#♢ — ❛ 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:🎤 → 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]

♢  —    @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]

   “  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:  ❝ 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]

♢  —    @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. 

[fatedevour]

♢  —     @bogachs​​ said: "you've significantly improved since the last time we've done this. i'm impressed, docteur. perhaps i'll make a gentleman of you yet." them slow dancing 🥺

UNPROMPTED ASKS: ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

   Any GENUINE compliment from the sharp tongued Regrator was a rarity that might rival any of the absurd priceless artifacts he horded in his chambers like a dragon on its horde. Perhaps Dottore should value it more. But of course, he does not.  There is quantitative data to support Pantalone’s statement, so the comment is nothing but a mere fact that has been vocalized. It is as cold as the steel of his labs and the metal of his machines. 

   The truth of the matter was such: Dottore had always been far more attentive of the instruction that he displayed or acknowledged when Pantalone gave it. If he gave too much, Pantalone would nag incessantly, latching onto his progress and demanding more. Decidedly NOT acting eventually led to irritation - but he wasn’t nagged about it at least. Tonight puts forth more of the TRUTH. That he has LEARNED because he is who he is, and inevitably he learns. Mainly only what interests him. (  So why then has he learned something as mundane as this? He will not answer or acknowledge that thought.  Merely hums an acknowledgement of Pantalone’s comment on his improvement.  )

   “  Don’t get ahead of yourself, Pantalone.  “  Dottore answers, a rumble of his deep voice from his chest breaking the silence he’s held until now. But for now he entertains Pantalone’s silly delights with perfect timing and slow but calculated steps and sways to the slow music that wraps around them like ivy around ancient trees. 

   “  I think I’ll leave all the gentleman and proper etiquette trivia and details to you.  “  He had no such desire for learning it, even if he knew Pantalone would inevitably lecture him on matters sooner or later. Probably sooner if they went out to ear at one of those pompous restaurants he so favored. Only for image, as far as Dottore can tell, which makes no sense to his logic. Why go out at all in that case? But Pantalone will just spout some garbage if he asks. He’d made that mistake once before and gotten a headache after.

   Dottore wraps a hand around Pantalone’s back, leading him into the slow dip at the next section of the song, and only then flashes a grin that screams of danger and barely contained madness that blends with brilliance.  “  Besides, you don’t like me for all that nonsense, or we wouldn’t be here.  “  he adds, matter of fact and without hesitation.  If Pantalone wanted someone as dull as that, he could have his pick of nearly anyone. But they weren’t the ones that got to kiss him, or see the ugly he hid under this pretty porcelain mask, they only tasted poisoned honey and thought they were being pampered.

   The Second Harbinger leans closer, teasingly close yet achingly far away.  “  That, my dear regrator, you can only entertain yourself with in your dreams. But the waking world is far more entertaining, don’t you think?  “  He poses the question before he’s gently bringing Pantalone back up and flowing into the next part of the song - without falter like he had the last time.

[fatedevour]

♢  —     @bogachs​​ said:  20. my muse cuddles up to yours in their sleep (pantalone seeks the warmth)

nonverbal actions reversed  20. my your muse cuddles up to yours mine in their sleep

It’s one of those nights where the cold seems to invade every crack and nook and cranny, icy fingers seeping in like fog in spite of the warmth of the fire and heat. Not that it’s not comfortably warm as far as HE was concerned, but it did make any slight breeze above the blankets that much more chilling. Dottore can hear the faint sounds of the blizzard outside raging and howling like an angered beast. He’s been here long enough over the centuries to have a good idea of the severely and longevity of this blizzard based on the sound and time alone. So far, it was panning out to be a very long one. Unsurprising, given how fairly PLEASANT and docile the weather had been as of late. They often came back with a bite.

His thoughts falter and pause when he feels Pantalone pressing himself even closer against him, his head turning to watch Pantalone’s sleeping features as the banker buried himself against the doctor. Any closer and Pantalone would be practically CRUSHING himself against Dottore. Dottore shifts slowly just slightly, allowing Pantalone to clutch on and practically be half-laying on him. Not that the additional weight was of much note to him. His arms circle around Pantalone’s frame, holding him securely as he basked on him like a snake in the sun.

Red eyes focus on the sleeping face of the banker, lost in his own thoughts. Once, he was rather certain it would have been little more than a very convincing performance. He hadn’t thought about it at the time, but hindsight did have a way of opening even the most observant of people. Especially when he had learned what Pantalone’s ACTUAL breathing pattern sounded like when he was fast asleep. It said a lot that Pantalone didn’t look vulnerable in his sleep. Even if he technically WAS, it didn’t show. Though who endured hardships rarely looked at peace. Pantalone looked more relaxed, and he was sure that he himself often looked calmer, but never vulnerable. Too long with their guards raised, it was like layers fused together. Their guard had become like a cell wall or scales, shielding them till it merged and became one with them. To pry away their guard was to cut them open. But it was good to see Pantalone at least seem more relaxed. The upcoming months would be hard on him.

