#lorelai is understanding towards everyone but her parents also

[ivystitches]

i’d heard so much about how rory is kinda insufferable in the later seasons, but why didn’t anyone warn me about lorelei

[roeyliteratiforever]

It's like Rory anti's literally spin anything to try to prove she's the "worst" or to convince themselves why they hate her and they are nothing but stupid reasons. If I have to hear "Rory had everything handed to her" or "Rory is a spoiled brat" or "Rory is the worst because she dropped out of Yale and can't handle criticism" I'm gonna lose it!

She did not have everything handed to her. She worked her ass off to get into Yale and worked super hard towards her goals. Anyone who thinks "Rory has everything handed to her" did you not watch seasons 1-3 where she worked herself so hard where all she wanted to do was study and read or do extra curriculars to get into Yale? She worked herself so hard to the point her first boyfriend started getting jealous because she would work towards her education instead of spending time with him. She got accepted because she deserved to be there. She didn't get there from her grandparents money they helped pay where she was PAYING BACK! It was a LOAN! Her grandparents didn't just hand out money to her to buy her way into Yale like Logan's parents did she worked hard for it!

She was not a "spoiled brat" either she grew up in a garden shed and the small town of Stars Hollow and even when people tried to put her on a pedestal she fought back she hated how the town and everybody was towards her. Even when she dropped out and was staying in the pool house SHE WAS WORKING! She was not a spoiled brat she was always super grateful for the things people do for her, and even did so much for everyone around her. If anyone needed anything Rory was constantly there for them. Even when Paris was mean to her she was nothing but nice and patient with her and if she ever needed anything Rory was always there for her. I love Paris I'm not attacking her but Rory was always there for Paris even when she wasn't so nice to Rory. She did everything her mother or grandparents asked of her because she didn't want to disappoint them but if Rory has a knee jerk emotional response the fandom is like "oh she's a spoiled brat" instead of understanding that she is just human and messes up sometimes, or in a bad emotional state, but eventually she does come to her senses about most things after she's had space to think things over.

If you hate her for taking a break from Yale that's just so stupid. Lots of people take breaks from school because they aren't sure what they want to do. In Rory's case all she has ever wanted was to be a journalist and having someone so high up in the industry tells you that you don't have what it takes or you aren't good enough is soo crushing! Most people would be so hurt by it, and that was all Rory has ever known and when Mitchum told her that she was so discouraged and needed a break to figure things out and that's perfectly okay. Think if you were in Rory's shoes and someone tell you that you don't have what it takes to achieve your dream how would you react? I'm so amazed how people can't have a lick of compassion over that situation, to add icing on the cake her mom...I love Lorelai but she literally cut her off when she was in a bad emotional crisis and she needed her mom during that time, and that really crushed her more. I'm currently going through a situation like Rory at the moment and I can attest that it's so fucking relatable what Rory was going through. When I first started going to school for the program I was on my counselor also didn't think I had what it took and it hurt and when I started taking the courses it did end up being really hard, and I have been in a burn out and have been struggling with depression and I just needed a break. I got to a point of thinking is this something that I still want to do because everything just feels so uncertain right now. She is literally the most relatable character ever. I love her so much and I can't take these stupid takes that people have to hate her. It's like people will find any reason to hate her and I'm over it!

[angelasscribbles]

Hinge: Thanksgiving Part 2

Series: Hinge.

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairings: Drake x Riley x Liam

A/N: See author's note on Polyamory and more.

Everything else: Master List.

Once they all gathered around the table, Riley insisted everyone say something they were thankful for.

Olivia leaned toward Leo, “I told you she was going to make us do the thing.”

Leo smirked, “Of course she is! She’s Riley!”

Riley stood, holding her champagne flute in front of her, “I’ll start! I am so thankful for all of you! I have so many wonderful people in my life and sometimes I think I don’t deserve it! I know for most of you, thanksgiving isn’t even a thing, so I appreciate so much your being here with us today to celebrate my favorite holiday!”

“And I’m thankful for you and our daughter.” Liam brought her hand to his mouth. “I never thought I would be able to marry for love and I will be eternally grateful that you came into my life and changed that.” Everyone oohed and ahhed while Liam gazed adoringly at his bride.

Regina cleared her throat, “I’m thankful for the family I got when I married Constantine. He gave me two sons, and now I have Eleanor as well. And I’m grateful for the amazing king you turned out to be Liam, as I always knew you would. Your father would be proud of you.” She dabbed at her eyes.

Savanna was next, “I’m thankful to get to eat this amazing stuffing again. I’ve been dreaming about it since last year, but Riley won’t share the recipe!”

“Maxwell,” Bertrand began, “I am thankful for all of your help with the Beaumont estate this past year. I have come to depend on you. You have become….adequate at the job.”

“Oh Bert!” Max sniffed, “That may be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me!”

Bianca raised her glass next, “I’m thankful that my children are happy and that I get to spend Thanksgiving with them both! And I’m thankful to Riley for making it happen.” She smiled and nodded at everyone.

Riley smiled around the table then her gaze fell on Olivia, “Liv? What about you?”

“Oh, is it my turn?” Olivia held her champagne glass up, “I’m thankful these toasts are almost over.”

Riley gave her a look.

Olivia sighed, “And also for friendship, yadda ya.”

Riley smiled as Olivia jabbed Leo in the ribs.

“Oh, bloody hell.” Leo glared at Oliva then straightened up and looked around, “I guess I’m thankful for all of you bastards too, there worse ways to spend the day!”

Drake groaned as Riley looked at him expectantly, he knew he wasn’t getting out of it. He tried to maintain his grumpy façade but as he watched her face, he just couldn’t. He was happy and sometimes that made him sappy. He had accepted it.

He looked first Liam then Riley in the eye and said, “I am thankful for this family we’ve made,” turning his head, he continued, “and yes Max, before you say anything, that includes you and Hana!”

“O.M.G! I’m soooo thankful for this tradition because Bert and Drake both just said nice things about me!” Maxwell was vibrating with happiness, bouncing in his seat like he might explode at any moment.

Hana laughed softly, “Love you Max. Of course they said nice things about you!” She looked over at Xinghai and Lorelia and beamed at them, “I’m thankful that my parents could be here today.”

Hana and her parents had mostly mended things between them. She hoped today would be an end to any lingering awkwardness.

“And we are thankful for you, daughter.” Xinghai responded.

“Yes, we are.” Lorelai echoed.

“That’s everyone, time to eat!” Leo announced reaching for the platter of turkey.

As the food was passed around, Hana’s mother moved closer to her.

“Hana, we are so pleased to see you happy and thriving.” Lorelai began, “And we totally understand that you want to marry for love, not duty or position.”

“But…?” Hana eyed her mother suspiciously.

“But nothing dear! It’s just that……we were wondering if that might be imminent any time soon?”

“What?” Hana blinked.

“Marriage, darling. To someone of your choice, of course! Seeing how happy Riley and Liam are…we just want the same for you, right dear?” She implored her husband.

“Yes, quite.” Xinghai chimed in, “And grandchildren! We want grandchildren!”

All other conversations halted as everyone tried, and failed, not to listen in. Hana shifted uncomfortably in her seat and Maxwell reached out and took her hand comfortingly.

“I haven’t decided if I want children yet.” Hana said levelly. What she didn’t add was that she had no idea how to be parent because of the horrid way she herself had been raised and wasn’t sure she wanted to subject a child to her parents as grandparents. It was a valid concern in her book.

“Oh, but sweetheart! Look at how charming little Eleanor is! Who wouldn’t want that?” Lorelai beamed over at Ellie as she flung fistfuls of mashed potatoes to the ground, sending the dogs running around, tails wagging, trying to beat each other to the splatters as they landed on the floor.

“Uh….” Hana loved Ellie, she delighted in being her aunt. But that wasn’t the same as being a mother. She looked at Maxwell in distress.

Maxwell cleared his throat and attempted to change the subject, “Hey, did anyone see that…game…the other day? Football, or… something?”

Lorelai glanced meaningfully at their clasped hands and asked, “Maybe your future husband will convince you. Do you have anyone in mind?”

Hana followed her mother’s gaze and jerked her hand out of Maxwell’s, “Oh, no, no.” She shook her head vigorously.

“Why not?” Her mother persisted, “You two seem to get along very well, you’re always together, he was just holding your hand. He seems very nice.” She gave Maxwell a smile and he choked on the drink he was taking.

Hana handed him a napkin while she pounded on his back, “Are you ok, Max?” she asked in concern.

He nodded while holding the napkin to his mouth, eyes watering. When he had recovered, he turned to her gratefully, “Thank you.”

“See?” Lorelai pointed to them, “See what I mean?” She directed her question to Xinghai who nodded in agreement.

“Absolutely. It seems quite obvious to us that you two are in love.”

“No, no, no, that’s not- just no!” Hana resumed her head shaking.

Max gave her a look, “Well you don’t have to sound so horrified by the thought!”

“Max! Come on!”

“Yeah, no, I know, I’m just saying, I’m a catch, that’s all.”

Hana smirked at that, “You absolutely are. For the right guy!”

Max turned his attention to Hana’s parents, “She’s right. She’s not my type.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lorelai demanded, “She’s funny, smart, attractive-“

“And she’s a girl.”

Lorelai blinked, “What does that mean?”

“It means I’m gay.”

“Gay?” She asked, as if she’d never heard the world before.

“Yes, gay. As in queer, you know? A flaming homosexual. I like boys, men, people of the male persuasion. I like the D, I like to suck co-“

“MAXWELL!” Bertrand was standing, his face beet red.

“What?” Maxwell asked innocently.

“A little decorum please! You can’t say things like that at the king’s home!”

Maxwell glanced around the table, “They don’t seem to mind.”

Liam had pushed away from the table and was leaning over, napkin pressed against his mouth as if he were choking, but his shoulders were shaking with laughter. Riley had turned toward Liam and her head was pressed into his shoulder, her shoulders also shaking with silent laughter.

Savannah was doing her best to keep a straight face but tears of mirth were streaming down her face. Drake was the only one not bothering to hide it, his head was back as he roared with unconcealed laughter. Even Regina was biting her lip and pretending to be extremely interested in the contents of her plate. Leo and Olivia were both snickering as they held onto each other, Olivia biting into his shoulder in the attempt to keep quiet.

Bertrand glanced around the table then murmured, “I see.” And resumed his seat. Glancing at his wife, he mouthed, “Really?” Which only made Savannah laugh harder.

“Sorry Bert! I…can’t…help…it!” She gasped out.

“What’s so funny mama?” Bartie asked.

“I’ll explain it later sweetie.” She promised.

“Mr. And Mrs. Lee, I apologize for my brother’s crassness.” Bertrand inclined his head toward them.

“It’s quite alright your grace.” Xinghai replied, “We had no idea.”

Lorelai wasn’t giving up though. “Ok, fine, maybe not lord Beaumont, but surely there’s someone?” Her gaze drifted over to Drake.

“No!” Riley, Drake and Liam chorused together.

“I mean….it’s just that…..” Riley stumbled over her words.

“What Riley means is-“ Liam interjected.

“Hell no.” Drake interrupted, “No offense Hana, you know I love you.”

Hana smiled back at him, “I know.”

Lorelia looked confused, “But… you just said you loved her.”

“Like a sister.”

“Hmph.”

“Mom, please, just stop.”

“But dear, he’s single and attractive-“

“MOM!”

“What?” Lorelia dropped her fork, throwing her arms out in the universal gesture of what did I do?

Hana sighed. This was not how she had envisioned coming out, but it was clear that her mother was not going to let up. She glanced up at Maxwell who nodded and took her hand again.

She drew in a deep breath and blurted out, “Mom, dad, I’m also gay!”

“What?” Xinghai exploded.

“You’re what?” Lorelia asked in shock.

“You know, gay, as in a lesbian, I like girls, women, people of the female persuasion, I am not saying the rest, Max!” She swatted at him as he chortled in response to her outburst.

“Oh sweet Jesus!” Bertrand muttered under his breath.

“Bert!” Savanna admonished him.

“What?” He looked at her indignantly, “I have no issue with them being gay, but a little decorum at dinner would be appreciated!”

Hana looked around the table in desperation, willing someone to change the subject. Her eyes fell on Savannah who took pity on her and blurted out, “I’m pregnant again!”

“What?!” Bertrand spit out the mouthful of sweet potatoes he had just put in there.

“Sorry babe, I was going to tell you tonight, I just….I just thought maybe everyone could use some good news right now.”

“Oh my God! I’m gonna be a grandmother! Again!” Bianca pushed out of her seat and ran over to embrace her daughter.

“Savannah, my darling, I didn’t mean to sound like that, I was just surprised, that’s all. I…I’m going to be a father again?”

She nodded as she bit her lip, “You ok babe? You look like you might pass out.”

“I have never been more ok in my life! I can’t wait to be a father again!” He declared as he pulled her into his arms.

Everyone congratulated them and talk turned to nursery decorations and birthing plans.

“What about you guys’ Liam, Riley?” Leo asked.

“What about me, what?” Riley asked.

“Any plans for a spare?” He waggled his eyebrows at Liam just before Olivia’s elbow connected with his gut, hard.

“Ooof! What was that for?” He shot her a long-suffering look.

“For being an insensitive cad!” She stated coolly as she fluffed her hair.

Liam looped a protective arm around Riley’s shoulders and responded, “We do want one more, but we’re waiting for a couple of years at least. Riley had a really hard time with Eleanor’s birth, as you’ll remember.”

“Ah shit. Fuck, Livvie’s right, I’m an ass. Sorry Riles.”

“It’s ok,” She gave him a smile, “The doctor doesn’t anticipate any complications next time, the odds of pre-eclampsia happening again are low, but this time they’ll be watching for it and of course, I’ll stay away from locking palace barricades. But in general, she recommended spacing children three to five years apart. Apparently, that increases the odds of positive outcomes for mother and child.”

Murmurs of “I didn’t know that.” And other similar comments erupted around the table and the talk went back to nurseries and baby showers.

Drake leaned over to whisper in her ear, “You’re amazing, you know that?”

She smiled at him, “Why do you say that?”

“The way you can diffuse any situation, turn it around, make people smile.”

Liam leaned in to join the conversation, “He’s right you know. You’re a natural born diplomat.”

“Oh stop! Both of you!” But she glowed under their adoration. It was the thing that fueled her. She felt like she could take on anything, do anything with the two of them by her side.

From the other end of the table, the Lee’s voices drifted over, and Riley stifled a giggle. Poor Hana. Her outburst had only put a stop to her parents for a moment.

“Surely you’ve met a nice girl by now?” Lorelai said.

“You know, with all the advances in in vitro fertilization today-“ Xinghai was about to launch into a whole thing so Riley decided it was time for a rescue.

“Who wants pie? Mr. Lee?” Riley interrupted the conversation and Hana threw her a grateful look.

The pies were brought out: apple, pumpkin, pecan, chocolate silk, key lime, cherry, there was even a cake and of course freshly baked baklava for Liam.

“I thought I smelled baklava!” Liam exclaimed, “I’m sure this isn’t a traditional American thanksgiving item.”

“No, it’s a traditional serve it because I love Liam item.” Riley replied as she leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“And Leo, right? Because I’ll fight you for some little bro!”

Liam laughed at that, “There’s plenty to go around!”

After dessert had been eaten and everyone swore they wouldn’t be able to eat any more for days, Hana and Savannah pulled Riley aside.

“I’m so sorry for my parents-“ Hana started.

“Riley, this is the second time Bert and I have used an event of yours-“

“Oh hush, both of you!” Riley exclaimed, drawing them into a double hug. “I love you both and neither of you did anything wrong!”

“But my parents-“Hana tried again.

“Are mostly just annoying to you! Everyone else was fine! As for you,” She turned to Savannah, “I know you’re not apologizing for Bertrand proposing at my wedding again, because I’ve told you a million times, he had my permission! Also, I’m gonna be an aunt again and I couldn’t be happier for you!”

“So….you’re not upset?” Hana asked.

“We didn’t ruin thanksgiving?” Savannah sounded hopeful.

Riley threw her head back and laughed, “Coming out to your family? Blurting out major personal, unplanned announcements? Sounds exactly like a good old fashioned American thanksgiving to me! Not another word about it! Now come on and let me introduce everyone to American football!”

