How can I be suave?

[lilpoundcake]

HOW TO WOO RULES ○ No blank comment. Your character, in their infinite wisdom, needs to give Bakerstreet fool-proof advice on how to win a partner's heart. What's a guaranteed seduction technique? ○ Does that advice hold water? Other characters inform them if they're taking the wisdom...or dumping it where it deserves.

Comments

eloisa paolo | original character | ota

[tragicomique]

I don't know about their hearts in particular, but if you want to win any part of someone, give them a taste of freedom.

Sebastian LaCroix | VtM: Bloodlines | OTA 18+

[ventruly]

Discover what they care about and give them the tools and ability to foster that. Show a genuine interest, especially if it can be made cooperative.

And most things can.

[alivian]

I imagine there are few sweeter feelings than knowing one's partner is invested in your own goals. And theirs in yours, in equal measure.

[ventruly]

Oh, certainly. And provided the goals are reasonable, they should serve a common cause. In theory, at least. [In practice, people tend to be self destructive. But that's not polite conversation.]

[alivian]

["Self-destructive" might as well also be, in a way, Alivian's own self-care - or lack of it. Definitely not polite conversation.

[As it is, his fluffy tail flicks a little as he thinks, mouth pressing into a slight line.]

I don't think there's anything wrong with differing goals, so long as they don't run completely counterpoint to your partner's needs.

[ventruly]

[Disagreement isn't particularly polite either, but LaCroix sees no reason not to be honest.] I don't place much importance on individuality and self-expression for its own sake, and I do believe a partner should have something in common - should be peers and equals, striving toward the same purpose.

[alivian]

I see. That difference is probably a result of our differing societies.

[He offers a sheepish, fanged smile.]

I do applaud that you know what you want in a partner. That's invaluable.

[acaseofyou]

Does this mean you'll let me teach you how to play a banjo?

[ventruly]

As always, I will do what is necessary.

Though I warn you that my appreciation for music has been limited, thus far, to an audience member.

[acaseofyou]

That's fine, certainly not the first time an audience member picks up an instrument.

Besides, your hands seem pretty dexterous to me. You'll pick it up quick.

[ventruly]

At least you can tell me if I'm making a sound closer to an animal being tortured. I assume you have to have some polite deference with your fans. [For good or ill, Sebastian is automatically drawing powerful associations between Birdie's performance considerations and the performance requirements of a Prince. They've both been on stage, anyway, and they both have to keep a good bead on how their messages are being received.]

Is it really a banjo you'd like? [He's best described as helplessly willing to go along with this, not wanting to betray his core conceit about common interest, and flattered immeasurably by her interest. There's something about her that is singular to her, the Prince hasn't ever met anyone quite alike.]

[acaseofyou]

Those sounds are harder to come by on strings like this, and I don't know how to play a fiddle, so I think we're both safe. And I do a lot with polite deference, though that goes out the window if somebody throws beer at me.

[ It's certainly an apt comparison, especially considering how much time she's spent managing an Elysium in a high-tension domain. At least as Prince, Sebastian doesn't have to worry about beer throwing much if only because none of his subjects are drinking a lot of beer during their meetings. ]

Banjo is what first came to mind. Why, did you want to try something else?

[ventruly]

I took a course at the Academy on music, but I fear it was some time ago, and entirely without spirit. Quite unlike how I can imagine you would tutor. [Birdie seems interested in if people get pleasure out of doing an activity, which LaCroix finds instantly much more attractive than playing scales repetitively to mechanical perfection.] Has that actually happened? That's assault.

[It's true, none of the Anarchs ever dared to throw beer bottles at him, but he can still sympathize.]

...There are fewer strings..?

[acaseofyou]

Think of it like riding a bicycle. You're already ahead of the game if you can at least read music a little. [ He's right about that. The best way to make music that matters, in her opinion, is to enjoy it on some level. Perfection isn't even close to the goal. She laughs at the mention of assault, though. ] It has, yeah. Kine at dive bars mostly, when they realize a song is about communism.

[ Meaning: it's fine, people are stupid, and this is why even dive bars have bouncers. ]

Depending on the banjo and compared to a guitar, yeah. If you want less we could probably get you a three-string cigar box guitar.

[ventruly]

The next time it happens, I'll have the human authorities enforce consequences. [Because wow, fuck that.]

...The ingenuity of individuals without means is quite impressive. [That ain't nothin, it's homebrew crystal radios that are the real MVP.] Whatever you have is adequate, I'm certain.

[acaseofyou]

Oh, don't worry about that. I'm plenty good at enforcing consequences. Don't need a gun for it, either. Thank you, though, for the backup against the beer-laden projectiles.

[ Please, tell her about the homebrew crystal radios. ] I'll get you set with something. And if there's anything I can help out with, short of playing Keeper again, I'm happy to try and lend a hand.

[ventruly]

The rule of the brutish should be met with immediate resistance, it is the only language some of these animals speak. [Grumpy! But settling down a bit, placidity returning.]

When is a good time for you? [Sebastian politely does not pry about short of playing Keeper but dutifully logs it to maybe discuss later. Useless adjective Camarilla Princes, making his own job harder.]

[acaseofyou]

Yeah, that's why I usually throw the beer bottles right back. [ Said with a wink, as if it's a joke that will calm him down at all. ]

For you? I can make myself available. Just say the word.

[ventruly]

[He's pretty fiery, but generally calms himself down in a few moments even from significant setbacks. That's not strictly Ventrue-endorsed, obviously, but it's better than someone who holds an endless grudge.] It is a lack of consequences that emboldens the worst. No matter what clan or sect, what generation or human birth period. People need to see immediate 'pushback' when they behave this way - even if that pushback is as light as verbal, or communal, disapproval. [Because LaCroix isn't the tyrant he's painted as, and he does want people to want to contribute to the system as-is. (Also communal disapproval works on him.)]

In half an hour, then. I appreciate the gesture.

[acaseofyou]

[ Certainly better than many, many other options of behavior she's seen. Really and truly. But that's not here. ] You're right, but not many people like hearing about the pushback. Don't like being wrong.

Of course.

hi I love him

[autumnsfall]

I'd like to get into gardening. Helping something grow would be nice for a change.

[ Especially when you're a harbinger of death. Mia fiddles with a strand of hair, trying to not dwell on it. ]

I'm also curious about what you're interested in, mysterious stranger.

:}

[ventruly]

I can understand that. A long term investment, though perhaps a little slow to begin, unless you start with pregrown plants. Shrubbery. [Momentary thought.] Bonsai trees. But they're indoor plants, I think.

I'm interested in true political parity. [Whoops and that's not a great opener.] I run a charitable foundation that interferes with... grassroots problems that certain political candidates use to manipulate votes to their advantage. It's very dry, I shouldn't like to bore you with it.

james buchanan barnes | mcu

[counterstep]

Be honest. Earnest. Trust that who you are is who they love, too, whatever real you is there.

And be patient, if you must. Not everything falls into line all at once. You may still clash. But it doesn't mean they love you any less. Or that there's no hope.

...that said, if they're really not into you, maybe don't be a creep about it, either.

[itswhoyouare]

Wow, Barnes. That's some pretty profound wisdom comin' from you.

[ A smirk, because she can't help herself. ] Then again, you're like a hundred and five years old now. Wisdom with age and all that.

Cassie Cage | Mortal Kombat | OTA

[nutkrusher]

Be confident. FEEL hot. If you're not impressed with yourself, they probably won't be either.

Not enough by itself, but it's Step One.

Thanatos | Hades | OTA

[thantastic]

Make sure they don't get themselves killed.