Much to my regret, Mudshock isn't a dynamic I've thought about a whole lot before. Please bestow upon me allllll your Mudshock thoughts :]
Ok so, before i begin, lemme throw canon at you--
They are actually everything to me, I've been a fan of this trio ever since the love triangle tbh. (ooooh hot take i know)
Mudshock feels, inherently very queer to me. As in this trio is a messy tangle of romantic vs platonic vs maybe both(?) love. You can't really neatly fit it into a box and that to me is as queer as they come. Jaya is built on more traditional romantic feelings, Bruise has a platonic foundation with the eventual addition of romance, and Tsunami Duo is very gay/lesbian solidarity coded (even tho nya is bi)
I'm still figuring out their dynamic in Nin-jumble due to Nya's situation, but here are my thoughts/headcanons of them pre-merge. The foundation if you will,
On Cole's end, both of his relationships to jay and nya are deeply rooted in friendship first. He's the one most likely to show affection through light teasing, banter, and making fun.
Unlike Jay, Cole is able to be brutally honest with Nya.
Cole and Jay still have a competitive streak with each other, with nya only joining in if she thinks she can win.
Nya quickly learned she can't take sides during one of Jay or Cole's squabbles. It's best to let them sort it out. 9 times out of 10 its not a serious fight
Jay is the most physically affectionate of the group, followed by Cole then Nya. I head canon that nya for a long time felt awkward displaying PDA, but became more comfortable with it later in their relationship.
Jay openly flirts with them the most
(hot take time? my impression of canon) Jay looks up to Nya, but he looks to Cole as his equal (while jokingly saying he looks down on him)
Jay and Cole are the ones that use pet names the most, but its never the traditional couple-y ones. Jay has used both for Nya, and Nya doesn't really give out pet names
They all have a protective streak, but Nya is the sword, Cole is the shield, and Jay is the gun. That's the best way I can describe them.
Nya would protect Jay, Cole would protect others from Jay
Cole and Nya share hugs, cuddle, and occasionally will hold each other's hand, but nothing more.
Jaya and Bruise engage in traditional romantic things
Jay: I'm in a relationship with the loves of my life
Nya: I'm in a relationship with the love of my life and my best friend
Cole: I'm in a relationship with both of my best friends but I like kissing one of them
Cole: And this is my not-wife nya :] Nya: My husband wanted a boyfriend and I said yes. Cole: Hmm, that's not how I remember it ten years ago. Nya: What happened to 'don't bring up the love triangle'. Cole: ha ha you used to have feelings for me~ Nya: ha ha and you used to think you were straight. Cole: ...
Cole and Nya have a running bit where they'll each say "Well, he/she's YOUR husband/wife" to Jay whenever it's convenient for them
Jay is the best at cooking. Nya suffered from overcompensating sexism and Cole doesn't follow recipes correctly and lacks the ability to wing it
That's all I have for now. I love them dearly as a platonic trio, and from this au, I'm realizing just how much I love them in this cute romantic/qpr relationship they got going!
