Name: Sooth Age: 34 Contact: sooth or dms to this character journal inaurare Timezone: GMT Other Character(s): No current characters, but Linneus is a re-app
« « « IC INFORMATION
Name: Linneus Door: Reapplying - Linneus was previously a Submissive.
History: Linneus comes from a world where being sold into servitude is not uncommon and was himself sold to the Atros household on his fifth birthday to pay his father's gambling debts. From his arrival in the household, he took a shine to Xanthe, Atros' only son and heir. They became close friends despite the difference in their positions, but their friendship was frowned upon by Atros Senior, who sent Xanthe to boarding school - ostensibly to focus on his education, but also to separate him from Linneus' ‘softening’ influence.
**[Unfortunately the Teahouse website is down, but I have a copy of the summary of Linneus' backstory here, from the wrap-up of his storyline]**
At the start of the webcomic, Linneus has been regularly seeing one of his clients, Liard. Xanthe raises Liard’s rates, certain the man will meet them. But later Xanthe finds a bruise on Linneus’ wrist, and following an ugly meeting between Xanthe and Liard, the appointments are terminated. Later, despite being the one to throw Liard out, Xanthe indirectly blames Linneus for “all the money [he’d] lost” the house and orders him to give up all the jewellery Liard gave him to make up for the shortfall. He later apologises, leading to an almost-kiss in the kitchen. Having spotted a bandage around Xanthe’s hand, Linneus later offers to take up his coffee, only to find Xanthe “engaged” in his office with another of the Teahouse’s courtesans.
After another fight despite a week of avoiding Xanthe, Linneus clears his schedule for a day… then ends up accepting a “walk-in” client, Gilder, on his way back from tending the garden. A hulking 6’6” (to Linneus’ slender 5’9”) and covered in scars, Gilder doesn’t seem to be Linneus’ type at first glance but having been urged to drop any pretences, he quickly takes to him, and admits that although most of his customers are pleasant “before and during sex”, things are rarely more than business afterwards.
Linneus later learns from Xanthe’s wife that they are expecting a child. He goes to Xanthe’s office to congratulate him, and to apologise for his earlier behaviour. Calling him “a terrible liar” Xanthe kisses him but Linneus breaks it off. The following day, Xanthe recalls Linneus to his office, only to inform him that Liard is interested in buying him – and that Xanthe intends to strike a deal. In another fight, Linneus bolts from the office having been accused of choosing to be a courtesan over choosing Xanthe.
CR AU (Optional): N/A
Personality: Positive Trait: Kindness
In the flashback chapters, Linneus is portrayed as a very open child - chatty, outgoing and gregarious, even in the face of Xanthe’s comparative coldness and aloofness. Although he was raised alongside Xanthe, this never really rubbed off on him and he remained interested in others and their welfare, simply for their own sake. A flashback chapter presents their first meeting with Argent and although Xanthe was the one to take the proactive action of scaring off the bullies attacking her, Linneus is the one who asks if she is all right (before Xanthe drags them away on their shared horse), and remains worried even after the danger has passed. Linneus is also the one to reach out to Argent when she follows after them.
As an adult, time and practicality have tempered him a little bit. Although he tends to be too big hearted for his own good (see Negative Traits below…) he does not shut that part of him away entirely, even if it is heavily restrained for fear of inconveniencing his guests. His sweetness is still manifested to those he cares about - he is a particularly tactile friend and tends to be free with touches - and he is always ready to lend an ear to others, not only the Teahouse courtesans but also taking appointments with Xanthe’s wife.
He has a particular care for Rory, one of the house’s youngest members, and is available to help him as much as possible (he advises Rory on first client). Linneus was one of the first male courtesans in his area and as such came into his role with no one to learn from and very little preparation or prior knowledge - as such, he empathises with new courtesans and seeks to help them out as much as he can.
Negative Trait: Resignation
Linneus has learned some difficult lessons about his place in the world since his teens. Because he came to the Atros household as a child and was raised there, he didn't fully understand his position. It was only later on that Linneus came to understand that he was effectively property, and that he never really had any agency in the first place. When Atros Senior planned to sell him to another country (effectively banishing him not just from the Teahouse, but from Ivore, too, for good) it was the first time it is demonstrated to Linneus the fragility of his position, and the fact that he can call no place his own, however deep his emotional ties there. He has since worked against upsetting this position as little as possible, though this does come off as resignation to the fate and future this life inevitably leads him to, insofar as the Teahouse is concerned. There is little Linneus feels he can change at this point, and having backed himself even further into a corner by working as a courtesan at the Teahouse, all he can do is accept his lot meekly.
He practically describes his own resignation to Gilder when asked about how his guests treat him. There is a clear 'this is my life now' sort of acceptance seen in the way that Linneus speaks of his other clients and that the most he can hope for is that “they treat me decently”, and he attempts to shrug it off when Xanthe questions bruises on him earlier in the comic (“It’s not a big deal… it doesn’t even hurt…”)
When Linneus does attempt to stand up for himself, he is often steamrolled in the attempt. We see repeated situations where Linneus should fight for himself and does not - such as when Xanthe demands Linneus’ jewellery, or when he is called into Xanthe’s office to be informed of his sale. When Xanthe demands the jewellery to make up for the revenue lost when a guest’s appointments are cancelled. Linneus rightfully questions this, but does not push - he shuts down completely and complies once Xanthe is sufficiently cruel (“He doesn’t love you anymore”).
Negative Trait: Open-Hearted
Linneus is often poor at disconnecting his feelings from his work, and tends to get more invested in his clients than he should. This is seen in how quickly he takes to Gilder once he is convinced to “drop the act” and just be himself. In the ‘pillow talk’ scene, after he and Gilder have slept together, Linneus is almost shy, even seeking to cover up as though disarmed by Gilder’s sincerity - he confesses that “pretences have a tendency to drop afterwards”, suggesting that the turn of events is unexpected for him.
Linneus does seem to recognise this particular deficiency in emotional defences, and tends to compensate for this in dress. Through the comic we more than once see Linneus fully decked out in jewellery; multiple necklaces, chest- and head-pieces, bracelets that give the effect of armour (such as when he is waiting for his appointments with Liard. Going into engagements he wears his jewellery like armour; the more he layers pieces on, the more protected and confident he feels. Without it, as the scene with Gilder brings to bear, he feels stripped and vulnerable - thus his attempt to cover himself with a sheet.
Likewise, his feelings for Xanthe are something he should have cut off, but has not had the power to. He still cares deeply for Xanthe, despite his tendency to blow hot and cold, his manipulativeness, and habit of saying ugly things. For all that, Linneus has struggled to cut off his feelings for Xanthe as a friend and lover (Gilder asks Linneus if he has ever fallen in love with a guest - Linneus doesn’t reply, but the next panel is of Xanthe) and instead to see him as a master. He gets repeatedly dragged back to Xanthe despite himself - there are multiple instances we see in the compressed timeline of the comic (the near-miss in the kitchen, their kiss in Xanthe’s office), suggesting that such instances are not unusual in their interactions.
