#alex coming out to his mom in rwrb

[pinkeoni]

if the party does find out about byler the one way that i DONT want them to react to them is any way that feels to perfect or even to the point of clinical. like, at least let them respond like real people

#not to ignite the ‘realism’ or the party being ‘homophobic’ ‘discourse’ again but i was just thinking about it #i feel like recently in media weve gotten ppl reacting to either coming out/and or mental health in a way that is almost therapised because #said media doesnt want to come off as offensive #the party would be accepting of them. this is true #but theyve also never experienced someone coming out to them before. thats all i mean #if you want an example of something that feels ‘therapised’ like i said #alex coming out to his mom in rwrb #byler

[o0anapher0o]

Okay so this is a bit rambly but bear with me.

One of my favourite things about the rwrb movie (the book too, but does it to a lesser extent) is that, in defiance of all romcom conventions, every time there is a misunderstanding/conflict, instead of stewing in it and letting it create more problems, within minutes of screen time, one of them forces a confrontation, they communicate and the problem goes away. (Almost like communication works or something.)

This happens multiple times throughout the film: Alex hates Henry. Henry makes him explain why, the hash it out, Henry apologises, problem solved.

Henry ghosts Alex after New Years. Alex makes him meet with him. Okay, to say they talk it out is probably too generous, but communication happens. They establish that they both want this (repeatedly), they create some mutual understanding, Henry lays out the boundaries of what this relationship can be for him and they find a way to make that work.

The same when Henry runs away from the Lake House. Alex comes after him and forces him to talk to him and while they obviously can’t solve the root problem, they settle on a compromise and a promise of ‘we’ll figure it out together and we’re not giving up’. They're back together and reasonably optmistic about the future.

To a lesser degree this even applies to other relationships in the film: Alex and his mom’s fight after the Texas memo leak ends when Ellen starts actually listening to him and reads his memo.

The e-mail leak can only be handled once Alex breaks the communication embargo, goes to Henry and they talk to the king. (Who tries to hide the true reaction of the public from them and the situation can only be resolved once someone (Bea) tells them about the crowds outside.)

Ellen wins the election, because of Alex, after she listened to him and after she lets him give his speech/communicate his truth about the leak (unlike the king who tries to hide Henry away and deny the truth).

Characters get rewarded for talking to one another and punished for not communicating.

The memo wouldn’t have been a problem if Zarah and Ellen had actually listened to Alex’s ideas about Texas before. Alex and Henry end up in the wedding cake & their forced public friendship they hate, because they refuse to talk to each other like normal people and it only stops being a punishment when they start doing that.

Philipp is shown the entire film talking at Henry without any interest in listening to his brother even once. The same goes for King James. He doesn’t communicate, he merely declares his intentions and actively shuts down anybody else’s contribution to the ‘conversation’. Both of them end up not only looking utterly ridiculous but they also loose in the end. The loose face, the loose control over Henry and they’re the ones who have to pick up the pieces of their failure to handle this situation while Henry gets to celebrate and be with the man he loves. (You could even make an argument that the way he is in the election celebration and then at Alex family house symbolises he gets a whole new family and home.)

In so many comedies the humour relies entirely on people not having the simplest conversation and making the characters behave utterly absurd in order to avoid conversations, and here is this movie telling us over and over “Communication is important!” Blame my deep hatred for the avoidable miscommunication trope but I just love that.

#red white and royal blue #rwrb #rwrb meta #communication is key

[alexshenry]

Hello, sorry if you answered before but can you recommend some of your fav rwrb fics?

Hi, anon! Sorry for this very late reply, I saved your ask to my drafts and then wasn't able to find it 🤦‍♀️I answered with some of my favourites here already, and I have a tag with fic recs, aswell. I also recommend following @rwrbficrecs. I'll soon be making a rec list, so I'll have a more comprehensive list then.♥

The two loves of my life I will never stop recommending:

God Save the Blessed American Mom by zipadeea - On December 4, 2021, an attempt is made on President Ellen Claremont's life. Alex gets shot instead.

This broke me, healed me, and made me fall in love with every character all over again. Everyone's emotions towards the events are so nuanced and realistic, and the writing is soooo stunning. Just make sure to have tissues ready.

but i can count on you to tell me the truth when (i've) been drinking and you're wearing a mask by anincompletelist (soldouthaz) / @anincompletelist - The room goes quiet again, Alex too focused on the sound of his own breathing. He’s already started, he figures, and the person still hasn’t left. But this next bit is a little more personal, and Alex isn’t positive what the parameters are for one-sidedly conversing with a masked stranger about your best kept secrets at a halloween party when you’re so drunk that the floor is beginning to look like it may open up and swallow you whole. Isn’t sure if that might be better anyway.

You know when you read something so beautiful you feel tiny butterflies in your stomach? This is what this fic did to me. Very gorgeously written, especially Alex's inner thoughts. I will never be able to look at my ceiling the same way again, thank you Sarah ♥

Other fics I read recently and wholly recommend:

The Arrangement by cmere - Shaan approaches Henry with a deal from the Queen: agree to an arranged marriage with a woman to flaunt in public, and he can enjoy the services of a male escort in private. Alex doesn’t actually care about him; it’s just a job. Right?

You Can't Deny Me Anything by Dawg1515 - That night at the Lake House, Henry is getting ready to leave when Alex wakes up feeling sick. Faced with memories of losing his father, Henry decides to stay and take care of Alex. They have some things to talk out.

Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile by chamel / @cha-melodius - The movie is over and it’s getting late, but all Alex can think of is that he really doesn’t want the night to end yet. Which is crazy. Twenty-four hours ago Alex was actively cursing this man’s name, and now he seemingly can’t get enough of spending time with him. It doesn’t make any sense, but somehow it does; it’s the same feeling that he was chasing all those years ago in Rio, the one that pushed him to go up and introduce himself at exactly the wrong time, the one that made the hurt of that encounter linger for so long in his psyche. (A canon-divergent fic in which Alex spends another night at Kensington after the hospital visit and learns some very surprising things about Henry (and himself)

come pick me up by smc_27 - Alex is an Uber driver. Henry needs a ride to the airport.

#anon #answered #firstprince #red white and royal blue #rwrb fic recs

[meraki-yao]

RWRB Movie Analysis: Henry's Seclusion and Perception-Part 2

A little follow-up of this post after I realized something while watching Henry flinch after Alex tried to hold his hand during their Paris date.

This is more up to interpretation but in the same way Henry was isolated in a space without any sort of moral support during the week after the email leaks while Alex wasn’t, I think the same could be possibly said with their view on public displays of affection.

I’m gonna preface by saying that even in the RWRB Movie verse, both UK and USA are evidently mostly LGBT+ friendly. Alex’s US kind of goes without saying, while for Henry, given the sheer amount of people that ended up coming to support him all across the country, I think the same could be said for his UK.

