#zodd x reader

[sweatytyrantobservation]

Realistically, do you think zodd could actually develop feelings for someone?

This has got me scratching my head for most of the evening, please send me more asks like this i love a good character analysis

Alright, realistically? Probably not, as much as it pains me and my zodd loving heart to admit.

However,

Personally, from what ive gathered from actually observing apostles during rereading berserk, its incredibly obvious that an apostle wouldn't likely be capable of developing romantic feelings towards someone, even the more morally developed like zodd, locus, perhaps Irvine. (Grunbeld is more indifferent than most) Zodds mirage of 'care' towards Griffith is a manifestation of zodds obidience towards his definition of the warrior code, buuuuut i think if zodd had formed a connection with someone that it would be comparatively different.

I think if he had a companion, he would by default be violently protective of them, as in my eyes they had to have earnt that safety and be excluded from otherwise deep seated apostle behaviour.

A large part of the relationship would be built on unwavering respect and loyalty, i think. For example if his companion was human and drew a weapon on behalf of his defence that would earn brownie points if you like. Advocating for him not being as having some rationale and control over his instincts unlike his apostle breatheren would probably be something that would jump-start this close bond with zodd in my eyes, hed be curious.

I am a firm believer that if zodd had a love language it would more be acts of service and quality time. Spending time with and protecting his companion, treating them with full autonomy, loyalty and respect would be the closest form of love.

The what ifs;

If someone confessed their love for zodd?

say what you want zodd has manners and id die on that hill.

He probably wouldnt vocally reciprocate, buuut I also refuse to believe he would reject it if the bond had been consistently strong. Hes been alive for 300 years, hes old enough to understand the complexity of human emotions and would make an active effort to be as cautious as an apostle could be, perhaps. He would most certainly acknowledge it, again probably through actions rather than words. Glances of approval, being not so reserved; in his released form he would rumble in acceptance rather than aggression. (Its all in the body language im telling you)

Reactions to physical affection?

He wouldn't seek it out, but wouldn't push them away. Touching his horns, kissing his face, the caress of his ears; perhaps touching his claws or teeth without consequences. He would tolerate it privately. There would be a general understanding that this is something he only allows from this specific person in question. Resisting any instincts again could be interpreted as love.

Side notes;

Zodd having such a bond with an emotional connection with a human specifically might force and stir deeply buried melancholy memories he has of his past humanity and reminder of what he is no longer capable to feel personally. It'd probably manifest in ways like him pausing breifly, adjusting his posture but there wouldnt be anything a human would pick up immediately unless they were staring him in the face continuously.

(Pls do not engage in a stare down with the glorified cat he might bite)

Either wayyyy? Theres a understanding that if zodd favours this individual so strongly, capable of love or not, his silent respect and protection places his companion in a very small, elite category of individuals he considers worthy of his tolerance and attention. That alone is incredibly special.

[jacks-obsessions]

Griffith’s apostles (Zodd, Locus, Irvine and Grunbeld) x reader hcs?

Zodd

Good for cuddles

Very protective

Marks you up

I bet he purrs

Locus

Very serious

And protective

Only smiles for you

Irvine

Will play his music for you

Takes you hunting with him

Likes to hold you

Grunbeld

Very warm

Major size difference

Possessive

[sweatytyrantobservation]

ZODD HEADCANNONS

Random stuff in no particular order. I'm just thinking about him, headcannons below the cut

Tags; fluff, implied romance, mentions of battle and blood.

Apostle or not, outside of the battlefield and out the way of prying eyes, I feel that zodd is incredibly gentle, and his actions are always premeditated. (Argue with the wall) These headcannons are centred around the idea of zodd was in the company of a romantic partner/ loved one.

What hes like in public;

In public, I'd imagine zodd is incredibly reserved. He doesn't want the others to get any inkling he's in a relationship. It exposes him to weakness. But that doesn't mean he doesn't look after you. He stands just that bit closer, and he's far more alert than he would be with the likes of Griffith, for example. He's watching his fellow apostles in constant rumination and is always aware of where you are.

I don't care what anyone says, Zodd wouldn't intervene in any of his loved ones' battles, no matter his concerns. In his mind, a warriors honour isn't to be tampered with, and for him to win that battle for you would be tainting it and doing you a disservice.

If you're a warrior, he won't intervine directly. Instead, during the heat of battle, he flies over in his released form to check on you subtly. If you're struggling, only then does he descend and bring hell with him. His excuse to anyone who notices is that "Griffith can't afford to have casualties."

He does, however, insist that you are in HIS war band. He doesn't trust the others, especially Griffith, to be mindful of your health. He's not as cut throat with you like he is with apostles beneath him. In all his behaviour doesn't change that much in public. Maybe he would oil your sword for you if he's got five minutes.

In all, he's protective but in a way that only YOU would notice. He's been alive long enough to understand subtly and has mastered it.

Behind closed doors;

Zodd loves you more openly when you're alone and cycles through the many love languages to show you in every field that you're loved.

He has incredibly sharp fingernails in his human form, so he ends up scuffing a lot of what he owns without even realising. One evening, he grabbed your wrist, and without thinking, he pricked your skin. He's since never forgotten about it and makes a point of trimming and rounding off his fingernails before he's around you. He loves you and NEVER wants to see you bleeding, especially by him.

He's a big fan of holding your hand, don't ask him to admit it, because he won't, but he enjoys it. He spends most of his life in battle and has killed thousands with his bare hands. So he likes to show you that he can be gentle too. Even if that's holding your hand and stroking the top of it with his enormous thumb.

He is perfectly capable of brushing his hair, but he leaves it in a bit of a state for you to brush out when he sees you. He finds it soothing when your hands work to comb out the mess from battle. Especially around the temples, he carries a lot of tension there, so having your hands touching it relives a lot of that pressure.

If he's spending the night with you, he gets the spot closest to the door, and you can't reason with him otherwise. Once he met you, it became hardwired in his brain to protect, having him by the door that he could tackle any immediate threat to you instantly.

He will kiss you occasionally, on the temple, the cheek, the forehead, your shoulders, and of course, he'd kiss your lips. Though he doesn't do it all the time, it's not something that comes naturally to him. So when he does, know it's his way of showing that he does, very much, love you.

In his released form, he takes you for flights across the hills when the weather is mild enough. He has you sit at the base of his neck with one leg on either side of it. He doesn't care about you hurting him. He won't feel it and insists on you holding onto his fur during flight.

If you like his released form, he will take time out to lay on his side so you can touch him, his tail, his paws, his face. His broken horn is a sore spot, but if you ask kindly enough, he will let you tend to it. Though he'd much prefer to push his muzzle against you and have you hug it while you stroke his face. He keeps his paws tucked under him if you're not doing anything with them, his claws are sharp, and he's not about to take your leg off.

If for whatever reason you're unwell or can't leave your room, if he hasn't visited you in human form, he will stretch himself to your window and wait. Once you answer him, he will check on you and push his nose against your palm while rumbling like an oversized lion.

And that's all I can think of for now. Hope you guys had fun.