Lacuna Rambles/Thoughts/Gif Reacts #3: Trio Formation 💜

[Alternate Text: An image of the Powerpuff girls. It has the girls centered with Blossom in the middle, Buttercup on her right, and then Bubbles on her left. They are in battle-ready poses with Townsville in the background along with Mojo Jojo, their arch nemesis. His purple cape billows behind them.]

JR-mancers, have you noticed how the trio is often in a formation? 🙃

J elaborates on their answer—their unapologetic consideration for you and your family—once by your side with the gates ajar. They always take the right side to R's left.

AND

"I think you should sit down too…"

While J's phrasing is relatively open-ended, their move to flank the chair with R conveys a fact.

AND

S's blank look is answer enough for R who affects affront that soon turns into a small, cheeky smile, except it broadens when they see where you are sitting. Their eyes naturally sought out the sofa first, alighting on where your spot is in the center. You're so charmed by R's expression that you only reach for a small plate after B does to begin the tea party properly.

"Detective, for you…"

A carafe of coffee is set squarely in front of where J sits before R joins you both on the sofa, settling close to your side.

AND

There are more!

The positioning in the JR poly route is intentional. My use of the Powerpuff Girls is because they'll sometimes also mirror this formation and their hair colors (blond(e) and raven) match your beloveds, but they weren't the inspiration, lol. 😅 I went light-hearted before getting serious. The symbolism of your Returning Visitor helping the two come together for the three of you to form a mutual, loving relationship is represented here. Through your choices, you'll better set the tone of what's going on between everyone, yet there is no denying that the MC provides an orienting point for both of them. Their own unique past bonds with you help them start to see each other in a different light once you've returned to Fernweh. There's a definite sense of growth, understanding, and learning in this route. 💜

Hopefully that comes through in its build!

There is a secondary reason for this formation aside from the MC's place in it. J being on the right compared to R being on your left also carries additional connotations that are somewhat historical, not majorly though. You have likely heard the term 'right hand man'? So, someone who's more visible and known to be relied upon by an authority, similar to a trusted and dependable second-in-command. There is also a clearer link between you and them; one is rarely seen without the other. Now, it doesn't seem like there's as solid of a term for someone who is just as close to an authority figure, but isn't as visible. My mind goes to a spymaster or someone you'd call in to handle the 'dirty work' or more 'gruesome plots'. This links to something R says on the JR route in Book Two alongside the general differences in their mannerisms and styles of protectiveness:

"Yes, yes, how very noble of them [J]," R half-heartedly retorts while collecting their car keys. They offer you a brief smile before creating more distance between you. "If Simmons tries anything, inform both of us so I can take the lower road than the Detective… Goodnight."

This^ will be coming up between the two as the series progresses: what's 'right'.

The trio's formation has a few layers imparted into it that I hope you find interesting, though at the very least it ensures you're well-positioned for a spectacular cuddle. 🥰