Drake overheard and whooped out, “How ‘bout them cowboys?!”

“What about them?” Hana asked, confused.

Drake responded with, “We dem boys!”

Hana blinked, “Am I supposed to know what that means?”

Savannah laughed, “How have you been living in the same house with Drake for the last three years and not watched at least one cowboys game?”

“I don’t know….”

“Because I don’t tie people to chairs and force them to watch football with me?” Drake gave Savannah an exaggerated ‘duh’ expression as he walked past her, sticking his tongue out like he use to do when they were kids.

She laughed and slapped him on shoulder, “Ok, smartass. But how do I know you haven’t just been ignoring them all season? Maybe you’ve forgotten your Texan roots!”

“How dare you!” the sound of their playful banter faded as they made their way to the media room, Hana in tow.

“The meal was wonderful.” Lorelai said as the dishes were being cleared.

“Quite,” Bertrand agreed, “this is a lovely tradition.”

“It is. Thank you for inviting us this year.” Xinghai said.

“You’re welcome!” Riley chirped, “Thank you for coming.”

“Our pleasure, dear. I only hope we didn’t upset Hana too much.” Lorelai looked worried.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine, but you have to let her find her own way, in her own time.” Riley replied.

“I suppose.” Lorelai sighed, “Where did she go? I should probably apologize.”

“To the media room!” Riley showed them the way.

As the day wound down, Regina excused herself back to the palace, the Lee’s went up to their room to sleep while everyone else settled in the media room. Riley couldn’t help the warm happiness that stole over her as she looked around the room. She watched Drake and Max as they chased Bartie and Ellie around while both children shrieked in delight. She watched Savannah and Bianca as they huddled together looking at nursery decorations online, she watched Bertrand and Leo as they had an animated discussion about the finer points of sabering champagne and Hana and Liv while they both yelled at the TV. It hadn’t taken long for Hana’s competitive side to kick in once she’d picked a team.

Riley peered up at the man next to her, amused at the intent expression on Liam’s face as he tried to follow the game. She snuggled into him and sighed in contentment. He glanced down at her and smiled, he leaned back and wrapped an arm around her, dropping a kiss onto her head as he observed, “You look happy.”

“I am.” She replied, “Thank you.”

“For what?” Liam asked, “You put all this together, all I did was get home a little early to enjoy it.”

“I mean thank you for loving me, for taking a chance on us, for giving me Ellie, for bringing Max and Hana and Leo and Liv into my life, for being the one to see that Drake belonged with me as much as you did, that none of the three of us would have been happy any other way. You are the most amazing man on the planet, you know that, right?”

He laughed softly at that. It was an ongoing thing between them. Her thinking she was the lucky one when clearly it was him.

“Thank you,” he said, “for bringing every person in this room together. That was you. That was all you. You’re the one that brought Hana into our circle, you’re the one that broke through Livvie’s defenses, you’re the one that found Drake’s sister for the love of God! This, all of this, is all you love!”

“Drake and I found Savannah together.”

“Always so modest.”

She punched him playfully in the arm. “Stop.”

“Never!”

“You’re incorrigible, you know that right?” She giggled.

He bent down and whispered in her ear, “How about after Ellie goes to sleep, I take you back up to our bedroom and show you just incorrigible I can be?”

She shivered, “Oohhh, I like the sound of that!”

He snuggled closer as he continued to murmur, warm breath tickling her ear, his voice low and vibrating against her skin, “Maybe Hana or Max can take Ellie duty for the night and Drake can join us.”

“Mmmm. I like the sound of that too.” She looked up at him with heat in her eyes, “See? I told you that you’re the best!”

“What’s going on over here?” Drake inquired as he dropped in the seat on the other side of her. He was winded.

“Ha! I told you she was fast!” Liam crowed triumphantly, “She wore you out too!”

“Yeah, yeah, fine, ok. I concede your point your majesty, now kindly fuck off while I lay here until I regain my dignity!”

“Ah, my poor marshmallow!” Riley teased as she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

Without warning, Ellie was in her lap, having launched herself from the across the room and gotten a running start before leaping onto her stomach.

“Oof!” Riley laughed as she wrapped her arms around her baby girl.

Suddenly Drake jumped off the couch, arms in the air screaming, “TOUCHDOWN!”

Half the room was up, jumping and yelling. A popcorn bowl went flying. Riley laughed as she hugged Ellie to her chest. She looked around the room and realized she couldn’t have asked for anything more.

She had her baby girl in her lap, Liam’s arm around her, the sound of Drakes voice rumbling in her ears, and all of her friends under the same roof. It was by far the best Thanksgiving she’d ever had. She smiled and sighed, “Happy Thanksgiving everyone!”

[chambersofthesea]

What you said about Logan not doing anything to change his situation, even though he complains about his family so much... It's SO true. And I don't know if it's that he's too afraid of losing the comfortable life he's used to having or partly that he doesn't know what else to do with his life, but as much as he claims to hate it, I think part of him actually likes having his overbearing family as an excuse to do whatever he feels like doing with no consequences. He feels sorry for himself, but it's a self-indulgent kind of self-pity, because he can tell himself he "deserves" whatever because he's "so unhappy" and don't you think he deserves a little happiness? And if his family calls all the shots, he doesn't have to take responsibility for anything ever, because "it's out of my hands." Like in the Revival, when he "has to" marry Odette because it's "part of the dynastic plan." Sorry, Rory, but there's nothing I can do! You're not allowed to be mad at me, because it's not my fault! In the end, unlike Lorelai and unlike Jess, I don't think Logan really WANTS to change, or at least not enough to want to do it without someone MAKING him. For someone who projects such a "take charge" persona and chides Rory for being afraid to "jump" and take risks, he really is extraordinarily passive. Risking his life and physical health actually feels "safer" to him than risking his security. It's like he'd literally rather die than live life as a "poor person."

Yep, that's pretty much what I get from him as a character. And I don't mean to say that Logan is the only one that is solely responsible for the way his life is, particularly when Mitchum is like that as a person and father to him, but after a certain point you have to understand that as you grow up, you also become responsible for your own behavior and life more than your parent is. And Logan pretty much comes off as never realizing this, even with the half-hearted attempt the season 7 writers made.

I feel like his behavior is overall a combination of both of what you mentioned, that he is passive because he himself has never taken the time and effort to realize what he would want for himself, without taking into account his relationship with Rory or anything else, and that in its own way, he has more of a "reason" to behave the way he does and live his life extravagantly because hey, he's had to put up with his asshole father for years, might as well take advantage of all the money he's been given by him. Which is pretty ironic considering how Mitchum is an asshole towards everyone. I mean by Logan's logic, I believe Rory would also have to be monetarily compensated for because his father decided he can be a dick to a university student on an internship for free just because he was the one that offered her the post.

It's also why I find any of his attempts at distancing himself from his family to be lackluster because again, compared to what Lorelai or even Jess managed to do, it simply boiled down to Logan getting another job, all the while still reaping from the benefits of being a Huntzberger and having a guaranteed pot of gold on the side. Comparing this to both Jess and Lorelai deciding to start a new leaf while being homeless young adults is even demeaning on their behalf, not just because of how they started but because they were also driven by the need to change their lives for themselves, and not as a result of some other issue like say, chickening out of facing the consequences when your business deal results in monetary loss. And another issue with this is that we actually don't see Logan stick it out for once after this either. I mean, we see him dump Rory solely because she didn't want to marry him and conform to his life plans, and that's it. We don't even see him settle in his new job in order to actually believe that he's changed for the better, which is part of why his "regression" in the revival isn't out of character in the slightest. When you have a character that falls back on negative patterns of behavior every time they face an obsticle in their lives, and not even get to see said character grow above that in a pretty substantial, long-lasting way, then there's only so much benefit of the doubt you as a viewer can give them.

[flowerpowelltales]

Until You Hate Me (Liam x MC)

PART THREE - THE BEGINNING

A/N: Yes, I do feel ashamed I forgot about this series for TWO years. I also am aware most of you, who have been tagged, dont even remember ever reading this series. If you’d like to be taken off the taglist just let me know because I don’t want to bother anyone. If you want a refresher - it’s the series where Regina pays Riley to be the worst suitor ever so that in two weeks, Liam would have to marry someone Regina picked for him. Previous parts are on my masterlist. Shoutout to the Nonny who motivated me to write this part. Hope y’all enjoy! Characters belong to PB. 

Rating: G

Word count: 1692

Tagging: @gardeningourmet @delightfullypinkglitter @blackcatkita @badchoicesposts @jared2612 @princess-geek @desiree-pow-35-1986​ @emichelle​ @ao719​ @cordoniantrash @kinggliam @needalittlerain @flyawayboo @nazariortega @jlpplays1 @kimmiedoo5 @annekebbphotography​ @ladyangel70​ @eadanga​ @kingliam2019​ @nz1091​ @emceesynonymroll @texaskitten30 @mskaneko​ @custaroonie @drakesensworld​ @janezillow @ritachacha​ @lodberg​ @msjr0119​ @gkittylove99​ @sweatyrysconnoisseur​ @dcbbw​ @potter1-7harry​

“Welcome to Cordonia,” Liam said when the Royal Jet finally landed. He looked at Riley warily as she took in the sights. The flight was a total disaster and made him rethink his whole life. If he hadn’t known better he’d think she wanted to sabotage his mission.

“Looks sick,” she said and Liam sighed.

“Liam, Riley, the car is here. Come before anyone spots us.” Regina nodded towards their driver.

“Whoa, we have our own driver? That’s mad!”

Regina raised an eyebrow in a ‘do-not-overdo-it’ manner but Riley ignored it. For her it was either go hard or go home. Literally, because if she failed she’d go home with no money.

The ride from the private airport to the palace was silent; Riley was admiring the views, Liam was thinking if he made the right choice and Regina was already planning Liam’s wedding to Madeleine.

When they arrived, Regina excused herself and went straight into her office.

“What do you think?” Liam asked politely when they were the only two left.

“It looks so… majestic. Like something I’d expect a palace look like but at the same time like something I wouldn’t expect. It’s gorgeous.”

Liam turned to her stunned by her words. What happened to “sick” and “mad”? Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad, after all.

“Come inside,” he said and extended his hands towards her. She took it and then gasped at the interior.

“It’s so regal and so big and oof—” Riley was almost knocked out by a small, fluffy ball that jumped at her.

“Ah, this is Chance, Maxwell’s dog. He must feel you’re a good person because he is never that happy about strangers.” Liam smiled as he leaned to take her coat. She handed it to him and when Liam walked away to hang it, she bent over to Chance. 

“Hey, buddy! I’m super flattered you like me but can you please bite me or start barking at me so Liam doesn’t think I’m good?” She asked and Chance titled his head in confusion. “You see,” she lowered her voice, “I have a mission to complete.”

When Chace still couldn’t understand, Riley tried to speak his language.

“Woof woof woof woof,” she barked at Chance in low voice.

“Um… is everything okay, lady Riley?” Liam asked, suddenly appearing behind her. Shoot.

“Mhm. Just talking to that cute little muffin. And please, call me Riley. I’m no lady.”

“If you insist. Would you like to see your room?”

“Sure! Does it have a mini fridge? I bet it’s totally dope!”

Liam shook his head in disbelief. Riley changed her mood every few minutes. He couldn’t figure her out. Sometimes she was serious and really fun to talk to but then she changed again and acted like a spoiled teenager.

“Here we are.” Liam motioned the room when they finally reached the guest chamber. “It doesn’t have a mini fridge but you can call any of the staff members to ask for whatever you’d like, anytime.”

“Cool.”

“Ah, Liam! Riley! I am so glad to see you both here!” Regina exclaimed with a smiled on her face. “We have a dinner today with a few of our friends. Liam, please help lady Riley to prepare for it.”

“Of course, Regina. Who are we expecting?” Liam asked.

“Duchess Olivia Nevrakis, Lord Neville, Duchess Adelaide, her daughter and Duke Godfrey, lady Hana Lee and her parents, and a few of the court members.”

Liam nodded politely but started to panic internally. Lord Neville, Godfrey and Adelaide weren’t exactly the first people he wanted Riley to be introduced to. He knew too well how they treated commoners and how awful they could be. He had only about two hours before the dinner to go through the royal protocol, table manners, dress code and how to address who. When he looked up at Riley he noticed she was already studying him.

“Everything’s alright?”

“Yes, it is. I just thought we would have more time before your debut.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that! I was born ready!” she said reassuringly, which, ironically, made Liam even less reassured.

~~~~

“So when I see Hana Lee’s dad I should say ‘ni hao’, right?”

“Correct! And can you please repeat how you would address Duchess Olivia?”

“Your Grace,” Riley replied.

“Exactly. And Lord Neville?”

“…Also your Grace?”

“Yes. How would you address me, then?”

“Your Majesty?”

“No, Majesty is used for Kings and Queens. I’m not a King yet so I ought to be addressed ‘your Highness’.”

“So Regina is her Majesty?” Riley asked.

“Precisely. Now, what is my title?”

“Prince?”

“Full title.”

“Prince Louis of Cordonia.”

“Ye—What? What Louis?”

“Your name isn’t Louis?”

“No,” he shook his head. “It’s Liam.”

“Oh, right! Sorry, I’ve always had a problem with remembering names.”

Liam smiled but wanted to scream. Remembering names was probably one of the most important things Riley had to learn. And she forgot even his.

“Let me get this straight, when I talk to you I always have to use ‘your highness’?”

“When we’re with nobility, yes. It shows respect. When there’s only me and you, or friends and family, you can call me by my name,” he explained.

“Which is Louis!”

“Liam,” he corrected. Again.

“Sorry! Sorry!” Riley apologized. “I’ll just need something to associate you with… Oh! I know! I used to listen to One Direction a lot and Liam was the name of one of the singers! I liked him a lot!”

“Whatever works for you.” Liam smiled, feeling less and less enthusiastic about his mission.

~~~~

Two hours and three braincell losses later, Riley was walking arm in arm with Liam, into the ballroom. She was wearing a very expensive dress, more expensive than everything she owned altogether. She was very stressed and started to regret coming here. Pretending to be the worst suitor in front of Liam was one thing, but pretending to be the worst suitor in front of all Cordonian nobility was a completely different thing.

“Look, there’s Xinghai, he’s coming here,” Liam whispered and Riley nodded as the man approached them. Liam nudged Riley.

Okay. Show time.

“Hey hoe!” She yelled, making everyone freeze.

I hate myself.

“Riley!” Liam hissed, pinching her arm.

“Excuse me?” Xinghai asked as if not believing his ears.

“I think Riley tried to say ‘ni hao’, is that right?” Liam raised his eyebrows and Riley felt sick.

“Yes! Ni hao! I’m so sorry, I’m very bad at languages!”

Xinghai shook his head. “If you say so.”

“Hi, I’m Hana! And this is my mother, Lorelai.” A girl with a very friendly face extended her hand as if she hadn’t noticed that huge faux-pas. Her mom barely smiled at her.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Your Highness.” A man approached them and raised a glass. “I feel deeply honored to be invited here today. Her Majesty mentioned you would bring an American suitor, is this that lovely lady?”

Riley didn’t know who it was but she sure hated him already. She looked at Liam and realized she wasn’t the only one thinking so.

“Lord Neville. I am very happy you could join us. Yes, this is lady Riley, my suitor. Lady Riley, this is Lord Neville.”

“Lord? Like Lord of the Rings? Is that even a real title?” she asked.

“Excuse me?” Neville was confused and Liam embarrassed. From the corner of her eye, Riley could see Regina smiling at the sight.

At least someone is happy with what I’m doing.

“I believe we haven’t met.” A blond woman interrupted them, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a very unhappy man in the other.

“This is Duchess Adelaide, Duke Godfrey and their daughter, Countess Madeleine. And this lovely woman by my side is lady Riley.”

“Hi y’all! Louis told me so much about you!” She heard Liam sighing.

“Hmph” was all Godfrey said. The rest of the family looked confused.

“Who’s Louis?” Adelaide asked.

“What happened to One Direction association?” Liam whispered to her when the family wasn’t looking.

“I forgot Louis was in the band, too,” she replied.

“If you excuse us,” Liam turned to Adelaide, “but we need to say hello to Duchess Olivia. Thank you for coming.”

