#i personally wouldn't label her aromatic

[driftwoodpony]

I totally agree with the Twilight sparkle aro/ace headcanon. She seems like the type to read about love in books and leave it at that.

you get me! i'd like to imagine that she's not apt on romance like most ponies, because her whole thing isn't about that kind of stuff, so she just doesn't think about the matter unless it comes up.

closest twilight's got to a love life is her situationship with flash sentry and i find that really funny

(still upset that it never worked out.. i loved that pairing as a kid)

[emotionallychargedtowel]

The idea of figuring out what the Only Friends characters smell like came up in a discussion I was having and it made me want to assign everyone a fragrance--like, the perfume/cologne kind, not just some kind of smell. What follows is not based on any close reading of the show and is full of stuff I made up but it's made-up stuff that is consistent with how I'm currently thinking about the characters (without having had the repeated viewings or having engaged in the detailed analysis some have with this show). So, you know, nothing serious. But I enjoyed writing it.

Top: Cuir Oud Padishah (Auphorie)

Top prides himself on knowing about niche things that are considered high-quality by discriminating people so of course he likes Auphorie. The fact that the label is from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, specifically) appeals to him as well. This fragrance is heavy on animalic, musky notes which I think Top would think makes him some kind of sexy badass (it doesn't), and it has a prominent oud note, and the rare and fancy aspect of oud is something that would appeal to his snobby side. Whenever someone compliments Top on this fragrance he launches into a whole spiel about Auphorie and small-batch natural perfumery that comes off as pedantic to anyone who isn't already convinced he's the second coming.

Mew: En Passant (Frederic Malle)

Mew likes that this is from a fancy, niche label that isn't that well-known, and he likes that it's a unisex scent because he likes being a little hard to pin down in that department, but his favorite thing about this fragrance is that the combination of lilac, cucumber, and springy green notes reads as really innocent while actually being low-key alluring. The sweet drydown is another aspect that is like the version of himself that Mew presents to the world. Someone on Fragrantica pointed out that "en passant" is, among other things, the name of a chess move in which a player captures an opponent's pawn while passing by them during an opening move and I think that is just so Mew.

Sand: L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme (Issey Miyake)

This is a pretty affordable fragrance but definitely an interesting enough composition to interest a guy like Sand who is a little particular when it comes to his aesthetic preferences. It's also from the 90s, like some other things Sand likes, and I can totally see him checking ebay to get a vintage bottle. In theory it hasn't been reformulated but he'd be convinced that older was better. This would also be a likely crowd pleaser across genders which is something Sand would be into. L'Eau d'Issey (the fragrance for women, which came first) was kind of an un-perfume perfume, fresh and translucent but practically nonexistent. The Pour Homme variant is more balanced thanks to some low end from woody, aromatic, and spicy notes. It's still on the subtler side, though, so he wouldn't have to worry about seeming like he's trying too hard even if he oversprayed, and you know Sand has a horror of seeming like he's trying too hard. My choice of this fragrance for Sand may be influenced by a certain singer/guitar player/songwriter person I dated in the early 2000s who was very popular with his gender of choice, had a whole collection of different-colored Converse low-tops with contrasting shoelaces, and used to spray a puff of L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme into the air in front of him then step into the cloud because a girl taught him to do that once.

Ray: Philosykos (Diptyque)

This was Ray's mom's signature perfume. It's distinctive and sophisticated but easy to like, exactly how she wanted people to see her. She's kind of like Ray in that way--like him, she was high-maintenance but always wanted to seem just the opposite. The shift from mother to son worked out well because it's a very gender-neutral fragrance. At first Ray wore it in remembrance of his mom and then he just stopped thinking about it and just kept wearing it out of habit. He can hardly perceive it anymore after all these years but every so often he gets complimented by a stranger and it makes him get a little bit full of himself. Philosykos often gets described as the photorealistic scent of a fig tree--not the fruit, but the whole tree--and Ray likes to imagine that it's the smell of a particular tree someone would remember fondly from their family home even though he has never felt that rooted in any place ever.

Boston: Sauvage (Dior)

Boston's taste in fragrances is basic as fuck but that works really well for him, because what he needs is something that appeals to the lowest common denominator of dudes. He secretly wishes this was more overpriced because while he doesn't like to admit he's a rich kid, he has a secret love of pointlessly exclusive things. But he gets more attention with this one than he did when he wore Gucci Guilty so he keeps wearing it. He originally tried it because he saw a review by some straight guy complaining that he didn't get compliments from women on this scent, only other dudes, and he's had the same experience, but doesn't see it as a problem for obvious reasons. Boston has become inured to the smell of this stuff and barely notices it anymore, but then he barely noticed it in the first place. It was and is only a means to an end for him.

