But it all depends on our choices, though, right? I can see a version of Cindy choosing Ian over Axel, for sure, just as I can see a version of Cindy choosing Axel over Ian, even if she gets burned like others before her. I'm not sure why stating this would upset some readers on here with very thin skin; not you personally. I think that there's definite, simmering sexual tension between Cindy and Ian, which is one of the highlights of the game, no question. What I don't see is a lot of chemistry between the two characters, relative to the chemistry between Ian and Lena, or Ian and Holly, for that matter. I see chemistry as being on the same psychological wavelength and having enough in common to get on well, regardless of sexual tension; I associate it with depth of interaction, too. That's all it is. I see Ian as a guy who can get complex about topics of interest, for instance, with the likes of Lena, Holly, and, in theory, even a more mature, experienced and redeemed Jessica. Cindy strikes me as too simple to care about any of that, at least where she finds herself currently in life. I love how she's been written, Cindy. I just don't see long-term romance as realistic between Cindy and Ian. It's just a matter of perspective.
Holly and Lena are definitely more similar to Ian than Cindy is, I agree on that. I doubt Cindy is particularly interested in literature, for example, and the differences between them could realistically become a problem once that first period of intense sexual attraction passes.
The reason I still think their chemistry is so good is mostly that they seem to understand each other well. I think Holly's great, and I'm really looking forward to see how her relationship with Lena will develop, but I've already lost some of the interest in her route with Ian. That's mostly because Ian seems completely unable to read Holly's signals. Ian seems way more attentive with Cindy, and most of their interactions depend on exactly that. (Which is often emphasized by how socially inept Wade and Perry are…)
Also I like the idea of the people having great chemistry even if they’re so different. While not so common, I think that’s far from impossible.
Personally, I don't think those 2 relationships (Cindy or Axel) will lead Ian and Lena to a happy and healthy relationship. They agreed to be open about it, yet the first thing they do is commit one act that they'd be too ashamed to tell each other. I hated it in GGGB, that some hookups Ash chose to keep in secret from Eric despite their arrangement. I get that it can be a bit awkward initially, but since Lena thinks of herself to be the mature one of them two, I expect her to be the wiser one, too, and respect their "open" deal and confess about her adventures Ian doesn't know about, like Mike or Louise. At least later on, so that there aren't any secrets left between them. That way she wouldn't end up in the same situation like she did with Axel. Granted, they didn't specify that they needed to know who the other "has fun" with outside of relationship, but it could lead to less problems if they don't hide it from each other.
Yeah, it's definitely not the healthiest way to start a new relationship, open or not. I guess you could say at least Ian could get some enjoyment out of it later on, considering his newfound hobby of jerking off to other guys fucking girls he likes. But first and foremost it comes across as a shitty way to exploit the undefined freedom they've given each other (from the outside, at least; as far as I remember, neither of them use the terms of the relationship to justify their actions to themselves). I wrote that it could be a way to really kickstart their open relationship, but "kickstart the open relationship storyline" would've been more precise, probably. (Or it could lead to the relationship ending without our control, similar to how our hands have been tied regarding the consequences from Ian/Holly and Lena/Jeremy. Who knows.)
All in all it's very difficult to anticipate how the Axel and Cindy scenes will affect the relationship between Lena and Ian, with the amount of relationship options (exclusive/open/casual), the question whether they will tell each other about it (and when), and whether both slept with someone else after their talk or just one of them.
I really like the chance to play them as assholes, though, as long as it comes across as believable. I think the Cindy and Axel scenes did that. And as long as it’s not at the expense of a more wholesome open relationship with mutual respect.
Generally I liked that whole passage because there’s so much at stake and we have no way of knowing the consequences of their actions. I think it was a really good move from Eva to wait with the anticipated Axel and Cindy scenes until after the talk between Ian and Lena.
