#despite their mentor pupil relationship

[ghostfacd]

I BET ON LOSING DOGS.

pairing: young!coriolanus snow x fem!reader

PART TWO

summary: you were the epitome of sunshine, and coriolanus? he was like the storm, the rain, and the everything in between.

warnings: SPOILERS from the movie & book, SMUT (protected cause we wrap it before we tap it! p in v), losing virginities to each other, snow (cause he himself needs a warning), toxic relationship, coriolanus is only in it for himself, mentions of losing virginity, you practically giving everything to snow and getting zero in return

author’s note: erm this is kinda long idek where tf i was going with this, first time writing smut on this account LOL so it might be bad. also this isn’t proofread so there might be mistakes, just ignore! as always, reblogs and comments are so greatly appreciated, enjoy reading + kisses 💓

You were the epitome of the sun itself, the sparkle, the light, and most importantly, the brightness. Despite being filthy rich, you were still that sweet sunshine Y/N everyone grown to love, the heir to the Cicero family.

Coriolanus Snow hated that about you. Not only were you everything he was not, but you lived such a lavish and easy lifestyle that it made him sick. Why was he stuck eating cabbage while you were off eating the finest thin slices of meat in the Capitol made by your chefs? It wasn’t fair, it just simply wasn’t.

“Well, Coryo!” Your sickeningly sweet voice fills his ears like a mantra.

He turns around, a smirk plays on his face. “My Y/N.”

Hearing him call you his made your heart flutter. You loop your arm through his, passing through the other academy students who were engrossed in their conversations

“Finally the star pupil.” Arachne Crane says, a glass of posca in her hand. “Lovely shirt you’ve got there. What are these cunning buttons? Tesserae?”

He looked at the shirt, shrugging. “Hm? Are they? Must’ve why they reminded me of the maid’s bathroom.”

You held his hands in yours. You knew of Coriolanus’s home life, how he wasn’t so lucky like you to have a gigantic home filled with lovable parents. His mom had died during childbirth, Coryo mentioning to you once how he was supposed to have a little sister. His father—died in the hands of rebels.

“Have you tried this lamb? It's scandalous.” Felix suddenly spoke up, taking a bite of the food that was currently on his plate.

“Didn’t daddy teach you table manners?.” Festus sneered, watching the other boy in disgust.

“Maybe he would have if he wasn’t so busy running the country.” Felix snapped back

Coriolanus took a deep breath in, already feeling overwhelmed by his classmates arguing.

After the announcement of the assigning of mentor to tributes, you could tell Coriolanus was upset. Although he wouldn’t let anyone see, he was visibly anxious and quite frankly, annoyed.

“I mean, cmon, how could it that I got the worst district?” Coriolanus says, head in his hands. “He hates me. He really does.”

“Who hates you Coryo?”

“Dean Highbottom! Isn’t it obvious?” He cries out, hands flinging into the air. You slightly flinch back, never seeing your boyfriend in such state. “He hates me Y/N. He adores you.”

“He doesn’t adore me,” you say, feeling like you were stepping around eggshells talking to Coriolanus.

“He does!” Coriolanus screams in anger, getting up in a hurry.

“Wait, no Coryo, I’m sorry.”

But your words aren’t enough, they’ll never be for Coriolanus Snow, so he walks out without a second thought.

- - -

The next day, Coriolanus apologizes. It’s a breathy, quick 5 second apology, but you being so you—accepted it without a second thought.

You loved Coriolanus, so it didn’t matter how much he hurt you.

“I’ll make it up to you tonight,” he says, placing a soft kiss on your lips.

You felt quite excited, you and your boyfriend hadn’t exactly gotten to that stage in your relationship, so thinking about sharing an intimate moment with him filled you with giddiness.

His tip had entered carefully through your folds, making you slightly wince as it bullied its way to your walls.

“Coryo..” you breathe out hazily, doe eyes coming to meet his. He sucked in his breath at the sight, never has he felt anything as good as this.

He tries so hard convincing himself he doesn’t love you. That this—it meant nothing to him. He was just here for your money, your possessions as the only daughter of Cryon and Hermione Cicero. But as he felt your nails claw its way into his back, he lets out a slip, a tiny whimper that makes your head foggy.

He spilled into the condom, pulling out with a hiss. Although you told him you were clean, and it was fine if he didn’t wear one, he simply couldn’t risk it. He wasn’t going to accidentally bring in a child into the world, having no intentions of taking care of anyone besides himself—maybe Tigris, and his Grandma’am.

“I love you,” you say quietly as you sat up, watching him discard the plastic into your trash bin.

“I’m hungry, aren’t you?” He says, putting his shirt on. It kinds of pains you at his total ignorance of the intimate words you just shared, but you nod your head.

“I could use some food,” is all you say, putting on your pajamas from earlier. “What’re hungry for Coryo? I’ll ask the chef.”

- - -

Dr. Gaul and Dean Highbottom had allowed all the mentors and their tributes roam the arena for about 15 minutes, letting them think of ways to win the game.

You were talking to Bobbin, a boy from District 7 whom you’ve had become closer with these past few days.

Suddenly, the loud scream of Felix catches your attention and before you knew it, loud bombs filled the air as tall lights fell to the ground near you.

“CORYO!” You scream, coughing loudly at the dust filling your lungs.

“Quick Y/N, we don’t have time!” Sejanus screams, grabbing ahold of your hand.

“But Coryo—”

Meanwhile, a tall pole had crushed Coriolanus’s arms.

Well, he thought, this was it.

This was how he was going to die. His girlfriend and best friend hand in hand as they ran out of the arena, the sickening feeling of betrayal filled his guts.

“What’re you doing?!” One of the tributes screamed at Lucy Gray, who was struggling to get the giant metal off Coriolanus’s arm. “Run while you can you idiot!”

But she doesn’t bother, only focusing on getting Coriolanus out. And she does, successfully, before all went black.

- - -

“Coryo? Oh Coryo!” You say, hugging him softly to ensure you weren’t hurting him.

You had felt so guilty after everything had happened. You should’ve never ran off with Sejanus, Coriolanus was your boyfriend, you should’ve saved him.

“Is Lucy Gray okay?” Is the first thing he croaks out, which makes your heart slightly crack.

“She’s—she’s okay Coryo.” You say, brushing a few blonde curls out of his eyes.

“And where were you?” He says, gaze slowly turning into anger. “I was going to die, Y/N.”

“I know! I was going to—”

He cut you off. “But you didn’t, now did you?”

His bitterness towards you makes you want to cry, tears already forming at your lash line.

“Oh now you’re crying?” It seemed like everything you did seemed of inconvenience to Coriolanus, but he opens his arms, letting you reside in them as you let out a few tears. “Always the crybaby, Y/N.” He says, hand holding your head as you buried your face into his chest.

- - -

Coriolanus Snow never believed in love. Not when he used to look at his mother and father when they were still alive, and not when he found himself a girlfriend, you.

Your relationship was merely another step stone towards success, Coriolanus viewed it. You were the heir of your family, you had countless amounts of money, and you were easily fooled by his advances. To Coriolanus, he had hit the jackpot, regardless of loving you or not.

So why did he feel so weird watching you interact with Sejanus? Sure, he considered the former district 2 boy his best friend, but it was only because Clemensia had been spending time at the hospital. The flu, Dr. Gaul described it; but Snow knew better. He was there when she had gotten bit by the snakes, and to be completely honest, if she hadn’t, he’d probably have dated her instead of you.

Clemensia Dovecote was way more smart, and he knew he wouldn’t fall inlove because they were both after the same thing. Power.

But with you, you were head over heels for Coriolanus. It almost made him sick, if it weren’t for your family name.

He clenched his jaw as he saw you throw your head back, hitting Sejanus’s shoulder as you hysterically laughed at something he had said.

What was so funny? Nothing was funny in the Capitol, not now. Maybe he was bitter, he should’ve never cheated in the games. It was stupid, and now he was getting the punishment of getting sent to 12 as a peacekeeper for 20 years.

Fuck, he really shouldn’t have cheated. And now he couldn’t even use his girlfriend’s family name as a way out.

He really should’ve known better. He knew you loved him, but he didn’t think you’d love him so much so that you begged your father to let you stay in 12 for a while to be with Coriolanus.

If there’s one thing about you—it’s that you’re a Daddy’s girl by heart, and of course, your father had once again served your request with a silver spoon. He hated that about you. He hated it. You got things too damn easily.

“Hi Coryo!” You say, making your way to him. Your beautiful sundress made him gulp, and he wanted nothing more but to snatch you away, pulling it off so he could get inside of you. But he couldn’t—he was in 12, much to his dismay.

“Y/N,” he says, placing his peacekeeper gun to the back. “Talking to the scums?”

“They’re just people from the district,” you say, frowning at his rudeness. “They’re nice, Coryo. Real nice, you’d like some of them.”

Coriolanus scoffs at that. How oblivious and stupid you were. Him, Coriolanus Snow, liking some of the district 12 citizens? What a fucking joke.

“Go along now Y/N, I’ll see you later.”

You nod, giving him a sloppy kiss on the cheek before you left, leaving the other peacekeepers to whistle at Coriolanus who only responds with an eye roll.

When later eventually comes, he was packing away the Jabberjays in their metal cages, Sejanus being right next to him.

“I saw you earlier,” Coriolanus says nonchalantly, “talking to that woman in the window. What are you playing at Sejanus?”

Sejanus scoffs, shaking his head. “They’re gonna escape Corio. Leave the districts. And I’ll be helping them.”

Coriolanus sucks in a breath, “is Y/N all in this too?”

God, he hoped Sejanus said no. But then again, it’d give him an advantage if he had said yes.

“She is,” Sejanus says, continuing to tell Coriolanus of the plan.

Without Sejanus knowing, Coriolanus had tuned the jabberjay so it could record back the whole conversation. When Sejanus finally leaves, Coriolanus sneaks to where the train bringing the birds back to the Capitol stood, placing the jabberjay in it to send it to Dr. Gaul.

If anything, Sejanus was a blocking point in Coriolanus’s way, and getting rid of him and you were like killing two birds with one stone.

- - -

The next day came and you were peacefully talking to one of the younger girls in the district when you’re suddenly pulled away along with Sejanus.

“Hey! What the hell!” You scream, thrashing in the unfamiliar peacekeeper’s hold. “Get off me!”

You and Sejanus struggle, and Coriolanus almost wants to step in and get you out of his fellow peacekeeper’s arms. Almost.

“Coryo! Tell them they’ve been mistaken!” You cry out, locking eyes with your so called lover.

“You two have been charged with treason towards the Capitol.” The peacekeeper says, his cold gaze and strong hold on you makes you let out a whimper.

“Treason?” You say, “there has to be a mistake! Call my father! Call my father!”

“I’m afraid your father can’t get you out of this one, Miss. Cicero.”

He drags you and Sejanus up the main stage of the district. “Everyone! Pay attention! This is what will happen if you are disloyal to the Capitol!”

Another peacekeeper points a gun behind Sejanus’s back as the peacekeeper who was holding you earlier pokes your back with the cold metal. You felt terrified gazes of the citizens of District 12, including Lucy Gray, stare at you.

“CORYO! TELL THEM!” You scream, begging with your eyes. “Coryo, please. Please.”

But Coriolanus Snow stands still in his spot, not budging a thing.

