deadtwinksdetectiveagency

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

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Christmas at the agency 🎁🎄

Edwin is @chi-dal

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[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

People call Charles Edwin’s guard dog and Edwin thinks it’s going to offend him, getting more up in arms about it than Charles ever does. But it doesn’t seem to bother Charles at all. And Edwin doesn’t understand, not at first, not until Charles tells him, “So what if they think I’ll bite if they lay a finger on you? Not exactly wrong, are they?”

Suddenly, it makes sense. Why Charles takes the comments in stride. Why he seems to take pride in the suggestion.

Charles feels like Edwin should have someone who is willing to do all that for him, go that far for him—and of course that someone’ll be Charles himself. Edwin reflects that he’d never had that sort of fervent devotion from anyone, certainly not when he was alive, and no one has come close since but Charles. He reflects on how good it feels to be fundamentally seen, valued in such a way.

Still, Edwin worries—does Charles know that Edwin is just as dedicated to keeping him safe, his heart and his spectral body and his soul? That Charles is the most precious gift Edwin never dreamt to be given, and—

Does Charles know that, every day? That he’s more than his teeth? That he’s more than everything Edwin could want? That he’s sweetness and light?

It’s Charles’ loving touch that Edwin yearns for and craves, when he’s laughing harder than he ever has, in the middle of the night when the rest of the world is asleep and it’s just him and Charles in the warmly-lit office, tipping against each other on the tiny sofa that never feels cramped when it’s keeping the two of them near. The actual joke goes forgotten in the self-replenishing haze of their giggles, their shoulders knocking together, Charles’ ankle hooked around Edwin’s.

Edwin’s hand lands on Charles’ jaw, barely-there fingertips turning Charles’ head, easy, so easy, to look at him. To catch Charles’ gaze, deep and shining and—they’re so close to each other, a bit heady with leftover mirth, and Edwin will never forget that it’s Charles who moves first to press his smiling lips to Edwin’s, simple as ever, like it’s the next line in their conversation.

It knocks the breath straight out of Edwin: the breath he hasn’t needed in three-odd decades. But it’s all right because Charles’ mouth is opening against his, so right and inviting, and Charles is gasping too like he’s in the same dizzy predicament, and Edwin never wants it to end.

“Charles,” he says, “Charles, my darling, are you…?”

Charles’ eyes are dark as ink when he pulls back, only far enough to nudge his nose against Edwin’s cheek.

“Yeah,” he says, smile flashing bright like a slice of the moon. He closes his eyes, a flutter of lashes Edwin can feel against his own cheekbone, followed by the soft drag of a kiss. Then another. “Should’ve seen it, really,” Charles goes on, in between still more kisses, words said into Edwin’s skin. “‘Cause you’re it for me, Edwin, aren’t you, love? I just didn’t see. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you when you first—”

“Never mind,” Edwin says, “tell me now,” and then they’re kissing once more. The testing scrape of Charles’ teeth over Edwin’s lower lip, the nibble on his upper, is tentative, too tentative, and Edwin ought to have known, he ought to have suspected… but still he doesn’t, doesn’t expect the keening, tremulous moan that tumbles out of him at the promise of it all.

Charles chuckles, the sound settling in Edwin’s belly, making a home in his chest. “You like that?” he asks. Awed. Still hesitant. The laughter from earlier still layered in Charles’ voice, along with a new sort of hoarseness, a new sort of rasp Edwin could listen to forever. “Don’t wanna put you off, do I, love…”

“I will hardly be put off, Charles. In fact, I—” Edwin swallows, convulsive and wanting, sees Charles’ focus drop to his throat, find the soft underside of his jaw as he tips his chin up. “I would not have you hold back with me. Set your hands where you wish. Your mouth—where you wish. Your…” It is his turn to close his eyes.

“My teeth,” Charles finishes for him softly. “Wherever I…?”

“Yes,” Edwin says. “Yes.”

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

It's high time we introduce you to our insanely talented lineup of contributors! Stay tuned for each of their individual spotlights coming soon!