So given that their big environment is LGBT friendly, the difference here is their own circles.

Before President Claremont was elected, Alex was just like any of us, as he put it himself, “an anonymous working class kid”. His socializing circle wasn’t really limited. On top of that both of his parents are democrats. Even before he figured out his own bisexuality, he was definitely exposed to LGBT communities and individuals, colourful queer people who showed off their gender, sexuality and relationship/partner proudly. Besides, from his interaction with Nora, his mom, even Henry during the NYE party, Alex is clearly a physically affectionate person to begin with. He is used to displays of affection, and has see queer public displays of affection.

So when he starts to fall for Henry (which I firmly believed started properly since the state dinner), he doesn’t really register displays of affection as something to be hidden despite now being in a homosexual relationship. This aspect is not that different in his mind. The only times we see Alex really make an effort to conceal it is when they want to… do dirty things, like the polo match (Matthew/Prime release the full scene please) and the DNC hotel visit, which in any case is something that one would make effort to hide even for a bit.

Look at the movie again. Alex reaches out to hold Henry’s hand in Paris, Henry flinches. Alex steps forward to kiss Henry at the airstrip after the night in the V&A, Henry stops him, even if it’s private airstrip with only Henry’s staff. The one sentence Alex said that sent Henry spiralling and trying to break things off was “We could walk through Austin holding hands, and it won’t even matter if anyone sees us.” (which is one of my favourite lines in the book by the way, granted used in a different situation) Alex finds public displays of affection towards Henry very natural.

Henry doesn’t.

However much he loves touching and kissing Alex in private behind closed door throughout the entirety of their relationship, he was never comfortable, or confident for them in public settings, even if there’s actually no one except their own professional secret service/ personal staff there.

And I think one of the contributing reasons is unlike Alex, he never really got to see queer people be openly proud of their identity and partners.

Henry, as the prince, has his social circle and travels limited. You’re not gonna see him on the subway or walking through Trafalgar Square. He’s not gonna be able to walk the streets and just see queer citizens out and about the way Alex did. Given the context clues in the movie, I’m guessing he’s limited to causes the crown wants to serve (veterans, climate, diplomacy, which all have their own values as social issues but doesn’t suit Henry) and unlike the royals in our world (yes I pay some attention to the irl royal family) he couldn’t even choose topics that interest him, that he wants to serve, like arts, LGBT, and mental health (there’s a sequel idea!!! Henry getting to choose how to use his title for causes he’s part of and care about), plus it’s clear his family, the king at least, had no interest in getting involved with LGBT issues, so he didn’t have any chance to approach the community while on duty either. Considering his grandfather warned him against pursuing relationships when he was 18, he probably was forced into some sense of shame or fear regarding any possibility of having a public relationship, which was also part of his argument during the Kensington confrontation. Seeing as Nick and Matthew decided Paris was Henry’s first time with someone he actually had feelings for, I’m guessing past hookups in said “English Boarding School” were done out of sexual frustration and some degree of rebellion, but even then it was more on the sexual side instead of anything truly affectionate, and that was still extremely secretive with stacks of NDAs.

So on Henry’s part, he was secluded in a almost forcefully heteronormative environment, never really got to see people like him in real life, in front of his eyes (reading queer history and news about LGBT rights is very different from seeing it yourself), and was told that this was something to be ashamed about, something he can’t do, something impossible. That’s why he never felt confident enough to ask for touch or touch Alex in anywhere remotely public. (He was drunk at the karaoke, and I think most of the Texas vacation was on the Claremont-Diaz’s private property, so those don’t count)

Until the palace pride protest, where thousand of people like him came to storm the palace with their rainbow flags and banners, their support, and their own identities display.

Faces with this massive display of queer pride right in front of him, Henry, maybe for the first time, sees so many people like them, and he sees that it’s okay for him to be gay, that there is nothing selfish, shameful, repulsive or unacceptable about who he is and who he loves. They’re here for him. They’re just like him. They’re proud of it. They show it.

So this time, in front of his family, a window away from the outside world, it’s his turn to ask for Alex’s hand, held between his. He’s finally confident enough in everything so tell Alex, through a wet smile, “I love you.”

Both of them look out, at the sea of colourful love and pride. Alex, who has seen this many times before in his life, but probably the first time he sees this knowing he’s part of that sea. Henry, who gets to see the crowd be proud of something he’s tried so long to conceal and hide.

Henry can be proud of his sexuality too.

And he shows it, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, with thousands of people cheering for him and his boyfriend. 

#rwrb #red white and royal blue #rwrb movie #alex claremont diaz #henry fox mountchristen windsor #henry hanover stuart fox #firstprince #nicholas galitzine #taylor zakhar perez #rwrb thoughts #rwrb movie analysis #rwrb meta #meta #in all honesty this is more context clues than concrete evidence #but imo it still stands #will write something about Alex's physical affection

[royal-ruin]

red, white, and royal blue fanfic rec (part 3)

other rwrb fic recs here personal favorites are starred, by the way. everything is complete unless stated otherwise.

the too much that you aren't by DemonPoxHerondale (~2k)

Henry has always been an introvert. High energy situations can get overwhelming, and as much as he loves his boyfriend, it's impossible to deny that he's high energy. Back when they were sneaking around to see each other, the short bursts of interaction meant that they never really clashed. But now that they're living together, well, it's another story.

as an introvert, i get it

champagne problems by alec_rhee (~3k)

Henry’s eyes are otherwise occupied as he closes them, planting a kiss to Alex’s head, but Alex sees Benjamin’s eyes move to Henry’s lap. Where they stay for at least five seconds.  Alex knows; he’s counted. “Look, Benjamin,” Alex begins. “I know we just met but if you look at my man like that one more time I will not hesitate to punch you in your fucking face.” “Alex!” Henry yelps, withdrawing his lips from Alex’s curls. “What on God’s earth are you doing?” “Look,” He says again, his attention still focused on Benjamin. “He’s damn gorgeous. I don’t blame you for looking. I truly don’t, but he’s taken. Happily.” OR Jealous!Alex

jealous/protective alex made my entire day

don't go where i can't follow by coffeecatsme (~4k

Henry turns away, hair silvery under the moonlight. He doesn’t even bother to look at Alex, and something like anger flashes in Alex’s gut when he sees him reach for his backpack, like it’s that easy to abandon Alex, like Alex didn’t bare his heart to him just a day ago. “You could’ve fucking said goodbye,” he whispers before he can think about it; his voice is quiet through the knot in his throat, yet it echoes in the room like a gunshot, stopping Henry in his tracks. Alex wakes up at the lakehouse before Henry leaves.