You thought he had loved you—or at least, cared for you. You gave him shelter when he was at his worst, you gave him your virginity, you held him when he cried about how unfair Dean Highbottom was, you let him into your home, and you always were there for him. You practically did everything for Coriolanus Snow. And what did you get? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

“Your Coryo won’t save you.” The peacekeeper snarls, before firing the gun.

Two gunshots go off, and the body of yours and Sejanus fall to the ground in an instant.

Coriolanus Snow almost wants to barf, his eyes closed for a minute before reopening them again.

Had it really been worth it? Ratting you and Sejanus out so he could get home to the Capitol faster?

He thinks so when your family and the Plinths give him their fortune as a thank you for being such a good boyfriend and friend towards their son and daughter.

If only they knew, though. But Coriolanus would never let that happen, because no matter what, Snow lands on top.

And this? It was just the beginning.

[ennn]

Things I Liked About the Agatha All Along Finale - Initial Thoughts

Wooooo boy. Hey look I'm a bleeding heart shipper but I'm old and have been in enough fandoms. Let's process shall we?

Alice! Alice echo-ing what so many fans are saying about her lost potential. Rio actually being kind in reminding Alice her death did have purpose. "You're a protection witch, you protected someone."

The development of Billy's extremely complicated relationship with Agatha. Kid's not loyal to Agatha, he's understanding her, or starting to at least. He sees her being a relationship with Death and he's curious about the story there. He cares enough to connect the dots and see Agatha as a full person. And we see that developed as the finale goes.

"That's it? That's all the time that I get?" The show reminds us that death sometimes just happens – "Sometimes boys die" – I wonder if one of these writers is a Sandman fan because I immediately clocked a parallel to Death of the Endless taking a baby's life in her first comic appearance.

Death of the Endless is of course much kinder than Rio is with her (iconic) reply to that eternal question. "You lived what anyone gets... A lifetime."

That whole convo we got in the preview clip. And then them just sitting down and talking more? Albeit with layers of manipulation but y'know that's them.

Agatha telling Rio that she'll hand over Billy if Rio leaves her alone: essentially making Rio once again choose between her duty and her feelings towards Agatha. The deepest cut Agatha could make – which we see echoed with "If you do this I'll hate you forever." They know each other and the best ways to hurt each other.

I laughed waaaay too much at Agatha ragging on Jen's last vegetable name.

Jen's unbinding ritual was powerful and a fantastic moment for the character. She recognised and embraced her power. Agatha's mask slipping a little at the end as well. Amazing. Sasheer killed it.

The whole scene with Agatha working with Billy to bring Tommy back was beautiful and emotional and well put together and showed the side to Agatha that cements her as a great mentor (when she's not being the biggest murderous asshole).

Agatha using what she learnt from her Alice and Jen – and what Lilia told her – to hold her ground with Rio... okay it lasted like 10 seconds but it was a nice callback! Agatha's such a shameless survivor.

Incredible kissing. We knew Hahn and Plaza would deliver and they did. When it comes to kissing women, these two absolutely go for it.

Rio looking absolutely gutted with having to take Nicky away. Plaza really delivered with Rio's pain in these eps. Agatha calling her "my love", cursing and then begging.

Rio being soft about Nicky despite her job. Nicky willingly going with her with no fear, no hesitation – suggesting that they did bond somehow? Nicky knew she was a friendly face and trusted her. It was really a good death, all things considered. He wasn't sick, he wasn't in pain, he wasn't scared he simply fell asleep and just went.

Rio reminding Nicky to kiss his mom goodbye. She cares so much, as much as a personification of death can. It's funny how some people thought Rio was going to be this manipulative big bad but no, Agatha's the more toxic one in this relationship.

Okay like imagine Agatha finally dying and just straight up BOOKING it before Rio pops up. Rio hates ghosts. The number of times Agatha deliberately pissed her off this finale was amazing.

"I'm sure he'll forgive you for... whatever you did." Aw Billy is a good kid. Just like Nicky was. Agatha needs that reminder, that anchor to not be the Worst.

Chemistry aside, Agatha and Billy being mentor-pupil makes a ton of sense because these Maximoffs do the most fucked up shit (unintentionally) with their magic and Agatha's got the knowledge, charisma, cynicism, and the morals of a spinning compass to support him.

Alright when are they announcing the sequel / spin-off? I know there's a rumour of it happening. Rio's got 2 abominations and one endlessly aggravating ghost of an ex to deal with now.

[cyborg-squid]

I wanna talk for a minute about Secunda (Underflow) and Irene for a minute, and I don't mean just in the shipping sense (though that's great as well), it's something that's come up before with the other Abyssal Hunters (and extends to Aegir culture as a whole), and it's dance and song.

Dancing is such a big thing for Laurentina, it is both combat and communication for her, a clearer way for her to communicate when lucidity could be snatched away from her at any moment. In Gladiia's files, dancing is a show of Aegir's refinement and elegance, of it's great triumph as a civilization; not in the realm of pure science or combat, but in culture. Skadi, less tied to dance, but more so to song and music, incredibly so. "A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪". And Ulpianus too, with his 'test to see if you're still human' revolving around his Hunter's abilities to memorize and carry a tune. Being able to is, quite literally, proof that you are still human. And despite Andreana not being an official Abyssal Hunter (when are they going to address that?), her module story still describes an almost physiological reaction from her when she encounters the hunters singing on deck.

Gladiia's dancing is also mentioned in reference to regular balls that Rhodes Island seems to hold, and Irene's dialogue also mentions them, which reads as Irene trying to get closer to Gladiia and the other Hunters. And when we get to Underflow's files, Irene fully says that "it wasn't until I saw the Hunters dancing that I began to understand your culture". And that's not the only way, we see at the beginning of Path of Life, Irene noticing some aesthetic similarities between Milarium and the Stulifera Navis, including the 'Hands of the Saint/Little Handy', witnessing some of the origins of her culture's golden age, right? Because Iberia's Golden Age is quite literally brought about through the technology and efforts of 'Islanders' like Breogan, and now Jordi (this is what "Golden age will return again" means to me), and Irene recognizing what Iberia and the Inquisition 'took' from the Aegir in the past will enable it to conduct itself better in the future.

And this is part of what ties back into Underflow, the fact that it is Irene who invites Secunda to dance with her, at these balls specifically. And this is the part that almost makes me cry for some reason, despite dance being initially tied to the Abyssal Hunters, it's not them that extend that to her despite her past connection to them, it's Irene, for whom dancing was also 'learned'. You get it, right, that Irene is able to offer to Secunda what the Abyssal Hunters (and maybe the Aegir nation) were not?! Of course, this is not their only point of connection, they've both had to hunt down those that have 'turned' from their respective societies, they've been confronted with human-Seaborn hybrids (in Tullia and Garcia) and understood them, and both have complicated mentor relationships, with both respective mentors hoping for their pupils to find their own 'truth' instead of blindly following them.

Oh! Oh! I almost forgot! It doesn't stop their either! We have Irene extending out too Secunda, and we also have Secunda, of her own accords and effort, getting into landdweller 'culture', specifically through food, that great bridge of peoples. And with coffee in her module, it's kinda funny how it's presented extremely scientifically, but she also still considers the less effective landdweller stimulants to have lessons worth conveying to Aegir. Even the fact that her long cooking stints are a habit she brought over, and there they could just "upload whatever new creation they think up", the fact that she leaves the food in storage for others is still sharing it, part of her expression and part of her culture, even if she's not communicating with you directly.

[maxdibert]

What are your headcanons on Severus and the Malfoys? Do you think he genuinely considered them friends, or was it part of his cover? Or were they ever really friends at some point?

I have so much to say about this! I actually have two different versions of the story, and I think both of them could be canon. I can never decide between them because both seem plausible, so I’ll share my opinion on each and let everyone decide which one fits best.

Despite being a poor, scruffy, half-blood kid from a working-class background, I think Lucius took Severus under his wing because, after all, Lucius was already a 15-year-old teenager who was likely quite involved in pure-blood extremist circles and had probably heard of Voldemort by then. He was probably trying to make a good impression by recruiting as many people as possible. And despite Severus’ background, treating him with respect was a pretty shrewd move to maintain unity within Slytherin and promote that “us against the world” mentality. This would ultimately foster the cult-like environment that developed during that era. I also think that, after seeing that Severus, beyond his background, had a strong interest and talent for the Dark Arts and was a good student, Lucius probably saw that Severus’ skills could be useful, which is why he kept him under his wing. Lucius Malfoy is often portrayed as a snobbish buffoon, but besides being a shrewd man, he’s part of high society, old money. And even the classist aristocrats know how to make use of the working class and recognize talent because, historically, they’ve maintained their position by exploiting such talent.

I think Lucius and Severus maintained that mentor-pupil relationship for many years, and once Lucius graduated, he intervened to help Severus be accepted and valued within his House while also using him as a sort of personal charity project. Like Cher in Clueless (who’s based on Emma Woodhouse from Jane Austen) taking on an awkward kid from the North without wealth or pedigree and turning him into someone fit for high magical society—a kind of social experiment, if you will. I think this made Severus feel indebted to him, at least before Voldemort killed Lily. I also believe that, during Severus’ school years, his gratitude stemmed not only from this “mentorship” but also from the fact that, for the first time, someone believed in him and motivated him to pursue his ambitions. Lucius was like a father/older brother figure whom he respected and appreciated for seeing him as more than just a poor kid with nothing.

That said, my interpretation of their relationship splits into two possibilities once Severus becomes a double agent.

On one hand, there’s the idea that, after Lily’s death, feeling guilty and determined to actively work for Voldemort’s downfall, Severus emotionally distanced himself from the Malfoys as much as possible. The relationship they developed over the next 18 years would then be solely a means to an end—to gain favor with someone influential within the Ministry and among the most important dark wizards. Deep down, it was all a façade because the Malfoys also represented everything he despised and regretted being a part of, so he decided to cut off any emotional attachment to them. Basically: it was all fake.

The other version, and the one I prefer because it feels more realistic, is that Severus, as the abused and abandoned child he was, would always experience cognitive dissonance toward people who treated him well during his most vulnerable years. It’s something evident in his view of Lily, even though he was joining a group that literally wanted to kill people like her, and I can see it applying to his view of the Malfoys as well. Though they were a family actively working to end people like Lily, and Severus would ultimately have to confront them if it came to it, he’d still struggle to sever his emotional ties with the Malfoys. Just as he couldn’t understand why his friendship with Lily was ending because of his choices, I don’t think he’d be able to emotionally cut off the Malfoys, even if he knew they were terrible or knew he might eventually have to face them in battle. Much like how Lily being the first person to treat him with kindness was enough to make him risk everything to atone for his indirect role in her death and his support of Voldemort, I think Lucius “taking him in” also carved out a streak of loyalty in Severus toward his family. Severus strikes me as someone fiercely loyal to anyone who’s shown him kindness or understanding, even if that loyalty is against his own interests. And despite everything, I think he genuinely cared about the Malfoys. While he no longer admired Lucius, I think he still respected him in a certain way, like a younger brother who knows his older brother is a jerk but still sees him as his older brother.

I also think Narcissa had a kind of “older sister” vibe for him—that when she and Lucius were dating and Severus was still a kid, she saw him as this scruffy little guy, like a cute but poor puppy. And that impression probably stuck with him too. I think he always felt more comfortable with her than with Lucius, since she was associated more with the maternal than with authority. While his favoritism toward Slytherins was partly to maintain appearances and partly due to resentment toward Gryffindors, I believe he genuinely liked Draco. This affection, though, was likely another form of cognitive dissonance because Draco was far more similar to James than Harry ever was (in terms of character, classism, and using his status, family name, and influence to torment others). But just as his hatred of Harry was a reflection of his resentment toward James, his affection for Draco was probably a reflection of his relationship with Lucius and Narcissa.