🔍Page Artists - @anaart-stuff @khorazir @/_pansoriion_ (instagram) @agerblade @arisprite @/hattersdesigns (Twitter) @kazalmilk @margo-mania @antichrist-plus1 @cheriebryantsart @etheriiart @renchurro @rexwrendraws @hannaloony @lovetositinsilence

🔍Comic Artists - @vanillaflowerstuff @jube-art @losermothman @technically-human

🔍Spot Artists - @/ur_localkiwi (Instagram) @/tashanimation (Instagram) @tragedy-machine @/red_rosso (Instagram) @emmrysart @edmcmayonnaise @heckofabecca

🔍Merch Artists - @akari-the-ace @rainydaypunk

🔍Writers - @megs-bee @williamvapespeare @babyseraphim @emryses @the-ipre @misty--nights @paraphwrites @nix-nihili @phoenix-soar @catalists @asidian @experimentaldragonfire @carebeardean @a-jasminator

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Okay, so this is likely be long so buckle up. Let's talk about how the height and position of characters affects the story and shows us where they are emotionally or in regards to characters they interact with.

This is the most prominent with three characters, which are Edwin, Charles and the Cat King. But! I will do my best to touch upon the rest as well if anyone finds this interesting.

Considering I briefly touched upon how Charles and his dad have a similar hunched stance, let's start with Charles.

Also TW for talk of abuse and violence, since I do touch upon his relationship with his dad and abuse in general.

Charles is fascinating because he is one character that seems to constantly make himself smaller, either on the same level as the other character he is next to, or sometimes even make himself smaller than them.

This is especially visible next to Edwin, who always holds himself perfect straight and poised. Even in the above picture, where he is slightly leaning back for the dramatic effect, Charles is still hunched down more. With Crystal, yes, he is generally taller, but anytime he can, he does his best to lean down so they are on the eye-level.

This has dual purpose-both because Charles wants to be as non threatning as possible and because he often tries to sympathize with people, to quite literally understand their point of view.

Charles is the tallest character in the series, which I think has a weight on it's own. At first, I was under the impression Edwin was taller, bc of Charles' hunching, but Charled is just slightly taller. He is a protector, he is a brawn, and he tries his best to make himself as small as possible.

We also see that in scenes where he is "beanth" the person he is interacting with, usually happens when is emotionally distressed and/or feels powerless in a situation

The first time it happens in Devlin's house, when he is sitting on the stairs while Edwin and Crystal are standing. This is also right before he snaps and tries to hit the murderous father of the family, actively showing the turmoil he has been going through. Because that's what Charles does. He can't stand being helpless. His feeling below the problems he is facing is symbolized through him sitting on the stairs and he can't stand it any longer so he acts, quite rashly, just to disperse that feeling.

But then, what happens? He gets knocked to the floor, even lower than he was before. And he remains there, frozen.

Stuck in a loop of feeling helpless while being on the stairs, trying to take action and being knocked down even lower. What a metaphor for being stuck in an abusive loophole! Feeling like any time you try to stand up for yourself, any time you try to take action to not feel so helpless, you get into an even worse position. And then, in the end, it's Edwin and Crystal who have to help him out of the loop and who help him back on his feet.

We see him again in a position where amother character is not only above him, but actively lookming over him in a scene with his dad. Moreso, this is one instance where Charles doesn't take this position willingly, but rather, his dad literally knocks him down to the floor and starts beating him.

I think it's also sooo interesting how Charles' mom and the Night Nurse are positioned here. The Night Nurse stands above both Charles and his dad, all prim and proper. Completely unfeeling and separate from the whole picture.

Meanwhile, Charles' mom is above all of them, barely seen in the doorway, but still watching and she is crying. And while I know Charles loves his mom and understands she was likely also abused, I do wonder if this represents his view on both his parents. His dad, who is close but hurts him, who Charles would be on the same level with, if he wasn't constabtly knocked down. And his mom, who is above all that, almost like some sort of holy figure, but still suffering on Charles behaf.

Third time I noticed Charles being in a position where someone is above him was in a scene where Crystal is packing to go back to London, after getting her memories back.

Charles feels both emotionally vulnerable and helpless to stop her. Because he wants her to do what's best for her, but he also clearly doesn't want her to leave. The important part is that here, despite his clear emotional turmoil, Charles doesn't react directly. I believe he offers her his help, to come with her, but he doesn't insist. Which is a big change to the previous instance where we seem him in such position.

