DDVAU Chapter 23 Handshake Analysis - when holding hands is actually gay
What was the most important scene during chapter 23? I know some of you are going to say “Grian winking at HG” or “HG leaning over that hospital bed”.
Look, I know Grian has more rizz than I ever will and HG’s ass is really fine, but the most important scene during chapter 23 is the handshake scene. This scene, if looked at closely, we can actually see where each of our gay disasters currently stand and their thoughts about what’s going on. Let's get into it!
G gets into HG’s space (control, on his terms), leaning in while HG leans back.
HG isn’t sure what G’s doing
G holds out hand (professional), reaching out with an olive branch (metaphorically).
HG is utterly baffled by this olive branch (his ears were up before with surprise, then they shot straight down with confusion).
G’s a lot closer than I thought (he’s nearly touching HG’s chest).
HG has crossed his arms (protection? barrier separating? trying to keep distance due to past together or not understanding what is happening right now?)
Stars - these only really appear when someone is excited. I know for a fact G isn’t excited here, so why the heck is HG so excited about this? (happy G doesn’t hate him? especially cuz this dude has a crush on G that he’s oblivious to? I’m starting to think this doodle is about Scar finally coming to the realisation that he likes G).
G is thrown off, flustered (didn’t expect that answer)
G really is a flustered mess (embarrassed, having a hard time staying in the role).
First thing G thinks of when flustered - I don’t want to call this guy hot. Makes sense, but really G, that’s the first thing you jump to?
HG is amused by G’s flustered state (chuckle)
G doesn’t like HG laughing (he’s making an effort here!)
HG leans in and responds, G is surprised by this (proximity or response?)
Sure~ - denotes playfulness or flirting! (probably playfulness considering HG being amused and chuckling, but I can hope).
HG doesn’t immediately grab G’s hand (light touch instead, probably doesn’t want to cross a line or make G too uncomfortable).
G flinches pretty hard in response to the touch (nervous? uncomfortable?)
HG lifts his hand and extends his pointer finger slightly to touch G’s pinky (showing that he still wants to shake on it but letting G ease into it?).
G reaches back pretty fast based on movement lines and how his cardigan’s sleeve is sliding back (G being resolute in what he’s doing - reminds himself of strategy/plan?).
G pulls HG’s hand back towards him based on cardigan sleeve sliding forward
The hands are held together in the middle of the page (represents that they are now equals? Maybe that’s why G pulled HG’s hand back, to kinda say that he’s only doing this if they are equals from now on?)
HG is pretty close to G (their noses are almost touching)
That name introduction was totally flirting (HG being amused and genuine = flirting)
G breaks the flow with the lack of reaction and him being confused (really G? We could have had more flirting if you just didn’t buffer during that moment!)
HG is led to share a tidbit of personal backstory about his name to clear up G’s confusion (see G! HG is a person with hobbies and a life! When are you two going to start dating?).
G cracks up (like, hard) over this, HG immediately gets defensive (awwwww!)
After all this, G lets go of HG’s hand to pull himself together (yeah, they held hands for that entire exchange. Long time to hold the hand of someone you hate G).
G probably wanted the hand holding to be over fast (cuz of HG hate), but he got distracted by HG’s Hawk alias’ backstory.
HG probably just didn’t notice how long the handhold was (he’s not very aware of invading personal space).
HG stares at the hand that was held and rubs the finger he extended to G (did HG like G’s touch/holding G’s hand? Seems like it)
Hg clenches fist and continues convo (what are you doing HG? are you trying to save G’s touch?).
*guys, I think HG may have a crush on G, but I dunno 🙃
G give HG a light punch with the hand he held with HG (something only really used as a friendly or romantic gesture when that light 😁), G is starting to open up to HG.
So, Grian is putting his plan forward but is starting to know HG on more of a personal level, starting to see him as more of a person than just a cop. He’s getting more comfortable with HG to the point where he’s laughing at what he says, punching him lightly, even engaging in casual conversation.
HG on the other hand, is confused about what's going on and is approaching this agreement carefully to make sure he doesn’t cross a line. But at the same time this moron obviously has a crush and is oblivious to it…
So the gay disaters are still gay disaters…