angsty, but i swear it gets better

in violent symphonies by saltfics (~16k) part 2 of a series (doesn't need to be read)

“So that’ll be a fun surprise. Any chance your brother’s friends are actually… you know… any fun?” Henry halts to a stop halfway out the door, his mind screeching like a shaken record. He can feel the pull of his memory towards things he doesn’t want to think of, feels the heavy weight of it as he forces himself to focus on something else, fast so he won't acknowledge towards which twice locked door his thoughts are wandering.  Sequel to In White (but could potentially be read without it).  When Henry and Alex return to England for the christening of the new baby prince, Henry finds out his nephew's new godfather might be a terribly familiar face.  Sometimes it doesn't matter how deep you lock away a memory if it insists on showing up at your door. (But maybe you can ask for help to keep it out.)

i love henry angst :)

those markings on your skin by saltfics (~62k) incomplete

Originally a collection of one-shots based on Tumblr Prompts, but now a series of interconnected prompt-based chapters regarding a series of assassination attempts towards HRH Prince Henry, and the effect on their relationships with each other that comes with it, featuring most of the main cast. (Plus a few standalones in between).

fair warning, i haven't read it all, so i don't know everything it contains. please beware of the tags.

Home Safe by HMS_Chill (~2k)

Alex is out later than normal, and Henry is left home to worry.

as you can see, after i read God Save the Blessed American President Mom by zipadeea i got just a little obsessed. no mcd here though.

*lifelines by indomitablelove (~27k

Shaan is told by a woman from the press office. Zahra is asleep when he calls her. She calls Ellen. Liam is in the library. Oscar finds out from Twitter. Catherine hears it from her equerry when she gets the morning papers. It's Leo who tells June. --- or, the emails. From everyone else's point of view.

Lockdown by bibliosoph (~4k)

Alex and Henry have a fight before Henry leaves to go to England for a bit. While in England, there is an attempted assassination and Alex loses his mind because he can't get in touch with anyone and he left things with Henry up in the air.

don't worry, there's no mcd, just alex angst.

*Soon You'll Get Better (Because You Have To) by wafflesandkruge  (~4k)

Two nights after the shooting, Henry receives an email with a pre-recorded video from Alex. He gets one every night, and although it breaks his heart to see Alex happy and alive, he's terrified of when they'll stop coming.

i wasn't lying when i said i was obsessed. no mcd.

#rwrb fic recs #rwrb fanfiction #rwrb movie #rwrb fanfic #rwrb #red white and royal blue #royal's rwrb fic recs #henry fox mountchristen windsor #alex claremont diaz

[shadowandbones]

Rereading RWRB before Friday and I just wanna talk about a few points because I have a lot.

I forgot how much I loved Alex and Henry’s build up. The teasing, the tension, the definite one sided hatred and the other side mild curiosity.

Alex’s family is honestly my favorite.

Unpopular opinion: from the lack of June and making Alex’s parents still married in the movie. I really don’t think it’ll affect much. Because given the stills they seem to be blending a lot of June’s scenes with Nora and kinda Pez (note: the lake house)

But speaking of June when she does pop up in the books I think she’s a great sister. Always supporting Alex but I do think she’s a second thought like I don’t think about her unless she’s in a scene.

Alex’s mom and dad genuinely love their kids. Yes their divorce had issues on their kids. But I absolutely love them especially when Alex came out (he didn’t even come out to his dad. His dad just went “yeah the Prince is whatever. Nora’s my favorite though”

Anyway back to reading. It’s gonna be angst soon. Because we all know what happens after the lakehouse.

#red white and royal blue #alex claremont diaz #prince henry fox mountchristen windsor #firstprince #casey mcquiston

[ad-astra-per-aspera-1389]

An underrated moment in rwrb:

Zahra is ready to commit a murder in this moment, maybe two, but she would NEVER out Alex to his mom before he was ready to come out. It's sweet, but also so, so funny to me.

#red white and royal blue #alex claremont diaz #zahra bankston

[bitbybitwrites]

Thanks to @forabeatofadrum and @onthewaytosomewhere for the tag!

Got a number of items I'm working on so here some bits for you: from a few WIP of mine.

1.) From the next chapter of Puppy Love (RWRB fic)

“Tia Nora is pretty fun,” Alex admitted. ”That’s why we’re best friends.”  He sighed and stared up into the sky. “I know it’s tough Raf.  Us being all the way in New York, so far from family and your other friends back in Texas.” “But Tia June is here. And I’m making friends, Papi,” Raf reassured him. “You are?” Raf nodded as he took a handful of snow and tossed it up in the air so it fluttered down on them both. “ There’s Milo and Becky and Thomas and Belle . .” “Wait, like the Disney princess?” “She told me she’s named after her grandmother.  Isabelle, I think?” “Oh.” “Those are my new friends at school.  Milo is nice.  He has glasses.  Becky shares her snack with me at lunch time.  Her mom gives her CAKE.”  Raf turned to look at his father with wide, amazed eyes. “CAKE, Papi.” Alex rolled his eyes.  “I doubt its as good as Abuelita’s Tres Leches," he sniffed. “Well, duh . . “

*****

2.) From Falling For You (Klaine fic)

“Who is Carole?” Kurt smiled and grabbed his phone to open up to a picture of his Dad and his stepmother smiling and laughing with each other.  It had been his father’s birthday and the two of them had cracked each other up with some silly joke or reference.  Kurt quickly took a picture to freeze that moment in time. “This is Carole, “ Kurt said as he showed Tracy.  “Dad met her when I was in high school.  And they fell in love and got married.  Now that doesn’t mean he forgot my mom or anything.  He just had a lot of love in his heart - enough for both of them.  Carole loves my Dad a whole lot.  She loves me just as much too.  She’s amazing.”  He leaned in a bit closer to Tracy.  “I’ll let you in on a secret.  She also makes the best cookies.  Remind me to make you some of her recipes some time.” “Like Christmas cookies?” “Exactly.” “Mr. Kurt?”   “Yes, sweetheart?” “Can I meet Carole one day?” “I think we can arrange that.” Kurt said.  “And maybe if we’re lucky, she may bring some cookies when she comes. “

****

3.) From Sanctuary (Klaine fic)

It was a good handful of time before he got to his destination, having managed to successfully slip by a number of the palace guards in the process.  Blaine was able to sneak just outside of the castle walls.  He followed a well-worn path into the wood to a small cottage hidden just a few feet hidden in the trees. In the front yard, a young woman paused in her task of hanging her wet wash to dry. She stood, she groaned, rubbing the small of her back.  As she did the swell of the growing babe in her belly protruded forward.  She smiled to herself, caressing her abdomen, forming a beautiful picture even Blaine could appreciate: her soft blond hair escaping from her kerchief, brushing her brow.  The young woman’s brown eyes danced as she spotted the princeling approaching. She dipped into as low of a curtsey as she could manage without tipping forward.  “Your Royal Highness,” she said in a soft voice.  “Good morrow.  I was wondering when you would come by this day.” Blaine smiled sheepishly as he held aloft his offering from the head cook.  “Mistress Fabray,“  he said proudly.  “I come bearing gifts!”

