#i think the idea that people around them in the citadel kinda knowwww whats up bc like well theyre charr and they smell like the other

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going to bother you about the Rytleo BUT who between them initiates kisses more often and what does affection between them usually look like.

Would you believe me if I said Rytlock.

I see Rytlock to be a man of action that struggles with conveying feeling/emotion verbally, even in more personal relationships. And between the two of them has always been the more physically affectionate one, specifically in private. Rytlock so extremely loyal to the people he cares about and has a softer side he just doesn't publicly show because its reserved for very specific dynamics.

Meanwhile Leo had never experienced a long term relationship and even made it a point to avoid them, so I think physical romantic intimacy was outside of his wheelhouse, and Rytlock was fine initiating that sort of contact. It makes me feel insane knowing that despite their history of being intimate for 6 Years before they officially get together they never actually kissed, Leo is the one to kiss him first. It's a big moment for the two of them that cements them officially entering a long-term a relationship with each other.

(I have Thoughts on the implications of legion charr deciding to choose mates in a society where its very uncommon. But that gets a little off topic.)

Anyway!

In terms of like, "Love Languages"/ how affection looks for them, I see Rytlock as prioritizing Physical Touch and Acts of service. He respects Leo deeply, and there has always been a bit of gentleness thats granted to him, I also think between the two of them hes able to shed a certain demeanor of expectation, so I think doing small things like sharpening his sword for him, having their armor prepared for the next day, bringing a meal back for him. In physical touch this is more generalized but I think they have a little night ritual where Rytlock will usually groom him bc it makes Leo go to sleep easier <- gripping my chair abt this. Rytlock being the big spoon is a privilege Leo gives him and only him. This also sorta changes in HoT/Ls3 Leo is often the one caring a bit more for Rytlock as he adjusts to being a revenant with Leo doing his best to help him where he can.

I see Leo leaning towards "Quality time' and "acts of service/words of affirmation"

Leo is the one to pull them both out of the constant whirlwind of events to take a break or at the very least taking a mission thats just the two of them. Rytlock tends to tunnel vision and bulldoze ahead on things that he kinda needs Leo to grab him by the ear sometimes and break that for a bit. Smthn smthn Leo is 80% of his impulse control. And doing small things for the other extends to Leo as well. Leo is also the more verbally affectionate/playful of the two of them and is more willing to initiate physical affection "publicly " as long as theyre away from the Citadel or yknow things that would require them to be more professional ofc. Theres a moment later in the story I can pinpoint where Leo does something that very clearly shows theyre together and half the group is like HUH and the other half is looking at them like ermmmm yeah thats been a thing for years (it hasnt. Kinda.)

I will say I think the thing I imagine them doing the most is the big cat head/neck rubs, its just such an endearing cat behavior and sooo sweet to me.