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hiraya-rawr · 2 years

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Loyalties 03

( Diluc x Fatui Reader ) Mini Series

synopsis !! trapped to be interrogated for distributing delusions, you find yourself torn between loyalty to the Fatui and love for Diluc.

note !! this was a rather difficult chapter to write during my personal break maybe because I couldn't find myself properly setting the mood; anywaay here we go!

contains !! gn reader, implied torture, dark themes, hurt/comfort, alcohol consumption, manipulation

ch.01 || ch.02 || ch.03 || ch.04

— Favonius Cathedral, City of Mondstadt

"Normally, I wouldn't question your methods, but this was quite the save, wasn't it, sir Kaeya?"

Sweet and light sounding, Lisa greets the Cavalry Captain the minute he stepped out of the looming Cathedral doors, with one manicured hand stretched out to him. "I was just about ready to doubt you when the seizures started. Just how did you find out that the children would be fine?"

Kaeya smiles back, offering his arm out for her to hold as they walk down the Cathedral steps.

Of course he's caught her attention. The prodigy and most distinguished graduate of Sumeru Academia was unable to find a cure; yet, a mere Cavalry Captain ordered a risky 'hypothesis' that not only saved lives, but also opened new doors to investigating Delusions and their side effects

He could answer the question but that would warrant too much of an explanation— with information he had no right to divulge (as of now, he promises, because Kaeya Alberich does not hold back on betrayal).

"I'm surprised to see you out and about, Miss Lisa. Do you have business in the Cathedral?"

He's deflecting the question. Lisa is completely aware of it, yet she continues to smile. Alright then, there are more important matters for now, she thinks.

"As a matter of fact, I was searching for my sweet, little Razor. I thought he would be here with that boy. . . Bennett, was it?"

"Perhaps you're better off visiting the Adventures' Guild for them." Kaeya suggests.

"I thought so as well, but I've heard of Bennett's um– apparent propensity for misfortune. I was worried that," Her voice softens, "With the Fatui offering out Delusions to children, the two might have stumbled into some trouble."

Kaeya nods as Lisa releases her hold on his arm. The librarian had only been worried. "I see. . . Unfortunately, I haven't a clue as to where Bennett or Razor could be. Outrider Amber might know."

"I suppose I'll check with her. . . Are you heading to the Headquarters as well, sir Kaeya?"

He shakes his head, "No, I'm off duty as of now so I figured I'll have a drink or two in Angel's Share."

That's an excuse. He needs to check if the Darknight Hero successfully ended the delusion trade (definitely not to check on his brother's mental state, right?).

Lisa lights up, "Ah! If you meet (Name) there, would you mind asking them about Razor as well? We often have tea together, they might have an idea where he is– or perhaps they've been with Razor all along. That boy does so admire them."

Had it not been for Kaeya's proficiency in keeping a mask, he would have flinched at the mention of your name. It hasn't even been two days since you were taken, and news in Mondstadt spreads slow. He wonders what Lisa -or Razor- would think if they knew what he did. That you're strapped to a chair in a private yet isolated Ragnvindr property. Would they be horrified? For you or against you? What would they think of him?

Not that it matters. Kaeya Alberich cares little for those who hurt his family.

Heh, he truly is no better than the Fatui.

"I'll inform you if I find the kids. Don't worry so much— for all we know, the Darknight Hero might've handled it already." Kaeya grins, waving Lisa away as he heads downtown.

— Angel's Share, City of Mondstadt

The tavern was as lively as always; perhaps a little too lively tonight with almost twice as many patrons crowding the first floor. Kaeya was quick to find out why from a stray knight.

"Master Diluc has blocked the entire second floor. As for why he did it. . . Who knows? Perhaps he's expecting some important guests. He didn't say."

Ignoring the "Do Not Enter" sign hanging from a chain on the staircase, Kaeya leaps over it with ease and climbs the stairs. He isn't sure what to expect; did Diluc perhaps invited suspects of the Delusion trade? Did a high-ranking Fatui offer a deal or a contract that needed further discussion? Whatever it is, Kaeya will be sure to assist his big brother the vigilante no matter what the situation.

What he didn't expect was to see Diluc collapsed on a corner table, a glass of wine in hand and several bottles surrounding him. Kaeya's jaw laxes at the sight.

What. The. F*ck.

Upon closer inspection, Kaeya notices the littered bottles were full. Every single one save for the opened fire whiskey on the table.

"Snezhnayan alcohol? Really? And here I thought you'd despise anything from that place." He sighs, settling himself across from the man whose face was buried between his arms on the table. "So you barred everyone from half the tavern space just so you could get wasted in peace?"

Kaeya's tone is light, if not teasing, but there's an undertone of distaste at the wine tycoon's actions.

How could Diluc allow someone to affect him this much? You'd think the redhead would've learned his lesson about betrayal before you came along.

"Are you even conscious?" Kaeya reaches out to poke Diluc's scalp, earning a groan. The cryo user rubs a hand over his face, honestly, this was so unnecessary.

"Here I was worrying about how the delusion trade. To think you went ahead and started drinking. Didn't you think I would like that as well? If not more than you?" He rambles, eyeing the fluff of red hair on the table. There's a muffled sound escaping it.

". . -urts. . . "

"Pardon?"

Diluc finally looks up from his folded arms, red eyes on Kaeya's own. It's redder than usual, outlining his eyes. Had he been crying?

The expression on his older brother's face. . . it's heartbreaking.

"I didn't think it would hurt this much, Kae," Diluc whimpers.

It's a sound that seems so soft and vulnerable, like he was nine years old again, crying good bye to a hollowed turtle shell as Kaeya held the lampgrass flowers. It only made the cavalry captain churn in contempt. How could you do this to Diluc?

Kaeya selfishly wonders if he's a little lower on Diluc's hate list now.

He also wonders if he went too easy on you.

Kaeya, unable to confront Diluc's hurt, decides to change the subject. ". . . Lisa is looking for (Name). It's only a matter of time before she gets suspicious. I suggest we make a report to Jean before word gets out of their disappearance."

"Like. . . admit it?" Diluc looks on desperately. Kaeya doesn't recognize the emotion.

"Admit what?"

"That they're Fatui? Admit that to Jean?"

Kaeya raises an eyebrow, "Yes?" his visible eye then narrows, "Don't tell me you plan to keep this under wraps? You're— you're protecting them?"

Diluc clenches his jaw.

"No."

Then,

"It's not that. It's not the time—" Diluc sighs, sitting straight before alcohol sways him, his stance losing balance while sitting. "Don't report to Jean."

"Diluc." Kaeya tsked.

"Kae."

". . . Fine. Not yet." Kaeya stands up, swiping a full bottle from the table to settle under his arm. "But eventually. And if you won't do it, I will." He turns to leave before a voice calls out to him again.

Kaeya faces Diluc, whose eyes are anywhere but on him.

"You said. . . you think I'd despise everything from Snezh." Diluc starts slowly, "I don't." He says, then in a quieter voice, "I can't. Can't despise everything from that place."

Kaeya frowns before turning on his heel, leaving the redhead alone.

•

The rim of a glass bottle settles on your lips and you mouth it willingly. Instead of alcohol like you'd expect, it's water. Almost warm to drink.

You blink. Eyes trailing up the gloved hand to see a redhead looking down on you. Diluc's expressionless face looks back but doesn't make eye contact.

"I'm. . ." You mumble, everything about this feels strange. It feels like warmth, it feels comforting, "I'm still in the basement, aren't I? Still strapped to that chair?"

