#it is a developing relationship especially on atsushi’s side

[ahli-stuff]

Yeah!

I didn't want to make the reblog chain any longer but I just wanted to say I actually don't consider Fyodor's attachment to Dazai as one sided because of this statement from Asagiri: "There are rare moments when Dazai shows his very “human” side. That is when he talks to another superhuman who is on the same level with him. The other is when he talks about his old friend who has passed." But like you mentioned, they're on opposite sides so they're totally doomed hehe. Some fyozai fans like to create AUs where Dazai convinces Fyodor to embrace goodness, but I like thinking about the reverse where Fyodor convinces Dazai to embrace evilness. 😈Imagine how terrifying that would be to have the both of them as antagonists? Nobody would be able to stop them.

AH, hello rblogger! It’s funny that you said you didn’t want to make the reblog chain longer, because I was making a another separate post in my drafts for that exact same reason. This is the current tag of that post:

And that quote! I’ve never seen it before, that’s so interesting! It recontextualizes what I previously thought about about Dazai’s feelings towards Fyodor. Funny how a certain redhead isn’t included in the people Dazai shows his “human side” to, isn’t it? (I’m sorry skk shippers please don’t kill me.)

To me, it seems that there are two faces to Dazai’s “human” side. There is the part of him that good be traditionally considered “good” and the part of him that could be traditionally considered “evil.” A paraphrased version of a quote I almost remember by heart, is when Oda tells Dazai: “if it makes no difference to you whether you kill or save people in this world, be on the side that saves people.”

In the context of the quote you mentioned and the one I just did, Fyodor represents “kill” and Oda represents “save,” the two ends of the spectrum of what kind of “human” Dazai could be.

With this information, I would consider fyozai’s dynamic requited, but I also think… that’s only if Oda’s character ceases to exist.

I firmly believe that in every universe that Oda and Dazai exist, Dazai chooses Oda. Above Fyodor, above Chuuya, above Atsushi, above the armed detective agency, above the entire world—Dazai will screw up the lives of everybody as long as he can save Oda.

This is evidenced in the Beast universe: a world where Dazai does exactly that.

It could then be plausibly believed that Fyodor and Dazai have a chance at being ride-or-die partners in crime in an alternate universe where Dazai exists and Oda doesn’t—but I highly doubt that. Dazai and Oda’s fates are so intertwined across universes that in every universe where Dazai lives, Oda dies. The opposite is also true; in the only universe that Oda lives, Dazai dies.

Out of billions of universes, the only one where Oda lives, Dazai must die. I argue this shows the sheer extent to which Dazai and Oda’s fate are intertwined, and because they are intertwined, Oda is a central part of Dazai’s character development in every universe.

Of course Dazai being friends with Fyodor and Dazai being friends with Oda aren’t mutually exclusive things, but any kind of relationship Dazai would willingly entertain with Fyodor would always be colored by Oda’s influence, if you know what I mean?

It’s like… having a very memorable ex, even though I don’t ship Odazai.

It is my of my opinion, canonically, that Oda is the only person with the capacity to significantly change Dazai. That is what I mean by Fyodor and Dazai’s dynamic being unrequited—it could be requited, Fyodor understands Dazai, so he could theoretically change him, but it will never be to the degree that Oda changes Dazai. I believe Dazai will always put Oda’s words above everyone else’s, and I believe Oda exists in every universe Dazai exists in.

[kyouka-supremacy]

Tangentially related to the last Beast sskk post, just something that has been going through my mind A LOT in the last period:

There's this tendency I see of characterizing post-Beast sskk as being on very bad terms with each other, keeping on hating each other even after Dazai's death, and I personally can't relate with that interpretation. To me the canon Beast sskk development is, more or less, a warming up to each other speedrun. All the issues they used to have, about being on opposites sides, about having contrasting ethics, were already sorted up in canon, violently and unmercifully, but most importantly thoroughly and definitely. I find it very easy to believe they'd get along post canon, because everything they had to sort out between them, they already did fully.

When I say that Beast sskk is more or less a warming up to each other speedrun, it's also in the perspective of Beast sskk being a general speedrun to what sskk are in the canon timeline: because I do believe sskk's is a progression towards warming up to each other¹, and in a lot of ways it's already visible in canon, through Atsushi helping Akutagawa in the cannibalism arc despite allegedly hating to work with him, through Akutagawa dying so that Atsushi could escape, through Atsushi wearing Rashomon and Akutagawa letting him wear it and everything that entails. The thing is, when it comes to them, Beast sskk have already seen each other bare; they HAVE seen each other at their lowest point already. If there ever was a peak of hate between them, they've already reached it, and that means the tension is only going to plummet from there. There's nothing left for hate anymore, only for understanding and compassion and love.

“More or less” of a speedrun, that is, because honestly? Beast sskk never needed to warm up to each other, because they didn't start from hating, wholly and sincerely, each other like their canon counterparts did. Beast sskk started from a place of common ground, of genuine sympathy and liking for each other. When they started fighting, I think they were both pained from having to fight each other, who shortly beforehand they had found so easy to relate to and most importantly who they felt understood from. If they hated each other at some point - which, everything accounted, is still realistic, especially given the threat they both posed to their little sisters and more generally to their weaknesses and insecurities -, all accounted it was still brief (literally. didn't last more than half a day), and likely easy to leave behind. In the end I just think for Beast sskk it's going to be easy - spontaneous, even -, to go back to the warm acceptance and understanding they shared on their first meeting; because, differently from their canon counterparts, they know that in normal circumstances they get along, and that's something they can't lie about to themselves and pretend it's not true. They can't lie to themselves about hating each other like canon sskk do; so really, Beast sskk is left no other choice than to get along.

As a final note, I think it would also be easier for Beast sskk to get along because Beast Atsushi doesn't feel to be on an higher moral pedestal like his canon counterpart does, so a lot of moral conflict between Atsushi and Akutagawa simply doesn't happen in Beast.

¹ In a way that, for comparison, skk aren't, who remained more or less frozen on the stance of “hating you (that is also loving you)”. Regarding that, I agree with the interpretation of canon some people offered that the manga is the story of sskk's progression, while skk's relationship is already fully developed.

[damagedintellect]

Nakahara Chuuya x Reader

💌 Would this be considered a social suicide? : Chapter 2 💌  

Summary: You knew it was dangerous to take walks at night but hearing the water rushing under the bridge was calming to your nerves. You didn’t imagine you’d ever fall into the river and somehow wake up in your favorite anime. The isekai that I’m sure will come back to haunt me. It’s kept me up all night but I might as well get the brainrot out.

Notes: Reader is Isekai’d into BSD, Slow to start, Chuuya is endgame but there’s a fair bit of reader & Dazai moments too 

💌 Word count: 2,929 💌 Available Chapters [1] [You are here] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

The next morning you were woken up to a phone call. It was weird since the ringtone was not the one you were used to and the phone wasn’t placed where you normally put it by your side. You tried to keep your eyes closed, you were still tired. Eventually your hand found a flip phone and you picked up the call. 

“Yeah.” you sounded dead tired but sure enough Dazai’s chipper voice filled your ear. “And good morning to you~”

You groaned only half heartedly mumbling “It’s too early for this. Call Atsushi to get you out of the oil drum or whatever you got yourself stuck in. I’m going back to sleep.” You ended up slurring some of the words but you were on the precipice of falling back asleep.

“Wow, that's rude to say to someone who saved your life last night. I called you in good faith that my darling (Y/N) would help me with this emergency. Although that does leave me wondering, does your ability make you psychic?” That’s when the events from the night prior stirred you from your sleepy haze. Oh shit. You felt like you were dunked in cold water. Too much, you fucked up. Fix it. Lie. Lie like your life depends on it. What would Atsushi do? He’d panic and apologize right?

“OH GOD IT WASN’T A DREAM! I thought I was still dreaming. It was just a guess, I’m sorry Dazai I’ll-” you were cut off. Perfect.

“Calm down, I was only teasing you but you should come out once you’ve changed. Atsushi’s already downstairs waiting for you.” He ended the call swiftly after. 

That could have gone better but at least it wasn’t the worst thing having him think you had an ability. Maybe it was a good thing but still you didn’t like the casualness of it all. Dazai was one of your favorite characters that you knew way too much about. Naturally you don’t want to get on his bad side but you wanted to be kept close. Even though you feel like you can anticipate where he’s coming from, the fact of the matter is he’s supposed to be unpredictable. The problem is you want to be important but the man is a walking redflag and boy do you love flags. You already know romance was not an option especially with the way he flirts with women. He clearly doesn't have much interest in such a thing anyways. His idea that everything he desires will be taken from him always gets in the way of developing any deep meaningful relationship anyhow. Or at least was your guess based on what you’ve read. You feel like that’s the reason why he’s always annoying everyone all the time so in the event something were to happen to either them or himself he could continue without much worry. Especially since he wants to die without being a burden to anyone. You shift your focus to the clothes provided for you, a white button up shirt, pants and boots similar to Atsushi’s but instead of suspenders and a tie you were given a lightweight sweater vest to complete your look. You thought it was cute as you looked in the mirror on your way out the door.

You didn’t say much on the way through town, still embarrassed about how you spoke on the phone. Dazai spoke primarily about the job he would help get you both. Sometimes he would glance back at you just to make sure you were still listening. He even winked at you when he was talking about how good of a fit the two of you would be. The man had no right to be this attractive. As Dazai finished talking himself up Kunikida stormed in to set the record straight. 

Atsushi looked over to you “I’m starting to have second thoughts about accepting his help. Maybe I should just look for a job on my own.” 

“Eh, Dazai might seem like a moron but I’d trust him on this one. Think about it, you don’t exactly have the greatest credentials to get a job anyhow.” You shrugged, shoving your hands in your pockets. The reason you didn’t get much sleep last night is because you were dreading the next thing Kunikida was about to say. You're afraid you'll be absolutely useless.

“We have an emergency. A man has taken a hostage and threatened to blow up our office.”

Atsushi tried to protest but Dazai and Kunikida were not having it. You followed along without complaint, of course as was your plan from the beginning. If you’re being honest you forgot half of what Junichiro’s speech was about until you heard it right now. Like who was he talking to if not you guys hiding behind the decorative shrubbery. The office workers and hostage had been there for a while. Why wait till right now to say those things. Atsushi was still trying to whimper his way out of helping and Dazai was trying to coax him otherwise. You only nodded along.

“Then there’s only one option.” Dazai said taking a stance with Kunikida following suit. The game of rock, paper, scissors was short and the face Atsushi was making was priceless. Kunikida stood up and approached the “mad bomber” as calmly as he could. “Hey, easy does it kid.”

“Stay away, I only want to see the president! Don’t you try anything funny or I’ll blow this place to bits.”

Kunikida put his hands up slowly and backed away “Okay.”

“I know who you are. You’re Kunikida. You want me to lower my guard so that you can use that annoying ability of yours to stop me. Well that sure ain't happening. Lay on that desk on your hands and knees, and keep both feet above your head- ” as he continued on, you shook with laughter, suppressing the sound at the strange but clearly not well thought order. You saw Dazai side eye you and you whispered “Sorry I know this is bad but the request he was making, how would Kunikida, just never mind. This means you can’t go out there either, Dazai.”

“It would only make him more angry. Oh my whatever shall we do now?”

You both looked at Atsushi “Absolutely not.”

“I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“I already know what you’re gonna ask.” 

You sighed “Atsushi we are the only option.” Dazai nodded “You’re not a formal member and the bomber doesn’t know either of you at all.”

Before Dazai could move you were already rummaging through the boxes to grab newspapers. “Listen, you just need to distract him long enough for me to back you up. We got this alright?” you looked at Dazai for confirmation.

You took the words out of Dazai’s mouth but he just shrugged continuing the thought. “Yeah. How bout you put on an act. Make it depressing like you think you’re a real worthless human being. I know you can do it right?”

You handed Atsushi the newspapers but he still looked worried. Dazai dropped the smile whispering “Trust me, scuffles on this scale are child's play compared to what we normally deal with. You can handle this Atsushi.” He was quaking in his boots as he started his speech. Dazai looked at you and raised an eyebrow. You gave a pointed look at Kunikida “Since Atsushi looks around the same age as the guy it’s better for him to be the one to reason with him. Worst case scenario I’ll just run and throw myself on the bomb. I already don’t have any memories anyways” you don’t look at Dazai’s face you half expected him to make a double suicide offer. Atsushi got right in Junichiro’s face making the perfect opening for Kunikida. While everyone was distracted with relief you started to untie Naomi, ushering her to the other side of the room. By the time Dazai started messing with Kunikida you had already walked behind the desk ready to move the bomb to the far corner.

“Now you’ll pay. I swear anyone with supernatural powers is not totally right in the head.” Tanizaki declared pressing the detonator.

Once the bomb started ticking you were already in the corner. You turned crouching around the bomb “Thanks for last night, it was great we should do it again sometime!” You smiled fearlessly at Atsushi as he grabbed the bomb from your arms and pushed you away. Dazai caught you as you stumbled back. The bomb didn’t go off of course and you all stood around Atsushi. Dazai helped you to your feet asking if you were okay and you nodded.