Negative Trait: Secrets Although Linneus is not secretive, his steadfast keeping of his secrets is rooted in this trait of resignation. If he were to tell Xanthe the truth of his decision to work for the Teahouse, a great deal of his troubles could likely be resolved - indeed, they are resolved once the truth eventually comes out. Yet Linneus fails to do this, despite multiple opportunities, such as his and Xanthe’s kiss in his office after hours. Catching sight of Xanthe’s wedding ring, Linneus is reminded of Xanthe’s marriage, and of his pregnant wife - although he puts a stop to the encounter, he does not offer the truth behind his choices. During their later confrontation in the office when Xanthe announces he is looking into Linneus’ sale. Xanthe accuses Linneus of choosing sex work over him - again, Linneus has the opportunity to come clean about his decisions, but he is almost resigned to allow Xanthe his version of the events - to allow himself to be painted as the bad guy. Rather than correcting him, Linneus instead leaves.
Powers and Abilities: No powers, but makes a damn good cup of tea.
Inventory: One gold bangle that has been in his possession since he was sold. Being from his life before joining the Atros household, likely a memento of some sort as it was far too big for his child-sized wrist, this is a particularly dear piece to Linneus.
NOTE: For the sake of clarity, Atros will be referred to as "Xanthe" while Atros senior will remain Atros senior.
Shortly after realizing his crush on Linneus, Xanthe becomes slightly more affectionate. In little ways: like randomly bringing Linneus apples, or asking Linneus to play piano with him, or occasionally helping Linneus garden. And while it all looks innocent and platonic enough on the outside, Atros senior starts disapproving of how "sensitive" Xanthe has become and isn't a fan of how much time Xanthe is spending with a servant as feminine as Linneus. So at the age of fifteen, Atros senior decides it's time for Xanthe to become a man and pressures him into losing his virginity to a blonde courtesan named Colette -- one of Atros senior's favorites.
The experience has a definite affect on Xanthe. Because of how emotionally closed off Xanthe is, before sex, he never really thought too much about the people around him in any sort of sexual way. After sex, his physical attraction towards women really starts to make him question, doubt, and reevaluate his feelings for Linneus. And according to Atros senior, "real men fuck women" and Linneus, of course, isn't a woman and that doesn't help.
Linneus on the other hand, now about to hit puberty, starts realizing that he's got feelings for Xanthe and that extends beyond just friendship. Living in a brothel, this is about the time Linneus starts realizing that none of the girls or what they do really interest him. Their attractive male clients (and Xanthe) on the other hand, do.
The summer before Xanthe's 18th birthday he comes home with news that he's got a girlfriend. It's also the first summer he sees post puberty Linneus. Just over 15, Linneus looks less like an adorable kid and more like the graceful, feminine character he is as an adult. It's a weird summer for both of them.
After convincing himself that he doesn't have feelings for Linneus, Xanthe finds himself suddenly having feelings for Linneus all over again, only this time it's more confusion. Linneus suddenly has all these delicate features, his hair has gone from poofy to silky smooth, his lips are all pouty now, and Xanthe never noticed it before, but Linneus smells like roses. It's like a constant perfume Xanthe can't escape.
And for Linneus it's hard because he wants to be a really good friend to Xanthe and know all about his life at boarding school but every time Xanthe talks about his girlfriend it's like a little knife stabbing him deeper and deeper in the heart. And even though Adele, Linneus' favorite courtesan taught him how to move like the girls around the house and straighten his hair (the way Xanthe seems to find attractive on girls) Linneus can't seem to get Xanthe to look at him let alone notice how hard he's trying. Linneus begins to realize that his crush on Xanthe may go unrequited.
Meanwhile, Atros' senior's gambling has turned into a full blown problem. Over the years he's been squandering the family fortune and now he's started selling off the family's land. In an attempt to alleviate some of his debts, Atros senior starts aggressively pushing for Xanthe to consider marrying Yvette, a girl Atros has known since they were children and the daughter of a man Atros senior is in great debt to.
No matter how hard Atros senior pushes it, Xanthe makes it abundantly clear that he's not interested. Regardless of the crush she has on him, Xanthe just can't see Yvette as anything other than that annoying girl who wouldn't stop tormenting Xanthe and pulling on his horse's hair.
On a lighter note, this is also the summer that Xanthe gives beautiful matching amber necklaces to both Argent and Linneus. Necklaces they both vow to wear forever. (Note: Depending on the outfit, you can see Argent wearing this necklace in the pages.)
A year later, Xanthe, 18 almost 19, comes home newly single. Linneus takes it as a sign that this is his chance to say something... but doesn't. He chickens out over and over and it's not because he doesn't get the chance, he gets plenty. He and Atros go riding, go into town together on several occasions, and they even have an evening on the roof together, on their backs, shoulder to shoulder, staring at the stars and watching an meteor shower and still Linneus chickens out.
That being said, Xanthe is being just as much of a chicken as Linneus is. When Linneus asks what happened between him and his girlfriend, Xanthe simply tells him that it didn't work out when the truth is that when he went back to school, after the end of last summer, he'd sort of lost interest in his girlfriend. Things just weren't the same and after months of awkward fights and distance, she finally dumped him. And while Xanthe now realizes that he does have some very serious feelings for Linneus, he can't tell whether or not Linneus is flirting with him or just being Linneus... which makes Xanthe feel like a creepy pervert for thinking that way about a male.
Right before the end of the summer, Atros senior again starts pushing Xanthe to consider marrying Yvette only this time he adds that Xanthe doesn't have much of a choice anymore. As it turns out, Atros senior's gambled everything away. The entirety of their family's fortune. The new owner of the Teahouse is Yvette's father and unless Xanthe marries Yvette, he plans on selling the house and all of its residents which will leave not only Atros senior homeless, but also Xanthe.
Xanthe realizes that he really has no choice. And right before he leaves to return to boarding school Xanthe tells his father that he'll marry Yvette. Ashamed of what his father's done, scared of worrying the servants, and desperate to find a way out of his engagement, Xanthe tells no one about the engagement.
Linneus, angry at himself for failing to tell Xanthe how he feels, decides he has to do it the morning before Xanthe leaves. This way if he feels the same way it's great, and if he doesn't, he'll just leave for school. That morning Linneus crawls into Xanthe's room through the window and spends the morning with Xanthe as he packs. In the minutes before he's ready to go, Linneus decides to go for it and kisses Xanthe, mid sentence.