****

4.) Untitled Klaine Valentines 2024 Challenge fic

OK, am loving all the work I'm seeing from the folks doing the Klaine Valentines 2024 challenge set out by the @klaineccfanficlibrary

I got an idea for something, inspired by their first day song selection (Padam. by Kylie Minogue) so here's just a little bit from something I started . . The best way I could sum up this fic is this section of the story:

The young men from Dalton House weren’t just lookers.  They were well versed in everything from English Literature to economics. They could hold their own in academic debates while also using those dexterous mouths and tongues to suck your brains out of your cock.  Brains and beauty - and all of them looking for older (preferably more financially well off) “patrons.” Or so the rumors went.

So yeah, there's a bit of an age gap planned , Blaine in his mid-late 20s, Kurt in his mid-late 30s. and a bit of a Pretty Woman vibe to the story . . you know, hooker with a heart of gold type thing :)

And the selection from the fic so far:

“The auction.” Kurt’s mind puts two and two together. Elliot nods and motions towards the front of the ballroom.  Up on the stage there were three large gilded cages, each with a young man, scantily clad within them.  The boys were dancing as seductively as they could manage.  The two on the far right and far left of the stage (one brunette, and one blonde) kept throwing worried glances to one another as Dalton House patrons gathered at their feet, appraising them. “The ones on either end . . . despite flouting the refusal clause, they were caught with each other in bed.  Fraternizing with another student in contract is strictly forbidden.” Elliot said in a low voice.  “Nick and Jeff were just stupid.  I had warned them, but they weren’t careful.” Elliot shook his head. “And now I can’t protect them. They go to whoever is the highest bidder for them tonight, no matter what.” “And the boy in the center cage?” Kurt was hypnotized watching the young man sway his hips, his arms raised above his head, eyes closed to shut out the world around him.  Dark curls fell gently over his brow - curls that looked so soft, Kurt realized he wanted to run his fingers through them. “Blaine?”  Elliot sighed.  “I don’t know why he signed with Dalton, to be honest.  He just didn’t seem like the type, you know?  But again,  he refused one time too many for the administration’s liking. And now it’s come to bite him in the ass. He’s up for auction too.” “That’s . . . too bad . . “ Kurt murmured, still transfixed with watching Blaine.  Kurt couldn’t explain it - it was like the blood was rushing to fill his ears. And all he could hear was his own loud heart beat in syncopation with the music in the room: Padam, padam Padam, padam Padam, padam

OK . . tagging folks ( jump in only if you want to!) : @hkvoyage, @kirakiwiwrites, @little-escapist, @myheartalivewrites, @wordsofhoneydew, @14carrotghoul @fallevs, @spaceorphan18, @gleefulpoppet, @madas-ahatters-world, @rockitmans

#wip wednesday #fic: puppy love #fic: falling for you #fic: sanctuary #klainevalentines2024 #bitbybitwrites #klaine fanfiction #klaine fanfic #klaine fic #rwrb #red white and royal blue #firstprince #rwrb fanfiction #rwrb fanfic #rwrb fic #red white and royal blue fanfiction #klaine #kurt hummel #blaine anderson #alex claremont diaz #henry fox mountchristen windsor

[cultofsappho]

To celebrate the RWRB movie coming out (one more week!!!!), I wanted to compile my personal favorite, classic, RWRB fics

🇺🇸 RWRB Fic Rec Friday 🇬🇧

If you've been around the fandom for a while, you'll probably recognise a few of these. Several are well loved on ao3, and there's some hidden gems in here too.

Under the cut, because this got long quick! But I have 108 rwrb bookmarks on ao3, So... this is honestly the most edited-down list I can make!

In no particular order:

all that glitters (is not gold) by indomitablelove Words: 111,753. Post-Canon

Alex Claremont-Diaz has it all. His mom won the election, he’s got the perfect boyfriend. He gets to love Henry out loud. Everything is great. Perfect.

Except for the itch under his skin every time he goes outside, and the tightness in his chest when he goes online, and the fact that he can’t fucking sleep.

But it's fine. He's fine. Really.

— Or: after the emails, Alex Claremont-Diaz isn’t fine.

.

a goddamn blaze in the dark (and you started it) by orionseye Words: 4,612. Outsider(ish) POV

“You had a thing with who?” Spencer asks, cocking an eyebrow.

“No one. It’s nothing.“

“Oh c’mon. We finally get to the juicy shit and you won’t tell me?“

Liam bites his lip, stifling a laugh. “I had a thing with my best friend. All through high school.”

“I thought you had a girlfriend?”

“I did! I thought I was a proud heterosexual until I came here and figured shit out. We–we just, didn’t talk about it. Somewhere in our minds, the whole “making out for an hour” thing was, like, straight or something.”

a.k.a, liam and spencer’s adventures through the tendency of a famous ex-boyfriend to cause international scandals.

.

How wonderful life is (while you're in the world) by mlvdybug Words: 34,959. Post-Canon

The corner of Henry’s mouth. It’s disappeared now, covered by the oxygen mask fixed securely around his head, but if Alex concentrates hard enough, he can see it sprawled out in front of him. Every ridge, every bend and edge and turn of it.

He knows Henry’s heart. And that’ll be enough.

(or: the one where henry gets shot and alex is a goddamn mess.)

.

(baby) don't make me spell it out by extasiswings Words: 2,074. Post-Canon

One night near the end of first semester 1L finals, just a few weeks before the two-year anniversary of their first kiss, Alex finds himself looking up from his desk with its messy piles of color-coded notes and tabbed textbooks to see Henry asleep on the couch, clearly having dozed off waiting for him to come to bed, and unbidden he thinks, God, I’m going to marry this man.

It startles him, the spike of adrenaline that floods through him waking him up and bringing the parts of his brain turning over concepts like proximate cause and strict liability to a standstill as he stares at Henry.

I want to marry this man.

.

Two Sides of the Same Coin by bibliosoph Words: 86,895. AU

Alex has spent his whole life feeling out of place and paranoid. Growing up in a small village with a massive secret, he had to learn how to keep himself safe from harm and away from other people. Until he meets Henry.

Henry is the Prince of Camelot, though he despises the title and all that comes with it. His brother, the King, is a tyrant and makes Henry feel like he isn't enough. He's all but sworn away true love or anything of the sort. Until he meets Alex.