He quickly led Riley far from Adelaide and Godfrey, avoiding other court members on the way. He couldn’t do this. At least not today. Riley clearly wasn’t ready.

“Why hello there,” a lady with red hair and a matching dress greeted them.

“Olivia. Hello. How are you?” Liam started a small talk and Riley noticed he was more relaxed talking to her than he was talking to other people. She must be a friend, she thought.

“I’m great. Haven’t been to a party that is as much fun as this one. And it’s all thanks to you. I’m Olivia.”

“Riley. You’re the Ice Queen?” Riley asked remembering Lythikos was a winter wonderland. She hoped Olivia would be offended just like the others but to her surprise the Duchess burst out laughing.

“Ice Queen! I like her already,” she said as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Absolutely loved when she questioned Neville’s title. The man’s pain in the ass.”

“I’m glad you find it funny,” Liam said firmly. Olivia shrugged and turned to take another glass of wine.

“I’m really sorry I embarrassed you, Louis.”

“Liam,” he corrected.

“Liam,” Riley repeated. “I’ve just came to Cordonia and had only two hours to take it all in. I’ll be better in time.” Not sure how better at making you hate me I can get though.

“It’s fine. Listen, it’s me who should be apologizing. As you said, you just came here and within a few hours you had to learn things I learned throughout the years.”

Riley’s eyes widened. She embarrassed him, she humiliated him and he still apologized? She felt awful.

“I still feel bad. I promise I won’t let you down,” she lied and Liam smiled.

“I’m happy to hear that because we’re visiting our apple orchard tomorrow and the press will be there to meet you, too.”

Riley gulped as she smiled at Liam.

That only meant she had to try even harder.

[maeviana]

Lorelai Gilmore & Luke Danes Analysis & how I would change the story

A Lorelai Gilmore analysis because apparently I'm doing this for everyone on the show now!

Lorelai Gilmore...how do I begin to describe Lorelai Gilmore. There are times when Lorelai can be my favourite character and times where she can be my least favourite character. 

 I think Lorelai denying the fact that she is still very privileged despite leaving her parents world when she was 16 is one reason she can drive me up the walls. Lorelai is a conventionally attractive white woman who fits the trope of 'single mom but my child is really smart so men don't see it as a turn off' - she seems to be able to get any guy she wants, the whole town falls at her feet and are willing to do pretty much anything to help her, she was promoted to Manager seemingly above Michelle (who actually went to school to train to be a concierge or whatever he is and who we know started at the same time as Lorelai) Lorelai has all the advantages of someone who spent their whole life in a small town but whenever she needs it or wants it she always has her parents money to fall back on or their connections which I get makes her uncomfortable and I don't hold her privilege against her - no but what I can hold against her is the fact that Lorelai Gilmore is not a pay it forward kind of gal.

When I say that Lorelai is not very "pay it forward" I'm going to talk about three incidents where Lorelai benefitted from something in the past which she does not need anymore and which she very begrudgingly relinquishes.

1. The first is when Suki wants to ask her if Rune can sleep in the potting shed while he is out of work. Lorelai's response to this is "Suki that's where Rory and I stayed when she was a baby" Just to recap Lorelai was allowed to stay in the potting shed rent free when Rory was growing up until Rory was 11 until she could afford to get a place of her own. Which is fine. But Lorelai has her own place now and now she is in a position to help someone else who could use the same help that she was once given and her first instinct is to keep it for herself which is made worse by the fact that Suki is asking her - Suki is Head Chef at the Inn and so she equals Lorelai in rank - as long as Rune staying in the shed doesn't interfere with the running of the inn, it should not be Lorelai's place to deny her.

2. When Jess comes to town. When Jess comes to town Lorelai doubts Luke's ability to care for a rebellious teen - which again is fine. She tries to reach out to Jess twice and ....things don't go well which I also think is fine (except for her essentially telling Jess that Dean is better than him ummm wtf Lorelai he's 17) ...look I could do a whole other post about Lorelai and Jess' interactions (Jess is my absolute favourite character on the show so you can probably guess what I'm going to say) and why they don't get on but I'm going to focus on Lorelai's reaction to the car crash and what she says to Luke in 'Teach Me Tonight' when Luke tells her he has an obligation to Jess and she responds that he had an obligation to the town and to her and to Rory. We are shown and we are told that Luke has done a lot for Lorelai and would do a lot for someone that he cares about, however, I think again that on some level Lorelai thinks of Luke's generosity towards her as a special privilege just her own. I don't think Lorelai views Jess as someone like herself who needs a "Mia" or a "Luke" to help him get through a difficult time to let him stay in a metaphorical emotional "potting shed" but look having said that she does cut Jess some breaks and does help Luke understand things about Jess.

3. Her not wanting Mia to sell the Independence Inn because she wanted a memory home....ummm what. the. fuck?

Growing up Emily tried to control almost every aspect of Lorelai's life and this has impacted Lorelai by her being ultra controlling in her own life. I think her need to have complete control over her life made it very difficult for her to get serious with anyone because to do so you need to have a 50/50 say in a shared life. I think it's really telling that her two major love interests even over the guy she was engaged to are two men who have been in her life the longest.

I think at the end of the day when it comes to relationships Lorelai just wants someone to love her and to listen to her. She wants someone who would be willing to sleep on a park bench outside her window and someone to call at 2am. i think Emily and Richard we’re a real unit in their household and I think Emily was a Wife first, a lady of high society second and a mother third. Richard was well emotionally shut down and was all about appearances. But Emily and Richard work well as a unit, they are kind of like Lorelai and Rory that way they have their own way of doing things, their own language. I think it was hard for Lorelai growing up an only child next to that kind of relationship but not on the inside. 

The story line I'm most annoyed about the writers dropping for Lorelai was the story line of her now living her life as an adult woman without a child - about her not wanting to be pregnant. The offer from her Dad's friend to buy the inn and for her to go travelling by herself! But if there is one thing that comes for all television characters in shows in the 00s it's hetero normative ideals those relentless bitches! Because...here is the thing I think that the life Rory thinks she wants for herself travelling and seeing the world as an independent woman that life is really the life that Lorelai wants. Lorelai is very like her Dad and she even says that she wants to travel like her Dad always travelled and I'm so annoyed that THAT wasn't the major Luke and Lorelai conflict instead of April Nardini. (who I think was in part written as a way to give Luke a biological child of his own and still get with Lorelai ....because again hetero-normativity) (its a trope *cough* How I met your mother *cough*) That's why the whole "Wild" trip was written for Lorelai in my opinion it's because Lorelai does want to go out and have an adventure and she does want to find herself. What's more annoying about this story line being dropped though is because the seeds for it being a major Luke and Lorelai conflict are there. Dean telling Luke that Lorelai wants more than Stars Hollow, Lorelai's curiousity about the job offer from her Dad's friend and Lukes reaction to that, Lorelai realising that some of her aversion to certain paths in life come from her parents wanting them for her which may include "going corporate" which could open doors for travel. That’s how Luke lost the last love of his life - Rachel. It was potrayed that she was always leaving - but it could also be interpreted as Luke never following her. Then Lorelai wants to travel to run incorporations of an inn that Rachel introduced her to through her pictures. 

Think about it Luke's major character flaw is that he finds change very difficult. He lives in the same town he has lived in his whole life, he doesn't change his clothes, he can't make a move. This made sense for Luke before - he needed to be so solid because his family was so erratic, he needed to be there for his dad, he needed to be there to bail his sister out but at the end of the show Luke has no reason not to change, his business is well established enough that he could trust Ceasar to run it while he was away, he (would not have had) any children, any real reason to stay in the town other than stubbornness.

I don't find April annoying as a character - I find why she was written annoying. Luke didn't need a kid. The show is filled with biological parent child relationships that don't work, that show that bonds are more about being there for someone than being in their DNA. I feel like writing as if Luke needs to have a child is just weird (it's stated and shown on multiple occasion he in fact really doesn't like kids), when he's been a relative hermit up to age what 35/40 means that maybe he'd be ok without kids and the fact that Luke is loved like a father by Jess and by Rory but no Luke needs biological children because? why?

And then Jess (who was always ready to leave and never shows his cards when it comes to love) could show up and tell him that he should go be with Lorelai wherever , that he’ll make sure Liz and TJ don’t join any vegetable cults. Because Luke now has someone else in his family that he can rely on and he doesn’t have to plan funerals and interventions for his crazy family members on his own and also the this plot line would fall in nicely with the GG theme song but that’s not that big of a deal. 

[freddiesaysalright]

Part of Your World - Chapter 1

Ben!Prince Eric x Mermaid!Reader

Summary: Prince Ben is trying to escape an arranged marriage. A young mermaid wants to escape the sea. Their paths cross and they may just be what the other is looking for. 

Word Count: 4.5k

Tag List: @psychosupernatural​, @someone-get-a-medic​, @bensrhapsody​, @deakyclicks​, @crazylittlethingcalledobsession​, @minigranger​, @crazyweirdocalledfriday​, @the-moving-finger-writes​, @assembledherethevolunteers​, @rose-writes-prose​, @queenlover05​, @26-7-49​, @drowsebaby​, @im-an-adult-ish​, @queen-paladin​, @rogerina-owns-me​, @mirkwoodshewolf​ If you’d like to be added, let me know!

A/N: The second installment of my fairy tale/Disney AUs! I hope y’all enjoy Ben in the role of Prince Eric, with a twist on the story you know :)

Warning(s): None!

Moodboard

Chapter 1 here we go!!!

Ben ran. His heart pounded and his lungs ached as he sprinted through the market toward the harbor. This was his last chance. Princess Dana was the last eligible match for him and he didn’t like her. And he took his father’s threat - “So help me, if you don’t like this one, I will choose a woman for you!” - very seriously. So, his only choice was to escape.

He leapt over a cart of cabbages and skidded to a halt. 

“Watch it!” the cabbage merchant warned.

“Sorry,” Ben said.

He wasn’t accustomed to being spoken to so harshly, but he had disguised himself well. He was in his worst clothes, with no jewelry, and had mussed up his hair. He didn’t look anything like a prince. He glanced back the way he came, and breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t being followed.

He took a moment to scan the harbor and find out which ships were leaving. It didn’t matter where they were going, he was getting on it. He spotted a ship at the very end of the row which was being loaded by several men that appeared to be crew members. Ben looked back once more for good measure. With dread, he saw palace guards.

“Damn,” he hissed, and took off toward the ship, hoping they hadn’t caught sight of him.

He approached slowly. He couldn’t reveal himself to be a runaway or they might not take him. The first crewman he saw was actually not a crewman at all. It was a woman. She was strong and tall, but with a soft, delicate face, tanned from the sunny days at sea.

“Excuse me,” Ben began, and she faced. “Is there room on your ship for one more?”

She looked him up and down. 

“No,” she said flatly.

Ben winced and looked over his shoulder. The guards were getting closer.

“Please,” he continued. “It wouldn’t be permanent, I just need a ride out of here.”

“Ari, is this guy bothering you?” said another crewman as they approached. 

Ben quickly realized he was mistaken before. All the people loading this ship were women.

The woman he first spoke to - Ari - shrugged. “Not really. Just needs a ride. No need to fret, Kay.”

Kay was short and thin, with her hair cropped almost to her scalp. She put her wide brimmed hat on and glared suspiciously at Ben.

“We don’t take men on our ship,” she said sternly. “It’s bad luck.”

Ben raised an eyebrow. He had always heard the opposite. But then again, that was from ships with crews of men. Perhaps having a mixed ship at all was what brought bad luck. 

“As I told your friend here, it wouldn’t be permanent,” he said. “I really just need to get away from these shores.”

He looked back again at the steadily approaching guards. They were buying him time since they were stopping to ask so many people. Ari and Kay exchanged a look.

“Are you in trouble for something?” Ari asked.

“Uh, yeah,” Ben said hesitantly. “You’re the only ship that’s leaving this morning. Please.”

“Now that’s something we understand,” Ari said. “Come on, let’s go speak to the captain.”

“Ari!” Kay cried in protest. “He - he’s - he’s a he!”

“I know, but he’s in a pinch,” Ari said. “We may be pirates, but we’re not heartless.”

Ben stopped dead. “Hold on. Pirates?!”

“Duh,” Kay said, rolling her eyes. She pointed to the mast. “Black sails, genius.”

Ben followed the direction of her finger and saw that she was right. He had totally missed the black sails. It seemed foolish now since they stuck out against the bright blue sky. But this was his only chance.

“Hope you’re not scared,” Kay mocked.

He shot her a glare. “I’m not scared!”

“Prove it,” she returned.

He straightened his shoulders and followed Ari. Kay walked behind him, and he could feel her smirking. He braced himself for whoever this captain may be. He knew now that it would be a woman, but what would she be like? Probably unlike any woman he had ever met before.

As he boarded, everyone on deck turned eyes on him. He gulped. These women looked fierce. Mean, even. Especially with the myriad of weapons hanging off each person. He was intimidated. They began to whisper as he passed.

Ari led him over to the captain’s quarters. He took a deep breath to calm himself while she knocked three times on the hard, wooden door.

“Yes?” came a smoky voice from within.

“Captain Behati?” Ari said. “We need your approval for something.”

“Can it wait?” the captain returned. “I’m busy.”

“Unfortunately, there’s a time limit,” Ari replied.

Ben was startled at how quickly the door was snatched open. There stood a tall, beautiful woman, with deep, dark skin. Her hair was twisted into locks that trailed all the way down to the small of her back. Her eyes were a rich brown that reminded Ben of cocoa. Her demeanor was regal and commanding. When she spotted him, he took a step back.

“What is this?” she snapped. “A man on my ship?”

“He’s in trouble with the law,” Ari said. “Could we give him a lift?”

Behati looked intently at him. “A lift where?”

“Dunno,” Ben shrugged. “Just anywhere but here.”

“Give me a reason to help you,” she said.

“I’ve got gold,” he told her. “Lots of it.”

“Now you’re speaking my language, boy,” she laughed. It was a pleasant sound, and he relaxed. “How much do you have on you?”

He dug his coin pouch out of his knapsack and tossed it to her. “Take as much as you like.”

Her eyes roved over him skeptically. “You’re awfully confident - and careless - with your money.”

“Money doesn’t matter much to me,” he said.

In truth, Ben fully intended to find his way back to his home. He just needed his parents to understand - he couldn’t marry someone he didn’t love. Especially these princesses who were duller than sand and had no sense of adventure. They all droned on about being ready to settle down and have children, but that wasn’t what Ben wanted right now. He wanted a partner, who would travel the world with him, who wanted to see more beyond the society she already knew.

He looked back to the harbor and saw the approaching guards.

“Really need a decision here, Captain,” he said.

She glanced over and saw them as well. “The gold will do. Hide below deck.”

He hurried to obey, led by Ari. It was much darker down there, since the only light came from the sun peeking through the cracks between the boards. But it also meant he could listen. He heard the guards march up onto the ship and come to a short stop.

“We’re looking for someone,” said a guard. “A young man. He’s needed for duties at home.”

“There are no men allowed on my ship,” Behati spat back. “I suggest you disembark as well.”

“You haven’t seen anyone?” the guard pressed. 

“No, now remove yourself,” she ordered. “Before I change my mind about killing you.”

“Y-you wouldn’t dare,” the guard returned.

Ben heard the swish of a sword being drawn. He guessed it was Behati’s since he heard the heavy boots of the soldiers shuffle backward.

“You can’t even imagine the things I’d dare to do, soldier,” she said. “Get off my ship. We’re leaving.”

There was a moment’s hesitation and then they all paraded off. When the last of the steps started to die down, Ben went to poke his head out. Behati grabbed his face and forced him back down.

“Stay there until we’re out of sight, fool,” she hissed. “They may be watching.”

Ben frowned, but did as she said. 

He heard the crew women putting everything in order for the departure. It was still another half hour before they were moving, though. It was a slow, steady pace to get out of the harbor. Ben peeked out from the canon holes to see their progress. With a twinge of fear, they were away from the harbor, and he was outside of his father’s rule. On the other hand, it also meant he was outside of his father’s protection.

Ari retrieved him when he was permitted to emerge. The sun was bright and the breeze was cooling. The salty sea air whipped his hair and coat around.

“What’s your name, by the way?” Ari asked politely.

“Um, it’s Eric,” he lied. 

The last thing he needed to do was reveal his true name to a bunch of pirates. He’d become a ransom so fast his head would spin.

