#Deuce birthday jacket vignette spoilers

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

sebek and the love of literature

HELLO, HI... PLEASE READ MY SEBEK ANALYSES, I BEG... HE IS A VERY GOOD BOY THAT IS DESERVING OF YOUR LOVE, I SWEAR HE IS... OTL

[ Sebek and internalized racism / Sebek and his place in the Diasomnia found family / Sebek and his capacity to love ]

YES... It is I, here with yet another Sebek-related ramble. Make yourself comfortable :)) *straps you into a seat and tapes your eyeballs open*

***SPOILERS for the book 7 part 12 (Heartslabyul - Deuce and Cater) update!!***

Okay, SO.

We already know that one of Sebek's hobbies is reading, as is stated in his official in-game profile:

... BUT I DON'T THINK YOU TRULY REALIZE HOW DEEP THIS READING HOBBY GOES. He has several voice lines declaring his love of books and reading. Several of Sebek's peers, including Yuu, Azul, and Jack, gift him books for his birthday. In his free time, Sebek chooses to read books on a variety of topics, including romantic tragedies and textbooks. He doesn't just read the book and then move onto the next thing either; other characters may joke that the only time he is quiet is when he is reading, but Sebek seriously absorbs the information he takes in and reflects on it. He thinks about what happened to the characters, what the lesson of the story is, what the author's intent might have been (in his Nightmare Suit vignettes). He wants to apply the techniques he reads about in books to real life, such as picking up new skills like badminton (Sebek New Year’s Attire voice line), how to maximize his training (Jack gifts him a sports science book for his Union Birthday), of learning to adapt to sudden situations like when he and Silver find an injured baby bat (in Lilia’s Dorm Uniform vignettes).This makes sense, as Sebek is the kind of person who is always striving to improve himself so that he may better serve his liege. Sebek is not a selfish reader. He loves books + picking up new knowledge and actively tries to share that with his loved ones. For example, Sebek has voice lines where he asks the player to share book recommendations so that he may read them tonight (aka basically as soon as possible). When we express confusion between dragons and longs, Sebek offers to visit the library with the player to show them "books suitable for beginners". (That of itself also indicates mindfulness towards people having different levels of proficiency at reading.) He is also shown being eager to fetch books for Silver from a higher shelf--though this is in part because Sebek loves to show off that he is taller--and directs Malleus to a book fair in Foothill Town so that his liege may find new interesting reads. He also pays attention to others’ interests and selects the appropriate reading material—hence why Sebek gifts Jamil a travel book for Jamil’s Union Birthday. According to Sebek, "It was [his] grandfather who taught [him] the joys of reading." Indeed, Baur has read to Sebek and told him (oral) stories since his grandson was a baby. He has continuously gifted Sebek book too, all of which Sebek has kept with him. It is implied that Baur thinks receiving a proper education is important, and even though he has complicated feelings about his one and only child marrying a mere human, he still wanted his grandchildren to be well-educated. Baur always made efforts to read and share stories with Sebek to that end. In book 7, this all comes full circle when Silver is wallowing in despair and Sebek talks some sense into him:

"If [Lilia] hated you, he didn't have to give or teach you anything. He could've just raised you into a dimwitted coward and made you a servant. But he didn't [...] Even trapped in the darkest despair, you kept on fighting! Who raised you to be so strong? LILIA DID! Why don't you see? Why do you doubt? You should have understood years ago! What can you call your strength, if not the direct result of Lilia's love?!"

From this dialogue, we can draw direct parallels with how Baur raised Sebek. In this analogy, Baur = Lilia and Sebek = Silver. Both Baur and Lilia initially have a disdain for humans, have served as soldiers in the royal guard, and have personally suffered due to humans invading their country and pillaging it for resources. Then they are also both forced into circumstances where they have a human child thrust upon them and they have to take some responsibility for said child. Despite that, Baur and Lilia were able to overcome their own prejudices and truly learn to love Sebek and Silver, respectively. Sebek is always in a rush to be better for others. Silver is always worried that he'll never be "enough" for the father that did so much for him. But the difference is that Sebek knows his grandfather loves him because Baur gifted him with knowledge--which is a strength and a power of its own. It's because Sebek is cognizant of Baur's love for him that he's the perfect candidate to call Silver out for being dense. Lilia DID teach Silver. Lilia DID value Silver getting an education. And because of that, Silver is strong. He is strong because of Lilia's love, just as Sebek is strong because of Baur's love and the knowledge that was granted to him. To Sebek, literature IS love. This is a core component of his character--and, additionally, it is a core component of how he understands, navigates, and communicates. (Please refer to the examples I gave in the earlier paragraphs!) Nowhere is this made clearer than at the end of Deuce's dream segment in book 7.