Sure enough, Xanthe's stunned...
...and about a second later his mouth's on Linneus' and they're making out furiously. Groping. Hands all over the place when Atros senior calls out for Xanthe from outside his room. He has to go.
Blue balls. It's the one thing Linneus didn't account for and both he and Xanthe end up with them. Hard.
Their friendly letters turn into passionate ones. And the two spend several months corresponding everyday about everything from Xanthe explaining to Linneus that he's not really going to marry Yvette (but not why he had to get engaged to her) to Linneus telling Xanthe about the latest gossip about the house (like how Atros senior, Colette, and Adele are locked in a love triangle) to Xanthe telling Linneus what he thinks about doing to him day in and day out. Things get so heated over paper that Xanthe tells Linneus that instead staying at school during his short winter break, like he usually does, that he'll be making the long trip home. To see Linneus.
So the winter break comes and about twenty minutes after arriving, Xanthe has Linneus in his arms, and not to long after, he's taking his virginity. The two spend end up spending their two weeks together making love to each other everywhere and anywhere they can get away with it and it's amazing.
And they almost get away with it but they're brazen about their last kiss in the garden and Colette sees them. As soon as Xanthe is gone, Colette goes to Atros senior and tells him what she saw.
Suddenly everything clicks for Atros senior. He realizes that what he thought was a weird friendship between his son and servant has now turned into a dangerous relationship that could possibly jeopardize his future and immediately he sets out to destroy it.
Atros senior sets Adele out to intercept all of Linneus' letters to Xanthe and Atros senior blocks Linneus from receiving any of Xanthe's letters. Next he makes sure that Atros' marriage is announced in the local paper and makes a big deal about it around the house. Then, when Linneus asks him about whether or not he's received any letters from Xanthe for Linneus, Atros senior tells Linneus that he knows about them. That he's already told Xanthe how disgusting it was and that Xanthe admitted that he was ashamed of himself for sleeping with a man. That his shame was the reason the engagement was announced in the paper, because Xanthe suggested it. Linneus refuses to believe him.
Frustrated with how much faith Linneus has in Xanthe, Atros senior rips the amber necklace off Linneus' neck. Decides he's going to get rid of Linneus and starts advertising Linneus' contract for sale specifically looking for buyers who live in neighboring countries like Verone. When Linneus finds out, he begs Atros senior not to sell him but Atros won't listen. Desperate, terrified of losing the family he has at the Teahouse and scared of being separated from Xanthe in a way that would make it impossible for them to find their way back to each other, Linneus tells Atros he'll do anything, including becoming a courtesan.
On the flip side, Xanthe's confused as to why he isn't receiving any of Linneus' letters. He keeps writing and keeps writing. Eventually he starts writing his father about it. Suddenly Xanthe finds himself receiving congratulations from his classmates and discovers that his engagement to Yvette was officially announced. Unable to get a response from his family back home, Xanthe decides to fuck school and heads home.
The first male courtesan in the area, Linneus becomes instantly popular. The first time Linneus sleeps with another man, he hates it. He hates it because he knows he's cheating on Xanthe and what's worse, he enjoys the sex. And it doesn't get any better with the next client, or the next.
The last thing Xanthe ever expected to see when he walked into the Teahouse that evening was the love of his life, Linneus, dressed up in translucent silks and pearls, escorting another man into the house like he'd seen dozens of other courtesans do his entire life. But it's what happens and it breaks him.
And when Linneus finally sees Xanthe, standing in the entryway, stunned, mouth open and eyes full of horror, the last thing Linneus ever thought he'd do was run away from Xanthe but it's exactly what he does. Client in hand, ashamed and full of guilt, Linneus turns away from Xanthe and kept walking. Even after Xanthe called out to him, Linneus kept walking.
Feeling broken and hurt, Xanthe goes to Atros senior. Accuses him of forcing Linneus into becoming a courtesan. Hearing Atros senior tell Xanthe that it was Linneus' idea and choice is like a knife in the heart for Xanthe. He shoves the dagger in deeper by telling Xanthe just how popular Linneus is and how well he treats the clients. Disgusted Xanthe tries to walk away but before he can, Atros senior reminds him that this is all for the best since Xanthe's already engaged to Yvette. Xanthe tells his father to fuck off, that he's done with him.
Xanthe waits for Linneus but it's awful. Wounded and hurt they have a massive fight. Linneus accuses Xanthe of lying, saying he never really had any intention of breaking off his engagement to Yvette. Angry, Xanthe demands to know why Linneus chose to become a whore and it's like a slap in the face for Linneus. Things just get uglier until finally, Xanthe walks away from the argument, away from Linneus, and away from the Teahouse.
Shortly after Xanthe returns to school, he receives a letter. In the letter he finds out that Colette, in a jealous rage, killed Atros senior and his mother, Adele, before killing herself. Without a manager, Xanthe is presented two options: One, Yvette's father can sell the house and all of the servants out to the highest bidders or two, Xanthe can return home to marry Yvette and manage the house.
Linneus comes from a world where being sold into servitude is not uncommon and was himself sold to the Atros household on his fifth birthday to pay his father's gambling debts. From his arrival in the household, he took a shine to Xanthe, Atros' only son and heir. They became close friends despite the difference in their positions, but their friendship was frowned upon by Atros Senior, who sent Xanthe to boarding school - ostensibly to focus on his education, but also to separate him from Linneus' ‘softening’ influence.
**[Unfortunately the Teahouse website seems to be down, but I have a copy of the summary of Linneus' backstory here, from the wrap-up of his storyline]**
At the start of the webcomic, Linneus has been regularly seeing one of his clients, Liard. Xanthe raises Liard’s rates, certain the man will meet them. But later Xanthe finds a bruise on Linneus’ wrist, and following an ugly meeting between Xanthe and Liard, the appointments are terminated. Later, despite being the one to throw Liard out, Xanthe indirectly blames Linneus for “all the money [he’d] lost” the house and orders him to give up all the jewellery Liard gave him to make up for the shortfall. He later apologises, leading to an almost-kiss in the kitchen. Having spotted a bandage around Xanthe’s hand, Linneus later offers to take up his coffee, only to find Xanthe “engaged” in his office with another of the Teahouse’s courtesans.
After another fight despite a week of avoiding Xanthe, Linneus clears his schedule for a day… then ends up accepting a “walk-in” client, Gilder, on his way back from tending the garden. A hulking 6’6” (to Linneus’ slender 5’9”) and covered in scars, Gilder doesn’t seem to be Linneus’ type at first glance but having been urged to drop any pretences, he quickly takes to him, and admits that although most of his customers are pleasant “before and during sex”, things are rarely more than business afterwards.
