#♢ — ❛ science is the only thing worth my time ❜ ( main verse )

[fatedevour]

continued from here with @gunnhildred

It was impossible to determine the nature of Dottore's actions in the same way that it was impossible to determine the nature of an animal's or a force of nature. Was he doing something out of a rare spark of kindness? For an EXPERIMENT? Simply because he could? Does an animal kill for food or pleasure? Or simply because it can? Anyone could make an argument for any option regardless of if it was Dottore or the animal that was at the heart of the debate.

" I DIDN'T kill him. " Dottore remarks in a rather matter-of-fact tone while gazing down to the mangled form of Albert that laid on the ground between them. " He's still quite conscious. " Here he pauses. " Well. Perhaps he might need an INCENTIVE to return to his full senses. But his vitals are within ACCEPTABLE parameters by all medical standards. "

That was not to say he wasn't in POOR shape though. Indeed, this Albert looked like he'd been in the jaws of a Rishboland Tiger. He doesn't so much as glance downwards when Albert gives a pathetic noise. Should he have removed this man's vocal cords? It would have been EASY enough, though he knew quite well the man's throat would not be capable of recovery for a long while as it was even now..

The harbinger turns towards Jean, tilting his head as if PIZZLED at her expression of distaste. ( With the mask on, it is hard to decipher his exact expression, but it is a gesture he often makes when inquiring to another's perspective - she should know it well. ) " You are not satisfied with this outcome. " A clinical observation as he turns his head towards the man he's dropped at her feet. " Though I FAIL to see why this is displeasing when he is a source of rage. " Those in Snezhnaya or even the deserts of Sumeru would welcome such an offering.

" Does knowing he is not dead and not quite yet in danger of dying change your feelings? " Dottore inquires, as it were a questionnaire to gather information from a subject. Perhaps she was upset at not having the opportunity to inflict the lethal wounds herself. He finds this DOUBTFUL though. " Would you prefer I do something else? I suppose I could make him more USEFUL if that is more to your tastes. " A poor specimen for any experiment, but he could be used somehow.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @sungracd ​asked:  " i'm not frightened. "

RELENTLESS MELT STARTERS

" No? How FASCINATING. It would seem that would make you part of the minority here. " Dottore remarks, his deep voice carrying through the near empty walls of the church as he stands in the doorway of a holy space that his mere presence DESECRATES. " Mondstadt and its people have no love for the Fatui after all. "

Although Dottore's reputation was a rather COMPLICATED one. After all, he was the one who slayed Ursa and granted peace to the lands of Mondstadt. For that, he is both hero and monster. Hundreds of men had tried to slay Ursa with no success. What kind of monster was Dottore that he could single-handedly slay the beast? There was admiration as much as there was FEAR in the same way that people could admire and fear the apex predators of the world. Dottore was like the monster that feasted upon those predators who had no inkling to what being PREY was like.

There was also that matter of him being a Fatui Harbinger; the second one if he is precise. ( Or rather, many hims as the second, but PRIME carried the main title. ) That alone brought a lot of conflict. Rage, fear, distrust.

So how do people make peace with the conflict of hero and enemy? The same way an animal does — that is to say, whatever promotes survival. In this case, as in many cases, it is fear that reigns supreme. After all, humans, despite their proclamations otherwise, were just animals themselves at their cores. Nature dictates that creatures do what will facilitate survival.

" That is not necessarily a BAD thing. Merely unusual. " It's also worth noting that she might be a thorn in his side. " I assure you, my intentions were nothing so childlike as to invoke fear. It's been quite a LONG time since I've been in Mondstadt. I was curious to see its changes in the years while I'm here for diplomatic reasons. " It was a true statement, though the REASON for such curiosity was anything but innocent or benevolent.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @ninebow ​ asked:  "I do know I don’t want anyone else to die."

14 WAYS TO DIE SENTENCES

   “  How very dutiful of you. I’d expect NOTHING else of the General Mahamatra.  You take matters and your duties quite seriously. It is a REFRESHING sight compared to the inane idiocy of many here who barely put in any effort to what they’re tasked to do.  “

   Dottore’s voice was calm and even, steady despite how many would often cower aware from Cyno if they even heard a whisper. But why should he? In all legality, there was NOTHING that could truly be used against him. No evidence that would hold itself, and even that which he had done, well,  there was no actual proof even if everyone knew it to be true. As far as the second Harbinger was concerned, Cyno was a PRIME example of why morals and ethics were such cages, why always being law-abiding was far from an optimal state to be in. Not that Dottore would have cared REGARDLESS of the status.