I am sure there are more scenes like these, these are just the ones I noticed. But! Shall we look at when does Charles stand full upright and shows how tall he really is?

Spoiler-When he is feelings brave

Framing is also very important and very deliberate. I'll touch more on this in Edwin's analysis, but you'll notice how most of the time, Edwin is always framed as the taller and biggest, either by height or because he is the closest to the camera. But no in the scene where he and Charles talk about Edwin's supposed feelings about Monty. No-it's Charles who is closer to the camera, because Edwin is the one being emotionally vulnerable. Charles holds the power to either lift up or crush Edwin here. And he is very aware of it.

And fulled by that power, by the fact Edwin opened up to him, Charles stands up tall. And when he reaches Edwin, they are practically the same height. Perfectly balanced, in the wake of Charles' acceptance.

In the scene with the Night Nurse, we see Charles practically flaunting his height. Which is in line with him essentially telling her to take him, but to leave Edwin alone. The point is, not only is he fully showing off his power and consciously or not, trying to intimidate the Night Nurse, but he is also shielding Edwin that way. Look at me, not him. I am the one you should feel threatened by, not him.

And of course. Of course. One scene, where Charles is actively above someone else, where he is higher, both in height and positioning?

In hell, during, Edwin's confession.

In an interview from the actors in this post, they actually touched upon this scene and how Charles being above Edwin on the starway was intentional, because Edwin is feeling very emotionally vulnerable.

He is in an submissive position(do not make the sex joke) to Charles here. He is opening himself up for a rejection and Charles is the one with all the power here. Which in and off itself is powerful, but for Charles? The character who constantly shrinks himself down as not to make anyone uncomfortable and threatened, who constantly gets knocked down in a fight by others?

Charles is terrified of being in a more powerful position due to his dad, because what if he turns out to be the same when he is in such a position?

But instead, he uses that power to be kind. He can't return Edwin's feelings, but he can reassure him he cares for him and that they have time to figure this out. And that is what turns Charles' shirt red again. Not only the fact that he is loved, despite all his flaws, but also the fact that proved to himself that he would never knock down the person being vulnerable, even when he hold all the power.

I exceeded picture limit on mobile, but in a scene on the rooftop wjere Edwin tries to apologize if him confessing created any tension between them and Charles reassure him that it did not, they are on the same height again.

Charles is sitting on an wall, so he is elevated, but he all curled up, so he comes on around the same hight as Edwin who is standing. Equals, once again, despite completely different stances.

I believe that's all I have to say on the topic of Charles in this context, lmk if I forgot smth or if anyone has anything to add, I love hearing other ppl's takes too!

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

BIG NEWS! 💜💀🔎

I and a friend from over on Elon's hell app (MistressCha) are working on making Dead Boy Detective merch dreams come true by making a store and we're starting with...

A FANART CALENDAR!

Whether you want to buy the calendar and receive updates on it, help with marketing/the website, and/or have your art featured in it, please fill out this form!

This is a MASSIVE undertaking, but we're incredibly excited. I wanted to do this to celebrate our fandom, this unapologetically queer story, and to do some good in the world. That said: ALL funds we make from this, every single dollar, will be donated to an LGBTQ+ charity/organization!

PLEASE SHARE THIS FAR AND WIDE! We want to feature as many artists as are willing, and we want to get this out to you all as soon as possible!

Hugs to you all. We WILL Save Dead Boy Detectives! Let's have some fun with it in the meantime, yeah? 😉💜

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

You’re stuck in a room with the last character in your gallery. How safe are you?

Oh, I am the SAFEST person alive or dead

[insert wip of a sepia-toned painting of Charles Rowland that I unfortunately cannot share at this time since it is for the @dbdazine!)

Tagged by @brokensocialscone on my main (heckofabecca), posting here since it's DBD related :) Thank you!

Tagging @babyseraphim @williamvapespeare @coloursflyaway @many-gay-magpies and anyone else interested :o

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

Charles Bag of Tricks = Go Bag from Life

Thinking about how Charles' cricket bat sat unused beside him during the abuse flashback, and how he now has a magic one in his possession as a ghost. In a couple cameos asking about the bat, Jayden says he figures that it was a normal bat that became what it is when Charles touched it.