“Geez you know I figured the kid was stupid but I didn’t expect them both to be suicidal.” Kunikida groaned while Dazai chimed “It seems I’m rubbing off on them. Wouldn’t you agree, Tanizaki?” The redhead peered around Kunikida’s side hesitantly “Sorry, are you okay?”

"Heee?"

You laughed at Atsushi’s confusion as it shifts to clear irritation. “I’m guessing that was the entrance exam?” you turned towards Dazai for confirmation as the president walked in.

“You’re exactly right.” Fukuzawa then explained the rest of the sentiment with Dazai’s plan to get you both into the agency. You leaned on the desk behind you waiting for Atsushi to come to terms with his decision. He was arguing with how violent the job is for him but you pointed out “Way too violent? I don’t think you can say that when you pried me off a bomb to protect everyone.”

He still needed more convincing but you stopped paying attention. Sitting in the closest chair you relaxed into the piece of furniture. Wasn’t your best but wasn’t your worst. Eventually you all went to the cafe downstairs. You got a hot chocolate not really being a fan of coffee and not feeling like tea. You were already tired but it was still only afternoon. You guys still had the whole day ahead of you. 

Junichiro was apologizing to you both but you told him not to sweat it. You made the claim that at some point you realized that he and Naomi were siblings. Naomi didn't even need to be prompted to start molesting her brother. As the siblings did their thing Kunikida came up to talk with you both about upholding the agency’s good name. Meanwhile Dazai was doing the exact opposite by flirting with the hostess. That’s when Atsushi asked what they did before working at the agency.

“Take a guess. It’s a game we play a lot here actually. Newcomer tries to guess his colleagues' former occupations. Think of it as part of training to be a private investigator.”

Atsushi looked at you before you added “I’ve been pretty good at guessing games so far. I'll take my guesses once you get stumped.” You folded your hands behind your head giving him the lead. He hummed “I want to say Junichiro and Naomi were students?” 

“Whoa you got it. Nice one.”

“How did you figure that one out?”

The siblings looked surprised but they really shouldn’t be. It was so obvious given their age and the fact that one of them was literally in a uniform. Why else would they only be part timers “Not half bad Atsushi. What about Mr. Kunikida?” The aforementioned blonde spat out his coffee. “Nobody cares about what I used to be alright!”

Atsushi tried to focus again “Hmm, an official? Did he have a government job?”

“Almost. What do you think (Y/N)?” Dazai gave you time to answer “It might be the glasses but “Mr. Kunikida” screams math teacher.” 

“I could totally picture that actually.” Atsushi responded flatly. Kunikida was grumbling “It was another life. I don’t even want to think about it.”

“What about me then?” Dazai perked up in his chair.

“What did you do?”

“Yup my job.” Dazai smiled knowing he would have no way of guessing. Atsushi went on a rampage trying to guess it. You just sipped your coco waiting. Debating if it was a good idea to frazzle the brunette by letting him know but you wanted to see his face. Kunikida huffed, betting he didn't actually have an occupation before this.

“Not true, I would never lie about something like this. You've given up right?”

Junichiro’s phone went off, drawing everyone’s attention to the call. It was work, Higuchi to be exact. Dazai tried to wrap it up "Let’s save the guessing game-"

"Actually I would like to take my shot in the dark if it's all the same to everyone else. I only need one guess to be right." You interjected immediately. You made up your mind. This was happening. It's about to go down.

Dazai perked up cheerily like he had been for the past few minutes as you leaned in between him and Kunikida. You cupped your hand around his ear whispering “The demon prodigy and ex- port mafia executive himself, Osamu Dazai.” When you pulled away he fiend ignorance and kept up his usual comical persona “Ding ding ding we have a winner! Now let's go meet with our client shall we.” He stood up and started ushering everyone upstairs shooing Kunikida when he tried to ask questions “Wait just like that! I wanna know.” Atsushi followed after. As you passed Dazai he put his hand on your shoulder. The weight was feather light to the touch but had a more threatening presence than a simple hand should have. Had you not thought about your answer the moment you woke here you might have been shaken but your resolve stayed firm. 

“What gave it away?” his voice was warm against your ear. You took a deep breath turning to stare at him and recited the line you practiced in your head. “Ability or not I can see it in your eyes.” you smiled before going after the others. That’s all you should say for now if you continue who knows what the consequences will be. You still had to come up with something to avoid being gunned down by Higuchi or worse killed by Akutagawa.

—

You decided that while Higuchi was leading you to the alley you would start idle chit chat. If you could convince her that you had an ability, maybe she'd feel threatened? That sounded stupid. You could just use Atsushi as a meat shield. You're not picky. "Ichiyo, do you perhaps have someone dear to you who has obscure coughing fits. I apologize if I'm being forward." You skipped alongside her fast pace. Her face shifted for a second. She never gave you her first name. "I do, it must be allergy season right?" You could almost feel the sweat drop at the possibility of the mission being compromised.

You shook your head "If their name is Ryunosuke I'm afraid it's a lung disease. My ability is random foresight but never wrong. It's not my place to say but you should make sure he gets it looked at." You smiled innocently as she was taken aback. Once you got to the threshold of the alley she announced your arrival ignoring your comment. You made sure to stand behind Atsushi knowing she wouldn't risk it. Until Akutagawa showed up, standing behind Atsushi was a good strategy.

As Akutagawa was about to attack you held up your hand and he paused, unsure if you were about to use an ability he didn’t know about. Since you were so new to the agency there wasn't any information about your level of skill. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, not unless you want to make Dazai very angry." He tensed at the mention of his former mentor. "Oh? And why is that?" He pointed a tendril to your neck drawing the slightest bit of blood.

"Because I'm the woman he's going to commit a double suicide with." You smirk knowing he wouldn't dare touch what "belongs" to Dazai. You wonder if he could hear that through the wire. Hopefully you were far enough away from Higuchi. "Very well. Don't get in the way and I'll spare your life." You backed away and watched the show. Junichiro struggled to look back at you making an attempt to glare. As subtle as you could you tried to give him a reassuring look that it was part of a plan and not you being scum. Technically you were being scum but he should cut you some slack. You weren't a fighter.

When Dazai was finished resolving the issue he bounced over to you. "So you're the woman who will commit suicide with me?" He marveled at you with a twinkle in his eyes and sarcasm on his tongue. "I mean you never actually asked but if I get to pick the cause of death, I don't see why not" You had planned for this too. On top of that you were surprised at how long it took for you to be in contention. You must look younger than you were or you could just not be his type. Who knows really when it comes to Dazai.

His eyes widened and you weren’t sure if he thought you were being serious or if he was just playing it up "Of course! What did you have in mind?"

You giggled "Old age." He didn't look amused. "Har Har. You're so proud of yourself aren't you?" He helped Naomi on to your back as he tried to figure out how to carry the boys. 

"Extremely."

<= Previous Chapter | Next Chapter =>

[andromeda612]

SSKK Parallels I want to see, please qwq Asagiri, I'm begging you

Ok so I need to cope from not only the angst of the last episodes of the anime, but also the fact Bones onces again robbed us from important SSKK scenes qwq

So, I'm part of the people that believe the vampirism can be reversed and that Akutagawa will live thanks to that.

So, one thing that I really want to see in the future of the manga but know it probably won't happen (but who knows, only Asagiri) is a parallel to this part.

We know the reasons they failed was because of two things, one they didn't trusted each other so they didn't used the strategy Fukuchi himself said would have been his defeat, and we can't blame them for not trusting each other like that, not with their story and while Akutagawa seemed to trust their efforts and maybe even Atsushi, Atsushi here is the one with the most reasons to not trust Akutagawa and he still did a bit during their final attack, and even then they were not ready for this level of trust, not like their predecessors, SKK despised each other but still trusted each other with their lives on the battle field, they however had years to build up that trust for having to work together on the same organization, I think given SSKK circumstances the fact they managed to last that long and briefly success says a lot of their potential, they simply were not ready for this battle. The second reason was Fukuchi's sword, a powerful weapon neither of them was counting on, paired with Fukuchi himself who is an already hard to beat opponent on his own.

That being said, this is something they both could learn from, both of them have questions and thoughts regarding this, about the fact Akutagawa saved Atsushi so it also allows window for them to learn from each other and themselves in the case they can turn Akutagawa back to normal, and if they do this would open a frame time for them to talk this stuff out, to grown a bit and reach a point when they can trust each other even if it's only for this mission, and I believe that having Ranpo and maybe even Dazai on board, coming up with a plan, even in the middle of the end (given chapter 109's ending qwq) is possible to come up with a plan to secure victory.

So picture this, Akutagawa is reversed from the vampirization and is now back in the game on their side, staying with them as they are the only ones left capable of stopping Fukuchi. The plan is ready and SSKK are tasked to fight Fukuchi again, to deal the final blow to him, just them. They nod determined to not fail this time, but then another character makes the question.

"But... with just the two of them?"

At this both Akutagawa and Atsushi look at each other, they lock eyes in a way that make it seem they are talking through their shared look, and then their eyes gain a determined shine to them, their faces show their conviction, they nod to each other, and maybe even smirk in Akutagawa's case and grin in Atsushi's. Then Atsushi, still grinning, looks at the character who asked and says with conviction and security.

"Do we need more than that?"

And they go to the final battle in this war.

Don't tell me this wouldn't be such a good parallel to have, especially because it would reflect the evolution of their relationship, which I think already started developing when they made their six months deal, their relationship is far from fully developed, they still have a long path ahead (which is why I don't think Akutagawa will truly die even after the vampirism is reversed) but this would mark a point in their character arcs and dynamic with each other, it would be a reference point about how their relationship has grown.

But well, I'm juts a fan, a fan coping with what's happening in both the anime and the manga and who just wants the characters to succeed.

Thank you for reading my rant/wish/delusions

[official-lunarsolar]

sigzai is on the rise with the dance scene and i feel the need to rant about why i do not ship it. no hate to those who do, but i feel like this side needs to be said (i know i said i would try to resist. i tried)

sigma needs someone genuine in his life. atsushi is an example of this. he tells sigma that he's worthy without even knowing him. he sees sigma as having inherent worth, unrelated to the mission or any other way to use him. sigma has been used his entire life. dazai is so much better than he was when he was in the mafia, but he still has a habit of manipulating people. especially when he's not around the agency, he tends to regress and think of people less as people. he does this to sigma, even though he treats him relatively well, he's still manipulating him. sigma responds to it so well because he's been shown so little kindness, not because he reciprocates

sigma doesn't want a romantic relationship, he wants a place to belong. that can't be a single person. he wants to join the agency because it feels like a place he could genuinely belong. dazai is his connection to the agency. this doesn't imply a romantic relationship to me

maybe it's just me but i see sigma as aromantic. he doesn't seem to want to pursue any romantic relationship and, as a character, i don't think it would benefit his arc/development. it oversimplifies the desire of a place to belong into wanting a romantic relationship. i also see that tying in to amatonormativity and the idea of needing romance to be fulfilled in life

they've known each other for less than half an hour at this point

[grymmnox]

weekly fic recs #29

hiiii totall forgot it was saturday whoopsies

fandom(s): bungo stray dogs, my hero academia, the owl house

ship(s): soukoku, shin soukoku, rimlaine, zenku soukoku (is that their ship name?? my memory sucks. mori n fukuzawa), kunikidazai, kunichuuzai (? kunisoukoku??? i like kunichuuzai better i think)

Oneshots

the importance of changing bandages; candy_cigarettes - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 2.3k words | chuuya/dazai, chuuya & dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

"If they ever shared soft moments like this– Dazai humming a tune while Chuuya unwrapped his armor of bandages– Chuuya had forced himself to forget it.

Tonight felt like the first time Chuuya’s fingers were ever this gentle, especially brushing against Dazai’s bare skin; tonight felt like the first time Dazai allowed himself to be truly unwound."

or

Dazai gets drunk, and Chuuya does his best.

Anesthesia High; pickleurpickle - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 4.1k words | chuuya/dazai, chuuya & dazai, dazai & kunikida, atsushi & dazai & kyouka

summary:

After getting his wisdom teeth removed, Atsushi and Kyouka are given the task of collecting Dazai after the surgery. Neither were expecting to find that an executive had beaten them to it.

Or, Atsushi and Kyouka watching Dazai and Chuuya interact gently with eachother for a change while coincidentally at the dentist

Morning Rolls Around; Bibliophile109 - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 5.6k words | READ TAGS

summary:

Dazai struggles with depression—old news. But when it looks like his brain will kill him before he even gets the chance to fulfill Oda’s last request, he turns to drastic measures.

“Dazai’s memory has always been infallible; a steel trap, more machine than human, just like his ability to strategize and manipulate. Losing that certainty… is not something he takes lightly.”

Bird Bones in Spring; whatafunnythinglifeis - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 26.7k words | chuuya/dazai, akutagawa/atsushi, ranpo & yosano, dazai & yosano, dazai & kunikida, kouyou & yosano, atsushi & ranpo, mori & yosano, dazai & mori, atsushi & kyouka, ADA & dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

In which Corruption has turned against its vessel's saving grace not once, but two times.