“Okay, Eric,” she said. “Why were palace guards looking for you?”

“Am I really to be subjected to interrogations from pirates?” he challenged. “It’s my business.”

She put her hands up innocently and raised her eyebrows. “Just making conversation.”

With that, she walked away, going to help Kay with some of her work. Ben went to the starboard side, toward the bow, and rested his elbows on the ledge, looking out. The open water, with nothing around for miles, looked like freedom to him.

“Hey, boy!” Behati called, and he turned to face her. She pushed some rope into his hands. “If you’re staying, you’re working. We’re not a cruise ship.”

He smiled. “Yeah, alright.”

She scoffed and shook her head. “Just get started.”

“Can I ask you something?” he wondered.

“You can, but I’m under no obligation to answer you,” she returned with a smirk. 

“Fair,” he conceded. “But, where exactly are we going?”

“Where we’re always going,” she said. “To find the sea witch.”

Ben blinked. “I’m sorry - the sea witch?!”

***

“Come on, Lorelai, don’t be such a guppy!” you teased.

She swam on behind you and frowned when she caught your eye.

“I’m not a guppy!” she insisted, tail flicking with indignation. “I just don’t see why you’re so obsessed with shipwrecks.”

“They’re the only exciting things that happen here!” you said. “What else do we do?”

“Plenty!” she insisted. “Most of it safely away from human nonsense!”

“You sound like my father,” you groaned, rolling your eyes.

“Well, King Triton is a smart man, Y/N, maybe you should listen to him.”

You ignored her and kept swimming. This shipwreck was fairly new, but it was close to the shore, which made it dangerous. At least for you. For the humans aboard, it usually meant they survived and returned to land safely. For you to approach it meant it was easier for humans to spot you.

As you and Lorelai got closer, you reverted to sign language. All merpeople followed this practice when approaching shallow waters. To avoid detection by humans, remaining silent was necessary. Especially around a shipwreck. Treasure hunters lingered, and a real live mermaid would be viewed as a greater treasure than all the gold in the world.

You swam through one of the portholes and into the ship. There was rarely anything of interest on the deck of an old ship. Mostly just split wood. The humans always kept their things below. You went first to a pile of things that shone. You had a few friends who had interacted with humans before, and you sometimes asked them to identify things for you. According to them, humans used these utensils to eat. 

Fascinating! You signed to Lorelai.

It was her turn to roll her eyes.

You moved on together after you stuffed one of the items in your bag.

The next thing you found was what appeared to be jewelry. It was a necklace, but it wasn’t made from anything you had ever seen before. All your jewelry was made from pearls, but this gem was shinier. It was completely reflective, like glass. But it wasn’t see-through. 

What do you suppose this is? You signed.

You looked up to see Lorelai’s expression. She wasn’t paying attention. Her eyes were turned upward, where a shadow was approaching. The wide shape with the pointed end was all you needed to know. A ship was coming. And that meant you had to get out of here fast.

Lorelai started out, heading back the way you had entered. She flinched back when something whizzed past her and lodged into the ocean floor beneath the ship. A thick rope was in front of her, taut. She shot you a terrified glance. Humans were here. 

You both swam hard back toward the porthole, racing for the safety of deeper water. Only, another harpoon came hurtling down. You watched with horror as it snagged Lorelai’s braid, pinning her down. You flew to her side and tried to tug the weapon free, to no avail. 

“Y/N!” she cried, panic making her forget the sign language protocol. “Go get something to cut me free!”

“Right!” you returned, and bolted back inside. 

You returned to the utensils and looked wildly around. There had to be something strong enough to cut rope down here. You grinned when you spotted a dagger - still sheathed - in the corner of the room. Snatching it up, you hurried back to Lorelai. 

You came back in time just to hear her scream as the harpoon was being drawn back up toward the surface. You swam determinedly to her, faster than the harpoon was moving. Whipping out the dagger, you brought it down hard against the rope.

That didn’t work. It bounced, forcing your arm back much to your surprise. You looked between the dagger and the rope, astonished.

“Y/N, hurry!” Lorelai urged.

“I’ll have to cut your hair!” you cried.

“I don’t care, just get me out of here, we’re almost to the surface!”

It was a struggle to keep swimming and grab her braid in one hand with the dagger in the other. You brought the sharp end to the side of her braid and began sawing at the strands. It was a bit sad - Lorelai had such beautiful turquoise hair - but you couldn’t think about that now. Hair could grow back. If a fisherman caught her, she would be gone forever. 

“Y/N!” she sobbed as you began rapidly approaching the surface.

If you broke through, it would mean trouble.

“I’m almost done!” you assured her.

You could feel the heat of the sun. You pushed hard with the knife through the final strands of the braid and the tension broke. She was free.

You couldn’t celebrate just yet. Taking her hand, you tugged her back down into the depths with you. As fast as you could go, you hurried away from the ship. Fisherman had all sorts of contraptions beyond harpoons, and you weren’t sure you’d be so lucky again. So, you weren’t waiting around. You and Lorelei swam and swam and swam until your abdomens ached with the effort. There was no sign of the fishermens’ ship.

You came to a stop, panting. Lorelai still had tears in her wide eyes. Without a word, you embraced each other and let out your relief. You held her as she cried. It was such a close call, you understood her fear. You were just as afraid, but you wanted to be strong for her.

“Do you see why they’re so dangerous, Y/N?” she sniffled. “Humans just want to hurt us.”

“Be fair, Lo,” you replied gently. “There are good ones. Like Captain Behati.”

“She’s just a legend!” Lorelai snapped. “I know it’s all interesting to you but look what almost happened! I could have been caught!”

“I’m sorry,” you said earnestly. “But I just think if we all understood each other, we could co-exist!”

She narrowed her eyes at you. 

“If that wasn’t a wake up call, Y/N, then I don’t even know what to do with you,” she said.

With that, she turned tail and stormed off. You watched her fins disappear around a reef with a sigh. 

In all honesty, you didn’t believe most humans to be these evil creatures on the hunt for merpeople. Fishermen were usually just looking for fish. Lorelai was just - quite literally - caught in the crossfire. In fairness to Lorelai, she wouldn’t have been there if it weren’t for you insisting she come with you to explore. You headed home, prepared to apologize. 

On your way, you stopped by your cove. It was the place you kept all the human stuff you found. The only people who knew about it were you and Lorelai. As your best friend, she had vowed to keep your secret, even if she didn’t understand. 

This was the one place you felt free. Free to be yourself and explore your interests. Surrounded by all these human artifacts - books, utensils, figurines, and so much more - was where you were authentically you. 

Your favorite thing to do was tinker. Human objects did such wondrous things. You weren’t sure how everything worked, and plenty of things were damaged beyond repair, but every time you made a discovery, it sent such a thrill of joy through you that made you do flips. How could humans be so bad if they made things that created such joy?

You spent a few hours in your solace before returning to the palace. Lorelai needed time to cool off before she would be able to accept your apology. Plus, you were certain word had gotten out about what happened, and you had to mentally prepare yourself for the lecture you were going to get from your father.

You went willingly to the throne room first. You peered around the corner through the door and spotted your father already seated there. He was twirling his trident between his fingers, which you knew to be a sign of irritation. He must know. You decided to play dumb anyway.

“Hello, Father,” you greeted brightly as you swam up. “I’m looking for Lorelai. Have you see-”

“Y/N, what is wrong with you?!” he cried, exasperated. “Why must you always go looking for trouble?”

“I - what do you mean?” you returned innocently.

“You know very well what I mean, young lady!” he shouted. “You took Lorelai to that shipwreck and nearly got her captured by humans!”

You sighed. 

“In fairness, I didn’t know the fishermen would show up,” you said.

“That’s your argument?!” he returned. “Are you serious, Y/N?!”

“But I -”

“I don't want to hear any more out of you!” he cut across you. “You know the rules. Only those with permission to do so may make contact with humans. And only out of necessity! And last time I checked, you’re not on that list! You are forbidden from going to any more shipwrecks!”

You folded your arms across your chest defiantly.

“I didn’t make contact on purpose!” you argued. “Besides, we got away! Everything was fine! You can’t punish me for a close call!”

“Oh, yes I can!”

“No you can’t!” you insisted. “I’m a grown woman now, Father! I don’t have to take your orders if I don’t want to!”

“Well, then, if you will not respect my authority as your father, perhaps you will understand the law of the sea,” he warned. “No one is to approach shipwrecks as long as they live under my ocean! And no one has permission to contact humans under ANY circumstances! You may be my daughter, but you are also my subject, so the laws still apply to you!” 

Your mouth fell open.

“That’s not fair, I -”

“It is perfectly fair!” he interrupted again. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my merpeople safe! I will not have another incident like today!”

“But nothing -”

“Nothing happened this time!” he said. “It is unlikely we will be that fortunate again! Now, leave me! You have a friend you owe an apology to.”

You huffed and turned your back to him. You swam out and toward Lorelai’s house. Your father was right about that last part. The rest of it, you absolutely did not agree with. It felt like he was throwing his weight around as king to punish you. You knew that going to shipwrecks was risky, but it wasn’t inherently bad, nor did it always mean interaction with humans. In fact, today was the only time you had experienced that, and you’d been going through shipwrecks for years.

You knocked softly on Lorelai’s door. 

“Lo?” you said. “It’s me.”

The door swung open and she appeared there. 

“Hey,” she said.

“Look, I’m so sorry about earlier,” you said. “I should never have put you in danger like that, and I feel terrible about it. Are you okay?”

She nodded as a small smile claimed her lips. 

“Yeah,” she said. “Still a little shaken, but I’m alright. If you hadn’t been there, I would have been a goner.”

“You wouldn’t have been there if I hadn’t nagged you into coming along,” you returned. “The point is, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“Apology accepted,” she said. “How’d your father handle it?”

“It was terrible!” you told her. 

You explained what he said and the new rules. She looked sympathetically at you.

“I know it’s hard, Y/N, but honestly it’s for the best,” she said. “Everyone will be much safer if we keep to ourselves.”

You decided it was better not to argue. You said goodbye and promised to stop by the next day to check on her. She really did seem okay. Frustrated and annoyed, you headed back to your collection cove. You needed to cool down after so much arguing. 

Relieved to be alone and in your happy place, you relaxed against the center stone that served as your chair. You looked around at your glittering collection. Yes, you had plenty of things here, but you wanted more. There was so much still to learn and explore. There was still room on the shelves for human things. There was still something missing.

You looked up toward the surface. A whole world existed up there. Something foreign and intriguing and adventurous. So much more out there than what you had in the familiar corners of the ocean. You had to see it somehow. 

The cove had a tunnel that led all the way up to the surface. You liked to watch the waves rise and fall and reflect the sunlight. Looking up there always made you so hopeful. Even though your father had made these silly rules, you still hoped that someday you would find your way to the human world and experience it for yourself. 

As you watched the water, another shadow appeared. A ship. Something was different about this one. It gave you a new feeling, something stronger than any other ship you had seen before - not that there were many. Curiosity, as well as defiance of your father, drove you to push yourself upward and start swimming toward the forbidden free air. Your tail pushed the water and you began to leave the sea behind. 

When you broke the surface, you sucked in a mouthful of air. You liked the air more than most merfolk. It was liberating to you to leave the water. 

You realized you were mistaken earlier about the reflection on the water. The sun had gone down and the moon was hanging low in the sky. A ship with black sails was gliding through the waves. You followed it. 

You saw the low lights from the ship shining on the inky water, and considered how mysterious the depths of it must be to the humans aboard. You swam closer, but stopped when you heard a shout from someone on deck. Holding your breath, you waited for something to happen. When you saw them dropping the anchor, you heaved a sigh of relief. They had not seen you. 

Taking your life into your hands, you went even closer. You could hear them speaking now. You took hold of one of the ropes hanging down the side and began to climb it. There was a ledge where you could sit and peek through an opening. You bit your lip to keep yourself from grunting as you heaved yourself up. 

It was the first time you had ever completely been out of water. It felt odd to be so dry, but you were excited. Your heart pounded, even faster than it had earlier during the attack with the harpoons. This was not something you were afraid of. It was thrilling. 

You carefully took a seat on the ledge and slid as close as you dared. Turning slowly, you peered in, observing the group of humans gathered on the deck. 

To your surprise, they were all women, except one. The man’s appearance struck you. He was beautiful to look at, with a strong jaw, a wide smile, and bright blonde hair. You watched him take a seat beside a tall woman, who had her arm around the thin one beside her. 

“So, why does Captain Behati want to hunt the sea witch?” asked the man. “I didn’t think people believed in things like that.”

“If you’re going to be at sea, you better understand that believing in those things is a part of life,” said the tall woman. “Captain Behati hunts the sea witch because she must.”

“Why?” the man pressed. “What’s so important about it?”

“To break the curse,” the small woman answered. “You see, the captain was taken from her home by slavers, who were taking her to some foreign land, to sell her to people she had never seen.” 

“She made a daring escape,” the tall woman continued. “Only, she was still in chains, and couldn’t swim. She was sinking slowly, slowly, until she saw...her.” 

“Who?” the man asked. 

“The sea witch,” the small woman said irritably. “Sycoria.”

“Sycoria told Behati she would give her the freedom she so desperately desired,” the tall one added. “But it came with a price. The captain could never set foot on land again. If she does, she will turn to dust, and her soul will belong to Sycoria.” 

The man blinked with surprise. You were also a bit shocked at the story. You knew of Sycoria and the games she played with people’s lives, how she prayed on desperation, but you had no idea the legendary Captain Behati was one of her victims. Captain Behati was something of a myth among merpeople. Some claimed to have seen her and interacted with her, but officially, she was just a rumor. To realize you were on her ship was unbelievable. And you almost cursed because you could never tell anyone you had done this. 

“That’s terrible,” the man said. 

You liked the sound of his voice. It was deep and smooth. It reminded you of sunsets.

“That’s why we hunt her,” the tall woman said. “Kill the witch, and the spell is broken.”

“But why even return to land?” the man wondered. “Won’t she just be taken again?”

The women all laughed. 

“Oh, you silly boy,” said the small one. “I’d like to see a man try to take Captain Behati prisoner now. She will kill him before he can even speak.”

Even though you still had not seen Captain Behati, you liked her. She clearly had the respect of her crew, and she was a force to be reckoned with. As powerful as the ocean herself. 

Suddenly, there was a loud BANG. A flash appeared from a ways down the water. Another ship was nearing. Were you about to be caught in a much more serious crossfire?

[theonethatwatchesalotofshows]

Jen and Pacey are both banished seeds from NY but they cannot be more different in personality. Jen was really nice and wanted to fit in, but she was judged by the town people (like that teacher in the ‘Dentition’ episode) because she was from NY. Also, I never saw her as the blonde bad girl bomshell the show wanted us to think she was. She doesn’t really give off NY party girl vibes, she always seemed Midwestern to me.

I agree with you about Pacey not being an angel (so does the OP of the post because she has posted about people overlooking Pacey’s flaws). I do think Jess is a punk but that’s why I found him entertaining. I think I liked him as an agent of chaos more than Rory’s bf. I was getting bored of Rory/Dean after they dumbed Dean down so I didn’t mind Jess’ antics (though I still think they were shitty). I enjoyed Jess’ dynamic with Luke, and I think it made sense for Rory to be attracted to him. I just don’t think he was mature or stable enough to be in a relationship with her.

Unrelated:

I wish Rory could have dated the more mature version of Jess. I always had a feeling that the show wanted Jess to have a bigger role in Rory’s life. Jess was the only one of Rory’s whose perspective we got, and he wasn’t just built to be Rory’s love interest, he was introduced as Luke’s nephew. Its obvious the writers wanted Jess to be Rory’s Luke, and the guy who knows Rory best but couldn’t portray it in the narrative because Milo’s contract wasn’t renewed.

In S6 Jess said he knows Rory “better than anyone”, but considering he hadn’t seen her in years, I doubt he knew her better than her friends or her mom. Thus, his speech felt unearned (I felt the same way when Dawson’s Creek kept telling us that Joey changes men and inspires them to be better. This is who they wanted Joey to be but didn’t portray it in the narrative). Gilmore Girls kind of relegated Jess to the guy who occasionally pops up in Rory’s life, gives her advice, and pops out.

