#dare i say one of the few times dazai showed genuine emotion

[anticidic]

Bones robbed us of Dazai literally laughing out loud at Chuuya's rich girl act.

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

Part 2 (Mentees) of my notes on touch in bsd! If you want to see the first part, you can find a link at the end!

The second part deals with the mentees - Atsushi and Akutagawa.

Atsushi is an interesting case because the first point of contact between him and Dazai is actually initiated by Atsushi, as he pulls him from the river to save his life. However, I think it's pretty obvious to infer that Dazai intended for this to happen, so you can say, technically, it was initiated by both parties.

I find the fact that their dynamic, which has Atsushi so grateful to Dazai for saving him and giving him a chance, actually starts off the other way around. I can only assume this is some level of foreshadowing - perhaps Atsushi will finally manage to bridge the gap in understanding between them and save Dazai later in the story, for real that time.

And yes, there is a gap. It's readily apparent throughout the series that Atsushi doesn't comprehend the way Dazai thinks and feels and keeps attempting to reach out, only to be redirected. And yes, I'm saying redirected, not rebuffed. At no point does Dazai completely shrug him off, at least not to my recollection. He's just... evasive.

It makes sense that there's very little contact initiated by Atsushi: after all, Dazai is his superior and they're coworkers, so a lot of contact would likely be improper. However, Dazai is surprisingly tactile with him and the nature of the touch is really interesting.

Here's a few examples asides from nullification:

Dazai shoves Atsushi in the direction of the killer in Murder on D Street

He grabs Atsushi's arm to move him out of Kouyou's room when he lashes out at her

Holds him by the collar (along with Akutagawa) as he partners sskk for the first time officially against the Rats

Notice the interesting bit? Dazai's actions serve to guide Atsushi towards whatever he wants his mentee to handle. Is this guidance? Or is it manipulation? I love the ambiguity of it, because the truth is, it's a bit of both. I think the contact signifies Dazai's sincere intentions to be a guide to Atsushi, but I don't think he really knows how to do that without being subtly or straight up overtly manipulative. At the very least, he seems to think other tactics are not as effective.

...which brings us to Akutagawa.

There is very little direct contact between them which makes a lot of sense. Dazai is aloof towards Akutagawa at best, outright abusive at worst. In any case, Akutagawa respects Dazai to such a degree that he will ask for recognition, but will not dare bridge actual contact with him. Dazai's contact, on the other hand, is violently repulsive. He punches and kicks him backwards, often away from himself - a firm and cruel rejection.

However, there are two points in which contact is not hostile between them:

Dazai puts Akutagawa's coat on him when he recruits him

Dazai puts a hand on Akutagawa's shoulder when he tells him he's become strong

Both instances show genuine emotion - in the first scene, Dazai is quite candid about what his training will entail - but swears he will train him and give him a reason to live. Akutagawa is outwardly emotional, clutching the coat that was given to him.

I do believe that Dazai thinks violence is the best way to train Akutagawa, even if he knows it's not right (see his conversation with Atsushi about the orphanage director!). Clearly, Dazai's approach to mentorship is very different due to time and mindset, but I also believe it has to do with what he assumes is the best way to train their particular personalities. It's unfortunate when it comes to either one of them attempting to change this unhealthy dynamic they have: Akutagawa, I think, doesn't realize that this treatment of him was unnecessary and still chases praise from his mentor, while Dazai can't be honest without being vulnerable about why he left or admitting that maybe he screwed up a little (...just a little).

Still, Dazai doesn't hate Akutagawa. I'll admit, seeing Dazai direct such overt violence and vitriol still leaves me a little stumped (is it just training? There seems to be more to it...) but he absolutely doesn't hate him. He thinks quite highly of his abilities and says as much to Odasaku in Dark Era - throwing the man, because he hasn't heard Dazai speak that highly of anyone.

This is why, when Dazai places his hand on Akutagawa's shoulder after the Guild fight and tells him he's become strong... I do believe that's genuine. I think that's always how Dazai felt, he just doesn't tell Akutagawa that.

Still, I'm not sure what Dazai's thoughts are on Akutagawa's character. Akutagawa clearly sees Dazai as a terrifying mentor figure - he also seems to notice his melancholy and struggle to find a reason to live, yet another point towards Akutagawa's keen observations of people and what makes them tick (he does this with many characters throughout the story... it's what drew me to him actually!). Unfortunately, his respect for his mentor prevents him from daring to ask questions, and his mentor does not seem to have much interest in him as a person.

I hope Akutagawa's death (which is temporary guys he's coming back he'll be fine) and subsequent turning into a vampire (I can't believe I just had to write that) marks some kind of a turning point in their dynamic... I'm hoping. (Akutagawa already tried to refuse him in an earlier chapter so... maybe?)

All in all, I think the first anime ed illustrates what I'm getting at here quite nicely. These relationships are quite likely to continue to evolve as the story progresses - Atsushi will find out more about Dazai's darker side and have to amend his view of him, Akutagawa will (hopefully!) break out of Dazai's purpose for him and find his own, and Dazai will be forced to confront the very real impact and responsibility he has towards both of them, whether he likes it or not.

Here's Part 1 (Friends):

I Like to Write BSD Things — So I realized that 3 am me is not coherent and... (tumblr.com)

Part 3 (Partners):

I Like to Write Things — Ok finally, finally, here is part 3 of my touch... (tumblr.com)

[masked-buffoon]

Chapter 8: The withering flower (Part 3)

Warnings: violence

Author notes: some interaction with Akutagawa...! What do you think will happen?

Akutagawa had demanded me to meet at the river. I had been given treatment in the headquarters of the Port Mafia and had been summoned as soon as the wound had been stitched, requiring me to go out once again. That man was not even on time, I wondered what could be so important for making me wait so long. Casually, I leaned onto the bridge, staring at the flowing river beneath my feet. I did not want to die yet, but the world would surely be grateful if my breath were to stop before the end of the day. Whatever... There was no point in committing suicide, since my ability would take care of the job very soon.

"There you are." I did not honour him with a glance as he approached "It's rude to be late, were you not taught properly?"

"I have no lesson to receive from someone who lost her entire team because of her incompetence." Akutagawa hissed, getting closer to me.

"Did you call me only to scold me?" I raised an eyebrow, shoving a hand into my pocket "You'll waste your breath."

"You...!" He groaned "I've not come to lecture you. A weak pawn will merely stay a weak pawn, whatever I can say. But I judged you had to know; we have recorded moves from Dazai-san."

"Dazai...? You found him...?" My eyes widened.

"To be exact, he was seen around the town, but he is skilled at hiding his presence. It is a matter of time before we put our hands onto him." He shrugged "That's all."

"Why, thank you for telling me..." I frowned, surprised there was nothing more "But, Akutagawa..."

"What?"

I dared grab his collar to pull him closer to me, glaring at him with renewed fierceness.

"I won't let you interfere in this person's life..." I threatened "He chose to leave on his own volition, forcing him back would be disrespecting his choice."

"Are you the one saying that?" He got rid of my grip annoyingly "He left you. He left us! He never answered the message I sent him! Do you think he cares about you...?!"

"He doesn't..." I conceded, looking away "He doesn't care about me... As to your message, I believe it is not the one he would have wanted you to send..."

"What the heck...?! He wanted me to be strong! I showed him I was, so —"

"You are strong!" I cut him "You are strong, the strongest of the Port Mafia, but you are so impulsive! Why could you never understand that Dazai had long ago acknowledged your strength...?"

"He didn't! Whereas, to you... He tried to kill me! He even ordered you to shoot me! Whereas he tried to keep you alive! Why...?! Even when you were called a disposable pawn, he kept you!!" He yelled, holding my shoulder so tightly I thought he would break my joint "Why?!"

"Because we are not the same!" I defended, pushing him away "He wanted you to become stronger, he never intended to kill you...! I am weak, very weak, perhaps too weak... I could not become stronger if he broke me down, that's why... In a way, he valued you a lot, Akutagawa..."

"But he never said it!!" He denied my words "How would you know something he didn't say?! You —"

"He said it!"

He became silent, and he backed a few steps from me, holding onto the railway of the bridge.