Chuuya struggles with Corruption and the effects of what he had done while in that state while Dazai tries to be more honest, and is encouraged to do so by those around him despite the possible consequences. Yosano gets tipsy so that she can face her problems without having a mental breakdown, and Atsushi tries to understand what's going on while trying to come to terms with the relationship that he has been developing with a certain mafioso.

Please keep the tags in mind!

June 19th, 23:59; bluemoonwisteria_fuji (wisteriafuji) - bungo stray dogs

general audiences | 2.8k words | dazai & kunikida, dazai/kunikida, ADA & dazai, dazai & mori

summary:

“Well, I suppose it’s only fitting,” Dazai muses, his voice awfully melancholic. “After all, birthday parties are reserved for those who are worth celebrating.”

“Don’t say that.” Kunikida nudges his partner. “You’re quite the handful. And yes, you’re shortening my lifespan on a daily basis. But, I have seen more than just the silly, childish side of you. I have seen a very caring and selfless man who willingly throws himself in danger’s way just to help people. And that Dazai deserves more than he’ll ever know.”

“You’re far too kind, Kunikida-kun.”

Or, the Agency decides to throw a surprise birthday party for Dazai, and Kunikida is assigned to keep him away from the office while the preparations are being made. Things go slightly awry because it’s Dazai and he just can't seem to have nice things. Or can he?

circle of praise; Oxalisalis - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 1.8k words | ADA & atsushi, ADA & dazai

summary:

Within the agency, there is a secret, surefire way to boost low morale. Atsushi is about to experience it firsthand.

OR

Atsushi is feeling down, so the agency members work together to lift his spirits. Featuring aggressive praise, backhanded compliments, and one very embarrassed Dazai.

Silence Says More Than You Could Know; nakkacor - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 2k words | ADA & PM, ADA & dazai, dazai & PM, atsushi & PM, ADA & atsushi, dazai & mori, atsushi & dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

“There will always be a place for you by my side, Dazai-kun.”

“There will always be a place for you in hell.”

-

Atsushi can smell feelings on everyone except Dazai, but in a time where Atsushi thought nothing could change as much as it has, it seems as if that will change too.

I miss you; Scarlet_Nin - bungo stray dogs

not rated | 3.7k words | ADA & dazai, dazai & oda, chuuya & dazai

summary:

“Why celebrate a day I am alive longer, when I want to die? Honestly, the image of some fat guy breaking into houses to leave presents is amusing. Are you Santa, Odasaku? You’ve done the same, haven’t you? Breaking into people’s houses undetected only with a small difference.”

Speaking of his own crimes is easier than speaking of Odasaku’s for reasons he can’t explain. They both know how much blood is on each other’s hands, so there is no reason to remind his friend. Wallowing in the past is wasted time, he doesn’t wish to have. Also, knowing what face Odasaku will make leaves the taste of his whiskey unsavory bitter on his tongue.

“I am.”

“Of course, that’s—wait, hang on, you are?” A single eye blinks, taken aback.

Heart to Heart; mostladylikeladythateverladied (orphan_account) - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 1.4k words | chuuya/dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

He squeezed Dazai’s hand, then let go and moved to his injured leg. The blood was beginning to leak through the shoddy workmanship and a better wrap with some disinfectant was needed quickly. Still, Chuuya’s hands shook a little which forced him to slow down. Eventually, the bandages came loose and the bare skin beneath revealed their secret.

“...What is this?”

You Would Hold Your Cards Inside Your Chest; BloomingAlyssum - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 1.1k words | dazai & ranpo

summary:

Ranpo and the newbie stop at a bakery on the way back from a case.

How Could I Trust Me With Anyone Else?; Magical_Bucket - bungo stray dogs

mature | 10.7k words | chuuya/dazai, ango & dazai & oda, chuuya & oda, ango & dazai, dazai & oda | READ TAGS

summary:

""But… Chuuya’s such a loyal dog, and dog's are known for their separation anxiety, right? What if Chuuya gets so unsocialized his tiny brain reverts to growling forever!" Dazai huffed and pouted at the ceiling, Ango couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head. Oda simply sighed similarly to how a tired, disappointed parent would."

After a raid goes off the rails, Dazai jumps from a window to save Chuuya, landing them both in the hospital. This is fine, according to Dazai. What was not fine, however, was getting dragged to the hospital and separated while Chuuya's phobia mixed with his usual post corruption state existed.

Needless to say, Dazai is not happy about any of it.

close your eyes, have no fear (the monster is gone); boopiejokes - the owl house

general audiences | 2.5k words | eda & hunter, hunter & luz

summary:

Eda wasn’t all that shocked to find the post Golden Guard pressed up against the wall, gloved hands over his mouth and tears shining in his eyes in a need for comfort, even if he didn’t know it himself.

{ he’s on the run, and your momma’s here }

Completed Fics

Shayō; YunaYamiMoto - bsd/mha fusion

teen and up | 3 chapters | 21.1k words | chuuya/dazai, rimbaud/verlaine, dazai & mori, dazai & PM, chuuya & PM, hawks & miruko, aizawa & hawks, nezu & U.A. staff, all might & nezu, dazai & hirotsu, fukuzawa/mori, ADA & PM, LOV & shigaraki, akutagawa & atsushi, akutagawa & dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

The Symbol of Peace has retired and no other Hero could fill in his shoes, so the Hero-vs-Villains based society of Japan slides slowly from All Might's blinding light and takes a dip into the darkness and shadows of the night. Only to find a Demon staring back with a God of Calamity in his command and the power to make the Underworld outside of Yokohama tremble in fear.

Incomplete Fics

i'll die in his cold, cold arms; venusdahlia - bungo stray dogs

mature | 24/? chapters | 115k words | chuuya/dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

“Dazai-san, you’re staring.” Atsushi noticed, finding a spot over the railing next to Dazai. “Hm. I guess so.” He replied, not looking away from the rink. Just for a moment, the brunet’s eyes reflected the bright light from the overhead lights, a bright glow engulfing them. “It’s not that often I have the time to see you guys act so barbaric, it’s very entertaining.”

Atsushi gave the other a light shove. “Is that really what you’re here to see?”

Annoyed, Dazai moved his gaze with narrow eyes towards Atsushi. Before he could shoot back at him, a loud yell from the rink interrupted them. “THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING AT, YOU LOUSY PILE OF BANDAGES?!”

-

Where after losing a bet, Nakahara Chuuya, a skilled but short-tempered hockey player, is forced to train with Dazai Osamu , the most annoying figure skater he had the misfortune to meet.

The Edge of the Forest and Sea; inkygo, Volvihoney - bungo stray dogs

mature | 11/? chapters | 17.8k words | dazai/kunikida, chuuya/dazai, chuuya/dazai/kunikida, chuuya & dazai & kunikida, dazai & ranpo, atsushi & dazai, chuuya/kunikida | READ TAGS

summary:

“I’m sure your new plaything is too wrapped up in your lies to be out to get you, and you’d just pick my new lock anyways.”

“Chuu-chuu thinks so low of me!”

or After everything is resolved, Dazai is forcibly dragged to therapy by his boyfriend, Kunikida. Things are rediscovered that he would have rather kept buried.

Dazai Undercover; Bibliophile109 - bungo stray dogs

teen and up | 5/? chapters | 6k words | ADA & dazai

summary:

“I thought the new employee was recommended by the Special Abilities Department,” Kunikida says weakly.

The man waves his hand carelessly. “Yes, yes, Father knows someone there, it’s all very convenient. Say, would you happen to know when the lunch break is?”

-

Dazai puts a bit more effort into hiding his Mafia background from the ADA, and ends up pretending to be a spoiled rich kid.

a legacy of love; magicandlight - bungo stray dogs

mature | 17/? chapters | 30.5k words | chuuya/dazai | READ TAGS

summary:

He's been sick for weeks when he finally gives in and goes to a free clinic.

If it weren't for his promise to Odasaku, he wouldn't have bothered. Dazai would have just allowed whatever mysterious illness he had to kill him.

But he promised Oda he'd be better, and he hasn't done that yet.

Maybe it's cancer, he thinks. The symptoms technically fit.

(Spoiler: It's Not.)

[bungobble-my-balls]

You bring up some interesting points! I was originally just leaving this post and the replies to it, but I can tell this subject is close to you so I just wanted to clear some things up.

(Also I technically did say 'correct me if I'm wrong' at the start, so you were just holding me accountable to that lol)

I think you might have misunderstood what I'm saying here. It definitely might be from a matter of wording though. Tbh I was just writing as I thought of it (even if these have been my thoughts for a long time) and I was expecting this post to get like, 5 or 15 notes. I wasn't expecting it to blow up like it did, and if I had intended that I would've definitely more carefully made some things clear.

My main motivation for writing this post, was because of the very common fanon misconception that Atsushi is like any other 'kind hearted, always willing to help others' shonen MC, especially in regards to his relationship with Akutagawa. A lot of people seem to see their 'yin/yang' symbolism to mean 'Atsushi is good but can be secretly bad and Akutagawa is bad but can be secretly good'. While I can see how some people could read it that way, I think it's very far from their actual dynamic, and I don't think any bsd character can be put so easily into 'good and bad' categories. A big part of the series is how grey all of the cast are. I made this post to offer the alternative to the symbolism that I thought was more accurate to their characters.

(I'm guessing that we're on the same page at least in that regard. You don't seem like the type of person who agrees with the fanon misconception I stated above).

Atsushi is someone who acts for good reasons and does good things, yes, but I wanted to point out how Atsushi does have a selfish side that is often ignored by the fandom. He's not some innocent, sweet, heroic MC. He's a lot more complicated than that, and I see him more as someone that doesn't automatically go for the most kindhearted route but chooses to, similar to how Dazai chose to help people to honour his friend even if that's not what he would've done initially. Bsd has a lot of focus on characters who do good things not because it's just 'how they are', but because its how they choose to be. It's why Akutagawa, who was a villain at first, was initially the reverse. Someone who initially had kind intentions towards people who CHOSE to hurt people (even if it was a result of his environment). It doesn't even have to be saving people to show someone as 'kind', it could've been anything, but Asagiri chose to have 'saving people' as a tool to show how his characters develop.

In this sense, I also don't think it's accurate to say 'Atsushi is bad and Akutagawa is good'. My post wasn't meant to offer a role reversal of the dynamic, it was meant to offer a deconstruction of it and a different way to analyse WHY Asagiri gave this symbolism to these two in the first place.

To me, the 'yin yang' symbolism isn't about strict categories, it's more like a guide Asagiri uses for Atsushi and Akutagawa to show how they contrast eachother. These guides can of course be broken, and the two can act in ways that contrast it, but when together or put into similar situations, the symbolism shows to the audience more and shows what's different between these two characters. That's how I view all symbolism tbh, not as strict rules for the characters but as guides to help the audience analyse them.

You're right when you say it's not selfish to not help people, no one should have to put the weight of everyone else on their shoulders, but we should also consider Atsushi's character from a writing standpoint rather than just a standpoint of him as a person. Bungou stray dogs is a series that centres around saving people, so to show how a character might be selfish, Asagiri writes this character to be someone who doesn't initially save people just for the sake of saving them.

Atsushi isn't wrong to want to leave, to not save everyone. Him being selfish isn't a bad thing, people need to be selfish sometimes to live healthily. The problem for him is WHY he's selfish, that his reasons for wanting to save people are UNHEALTHY for him. He initially tries to save people out of a lack of self worth, and a belief that his only purpose is to die in order to keep others safe because the director made him think that. He's not acting out of kindness, he's acting out of seeing a lack of worth in himself. As the series progresses, Atsushi is able to shift his reason for saving people more into something healthy. He has more trust in himself, trust in his comrades, and he starts saving people not from a lack of self worth, but out of empathy and a want to help these people reach a better life too. It's not that his initial reasons are 'bad' because they're bad for others, they're 'bad' because they're bad for HIM. It's wrong because he's hurting HIMSELF.

As a character in this series, Atsushi will always save people. Every character in the ADA and others in this series are written to be characters who save people. So while it's definitely OK and more healthy to not save everyone because it's not your responsibility as a person, that's just not what this series is about. So Asagiri instead focused on Atsushi's motivations for saving, rather than if he should be trying to save everyone. It goes from his self loathing and him being stuck in his own head, to trusting himself more and allowing his empathy to shine better. Atsushi is complicated, but he's not a bad person. And him being selfish and rude and not immediately thinking to go the 'nicest' route doesn't make him such either.

Now I don't think Asagiri gets the message completely across everytime, but even when he doesn't do it right I try to think of it more from a point of 'OK, what was the writer INTENDING to write in the text' rather than just analysing it from what's actually written in the text.

You might still disagree with me, but I at least hope I was able to get my thoughts across better on this subject. I mean I hope it made some sense at least, there's a lot here so it might just come across as me rambling nonsense a bunch lol.