   “  But I should hope that you do understand the world cares very LITTLE for what people want. People die, young or old or in their prime. Illness, war, murder, HUMAN STUPIDITY, countless reasons for it all. Even should someone give word that there’d be no harm done, that doesn’t mean someone won’t be the cause of their own downfall through sheer ignorance. Say, falling in a spike bit or countless other matters?  “

   He knows very WELL that such is not what is being intended by the words spoken to him. But he’s not blind and going to acknowledge the remark as if it was directly intended for him. No one had swayed his opinion on it before, Cyno would not now either.  “  I suggest reducing your wants to a desire to protect. The fall will be less harsh that way.  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​​​​​​​​​​​​ asked:  "you're looking quite handsome today, docteur."

love, rosie sentences:

   Pantalone’s voice is like PHENOL, sickeningly sweet and tarry in Dottore’s ear. Unfortunately, for Pantalone, it has never been that siren-song that’s ever been what has caught the doctor’s attention. No matter how he might purr or smile or lure in the oblivious folks, those same men and women who can be ENCHANTED by a flash of gold or sparkle of a jewel, it fell flat to the man who chased after knowledge to feast on like unending vortex of charybdis at the expense of ALL ELSE. No. Fine silks, perfect accents, graceful poise? It meant nothing. Nothing but a needless display of pointlessness. But a snake’s venom is useless to the crushing power of the jaguar’s jaws. They were simple DIFFERENT and therefore INCOMPARABLE. Although he could INDULGE in sipping the sweet venom, he could also choose to REJECT it and hear the words as they were. Such was the latter how he treated the present moment.

   Dottore arches a brow as he watches Pantalone lift a hand to fix some ruffle of the NEW outfit that the doctor wore. He HADN’T been expecting a visit from the banker, rather certain that Pantalone was undoubtedly busy pouring over maps and numbers and trade information as usual - or preparing for the upcoming tax season. Although the HISS of his door opening had given a rather solid guess to who his visitor was given how FEW people would visit, let alone dare step in without announcement, it’d still been a vague surprise that he hid behind a clinical expression.

   “  You must rather LIKE this outfit to give me such a compliment unprompted.  “  Dottore remarks, lifting a hand up to catch Pantalone’s ELEGANT wrist before he can retract it to safety.  “  I’m glad you approve however. You are the FIRST to see it. Besides its creator of course.  “ With that hold on him, he gives a gentle but firm tug to draw Pantalone closer as he leans back against his empty desk. He watches how the dim light flickers over ink and moonlight hair, watches the corners of his eyes and lips for the subtle changes while his free hand rests against his hip.  “  So what is it you’re after, NIGHTSHADE? You rarely visit for NO reason of some kind.  “  He tease with what is far from a TYPICAL nickname, yet one nonetheless and no less fond in the UNDENIABLY contained traces of typical Dottore-esque aesthetics to it.  “  I have a meeting with Her Majesty and Pierro in a bit.  “  He murmurs UNPROMPTED, rough lips so close they could brush across the softness of Pantalone’s before he leans away slightly, curious to see if the banker’s GREED would drive him to chase the temptation of a kiss.

   It is true. He does have that meeting, but there was no RUSH in his movements, showcasing the fact that it was NOT  a case of last minute decision for him to change from a DISSECTION standard coat to the elegance of this new outfit. There was still SOME time to be had and he would selfishly indulge that in the company of Pantalone.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​​​​ asked:🎤 → voicing their insecurities (wOULD HE THO)

encounter my muse in a scenario  🎤 → voicing their insecurities

   Alcohol has never been something Dottore has ever been particularly KEEN on. It dilutes the quality of thoughts and behaviors, rending work pointless for several hours at best and many hours at worst. Factor in side effects of experimentation that increased resistance, and the second harbinger was not one to be seen bothering to drinking nor BE drunk or even close to it. (That, and he rarely left his lab or private quarters so seeing him at all could be a challenge.) But that did not mean he wouldn’t partake on OCCASION when he was left alone.

   It burns, and he’s never found the appeal of the sensation, but neither does it particularly bother him. It simply is. Just like it simply IS that Pantalone is walking into the room as he takes another long drink from the bottle to drain the last of it like the one earlier. Everything was hazy to think about, but he’s quite sure he didn’t forget anything that would warrant the unexpected appearance. He NEVER did on the rare times he drank for exactly this reason. So no one would bother him. He clicks his tongue, but his tongue feels heavy and weighted in his mouth as he head falls back against the chair.

   “  You certainly can smell OPPORTUNITY, can’t you? Like a shark can smell blood in the water. Did you know some sharks can can smell blood up to a quarter of a mile, or four hundred meters, away?  “  Dottore remarks, eyes closing to hide his infernal gaze away from prying gold. Like honey. It’s a thought that fits rather well; like mora, but also like honey, luring people in to trap them unknowingly in the sticky sweetness they perceive.  “ Come to pick my brain clean of what I might divulge like this?  “  He chuckles, but there’s an ODD, albeit subtle, higher tone that bleeds into the sound that warps it in a way it usually isn’t, metal pushed near its brittle point. Even steel can eventually fracture.

