I know I'm going backwards, which is the story of my life, but better one direction than none at all, right?
You have Seth much more likable here than he was in canon, although he was certainly far more tolerable early on. The honeymoon was far too brief. I hope he stays closer to his original character and characterization.
There's a real sense here to the dichotomy between Ryan's life and that of the Cohens'. In this particular chapter, it's Seth who is becoming far more aware that this is very real for Ryan, not part of a game or story that is summertime adventure and excitement for himself. There are visible signs, physical and emotional wounds and scars, and far-reaching and lasting consequences. All of it is new to Seth, but sadly all too familiar to Ryan. Ryan might as well as be on another planet with no concept of the language or expectations in terms of Newport or the Cohen household. Even "family" and related dynamics are beyond him. And you also give us glimpses of the fallout for Ryan, which is very important since he should be reeling, even as he tries to mask it.
For Seth, who is surprising and thankfully not putting his foot in his mouth or minimizing and dismissing what Ryan is facing in favor of entertainment value for the week, just looking at Ryan and what he can see, is a clear reminder of his own protective bubble and how far out of his element he is. Now, the question is, does Kirsten have the same sort of perspective?
You do have me wondering what has transpired with Kirsten, both with Ryan and with Sandy, particularly after the conclusions she jumped to and her scathing reaction in the garage. That was painful to envision, even if it didn't surprise me as much as I would have thought. Unless Sandy intervened, I'm guessing Ryan is going above and beyond to stay out of Kirsten's way and really has no idea how to interact with her when they do have to be remotely near one another. The tension alone, and the feelings her actions would inspire, are daunting enough to consider, along with the extreme aversion to any eye contact or anything short of invisibility. There's such a difference between the exchanges with Ryan and Sandy, and Ryan and Kirsten. That's not to say that Ryan isn't still wary, on guard and alert, and expecting what he's been conditioned to accept where Sandy's concerned, but there is an indication of wanting to trust and some sort of connection. Sandy's disarming and casual, easygoing nature is a huge boost, and so contrary to Kirsten's stilted, rigid, suspicious, judging one. Even the few slight glimpses she's shown of some empathy have been quickly erased with giant steps backwards. There's so much to explore with these burgeoning relationships.
I'll echo kat's sentiments about "M," but I freely admit to having an extreme, intense, loathing to even seeing her name. Like Seth, I was disappointed to see her mentioned at all. I'll stick to hoping that Ryan can be spared any contact in any form with that albatross of self-destruction and plague of doom. Here's hoping!
Ryan is certainly in character- and trying to follow his list- by coming to Seth's defense. Not only doess he never consider his own safety or well-being while still injured, but he doesn't hesitate to do whatever he is able to in order to defend and protect Seth. There's a sense that, even if he's leaving, and leaving soon for a far worse and more dangerous place, he's going to try to pay his debts, return generosity as he sees it, and do what he can for someone who took a chance on him. He'll put himself at risk because, after all, he's not worth much. No loss for anyone... If only he mattered to someone as much, even someone he just met. But for Ryan to believe that...
You have Seth much more likable here than he was in canon, although he was certainly far more tolerable early on. The honeymoon was far too brief. I hope he stays closer to his original character and characterization.
There's a real sense here to the dichotomy between Ryan's life and that of the Cohens'. In this particular chapter, it's Seth who is becoming far more aware that this is very real for Ryan, not part of a game or story that is summertime adventure and excitement for himself. There are visible signs, physical and emotional wounds and scars, and far-reaching and lasting consequences. All of it is new to Seth, but sadly all too familiar to Ryan. Ryan might as well as be on another planet with no concept of the language or expectations in terms of Newport or the Cohen household. Even "family" and related dynamics are beyond him. And you also give us glimpses of the fallout for Ryan, which is very important since he should be reeling, even as he tries to mask it.
For Seth, who is surprising and thankfully not putting his foot in his mouth or minimizing and dismissing what Ryan is facing in favor of entertainment value for the week, just looking at Ryan and what he can see, is a clear reminder of his own protective bubble and how far out of his element he is. Now, the question is, does Kirsten have the same sort of perspective?
You do have me wondering what has transpired with Kirsten, both with Ryan and with Sandy, particularly after the conclusions she jumped to and her scathing reaction in the garage. That was painful to envision, even if it didn't surprise me as much as I would have thought. Unless Sandy intervened, I'm guessing Ryan is going above and beyond to stay out of Kirsten's way and really has no idea how to interact with her when they do have to be remotely near one another. The tension alone, and the feelings her actions would inspire, are daunting enough to consider, along with the extreme aversion to any eye contact or anything short of invisibility. There's such a difference between the exchanges with Ryan and Sandy, and Ryan and Kirsten. That's not to say that Ryan isn't still wary, on guard and alert, and expecting what he's been conditioned to accept where Sandy's concerned, but there is an indication of wanting to trust and some sort of connection. Sandy's disarming and casual, easygoing nature is a huge boost, and so contrary to Kirsten's stilted, rigid, suspicious, judging one. Even the few slight glimpses she's shown of some empathy have been quickly erased with giant steps backwards. There's so much to explore with these burgeoning relationships.
I'll echo kat's sentiments about "M," but I freely admit to having an extreme, intense, loathing to even seeing her name. Like Seth, I was disappointed to see her mentioned at all. I'll stick to hoping that Ryan can be spared any contact in any form with that albatross of self-destruction and plague of doom. Here's hoping!
Ryan is certainly in character- and trying to follow his list- by coming to Seth's defense. Not only doess he never consider his own safety or well-being while still injured, but he doesn't hesitate to do whatever he is able to in order to defend and protect Seth. There's a sense that, even if he's leaving, and leaving soon for a far worse and more dangerous place, he's going to try to pay his debts, return generosity as he sees it, and do what he can for someone who took a chance on him. He'll put himself at risk because, after all, he's not worth much. No loss for anyone... If only he mattered to someone as much, even someone he just met. But for Ryan to believe that...
Thanks for the update.
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