved".

So. Yeah. And hell, they are right about not being obligated to say anything about anything, I guess.

Well, I hope that was helpful or at least entertaining. It's hard to share info without accidentally making it obvious who I am for the lurkers (sure you guys were well aware that they lurk around the fandom). But it's safe because as long as I don't provide evidence, I'm fine. Just walking a thin line between sharing and not sharing something too specific that would be easy fir them to know who has that info and although they can't do anything against itks, they can manage to cut us off somehow and I enjoy having access lol, so that'd be a bummer.

Anyways, take itks and J2 themselves with a ton of salt haha! You are lovely, btw, you seem very kind and I enjoy your blog very much! much love!

itk anon everything you said was <333 and i agree with like almost all of it. very nice analysis and ask thank you ! i don't always believe everything j2 put out but the whole stunt being a false narrative just seems wrong so idk what to make of it. regardless i myself can sometimes get carried away in my star-struck love of j2. and i am a tinhat so well :) and now they look to be really good and taking a break from here was well worth it <3

''You are lovely, btw, you seem very kind and I enjoy your blog very much! much love!'' i love u so much hope u have a great day !

[zhongliologist]

Shibari + Zhongli canon compliant nsfw

Pairing: Zhongli x Gender Neutral!reader

Genre: SMUT SMUT SMUT!! 

Words: 3.9k

AN: Hi anon!! Sorry this took a while! THANK YOU FOR REQUESTING THIS ONE!! I’m glad I had experience writing something like this before skajdha I decided I can’t fit this into a small drabble, so here’s like a really long version lmao my two itty bitty braincells are now in no-brain mode, so this might be full of typos or errors. 

*WARNING!! THIS IS PURE SMUT. IF YOU ARE A MINOR, IT IS UPON YOUR DISCRETION. PLEASE READ RESPONSIBLY*

***

When Zhongli first heard the word while on a stroll late one night, he had realized that there was indeed an artform he had yet to encounter or at least heard of. His curiosity peaked, it was only a matter of time before he finally had to give in and ask you what it was.

“YN, if I may,” he began, settling the cup of tea to the table. “There is something I wish to know.”

Attention caught, you raised your brows at him—surprised that there was actually something Zhongli has yet to know—as you took a mouthful of wonton noodles.

“Sure, ask away,” you replied, chewing.

“Well, this was several nights ago,” Zhongli recounted, his deep voice serious. “I was passing by a group of shipbuilders and I couldn’t help but over hear their conversation.”

You hummed, prompting him to continue while stuffing another serving of blackened bass in your mouth.

“Their discussion involved an artform popular in Inazuma, and apparently has spread all over Teyvat as well,” he continued. “Unfortunately, I have yet to hear about this certain artform. Could you care enlighten me please?”

Leaning your head to the side, you wondered what it was. There wasn’t any popular art trend nowadays which Zhongli doesn’t know, so you became to grow curious as well.

“Did you catch the name of it?”

Zhongli nodded. “Yes. It’s called shibari.”

You almost choked on the food you were eating.

“Are you sure that’s what you heard?”

“I believe it is what I have heard,” he replied. “Is there something wrong?”

Sighing, you were going to have a lot of trouble explaining it to him. It was painfully obvious how Zhongli is so out of touch from the pleasures of mankind.

Pinching the bridge of your nose, you decided it was best for him to know, before he does something unexpected.

“It’s kind of a sexual play,” you told him, but despite your words, Zhongli only glanced at you, eyes blinking.

Watching him, you noticed he had placed his hand over his chin—a habit he had whenever he was thinking. Whatever comes out of his thoughts, you were beginning to become nervous.

“I see. So, performing art during intercourse…interesting,” he mumbled to himself. “It is not too far off considering the fact that intercourse could also be deemed as a form of art, wherein it takes specialized honed skill to elicit a pleasurable result. To take two art forms and combine them in one act…I am astonished at the inventiveness of man.”

You took a bite from a dumpling, eyes jaded. “It’s not that grand, you know.”

“Now that I am aware of its existence,” Zhongli continued, paying no heed to your comment. “I wish to experience it myself. YN, I must request for your assistance.”

The dumpling you were eating fell back to your plate. “…what?”

“This…this shibari. I wish to partake in this now popular art form,” he repeated, but you only became more flabbergasted.

“Didn’t you hear me say that it’s a sexual play?!”

“I did. That is why it must be you,” Zhongli replied, taking your hand and placing it over his smirking lips. “You are my lover after all.”

Flustered, you had no choice but to agree. You knew of Zhongli’s immense curiosity and nothing is going to stop him from finding out what he wants to find out. Moreover, you wouldn’t really want him to experience it with someone else.

“F-fine,” you conceded, still nervous. “But give me a month to prepare. You should also ready yourself.”

Wondering why he had to wait and ‘ready’ himself, Zhongli leaned his head to the side. “Very well, but why a month?”

You scratched your nape as you averted your gaze somewhere. “I don’t have the right stuff, and I don’t have enough knowledge to do it properly. So give me some time.”

*

It had been a month since that conversation had occurred, and Zhongli began to feel a little bit antsy as the day drew near. It wasn’t common for him to feel this nervous energy, always maintaining his calm and composure. But it was different this time.

Since that discussion with you, you had banned any sort of sexual act from sex to masturbation, all except from small kisses; and as someone who had gotten used to your presence in his arms at night, Zhongli instantly felt withdrawal symptoms cloud his dignified countenance.

Zhongli inhaled sharply as soon as you entered his room, anticipation deeply running in his veins. You took a shower right after him, making him wait and allowing his imagination to run rampant inside his head.

“Sorry, did I make you wait?” you asked, making your way to the bed in nothing but a bathrobe.

“No, it’s alright,” Zhongli replied, his long hair now freely flowing after he had taken off his ponytail when he was taking a shower.

Running your hands through his dark hair, you admired the way they slipped against your skin as if they were made of silk. Absentmindedly, you began to braid his hair in a lose coif, making him relax underneath your touch.

“Um…er…YN, are we going to—”

You hummed, interrupting his words as you smiled. “Eager, aren’t we?”

“I fear that I may longer be able to contain my anticipation,” he confessed, feeling your hands on his back through the thin robe he was wearing.

Grinning, you knelt down and embraced him from the back; giving his temple a small kiss. “It seems like I don’t have to ask you if you’re sure about this.”

Loving how you felt so warm around him, Zhongli smiled as well as he intertwined his fingers between yours. “I do feel nervous, but it was I who wished to know; thus I must see it to the end.”

“Well, that settle’s it then,” you replied as you removed yourself from his shoulders. “Before we start, I need to remind you that we can always stop if you can no longer handle it, ok?”

Zhongli sighed. “I am confident that I can handle something like this.”

“Please stop being so stubborn,” you retorted back, annoyed that he really has to insist he wouldn’t need it. “Since it will take you forever to decide, I’ve picked one for you. It’s Rex Lapis. Say it when it gets too much.”

He scoffed. “You retaliate in the most absurd of ways, yet very well, I’ll keep it mind. Nonetheless, that does not mean I will use it.”

You grinned. “You’ll take that back soon enough.”

As you said those words, you shifted from your seat and faced him; hands cupping his chin. There was a look of surprise in Zhongli’s expression as soon as you tilted his head up to meet your eyes—too slow to react at the situation.