Dottore lifts a hand to gently run his fingers through Pantalone’s hair, his other arm secured around Pantalone’s waist to keep him close. Once he would have been afraid to wake him with such a gesture and would have simply observed. But they’re both intimately familiar with each other now, they’d recognize by touch alone. And as it seems to no surprise, Pantalone doesn’t wake beneath the gentle touches as Dottore takes the moment for allowing rare gentleness to manifest. Sharp eyes soften to simply study without the goal of prying away information and secrets or instigating something ; hands touch with awed care to run over soft locks of hair, but careful not to get too close to his face lest he rouse the sleeping banker from his much needed sleep. It is in these quiet moments with only the ambiance of the storms and fire that the beast exposes a softer side when there are NO WITNESSES as far as he knows. It’s an almost skittish act. The Doctor can handle VIOLENCE with ease. He can take the blows and shoot them back ; he can even handle toying with one another. But GENTLENESS? He has little understanding of it. He has gotten better at not flinching from it as though it was a scorpion ready to sting,  but it is harder to express himself, so he slinks in to offer it when he is not acknowledged. Like now, as he listens to Pantalone’s steady breathing as he presses a gentle kiss to his forehead, and then lets Pantalone’s sleeping form press itself into the warmth of his neck with a suppressed chuckle. That was fine. He allows his eyes to close, his cheek resting against the top of dark hair.

He was OVERTHINKING again, he could tell. Lost in his own head and thoughts, mind unable to keep from its steady march forwards. It takes him considerable EFFORT to not think about much, and to simply enjoy the moment for what it was. Genius and insanity were not so far apart, and his ever racing mind struggled to slow itself when he wasn’t about to collapse from exhaustion. But he makes an effort now despite the temptation to slip away and back to his lab. He simply listens to the sound of the winds, the warmth of Pantalone lying on him, the rare taste of peace that rests on his tongue. And before he knows it, Dottore himself has slipped into a light, delicate sleep of his own, still holding the banker closer.

[fatedevour]

  “  Don’t move.  “

   A hand lifts to bar the pryo agent from moving back towards where the sound had come from. He rather LIKED this one, it would be a shame if something were to happen to him so quickly. (Once he was disappointed, perhaps. But so far Dottore had saw POTENTIAL in him, or at least someone of similar passion to his hobby.)

    “  It seems someone decided to try to play SPY despite the warning’s given.  “  As if the Fatui weren’t a warning in of themselves. Dottore lowers his hand to instead point towards the sand dunes several meters away where a hooded figure was trying to trail after them. Only the sound of wind blowing grains of sand filled the air for a few seconds. But after a minute, the ground shook and a large mechanical wyrm erupted from the sand to devour the victim, mechanical parts whirling as it moved through the air before sinking back into the sand.

    Dottore shook his head.  “  People LOVE to play regardless of warnings, don’t they?  “  At least when Dottore chased after something and fiddled in something dangerous, he did it with wholehearted passion. Unlike these people who were dancing with mere crumbs of intrigue.  “  On the bright side, that’s what we were looking for.  “  He offers.

                                    ——————————————  

music based starter call for @fxtuii​​​ song: Misfit Toys - Pusha T

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ asked: "docteur,  it isn’t prudent to be here.  certainly,  your samples collection can--"  a noise suddenly comes from behind them,  pantalone's hand instinctively coming to settle on dottore's arm with a firm grip,  halting him in his steps.  "did you hear that?"  he asks in a anxious whisper,  his heart thunderous in his chest.  "perhaps it would be wise for us to head back."  (clinging to the boyfriend when ghosts come knocking)

unprompted asks: ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

   “  Precisely since WHEN did you become such an expert on the correct timing for collecting samples? Especially when you are unaware of the details of what they’re intended to be used for, which further dictates at what time and where they should should be collected from.  “  Dottore responds with a flat, blunt tone as he moves with confidence in each step as they weave through the darkened trees and the low mist that clings to the ground as if to OBSCURE what lies beneath it. As if the night itself wouldn’t do enough to make that difficult as it was, albeit the GLOW from Dottore’s accessories adds a bit more light that beyond what meager lighting was provided from the weak beams of moonlight peeking out from the clouds.

   His head turns however the touch suddenly latches on like a vice to his arm, the force enough to indicated that the Ninth wants him to stop. Not that he had the strength to do so, and Dottore had half a mind to keep walking and DRAG the other along if necessary. But he reluctantly pauses in his path on behalf of Pantalone.

   It takes EFFORT to not grin; although the darkness would have hidden it, the glow from his earring would have RATTED him out. It’s not every day one got to see Pantalone of all people expressing clear anxiety. Something was clearly terrifying him, which was quite HUMOROUS considering whose company he chose to entertain and keep.