   Dottore pushes his chair back, giving little regard to how it scrapes against the wood as he stands up, a gloved hand keeping a careful grip on the wood. He should shut up and see what Pantalone wants, or see if Pantalone decides to just leave. But does he believe he would? ...No. No, he doesn’t. Pantalone always looks for opportunity for information, and isn’t this just a familiar set up for that silver tongue? Not against Dottore, but with drunk fools who will spill information and secrets they normally wouldn’t. It’s a thought that had red eyes simply staring at Pantalone for a moment, blank. He’s a damn fool. It’s there, that bubble of laughter that bleeds and shakes his body, but it it isn’t funny and it isn’t happy, and is (vexingly) more akin to BETA or the younger segments than Prime. But Prime was OLDER than Beta, at least in the timeline of the original Dottore’s life, it was natural that aspects of younger segments would still exist in an older segment and not vise versa.

   “  You know...  “  He rasps, abruptly swinging his gaze to focus on the empty bottles sat on the edge of the desk as he leans back against the front of it. “  You do it too. Keep me away, at bay. Like something to be kept to the edge of a forest. Though, the edge is closer than others allow.  “  A gloved finger rests against the rim of the bottle as if to shove it off and watch glass shatter into thousands of shards against the floor, though he does not actually do it. It’s an unprompted comment, sparked by nothing in particular other than the chaos of Dottore’s mind. Why did he say that? Dottore frowns for a moment as if in deep thought before looking to Pantalone.

  “  What are you here for? If its business, I’m rather afraid to say I’ve taken the evening off for once.  “  Well,  midnight wasn’t exactly evening but no matter. The point still stood. He gave a tired exhale, eyes sliding close again. “  But if you want a drink I have a few different bottles around. Help yourself.  “  A gloved hand gestured to a few unopened bottles, all of high quality. 

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @nazorneku​ asked:  📓  @  al-haitham

encounter my muse in a scenrio 📓 → reading out a sample of a book they’re reading

  “ Exposure to whole-body vibration, better known as WBV, by heavy machinery causes a distribution of motions and forces within the human body. To complicate matters, the transmission of vibration to the body is also dependent on body posture. To date there has been little attempt to accurately reflect many of the typical postures and vibration environments experienced by the human body or the trauma that such vibrations may pose to the human body. The machines with the greatest vibration emission were generally those that spent most of their time tracking. The worst machine for vibration exposure was a challenger 85D tracked tractor towing a 'hex' attachment. Operators of this machine would exceed the Teyvat Physical Agents Exposure Limit Value in about 2.5 hours. “

   A resounding THUD filled the air as Dottore snapped the book shut abruptly, casting it aside with disinterest. The AKADEMIYA might not know, but Dottore did. Though he was under no pretense of wanting to share that information.  “  It seems the Akademiya has taken a more ACCEPTING stance towards inquiries with machinery these days. Although i somehow imagine there’s still great restrictions to it. Always such a hassle.  “

   Dottore’s speaks calmly, although there’s a note of DISDAIN beneath the calm as he glances around. Oh he LOATHED these halls, albeit they were not the same ones he has once walked. But was that any surprise? It’d been over four hundred years by now since he’d roamed this area under a DIFFERENT name, things were expected to change. It’d be pathetic if they hadn’t, even if he’d already LONG left the school in his dust when it came to his knowledge. Although he supposed SOME things never changed. Like the fact this place was filled to the brim with hypocrites and cowards, unwilling to truly do what was necessary for the sake of learning.

   “  But I don’t imagine you care much for a reading lesson, now do you?  “  His masked visage finally properly turned to look towards the Scribe, head tilted to one side ever so slightly. 

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bitbrumal​​​​​ asked: ON THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PANTALONE SENT TO ME         twelve personal records kept eleven projects approved     ten fishbone corsets nine leather leashes     eight spy assistants         seven lambskin gloves ( yes seven you're getting an odd number f you ) six tailored waistcoats  five fresh cadavers four fraudulent receipts     three soft fur collars two dismissed requests                        & a pension fund committee

UNPROMPTED ASKS : ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

   “  Just WHAT is all this doing in my LAB, Regrator?  “

Had it been anyone OTHER than Dottore, they would have gazed upon the mountain of presents with DELIGHT and GREED. But this is not anyone else. And because of that, it is most likely to achieve the EXACT thing Pantalone desires. Beneath Dottore’s masked visage there was only ANNOYANCE at the clutter that has been brought into his lab with garishly bright paper and bows. An already annoying situation was EXASTURBATED by the presence of Pantalone’s SMUG smile beside him. Despite how TEMPTING brash action might be to rid himself of these presents, curiosity and the faint hope of something actually USEFUL among all the gifts makes him wait.

