i got on twitter and found out a married seiyuu from esemblestars got caught sleeping with his fans and uses his characters voice in bed bro im cryingggg
Kaveh going to find alhaitham at the end of the day when preparations are complete means a lot to me, like wdym he's nervous so he goes and seeks alhaitham, someone who he just said he would never sort out his issues with?? even worse that he wants to check in on alhaitham and make sure that alhaitham isn't nervous too
The very telling silence as alhaitham clocks that kaveh is exhausted and kaveh correctly interprets that, this time around in comparison to the gag in previous events, alhaitham not answering him is valid since his question was arbitrary
The care and reciprocity of this interaction speaks volumes as to where they stand in their relationship, even though kaveh asserts that there is no way for them to resolve their issues, and they haven’t come close to doing so like what tighnari believed, the back and forth of alhaitham noting kaveh’s exhaustion and offering kaveh support, that once you clock out, there’s no looking back since you can’t do anything more, and your worries should be left behind, and then kaveh offering alhaitham water and proposing to cook for them, even as means of a distraction, is still so telling
When kaveh is stressed, he goes and seeks out alhaitham – the complete opposite of in alhaitham’s story quest where kaveh left multiple times during a conversation because he couldn’t take talking to alhaitham anymore. So you HAVEN’T sorted anything out kaveh?? really??
Alhaitham identifying that kaveh is nervous and kaveh confiding that, yes, he is, but alhaitham doesn’t seem to be. we go back to alhaitham’s perspective, that there’s nothing more they can do, any worrying further will only cause unnecessary trouble for yourself – directly addressing kaveh’s current concerns, giving kaveh the comfort he needs to hear
(Also ‘I don’t worry about things I cannot influence’ okay, I’m looking at you a parade of providence alhaitham, running around looking into Sachin to give kaveh some kind of closure)
them talking about the first archon quest amicably for once, and kaveh's conclusion that they're stronger!! and then immediately pivoting to how alhaitham asked him where he was the last time, like, we get it, you're stronger TOGETHER
The second time this specific line has been mentioned since earlier in the quest. The arc has fulfilled itself because this time kaveh IS here, we’ve come full circle, and now a new path opens (thank you king of invokations) <3
Also !??!?! this acknowledgement of the discrepancies in their communication is crazy because alhaitham points out rightfully that kaveh initiates their arguments, arguments which kaveh takes to heart! but then kaveh pointing out that he didn’t intend on causing an argument and that he came for a conversation emphasises that their perceptions of their interactions negatively impact their communication – kaveh believes alhaitham to have interrogated him, causing the argument, but alhaitham holds that it was kaveh who came to him looking to start an argument
Man I just think this acknowledgement is really important in contextualising their current relationship, would this have been able to happen earlier when they were constantly at odds and kaveh was more lenient in taking everything alhaitham said as a slight? I don’t think so personally
‘it’s good having me around to help out, huh?’ oh my god I love him, I love how his self-doubt has been completely eradicated, like earlier he was doubting his ability to be able to pull such a colossal feat off, but all alhaitham had to do was say ‘at least you’re here now (so you don’t have to nag me for details)’ and kaveh’s doubt disappeared LIKE MAGIC (IM NEVER GETTING OVER THIS BTW!!!)
And kaveh wanting alhaitham’s opinion on his contributions, and alhaitham OFCCC saying that they're the better off for it! jeez i wonder if that's why he was 'interrogating' you the last time,,,, also alhaitham taking the objective lens ‘as a citizen of sumeru’ to give a sincere compliment, lmao it’s so in character for him, it reminds me of how kaveh tries to compliment alhaitham but can only do it passive-aggressively
Them having a conversation at the end of the world surrounded by a sky of stars just the two of them, what in the apocalypse au is this??? I can’t believe this is real
Also I love how kaveh speaks so freely around alhaitham; like after using king deshret’s ipad, he expressed his thoughts about it to alhaitham, how it was blurring the lines between reality and a dream, to which alhaitham agreed, saying it was a novel experience, and kaveh goes ‘what is my spirit leaves my body’ and alhaitham grounds him by going ‘that won’t happen’ – I’m reminded of how kaveh was freaking out about mehrak gaining sentience and leaving him in nahida’s bday quest, and how alhaitham just went along with it. these small, earnest exchanges now really are a testimony to how their relationship has evolved over time!