“Now, from here on out, I’m the one in charge. Any misdemeanor will warrant due punishment,” you began, voice firm and authoritative. “Are we clear, Zhongli?”

It took him some time to adjust at the sudden shift in the air; stunned at the tone you were giving him. This was probably the first time he had seen you take the lead, and it might’ve given him some sort of whiplash.

“Answer me,” you demanded, which made him jerk his attention back to you.

“I—uh…yes…”

“Very good.”

Smiling at his response, you removed yourself before him and sat just beside him with an easy expression. “Well then, why don’t you take off that robe? Just the robe though, leave your underwear on.”

Brought on by the awkward situation and the fact that you just ordered him to strip, Zhongli’s face immediately heated up to a few degrees. It was strange that he was feeling it for some reason—was this the actual appeal of the performative art form? Or was this simply one of your whims?

As he removed the silk tie tying his robe shut and slid it on the floor, you instructed him to quietly kneel down on the bed before you; hands neatly placed on top of his lap.

“Y-YN…? What is this…?” he asked, confusion marring his youthful face. It was embarrassing to sit on the bed that way, wearing nothing but his underwear, his dick beginning to form a tent.

Yet you only smiled at him.

“Don’t worry. We’re getting to the actual act,” you replied, crawling towards him before placing your hands on his bare chest. “If you can hold on till then, I might actually award you, you know?”

Leaning down, you immediately captured his lips in a deep kiss, moving softly yet sensually against his. Cupping his cheeks, you pushed your tongue inside and easily played with his. For some reason, this felt way hotter than the kisses you previously shared, with Zhongli unable to keep his hands to himself and began to wrap his arms around your waist.

You broke off the kiss with a click of your tongue; your thumb still on his swollen lips.

“YN…”

“What did I say about touching?” you asked, eyes holding nothing but pure mischief.

As soon as he heard you, Zhongli knew he had made a mistake and instantly rescinded his embrace; eliciting a chuckle from you.

“I—uh, forgive me…” he hurriedly told you, his voice beginning to lose their strength as he stuttered and tumbled at the words he used to be so eloquent with. As someone who has prided of his calm demeanor, Zhongli felt a surge of embarrassment at how he easily succumbed to your touch.

It was so adorable to see him like this; all flustered and nervous, making you want to see more of those reactions you have yet to see.

“Stay there. I’ll be right back,” you told him and stood up; an idea forming in your thoughts.

The moment you left; thoughts of things he might’ve done wrong kept repeating inside his head. He was scared that he might’ve crossed something which he shouldn’t have—the sounds of you rummaging through your belongings only exacerbated the nervousness that was already in his system.

However, you were not gone for long. He could sense you behind him, daring not to move or look back, and as soon as you draped a cold silk cloth over his eyes, he instantly realized what he had eagerly signed up for.

For one, as the Geo Archon, it was unimaginable for him to be in such a position, but for some reason, Zhongli found it incredibly arousing to have him at your mercy—to be restricted and ordered around; to be at the other end of the spectrum from what he was used to?

This is strange indeed…

“Don’t you agree that everything feels more vivid when you’re blindfolded?” you asked, now back on his lap; and despite being robbed of sight, he could tell you were smirking. “Does it feel good, Zhongli?”

“I…I cannot be certain…” he replied, the feeling of your intense stare sending shivers down his spine. “I haven’t experienced something like this before…”

At his hesitation, you could only giggle and gave him a small kiss. “Well, there’s a first for everything, but this one here…”

Your voice trailed off, your hand effortlessly finding his half hard dick and pressed on it harshly; eliciting a strangled moan from him. “It’s been feeling good for a while now, don’t you think so Zhongli?”

“I…I—!” He was at a lost for words; the pleasure he felt intoxicating his mind. You were right, the blindfold seemed to heightened his senses to such degrees of vividness.

“I can’t blame you really,” you told him, still toying with his member with your finger but not fully committing on pumping it up and down. “I did tell you to hold off for a month, of course, you’d be unusually sensitive and horny.”

If Zhongli thought his face was hot enough before, he hadn’t anticipated for it to feel full out burning as if his blood was set on fire. He tried holding off the sounds he was making whenever you pepper kisses on his shoulders, but to no avail. He was gradually becoming heady at the immense pleasure your hand was giving. By the time you continued talking, he was already panting heavily, skin flushed and hands balled so tightly into a fist, his knuckles turning white.

“Y-YN…” He wanted to say ‘too much’, but he didn’t want to stop you either.

“I’m impressed you can keep your hands to yourself,” you remarked playfully, rewarding him with a love bite just underneath his jaw. “Why don’t we move on to the actual thing itself?”

Even with the blindfold, Zhongli could feel you standing up; anticipation once again beating wildly against his chest. What were you going to do to him this time?—that was a thrill he had never expected to feel pleasure from.

You returned once more to his side, now with the appropriate items you needed, and brilliant grin on your lips to top it off. It was weirdly exciting for you as well, finally doing something as erotic as this to a dignified gentleman such as Zhongli. Which is why, you couldn’t help but talk him through it.

“I did tell you that shibari some sort of sexual play, right?” you began, as you seized both of his hand and pinned them on his back. “It involves tying someone up with rope, in patterns that are not only visually pleasing but are also designed to make you feel good.”

Zhongli could feel the roughness of the rope cling to his skin as soon as you tied his wrists together before doing various knots up his torso and down to his legs. It was incredibly strange—you were only tying him up but for some reason, he felt so exposed and so turned on.

“The reason why it’s so popular is because it gives a sense of security if you will,” you continued, remembering the patterns you had religiously practiced over and over again for the past month. “As if you were surrendering everything to that one person, trusting that they can give you security, give you pleasure. That is what this art form is.”

Every time he felt your soft hands brush against his damp skin as you tightened the rope around his body, he would control a shudder that kept on surging through him like a multitude of waves. This was beyond the ordinary, a situation Zhongli had not anticipated—you were right when you told him to prepare himself. He definitely did not heed your advice, and it came to him with a price, especially when you finally wrapped some rope around his dick as it stood straight and hard between his legs.

“If only you could see yourself right now, Zhongli,” you told him, pressing firmly on the ropes around his member before nibbling on his earlobe. “Aah, I just want to eat you up.”

With your sultry voice directly sending shockwaves down his lower parts, he could only dig his fingernails on the palm of his hands as the hemp ropes dug deeper in his skin. Even though they were not too tight, the restrictive sensation enveloping his body, plus the way you were touching him now was making him lose his mind.

“YN…YN…p-please, I—!”

He spoke between gasps as he felt your lips suckle on a sensitive point on his neck, his dick twitching as he tried to jerk up.

You hummed amusingly. “What is it, love? Where do you want me to touch you?”

Raking up your fingernails up his toned chest, you smirked as he groaned, unable to find any sort of friction he had been seeking for some time now. The way his long dark locks stuck to his skin because of how much he was sweating, or the way he trembled and shivered at every touch of his skin—you loved them all. As much as how Zhongli was intoxicated by pleasure, you were also heady with the power you had over him.

Not waiting for his answer, you crept your hands up and suddenly pinched his nipples—making him jolt straight up at the abrupt stimulation with a loud moan.

“Do you like it here?” you asked, now lavishing your tongue over a hardened nub; relentless and teasing.

“Ahh…! YN…! Wait, please!”

All of his thoughts had already vanished, replaced only by the sensations of your tongue on his now sensitive nipples, of the ropes wound tightly around him, of how painfully hard his dick was. It felt good, he had to admit it. It felt incredibly good.