Diluc nods.

Thunder roars outside. Whether you're too worn out to or too out of it to acknowledge the fear, you don't flinch at the sound.

"Kaeya is drafting a report on you. You'll be branded as a spy to Mond publicly. You wouldn't be allowed back again." He says nonchalantly. You remain silent.

You'll be a Persona Non Grata to Mondstadt. Unwelcomed in the Nation of Freedom.

A bowl of onion soup is pushed in front of you. You realize he's trying to feed you.

"You'll need to eat. It'll be a while before Jean gets the report. While waiting, we still have questions for you." He sounds impassive, almost cold. You allow yourself to nod as a spoonful is raised towards you.

Another rumble of thunder shakes the room. It must be a basement, judging by the way the walls shake.

Diluc places the bowl aside and walks away. He climbs the stairs and he shuts the door close. You realize he left it open when he entered.

He returns to yoyr side and thunder rumbles again, much quieter this time by the closed door.

Does he remember? Does he care? You don't dare ask.

In the quiet of the room and his spoonfuls of soup, he mutters;

"What is your mission?"

Before quickly replacing the interrogative question.

"Why me?"

Yes, why him? Infiltrate Mond and be the backbone of the Delusion trade was the mission. You played the role of an insider, bonding with merchants and understanding the innermost trade routes of the nation. It just so happens that alcohol circulated the most, making it easier to understand the market flow.

It didn't need to be him, yet you found yourself needing him.

"It didn't have to be you." You mutter in truth.

"But it was me. Why?" He asks again, sitting straighter now, "(Name), I want to try and understand—" why did you love?

You don't understand the question. To you, it was simple. You had a job to do and you met someone great while doing it. Betrayal was secondary to things like the Tsaritsa's will or love. Surely, Diluc would understand?

But Diluc came from the land of freedom. He doesn't bend to the will of Barbatos who racks up a tab in his own tavern. He doesn't take well to betrayal, not after what the knights did (what Kaeya did, what the Ordo did).

Diluc does not understand that.

When you don't reply, he settles for another question. Because he's learnt that questions are better than drawing your blade first (he should have done the same for his little brother. He knows better now.)

"Was anything true?"

Did you love him? was the question on his tongue but too afraid to say.

You bite your lip.

"If there's anything. . . anything you have to believe about me," You say slowly, carefully, "It's my feelings for you."

His eyes meet yours as you continue.

"But there are forces much bigger than us in this world, Diluc."

A flash of hurt crosses his face before it settles into something unreadable. The rest of the soup is eaten quietly.

•

"I really don't think we should be here."

"Shhh. Smells. Blood."

You stir, hearing footsteps on creaky wood and two boyish voices. One whiny, the other alert.

"That's even more of a reason! W-what if there's. . . ghosts?"

"Razor will protect friend Bennett."

"Why don't we just leave?"

"Shhh!"

They're closer now, the first step on the staircase. You snap awake, looking around the room to see Diluc and Kaeya gone. How long were you passed out?

"Person. Blood." Razor's voice points out from the stairs and you know he sees you. Bennett all but shrieks—

"G-ghost! Let's get out of here, Raz—"

"(Name)?" Razor tilts his head, recognizing your smell.

"What?" Bennett blinks.

"(Name)!" The wolf boy rushes down the stairs and you hold your breath. They don't know, do they? Did Kaeya pass the report to Jean? Has it been announced yet?

Judging by their frantic concern, you suppose not.

"B-bennett? Razor?" You exhale, glad to have had something to eat prior otherwise you wouldn't have had the strength to talk.

"Mx. (Name)!" Bennett rushes up to you, hands going over the restraints on your limbs. He doesn't hesitate to figure out how to remove them. Razor whimpers at the sight of you.

"(Name). Hurt?"

"Why— Who did this to you?" Bennett summons the power of pyro, the chain breaking under its pressure. It's impressive how someone so unlucky controls his flames.

"I'm alright," You reassure them and try to mean it, racking your brain for a logical excuse, "The Fatui might come back. We have to go." Finally freeing your wrists and massaging them. The skin around it is raw and painful.

A smaller version of Bennett's burst appears on the ground of your feet. Energy courses through you and you feel the skin healing, along with your fatigue and other wounds. You sigh in relief.

"Those bad guys! We have to report this to the knights!" Bennett says quickly, "They're not gonna get away with this!"

"Miss Lisa help. Knights help!" Razor nods as quickly, helping you up on wobbling legs. They don't notice your silence as you climb the stairs and exit the building to Wolvendom. The basement must be part of the Dawn Winery's storehouse.

The sun is setting, you guess you're approaching your third day of capture.

"How were you captured? What did they do to you? What about Master Diluc–?" Bennett rambles on.

"Why capture..?" Razor mutters from behind you, softer. You know he's more curious than suspicious. He wouldn't assume anything bad of you.

You think of your position. You don't know if you've been ousted, you aren't sure where to go from Mond— what you do know is there's a Fatui outpost by Springvale functioning under legal jurisdiction.

You look at the boys. Bennett continues to ramble how this shouldn't have happened and turning to the adults, while Razor growls about protecting those he care about.

You think of your mission.

Distributing delusions for the Tsaritsa.

Teenagers asking for power.

Ambition.

"Bennett, Razor, would you two come with me?"

•••

note !! I understand that I ended this with a pretty big plot diversion, but don't worry! the fic still focuses on diluc and reader's relationship :) next chapter would be the final chapter where everything falls into place!

gen taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera @nuttytani @klutzkat @shizunxie

loyalties taglist !! @escapeis @leftdestiny-posts @manjimeowmeow @sup-zfam @hangezoessidehoe @liyacreate @sheepispink @juminsamore @shadowfireblue @radnvindr @ashjustlikesthings @yengre @ashgayasfuzz @chiisananingen @lavynne @senjusbuddy @i-x4o @shuriiiewrites @mizu-san @kitrinafalcon @rekikyansimp @probably-rk @theonlysol @vnsmiles @reisinnie @aomur @annoying-and-upset @evapori @mostydreamscape @mariinggg

character analysis / notes !! im so glad to know kaeya and diluc's canon relationship seems to fit in here. after studying their characters again, i feel like kaeya would be more law abiding in scenarios like this, wanting to be transparent with jean and the others, whereas diluc wouldve kept things to himself.

also!! diluc wouldve definitely learned his lesson about attacking first before talking it out :< i just think hed make more of an effort to understand people, the fact that you're fatui just makes it a little more difficult but he did/does love you, he wants to try dhhshxhs

if you read the last chapter, youd see i hinted that "youd have to be real lucky to escape" xp which is ironic bc bennett.

childe and venti would be in the next chapter :> finalized the outline for it and hoping i could get it out soon. it'll be a little difficult to write the conclusion but i hope it satisfies!

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dgct2 · 6 days

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MAJOR SPOILERS FOR CRIMSON SKY

When Blackthorne stepped up to be her second as she was about to commit seppuku (suicide) in Shōgun‘s pivotal Episode 9, that was the “moment she realizes that what they share is much deeper than what she had anticipated,” Sawai tells TV Insider. “That’s the gesture that changes everything.”

Seconding her seppuku means striking the fatal blow. Mariko would first stab herself in the gut, and then Blackthorne would decapitate her as the tradition mandates. That he was ready to do this for Mariko was the ultimate symbol of Blackthorne’s evolution from the beginning of the series to now. It’s the highest sign of respect that he can give, as it prioritizes her cultural customs and loyalty over his own desires for her to keep living. And he begged her to keep living.