Brought together by magic and circumstance, the two find themselves constantly in the other's presence. But what will happen when that rocky relationship turns into a friendship? Will it then become something more?

Loosely based on Merlin.

.

The Royal Wedding by DracoWillHearAboutThis Words: 51,577. Post-Canon

HM Queen Mary is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Henry to Mr Alexander Claremont-Diaz.

The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2025, in London. Further details about the wedding date will be announced in due course. 

Prince Henry and Mr Claremont-Diaz became engaged earlier this week during a private holiday in Paris. Prince Henry has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Henry has sought and received the blessings of Mr Claremont-Diaz's parents.  The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace. 

.

Bear It All by Bri_Cheese Words: 26,383. AU

Bear: verb. Endure or expose.

Eighteen months after an assassination attempt buries a bullet in his spine, Alexander Claremont-Diaz has to attend the Royal Wedding.

.

A Picture on Your Corkboard by bleedingballroomfloor Words: 23,087. Amnesia/50 First Dates AU

It happens on a random morning in May when Alex, age fourteen, pads into the kitchen to greet his mother and steal a waffle from June's plate and sees a man sitting at their breakfast counter, reading a newspaper, a cup of coffee raised to his lips. Like he belongs. Like it's the most natural thing in the world. June doesn't seem to give the man a second thought. She merely flicks Alex on the forehead and takes back the waffle. Ellen isn't worrying, either. In fact, she's talking to him. Asking what his schedule is like. Making plans for dinner.

Alex has never seen this man before in his life.

.

say you'll see me again (even if it's just in your wildest dreams) by coffeecatsme Words: 21,331. Trans AU

“You should ask her to dance.” She nudges Alex, and Alex pretends there isn��t a flush rushing up to his face. He opens his mouth to mention every single fucking reason dancing with the blonde is a bad idea—she looks about a foot taller than Alex, objectively uncomfortable for some fucking reason, and Alex is against royalty on, like, principle—but then June nudges him again with widened eyes. “Come on. You know you want to, and I’m sure she’d appreciate it. None of the other fuckers are asking her because of how tall she is.”

For a moment, Alex glares at her. Then, he downs his champagne, shoves it in June’s face and tries to smooth his jacket. “You fucking owe me, June,” he says and ignores the brilliant smile that appears on her face.

“Don’t act so fucking upset about it.”

Or, 5 times Henry is too scared to come out to Alex and 1 time Alex gives him the courage.

Or, 6 times Alex slowly falls in love with Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, for exactly who he is.

.

Hetkeksi by Neuqe Words: 13,131. Magic AU

Alex is a rich noble who comes up with ridiculous reasons to see their new court healer, Henry

.

you are my heart, and it's beating too fast by DancingChupacabra Words: 1,117. Post-Canon

The night Alex's secret service detail expires.

Or, as it turns out being outed is very traumatic.

.

The Beginner's Guide to Floristry by clottedcreamfudge Words: 19,293. Hanahaki AU

As if there's anything romantic about it; as if it's not the most humiliating death Alex can imagine. This is why he doesn't do relationships. This is why he never will. The risk, as far as he fucking sees it, is too great.

Hanahaki Disease is a fictional disease where the victim of unrequited or one-sided love begins to vomit or cough up the petals and flowers of a flowering plant growing in their lungs, which will eventually grow large enough to render breathing impossible.

.

to repair a hollowed heart by coffeecatsme Words: 28,952. AU

Alexander Claremont-Diaz, the young ruler of the Underworld, the presider of souls that have passed away, has been banned from Olympus his entire life, on account of bringing death and destruction wherever he goes. His seat in the highest council of gods has been left permanently empty until someone sees all that he is and still falls in love with the man behind.

It's been twenty centuries since the curse has been put upon him, and Alex has long since given up on finding the right person.

Or, a Hades and Persephone AU no one asked for

.

And, a little shamless PWP becasue this fandom has some amazing ones. If i had to pick only one, I couldn't, but i'd pick this series:

Alex Claremont-Diaz is a Sub by demigodbeautiies

A series of PWPs surrounding the fact that Alex Claremont-Diaz is, without a doubt, a sub.

.

holy god that was long. There were so many others I want to rave about, but I'll try to edit myself for once

I hope some new-er rwrb readers find something to love here! I'm calling a lot of these "classics" becuase they are well loved in the fandom, and rightfully so!!

#rwrb #red white and royal blue #god i love these all so much #i've reread all these several times #i love this fandom so! much! #ao3 #fic rec friday

[myheartalivewrites]

A VERY INCOMPLETE LIST (PART 2)

I've finally had enough time to finish rewatching the second half of RWRB! Without further ado, here's my very thorough, ACD x HGEJFMW list of things, both tiny and huge, that I loved about the film:

(Yes, I DID think this would be shorter than the first part. I was very, very wrong.)

(here's part 1 if you want to check it out!)

The wide shots of Texas landscape

How excited Alex is to get to work when he gets there

Alex and Henry’s Texas emails

Alex leaning against a building like Jordan-freaking-Catalano, added bonus of his t-shirt sleeves pushed up 🥵

“…and then, I want to lick it off”

White button-down tucked into chinos, sleeves neatly rolled up, bracelets 

The New York hotel room and Henry hopping to get his shoe off and then falling on the bed

“You ever been on Grindr?” “Once, unsuccessfully” and the way Henry laughs when he says that

“Swooniest” 😍

Alex squeezing Henry’s thigh when he talks about his dad

The very obvious bottle of lube and condom wrapper on the bedside table in the morning

“It’s all chill, Zahra”

Zahra full on climbing on the sofa, heels and everything

Henry straightening his shirt as he climbs out of the closet, then neatly closing the doors behind himself with the dignity of a prince (even when faced with Zahra)

“I’m sorry to interrupt your process of becoming”

Pretty much everything Zahra says, but especially the way she says “Your Royal Highness” after threatening and cursing for several minutes

Alex’s very serious face while he tells his mom

“She’s also a he…”

Uma Thurman talking about anal and bottoming and PreP - truly a highlight

“I cannot believe they gave you the nuclear codes!”

The Lake House *swoon*

“You can call me Congressman” “Well, in that case, you can call me Your Royal Highness”

The music in the lake house montage sequence

Henry doing kick-ups

Sharing a hammock and reading 😍 (Yes, OLS and Girl, Woman, Other)

The look on Henry’s face when he goes into a regular bar

Henry’s dorkiness on stage

The “Alex is so in love he could die” moment as he watches Henry sing terribly

How Oscar’s clothes are a lot like Alex’s, and you can see him taking after his dad there, being proud of it

Oh god, everything about them on the dock/raft/pier thingy: “shower time!” and Alex kissing Henry’s neck as he climbs on and Henry kissing Alex’s bicep; the easy, casual intimacy before everything goes to shit. The perfect continuity in how wet they are all the way through! (that kind of thing bugs me) Shorts. Wet body hair, legs, arms, chest. The way Alex glitters.

