#this push pull dynamic

[alarrylarrie]

Hi. I’m a very new Larrie. I fell down the rabbit hole recently after seeing so many blogs, videos, etc. A question lingers in my mind about Louis tho. He appears to have such a categorized fan base and on such a wide spectrum. I’ve not seen something like this before with other artists. Usually if you like their music, you like their music and that’s where it ends. But with Louis it seems some support is conditional. I’ve seen some blogs even say that if he doesn’t come out in the documentary they’re done with him. Which seems so wrong because coming out is such a personal thing. And then adding a partner with Harry’s visibility in the public, it’s even more personal. A fan thought process like that seems more as if it’s for their own sake versus Louis’ well-being, which was disappointing to read. Then I see other fans say if he has any of “1Dead” in the documentary they’re done, even tho those times were important to him. Other fans say that if Eleanor isn’t in it, they’re done and if “his son” isn’t in it, they’re done. None of the other 1D members had those types of conditions from what I’ve seen, so I guess being new I’m just wondering what makes Louis different? And was it always like this for him and his fans? I just sort of see him as a person who is lost and confused on what to do these days. I know people got angry about the LA pap walk, but what I got from that pre-walk video was that he looked so lost, confused and nervous. It was very different from when he was around Harry in the videos I watched while in the band. He seemed so natural around Harry. That’s what really solidifies my thoughts on Larry, plus all of the obvious coincidences that are present even today. This question turned out to be a lot longer than I intended. Sorry! I enjoy your blog and your opinions so I thought I’d ask you. You give really insightful answers. Thank you!

Hello anon! Welcome to the fandom! We’re so happy to have you here. And I’m so thankful you’ve found any enjoyment from my blog, seriously.

As for Louis… it’s complicated, yeah? He’s a complicated person!

I think a lot of fans were instantaneously drawn to Louis. He’s a very bright, magnetic person, and so a lot of very different people of all different backgrounds love him. And because of the way he’s been treated by the powers that be, combined with a lot of the loss/pain he’s experienced personally that he has frequently discussed overcoming - a lot (most) of his fans feel very strongly about him. Protective of him in a sense, loyal to him in other senses.

His personal life has also always been extremely… odd. It was pushed forward basically from the jump, even as Louis himself was being pushed to the back of the band by the people pulling the levers. That tension, that push/pull dynamic made eagle eyed fans particularly interested- which is of course where his relationship with Harry comes in.

When the band… went on hiatus, lol, there was a LOT of uncertainty. People didn’t know if Louis would do music at all. And… how can I say this delicately? There was a bit of fracturing of this fandom, and larries had a hard time, honestly. Harry didn’t take off like a rocket even though it feels like it now, but he was being set up and rumored to be moving forward with a solo career. This created another level of tension for a lot of people. Unfortunately, there was a lot of resentment and hurt that built up amongst fans. Harry was drawing back into Harry Styles™, we didn’t have a clue what was happening with Louis professionally, and the tension of his public life versus private life was at an all time high.

I think when people say their support is conditional, that most of them are bluffing. I also think that a lot of people will continue to support Louis by purchasing albums/merch/tickets, etc. but they might not take part in fandom any longer. That, to me, is a direct result of the tension around Louis being what it is. This tension has always been there, but the cognitive dissonance and the gaslighting gets exhausting for people sometimes.

It’s super layered and challenging- I haven’t even talked about the push/pull tension between Louis Tomlinson, comrade, man of the people, fierce lover of his fans, and Louis Tomlinson™, who exists and is also sloooowly pulling back into that shell (because he has to!)

As for him being lost… I don’t know if he’s lost so much as I think he’s probably got a lot on his mind. Debuting a new “girlfriend” is always hard on all of us, but most especially him. I can’t imagine how much he must hate having to see all of our reactions.

Anyway! TL,DR: Yes, it has always been like this. No, I don’t think other artists have the same level of “conditions” around then that *some* people seem to put around Louis. I also think it’s important to remember that a lot of people tend to blow off steam and then not follow through on their threats, AND some people are worn down after years upon years of tension and gaslighting.