“He’s taking her over his own religion and beliefs,” Sawai explains of the powerful moment. “A couple scenes before that he’s asking her to keep living for him. And so I think that it just shows that he really, really cares, and that is the most romantic thing that you could ever do for someone that you love.”

They slept together once more after the thwarted seppuku. The energy between them in that moment was a defiant refusal to deny their feelings any longer, initiated by a yearning Blackthorne. But even if Buntaro had died, Sawai doesn’t see a world where Mariko and Blackthorne would have ended up together forever. “I don’t think it was realistic for that to happen,” she admits.

Mariko was never in denial about her love for Blackthorne, even if she hid it deep within herself. “Circumstances are not going to let her be with him, and so you can’t keep chasing something that you’re not going to be,” Sawai says. “It’s not healthy to keep wanting to chase it, but it’s undeniable what they share. That connection is truly just their own thing. It’s very, very intimate.”

Mariko never believed they would end up together, but Sawai reveals that her translator definitely “holds onto” their connection as a comfort in tough times. She doesn’t let her guard down again, however, until circumstances push her to let go of all restraint.

Mariko’s seppuku was stopped at the last moment by Lord Ishido (Takehiro Hira), but he sent a group of assassins to kill her later that night. When she, Blackthorne, Lord Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano), and other women were cornered and outnumbered, Blackthorne desperately tried to protect them from canon fire in a shed, whereas Mariko accepted death. “Anjin-sama, let it come,” she told her lover with tears in her eyes. You could see every ounce of love Mariko had for Blackthorne in this brief, tender moment before the blast killed her. Sawai played that scene as Mariko’s one chance to let all of her love for Blackthorne pour out.

“I remember just looking at Cosmo/Blackthorne and feeling like this is her goodbye. She’s not going to be able to come up to him and hold his hand and say this stuff,” Sawai shares. “It was wishful also to just accept your fate because that’s something that Blackthorne couldn’t do. He’s trying to control everything, and she’s just someone who’s like, we live and we die. We control nothing beyond that. She’s just looking at him like, I’m going to go, but thank you. And I hope you understand.”

#shōgun #shogun fx #shogun #shogunedit #mariko #akechi mariko #lady mariko #anna sawai #john blackthorne #cosmo jarvis #mariko x blackthorne #blackthorne x mariko #john x mariko #my gifs #crimson sky #these scenes are really dark so my colouring is off #spoiler alert #interview

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eff-plays · 5 months

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So based on the fact that Astarion probably didn't have daily one-night-stands and had to properly seduce his victims over the course of days or weeks or months (based on the math my friend did), him believing that sleeping with Tav would naturally foster an emotional connection makes a lot of sense. He's used his body to lure people in, people who probably believed his lies and his "I love yous." Just do the same thing and it'll inspire the same devotion again, right?

When combined with Hiraeth, who's had plenty of casual sex with people they didn't give a shit about, it becomes a bit funny. Like here's Astarion who's trying to gain their affection through the use of his body, and here's Hira who's just down to fuck because it seems he really wants to but it doesn't really affect their view of him one way or another. In fact Hira would rather not, because it only complicates things further for them and it almost seems that he's the one getting weirdly attached? He seems under the impression that they're lovers when they're for sure not?

So when he admits he was doing it for safety purposes and to get their loyalty, they're like "Wow. That is somehow both funny and sad that you thought that's how that works, and especially that it would work on me. I thought we were just fuckbuddies ngl."

They do it because they're both assuming this is what the other wants. It's so unecessary and miserable but hilarious at the same time. Fucked up little guys fr fr.

#bg3 #worsties to lovers #oc: hiraeth

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yousayusei · 5 months

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osmanthus and hirakiyo

i never really put any deep thought on why osmanthus was the plant used in utsukare aside from the repeated mention of its scent in several scenes which makes sense bc hirakiyo's story are full of bitter and sweet and bittersweet moments which is how the osmanthus was described several times in the series

but there's also the symbolism of the plant. from a simple search, osmanthus symbolizes:

true love - go rewatch the whole series to know what true love for hirakiyo is. or just watch the proposal (as i call it) scene on the latter part of the movie. true love. period.

faithfulness - hira and kiyoi are each other's first love. never stopped thinking about each other even after the chaotic misunderstanding that happened on graduation day. never even thought of looking at other people the moment they saw each other.

beauty - need i elaborate this? just the title of the show is enough.

devotion - the way they are so devoted to each other is so obvious. they love and care about each other so much they are willing to improve themselves not only for the other but ultimately for themselves.

loyalty - the way hira, using his way of thinking that kiyoi is a king, is so loyal to kiyoi. he never once doubted his king unlike the other classmates, never once questioned his position when the others were considering changing sides. even when he was being the gofer, every command he followed was for kiyoi and not for shirota or the others.

it also has some connection to the moon (from the chinese mythology) and guess who also has connection to the moon? yes. hirakiyo.

thats a lot of words just for me to say osmanthus is perfect to be hirakiyo's representative plant. queen nagira yuu is so valid for choosing osmanthus.

#utsukushii kare #my beautiful man #hirakiyo #hira x kiyoi #hirakiyoi #kiyoi sou #hira kazunari

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lutawolf · 2 years

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My Beautiful Man and the BDSM Element Episode Three

My Beautiful Man speaks to me and who I am in a way that few shows do. Because of that, I wanted to break this down and hopefully expose the beauty of this show. I really hope you guys enjoy this 💜

Review for Episode Two can be found here

Episode Three

It might not seem it but in general Kiyoi is a pretty decent Dom for his age. He sticks up for those that needs his protection and for the most part is pretty calm. We then see him hold out his glass to Hira saying he is thirsty. While he probably is thirsty and he knows that Hira will jump to the command, it's also a good way of distracting the pack. He's also sending Hira away from the pack's attention because he didn't like the direction of the conversation.

The next scene shows that Kiyoi doesn't make it through the contest and he is very upset about it. They go to an afterparty where the pack acts like asses and Kiyoi excuses himself. Hira follows and a fight takes place because Kiyoi doesn't want to be pitied and don't want to be seen as weak. Hira shares that he likes Kiyoi but Kiyoi only get further upset. He pushes Hira away and tells him that he disgusts him. He is taking out his anger and resentment on him. While there has always been a certain about of degrading to their relationship. This time it hurts because it's intended to. Generally speaking while degrading looks and sounds harsh, it's not intended to hurt.

Even though things didn't end well between them in the previous scene. Kiyoi still protects Hira when one of the pack gets too harsh. The pack member orders Hira to go get different food. He is under the mistaken impression that the loyalty would shift. Kiyoi not only protects him, he gives him an order "Don't, you should go eat something too." Which Hira readily follows because Kiyoi is his Dom.

Then comes, what I feel is a defining moment. Subs are often percieved as weak and they aren't. Just generally speaking they tend to have a passive personality. They can and will become incredibly fierce in their defense of their Dom though. Think mama bear instincts. When the pack tries to overturn Kiyoi's authority by mocking him and being aggressive. Hira quickly goes into guard dog mode and attacks. It signals to Kiyoi that Hira could have stood up to him at any time, that he is different from the pack members.