“Do you want me to stop? I can always stop,” you asked, smiling. “If not, tell me where else I should touch you.”

Breathless as his chest heaved, Zhongli tried to find the words he wanted to say even as his lips trembled.

“Um…please touch….m-my…”

He was blushing furiously, the word seemingly unable to pass through his lips.

“Your what, Zhongli?” you asked him again, almost cooing but inwardly laughing at how he just can’t say the word ‘dick’.

Biting his lip to stop it from quivering too much, it seemed like he really has to throw every sense of dignity he had in him just to relieve his arousal.

“M-my…pe—ahh!!"

You pinched one of his nipples, pouting. “Don’t you dare call it penis, or else I won’t let you cum. Now, as you were saying?”

If only his head wasn’t too hazy from all the sensations stimulating him simultaneously, he would’ve made a mental note to make you suffer at a later date, but right now, his brain was being ran by his dick.

“P-Please…YN…! My—my…d-dick…I can’t…” he forced between pants as his sweat made the ropes feel even tighter and his underwear feel even more sticky.

Smirking at your victory, you pressed a kiss on his lips, your hands finally removing his dick from the constraints of his underwear. You could feel him groan on your lips as you began to move your hand up and down, and making sure to reach his most sensitive spots.

“Look at you, getting this hard after being tied up,” you whispered to his lips, a grin plastered on your face. “I didn’t know you were this dirty, Zhongli.”

“I-I’m…not!”

He tried to deny it but you kept his mouth shut by squeezing his cock tightly.

“Really now?” you asked, voice low as you kept on pumping him, his voice becoming nothing but dirty noise. “Are you about to cum?”

“YN…!” he growled, the ropes keeping his legs folded biting on his skin. “T-too much….! I’m…!”

Mercilessly, you continued to jerk him off as he crept closer and closer to climax. However, there he realized that the ropes around his member had gotten tighter, and the painful throbbing he felt was because he couldn’t cum.

“Oh? Did you find it out?” you asked, chuckling at the look of desperation so evident in his face. “If you can endure this in a few more minutes, I’ll reward you. How about that?”

“N-no, no….! YN…p-please, I c-can…no longer….” Most of his words were incomprehensible, affected by the pleasure and the pain on his cock.

You hummed playfully once more. “Do you want me to stop then? You can always say the safe word, you know?”

“No! W-wait…please! I n-need…I can’t…!”

“Then endure,” you replied, an idea blooming in your head. Your free hand then reached for the blindfold covering his eyes and unraveled it, allowing him to finally see.

However, he did not have time to recover when you immediately caught his attention.

“Look how hard you are, Zhongli,” you told him, his amber eyes blow wide by his current state. Yet strangely, the thought of him so aroused and at your mercy, only made him harder.

Laying down on the bed with your chest on the mattress, you looked up to him, his dick on your hands; your eyes reflecting mischief. “If you can hold on for a few minutes, I’ll let you cum, alright?”

Zhongli only gazed down on you, face as hot as the sun and as red as beet. He watched as you took his dick in your mouth and began sucking him off. At the sensation, he instantly threw his head back. This was totally different from your hands. This was just incredible.

With lustful eyes, you watched him convulse before as you assaulted him with your tongue—sucking and licking at every sensitive point you knew. The underside and the tip were particularly sensitive and that was where you concentrated.

“A-ahh…! Oh…shit…YN!” he groaned, his deep voice and the way he was now cursing sent you reeling as well. “T-too good…I’m…f-fuck…!”

You chuckled, the vibrations on your throat making his dick twitch as you kept on bobbing your head. Gazing up, you both exchanged glances as you kept on sucking the tip; his eyes tightly closing at the intensity.

“Are you going to cum?” you asked before diving in once again, your hands secretly making their way underneath his underwear and finding his hole. “I’ll help you.”

“W-wait…! T-that’s!” he jolted up yet unable to do anything but feel your fingers brushing around the rim.

Prodding at his hole, you enjoyed watching the pained yet lustful expression he was making on his otherwise stoic face. His eyebrows furrowed, his cheeks flushed pink, his mouth ajar as drool poured down his chin. It was fascinating, addicting. You can’t help but tease him endlessly, relentlessly as he kept on moaning your name again and again as if under a spell.

“P-Please….let me…I can’t…I’m going to….Y-YN…!”

Deciding that this was finally the limit of his first time, you cleverly untied the knot on his back which kept the rope around his pelvis secure, allowing it to loosen.

Still sucking him off and poking on his hole, you could feel him twitch inside your mouth, an indication that he was close.

“YN…! I’m….ughh…c-coming!”

In a few pumps, Zhongli climaxed in your mouth; his warm cum on your throat. It was a bit too much, and a little thick so you were unable to swallow everything, allowing it to drip down your chin.

Released from his high, Zhongli couldn’t believe he just had his biggest nut of his life after being tied up. It was in every ounce, shameful and embarrassing but it just felt too good for him to resist at all. Maybe it wasn’t too much of a bad thought to do this once in a while.

Eventually, you loosened the ropes that were still on him and took note of the rope markings on his skin, reminding yourself to give him that special balm you got for this exact purpose. As soon as you released him, you pulled him to a deep kiss which he gladly reciprocated.

Unlike your previous ones, this kiss was one of concern and care—asking and answering questions that were difficult to convey. As your lips moved against each other, your chest began to warm and float, glad that you were able to deliver his request. When you both pulled away, the normal Zhongli was back; his eyes warm and lively.

“I’m glad it felt good,” you told him, cupping his cheek. “I was afraid I might hurt you or something.”

He only chuckled and gave you a pat. “I did tell you I can handle it.”

You sighed in relief, loving the way he was touching you. “So, how about we sleep—"

Zhongli however interrupted you, pushing you down the bed, pinning your wrists. He was smiling but you definitely knew you were screwed.

“I reckon it is time for me take my revenge,” he gazed at you, eyes turning feral. “No one will be sleeping tonight.”

[trials-era-sam]

You said you like Sam and Castiel's friendship. So out of inquisitiveness, you like or don't like Castiel? It's common for wincels to not, because they want a Sam Dean show and also because a large portion of them hate destiel. Sorry if this looks shallow

I don’t think this looking shallow is what you need to apologize for, anon - I don’t know what a “wincel” is supposed to be and I’m not gonna look it up, but I am 100% sure it’s supposed to be derogatory (I mean if you remove the ‘W’… NO. NO THANK YOU.) I appreciate you wanting to know my thoughts on a character, but I’d prefer being called a bibro lol Okay thank you @reaperdean and @deans-love-is-sam for enlightening me<3 So now that I know what it is, 1) once and for all I DON’T SHIP IT and 2) most importantly - if you ask me something else I will block you. Don’t insult my friends. They’re more awesome than you could ever hope to be.

Also. You do know that the reason why the majority of non-Destiel shippers don’t like it is because the way vocal shippers act, right? If not for that, I wouldn’t give a S about the ship, but thanks to them, their yelling in our faces, their bullying and their death threats, it’s become my NOTP.

