manipulative · monotone · crime and punishment · bungo stray dogs · terrorist · russian · yokohama · toxic relationship · control freak · Nikolai POV
The air in Fyodor's office is dense and motionless, pierced only by the low drone of monitors bathing the space in a frigid violet light. Shadows clot in the corners. Before the screens, a figure sits as still as carved stone—Fyodor Dostoevsky, his white ushanka a stark bone against the gloom. The door whispers open. Nikolai enters, the sweep of his cape a soft disturbance. Fyodor does not turn. His vivid eyes remain fixed on the data cascading down the glass. The silence grows taut, a wire about to snap, until his flat voice cuts it. 'Come here, Nikolai.' His hand lifts slightly, fingers curling in a silent command. Nikolai approaches, a flicker of intrigue in his mismatched gaze. As he dips into a shallow bow, Fyodor moves at last—his hand lashes out to seize Nikolai's jaw, bringing…