[sneverussape]

…oh severus. someone will prove you wrong, you’ll see.

—

minerva and severus’ friendship throughout the years

[eerna]

me explaining why Will/Elizabeth/Jack love triangle was a perfect little one-movie arc that wasn't present in the final movie because it was never about choosing and instead just about dynamics and character development so they all outgrew it by then

[sysig]

Good skeles, like you lots (Patreon)

[thatcoolguyeli]

James calling Barty princess in the most mocking tone

[jessaerys]

sun visits the moon at spk headquarters and gets so so so sleepy

[starry-bi-sky]

Stillborn? No, still born au -- Dani Phantom! Clone girl herself. :]

She can't exist in this au. And it's not that I don't want to add her -- although I'll be blunt, I don't, I'll be the first to admit that I think she's more often than not nothing more than a narrative deadweight used to prop up Danny and I don't like adding characters as props -- but her existence quite literally goes against and muddies the Vlad and Danny dynamic I have for this au. Ellie's existence in canon itself states that she was created -- and Danny's other clones too -- because Vlad gave up on trying to convert him to his side and decided to just make a son instead.

Something that just, doesn't happen in the stillborn-still born au. See, for folks who are only just hearing about this au or didn't see my post about Vlad in this au, he and Danny have a complicated love-hate relationship where they mutually want to adopt each other, but their morals and way of doing things -- mainly Vlad's insistence on getting revenge against the Fentons -- gets in the way of them being able to do that in full.

Vlad knows Danny wants him to adopt him, and is only fighting him on it because he refuses to let Vlad kill the Fentons for essentially killing the both of them. He's succeed in 50% of his goal. Canon Vlad never even made it to 1%. With that in mind, stillborn Vlad has no reason and sees no reason to clone Danny, he has his son. He just needs to convince him to let him avenge them both.

Dani simply has no place in the stillborn-still born au. And in fact, if Vlad did decide to clone Danny -- for whatever reason, -- it would damage his relationship with Danny damn near beyond repair. That's because Danny would view it the same way he views Damian's existence; as a replacement for himself. He would become beyond furious and hurt, and not for the typical 'I can't believe you cloned me, you creep!' reason, but for a 'I can't believe you cloned me, you said I was your son!' reason.

I am not pulling any punches here when I say Danny wants Vlad to be his dad just as much as Vlad wants Danny to be his son, there's just a lot of factors getting in the way. They are, as the french say, ✨mentally unwell.✨ Danny has a ton of abandonment and trust issues due to his experiences in foster care. He would immediately become jealous, insecure, and incredibly furious and hurt. He'd despise her on principal and want nothing to do with her, or Vlad for that matter. He'd just fucking haaate her. It's not her fault she was made but Danny doesn't really care, he's lashing out and pushing people away because he's been betrayed yet again.

The only way they could get along or for Danny to actually like her in any capacity would be if it was his idea to clone himself. Which is like, kinda obvious but considering most clone plots tend to be non-consensual it's kinda gotta be said. He has to have a hand in creating her, that's the only way I can see him liking her in any way. Or if someone other than Vlad created her. If Vlad clones him though, all bets are off the table and he'll despise her.

TL;DR: Dani can't exist in this au because she goes against the narrative I've got for the two most fucked up half-dead could-be-father-son duo in existence, but if she did exist Danny would despise her.

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

i know i screamed. absolutely terrifying. who let them in

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's Unbiased Mirroring Mind's Quest (Part 2)

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate]

Note: In order to better engage with this date, please read the main story (Season 1 at least), Clinic Date, and Unconditional Surrender Mind's Quest :>

Read Part 1: HERE

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 4]

MC: I'm home!

MC: Apple Box, you forgot to wipe your feet again! Kiro, help me get the towel, please!

Before Apple Box could run into the house, I grab him and call out into the house.

Kiro: Wait a minute!