After the fight, Hira goes to find Kiyoi. He has fallen asleep at the desk and Hira reaches out to touch his hair but then Kiyoi wakes up. He then gives Hira an excuse to touch his hair. He then asks about the camera and there is a lovely discussion about not doing anything gross with his pictures which Hira already admits to doing. lol

Then we come to the moment where Kiyoi really truly begins to realize how special his is to Hira. Because when asked if he likes boys or girls, Hira admits that he just like Kiyoi, "you are my one and only." Kiyoi hides his embarrassment with degrading "so gross" but this time it's not aimed to harm and Hira is unfazed. Kiyoi is pleased with Hira and offers him the boon of kissing his hand. It's a prize or treat if you would. While it might seem strange, praise and incentives are common in D/s relationships.

Following that scene we watch their relationship progress in snap shots. Though neither seem aware of the progression of the relationship. The D/s part is clearly growing in it's guidelines and comfortability. Within the snap shots we see several moments of Kiyoi commanding Hira and Hira easily obeying.

"It's very hard to describe the relationship I have with Kiyoi. Relationships are based on the interactions between two people, but even if Kiyoi has great power over me, I don't have the same influence over him" See Hira doesn't understand their dynamic and that it is a relationship as well as special. He doesn't understand that you can give up the power to someone else, like it, and it be okay. No one has sat with these kids and explained that while their relationship doesn't fit the norm it could still be considered a relationship. "Then I would say I worship him like a God, I imagine myself a devote priest. Dedicating my whole life to him." The Kiyoi "why do you have such a look on your face? What are you thinking?" "Mmmm, that I want to be a Monk"

Kiyoi is featured in a magazine and he is once again king of the school. Which lends to him being leader of the pack once again just in time for the school year to end. Kiyoi's attention is now on Hira though, he just doesn't know how to show it. He leaves the classroom knowing that his "stalker" will follow. Again, while it's degrading it doesn't bother Hira. This is clearly a kink that's within their relationship guidelines. When Hira apologizes for following him, Kiyoi makes it clear he doesn't care. Again, there is clearly a relationship here and it's evolved but neither have talked to push the relationship into solid ground. It is lacking communication. So instead there is a kiss where one thinks he is relaying his feelings and the other thinks he is saying goodbye.

Both left feeling bereft but trying to figure out how to move on.

Well that ends episode 3. Hope you guys enjoy. 💜💜💜

#my beautiful man #hira x kiyoi #hira kazunari #kiyoi sou #my beautiful man kink #luta opinions #coconuts mafia #luta talks my beautiful man

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sasorikigai · 3 months

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Ever since Game of Thrones came to an end back in 2019, I've been itching for some expansive medieval political intrigue. FX's adaptation of Shōgun, James Clavell's 1975 novel, provides exactly what I've been craving. It widens its view of the original story, which follows a fictionalized version of the adventures of the first Englishman to reach Japan, to put a greater emphasis on the dangerous political world that man finds himself trapped in. This new adaptation of Shōgun is all about the machinations of feudal lords, their vassals and retainers, and their spies and confidants, as Japan careens toward civil war in 1600.

The wider scope that creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks give the story makes room for a wide array of characters, all of whom are trying to square the requirements of loyalty and duty with their own searches for power or even just survival. That almost makes Shōgun a political thriller, and every scene carries the undercurrent that, despite the polite strictures of the society they find themselves in, everyone is fighting a death that's inexorably sweeping toward them.

At the center of the story is Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada, John Wick: Chapter 4), who is trying to navigate the dangerous politics of a degrading peace. A year after the death of the Taikō, the leader of a unified Japan, Toranaga sits on a council of five regents who share power until the rightful heir comes of age. His main rival on the council, Ishida (Takehiro Hira, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters), is already maneuvering against him when things pick up, aligning the other regents to vote to impeach Toranaga, which will mean his death.

Into that situation comes John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), a Protestant English navigator on a Dutch ship hoping to discover a route to Japan. Up to this point, only the Portuguese and their Catholic church have known the nation's location and thus dominate trade. When Blackthorne's ship is blown ashore, he's taken prisoner with his men, but his hope is to disrupt the Portuguese and establish diplomatic connections of his own as part of a larger battle between the European nations. Where the novel sticks mostly with Blackthrone's viewpoint as he experiences and learns about Japanese culture amidst the rising political tensions, the series shows just how much he's another piece in Toranaga's grander game.

Linking Toranaga and Blackthorne is Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, F9: The Fast Saga), a Christian convert who speaks Portuguese and serves as interpreter for Blackthorne. Mariko is also torn between loyalties, stuck spending time with Blackthorne, who is considered a barbarian, and bound by competing duties to Toranaga, her religion, and her family line.

Sanada stalwartly anchors the drama, and his ability to keep everything behind his eyes leaves the audience guessing at the mystery of Toranaga's plans as much as the characters. Jarvis plays foil to the more subdued characters, particularly Sawai's Mariko, and his emotional swings bring an intensity to goings-on that often have the feel of a current carrying everyone out to sea. But it's Sawai who provides Shōgun's empathetic heart more often than not, especially in scenes when her duty and her place in patriarchal society force her to sit stony against the abuse--mostly verbal but sometimes physical--of others. When she turns that purposely emotionless gaze against other people at a few key moments, it has a devastating effect.

Shōgun also features a large cast of great supporting characters, as well. Tadanobu Asano (Mortal Kombat) is the most fun to watch as Yabushige, Toranaga's scheming vassal who is by turns sadistic, boisterous, courageous, and sometimes a bit incompetent. He often brings a much-needed frankness to the other, stodgier characters. It's worth noting also that most of Shōgun is subtitled; the Japanese characters speak Japanese to one another, and English only comes up among the foreigners and when Mariko speaks to Blackthorne.

There's a lot less mustache-twirling or open plotting than you might expect here, though, often because so much of the intrigue is bound up in the honor code of the samurai culture in which the show takes place. But in similar fashion to Game of Thrones, you'll likely spend a lot of time internalizing how everyone is related, who they're bound to, and what their goals are. If there's a drawback, it's that much of Shōgun is subdued conversations between characters sitting in quiet rooms. Across the first eight episodes FX provided for this review (with 10 in total), there are a few flashes of action as war draws near, but they tend to be quick and explosive. This isn't a series that's going from battle to battle, but instead builds a consistent tension that the very world puts the characters in danger--not necessarily because of unseen schemes, but because of the rules hemming them all in.

It also just often looks great. Japan is presented with a foggy beauty running through the show's cinematography and presentation, and there's a persistent desaturated understatement to the images. Like everything else, it amplifies the ever-present feeling of death just out of view.

Shōgun provides the same thrill as some of the best moments of Game of Thrones, when the careful plots of powerful people collide in unforeseen ways. It's a gripping story of intrigue, thanks to an excellent cast and stakes the show is always finding new ways to raise.

#(shogun)#hiroyuki sanada #tadanobu asano #(two of my fav actors! I'm most excited for those two)#(this may be the series I'm most looking forward to)#(along with Warrior season 3 when it gets on Netflix)

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illusivesoul · 1 year

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Wip Wednesday

Was tagged by @mxkelsifer Thank you :) I'll tag @alyssalenko @briarfox13 @imakemywings @galfrey and @mclavellan Only if you feel like doing this, of course. .