Linneus later learns from Xanthe’s wife that they are expecting a child. He goes to Xanthe’s office to congratulate him, and to apologise for his earlier behaviour. Calling him “a terrible liar” Xanthe kisses him but Linneus breaks it off. The following day, Xanthe recalls Linneus to his office, only to inform him that Liard is interested in buying him – and that Xanthe intends to strike a deal. In another fight, Linneus bolts from the office having been accused of choosing to be a courtesan over choosing Xanthe.
From candy-floss pink hair to slender frame to pouty lips, it's easy to write Linneus off as “sweet” through and through and consider him a walkover. While it is true that he cannot always assert himself well - he is still, technically, a servant of the Atros household and so has little say in many matters relating to himself (including his own sale) – his physical appearance belies his personal strength. He has been through a lot in his life, but he is still standing, despite the fact that circumstances seem to try to tear him down.
In flashback chapters, Linneus is portrayed as a chatty, outgoing, and gregarious child - very interested in others, and engaging with them simply for the sake of it - in sharp contrast to the aloof Xanthe. After their first encounter with Argent, even after Xanthe has chased away the bullies that have surrounded her, Linneus remains worried for her welfare ("Shouldn't we take him home with us?" "Why?" "What do you mean 'Why'?!"), even though they haven't even exchanged words. This shows a genuine concern and a desire to reach out to others, and indeed this particular incident was the beginning of a close friendship with Argent that has spanned almost twenty years.
In comparison, although he still cares deeply for others (especially for his friends in the Teahouse - and Xanthe, however tumultuous their relationship is), it is clear that time and the nature of his work has tempered him and his attitudes somewhat. His sweetness is still manifested to those he cares about in touches, hugs, and kisses, but he much more poised as an adult, has a quieter manner, and is less free with his shows of affection than he was when he was a child. His time, though, is something that he has in spades, and he often lends an ear to the other Teahouse courtesans; especially Rory, the resident virgin. Linneus was one of the first male courtesans in his area, and although he is hardly knowledgeable when it comes to sex in modern terms, the knowledge he has learned in his time has been hard-earned, having had no one to learn from. As such he has no qualms or hesitations in discussing it - certainly with other courtesans, at least.
He has also learned some difficult lessons about his place in the world since his teens, which can also be a reason for the change of his behaviours from the outgoing and extroverted child to the more prudent and reserved adult. Because he came to the Atros household as a child and was raised there, he didn't fully understand his position: although he had work to do as a servant, his age and charm usually meant that he was indulged by the other staff – allowed to have tea and read stories with Xanthe before he did his work, for example, or accompany Xanthe as an attendant when he left the house. It was only later on that Linneus came to understand that he never really had any agency in the first place; when Atros Senior planned to sell him to another country (effectively banishing him not just from the Teahouse, but from Ivore, too, for good) it's the first time it is demonstrated to Linneus the fragility of his position, and the fact that he can call no place his own, however deep his emotional ties there. He has since worked against upsetting this position as little as possible, though this does come off as resignation to the fate and future this life inevitably leads him to. There is little Linneus feels he can change at this point, and as he can see no way out of the corner he backed himself into all he can do is accept his lot meekly.
Linneus’ decision to become a courtesan at the Teahouse was one borne of a need for some kind of control over his own destiny - a desperate decision, but at least it was something he had decided on for himself rather than being subject to the whims of his master, and a decision that he owns, though some aspects of his decision can come off as stubborn or even bullheaded. In the years since (eight, stated by the comic, but ten on reading through the backstories), Linneus still has not told Xanthe the reasons for his decision and incidents leading up to it; neither has he made any attempt to improve his position or even escape, though he is clearly less than happy in his work. The choice he made had been meant as a temporary one, to keep him in the house long enough for Xanthe to come and “save” him, but has learned the hard way that love doesn't work out like a story in a book and doesn't necessarily bloom in adversity. In the end the deal he made bought him much more time than he expected, and although he was never going to be happy with selling himself at least he was with people he knew and loved, in a place he considered home. Better the devil you know, perhaps.
There is a clear 'this is my life now' sort of acceptance seen in the way that Linneus speaks of his other clients and that the most he can hope for is that “they treat me decently”. This suggests an underlying practicality borne of his upbringing as a servant - whatever else is happening, life still goes on, the work still needs doing, the situation still is what it is. But for all his practicalities, despite being considered a veteran in his line of work, Linneus is not always good at disconnecting his feelings from his work or seeing his clients as just clients – perhaps another holdover from his childhood. This is seen in how quickly he takes to Gilder once he is convinced to “drop the act” and just be himself. In the ‘pillow talk’ scene afterwards Linneus is almost shy, as though it’s the first time in a while that his attention has been reciprocated. A second point on Linneus' shyness in this moment; this conversation happens 'Afterwards' ("pretences have a tendency to drop afterwards.") and Linneus is disarmed in more than one sense of the word, not only by Gilder's sincerity (he pulls the sheets up to cover himself),but physically so. Through the comic we more than once see Linneus fully decked out in jewellery; multiple necklaces, chest- and head-pieces, bracelets that give the effect of armour (such as when he is waiting for his appointments with Liard. Going into engagements he wears his jewellery like armour; the more he layers pieces on, the more protected and confident he feels. Without it, as this particular scene brings to bear, he feels stripped and vulnerable.
His relationship with Xanthe is… fraught, to say the least, not least because his feelings for Xanthe are a tangled mess. He still cares deeply for Xanthe, despite his tendency to blow hot and cold (fighting one day, kissing him the next), despite his manipulation (The Liard Situation: ‘I’m raising his rates, the idiot will pay, he loves you’, ‘He’s cancelled all his appointments, he doesn’t want you anymore’, ‘He’s going to buy your contract and I don’t plan on stopping him’) and despite all of the ugly things Xanthe says to him (“My whore is exactly what you are”). For all of that, he is still the closest friend that Linneus ever had, the person who looked after him after his father sold him, the person he fell in love with. After all of their history together, it is still hard to Linneus to see Xanthe as his master, even though his contract passed to Xanthe when Atros Senior died. Despite this he has stubbornly kept his secrets and not, in nearly ten years, let on as to the true reasoning behind his choice - likely out of fear of destabilising his already delicate position.
At his core, Linneus is a warm, gentle and unflinchingly loyal person who simply wishes to belong, to love, and to be loved, but has ruled all of this out as impossible for him, given his vocation. He has braced himself for years to be shunned once his work becomes known, to be viewed as disingenuous, insincere, and so instead settles for being wanted, desired, or simply useful; though he knows that this too will not be forever. Desirability fades, people leave, and once he has outlived his beauty or his use his fate is to be passed on. Knowing that his own father sold him as a child, and learning later on exactly how fragile his position can be, he fears redundancy and not having a place to belong, however desperately he wants one in the Teahouse near Xanthe ("I never... this is my home."). Yet he maintains a dogged endurance when his home and love are at stake: his choice certainly bought him more time than he expected or planned for. His backstory makes clear that the life he leads was not something he wanted for himself and yet, even so, he endures.
