i'm still very sad they didn't do anything at all in season 3 with the Nate & Roy dynamic they'd been building off in the background for the first two seasons, because the layers there were really fascinating.
Starting with like, Roy being the only one to vocally and actively stand up for Nate in season one. At the time I think Nate was appreciative, but I think in hindsight, (rightly or wrongly) it quickly morphs into this mindset that Roy is sort of patronizing and has long viewed him as this weak thing in need of protecting. It feels (in Nate's mind), like Roy swept in to play the savior when it convinced him, but even that was based more around his hatred of Jamie than it was about liking Nate. And we see Nate later think himself proven correct in that thinking after he kisses Keeley and confesses and Roy...barely reacts. Roy, who is furious and angry about everything and everyone every day of his life, is suddenly like "Oh it's fine" when Nate has kissed his girlfriend. Nick Mohammed's commentary that Nate actively saw that as a micro-aggression was so fascinating and makes a lot of sense.
Then you have Roy, who did see season one Nate as someone to protect, but then was also driven to his best performance on the pitch during his final season by Nate's no-bullshit speech before the Everton game. That scene is so effective because it's such a jarring departure for the entire team from how they've previously viewed Nate, and it works for Roy especially because Roy respects people who don't give in to the intimidation he's constantly goading them with and instead tells it to him straight, no words minced (this is why Roy gets along so well with people like Rebecca, Keeley, and Ted, and why the breakthrough moment with Jamie is Jamie calling him out at the gala, etc.). I think there IS a part of Roy that doesn't respect Nate in season 1, which is why he later reacts how he does to Nate's kiss with Keeley, and it's a mindset he's vindicated by when Nate turns on Ted. But that also gets all mixed up with moments like the Everton, with the evidence of Nate being such a good strategist that Roy later finds himself deeply envious of after becoming a coach himself.
During the time they are both coaching together, there's a dynamic there where they both (I think) believe the other person doesn't take them seriously, and it's rooted in a little bit of truth (on both sides!!) that's then wildly exacerbated by their own insecurities. Like, Nate is intimated by the fact that Roy is this rich famous hotshot publicly beloved, so that it feels way out of Nate's league to even be interacting with him. At the same time, he also thinks Roy is a bit of an asshole who doesn't see him as a threat because he doesn't take him seriously, and is (fairly) offended by it. Meanwhile, Roy is intimated by Nate because Nate is so clearly so intelligent, which I think is something Roy is insecure about in general, given his own education being superseded early on by football. He sees Nate as being a more adequate coach than himself because of this. But he also thinks Nate is spineless and whatever respect he had for him (fairly) dissolves completely after Nate goes to the press about Ted.
So it's like, this messy mixture where they both have something the other desperately wants but they can't see at all why the other would possibly be envious of them due to their own insecurities. They are, imo, the two most insecure people on the show in completely different ways. They hate themselves far more than they hate each other, yet they displace the weight of that feeling onto each other; Roy by treating Nate with indifference and Nate by dismissing Roy in his head as an asshole hotshot whose had a great life handed to him and doesn't even appreciate it, whereas Nate has to fight tooth and nail to find success. And it all boils down to them not understanding one another while also having a lot in common under the surface.
Anyway, I think it would be super interesting to see how their friendship or even just their relationship as coworkers develops after season 3, as they both make active attempts at overcoming their insecurities and doing better by themselves and each other.
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Spoiling You With All My Might -- Comte Collection Story Translation
I've been meaning to post this one for a while, as it's honestly in my top ten Comte events of all time. For this Collection story event, it was basically all the suitors comforting MC when she's stressed/tired/overworked. And lbr, who doesn't need that in their life?
Enjoy everyone, and just a reminder that I'm no professional--I just translate these for my own enjoyment. Without further ado:
In the early afternoon, when the hands on the clock are pointing to 3pm--
I was alone drinking tea in a quiet kitchen.
(I’ve been busy lately…I think I’m a little burnt out.)
My cup of tea was already empty, but somehow I didn’t have the energy to stand up--
Comte: MC, are you taking a break?
Turning around revealed Comte standing in the middle of the doorway.
Okay but like. I gotta say just the thought of him peeking around the corner is killing me, he's the cutest man alive I swear
But also. Now I'm wondering if he's lowkey like IS IT MEOW MEOW TIME? MEOW MEOW T I M E!!!!!! pounces on the opportunity for quality time. Somehow that's even more adorable I'm going to explode from uwus
MC: Indeed I am. Would you like to have some tea, too?
Comte: That’s an attractive invitation, but if you don’t mind, would you spend some time with me for a little while after this?
MC: Go out with you…?
Comte: I’m thinking of going for a walk. Would you like to join me?
His hand was outstretched in a gentlemanly gesture that touched/eased my heart.
MC: Haha, I’d love to.
I laughed a little at this because I'm definitely the kind of person that's like "omg pls, you are not beating the silly goose allegations!!!" over him being all suave over a walk together but. At the same time. HEART EYES M-- King of romantics everywhere. Gentleman of my heart. Mellifluous seducer have MERCY
More under the cut!