I suspect it's a part of his soul as a ghost, something significant from his life, representing violence and protection of the self and others.

Edwin's endless notebook is probably part of his soul, with his family crest on it from his own home/school days. George said it was important to him personally to keep the notebook in Edwin's breast pocket, over his heart, despite his conflicted feelings about his parents.

Likewise, I've had a growing theory over the past few days that I've been chatting about with friends in the Dead Gay Detectives discord server about Charles' backpack.

It seems like a go bag to grab quick on the run from volatile situations, like bullies at school and an abusive home.

Both George & Jayden have stated more than once that they would like to have seen an episode exploring the inside of Charles' backpack, as there's more to be discovered there. Of course, this is a popular curiosity of the fans, as well, but it seems poignant to me that they've spoken on this, like important backstory and worldbuilding mechanics may be involved.

If the bag is also a part of Charles' ghost inventory, part of his soul, heart, mind, etc, that's massively symbolic!

I'll share screenshots of the notes I've been making for myself for my fic-writing on this:

What if Charles ran from home and boarding school and all of it but somehow still ended up with his "friends" at the lake, where he was killed?

@wordsinhaled @dearheartdont

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pls write oc x canon character fiction I don't understand how that's cringe or why cringe is even a word we've affixed to fanfic in the first place

also sometimes the canon character needs a perfect partner written for them bc canon refuses to so yes write away

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send me a made-up fic title and i'll tell you what i would write to go with it

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LUKAS GAGE on 17 December 2024

The adoration I have for this man... insane

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

I love Edwin's clumsy kindness; the way he struggles to connect with and understand people but he tries.

He tells Charles when they first meet that he's not good with people. He probably never has been, and hell can't have helped (70 years alone, where he had to close himself off against any empathy because if he tried to stop to help anyone else it would cost him time he didn't have.) We see how he stumbles in his efforts to engage with strangers, how he doesn't understand Monty's interest in him, how he struggles to sympathise with Crystal's fears, how sharpness comes easier for him than vulnerability.

But he tries and he keeps trying. He doesn't have the context or the emotional intelligence to understand Charles' headspace after the Devlin house, but he keeps offering to listen, to help if he can. He reassures Crystal that it's who she is now that matters. He catches himself when Shelby snaps at him, and listens gently to her, and doesn't try to dismiss her version of events again, even though he's reserving judgment.

He's not good with people, but he spent 35 years risking being sent back to hell so other people could have the justice he never got. He doesn't see the hurt that Charles carries around, but he gave him an afterlife where he was loved completely and unconditionally and felt safe. (As long as I've got my best mate, and a case to solve, I'm aces.) He's scared shitless of how Crystal is upending the most important relationship of his existence, but he's not going to let her get hurt.

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Oof, hard to choose...

making a succulent roast dinner out of little girl

drinking wine while wearing a fur coat and nothing else

turning her neighbors' stocking stuffers to chunks of coal

collaborating with a local Santa Claus impersonator for easier victim-nabbing

making a succulent roast dinner with little girl as the main course

Another day, another Dead Boy Detectives question! ✨

In the hopes of getting the fandom tag trending and getting more eyes on Dead Boy Detectives, please use the tag "dead boy detectives" when you reblog to reply.

Today's question:

What winter activity do you think Esther Finch most enjoys?

[deadtwinksdetectiveagency]

episode where a ghost hunting show sneaks into st hilarions (it shut down at some point, I guess) and fakes a haunting by Edwin and/or Charles, so Edwin and Charles have to stop them before the ghost hunters tarnish their good name (appearing on ghost hunting shows makes you a pariah in the supernatural world, it looks bad), and they have to find a way to make everything think it's a fake haunting while making it an actual haunting via being there. And Crystal burns the school down at the end

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hey @sapphic-corgi i heard you'd wished for some catcrow 👁️👁️ 💫

i was so excited when i saw i'd gotten you as my gifting partner !! not only because your catcrow takes on the server are great but also because ??? i've somehow not drawn these two yet, and it feels extremely fitting that the first time is for you <3 (hope you like this !!)

i hope Christmas (and december overall!) treats you with nothing but kindness and love 🫂💫