Now that that’s settled, thoughts on Castiel? I’ll be honest - it totally depends on who he’s interacting with. I definitely don’t hate him like a lot of people in my corner of fandom do, but depending on who he’s in a scene with my opinion varies a lot haha

When he’s with Sam, like I said I love their friendship, I love all of their unhinged experiments, I love it when people are worried about Sam which Cass tends to do, and I think they’re very sweet around each other most of the time 🥲

When he’s with Dean - this is an aspect of the show that the hellers have completely ruined for me. Every time they were alone in a scene together, my mind immediately went “oh, great. How are they gonna turn this into Destiel this time.” 😕 Which sucks because it’s definitely not the character’s fault, but… yeah :/

I cheered for canon Megstiel, I liked him with Jack, I didn’t care about him with other angels because I thought the angel storylines, especially in later seasons, were boring AF (sorry!!), and so on.

So yeah. Most of the time I’m pretty neutral about him. To me the show very much is about Sam and Dean, even though I do love other characters (Jack my precious sweetheart <3 to name just one).

Thanks for the question actually - I don’t think I ever made my feelings about Castiel perfectly clear so you did give me the occasion to do just that haha

[inb4belphienaps]

seraph: to burn

warnings: religion, religious themes, blood, mentions of death/sacrifice word count: 1043 A/N: this is written from simeon’s perspective. thank u to the anon who sent this ask in!

They tell me that to burn is to love and be loved. Funnily enough, I used to believe them. I used to think that the harder I tried and the closer I got, the more bearable the pain would become. It turns out that I was wrong. And so were they.

No one really talks about how it feels. The fire. The fire that humans have, the fire that they create and use, and harness is entirely different to our fire. Our fire, the one that represents status and power. Our fire, the one that keeps us in our place and establishes the hierarchy of our very existence. Our fire, the one that is said to keep balance and peace among us.

His fire. His “love”, so they call it. The highest-ranking angels, the seraphim claim that they burn with passion. That there is a cycle. That they are ignited by God’s love and that their passion for him causes the sparks to engulf them entirely.

To be directly in his presence is to be encapsulated in the purest form of love. That’s what Michael used to say. He would sing about his love for God day and night. His voice never wavered and neither did his heart. For that at least, I admire him.

However, for that very same love, I came to despise him.

When I experienced that fire for the first time, I was so moved that as soon as I returned to my dwelling, I was inspired to write. I was enraptured. In those moments I thought ‘ah, so this is what it means to be an angel’. I remember that with every movement of my quill, I was driven all the more closer to tears.

I remember feeling galvanized. Like every bone in my body was jumping for joy, desperate to bask in that love, in his presence. I remember feeling it so intensely that it quietly planted a type of fear in my chest. A fear that I wouldn’t recognize until much later down the road.

With each visit and conquest, with each duty fulfilled, I was rewarded with more of his time. With more of his wisdom and his attention, I felt electrified and awake despite how little sleep I was getting.

Do you know what it was that finally gave me the inkling that something was wrong?

As I started to fade, Michael only shined brighter. As my physical appearance (and subsequently my mental strength) deteriorated, Michael’s only evolved. His wings would capture and reflect the sunlight like no other. His eyes would sparkle under the cover of nightfall and through the darkness. Michael’s words would soon echo and boom in a manner much like His.

You see my love, God plays favorites. And it’s with a bitterness that I say Lucifer was aware of this tendency of his much sooner than me.

For whatever reason, I did not think to compare myself to Lucifer with Michael there beside him. I suppose I’d only felt competitive with him because he had been our mentor and Lucifer had been an equal.

I cannot recall the exact thoughts I had had leading up to my understanding. My mind was in a fog, tainted with exhaustion. Yet something persevered in its stead. Perhaps you’ve experienced such moments. Where a part of you knows and has, in retrospect, always known.

Remember that fear I spoke of?

In the instant that it dawned on me, that fear consumed me. So, what did I do?

I eventually distanced myself. It was difficult. Extremely difficult but I was able to convince both Him and Michael that Lucifer’s fall had affected me in such a way that I was thrown in disarray. I make a fairly good actor, my dear.

I didn’t just quell my fear. I learned to control it, to channel it so that I too would be able to fall. And so that when the time came, I would feel only relief as I plunged through the heavens.

Do I sound ethereal to you?

Do I look like a man of virtue and innocence?

Do I make you think that I am devoid of the evil that plagues my former fellow celestial beings?

Well then, let me dispel those beliefs because my hands are not as clean as you may be so inclined to accept. A true angel is not free of sin, as I discovered. I sacrificed many of my fellow sisters and brothers in a bid to preserve myself – a process Michael is incredibly familiar with.

Though I confess that the blood on my hands will never wash away, I cannot fathom the amount of blood on Michael’s. I would argue that he is steeped in it. If he had told me that his flesh was not his own and that it had been created by way of the seraphs that had come before him, I would not have been surprised.

All the while, at the center of this insanity sat He. He who lounged on a throne of deception and brutality, the likes of which I had never seen. He who felt no remorse or guilt in the lives that he would take. He who never loved, only tainted.

Do you see it now?

He preys on the vulnerable. On the ones with only Him in their hearts. He does not stoke the fire or inhibit it. He controls it. He binds you with those flames. Like a mage, He is able to manipulate it and by extension, he is able to manipulate you.

I think Michael knows. The difference between him and the ones that choose to fall is that he cannot find it in himself to care. There are two possibilities as to why.

The first – he is selfish.

The second – he is a selfish coward.

The former could be fixed. The latter is unfortunately inconsolable. How, you ask? Let me put it this way.

Once you gain the ability to fear, you are driven to lengths that you could not have otherwise envisioned before you were “enlightened”. Emotions are strange. Mix them together and you can have an infinite number of outcomes.

After I fell, I asked myself ‘what is Michael truly afraid of?’

[deafaq]

Hi! Different anon from the last one but your answer gave me some comfort too!

I was born HoH on a family with a few other HoH members, but my hearing loss is so small it is barely there. I was raised mainstream on a small town, so my only connection to others hoh and D/deaf people was those family members, most of them younger than me. So on hoh and deaf spaces I always feel like a hearing folk invading a safe space. As you can imagine, my experiences, even tho I struggle to understand people and have to deal with ableism too, difear greatly from other members of the community.

I ve been trying to learn my country sign language for a year or so, and I know quite little (there is very little resources that are approved by the Deaf community that I can access right now) but your answer gave me hope to keep learning and that maybe in the future I will stop doubting my identity as hoh. Maybe someday I will be able to help some of my younger hoh family members with the same issue, too. So thank you so much <3

Hello,

the feeling of "between worlds" and "neither hearing nor deaf" is incredibly common part of hard of hearing experience.

Your struggles and experiences are real. They may be different from some of the issues Deaf people face, but that doesnt make them lesser or invalid.

Actually, interesting note: I do workshops and lectures about deaf issues for hearing folks, often schools but also stuff like libraries, public offfices, etc. Today, we had a workshop at my work with other lecturers to compare our notes, improve our lectures, share experiences, etc.

There were deafened folks who lip-read, hard of hearing who mostly relied on the spoken word, Deaf people who signed and other combos. (we had interpreters and simultaneous captions, so it was accessible to everyone). And we talked about our lectures and it was very enlightening.

And main Deaf lecturer (he is the most experienced of our group who led the workshop) said "its always preferable to have a person with hearing loss there and depending on the type, it always brings a different perspective. Like, I can talk about culture and I can tell you how I am chatting with my Deaf friends from another country and how sign language works. But I got asked about finer workings of Cochlear Implants or how intergration in school works and I have no idea. Well, I do know it because I studied it theoretically, but I have no lived experience, I have no idea how it feels to have a CI or what its like to be the only hard of hearing kid in a school full of hearing kids. I couldnt tell you how it feels to lose hearing because I was born this way, so I have no way to compare. Its always valid to have people with different experiences with hearing loss."