[ateez-himari]

SHOW! JAPAN REUNION

Music Core in Saitama serves as a place of reunion between a mentor and his producing pupil.

July 1, 2024 (11:57PM)

It is not unusual for mentors to have close relationships with juniors of the same company yet the artists who drew attention for their warm reunion during ongoing performances do not have that preset hierarchy present, being from separate companies without the senior having any hand in the younger's training. On June 30th, SHINee member Taemin was seen watching the music core event from the sidelines despite their own performance having taken place the day prior, and the reason became quite clear once he greeted ATEEZ vocalist Himari with a warm embrace as the group left the stage.

Taemin was the very first artist who took a chance on the young yet talented producer, entrusting her with 'Never Gonna Dance Again : Act 1' which turned out to be his second most popular album to date and leading the two to work together ever since. Interviews with this artistic duo revealed that the senior idol would align album recording dates to fit his junior's schedule as she was apparently the only one who truly understood the vision he had for his discography. It was also said that due to his experience in the industry along with their holding of the maknae position in their respective groups, the young producer grew comfortable enough to seek advice in him, creating a sense of mentorship in between them.

The soloist never fails to engage in long rants praising his protégée whenever her name happens to appear in a conversation, meanwhile the maknae tends to take a much more timid approach in making statements on the amount of adoration held for her senior. Posts uploaded to the eldest's social media page demonstrating their unexpected bond has shown that this is simply stemming from her shy nature, as some were taken on friendly outings.

During the event, lucky attendees seated above the section they were located in were able to witness rather animated conversations along with affectionate skinship, certain even shifting their cameras simply to capture these surely unforgettable moments. It seems pieces of footage were added to the growing list of hints pointing at the most speculated upon relationship within ATEEZ, as the main rapper was seen joining their conversation only for the senior to act elated after gesturing between them.

While the rising vocalist visibly holds many friendships within the industry, fans have fawned over this specific pairing since their very first interview together and will without a doubt cherish it as much as they do one another. Now all that remains is sitting idly waiting for another album announcement to appear on social media feeds, one which will without a doubt shatter expectations so long as these powerful artists continue creating together.

REMINDER to stream the 'Hush Hush' music video by ATEEZ and BE:FIRST!

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[kolyasupremanxy]

Hiii !!!! :DDD I'm the one who requested Kolya with death!reader :))) I rlly like it so I'm gonna ask again but this time w chuuya and dazai :D (idk if u do poly relationship, if you don't you can separate them!! :D)

Reader was in the mafia even before dazai both joined so like, they're have been considered dangerous enought to no one even speak w them (their mentor encouraged ppl to not interact with them) so one day they meet the double black and begins to work w them extremely silent and unhinged at the same time.

Some links to how reader is!! :D (dw they ain't a furry but like how they act and the whistle + their eyes are like black w red pupils :D)

https://youtu.be/YRly68v1nCQ

https://youtu.be/HP7D3DPVjKc

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲! 𝐃𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐮𝐲𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬/𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬+ 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 : fluff(?) , Romance

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : Mentions if finishing someone(?)

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 ��𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 : 0.84k

𝐀/𝐧 : Sorry for the wait, anon. I'm glad you liked the results of your other request T^T To be honest, I appreciate your effort of putting the links in your request. <3 Thank you, anon! ♡♡ Also, a polyamorous relationship with Dazai and Chuuya? wbaisgwkshjs I really love the idea of being in a poly with them<33

Despite their differences, Dazai and Chuuya both have a deep respect and affection for each other, and they're both equally devoted to you.

You initially met Dazai and Chuuya while working for the mafia, and your reputation preceded you as someone to be feared and respected.

Because of your dangerous reputation, it took some time for you to open up to Dazai and Chuuya, but once you did, you found that they were the only people who truly understood and accepted you for who you are.

Dazai is always teasing you, flirting with you, and trying to make you laugh, while Chuuya is more reserved and quiet, but he always has your back and is fiercely protective of you.

You have your own unique dynamic with each of them: with Dazai, you share a deep intellectual connection and love of mischief, while with Chuuya, you share a more emotional, intense bond.

Communication is key in this relationship, and you make an effort to check in with each other regularly to ensure that everyone is happy and comfortable.

Jealousy occasionally arises in the relationship, especially on Chuuya's part, but you always make sure to address it and reassure him of your love for him and for Dazai.

You have a special whistle that you use when you're about to finish someone off in battle, and both Dazai and Chuuya find it simultaneously terrifying and arousing.

You all have a deep appreciation for the macabre, and you often spend nights discussing death, the afterlife, and the meaning of existence.

Despite the fact that you're all involved in the dangerous world of the mafia, you find solace and safety in each other's company, and you know that as long as you have each other, you can handle anything that comes your way.

𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 :

You, Dazai, and Chuuya had been working together for a few weeks now, and while you were still hesitant to open up to them completely, you found yourself slowly letting your guard down. You had always been considered dangerous enough to warrant others keeping their distance from you, but with Dazai and Chuuya, you felt like you could finally be yourself.

One night, the three of you were out on a mission for the mafia. You were all dressed in black and carrying out your tasks with the same silent efficiency you always did. It wasn't until you were finishing off the last of your targets that you let out a whistle, a terrifying sound that echoed through the empty warehouse.

Dazai and Chuuya looked at you with a mix of awe and fear in their eyes. "What was that?" Dazai asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"That's her way of signaling that she's about to finish someone off," Chuuya explained, his eyes never leaving you.

You could feel their eyes on you, but you didn't feel self-conscious. Instead, you felt powerful, knowing that you had the ability to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies. You turned to face Dazai and Chuuya, and they both looked at you expectantly.

"You're something else, you know that?" Dazai said, a smirk on his face. "I think I'm starting to understand why people are so afraid of you."

You couldn't help but chuckle at his comment, and you could see the relief in Chuuya's eyes that you weren't angry with Dazai's teasing.

"Let's get out of here," Chuuya said, breaking the tension. "I don't want to stick around any longer than we have to."

The three of you made your way out of the warehouse, and as you walked side by side, you could feel the closeness between you growing. It was as if your bond was strengthening with each mission you completed together.

When you arrived back at your safehouse, you all collapsed onto the couch in the living room, exhausted but elated at a job well done. You found yourself sandwiched between Dazai and Chuuya, and you couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through your chest at the sight.

"Hey, I have an idea," Dazai said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen over the three of you. "Why don't we all do something together tomorrow? Like a date, but for the three of us?"

Chuuya rolled his eyes at Dazai's suggestion, but you could see the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "What kind of date?" he asked, his voice teasing.

Dazai shrugged. "I don't know, we could go to the amusement park or something. Or we could just hang out here and watch a movie. The point is, we'll do it together."

You felt a flutter in your stomach at Dazai's words, and you knew that this was the start of something special. It wasn't just about the mission anymore. It was about the three of you, together, as a team. As something more.

As you settled in between Dazai and Chuuya, ready to fall asleep, you knew that you were exactly where you were supposed to be. With them, by your side.

Do Not Copy or Plagiarize Any of My Works. Reblogs Are Very Appreciated.

[jetkast]

I mentioned in a previous post how awful it was for Heimerdinger to be so casual about time to Viktor, who he presumably knows quite well. I almost made another post about when Heimerdinger finds Vik to say he heard about his diagnosis, saying "the brightest ones burn the fastest," but I couldn't get the bees in my brain to put my thoughts to words. This scene captures one element: Heimerdinger surrounding himself with youth, distancing himself from the existential ennui that comes with aging, illness, and disability.

It's actually one of my favorite qualities to see portrayed in long living species or immortals (dare I call it...... DiCaprio syndrome). It is the inability to handle the depth of human angst, consciously or not, thereby floating between relationships that feel like drinking from the spring of life. It's not that it's childlike or innocent like it may seem on the surface, but that it's shallow and avoidant. Someone like Viktor who persists despite his challenges is exactly the kind of energy they cling to, then seem to drop as soon as those challenges become burdens too strong to ignore or, more importantly, dampen their hope. So where a quality mentor would bolster their pupil, build resilience in the face of fatigue and setbacks, this type just... ghosts. Then suddenly they reappear with their fresh new thing with sparkles in their eyes and a thirst for innovation. For whatever reason, their source of fulfillment is external: the high of being a positive influence to a shining star, a rocket just taking off, something of sheer boundless potential. This prevents the long living person from being effective. Always rolling the problem down the hill, waiting, waiting, waiting (it out), and refusing to dig into the problem for seemingly 'wise' reasons that are actually just purely avoidance. This is one reason I think his decision at the end makes perfect sense.

I need to make a whole different post about Ekko. To me, he is the most grounded character in the cast (ironic for a firefly with a hoverboard), balancing both innovation and realism. His efforts show genuine community building and sustainable change, rather than flashy momentous events that lionize an individual (sorry Jayce) and overpromise positive change. It doesn't get nearly the dramatic attention that everyone else does and has so much potential for the kind of change they need. With Heimerdinger, he doesn't act like he's with some bigshot, this 'founder' and highly accomplished professor, so he takes any information he provides at face value to make his own decisions. It puts Heimerdinger's shenanigans (in this scene most clearly) in an interesting contrast. There are so many points in the show where he makes measured, precise decisions, while still being so human. And the cost of that (which I think he doesn't mind) is his relative anonymity compared to most of the others.

[bluekat12345]

Stormsight and Jack Dynamic

As mentioned countless times, I've stated that out of the TFP kids, Jack would have the most significant relationship with Stormsight, starting off as enemies/rivals to friends to brotherly. I've also mentioned that they would have a dynamic similar to Optimus and Megatron, and now I shall finally explain what I mean.

Jack and Stormsight

While they wouldn't be exact opposites of each other, they would serve as foils.

Naturally, they would be on opposites sides of the war in the beginning.

Jack is more level-headed and calmer while Stormsight would be more emotional and hotblooded.

Their fighting styles would differ, where Jack would be primarily defensive and tries to keep collateral damage at a minimum, Stormsight would primarily be offensive not caring about collateral damage. (At least, at first.)

Jack is happy (or at least content) with being human while Stormsight hates his human side.

Jack is more drawn to humans while Stormsight is more drawn to Cybertronians.

Even the parents who raise them are different, as Jack has a loving mother, Stormsight has an emotional abusive father.

But they would have some things in common, such as both as being budding leaders who are under the wing of their factions' leaders.

Despite being loyal to their respective factions, there are moments where they don't completely agree with their factions' decisions.

In the end, both are kids who are trying to figure out their place in the world, while wanting to make their parent proud.

And the more they interact with each other, the more familiar they get with each other and develop a weird brotherly relationship, even when they fight.

When fighting, Jack would never try to kill Stormsight, just incapacitate him. Stormsight claims to want to kill Jack but wouldn't be able to go through with the threat even if he got the chance.

Whenever they interact, they would question each other why they're so loyal to their factions and how they believe in them despite their flaws.

Underneath the anger, Stormsight is actually jealous of Jack and wants to prove himself better than him.

And deep down/subconsciously, Stormsight is jealous that Jack has a much more openly loving and supportive parent and a healthier support system than he does.