Comte’s escort led me to a forest a short walking distance from the mansion.
As I walk alongside him, the sunbeams penetrate through the trees as they sway with the breeze.
Comte: The weather is lovely today, making it a perfect occasion for a walk.
MC: You’re right…the wind feels nice, too.
As I walked slowly listening to the rustling trees, I could feel the fatigue/tension draining out of me little by little.
(It feels like my heart is being cleansed. It’s so soothing…)
Comte: …
It was then that I noticed Comte gazing at me calmly.
As somebody who used to be plus ultra literally every minute of my life, this made me so softe inside. The way he cares so much about her ;-; he really said "I will die before I disrespect a girlboss, but also. I am here. For to help PLS. Also a crumb of attention...p l swleseskje...."
(Ah…by any chance)
MC: Comte
Comte: Yes?
MC: …You invited me out for a change of pace, didn’t you?
Comte smiled softly at my words.
Comte: I just wanted to take a walk with you like this.
I do love how, especially in recent events, MC notices his gestures more and more 🥺💛💛💛💛💛💛 I think it's really cute that he wants to be sneaky sweet and supportive, and whenever she realizes it he's like. C'est moi? You're not fooling anyone pretty boy!!! I know you have brain cells up there!!! But also the sincerity in that last line, of how he really does also just want to spend some time with her. How he's always saying the most wonderful thing she can give him is her time.
Just put my body out to sea I can't do this anymore--
I was enveloped in the sound of his voice, warming my heart, and my feet stopped involuntarily.
Comte: MC?
MC: Every time you treat me so kindly like this…I’m so happy I could cry
Jokingly, Comte turned around and spread his coat.
Comte: If you want to do so, that’s okay too
MC: Huh…
Comte: After all, there is no one here but us. If you want to cry, you can cry.
Comte wrapped me gently in his open coat and murmured in my ear.
Comte: Like this, there will be no trace of tears left behind.
MC: Oh…
(It’s okay to cry…that’s not something you hear very often when you’re fully grown.)
(Just hearing him say that in such a sweet voice makes my heart feel lighter…)
(Comte really is amazing)
Honestly this part just made me melt, I have no words--I'm down bad fellas. We love a man who encourages his partner that its safe to be vulnerable 😭🙏🏼
But also I feel the need to say. Comte don't offer this to me because from that point on I will live in your coat. It will no longer be 'Comte's nice coat,' but rather:
MC: Thank you. But…Aren’t you spoiling me too much?
When I looked up and asked him, he leaned over to drop a kiss to my forehead…
MC: Oh…
Comte: I see. I think I don’t spoil you enough.
Comte’s long fingers reached out to wipe my eyes gently.
Comte: MC, I love everything about you.
Comte: Your fatigue and your tears, don’t forget that it’s my privilege to soothe them with these hands.
He gazes deeply into my eyes, and I can’t help how my heart races in response.
So like. Do you ever just cry and die. Because.
I'm like somewhere between "WE GOT A 2319!!!!!!!!!" and inches from professing my eternal love and loyalty like some kind of lovelorn knight too afraid to even touch the radiance of their beloved. Comte how on earth am I supposed to look at you without being blinded. Sun that's too bright!!!!! That's too b r i g h t!
I just. "Your fatigue and your tears, don’t forget that it’s my privilege to soothe them with these hands." [muffled wailing noises] Did I ASK--
Mfer out here like 'oh the terrible fate of being tied to me for eternity' meanwhile every second of being with him is either dizzyingly passionate or like being wrapped up in the warmest, fluffiest blankie imaginable. I HAVE TO S T A N SIR--
MC: Ah, if you spoil me so much, I’m afraid I won’t be able to do anything on my own anymore.
Comte smiled a little as I laughed deceptively in the hopes of hiding how delighted I was.
Comte: That’s great. I’d love to see that, myself.
The fingers that had been stroking my eyes slipped down my cheek to touch my lips.
Comte: If you can’t manage to walk alone--I’ll be there to hold you up, and walk alongside you.
His sweet whisper ends when his lips gently cover mine.
MC: Mn…
In the midst of his enveloping kiss, I gently entrusted my body to the person dearest to me--
Can I just ?????? Say????? How much I love MC being teasing/catty with him as the events go on. I LOVE it here. I think I really like how she grows into her own strength, and how she feels comfortable expressing her shyness without ceding that integrity. One thing I've noticed that I love in relationships is this ability to air grievances in a playful way, where the stakes are low--but the person can still express their feelings and be comforted. I think I like how it's not about putting pressure on the person, but getting it out in the open and resolved all the same. It just fills me with warm fuzzies c:
Also. "If you can’t manage to walk alone--I’ll be there to hold you up, and walk alongside you." Like not to beat a dead horse, but wow. Pretty sure this metaphysically changed me as a person. Thanks, I will never be the same. True love exists, [unhinged barking noises], etc etc
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