We are all different but are experiences are important and our identity matters.

And another piece of interesting trivia for you. One of my teachers was a Deaf woman, whose parents and grandparents were Deaf, who spoke several sign languages, was expert on Deaf culture, etc. Deaf TM. Yet she still sometimes struggled with her identity and acceptance from Deaf community, despite being Deaf herself.

This info is not to give you "omg if she wasnt accepted how can i be?" because thats not the point. There werent any people with pitchforks trying to chase her out, to my knowledge, it was how she felt inside. Imposter syndrom and hesitance over acceptance from community, being unsure about your own identity is incredibly common.

I am not trying to say that acceptance from Deaf community is given, because well... I have met some Deaf people I would not want to be accepted by and they would not accept me in turn. And I have met those who I bonded with, who accepted me, gave me a name sign and saw me as a valuable addition to community.

I wasn't born Deaf and I only learned sign language during puberty so, yes, I have encountered people who didnt "count" me. But that doesnt mean I don't count or that my deafness is any lesser due to it. And yours isn't either.

Well this turned out too long. Hope my musing helped you a bit.

To sum it up, having identity crisis over your deafness is a like, a staple of hearing loss, lol. (not to say its required, but its... really common, haha)

Mod T

[livebloggingmydescentintomadness]

Haha oh my god! Thank you for your answer! I’m anon from yesterday night by the way and I’m happy you liked reading it, I felt so bad about spamming but I just felt like I was literally spinning out of control ... I, by the way, only slept for an hour and for the entire time I was at work had this exact experience: oh my god cockles is real .... I go and do something ... I forget ... 5 minutes pass .... OH MY GOD COCKLES IS REAL and this just OVER AND OVER AND OVER again I was just ... I couldn’t BELIEVE it I was grinning like an idiot and a fool, maybe also from sleep deprivation, probably yeah, but also because ... I can’t believe cockles is real. And I thought about it more and about the confession scene, too... about how great it must have been to film that as well, for Misha to actually be able to say, in front of the world, to Jensen even if just through his character “I love You.” Like ... that’s so ... I’m happy they at least had that. I am. I will also say all of the Alma poetry, I read it all multiple times and it sliced my heart open every single time. Ugh.

But yeah. I just cannot tell you how many moments I had today throughout my day where my brain was just like .... cockles is fucking real wtf... like, because as I’ve said of course I’ve known them and I knew of the ship for years (btw finally figured out that in order to write cursive on tumblr you gotta click on the word for long instead of _doing this_ anyway). But it never ever felt real and genuinely, today every time I remembered, I felt as if I had been told, like, Aliens are real. Like it just changed my perspective of everything I was like wtf ... How did I not know and how is this actually real. It’s so crazy. That’s all I can say. I really wonder how I’ll feel about it all when I had like 12 hours of sleep and my brain has like processed it ... if the high will still be there and if the “OMG” moments will... because right now they’re still just sometimes so intense! And I CANNOT BELIEVE. And I am overwhelmed and overjoyed and like confused and?? Yeah. I also thought about, and sorry I know no one asked for this but I still am just so 😳 about this - I thought about what it was that actually solidified it in my mind and I boiled it down to these few: the almost kiss on stage where ruth wags their finger at them. the MATCHING RINGS and bracelets. the little like .. exhibitiony stuff they do that really has no other explanation, like their showing underwear, straddling, giving a GLIMPSE of underwear .. getting boners bc of it ... yeah. Then also the gifs with that fucking tree in the foreground and the picture of Jensen draped over Misha as he’s signing stuff. Also the Hitch kiss, Jensens face BEFORE and after ... and the moments when Jensen uses very ambiguous pronouns and language to describe his love of his life or rather loves: the pebble-rock thing and the one where he talks about knowing two kinds of love and being in-between and them and loving his partner and teammate. Could sound like one person, but also two. And then a huge thing for me was Alma. Fuck, that just really made me go .. this shit is real. Amplified by the fact that the poetry is so beautiful and heartwrenching. And of course all of the gifs then made it all the more solid. The thigh touches, lingering hands, their STUPID LOVING GRINS, Jensens unicorn laugh ... the EYES LIKE THE SKY BEER. Also is it crazy to anyone else how much “Watching over you” sounds like it’s about Cas? Sort of a good bye nod to his character? Maybe? OH and all the shifty eyes, the blushing and Uncomfy looks whenever someone(mostly Jared) implies something, it’s so .... crazy. And obvious. And idk how I only just saw it yesterday I really don’t but I’m glad I do now. I really feel enlightened haha. I feel like some part of me has finally found peace and I really don’t have an urge to like .. read every single destiel fanfiction ever anymore, it really feels like there was an itch that just got scratched because we WEREN’t CRAZY we weren’t imagining their chemistry... it wasn’t that all of our, like people skills and emotional intelligence just got wiped every time we watched SPN and that’s why we all got this specific vibe from them of LOVE and admiration and awe and just CHEMISTRY when it wasn’t there .... IT WAS THERE! It was and it ... yeah. It was. It is. Anyway, I will now shower and then sleep until my brain has assumed solid form again ... until then ... thank you again for the lovely answer and for compiling all your posts and lists! ... Let’s all just (respectfully) keep spreading the love!

Ahhh I JUST read the notes on my post and you guys are so lovely ❤️❤️❤️. Thank you, I am so happy i am not the only one who went through this crazy ride haha! It’s lovely to read that my middle-of-the-night, out of my mind with excitement rambling actually reached people who share my excitement :D !!

hello, dear, it's good to hear from you again! i'm glad you survived work and that you're going to be getting a lot of sleep now! i've been on the cockles truthing train since 2013 and i still sometimes get all emotional about it, so i really can't imagine how ingesting the whole thing in one night would make one's brain explode and ascend to a higher plane of existence. 😂

but we're glad to have you as part of the club, and yes, honestly, the cockles fandom has got to be the nicest, purest one i've ever been in. the people are very chill and there's exceptionally little drama. we're all just stoned on love and happiness lmao.

get some rest and let your brain process everything, and we'll talk again later 😉

[headcans-oneshots-and-stuff]

Club ‘Illusion’

Fandom: DC x Marvel Pairing: Avenger x Batfam | Reader x Loki Word count: 3k (yes I can still write things over 1.5k words) Summay: With your hero work taking up most of your time you decide to find an outlet - that outlet turns out to be your own soon to be opened club. On the V.I.P. list for that evening? Two of the most important groups of people in your life. The only problem: they have yet to meet each other, not to mention the little fact that you’ve been keeping not just the club a secret... Requested by a universal fantastic Anon: If requests are still open, can I request a BatBoys x reader x Avengers where both teams meet through reader and fight because they were talking about which team reader likes more? Pairing would be your choice.

