#anyway im not smart enough to analyze this lmao im only literary adjacent thanks to yall

[cahootings]

I know it's been said but I just keep ruminating on how different of an approach we're getting to see with a romance story in OFMD. So many slow burn romances derive conflict from just tension and lack of acknowledgement and things unsaid and angst. But we already know they love each other, and they got there so quickly. Instead we get to see them choose each other, and continue to choose each other over and over, acknowledge that they have to work to make it work, communicate their needs, and see them working together to maintain a healthy relationship, hopefully for a long time. Anne and Mary are there saying losing the magic is inevitable, but we're already seeing Ed and Stede put in work to see each other eye to eye. They are building a strong foundation from the start. They aren't just falling in love, they are active participants now. And that's so much more real! and so much more interesting!!