Why I say their dynamic is similar to Optimus and Megatron

Optimus and Megatron as seen as foils to each other, but it can be argued that they are not exact opposites.

First of all, Optimus and Megatron are leaders of opposing factions. Jack is basically an honorary prime and pupil to Optimus and Stormsight is Megatron's adopted child/heir.

And before the war, Megatron and Optimus were like brothers, and Jack and Stormsight eventually form a brotherly bond.

Optimus is more of a defender while Megatron is more of an attacker

Optimus and Megatron serve as mentors to Jack and Stormsight. so naturally their relationship would be similar.

Also, this conflict starts due to Megatron being jealous and angry at Optimus for supposedly stealing the title Megatron felt was meant for him.

Extra

As mentioned before, Optimus would notice this and try to encourage Jack to get close to Stormsight. But he is projecting a bit, since he sees a lot of him and Megatron within the boys, a big reason why he encourages Jack is to prevent another Megatron and because wants Jack to do what Optimus himself never could for Megatron.

Megatron would never really care but would be aware of Stormsight's rivalry with Jack and would encourage it, exploiting it. He would say things that would make Stormsight think Megatron would rather have Jack as an heir or just thinks Jack is better than Stormsight, manipulating Stormsight into hating Jack and prove himself superior.

The Autobots would question why Optimus is so insistent that Jack should be the one to try to get closer to Stormsight to get him to join the Autobots, since he isn't nearly as insistent with Miko or Raf. Ratchet would have his suspicions, but Optimus would never share his thoughts.

Similar to Megatron, The Decepticons don't really notice or care, but Breakdown and Knockout would often listen to Stormsight as he rants about Jack, sometimes reporting to Megatron is something interesting comes from Stormsight's rants. Starscream sees it as pathetic and would often mock Stormsight about this, and Megatron actually allows this to further encourage Stormsight's desire to be better than Jack.

I hope this makes enough sense; I admit I had difficulty explaining this. Hope you enjoy reading and feel free to asks questions or comment.

[fyodorsliceyrat]

A mentee's death

In a dimly lit room at the Armed Detective Agency, Dazai Osamu sat at his desk, lost in thought. The news of Akutagawa Ryūnosuke's death had just reached him, and he found himself grappling with an unfamiliar sense of loss.

Dazai's usual carefree demeanor faltered as memories of Akutagawa flooded his mind. He remembered the young man's fierce determination, his unwavering loyalty, and the times Dazai had pushed him to his limits, all in the hope of shaping him into a stronger individual. Despite his harsh methods, there had always been a part of Dazai that cared for Akutagawa, even if he never showed it openly. He was harsh because he cared. Simple. Thats what he used to tell himself. Dazai's begenning to question those thoughts now.

As he pondered, a hint of regret surfaced. Had he been too hard on Akutagawa? Had he misjudged the young man's resilience? These questions, though uncharacteristic for Dazai, lingered in his mind.

Kunikida entered the room, sensing the somber atmosphere. "Dazai, are you alright?"

Dazai looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Kunikida, do you ever wonder if we've done enough for those we mentor?"

Kunikida frowned, taken aback by the uncharacteristic seriousness in Dazai's tone. "What brought this on?"

Dazai sighed, leaning back in his chair and turning to face the streets outside the window. "My ex-pupils dead."

Kunikida's eyes widened in shock. "Akutagawa? How did it happen?"

"A mission gone wrong," Dazai replied, his voice unusually soft. "He always sought my approval, my acknowledgment. And now he's gone."

There was a long silence. Kunikida knew of the complicated relationship between Dazai and Akutagawa, the way Dazai had always pushed him, and the fierce loyalty Akutagawa had for his former mentor.

"Dazai," Kunikida began, "you did what you thought was best." Kunikida faltered and his eyebrow twitched. "Sometimes, we can't foresee the outcomes, no matter how much we care." Kunikida didnt know what he was saying right now. He didnt know how to comfort Dazai, he never had to before.

Dazai nodded, but the haunted look in his eyes remained. "Perhaps." Dazai says slowly, words somber and still gazing out the window. Eyes a dark pit of emotions Kunikida has never registered on Dazai before. Perking his demeanor up slightly, he continues on, "But it's strange, Kunikida. I always thought there would be more time. More chances for him to prove himself, for me to see him grow."

Kunikida placed a reassuring hand on Dazai's shoulder. Taking a brief silence. In all honesty, he didnt know what to say. "We honor their memory by continuing to fight on. Akutagawa's strength, his determination—those are the things you helped shape. He wouldn’t want you to dwell on what could have been."

Dazai's smile returned, albeit faintly. "You're right, Kunikida. Akutagawa was strong. He was fierce. And maybe, in some way, he found peace." Dazai says now turned from the window to face Kunikida, eyes still downcast from emotion.

As Kunikida left the room, Dazai sat in silence, the weight of Akutagawa's death settling over him. Did he really even have the right to grieve? 'Akutagawa's strength, his determination—those are the things you helped shape. He wouldn’t want you to dwell on what could have been.' Kunikidas ignorant words repeated and haunted him as if an echo. He suddenly reached for a piece of paper and began to write, his thoughts flowing onto the page. It was a letter, addressed to Akutagawa, filled with words he could never say in life but hoped would reach the young man's spirit.

"Dear Akutagawa, you were more than you ever knew. And I, more than anyone, understood that."

Dazai folded the letter and placed it in his desk drawer. He took a deep breath, a sense of resolution washing over him. Akutagawa might be gone, but his legacy would live on, and Dazai would honor it in the best way he knew how—by being strong, which Akutagawa new well.

[kigiom]

Hi hello, I’m very much enjoying your endeavour posting with no context whatsoever! But what’s it about?

(I know I could google but personally I love explaining things I love, so I thought I’d ask😊)

hi! so! well! thank you that's very kind of you <3 very long post incoming.

endeavour is a crime drama that stands on its own, but it's also a prequel to a pretty well known earlier show called inspector morse (that I haven't actually seen) and features the titular character of endeavour morse as a much younger man (played by shaun evans), first as a constable and then a sergeant under the mentorship of one inspector thursday (roger allam). it's set in the 1960s and then early 1970s, which is executed very well! it's nine seasons long of about 3/4 episodes a season, each of them an hour and a half, which I find serves the show well in allowing more freedom for plot development and character dynamics.

I have enjoyed it very much and am currently mildly (extremely) obsessed with it, because it has a stellar combination of a) exemplary acting b) fantastic cinematography and atmosphere setting and c) adherence to the narrative.

in more detail:

morse himself is very much a character who cannot escape his own tragic fate because he brings it about himself, which is of course like catnip to me (love a character who brings his own doom!).

that, and the mildly codependent "we can't seem to part" relationship he has with thursday? delicious. initially of course the relationship is settled in a more mentor-mentee dynamic, though they instantly take a shine to each other (they just genuinely seem to like each other as people, despite their rank difference! they're two of a kind!) with morse as the mouthy, headstrong young man committed to justice and thursday as the experienced world war two veteran who tries to bring him in line while also fighting for that same cause: justice.

I'd argue they lose that dynamic pretty quickly (certainly by about S3), (though it was never particularly strong, given morse's sheer bloody-mindedness) establishing a much more equal footing with each other that's evident in the push and pull between them that starts becoming evident in S4 (ft. bickering) as morse comes into his own. I'll save any spoilers just in case you do decide to watch it, but! they aren't master and pupil — they're equals, and that adds so much more to the dynamic, I find, than a simple reading of them as teacher and student. there's the element of loyalty — thursday in his willingness to defend morse to superiors and morse in his...well, everything. he acknowledges thursday's faults and sticks to him despite his own iron morality. I'll add receipts to posts I made about this that sum it up better than I can manage typing this out sitting in a heatwave.

(here's the post concerning their devotion)

(and this textpost was also about them but it broke containment and now everyone thinks it's about hannibal)

further concerning the exploration of their morality intersecting with their loyalty:

anyway! it's a very good show! allam and evans have a spectacular dynamic as their respective characters, and both of them are incredible actors (evans in particular is of the precise facial expression journeys school, and manages to convey incredible depth and range of emotion, conflicting or not, in two seconds by the look on his face and body language. allam has a somewhat stage trained spin to playing thursday but he's equally brilliant at bringing depth and enormous complexity to a character that could so easily have become flat).

so, if you like to see:

- a miserable uppity twink growing up and becoming a middle aged man in spirit if not body

- said miserable little bastard being doomed from the start (he also gets progressively more miserable as the show goes on) (this will hurt) (it'll hurt a lot.)

- a deuteragonist straight out of a noir film; a family man who's seen the war and who comes to embody the violence he experienced against what he perceives as wrong

- protagonist and deuteragonist are basically textually the most important people in each other's lives and have the power to hurt each other like no one else (👍)

- the enormous ironies of the 1950s "family man"

- great atmosphere setting, wildly varying plots (for better and for worse, but it largely stays in the IMDB 8+ mark), brilliant supporting characters and cast

- acknowledgement of police corruption and brutality (the latter a complex issue, the former the main overarching plot of the show)

- constant parallel drawing and running threads of the narrative that you go "oh my GOD" at during the rewatch

...then this show is for you!

(...and thank you for reading all that)

[recitedemise]

It doesn't need to be said (I am preaching to the choir), but after seeing a very bad faith interpretation of Gale nearly half a year after release, I am going to say it again regardless!

Gale is a victim, not a perpetrator. In his relationship with Mystra, he was preyed on and hurt, not Mystra. Yes, Mystra told Gale not to seek out the missing part of Weave that is a part of her, but Gale had no idea it was Karsite in nature and was not aware he was looking for something that was actively corrupt and dangerous until Act 3. Mystra did not inform him right out the gate. Gale may have went to seek it out despite her disapproval and erred and doomed himself for it, but Gale was also aiming solely to apologize for...wanting to be her equal. And I am saying it one more time: it is NOT Gale's fault for wanting to be on the same footing with his lover. No one wants to feel like they're looking UP at their lover, beneath them and not worthy of them. Gale was groomed. Gale was preyed on and eyed by Mystra since he was a young boy. He was her pupil, she, his mentor, and later, he became her lover. Of course Gale wants to feel equal to her. Of course Gale wants to be more. How could he not want to be more, to live up to his goddess that gave him an OUNCE of her attention? Lord forbid.

Gale is not some manipulator. How the idea that he, a mere mortal, could manipulate Mystra, a goddess, is truly beyond me—a goddess who told him to literally die to earn her forgiveness. While he may have had a more haughty personality in EA and was originally supposed to have tried to usurp Mystra in CONCEPT, a lot and a considerable lot has changed upon release. Gale is remarkably human. He is remarkably honest. He is so bare, so forward, and is practically the FIRST person to reveal to you everything you need to know about him among the party if you prove yourself trustworthy, which, let's be real, is a low bar (you save a child and he's impressed. Like. Truly. The bar is THAT low). Gale is arrogant, sure, but is also remarkably modest with his desires and has befuddlingly low self confidence and self worth. He does not try to manipulate Mystra or the player into anything. He's a dying man who honestly just wants to be told he's worthy of everything as just Gale DEKARIOS, not just as Gale of Waterdeep. He's ambitious because he has lived his whole life with the impression he's only worth something if he makes himself out to be something. There is no manipulation here, just a deeply wanting man who looks at 'the world is better FOR you' like it's worth more than all the riches in the world.