"What...?"

"He told me..." I admitted "He said you'd become the strongest asset of the Port Mafia if you could control your strength and be calmer... He also added that you were a blade in need for a sheath... That's why, that day, when you were fighting at the Art Museum, Odasaku came to help you, because Dazai valued you..."

"He never told me... He never complimented me!!" He argued "That doesn't mean anything if those words are not directed to me...! And he left me anyway!"

"Then make him say them, the words you yearn to hear!" I challenged him "Prove him you can become someone worth his praises...! Show him that you —"

"I don't need your advice!!"

Everything happened quickly; his brutal move made me bump into the railway and the loss of my balance was enough to make me fall backwards. His hand never grabbed mine in time. Within seconds, I fell down into the river, back hitting the water harshly.

The world under the water was dark and the light barely crossed the surface toward my eyes. I lacked air, and my tired lungs could not hold my breath in much longer. I closed my eyes to give up; I had been forsaken by the world, and it was getting rid of me so simply, without even waiting for The Sweet Appeals to end me. I wondered if Akutagawa had purposely pushed me, but I did not want to think so; he had been genuinely shaken by my words and I had seen him reaching out to me at the last moment. Somehow, although I despised and hated him, I hoped he would grow and try to understand how to keep control of his emotions, mostly his constant rage. He was still a child, he needed guidance... In a way, I would have wanted to provide him that guidance as well... I should have talked to Nakahara-san about this matter...

My lungs burnt as air entered them again and I coughed to evacuate the water which had invaded them. I was back to the surface and lied on the riverbank. Carefully, I sat up and looked for the person who had saved me. Akutagawa? No, he would not have gone to such extents for me. Then...

"I did not know suicide was your thing, too."

This voice... I turned around, eyes widening toward the one who had jumped in the river to keep me alive. This face, those eyes, this hair... I pursed my lips, and lowered my eyes at the grass.

"It is not... It has never been..." I shook my head "I don't need it to let go of the world."

"Letting go of the world...?" He tilted his head to the side, letting the late rays of sun dry him off "You...?"

"Why..." I stood up "What did you expect by depriving me of your ability, Dazai? That I would miraculously start controlling it? If that is what you expected, I'm afraid your plans were a failure. Now, thank you very much for rescuing me. And farewell."

I walked away from him. I had been imagining this encounter with him. I had rehearsed the words I would tell him, countless times, if I were given to see him again. I had prepared answers for each of his questions. I had been willing to understand the fact he had left me for the better, so he could move on for himself. Finally, frustration and resentment took the better of me and I was the one to leave him behind, this time. All this time... Had he ever cared about me the least...? To be aware of my condition and removing my sole treatment... How cruel could this man be?

"Ogawa…" He grabbed my wrist "I don't want you to go… Let's talk a bit…"

"Let go of me…" I brushed his hand away "We might have met today, but it was pure coincidence. Did I interrupt your suicide attempt? If so, my apologies. Goodbye, now."

You didn't interrupt anything…! In fact, I've come to take you back, you whom I lost... I've been thinking, recently, and —"

I shot him a glare.

"I... Am not a furniture nor a piece of cloth you forgot when you moved to another place, Dazai... This time, you did not lose me. You left me, which is fairly different if you want my opinion." I retorted "Don't try to make me believe your 'care' was genuine... I'm not falling for that ever again..."

"Please..." He tried to hold me back once more "Please listen to me... There was not a single day I did not regret leaving without you, there was not a single day I did not think about seeing you, but I could not..."

"Wait for me..." I remembered, pulling the soaked piece of paper out of my coat pocket "I've waited. Days, weeks, months. And you weren't coming. So I gave up. I stopped waiting. I stopped hoping."

I shoved the paper against his chest, upset. I had never wanted to be so aggressive toward him, but I could not hold back those feelings I had kept for myself so long.

"I'm sorry —"

"Sorry is unnecessary if you don't mean it..." I cracked a smile "At least, I hope that you respected Odasaku's last wish and became a better man... No, I really do think you did it, because Odasaku was someone you truly cared about."

"I had to hide for two years...!" He told me "I could not be involved with the Mafia, I could not —"

"If you had taken me with you, instead of leaving me wounded in the middle of that mission, you would never have needed to think about such matters…! Besides, was there ever a time you fully respected the rules? The truth is, you care as much about me as you care about other people. You used me and my loyalty. You used my trust for your own interest, and when the pawn became disposable, you lost interest in it. I don't want to be hurt believing in you again." I stated "I... Have always tried to convince myself you had reasons for abandoning me... That I was a burden, that you did not want to be reminded of Odasaku, of the Mafia... But I came to think that if those were the reasons, then there was never a time you truly cared about me. And it hurts... A lot... To think the promise I made you was so meaningless you broke it for me..."

"I'm sorry... I mean it..." He grabbed my shoulders "Please do not cry... I'm sorry... I did not want to leave you behind... I truly thought that I would be able to barge in your room soon after leaving the Mafia, to take you with me... But I could not... The government ordered me to stay hidden two whole years, and I immediately regretted I did not leave with you..."

"You took the time to bomb Nakahara-san's car..." I frowned.

"I had set the bomb days ago..." He chuckled slightly "I would have wanted to come sooner..."

"Do you know..." I looked up at him, cheeks strained by tears "Do you know what hurts most...? It's that I can't stop trusting you... No matter what you did, no matter how you made me suffer, I will always keep believing you, because you are Dazai, because I, for one, care about you... But understand that you betrayed this trust...! I fear that if I give in again, you will take these feelings and wreck them another time... Understand that I wish not to be in pain...!"

"I understand... Your feelings are human, after all..." Dazai looked down "I cannot force you to stay by my side again if it hurts you..."

"I simply do not want to believe you sincerely are concerned about me anymore..." My voice became a whisper "I do not want to be deceived... You should know this sensation, shouldn't you? The fear of being deceived by the ones you care about..."

"Ogawa..."

"I really wish to take your hand and run away with you, away from the Port Mafia... But somehow, being far from you avoids me from being so accurately in pain..." I backed away from him "If you were to abandon me again... I might not survive..."

"I —"

"Dazai-san...?"

Akutagawa appeared in my field of view. Had he been looking for me...? It was impossible, he had surely been attracted by Dazai's tall silhouette. But even so… The boy approached us and stood right in front of his mentor, eyes filled with a tint of hatred and a lot of admiration. It made me flinch. The former executive had never been tender toward him, yet Akutagawa was ineluctably drawn toward him. He had guided him for two years, after all, although he had been tough and ruthless.

"Dazai-san..." He repeated, voice so low, almost broken "You came back?"

"I did not come back, nor did I come for you." Dazai stared at him, brows raised smugly "I came for her."

I wondered if he was aware he was literally sending me to death by saying such a meaningful sentence.

"N-No..." I wanted to protest "He —"

A powerful hand tightened around my neck, choking me and depriving me from any way to breathe. I gasped, trying to pry his fingers away from me, but I was too weak compared to him and could not do much against his powerful limbs.

"You...! You thought you could trap me with your honeyed words...! Whereas you were just waiting for the opportunity to go with him...!!" He yelled, pressing against my trachea.

"I... Did not..." I could hardly talk.

I started feeling dizzy, yet my ability, constantly working, would not allow me to peacefully lose consciousness. Instead, it made me suffer from the pain around my throat.

"Let her go."

The order was firm and accompanied by a gun pointed onto the boy's head.

"To think you'd ever menace me for someone..." Akutagawa let go of me.

I was dropped on the grass and immediately held onto my bruised neck, inhaling as much air as my body needed to recover from hypoxia. Then, out of reflex, I pulled out my box of pills and shoved ten of them in my mouth, hoping they would relieve the pain from the sudden attack. What was Dazai doing, while we were arguing...?

"Stand up, Ogawa." He demanded.

Rashōmon wrapped around my body, helping me up, but instead of retracting afterwards, the ribbons of energy tightened around my arm and forced me to pull out a gun, to point it onto Dazai.

"You cannot die because of my ability..." He grumbled "So die by the hands of the one you came for...!!"