Maybe in personalities they aren't all that similar other than being rebellious teenagers with a self-destructive streak but at the same time quick-witted and snarky. They also both have parental traumas and "daddy issues" (as much as I hate that expression). Where they are the most similar is the town's treatment of them. No matter what they do they're always outsiders. When something shitty happens, it's their fault. I have ranted about it already here:

As for you pointing out that Jen doesn't really give off party girl vibes I sort of agree? It's like the whole town stereotyped her for being a pretty blonde girl from New York and immediately assumed she's a dumb party girl. Like she tried to start anew and make a good impression. She pretended to be this innocent girl: "I like to party and have fun substance-free" but it didn't work. Meanwhile Jess acted out because he didn't actually want to improve his reputation and start anew, he WANTED to be kicked out and go back to New York.

You preferring Jess as an agent of chaos and not a boyfriend to Rory is your own preference which is totally valid.

I also wish Rory got back with Jess in season 6 and it did look like she was going to and I still believe that if Logan hadn't gotten into that accident, they would've broken up and she would've gone back to Jess, much like in season 3 when they got together right after her breakup with Dean. Even their last kiss parallels their first.

I think people misread Jess's statement that he knows Rory better than anyone. I think he was saying that he knows her better than anyone else HE knows not anyone else that knows Rory. He wasn't claiming he knows her better than her own mother that would be ridiculous. But he does know her and understand her very well, sometimes even better than Lorelai imo.

[myfandomrambles]

Character Analysis: Dean Forester (Gilmore Girls)

Requested by: @grouchycritic7794​

Facts:

Moved in high school from Chicago to Stars Hollow

Lives with his parents and younger sister Clara

Quickly starts dating Rory

Works at Doose's  market

Gets in a few fights

Breaks up with Rory over her refusal to say ��I love you”

Gets back with Rory after she is willing to say “I love you”

Becomes deeply jealous over Rory liking Dean displaying unhealthy behavior

Breaks up with Rory again very publicly but continues to display his attraction to her including getting in a fight over with Jes

Doesn’t go to college right away worried about finding a job and succeeding

Dates Lindsy, a girl everyone considers nice 

Quickly becomes engaged to Lindsy and marries

Has a turbulent marriage to Lindsay

Works as a construction worker

Cheats on Lindsay with Rory and hides it from Linsday

Has a public break up and divorce from Lindsay

Dates Rory in a strained relationship for some time a

Breaks up with Rory over her changing life and new friendships

Fights with Luke and dismisses his relationship to Lorelai

Eventually moves away

Has a family of a wife three sons and unborn daughter between the main show and AYITL

Analysis:

Dean is a normal high schooler and young adult. His family isn’t particularly wealthy and this leads him to work throughout the show, and he attends the public school away from Rory. He’s athletic and starts off as a sort of bad boy (series 1), he is mostly not that and tends to be more of a homebody and focused on his relationships. He lacks much ambition beyond being a husband and having a partner for much of the show. This is seen in his pattern of relationships but also in his love for the idea of having a traditional family. (Series 1-5)

His emotions often run high but often come off as pretty charismatic allowing people to like him. This shows in the way the town but especially Lorelai changes their view of him rather fast to positive rather quickly. This is in stark compassion to the way much of the town never changes their negative perception of Jess Mariano. His charisma however is dampened by his tendency to be self-centered and not care much for other people's feelings or perspectives.  

Dean’s strong emotions are also tied into him being stubborn, and can both positively stand his ground against people like Richard or Tristen but can also cause problems in how he can interact with his partners and people who don’t deserve to be treated poorly like Jess or Luke. 

Relationships to Rory & Lindsay

Dean’s relationship to Rory is the most key part of his story in the larger narrative. It’s an interesting one as the writers overall painted him as the “perfect first boyfriend” through the eyes of many of the characters including Rory, but in reality, the relationship is abusive. Dean tends to be possessive, dismissive, manipulative, and overly sensitive. We can also see the effects this has on Rory as he worsens her conflict-avoidance and anxiety. Seen heavily in his yelling and Rory being deeply scared of angering him. 

An important to note is their relationship is liked in the town even when they are worried they may have had sex after Rory’s dance. (1x09) Most of the town continues to like Dean and sees him and Rory as a good couple. This includes Lorelai for most of the show. This overall like of Dean and of her being with Dean colors their relationship for the first two seasons of the show and how they interact with Jess. 

When those around you reinforce the idea of how good someone you love is it will make it harder to  notice the toxic and abusive behavior and give the abuse cover. Lorelai’s approval especially makes Rory feel like Dean is the perfect boyfriend. Lorelai herself is not likely to have toxic behavior as her relationship to Christopher is full of toxic behaviors and her emotional abuse and a child. Lorelai’s multiple episodes of support for Dean even without Rory being there likely make him feel as if he is supported and will have her telling Rory to stay with him. 

The start relationship right coincides with the opening of the show. (1x01) He easily charms Rory and this coincides with the start of his possessive behavior. Including how fast he starts the relationship. Intense relationships that move very fast is often a negative sign for the ability of the people in it to moderate their emotions and can be a first abusive move. Rory is very nervous about this showing trepidation to move fast even when she has a clear crush on Dean. (1x01, 1x03-7). 

In season one we see him block Rory's path and during the double date episode, he physically moves Rory's head when she is looking back and Lane to check if she is having a good time. (1x05, 1x12). While this behavior is not violent, invasion of space is a huge sign of a lack of respect for boundaries and is part of his overall pattern of abuse. 

During the Donna Reed (1x14) story, Dean is very into the ideas of a Donna Reed style lifestyle finding the idea of a nuclear family where his wife cooks dinner very appealing. This is in large contrast to how Rory sees the world. When Rory is upset about his comments about wanting that life he calls it “just a joke”. Rory goes out of her way to make Dean happy while still keeping her own theatrical love in play when she makes him a 50s style dinner. However, an interesting mark is she seems genuinely upset when she thinks it didn’t go perfectly. 

Dean attempts to build Rory a car for their three month anniversary and Rory seems overwhelmed by the situation but still finds it romantic. Dean tells Rory he loves her and when she won’t say it back he gets’ very angry with her and is unwilling to understand that it means something more for her to say it than it does for him. And as we understand he broke up with her over this. The giving of lavish presents and his unwillingness to let Rory have her own feelings come across as manipulative. It’s a common abuser behavior to give extravagant shows of affection followed by negative behavior. Dean also shows the abusive behaviors of yelling and dismissal emotions. (1x16)

Dean becomes irritated by the way the town overall seems frustrated with him, though shows concern for Rory when talking to Lane. Lorelai gets the truth out of what really happened when she confronted Dean. However, it’s unfair to Rory when Lorelai sides with him when Rory had all the right to not want to say “I love you” before she’s ready. (1x20)

The first breakup arc ends as Dean confronts Rory after he notices her trying to get the nerve up to talk about it by coming to his house and when she talks about wanting to say something but without saying it during the town meeting. He gets angry at first when Rory still struggles to communicate, and he sees Tristen picking on her by taking her books. But Rory gets out what she needs to say, and they make up. (1x21)

Following their makeup Dean is subjected to having to meet Rory’s grandparents. He tries hard to fit in bus struggles, understandably as Richard is being judgmental of him and working to make him uncomfortable on purpose. Rory and Lorelai both try to stand up for him and Emily is actually pretty affable not considering Dean to be much of a current threat to status or Rory's future. 

However, Dean seems to internalize Richard's ideals and statement of him not being enough and turns it into a threat. Stating “He couldn't care less about Harvard” because he can’t go, taking his emotions out on Rory and belittling her deviation to her education. However, he can remember to bring his focus back to where it’s important and apologize though Rory continues to feel like she must apologize when it’s not as much of her fault. This also is part of his pattern of blowing up, apologizing, and then continuing to treat her poorly. (2x02)

Dean is invited for Rory’s coming out ball and spends much of the time complaining about what he has to wear but cares about Rory enough that he goes even when he hates the outfit. This shows how he keeps the relationship going easily, being able to point to all the positive actions. (2x06)  One way being him using impactful displays of affection. (2x12) Put this positivity is undercut by his maltreatment of Rory.

When Rory and Tristan play Romeo and Juliet, Rory is scared to tell Dean anything, not only that they had kissed when she and Dean weren’t together and that they are playing Romeo and Juliet. He is resentful about all of it, and while he does say it’s not her fault he does a  good job of making her uncomfortable and doubting her. This shows  how dean provokes worsens Rory's relational anxiety. Dean shows characteristic jealousy and controlling behavior by injecting himself into the situation and watching the rehearsals. This jealousy and need to watch Rory is common manipulative behavior. It both alters how Rory acts and assuages his fear of being left without him having to regulate his own emotions. (2x09)

Dean shows jealousy towards Jess even when Rory, and he only glanced at each other during the Bracebridge dinner. While Rory is starting to like him she has not yet done anything to warrant suspicion of her faithfulness. Showing suspicions of partners around others is common abuser behavior as it shows insecurity but also makes the abused partner feel as if they are being watched. (2x10)

During the basket competition, dean displays possessive behavior. While Jess obviously wants to mess with Dean and flirt with Rory, Dean shows no ability to regulate his emotions or offer Rory trust and understanding. Along with that he tells her what she can and can't do. He tries to play the boss of the situation to feel powerful. He leaves in anger and Rory tries to get him to understand she isn’t doing anything on purpose but Dean doesn’t listen. He follows this by guilting her for doing the town traditions, something he knows she loves. 

This combines manipulation, guilt-tripping, and a degree of intimidation with how loudly he flies off the handle. This causes  Rory to believe she needs to calm his temper down. Jess while he is doing this on purpose notes Dean's overreaction and controlling of Rory's. 

Dean also goes behind Rory and tries to talk to Lorelai to get her to insert herself between Rory and Jess, something that is abusive behavior to control the environment around the person being abused. (2x13) 

Similar behavior of guilt-tripping is shown when Rory wants to spend a night alone and Dean makes fun of her reason and then when she tries to make sure he isn’t mad she says he isn’t. However irritation is exuded via his body language and including him saying he’s a ���saint”. This guilt tripping is a common abusive behavior of his.  

Dean refuses to let her have her alone at night and this bumps up against her having ended up with people over due to Paris wanting to study and Jess bringing over food. Rory is terrified of telling him the truth, while having just told him that Jess was there for dropping off the food . Rory suffers anxiety provoked by Dean and plays on Rory’s avoidance of conflict. He gets furious when she tries to be truthful, not letting her explain and not believing what she says. After Paris causes Dean to calm down Rory gives him complete cover for being angry saying it was all perfectly justified. 

When Rory gets distressed Paris plays the good friend and steps in. Interestingly, Paris who is blunt and self focused reads this situation as one that is worth covering for. 

When your friends feel the need to intervene between you're your partner to lessen the blow it speaks poorly of your relationships. Jess and Paris are the only ones who accurately read Dean and Rory’s relationships the first time they date. (2x16) 

During the entire Jess arc, Dean tries to be even more involved in Rory's life than he already was, leaving her very little room to breathe. (2x10-3x07)

An example is when he tries to get her to watch him play softball before they had already agreed to visit each other that night. This adds to his attempts to control everything she does. He then tries to wait for her when she’s busy at the house and cleans her car without asking and calling 14 times. Lorelai tries hard to get him to give her space when he gets anxious over Jess and Rory. He then accepts that Rory has some feelings for jess. (2x18)

After Rory ends up in a car accident Dean becomes outraged after Rory writes a letter to tell him to throw his bag on the floor. Interestingly, Rory is surprised that he invites her in and is kind to her. She expects her to be angry and to yell at her. But this is an example of using guilt and manipulation, part of his fear of losing Rory. (2x20)

Rory crosses a line when she kisses Jess at the wedding. We see her try and figure out what to do why she goes away for the summer. Jess and Dean both suffer due to her indiscretions, however, it doesn’t excuse previous behavior nor does it mean you are allowed to be outright abusive. (2x22)

After this, we see Dean’s behaviors continue, and he shows a sense of judgment over the way Rory is excited getting down on her the moment she finally becomes calm and excited after feeling deeply anxious about it. (3x01-3)

Their relationship ends at the dance competition (3x07) Rory is distracted periodically by Jess messing with her. He breaks up with her in an extreme and public manner causing Rory and Jess to both be humiliated and hurt Rory deeply. Rory then feels the need to apologize and try and get him to not hate her following the fight. Which he by omission says he does hate her even though it’s very clear that while she did like two people at once his abusive behavior activates her fears so deeply she still has to prove he doesn’t hate her. 

Later Dean takes a confrontation stance trying to get Jess in trouble with Rory trying to pick a fight with him and telling him that this is “his” town and making fun of him for wanting to be nice for Rory which is funny and makes it seem like he wanted the hold on Rory. Reminiscent of the cultural concept of people being “whipped” or similar things. (3x09) This antagonistic behavior continues throughout the story. 

Dean is unwilling to really move on and Rory is unable to maintain boundaries. He talks about how she drove him to want to do more and go to a four-year school. This comes across as manipulative because it’s not something we see him follow through with and follows after him telling Jess he wasn’t going to just stay in his own lane. 

He then doesn’t give Jess and Rory space at the carnival to start with, even if Clara was still involved. We also see Rory assume Jess will blow up at her afterward even when he maintains his same affect of mild annoyance he had not changed it to try and make Rory feel worse and doesn’t second guess her explanation. (3x10)

We see Dean start to date Lindsay at the hockey game Rory goes to. A relationship that is deeply harmful and likely traumatizing to Lindsay. We know little of how it started other than Lindsay seems to be considered nice but cold to Rory understandably as Dean is still hung up and likely told Lindsay that Rory broke his heart. She isn’t aware of the mess of abuse on Dean's side and Rory’s actions. (3x15,3x17)

We then have the big Dean Jess fight. There is some merit in Dean wanting to know what happened as if a girl comes crying out of the bedroom at a party as there is cause for concern. But what makes this not at a show of compassion and more possessive is in his reaction. He acts as if to defend her honor and get in a fight. This continues his pattern of possessiveness over Rory and of being willing to use violence as a method. 

I do think we see some behavior here from jess that’s toxic, it doesn’t fall anywhere near sexual assault and the reactions did nothing helpful. And most importantly had it been sexual assault a person who cared would get the victim to safety and ensure prevention shock not expose them to more violence. Not to mention it isn’t what Rory wants, and he knows she doesn’t like them fighting over her.

This also harms Lindsay as watching your boyfriend get in a fight over another girl. (3x19)

When Dean shares the news of his engagement he is unwilling to even see why Rory might be uncomfortable, not even angry, just confused, and only shows furry towards her. Then uses the time to guilt trip Rory telling her he “never thought he would be happy again” and insult her and her boyfriend. (3x20) Rory tries hard to make up for this by offering a nice wedding present, which was detrimental to both of them as it continues their inability to form boundaries. (3x22)

Dean’s lack of ability to form boundaries flares again when inviting his ex-girlfriend to his wedding with his new fiance. During his bachelor party, he starts talking about Rory and showing he is completely not over her and is marrying another woman to make up for it. This is something that is very unhealthy and is setting up for him to be unhappy, Lindsay to end up being abused and Rory to continue to not be able to move on. (4x04). Dean is willing to offer Rory some comfort in a vacuum. It's kind, but we see this spiral into him trying to bring Rory back into the relationships and affects how attentive to Linsday. (4x14)

We see Lindsay learning to cook and it seems they bring him lunch regularly as he noted this was early. Lindsay clearly tries to be what Dean wanted, learning to cook, bringing him food, trying to be what he wanted and circling her life around him, her whole family treating them as one of them. There might be some tension here as having a hovering mother and father-in-law might be hard, but as later we see him mildly complain about Lindsay wanting things it does show there was financial support. They seem to have an outwardly functional relationship. It’s hard to tell but due to the idea that she doesn’t work and that when she asks for the car he gives her money, there might be an “allowance” type situation, something that can easily turn toxic and abusive.

Rory judges Linsday for wanting a townhouse, which wanting a nice place to live after getting married makes perfect sense. Rory’s level of importance she puts fancy four-year schools on also isn’t the same way everyone thinks. Being a skilled builder who repairs homes is actually a fine job prospect and it always seemed Dean was good at it, we also know that the wife waiting for you at home was what he wanted in the first place. Dean is deeply annoyed at  Rory’s judgment when Lindsay hears Rory talking badly of her, she is hurt due to not only Rory's continued judgment due to Dean having gone round her back more than once. 

