#original vetiver

[ciitrus--artz]

❄️ snowy kisses ❄️

vetiver belongs to @djmankiewicz (<3)

[friendship-switchblades]

it is with a heavy heart i must announce that i really want the gucci end of summer perfume

[parfumery-wiki]

Palo Santo (eau de parfum) Original Collection Carner Barcelona

Woods

Warm caramel, sweet tonka bean and vetyver fuse with the intensity of Palo Santo creating a fragrance that calms the soul.

Top notes: Davana, Rum Heart notes: Milk, Guaiacwood, Tonka bean Base notes: Cedarwood, Haitian vetiver, Amyris

[feytouched]

When you describe a scent as "dirty", what do you mean?

good question! in perfumery 'dirty' can mean a lot of things, actually.

you have skanky, animalic smells that are reminiscent of bodily odours of various origins. when used in small doses (or heavier, if that's your thing, i'm not judging), they add texture and sensuality to a fragrance. originally a lot of these came from actual animal secretions, but the perfumery world has largely moved away from that for the sake of animal rights and now uses synthetic molecules that recreate the same smells.

you can also have dirty-smelling flowers. jasmine in particular smells a little bathroom-y when very concentrated; this is because of indole, a molecule with a 'dirty' scent profile at high doses that gains a lot of nuance when used sparingly. other indolic-smelling flowers, like lilac, gardenia, neroli, can give the same impression.

then you have the smell of actual dirt, as in, freshly-turned earth. earthy notes can come from geosmin (the molecule responsible for that petrichor smell after the rain), from mushrooms, from vetiver, which has a smoky-herbal scent profile, or from patchouli, which is a note that's commonly associated with 'dirty hippie' type perfumes.

there are other aspects that can contribute to a scent smelling 'dirty', like overripe fruit notes, but mainly you'll find that this is what people mean when they describe a scent as such. the first option if no other info is present, the second if you're dealing with a floral scent, and the third in specific but delightful cases, especially within niche brands.

[strrkie-art]

flavors of jjk characters

amateur set of aroma associations. aromatherapy is my little relaxing hobby, I am not a perfumer

Satoru Gojo woody-musky composition with light floral notes. The fragrance fits snugly to the skin

Suguru Geto oriental woody perfume. his hair and clothes smell of palo santo, he carries a trail of kitchen spices and petricore (Satoru calms down and says even "sobers up" from this fragrance, when you need to put your thoughts in order, Shoko calls him "honey wood")

Shoko Ieiri among the mixed smells of latex gloves, formalin and cigarettes, her fragrance consists of one tuberose and sounds weak, almost imperceptible

Utahime Iori nothing came to mind but the scent of white lily and lemon peel

Yuki Tsukumo I think a refreshing playful composition of neroli and pepper with notes of grapefruit would suit her, while poorly hiding the smell of rubber and metal on her hands

Choso camphor and tea rose

Mei Mei fragrance of cashmere, black currant berries, ginger

Kento Nanami  sun-warmed trees, oak and fresh aquatic notes on warm days, in cold weather he will be warmed combination of guryun balm, bergamot and pomegranate peel

Hiromi Higuruma restrained fragrance of clary sage, cardamom, lavender and cedar

Yuuji Itadori orange, sage, vetiver I think Yuu is not picky, it is normal for him to use a 3 in 1 shampoo with an indefinite smell, he has not yet decided what exactly complements it, he uses different probes that Nobara gives him as a present, but most often unconsciously chooses compositions with orange

Megumi Fushiguro  green tea and oak moss, smell of cleanliness, which happens to washed laundry with a powder without fragrance, brought from the cold into the warmth of the room

Ryomen Sukuna strong vanilla at the beginning and after it sounds deeper with bitter wild herbs and pine needles, supplemented with tobacco, orchid notes and musk, completely eclipsing the original suffocating sweetness

Uraume cotton, fresh figs and burnt laurel leaves

Tsumiki Fushiguro pink pepper and lily of the valley

Toji Fushiguro woody-resin fragrance with animalistic notes and tobacco (he smokes, his hands and clothes smell of strong cigarettes)

Junpei Yoshino ylang-ylang, cumin, cucumber

Mahito something incongruous, for example, the smell of moisture and sweet rot of autumn leaves, a diluent for oil paints in combination with patchouli or vanilla

Yuuta Okkotsu jasmine tea, soy wax, juniper

Toge Inumaki fennel, rosemary, sea buckthorn leaves

Nobara Kugisaki I don't associate with anything other than perfume Funny by Moschino

Maki Zenin watery violet fragrance

Momo Nishimiya peony, freesia, geranium, amber, frankincense, powder (oh, no, Mai, it's not grandma's perfume, it's called a mystical witch fragrance)

Mai Zenin white pineapple strawberries, tobacco dust and cloves

Kasumi Miwa  is something powdery, delicate and barely perceptible iris or verbena

Noritoshi Kamo woody earthy fragrance with a hint of salt and almonds. his hands smell of suede, ink and coffee beans

Kokichi Muta ozone, bigaradia, nutmeg, licorice and musk

Aoi Todo perfumed deodorant with lime, nutmeg, basil and chamomile tea (to calm the rage in the chest in the spa evening)

Kirara Hoshi patchouli, rose and chocolate shampoo

Kinji Hakari iron, spruce, red apple and fire smoke

Mimiko Hasaba vanilla, apricot, wormwood

Nanako Hasaba geranium, rosehip, cinnamon

Nitta Akari rice water, pomegranate, grapefruit, red currant berries

Nitta Arata lavender, cardamom, walnut, lemon

Yorozu red wine, wild honey, rice, ginger cookies

Hajime Kashimo aquatic fragrance, chrysanthemum, bamboo

Naoya Zenin sandalwood, powdered sugar, caramel, salt

Haruta Shigemo fir, tangerine, lime, bitter chocolate, salty-sweet popcorn

Dagon land, mud, sea

Jogo wet burnt wood, mango, gasoline

Hanami fresh grass, garden flowers after rain

Kiyotaka Ijichi cocoa, tobacco, cloves, amber

Ino Takuma guaiac wood, vetiver, bergamot, lemon

Atsuya Kusakabe aquatic or woody fragrance with tea tree

Hana Kurusu powdery mimosa

Ryu Nishikori copaifera balsam, pine resin, clary sage, pineapple and burnt caramel

Takako Uro gunpowder, lemongrass, blackberry, leather notes

I think to end the thread on this note, it turned out to be longer than I expected. In any case, it was fun for me to pick up fragrances for the characters, relying on my olfactory memory, rather than adjusting to personal preferences (this was especially difficult with Naoya's fragrance😅)

[ve1il]

Here is a list of perfumes that i think Nanami would wear.

