💓💓💓 for Theodore bc he deserves nice things ;v;

{ Learn To Make A Heart Flutter }

1. Acts of pure selflessness. Theodore is an observant man – and he knows that kindness in this world is something that is seen as unfashionable the higher one gets in society. He notices, therefore, every time someone in a position of power acts in a manner that does not befit their station.

   For example, a lieutenant who purchased his commission and yet, wraps his perfectly pressed uniform coat around the shoulders of a shaking midshipman and goes about his duties is far more likely to melt Theodore’s heart than one who passes that same midshipman with nothing more than an order, or complete indifference. 

2. Softness toward animals. Theodore loves animals and is of the belief that anyone who sneaks their victuals to a ship cat, or goes above and beyond to help a stray dog, is absolutely incapable of being a wholly terrible person. He has been known to stand rather staunchly beside people many would consider monstrous, simply due to the fact their care toward animals has shown him there is more to them – and by looking toward that more, has come to find in them reasons for loyalty.

   ( See, his perfect contentment toward loyalty for Barbossa despite knowing full well the man is a pirate, and an undead one once, at that! ) 

3. A nice smile. Theodore is – not a picky person, exactly, but he does have a thing about smiles. Certain kinds of smiles can turn him off quickly – generally speaking the more false the smile the less likely it is Theodore will trust you, let alone grow attracted to you. 

   The unfortunate drawback to this one is that often times, he is attracted to wilder smiles because he is so pained by the painted ones so common in upper crust society. This often leads him to being attracted to rakish and boisterous men, and more often than not, that doesn’t end well for him. 

   Sometimes though, it is the complete opposite. A small almost hidden smile, fleeting and shy, can also tug at his heartstrings real good. Or repressed ones – those hints of pure joy swiftly shuttered – can attract him like a moth to the flame, eager to coax that smile into the light.