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Application - Duplicity (2024)
Age: 34
Contact:
Timezone: GMT
Other Character(s): No current characters, but Linneus is a re-app
Door: Reapplying - Linneus was previously a Submissive.
Canon: Teahouse
Canon Point: Chapter 7 midpoint (comic ended here!)
Age: 26
Appearance: Here!
History:
Linneus comes from a world where being sold into servitude is not uncommon and was himself sold to the Atros household on his fifth birthday to pay his father's gambling debts. From his arrival in the household, he took a shine to Xanthe, Atros' only son and heir. They became close friends despite the difference in their positions, but their friendship was frowned upon by Atros Senior, who sent Xanthe to boarding school - ostensibly to focus on his education, but also to separate him from Linneus' ‘softening’ influence.
**[Unfortunately the Teahouse website is down, but I have a copy of the summary of Linneus' backstory here, from the wrap-up of his storyline]**
At the start of the webcomic, Linneus has been regularly seeing one of his clients, Liard. Xanthe raises Liard’s rates, certain the man will meet them. But later Xanthe finds a bruise on Linneus’ wrist, and following an ugly meeting between Xanthe and Liard, the appointments are terminated. Later, despite being the one to throw Liard out, Xanthe indirectly blames Linneus for “all the money [he’d] lost” the house and orders him to give up all the jewellery Liard gave him to make up for the shortfall. He later apologises, leading to an almost-kiss in the kitchen. Having spotted a bandage around Xanthe’s hand, Linneus later offers to take up his coffee, only to find Xanthe “engaged” in his office with another of the Teahouse’s courtesans.
After another fight despite a week of avoiding Xanthe, Linneus clears his schedule for a day… then ends up accepting a “walk-in” client, Gilder, on his way back from tending the garden. A hulking 6’6” (to Linneus’ slender 5’9”) and covered in scars, Gilder doesn’t seem to be Linneus’ type at first glance but having been urged to drop any pretences, he quickly takes to him, and admits that although most of his customers are pleasant “before and during sex”, things are rarely more than business afterwards.
Linneus later learns from Xanthe’s wife that they are expecting a child. He goes to Xanthe’s office to congratulate him, and to apologise for his earlier behaviour. Calling him “a terrible liar” Xanthe kisses him but Linneus breaks it off. The following day, Xanthe recalls Linneus to his office, only to inform him that Liard is interested in buying him – and that Xanthe intends to strike a deal. In another fight, Linneus bolts from the office having been accused of choosing to be a courtesan over choosing Xanthe.
CR AU (Optional): N/A
Personality:
Positive Trait: Kindness
In the flashback chapters, Linneus is portrayed as a very open child - chatty, outgoing and gregarious, even in the face of Xanthe’s comparative coldness and aloofness. Although he was raised alongside Xanthe, this never really rubbed off on him and he remained interested in others and their welfare, simply for their own sake. A flashback chapter presents their first meeting with Argent and although Xanthe was the one to take the proactive action of scaring off the bullies attacking her, Linneus is the one who asks if she is all right (before Xanthe drags them away on their shared horse), and remains worried even after the danger has passed. Linneus is also the one to reach out to Argent when she follows after them.
As an adult, time and practicality have tempered him a little bit. Although he tends to be too big hearted for his own good (see Negative Traits below…) he does not shut that part of him away entirely, even if it is heavily restrained for fear of inconveniencing his guests. His sweetness is still manifested to those he cares about - he is a particularly tactile friend and tends to be free with touches - and he is always ready to lend an ear to others, not only the Teahouse courtesans but also taking appointments with Xanthe’s wife.
He has a particular care for Rory, one of the house’s youngest members, and is available to help him as much as possible (he advises Rory on first client). Linneus was one of the first male courtesans in his area and as such came into his role with no one to learn from and very little preparation or prior knowledge - as such, he empathises with new courtesans and seeks to help them out as much as he can.
Negative Trait: Resignation
Linneus has learned some difficult lessons about his place in the world since his teens. Because he came to the Atros household as a child and was raised there, he didn't fully understand his position. It was only later on that Linneus came to understand that he was effectively property, and that he never really had any agency in the first place. When Atros Senior planned to sell him to another country (effectively banishing him not just from the Teahouse, but from Ivore, too, for good) it was the first time it is demonstrated to Linneus the fragility of his position, and the fact that he can call no place his own, however deep his emotional ties there. He has since worked against upsetting this position as little as possible, though this does come off as resignation to the fate and future this life inevitably leads him to, insofar as the Teahouse is concerned. There is little Linneus feels he can change at this point, and having backed himself even further into a corner by working as a courtesan at the Teahouse, all he can do is accept his lot meekly.
He practically describes his own resignation to Gilder when asked about how his guests treat him. There is a clear 'this is my life now' sort of acceptance seen in the way that Linneus speaks of his other clients and that the most he can hope for is that “they treat me decently”, and he attempts to shrug it off when Xanthe questions bruises on him earlier in the comic (“It’s not a big deal… it doesn’t even hurt…”)
When Linneus does attempt to stand up for himself, he is often steamrolled in the attempt. We see repeated situations where Linneus should fight for himself and does not - such as when Xanthe demands Linneus’ jewellery, or when he is called into Xanthe’s office to be informed of his sale. When Xanthe demands the jewellery to make up for the revenue lost when a guest’s appointments are cancelled. Linneus rightfully questions this, but does not push - he shuts down completely and complies once Xanthe is sufficiently cruel (“He doesn’t love you anymore”).
Negative Trait: Open-Hearted
Linneus is often poor at disconnecting his feelings from his work, and tends to get more invested in his clients than he should. This is seen in how quickly he takes to Gilder once he is convinced to “drop the act” and just be himself. In the ‘pillow talk’ scene, after he and Gilder have slept together, Linneus is almost shy, even seeking to cover up as though disarmed by Gilder’s sincerity - he confesses that “pretences have a tendency to drop afterwards”, suggesting that the turn of events is unexpected for him.
Linneus does seem to recognise this particular deficiency in emotional defences, and tends to compensate for this in dress. Through the comic we more than once see Linneus fully decked out in jewellery; multiple necklaces, chest- and head-pieces, bracelets that give the effect of armour (such as when he is waiting for his appointments with Liard. Going into engagements he wears his jewellery like armour; the more he layers pieces on, the more protected and confident he feels. Without it, as the scene with Gilder brings to bear, he feels stripped and vulnerable - thus his attempt to cover himself with a sheet.