Tassia pulled the chain upwards, making Hira’s arms move up before tracing her fingers with her gauntleted hands, the metal feeling odd against her skin. Whether there was an enchantment etched into the templar’s armour or if the situation she was in made her feel like that, she did not know. But she would not give the templar the satisfaction of knowing. "Noble hands. Soft, delicate. Never done a hard day's work in your life. A spoiled little noble thinking she could change the world just cause she mingled with what the southern rabble call an army for less than a year” “Untie me, dog, and I’ll show you just what these hands can do. Though I’m sure you’re quite familiar already with mage’s hands, you being Rezaren’s plaything and all” Tassia chuckled, “Sharp tongue. Let us see if your loyalty to your friends is just as sharp” With a loud clanking sound, Tassia’s gauntlets landed on the floor. Hira’s eyes drifted to what seemed to be several burn marks on the woman’s skin. “And yes. I am quite familiar with what a mage’s hands can do”

#tag meme

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merrybandofmurderers · 1 year

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so, this might get me cancelled but,, i'm not super in love in qwydion. i don't dislike her; in fact, i dont really have any negative feelings about her. she just didn't charm me the way she has other people

and i think part of it is that.... i don't know why she's here

fairbanks and hira, obviously, are working on behalf of the inquisition. as a cover, in hira's case, but that's how she got involved, and fairbanks believes in the mission, the inquisition has his loyalty after they helped his people

miriam (and roland by extension) was recommended and picked by hira. (i dont remember if roland was specifically sought like miriam, but miri's got his loyalty above anyone else; he's there for her, not the inquisition or money)

we don't have a backstory for lacklon, but he appears to be your typical mercenary type. he's there for the money, but he's not getting paid enough to risk his life. he apparently has dreams of being renowned, but he's not got an idealistic or moral imperative like hira and fairbanks do

but qwydion,,,, i can't infer anything about her. she doesn't have the attitude of a mercenary and she doesn't seem friendly enough with lacklon to suggest a previous work history. she could conceivably be a previous inquisition recruit like hira, but she doesn't espouse any ideals about the mission or seem especially close with fairbanks and hira; the only thing she's personally passionate about is dragons and explosions. qunari aren't well-treated in the imperium, and even tho that's not shown, it's still true, and yet we're never given a reason for why qwydion is willing to risk her safety for this mission

to me, she doesn't feel like a natural part of the group. she feels as if the writers were like "well we need to round out the group with another mage and the only race we don't have is a qunari" and that's what they did

idk. maybe it's just me

#da blabs #da: absolution #qwydion #i'm sorry queen i wanted to love you #(btw feel free to correct me if i missed anything #i'm not interested in re-watching the show to check #but this was my impression)

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heretherebedork · 2 years

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Hey! I know you’ve watch quite a bit of BL shows. But I was wondering what were your top 3 couples and why do you like them. And if you would recommend the show to others.

Top three couples? I... okay, I'm gonna dig deep and try to figure this out because there are so many (I'm getting very close to 350 shows on MDL and likely broke it with all the Vietnamese BL I watch).

But my top three couples, the ones I love the most, my undying loyalty to babies who probably deserved better than they got because they almost always do...

This is, frankly, impossible. I love so many couples for so many reasons that I have no idea how to pick three.

But I'm going to try.

Criteria: Couples I like to rewatch, and love no matter what, that I would choose to rewatch regardless of the show they're in because I love their dynamic just that much, they pop into my head quickly. This is still going to be just... dfjkldsfh HOW.

Honestly, as much as I'm doing this, I feel like this changes regularly depending on my mood.

GunBar (from the original Tossara) because they are the softest, most communicative boys ever. They're so soft and they're so tender and they're fantastic at it. There's no conflict in the show that isn't solved with talking and it's mostly just a very gentle and soft story about two men falling in love and that's... that's it. Yes, everyone should watch this. They're fantastic.

Hira/Kiyoi (Utsukushii Kare) THEM. THEM. THEM. The unpopular and struggling young anxious man with a stutter and the popular near-celebrity that he taught how to love again, taught that the world might see him but that no one else mattered... THEM. And, yes, this show is my 11/10 so absolutely yes watch them.

KornIn (UWMA) no hesitation, no denials, I would sacrifice Dean and Pharm for them to get a second chance in an instant because I love them so much. I adore their dynamic and their build and the way they love each other and the way they came together despite a world against them. Should you watch UWMA? With a caveat of heavy subjects and a warning for suicide... yes. Absolutely yes.

Honorable Mention: WItWIn (Hidden Love) because I adore them so much and their entire story arc just hurts and only barely heals and the parts where they're hurting just tear you into pieces. But should you watch Hidden Love if you can even find it? Hell no. HELL NO. The only parts worth watching are their scenes. The rest of the show is CRAP.

Honorable Mention 2: Duong and Nam from You Are Ma Boy. I adore celebrity/fan relationships but celebrity/friend of a fan is somehow even better. They're adorable, they're domestic, they're good at communication. Should you watch it? Yes. Do it. It's one of the best Vietnamese BLs.

#favorite couples #bl drama #thai bl drama #thai bl #thai drama #thai series #bl series #asianlgbtqdramas #thaibl #asian lgbtq dramas #tossara #uwma #utsukushii kare #hidden love #you are ma boy

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absolutebl · 2 years

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Hi absoluteBL,

I read your Review of utsukushii kare and saw that you love it just as much as I do :D

In the beginning I thought that Hira was the Uke in this show and that he was punished by the narrative for pursuing the seme (just like Intouch in uwma).

While watching the ending of the show, it became clear that Hira totally fit the Seme type, and Kiyoi was just a big tsundere Uke. This made me wonder why I thought all this time that Hira was the Uke. And I guess one big point is, that the seme is often portrayed as the cooler and more handsome part of the couple. Because the Uke often represents the "female part" in a BL - which is dumb because there's obviously no female part in a m/m relationship but you now how the writers/producers like to push their heteronormative thinking on these shows- they aren't seen as important in the show and don't need to be as beautiful as the seme. At least that's the feeling I get from some shows.

Now to my actual questions:

How you did you see Hira. Did you know that Hira will end up being the seme? Do you have a show, where you were surprised to find out that the Uke is actually the Seme or vice versa?

Sorry for the long ask! 😅

All asks are good asks. No apologies needed!

Did you know that Hira will end up being the seme?

I did see Hira as the seme from the start, but then I am used to whipping boy (attack dog) + spoiled prince narratives. The moment Hira goes crazy and beats up the other kid because of what is done to Kiyoi, his role is confirmed. That’s because it's more common in a bodyguard context like Golden Blood or Where Your Eyes Linger. But Japan and China (in particular) and fanfic/fandom love a quiet, shy, reserved character who is only really driven into fight/rage/extreme emotion by threat to their beloved. It’s a very popular narrative framework for characterization. You’ll see this deployed with the clumsy uke getting hurt or sick. (The baby is a clumsy bunny trope.) Or the protect baby from bullies thing used in a lot of het romances.

The fact that My Beautiful Man also makes Kiyoi possessive and protective is very clever. But also a classic spoiled prince role.

“He’s a monster, but he’s my monster.” does also go into, “That means only I can activate him.” Especially when we have an indentured ego/identity as whipping boy often entitles.

In other words, because Hira will never act to protect himself, only to protect Kiyoi, it is up to Kiyoi to make sure no one else but Kiyoi can take advantage of him. And Kiyoi does.

In fact I was more surprised when people thought Hira wasn't the seme. But then spoiled princes (and brats) are one of my favorite archetypes, so I am kinda trained for this one. Japan used this one with their ninja yaoi a lot, the idea on fixed loyalty from powerful warriors.

Do you have a show, where you were surprised to find out that the Uke is actually the Seme or vice versa?

I don't think so? Maybe, one of my trash watches? So like the show itself wasn’t clear on its narrative. Like Gen Y.