Before starting let me explain my vision. The perfumes on this list vary between very strong scents and fresh ones, i feel he would have this big collection of perfumes and he would choose very wisely and planned for which occasion or when he feels like using it and of course he has a very refined taste.

(Everything here came from the sephora site, if you guys want to check it out)

TOM FORD Ombré Leather

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Woody Spices

Key Notes: Black Leather, Violet Flower, Jasmine Flower

Fragrance Description: A distinct floral leather, Ombre Leather Parfum intensifies the original scent, fusing heated leather florals with woods. This perfume merges black leather with powerful violet leaf and sensual cedarwood laced with a hint of green tobacco—capturing the unbridled sensuality of the American west.

$275.00

JO MALONE Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Fragrance Family: Earthy & Woody

Scent Type: Earthy Green & Herbs

Key Notes: Ambrette Seeds, Sea Salt, Sage

Fragrance Description: Enwrapping and joyful. Windswept walks along the beach, the air fresh with sea salt, the mineral scent of rugged cliffs and earthiness of sage.

$165.00

CLEAN RESERVE Reserve - rain

Fragrance Family: Fresh

Scent Type: Fresh Aquatics

Key Notes: Bergamot, White Flower, Vetiver

Fragrance Description: This unique unisex perfume captures the dewy scent that lingers in the air after a lush rainfall. Crisp, watery cucumber notes and airy musk blend with vetiver and patchouli adding a touch of earthiness to create the calming scent you inhale walking in the woods after a passing rain.

$110.00

ARMANI BEAUTY Armani cold parfum

Fragrance Family: Earthy & Woody

Scent Type: Citrus & Woods

Key Notes: Mandarin Essence, Bergamot Essence, Rosemary Essence, Vanilla Extract, Cedar Wood Essence

Fragrance Description: The Code Le Parfum rewrites the code of a timeless masculine fragrance, infusing the powerful and seductive signature tonka bean with fresh scent notes of iris, sage, and bergamot, to create a woody aromatic fragrance blend that is long-lasting and uniquely distinctive.

$144.00

YVES SAINT LAURENT L'Homme

Fragrance Family: Earthy & Woody

Scent Type: Citrus & Woods

Key Notes: Bitter Orange, Oakwood, Vetiver

Fragrance Description: L’Homme Eau de Parfum is a warm and woody men's cologne inspired by an orange bourbon sour. Sparkling bitter orange creates tension with the warmth of bourbon notes from oakwood infusion and vetiver, reinventing the iconic L'Homme signature in a more intense version with a sensual trail.

$129.00

TOM FORD Oud wood

Fragrance Family: Earthy & Woody

Scent Type: Classic Woods

Key Notes: Rare Oud Wood, Sandalwood, Chinese Pepper

Fragrance Description: A composition of exotic, smoky woods including rare oud, sandalwood, rosewood, eastern spices, and sensual amber—revealing oud‘s rich and compelling power.

$295.00

(I’m planning on doing with other jjk’s character too so stay tuned)

[slasherhoe87]

What Cologne I think the Slashers Would Wear:

ART THE CLOWN

Fcuk Friction by French Connection

"Fcuk Friction is an attention-getting fragrance for men. Let it tickle your senses with a musky ensemble of fruit, lavender, coconut and geranium notes. This well-balanced fragrance has a spicy finish and is perfect for everyday use. It is an excellent choice for the man who wants a magnetic fragrance that is appropriate to wear to work or a date. Make this warm, fruity and aquatic fragrance your new signature scent"

JASON VOORHEES

Minotaure by Paloma Picasso

"Mysterious and virile, Minotaure for men embodies the symbolism and spirit of a mythological creature. Its bold Oriental composition features tart bergamot citrus in juxtaposition with savory spice notes of coriander and tarragon. Wear this intriguing masculine scent to stamp yourself as a rugged individual possessing an uncompromising free spirit"

MICHAEL MYERS

Obsession Night by Calvin Klein

"Anticipation builds when evening approaches and Obsession Night casts its seductive spell. The alluring oriental elixir blends crisp pear, sweet vanilla and incense-like patchouli with spicy accents of cardamom and nutmeg"

Bonus cologne because Michael is my one true love:

Halloween Man by Jesus Del Pozo

"Wrap yourself in mystery with Halloween Man. Its intriguing contemporary formula for men combines tart mandarin and the crisp note of apple martini with ginger spice and pungent violet leaf. A fine example of aromatic alchemy, the unique masculine fragrance conveys a free-spirited attitude along with dark allure. Dare to show your devil-may-care spirit with Halloween Man"

BRAHMS HEELSHIRE

Toy Boy by Moschino

"Liberate yourself and feel wild and free every time you walk out the door wearing Moschino Toy Boy, a playful men's fragrance. This tempting cologne blends spicy, floral, fruity and woody accords for a well-rounded, exhilarating scent that's sure to leave you feeling confident as you glide through the night in style. Top notes of Indonesian nutmeg, elemi resin, green pear, pink pepper and Italian bergamot immediately set the tone with their bold, bright intensity, only to be smoothly calmed by middle notes of flax flower, clove bud, magnolia and rose absolute. This tantalizing bouquet is further enhanced by base notes of sylkolide (musk), amber, cashmeran, Haitian vetiver and sandalwood for a warm, seductive comedown that saturates the air with its luscious charm"