Likewise, his feelings for Xanthe are something he should have cut off, but has not had the power to. He still cares deeply for Xanthe, despite his tendency to blow hot and cold, his manipulativeness, and habit of saying ugly things. For all that, Linneus has struggled to cut off his feelings for Xanthe as a friend and lover (Gilder asks Linneus if he has ever fallen in love with a guest - Linneus doesn’t reply, but the next panel is of Xanthe) and instead to see him as a master. He gets repeatedly dragged back to Xanthe despite himself - there are multiple instances we see in the compressed timeline of the comic (the near-miss in the kitchen, their kiss in Xanthe’s office), suggesting that such instances are not unusual in their interactions.
Negative Trait: Secrets
Although Linneus is not secretive, his steadfast keeping of his secrets is rooted in this trait of resignation. If he were to tell Xanthe the truth of his decision to work for the Teahouse, a great deal of his troubles could likely be resolved - indeed, they are resolved once the truth eventually comes out. Yet Linneus fails to do this, despite multiple opportunities, such as his and Xanthe’s kiss in his office after hours. Catching sight of Xanthe’s wedding ring, Linneus is reminded of Xanthe’s marriage, and of his pregnant wife - although he puts a stop to the encounter, he does not offer the truth behind his choices. During their later confrontation in the office when Xanthe announces he is looking into Linneus’ sale. Xanthe accuses Linneus of choosing sex work over him - again, Linneus has the opportunity to come clean about his decisions, but he is almost resigned to allow Xanthe his version of the events - to allow himself to be painted as the bad guy. Rather than correcting him, Linneus instead leaves.
Powers and Abilities:
No powers, but makes a damn good cup of tea.
Inventory:
One gold bangle that has been in his possession since he was sold. Being from his life before joining the Atros household, likely a memento of some sort as it was far too big for his child-sized wrist, this is a particularly dear piece to Linneus.
One ruby necklace, a gift from an admirer.
One framed photograph that does not actually belong to him, but encapsulates the beginning of a key relationship in his life.
Samples:
How They Think
How They Communicate
Teahouse Write-ups
Linneus/Atros Backstory
Shortly after realizing his crush on Linneus, Xanthe becomes slightly more affectionate. In little ways: like randomly bringing Linneus apples, or asking Linneus to play piano with him, or occasionally helping Linneus garden. And while it all looks innocent and platonic enough on the outside, Atros senior starts disapproving of how "sensitive" Xanthe has become and isn't a fan of how much time Xanthe is spending with a servant as feminine as Linneus. So at the age of fifteen, Atros senior decides it's time for Xanthe to become a man and pressures him into losing his virginity to a blonde courtesan named Colette -- one of Atros senior's favorites.
The experience has a definite affect on Xanthe. Because of how emotionally closed off Xanthe is, before sex, he never really thought too much about the people around him in any sort of sexual way. After sex, his physical attraction towards women really starts to make him question, doubt, and reevaluate his feelings for Linneus. And according to Atros senior, "real men fuck women" and Linneus, of course, isn't a woman and that doesn't help.
Linneus on the other hand, now about to hit puberty, starts realizing that he's got feelings for Xanthe and that extends beyond just friendship. Living in a brothel, this is about the time Linneus starts realizing that none of the girls or what they do really interest him. Their attractive male clients (and Xanthe) on the other hand, do.
The summer before Xanthe's 18th birthday he comes home with news that he's got a girlfriend. It's also the first summer he sees post puberty Linneus. Just over 15, Linneus looks less like an adorable kid and more like the graceful, feminine character he is as an adult. It's a weird summer for both of them.
After convincing himself that he doesn't have feelings for Linneus, Xanthe finds himself suddenly having feelings for Linneus all over again, only this time it's more confusion. Linneus suddenly has all these delicate features, his hair has gone from poofy to silky smooth, his lips are all pouty now, and Xanthe never noticed it before, but Linneus smells like roses. It's like a constant perfume Xanthe can't escape.
And for Linneus it's hard because he wants to be a really good friend to Xanthe and know all about his life at boarding school but every time Xanthe talks about his girlfriend it's like a little knife stabbing him deeper and deeper in the heart. And even though Adele, Linneus' favorite courtesan taught him how to move like the girls around the house and straighten his hair (the way Xanthe seems to find attractive on girls) Linneus can't seem to get Xanthe to look at him let alone notice how hard he's trying. Linneus begins to realize that his crush on Xanthe may go unrequited.
Meanwhile, Atros' senior's gambling has turned into a full blown problem. Over the years he's been squandering the family fortune and now he's started selling off the family's land. In an attempt to alleviate some of his debts, Atros senior starts aggressively pushing for Xanthe to consider marrying Yvette, a girl Atros has known since they were children and the daughter of a man Atros senior is in great debt to.
No matter how hard Atros senior pushes it, Xanthe makes it abundantly clear that he's not interested. Regardless of the crush she has on him, Xanthe just can't see Yvette as anything other than that annoying girl who wouldn't stop tormenting Xanthe and pulling on his horse's hair.
On a lighter note, this is also the summer that Xanthe gives beautiful matching amber necklaces to both Argent and Linneus. Necklaces they both vow to wear forever. (Note: Depending on the outfit, you can see Argent wearing this necklace in the pages.)
A year later, Xanthe, 18 almost 19, comes home newly single. Linneus takes it as a sign that this is his chance to say something... but doesn't. He chickens out over and over and it's not because he doesn't get the chance, he gets plenty. He and Atros go riding, go into town together on several occasions, and they even have an evening on the roof together, on their backs, shoulder to shoulder, staring at the stars and watching an meteor shower and still Linneus chickens out.
That being said, Xanthe is being just as much of a chicken as Linneus is. When Linneus asks what happened between him and his girlfriend, Xanthe simply tells him that it didn't work out when the truth is that when he went back to school, after the end of last summer, he'd sort of lost interest in his girlfriend. Things just weren't the same and after months of awkward fights and distance, she finally dumped him. And while Xanthe now realizes that he does have some very serious feelings for Linneus, he can't tell whether or not Linneus is flirting with him or just being Linneus... which makes Xanthe feel like a creepy pervert for thinking that way about a male.
Right before the end of the summer, Atros senior again starts pushing Xanthe to consider marrying Yvette only this time he adds that Xanthe doesn't have much of a choice anymore. As it turns out, Atros senior's gambled everything away. The entirety of their family's fortune. The new owner of the Teahouse is Yvette's father and unless Xanthe marries Yvette, he plans on selling the house and all of its residents which will leave not only Atros senior homeless, but also Xanthe.
Xanthe realizes that he really has no choice. And right before he leaves to return to boarding school Xanthe tells his father that he'll marry Yvette. Ashamed of what his father's done, scared of worrying the servants, and desperate to find a way out of his engagement, Xanthe tells no one about the engagement.