Nick: Bleu de Chanel (Chanel)

Nick's last job was at a kiosk in a mall and he used to visit the perfume section of this one department store on breaks because a hot guy worked there. The hot guy recommended this stuff, and when Nick smelled it he thought it smelled like something an extremely cool and attractive person would wear. After that he was determined to get it somehow despite its ridiculous price tag. He never got the hot guy's number but he did convince him to sell him a half-empty tester of this under the table for (relatively) cheap. He uses it sparingly to try to make it last but sometimes he sprays it on his sheets and pretends the hot guy from the perfume counter stayed over.

If you like this, you might be interested in my post on osmanthus fragrans, a.k.a. tea olive, and its significance to Utsukushii Kare.

[refriedrambles]

Also they a bit gay for each other. Krysa has an extreme preference for masculine aliens and very particular human men, Roara's appreciation of beauty directly translates to the kinda of people she's attracted to those who put extra effort and care into their appearance or alternatively people just have this shine to their personalities. They both lean towards aromatic. Krysa wouldn't personally call herself bi or pan but if confronted on it would probably roll her eyes cause she feels no need nor desire to label herself. It's an extreme disinterest. Roara considers herself bi but finds the labels a little bit silly but fun probably slipping into a small monologue about desire and power. She's been burned more then a couple times and closed herself off romantically. Krysa's just an antisocial sociopath and struggles with connecting with people or seeing herself connecting with them.

Roara is more reactive, she likes to flirt and play a bit coy, but feels little want or need to initiate things unless she picks up on a que someone's attracted to her

Krysa is very forward but flirty towards those she finds attractive

It's a gradual thing. They know each other for a long time when one day Krysa's eyes wander to Roara's butt and while she's hit with the realization of oh fuck she's hot hot, Roara catches her staring and is quick to jump on that with flirting and teasing

Idk if they stay together or if they're exes or if they're end game and they catch more romantic feelings or what but I think it's fun

Their relationships to sex under the cut

Both treat sex as a very casual and open thing. Roara gives me the vibe of like a free love hippie a bit. She considers sex a powerful and intoxicating of aspect of life, bordering her weirdly little view of sacred but in a way it should be done and revered. And I say this affectionately Krysa is a bit of a whore. She uses sex in a kinda concerning way, her desire for violence and more evidently than any other aspect of her life herself hatred presents itself as an extreme masochism and recklessness. Roara finds it appalling how she treats herself and refuses to participate in, but it's an aspect Krysa isn't willing to hear her on. This isn't a comment on sexual forward women. Krysa is just a deeply flawed person and its clearest in her relationship to sex

I have a new character who makes Krysa a stronger character. Her name is Roara and she's probably the most feminine character I've ever had and I love her

She's breaking off and absorbing some of Krysa's traits (it's very necessary, Krysa was a mess of a character) and adding them onto a beauty appreciating disney princess/villain. That appreciation can toe the line with vanity but it's also such a genuine deep seeded appreciation that doesn't end at just a pretty face that it's a bit contagious. It applies to nature and interiors and personalities and so much to ideas and art. She's just so full of passion about it too. My notes describe her as a nymph mother goddess and like probably not the best way to describe her but I like it a lot. She is socially adept, a natural leader and very protective of "her" people

Also I have her design in my head but it is getting muddled and I should be asleep so, inspired by Aurora and Megara. Light strawberry blonde, possibly a more typical blonde fading into a light strawberry blonde idk. Head band, but likely often change outfits. Slightly older than Krysa, but probably shorter, this likely makes Krysa taller rather than Roara being an especially short idk figure later

There are significant changes to Krysa from this, but also they're kinda minor at the same time? Roara heavily influences who Krysa grows into by rubbing off on her and taking the time to teach her not to a miserable little shit and handle people. Also learn the importance of taking care of oneself, feeling pretty and though this one doesn't sink in all that much appreciate others. Roara being there really helps me solidify Krysa's character. I can remove the maternal aspects from her, solidify her feelings on having to be a leader herself (she loathes it) matching it with her hatred of authority, and detangles a lot of the confusion between her brutality/hatred of humanity and her strong protective instincts/detest of the cruel and unfair. She's a lot more focused on her curiosity now. Also herself hatred changed from oh I know I'm a bad person and can never be good cause I'm just that smart enough to see it to oh I've seen something so powerful and moving in all of the shit and I could never be that. That's not it like I explained that so badly lol it's not like envy at all. Maybe a bit of su's love like you, but Idk how to get the rest of it across right lol

Krysa's got two big things now self hate while fuels her trust issues and a zealous passion to learn

Roara's got two or three a feverish passion for all types of beauty, a nurturing and protective nature (selective tho it may be), and a knack for knowing how people work

[asexual-means-no-attraction]

Hi this is the anon who asked about oriented aro aces. First of all, I agree with you 100% and thank you so much for replying. I wanted to know your opinion because my friend who is aromatic and asexual came out to me, a lesbian, as “lesbian oriented” because she (in her own words) “hasn’t had many platonic relationships with guys”. I don’t know how I can explain to her that the label doesn’t make sense and is homophobic. I personally feel really uncomfortable as a lesbian with her using the word to describe… literal friendships. What should I say to make her understand?