I completely understand where you're coming from. I have the same issue you mentioned, having a 'Martyr complex' and burning myself out trying to help people. I actually think Atsushi has this too. I just think his initial motivations behind his Martyr complex started not from empathy but from 'I need to save them because that's the only useful thing I can do with my life'. So Atsushi went the sacrificial route with it and later starts to go into believing that he can help the person WITHOUT needing to hurt/kill himself in the process. He learns to trust himself and his allies rather than projecting onto the people who need saving to prove that he deserves to exist

I still hold my belief about how Atsushi contrasts Akutagawa with the 'yin yang' symbolism, but I don't think his character should be entirely viewed from within the barriers of this, and I especially don't think Atsushi is a bad person for thinking and acting how he does.

Thank you for your response though! Even if we might disagree in some cases I'm glad I was given a chance to put more of my thoughts out there.

Additional edit: (I'm basically just talking more about the difference with sskk and with other characters)

The point of showing if these characters are selfish isn't meant to entirely be based on whether or not they save people. The story device of 'saving people' is just a tool Asagiri uses to get this message across.

Akutagawa was bad at first because he fully had the capability to do kind things, he always had that part himself in him. But he chose not to. He chose to hurt people.

It's one thing to have an antagonist that was rotten to the core, but it's worse to have an antagonist that is kind at heart and STILL chooses to hurt people. It's like how Nikolai is scarier because he actually DOES feel empathy for the people he kills, but he chooses to kill them anyway.

(Dazai can also be an example of a contrast to this. He never had that desire to save people, but he chose to because of a wish from his dying friend. He ends up liking the feeling of doing good, but he was always just as capable of going back to hurting people. His development isn't based on him 'saving' people, but his connections to those close to him. He chose to help people because he cared about Oda, and in the current arc he put himself at risk not to save the world but because he cared about the ADA. I believe this connection between Dazai and Atsushi is purposeful for their mentor-student role).

Bsd shows a large amount of characters that could roughly fit into this 'yin yang' dynamic tbh, I don't see it as exclusive to sskk even if they're at the centre of it.

Atsushi is different to Akutagawa here, because his childhood didn't require him growing into a protector, he was isolated and abused. He never had a personal connection, and he only saw himself as lesser than other people. He was something that could only be useful by dying to protect others. Initially, his instinct to protect others was based on his own insecurities.

Atsushi didn't have that starting point of having the instinct to see other people's problems. He was self pitying and was focused on proving his own worth over actually thinking about what other people might be going through.

Kyouka was the first person that Atsushi truly saw in this way, the first time he saw that someone other than himself was hurting. She plays a big role in his character and how he actively starts to realise that he's not alone in his insecurities. Rather than focusing on his own lack self worth, he wants to help people find their own. Through helping people like this and gaining connections with those around him, he actually improves his self worth a lot more than when he was trying to self-sacrifice.

THAT'S how Atsushi develops. He wasn't in the wrong for not wanting to help people. However, helping people is how he’s able to help himself, but he wasn't going about it in the right way because he didn't know how at first. He didn't have that shonen protagonist 'heroic at heart' thing. He had to learn himself.

OK correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel like the main 'yin/yang' parallel with Atsushi and Akutagawa is not something like 'this one is bad but secretly has a good side and this one is good but secretly has a bad side'.

I feel like it's more about 'who they are at their core vs who they choose to be'.

At his core Akutagawa is kind and at his core Atsushi is not. But despite this Atsushi tries every day to make the kinder choices and I love him so much for it. He has to work so hard to be good.

He wants to be a bitch SO bad I know he does but he tries his best to help people and be nice (sometimes he fails but that's OK <3)

Atsushi doesn't always WANT to help people, a lot of the time he's selfish and scared, but he does help people anyway. He keeps helping people over and over again. There's still some selfish motivation to it, and his initial motivation for helping people was because the headmaster told him that's all he was worth, but overall he does care about the people he helps and it weighs on him if he fails to save them. And of course, as the series goes on he starts helping people more because he can rather than because he feels like he needs to.

In Akutagawa's case, he's still capable of being kind but his environment led him into being someone who chooses to hurt people. But he's always been a protector at heart. In the start he was bad compared to Atsushi because he was choosing to hurt people and keep the cycle of abuse going. Just like how Atsushi developed in why he saved people, Akutagawa starts to get redeemed when he chooses to not just act on his rage. Not only does he start to spare people, but he speaks more kindly to them (apologising to Higuchi and telling Kyouka he's proud of her). It all culminates into the moment he chooses to help Atsushi and sacrifice himself for him, going back to his core value of being a protector. Even when he's finally revived, he keeps this role in his new position as Aya's Knight.

I kind of see the streaks of white in Akutagawa and the streaks of black in Atsushi not as their 'hidden sides' but as their fundamental selfs. That's who they are at their core, and their main colours (black for Akutagawa and white for Atsushi) are how they're presented to everyone else and how they try to have people see them as.

[anti-dazai-blog]

So I’ve been thinking about whether Dazai actually cares about the ada/anyone in his life or if they’re all just strategic pawns (see his recruitment of Atsushi and bs with Chuuya and Akutagawa) and I’ve come to the conclusion that he does care but the level of care depends on their usefulness Atsushi = very useful and may have links to the book, he gets arguably the best treatment. Akutagawa = at the time of training may have been a threat to Dazais position and so got the crap kicked out of him and made dependent on Dazai in such a way that he can never truly go against him (this treatment also made him very antisocial leaving him with little to no true allies keeping him relatively isolated). I was wondering if you had an opinion on the matter since you’re the most powerful Dazai critic (also it’s Dazai disliking hours for me and I’m looking to spread the word)

This is a really good question actually: 

Does Dazai care about anyone? If yes, who does Dazai care about? 

I don’t know if Dazai really cares or not. Dazai’s not the most in-touch with his own emotions— if he does care, I doubt he’s aware of it. He probably thinks he doesn’t care (about anything. At all. Not just about people.) 

The one person we know he cares about is Oda. He was willing to change his entire life around just to fulfill his dying wish. 

To continue that train of thought, we know that by extension he must care about Ango. He seemed bothered enough by Ango’s betrayal to bear long-term resentment towards him. Yet he didn’t kill him, even though he had some involvement in the Mimic incident which led to Oda’s death. He still has some level of attachment or care for his former friend.

[and to those who are gonna say “but Mori was also involved and lived!”—The same can’t be said about Mori— yes, Mori also essentially caused the Mimic incident and didn’t get killed off by Dazai— but Dazai, at the point, was fulfilling Oda’s dying wish of “joining the good side”. He could have killed Ango and then joined the good side afterwards if he wanted to. But you can’t just kill the Mafia’s boss and then disappear for a few years]

Does Dazai care about the agency though? 

He cares about who he is. He cares about being a person “on the good side”. He knows he’s supposed to care, and he definitely treats his agency coworkers significantly better than those he worked with in the Mafia. 

If you’ve ever watched Assassination Classroom, this comparison is for you: Dazai joining the agency is like Koro-sensei becoming a teacher. It’s not something he would have ever done on his own, but to follow the dying wish of a friend, he’s willing to become someone who is the opposite of his former self. The only difference is that it’s very, very clear that Koro-sensei genuinely cares about his students, while Dazai doesn’t even try to act like he cares about his coworkers. But he knows he’s supposed to care. 

Over time, I’d say he developed some sort of emotional relationship/bond with Kunikida and Atsushi, in the same way that anyone inevitably bonds with the people they spend the most time with. 

But you can also view it as Dazai thinking “the person I should be would have this guy as a partner and maintain this kind of relationship with him (annoying but overall cordial [relative to what Dazai’s used to]), and have this guy as a subordinate and maintain this kind of relationship with him (also annoying but occasionally helpful and well-meaning).”

Keep in mind that if you keep up an act long enough, it becomes real. So although I believe that that’s a viewpoint Dazai went into this with, the act could have bled into his genuine emotions. This is Dazai though, so. Who knows. 

As for everyone else in the agency, he seems to have very little opinion on them. He hardly interacts with anyone other than Kunikida and Atsushi— especially not in a one on one setting.

Moving on— Does Dazai care about anyone in the Mafia?

[disclaimer: certain shippers might wanna leave now. You know who you are.I don’t need to call you out by name.]

This may sound harsh, but regarding Chuuya— it’s a lot more “fascination” than “care”. Dazai cares about him in the same way a child would care about his favorite toy. Sure, if a kid’s toy breaks, they’ll scream and cry for hours. So obviously kids do whatever they can to protect it (typically by not letting anyone else touch this toy in question). But this genre of “care” is impersonal. The second there’s a shinier, newer toy, the child abandons the old one to go play with the new one. The second the toy isn’t entertaining enough, or it doesn’t serve its purpose in some other way, it might spend weeks or months in the bottom of the toy chest. The child might remember it later and pull it out to play with again, or maybe it’ll be forgotten about until years later, when the child’s an adult and starts reminiscing about the “good old days”.  A toy is only useful so long as it has entertainment value.

That’s exactly how Dazai treats Chuuya. I will be taking no criticism or complaints regarding this.

Note that I said that’s how he treats Chuuya, not how he views Chuuya. That’s a whole other can of worms that I don’t want to open. 

He treats Akutagawa in a rather similar way— but instead of treating him like an item used for entertainment (like a cool shiny toy robot or something), he treats him like an item used for a purpose (like. A vacuum cleaner.)

He doesn’t get any enjoyment from his interactions with Akutagawa the way he does with Chuuya. He’s not training Akutagawa for the fun of it. I’m not up to date with the manga, but if I understand correctly from Tumblr, he planned for a long time to use Akutagawa in the new generation of Double Black. He treats Akutagawa the way he does so that Akutagawa will become the person he’d like him to be. He’s harsh and cruel with him because he thinks it will help Akutagawa serve his purpose. 

In short, he doesn’t seem to care much about Akutagawa either.

Although I doubt anyone expected me to come to any conclusion other than that. I am the Anti-Dazai Blog, after all.

[morievna]

A bit of annoucement

Hello,

Something different this time 😅

I got into BSD over summer, trying to catch up with all content. Frankly, I tend to stay away from shounen genre as usually these stories bore me after some time – action feels repetitive, some disappointing character choices and so on. But since BSD was always in my orbit as series with ‘other Ugetsu’ xD I decided to give a chance and oh my…….. it is really good.

Ofc it would be better it was more queer, but I guess intense male friendships are part of shounen xD Totally not written like romantic relationship xD

And for real they have such similar looks and vibe XD

And since I have a lot of thoughts, probably I will start writing down when I will have some free time.

I know you follow me for Given content so I am not sure if I should put it here or create something new account… if you have any suggestion feel free to write to me^^ or you can simply like this post if you don’t mind me writing here.

If you want to know where I stand when it comes to bsd – here are some my opinions^^ - also some spoilers here !!

Fav characters: Dazai, Chuuya, Akutagawa, Fyodor *plays Anti-hero in background*

Characters that grown on me: Atsushi, Fitzgerald, Yosano, Kyouka, Ranpo

Characters that I like just because xD: Poe, Mori, Tecchou, Gogol, Rimbaud, Verlaine, Adam

Character I wanted to like but nah:/ : Kunikida (because his character arc builds up but leads nowhere - it is frustrating to me too much)

Character that I am neutral on: Oda (imo he is good character, but it was very predictable to me what will happen to him and kids - it was hard for me to get invested)

Characters I dislike: Tanizaki (like literary I can’t find anything interesting about him xD), Shibusawa (imo he was meant to be cool villain but felt too much typical in the end)

Character interactions I want more: 

Chuuya&Akutagawa (I was happy for changes in DA stage play even though Chuuya was a bit too mean xD)

Kyouka&Lucy (they have lots in common and could be good friends),

Chuuya&Verlaine (SB needs follow-up)

Gin&Higuchi (imo more female friendship would turn out good for the story)

Kouyou&Chuuya (imo it is weird how mentorship was teased, but we got nothing substantial)

Fyodor&Sigma (I want more creator/creation dynamic as it is always fun and that betrayed Sigma’s look- oh boi)

Chuuya&Dazai (I simply want Chuuya to punch Dazai for that attempted drowning xD)

Fav arc:

Stormbringer (perfection, I loved everything)

The Perfect Murder And Murderer – I love deduction time xD and how it is like breather between more action-packed arcs. Ranpo-Poe duo is just so much fun^^  Mushitarou’s story was great and I loved his theatrical antics. I liked how Ranpo was developed in this arc – the consequences from feeling guilty from mistakes in Cannibalism

I also love all parts where ADA and PM has to cooperate xD so much goodness. Shin Sokokou and Sokoku are really heart of story, Fukuzawa-Mori and Yosano-Black Lizards were highlights too

Most disliked arc:

Azure Messenger in anime (it was so bad on every level xD I didn’t read LN version and I don’t feel like it honestly xD)

Dazai’s demise in Beast (I was so angry when I read it *throwing-book-kind-of-angry* Honestly I like better that from spoilers movie version sounds more ambiguous on that)

What I like about writing:

Compelling characters – really Asagiri and Harukawa have knack for creating interesting characters

Symbolism – you know it is my jam xD Especially I love ying-yang relationship between ADA and PM – it is soo cool how there is basically light side but with bit of darkness (represented by dark past and trauma) and dark side with such selfless motive like protecting peace in city and comrades xD I like how story makes them cooperate together and this being shown as ‘the way’ and how characters are getting karma back at them when trying to antagonize/distrust each other xD it is really cool that there is no simple PM = evil and ADA = good guys, but more complexity is going on.