Linneus, angry at himself for failing to tell Xanthe how he feels, decides he has to do it the morning before Xanthe leaves. This way if he feels the same way it's great, and if he doesn't, he'll just leave for school. That morning Linneus crawls into Xanthe's room through the window and spends the morning with Xanthe as he packs. In the minutes before he's ready to go, Linneus decides to go for it and kisses Xanthe, mid sentence.
Sure enough, Xanthe's stunned...
...and about a second later his mouth's on Linneus' and they're making out furiously. Groping. Hands all over the place when Atros senior calls out for Xanthe from outside his room. He has to go.
Blue balls. It's the one thing Linneus didn't account for and both he and Xanthe end up with them. Hard.
Their friendly letters turn into passionate ones. And the two spend several months corresponding everyday about everything from Xanthe explaining to Linneus that he's not really going to marry Yvette (but not why he had to get engaged to her) to Linneus telling Xanthe about the latest gossip about the house (like how Atros senior, Colette, and Adele are locked in a love triangle) to Xanthe telling Linneus what he thinks about doing to him day in and day out. Things get so heated over paper that Xanthe tells Linneus that instead staying at school during his short winter break, like he usually does, that he'll be making the long trip home. To see Linneus.
So the winter break comes and about twenty minutes after arriving, Xanthe has Linneus in his arms, and not to long after, he's taking his virginity. The two spend end up spending their two weeks together making love to each other everywhere and anywhere they can get away with it and it's amazing.
And they almost get away with it but they're brazen about their last kiss in the garden and Colette sees them. As soon as Xanthe is gone, Colette goes to Atros senior and tells him what she saw.
Suddenly everything clicks for Atros senior. He realizes that what he thought was a weird friendship between his son and servant has now turned into a dangerous relationship that could possibly jeopardize his future and immediately he sets out to destroy it.
Atros senior sets Adele out to intercept all of Linneus' letters to Xanthe and Atros senior blocks Linneus from receiving any of Xanthe's letters. Next he makes sure that Atros' marriage is announced in the local paper and makes a big deal about it around the house. Then, when Linneus asks him about whether or not he's received any letters from Xanthe for Linneus, Atros senior tells Linneus that he knows about them. That he's already told Xanthe how disgusting it was and that Xanthe admitted that he was ashamed of himself for sleeping with a man. That his shame was the reason the engagement was announced in the paper, because Xanthe suggested it. Linneus refuses to believe him.
Frustrated with how much faith Linneus has in Xanthe, Atros senior rips the amber necklace off Linneus' neck. Decides he's going to get rid of Linneus and starts advertising Linneus' contract for sale specifically looking for buyers who live in neighboring countries like Verone. When Linneus finds out, he begs Atros senior not to sell him but Atros won't listen. Desperate, terrified of losing the family he has at the Teahouse and scared of being separated from Xanthe in a way that would make it impossible for them to find their way back to each other, Linneus tells Atros he'll do anything, including becoming a courtesan.
On the flip side, Xanthe's confused as to why he isn't receiving any of Linneus' letters. He keeps writing and keeps writing. Eventually he starts writing his father about it. Suddenly Xanthe finds himself receiving congratulations from his classmates and discovers that his engagement to Yvette was officially announced. Unable to get a response from his family back home, Xanthe decides to fuck school and heads home.
The first male courtesan in the area, Linneus becomes instantly popular. The first time Linneus sleeps with another man, he hates it. He hates it because he knows he's cheating on Xanthe and what's worse, he enjoys the sex. And it doesn't get any better with the next client, or the next.
The last thing Xanthe ever expected to see when he walked into the Teahouse that evening was the love of his life, Linneus, dressed up in translucent silks and pearls, escorting another man into the house like he'd seen dozens of other courtesans do his entire life. But it's what happens and it breaks him.
And when Linneus finally sees Xanthe, standing in the entryway, stunned, mouth open and eyes full of horror, the last thing Linneus ever thought he'd do was run away from Xanthe but it's exactly what he does. Client in hand, ashamed and full of guilt, Linneus turns away from Xanthe and kept walking. Even after Xanthe called out to him, Linneus kept walking.
Feeling broken and hurt, Xanthe goes to Atros senior. Accuses him of forcing Linneus into becoming a courtesan. Hearing Atros senior tell Xanthe that it was Linneus' idea and choice is like a knife in the heart for Xanthe. He shoves the dagger in deeper by telling Xanthe just how popular Linneus is and how well he treats the clients. Disgusted Xanthe tries to walk away but before he can, Atros senior reminds him that this is all for the best since Xanthe's already engaged to Yvette. Xanthe tells his father to fuck off, that he's done with him.
Xanthe waits for Linneus but it's awful. Wounded and hurt they have a massive fight. Linneus accuses Xanthe of lying, saying he never really had any intention of breaking off his engagement to Yvette. Angry, Xanthe demands to know why Linneus chose to become a whore and it's like a slap in the face for Linneus. Things just get uglier until finally, Xanthe walks away from the argument, away from Linneus, and away from the Teahouse.
Shortly after Xanthe returns to school, he receives a letter. In the letter he finds out that Colette, in a jealous rage, killed Atros senior and his mother, Adele, before killing herself. Without a manager, Xanthe is presented two options: One, Yvette's father can sell the house and all of the servants out to the highest bidders or two, Xanthe can return home to marry Yvette and manage the house.
Xanthe chooses to return home and marry Yvette.
Application Sections
History
**[Unfortunately the Teahouse website seems to be down, but I have a copy of the summary of Linneus' backstory here, from the wrap-up of his storyline]**
At the start of the webcomic, Linneus has been regularly seeing one of his clients, Liard. Xanthe raises Liard’s rates, certain the man will meet them. But later Xanthe finds a bruise on Linneus’ wrist, and following an ugly meeting between Xanthe and Liard, the appointments are terminated. Later, despite being the one to throw Liard out, Xanthe indirectly blames Linneus for “all the money [he’d] lost” the house and orders him to give up all the jewellery Liard gave him to make up for the shortfall. He later apologises, leading to an almost-kiss in the kitchen. Having spotted a bandage around Xanthe’s hand, Linneus later offers to take up his coffee, only to find Xanthe “engaged” in his office with another of the Teahouse’s courtesans.
After another fight despite a week of avoiding Xanthe, Linneus clears his schedule for a day… then ends up accepting a “walk-in” client, Gilder, on his way back from tending the garden. A hulking 6’6” (to Linneus’ slender 5’9”) and covered in scars, Gilder doesn’t seem to be Linneus’ type at first glance but having been urged to drop any pretences, he quickly takes to him, and admits that although most of his customers are pleasant “before and during sex”, things are rarely more than business afterwards.