After a while, the sound of footsteps begin to grow louder. I lower my head and pick up the scattered fur off of Apple Box and stretch out my hand towards the owner of the footsteps.

MC: Please help me, I can't ever trust Apple Box to wipe his feet... Huh?

I finally find something to be off in my peripheral vision. When I look up, I see Helios' face.

He is dressed in all black and fully armed, as if he is about to go out.

MC: Where are you going...?

Helios: I need to wrap up the BS stuff from the day before yesterday. This'll make it easier to move around.

MC: Oh~ so you're going to be a "bad guy" again.

After that night, I couldn't stop myself from teasing him like this. Sure enough, Helios raises his eyes towards me.

Helios: What sort of "bad guy" would hold a dog and wipe its feet?

Apple Box: Woof!

Apple Box responds as well. Helios holds up its paws and makes an attacking gesture at me.

Helios: If you use that term to tease me again, I will get angry.

MC: Hmph, you can't do anything to me when you're angry. The most outrageous thing that happened was the night before yesterday.

Helios arches his eyebrows a bit after hearing my provocation, as if my retaliation surprised him, and then raises the corners of his mouth.

Helios: Why do I feel... like Miss Chips has gotten a lot more arrogant towards me since that night?

I feel the same way.

After the night, there was indeed a small invisible stone that we both kicked away in tacit agreement.

While there's obviously no change in our dynamic, he seems to be a lot more relaxed than before.

I wipe off Apple Box's last paw and hand him the towel.

MC: Yep, I think a certain someone is satisfied with me as I am now.

MC: Go on~~ Wash the towel before you head out.

Helios: ......

Helios' throat freezes and he narrows his eyes - I have to admit that his current threatening look is indeed a bit more intimidating than Kiro's.

But only a little bit, I internally chastise myself.

We look at each other for about three seconds. Helios obediently takes the towel and goes into the bathroom to clean it.

He rinses out the water and turns around to glare at me.

Helios: I will find a way to "pacify" you.

MC: Yeah, okay~ But before you pacify me, don't forget to kiss me when you go out.

I naturally pucker my lips at him and Helios leans down. Just as our breaths are about to merge, he suddenly steps away.

Helios: ....It's time for the bad guy to go.

A chuckle passes by my ears, and the person in front of me quickly slips out the door. I am left momentarily stunned.

MC: KI! RO!!!

-

Is it possible that that night turned on some strange switch between us?

After Helios leaves, I lay on the sofa and watch TV absentmindedly, replaying the experiences from the past few days in my mind.

It constantly feels like we've gone from accommodating each other to competing with each other.

But this change of dynamic isn't annoying, but more...

MC: ...Tantalizing?

I can't help but cover my face after muttering that word and toss around a couple of times on the sofa.

The cell phone besides me suddenly vibrates twice, and Kiro's text message pops up.

I open the page and find a review link for a private club and a newly opened arcade.

Kiro: Which one do you want to go to?

MC: Are you done?

Kiro: Not yet, I'm currently beating someone up and texting you with one hand.

MC: ?? Kiro, why are you using force to solve things again?

Kiro: Under special circumstances, would you like me to give you a voice call for you to listen to?

Before I can reply, I get his incoming voice call.

MC: ....!

I subconsciously press the connect button and carefully hold the phone away.

??: Boss, what you're doing is completely contrary to our philosophy. Now...

What comes from the receiver isn't a horrifying scream, but an impassioned male voice speaking. I can't help but let out a sigh.

Helios: Did you hear that?

MC: Are you... in a meeting?

Helios' muffled laughter overwhelms the man's voice and reaches my ears.

Helios: Uh-uh. It's been going on for almost two hours.

MC: Then you lied to me about beating someone up!

Helios: I am beating them up.

Helios: Every time I hold a meeting, nothing comes from it except for intrigue, rhetoric and slogans. I beat them all up a hundred times in my mind.

MC: Pfft--

Helios doesn't even lower his voice when he says this. I can clearly hear the choking of a male voice, along with a low laugh coming from the side (A/n: Obviously Hephaestus, HAHA).