   (  Well, MORE hope of usefulness at least. The cadavers had ALREADY been found, and thus had been planted the idea that it might not ALL be pointless. The eight new agents assigned to him however was NOT something he was wanting. He’d be discussing having them moved away anyways. If all else failed, terrifying them to death would work.  )

   And thus begins the grueling task of UNWRAPPING gifts. Weren’t people always saying this was supposed to be FUN? Quite frankly, Dottore was of the belief that this pile would convince him otherwise by the end of it. The records earned an eyeroll, but the APPROVED projects gained an visible expression of delight. Yet BEFORE he can already come to a screeching halt to ramble about these projects, another gift is shoved into his hands...and thus begins a rather BAFFLING experience for THE DOCTOR. 

   Leashes? Well THAT certainly sends a message (a BOAST to the fact Pantalone has the MOST influence over him, or a more LITERAL message of a desire? Perhaps it was both.) as do the dismissed requests. Yet the waistcoats and gloves say another matter and resemble what he’s heard of as more traditional gifts. He is every bit as PETTY however and seeing the odd number only guarantees the fact that ONE SEGMENT at least will just wear one. (And THEN who would be annoying who when Pantalone sees?) As for the corsets...Well quite frankly, he isn’t quite sure WHAT to take away from that. Is it a jab at posture? Is it just Pantalone’s appallingly lavish tastes? They’re clearly expensive, but even PANTALONE must know such a gift is IMPRACTICAL for the doctor. He hardly attends formalities as it is and prefers sending DELTA, the one most similar to PRIME, to stand in his place. One or two at most would have been enough, but TEN? He’s rather sure its Pantalone simply FLASHING his wealth again. What he won’t do is admit to how long he gave them a puzzled stare after each one was unwrapped.

   The pension fund confirms the wealth. The seconds scowls with a flash of jagged teeth at the ninth with a growl. “  Pantalone.  “  He shoves the wrapping paper aside now, scowl deepening as the tape sticks to straps and feathers that require him to yank them all off.  “  RETIREMENT is not in the plans, nor SHALL it be. The older segments more or less are.  “  He huffs, arms folding across his chest before gesturing at all of this.  “  The MORA of all of this would have been fallen completely and easily into the category of satisfactory if you wished to be oh so generous.  “  he drawls, sarcasm dripping from the last few words. Pantalone isn’t GENEROUS without a purpose. Like annoying Dottore.  “

   “  Are you doing this to EVERYONE, or am I just SPECIAL?  “  He abruptly TURNS the tables of the act, or at least makes a valiant vie for it as his masked visage swings from the pile to Pantalone himself. 

[fatedevour]

   “  I see.  “  It’s not helpful, but if nothing else, it is PROOF of his success. Dottore has ripped apart and reassembled this puppet hundreds of times ( or RECEIVED him broken and put him back together - Dottore isn’t the SOLE cause contrary to expected belief ) but it is not without PROGRESS. Temporary suffering for strong skills and abilities. It is not a FRUITLESS endeavor. Few things are with Dottore. His insatiable hunger for knowledge was a monster that threatened to devour the very world around them with his BURNING want to strive beyond. Scaramouche got something from it, Dottore got knowledge, so all in all, it was quite the handy arrangement.

   Except that the Jester was sending him more and more to the abyss or other field tests. While Dottore could get knowledge from those results, it was rather IRRITATING to have a particularly useful test subject being pulled away. But somethings couldn’t be HELPED. It was annoying, yes. But ultimately, there were other projects Dottore could turn his attention to when the other was away.

“  Of course he would. I’m not asking about HIS demands on you -  “  Although Dottore WAS rather intrigued now that it had been brought up  “  -  I was merely inquiring if there was anything YOU thought to be of particular interest or noteworthy matter. You have been there more than anyone else after all.  “  Oh but it does ANNOY him, like a scratch that can’t be itched. It isn’t new, and he cares LITTLE for Pierro’s appalling ideas of eternal peace. ( With Dottore alive in any form, such would be impossible regardless ), but he doesn’t like not being able to know if there’s anything interesting or not.