Generally it's more I'm surprised when they go for verse/switch or no seme/uke dynamic. So at first the Taiwanese stuff used to confuse me, now I'm more surprised when they do execute a strong seme/uke since for them that's the exception rather than the rule. And I think that has to do with their preference for physically matched muscled co-stars, and their more gay/queer lens given the social structure in Taiwan.

Thailand still shocks me. Like Bad Buddy, or right now Vice Versa which I *think* is going to avoid/play with the dynamic.

I'm sure there were some out there that surprised me, maybe Japan? Mr Cinderella definitely, but that was more I didn't think Bah Vinh would allow even a hint that he might be an uke.

But these days I kinda am rolling with the different country’s styles and that guides my expectations into more predictable standards. Which is great for me, since I garner much comfort in the predictable. Just not TOOO predictable. If that makes sense.

#Utsukushii Kare #My Beautiful Man #japanese bl #japanese yaoi #adapted from a manga #live action yaoi #Bad Buddy #Vice Versa #thai bl #golden blood #where your eyes linger #korena bl #korean bl

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hiraya-rawr · 2 years

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Loyalties 02

( Diluc x Fatui Reader ) Mini Series

synopsis !! trapped to be interrogated for distributing delusions, you find yourself torn between loyalty to the Fatui and love for Diluc.

cw !! gn reader, contains mature content (brief torture, suggestive implications, underage drinking), hurt diluc/reader

note !! Kaeya centric chapter because I love the Ragnvindr brothers

ch. 01 || ch.02 || ch. 03 || ch. 04

• chapter 2 •

"He doesn't like me hanging around you, y'know."

"Yet here you are," The cryo user teases, pulling your arm around his shoulders to support you better. Don't get the situation wrong, there's nothing romantic about the way he holds you. Not when you're wine drunk on Diona's latest creation after a night in the Cat's Tail.

The Cavalry Captain, ever the dutiful and courteous fellow, took it upon himself to escort you home.

"You're the one who volunteered to take me home."

"Ah well, we both know Diluc would be too busy tonight." He winks at you and immediately, you know what he's talking about. The issue of your lover going around dressed in black with a mask, doing the work of vigilantes. It's something you've always admired about him, yet it's a love-hate relationship with the way he gets home with a new bruise every now and then.

"Don't remind me," You groan, "He. . It worries me, you know? When he's out there doing who knows what."

Kaeya chuckles, "Well, if it makes my job easier–"

You shove him again, a little harder this time, eyes narrowing to a half-playful glare, "Gee! Worry about your brother more, would you?"

"I do, I do!" He laughs but you're not convinced with the glint in his eyes, "I worry about him constantly."

"Do you now?"

"I'm hurt by what you're implying. Of course I'd worry about my. . . my brother." He starts, "In fact, I don't think I could forgive anyone who takes advantage of him. He's the only family I have left after all."

You pause, registering the words. Kaeya wasn't one to easily admit his feelings towards the redhead –not with their complicated family history– but it lights a warm spark inside of you. He could sometimes be a harder egg to crack than Diluc, hiding behind his sly smirks.

"That's. . . quite vulnerable of you to admit." You glance at his steely eye, there's a softness present that tells you he's being true.

"Really? I would've thought it was obvious."

"Not at all," You chuckle, "I knew you cared for him, I just. . . didn't know you still considered him family. It's a good thing."

Your feet stumbles on the cobblestone as the cavalry captain holds you up. You ponder if you really did drank too much tonight, with the way your legs shake at the weight of your body.

"You as well." Kaeya says as he helps you lean on him. He feels cold.

"What?" Your vision blurs.

"You. You're not obvious at all." His gloved hands move to hold more of your form.

"P-pardon?" He doesn't reply.

You fumble as you grip onto him, dark spots clouding your vision. It spreads like ink on water.

"W-what— I don't understand," Your voice comes out weak and confused, like a whine in the back of your throat.

"Did you really think I wouldn't know?" You glance at him, steel eye looking down at you and there's nothing soft about the way he stares. Your vision is darkening. You can't feel your legs. His skin feels like ice.

You watch the way his lips form the notorious word.

FA — TU — I

Your blood runs cold.

The temperature drops.

He knows.

How did he find out? You closed every gap, erased every connection, no agent in the city could've even known—

He leans down to whisper, a shiver runs up your spine.

"It takes one to know one."

A spy.

•

On your 14th birthday, your senior agents threw a celebration for you. It wasn't anything special or major— it was in the middle of another mission with five recruits you had just met a day prior.

Nevertheless, your parents sighed in relief when you told them not to plan you a party and that you'll be celebrating with your coworkers instead. The price of sugar had just been raised and your younger sibling was down with the flu.

You remembered the way your mother smiled warmly at you.

"Perhaps there'll be cake," She said.

There wasn't any cake.

Nor was there anything, really.

Instead, your senior agent slammed three bottles of alcohol on the wooden table and handed you a shot glass. The five other recruits, all just as young as you, watched warily.

"Drink up," Your senior said as he poured you your first shot.

One shot turned to two, two shots turned to three, by your fourth shot you told him that it was a little too much. He doesn't reply, he only narrows his eyes at you, waiting for you to drink it before he pours the next shot.

By your ninth drink, your felt drowned; your face heating up and everything sounded like it was underwater.

"Hey, where did you get this stuff? It's good." You hear one of your other seniors say. Glasses clink as you faintly realize your cup was being filled again. You drink it.

"Dunno. Some merchant said 's from some winery. Dawn? Dawn Winery?"

"Dawn Winery? Shit," You hear a laugh, "That's good stuff. Great brand. All the way from Mond."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Noble household and all that. Y'know, their kid? The son?" Your drink fills again. "Youngest Cavalry Captain ever. 'Ts what I heard."

Someone scoffs, "Prissy rich boy. Prolly got it from daddy's money. Ya gotta toughen these kids up, get what I mean?"

You blacked out by the time you finished the first bottle. When you came to the next morning, a bag of spilled coins laid with you on the ground. A total of 800 mora from your senior.

How nice! Perhaps this would be enough to buy your sibling some medicine?

•

"You took that rather well."

You're heaving. Your stomach retches. You hunch over, bile rising up your throat. The restraints tug on your wrists. They dig into your skin.

A steel grey eye looks down on you, illuminated in the dark of the basement. His vision glows even brighter.

"Come now. I thought you were thirsty?"

Faintly, you feel the mouth of a glass bottle to your lips again and you try to shake it away, pathetic whimpering noises escaping you.

A gloved hand yanks at your jaw, fingers pressing against your cheeks. Your lips are forced open as the neck of the bottle is harshly shoved into your mouth. Bourbon whiskey slides down your throat and it burns, it feels like liquid fire and you retch and choke, tears springing up your eyes but the hand keeps you still.

Exhausted, in pain, and heavily intoxicated on an empty stomach — hour 31 of captivity wasn't looking good for you.

"Don't tell me that was too much for you? I thought Snezhnayans can hold their alcohol." He mocks.

Forget the Dark Phoenix, you made a mistake of underestimating the Cavalry Captain of Mond.

Kaeya takes a step back, placing the bottle of whiskey on the table next to the bloodied instruments. He pats at the side of your cheek three times and your eyes strain to remain open. His touch alone feels like frostbite.

Hunched over your chair, unable to move a muscle, the taste of alcohol remains strong in your throat and stomach.