Message – imo story has heart in right place. I like how characters have agency and can be who they want - not defined by their dark past, but the will to be better person. I also liked theme of humanity in SB and how it was handled that origin matters less and the most important are ppl in which eyes someone is human.

My issue with writing:

more spotlight on female characters pretty please *siigh* honestly I just want more all of them

when strong competent character is conveniently disappearing from main action XD I mean I understand that is for plot reason, but it is so often and weird sometimes – imo it would be better to just make short notice that Chuuya/Kyouka/etc is just somewhere else doing something

Theories time (I wonder if I will got something right😄):

Chuuya tearing down Meursault completely, alliance with Fyodor on his free will (imo it would be more interesting this way, but opposite is rather more possible)

Fyodor’s ability will be opposite to Dazai (something like ability control like Rogue from X-men) and his backstory will be parallel to Chuuya/Verlaine (because paralells are fun xD)

Fukuzawa will die this arc (maybe Mori too if story will go for soulmate vibe xD)

PM taking over Bram’s skill and staying as vampires, Bram living normal life

Redemption + Atonement arc for DoA (yep, all of them – actually imo it would be neat if Fukuchi founded theatre as irl – art for healing~~)

I hope loose threads will have follow up – Steinback and Fitzgerald confrontation, Mitchell and Hawthorne reunion, healing arc for Q, Verlaine in PM, Tachihara and Yosano’s arc lack proper conclusion too…

[n1kolaiz]

"Man fears death and yet, at the same time, man is drawn to death. Death is endlessly consumed by men in cities and in literature. It is a singular event in one's life that none may reverse. That is what I desire."

Character Analysis: Dazai Osamu

Age: 22 || Ability: No Longer Human

I've done a lot of research concerning Dazai's character because of how complex he'd initially appeared to me. It is still a question as to what his personality type is; some say he's an ENTP while others argue that he's an INTJ, and his enneagram would most likely be 7w8 (The Realist), but that isn't the thing I'm going to focus on.

According to general databases and fan analyses, his temperament is dominantly melancholic. A person's temperament is basically how they react to and live in this world. For those of you not interested in such details, don't worry, I'll get to my point.

The melancholic behaviour is characterised by individualism, self-reliance, and reservation. People of the melancholic temperament are described as having been overcome with sorrow and depressive thoughts, which is beyond the feeling of "just being sad."

Nonetheless, they are generally calm beings, with a tendency to hide how they truly feel by keeping their composure, even in events that demand severe reaction otherwise. Other aspects of melancholic temperaments is that they are absorbed in the cruelty and tragedy of this world, and tend to get lost in their thoughts.

Sound familiar?

Dazai is seen to be as the comic relief of the adaptation, and he'd never fail to bring about a sense of lightheartedness to relieve the serious moments; we all know that for sure. Remember the time both him and Kunikida found Nobuko Sasaki in that godforsaken hospital, and how Kunikida asked him about his opinion on the current state of affairs?

But, despite having developed a calm and serene personality, Dazai's dark side was more apparent during the Dark Era. There was a type of intimidating and arrogant flair evident in his behaviour, or even on his face. It was the type of demeanour that came off cold and terrifying to the rather unlucky people he dealt with. In a moment's notice, they could literally die by his hands. And I believe most of them usually did. It was during this time, he was more brutal and vicious. He lacked remorse. Plus, Dazai's suicidal ideations were more dense during this Era, and his suicidal tendencies did not do anything to alleviate the depth of how dark his character was posed to be.

Side note: Unfortunately, people misunderstand this 'depressed' part of Dazai; they minimise his character so much to the point that people use only a single word to describe him: suicidal. He is, in fact, so much more than that. I'll elaborate more on that in a while.

"Hey, Odasaku, do you know why I joined the Mafia? I joined the Mafia because of an expectation I had. I thought if I was close to death and violence—close to people giving in to their urges and desires, then I would be able to see the inner nature of humankind up close. I thought if I did that… I would be able to find something—a reason to live."

Dazai's approach to life is that of an aimless soul, weary of the world's oppressions and exhausted from the concept of living itself. Nevertheless, what he said above about having an expectation made me realise something: he had a goal, which he wasn't that enthusiastic about achieving—seeking for a reason to carry on with life. So he joined the Mafia.

And there, he met Oda Sakunosuke.

Despite how resilient Dazai carried himself to be (especially during the Dark Era), this specific excerpt stands in direct opposition of how he effortlessly embodied all things daunting:

"With every step I take, I feel as though the earth has opened up into a bottomless pit as I fall endlessly. As Dazai pointed to his forehead and approached the muzzle, the look on his face – like that of a child about to burst into tears – had already been branded upon my eyes."

- quoted by Oda Sakunosuke, excerpt from Dazai Osamu and the Dark Era Light Novel.

When I read this, it sent my mind into a spiral of despair and confusion. It was so vague, yet it made so much sense. Dazai was desperate to escape from this life, but part of him seemed to live in conflict with his desire for death. I won't elaborate more on this, because this specific excerpt has personal meaning to me, as I'd expect it to have for others as well; so I wouldn't want to ruin anyone else's perception on it.

Back to my point: Odasaku was one of the only characters who managed to interpret the complexity of Dazai's mindset and was able to compartmentalise the specific details of his persona that made Dazai the way he was. Oda knew that Dazai wasn't just suicidal.

"For most things in life, it's harder to succeed than fail. Wouldn't you agree? That's why I should attempt suicide rather than commit it! Committing suicide is difficult, but it should be relatively easier to fail at attempting suicide!"

Others boasted about how he was just a suicidal maniac, and that was only because of how good Dazai was at concealing his own feelings whilst flamboyantly priding himself in new, risky techniques, which he sometimes elaborated on. But Oda, on the other hand, saw through his jokes, and empathised with his friend, never wanting to ever barge into his vulnerability without Dazai's permission, but still trying to be there for him.

"Listen. You told me if you put yourself in a world of violence and bloodshed, you might be ale to find a reson to live. You won't find it. You should know that. Whether you're on the side that takes lives or the side that saves them, nothing beyond your own expectations will happen. Nothing in this world can fill the hole that is your loneliness. You will wander the darkness for eternity."

Notice how Odasaku recognised Dazai's despair, before Dazai even dared to acknowledge his very own emotions? That was why, at Oda's death, he took the initiative to uncover Dazai's bandaged eye to show him that there was no use in concealing his feelings anymore.

Odasaku's last words to Dazai was to "be on the side that saves people," for he was aware that even though Dazai didn't believe there was a clear distinction between good and evil, he thought that perhaps Dazai would find meaning in his life, even if it was just a little bit of purpose.

In Dead Apple, we briefly relive this moment, but I'll write more on that some other time.

And when Dazai joined the ADA, he loses that dark side to him. No, wait, let me rephrase that: he loses a part of that dark side to him. He eliminated the raw sense of bitterness against the world from his face, and instead, he is seen to be a little more passive, and a little more adaptive. No doubt, he still does explicitly state his desire to die, but his wishes are very specific, if you know what I mean.

And a few years later, his journey with Atsushi began.

Atsushi and Dazai's relationship is just one of a kind. I think it isn't a matter of whether Atsushi needed Dazai, or whether Dazai needed Atsushi. It's the fact that they both needed each other. It's the way they both worked hand in hand, and how they sustained each other in ways they were lacking.

The two were polar opposites, but they had a tender kind of warmth embedded in their protectiveness for each other. Atsushi was just as lost as Dazai, but somehow, they worked together just fine. It was like their duality was meant to be. It was the type of symbiotic relationship, where their care for each other was implied, but very deep.

Does this also sound familiar... perhaps, in relation to Dazai's friendship with Odasaku?

Side note: Oda and Atsushi have the same enneagrams, which is Type 2, 'The Helper.'

There is a sort of balance that is brought about by two opposites. Odasaku taught Dazai many things, and I believe Oda learned a lot about a man's life from the way Dazai lived out his life with the innate desire to die. Atsushi sought for the right to live, while Dazai searched for a reason to live; in addition, Dazai validated Atsushi's feelings, and Atsushi was able to acknowlegde the amount of pain Dazai was going through.

Despite how Dazai's perspectives and beliefs stood in contrast with those of Oda's and Atsushi's, a type of inseparable bond connected the man who no longer felt like he was human, to the people who was the most human.

No Longer Human in the Japanese romaji is 'Ningen Shikkaku.' Ningen means "human," and Shikkaku means "disqualified." The late author, Dazai Osamu, wrote the book No Longer Human. He had gone through the rough throes of trauma and wrote this book as a semi-autobiography, whose plot was centred around a man who faked happiness, for he was tainted by the truth that everyone around him was fake themselves. He turned his life into a joke in order to protect himself from the delusions of this world.

This brings us back to the melancholic temperament, where a person was too deeply immersed in the sad truths of reality and the world itself.

And that's what Dazai's character and ability is based on: being disqualified as a human being, because he wasn't well-versed with what being human was actually like. The fabrications of being human sprung up all around him, but he wasn't willing to be fooled by how ingenuine the world truly was.

“I am convinced that human life is filled with many pure, happy, serene examples of insincerity, truly splendid of their kind—of people deceiving one another without (strangely enough) any wounds being inflicted, of people who seem unaware even that they are deceiving one another.”

- excerpt from Dazai Osamu's No Longer Human.

People who don't feel human emotions or don't react to circumstances the way humans do have a variety of ways of explaining how they feel inhuman. They are highly intelligent, which separates them from the average class of humankind, since they've analysed and untangled the truths of life in order to attain understanding, which they value above all else. But, this understanding of the world and its painful truths results in a deep kind of sorrow, which only a few people can seem to empathise with in order to help them out with that burden.

“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.”

-excerpt from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment.

Don't you think that this deep sorrow that lies in the heart of the intelligent, makes them the most human of all? They're too human, to the point where they don't feel human. Perhaps, it is a type of defence mechanism, where the mind numbs the heart from feeling normal human emotion, because logically breaking down such concepts is easier than feeling them. But it comes at a price. The heart is willing to recklessly comprehend and fathom any sort of emotion, including pain in its true form, but the mind bears more pain in understanding such concepts because it seeks to decipher every single agonising detail of how complex human emotions are. The mind thinks, the heart feels. There is a clear distinguishing factor between the two. Whether feeling hurts more than thinking, or thinking hurts more than feeling, or whether both these processes work hand-in-hand to make up the reality of life itself, is up for an individual to decide.

Only a few people can seem to empathise with intelligent people who are deeply sad at heart, in order to help them out. As for Dazai, it was Atsushi and Oda. They never took away the pain, but they made him grow from it; it worked vice versa, too.

Of course, there are less tedious and more appealing aspects to the concept of Dazai's intelligence. Dazai was seen as a threat to his enemies because of how manipulation and his keen skill of deduction made up how sharp his mind was. Besides, no one could commit '138 murders, 312 cases of extortion, and 625 cases of fraud, along with various and sundry other crimes,' without having a certain level of intelligence, right?

Dazai had the moral alignment of 'chaotic neutral.' He was more focused on using his intellect to achieve the desired end results of a predicament, and he wasn't afraid to use the wrong means. A famous example was when he deflated the airbags of Ango Sakaguchi's car in order to gain the assured protection of Kyouka Izumi.

Justice is a weapon. It can be used to cause harm, but it cannot protect or save others.

Another example was when he blew up Chuuya Nakahara's car.

Just kidding. That was just a simple pastime (；・∀ ・)

His moral alignment points to what Oda said about him: the part where he mentioned that Dazai didn't really see any difference between good and evil. As long as his ends were achieved, especially if it were in the benefit of his fellow colleagues, he wasn't afraid to exploit, threaten, or endanger others' wellbeing. Because, at the end of the day, the end result triumphed the morally bad methods utilised to achieve it, correct? He always had a reason for his motives and actions, even if those actions were evil and inexcusable.

(eg. action: the psychological abuse he bestowed upon Akutagawa Ryunosuke.

motive: to enable him to hone his own ability favourably and to curb his arrogance)

But the consequences of one's actions will always catch up with a person, no matter what heights they've achieved.

Okay, we're reaching the end of my rambling very soon, I promise.

“If I had to go, I’d like to go out just as beautifully.”

“I’d prefer you don’t go.”

This part of the post is highly inspired by iwachuwu!!

An important factor of Dazai's development is highlighted BSD Wan's episode 10:

I'd like to appreciate that this scene focuses on how much Dazai actually means to Atsushi. When Atsushi responds with "I'd prefer you don't go," he said it lightheartedly for he thought Dazai was joking. But he wasn't. And once Atsushi absorbed the fact that Dazai meant what he said, he was overwhelmed with anguish at the thought of ever losing Dazai. Dazai, on the other hand, had a sense of longing on his expression. There was that look of pure desperation on his face. He was so desperate, yet he knew he couldn't act on his desperation due to a promise he'd made to someone dear to him. But keep in mind, Dazai is unpredictable, so we can never be sure of what's going on in that headspace of his.