   Family? Well. He supposed that DID fall in line with Pierro’s absurdity. Dottore makes no effort to hide his own disdainful sneer at he thought of that being true.  “  So much to learn there and he’s wasting time on a lost family? ABSURD.  “  He could put Scaramouche to much better use. Dottore stops his vulture-like circling to sink down into one of the lab chairs with a huff.  “  WELL I suppose that concludes your physical assessment.  “  Nothing more than formality as of late recently anyways.  “  But is there anything you would want me to look into for IMPROVING on you in the future? Whenever the next opportunity might be, or are you SATISFIED  ?   “

They send him more and more to the abyss, because he's finally of fair use to them. He knows that. Does it bother him? Of course not. He is useful to them and in exchange he is given power to play with, it is a take and gain, a healthy relationship, what a relationship should be like. Not some disgusting muddled mess with emotions and who knows what else. Now he sees clearly that all that did was hinder his progress, hold him back from what he could and can be capable of. So much so that the abyss has become a children's playground to him. Scaramouche doesn't invest too much in his co-workers in the same manner that they do not invest in him aside from what his abilities and his utilities can offer to them and he is that same way. He does not care about their feelings, he does not care about what they think, they are but tools to him, he thinks, and isn't delusion such a wonderful bliss?

As if to make that so glaringly obvious, he does not care which Dottore he is speaking to right now, though perhaps he can guess based on his attitude, if Scaramouche really cared to try, but he does not. Dottore has done a great deal for him though of course even their relationship is a take and give, there is nothing different. Dottore gets his high, and Scaramouche gets his fill. The way Dottore thinks is annoying, but he will not deny that there is brilliance and devouring ambition in that brain of his that seems to make him a bottomless dark pit that is never satisfied.

"Expeditions down there are nothing to me anymore," now that he can last as long as he does, now that he can kill as much as he does. It annoys him, the way he is circled and he doesn't shy away from displaying it so in the form of an annoyed look as Dottore goes on his gibberish rant that he can quite honestly not be bothered to follow either. He is studying his work, even with that ridiculous mask on his face Scaramouche is able to tell.

"Hah, wouldn't you like to know." Scaramouche runs his mouth how he wants to, not caring who or what sees it as bothersome, but even he knows when to keep things to himself. "The Jester instructed me to report directly to him with my findings, there's even things he wouldn't want you to know about." He isn't bluffing and he's not attempting to plant a seed of doubt here, this should be common knowledge now between the harbingers. There are many mysteries down in the abyss, many things that even get him wondering so much about this world and just how much he really thought he knew after such a long life. "Perhaps the Jester is looking for traces of the lost family he failed to save." He is one to go on about such a thing. The Fatui are simply trying to find the next best thing no doubt.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​ asked: "happy valentines day, zandik. what did you get for me, hm?~" i'm sure dottore already almost finished that box of fontaine high quality chocolates. 

a very overdue response on my part.

  Pantalone’s smile is nothing short of a carefully crafted executioner’s blade and Dottore knows he is not safe from it. Ah. That explained the rather UNPROMPTED gift. Or so it had been in Dottore’s eyes. He’d noticed it of course. But the rather obvious telling sign by shape had been dismissed as nothing more than that bakery’s particular taste in design. Pantalone was ALWAYS getting needlessly decorated and fancy foods and gifts and items that often had fancy shaped packaging, wrapping, or boxes. He was HARDLY to blame for not initially realizing it. 

   Red eyes flick towards the box of chocolates that he had been picking at. Rationed - albeit inherently less so when multiple SELVES helped to a piece of the especially bitter and dark chocolate to help keep them awake. Dottore was quite certain they were CUSTOM ; he doubted many places there would sell chocolates to the bitterness level that Dottore liked. Most were absurdly sweet, and while he might indulge sweetness now and again, that amount would never be WELL RECEIVED.

   The last of the bite of chocolate that he’d had on his tongue was melting and his attention shifts from packaging to the banker himself.  “  Even IF I had, wouldn’t it merely have been dismissed or mocked? After all, it is such a COMMERCIALIZED holiday that the gestures are nothing but empty motions people go through. You’re practically swimming in them from what I hear and saw.”  Well, Delta had seen but the point stood all the same.  “  If I got you something merely for today because of social pressure, which we both know are all but USELESS on me, it’d be classified as a gesture done by obligation rather than choice, would it not?  “  He lifts an eyebrow slightly as if challenging Pantalone to DISAGREE with his assessment.  “  And you LOATHE that.  Or am I mistaken in that you find an OBLIGATED day of affection rather romantic compared to a spontaneous one?  “

  Really, it was all a very elaborate way of saying he had done nothing. But they WERE points he was standing by.  “  I was wondering what that was about though, or what you were about to demand of me to gift something ahead of time.  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ asked:  *give him a new year kiss* <3

unprompted asks: ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

   Although drinks flow freely, Dottore has no interest in DILUTING his senses with the alcohol on hand for the occasion. But it is no surprise. Some of them have no shackles of time, but a good number of them still DO. It is only natural and expected to celebrate the closing of a rather prosperous year for them. Certainly there are political and economic reasons behind it all. Festivities ALWAYS got the economy moving even faster than it typically did, and it looks good for the Tsaritsa and Harbingers to celebrate with the rest of the nation. So he was more or less used to being forced to attend these pompous, trivial affairs despite the desire to be elsewhere doing more important things. Or even not important as long as it was something. Instead he lets the time blur together between chats until he slips outside.