"Stop it..." I paled "Don't do that...!"

I resisted so much against the restraints that the joints of my shoulder dislocated itself, but it did not stop Akutagawa from using me like a puppet.

"Relax...! If you bring his head back to the Boss, you won't be called a disposable pawn anymore." He huffed "And you could be transferred under Nakahara-san. Wouldn't that make you happy, worthless tool...?!"

"No...!" I shook my head, struggling not to press the trigger "I would rather die than killing Dazai...!!"

"Then I'll kill you right after." He shrugged "Now..."

Bam. The bullet left the pistol as my finger's bones snapped and it pressed the trigger without any resistance. I gasped, closing my eyes, unwilling to see how I had killed the one I cared about the most, my only reason to live, whom I had finally met again after all this time longing to see him alive. I was too weak... I was incompetent, so much I could not even protect the people I cherished... Akutagawa was right... Why was I even alive...? If I had died years ago, perhaps Dazai would still be living and smiling at someone who would not be me. If we had never met...

"Please..." I sobbed "Kill me... Kill me, Akutagawa..."

"Hoh~ I really thought I would die~"

"You are tough..." His former protege commented, clicking his tongue.

"This kind of poor aim would never hit me." He mocked "The bullet went way past my head. If you had let Ogawa do it herself, I might not have survived~"

"Then, I'll have to kill you myself...!!" He barked, crouching down to take the gun I had dropped.

Something clicked into my mind, a forgotten instinct I had not used for years. My body was moved by a strange impulse, and I jumped onto Akutagawa, gripping him with all my strength despite how painful my shoulder felt, and we both fell on the floor. Then, I took the opportunity that he was too astounded by my behaviour to punch his face, once only, for he was quick to regain composure and absorb the shock with his ability.

"Weapons are for the weak..." I gritted my teeth as he hit my jaw "Don't you always say that...?!"

"You..." He growled "Useless pawn...!"

"Ogawa —"

"Your inner desire..." I struggled against him with a strength I was not aware I possessed "Your inner desire is to earn praise from Dazai... You want to be told that you are strong... Because, in fact, you think you are the one being worthless...! You are afraid to be abandoned...!"

"That's untrue...! What do you know of that?!"

"I don't even need to use my ability to see you're just a brat who lacks affection...!" I snapped.

"Stop it, you two!" Dazai shouted behind us "Akutagawa, don't —"

Blood splashed onto Akutagawa's face and my grip loosened onto his body. I coughed, blood, and my eyes fell onto the strange ribbon of dark energy wiggling in my chest. I collapsed on the grass, energy leaving my body, suddenly feeling exhausted. I had a hard time keeping my eyes open.

"Now... You've done it, Akutagawa..." I found a way to laugh despite the overwhelming fatigue taking over my body "Finally..."

"I didn't mean to... I didn't want..." He frowned, backing away from me "Dazai-san... He won't forgive me..."

I heard his footsteps getting away quickly from the scene, and deduced he had run away from us. It did not matter, anyway...

"Ogawa...!!" Dazai crouched down "Why... You idiot... Throwing yourself onto him like that..."

"I..." I cracked a poor smile, putting a bloody hand onto his cheek "Lied, earlier..."

"Don't talk... I'll bring you to a doctor...!"

"I... Was really happy... To see you again..." I confessed "I... Knew you couldn't do anything against a gun... That's why..."

"You fool..." He brought me close to him "Idiot... You are my friend, how could you sacrifice yourself for me...?"

"Your... friend...?" I looked at him "How...?"

"A friend..." He repeated, picking me up "A friend I have hurt and left behind... But... I'm definitely not going to let that happen ever again..."

I coughed, sensing my whole body going numb thanks to his ability. I nuzzled my cheek against his shoulder, finding the tempting spot comfortable, and closed my eyes, exhaling slowly.

"I'm going to take a nap..." I breathed out "It's been a while..."

"Please, don't die..."

"How could I, when I finally get to see you...? But I need to close my eyes a moment..." I told him "I can't believe... You're doing all of that for me..."

"That's because, you too, are a person whom I deeply care about, Ogawa..."

[living-in-the-state-of-dreaming]

Since there was a scenario about yandere Chuuya, would it be alright with you if I requested one about yandere! Dazai? Maybe something like someone figured out about Dazai’s yandere tendency’s and their trying to get s/o away from him, even though they don’t wanna leave him because they really actually love him? What would his thoughts be during that moment and how would he handle the situation/ the person? I hope I explained this properly and I hope this isn’t too detailed of the idea.

Certainly! ^~^ And don’t worry you explained it perfectly! I just hope that this is alright as this is my first time writing for Dazai just like it was with Chuuya so I hope you enjoy it. I’m very sorry about the wait though. x_x 

Yandere! Osamu Dazai Scenario.

Osamu Dazai had always been good at covering his tracks. It had been one of the many reasons as to why he was so respected and feared during his time as an executive in the Port Mafia. The youngest in history. Purposely leaving bread crumbs for others to follow was but one of the many ways he had lured people out and into the open before they tumbled right into his carefully and strategically placed traps without being the wiser. It had also been one of the ways in which he had eluded the agents of the Port mafia that he knew had been looking for him for so long during the time in which he had been in hiding before going underground with the help of an associate of his. 

So when he had been approached by his darling s/o’s former lover who had spoken the grim promise as a dark glare of hatred had been over the young man’s face Dazai had nearly been impressed. The only time he’d seen that type of glare was when he’d done something to piss off the Chibi. Though he’d truly thought nothing of it and had only looked at the said individual with an innocent and polite expression, saying that he didn’t know what he was talking about as he acted none the wiser, which only seemed to aggravate the males anger even more as the glare darkened; and just for a moment he had seen the flicker of a snarl as his lips had curled for just a moment. It was that very snarl that had sent a chill of delight through Dazai as his more mischievous and devious side began to stir as the words all rose to the tip of his tongue, waiting in anticipation to be spoken for the purpose of seeing if he could get more anger out of his male. The fact that his temper only reminded him of a certain chibi’s own temper was something that only pushed on that desire. Yet, he didn’t say them and instead kept the smile that was currently on his expression. Was he threatened by this individual and the glare in their eyes? Of course not. 

Why would he be afraid of a dog? 

The only reason he had even stayed seated there was the fact that he wanted to humor this individual and out of curiosity. He’d wanted to see whether or not this person was here for the reason he suspected and he’d been right. 

“ Stay the hell away from s/o you bastard. S/o deserves better than you and I will do whatever it takes to protect her. “ 

These had been the words that he had spoken threatening, promising and clear before he had left out the door and as he had Dazai’s eyes stayed on his retreating form; before his gaze had returned down to the polished wooden floors as he didn’t speak a word. 

In truth he hadn’t taken it seriously at all. Until his darling began to ask if he had talked to the same young man, saying that he’d texted her and told her something that she clearly found disconcerting. At seeing how reluctant and hesitant she was to speak up about what he’d told her suspicion had shot down Dazai’s spine like someone had poured a bucket of ice water down it, before later being joined by anger upon reading the messages on s/o’s phone when she had been asleep. 

He had been expected some brief messages advising her to keep her distance from him, but no. No, it was far more intense and far less vague than that. The person was deliberately trying to pull s/o away from him, not simply make her cautious and from the underlying meanings beneath the words, it was very clear to Dazai that this mans intent wasn’t innocent and pure at all 

He wanted his s/o for himself. 

For a long moment dark chocolate hues had stared at the words on the phone but as each syllable sunk in the emotion drained from them before turning them cold and devoid of emotion. The only emotion left was the merciless anger only seen by those who had been unfortunate enough in the mafia and those who had been unlucky enough to have been interrogated by him. Those who worked under him had been lucky enough to walk away with their lives but those who were not….. 

The ways he could make this individual suffer began to churn like clockwork inside of Dazai’s head each one as merciless as the last and ones that would leave his life in pieces. It was a fitting punishment for daring to think they could simply take her away from him after all. 

This wouldn’t do. After all, this man clearly knew too much and wasn’t to be taken lightly. As stupid and reckless as he seemed he was still very much a threat and that was very clear with how he was already affecting his s/o. The rumors were affecting her and that alone raised red flags inside of Dazai but he knew he couldn’t act too quickly. 

