shizun, pass me the yaoi

Exhibit A:

Including making his physical facial features suit the features of a fox

Therefore ok fine I'll draw chibi Rodri with fox ears soon he's my fox baby

you'd not expect such a fine beauty to be capable of any such atrocities but no he was born and raised by a number of hilariously villainous figures and questionable morale from these men ofc he was going to perfect it along the centuries

what kinda devious young man could've successfully scammed an entire imperial court with the full confidence of a delusional duke creating a title only known and used by the habsburgs (archduke) after it was approved

that infuriatingly comely face of his is such a powerful advantage it easily disarms many like nooo he'd never be so awful... Right... And even after discovering he is, in fact, unnervingly unhinged beneath all that prim proper grace and composure somehow it's more attractive

creates this sort of moth to a light scenario bcs you know if you displease him he'll step on u but like. It's HIM Roderich Edelstein stepping on u it's worth it

It's why the men I ship with him are often those egoistical prideful men who think they have an advantage over him but Rodri takes one look at each and said ok bet you'll be down on your knees for me, boy 💜

he will doll out necessary beatings because he is of the firm belief you spare the rod and the child is spoiled but in his case it is the dogs and mutts he keeps as company. All of them.

I'm thinking about perspectives of their relationship and by that I mean how in their marriage days I've always mused the experiences and thoughts, personal feelings from Rodri's lenses bcs it's a politically charged arrangement he needed for his empire's success, and smacked dab in the middle as the empire poster boy he needed this to be successful

And leading to the worsening relationship by the 1600s still it's such an interesting angle from Rodri's viewpoint as he's steadily gaining his footing and rising to the occasion (granted they drained the gold from the Spanish empire but necessary sacrifices am I right) until the inevitable end — but the momentum of his growth continued on despite the challenges he faced

Similarly on Antonio's end of the bargain I have like many alternative Thoughts™ because yes I adore it was him falling harder and becoming obsessive, then vengeful with how things turned out; thrice delicious considering the route of him blaming Rodri for roping him into the mess. Blaming him for stringing him along this pedestal so high up as a global superpower only to fall from grace.

To accept it was his hubris and the failure was his own making couldn't be comprehend, in his rage fueled mind blaming his ex was the most rational thing at the time. Then comes the regret and yearning and missing his former spouse SO bad because despite everything.

Despite everything that baddie left an impact in him so deep he can't get enough of it 😔 Antonio's perspective is this messy pathetic guy who took the L and can't stand it was Rodri who made him this way but he loves it but it's complicated.

That's why in the present when he wormed his way successfully into Rodri's everyday routine (coffee dates, sending gifts, countless invitations to come stay in cities and towns in Spain and yes it's all paid for dw beso beso, always worming up to the Austrian at meetings and conferences) it's him establishing a routine where he feels grounded and it's familiar and it's right where he belongs...

Next to his babe that made him a mess. He's happy 💜

Bit of an interesting contrast with PruAus because I've always seen Gilbert enjoying wanting to ruin Rodri back in the days, whereas Antonio somehow found comfort and excitement in having been ruined by Rodri instead. Gilbert probably scoffing bcs he doesn't get it (he somewhat does but won't admit to it.)