I am not a professional by any means. This advice isn't garenteed to work. I don't know your friend. I don't know how to best communicate with her. That said there are a number of ways to approach this kind of situation:

1. Consider if the friendship is worth it. Sometimes friends drift apart. If you're not comfortable being friends, sometimes its best to just end the friendship.

2. Communication. This could end up in an argument. It could blow up in your face. But there isn't any way around it besides doing option 1.

You can sit her down and say you want to talk. From here, you know her better than me.

-you can start by asking her to explain why the thinks the platonic attraction she feels towards women is different from how you might feel platonic attraction towards men, or a straight women feels platonic attraction towards other women. Would she actually seriously date a women?? If not, then it's homophobic to call yourself a lesbian.

^^ no idea how she'd take it. But sometimes you gotta rip the band-aid off.

General tips when trying to talk to someone about an issue:

-get them to talk about their point if view. Make them feel heard. They'll be more open to listening to you if they feel like you're actually giving them attention and understanding what they're saying.

-ask for further clarification on things. Again, listen to their POV.

-once they've had a chance to talk a bit, you can poke holes in their logic if there is any. It can be easier to help her come to the realization that it's homophobic to call herself a lesbian when she is only platonically attracted to women. Rather than starting anything that'll result in yelling.

-let her know she hurt you when she started calling herself a lesbian because she wanted to be friends with women. Talking about how you're hurt to a friend will often help them listen to you more.

-be honest. It's good to be nice. But if you gotta be stern-- be stern. Tell her she's being homophobic. Tell her you can't be friends with her if she's going to continue being homophobic.

The right time to talk to her is going to have to be up to you. You can do this all at once or do it in small bursts. Asking why she thinks her platonic attraction is different than normal platonic attraction. Saying ok. And then bringing it up again another time. It's a mix of doing what makes you comfortable and pushing yourself to talk about stuff you know isnt going to be fun or comfortable because letting it fester like option 3 is always a bad idea.

3. I wouldn't suggest this one. But the only other option is to stay dead silent and don't bring it up ever. This'll make feeling fester up and honestly just ruin the friendship. I speak from experience, staying silent when you're upset never works out. Communication is best. Even if it's taking some time to calm down and sort out feelings and thoughts before communicating.

Again, don't take this as professional advice. It's just the words of a random person on Tumblr. Treat it as such. Do what's you think is best. Good luck.

[revengeisalwaysanoption]

Do not dare to write him off as the cynical grumpy man who despises any kind of companionship and affection.

Let it not be said that Martino Rametta hates love, because it wouldn't be true.

He's got friends, hasn't he?

And he would do just about anything, for them.

And he cares for his mom so much that it breaks his heart, sometimes. He just wants to see her happy and when that doesn't happen, when… Okay, let's not go there. Not today.

And he spoils his girl a lot. Lets her have anything she asks, because she's always there when he needs her… and he doesn't even need to ask. He sits down on the sofa, sighing because of a particular bad day and she's all over him, even though on any other day she would shy away from human contact.

He knows that it all comes down to the fact he isn't dating anyone. Hasn't in a while and doesn't feel the need to.

"Maybe you simply haven't met the right person yet." It's what he hears from nearly everyone.

"Perhaps you're aromantic?" Silvia had even suggested once, only to get reprimanded by Filo about carelessly throwing labels around.

And of course now he's laughing quietly - immediately shushed by those sitting next to him - thinking back to Luca going 'aromatic? is it like a term for those attracted to other people's aroma? do I give off an aroma???' 

No, it's not that. He wouldn't be opposed to having a romantic relationship. 

Especially with that handsome guy who looks he had been carved out of marble by Michelangelo himself… He's got, like, the brightest smile and those crinkles around his eyes… It might be the influence of too much Classic literature and a fondness for that particular Rohal Dahl's story… But he can't imagine that such a splendid exterior could be hiding a rotten soul.

What he's trying to say it's that he's doing fine on his own as well. Great, even.

And does even want to change that? He doesn't quite know.

He's not a puzzle missing a piece, someone roaming this dark, cold and empty life looking for the light, warmth and fulfillment that only a partner could give.

He's not an angel with a broken wing…

He gladly leaves those cringeworthy metaphors to Fares, the new guy in I Contrabbandieri Di Luchini.

Martino hasn't met him yet and plans for things to stay that way, thank you very much.

The more he hears about Gio about him - mainly complaints about not showing up to rehearsals, disappearing without leaving a single messages and then springing up again like the whole world had put their lives on hold waiting for him - the less he wants to get involved with such a douche.

He already reaches his monthly quota of entitled idiocy by having to dine with his father once every fortnight, you know?