   The cool air feels refreshing and by the sounds and movement, it seems things are getting closer to the so frivolously desired hour. For what? It didn’t ACTALLY change anything. Most people would spend all but a few hours prior to midnight doing their typical daily life on New Years Eve, and then would spend the New Years Day itself doing their usual activities. Perhaps they might foolishly attempt those resolutions that often died before they could even begin to walk, deluding themselves that THIS year would be the year things changed. With naught to distract him, its an easy irritation to start pondering over while leaning against the balcony railing and gazing out over the landscape.

   Dottore’s head turns when he hears a few footsteps and the door to the balcony open, puzzlement turning relaxed when he saw it was Pantalone stepping out to join him. And seemingly quite INTENT on that mission based on the manner of his steps, though he seems rather EAGER to conceal that fact with how measured and calm his composure is as he stands beside him.

   “  You-  “  Whatever Dottore was ABOUT to say was cut off by the growing sound of excitement from inside through the glass. It might be near midnight. His head turns to Pantalone, red eyes observing the other man who was looking back inside as well. What a RIDICULOUS tradition there was for the New Year. And yet....Maybe Dottore could understand its appeal for the FIRST TIME now, of ushering in a new year with someone else. A year full of promise that they’d both be there. How awfully SENTIMENTAL of him. And selfish. Dottore is a SELFISH man though, and the fact he can have Pantalone here ALONE with him makes something purr in satisfaction in his chest. This moment is theirs alone regardless of the room on the other side of the walls and glass.

   One hand stretches outwards to entwine with the banker’s before he gives a sudden pull. Yet with grace he easily catches Pantalone in a well-supported dip, momentarily flashing a bright grin.Only for a moment though, a carefully PLANNED moment to align the timing to be just right. For when he bends down to press his lips against Pantalone’s, he can hear the explosions of the fireworks behind them to turn night to day. It is one of the few times there is no teeth, no force to the kiss. Nothing but rare, vulnerable care undisguised. Out here it is their moment alone to savor. He pulls back, feeling the warmth of their mingled breath as he gazes down at him for a moment, colors decorating the skies above them.

   “  Happy new year, Vincent.  “   Dottore whispers quietly, the edges of his eyes softening before he pulls Pantalone up from their dipped pose together, though he does not untangle their fingers.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @eonsadrft​ asked:  Wanderer keeps quiet after entering one of Dottore's many secret laboratories, approaching a table with a large number of vials… from which he slowly moved his hand to throw one of them to the floor. Yes, like a cat. 

❝ Whoops. ❞

UNPROMPTED: ALWAYS ACCEPTING  

PROBABILITY did not favor the chance of crossing paths with Dottore even when venturing into his dens. He had lairs strewn across Tevyat for whenever something in an area caught his fancy, only to be DISCARDED or NEGLECTED when his interest was sated or something BETTER caught his attention. After all, a tiger prefers a FRESH KILL over chewing on the same carcass for days. Eventually he’d return. Or some segment of him (although probability had decreased with the number he’d sacrificed. But he was not so foolish as to sacrifice them ALL to a god who was IGNORANT of their existences). Regardless, PROBABILITY favorited the chance that the Wanderer would not encounter The Doctor.

LUCK, however, did not seem to favor him. If he was TRYING to avoid The Doctor, that is.

“  You’ll be replacing that.  “  Dottore’s rough voice rolls like an oncoming storm from the darkness that he was standing in, HELLFIRE red eyes hidden beneath his ever present mask.  “  Look at you, scurrying back to the labs. It almost seems like you MISS it. Or rather, the purpose.  “  He laughs, harsh and cruel as he walks closer with RAPTORIAL intent. He knows, naturally, that it is NOT the truth. But it is no less amusing to him. A puppet without a purpose, a puppet deluding itself to a status of grandeur only to fall on his face.

“  I must say. You’re rather....disappointing.  “  Dottore remarks, head tilted towards the shattered glass and splattered chemicals.  “  But previous results indicated as much with your OWN schemes. I muse say however, you served your PURPOSE for ME quite well. Congratulations.  “  Lips twist upwards, exposing jagged fangs in a VICIOUS grin. Going back with TWO gnosis had truly been quite the accomplishment. All thanks to the predicted failure.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @lumenstellaris​​​​​ asked:  "why are you here?"

