#anglestone

*Sqloints*

Like, Sqlumi originally felt like a manic pixie dream girl x mediocre guy, which sort of worked because of the PC’s excellent characterizations, but definitely raised a bunch of red flags, because it was hard to pinpoint why Rumi liked Peter. Peter didn’t have any of the things that were ‘perfect’ that Rumi actually tried to emulate in himself, and if Rumi acted like Peter he’d be horrified with himself, so it had this weird double standard that made it feel like Rumi either liked the dynamic created by being with someone who should and does feel beyond lucky to have you, or. You know. Manic pixie dream girl gets with mediocre guy to reward the guy for all his character growth. Or maybe to feel good about lifting someone up, what with that sort of condescending savior complex he had going on. I got the vibe that Rumi’s attraction was more about the role Peter played rather than Peter himself, and anything built on that couldn’t last.

But then with Elaina to recontextualize everything, I can totally see them falling in love with Peter from just the visions alone. Peter started out super insecure and conventionally unattractive and utterly helpless and just. Peter. Literally everything that Elaina could conceivably not like about themself. And then Peter got everything he ever wanted, got to be happy, not by changing but by growing and learning to love himself and his best qualities, and gets to ascend to greatness and glory with all of his flaws still in tact. I can see Elaina seeing themself in Peter and not even resenting the reminder because they know from the start that he’ll be loved in spite of his flaws. He gets everything Elaina wants but is too scared to reach for. Literally perfect. Peter still stays attractive for the role he fills, but it feels less exploitative and demeaning. Elaina loves him because he’s better, not lesser.

I can see Elaina mentally squealing and kicking his feet when he meets Peter because he’s excited to be a part of his story, to live vicariously through him whether he consciously is aware of it or not, because that’s their comfort character! And then as he talks to him more and actually get to know him his affection gets less and less superficial, and more and more warm fuzzies fondness for Peter just as Peter, not as the ‘Elaina projection character.’ He can love the things in Peter that he doesn’t like in himself, and now that double standard can be a thing that challenges his self loathing! And then Peter still falls hook, line, and sinker for Rumi, which is great now because it’s not just Rumi twirling for somebody just for them to tell him he’s amazing and fuel his ego, it’s Elaina basically trying to impress his idol, and it’s working!

Like, Elaina’s an artist impressing her celebrity crush with this lovingly crafted magnum opus, and Peter’s going ‘oh my gosh he’s so pretty’ and then turns to look Elaina in the eyes and say ‘and so are you!’ I can see why she swoons so hard.

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Just Roll With It (Podcast), Jrwi Apothiosis Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Rumi/Peter Sqloint, Rumi & Peter Sqloint & Thanatos Characters: Peter Sqloint, Rumi (Just Roll With It), Thanatos (Just Roll With It), Exandroth (Just Roll With It), Elena Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Nightmares, Trauma, Religious Imagery & Symbolism, Religious Content, Happy Ending, One Shot, Multiple Pronouns for Rumi (Just Roll With It), Fluff, Healthy Relationships Summary:

Post Apothiosis.