In the dream, Deuce gets into a brawl with some Octavinelle mob students in the NRC library. They chuck various books at each other during the fight, which deeply upsets Sebek. He falls to his knees (like, you can see his tall as fuck model lowering) to check on the books and laments at the damage they've taken.

What really sets Sebek off is when he happens to witness the contents of the thrown books. Simply put, a lot of information is missing. There are several blank pages, and what is there is riddled with errors or is written so crudely it's illegible. Literature, being desecrated in Sebek's presence? NOT ON HIS WATCH. He cannot hold himself back and lets it all out on Deuce, reprimanding his peer for wanting to be an honors student but not having the drive to properly absorb these materials (which, as you'll recall, is something Sebek takes very seriously himself).

Sebek has a very specific definition of what a "book" is. Simply having papers that are bound and have a cover is not a "book". Based on his anger, it seems he very much values the contents. He even alludes to the knowledge gained from reading as being a weapon Deuce can actually use in a fight (which, again, makes sense because of how Sebek often tries to apply what he learns from books to his own life) All of this shouting and scolding does lead to Deuce waking up, but I will be glossing over this part as this is an analysis focused on Sebek and not Deuce. However, there is something that I would like to discuss, and it happens after Deuce is fully awake. The two have a moment to bond over an anomaly of a book they found in the library—the only one that appears to have all its contents intact. It is “The Story of the Trump Soldier”, a famous children’s book from the Queendom. It has various short stories about the card soldiers (whom Deuce idolizes) that serve the Queen of Hearts.

Deuce tells us that, as a kid, he would beg his mom to read the book to him. When he got a little older and learned how to read himself, Deuce would read the book so many times that now it’s just stuck in his head. The fact that it was so perfectly reproduced in his dream is proof that the story holds great significance to him. SEBEK RECOGNIZES AND RESPECTS THAT. He doesn't insult Deuce or look down on him for reading what is "just a children's book". Instead, Sebek comments that something as simple as this can be what sparks one's love for reading. And do you know why Sebek says that... BECAUSE THIS IS PROBABLY TRUE OF HIMSELF 😭😭😭 It was Baur who got him books--probably including CHILDREN'S books--and read to him when he was small... so, as a result, Sebek understands how the mere exposure and finding that one book that hooks you can snowball into a real love for literature. It's not clear if Sebek himself is aware of this parallel since he kinda makes the remark off the cuff but BOY did I sure notice OTL

QEILRQEIYQEPPQEF AND THEN AND THEN AND THEN He suggests that Deuce try picking out a book sometime for his friends, something easy so that even Yuu and Grim can understand it. Sebek gives recommendations like this to Silver (one of the few humans he likes), who can never quite finish reading those books despite his best efforts... Sebek is advising that Deuce do this same thing 😭 THE THING HE DOES HIMSELF FOR A FRIEND, BECAUSE RECOMMENDING A BOOK IS ONE OF THE WAYS SEBEK SHOWS HE CARES.... . .. ..... . ..... . .... . . . . .. . .. .. At the end, Sebek even says that he will read "The Story of the Trump Soldier" when he's awake in the real world. THAT'S HIM ACKNOWLEDGING AND ACTING ON DEUCE'S BOOK RECOMMENDATION TO HIM... meaning that some small part of Sebek is coming to terms with Deuce as a companion... slowly opening up to the idea of having other friends... 🥺 The love for literature that Sebek got from Baur... is now being used as a means to bridge the great divide between Sebek and the peers he used to so brazenly snub and insult before...

If you look back at the voice lines for Deuce’s Birthday Jacket card, he says “Sebek gave me this reference book. He said he highly recommended it... Hey! This is CLEARLY for little kids! I can't believe that guy…” BUT DON’T YOU SEE???? With this context, you suddenly see it wasn’t meant as an insult. Sebek considered Deuce’s level of reading proficiency and purposefully picked out something that suited him. I have no doubt that Sebek actually puts a lot of thought into the books he recommends to others because—to him—to share literature is to tell someone “I love you, I care about you.” WEEEEEHEHHHHHHHH H HHHH H H H H H HH H H H H, IT ALL TIES TOGETHER SO WELL!!

[plutosring]

spoilers for deuce's birthday jacket vignette 1

IDIA???? no my boy deuce didnt mean to scare you hes just a silly guy :(

bro gave my boyfie 20 cups of INSTANT NOODLES. murders idia

cutie patootie deuce does no wrong buying him all the instant noodles since he likes them

deuce and his eggs <3

[blackrabbittwst]

The Apple of my Eye

A/N: It’s our tough baby boi, Epel’s birthday today! (A fellow Taurus hehe it’s no wonder I adore his little face so much)To celebrate, I thought I would post some headcanons of ideal presents he would like!