   “  It’s merely some branches snapping and rustling.  “  Dottore remarks, head canted to one side to listen to the sounds of insects and occasional snapping twig or bushes rustling. “  There’s no need for concern. Hearing noises is good. If you ever hear a forest go dead quiet, THAT’S when you should be concerned.  “  He gives a light tug, urging Pantalone further into the haunting depths of the woods. It was convenient the local population was so unnerved by this place, they didn’t have to worry about anyone else being in their way.  “  Come on. It’s just a little bit further, and it won’t take long. No need to rush back, there’s nothing wrong.  “

[fatedevour]

It is not a gesture that goes UNNOTICED by the doctor, but he is not so inclined to point it out and make further his victimization at the unfolding situation.   “  I don’t believe that statement for a second.  “  An attempt at a quick RECOVERY, perhaps. But he is not so foolish as to believe that such was what the other man intended initially. He's rather certain that they are BOTH aware of this fact.

An eyebrow raises from beneath the mask and he unfolds one hand from where it was crossed in front of his chest as if to gesture. " And yet you offered the input all the same. If that were the truth, I HARDLY see why it would have been made. " Somehow, Pantalone was causing him a headache without even being PRESENT. " Don't be absurd. My work will always be the first priority before anything else. Nothing is going to change that, much less absurd accusations that a GREEDY BANKER would dethrone my centuries old interests. "

His gloved hand quickly waves to dismiss the thought. (And chooses not to dwell on the fact that he gave name indirectly to the fancy without even being prompted to it.) " As for my latest creations, they have been quite successful. I've been studying the Oceanid's skills in invasion of the mind. It's quite remarkable, given that it is biological in nature rather than technological. However so far, it seems a necessity for high levels of elemental energy. Which thus presents the idea that that theoretically, vision holders could be affected by such a mechanism, but not the ordinary person. "

Shoulders   raise   ⸺   tensed   by   the   eminent   struggle   to   stifle   a   chortle.   Amusement   imbue   in   an   illustrous   tone   by   the   correction   bequeathed,   hands   travel   to   the   comfort   obsidian   pant   pockets,   thus �� revising   his   prior   verdict.   ❛   My   mistake,   I   meant   to   say   stubborn.   ❜   Not   that   he   were   in   any   greater   light   ⸺   Saturnus,   being   notorious   for   placing   work   before   all   else.   But,   it   wasn’t   him   being   the   spectacle   for   the   evening,   so   obviously   there   were   no   objections   to   his   for   his   stroke   of   humor.

❛   You   needn’t   concern   yourself   of   my   input,   I’m   not   one   to   shove   another   off   a   cliff   premature   of   his   sprouting   wings.   ❜   But,   he   certainly   was   not   beyond   the   act   of   judging   as   he   witnesses   things   unfold   with   his   own   eyes.   ❛   Aside   my   casual   input,   Dottore   ⸺   how   about   you   tell   me   the   latest   milestone   of   your   research   these   days   ?   Surely   none   of   this   commotion left   you   …   distracted.   ❜

Not   that   he   viewed   the   doctor   to   be   one   to   let   distractions   rule   him.   But   given   the   past   of   his   experiments,   Saturnus   couldn’t   help   but   feel   there   was   a   distinct   link   in   his   sequence.   What   ever   that   may   be,   he   wasn’t   certain.   It’s   something   he’ll   figure   out   on   his   own.

[fatedevour]

♢  —     @bogachs​​​​​ said: "thank you for the rose, doctor." (from baizhu hehe)

UNPROMPTED ASKS: ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

It would be more foolish to attempt to DENY the gesture than anything else that he might decide to do. He cannot simply SCOFF it away as he would when gestures he made without intent of commentary were unexpectedly acknowledged. He cannot reject responsibility for it, because who else would hold a single Sumeru rose in these parts? No one. Liyue seemed to have LITTLE INTEREST in the plants and scents from faraway lands. One could not simply find a Sumeru rose in Liyue, even with the trading that thrived in these lands. But a certain Doctor had been there recently, the traces clung to fabrics in scent and grains of sand that he still sometimes found in the nooks and crannies of the intricate outfit.

Still, he isn’t quite sure on HOW he should be responding to the direct thanks that is offered towards him. It earns a reaction not UNLIKE that of a wary wild animal being offered something by a helping hand. Dottore does not flee but nor does he easily eat up the appreciative words as most people commonly would. The fact that gave him pause at ALL was plenty proof enough of how abnormal it was for him to receive such commentary. It’s an unfamiliar taste, like a new drink on his tongue that he can’t decide if he likes or dislikes.

“ …You’re welcome. “ It feels strange to say, when it ISN’T a phrase that comes naturally in the second harbinger’s lexicon. It brings a rare sensation of not having his footing, as if he were slipping and sliding over black ice rather than an act as simple as accepting thanks. He turns his head away from Baizhu to look back towards the folder he had been flipping through.

“ It’s a rather nice specimen of a subspecies of the common Sumeru rose. Though I’m sure they’d be taking great insult to their holiest flower being called common. That is irrelevant however. If you want the flower to last longer, I suggest keeping it more in the shade and with cold water to best maintain its health. A couple drops of vinegar when it starts to wilt will rejuvenate it and keep it alive and healthier longer. “ He rattles off the information without hesitation or pause, refuge offered in the cold facts of science. “ Or if you wish to turn it into a dye or ointment of some sort- “ He shrugs, an indifferent demonstration to his words “ - then that is your choice. Though I would be quick if that is your intention, it will only be in its prime for a few more days. “