Simon's characterization in Iron Lung is so dear to me because I feel like he's raw. It gets to me because he's so HUMAN. Him tearing up and getting emotional around small things like the tree and human interaction are so vulnerable, and this stark contrast to his anger issues upon being pushed are so relatable to me it hurts. It's rough being so emotional in both directions, which is why its frustrating when people say he's JUST aggressive instead of just having issues pertaining to his anger. And anger thats most likely formed by a horrific upbringing, repeated systematic exploitation, and the sheer helplessness of the submarine.
This is all to say, as someone who watched Iron Lung first and even prefers it over PHM (I dont hate the movie, I just like Iron Lung more), I think this part of Simon can get muddled when some bloodymary shippers either coddle him too much or treat him like he's nothing but anger. I myself have joked about his anger, but I also heavily relate to how anger flare ups can cloud everything else around you, especially when you've been pushed so far.
Simon's fight or flight senses are on max in Iron Lung and its evident, and I think this would of course branch over to universes where he meets Grace. But some people write his interactions with Grace as "aggressive and NEVER improves" or "warms up immediately" and though I dont wanna yuck anyone's yum, they're free to do whatever and I'm not your dad, I just dont like either lense.
Tldr; Let Simon be complicated.
germansingergirl
origamiaround
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