When I tell you I GASPED!!! It’s been YEARS (or however long in canon idk anymore) and kaveh is still thinking about the note alhaitham wrote him in a parade of providence, “lofty ideals may provide no defense at all against nihilism, but perhaps little decisions can. By their own choice, the idealist seeks to bring happiness to all, while denying themselves the same. Thus they shall never reach even the borders of truth until they wipe away the ignorance that blinds them." And now he finally connected the dots..??? AND THE SUN STARTS TO RISE AS HE DOES SO??? SHUT
Alhaitham saying that awful things are a part of life and that sometimes they can't be stopped and other times they can, and that he and kaveh have done the best they can without detriment to themselves correlates to kaveh's self-sacrificial thinking and how he feels he has to invest himself into every situation regardless of how it plays out for him should something worse happen down the line, so kaveh linking this to alhaitham's note conveying that self-sacrificing ideals may not actually be feasible when it’s at the bane of the person holding them; instead of risking your life, doing your part can be enough to impede disaster, is like kaveh recognising the merit of this, a logic he once thought disturbing?
Also the concluding line referring to sacrificing yourself to achieve happiness for others is contradictory to this principal in the happiness for all, like um, yes kaveh please make the connection that happiness is what alhaitham wants for you!!!
Kaveh not wanting to talk about it now is and then changing the topic to the prospect of there being a future is !!! the sky lightening into morning can be indicative of there being a future in which they can discuss these things further NOOOOOO
kaveh admitting that alhaitham acts more like an upperclassman than him?? idk if this would’ve been possible for kaveh to admit in a parade of providence, it’s another kind of honest admission that might’ve been stifled by his pride, and then alhaitham’s retort about the difference in their temparement, he’s not wrong lmaoooo
I love this light-hearted exchange at the end when we transition into morning, some things never change, and honestly that’s fine, isn’t it? their dynamic is bickering over their respective differences but learning to accept and respect them regardless
Their nation is in a crisis, everyone has been forcibly evacuated from their homes, their archon is in a coma but for haikaveh time has stood still lmaoooo
Still bickering about the rent but not really bickering because alhaitham agrees to deducting a portion of the sum and kaveh looks for a catch because this is alhaitham, and nothing actually has changed between them since a parade of providence so ofc there’s going to be a catch! because their relationship is built on transaction - or so kaveh thinks
and Kaveh still decorating the house like seen in alhaitham’s story quest, and then regretting it because he might get robbed and then alhaitham placating these worries,,, only for it to be turned around into them bickering
Typical, peak haikaveh interaction. I have MISSED them <3
Reo is a textbook example of a 2, here is me rambling and doing my best to explain why. Enjoy my insanity
Motivation: Pride
Reo was born as the heir of the Mikage Corporation where he got everything he wanted from an early age. He grows up with status, money, adoration from others and later expresses he’s unsatisfied with his current environment feeling bored that everything is too easy for him to obtain. It was during his first year of high school that he comes across the World Cup, something that he finally desires.
Reo’s main drive to achieve the World Cup is about owning something that’s hard to obtain as his own treasure rather than what it represents with his status he has as a ‘lion’. He wants his father’s acknowledgment not to show that he’s valuable, but to show that he’s able to create his own fate as he is his own person. Reo’s father won’t acknowledge him unless he can carry the national team on his back, which further motivates Reo to prove his father that he can achieve just that. His family's rejection only made Reo more motivated for his dream and meticulously made a plan to win the World Cup.
The core fixation of an E2 is pride, wanting to be appreciated and needing to create an image to self-inflate their egos. Their meaning and identity in the world is shaped through their emotional experience. Reo’s motivation of winning the World Cup/owning a treasure is to fulfill that need of developing a self-image that gives him a thrilling experience and glory.