BO SINCLAIR

Old Spice

"Top notes are Nutmeg, Star Anise, Aldehydes, Orange and Lemon; middle notes are Cinnamon, Carnation, Pimento, Geranium, Heliotrope and Jasmine; base notes are Benzoin, Vanilla, Musk, Tonka Bean, Cedar and Ambergris"

LESTER SINCLAIR

Hunter by Armaf

"The top opens with a refreshing burst of citrus notes, coming in strong and zesty with a combination of grapefruit, bergamot, lemon and mandarin. The heart settles into floral accords, the romantic aroma of lavender, geranium, tuberose and ylang-ylang spiced by fragrant hints of cardamom and black pepper. The cologne finishes on a warm, aromatic base, featuring the alluring aroma of cedar, labdanum, musk, patchouli and vetiver"

VINCENT SINCLAIR

Close Up by Olfactive Studio

"This fragrance almost defies categorization. It's a little tobacco, a little Oriental, a little gourmand, and everything you want a perfume to be. It opens warm and sweet with top notes of Santos green coffee, Griotte cherry, and fresh spices. The heart notes are complex and mysterious with white tobacco, California rose, Atlas cedar, and patchouli. Base notes of amber, tonka bean, and musk shine through in the dry down for an earthy finish to this alluring scent"

HARRY WARDEN

Craftsman by Tabac Original

"Sharp and confident yet charmingly balanced, Tabac Original Craftsman is a spicy-citrus cologne enhanced by accords of aromatic herbs, clean florals and spice. The opening refreshes and invigorates with a bright blend of tart-sweet grapefruit, bergamot and piquant black pepper. Crisply herbal florals of lavender and peppery geranium merge with almond nuances of tonka bean at the heart. A smooth, enveloping base of vetiver, patchouli and supple leather leaves a clean masculine trail that’s perfect for casual wear"

THOMAS HEWITT

Brut by Faberge

"This manly mix features woody and balsamic accords accented by aromatic and sweet notes for an exhilarating yet simple aroma that enhances your image"

JENNIFER CHECK

Psychedelic Love by Initio

"Fall under the dizzying rush of Initio Psychedelic Love, a powerfully seductive essence that can leave you in an emotional trance. This decadent elixir blends floral, citrus and exotic accords for a deeply bright and satisfying scent that has the power to ensnare that special someone from across the room. Top notes of sparkling bergamot and sweet ylang-ylang work together to form a radiant energy. Following this is a provocative heart of hedione, heliotrope and Bulgarian rose, which walks a fine line between playful romance and immense passion. Completing the alluring perfume are spicy and sensual elements of myrrh and sandalwood, creating a mystifying foundation that intrigues and attracts with ease"

BUBBA SAWYER

Mickey Mouse by Disney

"Mickey Mouse is classified as a refreshing, fruity fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of citrus, lemon and lime"

BILLY LOOMIS

Thallium Black by Yves De Sistelle

"Thallium Black is an enticing men's fragrance that is both sensual and gentle to attract plenty of attention. Fruity notes of apple are warm and welcoming, while cardamom is spicy and aromatic. The scent of bergamot adds a fresh citrus quality to the fragrance, plum notes contribute sweet and fruity tones, and nutmeg infuses a warm spiciness to the scent"

PENNYWISE

Realm by Erox

"Transcend the veil of the mundane, and enter into a realm of otherworldly sensuality with Realm. This seductive scent for men sets itself apart with its bright notes of orange and ginger, offset by the deeper and more mysterious notes of lavender, patchouli and juniper"

STU MACHER

CK In 2U by Calvin Klein

"A fragrance for men that consists of perfume notes of lime, gin fizz, grapefruit leaves, frosted tangelo, pimento, shiso, cocoa base, vetiver, white cedar and musk to form a well balanced cologne"

[kaurwreck]

i have perhaps never sent a more important ask in my life. DROP THE BUNGOU STRAY DOGS A/B/O DESIGNATIONS AND SCENT PROFILES

(also without the slashes abo is used as a slur for indigenous australians aka aboriginal people! important to know, i didn't either until just last month)

anon, at the risk of seeming naive, i'm choosing to trust that people are picking up on enough context to not assume the slur denotation.

anyway!!!! supernatural-origin misinformed wolf sex designations but bsd, ft. scent profiles + some additional (but not comprehensive) notes where applicable:

Armed Detective Agency

Fukuzawa [Α]: Fukuzawa smells like agarwood and eugenol, which is distilled from the leaves of red camellias and smells warm and spicy, like nutmeg. Agarwood was popular among Sengoku-era samurai and is often associated with Tokugawa Iyesu, who famously collected incense. I chose eugenol more specifically as a reference to Higo camellias, a group of Camellia japonica cultivars.

Ranpo [Ω]: Ranpo smells buttery sweet, nutty, and creamy with a hint of vanilla. In other words, he smells like an azuki dessert. Fukuzawa thought he'd grow out of it. He did not.

Yosano [Α]: Yosano has a really rich, sensual coffee and rose and patchouli scent.

Kunikida [Α]: Kunikida smells like whiskey oak barrel wood smoked hojicha. The wood I've chosen here is an intentional reference to Hokkaido, where Kunikida Doppo lived (briefly) with Nobuko Sasaki, and about which he wrote.

Dazai [Ω]: Dazai smells like bamboo, vetiver, and ginger, inequally depending on his state. There's a hint of saltwater too, but it's subtle and most don't notice. I won't explain myself here, but I will say the saltwater is a layered reference to multiple moments and places in his life and works lest anyone misconstrue it as referring to Flowers of Buffoonery and the events externalized therein.

Jun'ichiro [Ω]: Jun'ichiro smells like urushi sap with an edge of melon-sweetness, and red maple wood. My choices here are, in part, references to In Praise of Shadows.