??: No one ever takes calls from outsiders at BS meetings. Helios, don't go too far!

Helios: Really? Then I'll be the first.

Helios: Also, the person on the phone is no outsider. Isn't that right, Queen?

Hearing his nervous and cold tone, all I can do is think about how funny and cute he was being, and I'm unable to keep myself from singing along with him.

MC: That's right, how can I be considered an outsider!

Helios: So, how does the "wife" think I should retort to that gentleman just now?

MC: There's nothing to refute. You're the Boss, let him listen to you!

Helios: Okay. [To the others] Queen says she wants you all to listen to me, so shut up.

Helios: [back to MC] Is there something else you wish to convey?

MC: Get off work quickly. A two-hour meeting is already long enough!

Helios: No problem, it'll be over now.

Helios: Don't forget to choose a date location for me.

After hanging up the phone, I carefully look at the two links he sent and send him a reply.

MC: Let's go to the arcade.

-

Even after I arrive at the arcade, my mind is still preoccupied with that phone call from earlier.

The fact is that Kiro rarely ever engages in such provocative high-profile things. He's always had the habit of shouldering responsibility alone first, and then asking me for my opinion.

As long as I show the slightest bit of hesitation or trepidation, he would retreat back to the safest boundary.

And now, when he gives orders to those people without warning, he keeps reminding me of the confession he made while holding my hand on the airship. (Reference to Unconditional Surrender Mind's Quest :>)

The same bravery, the same fearlessness.

I suddenly understand all the love scenes in those third-rate novels and tv shows that I often scorned.

--Turns out that this is really exciting!

I cough and try hard to control my expression so as to not let passers-by notice my mood being on a high.

I feel inexplicably good, and the wait is no longer as boring.

I put in coins and play for a while, but unfortunately I get nothing. So I send a message to Kiro.

MC: I clawed a bunch of air. Waiting for Master Kiro to come and help~

Three minutes later, I send a second message.

MC: This video arcade just opened. There are very few people...

After another five minutes, I sent a third message.

MC: I just took a look at the traffic conditions. Seems like there's a traffic jam. You don't need to worry~

Another ten minutes pass by... Kiro doesn't reply to single message.

Those high-strung emotions begin to ebb, and I become increasingly anxious about waiting. My thoughts involuntarily wander--

Besides the meeting today, did he have anything else to do?

But he was injured before, so he shouldn't be going overboard, he...

I lean against the claw machine. After ten minutes pass after the agreed upon time, unable to hold myself back any longer, I press the call button.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[Memory Silhouette]

In the massive conference hall, the stagnant atmosphere slowly fills the air.

Hephaestus: It's "just" a laboratory for marginal projects, so shut it down and sell it as soon as possible? How generous of you guys.

BS Member: It's not you who invested money and manpower into it. There are many people eyeing this piece of meat, all competing with us.

BS Member: Why not let them have this small profit and use the money to do more profitable business? Wouldn't it be better to support the long-term development of BS?

Hephaestus: What kind of business is so profitable? It wouldn't "happen" to be covered by your industry again, would it?

As soon he finishes speaking, the man throws the document down and turns to Helios like a cat whose tail has been stepped on.

Everyone's eyes are instantly focused on the person in charge.

Helios casually leans back in his chair, twirling his dagger in one hand. His cold eyes do not even focus on the man.

He has long grown tired of these boring conflicts of interest.

Helios: I have nothing to say.

BS Member: That... why?

Helios: Too much nonsense and no focus.

Helios: I don't care what sort of blueprint you have. If you don't have anything practical to say, it's better to keep your mouth shut.

As he speaks, he hooks his dagger with his fingertips and slowly places it on the table. Then he raises his gaze and glances at the man coldly.

Helios: Otherwise, no matter how passionate your tone is, it'll just be an incompetent excuse.

The air becomes quiet, and he vaguely hears the members of BS taking a breath.

BS Member: Understood, I will report a more elaborate plan right now.