Gale may have his hang ups because he is well and truly traumatized, but that's because he's absolutely the victim in his situation. I get it. He's older. He's a grown man and Mystra talked so 'calmly' and didn't physically hurt him (even though she did turn a blind eye when Gale, you know, was afflicted with and living with a bomb in his chest), but that doesn't make Mystra any less the perpetrator of his traumas.

[featherstorm2004]

Why Dazai 'dislikes' Akutagawa analysis

Now, to properly understand why Dazai treats Akutagawa the way he dose we must properly understand the differences and similarities between Dazai during the dark era in the PM, and how he is now in the ADA. As I believe this will be the key to understanding the love/hate relationship between these two characters, at least from Dazai's perspective as we already know how Akutagawa views their situation.

Mainly I wish to compare and contrast two specific relationships Dazai has in the ADA that can give us insight into his psychology in this topic. Those being Atsushi for obvious reasons and Kunikida (which may be an odd choice but it'll make sense later), but lets start with Atsushi & Dazai vs Akutagawa & Dazai as it's the easiest to compare.

It's pretty obvious during the series that Atsushi is treated vastly better by Dazai than Akutagawa during his time as their mentors, but I don't think most people grasp exactly why that is. And I think it's for two main reasons, one of them being affection and that fact that Dazai can't seem to handle being on the receiving end of someones affections. This side of him is rarely shown other than when he's interacting with Atsushi, we witness mutable instances of Atsushi praising Dazai (seen in Dead Apple and BSD Wan as primary examples) for being a good person and each time Dazai just doesn't seem to understand or finds these comments straight up inaccurate. He usually just laughs the compliment off and changes the subject or straight up ignores it but despite that it's pretty obvious he values them as he has a very high opinion of Atsushi.

But the same cannot be said about Akutagawa, it's obvious to every one that Akutagawa adores Dazai but this admiration is handled much more negatively than Atsushi's is. I believe the main reason for this has to do with two factors 1) is that Dazai met Akutagawa when he was still in the PM and at his most toxic due to the environment he was in which reinforced a lot of bad behaviours that the Dazai in the ADA has mostly left behind. And 2) while Atsushi defiantly respects Dazai it's not the worship that Akutagawa displays for him, their power dynamic is much more equal whereas it's very clear that the Dazai of the past and even present could get away with treating Akutagawa a lot worse than he treats his new pupil.

Now you could argue that Dazai treats Akutagawa this way because he has a plan for him and he needs Akutagawa to be a specific way, and whilst I don't disagree with this sentiment hell I definitely believe it's what Dazai thinks, it's only half the story.

Mainly that Dazai is unreasonably cruel to Akutagawa even after he's joined the ADA and become 'better', by all accounts he probably could have just explained himself and I'm sure Akutagawa would have been happy to help him. But instead he deliberately provokes him by comparing him to his new student and insulting his intelligence stating that he had been a terrible student, but this contradicts how Dazai speaks of him during the Dark Era to others "when I saw his ability I shuddered" "he'll undoubtedly become the mafia's strongest ability user" that's some extremely high praise.

So, why? well I believe it's because reuniting with Akutagawa was a rude reminder of his past misdeeds that he had hoped to escape, not to mention Akutagawa was a cruel mirror to Dazai's past treating his subordinates the same way Dazai had treated him. I don't think he could handle that so he lashed out and continues to do so, still treating Akutagawa unfairly even after all the progress he's made during the series because to Dazai, Akutagawa is the representation of his past self and all his misdeeds.

As for why he was treated so poorly back in the Dark Era, well that's where Kunikida comes in, as I believe the way Dazai treats Kunikida is just a watered down version of how Dazai treated Akutagawa during his Mafia days. As for why well it comes back to my first point and that's affection, it's been stated many times that the reason Dazai messes with Kunikida so much is because he's constantly testing his ideals and praying that Kunikida doesn't break. And I think it was the same back then for Akutagawa, only it wasn't his ideals that where being tested but rather his loyalty to Dazai. Only it wasn't just harmless pranks but rather Dazai lashing out at Akutagawa and pushing him away because he couldn't handle being adored in such a way, but also praying that Akutagawa didn't leave him.

Like most abusers do.

And he still dose this to Akutagawa during the current arcs of the manga however, it's much closer to how Dazai treats Kunikida but still it's quite mean spirited considering their history.

That said I suspect that their relationship won't remain this way for long, mostly due to the recent events shown in ep 11 of s5. As Akutagawa is wearing a new coat, which most fans of the series will understand to be a HUGE turning point as it's been shown multiple times in the series that the coat given to Akutagawa by Dazai represented Dazai's control over him. But with this latest development we may be seeing Akutagawa breaking free from Dazai and becoming his own person and maybe the will lead to a healthier relationship between the two of them.

or maybe I'm just delusional!

[lifebinds]

jhil tidesong info + misc hcs !

BASIC INFORMATION

Name: Jhil Tidesong

Most Known As: Jhil, Shadow of the King

Nickname(s): jiji ( siblings )

Date of Birth: in world equivalent of june

Sex: trans woman

Place of Birth: delphnea

Currently Living: traveling with her group

Spoken Languages: abyssal, aquan, common, elvish, sylvan

Education: formally taught

Hair Color: white / platinum blonde

Eye Color: unnaturally teal

Height: 6'4"

FAMILY INFORMATION

Siblings: virion tidecaller ( surrogate brother ), kyrie tidesong ( younger sister )

Parents: i haven't named them yet, but they exist.

Children: none, riven tidesong ( name taken from mentor / jhil when brought under her wing )

Pets: small blue ring octopus kept in container on her person ( magical being )

RELATIONSHIP INFORMATION

Sexual Orientation: lesbian

Relationship Status : single

there's a lot of info under the cut o7

RELATIONSHIPS / CONNECTIONS:

virion tidecaller: they were childhood friends / same age / grew up together and he was the extroverted kind hearted, compassionate, etc, of the two of them. SUNSHINE AND SUNSHINE PROTECTOR!!!!! and she's probably like, an aunt to his children, and they're all very fond of her and i think part of him hates that she's called his shadow, but i like the idea that it's something that her family's always done. virion's family ruled as long as they can remember, and her family has always been the one to, in the past quell and calm the spirits ( the song to foil the one's who call the tides ), and keep the peace i.e. how she became his shadow. while before they're probably often advisors, or second hand, in some way, a shadow / always present she just was more literal. she acted a masked protector, physically protecting him from harm. hunting down those who would seek to hurt him, or his family.

sariyah: the first human jhil ever loved. made her experience mortality. jhil allowed herself to be vulnerable, to be more than a protector. jhil cared for her immensely. and watched someone she loved betray her, accept something that jhil abhorred. and despite pleading with her, watched her become possessed, and do terrible things. forced to choose between saving her love and the person she thought of as a brother for decades.

riven tidesong: pupil. someone picked up on her sailing voyages. they're more aquan in nature, but she's known them since they were younger. though they're only in their 20s now. she's watched them grow up, and became similar to a mother to them. as well as mentoring them. jhil is extremely fond of them. and is proud of their independence. they meet often to recall stories traveling together. thought jhil still keeps many things to herself.

the party: these are people that she's formed a close bond with, travel with. they are her secondary family. she will die for them ( again ) if she must.

LOCATIONS:

Alara — important locations, the ports or smaller towns / villages that are important to jhil

Delphnea – possibly just a place with a lot of religious residence, i like the idea that there’s very little to no shops, or places that require any monetary gain here, everything functions on more of a ‘ magical ’ bartering system, or labor, favor for word, favor for favor. There’s probably a lot of temples, altars, and heavy religious symbols. I think there’s two major religious focuses, but instead of being rivaled, they’re more on equal terms ( everyone is taken by the deep type vibes )  But the two aren’t the only ones that exist, and most of the populace display their own deities symbols in their homes. ( courtier here, haven’t named any of the people , brother a year younger than her is a knight : she has a much younger sister that works in the dye shops in navathys )

Navathys –  more of the trading town, this is the only place on the island that money matters, a lot of the ports here are more fitted with pirates, traders, travelers, fisherman, whalers, hunters what have you, this would be the place where people go to get information on man and beast alike

I like the idea that the ‘ royalty ’ is very much of the people, there’s not much of a class separation, and everyone tends to know everyone even if the island is larger, outside of navathys, that is. Once one has stepped outside of the borders of town, the people are more skeptical of outsiders unless they’re willing to abide by the ways of the land.

There’s a lot of spooky shit, both in the waters and outside of it. By spooky shit, I mean ghostly beings, undead things, souls trapped within the waters. beasts. etc. etc.

There’s a ‘ small ’ knighthood, it’s mostly just veterans, or retired adventurers to the crown. Though they need to be able to fight man and beast, it’s difficult to get into. Nepotism gets you nowhere here, they’re more of an action than talking to people, your word means more than anything else. Most of the people here make their ends meet by providing labor for themselves / family.

Tattoos, piercings, and makeup are all important distinctions between who praises what here, different factions have different markings and colors. Those who are loyal to the ‘crown’ more like a flag, are more likely to sport that vibrant seafoam / teal coloring, and keep many of their tattoos hidden. Triton are more of a rarity, it’s more common to see elves with slightly different skin tones ( unnatural colors : greens , purples, blues ) Their clerics, and ‘holy’ people tend to be more all white and silver, with more heavy moon motifs

It’s more difficult to find people like the artificers, and jhil’s potions and things were made by herself, and she learned what she knows from her patron. Though i think it’d be fun for there to be like a ‘witch’ somewhere that jhil usually does odd jobs for, i want her to be a sassy mean ass old woman. Lore grandma if you will.

The other person jhil’s connected with is a former retired whaler captain, who’s grandchild has a knack for soothing spirits from a young age, and jhil often protected them during the rites.

Those with patrons tend to undergo more alterations, there’s quite a few, most of who are more beast-like, but started as the other sea elves ( heavy inspo on n’zoth n azshara )

There’s a lot of spirits, and folktales, superstitions, etc, of the waters, but i won’t delve into that.

Jhil’s patron is one of the gods of the deep, she made a pact with something that called to her during a storm that wrecked the ship she was on. The pact caused the scars to form from the corners of her lips, and connects her with a fucked up ass thing similar to n’zoth. It often appears as a fish/octopus, though her primary contact is via a lesser deity, who will summon her in various ways to speak with her about the pact, or when she’s done enough to strengthen their bond. 

Jhil has 2 blades, one elven forged, and one that mirror’s the forge but the blade is black. One for man, one for monsters. Her daggers are the same, a copy was forged and given to her. A shadow of her former self vaguely.

I’d like for there to be a coded saying to get into places ran by her deity, i’m not sure what yet, but it’s gotta be edgy and spoken with each other’s knives to the throat.

Lots of netting and more ‘salt’ dried and stained clothing for those who are workers / lower class

Wealth isn’t much of anything in this area, the commonality is that there’s more silver than gold, humans tend to thrive on the gold, but the silver means more, and reflects much higher in minor jewels and accessories. Lots of custom sea glass accessories.  Lot’s of androgyny, clothes maketh the man or wtfe, it’s primarily person to person aesthetic, different clans and religious paths have somewhat of a similar ‘vibe’ or coordination, but otherwise, it’s mostly commonality across the people to be dressed for work.

[peanut-tyrug]

[9 Fanfic] Singing among the Stars

One must learn to see past their mistakes, and take them as learning opportunities, learn to like making mistakes.