This would take time and patience. Luring the mouse into their inevitable demise always did after all but until then he would need to distract and occupy his darling and chase that damn suspicion from her thoughts. He had no problem with that after all.~

As the days passed he had done just that, spoiling his s/o with his attention and taking them anywhere they wanted to go. He’d called in with the director and Kunikdia saying he wouldn’t be able to work for at least a few days but he didn’t say why he’d just called Kunikida, waited for him to pick up, said what he needed and then hung up with the same cheery and polite tone while ignoring anything that Kunikida had said. He could still picture the fuse that he’d’ve blown after getting that call and it still made him feel delighted. He had enjoyed their company just as he always had and the smile that he’d shown was completely genuine, not the pleasant and innocent one that he would often wear.

When they eventually arrived back to his apartment she was so worn out that he’d had to carry her over to the futon. As soon as her head had met the pillow she had instantly fallen asleep on the futon and he couldn’t help the smile that came to him at watching how at home and at ease she was in his company, he felt the same way after all. After so long of feeling nothing and being without hope, she’d been one of the few things that had given him it, a warmth that he loved nearly as much as he loved her. It was just a shame that that pure heart was now his, who was very far from being the innocent angel despite what his innocent and pleasant smile showed to the fools who fell for it. Still, he couldn’t help leaning down and dropping a small kiss on her forehead, doing so softly as to not wake her before he’d left the room and apartment. Quietly locking the door to his apartment behind him as he did so. 

As the cool night air met him his hands went into the pockets of his long coat, each stride being relaxed and eased as they mirrored the expression on his face. His footsteps only stopped when he reached his destination, an apartment that had not been leased in weeks, having gotten the keys from the person who owned it his fingers closed around the key before pulling it out and unlocking the door. Stepping inside before closing it behind him; the same song that he enjoyed listening and singing along with left him as he made his way further into the house. 

“ You can’t do a double suicide all on your own. Boom boom it takes two who don’t wanna die.~ “  

Making his way down the stairs to the basement area of the apartment, Dazai’s eyes fell on male seated in the chair. Arms cuffed behind his back while being otherwise bound to the chair by the rope that he had made sure to tighten to prevent him from escaping in the event that he woke up while he was away. By the looks of things the drug that he’d slipped into the males drink at the cafe had seemed to have affected him nicely since he still seemed to be out cold; however he knew the side effects of sleep that the drug had given him would be wearing off in-

Just as this thought crossed his mind the man stirs from his sleep with a quiet groan followed by the predictable groans and muffled questionings. Dazai did not respond to this however and only watched as he slipped back into consciousness before he finally broke the silence with the same cheerful and polite tone of voice he would often use. 

“ And good morning to you~ You certainly woke up sooner then I thought you would. “ 

As soon as he said this the male’s eyes widened with shocked fear while his body had stiffened before quickly looking up only for that same glare to return to his eyes. He didn’t say anything though and instead, he gave a tug to his wrists. A lot of good that did, it was a feeble attempt really since there was a very small chance that this male was going to be able to free his hands from the cuffs that he had purposely tightened around his wrists but still Dazai continued to watch as he attempted, before inevitably giving up. 

“ Let me go you son of a bitch! “ 

The biting words that escaped this person’s lips as the snarl was now clear on his expression made a smirk comes to Dazai’s expression as his eyes darkened. Yes, this was what he’d seen, he knew this would happen, the prey always bared its teeth and tried to intimidate its captors by showing its teeth. How many times had he seen it on the faces of those who they had captured for interrogation? This man reminded him of the many who he had put in a similar place. A mixture of his former partner whom he couldn’t stand and those who he thought of as little more as dirt under his shoe. 

“ I’m sorry but I’m afraid I can’t do that. “ 

The words escaped him smoothly and politely but the dark undertone in his voice screamed louder than the words that left him. He could feel the uneasiness that settled inside of the other male as the silence that he was met with in response spoke louder than any protest that he could’ve given him; and it was one that he currently found himself reveling in as he began to walk over to where he was sitting. 

“ When you approached me at the cafe I really didn’t take it seriously. I was going to ignore it and brush it off, after all, why would I be threatened by you? But then you just had to go texting s/o about my past. Even going so far as to try to take her for yourself after implementing your little plan. “ speaking in an exasperated tone of voice before stopping only when he was standing directly in front of him. As Dazai stood in front of him, his taller frame towered over the others bound and restrained figure before him, the same merciless coldness that many had seen overtook any trace of a smile as anger was the only thing that remained in his eyes and as he spoke again; his voice was now devoid of anything else. Mirroring the cold anger that could be seen in his eyes perfectly. 

“ Did you really think that I was going to let that slide? “ 

If the fear that came to his mans face said anything it was that he was now deeply regretting his decision and he should because he certainly wasn’t here to just chat with him. He’d drugged him, kidnapped him and devised this entire plan all for the purpose of teaching this guy a lesson he would not soon forget and this wasn’t even the best part, but fortunately for him, he was mere moments away from being able to get to that. The thought alone made a smirk come to his expression as the same look remained in his eyes “ Not that it matters. After all, there wasn’t a single person that didn’t talk or break for that matter after I was through with them. You won’t be any different. Although “ raising one of his hands before placing the other on his forearm the sounds of his knuckles cracking sounded through the room  “ Just for you I’ll personally take my time in making it agonizing, it’s the perfect punishment for you trying to take my s/o after all. “ 

[hnnnfdfds]

For the fluffy questions: 3 with either RanAtsu or DazAtsu? (or both if you feel up for it :3) please and thank you *bow*

There you go!! I did both bc I love this so much. Thank you for the ask, Anon!!!!

Here are the questions! Feel free to request something!

—

3. Who kisses the inside of their partner’s palm before reassuring them everything is going to be okay? // Ranatsu ver.

—

Mhh, emotionally stability is something you’d probs have to consider here. Now, that sounds somewhat strange/unsettling but both have a different approach to the act of reassuring others.

Atsushi: Does it even when he himself is unsure because he cannot bear the thought of letting people be scared. Maybe if he’s older he’d learn to drop doing that due to experience gained and/or Dazai’s teachings. He also does it in spite of his own safety. He reassures people to the fullest even fulfilling that reassurance means it won’t apply to himself. 

Ranpo: He won’t reassure you if there’s a probability that everything goes wrong. Most times he doesn’t have to think about that because his intelligence solves a lot of shit. But in those few times, it’s not solving shit and he has no way to know if everything’s going to be okay? Yeah, he’d tell you you are fucked or keep his mouth shut. 

Now to emotional stability? I mentioned it but Ranpo usually has his intelligence to fall back. Atsushi has his strength but the thing is, Atsushi doubts himself even with his strength so he’s never really feeling in control (though that is slowly changing if we follow the plotline). Ranpo though is usually pretty in control because his intelligence is just that good. 

And it’s a great weakness for him.

Remember the one episode in season 2? Where Yosano and he get stuck in that damn book. He had his intelligence at that time he just refused to use it.

And that alone had a shitty impact on him handling the situation. He’s pretty stressed simply because he refused to fall back on his intelligence and deduction skills. Now, imagine someone like him actually not being able to fall back on his intelligence. No act, nothing. That def stress and probably freak the shit out of him. 

Atsushi not being able to fall back on his strength is a norm for the weretiger. He’d freak, be scared, be relieved to some extent but he’d find another way because he’s so used to not being in control of his actions and the situation. 

So, honestly, it’s Atsushi who takes Ranpo’s palm, holds it tightly and kisses it, trying to ground the other to reality before he tells Ranpo it’s going to be okay and then fucks off to save Yokohama, the world or whatever.

If Atsushi needs reassurance? Ranpo smirks at him and tells him it’s going to be fine before doing his shit and everything’s resolved so easily it’s kind of funny. The only time Ranpo every would be doing scenario 3 is if he isn’t in control, isn’t able to fall back on his deduction skills. It’s when Atsushi and he are already close enough for Ranpo to shed his silence and break down as he holds the other’s hand gently and kisses the palm because he has no ideas, this is the line he cannot overstep, his endline. He still probably wouldn’t tell Atsushi it’s going to be fine though. He isn’t like that, he shows his love in actions but he won’t lie.