Dean realizes he yelled at Rory in the dorm and apologizes, but Rory says he was perfectly in the right, something she has learned to say from his past abuses. He also does this after calling incessantly, and never changing his behavior. While apologizing is positive if you back it up with nothing then it means nothing, and Dean never backs up his apologies. He also fails to stand up for his wife to Rory, continuously covers up his relationship to Rory already and maked Linsday feels admittedly terrible. Dean disrespects her wishes to not see someone who is judgmental and the ex-girlfriend, a tactic of psychological abuse. (4x15, 4x18)

We see the cracks in Linsday and Dean’s relationship when they fight about never spending any time together. Dean defends it by saying they need money, likely true, but Linsday is asking him to keep promises of calling and going out with friends when he says he will. There are problems in never keeping promises and making someone always wait alone for you at home. It clearly seems they don’t talk openly about finances and by her reaction, it seems this is the first time she has purposely gone out without him. He has lied about where he is before like  hiding out in the arcade late previously and later to visit Rory. (4x20)

Dean drops everything to go see Rory when she calls, but never calls his wife along with being willing to spend money to drink with Rory. We also learn that Dean lies to Lindsay. These all show more commitment to Rory then to the woman he married. Everything in this episode points to emotional neglect and abuse through manipulation from Dean. (4x21)

When Jess shows up at Rory’s place (4x21) also tries to play protector and control to Rory just because someone else she used to date shows up. Following this he acts cagey and angry towards her, shutting her out because he guesses she might be seeing Jess again. All of this is reminiscent of his old behavior of trying to orchestrate Rory’s entire life. This also when Dean and Rory almost kiss, showing he uses manipulation as ways to get what he wants. During this situation, he is manipulating and emotionally hurting two women. 

Later on the same day, Dean shows up at Rory’s house to finish what they started and Rory ends up agreeing to sleep with him after he lies about it being over with Lindsay and that they both “feel it”. Which is untrue Lindsay while she is unhappy doesn’t believe or so-called feel it’s over. Rory is of course culpable in what she did,  this is not to argue Rory is blameless. This behavior on Dean’s part towards his wife is emotional abuse. Cheating on someone and lying about your relationship status are both abusive tactics. (4x22)

During the same period, Linsday was waiting for him and believed he was working. She tries to make him happy by having dessert waiting for him. Lindsay answered her phone to try and help, and he yelled at her overreacting deeply to her behavior. Emotionally berating her for something she tried to do right. Lindsay apologizes trying to get him to not yell at her and tries to ask if he is still mad. And Dean is clearly angry at her giving her disappointed and agitated answers along with closed off body language. This is physical and emotionally locking her out. 

Dean continues going behind Linsday’s back and cheats on her again following this fight, at the same point Linsday tries hard to please him, making him food and being so proud when it works out. (5x01)

Rory sends a letter to Dean trying to say she doesn’t want to break up the marriage however this serves to be the first time Linsday learns that Dean slept with Rory. This is a horrible way to learn via Rory expressing both feelings of love and wanting to not break up the marriage. She does dramatically break up by throwing his stuff out the window. While this behavior isn’t the best response it is understandable as he actively lied to her multiple times and treated her in an abusive manner to be able to cheat on her. Dean tries to get her multiple times to talk about it shows he doesn’t understand why she is so hurt and is unwilling to admit he was wrong. 

Dean then rightfully calls himself an idiot for what he did but then tells Rory removing herself from the situation was tantamount to bailing on him and rewrites history to say she dumped him the first time. While he is right that she did have feelings for another boy to still be judging her for that after what he did is rather hypocritical. (5x02) He also clearly doesn’t feel as guilty as he pretends to as he still continues to be in a relationship with Rory. (5x03-9)

Rory and Dean’s relationship is awkward for everyone around them, something that makes sense as it broke up the family that everyone thought was being built. Dean continues to be angry, admittedly yells at her, and is judgmental of Rory for what happened. He then apologizes, again without changing his behavior and Rory tries to say it’s all okay. Dean also lies about the idea he would have broken up with Linsday, which we can tell as he was trying to fix it. This is similar to his behavior in their first two relationships. (5x03, 5x05)

Lorelai tries to be friends with Dean and wants to return to a normal rhythm that they had when Rory and Dean were kids. Dean is not a fan of this prospect calling it a long time ago whereas Rory does seem to want it. Luke struggles to not make the evening awkward, not believing Dean is right or good for Rory after everything that has happened. (5x05) They start to grow apart because of their lack of time spent together. (5x03-8)

Their breakup is mostly based on the above-mentioned lack of time to spend together but more, so they grow apart. Dean is still living the life he had before back in what Rory referred to as “the old days'' and Rory is living a new life centered around her grandparents' lifestyle and college. While Rory finds Dean comforting and wants to be with him, she is drawn towards the Ivy League fancy party by her family but also because she genuinely seems to enjoy it just as much as small-town Stars Hollow.

During the party, her grandparents throw to find her a proper boyfriend Rory actually ends up having a great time when she meets Logan there. Logan is a symbol of her love of the aristocratic lifestyle and Dean is her connection to home; this party breaks one tie and forms another. Emily and Richard mostly got what they wanted and Rory did choose the rich boy over the hometown. Dean breaks up with her again publicly over her appearing to have had a good time with new friends and that she is late to be picked up. This is the final breakup in the show and is a final split for the two, recognizing in Dean’s words he “doesn’t belong here [with Rory] anymore” (5x08)

However, there are secondary reasons they didn’t work out. Firstly starting this relationship out by cheating on his wife and being in a place of awkwardness and distress with those around them set up the relationship for failure. Deans toxic to abusive behavior was always going to drive a wedge between them. Dean’s abusive behavior on top of Rory's communication deficits breaks up any ability to work through outside stressors like living a few hours away during the college years. Rory’s fear of upsetting Dean due to his past abusive behavior means Rory is unwilling to address issues point-blank and Dean will only talk about them in accusatory ways.

Dean didn’t fully understand why he and Rory broke up blaming it slowly on Rory “wanting more” and attempts to put his own emotional baggage on Luke when he sees him being in a relationship with Lorelai while working on a house (5x18)

During A Year In The Life when they bump into each other at Doses’s Rory describes their relationship as one that was healthy, positive and says Dean taught her what “safe felt like” an interesting bit of revisionist history. We know for a fact that Rory was constantly on the defensive with Dean and as has been discussed Dean perpetrated many emotionally abusive acts towards Rory and Linsday. 

Rory viewed his abusive behavior as the person she wished she had met later but had a positive influence on her. Dean however seems to appreciate this characterization and this is the final closing word on their relationship. 

[welcometotheocverse]

What do your Gilmore Girls oc’s - as in, the ones related to the Gilmore’s, (Hope, Kit, etc), think of Jason and Lorelei’s relationship to him?

Um okay  lesse. 

Starting off with Amelia  she’s not super keen on him. Unlike Max he doesn’t bother trying to get to know Lorelai’s kids and that rubs her the wrong way. She’s also already dealing with Luke impulse-marrying/haphazardly dating Nicole ( iirc? I gotta look up the timeline but I believe so) and is kinda “can you two just be single for one entire year??” She doesn’t know much about him but her impression of him is that he’s cut from the same Hartford cloth as her grandparents and she very much wonders what her mom sees in him ( and asks Rory as much when they’re hanging out just the two of them) Also the insistence of “date me. Please date me.” prior to his relationship with Lorelai absolutely spooks her  and she’s constantly squinting like “do I Need to use the right hook dad taught me or nah?” and she might get some guys from the SHH football team to kick him out of the Firefly  when he pulls the whole “im not leaving until you agree to get back with me” because being the Gilmore Danes Baby comes with perks.

El likewise is sorta...put off by how insistent he is? He also isn’t sure it’s a good idea to date him since he knows it was Emily and Richard’s horrible behavior that sent her to call him. ( “and like I don’t Do dating/romance but dating someone because your parents  abuse you seems....like...like....not a good plan?” not that he says this to his mother of course but he does say it to Brad. It should also be noted that out of all my  Rory sibling ocs Elliot is one of the fastest to Actively call Emily and Richard abusive in re to their behavior to Lorelai. So he understands a bit of how that interplays with Lorelai’s behavior and dating Jason but all the same...he’s not thrilled. ) Elliot also actually liked Max and was pretty upset by how that all ended so he’s not open to his mom dating another guy that might or might not keep around. And again, Jason canonically doesn’t really  make an effort to get to know Rory so El doesn’t know him from a hole on the ground and sorta mistrusts him tbh. Everything from the fact that he works for Richard to the whole “your mother hates me so you should date me” ( which El’s just...he kinda sees it as Jason using Emily and Lorelai’s history in his favor and he’s...not a fan.) just puts him on edge tbh and he’s sad for his mom when it doesn’t work out but also lowkey relieved.

Hope is super protective of Lorelai like to the nth degree ( understandably so tbh)  and understands on a personal level how parental abuse can leave you wanting to date people who really aren’t worth your time and energy and the why of it all. That being said both in spite of that and because of  that she’s so  so not here for his insistence and has considered pulling Lorelai aside and being “I love you but from one Gilmore Girl to another, anyone who you date after one of mom’s flagellations should be considered the same as someone you chose to date while drunk.” ( but  is also afraid that will push Lorelai away from her and she...Lorelai and Rory  are the only family that haven’t hurt her so it’s messy yknow)  She very much gives him a shovel talk and lowkey thinks his only redeeming quality is he wanted to tell Emily and Richard about them ( she understands more than anything not wanting to tell their parents...anything tbh because like Lorelai says “ When something good happens to me, I'm just afraid you're gonna make me feel bad about it nd when something bad happens to me, I’m always afraid you’ll say “I told you so.“  but she’s also “Lore...you can’t just keep hiding this from them it’ll come out and badly”) She’s overall pretty unimpressed by him and is very concerned by the fact that Lorelai  chose  to date him. She pretty much warms him upfront that if he’s trying to mess with Lorelai or take advantage of the fact that Emily  messes with Lore’s head they’ll never f-ing find his body. 

Sofia likewise is incredibly  protective of Lorelai and like on instinct distrusts anyone that her parents ( Richard and Emily) like so she’s pretty much “nope don’t trust him” from the get go. She’s mostly just glad Emily has someone to be a b-tch to that isn’t her and/or Lorelai (”she’s giving him the tripple freeze, makes it a lot warmer where we’re sitting”) She thinks the fact that he thinks Richard and Emily won’t ruin his relationship with Lorelai is sorta naive?(  like “of course they will. We’re seasoned Gilmore Daughters. We know this”)  But  also that pursuing it is sorta dumb. She’s pretty  cold towards him when they start dating but is also incredibly incredibly disgusted by his parents tbh and jesus she just hates that entire family and the fact that her father will associate with them. About the only good thing that comes from that arch from her is she gets a bit of a softer view of her mother since she actually knows the separation happened because of Emily asking Richard not to sue Jason after Lorelai begged him not to.

But also she ( this very soft spoken and quiet little girl who  in s1 would cry if someone glared at her) basically  tells him to get out of her sister’s inn before she grabs a gardening shovel from the tool shed when he pulls the thing at the inn.

Kit is probably  the one who has the least unfavorable opinion about him? Like he doesn’t really  know him that well and because of how badly Richard treats him ( and Emily sometimes) he’s really not that bothered by his mom dating someone in the merits of “it’ll piss the Harford Gilmores off” like tbh he sorta gets it. He does  get “lmao nope” when he pursues Lorelai  at the  inn  and is actually  the one to tell Luke Jason and Lore aren’t together and might be the one to make the call that his condo was on fire and considers getting a baseball bat tbh. But until then he’s pretty indifferent towards him. 

But also he’s absolutely disgusted with how Richard treated him like “that was his partner?? And he sold him down the river?? For people that screwed him ( Richard) over?? He tanked this guys business to keep all the money with that other rich asshole??” ( keeping in mind Kit is the one with the worst relationship with Richard and the one who gets treated the worst by Richard. And also that growing up with mostly blue collared people rich assholes ( tm) screwing over a new business is really something about the Hartford Elite/upper circles that he really abhors.) So mostly he’s just focused on how horrible everyone involved  in that lawsuit is and is like “anyways  im so glad im not involved with y’all because I’m The Dumb Gilmore and didn’t need a college fund” and pretty much just rants/talks to Tristan about it like “anyways babe you won’t believe what The Jackwagon Allegiance did this time-”

So like tbh none of them like Jason much and they absolutely  are “yeah but how bout no tho” when he gets uber pushy and their opinion absolutely plumets when the stuff goes down in Raincoats And Recipes.

But a lot of them ( Kit and  Hope in particular) also incredibly disgusted with how Richard treated him and how the  whole thing was handled ( Floyd calling PIs on his son? Asshole Move. Floyd suing Richard over petty  shit? Asshole Move. Basically everything that followed? Asshole Moves.) and all of them are also pretty critical of  how Richard told Lorelai she only cared about her boyfriend when she in fact broke up with Jason over him not droping the lawsuit ( Elliot who in Tristan’s words is “a bit of a paragon( affectionate)” might actually tell him about it and remind him that maybe he should say sorry in his very soft but not unsure Elliot way which might mean that Richard apologizes to Lorelai  bc honestly i need it) so they also don’t give him much thought past “why did Lorelai date him again?” and don't pay him much mind until the events of the s4 finale.

Honorary mention: Lily St James who grew up with abusive parents ( and thereforeis never here for Any toxic bullshit from Anyone), sees Lorelai as a second mom,  and has zero chill punches him in the face when he shows up at the inn and pretty much was “nah” from the start so...there’s that. 

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

How does Lorelai react to Kirsty getting into Yale and also not even knowing she applied?

Ooof it does not go well

let me set the scene — buckle in folks we’re in for a bumpy ride!

a little bit of pre-knowledge, Kirsty has managed to get away with not talking about university at all by saying that she doesn’t want to jinx anything, then Lorelai always makes a joke about broadway changing her, and Kirsty quickly changes the subject with fun stories about her time in Cats, so seriously no one knows where she wants to go or what she wants to do but they all assume it’ll be dance!

So Kirsty applies for early action and gets accepted the day before Thanksgiving in season 3!  At this point, Jess is the only person in Stars Hollow who knows she even applied because he’s her best friend and like lowkey her brother and all summer he had to hear her stressing out over applications (luke might know too, I’m undecided) — Tristan of course knows too and calls him as soon as she gets accepted and he’s so proud of her I love them a lot okay

So she gets in and she immediately tells Jess and he’s of course so so excited for her it’s very sweet!  Fast forward to the next day, the day of the four thanksgivings — with some help from Jess she manages to get Luke away from the table to tell him and he’s so proud of her too and it’s all very sweet again!  Then she tells Miss Patty but tells her that Lorelai doesn’t know yet, so Miss Patty spreads the word around town once they go to Hartford!

At the Gilmores, Kirsty doesn’t initially say anything but when Rory and Lorelai get into the big fight about Rory applying to Yale, Kirsty decides to just bite the bullet and tells everyone the news!  The guests are like congratulatory and all because it’s Yale but they’re very confused about all the Gilmore drama; meanwhile Richard and Emily are like so completely over the moon it’s kind of adorable — they never knew that she was interested in Yale but Kirsty tells Richard that it was growing up seeing pictures of his Yale days in his office and hearing the stories that went with them (their bonding thing, while Rory’s was always books) that first sparked her interest but it’s been her dream for as long as Harvard has been Rory’s!  Richard is so excited to tell everyone at the club because Kirsty golfs with him every week and everyone has become very fond of her, and Emily can’t wait to brag to the DAR!  

Rory is really happy for her but a bit hurt that Kirsty never told her she was interested in Yale, or in the Ivys at all, but she does also get why, to some extent!  Things are a bit awkward and iffy between them for the rest of the evening but that night Rory goes to Kirsty’s room for a sleepover and they talk and things are good again!

