last point about perspective being that Hayden views himself as a very passive party who is "toyed" by Brett and thus that the relationship is unequal. Brett is proactive as a party in the relationship but in many ways going out of his way to cater to Hayden's needs and desires. so the perception of power in this relationship - both sexually and emotionally - is just soo interesting.
Wow I m so amazed the way you described Hayden and Brett these characters are made with lots of details
You described their dynamic perfectly *clap clap*
Your explanation is always on point but i have to give Hayden a credit on his effort, at least he start answer Brett’s messages, and tried get to know Brett more, instead try to distance with Brett like before, he even go to see Brett at night, when he is on bed already lol for Brett silly question, is slow but at least i like the progress
You explained it so perfectly. The feeling of manipulation is coming from Hayden's point of view, which is one of the root of their miscommunication, even if that isn't Brett's intention. This chapter really brought into light the things they need to work on in order to bring the relationship from fwb to an actual relationship.
YES this as well, like seeing the effort Brett made to come back to Hayden in time for his rutt from Utah, seeing him coming home as soon as the game ended, to running in the rain...like !!!! I love that
that's true! he's finally being more responsive and actively spending time with Brett heh you're right that it's progress even though they butted heads a bit (at least on hayden's end haha)
absolutely, it's miscommunication done very realistically and well! excited to see them grow and progress together
such an excellent chapter. Brett revealing his hand to Hayden in many ways and how strategic and calculating he is (love a smart pretty boy); people are quick to say that Brett is manipulative = bad. But I think that's a disservice to the story (which isn't about one character being "bad" one character being "good"). Brett has goals, he sets out to accomplish them. He's open about enjoying Hayden's company and wanting to be close to him, and HONEST to Hayden about how he goes out of his way to "earn" Hayden's company and to make HIMSELF seem desirable to Hayden. Brett wants to be "fair" and to provide value to Hayden in exchange. Yes, things are transactional to Brett, but it's also bc Brett can't conceive of being UNCONDITIONALLY desirable to Hayden (like he needs to give reasons to Hayden to want to spend time with him)
But instead of seeing Brett's efforts to spend time with him, Hayden feels manipulated and tries to establish his agency and control (ie. I CHOSE to be here, it wasn't just you; Brett: ??? ok???). It's because Hayden views "sincerity" and "feelings" as something that is uncontrolled and not strategic - like for him, you don't plan these things out; things happen spontaneously and impulsively. This is all tied again to how Hayden feels especially out of control over his sexuality whereas Brett seems to handle his own - and that of others - with ease. It definitely doesn't help that Hayden still ended up hiccuping (ie. his instincts are still out of his control, and within Brett's predictions/control).
I think both perspectives make sense! They're both such different ppl who are miscommunicating and missing each other's cues. Brett continues to feel like things fall predictably within his control; and Hayden feels entirely out of control at all times. Just great character writing I seriously adore this so much.