UNPROMPTED: ALWAYS ACCEPTING  

 “  Ever the inquisitive mind I see.  “  Dottore responds with an UNBOTHERED tone yet does not answer the question that has been directed towards him.  “  Unfortunately, simply ASKING only gets you so far in the ways of garnering answers and information. I’m under no obligation to answer you, nor do I have any intentions to do so.  “

He clasps his hands behind his back, observing the traveler in turn. The last time they’d properly met had been but in brief moments. Though they had never been the FOCUS of his attention at any of those particular moments in time. He’d heard MANY interesting rumors of course, even reports in some cases. But alas. Even HE on occasion must follow orders rather than pursue a topic of personal interest. 

“  Besides, it seems more fitting to ask YOU such a question. Traveling to all the nations in the desperate attempt to find information, yet getting tangled into so many other affairs. You’re quite BAD at sticking to an original goal, aren’t you? Don’t be so surprised. It isn’t particularly hard knowledge to uncover. Especially in Mondstadt.  “

  He steps forward, beginning to calmly walk around her like a SHARK circling a school of FISH it planned to devour.  “  Yet, I imagine you haven’t made much progress? It’s no surprise really...  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​ asked:  ❝ Oh, I have hated and loved you. ❞

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SENTENCES

   “ Are you feeling quite well, dear Regrator? “ Dottore asks with an ALMOST lazy drawl as he leans back in the chair, staring directly towards the banker. It is that which betrays the fact that he is not even a fraction as lazy as his low rumble might make him sound – red eyes remain unwavering and focused on the man that stands in front of him, who appears to be equal parts angry and relieved.

  He pulls himself to his feet like a beast pulled from slumber so he can close the distance between them. “ That’s rather UPFRONT for you. “ You, who always uses words like silver knives, hidden under glamor or false truths. He tilts his head a fraction as if he might decide to pick apart the man in front of him at this new development, or perhaps he’s looking for something. Rarely is it easy to distinguish between the two when they often intertwine together to be one and the SAME.

  Instead he moves to the side to circle around till he’s behind the man. “ WHAT FOR? “ He inquires into his ear, close enough for the warmth of his breath to brush over his ear before he moves full circle again to learn back against the cold steel of the table, arms folded over his chest with an aura of expectation.

  Is it CONCERN for the brief lapse in contact while he was away? From some other nonsensical source? Perhaps because Dottore hasn’t gone to see him since his return? Or an attempt for some future purpose to sway through the heart that exists in flesh if nowhere else? He stares at Pantalone for a moment before he turns his head to allow his gaze to slide towards the distant side of his laboratory. There’s SOMETHING about that that draws wary caution from him.

  Hated and loved him? Like Pantalone would ever say such a thing. Pantalone only takes, giving only when forced or when Dottore’s clawed into ugly truth. Pantalone doesn’t speak of love outside of money and having things done on time. He’s never said he LOVED him, unless one counts this moment. But by that account of record, this is likely also something to do with work in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps there’s a request about to be made of him, once the irritation or frustration passes for the other man. Or a complaint, which might be the more likely of the options.

  A gloved finger taps his arm with a steady rhythm, waiting for the answer to his question. It will come. This much he know.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @erabundus​​​​​​​​​​​​​ asked: 🎭  ─  see a christmas musical/play at the theater // promptly spends the entire time being the world’s most vicious and unpleasable critic in a thinly veiled effort to hide his interest 

holiday festivities starters: ACCEPTING! 🎭  ─  see a christmas musical/play at the theater

   This was suffering. Why did HE have to watch some performance when he could be doing something else? Oh, right. Because PANTALONE threatened to deduct money from the funding if he rejected participating in the holiday activities like he was planning to do. After all, Dottore has NO QUALMS in saying he didn’t like something no matter who it came from. He might be a tiny bit more professional about the matter, but that wouldn’t STOP him from making his displeasure known. 

   What he WASNT expecting was to find someone who was also apparently displeased at their current circumstances. Garnet colored eyes slide towards the balladeer, observing the puppet like a crocodile observing the shorelines from the water. Hee. Oh he always was a FUN one to deal with. A valuable subject for learning, a cruel little project of the doctor for centuries now. The puppet who thought he had no strings.

   “  If you don’t quit your yapping, Arlecchino may come and try to beat you.  “  He remarks with a dry tone, though an UNDERCURRENT of rare amusement slides through his voice like a shark in water.  “  Although I do AGREE.  “  He adds, turning his gaze AWAY and back to the stage  below their seats. The best seats for this theater in Snezhnaya of course. But still...  

