“Double Down”, page 29

I'm so proud of you Daisy!!

Bibicita

Thanks a lot pexl!! Now that’s something I can work with :) a very interesting title for this chapter then…

April

I honestly think this is a great point! My initial thought of his reaction here was that while he didn't return Daisy feelings, it probably is nice (at least on a sub conscious level) to know that someone still finds you desirable enough to want to have a crush on you. Between a failing relationship thats sucking the life out of him and burning so many bridges with the people around him I'm positive that Daisy confessing that she no longer has a crush on him has its own toll?

esinololly

To “double down” is the opposite of “back down” - in response to a challenge, or maybe in an argument, you express double your effort or adamance on your belief. A: “I think it will rain” B: “The forecast says it will be sunny” A: “Screw the forecast, I can smell it. I’m grabbing my coat” A just doubled down

pexl

As a non-native English speaker, could someone give me a quick rundown of the term „double down“? I can‘t seem to find a good translation/explanation and I‘ve been wondering about it since the chapter started

April

the "that's great" is definitely not because he was looking to get together given his headspace it's probably more of "then why are you even puting up with me?"

Nicholas

Also... this is a beautiful page. BCB has never had better pacing.. or panels! Incredible work.

hazel

Daisy: Because I always hated you. Mike: That’s great as well.

SCD

Just speculation on my part ofc regarding his thoughts. But I think it's meant to mirror Lucy's response when Paolo declared himself over her earlier. I don't think either Mike or Lucy aren't 100% stoked to hear it because they regret saying no or mean to use them, it just hits them both a bit where it hurts because they're kids who are both having massive self worth and esteem issues right now so even a whiff of rejection might sting a bit.

mobsterseeker

Lots of discussion over what his unconvincing 'thats great' here really means but my take is that it's more complicated than Mike regretting that this ship has sailed. He knows he never returned those feelings and he did just say so, but I also think that part of him enjoyed the attention and validation of Daisy's crush sometimes, and it maaaay have been the kind of thing he wished a little bit he could still count on. Especially right now when he's probably thinking 'wow I've been so insufferable even DAISY doesn't want me anymore...'

mobsterseeker

To be honest his reaction in the last couple of panels seem so...lackluster to me so I can see why you ask that. The way he averts his eyes and makes a simple statement of "That's great." seems so underwhelming for someone who's been trying to stanchly fight off the obessive affections of his friend for years?

esinololly

No one says "that's great! :) :)" to someone getting over you too late to save their relationship. I don't think he regrets it at all, he /opened/ with "sorry I couldn't return your feelings." Mike's just sitting with his friend in a tough moment.

hazel

Mike: That's... great [thinking: dammit]

nalem

Two smackdowns in one chapter, even if it's a good thing it still hurts empathetically lmfao ... idk why. Obviously it's great for both of them that she moved on! So why does it still feel like he got rejected?

cottoncandy.x

My mature, growing queen!!! Love seeing her and Paulo get over their longtime one-sided crushes and move onto healthier relationships, platonic and romantic. Excited to see both of them ready to be fully single and ready to mingle...with each other...👀

I really love this because I am really hoping that now that Mike knows Daisy wont obsess over him anymore that he can finally have an actual FRIEND to rely on and not a fangirl or someone with romantic motives. Someone he can open up to without worrying about getting insulted or walking on eggshells. Paulo is great and all, but he's certainly brash and sometimes thats not what Mike really needs. I’m also so proud of Daisy. She’s showing so much growth and giving really good, genuine, and REALISTIC advice about how feelings work. They don’t always go away just because you want them to! But as she said they can change over time. I’m hoping this piece of advice will be the catalyst that helps end Mikes relationship with Sandy once and for all.

esinololly

“I don’t even *like* you any more, dude”

pexl

His eyes when she says she doesn’t have feelings anymore…..