I think I prefer it when the character performing the gesture has complete and undivided loyalty and love for the recipient.
Fair enough! Yes, that's really different. I actually think I'd probably be less likely to prefer it in that case, because as I said, I prefer loyalty gestures to say something in addition to the loyalty -- either commenting on a complex loyalty situation, like Amalie->Heinrich or Heinrich->Fritz, or a potentially complex situation resulting in a decision to pledge loyalty (young!Fredersdorf->Fritz). (Though that one is also the weakest id-wise for me as well; though still iddy for me, it also functioned as the most over-the-top way Fredersdorf could communicate what he wanted to Fritz.)
Is there a fic (either written by you or someone else) where this is done in a way that pushes your buttons? I mean, not for any reason. :P (And certainly not for any reason right now!)
Re: Loyalty gesture tropes
Fair enough! Yes, that's really different. I actually think I'd probably be less likely to prefer it in that case, because as I said, I prefer loyalty gestures to say something in addition to the loyalty -- either commenting on a complex loyalty situation, like Amalie->Heinrich or Heinrich->Fritz, or a potentially complex situation resulting in a decision to pledge loyalty (young!Fredersdorf->Fritz). (Though that one is also the weakest id-wise for me as well; though still iddy for me, it also functioned as the most over-the-top way Fredersdorf could communicate what he wanted to Fritz.)
Is there a fic (either written by you or someone else) where this is done in a way that pushes your buttons? I mean, not for any reason. :P (And certainly not for any reason right now!)