TFS Q&A Session (Patreon)

Question: "Are there specific scents all ROs prefer? Some people like the scent of mint, of vanilla, etc. Is there something specific that ROs enjoy? As in, what kind of cologne/perfume would they wear on themselves and would find attractive on MC?"

Edit: This is such a great/fun question that I'm sharing it with all TFS Patreon members! 🌲

[Alternate Text: An image from White Basin, which is mentioned in B's answer. It shows a large table that is stacked with wrapped, specialty soap bars. There are rows of them with an unwrapped bar in front to show off the inlaid design and vibrant colors. There is a white horse running on grass against a blue backdrop, there is a series of strawberry ice cream cones on a cream colored bar, there is a bar that looks like a cross-section of a watermelon, and more!]

Answer:

Oh, I love the timing of this question! 🥰 Within some of the RO excursions, the Returning Visitor can learn more about the preferred fragrances of the characters. I do tend to associate a specific scent with them or a general mood/tone of what they might wish to wear. Let's see:

B. Warrick: 'Coconut Bliss' is the current novelty soap they're using because the MC bought it for them on the road trip, which automatically makes B cherish it that much more. In general, they do like bars from Basin White, etc. that have those cool inlaid designs, so colorful and aesthetically pleasing bath products. (Why use a boring, tan bar when you could have one with palm trees and a pirate's treasure chest on it? 🏴‍☠️) They prefer to wear scents that are on the sweeter side and linked to a time of year, so lemonade in the summer and pumpkin spice in autumn. I think toasted brown sugar and a rich molasses comes to mind with sweet Bee as well.

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S. Dorran: While in the close quarters of the B&B pantry, the MC learned that S seems to favor a soothing lavender fragrance that added a comforting edge to the spices in the space. 'Soothing' is the best way to describe their selections from lavender to something with shea butter to a blend of wild flowers to subdued cherry blossoms. Basically, lightly floral and not at all overpowering; it's a scent that the MC would catch a whiff of and might want to melt into or seek more out. S tends to consider soap/moisturizers/body washes over fragrances that can be spritzed on.

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R. Verner: They're the opposite of S with a medley of different fragrances that are meant to be as well-chosen as their silk tie or cufflinks, setting an implicit mood and completing their outfit. In general, R is associated with mint! (This is something you'll learn soon, or you might have read in a different writing on here.) It's a refreshing coolness that might take some by surprise until they discern it's actually peppermint with tempting sweeter notes and a subdued bitter edge. Imagine a soft, melt-in-your-mouth after dinner mint instead of a hard candy, red and white confection. If you have ever looked at the ads for fragrances (which I just did), you'll know they have many different nuances in each 'artisanal blend' that unfold on each other. (Also, mygosh, brand name fragrances are expensive.😮) They have various fragrances for each occasion.

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J. Corvin: Hmm, I haven't mentioned J's scent yet in Book Two compared to the others. Naturally, I'm going to associate something that has a woodsy undertone to it like sandalwood, bottled petrichor (idk if that's a thing, but this vibe), sage, cedar, definitely pine, and even hints of fresh leather. 🌲 Woody, earthy, and grounding is what sums up the bodywash they will use along with a long-lasting spritzer that might remind the MC of wind rustling through a grove of trees. J prefers the natural to what is overly synthesized and sweet. Think of the hours they work; J doesn't want to smell like cotton candy, no matter how sweet they actually are. Oh, they also have an Earl Grey bodywash A bought them; J tends to save it rather than use it though. 🥺

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Mal: Their gum both in Book One and in some of the writings on here might serve as a hint! Spiced fragrances that hold a comforting warmth in addition to an underlying, tempting heat is what they prefer, especially those that might evoke a holiday memory. Cinnamon, clove, earthy notes that have a certain dryness to them, sometimes a herbaceous quality that's hard to place (anise, possibly even preserved wormwood). It's a fragrance that your MC would want to get wrapped up in, not too sweet yet inviting and warm. Mal would be the type of person to want a signature fragrance, imparting a memory in any way they're able to in the MC's mind. 👀

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As for the MC's own fragrances, the ROs aren't too particular overall with a few special mentions! J would gravitate towards scents that remind them of certain memories since they're very sentimental at heart (e.g. if the MC wore something with notes of wild berries from past berry-picking adventures or other shared memories you all can imagine). Mal dislikes anything that is too strong, so smoky notes that are unchecked or a cloying sweetness. R will favor what they buy for the MC as a gift after learning more about their tastes; it makes the particular blend take on a deeper meaning. B is fine with everything; they just want to be close enough to drink in the scent and also cuddle. S's view of creative expression and style translates to this, though they wouldn't mind the MC sharing some of their products or wearing something complementary.