Synopsis: What would our birthday boy, Epel, like for his birthday?

Warning: N/A

Present Option 1: A set of fruit carving tools with nice wooden handles

Since he seems to enjoy the hobby of making his family’s fruit into a beautiful masterpiece, he would love to get some new tools.

By having a new nice set, he’d be able to carve away without any discomfort. The smooth wooden handles would fit snuggly in his hand as he is able to whittle down the shiny red apple in his other hand.

He’d also appreciate the gesture of support from a friend towards his little hobby of his. It’s a sort of acknowledgment that his art is appreciated.

Present Option 2: A picnic trip to an open field

Something Epel doesn’t get to do a lot is get away and be himself. By being able to take a small trip somewhere, he can be away from Vil’s parental gaze and act however he wants.

He could run around the field, roll down the hill, and touch some grass without worrying about his posture, the way he walks or how his clothes look. He could fully enjoy himself for an entire day without being criticized.

Inside the picnic basket would be something he can’t normally enjoy, BBQ (or yakiniku for the Japanese Translation)! He sweet smell of meat would make his mouth water and his eyes sparkle. He could dig in and eat with delight without worrying about the sauce that gets on his cheeks or the food that gets stuffed messily in his mouth.

Overall a day to be truly himself would be the best thing he could wish for while he attends NCR.

Semi-Spoilers for Epel’s Athletic outfit vignette below:

Present Option #3: A bomber jacket with embroidery of a vicious tiger or dragon

Something like this:

This is a reference to Epel’s athletic wear vignette story with Deuce as they talk about their fondness for their athletic wear. This talk later leads to their tastes in clothes design and how they would love to embroider their uniforms with some sick tough animal designs like a dragon or tiger. Deuce learns Epel shares similar tastes as himself, which is so wholesome. I need more interaction of these two punk wannabe dorks.

He’d be so psyched to get such a punk jacket! Even if he couldn’t get a cool embroidery on his athletic uniform, now he can wear this jacket when he goes out! The moment his eyes laid on the design, he’d be hopping up and down with excitement. He’d be so happy that his accent would slip out.

He’d probably wear it any chance he could get when he went out and not required to wear his school uniform. Sadly he’d only be able to wear it out to the city, otherwise Vil might throw a little fit.

However, perhaps if this jacket was sleek enough, had some good elegant colors like royal purple or royal blue with some nice floral accents, Vil might let his baby potato wear it along with a nice pair of grey pants, sleek leather shoes, along with a black button down shirt. Vil appreciates a good style as we saw in the Beanfest event. However Epel is representing his dorm, so the rest of his outfit must reflect it. No ripped jeans, no scuffed up tennis shoes, no tacky loud colored graphic tee, and no messy hair. He basically applies the rule of dressing in a proper business casual. So in conclusion, if the jacket gets the Pomefiore seal of approval, Vil might be gracious enough to him wear it, under his supervision, of course.

Let’s be honest though, if Epel had it his way, he’d wear this jacket on his free time with some ripped black jeans, ankle high combat boot or basketball shoes/Converses, a graphic tee with the word rebel on it, and with his hair in a messy ponytail. It still looks stylish and cool though, cmon Vil!

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Birthday Bash Masterlist

***Please note: there are spoilers for initial artwork and groovy artworks! There may also be spoilers for the related vignettes.***

2020-2021: Birthday Boy Suit interactions

For reference, these are the rules for the interactions here.

The links in this section will take you to the "welcome story" for each boy; to read all of the interactions associated with that character, follow the appropriate tag. For example, Riddle's is #Riddle birthday takeover. Some boys may have as many as 40+ interactions which would take up several masterlists by themselves.

Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce

Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack

Octavinelle: Azul / Jade and Floyd

Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil

Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel

Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho

Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek

Other: Raven / Rollo

2021-2022: Union Birthday Jacket ficlets These pieces focus on the bond between, and the influence of, the birthday boy and his interviewer.

Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce

Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack

Octavinelle: Azul / Jade / Floyd

Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil

Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel

Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho

Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek

Other: Raven

2022-2023: Birthday Broomquet ficlets

These pieces focus on the respective boy's goals for the future.

Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce

Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack

Octavinelle: Azul / Jade / Floyd

Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil

Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel

Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho

Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek

Other: Raven

2023-2024: Platinum Jacket ficlets These pieces focus on the respective boy's thoughts and feelings about the Disney figures they see in their vignettes, and how they relate to those figures.

Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce

Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack

Octavinelle: Azul / Jade / Floyd

Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil

Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel

Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho

Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek

Other: Raven