—

TRIGGER WARNING: This fic contains stress, a fear of other ppl’s opinions/stage fright, and anxiety. If you aren’t comfortable with these things, please don’t read this.

Despite the chaos in the world, you can still find happiness within it.

Something that felt almost impossible to come by.

All while the war between man and it’s creations goes on outside, three little ragdolls; 3, 4, and 5, reside inside a small abandoned theatre.

It was late in the night. The silence of the world creeped around the state. It’s terrifying, yet soothing. Despite the calm, the storm is soon to be raging on again.

“3? 4?” 5 calls out. “You ready for bed?”

5 scours around for the two hooded twins, but they seem nowhere to be found… where did they go?

…They didn’t leave, did they?

As 5 peaks behind a small curtain, he spots the twins.

“There you are!” Says 5, relieved. “What’re you doing in—“

5 cuts himself off as he looks up at the projected image coming from a nearby projector. He stares up, just as the twins are.

The film being played is that of a man sitting on a small stool. He appears to be playing the guitar, and singing. The man’s soothing and timbre sound echos through the small room. He even appears to be playing in the same theatre the ragdolls were in.

5 couldn’t help but stare at the man. He was completely awestruck. He had never seen or heard something so wonderful.

It was inspiring.

The twins then looks back to see 5. They move back a bit, startled. They, very much, were not ready for bed. They eventually relax as they notice 5’s lack of movement.

5 smiles a bit. “…Actually,” He begins. “We can stay up a bit longer.”

5 then walks to the twins and sits by them, happily looking up at the film, that same smile still plastered on his face. The twins also look back up, smiling.

The elder of the three dolls continues to remain awestruck. Inspired…

…5 wants to do that…

—

It’s been years.

Years since 5 and the twins had to flee the theatre due to a sudden attack on the area. Years since 5 and the twins met others of their kin. Years since 5 and the twins joined their kin in a cathedral, a sanctuary, fit for them.

…Years since 5 had gotten injured during the war.

He had lost an eye.

It wasn’t something another of the kin couldn’t fix, however.

With the help of 2, a kind healer and inventor, 5 was able to be patched up and adjust to his one eye. He actually prefers having one over two now.

After that, 2 and 5’s relationship blossomed. 2 became 5’s mentor, 5 became 2’s pupil. They had a relationship that resembled that of a father and his son.

They did many things together. They built a Watchtower at the top of the sanctuary together. They built a telescope together.

They normally created and built things together. Although, 5 begins to change this pattern…

2 works silently in the workshop he had cobbled together. It was a workplace for himself and his apprentice, where they both normally worked. Where 2 would teach 5.

5 slowly enters the workshop, pulling back the fabric entrance and letting himself in. He slowly approaches 2, not wanting to disturb him.

“…Hey, 2?” 5 asks. “Can I use some of the supplies you have?”

2 looks away from his work and back to 5, a smile on his face. “Of course you can! Why do you ask?”

5 hesitates to answer. “…I wanna make something with them.” He says.

2’s eyes light up. “Ah, I see!” He says. He slowly gets up from his seat. “Would you need any help from me?”

“No.” Says 5, smiling a bit. “I think I got it.”

“I see.” Says 2, smiling as he sits back down. He’s proud of 5, he’s come so far. “Enjoy yourself.”

“I will.” Says 5, still smiling.

5 walks over to a small pile of cut wooden planks stashed in a small corner of the workshop. The planks already had some pre-drilled holes in them. He digs the pile them and finds a few pieces. He then scours through a few drawers to find some strings, small pieces of wire, metal, and broken nails. 2 watches as 5 leaves, carrying the supplies in his arms.

2 wonders what 5 could be working on. Just thinking about it makes his smile grow wider. This was 5’s first time making something on his own.

He knew 5 had come very far.

—

5 sits in the Watchtower all on his own. The cool breeze blowing against his burlap face and the roof of the tower. He quietly works with the materials he had gotten. It all seems so peaceful. As he works, his mind wanders.

5’s mind quickly begins to focus on a memory of old. One that was striking to his soul. Inspiring to his mind. Something that had left him so awestruck.

That old film he and the twins had seen so long ago. That man playing the guitar and singing in that very abandoned theatre.

He never had the time or ability to actually bring that aspiration to light. Not until now.

He’s already connected the wires to the nails and metal and placed them inside a longer piece of wood. He’s even connected the planks.

It’s almost done.

He slowly wraps the strings around the bits of metal and the end of the longer plank and connects them to the bottom of his makeshift creation. After several minutes, maybe even an hour, he eventually finishes connecting the last string.

5 looks at his creation with a large smile planted on his face.

A little guitar.

It was rickety, but it could very likely work as it was supposed to.

5 recalls how the guitarist in the film held the instrument. He keeps it gently in his grasp and slowly moves his fingers toward the strings.

He strums.

He smiles wide.

…It worked…

…It actually worked!

5’s smile widens. He couldn’t believe it had actually worked! He begins to fiddle with the guitar a bit more, his smile never wavering. He excitedly fiddles with the strings and strums, not really trying to make a rhythm or melody, just having fun.

5 chuckles to himself. He almost couldn’t believe he had done this all on his own.

He then looks up to the sky beyond the Watchtower. The sun is beginning to set. The sky is painted in a beautiful gradient of warm and cool colors, ranging from a comforting red to a soothing purple. A few stars begin to pop in as the sun inches toward the horizon’s edge.

5 pulls a chair toward the Watchtower’s telescope and sets himself in front of it, looking into the great beyond of the barren and dead Emptiness ahead of the cathedral.

The one-eyed doll relaxes, taking a deep breath, and closes his eye. He begins to try and recreate the melody from the guitarist. It happened so long ago, yet it felt so fresh in his memory…

5’s fingers brush against strings almost effortlessly… he begins to hum that same song he heard…

“…I look beyond, into the Great Beyond…”

“…I look ahead, into the land ahead…”

“…Never have I ever, I ever, I ever…”

“…Seen such beauty, such grace…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the—“

*Pluck!*

…Wrong note…

…5 recollects himself. He inhales, exhales, and starts again…

“…I look beyond, into the Great Beyond…”

“…I look ahead, into the land ahead…”

“…Never have I ever, I ever, I ever…”

“…Seen such beauty, such grace…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the—“

*Pluck!*

…Again?

“…Come on…” 5 quietly grumbles. He sighs, and looks into the darkening sky…

…Come on, you can do it…

5 sighs and closes his eyes once again…

“…Never have I ever, I ever, I ever…”

“…Seen such beauty, such grace…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

“…I’m singing among the stars…”

“…With every inch, and fiber, and atom of my being…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

“…5?” A voice asks.

5 is suddenly knocked out of his headspace. He jolts and shouts into the air as he swirls back to face the source of the voice, his face scrunched in terror and embarrassment.

…His embarrassment, unfortunately, doesn’t waver.

He sees 2, standing in the lift that allowed entrance to the Watchtower. His face displays that of complete astonishment and amazement, his eyes wide and mouth agape. He simply had no words.

“…2…” 5 says pathetically. “…You scared me…”

2 appears to still be awestruck. A smile slowly creeps up his face. He begins to clasp his hands and clap, happily laughing a bit.

5 looks down in embarrassment. “…Was it that bad…?” He asks.

“No, no! Not at all, my boy!” Says 2, still chuckling. “It was wonderful! Spectacular! Smashing! Absolutely smashing!” He continues to chuckle, happiness and excitement completely overtaking him.

5 looks up to 2 a bit, almost unable to believe what he heard. “…Really?” He asks.

“Yes! Yes, splendid!” Says 2, exiting the lift and placing a hand on 5’s shoulder. “It was spectacular! I never knew you could sing like that! And that guitar, very well made!” He says, glancing at 5’s guitar and analyzing it.

“…Thank you.” Says 5, smiling a bit. His smile quickly wavers however. “…How much of that did you hear?”

“Not much.” Says 2, a smile still plastered on his face. “I heard you on the way up. I watched, and quickly saw how much fun you were having.”

5’s smile then returns. He chuckles. “…I was.” He says.

“You should display that talent to the others!” 2 suggests. “I’m certain they would love to hear it.”

5 appears taken aback, not certain of such a decision. “…I think 8 will make fun of me.” He says pathetically. “And what of 1? He’ll probably say no.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about them.” Says 2. “You don’t have to show them. You can just show everyone else. And if 8 or 1 says anything disrespectful, if they are to find out about it, I’ll be certain to show them my feelings.” He says with confidence and enthusiasm.

“…What if they don’t like it?” 5 asks.

“I’m certain they will like it.” Says 2. “You have an amazing voice. You’re wonderful at the guitar too. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“I’m still rusty though.” Says 5.

“Then practice!” Says 2. “That is what you did when I taught you, isn’t that right?”

“…Yes.” Says 5, smiling slightly.

“Exactly.” Says 2. “Just try to practice. You’ll be alright. If you need assistance, let me know, okay?”

A smile further creeps up on 5’s face. “I will.” He says.

“Great.” Says 2, patting his apprentice’s shoulder.

5 continues to smile as 2 walks toward the wire balcony of the Watchtower. “What’d you come up here for?” He asks.

“To stargaze.” Says 2. “Care to join me, 5?” He asks, turning back to 5.

5’s smile continues to stay on his face. “Sure.” He says.

5 sets the guitar near a small clipboard and walks up to the balcony beside 2. The mentor and apprentice look into the sky, gazing upon the twinkling stars as the darkness of the night creeps over the barren land.

5 can’t help but be utterly inspired by the scene before him. He watches as the colors of sunset fade and the stars become more clear. The sky quickly becomes taken up by various stars and other celestial objects that the Stitchpunks couldn’t name.

“It’s awe inspiring, isn’t?” 2 asks.

“…Yeah.” Says 5.

—

It’s quiet. Peacefully quiet.

2 silently and soundly sleeps nearby the clipboard, sitting upon a bench with his back against the wall. His vision displays a calming darkness. His mind is away in the realm of sleep.

…Until the sudden plucking of strings is heard.

2 opens his eyes a bit and blinks. He groans a little, sounding groggy. He slowly looks up to the source of the plucking.

2 sees 5, sitting by the telescope, plucking at his guitar strings. He’s trying to make a melody, practicing.

2 clears his throat before speaking. “I see you’re practicing.” He says.

5 jumps a bit at the sudden voice, but quickly calms when he realizes the it’s origin. He looks up to 2. “Yeah.” He says.

“Have you slept at all?” 2 asks.

“I did.” 5 replies. “I’ve been up for a bit. Sorry that I woke you.”

“No, no, you’re alright.” Says 2. “Do you need assistance with anything?”

“Not really.” Says 5. “Do you know how to play the guitar?”

“No,” 2 replies. “But I can help if you aren’t feeling confident.”

5 smiles. “I appreciate that.” He says. “I’ll tell you if I need anything.”

2 nods as he slowly gets up from the bench and heads to the lift. “I’m going down to the workshop.” He says. “I’ll leave you be.”

“Thanks.” 5 replies, smiling up to his mentor.

“You are very welcome.” 2 responds. “Have fun.”

“I will.” Says 5 as he watches 2 descend.

5 then continues to pluck at the guitar strings, quickly regaining the melody and rhythm he had from the night prior. He turns to look into the dull depths of the Emptiness. Despite the dark and lifeless world 5 and his colleagues live in, it still gives him motivation, confidence, to move forward with his practicing. That which is lifeless, gives him contentment.