"Hey, hey, don't black out on me. We're still talking." His voice is light and teasing, almost as if he's amused. It sounds no different from the usual tone he uses when talking to you over wine and music, laughing with that goth nun and Diluc –oh, loving and protective Diluc– watching over the bar.

If only there wasn't this crazed look in Kaeya's eye that wanted to mangle you.

"Honestly, I'm being quite generous right now. I'm sure you wouldn't want Diluc to see you like this, now would we? By now, he's probably dismantling your distribution center— Thank you for the information, by the way." He pulls a chair in front of you, sitting with legs spread and a smile to his face. You shiver. "So let's finish up before he gets back, shall we?"

You nod as much as you can in agreement. He frowns.

"Words."

"Y-yes."

He smiles.

"Why isn't healing magic curing the teenagers?"

You know better than to stay quiet; dignity grinded to dust after hours under his ministrations. He waits for you to reply.

"D-delusions. . . have recoil effect."

"Yes, yes, we're aware of that. But how do we cure them?"

"N. . . no cure."

He frowns and you almost flinch. It's ironic how much can change within 31 hours.

"B-but keep 'em. . . away fr'm delusions."

He leans back, chin resting on the back of his hand. "Keeping them away from the delusions would elevate the effects, is that what you mean?"

You nod.

"Then – pray, tell – why are they going into shock when we take it away from their bodies?" He hisses and you almost whimper; please don't grab a tool, please don't– "They display seizure-like symptoms, the nuns had to keep those things by their bedsides."

"They w-won't die." You state breathless and his eyes narrow, "I- I promise. The seizure will fade. I wouldn't. . . want them to die either."

Fatui scum as you were, it's not like you wanted to kill teenagers. Kaeya would know that, right? He is – was – your friend, he knows you at least to understand that, right? He scans your face, warily weighing your words before scoffing.

"You'll be held accountable for your statement here if anything happens to those kids." Kaeya stands and the chair screeches against concrete. His footsteps trail away from you, stopping just before the end of the staircase.

". . . You know, I could've cared less where you're from. Or what you've done." He mutters quietly, you almost missed it, "But what you've done to Diluc? . . ."

Kaeya doesn't continue as he makes his way up the stairs, leaving you in the dark of the basement. You wonder if you should take this as a chance to rest or escape— ha, escape. With a strap around every limb, you'd have to be real lucky to be able to escape from this place.

I don't think I could forgive anyone who takes advantage of him. You recall, and for a moment -just for a moment- your previous justifications seem like excuses.

•

On the ninth month of your mission, you find yourself on the wine tycoon's bed. Limbs tangled together, your arms around his neck, his lips against your throat. Soft sighs, shifting clothes, and the flickering of the fireplace are the only sounds you hear.

He pulls away, sitting up to unbutton his dark dress shirt. He's cautious, slow.

Cloth falls apart at his chest. Fair skin illuminated by the warmth of the fire. Along with it were scars, old and new; burn marks marring his skin, gun shot wounds, stitches, a large patch on his abdomen looked cauterized and you wonder what he went through to receive it or if he treated it alone.

In all honesty, it was terribly disfigured and the first emotion you felt was revulsion.

The second being pity.

When your eyes trailed back to his own red ones, a vulnerable and shy look staring back at you—

You held your breath at the sudden reality.

The third emotion you felt was love.

•

series m.list || masterlist 2

note !! fun fact but I based this fic out of my own experience of downing whiskey in one go, that stuff burns 🥵 practice safe drinking, friends 🥲

ive hinted at whatll happen in the next chapter ;) other characters will be making an appearance as well, so stay tuned!

taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera

@escapeis @leftdestiny-posts @manjimeowmeow @sup-zfam @hangezoessidehoe @liyacreate @sheepispink @juminsamore @shadowfireblue @ashjustlikesthings @ashgayasfuzz @chiisananingen @lavynne

#diluc x reader #diluc #genshin diluc #genshin #kaeya x reader #hira loyalties #diluc x you #kaeya #genshin kaeya #genshin impact #genshin imagines #genshin angst #genshin hcs #genshin fanfic #genshin series #genshin angst/comfort #genshin found family

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queenofapeacefuldawn · 2 years

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Brynne: I'm the strongest Pandava. I'm the daughter of the god of the winds. I'm-

Hira: Hi :)

Brynne: [internally screaming]

Aru, thru the mind link: Smooth.

----

Aru: Okay, but who else thinks that homework is a conspiracy and teachers are assassins out to kill teenagers?

Mini: Literally nobody thinks that, just do your work.

----

Mini: You've dropped Nutella on your Chemistry text book.

Aru, close to tears: It's more than that book deserves.

mood

----

Aru: Hello all, I have called this meeting for-

Mini, mouthing: Confirming loyalty.

Aru: Killing royalty.

Rudy, in the back: [sweating]

----

Aru: Who else feels like they've at least once forgotten how to hold a pencil?

Mini, throwing a pillow at her: Go to sleep before I knock you out.

----

Aru: Please?

Rudy: We're begging you.

Mini: In no universe are we going to buy an alpaca.

----

Somebody: [curses]

Brynne, covering Mini's ears: There are children in here.

Mini: I'm older than you.

Brynne: But you're short.

an actual conversation between my best friend and me (unfortunately, i was mini in this scenario)

----

Aru: It's absolutely outrageous how you can't block people in real life, like permanently. Restraining orders can be flouted, so what is the point?

Mini: It's called murder, and it's generally frowned upon by the law.

Brynne: By this point, who gives two fucks about the law? I certainly don't.

Aiden, close to tears: Why are you three like this?

----

Aru: I've earned the title of 'Most Likely to Burn a House Down'! :)

Aiden: That's the exact reason I've earned the title of 'Most Likely to Carry a Fire Extinguisher Their Entire Life'.

----

Mini's anxiety: So you're in battle, your boyfriend is bleeding out, and you're surrounded by enemies.

Mini's anxiety: Sure would be a shame if you began with MOMDPA now.

Mini: [eye twitch]

----

#the pandava quintet #aru shah and the end of time #aru shah and the song of death #aru shah and the city of gold #aru shah and the tree of wishes #aru shah and the nectar of immortality #yamini kapoor mercado lopez #mini x rudy #roshani chokshi #aiden acharya #aru shah #brynne rao #nikita jagan #hira kapoor mercado-lopez

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pulptv · 5 months

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⠀⠀𝗣𝗨𝗟𝗣𝘛𝘝₁₉₉₉ ) :⠀ CHRIST, LOOK WHO'S WANDERED IN ! thank you for applying wispy. sobhita dhulipala as the investigative journalist is all yours. you have twenty four hours to send in an account and read over the checklist. get ready, new york is one hell of a city . . .

* \̲\̲ sobhita dhulipala, cis woman + she / her ] ⠀★ , no way, haven’t you ever heard of ZAHIRA VARMA TETALI? perhaps you know them best as HIRA. spotted under new york's city lights, i’ve heard they’re an INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST that’s protected by HER OWN SHEER FORCE OF WILL, spilled blood for loyalty is thicker than water. the rumour goes that the THIRTY YEAR OLD is known to be mercurial and unyielding, yet clever and captivating. it’s HUBRIS that’s their biggest vice, but hey, what do i fuckin’ know? their favourite song on the job is ONE OF THESE NIGHTS by THE EAGLES and are never seen without THEIR VINTAGE CROSS NECKLACE, hard to believe in superstition in such a godless city. ask the right people and they’ll tell you that they remind them of: THE SOUR SWEETNESS OF A ROTTEN ORANGE, CALLS DIALED FROM VARIOUS PAYPHONES ( YOU ALWAYS ASK HER WHO SHE'S CALLING : SHE SMILES AND SAYS GOD ), FIGHTS IN BARS THAT HAPPEN WITHOUT HER EVER RAISING HER FISTS ( YOU THINK YOU'VE WON UNTIL YOU GET HOME : SHE DID ALWAYS LIKE PLAYING WITH HER FOOD ), A GRIN THAT NEVER REACHES HER DARK EYES, AND A BATTERED RECORDER THAT ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE ON. so whatever you do, and may vengeance have mercy on you, do not fuck with them. ⸻ ivy, twenty6, she/her, est

#new rp #crime rp #literate rp #semi appless rp #john wick rp #city rp #action rp #accepted.#DARE I SAY ??? ICONIC ???