Naomi [Α]: I'll decide when I finish reading the eponymous novel.

Atsushi [Α]: Atsushi smells like yuzu, mikan, and basil. Very edible, that one. Most assume he's an omega when they meet him.

Kenji [Α]: Kenji smells like nutty wheat, rain, and freshly tilled soil.

Kyouka [Α]: Kyouka smells like woody neriko incense with notes of honey and plum.

Port Mafia

Mori [Ω]: tbd

Kouyou [Ω]: tbd

Verlaine [manufactured to be and cloned from Α, but inexplicably Ω]: tbd

Chuuya [Ω]: Chuuya smells like French violets, anise, black pepper, and myrrh.

Akutagawa [Α]: Akutagawa smells like smoked amber, leather, and fig.

Rimbaud [Α]: tbd

The Guild

Poe [it doesn't matter, don't worry about it]: Poe smells like wet, freshly poured graveyard soil.

anyone not mentioned and any scents yet assigned are only because i haven't gotten around to them yet. (except for poe's designation; that one just doesn't matter, so don't worry about it.)

[amethystsoda]

Astarion Cologne Suggestions (from tumblr and the og subreddit)

Here's the original reddit post and my meme post --

the main notes people are looking for are rosemary, bergamot, and some kind of brandy/sweet fruit/alcohol

now let's go over everyone's suggestions -- link is first, then scent notes:

Hopefully everyone can find something they like out of the list! :D

Some smaller creators are doing specific Astarion blends too--you can find a lot of them if you search on tiktok.

[leebrontide]

Starting my perfumery journey

Ok, so I've been doing a lot of research and although I am generally very negative about having to learn anything via video, YouTube seems to be the spot for learning DIY perfumery.

My basic planned process is basically this.

And my first planned project is a nongendered scent, for me, that doesn't feature:

Patchouli

Bergamont

Musk

Rose

Which, if you have tried to buy scent in recent years, you will recognize that that list is why I have to make something myself because holy ass perfumery is obsessed with those things right now.

I actually already made myself one perfume that I love, out of the extraordinarily simple process of dumping a bunch of The Good Earth original herbal tea blend into a small bottle of high quality vodka for several months.

It smells AMAZING. Unfortunately one of my close friends is violently allergic to cinnamon, and it's got a good bit of cinnamon in it.

The first task will be to create a lovely deep blend to use as a unified base note. Scents under consideration include:

black coffee

dark chocolate

oakmoss

vetiver

dark honey

Cypress

Tonka bean

And, if I can find a ozonic note that feels deep instead of sharp, I'll be looking at that, as well. I mean, if you're called Brontide, you have to, right? Who doesn't want to smell at least a little bit like a storm about to break?

So, that's the plan. Feedback and thoughts welcome. If you want to jump in on perfumery as well please let me know, cause I want to find other people doing this.

[nosydogsoaps]

GOLDEN DEER (Claude) - Soap inspired by Fire Emblem 3 Houses An earthenware cup of patchwork clay, warm to the touch.  Crisp Almyran pine threaded with tangy lemon peel, cool anise, and a hint of vanilla musk, steeped for an hour then passed from hand to hand to the Barbarossa himself. .

This is one of the few soaps I've had to switch scents for, as my original supplier discontinued the first one I used (which I still miss, weh.) The OG scent was kind of a fresh and unexpected sort of pine scent - warm with flecks of amber and citrus, emphasizing Claude's playful personality. This scent still has a base of pine (playing off one of Claude's favorite in-game teas hehe) but has colder, more complex notes of anise and vetiver - reflecting his more scheming, tactician's nature.

[parfumery-wiki]

D600 (eau de parfum) Original Collection Carner Barcelona

Woods

A perfume that captures the urban lifestyle and the Mediterranean spirit of Barcelona — a vibrant spicy perfume with a touch of mystery.

Top notes: Black pepper, Sicilian bergamot, Grapefruit Heart notes: Cardamom, Iris, Egyptian jasmine Base notes: Virginian cedarwood, Madagascar vanilla, Vetiver

[indiaalphawhiskey]

UPDATE: Pleasing Perfume Descriptions

by Professorperfume 🌬️

According to Emelia:

🪵Rivulets: library, old books vibe; woody, fresh spicy, some freshness; little bit of powder, little bit dry, possible sandalwood scent, hint of coconut

🌿Bright, Hot: aromatic citrus wood, potentially with lavender or sage; almost a fougère scent

Fougère: The Fougere fragrance family is inspired by the "imagined' notes of ferns, deeper green or mossy, woody notes and is a generally a more masculine fragrance family.

The Fougere is a diverse group that focuses on the blend of a citrus top note, frequently bergamot, an aromatic heart of lavender, and a touch of rose which can also be replaced by the more herbal rosiness of geranium, balanced with deeper notes of oakmoss, vetiver and coumarin ( a warm hay like note found in tonka beans)

🫧Closeness: clean skin, a little bit soapy, fancy bubble bath vibes; really light, powdery, possibly iris, orris, or musk

For some reason, Tumblr won’t let me add to the original post.

[machtwehr]

Perfume notes as "Like Minds" characters. Part 2.

Alex's fragrance, much like his character, is undoubtedly sharp, spicy, with a hint of smokiness.

Top notes, the introduction:

Hyacinth. A strong scent that captures attention. It draws us into the unfolding story, associated with emotions bordering on extreme drama.

Cumin. Mystery. Ambiguity. Sophistication. It entices us into the narrative, shrouding it in a veil of intrigue. It points to hidden depths of personality and intellect, with cunning and a penchant for manipulation.

Bergamot. Vivacity of mind, energy, brightness. Traditions and possible noble origins.

Middle notes, the revelation:

Peony. Elegance and ambition, a display of excessive sensitivity, demanding recognition. An impassioned artistic nature.

Laurel. Ambitions, success, achievements, knowledge. Arrogance and self-assuredness.

Black Pepper. Adds woody and smoky notes. Sharp and intense. Alex is bold, strong, and energetic up to a point. Aggressive and unrestrained, he denies any authority, like a leader at his core.