"I never felt this way about anyone" and the inevitable...

Henry closing off, pulling his hand away, his fake smile 💔

Floating in the water, as if he could hide from his problems in there

Alex’s sad, confused face as he calls out “Henry!”

Oh god, Henry's sad face as he lies in bed in the lake house 😭

“What difference would it make if I did?” and Henry’s holding-back-tears face, the tight little smiles

The picture above Alex’s bed

The soft, vulnerable “What if he won’t see me?” whispered to Nora

Rain-soaked Alex saying “Can we please talk?” in a thick voice that sounds like he’s got a huge knot in his throat and is trying not to cry

“For once, I wish you could see me for who I am and not who you want me to be” and “Sometimes I don’t think you know me at all” 💔

“But, Henry. Nothing will ever happen to you.” Fucking bawling now, thanks

Henry and his key to slip out of the palace

Henry and Alex’s boots in the V&A (I don’t know what to say, I just like them)

Dancing ❤️🥹

History, huh? and his eyelashes 

Alex’s firm grip around Henry’s wrist in the morning, because he’s not letting him run away again

The airstrip: the ring, the key, that hug

“I’ll be as patient as you need”

“The forced conformity of the closet cannot be answered with forced conformity in coming out of it”

The montage of happy moments throughout Alex’s speech

“Mooning over the prince like a cow in labour” and “two lovesick homosexuals” and again everything out of Zahra’s mouth

“Baby”

“No. I’m not okay.”

Shoulder to waist ratio in a black t-shirt

God Save the King plucked on the piano 😂

“We really need to get you a book on English history”

Henry’s face when he says “and now they are faced with the reality”, so hard, so hurt

“I'm white and upper class so my affection comes with strings” and the way Henry cracks partway through and starts to laugh

The ring fiddling as they wait for the King

Ciggies and booze for the King

Stephen Fry’s accent *chef’s kiss*

OMG the King read their emails 😱 The horror

“Homossssexiual” 😂😂

The tears in Henry’s eyes and in his voice when he says “I love you”, finally, properly, for the first time

“We’re the blue team, right?” and “You just say the word, I’ll get your enrolled at UT Austin,” classic father/son-in-law banter and I love Oscar and Henry for it

CASEY MCQ!!

Holding hands in public, in Austin, yes sir

“Oh my god, I’m so grateful you’re here” and that hug

Alex’s bracelets, all the way through (have I mentioned them already?)

The return of that jacket and that hoodie for the final scene, my favourite and most quintessential, relaxed, fully themselves versions of Alex and Henry

“We won.” “We won.”

And of course:

Alex lending Henry his pinky so he can spin the ring on it and soothe himself (over the credits), which someone pointed out on here and it broke me fully

And never forget:

“Do you think anyone noticed?” and Henry’s clenched fists 

❤️🤍💙

#rwrb #rwrb movie #alex claremont diaz #henry fox mountchristen windsor #rwrb movie spoilers #red white and royal blue

[cricketnationrise]

5:18am

Texas Farmhouse that belong to Alex and Henry

Alex and Henry plus babies (fur or human your choice)

Red White and Royal Blue

a last rwrb ficlet before the movie comes out (i'm not screaming you're screaming oh who am i kidding i'm definitely screaming) thanks for the prompt, enjoy some relaxing early morning vibes 💜🦗

read the rest of Ficlet Fest 3 on AO3 here!

❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙

texas farmhouse, 5:18am

Normally, Alex would be annoyed that sunlight across his face pulls him out of sleep before his alarm goes off. Normally, he’d hide his head under a pillow or tuck his face even deeper into the crook of Henry’s neck to block out the bright rays.

Today, Alex lets himself be drawn out of sleep with the dawn. Today he stretches out with his eyes closed and basks in the gentle warmth of the sun through the windows before tucking Henry more firmly into his side. Today, there are no alarms, no jobs to hurry to, no events to be seen at. Today, (and the rest of the week, what a fucking miracle) there is only Alex and Henry and the wide open skies of Texas.

A quizzical sound comes from Henry, muffled by Alex’s chest, and he’s just so fucking content that he drops a kiss to Henry’s temple and blinks his eyes open; watches the clouds change color as the sun rises through the trio of skylights above their bed. The house is quiet around them, no sirens or shouting from the streets of Brooklyn, no clacking of nails on the floors – David presumably still tired out from all the exciting new places to explore and smell yesterday.

Alex’s mind is quiet for once and it shouldn’t be marvel but it is – just getting off the plane in Austin yesterday had his shoulders relaxing, his jaw unclenching, his energy calming (although that might also have been to do with the way the Texas sun caught Henry’s hair like a halo). Just like every time they’ve come back to visit his home state, Alex had had to catch his breath at the sight of Henry’s eyes reflecting the bright blue of a Texas sky.

He still can’t quite believe that this place – a refurbished farmhouse on a mid-size piece of land, close enough to Austin for convenience, far enough from the city to feel like it’s all alone – is theirs. His and Henry’s. A place all their own that they can retreat to at need. For all the strange and wonderful things that have happened to Alex since his mom first ran for President, the fact that he and Henry own two properties is definitely the weirdest.

Alex knows they won’t use this place as often as either of them wants for a few years yet. Right now, it’s an investment, a promise to their future selves: one day, when our lives slow down and the bustle of New York is more of a grind than an opportunity, we’ll come here, and just be.

#cricket writes #ficlet fest 3 #rwrb #alex pov #red white and royal blue #texas feels from someone who has never lived there #and only visited once #welp #ficlet #omgbarbiegurl

[mulderscully]

“taylor has to act out alex acting” exactly bestie you nailed it. i feel like it’s so obvious when taylor is alex claremont-diaz (tm) and when he’s just alex and he does different acting for both. i think a lot of people don’t understand that alex plays the former a lot! even with the people he loves! even when he’s with nora or his dad he still puts up his acd front especially in the beginning of the movie. i just really love moments where alex lets himself be vulnerable like the coming out scene with ellen or the lake house breakfast scene with oscar. compare those scenes with how alex acts with his parents in the beginning and the difference is also clear.

absolutely! and i think a lot about how like, alex never really had a normal life. he's had to start doing this since a young age since his parents are politicians. even in 2004, that picture with his mom is still about her campaign. the OLDEST he could be there is like 10. his dad is a congressman. anything he does or doesn't do reflects on them, and that's a lot of pressure and could be part of why he compartmentalized his sexuality in high school even though he and liam fooled around a lot. it was just easier to not think about what that means if your mother is gunning to be the first female president of the united states and pretend it doesn't matter.