Nevertheless, this time, Atsushi recognised Dazai's suffering, as no one usually cared to do, and Dazai didn't put in any effort to hide how he truly felt, as he habitually did. And this mutual emotional connection happened countless times during all the times Oda spent with Dazai as well.

To summarise,

Dazai's character had been carefully wired and patterned out in a way only a few would put in the effort to understand. Dazai was more than just suicidal; he was a being wandering from place to place with no specific aim. He was too smart for his own good. Dazai understood too well of how the world worked and deemed it void of any sort of hope.

Side note: Yes, the truth does come at a price, but it all comes down to how a person understands the truth. As for Dazai (both character and the author he was based off upon), well, it was quite tragic. But that's the way it is for some people, I suppose. But everyone has a different path to travel on, remember that.

His transition from working with the Port Mafia to the Armed Detective Agency was proof of how well-executed his character development was. It was two different personas morphed into what he is today: a womaniser with questionable morals a person who is still standing even after the rough refining process endowed upon him by the realities of this life.

However, he had people along the way come and teach him a thing or two, which perhaps made his life a little more interesting. Perhaps these people were passing clouds that hid the void out of sight for just a moment, and Dazai was always seen to be grasping on to these moments, and letting them go whenever it was time to let go.

His outlook on life makes his intellect look all the more intriguing. It shows that not only does his intelligence contribute to his own wit and shrewdness, but also the practical sense of realism that explains how tired he is of the concept of living because of the truths there are to bear.

However he's enduring the pain right now is by far the most bravest thing a person could commit themselves to doing. It takes courage, and it takes strength, but only a few would ever take the time to recognise such efforts.

Dazai has one of the most beautiful character developments, but I do hope that the development doesn't reach its end anytime soon.

fanart credits: @S7dOZPN3jWBB6cW on twitter

“Now I have neither happiness nor unhappiness.

Everything passes.

That is the one and only thing that I have thought resembled a truth in the society of human beings where I have dwelled up to now as in a burning hell.

Everything passes.”

excerpt from Dazai Osamu's No Longer Human.

[sword-brainrot]

ya got any headcanons for dating nikkou, nankaitarou, and ookurikara pls? seperate. thank you so much for everyhting!

Nikkou Ichimonji,  Nankaitarou Chouson, and Ookurikara Relationship Headcanons (GN Reader)

♡ Nikkou is business and logic first over everything else. He has a hard to understanding emotion and tries empathetic but it seems like he doesn't truly understand. He is a sword to be used in battle and to listen to orders from aruji and Sanchoumou. Emotions are very disconnected from him as a person. Especially romantic emotions.

♡ Nikkou will instantly tense up when he is put in a situation where emotions are high. If you are heart broken about something, he will try to solve it with logic and not truly understand that the situation doesn't need to be solve and that you are hurting emotionally. He tries to understand and will listen to you vent but that is all he really can do for you. He may put a hand on your shoulder in his attempt to comfort you but that is as much as does.

♡ This may seem like he is a robotic person but he really isn't. He just doesn't /understand/. He wants to understand though! He is a protective and loving person all things considered. He has people (Norimune, Sanchoumou, Nansen, Hasebe, Nihongou, Atsushi, Sayo, Hakata, and you) who he knows are special to him and wants nothing more to protect them. It is something he knows for a fact but understanding the complicated emotions connected to all of them is what he doesn't completely understand.

♡ Through the struggle of understanding emotions and breaking down the wall to let himself learn and feel, he is caring and thoughtful person. He may not know what to say or what to do but he cares and will try to listen. If you say you aren't feeling well because mentally you aren't doing well, he will come back later with some stomach meds and tea for you. He tries to help.

♡ It will take a while but eventually he will start to open up and try to do more romantic gestures to show you he wants to open his heart to you. Though you may think he is just trying to be caring and not actually flirt with you. You will know when one night he walks you back to your room and says goodnight with a soft forehead kiss.

♡ He will tense up at any affection you give him because like stated before, he doesn't completely understand and never received such affection in his life. As he slowly gets used to it, you will feel him melt in your grasp and follow your movements. He is not one for words when it comes to expressing his love. Rather he will show you he cares through actions or slight physical affection (holding your hand, soft kisses on the forehead/cheek).

♡ Not a fan of pda (other than hand holding) but surprisingly likes snuggling in your room.

♡ Nikkou is the big spoon, he will not give it up. He feels like that is the most protective position and makes him feel like he is one of your wings to protect you and lift you up.

♡ Nikkou has a special way in showing he wants attention. He will hold your hand underneath the table and rub his thumb over your knuckles. It is his way to say that he is feeling a little needy for affection and willing to try things that he would normally be uncomfortable doing.

♡ Nikkou is also like a mother hen at times. He wants to show he cares but doesn't know exactly how. So expect him nagging you; "Have you eaten?", "How much have you slept?", "Are you well enough to work?", "Have you drank plenty of water?", etc. He worries and cares about you in his own way. Just remember that if you ever get a little annoyed by his constant questions.

♡ Speaking of that, if he ever does something you do not like; Tell him right away. He might not pick up that he is going overboard and needs you to tell him. He won't be angry but will stop. He understands that sometimes he goes too far. Also if you are ever hurt emotionally, you have to explain how you are feeling inside or else he will not get it and be wary around you because he doesn't know how to help or if he would hurt you if he said/did the wrong thing. He truly cares for you but it's still hard for him to completely understand feelings and how emotions can really impact someone.

♡ Unlike the other two, Chouson is pretty expressive. So when I say you are Chouson's favorite person, you know. He always runs to you when he finishes a new invention, medicine, or just to geek out about something new he has learned. It doesn't matter what time it is, he runs to you first. Sometimes... to your displeasure. He gets so excited that he can't even see that it is 3am in the morning and he just woke you up from your deep slumber.

♡ Although Chouson is pretty friendly with all the other swords, you never see him hanging out with them. He is more focused in his own work rather than making friends with everyone. Which also means that he doesn't pick up social cues as well as some others. If he ever wanted to talk about anything, he would go to you.

♡ There hasn't been many in his life that showed any interest in his inventions or ideas. When you express interest and ask him to tell you more, he knew you would special and instantly started to grow attached to you. Prepare for him to talk your ear off, there is so much he wants to talk about and all the ideas he ever had. He has a book filled with many hypothesis and invention ideas. You will be hearing 1/3 by the time he lets you go so you can sleep.

♡ Every morning he is excited to see you because he knows that you truly care about him and what he thinks. It is a new feeling and he gets addicted by the first time you ever said "tell me more."

♡ Chouson does a lot of research on humans to understand them better because he wants to understand you better! He less cares about becoming more human himself. You are his main focus in that research. As soon as he learns about dating and what it means, he goes to you right away to ask you out. At this point, he isn't actually sure if he has romantic feelings for you but he knows you are special to him and wants to keep you close. As well as trying to be a loving boyfriend!

♡ He tries really hard to be a good boyfriend but he is clueless. Don't be shy to give him tips! You will have to guide him a little. Also expect him to read very cheesy romantic novels to understand dating more... Expect very cheesy pickup lines too. ...He is trying.

♡ Over the course of dating, he does develop romantic feelings for you! He probably had them from the start but couldn't recognize his own emotions since he relies so hard on logic rather than emotion. He knows he wouldn't want to do any of this dating stuff with anyone other than you.

♡ If something bothers him or he gets too excited, he will start pacing around the room talking at a speed that you almost can't understand. Lots of rambling too as he gets onto many topics. Drag him over to sit down and he will slowly calm down. His eyes just staring at you with adoration.

♡ His mood changes a lot but being around you helps him keep it in a happy state.

♡ Chouson adores tenderness. He will often overwork himself because he will be so invested in what he is doing. His muscles will be all tense and there will be dark bags under his eyes when he finally adventures into bed. Be sure to give him a small massage and kiss his face. He will surely have a large smile on his face as he gets comfortable and embrace you for the night.

♡ When he is focused, it is hard to get his attention and talk to him. So show it in silent ways how you love him. Get him food, and clothes he can change into. Sometimes it is okay to be a little pushy with him as well when he is pushing himself too far and not getting enough sleep. He may be a little grumpy with you at first but he will understand by the time his head hits the pillow and he falls asleep in an instant.

♡ Ookurikara is not the type of person who looks for relationships. He has an intense fear of getting close to someone and then losing them. It is why he constantly pushes people away and stays by himself. Can't get hurt if no one is close to you.

♡ When he began to develop a crush on you, he was even more distant than before (you didn't even know it was possible). He would cancel any plans that involved you, walked away the moment you sat down next to him, refuse to look you in the eye, and if someone asked him to give you something, he would pass it over to Mitsutada or Sadamune.

♡ It was your kindness and persistence that made him fall for you. You always went out of your way to help the sword that many would shy away from due to his resistance to all of them. You always offered an ear to listen to any concerns he may have, even if he never made face of any problems that may be bugging him under his skin.

♡ He kept pushing you away and tried to cause so much distance that you would hate him or just forget about him. However you stayed... And inside, he was melting.

♡ There has been many times where he would envision holding you and showing you affection only for it to be followed by him holding your wounded body on the battle field. Ookurikara is a sword of war... He knows far too well how fragile life can be.

♡ Most likely, you will have to confess to him first and ask him out. There is no way that Ookurikara will be honest about his feelings unless you make the first move. Even then, he will reply very shortly with "If that is what you want".

♡ Huge fear of abandonment. He will never vocally say it but you will need to reassure him that you would never leave him and that you are safe. Nightmares are a common thing with him after he grows attached to you. He knows what it feels to hold someone close to his heart... And it's terrifying that it can be ripped away so easily.

♡ When he is in a good mood, expect him to have his fingers linger on you. Brushing some hair out of your hair? it stays a little longer than needed. His golden eyes staring down at yours. His hand brushing against yours as you two walk side by side. Behind close doors, he may even pretend he fell asleep just so he could rest his head on your shoulder and feel you right there next to him.

♡ He will get frustrated and upset when you tease him or don't give him what he wants but when it comes to teasing you? Surprising... Rather good at it. He will lean in close to your face but quickly pull away and have a book in his hand, pretending like that was what he was reaching for the whole time. Ookurikara will make you say that you want to kiss him or hold his hand before he would even attempt it. If you tease him, he will make you suffer for it.

♡ Ookurikara.. LOVES sweets. He doesn't look like it but candy and pastries are his favorite. Kashuu and Mitsutada are the only two know of this face. Let's just say, Ookurikara comes back very grumpy when Kashuu teases him over not giving him sweets. Because he can't vocally say he wants them. He has an image to uphold! Please be sure to give him sweets and he will be so happy. May not smile but if he does, it will be small and short.

♡ "You bought too much. Eat them with me or else they will go bad."

♡ Favorite cuddling position is being the big spoon and holding you tight throughout the night. You can't get stolen away if he makes sure you are safe within his arms. It is also the position that nightmares don't happen in so it works out!

♡ When he has nightmares, he will suddenly jolt up in cold sweat. His chest rising and falling with heavy breaths, as if he just got done running for hours. His eyes will be lost in the dark shadows of the room. It's best to gentle hold him in those moments. Don't be scared if he suddenly flinches when you first touch him. He is still lost in his own thoughts at that time. As soon as Ookurikara looks over and sees you, well and untouched. He calms down. His head will slowly hang over and rest on your shoulder. No words spoken. Gently caress his hair and give him soothing words.

♡ "Don't you dare get hurt and go somewhere I can't follow."

[captaindarkchocolatesstuff]

Yandere! Headcanons: Atsushi Murasakibara

I feel like a relationship with a yandere Atsushi would be soft, for the most part, mostly because of his childlike persona 

He doesn’t really bother with the whole kidnapping thing… unless he was pushed too far

Atsushi as a yandere is mainly possessive and added to his childlike persona he does show his possessive side to his darling

Atsushi can probably blend in well to make his yandere tendencies seem normal due to the childish persona he has and honestly it would be a little hard to spot when he’s being a yandere or his childish self

He is definitely the kind of yan that would have his darling on his lap as he feeds them

He’d also especially love it when his darling doesn’t mind feeding him some of his favorites treats, in a way it makes him feel closer to you

He isn’t too violent, at least not in the beginning but the darling in question won’t begin to notice the difference when Atushi begins to mean it when he says he’ll “crush” people who he deems bothersome to his darling 

I’d like to say it’s really hard to notice any changes in Atushi when he becomes yandere because he still acts like his regular self just maybe showing a bit more interest in you and that is it

With his towering form, he usually has no problem scaring away anyone who develops an interest in you but if they keep trying well… they won’t be attending school for the next several days

He doesn’t like scaring his darling, if anything it is mostly unintentional especially if he’s acting nonchalant after his darling caught him “crushing” bothersome people, even if the darling were to say why that is wrong he’d still ask why

While mainly possessive as a yandere Atsushi may also be a bit on the delusional side due to his childish nature and may take a small gesture from his darling the wrong way

If his darling happens to be smaller than him in height he’s pretty cautious of them and tried to be aware of his presence, he doesn’t like the thought of hurting his darling (even if they were to happen to be even in height with him)

Despite how nonchalant, he is around the people around he makes an effort to somewhat cheek upon his darlings needs he’s a bit insensitive when it comes to emotional problems but if someone needs to be gone he’ll gladly be rid of them (don’t forget to praise him for it)

Atsushi loves his darling dearly, but there can be occasions when he can be a bit too reckless

[writing-radionoises]

encouragement

ship: pre-relationship beast! shin soukoku

genre: post-canon hurt/comfort

prompt: after dazai's death, atsushi is picked up by odasaku and temporarily lives with odasaku and akutagawa. akutagawa attempts to encourage some healing in atsushi.

notes: i want to kiss beast atsushi so bad and so i threw all of that onto akutagawa. there's not enough soft beast shin soukoku so of course, i provide enjoy!