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tvsmovies · 2 years

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Watch Free Full 13 Assassins

Release Date : 09/25/2010 (JP)Category : Adventure, Drama, ActionProduction : Country : JPRate : Cast : Koji Yakusho,Takayuki Yamada,Yusuke Iseya,Goro Inagaki,Kazue Fukiishi,Hiroki Matsukata,Tsuyoshi Ihara,Ikki Sawamura,Arata Furuta,A bravado period action film set at the end of Japan's feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a war-torn future.A bravado period action film set at the end of Japan's feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a war-torn future.Published by The Massie TwinsRelease Date: April 29th, 2011 MPAA Rating: RDirector: Takashi Miike Actors: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura, Hiroki Matsukata, Tsuyoshi IharaAssassins” is director Takashi Miike’s homage to the epic samurai films of Akira Kurosawa. Like many of those, Miike’s take is structured to show camaraderie, honor, compassion, and loyalty in the face of extreme adversity – but it’s clear that the exhilarating 50-minute climax battle is both the director’s forte and his primary passion. Forgoing elaborate and penetrating backstories, many of the intrepid warriors serve simply to embellish the combat, something Kurosawa’s films wisely avoided. Insightful concepts of fate and destiny do emerge in small doses, along with notions of mythology, but the violent visuals and elaborate action sequences are the moments that prevail. Fortunately, Miike’s aptitude in these fields is quite impressive.It is a time of peace in feudal Japan (1840s), but such fragile ideals are threatened by the ascent to power of Lord Naritsugu (Goro Inagaki), a callous and ruthless descendant of the Shogun. Sir Doi (Mikijiro Hira), bound by his status as top Shogun official, knows he must act or the Shogunate and its people will be thrown into turmoil and chaos. Secretly devising a plot to assassinate the evil Lord, Doi turns to noble samurai Shinzaemon Shinada (Koji Yakusho) to gather conscripts for the crucial mission. But with spies, lordless troops, and Naritsugu’s calculating advisor Hanbei (Masachika Ichimura) countering Shinza’s every move, their impossible task grows ever more perilous.The opening scene sets up the preoccupation with bloodshed and violence to come, with a rebellious samurai disemboweling himself – ritualistic harakiri – in typical, Takashi Miike cringe-inducing fashion. Although it may not be his most memorable (or brutal) work, “13 Assassins” ends up being one of his most thrilling and technically proficient actioners. All the elements of Shogun adventure are present: a h

however, it’s that Naritsugu will satisfactorily receive an ending as blood-soaked as his standard conduct. – The Massie Twins Watch free movies and tvshows on VidooTv

Watch Free Full 13 Assassins

eartless tyrant, wise elders, a mature warrior leader, an unsympathetic henchman, an assassination mission, crossed swords, longtime rivals, and an epic 200-man skirmish.The hunt for the last remaining true samurai is not unlike assembling “The Magnificent Seven” (or “Seven Samurai” before that). It’s a quest for forgotten champions and not just the kind for show – ones who can still draw their swords and live by them. Obtaining them is just the start. A perilous trek through unforgiving countryside awaits, with ambushes, ronin mercernaries, political bribes and inevitable battle on the horizon. Their success is governed largely by luck (and a hint of the supernatural).“These days, swords are only good for cutting radishes.” The samurai status no longer insinuates a fighter skilled with weaponry. Honor is everything. This setting mirrors that of “The Wild Bunch,” with men that have outlived their lawlessness and usefulness, despite civilization remaining just as barbaric. Here, villain Lord Naritsugu is especially merciless, deluded, eager to demonstrate his power, and intent on cruelly making examples of those who rebel against his rule. His general vileness and fondness for warfare is a touch overdone. If anything is certain,

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wisdomrays · 2 years

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The Messenger of God: Muhammad: Part 61

The Last Word

Prophet Muhammad had all the necessary leadership qualities for success in every aspect of life. But, more importantly, he was able to lead his community to success in every field. He is the source from which flowed all later developments related to command, statecraft, religion, spiritual development, and so on in the Muslim world.

In general, leaders should have the following qualities:

• Realism. Their messages and demands should not contradict reality. They should understand prevailing conditions as they actually are, and be aware of any advantages and disadvantages.

• Absolute belief in their message. Their conviction should never falter, and they should never renounce their mission.

• Personal courage. Even if left alone, they should have enough courage to persevere. When some of his pursuers reached the mouth of the cave in which they were hiding, Abu Bakr was afraid something would happen to the Messenger. However, the Prophet only said: Don't worry, for God is with us (9:40).

• Strong willpower and resolve. They should never experience even one moment of hopelessness.

• Awareness of personal responsibility. Everything should be directed toward fulfilling this responsibility. In no way should they be seduced by the world's charms and life's attractions.

• Far-sighted and goal-centered. Leaders should be able to discern and plan for potential developments. They should know how to evaluate the past, present, and future to reach a new synthesis. Those who frequently change their opinions only spread chaos in the community.

• Personal knowledge of each follower. Leaders should be fully aware of each follower's disposition, character, abilities, shortcomings, ambitions, and weak points. If they lack this knowledge, how can they fill vacant posts with the appropriate people?

• Strong character and praiseworthy virtues. Leaders should be determined but flexible while carrying out decisions, and know when to be unyielding and implacable or relenting and compassionate. They should know when to be earnest and dignified, when to be modest, and always be upright, truthful, trustworthy, and just.

• No worldly ambitions or abuse of authority. Leaders should live like the poorest members of their community. They should never discriminate among their subjects; rather, they should strive to love them, prefer them over themselves, and act so that their people will love them sincerely. They should be faithful to their community, and secure their community's loyalty and devotion in return.

The Messenger possessed all of these qualities, and many more as well. To cite only a few examples, he never even thought of abandoning his mission when confronted with great hostility and tempting bribes. Instead, he would tell them: "Say: 'There is no god but God,' and prosper in both worlds." [1] When his Companions complained about the harsh conditions and persecution in Makka, he answered: "You show haste. A day will come and a woman will travel from Hira [a town in southern Iraq] to Makka alone on her camel (in security) and circumambulate the Ka'ba as an act of worship, and the treasuries of the Sassanid Emperor will be captured by my community."

Once the Makkan leaders came to him and said: "If you meet with us on a day when others, especially those poor ones, are not present, we may talk to you about accepting your religion." They despised poor Muslims like Bilal, 'Ammar, and Habbab, and desired special treatment. The Messenger rejected such proposals without a second thought. The verses revealed addressed him as follows: Send not away those who call on their Master morning and evening, seeking His Face (6:52), and Persevere together with those who call on their Master morning and evening, seeking His Face (18:28).

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