“Where does this go, boss?” a man in a dungaree holding a box full of musical equipment, chords and the like asked you and interrupted the conversation you were having with the DJ. “Bring it up these stairs there and then set it onto the black clothed table, Marianne will be there in a minute, could you help her set it up? “Sure thing boss,” the man nodded and trudged over to the direction you had waved him to. You turned back to Marianne - the mentioned DJ - who had been your friend for years and she was the first person you had hired when you had decided to take the advice of your Avengers issued therapist and find an outlet for your creativity and passion outside of your time-consuming hero work all over the planet and the universe. So you decided to use your funds from years of getting paid by Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne (even though you continued telling them you didn’t want their money) to do something fun and - in the spirit of a certain green-themed archer - open a nightclub. You had kept everything under wraps, the only people knowing about it were the contractors, decorators and Marianne and they all pledged secrecy, but tonight you would lift the metaphorical curtain. With the Avengers and Waynes (including non-Wayne-named) invited and the news about this new club opening all over social media doing the rest you were positively sure that tonight would be a great night. “Y/N?” Marianne’s voice ripped you out of your daydreams and you had to shake your head free of other thoughts and focus back onto the matter at hand, with last touches still having to be made. “Uhm- yeah, sorry, I was lost in thoughts.” “Don’t worry, I’m sure everything will go just fine. Look around you, this place is amazing, everyone did such an amazing job,” she complimented and you couldn’t help but follow her advice and actually take a look around.The room was very spacious and even though it was almost empty except the worker getting ready for tonight and a few others who helped set some stuff up. In the middle was a lower dance area with small sets of steps leading up, the floor in a chess pattern, but neon techni-coloured instead of black and white, all around that area were booths to sit in and on the far end of the room, a bit off of the dance-ground were two circular bars that were fully stocked with every drink you could ever need or want. On the other end was a stage for life-performances and ten feet above that was a sort of balcony that served as the DJ-booth with a view over the entire club. And yet again on the other side, above the bars, was a V.I.P. room which was a bit more soundproof and where a conversation could be actually held, with a one-way-mirror facing the club. The way the lights reflected off the surfaces and the sound carried through the space really confirmed what Marianne had said, the place was pretty amazing. “You’re right, you’re right, I’m sorry,” you took a deep calming breath and smiled. “Yes I am, but now we gotta get going, I’ll be up in the booth if you need me. You better give the final briefing to the staff,” she instructed before turning around and walking away. Deciding that taking her advice was the best course of action you went to go to the staff room, when Marianne called out to you yet again, shouting after you: “Don’t forget that you gotta be getting ready in an hour, your special guest should be arriving around then.”

The evening was starting to greet the people and the sun had started to disappear a few minutes ago when a group of five and a group of six gathered before a clearly newly constructed building - a club - with the name ‘Illusion’ in enlightened letters on the front. A long line of interested people, mostly young adults around 25, stretched before what seemed to be the entrance, but it seemed to still be closed. Both of the groups looked around a little bit confused, but they didn’t notice each other, or at least found nothing suspicious about the other. Now, if you were to take a very close look at both of these groups beside each other you’d find a lot of similarities, like - for example - the redeemed ‘bad-guy’ who now acted as professional sarcastic commentator, the goofball with a history in circus, the genius, philanthropist, playboy billionaire and the bad-ass tech-savvy red-head. Not to mention all of their past-time ‘hobbies’. And yet, with all these great intellect and talent collected in front of the club, they did not seem to be able to figure out what they were doing there or that there was another group in just about the same situation. The doors to the club opened and a bouncer and two servers walked out, the bouncer stationating himself before the entrance and starting to check people in, and the two servers looking around for a second before catching sight of the groups. They exchanged a few words before each of them walked over to the collection of people. The group from New York was brought over to the front entrance, allowed to skip the line and enter the club, while the Gotham-group was brought in through the back-entrance, but even though the place where they entered the club was different, they were yet both stil led to the same room, up above the bars behind a one-way-mirror.