“So, he’s staying with you?”

Akutagawa nods at the brunette at the door. Ango Sakaguchi, a government worker and a good friend of Odasaku’s. By default, this makes him a good friend and probable father figure to Akutagawa.

“The mafia disbanded and scattered to the wind, most of the executives have abandoned their posts and gone into hiding,” Akutagawa explained, “Odasaku-san found him half-dead in an alleyway, and you know how he is about kids.”

“No trouble with his ability or anything of the sorts?”

Akutagawa nods a no.

“He’s under control, kids don’t mind him. Don’t worry about Nakajima, we’ve got it under control.”

“Are you certain?” “Yes. I have a child to tend to, out with you,” Akutagawa shoos the government worker with a stern look as a toddler calls out for him in the background.

Ango gives him a strange look before hesitantly waving a goodbye, and Akutagawa closes the door behind him.

Akutagawa lets out a sigh, grabbing his tattered coat from off the coat hanger and throwing it over his shoulders as he picks up the small child calling for him.

She’s a new child Oda has picked up, no older than three or four. However, Oda unexpectedly went out of town, and so Akutagawa is stuck playing babysitter for two children.

Nakajima has proven himself to be a child at times.

The small girl clings to Akutagawa’s jacket, mumbling something softly to herself as Akutagawa gently bounces her, heading towards the kitchen to find Nakajima already at the table.

Most days were the same. Nakajima awakes late, enters the kitchen, sits at the table and spaces off for most of the day. He’s not talkative, though Akutagawa can’t say he is, either.

The tension between them is strong after what Akutagawa had done to Nakajima, though also because of their shared experience of the death of Osamu Dazai.

The shared knowledge of the book, which is held within Akutagawa’s possession.

He thought about using the book over and over again, though never quite goes through with it.

The truth is, Akutagawa finds himself not upset with his life.

Outside of Gin’s sudden hatred and distance from him, his life is rather good.

Odasaku is a good man who cares very much for him.

The agency serves as a family, they all care for Akutagawa more than anything.

He’s developed a knack for caring for children, helping them come out of their shells.

He  can cook and function like most of any normal human being these days.

There’s no telling what his life would look like if he tried to change it.

“Who was at the door?” Nakajima deadpanned from the table.

Akutagawa glanced over, almost surprised at the other’s voice.

“A man, don’t worry about him. He’s a friend of Oda’s.”

“What did you tell him?”

“Nothing special,” Ryuunosuke replied, “As I said, don’t worry about it.”

Nakajima falls silent once again as he sets the toddler in a highchair, grabbing a fold out stool from beside the fridge to reach up and grab the cereal for the toddler.

The toddler seemed calm and happy now with a tray of Cheerios in front of her as Akutagawa sits beside her, across from Nakajima, and watches the child half-mindedly.

“He’s a clever man, I bet he works for the government,” Nakajima continued, his eyes glued to the table as he pulls his jacket a little closer to his face.

“Clever…” Ryuunosuke mused, “You could say that. He is a government worker, he mostly just checks in on the agency every once in a while. I suppose he got word that you’re staying here.”

“... He should’ve arrested me.”

“Perhaps, but I think he has bigger fish to fry.”

The two fall silent once again as the toddler crunches down on the cereal happily. Akutagawa runs his hands through his hair. He can only wonder what’s going through Nakajima’s head, he hasn’t been the same since he witnessed Dazai’s suicide. Though, it’s understandable. Akutagawa struggles to remember that Dazai was not pure evil like Akutagawa remembered. In Atsushi’s eyes, he was a good man and mentor.

Akutagawa would argue, based on what he had seen Dazai do to Atsushi, though it’s not a fight worth picking.

Nakajima looked up from the wooden table, looking at Akutagawa with curious eyes.

“Why do you let me stay here, after everything I’ve done?”

Akutagawa glanced back over at Atsushi from the toddler, shrugging.

“I believe everyone needs some encouragement.”

Nakajima’s brows furrowed in confusion, looking away from Akutagawa as the conversation ends.

Akutagawa isn’t certain if he brought clarity to Nakajima’s mind, or confused him more.

“Go out and do something with him, something fun. Bring some life back to that boy for me, I’m getting worried for him.”

That’s what Odasaku had said to Akutagawa a day prior. Akutagawa had expected this to happen eventually, Odasaku always had him handle the tougher children.

Though, Nakajima wasn’t necessarily a child.

Akutagawa wasn’t quite sure how this would work out, he rarely interacted with adults like this, he had only a handful of friendly encounters with Nakajima.

One way or another, Akutagawa managed to get Nakajima in the car to drive off. Nakajima didn’t ask many questions, and accepted the answer of “it’s a surprise” when it came to where they were going.

Nakajima sat beside him in the passenger seat, watching cars and pedestrians go by as Akutagawa drove out towards a park, a rather empty one as he parked along the side, climbing out of the car to get into the backseat to get out a bag of frozen peas and lettuce no one in the house was going to eat.

Nakajima’s brows furrowed as he followed suit, looking around the park cautiously. Akutagawa led the way towards the duck pond, he thought about offering his hand out to Nakajima, though he decided against it.

It was trying maybe a little too hard to not baby Nakajima.

Nakajima followed behind Akutagawa like a lost child, his hands laced together as he looked around the empty park. He sat beside Akutagawa on a park bench in front of the duck pond, he seemed to grow more and more confused by the minute.

As Akutagawa fumbled with the bag of frozen peas, Nakajima finally spoke up.

“What… Are we doing here?”

“Feeding the ducks,” Akutagawa replied simply, holding out a small handful of peas for Nakajima to take.

Nakajima took them hesitantly, looking over them before tossing them out to the ducks beginning to crowd around them.

Akutagawa did the same, the silence between them filled with the quaking of happy ducks. Akutagawa resisted a smile, instead opting to bounce his left leg.

“Are you trying to get information out of me?” Nakajima asked, looking over to Akutagawa.

Akutagawa nodded a no, “I’m getting you out of the house.”

“You didn’t need to.”

“What, and let you sit there and rot away? I think getting out might’ve been the best for you, it’s easier to get over things when there’s more going on around you,” Akutagawa explained.

Nakajima looked down at his lap, falling silent as he nuzzled into his coat once more.

Akutagawa didn’t push for more answers, continuing to watch the ducks as he shifted his head from side to side half-mindedly.

“... If you’re trying to get me to talk more, it’s not working,” Nakajima hummed, brushing his bangs out of his eyes as he fidgeted with his fingers, “I don’t like talking.”

“I don’t either,” Ryuunosuke replied, “Though, I suppose I can talk enough for the two of us. Kenji-kun tells me getting to know someone is a give and take thing, I’m working on it, however… I’m much more used to talking to children than people my age.”

“You… Work with children that often?” The silver haired boy asked, hesitantly, to which Akutagawa nodded.

“Yes, I work under Odasaku, so it’s natural. My past makes me relatable to children we help, my background as an older brother usually makes me likable to younger children. I don’t mind it, talking to children is… Easier than an adult. Children only understand so much, they lack the knowledge of social normalities most of the time, it’s easier for me…” Ryuunosuke explained, “I grew up with very little social interaction, I spoke with my sister and a few other orphaned children, though that was about it. I never learned how most people communicate.”

“Your sister…” Atsushi mused, eyes glued to the ground.

A slight pain made its home in Akutagawa’s heart from the mention of Gin. Even now, it’s difficult to think about her. He’d never let her go, and never love anyone quite as much.

He isn’t sure if anyone would quite understand how he felt about his little sister, not even Tanizaki could quite understand. Akutagawa grew up alone, raising Gin himself up until Dazai stole her away.

It was less of a typical brother-sister relationship and more of a father-daughter relationship.

“Her name is Gin, right?” Atsushi asked, breaking Akutagawa out of his thoughts.

He nodded, “Yes, her name is Gin… She’s a sweet girl at heart, I’m not sure how she really lasted in the mafia…”

Akutagawa propped his head up in his hand, trying to take his mind off of whatever pain he was feeling. This wasn’t supposed to be about him, he shouldn’t dump his baggage on the other.

“... She was strong,” Nakajima commented, “I only met her a few times, but she was strong, physically and mentally. I don’t quite get how she survived Dazai, either, especially now… I barely survived Dazai…”

Akutagawa looked over to Atsushi, watching the boy continue to feed the ducks, a little more confident and out about himself.

“For the sake of my sanity, did he ever hurt Gin?” Akutagawa asked.

Atsushi paused, looking up in thought before eventually nodding no.

“Not to my knowledge. He didn’t hurt physically most of the time, he would manipulate you into hurting yourself,” Atsushi explained, “I’m sure… I’m still under some of his manipulations, but I’m not ready to address that…”

Akutagawa knew he was referring to the collar, though decided not to comment on that.

“That’s alright, address it when you’re ready. Healing is a long process,” Ryuunosuke reassured, “We’ll be here when you are ready to address it.”

A slight smile came to Atsushi’s face.

“Thank you, I’ll try my best.”

Akutagawa smiled back, watching the other happily watch the ducks.

A part of Ryuunosuke thinks Atsushi’s smile might be the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

[cakers-2000]

~Bungo Stray Dogs: What They’d be like as Boyfriends~

(NONE OF THESE GIFS BELONG TO ME!!!)

Chuuya:

There's only one way to describe your relationship with Chuuya

P R O T E C T I V E

But also very loving

First off you are, in his reality, his 'Princess'

And he is practically your 'knight in shining armor'

He protects you and keeps you safe as you aren't a part of the Port Mafia

He is a Tsundere and no one can change my mind

He had an extremely hard time picking up the courage to ask you out

And it turned out more like:

"You wanna be my girlfriend or whatever?"

You attacked him in a hug two seconds later out of joy. He called you a dumbass

To your friends and family he seems rude but you know he means well

Lord have mercy on anyone's soul who tries to flirt and or hurt you

Anyone who tries to flirt with you gets a rude awakening

He will beat a bitch

And if anyone gets too close to you or makes you uncomfortable he won't hesitate to confront and intimidate them

Even if it means pulling out his gun or knife, he'll do it

If anyone tries to hurt you though he loses complete control

He either murders whoever did it, or he's stopped by someone before he can kill them, there is no in between

He sees you as a precious baby that needs protecting

Honestly it kind of embarrasses you how much he babies you, but you know it's because he loves you

You spend a majority of your time with him as he hardly ever lets you leave his side

So at this point everyone in the Port Mafia knows you're a thing

And everyone knows not to fuck with what's Chuuya's

So most of the time his subordinates and other Executives won't even give you a glance other than to maybe say a quick 'hello' to you

Most of the other Executives will not hesitate to tease him about your relationship though

He does fire back, which has resulted in quite a few good comebacks on his end

Kajii: You've got (Y/N) with you again? Talk about needy Chuuya. You can't even leave your bedroom without your girlfriend with you? Pathetic

Chuuya: *Without even looking up from his paper* At least I have one. When was the last time you talked to a girl? Oh that's right, when that Armed Detective Agency girl kicked the shit out of you. (Okay but the fight between Kajii and Yosano is one of my favorites SHE'S SUCH A STRONG WOMAN I LOVE HER)

God you love him

You two practically share the same room

When it's just you two he's soft and likes to cuddle you as often as possible

You're always stealing his hat or coat so as a way to get back at you, while cuddling he refuses to leave your hair alone no matter how much you struggle or complain

It's now become a habit

The first time you pointed it out to him he refused any such actions but you found him doing it again while he wrote his paperwork, so you left it alone

Honestly he seems really cold on the outside

But in Chuuya's case it's all a facade

He loves you more than he thought he could love someone

You keep him sane, especially in his awful, bloody world

You're special to him and he loves you more than he could ever describe.

Akutagawa:

It's hard for him to develop any feelings towards anyone so when he started to develop some kind of feelings towards you he not only surprised himself but everyone around him

Kouyou was the one who instructed him on how to move forward with his emotions and persuaded him to ask you out.

