Chapter Text
A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)
Matrim avoids physical PDA but, ironically, is not adverse to public romantic gestures - particularly if said gesture results in political or social gain. When alone (or at least secluded) however, he is attentive and concerned, if not a little naive and ignorant of his partner's needs.
B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)
Mat is hesitant with his same-sex friendships and tends to be self-serving and avoids emotional labor whenever possible. His love language “export” is Acts of Service - he will go to war for you, but please do not ask him if you can vent. In short, he is loyal but standoffish.
C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)
Yes, Mat is unambiguously pro-cuddles but strictly in the sexual sense - not platonic or romantic. He uses cuddling to satisfy his own desires but also as a precursor to other activities.
D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)
Mat has no desire to settle down, but when forced by the Pattern and/or his own superstitions, will play the cards he's been dealt the best he can. He won’t stop his debaucherous past times but he will remain faithful (pinching serving girls butts notwithstanding.)
He is handy and capable of all household chores including sewing his clothes, housekeeping, etc. (He’s naturally tidy, as all military men are wont to). He has no social objection to domestic activities but he avoids them because he would much rather sit and watch other people do it.
E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)
Most certainly Mat would fake his own death - and for any given scenario or relationship he has a detailed plan to do so. Whether to avoid his own feelings or spare those of his partner, it is unclear.
F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)
See D. The Wheel Weaves.
G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)
He is aggressive in war and begrudgingly accepts leadership positions, if only because everyone else keeps fucking things up. On a personal level, Mat is endlessly chivalrous and benefits from the arbitrary but well known rules he can follow to be a gentleman. Emotionally, he is pretty closed off.
H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)
See C. Mat’s preferred love language is Quality Time, however if he is overwhelmed with emotion, he benefits from the full body pressure of a hug. Nynaeve enjoys watching him squirm so she hugs him as often as possible.
I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)
When necessity - or the Wheel - dictates, he will say it very quickly. However, the second time he says it is when he really means it. This might take him a while to say, but when he does, you’ll know he means it. Chances are he won’t utter the literal phrase “I love you,” but the intensity of his declaration will make it known.
J = Jealousy ( How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)
Mat is self aware how his dalliance with every curvy serving wench he comes upon looks, and so he refuses to be hypocritical of his partners having similar vices. At least outwardly. He calls himself protective , but really it's a little jealousy.
K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)
In formal settings, Mat will kiss a lady’s hand. In more private settings, his kisses range from chaste to passionate, depending how rowdy he is feeling.
L = Little ones (How are they around children?)
Mat feels very protective of the young people in his life (he does not consider himself to be a young person) including his sisters, Olver or the random street children he encounters. He feels obligated to mentor and protect them. Outwardly he may come off as annoyed or condescending to those only a few years his junior but he has good intentions.
M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)
After the war, he takes every opportunity to sleep in as much as possible. On a day with prince-ly duties he will require breakfast in bed, lots of cuddling and speak to as few people as possible.
N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)
Mat likes to go to the taverns to gamble and drink and he will likely not come home when first called. Or second called. Frankly, Tuon either has to physically retrieve him or she will find him deposited at her door stop by one of his drinking buddies.
O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)
Mat will die with many secrets about himself and secrets about the men’s whos memories he keeps. But some of them are so lurid he can’t help expressing them - at which point he will write a letter and then burn it.
P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)
Mat can be as patient as needed in matters of war - being a calm tactician involves knowing when to wait and when to charge. Mandanities, on the other hand, annoy him endlessly - waiting in lines or listening to boring stories make him irrationally angry. As such, royal life has suited him just fine as his new title comes with perks such as deference, cutting in lines, etc
Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)
Mat unfortunately remembers everything about everyone and everyone's everything. Despite encyclopedias full of more experienced mens memories he never learns from them and insists on flying by the seat of his pants in all his relationships, which often results in blunders and miscommunications.
R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)
Mat doesn’t find much value in anniversaries and in general appreciates the calm, simple day to day life of having a partner. He sometimes craves the drama of the battlefield and appreciates a wife who isn’t afraid to go toe to toe in a battle of wits.
S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)
Mat is incredibly protective, especially of his friends and young children. He has, and will again, kill someone to assure the safety and comfort of his family. He tells himself that he does not need protection, and in a physical sense he does not, but he appreciates emotional support - particularly when his adopted memories make finding himself difficult.
T = Try ( How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)
He will put in lots of effort (begrudgingly) because he believes that this is something that will make you happy. Once he learns you don’t particularly care he will gladly drop it.
U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)
In a list:
- Bites his nails
- emotionally distant
- Poor sense of identity
- Gambles
- Superstitious
- Judgemental
- Freaks out little kids with his eye socket
V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)
Mat is very vain, but denies it adamantly. He follows fashion trends and yet criticizes other people who do as well. After accepting his role as Prince of Ravens his concern over having a matching eye patch increased exponentially
W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)
Nope, he is his own man with his own motivations and goals. He likes his women to be independent as well.
X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)
Not so secretly loves to collect trinkets. Once he settles down into a permanent residence his rooms will fill up with tchotchkes and souvenirs. The tackier the better
Modern AU: Funko Pop figurines. So many Funko Pops.
Y = Yuck ( What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)
… Short, skinny women with short hair … also cold meals and jackets without lace.
Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)
Often sleeps with his work / outdoor clothes (to the dismay of his staff or anyone sleeping in the same bed) out of habit from his days in the Red Hand. If he sits down in a quiet place for more than 10 minutes he will promptly fall asleep (“rest when you can” mentality)