The base, like consciousness:

Sandalwood. As a subsequent, yet implicit fascination with mystery. Prolonged passivity. Reluctance to accept the initiative that Nigel tried to give him.

Musk. Intimacy and magnetic allure.

Vetiver. An earthy, woody note. Adds spiciness. Manifestation of resilience and finding a stable life path. After compelled necessity.

Musk and Vetiver together hint at a daring adventure, with a tangled and enigmatic finale.

[aguamarinee]

...𝐈𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 &𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬. (𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝.)

[ This is strictly based on my opinion and thoughts, none of these have been confirmed by any member, staff, or anyone else! ]

𝐀/𝐍.: However if any of these would actually turn out to be true in the future — kinda doubt it but still — I will declare myself as a professional manifester lmao. And I will have my 'called it' moment too.

; 𝐒𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭!

[𝐊!]

TOP PICK • Dior Eau Sauvage; Truly the best of Dior, this fits K like a glove! Best-loved fragrance by far, and it has so much in it, so versatile, a bit of everything intriguing; vanilla, bergamot, amber, and of course, woods. The scent depends on what you want it to smell like, at certain times of the day. K would wear this with great elegance and confidence. This perfume is such an all-rounder, a pleaser for everyone included, he would totally enamor any crowd and audience with this!

HONORABLE MENTION • Chanel Bleu de Chanel; a fan-favorite oldsport scent but it would be a shame to call it grandfatherly — it's anything but that! It delicately embraces masculinity with a fresh, clear, green, woodsy aroma before turning it into a bright burst of citruses, empowering one's confidence. It stays on for quite long, not even a sweaty dance practice can make it go away! Entrust this to K as a second choice, he would greatly wear it for a cooler autumn day to show off his charm!

[𝐅𝐔𝐌𝐀!]

TOP PICK • Ralph Lauren Polo by Ralph Lauren Cologne for Men; This is a classic, sleek, smooth, and has been a favorite for decades around men, rightfully so. It has a lot of spin-offs, true, but nothing compares to the original mix of wood, tobacco, and leather feel. They say it comes with a tinge of American nostalgia but let the wearer decide that. It's a strong scent for Fuma every day, but when you come to realize how much it suits him you'll miss the aroma tickling your nose whenever you're near him, so anyone who asks him to change his cologne probably hasn't been around him for long enough. But luckily Fuma trusts his judgement and knows this is a killer combo!

HONORABLE MENTION • D.S. & Durga Bowmakers; It was hard to choose between these two which matches Fuma better, but it came down to this. I'd say this is better for special occasions, in the end, this combination can be too extra for ordinary days, sometimes you just wouldn't be able to handle it, just like Fuma himself! It's outdoorsy, woody, with hints of maple, cedar, even cypress, and mahogany... which makes me remember a lumberjack but it's a pleasant scent nonetheless! Maybe during a walk outside it can lift the mood, but definitely not inside.

[𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒!]

TOP PICK • Aramis Eau De Toilette; One of the longest-lasting ones on the list, but it's to be expected from Nicholas. But this staying time is because of strong fragrance notes, such as; starting with bergamot, then myrtle, sage, and pepper so it can morph into a spicy, musky intoxicating aroma packed further with clove bud and patchouli too. If Nicholas is on the line, it has to be extra and demanding, attention-demanding and he does it so well, honestly. The base has a bit of sandalwood, as well as vetiver and oakmoss, so all-in-all this perfume boasts such a presence behind it that projects self-confidence at all times.

HONORABLE MENTION • Le Labo AnOther 13 Eau de Parfum; If it's about Nicholas he has to go for it hard, again, overdoing and provoking everyone's expectations with a scent like this because no one will compare to this perfume! It's intoxicating in a good way, you want nothing else just to smell it until it's gone to try and decipher the cologne's components. Mysterious, but loud and clear! Putting heavy emphasis on the musky feeling here, mixed with traces of jasmine, a feeling of moss from the woods — you just want to feel it, touch it, devour this crazy combination! It will have you coming back very soon; either for Nicholas himself, or just another spritz from the perfume bottle.

[𝐄𝐉!]

TOP PICK • Gucci Guilty Pour Homme; Don't judge a book by its cover! The bottle is very simple and sophisticated but the scent can bring some surprises. Very citrusy, fruity, and sweet-smelling with the lavender and orange blossom additions! A perfect combination of comfort and adventure in just one sniff. EJ is the sweetest in all aspects so it felt right giving him something like this! You feel like you're in a beautiful flower field while enjoying some rare tropical fruits, a never-ending sugary feeling flows through you and the only thing left from the picture is Euijoo himself. He would wear this with great confidence!

HONORABLE MENTION • BOUTONNIÈRE NO. 7; Living and thriving proof that floral scent on men can be good, especially for EJ! True gardenia being the main element of flowers set against a strong string of citruses and lavender, this cologne is a walking garden of surprises. Instead of allergies, it brings clearness and joy, and of course, Euijoo! Perhaps he would be hesitant at first, wouldn't even think about discovering something like this on the perfume aisle but make him believe in the sheer magic of men wearing strong floral scents with a fancy shirt, it's a sight to look at!

[𝐘𝐔𝐌𝐀!]

TOP PICK • Burberry Mr. Burberry Indigo; It's bold, it basically speaks for Yuma! I honestly think this is my best match-up, I don't know why, but I'm just really feeling the vibes with this one. It has such a wild range of audiences for admiration; because of its crispness, and evergreen combination of strong citrus at first, then dying down to a pleasant blend of rosemary, violet, and some amber it's an extraordinary choice for everyday use. But Yuma would love this!

HONORABLE MENTION • Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver; I admit this choice may differ from the first one a bit too much but I can imagine this on Yuma on a late night out, attracting stares and looks, left and right with this captivating perfume. It's an interesting combo; very verdant, delicate orange-scented original, then it takes it up a notch with a harsh punch of Sichuan pepper! Too spicy for everyday use, this is more of a once-in-a-while-scented bottle of surprise, with the exciting fruitfulness of a new adventure on the horizon! Yuma would rock this on his own, I'm sure!