He was very up front and didn't really ask, it was more like,

"Meet me at the front entrance of the headquarters at 8"

You were confused, but did as he said

The date was the first of many

He makes sure to take you on dates at least a few times a month

He wants you to always remember that he loves and cares about you

Akutagawa isn't afraid of anything, except for the thought of losing you

This is why he's such a try hard

He's scared to lose you because of his incapability to show emotions like love or kindness (though you know that he loves you)

He's scared of losing you to someone else

He's afraid of losing you in general

Because of this fear he hardly ever lets you do anything alone, he wants to be there to protect you

He spends almost all of his free time in your room (he sleeps there too)

100% likes to be cuddled by you (though he'd never admit that)

But when you fall asleep, and he's left alone with his thoughts he'll throw his arms around you and pull you close, a slight smile gracing his lips

He honestly doesn't know how he got lucky enough to be with you

To everyone else he seems cold, ruthless and mean. But you're the only person who gets to see his softer side, and it only makes you fall even harder for him

But yeah he loves you more than you'll ever know as he doesn't know how to tell you how much he truly loves you

Dazai:

Goofy and silly, but it's different then how he is with the agency

He's good at hiding his emotions, but when it comes to you, all of his walls fall

You gave him a reason to continue living and so he's VERY protective of you

He'll put his life before yours if it means you're safe

Doesn't show it on the outside but he can get jealous real fast

And he just kind of lets it eat away at him until you notice and reassure him

Unless of course he's suuuuuper jealous in which case he will definitely lash out at whoever he's jealous of

At home he's a teddy bear

Loves to cuddle with you/be cuddled

Sometimes he'll literally plop down on top of you to snuggle you, regardless of what you're doing

Will dramatically announce his love for you at random times, more often in public because he knows it embarrasses you

You always yell at him for it, but you love him and he knows that so he never stops

All in all he's very loving and goofy and you mean the world to him. You give him the strength and a reason to continue living through life.

Atsushi:

He's very smol and shy

Honestly Kunikida or Dazai probably had to point out your crush on him, and convince him to make a move

He was EXTREMELY nervous when he asked you out

But was very glad when you said yes

He hardly ever has the money for it but loves to spoil you

He 100% will even spend grocery money on gifts for you instead

And of course you chastise him for it

But you still appreciate it cause it shows how much he truly loves and cares about you

He is C L I N G Y

Especially if you're talking to another guy or something like that (which includes his coworkers)

His self esteem will be awful and you'll have to always reassure him that you love him

He'd protect you with his life though

Like if you're ever in danger he'll put his life on the line for yours

He loves you very much and tries to always remind you

At home he's a cuddlebug

Will get you whatever you want/need

Really just treats you like a queen

He loves you with his whole being and your entire relationship reflect those feelings

[indie-vixen]

✨ Ten Character Tegs ✨

Rules: make a new post, name 10 characters from 10 different fandoms that you like, and then tag 10 people.

Note: I am not part of so many fandoms so I filled the list as much as I could, but I still kept it relevant, considering I absolutely adore everything on the list.

Thank you so much @sherbetcoloured and @dialovers-translations for the tag, I know it may seem like nothing, but I'm actually really happy since I'm still quite new to tumblr ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️: I'm pretty sure no one will read this BUT just to make sure it is known, this top may include some spoilers. Also, the characters are in no particular order.

.•° ✿ °•.

1. L Lawliet

Death Note was the first anime I have ever watched and I'm actually planning on rewatching it since quite some time passed (about 3-4 years?). I related to L a lot during the anime (especially to the fact that he has a huge sweet tooth) so I was very affected by the scene of his death T^T. And don't get me started on what a genius he was.

2. Matsuoka Rin

To get it started with, I absolutely adore Rin. My phone's theme is with this guy and I absolutely love it. I love how challenging he is, but still kind and caring. His character developmemt from season 1 had me shook to the fullest. Ngl, Free! has a very special place in my heart and made me cry several times through out the whole 3 seasons and the movies. It's just, their friendship is the kind we should all experience, but it gets rarer and rarer to find truly dedicated people. Free! also brought back my love for swimming (I could relate to the characters regarding this as well) so I really hope I get to go to the beach this year as well (considering covid).

3. Sakamaki Shuu

I swear this was the hardest decision in this top. Diabolik Lovers is the only place where I don't have a no. 1, but 3 no. 1's. Shuu, Laito and Subaru are my top favourites and even though I've been in the fandom for nearly 3 months now (wah, so much time passed. About Shuu, I absolutely adore how he's a not so desperate pervert and is so elegant(?) whilst doing it. He knows what he wants and has quite some self control and that's attractive as hell. Not to talk about his voice, that has me w e a k.

4. Jumin Han

I love him. And he's not what the usual me would go for, but I aboslutely adore him. I especially love his character development as well. His 2nd bad ending affected me quite a lot, since I really thought that getting as far as the 9th day meant good ending, but oh boy I was wrong. I was so sad thta I played the Valentine's Day dlc afterwards to cure my broken heart XD. Nonetheless, the good ending was a very nice one, this man is incredible and didn't fail to amaze me regarding the way he announced his and mc's relationship ♡.♡ . The way Sarah and Glam Choi were tricked was pure gold XD

5. Ichinose Tokiya

I'll start by saying that I didn't watch Utapri yet so I can't say a lot about Tokiya and it may sound bad, but I liked him immediately after seeing him for the first time because I thought he physically resembled Jumin >.< (and their personality, likes and dislikes also match?)

However, I really really can't wait to watch Utapri because it honestly seems amazing and I'm super curious of what will happen. (also, the seiyuus tho; ngl I got so much into Mamo after watching Free! And seeing he's Tokiya's seiyuu as well I was shoooook to the fullest; and the intros T^T , I absolutely adore Orpheus)

6. Dazai Osamu

Oh man, Dazai is something else (I know he's also voiced by Mamo, I suppose there may be a pattern going on in here). I absolutely love his personality a lot and added with his looks, he's d e a d l y to me. I have only seen a season and a half so far, but man, his past self was so cruel and it made me realize why many things took the wrong turn (for instance, maybe the way Akutagawa was after Dazai joined the Armed Detective?). The anime is soo good that I can't get enough of it.

7. Vera Nair (Perfumer)

I don't know how many of the people I follow know about Identity V, but I recommend this game from the bottom of my heart. Getting back to Vera, her back story is really interesting and sad; also, her in game skills proved to be useful. Her looks are very nice, though she kind of lacks skins, unfortunately. I remember when I started playing and started adding up clues for her, man that was quite a journey, but I absolutely adore her as a character and I'm not sure how good of a player I'd be without her perfume.

8. Usui Takumi

This boy right here was probably my first anime crush and I regret nothing. He is absolutely stunning and his teasing is amazing. The way he accepts to keep Misaki's secret is genuinely kind and their relationship is everything. I also like the fact that she's not your average anime girl, since she hates boys and is actually feared by them, thing that contributes to the funny side of the anime.

°•. ✿ .•°

This is the most I could put in the top, respecting the rules as much as I could. I couldn't fill it completely. On another note, there were a few other mentions I didn't include. Other favourite characters: from Free!, Makoto, Ikuya, Natsuya, Kisumi; from Mystic Messenger, V/Jihyun; from Bungo Stray Dogs, Atsushi, Ryunosuke, Chuuya, Akiko, Kyouka (and I could go on with most characters); from Identity V, Joseph Desaulnier (Photographer).

I don't think anyone would take the time to read this, but it was really fun and I'm really really thankful I got tagged. I tag @dixlov and @dirtydiabolikloversconfessions , since I'm curious of how they'd do theirs (if they have time, of course).

[chazukekani]

Analysis - The Chain of Salvation (Dark Era)

I personally is not a hardcore Dark Era fans because I genuinely like exciting and joyful stories, but it is undeniable that the Dark Era is incredibly important to the whole BSD plot. Asagiri, together with Bones really nailed the Dark Era. The final product of the animation really brings a ‘Dark Era vibe’ that none of us can escape after watching it. There are few reasons that I consider why the Dark Era is important.

-

①It brings out the theme of salvation.

We all know that salvation is a core theme of BSD, and mainly portrayed via the relationship of Dazai, Atsushi and Kyouka in canon. In fact, the ‘chain of salvation’ was started by Odasaku, and I consider this man the perfect candidate to start with this chain because he had a tough story. In Novel Vol. 3 (yes, the founding of ADA), Odasaku killed as if Dazai. Odasaku assassinated aimlessly in accordance to orders without soul, which he had no idea of what his reasons of living were. But he was lucky enough to meet Natsume-sensei, and able to realise his ‘guilt’ of his previous actions. Such realisation finally led him to the side of kindness.

I think the reason why Odasaku told Dazai to go to the bright side is that, not only Dazai was his friend, but perhaps Odasaku saw his old self in Dazai, which he hoped Dazai would acquire the same realisation as he did in the future. It shows that regardless of how tough and sorrowful that Odasaku had been through, he was able to realise the importance of saving others, and managed to insist his morale through his uncrushable determination and discipline by fulfilling ‘not to kill’. It portrays that everyone was able find a reasons of living through countless struggle and strong will.

Switching from killing to helping others, Odasaku first senses the happiness and satisfaction of helping others, especially through the five orphans that he adopted. The ‘compensation’ of his previous guilt allow Odasaku spread the good deeds of saving others to his best friend Dazai, whom had a similar past as he did. The whole process of inheriting the will of Odasaku to Dazai, then to Atsushi and Kyouka is as if ‘a lantern of salvation’, where they pass the good deeds and belief to others. That’s why by putting Odasaku as the ‘founder of salvation society’, it gives a bigger picture of the story, and further consolidate the theme of salvation by telling readers about the origin of it.

-

② Dark Era further introduces Dazai’s character.

Do you realise that Asagiri actually never directly describe the thoughts within Dazai? I remember Asagiri once wrote in twitter that even himself, as the author, doesn’t know what Dazai is thinking in his mind. So I think the alternative way in portraying Dazai’s personality is through an indie text way.

By describing how other characters think, see and perceive Dazai, we know what kind of person is. Such indirect portrayal makes Dazai a special character. It also adds a sense of mystery of him (as Mamo said). Let me give you some example: in canon, we mostly understand Dazai through the perspective of Atsushi and Kunikida, because these two are the one who have most interactions with Dazai. They together  portray the happy, silly, disorganised Dazai that we know (sort of).

Likewise in Dark Era, we know the dark side of Dazai through Odasaku and Ango’s impression. So, we seldom get a direct description of Dazai’s personality, but only via other’s impression and comment. Dazai is a sophisticated person. None of us, even Asagiri don’t know how to correctly portray Dazai’s thought. Hence, by creating a story that is completely different from the canon line, Dark Era brings a completely different Dazai that we know in canon, and I think it further reveals the mystery of him.

-

③ It lays down a foundation of the future story.

Ango is now the communicator of Dazai in the prison, and this role is crucial to the plot in recent chapters.

Even in previous era with guild, the relationship of Dazai and Ango also serves as a lubricant to the story as their personal relationship facilitates a cooperation between the agency and the government. Having a personnel in the government brings the story into a wider perspective. So their relationship is really helpful in moving the plot forward.

You may now hate me for viewing Dazai-Ango relationship as a mere ‘story-moving machine’, but please allow me to continue. I think Ango also helps to portray a bright side of Dazai. Because Ango used to think that Dazai doesn’t forgive him but actually Dazai already does long time ago, it shows the humbleness of Dazai. The willingness of Ango to return Dazai’s favour and assist him in recent chapters also demonstrate the kindness and loyalty of Ango.

In addition, such actions of Ango is also crucial in recent chapters because he is able to demonstrate an independent thinking despite the whole government are against the ADA. Therefore the motivation of Ango helps to further strengthen the core themes of the Sky Casino Era - The Truth (see my previous analysis). You may think that the cooperation between Dazai and Ango, as well as the smoothness of recent chapters as granted, but it actually cannot be demonstrated without the existence of Dark Era. Dazai and Ango in fact have a similar motivation, where they wanted to compensate their past. It thus nurtures the collaboration between them, and hence they can help each other in fulfilling their own aims.

That’s why I think Dark Era is really really important to BSD because the Dark Era effect is still affecting the story nowadays. Without Dark Era, we will never come across the story that we know today.

-

Another little thoughts about Dark Era is actually the portrayal of Lupin Bar.

As you can see from previous post, that the personnel in Lupin Bar changes, where there was three, two, and now only one person in the bar. I think the venue of Lupin Bar symbolises Dazai’s heart in certain extent, where he had his two best friends initially, and the ‘betrayal’ of Ango made Odasaku left on Dazai’s heart. With now, where time and circumstances changes, only Dazai was left alone in his heart again. It was indeed devastating to see that two of Dazai’s important friends leave ‘his heart’ in a short period, and now Dazai is left alone again, but I also consider this as another potential in Dazai’s character development. Lupin Bar may not only symbolises Dazai’s own heart, but also symbolises his memory and thoughts about his past. It is because in Dead Apple, you actually sees Dazai leave the bar, and determined to confront against Shibusawa’s evil plan (where the camera literally captures Dazai ‘leaving’ the bar). I consider this as an important moment because I think even though his friends had left him, Dazai has found a new aim - saving people. That’s why the scene of Dazai leaving Lupin Bar in Dead Apple may actually says that Dazai could have let go (but not forget, because Dazai has left a drink with Odasaku’s birthday flower. So I am sure that Dazai never forgets his friends) of the past, and able to move on with the new purpose in living - saving the city.