what kinds of gestures would theo appreciate the most? it seems like he's generally uncomfortable by expressions of affection (physically especially) and it would be neat to know what would actually make him feel happy. perhaps little gifts and such? would he keep said gifts? so many thoughts about this Strange man
I thought of some other common ways people demonstrate affection and make friends besides physical touch: kind words, gift-giving, acts of service… all to try to show that Theo is a dire prick.
Theo is an intractable misanthrope - miserable, spiteful and prone to seemingly random acts of aggression. He is deeply uncomfortable with other people, and if he can't keep them at arm's length, he goes for the throat (or, at least, snaps at their ankles with petty jabs and demeaning remarks).
I think I have erred in mostly drawing his Amaranthine self with his mother or Hyden, two people he greatly admires and devotes himself to. Frankly, Theo does not appreciate affectionate gestures (or any interaction) from anyone besides his chosen person(s). He doesn't trust such gestures, he doesn't really want them, and he feels a certain bitter satisfaction in throwing kindness back in people's faces.
Being kind to him might keep him from being as hostile as he would be to someone unkind, but that's not a guarantee. He often sees kindness as manipulative, condescending, self-righteous or just plain stupid. He may be increasingly cruel to someone of a gentle disposition just to see how much they can take before they snap back and show their "true colors", vindicating his initial dislike of them. Trying to bond with him is almost as likely to earn his ire as antagonizing him. All that to say... I wouldn't waste gifts on him if I were you.
(Now, obviously, he is capable of bonding with people, but it takes some very rare and particular qualities and circumstances. If someone is one of his chosen few, he does appreciate gifts - and keeps them forever - and he may be grateful for flattering words, and maybe he will even tolerate being touched, but he doesn't demand or expect much in the way of affection. Being trusted and relied upon is often enough for him to feel fulfilled in companionship. BUT I've prattled on enough for now, don't you think?)
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I posted this and like immediately deleted it because I’m self conscious as hell but not before @jiserus-blog spotted it and drew this ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE rendition. I am in love with this, thank you so much, everyone else please admire.
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headcanon that peter doodles stuff when he's bored and he doodles this
(aka my icon!)
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