Lorelai, on the other hand, reacts as dramatically and immaturely as you can expect — throws a fit, screams a lot, blames her parents, talks about honesty and betrayal and really just makes it all about herself and can’t spare even a moment to be happy for Kirsty for getting into her dream school (and one of the hardest schools in the country to get into, at that)

I’m undecided on whether Tristan had been at the dinner or not but either they leave together immediately after or she calls him to pick her up, and they end up spending the rest of the night at his place watching movies and cuddling and looking at Yale course catalogues until it gets late and Tristan drives her home, which is when Rory comes to talk to her and they have their sleepover and it’ v cute

but then the next day, Kirsty wakes up early because Tristan is coming down to hang out with she and Jess (somehow they became friends over the summer and even they don’t understand it, it’s going to be great) and she wants to fill Jess in beforehand — all he knows is that she left him a message saying “told mom, you can imagine how that went” — except when she heads out she finds them both waiting on the doorstep and they’re heading towards the diner only for Kirsty to find basically the entire town in the square with a huge “congratulations Kirsty” sign (think bon voyage rory) and finds out that Miss Patty told everyone and since Kirsty had mentioned that she wasn’t sure how Lorelai would take the news, the entire town came together after thanksgiving dinners to put this entire party together for her

Rory is already there because Jess had filled her in the night before, and Lorelai shows up eventually and is like really shocked by it all but it does make her realize that she was a major jerk about something that’s actually really amazing and exciting and she does apologize to Kirsty!

[lovelylogans]

Can I ask for more Rory salt? Right after finishing the show I didn't realize why everyone was so upset about her but now that I've rewatched I kind of understand. I'd like to hear more about your opinions on her! (Mostly bc I have 2 braincells so stuff like that flies over my head lol)

okay, granted, a Fair amount of my salt comes from the perspective of a journalism student, ie who they’re trying to portray, and also like. someone at a similar Point in their life, so. here we go. rory Salt.

like i will say she isn’t like, bonafide the Worst Character of all time, but like...... okay. like. this tracks back to one of my original and largest gripes with gilmore girls, and also a large reason of why i like the earlier seasons better than the later ones.

this post explains it very well; the early seasons (and first episodes) of gilmore girls seem to promise healing, moving forward, bettering familial relationships. the actuality of gilmore girls is the repetition of mistakes and things continuing in cycles, and often getting worse.

so, like. rory. rory’s character is established as this sweet, innocent, naive kid, with a fairly decent work ethic and big dreams to aspire to journalism and a certain level of fame (like christine amanpour, i think was the journalist she mentioned in the first day at chilton ep?) she’s smart, quiet, beginning to establish a relationship with her parents, but still a bit uncomfortable within the realm of chilton/privilege—i think this is best exemplified within the debutante episode, in which she’s uncomfortable with the premise, but goes through with it for the sake of making emily happy. same with the golfing episode with richard—she has zero interest in golf, but she gets to spend a day with her grandfather, and she wants to establish that relationship with him.

but then there’s that thing kicking in, in which gilmore girls is essentially a cyclical tragedy; rory gradually becomes more confident in herself and her abilities (becoming valedictorian, going up against paris for the speech on cspan) and in her relationship with boys; she goes after jess, and, once he leaves, lets him go and eventually is like “you shouldn’t have left me. but i’m saying goodbye to you, on my terms.” i think that s3 is where her character is strongest; she’s still sweet and shy, but she has a bit of an edge. she’s caring toward her friends, she, sure, makes the occasional mistake, but she eventually rallies from them. that’s when i like rory’s character best.

rory starts her decline in season four. this dates back to the whole cyclical thing; she’s the one who goes to her grandparents for money, echoing the original premise of the show, and a cycle starts anew. she goes to another new, prestigious school (yale) where she’s pushed to new limits. 

but rory makes mistakes. she stands up for herself, yes, namely taylor when he pushes for her to be ice cream queen, but she also has a certain level of... entitlement, i suppose. like. let’s take “die, jerk.”

(i’m gonna go briefly into a journalistic tangent here, which is especially heaped by the fact i’ve been writing a lot of reviews lately. also, it applies.)

so, first of all, she takes her mom to her job. her mom. literally think about every other job in the world and, barring a “family day” at the office, please name a situation in which that’s acceptable. right? there’s basically no other situation in which that’s a thing you do when you’re being professional. (this is a repeated gripe, by the way; she often brings lorelai along. this could have been achieved with some phone calls where she hangs up and then does her job. but i digress. this goes into a whole rant on how women in journalism are portrayed in tv shows and other media, but seriously, i digress.)

then there’s the review itself. it’s mean.

“she has the grace of a drunken dock worker.” compared her to a hippo. “the roll around the bra strap,” the line about regretting how evolution had led man to stand on two feet because it led to this night. the ballerina comes to yell at her, which is wrong, but holy god, that never even should have been published. sure, it’s partially the fault of doyle, who as an editor should have stepped in, said, “rewrite the holy hell out of this,” and given her a talking-to on how reviewing should be about the performance and not body-shaming her, because yes you can give things a bad review but not to that level, but rory is the one who wrote it. and she only begins to seem apologetic when people start to react to it other than doyle; the ballerina, her mom, emily and richard. this happens a few times throughout—rory (and lorelai) never seem to realize how mean they can get until people start reacting to what they’re doing and saying. 

she’s willing to write those things, read them, have other people read them, and put them out into the public, and doesn’t even consider the potential ramifications that it could have had on not only the dancer, but the ballet performance (which gets shut down, in part due to rory’s review) the costumer, the crew, everyone involved. yes, bad reviews exist, and yes, they can be brutal, but they’re almost never so personally vindictive and mean. she says she’s writing her opinion. look at how harsh that opinion is.

that’s part of why my opinion of rory takes a decline; being mean. another part of it is a certain level of entitlement.

because the revival is on my brain lately, let’s talk revival stuff. making it as a freelance journalist is hard. it’s hard work. it isn’t for a lot of people. especially in new york city, where the industry is so competitive that finding a job in journalism is a whole Thing. rory has a piece in the new yorker (not bad!) and is writing a piece for gq (also not bad, not bad at all!) about people waiting in line for a certain event.

now. let’s take, like, season four/season five rory, who compiled like three separate PILES of research for a story that wasn’t even hers, worked hard enough at chilton, a highly academically competitive school, to get valedictorian. rory is portrayed as a hard worker. she does what’s necessary for the job and to improve.

revival? whoosh, out the window!

she falls asleep during an interview for the gq job. she continually jets off to london to go see logan. she’s completely unprepared for a job interview, having absolutely zero ideas for any stories, despite the fact that freelance journalists are almost always working multiple stories and coming up with new ideas so they can, y’know, get paid. chilton offers her a job as a teacher if she gets her masters, but she turns it down, which, on one hand, sure, follow your dreams, on the other, if you’re continually complaining that you’ll take a job, ANY job, and get a very good job handed to you on a silver platter with the potential for more growth post that job with the addition of your masters and DON’T TAKE IT?!?!?!

plus, in the job interview, when she doesn’t get it, UNDERSTANDABLY, she calls the interviewer angrily saying that the interviewer practically promised her the job, despite the fact that it was a PRELIMINARY JOB INTERVIEW and there are OTHER CANDIDATES who DEFINITELY AT LEAST HAD STORY IDEAS. no matter how impressive your resume is, you have to at least show that you’re trying, because the whole thing in journalism (esp for those breaking into a business) is that EVERYONE has an extensive resume. that’s part of why it’s so competitive.

and still complains that she’s broke, in addition to the trust fund that we know she received at 25, plus whatever money richard left her in his will. if she was broke, she’d be living entirely above her means—those continual trips to london, living in a sizeable one-bedroom apartment in NEW YORK CITY, going out to eat very often. 

and then just??? i could ramble more (the whole sleeping with a MARRIED DEAN thing, her partnership with logan, i could go back in and ramble about how the body-shaming is continual despite the fact that they frequently eat fattening foods and make fun of sports and are only so thin bc, well, tv magic, but also because they have Miraculous metabolisms, the way that they treat their friends, to some extent, but. yeah. here is some Rory Salt.)

[fayevalcntine]

I'm honestly gonna try and complain about this for the final time on here because every fandom has hypocritical members who love to twist narratives and arguments over characters they love, and at this point I'm sure everyone's just tired of me saying shit over this.

But the amount of hypocrisy Logan fans have in the gilmore girls fandom is just exhausting to go through at this point. I'm frankly tired of people acting like he was some selfless perfect boyfriend who "truly loved" Rory in comparison to Jess "desiring her" and "putting her on a pedestal".

Jess never put Rory on a pedestal. He made her face the reality of situations head-on, even when she wasn't ready to consider it (like him telling her that she doesn't seem ready for being a foreign correspondent considering how it's a rough job that takes place in very unstable situations). He was honest with a lot of things with her, even though he kept certain secrets that were only concerning him because he thought he should do so and it ended up backfiring on him. But when it came to their relationship, Jess always tried to be honest even when Rory wouldn't believe him. And he did love her. I can't for the life of me understand where this whole "Jess only desired Rory for who he thought she was" argument came from but it's complete bullshit. Jess has always known that Rory isn't a perfect person, even when they weren't as close in season 2. Him yelling at her over Yale is precisely because he knows that she has always wanted to pursue her higher education, and her suddenly giving up on her hopes and dreams isn't something she would so easily do on her own.

I also just can't with people acting like Logan somehow gave Rory her life's meaning or w/e by basically letting her do whatever she wanted with it without him intervening in her decisions. Logan cared about Rory but he also had no actual previous experience in a mutually caring supportive relationship (both romantic and platonic) that would make him understand that in a relationship, you have to actually make sure the person you're with is okay, and not just accept their sudden decisions as fine choices without further understanding why or how. Logan just not intervening with Rory's sudden slump and moving away from her mother, deciding to quit Yale and suddenly do DAR meetings with rich boring people isn't him "giving her the space to make her own decisions", it's him remaining completely passive in their relationship despite knowing that Rory loves school, she loves Yale, and she loves being a student. Oh, and him being fine with them stealing a yacht isn't romantic either, because he never actually took the time to even ask her why she suddenly wanted to commit a potential crime, or even consider what the consequences of that would be for her. We know that Logan is fine with doing it because he can allow himself that sort of thing, because his parents are wealthy and practically let him get away with anything. We also know that Lorelai is a stubbornly proud person who's not as rich or influential as Logan's parents, therefore this could lead to Rory having a permanent criminal record.

And this further just ties into how Logan's entire story is built around his privilege too. You can't even really discuss him as a character without referencing that he's rich, because that's pretty much what he is and what he remains throughout the entire series. He starts off as a rich douche who is unserious about his work, and ends as a rich douche who is fine with cheating on his soon-to-be wife with his ex. This is also why many fans just can't help but not like him or even consider him as 'problematic' because as much as his fans love to cry over this and point fingers at Jess, Logan was problematic in certain aspects. Yeah, he was supportive and sweet and generous with Rory, but he was also blatantly manipulative towards her, especially in scenes where she questions his choices, he cheated on her with multiple people while they weren't communicating (and yes, I do consider it as cheating because to Rory, they weren't broken up just because of a fight, and for Logan to shut her down and not simply apologize for his actions was incredibly disgusting). He might be aware of his privilege but he is just as unaware of the effect his actions could have on people who do not share his social status. He steals expensive ornaments from people's houses for "fun" without considering how this would lead to any maids or employed staff losing their jobs, he's completely fine with his friends bringing in a European girl who speaks no english in America and then promptly forgets about her in certain situations, he's fine with destroying public property because he knows he can easily pay people for it. Even if you were to excuse his actions and his behavior, that doesn't mean other people should just be fine with essentially watching some rich kid pulling stunts that other people irl would very likely be punished for, and see him basically get away with it because why not, he's rich.

And frankly his character "development" overall is just lackluster. You can try to ignore the revival or deem it not canon, but it further shows Logan for who he generally is in the series. He's a rich person who continually acts like a victim of circumstance yet never does anything to actually disentangle himself from his situation. On the same show where you have such a flawed character as Lorelai, decide at the age of sixteen to try and build a life of her own because she couldn't stand her parents' behavior and how their social status dictated it, Logan's story overall falls extremely flat. It falls even more flat when you were to compare it to Jess, who came from the complete opposite of a background than him, fucked up severely and faced the consequences of his own actions, and in turn chose to better himself and created a stable life and career.

It's also hypocritical how his fans love to use the excuse that Logan is "verbally abused" yet continue to ignore Jess's obvious signs of being an abused kid from an unstable home, because apparently Logan's perceived abuse excuses all his actions (at the age of 21 and then 32, no less) but Jess's actual abuse doesn't (at the age of 17 as a teenager).

[frazzledsoul]

So since @austennerdita2533 answered here how she ranked the Gilmore seasons along with the revival as well as her top five worst/best episodes I thought I’d rank mine

Seasons rank

5

1

4

3

2

Revival

7

(most cavernous gap in teevee history)

6

The revival is very flawed, of course: thematically it undercuts the entire mission of the series, and many characters do things that make absolutely zero sense. That ending is designed to make almost everyone unhappy. And of course, there are many awkward and flat-out terrible moments. But I think out of the four episodes there is a lot of good to be found in each episode and there’s no one plotline that is excruciating agony to sit through (like the Lorelai/Christopher thread of S7) and no long stretch of the characters hurting each other as much as is humanly possible (aka the long nightmare of S6). I also like that Luke and Lorelai are basically together for the entire length of it and although there are problems between them, they are by no means insurmountable. So it’s somewhere between the first five seasons and the mostly horrible last two.

Worst Five Episodes 

(this got wordy, guys, look under the cut)

5. Take These Deviled Eggs. Lorelai’s behavior is so flat-out terrible at that baby shower that I made it one more week (which was the classic They Don’t Shoot Gilmores Do They!) and then quit watching for over a year. I just didn’t like her anymore and the show’s attempts to make her the victim over the Sherry/Christopher situation were making it one thousand times worse. First of all, you don’t fuck someone else’s boyfriend and then go to their baby shower if you have any decency as a human being or enough self-preservation to realize that this woman is full justified in kicking the ever loving crap out of you. If I were Sherry, the first thing I would have done is to punch Lorelai in the face (OK, I would have dumped Christopher right away and then punched both him and Lorelai in the face immediately. But that’s neither here nor there). Sherry tries to connect with Lorelai, to share a moment of how she felt isolated and alone in her pregnancy and thinks Lorelai can understand because she may have felt the same way and Lorelai’s response is to . . . go into her bathroom and DESTROY HER PROPERTY. Then she emotes all over her teenage daughter (who she is setting a terrible example for which will echo long into her daughter’s adulthood) and then both she and Rory go and trash Jess’s car for no reason.

I’m sorry, Lorelai, but you lost. You interfered in someone else’s relationship and you ended up alone as a result. You got what you deserved. Sherry may have been rubbing her pregnancy in Lorelai’s face or she may have been clueless, but you know what? I’m on her side. She was the innocent party in all of this as well as her child, but Lorelai can’t see outside her own narcissism. And of course Rory never does learn that it is wrong to get involved with someone who’s already in a relationship, because Lorelai made it clear that the other person doesn’t matter. 

4. I Can’t Get Started. It’s obvious from the previous post that I think the Christopher/Lorelai situation at the end of season 2 is massively wrong and upsetting, but I just want to lay it out for a minute. First of all, it’s fucked-up to take someone else’s boyfriend as your date to a wedding (it could be innocent in context, but it’s definitely leaning towards stuff that could cause trouble). Lorelai knows that Christopher and Sherry have not broken up, that they are still living together by the time she fucks him. She does it anyway, gushes to Sookie afterwards about how cute it is that she’s doing Christopher (never mind the stupid girlfriend you’re screwing over, TEE HEE HEE) and then has a conversation with Christopher about the state of his relationship. This is cheating, plain and simple, and we’re supposed to think this is romantic. IT’S SO MESSED UP.

Lorelai parades Christopher around as her date to Sookie’s wedding. She gushes to EVERYONE SHE KNOWS about their newfound relationship. She lets Rory get excited about it. She lets her PARENTS get excited about it. The entire time she knows that Christopher has not broken up with his girlfriend yet. I actually think this is worse than the sex! Even if it weren’t wrong, it’s A HORRIBLE IDEA. We get proof of this when Lorelai goes to find Christopher before the wedding starts and she tells him she understands if he can’t break up with Sherry. Lorelai knew the whole time that this was going on that Christopher was with another woman, and he could always change his mind and decide to stay with her.

