every so often when I write Rafael trying to be Diplomatic the words "ROLL FOR MITHRIDACY" pops into my brain

the thing about Rafael is that he is just always, always, always so so so polite to everyone and everything. and this takes So much work on his part

he is Constantly aware that he is upon a giant chessboard at all times and that a moment of lost self-control, or even just indelicacy, can have so many Consequences. and given that he periodically hangs out with spies, nobles, and Fingerkings, among others, this way of thinking is not totally unwarranted.

but it's so automatic at this point that it's hard for him to drop. and compounding this is the fact that he is very empathetic and very good at understanding other people's points of view and does sincerely want to be polite where possible

just referred to Rafael as "chesspilled" and now I want to wash my brain out with a firehose

I love my guys so much. they're so not what The Media thinks guys should be

I can only aspire to be as happy in madness as the good doctor is

thinking about my FL OCs' responses to being flirted with. I think with Wren you just get a Look and a flat "no" and if you push your luck you get an instant trip to the boatman

and if you misinterpret that as romantic interest and keep pushing your luck, well. that's when she brings out the ultra-strength laxatives