& i'm always kinda amazed by that scene with him and oscar! the nervous and almost defensive way he asks, "so you like him?" feels like he's prepared to argue about it even though his parents are politically left and pro-lgbt, he still is worried about how they would react to him being in a relationship with a man.

it's such a great moment of him introducing the real henry to his dad, but also introducing the real version of himself too. it's subtle but sooooo good.

and with nora, i really love it cause you're totally right. in the beginning he's definitely still not fully himself with her and then in texas is when they really become friends, which he is kinda shocked by in the book! and it makes me sad because i don't really think alex has ever had close friendships before like this.

sidebar. i love how texas symbolizes freedom for them and how that's special because at the end of the day texas is mexico and represents authenticity for alex; and authenticity is what he and alex bring to each others lives. it's special that henry feels at home there as much as alex does because what henry needs is to be away from his home and find a new one because he never fit in with the royal family. what makes rwrb different to other prince/commoner stories like the prince and me or ever after etc is that it isn't about alex becoming a royal, it's about henry leaving the royal family and becoming an ordinary person as much as he can be.

tldr: taylor read that book multiple times and played alex perfectly but since the book is alex's pov i think some people don't understand that we are literally reading his thoughts, but while watching we have to see those things play out instead of sort of being part of the experiences. they're just different perspectives but it's really fun to match them up to each other!

like, i just love these moments so much, where you can see alex's walls come down in front of henry and henry knowing he's anxious when i don't think anyone else would

#reply #rwrb posting #casey really did THAT i'm glad they didn't stop writing this book in 2016 #bc it's a fantasy and escapism and not real at all and that's what makes it special as a queer romcom

[droids-in-disguise]

Alright, RWRB movie: final thoughts.

Overall I had a good time with it. It was fun, cheesy, and heartfelt when it needed to be. Honestly a lot of the more emotional scenes hit way harder than I expected them to.

If you're going into it thinking it's gonna be exactly like the book, you will be disappointed. There are a fair number of changes in the supporting cast and the details of how certain scenes play out. Some of it I understand, having only 2 hours you kinda have to be a lot more direct with the kind of story you want to tell.

List of things I liked:

I know one of the things people were concerned about in the lead up to this movie was the chemistry between Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine and OMG it's there, I promise, they have it! They were great as Alex and Henry.

The way the opening "cakegate" scene was done. Brilliant.

Joan Jett for the opening credits.

Uma Thurman.

The texting montage at the beginning where Henry and Alex are getting to know/flirting with each other. I really loved how they staged that.

Zahra's Mitch McConnell joke.

Just Zahra in general.

Red Room scene

The one big sex scene in the movie was actually so good and sweet. I am not generally a person who feels this way but it actually made me a bit emotional.

Alex coming out to his mom. Yes, I know there was no Powerpoint but there spirit was there.

Stephen Fry as the King, notable gay icon plays homophobe, lmao.

List of things I did not like:

No June, obviously, knew this was gonna be the case. In the movie "Nora" really feels more like June than Nora tbh, but I did like her dynamic with Alex.

Why are Alex's parents not divorced? Was it because they didn't want to cast Leo? Or because there was only enough time to focus on Henry's trauma and not Alex's?

Not enough David! He was in one scene, not even wagging his tail.

Not enough Pez, once again, only in one scene.

Henry not saying Return of the Jedi was his favorite movie.

Not enough of the emails, like I feel like we only got a few pieces and it makes it not feel quite as impactful when they leak.

Where are the silly goofy group chats???

Ultimately I'm glad this movie exists. Most of the things I didn't like are really just nitpicky issues I have as a fan of the book. As the movie stands by itself, as its own entity I think it was wonderfully done. Alex and Henry's story is so very important to me and I'm excited for the exposure that a movie brings.

#rwrb spoilers #rwrb #rwrb movie #red white and royal blue #red white and royal blue movie

[royal-ruin]

red, white, and royal blue fic recs (part 2)

other rwrb fic recs here personal favorites are starred, by the way. everything is complete unless stated otherwise.

five times henry's competency turned alex on and the one time it turned him into a pile of romantic goo by helenblqckthorn (~4k)

Alex has a fucking thing for competency. A competency kink, if he wants to be crude. And it just so happens that his boyfriend is one of the most competent men in England. Well, Alex, he thinks. You sure know how to pick ‘em.

*ever so careful (heartbreak remix) by everwitch (~7k)

Did you know about me and Henry? Henry is a singer in the mega-popular boyband Honey. Alex is an award-winning actor. But before either of them made their claim to fame, they were something else entirely.

so heart-breakingly beautiful

*i see you (your whole heart) by indomitablelove (~7k)

‘I think he’s excellent,’ Arthur says, picking up a knife from the pot of jam to spread over his toast. ‘It’s refreshing to see someone be so unapologetically themselves. I think we need more of that.’ He glances at Henry. ‘I think that everybody should be able to be exactly who they are, without shame.’ Five times Arthur tried to tell Henry he knew (and one time Henry told him).

when i tell you this had me tearing up

*fleeting seconds (wish you would hold me for more) by zellymaybloom (~9k) incomplete

Henry and Alex have a tradition where they kiss on New Years. 5 times they do, 1 time they don't. Henry isn't sure how much it means. OR in a world where Rio doesn't spark a rivalry, but instead a friendship, Alex kisses Henry every year instead of Nora.

more of the boys being completely oblivious (mostly alex ofc)

(baby) don't make me spell it out by extasiswings for letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (~2k)

One night near the end of first semester 1L finals, just a few weeks before the two-year anniversary of their first kiss, Alex finds himself looking up from his desk with its messy piles of color-coded notes and tabbed textbooks to see Henry asleep on the couch, clearly having dozed off waiting for him to come to bed, and unbidden he thinks, God, I’m going to marry this man. It startles him, the spike of adrenaline that floods through him waking him up and bringing the parts of his brain turning over concepts like proximate cause and strict liability to a standstill as he stares at Henry.  I want to marry this man.

a must-read. i never get tired of alex's pining. (should clarify, they are dating here)

I'm Fine With My Spite and My Tears (and my beer and my candles) by Megg1223 (~8k)

Henry leaves Alex at the lake house, but Alex doesn't storm Kensington. What happens when they see each other after three months? With the election right around the corner can Alex keep it together enough not to cause another international incident? Alex just needs to get through the night and then he can forget about the boy who broke his heart, but he's finding it increasingly difficult as the night goes on.

tagged with a happy ending, but it is angsty :(

**God Save the Blessed American President Mom by zipadeea (~31k)

["June stopped by at lunch; she showed me a delightful channel called Hallmark, which repeats the same story every hour after they swap one round of white, straight, small-town conventionally beautiful actors for another. It was entertaining.”  “June and I used to play a drinking game with those. Take a shot every time someone goes ice skating, sledding, or leaves the big city for their tiny hometown.”  “Good lord, you must’ve been sloshed in the first ten minutes.”] --- On December 4, 2021, an attempt is made on President Ellen Claremont's life.  Alex gets shot instead.

if you haven't read this, you definitely have to now. be warned it is very angsty though.