[𝐉𝐎!]

TOP PICK • Heretic Dirty Grass Eau de Parfum; The name is a bit weird but it's an absolute natural, earthy, green scent with a dash of oil in it, and some juicy lemon to add a smidge of flavor and interest to the wearer, but otherwise it's perfect for business-casual, and all-time-casual occasions. You might only smell it if you're very close to Jo, and even then you feel like questioning your senses, but it makes you embark on a bigger, longer journey on finding out Jo's secret, so it's definitely a win. You'll surely want to taste more than just a spritz of the cologne!

HONORABLE MENTION • Acqua Di Gio From Giorgio Armani; Great for the daytime in any hot weather! Incredibly natural scented light perfume; its watery, citrusy, and even more mysterious aroma makes you question if anything's present on your body while wearing it. Far from fancy, it brings out the best when one wants to seem effortlessly put-together and this inoffensive scent is the icing on the cake for Jo's laid-back persona!

[𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐔𝐀!]

TOP PICK • Jo Malone Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne; This is a polished, perfected, deep scent. It's cool, makes the wearer calm and collected with its earthy cedar — you already know this is a reoccurring theme —, juniper berry to ease the mind, and a touch of cumin and surprisingly, chili! Perhaps a bit spicier in the end than you would like, but surely unforgettable and outstanding, matching Harua's talent and visuals!

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Tiffany & Co Tiffany & Love Eau de Toilette for Him; the definition of fresh, cool, and airy smell, very light and natural by carrying both the refreshing scent of woods and the sky together. Combined with a couple of intricate fruits and blue sequoia — which can be found in Tiffany & Love for Her, basically the perfect pair for this cologne! All in all, it's a perfect second choice for Harua and his calm, collected, and endearing persona!

[𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐈!]

TOP PICK • Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Cipresso di Toscana; This was one of the hardest that I had to look after the most, but now I'm confident! This screams holidays, fun, and the fresh feeling of seawater with a bit of salty aftertaste. Cypress, balsam, and pine blend all with bitter orange and lavender, creating a refreshing repackage of an Italian countryside! It felt so right for Taki, it just made me remember his bright smile, so summer crush feels it is!

HONORABLE MENTION • Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Bigrade Concentrée Parfum Spray; transparent and fresh but nothing like an ordinary scent! Zesty and delicious with orange and light traces of rose, but down-to-earth mixed with spice by the additional taste of hay and cardamom. Adds such an unforgettable extra flavor, the way you'll never miss Taki's outstanding skills and personality in any video-filmed content!

[𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈!]

TOP PICK • Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille; It radiates warmth and calmness, a spark of sympathy, without being outdated — this scent is forever! This is another one where you'll probably want to go back to have another sniff from the perfume bottle but Maki's got you! When he's covered in this — most days — a hug is sure to come your way any time during the day! It's spicy, but not in a heavy way, just the right amount! And if you stick around too much, maybe another hug is bound to find you!

HONORABLE MENTION • Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme; Another sunny scent, for another sunshine of the group! A lot of citrus notes; mandarin, bergamot, and grapefruit but still a bit earth-bound with a whiff of rosewood and musk, maybe a tinge of juniper in there. It's that feeling when you're on holiday and you're in your hotel, away from the sea, but you can still feel it on you; yet you're surrounded by a man-made environment. Also, I can totally imagine these slightly stronger, woodier scents for Maki, I think it would make him stand out even more!

[ I spent too much time on this, but it was fun! Also, try to pass by my weird edits, I just wanted to include them in a way so everybody can see them and matches the aesthetic of my profile. They look funny, but it gets the job done! ]

➪ 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 【𝐌 𝐀 𝐒 𝐓 𝐄 𝐑 𝐋 𝐈 𝐒 𝐓】 !

[snowfolly]

A Simple Life

Astarion x original f!Tav | one shot, 2,931 words

Astarion and Tali are taking a break from the road to stargaze for a moment. He reflects on what was and what could have been with his little gray songbird at his side.

Cw: references to Astarion’s past abuse, some cursing

Tags: tooth-rotting fluff, hurt/comfort, soft Astarion, post-game, headcanons, self-indulgent af, Astarion’s Pov

Notes: Headcanons galore about noble elves in Evereska and Astarion’s past- if that’s not your thing then this may not be the story for you friend! • No beta on this one-shot & I am certainly not a professional writer • Also just as a little side note- My Tav, Taliesin, is genderfluid and uses any pronouns. They have used a ring of opposite gender for around 60 years (which they use about half the time), so I write/draw them as either gender :>

Read on ao3

-

“Imagine though, if we had stayed back in Evereska we could have had a simple life, well, at least compared to the ones we’ve lived. Perhaps my bitch of a mother would have sold me off to your family to wed you — for a handsome dowry of course,” Tali mused, staring up at the night sky and the thumbnail of a moon that bled the faintest silver light upon the land, “can you even imagine? We would have been absolutely miserable.”

Astarion laughed, his arms behind his head as he laid upon the long autumn grass, the scent of comforting vetiver and leaf rot was strong but not unpleasant so close to the earth. He stared at the constellation Correlian just over the horizon, thirteen bright stars standing out amongst a million others, giving him some kind of vague nostalgia, although he couldn’t pinpoint why exactly. Likely something left over from his past, from the time before; broken memories that would sometimes seep through in the form of indefinite feelings.

“Oh certainly, we would have hated each other. I would have resented you, you’d have resented me, we’d keep to different rooms on opposite sides of our sprawling mansion. We’d drink too much, despise our jobs in the family business, take other lovers and hate each other for that as well. It simply would have been a grand old time!” he jested sarcastically, one hand on his chest and the other waving about for humorous emphasis before glancing over at Taliesin.