“…With every inch, and fiber, and atom of my being…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

—

It’s later in the day. 5 stands within the lift, descending down to the throne room. Not to greet 1 or 8, no… he needs to see 6 and the twins.

5 brings the lift to a halt and stares upon the desolate throne room. 8 shoots a look at the apprentice, so does 1. 8 appears on guard, 1 appears irritated by the appearance of the apprentice. 5 tries not to stare either of them in the eyes as he exits the lift and scuffles into the little corner where the prophet and twins resided.

5 quietly moves into the dark corner, it’s hard to see. The only lights being from the faint flickering lights from the twins.

“Hey.” 5 whispers a bit.

The three dolls quickly turn back. The twins smile and scurry over to 5 and hug him tightly. The apprentice chuckles with glee. “Hey 3, 4!” He whispers happily. They eventually separate.

“I need to speak with you.” Says 5. Each of them tilt their heads in curiosity.

“I need you all to meet me in the Watchtower tomorrow night. Just as the sun is beginning to set.” Says 5. “I’ve got a surprise.”

The twins eyes flicker with delight. They both look to each other excitedly and continue to flicker, wondering what 5 could have planned for them. 5 looks to 6, who seems to already know what he’s talking about.

“Don’t tell anyone, 6.” 5 says to the prophet slightly teasingly.

“I won’t.” 6 responds. “I will keep it hidden.”

The twins then scurry over to 6 and sit in front of him, they really want to know what 5 has planned.

“No, no!” 6 whispers. “Not yet. Wait.”

The twins appear to be saddened that they have to wait as their heads droop and their smiles fade. Despite their want to see what 5 has planned, they know they have to wait. They look back to 5, smiling.

“I appreciate the secrecy, 6.” Says 5. “I’ll let 7 know as well, if I can find her. And 3, 4, be good.” 5 then exits the corner as the three dolls wave him farewell.

~~~

5 descends to the level below the throne room. He brings the lift to a halt and steps out into the long hallway leading to 2’s workshop.

He wanted to ask if he had seen 7.

He had looked everywhere for the defender, and hadn’t seen her. As he approaches the workshop, he sees 2, but also someone else…

“…7?” 5 asks as he peaks through the fabric entrance.

2 and 7 turn to face 5. 2 sits at his desk, appearing to be making a kind of spear. 7 stands by his side, as if she was watching him.

“Hello, 5.” Says 2. “What brings you here?”

“I wanted to ask something of 7.” He says.

As 2 processes 5’s words, he quickly realizes what he means.

“What is he on about?” 7 asks, her voice stern.

Before 5 can speak, 2 responds. “It’s something special, 7.”

He knows.

5 doesn’t have to ask a thing.

“He’s right.” Says 5.

7’s nonexistent brows furrow in interest. “What do you got for me?”

“It’s for everyone, except for 1 and 8.” Says 5. “It’s tomorrow night, up in the Watchtower. Just as the sun is setting. You just gotta wait and see.” He says that last sentence teasingly.

“Ah, I see.” Says 7. “I’ll be waiting.”

“I will too.” Says 2, smiling up to 5.

“Good thing.” Says 5. “I’ll let you get back to that spear now.”

“Farewell, 5.” Says 2. “Have fun.”

“Bye!” Says 5 as he leaves the workshop.

—

5 quietly sits in the Watchtower, plucking at his guitar’s strings. It’s late in the afternoon, the sun slowly reaching the horizon once again. The one-eyed apprentice hums as he plucks, trying to recall the melody.

He was perfectly at peace.

Mostly…

…Until…

*Pluck!*

5 silently grumbles. He tries again, humming to himself once more.

*Pluck!*

…What’s going on?

Why is he suddenly messing up?

5 sits up a bit and looks down at his hands as he strums… the more he messes up, the more uncertain he feels.

…What if he messes up when performing for the others? What if he can’t play the song correctly? What if he just doesn’t know what to do?

The worry eats at 5’s head… he was so confident in himself a moment ago… what was going on?

5’s pace quickens as he strums. No longer is his melody or rhythm steady. It’s quick, hard to keep up with. Incorrect notes are being played as the stress continues to drive through 5’s skull. He can’t help but think it anymore.

“…5?” Says a voice. The unknown figure placing a hand on the apprentice’s shoulder.

5 whirls back around, causing the hand on his shoulder to fall. His eye widens at the figure who has approached him.

He sees 2, worry and concern glossing over his face.

He knows.

“Are you alright?” 2 asks worriedly.

5 struggles to form a sentence. “…I-I— uh..” He stammers.

“You can tell me, 5.” Says 2.

5 continues to stammer, before finally speaking. “…I’m alright.” He says. “I think I just need a break.” He then gets up from his seat and steps the balcony of the Watchtower.

“…Are you sure?” 2 asks.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay.” Says 5.

He doesn’t think he needs the help.

2 steps by 5’s side and looks to the barren Emptiness before turning to 5. “You understand that you can tell me if you’re not feeling well, correct?” 2 asks.

“Yeah.” Says 5.

2 nods, but doesn’t say another word, not wanting to push 5 to answer if he doesn’t want to.

5 and 2 look on into the barren lands.

A feeling of uncertainty crosses 5’s heart.

~~~

5 still stands by the balcony while 2 sits at the telescope, asleep. The apprentice peers over to his guitar, brows furrowed sorrowfully. He hobbles over to the instrument and sits nearby his mentor.

He strums once more.

…Eventually…

*Pluck!*

5 sighs.

…It’s gonna be a long night…

—

The early morning sun peers over the horizon, brining on the warm color gradient that was so admired. The bright sunlight gleams against 2’s optics. His eyes then blink open and lifts his head up a bit. He looks to his side.

He sees 5, his head slumped over and guitar in his limp grasp.

2 frowns and his brows furrow.

…Oh, dear…

Had he slept well?

“5?” 2 whispers gently.

No response.

“…5?” 2 whispers slightly louder, now shaking the apprentice’s shoulder.

5’s eye shoots open and quickly jolts up with a yelp. He breathes hastily. His head darts around, covered in fear. Just as he looks at 2, he begins to relax.

“…Hey, 2.” Says 5, catching his breath. “Did you sleep well?”

“Did you?” 2 asks.

5 averts his gaze, hesitating.

“Don’t you lie to me.” 2 says, voice stern.

5 doesn’t answer, not certain of how. He keeps his gaze averted.

He didn’t sleep well.

“…I’m sorry.” Says 5.

“You’re alright, 5. I’m glad you are at least being honest.” Says 2. “Although, I can tell something is wrong. I believe it needs to be addressed.”

5 doesn’t look like he wants to speak about it. But it needs to be discussed. 2’s brows furrow.

“Grab a chair and sit in front of me.” Says 2. “Keep your guitar nearby.”

5 silently obeys and grabs a nearby wooden chair. He drags it in front of the old inventor, his gaze still averted and his guitar leaning against the chair.

2 places a hand on 5’s shoulder, making the apprentice look up at him. “What’s wrong, 5?” 2 asks. “I want to help you. I can’t bare to see you hurt.”

5 suddenly appears to be overrun with guilt. He averts his gaze once more and sighs before finally speaking. “…I-I… you’re right. I am stressed about my performance…”

2 nods. “How come?” He asks calmly.

“…I’m scared… scared of messing up. I didn’t want to tell you, I thought it would go away.” Says 5. “People are watching me this time. I felt so confident about it at first, but now… I try to get that rhythm and I keep messing up. I hate it… I can’t help but wonder what can’t I—!”

2 suddenly bushes 5, putting his index finger over his lips. “…Mistakes are a part of life, my dear boy.” He says.

“…I’ve never seen you make mistakes.” Says 5.

“That doesn’t mean I haven’t made them!” 2 says with a slight chuckle. “Sometimes I mess up a blueprint or put a part in the wrong place. Sometimes I mess up an entire piece all together! But I know how to enjoy these mistakes.”

5 then seems terribly perplexed. “How are you able to enjoy mistakes?” He asks, sheer yet understandable confusion in his voice.

“They’re learning opportunities, my boy.” Says 2. “Whenever I make a mistake, I see where I need to improve. I see what I need to tighten, loosen, or smack into place. Sometimes I learn something entirely new when I fumble… Can you recall any mistakes you have made?”

“…Uh,” 5 stammers a bit, trying to remember. “Oh! It was something we scrapped— a little catapult? …I didn’t tighten a screw enough and the slinger hit me on the head. It ended up breaking apart…”

“And what did you do after that?” 2 asks.

“I checked and noticed it’s screws weren’t tightened properly.” Says 5. “I tightened everything back up, and learned a bit about checking before testing.”

“Exactly.” Says 2. “You learned something. Anything else?”

“I was stitching up a practice dummy.” Says 5. “The stitching was too loose, so I learned to tighten it up, with your help.”

“See?” 2 asks. “Every time you’ve made a mistake, it has been used as a way to learn from them. So, why can’t learning a song on the guitar be the same?”

5 begins to ponder 2’s question… he almost feels ashamed for having not noticed. 2 notices 5’s shame as the apprentice averts his gaze again.

“Don’t be ashamed of yourself, 5.” Says 2. “You were stressed. You just need to learn to take a step back. And if you mess up, discover where to improve. If you ever need assistance, I am always here to help you.” He places a hand on 5’s shoulder.

5 looks up, smiling at 2, who is also smiling.

5 is happy to have 2.

“…I could use some help actually.” Says 5. “With stress, and also with practice.”

“I will help as much as I am able to.” Says 2. “Try to get that rhythm, take deep breaths.”

5 nods. He looks down to his guitar and takes a deep breath. He closes his eye as he exhales and begins to strum. It takes a moment, but 5 eventually begins to get into an organized rhythm, humming the lyrics. 2 nods proudly.

“…I’m singing among the stars…”

“…With every inch, and fiber, and atom of my being…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the—“

*Pluck!*

5’s brows furrow. He opens his eye and stares down at the strings, saddened. He then feels 2 touch his shoulder. He looks up at his mentor.

“It’s alright.” Says 2. “Take it slow.”

5 smiles and nods. He takes another deep breath.

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

—

It’s been a day since 5 had spoken with 2.

It was performing day.

5 is doing a lot better. He had spent a decent chunk of the previous afternoon getting assistance from 2. He had given him many helpful pointers that afternoon.

5’s been practicing on his own for awhile, since early in the day. Anytime he began to feel stressed, he tried to reassure himself. He truly hoped the others would like his performance. Any time he messed up, he’d remind himself: It’s all a learning opportunity. Take it slow. You’ll be alright.

The young apprentice then turns to face the barren Emptiness once again. The sky begins to fade into that same warm gradient. A few stars begin to pop into the sky.

It was time.

5 then hears the creaking of the lift. He turns to see the lift coming up to the Watchtower, 2 and the other four dolls he had invited with him. 2 opens up the lift and the twins are the first to exit, scurrying up to 5 and hugging him tightly.

5 chuckles. A wide smile appears on his face. “Hey.” He says to the twins as they separate and he rubs their hoods.

2, 6, and 7 then approach. 7 sits herself on against the wall.

“Let’s see what you got.” Says 7, smiling. As 7 finishes her sentence, 6 and the twins set themselves on the ground just next to 2, who has already taken a seat.

Everyone is looking at him.

Nervousness quickly overcomes 5 as the smile on his face falters a bit.

2 places a hand on 5’s shoulder. A gesture that always seemed to calm 5 down.