   “  ALTHOUGH, this much investment in critiques makes you seem rather FOND of it.  “  Dottore adds, cold visage splitting into an unnerving smile even WITHOUT the intensity of red eyes bearing down on him.  “  Dear me, has some of our other coworkers taught you a thing or two?  “

[fatedevour]

dollctten​:

She lifted the (almost comedic in size) soldering mask from her face with a huff, her expression frustrated and tired.

“You couldn’t choose any other time to come bother me?” The engineer griped, pushing herself away from whatever death machine she had been tinkering on- offering the Doctor her full attention.

“What is it. Here to gloat about your achievements? If so, go find someone else. I’m busy. I don’t have time for your irritating voice in my ears.”

Regardless of her snippy attitude, she made no effort in getting up and sending him away, in fact, her attention stayed on him- expectant and curious.

   “  No. My time is VALUABE, and now happens to be the first chance I’ve had inbetween preparing experiments. So I thought I would drop in since it has been QUITE  some time.  “  The last time hadn’t even been Prime, but one of his YOUNGER segment as he recalled. Experiments were, however, an ever useful tool to allow him to cut any situation short if he didn’t care for it. not that he needed it; Dottore had no problems in saying such to other’s faces.

   It was a rather AMUSING the contrast between words and actions. (He’s certain it seems to be a trait among many of the Harbingers. Verbal rejection or attacks while actions displayed interest and attention. Unfortunately even HE could not claim he didn’t do such a thing - he did.

   “  No, there’d be no point in gloating to you anyways.  “  It wouldn’t necessarily stop him. He folds his arms, shifting his weight where he stands.  “  On the CONTRARY, I found some rather INTERESTING mechanical artifacts. I thought that I might offer them to you in exchange for a future favor. One that won’t be called in for some time however, so you needn’t be concerned it will interrupt anything at the moment.  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @gunnhildred​​​​ asked:  ❝ you can never trust a monster. ❞  But I trust you.

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SENTENCES

   With a face concealed beneath his usual mask, it’s hard to say PRECISE expression might be on his face. But his head tilts to the right, like a bird observing something odd, like a scientist whose found something intriguing enough to dissect beneath his eye ( and scalpel - if it wasn’t for the fact it was something VERBAL rather than PHYSICAL. )

   “  Why?  “  Dottore inquires without hesitation. Someone else might have given pause. Such a statement to not trust monsters was rather universally accepted. But Dottore was brash and bold. If he disagreed, he would say so unless something more desirable was influenced to keep him in line and his mouth shut. Here, there wasn’t that. So naturally he spoke.

   “  I disagree. I think MONSTERS are perhaps the most TRUSTWORTHY of anything.  “  It’s a counter that he doesn’t intend to hide from.  “  You know what a monster is. You can trust a monster to be a monster. Be it in the literal animalistic sense, or simply in title.  “  He lifts one hand, palm upwards to further his point.  “  You may ultimately be DISAPPOINTED at it, but in the end, if a monster proves itself to be exactly that, no one is SURPRISED by it. Am I wrong? “

   It was a shame, one day, these talks would inevitably end. He found them surprisingly enjoyable in a way he hadn’t experienced in decades. But, A MONSTER WAS A MONSTER. He was one through and through according to humanity.

   He lifts his head.  “  Monsters cannot escape their titles. They’re like scars. Even if a monster DID genuinely change, there would always be people who doubt it. Beast or person. Such is the way of the human mind. Distrustful of anything once deemed as OTHER.  “

   He watches, keen eyes CURIOUS to how she will decide to answer him.  “  I find the least trustworthy those who seem like they’ve NEVER done anything wrong.  “  He frowns slightly.  “  Well. In this hypothetic situation. More accurately I look at records and reports but, never mind that.  “  His hand waves before folding across his chest.  

   “  When THEY do something, no one expects it. For example, you wouldn’t expect for a little lamb to do anything wrong. Which makes anything they do all the more dangerous. They have people’s trust and faith, and therefore can inflict GREATER harm than a monster could, if more so psychologically than physically, again depending on context.  Think about it. If the most trustworthy, innocent person you know did something horrible, it would be more heartbreaking and shocking than if, say, a fatui member did it. They probably wouldn’t even cross your mind unless there was witnesses or evidence, right?  They can be the infection in the bloodstream so to speak.  No one suspects it till it’s too late. But if a monster is indeed a monster, well, you can trust it to be a monster."

   He allows a moment of silence in reflective thought.  “  It’s strange. As a whole, humans strive for the idea of doing no wrong and hurting no one ever. Yet, most would suspect someone or something appearing as such to simply be hiding the truth or something more sinister. But humans are rather contradictory by nature.  ”   Finally, Dottore settles with a small shrug.  “  I’d take a monster any day. Plus if it is a creature, it’s a valuable learning opportunity.  “  Even if it was a person it could be, but he kept that to himself.