constantly thinking about peanutboyfriend, aerial harry, slick daddy boss, cherry and sunshine, the pink envelope, hot cherry fuck, chubby's bar, cherry pink smokes, toffee and fireworks, vivienne surefire, sunny baby. xpls. they are never far from my brain. missin you birdie and your genius brain.
Is it OTPs if it is more than one or just favorite ships?
These pairings beat the odds and stand the test of time. They genuinely choose to love every day, even if it’s the least easy path. None of them expect to fall in love. Most go through (figurative with some literal) hell and heaven and back for each other.
1. Melinda Gordon & Jim Clancy
They are the most healthy and realistic TV couple I’ve ever witnessed. Truly my place of realistic bliss! Simple but just as effective.
2. Jamie & Claire Fraser
These two individuals are true equals in every sense of the word - independent heroes. They don't depend on each other to be strong individually, but they choose to be together which makes them even stronger. I appreciate how they believe in and respect each other immensely, even through the toughest of times. Admittedly, the show's time-travel and heroics were unrealistic for our current times. However, what I found truly beautiful was the way these two characters loved each other. It was a healthy, supportive love that one might find in a strong marriage. They both faced different kinds of emotional and mental trauma, but they were always there for one another, holding each other up during the darkest times until they each found their way back to themselves. Seeing this kind of love portrayed on screen was truly special and rare.
3. James Valdez & Teresa Mendoza
Peter Gadiot and his heart eyes can handle things independently, but when he's with Teresa, it's a tremendous slow burn! SBs are my ultimate weakness. I'm here for the adventure, but even if you remove the thrilling and dangerous cartel aspect for a moment, you still have two relatable characters. I love that this show ensures realistic responses to traumas and surroundings. The incredibly attentive and gentle connection that develops between them is convincing. It grows into something undeniable and irreplaceable. It's a story of two people who suppressed love and let their cool, traumatized shells guide them for far too long. Luckily, they eventually managed to express their emotions and made it. This love is built on mutual trust, loyalty, and intelligence.
4. Olivia & Fitz
OK, who’s going to admit that they at some point loved the idea of forbidden scandalous fruit which must be kept a secret?! The chemistry! The high stakes! The epic drama of it all! These two are so soft and yet on fire at all times. Cons: it's not that realistic, and it’s a very unhealthy coupling.
5. Bonnie & Damon
The laughter! The unexpected pure friendship! Yes, this ship was categorized as platonic, but it wasn’t if you listened to Kat and Ian’s interviews. They explain it well if it’s not apparent enough on screen. If you’ve read the books, you know romance was initially part of their story. I only watched the show but believe these two characters are fun/nier and a healthier match than Delena ever was. Also, Ian Somerhalder wouldn’t have continued in the show without Kat Graham’s Bonnie Bennett! Honestly, none of the characters would live to season 8 without Kat’s character. Bonnie was an ideal character all on her own from the start, even before she knew her true power, but (as unfair and racist as it was/is) Kat Graham only got more screen time because of Bamon. In contrast, Damon’s character arc to becoming his best self was primarily because of her. I digress. I love Ian and Kat. The growth of these two characters over TVD’s eight seasons is tremendous. I just love the history, the quick wit, the “can’t bulshit me” soft magic between them.
6. Elena Gilbert & Damon Salvatore (Delena)
Who doesn’t like to indulge in a cliche love triangle when it manages to be this epic?! Drama drama drama, and yet this pair is SO GOOD! I’m a bit biased. Cons: Not realistic and mostly unhealthy
7. Vivienne Surefire & Sunny Sweeney (🍒☀️)
Fic otp! Aerial - Another unexpected slow burn! A story about having to often get things very wrong before getting them right. These characters don’t start romantically brushing elbows until the 27th chapter or so. It’s full of angst, and soft, loved-up, ethereal molten hot feelings, with a picturesque setting throughout! Pros: poetically written - almost every line is a pretty and moving description. Cons: a little too idealistic for reality
8. Bonus:
Click to each the video of these two jaguars in love! Jaguars are my favorite big cat, and I resonate with their spiritual symbolism. Unfortunately all animals in sanctuaries are endangered species. Luckily, these cats are respected and get all that they need. Jaguars are naturally solitary creatures. Yet look at my favorite Jaguar couple, defying it all, loving, purely to love. Meet Neron & Kiera - a real-life jaguar couple who live at the big cat sanctuary in England. Neron is the melanistic male, and Kiera is the tan female. They had a cub a year ago and may have another later. They are so tender with each other. I love how their personalities are opposites, but they love each other anyway.
Many tv series and books are not realistic but I like that my favorite pairs have some realism and remind me/taught me a few things about healthy, enduring love. Ultimately, I must respect myself and enjoy my life and know myself as much as I respect others to get the most out of life.