OUAT and TLK
So, of course there’s been a lot of speculation on who the gay couple will be on OUAT this season. One of the primary candidates is Sleeping Warrior (Mulan/Aurora), however there is the obstacle of Phillip in their way. Now, one of the arguments is that, unless Phillip dies Aurora can’t get with Mulan because you can’t have more than one true love at a time and Phillip and Aurora have shared TLK.
BUT here’s what I’ve been thinking. The TLK worked when Phillip kissed Aurora in order to save her. If he had not “truly” loved her the kiss would not have worked. Now, I know everyone always assumes that TLK has to be/is reciprocated but… I don’t think this is actually canon? At least not for OUAT. And, guys? Why does it HAVE to be reciprocated? And as sad as the idea is, I think this scenario makes sense:
Aurora is Phillip’s true love, so the kiss worked. The power of his love saved her. But Auror’s true love is Mulan (and vice versa). Because why not? And, yes, the answer is: because that’s bloody depressing and poor Phillip. But, the thing is, even though this is a show about fairytales, it still deals with some pretty real stuff - you know, like MURDER and consent issues and emotional abuse. So a little reality like…sometimes love isn’t reciprocated. Even true love. Isn’t that dark of a reality.
And you know the other good thing about it? For once there will be some acknowledgement that how strong or true your love is does NOT hinge on whether or not it’s reciprocated. You can truly, honestly, with everything you have love someone and they will not love you back - at all, or to that same degree. I hate this constant construct that the only love that is “true” is the one that is reciprocated. Screw that. It’s not like that at all. But it also doesn’t mean you can’t move on and live your life and love other people. Even if they’re not THE MOST PERFECT MATCH.