Christopher is primarily responsible for this situation, because he was the one in the relationship and he decided to cheat. However, Lorelai enabled him 100% of the way and placed herself in a situation where she allowed Rory and her parents to get hurt as well as herself. I have zero sympathy for her in all of this. I hate that the show made me watch her acting so cruelly and wanted me to root her on. It still disgusts me that this is one of the show’s highest-rated episodes on IMDB.

I might have forgiven all of this if the show had Lorelai acknowledge that she had made a mistake and had sat Rory down and explained to her that this is why it’s a bad idea to sleep with other people’s boyfriends. As we all know, it didn’t happen that way.

(Oh, and yes, this situation kind of ruins the rest of S2 for me, unfortunately. It’s why it’s at the bottom of my rankings).

3. A Vineyard Valentine. I think everyone knows why this episode is horrible. . Luke is a massively uncharacteristic douche throughout all of it. I think forcing Luke to double-date with Rory’s boyfriends brings out the worst in him because he is so protective of her, but this was absolutely overkill. Worst of all, he makes a promise to Lorelai that he’s committed to their engagement, he breaks it, and he doesn’t even know because Lorelai doesn’t tell him. The whole thing is horrible.

OTOH, I do appreciate the revelation that Logan taught Rory to cook.

2. The Big Stink. You really could plop any one of the early S7 episodes here where we have to endure Christopher “courting” Lorelai, Lorelai isolating herself from the town, and having to endure Rory hang around with her lame friends because Logan isn’t around, but I picked this one because I think it’s the only episode where Lorelai is flat-out nasty about Luke and makes statements to the effect of how much she prefers Christopher to him. It flat out hurts. On top of all of that, Luke is in one scene and since he’s our sole connection to the town at this point in the season, Stars Hollow isn’t, either. We end with that scene of Lorelai, Christopher, and Rory in the car and it’s implied to us that Lorelai’s Stars Hollow life is inferior to her happy new existence with Christopher.

S7 features this kind of plotline a lot, but it also has Luke being an adorable dad to balance it out. We didn’t get any of that here.

1. Partings. Look, I don’t care that ASP wrote this long beautiful monologue for Lorelai. I don’t care that she has admitted that she wrote this travesty of an episode as an attempt to whore for awards attention (this is why she does not deserve “make-up” awards for this show. Not after what she did to get them). it’s false, untrue drama, and it’s unfair. Lorelai gave up after her conversation with Anna about April. She avoided Luke for days and refused to speak to him. He was wandering all over Stars Hollow, worried and concerned about her. Lorelai is confused and vulnerable, and she has the world’s most unprofessional therapy session with a therapist that doesn’t know her or any context to what Lorelai tells her, and is advised to give up on her problems if she doesn’t get what she wants. Lorelai then decides to go in for the kill and decides that the best way to resolve her relationship dilemma is to scream at him in the middle of the street and act like an absolute lunatic demanding that they get married now or else in order for him to prove that he really loves her. When Luke does not go along with this insane plan, Lorelai decides to punish him by sleeping with Christopher. She knew he couldn’t forgive her for that. 

ASP said afterwards that all of this was the best course of action for everyone involved so that Lorelai could “do other things” (aka Christopher). It’s bullshit. ASP’s contract negotiations didn’t go her way, and she decided to punish the show for not going along with what she wanted. She also was punishing the shippers for not going along with her narrative and refusing to hate Luke as much as she did.

I bring this up like this because what Lorelai asked for was impossible. Luke could not abandon everything at that moment and elope. It was a horrible idea that would not have solved her problems. Like it or not, Luke had an obligation to consider April’s welfare by this point, and he could not choose Lorelai over his child. The fact that she asked him to and we’re supposed to resent him for saying no is ridiculous. Lorelai of all people should have understood this, but she didn’t. We’re supposed to hate Luke for being a responsible parent who keeps his cool when his fiance is acting like a crazy person. This is BAD WRITING. And it doesn’t work. I refuse to judge him.

You know what would have worked? If Lorelai and Luke had sat down and had a reasonable discussion about how to balance their responsibilities like adults. But ASP had to provoke this situation in order to sell her favorite.

(You may notice a few episodes missing here. I don’t include French Twist because I haven’t seen it. I’ve only seen the Luke/Lane/Zach scenes. I also have not seen Unto The Breach, but I refuse to watch that because it hurts to know that Luke and Lorelai’s make so much progress and then take so many steps backwards and Lorelai is once again interpreting their breakup as Luke not loving her enough to go through with the elopment - their problems were so much more complicated than that! I also hate I Get A Sidekick Out Of You because the entire episode is meant to sell Christopher as this dreamy romantic alternative and we actually have to endure Lorelai taking him on a date to a wedding of someone who is close to Luke but I don’t think it’s fair to include that as one of the worst since I fast-forwarded through most of it).

Best Five Episodes

5. Forgiveness and Stuff. I love this episode so much! We get Luke being the unassuming romantic hero by driving Lorelai to the hospital. There’s emotional Gilmore family bonding that actually doesn’t! The Santa burger! The Blue Baseball Cap Of Love! And lots of bonding and longing looks on the L/L front. I really wish they would have gotten together here. It was the perfect moment for it.

4. Hay Bale Maze. If this episode didn’t exist, I would not have supported Luke and Lorelai getting back together and I would have walked away forever after season six. It’s the episode that ASP never would or could have written, and it was absolutely essential to reconciling me with the show. Those Hay Bale Maze apologies lay the groundwork for everything else that happened in Luke and Lorelai’s future, and it could not have existed without them. In addition to that, I think it’s a really sweet Stars Hollow-centered episode and we see Rory and Logan at their absolute best and it’s clear how well they really worked as a couple.

3. Last Year’s Fights This Year’s Tights. This episode is perfect: lots of townie shenanigans, Luke being a romantic hero and sweeping Lorelai off her feet, and Luke fully reconciling with Jess. That dance around the courtyard: the stuff of dreams, y’all!

2. Written In the Stars. I basically swoon during this entire episode, because Luke is so chvalrous and unexpectedly open and devoted and you can see how utterly smitten and delighted Lorelai is with this new side of him.

1. Raincoats and Recipes. I think this is the pinnacle of the show’s achievement: Lorelai realizes her dream, Luke and Lorelai finally stop dancing around each other and go for it, and Rory falls off her pedastal as Lorelai realizes that guiding her daughter to adulthood is going to be more difficult than she thought. I love that the Christopher/Sherry stuff I went into such detail earlier in this post is at last denounced and Lorelai has to deal with the implications of the example that she set forth and that she doesn’t allow Rory to use it as an excuse.

I think if Lorelai had applied the same attitude towards Rory when learning of similar behavior in the revival Rory could have avoided melting down the way that she did later. Maybe that wasn’t possible after Lorelai had screwed up again, but it’s yet another thing that could have been explained that wasn’t.

(I just want to state after all of this bloviating that I don’t hate Lorelai: she did some really, really fucked up things and not all of the wrong that she did was acknowledged. The plotline of villainizing the “other woman” in a love triangle when she becomes pregnant was actually very popular on TV in 2002 when those earlier episodes aired: however, on this show Lorelai WAS the other woman, and the show tried too hard to make us hate the one truly innocent person in that situation. Obviously, it didn’t work for me).

[insertsighs]

why do you think maggie would like jess? why do you like him? why aren't you team logan

Hi, so I just want to preface this by saying this is literally all just my opinion and I don’t want to start fights with people over Gilmore Girls, I truly do not care that much. You have your ships, I have mine. Okay? Okay. 

So I never said @friarlucas (yes, I am tagging you) would like Jess, I said Jess reminded me of the Lucas in her fic, atlp (ao3, ff.net). I truly don’t know who Maggie would like because Maggie is her own person who is prone to liking blonde white boys (love you Magpie). 

As for why I like Jess, short answer, I’m poor. But seriously, I just think he was unfairly treated a lot of the time by the characters and the narrative itself. 

In the first episode he’s introduced we hear Lorelai say that she “get’s him,” and listen, I hate it when rich characters do that to poor characters. Lorelai grew up in a privileged household with two parents and never had to worry about money. I am not excusing how her parents treated her at times, but to say that to a teenager who has one parent, who shipped him off to a different state to live with an uncle he never knew, and who showed signs of an abusive childhood (listen, look, I’m taking a child psychology class and am a psychology major and know what childhood abuse looks like due to personal and professional contexts, so I do know a little about this subject) had the same experience as her is flat out not true. After this, Lorelai never gave him a chance and just painted him as a bad guy forever. Even in the revival while her perfect daughter was a mess, she still had some bitter things to say about him. 

Now let’s move on to Rory. Look, I like literati, but in the world of Gilmore Girls, I am a Jess fan first. Jess gets a lot of hate for their relationship when Rory wasn’t the best person either? Like she kisses him, tells him not to tell anyone, and then doesn’t contact him? She gets jealous over Shane and is hateful towards a girl who happens to not read? She didn’t trust him about the black eye and was constantly comparing him to Dean? She tried using him in season 6? Like Jess wasn’t perfect, but putting all the blame on him when Rory shares it too is unfair.

Now Luke. Luke didn’t know how to raise a child and obviously went with the tough love approach with Jess and truthfully, I didn’t agree with all that he did. For example, kicking Jess out when he knew how much of a hard time he was having with his dad who left when he was a baby showing up 18 years later. LIKE I KNOW IT WAS FOR THE FAILED SPIN OFF BUT STILL. Another thing I really didn’t like about Luke was that he was constantly protecting Rory before he protected Jess. And look, Jess has to hear, from Rory, from Lorelai, from everyone, that Luke is this great guy who was always there for Rory, but if I was Jess I’d be thinking, “okay but he’s my uncle and was never there for me.” Like, it’s not unheard of that Jess would be mad at Luke for not being there for him, his blood family, and instead being there for Rory. When they first started dating Luke gave Jess a lecture about not hurting Rory but never thought about Jess’ well being? Don’t get me wrong, I still love their relationship, but it makes sense to me that Jess wasn’t completely nice to Luke all the time? 

I was going to combine stuff about his parents into the Luke section but that got too long so here we are. Jess’ parents are literally a mess. Liz was first introduced as a negligent and possibly abusive parent. Then in season 4 we’re supposed to think Jess is the bad guy for not wanting to walk his “whack-job” mother down the isle? Like I’m sorry but a neglected and/or abused child doesn’t owe their parents anything (I speak from experience so do not try to argue with me about this). And his dad left when he was a baby and then shows up randomly 18 years later. Jess has to beg him to let him stay with him after Luke kicks him out? Like…they’re bad parents. 

Finally, just everyone in general. Like everyone in Stars Hallow thinks he’s bad news for what? Stealing baseballs? I’m shaking in my boots. I genuinely think Jess felt so much judgement from that town that he felt trapped; going from a big city like New York, where anonymity is a given, to Stars Hallow, where everyone knows who you are and are constantly judging you is a difficult change. Also, no one likes being judged? Personally I feel like Jess is a classic case of hearing people say you’re a bad person and won’t amount to anything and then believing it. 

I don’t know if any of this makes sense and I kinda just rambled. Basically, I see a lot of my brothers and even myself in Jess. I feel empathy for him because I’ve been in a lot of these same situations. No, I didn’t disrespect people or steal gnomes, I was more of the perfectionist who tried her best to make sure her brothers were okay, but I understand why he feels the way he does and think some people in the fandom truly downplay how much child abuse/neglect and poverty together can impact a person. I’m a big proponent about the whole, “just because you had a shitty life, doesn’t mean you have excuses for treating other people like crap,” sentiment but it’s not a crime to have empathy/sympathy for a teenager who, in the end, did atone for his mistakes and showed growth? Not everyone who has a hard life is going to be rainbows and sunshine. Again, these are just reasons I like him; you don’t have to. 

As for not being team Logan, I truly do not care that much the more I get through my rewatch. I think he’s a privileged white boy, and at this point in my life, I don’t care about seeing these stories. Even with Rory’s storylines I find myself rolling my eyes at the amount of privilege she has and how much she ignores this privilege. I still like the show and characters overall, but it’s just not my life and I don’t have a connection to these storylines. Regarding the relationship itself, I again, just don’t care? Like I disagree with how Logan tries to make Rory feel like she’s in the wrong a lot of the time (the “seeing other people” thing, the bridesmaids incident, the marriage ultimatum), and of course I hate their revival storyline, but if you ship it, fine? I just liked literati more? Even though Jess deserves better than Rory 2kforever. 

I hope this answered something, sorry if I just rambled like a mess.  

[shreyamistry]

But the Hana and Madeleine ship, I so ship it. I would want them together if I wasn't romancing her but she'll just have to get over that! I am a slut for the Enemy to lovers tropes because I just love the development of it. It just makes me happy. I can see why some people don't like it but I just say ship who you want to ship and let other people who they want without being offended by it. Life has so many other things for you to worry about then a ship enough of me though haha

Also, can everyone stop spelling her name wrong all the time it annoys me lol. not you anon, but in general, that’s my biggest complaint about the way people speak about Madeleine. if you’re going to be anti madeleine at least spell her name right lol

I agree entirely. Let people ship and be done with it, Hana x Madeleine isn’t hurting anyone so like calm down guys. Don’t like it don’t read it. Hana x Madeleine’s subtext was so prominent and I honestly sometimes wonder if I should replay and pick my second li (Maxwell) so I can see Hana x Madeleine blossom together lol. I’m into the enemies to lovers to an extent, I’m more of the best friends to lovers, but Hana and Madeleine work so well together that this trouble is pretty good here. All though enemies is a little bit of a stretch.

Honestly, there’s so much to work with when it comes to their ship like Hana and Madeleine don’t have much of a past before book 2, Madeleine couldn’t be bothered with Hana’s existence when all she cared about was doing right by her country.

I feel like Madeleine’s got the short end of the stick for being her, you know? Like she was a female character who worked for what she wanted. And what did she want? To help her country, all of this was so evident in her redemption arc, during the one chapter she really got (wasn’t that great, but it was there yk). I love Madeleine’s character, I have since book 1, there’s so much to unpack with her family life (did yall see the way her father talked about her and to her? it’s no wonder why she acts the way she does). She’s been through so damn much with her father and trying to be someone her country can be proud of, and it always bites her in the ass (Leo, Liam, Justin twice might I add).

What I personally don’t understand, is why Olivia gets a free pass to be aggressive towards Hana? Madeleine made her cry once, while Olivia continues to belittle her. (Reminder, being character critical doesn’t make me a hater, I love Olivia and I recognize her flaws as I do with Madeleine). Olivia consistently threw Hana’s “failures” into her face repeatedly, and that’s just the truth. In the diamond scene to steal Hana’s dress, asking Olivia to help out she throws Hana’s insecurities and “failures” into her face by saying it directly to her mother while Hana can hear (and no she wasn’t just getting Lorelai riled up, it’s evident she felt that way) as she’s repeated it many of times and never once apologize for the way she acts towards her (which is why since I’m marrying Hana, I won’t pick Olivia to be my maid of honor).

Madeleine’s apology. Let’s talk about the infamous If. I have a few words to say, how long has Madeleine’s family life thrown her life around and made her cynical and wanted to help her family? Years, many of them. How long does it take for a person to change? Months, years, a long time, Madeleine is new to the apology thing, she’s new to being a better person. She said if, she’s working on it and she’s trying that’s a lot more than certain (male) characters are doing, yet the fandom forgives them all the damn time. I’m not saying you have to like Madeleine (or even the male characters) but you have to understand why she is the way she is and what fuels that and how she has to work to fix that. IF not, you have a female character working to be a different version of herself (not influenced by her father that she’s worthless) trying to right her wrongs. It will take time and she can finally embrace herself (like Hana she was forced into male affection, they both ended up on different spectrums of how it influenced them, Madeleine’s parents pushed for her to be a ruthless leader and Hana’s to be a gentle “perfect” woman). 

I could continue, but I won’t. Madeleine making Hana cry doesn’t equate a completely toxic relationship when she’s changing and working on herself. And Drake was even more mean to MC than Madeleine ever was to Hana. As many choices characters have done and are allowed to do freely with the love and approval of the fandom. Madeleine simply got the raw end of the deal in TRR book 2, because Olivia was kicked from the court by the King Father or whatever he’s called instead of her, otherwise, we’d have seen her redemption as Olivia’s right now. And that’s just the truth.