So, it’s Atsushi for this one.

—

3.  Who kisses the inside of their partner’s palm before reassuring them everything is going to be okay? // Dazatsu ver.

—

This is a clusterfuck, tbh. It’s hard for me to say so let’s once again break down their characters.

Atsushi: As stated above. It’s the same here, to be honest, but not really, because it’s Dazai. And Dazai is Atsushi’s line of reassurance. Every time he had a problem? Dazai solved it for him. Every time he had worries or was uncertain? Dazai guided him firmly but kindly through it all. I think if Dazai was to panic, to fear what might happen to them or whatever, Atsushi genuinely would worry. He’d hesitate to reassure the other at the beginning because if Dazai himself panics then there might be really nothing they could do. He’s forced to rethink his words here. His ability to reassure the other.

Dazai: Well, let’s be honest. There’s not much that freaks Dazai out. It’s easy for him to reassure Atsushi. A simple pat on the head and a, “It’s going to work out, Atsushi-kun!” is so easy for him. He’s so in control with everything that happens that rarely something doesn’t work out as he wants. He’s the one to reassure Atsushi, whilst the weretiger reassures others.

So, I’d say both are capable of such a loving action but only one would actually do it and it’s not Atsushi, in my opinion.

Atsushi wouldn’t.

The moment Dazai thinks it’s not going to work out, panics, Atsushi is forced to grow. Dazai has always been that reassurance for Atsushi, his safeline and if Dazai stops being that—Atsushi stops believing in reassurances. It will be the moment where calm panic is settling into him, chill flowing through every one of his bones as he resigns himself to this fate. It’s the moment Atsushi steps up, knowing he’s going to fail and tries to work it out, prepared to fail and die for it. So, he won’t reassure Dazai with that gentle kiss and those lies. 

“Thank you.”

It is all he has to say because Atsushi doesn’t dare to lie to Dazai. And even if he does, it wouldn’t be reassuring, “Everything’s going to be fine.” At most, it’ll be a, “I’m going to try something. Don’t worry.” Not personal, cold, detached, with a smile. Both know it’s a lie.

Dazai’s the one who would do it.

It’s past his defenses when he knows they will fail when he can’t say, “It’s going to work out, Atsushi-kun.” anymore. It goes like this: First reassurances, then silence as he resigns himself to the fact everything’s going wrong, lastly desperate lies. 

Yes, he’d lie.

He’d grab Atsushi’s hand, press his fingers into the fabric and lie his lips on the other’s palm as his other hand desperately clings on Atsushi’s shirt. Then he’d look up at him with broken, brown eyes and oh-so-sad smile.

“It’s going to be fine, Atsushi...”

Both will know it won’t at that point.

Dazai’s just clinging on the last thing he loves.

[kyouka-supremacy]

Awwww thank you for the reply even more assorted thoughts under the cut then!!!!! (Didn't want to hijack the post but they didn't fit in the tags alone AH-)

I know nothing about bsd BUT I know about The Promised Neverland - which features a writer-artist partnership similar to the bsd one - which might give an idea of how the bsd creative process works out of comparison (spoilers for the first arc of tpn ahead):

In tpn Shirai (author) had full control over the plot while Demizu (artist) illustrated according to the writer's directions. There were istances where Demizu was appositely kept in the dark of plot developments so that their depiction of the new events could result as fresh as possible (and, in a way, deceiving for the reader too)- that's the case of the last page of chapter 32, where they drew Emma believing Ray had died, thus making Emma's reaction to his fake-death as true as possible. On the other hand, it's also true that in multiple occasions Demizu's drawings have inspired Shirai in their creative process, and I believe the same must have happened with bsd too in some cases. What I'm desperate to know is who makes the storyboards in bsd!!! In tpn Shirai made the storyboards Demizu was then to redraw; how does it work with bsd?

Overall, I suppose it's fair to assume the norm is artists not having an insight of the plot in order to keep their illustrations as authentic as possible... I mean, it makes sense in a way. For example, let's take the wet Dostoyevsky panel™ from this chapter:

What's going on in his mind? Does he have a plan? Was he expecting this move from Dazai? Or is he at loss? Maybe he's worried? Is he in control? It's hard to guess any of this by looking at the panel alone- he simply looks unamused. And that's the point! Making his expression impossible to read is definitely intentional: it solves the purpose of keeping the reader on edge and increase the suspense for what's going to happen next. And what better way to keep a panel ambiguous than having the artist themselves not know the reason behind a character's emotions? Not knowing the details of the plot, they won't risk making Dostoyevsky appear confident - or desperate - according to what's really going on in his mind, simply because they themselves don't know what is that he's feeling.

This was just to make an example on the logic behind not having artists aware of the storyline- I'm in no way saying that's what happened in this specific case as I'd have no way to know ahah. But yeah, overall I'm under the impression usually the artist doesn't know as much about the plot as the writer and editor do.

And now I'm going to talk more chapter 31 cover because I can't shut up alsbskabakabakab

I really like it because it's one of the very few instances - even the only I'd dare to say?? Idk I don't usually pay much attention to skk so I may be missing something - of skk showing genuine, PALPABLE sentiments that aren't hate or annoyance for each other. Like literally the entirety of their screentime they spend bickering, or insulting, or fighting, and it's up to the reader's interpretation whether they actually genuinely despise each other, but here? There's a lot of things you could see in the look they exchange - confusion, regret, dismay, sorrow even? - but it's //not// the usual loathing and it's something I cherish!! It's a fleeting page but it's really one that makes you think there might be more to their relationship than mutual annoyance, and I think that's very nice.

Also stating the obvious but: they're so small!!!!!!! So little!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the one depicted is such a inherently childhood experience: a kid might have just fought with another kid, but they'll still be upset and throw a tantrum when time comes to go their separate ways. Even if, when placed in the bigger picture, it holds the deeper meaning of separation between the two (separation we never went into as Fifteen took a different route, but that might also symbolize their second separation when Dazai left the mafia and broke their partnership); even if it's symbolically poignant it's just... Weird to think about Chuuya and Dazai going through such a common, trivial childhood experience. Weird to think of Chuuya and Dazai acting like children. It's cute. It makes me wonder if their hatred for each other too might actually not have been an authentic expression of their true nature but rather a way in which they imitated the world that surrounded them - a world full of hate -, denying their own nature of being nothing more than children. (It's definitely not that deep and I'm just looking too much into it but it's all for the fun of analyzing ahah)

And lastly- PFFFFTT I always assumed Chuuya's style was inspired by some kind of witch iconography, but never actually stopped to think about it until now? In particular, I find it reminiscent of 1600s north America fashion. I probably came to such conclusion after reading the snippet about the real author at the end of volume 6, which reports that the author apparently used to style himself in “black hats and overcoats” “[that made him look] a bit like a sorcerer himself”.

That's it thank you again for the food for thought Op ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶ Sorry if this got long aaaaaaaaahh

Thinking about Dazai's memories

I think it's interesting how we basically got two sets of Dazai's memories within 3 months, so since I analyzed the Beast ones, I thought I'd analyze these as well. As always it's just me rambling under the cut, and remember guys that below there are spoilers from everything up until this point!

The first memory memory we see is a completely new one. I love it when montages use new memories instead of simply reusing what was shown before, so I appreciate this little scene. Their outfits are taken from chapter 31 and seeing Chuuya in these clothes was so strangely nostalgic. The only difference is that Dazai has his arm broken instead of his leg. Also I like how young they look here. They're just kids annoying each other just like Dazai is saying in the background.

The second memory I'm pretty sure is also one of the new scenes we haven't seen before. It looks like Fifteen, but I don't recognize this background and the closest illustration I could find is the one from the light novel. Maybe it's supposed to show how they gained confidence and were ruling the city (judging by the building in the background), but yeah that's all I have.