Linneus later learns from Xanthe’s wife that they are expecting a child. He goes to Xanthe’s office to congratulate him, and to apologise for his earlier behaviour. Calling him “a terrible liar” Xanthe kisses him but Linneus breaks it off. The following day, Xanthe recalls Linneus to his office, only to inform him that Liard is interested in buying him – and that Xanthe intends to strike a deal. In another fight, Linneus bolts from the office having been accused of choosing to be a courtesan over choosing Xanthe.
Personality
In flashback chapters, Linneus is portrayed as a chatty, outgoing, and gregarious child - very interested in others, and engaging with them simply for the sake of it - in sharp contrast to the aloof Xanthe. After their first encounter with Argent, even after Xanthe has chased away the bullies that have surrounded her, Linneus remains worried for her welfare ("Shouldn't we take him home with us?" "Why?" "What do you mean 'Why'?!"), even though they haven't even exchanged words. This shows a genuine concern and a desire to reach out to others, and indeed this particular incident was the beginning of a close friendship with Argent that has spanned almost twenty years.
In comparison, although he still cares deeply for others (especially for his friends in the Teahouse - and Xanthe, however tumultuous their relationship is), it is clear that time and the nature of his work has tempered him and his attitudes somewhat. His sweetness is still manifested to those he cares about in touches, hugs, and kisses, but he much more poised as an adult, has a quieter manner, and is less free with his shows of affection than he was when he was a child. His time, though, is something that he has in spades, and he often lends an ear to the other Teahouse courtesans; especially Rory, the resident virgin. Linneus was one of the first male courtesans in his area, and although he is hardly knowledgeable when it comes to sex in modern terms, the knowledge he has learned in his time has been hard-earned, having had no one to learn from. As such he has no qualms or hesitations in discussing it - certainly with other courtesans, at least.
He has also learned some difficult lessons about his place in the world since his teens, which can also be a reason for the change of his behaviours from the outgoing and extroverted child to the more prudent and reserved adult. Because he came to the Atros household as a child and was raised there, he didn't fully understand his position: although he had work to do as a servant, his age and charm usually meant that he was indulged by the other staff – allowed to have tea and read stories with Xanthe before he did his work, for example, or accompany Xanthe as an attendant when he left the house. It was only later on that Linneus came to understand that he never really had any agency in the first place; when Atros Senior planned to sell him to another country (effectively banishing him not just from the Teahouse, but from Ivore, too, for good) it's the first time it is demonstrated to Linneus the fragility of his position, and the fact that he can call no place his own, however deep his emotional ties there. He has since worked against upsetting this position as little as possible, though this does come off as resignation to the fate and future this life inevitably leads him to. There is little Linneus feels he can change at this point, and as he can see no way out of the corner he backed himself into all he can do is accept his lot meekly.
Linneus’ decision to become a courtesan at the Teahouse was one borne of a need for some kind of control over his own destiny - a desperate decision, but at least it was something he had decided on for himself rather than being subject to the whims of his master, and a decision that he owns, though some aspects of his decision can come off as stubborn or even bullheaded. In the years since (eight, stated by the comic, but ten on reading through the backstories), Linneus still has not told Xanthe the reasons for his decision and incidents leading up to it; neither has he made any attempt to improve his position or even escape, though he is clearly less than happy in his work. The choice he made had been meant as a temporary one, to keep him in the house long enough for Xanthe to come and “save” him, but has learned the hard way that love doesn't work out like a story in a book and doesn't necessarily bloom in adversity. In the end the deal he made bought him much more time than he expected, and although he was never going to be happy with selling himself at least he was with people he knew and loved, in a place he considered home. Better the devil you know, perhaps.
There is a clear 'this is my life now' sort of acceptance seen in the way that Linneus speaks of his other clients and that the most he can hope for is that “they treat me decently”. This suggests an underlying practicality borne of his upbringing as a servant - whatever else is happening, life still goes on, the work still needs doing, the situation still is what it is. But for all his practicalities, despite being considered a veteran in his line of work, Linneus is not always good at disconnecting his feelings from his work or seeing his clients as just clients – perhaps another holdover from his childhood. This is seen in how quickly he takes to Gilder once he is convinced to “drop the act” and just be himself. In the ‘pillow talk’ scene afterwards Linneus is almost shy, as though it’s the first time in a while that his attention has been reciprocated. A second point on Linneus' shyness in this moment; this conversation happens 'Afterwards' ("pretences have a tendency to drop afterwards.") and Linneus is disarmed in more than one sense of the word, not only by Gilder's sincerity (he pulls the sheets up to cover himself),but physically so. Through the comic we more than once see Linneus fully decked out in jewellery; multiple necklaces, chest- and head-pieces, bracelets that give the effect of armour (such as when he is waiting for his appointments with Liard. Going into engagements he wears his jewellery like armour; the more he layers pieces on, the more protected and confident he feels. Without it, as this particular scene brings to bear, he feels stripped and vulnerable.
His relationship with Xanthe is… fraught, to say the least, not least because his feelings for Xanthe are a tangled mess. He still cares deeply for Xanthe, despite his tendency to blow hot and cold (fighting one day, kissing him the next), despite his manipulation (The Liard Situation: ‘I’m raising his rates, the idiot will pay, he loves you’, ‘He’s cancelled all his appointments, he doesn’t want you anymore’, ‘He’s going to buy your contract and I don’t plan on stopping him’) and despite all of the ugly things Xanthe says to him (“My whore is exactly what you are”). For all of that, he is still the closest friend that Linneus ever had, the person who looked after him after his father sold him, the person he fell in love with. After all of their history together, it is still hard to Linneus to see Xanthe as his master, even though his contract passed to Xanthe when Atros Senior died. Despite this he has stubbornly kept his secrets and not, in nearly ten years, let on as to the true reasoning behind his choice - likely out of fear of destabilising his already delicate position.
At his core, Linneus is a warm, gentle and unflinchingly loyal person who simply wishes to belong, to love, and to be loved, but has ruled all of this out as impossible for him, given his vocation. He has braced himself for years to be shunned once his work becomes known, to be viewed as disingenuous, insincere, and so instead settles for being wanted, desired, or simply useful; though he knows that this too will not be forever. Desirability fades, people leave, and once he has outlived his beauty or his use his fate is to be passed on. Knowing that his own father sold him as a child, and learning later on exactly how fragile his position can be, he fears redundancy and not having a place to belong, however desperately he wants one in the Teahouse near Xanthe ("I never... this is my home."). Yet he maintains a dogged endurance when his home and love are at stake: his choice certainly bought him more time than he expected or planned for. His backstory makes clear that the life he leads was not something he wanted for himself and yet, even so, he endures.