Reo’s ego does not revolve wanting the status or be seen as valuable of being the best striker in blue lock, it’s to win the World Cup for his conscientious righteousness. He treats having Nagi the same way as the World Cup, the motivation of being appreciated for putting in the work to conquer them for essentially bragging rights.
Quotes and Examples:
“Reo, you were born to surpass me. Consider everything in this world yours”
The golden goblet of victory and glory, the only one of its kind, that held the power to whip the world into a frenzy.
(I want a one-of-a-kind treasure. One just for me.)
Stereotype: The Helper
Reo is very charismatic, multi-talented, sharp-witted, ambitious, and generous. He has strong interpersonal skills due to his high emotional intelligence and business skills that he puts to use for his own ends. Some examples of Reo using those skills for his own use is forming a soccer team, reducing envy from other teams and the biggest part of the World Cup plan: convince Nagi to play soccer with him as a duo. Reo himself may be exceptionally outstanding, but he didn’t think he would be able to win all by himself. The Heart triad are relational and feelings oriented that primarily focuses to develop a self-image.
Enneagram 2 characteristics:
Self sacrificial for others with strings attached
Pride disguised as generosity and gains worth from helping others
Self-deception repressing their own wants and needs to focus on others
Emotionally intense and relationship focused
Wants to feel special or indispensable in relationships
Has access to the 1 and 3 wing, where the 1 will make the person value correction and resolve while the 3 will make the person more ambitious and success oriented.
At their best they can be self-nurturing, emotionally aware, accepts painful feelings, but an underdeveloped 2 will be aggressive, controlling, argumentative, blunt, and demanding. The core desire of a E2 is to be wanted, needed and appreciated from these strategies. They are very good at reading someone’s emotions/needs, but their blind spot is not always considering how they are making others feel when providing help.
Reo’s dominant subtype is One-to-One or coupling, commonly referred as the sexual variant instinct. Sx doms are often impulsive and chase after emotion for that high of excitement. He is chasing that thrill and is intensely focused on Nagi. This instinct influences his habit of being prideful as he feels a sense of devotion and entitlement to a singular object of his affection.
Reo is given names such as: Prince, Wife material (which the more accurate translation is a wife who coerced her husband in a marriage) , Nagi's caring wife, Maiden in love, and meddlesome wife. E2s are often referred as the giver, the caretaker, nurturer, advisor, and sometimes the lover. You will see a mom typed as a stereotypical E2 character in media, mostly static supporting characters as they are usually generous, self-sacrificial, and caring even if they nag. They are portrayed typically as popular, intrusive, and helpful.
Quotes and Examples:
A ‘genius’ is a being that can never be a genius on their own, and that only when someone discovers it then it will take form.
I want him to be mine.
"I'll make Nagi the best striker in the world! That's my ego!!"
"...Wait Nagi I don't want to-"
"SHUT UP! Believe me Nagi"
"Hey, Nagi! Hop on in. I came to pick you up"
“…I never asked you to.”
"That's it Nagi! All you gotta do is look at me"
"Lay off, Zantetstupid, you know Nagi doesn't need to practice!"
“Reo... You are too easy on Nagi”
“Of course I am. That's because he's my treasure."
"Dude, don't eat all of it. This is all for Nagi. I'm serious"
"I'm giving you this painting! Since I was happy when my parents gave it to me!"
I don’t need it.
Core Fear: Rejection
One misconception about Reo's character is that they think the only reason he stuck with Nagi is that because he's useful for his plans and prioritizes value. Even Nagi questions Reo on what if he doesn’t live up the expectations Reo has for them multiple times and Reo reassures that won’t happen:
Reo is very confident in himself and that he think's he's able to handle all of Nagi's worries, all Nagi has to do is rely on Reo and let Reo mold him into his best self. The promise of sticking with each other is part of the agreement, because Reo has to be needed. The Heart triad is also known as the shame triad, where an E2 believes they are able to handle their own needs and deflects shame ultimately repressing the feeling. I understand the notion of where Reo is thinking, E2s are generally good with leadership roles as they are attentive to people's needs and that's what they're confident about.