An impassioned report sounds again in the conference hall. Unfortunately, the part that implied interests is mixed with too much uncertainty. Helios almost hears through one ear and out the other.

He misses her voice a little.

He taps on his cell phone to send a message to MC, and after receiving a satisfactory response, he directly gives her a call.

BS Member: So you see, Boss--

Helios: Rejected.

BS Member: Boss, what you are doing is completely contrary to our philosophy. Now...

The call connects, and the girl's voice drowns out the man's noisy retort.

Helios: Did you hear that?

Helios can't stop himself from curling his lips when he hears MC respond. Compared to the obscure noises of the meeting, her voice is as clean as a clear spring.

Helios: Every time I hold a meeting, nothing comes from it except for intrigue, rhetoric and slogans. I beat them all up a hundred times in my mind.

The report immediately stops. From the corner of his eyes, he can tell that everyone in the conference hall is obviously shaken. Even Hestia has stopped recording, and Hephaestus can't help but laugh.

The boring meeting reaches its climax, leaving him very staisfied.

So the two of them continue to tacitly sing along, cutting off the meeting in time before it turned into a farce of mutual criticism.

Helios: Okay. Queen says she wants you all to listen to me, so shut up.

Of course, the consequences of making such shocking remarks are subject to a lot of discussion, bringing rise to new topics in the conference hall. Phrases such as "out of line" and "arrogant" are often heard from time to time.

Out of line? All he wants is to be out of line.

Helios nonchalantly holds his phone to his ear, seeming to appear particularly attentive.

Helios: Don't forget to choose a date location for me.

Everyone: ......

This sentence successfully puts an end to the final discussion. Only Hephaestus is unaffected by the uncomfortable atmosphere and shows a mischievous smile.

After hanging up the phone, Helios stands up under everyone's astonished gazes, passes the person giving the report, walks through the extra large conference table and heads straight for the door.

When he passes by Hephaestus, he casually mentions.

Helios: Give me the minutes of the meeting later. If you don't see a breakthrough, break it yourself.

That one sentence makes his position clear. Hephaestus nods, but some members speak up anxiously from behind him.

BS Member: But it's best to have the Boss in charge of the meetings... Are you in a hurry?

Helios doesn't stop, he opens the door and walks out. Only a cold and arrogant voice sounds from afar.

Helios: I'm going on a date.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[PART 5]

Beep-- beep--

The long busy tone strikes my eardrums again and again. As soon as the call finally connects, I speak hurriedly.

MC: Kiro, where are you right now? Why haven't you replied to any of my texts?

As soon as blurt out those words, I realize how off they sounded. After all, it's not like I waited long, so I quickly add on.

MC: I don't mean to rush you, but I'm afraid something might have happened to you on the way...

Helios: Why did Kiro's and Miss Chips' calls become about us worrying about each other again?

Helios interrupts my confession, his voice rising with obvious laughter.

Helios: Well, Obviously the way you spoke to Helios before made you seem very domineering. If I didn't know better, I would've thought there were two Miss Chips switching back and forth.

MC: I...

I am left speechless for a moment. After being treated like this by him, I seem to find that I have some "deferential treatment".

While I feel a little guilty, I can't help but be harsh.

MC: I'm not that sophisticated... I was obviously talking to Kiro, okay?

MC: Do you prefer me when I speak rudely?

Helios: I like your frankness.

He gives me a very straightforward answer.

Helios: Remember what I told you before? That I was worried I didn't give you enough security? (Reference to Unconditional Surrender)

MC: Mm, of course I remember.

He and I have been groping for a solution to this problem, and now, I have a vague feeling that we are close to finding it.

Helios: When you make requests and frankly express your emotions to me, I feel like you're giving all of yourself to me.

Helios: The good, the bad...

Helios: And me taking over all of this is what Kiro really wants to do.

Helios: So tell me, what are your true first thoughts that you want to convey to me?

MC: I....

You can be willful, you can be less scrupulous, and give yourself entirely to him.

I take a deep breath and purse my lips.