After that I noticed a scene from chapter 31 in bottom left. It's taken right from the manga with no changes besides Chuuya's jacket being coloured in. Considering Dazai's fascination with corruption, it makes sense that it appears in his memories. Here, it's been 4 years since they fought together and it's the first time Dazai could observe Chuuya being possessed in a long time. Interestingly, it's not corruption in its peak that's portrayed here but the moment when Dazai is bringing Chuuya back to his senses. With the context of this chapter, it might mean that Dazai wants to protect Chuuya and despite liking danger and sending Chuuya to fight directly, he cares about him.

Bottom right seems to be from chapter 31 as well, just slightly changed. And that also makes sense because these are supposed to be his memories, so he might not remember each detail perfectly. It's the moment when Dazai sends Chuuya into action, which is something I already mentioned. Dazai likes to see Chuuya fight and to tease him, and this chapter had both.

With this next one I have no idea which scene it could be. I'm like 75% sure it's from their first meeting after 4 years back in chapters 10 and 11, but it's a reach. We only have Dazai's legs, a bit of his coat and Chuuya's shoulder, so there's not a lot to work with. But it does make sense for it to be from their first meeting after 4 years, because it was important for them both. Dazai stayed in that dungeon partially because he wanted to talk with Chuuya and this is what this memory could be alluding to. My first thought was Dazai leaving Chuuya behind after Oda's death, but I don't think he got his coat right this soon.

Then we have one of the most iconic skk scenes from Storm Bringer. Not to spoil it too much, but in this scene Chuuya decides to save Yokohama even if it means never getting to know if he's a human being. In this scene he trusts Dazai's plan and goes into action, something Dazai must be looking back at fondly. I kinda wish we had the scene in which he catches Chuuya after the fight, but I guess it would be too fluffy for this angsty chapter.

And I left 2 memries that I thought were the most interesting additions for last. The firts one being this scene from Dead Apple and I'm so happy that it made it here for a few reasons. First of all now we have a proof that Dead Apple is canon in the manga. I know it was canon before, but it wasn't mentioned or anything, so there was this shadow of doubt. Now, it's 100% canon. The other reason is that I'd love to see Dead Apple with Harukawa's art style and it's great that we now have this scene even though it's just a shadow. I wondered how it would be shown in the main manga and now I don't have to anymore. It also looks way more desperate than in the movie or Dead Apple manga, because of the wind and how Chuuya reaches his arm to Dazai before he punches him. It's also most likely Dazai's imagination, since he was unconscious when it happened.

And last but absolutely not least (on the contrary, I wanted to hype it up), we have one of the most iconic skk scenes, and here comes the question, is it even from Fifteen? Because as we can see, the positions of hands are swapped and Dazai isn't wearing this brace type of thing on his arm. This scene isn't in the original light novel, so either Asagiri and Harukawa were like screw it, we're adding it to the canon or it's a different instance. And if it's a different situation, then what was this fight? It's also possible that the positions are switched because it's Dazai's pov not Chuuya's like in the anime. Either way hand-holding is now canon and I'm so happy about this fact.

In conclusion

Dazai's memories with Chuuya seem to be a mix of their fights with enemies and some other moments they shared as well, putting an emphasis not on the fights themselves (since there are no other people and they aren't in combat stances), but their connection throught them. I wish we got to see more scenes, but I understand going overboard could be on overkill, especially if it's just a cliffhanger death meant to fool us. It's hard to judge Dazai's reaction, because he could be putting on a show, but it also seems to be genuine and cherishing these memories would make sense for his character. I'm so glad we got to see this little peek into Dazai's mind and his memories, and now I want more.

[bungou-stray-dogs-indulgences]

Hi there! Just wanna say I absolutely love your blog! I wanted to request headcanons of Akutagawa, Dazai, Atsushi, Chuuya, and Mori (if that number is too big then just the first 3 are fine! ^-^) with an S/o that is an artist, but when they get really into their paintings/drawings, they don't always pay attention to the boys?

(I did general artist HCs too, I hope that’s okay?)

Akutagawa Ryunosuke

For the sake of Akutagawa’s interior decoration, it’s probably a good thing you’re an artist. The only thing clothing his otherwise naked walls is your artwork. No matter what you paint, it’s going on display.

Painting is one of the few things Akutagawa compliments often and openly. Art is one of the things he appreciates most; the fact that such emotion and intensity can be displayed without words amazes him. Normally, Akutagawa wouldn’t be anywhere near as vocally encouraging, but he wants you to know how much genuine pleasure your work brings to him, so he praises everything from your brushstrokes to your color choices.

Secretly, Akutagawa slips your sketchbook in with his belongings if he’s going on a long trip for the Port Mafia. Looking at your drawings comforts him, and the lines winding across the page quickly become his solace when the two of you are apart. Even when he’s countless miles away from you, a mere glance at your sketchbook’s pages makes the distance seem a little less cold.

Akutagawa doesn’t want to pull you away from your hobbies, especially ones that he enjoys as well, so he’s a bit more reluctant to recapture your attention while you’re focused on art. Despite this, he still takes your sudden cold-shoulders a bit personally, even if they’re not intentional.

After awhile, Akutagawa will flat-out tell you he’s sick of you tuning him out. He points out that he really doesn’t have that much time to spend with you, what with all the Port Mafia business he’s got to handle.  If you still don’t pack up your supplies, his mood sours instantly. Akutagawa doesn’t dare start putting away your tools himself- he’s worried he’ll screw something up and you’ll be forced to scrap countless hours of work. Instead, he sits perhaps three feet away from you, glowering. He stays there, glaring, still as a statue until you’re simply too uncomfortable to continue. 

Dazai Osamu

Dazai praises your art exuberantly and often. There’s no one in the ADA who hasn’t been victim to him waxing poetic on your mastery of shading, the delicacy of your lines, the poetic beauty of your finished pieces. Often, he’ll google complicated artistic terms, just so he can compliment every possible thing there is to point out. Plus, he sounds smarter when he uses words like ‘chiaroscuro’ (even if it’s not always employed strictly in the right context).

Often, Dazai seeks out art exhibitions in Yokohama for the two of you to peruse. No matter the quality of the pieces shown, Dazai always pretends to be disappointed, bemoaning the fact that none of your art is there. Whenever you pick out a work that you like, Dazai sidles as close to it as the gallery attendants will let him. After scrutinizing it for awhile (he usually whips out a magnifying glass), he draws back, sighing dramatically and shaking his head. Dazai points out all the aspects that you could’ve done better, mourning the fact that this got into a gallery and your work remains displayed only in his home.

Depending on the mood he’s in, Dazai either is alright with letting you alone as you work on your art, or he simply can’t handle being ignored. If he’s in one of the latter moods, kiss any potential progress good-bye. When you focus on your art instead of him, he’s immediately scheming ways of drawing your attention back. All of his brain power is channeled into getting you to acknowledge him.

Dazai tries every trick in the book. He starts off with sweet little kisses, smattered on your cheeks and neck, but it only goes downhill from there. If you don’t give in instantly, he morphs into a whiny toddler. Dazai creates racket in the background, pokes at your cheeks, complains about how cruel you’re being, pouting face about two inches away from yours. Things only escalate the longer your will holds out. Once, he set off the fire alarm just so that you’d acknowledge him (he apologized, but he wasn’t really sorry. Setting it off was so satisfying, not to mention effective, he’s got a burning desire to do it again.).

Nakajima Atsushi

Atsushi’s simply amazed by your skills. Whenever you show him a finished piece, he beams, eyes shining with awe as he admires your work. Atsushi’s never been too talented with a pencil and paper, and your creative prowess is only one of the countless reasons why he adores you.

Unless you specifically allow him sneak peeks, Atsushi avoids your unfinished pieces like the plague. To him, something just doesn’t feel right about glancing at such a personal object in progress. If he does happen to notice an uncompleted project, he’s instantly apologizing to you, begging forgiveness for invading your privacy.

If you let him, Atsushi loves to sit back and observe as you work on projects. He admires the way your hands swerve across the paper, sweeping lines with unbelievable grace and precision. He also thinks your facial expressions as you concentrate are adorable. Every time your nose scrunches, or your tongue pokes out of your mouth in concentration, Atsushi can’t help but grin, delighted at your sheer cuteness.