Reo gets horribly upset when Nagi decided to join Isagi's Team White, instead of waiting with him to find another teammate in the start of the Second Selection. Reo takes this decision personally as a betrayal of their dream of winning the World Cup together and all the effort he put in made him feel unnecessary and uncaring. The core fear of a E2 is being useless, unneeded, immutable, and inconsequential.
Quotes and Examples:
“Say it clearly…That you don’t care about me at all anymore…”
All my life... I've always got everything I wanted So he was...
That genius was...
the very first thing I couldn't get since I was born.
What if he’s living it up to with Isagi? What if he has already forgotten me?
Argh! Dammit! Dammit.. These thoughts... Just keep running through my head... over and over...
I hate myself right now
If I wash out here, what'll happen to him?
He told me we'd be together until the end...
But he left me
And if I was being honest with myself, I felt I couldn't be by your side anymore. So l turned a blind eye to my own excitement and hid it away.
Let’s meet again, beyond our dreams. I felt like if I said that, you’d never come back to me. I felt like our dream would disappear completely..I was so scared, and lonely…I’m so weak.. Damn it. I wish I'd never known how cruel is it to see someone change
Stress: Disintegration to 8
Honestly this is my favorite part and why I adore Reo's character so much. He is a lot more in tune with his desires of his heart in general, so when he's hurt he bites back and becomes vengeful while also crying over the pain. He tries to take in control of the situation and protects himself, not wanting to be vulnerable (enneagram 8 traits). E2s are interesting because once they're scorned, they become enraged thinking "I do so much for you how dare you do this to ME. OWN UP RIGHT NOW AND GIVE ME WHAT I DESERVE." Confidence is very natural for them, and despite oriented around other people in their life, Heart triads are self-centered which is a funny contradiction because at the end of the day it's about validation from other people. A lot of E2 characters fall short to me when they only show them getting rejected, cry about it, and then have other people soothe them without this arc so I genuinely love when this gets explored. Show me the conflict and the drama of when they are at their worst that's so delicious to see...
Quotes and Examples:
I am clever. And incredible. Having me on your team gives you value you can’t get anywhere else. And yet…HE HAD TO GO AND LEAVE ME…FOR ISAGI! THAT STUPID, WHINY BABY REALLY PISSES ME OFF
“You and I are rivals now, Nagi”
“You didn’t choose me… so I’m going to crush you”
I'm gonna shut out Isagi and win this match...and prove to Nagi that he made the wrong choice. If I do that..then Nagi will definitely come back to me!
Nagi is a treasure I found. With this match, I'll steal him back from you!
“As long as I can win against Nagi, I don’t care about anything else…I will make him say that he needs me”
“Is that lingering affection you have for him?”
"No. It’s revenge"
Win! Steal back Nagi
Destroy their light
Ahh.. I wanna die... Somebody just kill me...
Growth: Integration to 4
In order for Reo to grow and evolve, he had to accept the painful feelings, finding legitimacy in his feelings and being honest about his needs (enneagram 4 traits). Reo is a lot more conscious of his motives when he decides to make an action. He is more inspired, creative, and being able to surpass his limits, transforming and leveling up his skills as a player. Codependency is the main issue between Nagi and Reo, the miscommunication came from how they approached the dream because of their different coping mechanisms and desires. His relationship with Nagi also improved, he recognized Nagi’s intentions was how much he care about him and prioritizing their promise in other ways that he isn’t on his terms nor familiar with. Reo was able to be find his True egoTM.
Quotes and Examples:
Please stop... those are the word I wanted to say... hearing them from you... Makes me want to die
There's so much I wanted to tell you, but...
Thank you Nagi, for finishing me off
We followed different paths
I was frustrated
I resented you
I resolved to move on by myself
Maybe all of that...was for the sake of this moment
"Everyday since when you invited me to play soccer... I've always been with you"
Those words are enough... to get me fired up again!
It's YOU Nagi!
If I'm with you... There's no limit to the dreams I can see
I always... thought it was wrong to hope for it... But now I'm overflowing with inspiration for things to try with you...
I'll offer up my evolved chameleon style... to help Nagi score goals! This is how I reach the flow!"