Tali was such a slight creature, dressed in an oversized ruby hued poet shirt and high black breeches, her long, cool gray hair was back in her typical loose braids, balled up unceremoniously at the nape of her neck and held in place with a red silk tie. She sat cross legged and leaning up against the trunk of a tree nearly barren of leaves, her violin propped up beside her.

“We would have bickered nonstop, both of us bored to death as we played our roles,” Tali made a dramatic gagging sound and sat forward, hugging her knees and resting her head on them as she glanced down at Astarion with an impish grin, “but here we are.”

“Indeed, here we are, love,” Astarion replied quietly, turning to lay on his side, better facing his partner.

“Just two elves that have been really shitty at being elves,” Tali conceded with a smile, and Astarion nodded with a slight eye roll. She certainly wasn’t wrong about that. Neither of them worshipped the Seldarine. Tali was as decadent as he, self absorbed and mean spirited at times as well.

They were both city dwellers and cared not for the woods, but while she had played her music in taverns and inns for over a century in Baldur’s Gate he had been prowling them as a vampire spawn for much longer. The only time they had frolicked in forests was out of necessity, to get from point a to point b.

Lying on the grass with her and staring up at the heavens, contemplating the vastness and meaning of it all was as elfy as either of them got, he supposed.

“So…what exactly would have been your fate if you had stayed home? Seeing as to how I wasn’t there to come sweep you off your stamping mad little feet?” Astarion asked, nodding his head rhythmically with each of the last four words out of his mouth and Tali shrugged, her face not showing a hint of perturbance, which was good. Her past, much like his own, could be a point of contention.

“I was arranged to wed a noble merchant’s son when we both came of age, poor boy was sweet as mead but dense as cow dung. You might have known him, he was a bit older than me and a smidge younger than you. Not a brain in his head. Spent all day elfing-about in the woods, absolutely loved all that shit. Thank the gods I had the wherewithal to run away.”

“A dire fate that would have been,” Astarion said with a half smile, his gaze distant, deep in thought.

Evereska was such an obscure, foggy memory for him. He had very little recollection of it but he could vaguely remember the sprawling estates in the upscale part of the city, and one of them, not so far from his own family home was Tali’s — a house of noble merchants.

“Do you remember what would have become of you if you had stayed in Evereska?” Tali asked him with a hint of hesitation, but it was a question he had anticipated after he had asked her the same so frankly.

Astarion stared off into the field, garnet eyes faraway, his head propped up on his hand as the gears in his mind turned, but they weren’t turning nearly as efficiently as he would have liked. They never did when it came to the past, to the time before.

“Well, I’m not sure what my parents had planned for me, if anything. I… I really just don’t remember. I know that I left when I was very young, and I don’t know if I left on my own accord or if I was sent off. I just recall that it wasn’t a positive farewell,” he said solemnly, glancing back at Tali who was absentmindedly playing with the grass under her right hand.

“Do you… ever plan to go back to see them? Your family?” Tali asked without looking toward Astarion, and he was glad for it. His face fell and his heart sank at her words. His family.

A few stray crickets brave enough to bear the autumn chill were the only sound heard between the two as Astarion stayed silent for some time while he processed Tali’s question. He knew that she was curious about his past, but she never pried or prodded and it was only fair to answer her truly now.

“I have thought about it, of course I have,” he swallowed, looking up at her with round, pleading eyes and then back up to the sliver of moon hanging above, “I don’t think I could face them. I don’t know that I could…”

Astarion stalled a moment, irritated at his hitching voice before taking a deep breath out of habit. Oxygen was useless to his undead lungs but necessary for all the talking, “they’ve thought me dead for over two hundred years now. I don’t even know them anymore, Tali. I’m positive I left on very poor terms, I was buried in the city after all and that never would have happened if…”

“You don’t know that,” Tali interrupted, grimacing as she locked eyes with him, “there could have been many reasons for that. I remember when you died… well, vaguely as I had no idea who you were then, but I do remember your family mourning.”

Astarion’s languid heart skipped a beat, he felt like he had been punched in the gut at this revelation. Tali had never told him that. Astarion had known that Tali knew of his family but never knew that they had mourned for him. He had never asked about something like that though, of course he hadn’t.

“They mourned?” he asked in a small voice as he rolled over on his back once again, feeling defeated, feeling empty, at a loss. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to hear any more of this. That part of his life was over anyway, dead in the ground like his kin thought of him, right?

“Of course they did. Your mother…” Tali looked at Astarion with a sadness that she rarely displayed, a look that hurt him further, and she must have picked up on his discomfort because she changed direction.

“Gods… I. Look , I was only a child but I remember everyone making a big deal of losing an elf so young,” Tali sighed, hesitating a moment more before continuing, “so I don’t think you left on awful terms, Astarion. If you ever wanted to go back…”

She was right… possibly. What if the negative recollection that he did have of his family was incorrect? It wouldn’t be surprising, as his memories of the time before were so shattered. But why would she even suggest going back to a place that she had run from for so long?

“You’ve been avoiding Evereska for how long now? A century?”

“One hundred and twenty two years thereabouts,” Tali said nonchalantly, taking a particularly hard blade of grass and poking Astarion with it in the side of his neck without warning.

“Gods, Tali, you little shit,” he growled, slapping at the grass with an irritated grin, “then why do you care if we ever go back? Your mother will have your head…”

“I don’t care about returning for myself you idiot, I care about what it means for you. For you to see your family, not mine,” she exhaled, ripping the long blade of grass in two with furrowed brows as Astarion glared at her momentarily before his eyes softened. He grabbed at her arm with his clawed hand, beckoning her wordlessly to his side.

Of course this was about him.

Tali was as selfish of a creature as Astarion was, unless it came to matters involving him, and then she was patient, she was generous and she was kind in ways that he knew that she sometimes felt vulnerable for. He could certainly relate to that, as he often felt the same way with her.