Although Atsushi feels a bit slighted when you spend hours fine tuning artwork instead of hanging out with him, he would never dream of interrupting you. Your level of focus amazes him. As long as you’ve got a paintbrush or pencil in your grasp, Atsushi doesn’t disturb you, occupying himself with something quiet and unobtrusive. He doesn’t even want to cause accidental breaks in your concentration, shying away from all loud noise and distracting activities while you’re at work.

When you’re in your zone, Atsushi keeps close tabs on you. Meals are left by your workspace to ensure that you don’t forget proper nutrition, there’s always a full water glass somewhere nearby, and his inner mother comes out when it’s long past time to pack it up; Atsushi strongly ‘encourages’ you get enough sleep (ignoring him results in an indignant cold-shoulder; he’s trying to look out for your health and you brush him off?! Unacceptible), no matter how much progress you’re making

Nakahara Chuuya

Soon after he discovers you’re an artist, Chuuya’s constantly bothering you to paint something for him. He insists on paying commission. If you won’t let your recompense be money, he’ll settle for paying you in kisses. 

Instead of keeping a photograph of you with him, Chuuya holds onto a pocket-sized self portrait. Staring at your likeness, one that you created, brings a smile to his face no matter where he is. The picture especially helps when he’s called away on long Port Mafia tasks; glancing at the image every so often eases some of the loneliness of being apart.

Chuuya will love anything you create, but he’ll especially enjoy a scene of Yokohama at night, with the lights glimmering over the water, or a portrait of you two together. After letting you pick out a suitable frame, he hangs every art piece you give him somewhere noticeable; usually, it ends up decorating the walls of the front hall or dining room. Chuuya’s special favorites go in his bedroom. When you’re not with him, it helps ease his loneliness if the last thing he glances before he falls asleep is one of your artworks.

You have to be careful complaining about your art supplies when around Chuuya. He’s prepared to splurge any amount just so that you’re outfitted with top-of-the-line tools. Whenever he notices that your pencils are growing dangerously short, or that your paintbrushes are fraying beyond redemption, he immediately surprises you with replacements. They’re always an unbelievably expensive brand, probably foreign, and usually, your initials are etched somewhere.

Chuuya will never directly let you know that he’s annoyed when you’re ignoring him. He’ll try every trick in the book to coax you away from your art, though. Chuuya taunts you with the promise of your favorite meals, tries to rub your shoulders until you’re putty in his fingers, even hints at all the other, more… exciting things you could be doing instead. If you’re completely determined to work on your art, he’ll eventually let you be, but he won’t go down without a fight.

Mori Ougai

Mori’s absolutely delighted when he finds out your artistic ability. He encourages all of your hobbies, but this one, he’s especially enthusiastic about supporting. Mori’s no art critic, but he does enjoy browsing pieces. If you’re the one to create it, his interest only skyrockets.

To Mori’s absolute glee, Elise takes a liking to your art, too. Whenever you’re slaving away on a project, she’s probably got one she’s working on, too; she likes to pick out the same subject as you and compare when you both finish. Mori can never decide which is better when pressed for his opinion (usually by Elise). They’re both masterpieces, he insists, and there’s no competition between masters. Both artworks are hung up together, a plaque underneath them identifying the pieces as a collaboration between the world’s two greatest art masters.

Without telling you, Mori calls in a designer and sets up a massive studio for you to work in. The room is fully equipped with every art supply your heart could ever desire. It’s absolutely gorgeous; there’s windows overlooking gardens filled specially with all of your favorite flowers, and skylights littering the ceiling filter in moonlight when you want to work at night. Mori brushes it off as nothing, insisting that artists of your caliber need work spaces that measure up to their skills.

Generally, Mori leaves you be when you’re devoting all your attention to your art, although he’ll whine a bit. After he complains for a few minutes that he deserves your attention just as much as any canvas, he abandons the pursuit of your acknowledgement. Mori’s busy enough that he can occupy himself until you’re ready for him again. He’ll be mopey until you’re back in his arms, though.

There are, of course, exceptions; when Mori’s looking for sex, no amount of charcoal smeared on your hands is going to stop him. He’ll fuck you right against an easel if he has to. In addition, if Elise wants your attention, he’ll stop at nothing to fulfill her demands. Mori will ensure you give the girl what she wants.

[mononohke-archive]

Anime Roundup Pt.1 - Fall 2016 [Spoilers]

It’s that time of the season again where I get to write thousands of words nitpicking whatever anime I happened to watch! For the first time, I want to add a SPOILER warning because although I don’t go out of my way to spoil plot points, I will bring them up if necessary. This is late once again, and honestly I don’t have much of an excuse. I did have some writers’ block, but I also just procrastinated a lot. It’s a good thing no one cares about my opinions in the first place! :D 

Also, I had to split this into two parts because apparently there is a word limit of 5000 on text posts. 

Overall: This was a really damn good season. The were a couple of disappointments, yes, but it still mostly good and there were a few amazing, Anime of the Year contenders too.

Total Anime: 11 | Average Score: 7.5 | Word Count: 5058

- (DIRECT) SEQUELS -

Bungou Stray Dogs 2nd Season [7/10]

Oh... Bungou Stray Dogs. How dare you do that to me? How dare you get so damn good you made me cry, then a few episodes later, take it all away? That’s what the first 4-episode, completely unrelated flashback arc of this second season did. Meaning: it switches protagonists (focusing on a character/friend from Dazai’s past in Port Mafia), switches tone, and switches... um, quality of writing to be perfectly honest. This whole 4-episode arc is like a masterpiece compared to the rest of the show before and after. I need to talk about why I like it better so much.

#1) The main character is someone I ended up really caring about. Oda Sakunosuke (voiced by the great Jun Suwabe) is a Port Mafia hitman who is unwilling to actually kill people. Despite his job, he takes care of a few adopted kids and tries so hard to do what’s right and follow his principles. He is a protagonist which I rarely see, and I fell in love with him instantly. Compare him to Atsushi who is... just okay... nothing special... kind of boring by comparison, actually. I have issues with being invested with the characters in the main storyline.

Of all the people in the Agency, I only like Kunikida and the boss, Yuki. Collectively, they don’t get much screen time, especially compared to Dazai, but even I did not have a problem with Dazai in this arc. His stupid suicide jokes and tomfoolery are severely toned down and frankly, he’s a lot more likable like this. The other side characters were great too, like the villain, Gide (voiced by another one of my favorite seiyuu, Shinichirou Miki).

#2) Total difference. If you haven’t seen BSD, you won’t know that it is full of humorous moments. A lot of it is... hit and miss. And sure, it’s not overall or primarily a comedy, but the comedy elements are pretty strong and frequent, especially in the first season. In this arc though, there was almost no humor. It was a serious gangster drama with a few supernatural elements. It’s almost comparable to last season’s 91 Days, which I personally enjoyed a lot.

#3) Genre shift. This is related to the previous number and to reiterate, the first arc of BSD season 2 is a dead serious gangster action/drama. The rest of the show is highly comedic with a lot of anime tropes/cliches, but the flashback arc had none of that. It almost didn’t feel like an anime. It was a legitimate crime drama (with the focus on the criminals instead of the police) which is actually really damn rare in anime. I praised 91 Days a lot for this in the previous season, so BSD gave me another taste of that and it was beautifully done. The bleak, but still beautiful color grading, the 1930s aesthetic despite it taking place in modern times, the soundtrack, everything was on point.

Aaand that’s why I upped the score by one point compared to the first season. This flashback arc did it for me. It made me desperately wish that BSD was about Odasaku and Port Mafia instead of Atsushi and the Agency. If this arc was released alone as an OVA, I would’ve given it a 9 for sure.

To be fair though, this season was also genuinely better than the first in a few ways. Namely, the introduction of the overseas/foreign group of specialists full of familiar Western authors like Mark Twain and H.P. Lovecraft. The leader of The Guild, F. Scott Fitzgerald (played by another one of my faves, Takahiro Sakurai), in particular is a delight to watch as he pulls the strings of his evil plans. Generally, all the new additions to the cast, including the extra focus on Port Mafia, are highly entertaining to follow, much better than the Agency alone. Although the Guild arc is a little bit rushed because of the flashback arc, the pacing and everything just felt a lot more exciting than the previous season.