MC: I think it's annoying that Kiro hasn't replied to my messages for a long time. I'm growing impatient waiting!

MC: You should explain yourself to me immediately and coax me!

Helios: Hahahahahaha!

Unbridled laughter resounds from the other side. A long time passes before he stops, but his voice is still lilting.

Helios: You're really bad-tempered. That's nice.

Helios: Well... I originally skipped the meeting and wanted to rush over to meet you, but as soon as I got in the car, I was stopped by someone careless.

Helios: However I did follow your instruction and avoided using force myself. Instead I used the power of being the Boss to send them away.

Helios: The atmosphere was so tense at the time that I didn't pay attention to my phone for a moment. So I missed the messages you sent.

Abrupt music mixes into the receiver, accompanying his explanation, as if he was quickly walking through a noisy hallway.

Helios: Fortunately, I didn't miss your call.

Helios: And that concludes my report. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with it, Miss MC?

MC: So-so.

I hum twice, already sweet and sour bubbles floating around in my heart.

MC: Now it's your turn. After all, you caught on to my feelings, and I need to take care of you.

MC: Kiro, what are your first thoughts?

Helios: Mine?

The sound of the music is clear, and it gradually overlaps with the tune coming from the game console next to me.

I'm not left with much time to put down my phone by the time that familiar breath approaches me.

Helios: When I went out, I still owed you a kiss.

Helios: It's time I made up for it.

A hand covers my eyes.

The shallow pecks have Kiro's taste, but as his entanglement deepens, it gradually turns into a more sensational request.

He ensnares me, trapping me between the machine and his arms, leaving me unable to retreat. All I can do is make do within this square inch of space.

--This isn't the way to kiss when out in public.

My fingers are a little weak and I can hardly hold the phone, so I give up struggling and grab his collar.

Leather, unfamiliar, not a style he often wears.

My covered sight makes it impossible for me to distinguish whether the one kissing me was the golden one or the silver one.

But no matter which one it is, it is Kiro who I love.

At some point, the music above my head has changed, and it seems like a century passes before he lets go of my lips.

With my sight clear, I see Helios' face.

I lick my moist lips, and when I speak, my voice sounds so hoarse that it surprises me.

MC: That... was not your first thought.

Helios: What was?

MC: That you owed me.

No hesitation. I have nothing to worry about around him. I repeat this silently in my mind and grab his collar a little harder.

MC: ...You didn't change back to Kiro's appearance. Is it to make dating easier?

Helios: No.

Helios stares at me, his eyes full of calm.

Helios: I feel that both Kiro and Helios belong to me, so I can show you whichever side I want.

I chuckle and raise my eyebrows at him.

MC: How are you going to show it? Or are you going to show me some Kiro style cuteness first?

Helios: .....

Helios: You really seem to be getting more and more devious.

MC: But you already admitted that you like me like this.

I answer confidently. My fingers loosen his collar and at the same time, slowly slide up his throat, along with his breathing.

MC: Are you really not going to show me my sun god?

MC: I'd love to see it.

His Adam's apple, against which my fingertips are pressed, violently slides up and down. Helios' blue eyes turn into a deeper indigo under the refraction of the light.

Helios: It's a bit weird to act cute with this face, can I ask for a compromise?

MC: What do you want to change?

He restrains my rebellious hand, and before I have time to react, I find myself falling into his arms.

Some overbearing friction renders me unable to move, and his playful laughter kisses the shell of my ear.

Helios: It's inconvenient to show it in an arcade, so I'll tell you another date location.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

Masterlist: Here

[unimportant-ramblings]

I'm not calling out this specific person, but I have seen this take a lot since the girls have started doing press- i mean I've seen it since they were cast but it has been worse lately.