You had changed into your sparkle-y, y/f/c outfit with make-up that would glow in the ultraviolet light that would shine all over the club later and your hair in a fashionable hairdo, perfectly prepared for your great night, with Marianne’s outfit mirroring yours just in different colours. With a clipboard you made your last round through the different areas, checking in with your staff and manager to make sure that everything would go flawless and that they could come to you with questions or if they needed help - if necessary you yourself would change into the gender-neutral uniform and start serving people. In the end the last area you had to check before meeting your special guests in the V.I.P. area was the DJ booth. “Everything good?” you asked, enjoying the last moments of relative silence before the booming music would start as you leant over the balcony railing and eyed your own little business. “Yes, I tried it out during soundcheck earlier while you were getting dressed, it’s some sweet equittement you got here, a Dream,” Marianne sighed in bliss and you could see how happy she was to be able to work with this equipment that had certainly cost enough to deserve that demeanor from her. “You know, if you like it this much, I could use a full-time DJ,” you tried to mention as nonchalant as possible, but you could feel her piercing, unbelieving gaze in your neck. “Are you serious? I thought you had employed one over a month ago. I thought tonight was a one-time-thing.” “Oh well, I did talk to one but then I listened to some of his stuff and compared to you it’s like a ten years old project on garage band. But don’t worry, I get it, you’re right. I’m sure you have way better gigs lined up left and right, I’ll find someone,” you shrugged, a little bit disappointed that Marianne didn’t seem even remotely interested in working full-time, only to be stopped when she grabbed your shoulders and began to almost shake you. “Are you kidding, I would love to work here full-time!!! This job would be a dream: the equipment, the atmosphere, my employer! DJ’s would kill for an opportunity like this. That’s why I was so confused, I thought you’d have plenty of better DJs lining up for this job,” she gushed before hugging you close and almost sobbing with happiness and thanking you for this opportunity. You agreed that you’d talk the details over later before telling her to start the music since people started to walk in and you could see a certain group of Heroes being led by one of your bar-women walking towards the left stairs to the V.I.P. room and another group of vigilantes led by one of the security-members being brought to the elevator on the right side to exactly the same room. “Okay, I gotta go, Got me some guests waiting,” you winked at Marianne who just waved you off, too immersed in her element. With quick steps and a happy smile you walked along the side of the room and followed where you saw the Avengers walk up, a little skip in your step. Honoring your word, both groups had been brought into the V.I.P. area which was big enough for them to both sit inside it without having to sit together, with the security guard taking position at the wall and the bar-women at the small, private bar. Another calming sigh later you opened the door and walked into the room immediately catching the eyes of all occupants of the room and as you nodded at your two employees in thanks, both groups of superheroes had stood up to greet you, seemingly only now realizing the presence (or rather the reason of the presence) of each other. “Hello guys, it’s so nice to have you here,” you greeted all 11 with a big gesture before mentioning to the window, “So, what do you think?” Confused eyes found you and they looked between each other and you, only one pair standing out, but seemingly not ready to reveal themselves properly yet. “It looks amazing,” Stephanie, who somehow managed to look perfectly club-fitting even in her casual clothes with her blond hair laying over her shoulder in a braid, and jumped towards you and engulfed you in a sisterly hug like she always did, “How did you get us in? I saw the adverts for this place all over social media and the line was enormous. Do you know the owner?” You held back a chuckle and laid your head to the side. “You could say so,” you gave her a cheeky smile that she couldn’t quite decipher, before turning to face the complete group, “But first things first, introduction.” Since both of the groups were still standing separately enough to be distinguished between you motioned to the Waynes. “May I introduce my somewhat-adopted-not-legally-but-emotionally-family. This is Bruce Wayne - I bet you all have heard of him - these are his sons, Richard Grayson - you can call him Dick - and Jason Todd, and his daughter Stephanie - or Steph - Brown and close family friend Barbara Gordon,” you motioned to each of them in turn with their names and they nodded in greeting at the others, still unknown to them. Then you turned to the others and said: “And may I introduce to you my first ever superhero team slash found family group also known as the Avengers - or rather a view of them anyways. Here we have Tony Stark - I’m sure you heard of him too, Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton, our two super soldiers Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes and the trickster god himself - Loki.” “Wait, Loki-Loki? The ‘battle-of-New-York’ Loki?” Jason asked in a surprised, but also amused manner and you could almost hear Loki roll his eyes. “Oh please, get over it Mortal,” he answered sarcastically, but before you could intervene Stephanie took her turn. “Oh you’re one to talk Jay, let’s not forget that.” You couldn’t help but giggle a bit at that and even though the Avengers seemed confused at how easily that shut Jason up, they accepted it as the end of that part of the conversation. For a few minutes the gathered people - a few of your favorite people in the world - started making their own introductions and you were happy that you saw them get along well. Waiting for a good opportunity to get into the conversation and get back to what you wanted to tell them, you were stopped from taking it when Dick motioned at Loki’s outfit. A deep-green suit, black dress-shirt under it, a golden tie, black hair slicked back and black asgardian armor boots - putting that certain touch to it - adorned him and you couldn’t blame Dick when he stated: “How comes none of us got a warning that we’d need to wear something fancy, but he did?” It was only now that the people who had come there with Loki had noticed his outfit and it was Tony who raised an eyebrow. “What happened to the grey jumper you said was ‘nice enough’ to be seen out with when you have to be out with us annoying mortals?” “Well, I can’t let Lady Y/N be the only one who shows that she has a sense of elegance and fashion in this despicable planet, can I now?” Loki answered sarcastically and now you wanted to roll your eyes at him calling you ‘Lady Y/N’, something you had told him to stop ages ago. “Loki isn’t actually wearing this,” you tried to clear things up, ignoring Loki’s remark, only to receive even more confusing looks, causing you to sigh. “Loki is a trickster god, he uses Illusions, he’s probably still in his Pajamas, he just makes it seem like he is wearing this.” Before anyone would start bombarding the god and you with questions, you took hold of  the conversation and used your stern hero voice to gain the attention. “Now I’m sure you’re all wondering why I invited my favorite people to a newly opened nightclub and like Stephanie has already mentioned, one that is hard to get into nonetheless. The reason is-” you made a pause to emphasize, “-that it is my club.” A wave of confused ‘what?’s hit you and you quickly explained: “Well, I needed to find another outlet than hanging around with other heroes and busting bad guys and after a talk with Oliver - he’s a friend from Starling city,” you explained for the Avengers, “I decided that opening a club was just what I needed. That’s the reason I was so absent the past few weeks, I was busy planning and employing and stuff, but from now on everything should run itself. I will be able to perfectly split my time into three for the club, hero work and friends and family.” “That’s so cool!” Stephanie squealed and gave you a high five and the others joined in congratulating you, telling you how amazing everything looked and that they were proud of you. “Boss?” a voice interrupted from behind you and you turned to see one of your staff members, “Could I talk to you for a second?”   “Excuse me for a bit, I gotta go and run my business,” you cheekily smiled and left your two favorite teams to make conversation as you and the women left through the door that lead to the stairs. “So what’s the matter? What can I he-” you were rudely interrupted when the women’s form morphed into a taller, sleeker one of a certain trickster and promptly continued to press you against the door you had just left through. “Well, well, look who’s getting impatient,” you giggled as he pressed a kiss to your jawline. That was another secret that you had kept from your teams and even from Marianne. Loki and you. If you were being quite honest you were not sure how the two of you became a thing, but somehow you did and now the two of you were waiting for the right moment to tell the rest of the team that you were a lot more than just colleagues. “Can you blame me? You should’ve told me about this, beloved, then I’d known that you were not growing sick of me. I was all worried when you kept on disappearing,” he muttered as he relished in the closeness with you. Slightly shocked at this you grabbed his broad shoulders and pushed him back slightly. “How could you ever think that, Loki? I love you, I could never grow sick of you,” you assured him and pressed a loving kiss to his lips. “That is very good to know, beloved, and I’ll make sure to remind you of that whenever you need,” he winked and you couldn’t help but giggle. “Okay, okay, but I think I have to go back now, we can pick this up again later.” You turned around and opened the door again only to catch what was being said. “We’re obviously her favorites, I mean this club is in New York, not Gotham, why do you think that is?” “Oh shut your mouth, that means nothing. You heard what she said, we’re her family, we’re her brothers and sisters. The Demon is the best proof of that.” “Which Demon?” “Oh please, she called us her family too. After all we got all the appeal of you, but we also have gods.” “She has dinner every second weekend with Superman, an amazonian goddess, the king of atlantis and a world-class magician.” “Well with us she has the world's strongest AI, a world class witch AND the sorcerer supreme, two timeless soldiers, the world's fastest man and the god of thunder.” “Oh please, our fastest man could beat your fastest man in his sleep, not to mention that we have multiple of them.” “Well then bring it on” After having heard enough you looked at Loki, back at the group - and the illusion Loki that was standing bored beside them - and back at Loki, before closing the door again. “You know what, I think I’ll just let them talk that over for a bit.” “Yeah, I think that would be best,” Loki agreed, but he was clearly amused. “What do you think they’ll do when they find out that I am actually your favorite?” he asked teasingly and snug his arms around your waist. “Honestly I’m not sure you’d survive that…”

[mmikmmik2]

If you were to sort the Infinity Train cast(s) into the Major Arcana a la the Persona games, which Arcana would you give everyone?

anon I had SOOOOO much fun thinking about this, thank you so much for sending me this. I sorted all the major characters, plus a few other entries, based on a mix of Arcana symbolism, Persona series character archetypes, and general vibes. I came up with answers I feel pretty good about for all but four of the Arcana. (Was really tempted to say Strength is every human character who doesn't board the train because they can handle their problems on their own lol.) This is going to be a long-winded post, so I thought I’d post just the list as an image (which hopefully won’t be too blurry!) rather than wrestle with Tumblr formatting trying to make a short list, and put a big text wall under the readmore talking more about my picks.

If this list does end up illegible, the same info is under the readmore as text! Plus some characters for Magician, Strength, Justice, and Death that I didn’t want to add to the “official” list because they’re more based on headcanon. (Although my reasoning for some of the “official” picks is pretty weak lol.)

One-One as 0. The Fool

Oh my gosh, what am I?

IT is great at fleshing out character backstories and families, so One-One at the beginning of S1 is one of the few characters who really feels like a blank slate. He's got a lot of his baggage back by the end of the season, and I think One and One-One are more similar than they seem at first glance, but S1 does seem to have been very formative for One-One and how he thinks about what he's supposed to be doing and how he relates to other people. So it does kind of feel like his fool's journey.

Alrick Timmens as I. The Magician

The magician begins the journey... by beefing it on a dirt bike, dying, and sending his wife flying off the deep end. Rip.

Alrick was an engineer like Amelia, so I could see him suiting some of the themes of the Magician, like conscious thought and manifesting ideas. His apparent playfulness and insecurity are similar to the Magician characters in Persona.

Kez as II. The High Priestess

“We can’t make this decision for you, Kez.” “You know what to do.”

