#not in a “I am a broken human (?) and cannot feel love” typ of way

[sowearecleariamhere]

...that is. Disappointing to say the least. Seeing him react to fans' jayvik comments alone felt kinda uncomfortable (I interpreted it as 'gatekeeping' their relationship as brotherly/platonic, which is how I see them but that is besides the point), it felt like he wanted them to be interpreted "in this specific way only" which just doesnt work for a piece of fiction so rich in themes etc like Arcane. You can't police the fans' interpretation of your work. Full stop.

But now this?? Be fr rn. Please say sike.

If aromanticism is misunderstood, I can kinda forgive that since it is still quite unknown to the general public (not to say it won't be disappointing to see it misunderstood, but I have adjusted my expectations). But asexuality?? No excuse in my mind. Not if you headcanon (bc that is what it is he is doing, not more not less) a character in one of the biggest and well received shows rn as an identity you do not even fully understand.

Conflating not only two different orientations but also slaping ableism into the mix?? Actually disgusting

as an aroace person Christian Linke saying Viktor is asexual was literally heartbreaking. the way he went about it reinforced so many negative stereotypes about both aspec folks and disabled folks. he also only did it because he didn't like jayvik and wanted a way to end the ship (which he did by implying that ace and aro identities are the same and that neither group can have a relationship). he managed to be aphobic, homophobic, and ableist all at once. and it sucks. so bad. having part of my identity used to target other queer and disabled folks makes my chest feel like it's going to cave in.