He couldn’t, however, quite understand why she loved him though. He would never be able to fathom why she chose to love him after he had threatened to kill her when they had first met, after every shitty thing he had done to try and manipulate her, after all the baggage he’d brought to the table, but he would not ever question her affection. He would accept her love gratefully, and give all of his in return.

Tali obeyed his beckoning hand and rolled over to his side without another word, lying against him with her head resting on the crook of his arm as he clutched the seemingly infinite amount of fabric of her oversized sleeve. They laid together in silence, watching the moon creep slowly above the grasping bones of bare branches for an indeterminate amount of time, and his mind lulled back to his atrocious past, as it was wont to do during stretches of silence.

And gods, he had endured so much silence in two hundred years, so many endless nights of hushed horrors. He found quietness in busy taverns hunting for prey, he heard nothing when his victims moaned in ecstasy under him, and when they were taken away screaming from the boudoir he would lay in silence, a million miles away. Worlds away.

Like the year he spent clawing and screaming into the dark… there was nothing but silence for so very long.

Astarion bit his lip, bringing his mind out of despair, reining his thoughts back to his gray songbird who chirruped love songs to him before every sunrise, his strange little pet, who could play every instrument put before her and made so much pleasant noise. Tali gave him so much joy, shared his wretched sense of humor, made him laugh every night with endless raucous stories and bawdy jokes. She filled his life with so much sound.

His little songbird now lay shivering against him though, and it pained him that he could provide her no warmth. He held onto her tightly as she clung to him, burrowing her head into the crook of his neck as he touched his lips to her silken hair, nearly loose from its red tie.

“I do appreciate you thinking of me like that, you know. I really do, love” he whispered to her and she nodded slightly, exhaling her warm breath against the cold flesh of his neck, sending chills over his skin.

“Of course. I love you. That’s what people do when they love each other, Astarion,” she said in way that could be construed as flippant if it wasn’t said so sweetly.

“Truly though, if you ever want to go back, we’ll go. Just say the word. I’ll be fine, my mother hasn’t sent anyone looking for me for twenty years or so. I’ll use my ring or something to lay low,” she yawned, “just say the word.”

He smiled into her gray hair, dark as charcoal in the low light, inhaling her scent, clean and floral, and he felt almost overwhelmed with it all. Not in a negative way at all though. Two hundred years of horror, neglect and misery had all led up to this moment of comfort, of truly being happy. He guessed that what he felt was overwhelming gratitude, for his freedom, for another chance at life, for her.

“Maybe if we ever find the cure for my condition…”

“When we find the cure,” Tali murmured, correcting him, and Astarion exhaled, knowing deep in his heart that the cure might not ever come, no matter how many years they searched — but he’d humor her anyway.

“Fine. After we absolutely, definitely, one hundred percent find the end to my curse then I'll think about going back. Perhaps. Maybe I’ll write them first, though. Wouldn’t want to give them a fright, thinking I was some sort of phantom,” he ventured facetiously as she curled up against him closer.

Astarion couldn’t feel the chill in the same way Tali could, and though she was no weakling he couldn’t help but worry over her being too cold. He shifted slightly, ready to announce that it was time to go when she spoke up in a voice barely above a whisper.

“Do you think it would have been so bad, really?”

“What?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, momentarily confused.

“If we had stayed home, if we had been arranged to marry. I was joking but really, it could have been possible you know. We’re not too far off in age.”

Astarion blinked, his mind going over an entire century of what very well could have been in just a moment. Gods how mad they both would have been at the prospect. But would they have really hated each other after they had gotten to knows one another? They hadn’t liked each other very much when they had first met nearly a year earlier, but now. Now he couldn’t picture his life without the little shit.

“I don’t think so. It wouldn’t have been so awful,” he answered quietly, holding her tighter, helpless to comfort her as she shivered slightly, “but we would have never stayed there.”

“Oh we wouldn’t have stayed at all. Never in a million years. But I don’t think we would’ve hated each other. I don’t think I could ever hate you,” she said groggily, and he smiled to himself as she continued, “do you think you could have hated me?”

“No, I don’t think I’d ever be able to hate you either, songbird,” he said without hesitation before pulling away from her slightly, causing her to protest with a groan.

“But it’s time to move on, pet. The next inn’s a few miles up the way, It’s getting early and you’re freezing to death. That won’t do.”

“Are you sure that you don’t hate me?” Tali whined, curling up into a miserable ball and clutching her hands at her chest as Astarion rose to his knees, beckoning her up.

“Get up. I know you’re hungry too. If the innkeep’s up and about we’ll get you a potato, butter, salt, the works. A glass of hot mead, mulled wine…” Astarion smirked as she opened her eyes wide, he knew that mentioning food, potatoes in particular, would do the trick.

“Well. Fine,” Tali finally relented, her hands reaching up to him with lethargic waggling fingers as he stood to pull her all the way to her feet.

They collected their belongings waiting at the base of the tree and Astarion dug a cloak out from her pack for her, placing it on her shoulders before they made their way back to the road in silence. Tali grabbed his hand as they ventured forth once again.

“We’d have been hand in hand getting the hells out of Evereska too, I think,” she said after some time, and he was amused that the subject was still on her mind, especially after putting the idea of hot buttered potatoes and mead in there. Astarion looked down at her, her rose hued eyes bleary but as spirited as always.

“Darling, they’d have been lucky if we didn’t burn the entire damned place to the ground before we left,” he said with a dismissive wave of his free hand and Tali laughed out loud.

“Oh, so lucky.”

The simple life would have never been for them, not in any way, shape or form. But perhaps if fate had brought them together so long ago they would have had an amazing century with one another, running all over Faerûn, getting into gods only knew what mischief. If only things had been different. If only he hadn’t died in Baldur’s Gate, hadn’t suffered for two hundred godsdamned years…

Tali squeezed his hand tightly, bringing him back from his dark thoughts once again.

Everything leading up to that moment is what they were given. Nothing could change the horrors of the past, but hand in hand they could now do their best to make up for all that lost time.

With Tali by his side everything would be alright.