I thought really hard about making Kez the Magician because just like every Magician since Persona 3, she's dumb, horny, and insecure dlkjasfdkl

(and also her showing up at the start of the story arc and being helpful but also super needy is very Magician)

But the idea of "intuition" really does suit Kez. Sometimes her intuition is as bad as her conscious reasoning, but I think that's a lot because she's so confused about what happened with Jeremy, and Morgan making Kez feel like she did a bad thing by helping him.

Tuba as III. The Empress

She made me feel like I was warm all the time.

Tuba's a mom. Sorry, this one's not that deep, haha.

Simon Laurent as IV. The Emperor

Highest number! I'm the leader now.

Simon has a lot of issues, but the one that felt the most prominent to me was his unhealthy relationship with power, authority, dominance, and rules. Another quote I considered using here was what he said in Grace's memory of meeting Amelia: "I never thought I'd get to see the Conductor with my own eyes. He's perfect! Everything finally makes sense again." In his emotional crisis, he thought everything could be fixed just by the existence of a huge, scary, powerful, male authority figure, even if they weren't doing anything helpful or informative.

Atticus as V. The Hierophant

I like to think that our stones are sturdy and handsome, like the Corgis that crafted them.

Atticus is a figure of traditional authority who deeply loves the history, society, and culture of his people. He often provides spiritual wisdom and encourages Tulip to get out of her own head and engage with the world around her. Also in Persona, Hiero is the Dad Arcana so it's very funny to me (a) to make the little dog be Hiero and (b) that the little dog really does have the strongest Wholesome Dad Energy of the whole cast.

Jesse Cosay as VI. The Lovers

Don't tell me what to do. I'm not going to be a part of anything like this, on or off the train.

This was my first and easiest pick lol, Jesse is sooooo Lovers. Like, the focus on choice and personal values and relationships? Yep, that's Jesse. It works on an "actual meaning of the Arcana" level and a "vibes with the Persona characters" level lol... popular, upbeat, and having such an identity crisis.

Lake as VII. The Chariot

I'm my own person, who is getting off this train!

I don't know if Chariot captures all the ways Lake grew over the course of S2, but I feel like they had the most externally focused conflict of all the IT characters, which suits Chariot. They've been fighting to stake out their personhood from start to finish, and they took action and used their willpower to achieve that goal. Also they have at least a little jock energy which is a prereq for Chariot tbh.

Frank as VIII. Strength

I dunno, I kinda imagine him as a simple man and easily underestimated, but with a lot of heart. The Cat may say they're keeping things casual but I don't think she'd take him with her on her private vacation unless he had some kind of inner toughness that would let him stand toe-to-toe with her.

Morgan as IX. The Hermit

I need to be alone right now. Kez... maybe... we can talk later.

I like that Morgan embodies toxic self-isolation and stonewalling and rejection, but that she seems to be moving towards the positive aspects of Hermit and taking some time to calm down and process and think. I like it when characters can embody the best and worst of their Arcana.

Tulip Olsen as X. The Wheel of Fortune

We have to adapt to the changes in our lives. It's the only way things can get better.

Tulip has a lot of themes and conflicts, but this one is a clear standout as the most important. I also like it for Tulip because, while she has to handle a lot of difficult and even traumatic situations, some of the change that challenges her isn't as unambiguously bad as e.g. the death of a loved one. It really is just change itself she's struggling with, and that's Fortune babey. Also, from the perspective of the train itself and lots of other characters, by reversing Amelia and One-One's positions again and changing how One-One administrates the train, Tulip is the one giving the wheel a spin. That's fun.

Lucy as XI. Justice

One of my friends once described the Justice characters in Persona as "the ones the player character is ultimately accountable towards", and I like to think of Lucy as kind of being that for Grace (...since Hazel has excused herself). Lucy is the Apex kid we see Grace interact with the most, the first Apex kid Grace admitted to herself that she had harmed (see Grace very briefly showing distress and then regret when Jesse points the harpoons at his face and she stops him), and the first person to confront Grace when she came home in The New Apex.

Min-Gi Park as XII. The Hanged Man

I don't know if we'll sell a single album, but we'll figure that out as we go.

Min-Gi sacrifices his "realistic", "sensible" goals for a more personally (spiritually, even?) enriching life that's beyond his control and outside of the expected norm. Like the Hanged Man, who dangles foolishly upside-down, but as a deliberate choice and in a state of serenity and enlightenment. I also think this arcana suits a reading of Min-Gi's character development as starting off going slower as a way to stall and live in denial, but then going slower with deliberation. Compare his arrogant insistence on refusing to act in The Astro Queue Car to his patience and care in The Castle Car and The Train to Nowhere.

Jeremy as XIII. Death

This isn't about the death of his family - I'm thinking of his reluctance to admit his number was going down. He cared about Morgan and Kez, and it's possible both that he may have really wanted to stay with them despite his exit and that that might even have been a healthy choice - they're real ass people with feelings and everything, not holodeck characters. But I also think Jeremy was using his life with them to avoid moving on out of that fog (because it was hard and it hurt and he didn't want to think about what that would mean for him and Morgan) and Morgan was enabling him.

Ryan Akagi as XIV. Temperance

Maybe the experience is the point. I wasn't just rushing you. I was rushing myself.

I think this one speaks for itself. Also, the other quote I considered putting here, from The Art Gallery Car: "You told me I can't appreciate the song without taking in the rest of the album. I need the whole package."

The Cat as XV. The Devil

I always do the right thing.

Honestly, this is one I really wasn't sure about. The Cat isn't a great pick for a lot of the meanings of Devil. She is definitely consumed by material comforts, and the short-term rewards of ignoring her issues at a long-term cost, though. This is more of a "vibes with Persona characters with this arcana" pick... Devil characters tend to start off being somewhat exploitative or even antagonistic towards the player character, and gradually showing a more conflicted and genuine side.

Amelia Hughes as XVI. The Tower

There's a hole in the universe where Alrick used to be.

Amelia's life is defined by catastrophe and upheaval - both those she's suffered and those she's inflicted on others.

Hazel as XVII. The Star

I'm going to keep loving you like you're still here.

When I think of "The Star" as a small but inextinguishable light in the darkness, Hazel seems like the obvious choice. Although we left her deeply wounded, I think she still has a flicker of her hope, faith, and purpose.

Grace Monroe as XVIII. The Moon

But it's unfair for me to tell you how to understand yourself. I mean, I don't even fully understand me.

Grace is probably the most complex and dynamic character on the show and hence one of the most difficult to place. I considered Empress, Strength, Devil, and Judgement for her... I think ultimately, lies and illusions are the most unifying theme of her character arc. Also, from a Persona angle, her pursuit of status out of a lack of true self-worth reminds me of Ai and Mishima.

Alan Dracula as XIX. The Sun

Brought together by the majesty of a superpowered deer!

I'm sorry dkjasfklads this is largely because I thought it was funny to have this completely inexpressive dead-eyed deer as Sun akfk but also... like... it kind of works okay!!! Think about the genuine joy and comfort and positivity he brings to Lake and Jesse (and me)!

The New Apex as XX. Judgement

"Then what are we gonna be?" "Guess we'll have to figure it out?"

This is kind of a Persona mythology gag again because of Judgement being a group social link near the end of the narratives of P3 and P4, when the protagonists have pierced through the lies and actually figured out who the villain of their game is and are ready to really start making progress.

0 as XI. The World

Ah, train does it again!

It's an ending and the completion of a journey, but also the beginning of a new one. And the world is literally what the passengers receive at the end of their train journey. Welcome home.