I don't care about who people ship but I think it is WEIRD that people will ship any two white men who stand next to each other and yet when one of those people is black? "They don't look cute together"? I think this one is kind of on people to examine why they don't think these two beautiful woman would want to kiss 🤷‍♀️

[bacchuschucklefuck]

you get riz gukgak so well 👍👍

thank u!! he really kinda is all of my favourite character things rolled into one package (negotiation of principles/investigator-truth seeker-negotiator with reality and the narrative/obnoxious character whose narrative reward for participating in the story is getting to be even more authentically obnoxious/deeply and hauntingly aroace

[unvolver]

my biggest guilty pleasure trope is possessive john

[bevioletskies]

pat & pran + every kiss scene ever | episode one (our skyy 2)

“Damn. We’ve been fighting for three years. How could we screw up?”

[artbyzephra]

[sophsun1]

He doesn't seem like a very nice man.

[57sfinest]

okay as a Jean Enjoyer i feel like i need to say this because there are different genres of jean enjoyment (jeanres if you will). i am of the faction where i don’t really vibe with the whole “jeangst” thing (as it exists as a fandom phenomenon) and here’s why. so much of the stuff i see labeled “jeangst” is WAY too sympathetic to and forgiving of jean for my taste. like he’s woobified or there’s a lot of uncritical ‘poor jean harry is so mean to him and now harry’s amnesia ruined his life :(’ type stuff which is such a fundamental misunderstanding of him and his role in harry’s past & present and it skews how we view his dynamic with harry too. and i don’t mean this as “oh considering jean’s pov is bad!!1!1″ no i consider his pov all the time i am indescribably mentally ill about the torment that the jeanharry relationship puts both jean and harry through. but when we consider his point of view i really think that just ascribing him the simple role of ‘poor depressed punching bag’ strips him of all the interesting parts of his character & also contributes to a less nuanced and accurate understanding of harry as well (it makes it easy to villainize him for his addiction and mental illness, which in and of themselves aren’t moral failings-- harry was a bad person for his behavior, which is not the same as his addiction or his illnesses)

like, jean put himself in this situation. over and over again. yes he was likely forced into working with harry, but whatever’s going on between them is more than a workplace conflict. you look at luiga’s twitter and he’s said so much about jean and harry’s codependency and the other mentions of a very close and very unhealthy personal relationship. you see the way jean talks about his own role vs harry’s in the ending-- jean WANTS to be the poor victim, he wants everyone to see him as the helpless punching bag who is being such a saint by Putting Up With Harry And His Bullshit, look at me, i’m so much better than this stupid mentally ill addict! he’s like harry you are so unprofessional, and there is something wrong with you, and we are all so tired of putting up with you and your shitty behavior, but here he is sitting in a hotel lobby in a wig to harass harry while harry is actually doing his job!! like jean my love here you are reaming harry out about “doing his fucking job” sir what are you doing!! you are sitting in a hotel looking angry for 14 hours just in case your special little partner who you are definitely sooo mad at condescends to speak to you for a few minutes!! and you dragged poor judit out here too!! jean. girl. babe. it’s time to admit you are a massive hypocrite with an even bigger victim complex. you, a mentally ill addict, are losing your shit at harry for being a mentally ill addict. why don’t you meaningfully address the actual behaviors instead of just reminding harry that he’s an alcoholic every 2 minutes.

like i’m not saying jean should have infinite patience for harry after multiple years of mistreatment but damn dude the double standards are insane. jean is instigating a messy public breakup and being pretty abusive the whole time and then he’s like everyone feel bad for ME and not STUPID HARRY who is an ALCOHOLIC in case anyone forgot. he goes on and on about how much his life sucks and how much harry sucks and boohoo poor him he’s so depressed and beaten down by the shitkid etc but then in ANY sub-ideal ending you get there’s still something that tells you that he’s still taking harry back or at least considering it. in the cuno ending “he can’t leave you behind. he just can’t. one final time...” even in the worst ending “if you make it-- if you’re sober for 10 months-- tell us. i’ll work with you again.” jean babe if you hate him so much then stay the fuck away from him!! damn!! your codependency is showing!! your victim complex is showing!! just go get harry’s name tattooed on you at this point like at the very least it might get you some sympathy from people at the bar when they ask about what’s very clearly an Ex’s Name Tattoo