“You can do it.” 2 says gently. He removes his hand from the apprentice’s shoulder.

5 looks down at his guitar. He takes a deep breath and closes his eye.

The rhythm and melody quickly comes forth, just as the sun inches to the horizon. More and more stars slowly begin to appear. The sun shines a bright outline onto 5 as he begins to sing…

“…I stare deep, deep in the darkness…”

“…I stare far, far into the emptiness…”

“…It all feels so bland, so bleak, so meek…”

“…And yet, I see the beauty…”

The apprentice’s small audience quickly becomes enthralled, completely immersed in the song as the orange sun glistens.

“…I see it there, just beyond the horizon…”

“…I see you, just beyond that gate…”

“…I look beyond, into the Great Beyond…”

“…I look ahead, into the land ahead…”

“…Never have I ever, I ever, I ever…”

“…Seen such beauty, such grace…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

“…I’m singing among the stars…”

“…With every inch, and fiber, and atom of my being…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

5 has no idea what happiness and excitement he’s brought onto his audience. They can’t help but be utterly amazed.

“…When you’re gone, it all feels so empty…”

“…When I’m alone, the darkness comes around…”

“…I hate it, yet I love it…”

“…Because I know I’ll get to see you soon…”

“…I get all happy, giddy, and peppy…”

“…Because I know you will return…”

“…I look beyond, into the Great Beyond…”

“…I look ahead, into the land ahead…”

“…Never have I ever, I ever, I ever…”

“…Seen such beauty, such grace…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

“…I’m singing among the stars…”

“…With every inch, and fiber, and atom of my being…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

5’s timbre voice echos through the small Watchtower. Everyone continues to be at ease as 5 enters the song’s end…

“…The darkness can be cruel…”

“…The barren lands can be cold…”

“…But as long as I know that you’ll be there…”

“…I can only wait for you to rise…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

“…I’m singing among the stars…”

“…With every inch, and fiber, and atom of my being…”

“…With everything that makes me, me…”

“…With everything that makes us, us…”

“…With you, I’m singing among the stars…”

5 softly finishes the song, just as the sun completely sets, revealing the deep navy blue sky and bright twinkling stars. He opens his eye and looks upon his completely awestruck audience, a smile on his face.

5 averts his gaze, still smiling. “So… what did you think?” He asks.

Everyone begins to slowly clap, which quickly evolves into an encore. 5’s smile widens.

“I had no idea you could sing like that!” 7 says, awestruck.

“Splendid!” Says 6, clapping his pen nib fingers. The twins eyes flicker brightly as they clap.

“5, my boy!” Says 2, getting to his feet and still clapping. He approaches the apprentice and tightly wraps his arms around him. “You did amazing! Wonderful! Spectacular! Smashing! Absolutely smashing!” He says with breathy chuckle and a wonderfully wide smile. He’s doing a standing ovation.

“Don’t overdo yourself, 2.” Says 7, slight concern glossing her voice.

“I’ll be alright, 7.” Says 2 nonchalantly as he continues to chuckle. He eventually sits back in his chair and his laugh falters. He looks to 5. “I knew you could do it, 5. I’m very proud of you.”

“…I am too.” Says 5, his gaze averted, yet he’s still smiling.

Amongst the silence, 7 peers over beyond the balcony of the Watchtower. “…Sorry for my short stay, but it’s getting late. I’m gonna head back down.” As she gets up and heads to the lift, she turns back to 5. “That was great 5. Keep it up!” She says as she enters the lift.

5 chuckles. “I will.” He says.

“…I will be going too.” Says 6. 5 understood, he seemed to prefer being in his corner.

As 6 gets up and heads to the lift, the twins scurry over to 5 and hug him tightly, their way of saying they enjoyed 5’s performance.

“Thanks, you two.” Says 5 as the twins separate from him. They hug him again as you’re welcome. They scurry over to 6 as he enters the lift.

As 7 prepares to bring the lift down, she looks to 5 and 2. “You two staying up here?” She asks.

“Yes.” Says 2.

5 nods with affirmative hum.

“Alright.” Says 7 affirmatively. “See you two tomorrow.” She says as she brings the lift back down.

“See you as well!” Says 2 as he and 5 watch the lift descend.

Once the lift is out of their view, 2 gets up from his seat and heads to the Watchtower’s balcony. 5 turns back to 2 as he stops. 5 sets his guitar down and walks over to 2 and stands beside him.

The two dolls look on into the barren lands and up to the star ridden sky, the constellations being incredibly visible. The sky is an absolute spectacle.

“…Y’know,” 5 begins. “We should rebuild that catapult.”

“We should.” Says 2.

5 and 2 look continue beyond the balcony in silence, their minds invigorated and excited to start their next project.

It’s awe inspiring, isn’t?

- END -

[thewhumpcaretaker]

M & R for the ask game? :]

M - Name a character that you’d like to have for a friend.

Winston. I think it would be so fun to watch him gossip and matchmake.

R - Which friendship/platonic relationship is your favorite in fandom?

Marcus and John! At least if we assume it was platonic - I kinda ship it sometimes haha, but I can also see them as just friends. And there is something even more touching about it in a way if Marcus was always just a mentor. Because wow, what a bond between mentor and pupil. Despite the fact that there were no expectations between them, Marcus was willing to give his life for John. He saved him over and over again, knowing the risks that came with betraying Viggo. And he was one of the only people who checked in on John after Helen's death, too. I just think it's a beautiful friendship.

[sigmaelxgr]

The Tower in Reverse for the Major Arcana asks.

Oh hello, dear ! You've chosen to hear about disasters? Ill tell you about disasters. I'll tell you about things people ignore but can from time to time sense about Xangr. The pure, elaborated, velvet sweetness of his tone and gestures having a ô so subtle undertone of a warning. The remaining aptitude that keeps them in line, both in fascination and apprehension. To introduce, I'll recall this ask, about his smile.

Xangr is capable of the best and very inclined of the worst. Its written on his face. He's extremely dunmeri in his proportion to deal with dark happenings and more specifically, he's vengeful. If you ever do something that annoys him, you wont even learn about it until something AWFUL occurs and he's there staring. If you ever hurt him, he'll smile with such honey lips, his eyes shining like daggers, like already appreciating the sight of your anguish. It WILL happen. This mer is a prophete: if he says, it WILL happen. And oh no you DONT WANT Xangr to whisper to you that he's midly inconvenienced with you. The secret swings in his apparently still humors makes him unpredictable, and extremely reassuring on the outside.

This mer has a taste for demise. He waits for Baar Dau to fall. He waits for the Divines to shatter. He waits for Mannimarco to come back. He waits for the Telvanni house to burn bright... And younger, he has sought for Nirn's end. End of the introduction, let's get to it:

The Tower in Reverse: When have your character's actions led to disaster ?

I'll have to make a list.

- As a child, still ashlander, Sigmael got scared and shot a lady with his bow. She thought he was stuck in a dwemeri pipe and wanted to help him out, he killed her instead. It putted immense tension between the Erabenimsun and their Redoran neighbours and led, years later, to their exile. Sigmael was 10 years old, and the wise-woman dreams were predicting he'd shatter the sky to drip a blood so blue Oblivion would expand on Nirn, from his child hands.

- Years later, caught then enslaved for the Telvannis, Xangr appears. Xangr, enraged and absolutely FERAL, traps his master Salaren in his own office and puts it on fire.

- During their 10 years of enslavement, Xangr will attempt to murder Salaren a stupid amont of times. Everything in his hands turned into a weapon, primal wrath made him aiming for the neck, heart and head, and they both exchanged hits and abuse on a daily basis. Still, Salaren adores Xangr (still called Sigmael at the time).

- Xangr eventually got tired that fighting came to no end with Salaren. He chose to saccage his relationship with Asasu instead. She trusted him deeply when he was Sigmael, and became his first victim. Inspired by whispers of his guts, he abused her. She got so shattered by this she pleaded and cried for him to go. Salaren has to listen, Xangr is free. Asasu will never recover, and Xangr learns every kind or violence can lead to his purpose. He's aged around 25.

- In Auridon, tutored by the Altmer Cyriel, he falls in love with him. Cyriel denies their relation as he is both his patient and his pupile, but Xangr insists. He insists so much that Cyriel gave up and had a night with him. It never happened twice despite Xangr's persistance, and Cyriel came to think that even if the dunmer grows better, something is... wrong with him. Cyriel takes distances.

- In Auridon, Cyriel meets a woman then married her. Xangr, absolutely not understanding the idea of marriage, is casted apart bc of how weird he acts with his mentor. He turns bitter then jealous, insanely jealous, and more insanely jealous as Cyriel explains him he cant marry men bc 1) he doesnt like men 2) he has to produce a heir with his wife. Its acted: Xangr hates women. He, too, wants to be married to men but feels so jealous he cannot tolerate women anymore.

- Hating his own body and resolved to do things by himself as Cyriel tries to calm him down, Xangr learns about flesh magic. Its done: he will never come back from it. It will make of him a stupidly good conjurator, and he ends up working for the worms cult, rejecting the mage guild that doesnt allow his studies.

- Fluent in Cyrodilic, Altmeri, Dunmeri and Daedric, he translates as a newcomer the scrolls the Worm master transmits to him. Those scrolls contain instructions to build chains and to grip planes and liminal spaces. He grows interested about this magicka-physical challenge and works tirelessly on it. Years later, the Cell of the Worm he's in build their first dolmen.

- Well considered and treated in the Worm Cult, he's becomming hell of a recruiter. When the planemeld begins and the first anchor falls, Xangr feels in his guts that now there's no turning back anymore, and gives almost his life for his studies. Molag Bal promises him new shapes of his body, the ability to molden it, to even create life, Xangr is obsessed by it. One day, a desperate young Altmer brings her newly bitten young brother. Xangr, seduced by Coldharbour, pretends to them Vampire is a gift. The young man, Valestair, rejects it then flees. His older sister, Qualixte, succombs and embraces vampirism. Xangr is satisfied, such is the Master.

- At the end of the planemeld, Mannimarco betrayed. Xangr falls apart knowing so and Sigmael comes back. Taking off his helmet, Sig leaves the Cell without care. They were in Eastmarch. On the same day, almost all remaining cultists in this cell got killed by nords, as the footprints of Sigmael were leading there. Sigmael/Xangr is considered now a traitor.

- Years and years later, Xangr recovers and changes. He stops working for Molag Bal, which makes him suffer from the remainings of Oblivion he played with. He's growning cold and hungry, more day by day. He's learning to leave by himself, but is still tempted by flesh and repulsed by his own body. A dunmer called Ildaeru comes to him, seeking help, and they will build a strong friendship. Two years ago, Xangr stabbed her in front of Molag Bal's altar, offering her soul to his ancient Master to finally feel warmth again.

- He spended years escaping the Telvanni House as Asasu Llervan gaigned power there. Thirsty for justice and explainations, she seeks him everywhere. On a trip to Summerset, she allied to the Divine Prosecution, explaining a worm cultist was active here. Xangr got caught and lied so GOOD to the justiciars... They ended up thinking the Telvanni house tried to manipulate them into restituing it a lost slave, and as Altmers flatter themselves about not being as rude and brutal as dunmers, they freed him on the Continent for him to flee again. Disastrous, as the allecutions about being a Worm Cultist and bearing forbidden knowledge were true.

And again again again... Its so long to resume it honestly, but it gives a sample <3<3