Other than that, I can’t say I have any new criticisms or appraisals. Most of the things I mentioned in my first review of Bungou Stray Dogs carries over. I do want to praise the production values again because this show genuinely has top-tier animation and sound design (because Production I.G.). Forget what I previously said about the direction because that and the cinematography are beautiful. Some of the shots in the show are worthy of being framed. Even the soundtrack was good, even if it isn’t particularly memorable. The biggest, and pretty much only, flaws that this show has is in the writing/plot and characters and those are really important things. Great writing can often make up for a lack of production values, but it usually does work the other way around.

Haikyuu!! 3rd Season [8/10]

I was kind of surprised that for the next sequel of Haikyuu!!, they would dedicate an entire (10 episode) season just to one match. Even now, I question that decision. Don’t get me wrong, Haikyuu!! is still as good as it ever was in terms of production values, writing, voice acting*, etc buuut having 10 episodes dedicated to one match and nothing else? I’m not a fan of it.

Part of that is because as far as sports anime goes, I tend to favor training arcs and down time in-between matches, more than actual matches themselves (and I also prefer shorter matches). This “season” is one rather lengthy match, with nothing after it or before it like in the previous seasons. I’m sure I would’ve been fine with it if it was part of a full 25 episode season. That’s why I actually dropped it one point instead of being a 9/10 like the first two seasons.

Other than that, I don’t really have any complaints... I mean, yes, my preference for shorter matches is a thing, but it’s not at all badly paced like Diamond no Ace. But looking back, I might’ve preferred marathoning it than watching it week-to-week like I did...

*RIP to the original voice actor of Ukai, Kazunari Tanaka.

Natsume Yuujinchou Go [10/10]

Watching this new season of Natsume Yuujinchou was like meeting and old friend. It was like going home. With the exception of a slight change in art style, there is no difference at all between this and the last season that aired back in 2012. My biggest complaint, honestly, is that Go only had 11 episodes rather than 13 like every other season does. Thankfully, another season is guaranteed next year, so it’s not over!

Now, I don’t want to discuss every reason why I love Natsume Yuujinchou so much because I plan to do that one day in a proper review of the series as a whole, but let’s just say that this series is really important to me. This season gave me what I wanted: more fun, heartwarming, and emotional anecdotes of Natsume’s everyday life interacting with youkai and humans alike as well as a bit more backstory of Natsume, Natori, Matoba, and Natsume’s family/friends and the slight moving forward of an overarching plot. Further character development for some few characters also happened in the usual subtle way.

I’m so happy Natsume has maintained its level of quality, even with the studio change. All the original voice actors and most of the original production crew came back. Thank god for this consistency because not all shows get it (*coughsdgmcoughs*).

- INDIRECT SEQUELS & NON-SEQUELS -

Days [7/10]

This is a sports anime. Just a regular sports anime which hits all the beats of every other sports anime. The production values are pretty decent, although the CGI players in long shots are somewhat distracting, but they are nothing special.

So why did I like this one? Well, aside from how I generally favor sports anime (albeit for shallow reasons like good yaoi art/doujins/fanfiction), I did get invested in the characters, that much is undeniable. What helps is that the voice cast is incredible, with Takahiro Sakurai, Daisuke Ono, Tomokazu Seki, Daisuke Namikawa, etc etc. Yes, despite the sameyness of this sports anime, I took a liking to it. It entertained me and it’s good enough for a sports anime, which I rate relative to each other, not other anime of different genres.

Days, in all actuality, is pretty average, but I liked the characters a lot and that’s enough for me.

Drifters [7/10]

Before I start talking about this one, I am not familiar with Hellsing (yet, but it is on my plan-to-watch list), so I can’t really use that as a comparison. Now then, Drifters is a little strange to me because on one hand, it really plays to some of my base desires/guilty pleasures and overall I found it fun to watch. For example, It’s incredibly gorey and violent, which I appreciate. It’s a massive crossover story with famous historical figures and takes place in a very Lord of the Rings-esque (almost like a cliffnotes version) alternate universe. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and has plenty of hilarious and cool moments.

On the other hand, there’s a lot of unfunny “offensive” humor/etc that really takes me out of the viewing experience. How can I properly enjoy something when I’m always lowkey uncomfortable? Some of the sexism and homophobia/transphobia is so bad it feels like an 80s anime. (If you’ve seen an older anime, you know how much more blatant they are.) How is this writer still stuck so far in the past? Get a clue, man, most modern anime is usually at least subtle about it.

Anyway, aside from that, I did also have some problems with other things, which I can only describe vaguely because sometimes I zoned out while watching the show. Well, regardless, I still thought Drifters was pretty good, and I liked it, but it sure as hell is flawed. Looking forward to the second season though.

Fune wo Amu [5/10]

If I had to pick the most disappointing anime of the season, it would be this one. Not that Fune wo Amu/The Great Passage is actually bad, per se, but I expected much more. Granted, it was probably my fault in the first place. I made a lot of assumptions about what it would be like because I heard Haruko Kumota was attached to the project and thought it would be a masterpiece drama like Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (written/drawn by Kumota) earlier this year. Turns out that Fune no Amu is actually based off of a novel written by someone else and Haruko Kumota is merely the character designer for the anime and is currently drawing the manga adaptation.

Even so, this anime looked promising. The whole premise centering around an adult cast working on the production of a dictionary (a somewhat mundane job) is exceedingly rare in anime. Sooo... maybe it would give a unique experience since there would be little-to-no anime cliches and tropes, right? Um, well, yeah that’s the thing. While is succeeded in not having that many of anime’s typical pitfalls, it did not succeed in making the characters or dictionaries in general interesting.

The biggest problem with Fune wo Amu is the complete lack of focus. It kind of goes all over the place and tries to cover everything, but instead it spreads the narrative thin. The only exception is Majime (the main character)’s connection to dictionary making, but even that is marred by a different issue (which I’ll get to after this). There are other things which are subplots or otherwise brought up, but never get properly explored or resolved.

For example: the romance between Majime and Kaguya. For a few episodes, they interact a little bit, Majime has a crush on her, halfway through he writes a cheesy love letter to her and bam! 10+ year time skip and they’re happily married. As someone who hates romance in general, it’s really weird for me to say that I wanted more focus on the romance. (On a sidenote, can I just say that Kaguya’s career of becoming a chef and restaurant owner in an extremely male dominated/sexist industry is about hundred times more interesting than Majime faffing about with dictionaries? Makes me wish the anime was about her instead.)

And that’s not the only thing ofc... the friendship between Majime and Nishioka was not really resolved. The old man and his dedication to making the dictionary was there in the beginning and brought back only at the very end as he’s about to pass away. Almost everything felt like it didn’t get enough attention.

As for Majime’s character development and his relationship with dictionary making. The problem with that is not really the writing, but with the imagery. The symbolism in this show is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. A character says something like “a sea of words” to describe making a dictionary and then later in the episode, Majime has a dream where he’s literally in a sea of words. Not only is it distracting as hell, but it feels unfitting for this kind of anime. Yes, there is some media where big and bold imagery is the way to go (Gurren Lagann, anyone?), but Fune wo Amu is not it. If the symbolism was more subtle or abstract, it definitely would’ve worked in its favor. Instead, it’s hamfisted and corny. If you want a good example of subtle, interesting, and effective imagery from a show with a similar vibe, watch Rakugo Shinjuu (which is in my top 3 best anime of 2016).

I also have to quickly mention the music, even though it’s not visual, because it also suffers the problem of being too obvious and distracting. It’s not a good thing when the main theme kicks in and I groan because it annoys me that much. Again, a more subtle soundtrack would’ve been better. Other than those major problems, there’s nothing really of note to mention. The animation itself is decent and the voice acting is fine as usual. Nothing standout though, despite the cast full of veterans.

So in the end, I struggled between giving this an anime a 5 or 6. I originally settled on a 6, but then lowered it back down to a 5 because I was being too forgiving.