#rwrb fanfic #rwrb #rwrb book #rwrb film #rwrb movie #red white and royal blue #henry fox mountchristen windsor #alex claremont diaz #royal's rwrb fic recs #rwrb fanfiction

[acesstark]

rwrb and grief (book + movie)

As someone who lost a mom at the ripe old age of 16 years old, Henry’s grief being completely erased from the movie kind of killed me. Like I’m infinitely disappointed about it, especially considering it was such a huge part of his character.

In the book, one of Henry’s most prominent traits is the feelings left in the aftermath of his father dying when he was a teenager. His grief is chronic, and it pretty much will stick with him for the rest of his life. Bea explains it to Alex in the “I love him on purpose” scene (which is something else that got completely cut out of the movie).

There’s a much longer stretch of time between Arthur dying and Henry and Alex first meeting in the book, I think it’s 14 months (book) and 4 months (movie). I’m sure they changed it to make Henry’s behavior toward Alex seem more justifiable, as if because it was only four months post losing his father, the wound would still be fresh and therefore his grief being ugly is acceptable or whatever.

But what I really appreciated in the book is how, even though it had been over a year, Henry was still going through the motions of losing his dad and it wasn’t very pretty or nice (ex: in the book he says “can you get rid of him” in reference to Alex, which is notably different and more rude than “I need to get out of here” which he said in the movie), even after all that time when most people would expect you to be over it by then.

In the “I love him on purpose” scene, Bea explains the ways in which Arthur dying has permanently affected Henry, and that the grief is always going to be apart of him, and that there is no way to love Henry without making the active decision to love every part of him, grief and ugly parts and depression included. And Alex loves him on purpose, perpetual grief and all. Which, for whatever reason, was cut out of the movie.

Lastly, both their birth order and Arthur’s death greatly impacted the way Philip, Bea, and Henry grew into their personalities.

After their dad died, Philip, the Heir, the oldest, grew cold and distant and fell into his roll as one-day King as opposed to older brother and was shaped by the crown in a way that made it so that he didn’t protect and support his siblings the way he should have.

Bea, both the middle child and older sister, spiraled after their dad died. In the wake of their father she developed a dr*g habit and a rebellious streak, but her fierce protectiveness of Henry, being her younger brother, only grew throughout it all, and even though there was no one there to protect her, she made sure she was there for Henry.

Henry, the baby, the spare, whose grief was a driving factor for his character. Losing his father, one of the only people who truly understood him, as a teen, on top of inheriting a country he does not want and growing up believing he can never be allowed to love who he loves, he spends years in the aftermath of his fathers death with it affecting every part of his soul, and while it may get easier to cope, that feeling will never leave him.

Their families dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the book, both because I can relate (it almost directly mirrors mine + my siblings own grief) and because it’s so well written. But in the movie, that entire dynamic was killed. Philip is shown as cruel for no reason, Bea is the stereotypically bubbly youngest sister who is the perfect princess, and Henry’s grief is essentially eradicated.

Watching the movie, all that’s mentioned of Henry’s grief is the throwaway line in the storage closet about how he was a dick to Alex because his dad died a few months ago, and it never comes up again. It was really disappointing.

#rip powder princess bea you were so hot and strong and beautiful and amazing I will avenge you #like even Philip was humanized in the book he was just an ass for no reason in the movie #anyway as a motherless person I was disappointed with this aspect of the film #but I was disappointed with the majority of it so ig that doesn’t matter #firstprince #red white and royal blue #alex x henry #henry fox mountchristen windsor #rwrb movie #rwrb book

[little2nerdy]

thoughts after my first RWRB watch-through (SPOILERS!)

obviously, adaptations can't always be 100% faithful if they want to be less than like five hours long so there are things i wish had been there, however! this is my new comfort movie and i will be forcing everyone i know to watch it for the foreseeable future. here are some of my thoughts - there will be more.

things i loved

i loved the easter eggs from the book - lines taken straight from the page *chefs kiss*

Uma Thurman as president. need i say more?

the closet scene at the hospital

cornbread

the texts being read aloud and them being there but not really being there? ugh, i love.

the entire new year's party was so fucking good ("did he just say till the sweat drop down my balls?" - hrh prince dickhead)

THE RUGBY SCENE

the closet scene at the DNC (the way henry talks about telling his sister as if zara isn't having a heart attack right in front of him is fucking hilarious)

loved zahra so fucking much. the scene at the dnc? pure gold.

they referenced ellen making a power point post alex coming out which is good enough for me (plus the safe sex talk/lgbtq+ jargon was hilarious)

alex is reading one last stop while sitting in the hammock in texas

henry jumping into the lake instead of talking about his feelings has always been a mood and continues to be

the showing up in the middle of the night in the rain + the museum? so dramatic (they played the wrong song in the museum tho)

HISTORY HUH? !!!!!!! my little gay heart almost exploded

the ring + key exchange -> heart melted

THE EMAIL LEAK - there were tears in my eyes when henry found out let me tell you

alex's white house press conference speech post email leak was actually really good, its something that a queer person in America can only dream about

zahra calling shaan post email leak was *chefs kiss*

i know it was a change from the book but henry standing up for himself against Philip & his grandfather was so good

henry's yellow tie

ellen claremont being reelected made me cry because i know the likelyhood of a liberal female president in my lifetime is not something I'm bound to experience (its a scary time politically for queer people in the US so sue me for shedding a few tears over a fictional presidential election, ok?)

the bike ride to texas house post election ❤️

Things i missed

i needed more bea, percy, nora, and I NEEDED JUNE

why tf are alex's parents still together?

i know its because of copyright shit probably but i missed the starwars references and was really hoping for the mural at the end

i wish they'd done more with henry's nonprofit goals instead of just making him some washed up royal while alex was out there making moves

the email leak was such a pivitoal point in the book and i feel like they downplayed it so much. i needed the drama guys.

love stephen fry but where the fuck is henry's mom and the queen?

i missed nora's edible and energy drink fuled texas analysis at the end

i wanted to see them taking the royal couple photos

#ellen claremont #alex claremont diaz #ACD #first prince #firstprince #hrh prince henry #hrh prince dickhead #hrhenryfox #rwrb on prime #prince henry rwrb #rwrb film #rwrb #rwrb movie #rwrb spoilers #Alex Claremont Diaz rwrb #casey mcquiston #red white and royal blue movie #red white and royal blue #red white and royal blue movie spoilers