Naps Are Cool

While the issue begins clearly in the start of the movie with Ian sabatoging Bear's confession which gives Bear a distorted view on what Nikki would like I think his distorted view of her is a bigger issue

While granted we don't get to see much of real Nikki to confirm or deny how she would feel about certain things, I do think the phrase "Nikki would hate that" gets used to often for different things.

She did say she lost her crystal necklace I do genuinely think she would have appreciated if Bear bought her a new one. However, Bear just goes Nikki would hate that after hearing one potential option. Like there would've definitely been one that she would've liked if he truly knew her. Heck even just her favorite color if she isnt into meanings for crystals.

Most of what we see of Nikki is these assumptions the only potential evidence we see of Nikki being picky? (The right word isnt coming to me) is when she was making fun of the Pina Colda. Which to be fair is a very odd choice for a normal bar night so I am on her side for that. [Tangent at bottom about the bar scene]

I also think this lack of understanding is part of why fake Nikki is such an empty shell. I know a lot of other people have already made posts analyzing fake Nikki so I won't go over it too much. However, I think that a lack of understanding plays a crucial role in why fake Nikki cant be like real Nikki. Bear and even Ian and Sarah only know surface level Nikki. The director has confirmed that fake Nikki is the manifestation of Bear's Wish and the violence of the wish aside, how can the wish manifest deeper meaning if he doesn't know Nikki on that deeper level?

No one in the friend group understood Nikki on a level that made it possible for us to really understand what she would like or dislike, all I know is that she is more then the phrase "Nikki would hate that"

I also thing that even if she didnt like Bear as anything more then a friend I do really think that if Bear confessed saying things like when he was practicing with the waitress Nikki wouldn't have reacted with hostility like Ian suggested. Not saying that Bear deserves a chance but just that I don't think Nikki would have reacted badly to it even if she did end up rejecting him if he spilled his honest feelings.

Speaking of situations where Nikki would have had a willing choice to be with Bear, I still don't think Bear would've been happy if she did give him a chance. He couldn't understand Nikki before dating and I think he would've been disappointed to find out more about her because of this pedestal he has her on in his mind.

Sorry for the ramble, this has just been bugging me a lot because they made her seem like she would get upset easily and she seems very easy going and kind when she's not getting bullied by a nickname she was tormented with in high school, which is 100% valid to be upset about and Bear should have known better about. And he would've known better if he knew Nikki more then he trusted Ian.

[The bar scene tangent below]

LaVonte as Prince: I feel like this one just makes sense he is the political front at the moment and he also has all of the buisness experience and has the vision. Also traditionally Ventrues tend to be Princes due to their ambitions.

Hj as Seneschal: The Seneschal is the one working closest with the Prince and helps with the business end of things and promotes the Princes vision. I think this role is perfect for HJ as we already know how close he is to LaVonte. I also dont think HJ would be Prince as his behavior seems too erratic and not to mention his social stats aren't as good.

Madelaine as Harpy: Harpys are like the social force and keepers of information. Since Madelaine is very effective at socializing and also making people fall for her, she would likely be the best for this role.

Zaeth as Keeper of Elysium: The keeper is the one responsible for protecting the Elysium and also setting up meetings with the Prince. Since Zaeth is currently in his responsible era I think he would fit this role nicely.

Mitch as Sheriff: The sheriff upholds the rules of the Prince and the Masquerade. Mitch was made for this rule given the whole justice thing and I think would he the best for the title.

Vesper as a Hound: Hounds are basically deputies appointed by the sheriff. I think she works for this as she and Mitch already have the superhero sidekick duo thing going and thats why I put her in this role. However, I do hope that by the end she views herself as more then a sidekick and to be her own hero if that makes sense.

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Its an interesting existence feeling like an abomination. Not that anything is fully wrong with me but in the sense of I exist differently then everyone else in a way that sticks out. Its tiring and lonely everyday feeling like a single Grey hair in a head of black. Or a midplaced tile that ruins a pattern. An unwelcome existence where most won't appreciate the uniqueness.

I have been different for as long as i can remember. In my earlier years i thought that made me special but now that im older and wiser that difference feels like a gaping chasm with no way across. No matter how hard i try to connect with others across the way they're always just out of reach. My side of the chasm is a barren desert where the oasis of friendship and belonging is few and far between.