Originally Posted by
MarvelMaster616
Someone on Reddit had an interesting theory about the nature of this "relationship" that I think is worth sharing.
As I, and others, have noted before, we've seen nothing on panel confirming that there's a polyamorous relationship going. To date, we've only gotten confirmation that Cyclops and Jean Grey are still together. They've kissed on panel. They've professed their love on panel. They've actively involved in raising a family together. Wolverine and Emma Frost are present and they are influences, but so far we've only gotten teases and innuendo.
Well, according to this theory, that's all they need. What if Wolverine and Emma Frost's position in the relationship involves nothing physical? They don't sleep in the same bed or join them in any kinky antics. Instead, theirs is a relationship based solely on psychic mingling. It's basically a more formal expansion of the psychic affair that Grant Morrison explored during his run. Hickman has said on multiple occasions that he's a fan of Morrison. Maybe this is his way of expanding that concept.
To some extent, everyone gets something out of it. Jean and Wolverine still never sleep together. Their relationship never goes beyond a friendly hug or a light kiss. Those are the boundaries they've negotiated. If they want a deeper intimacy, they have to do it in their mind. The same goes for Cyclops and Emma Frost. Physically, they don't get too intimate. In their minds, however, they do what they please. The only physical intimacy Cyclops and Jean share is with each other.
I think this makes sense in that it establishes clear boundaries, as most open relationships do. It also adds some new dynamics to the mix that don't rely exclusively on the tired tropes of love triangles. In this setup, nobody is completely left out in the cold. But there is a formal acknowledgement as to where they stand emotionally.
And if Marvel and their Disney overlords get uncomfortable with this kind of relationship, they have a means to easily retcon it or establish it was only thoughts and nothing more. Logistically speaking, I think this is the way to go about a relationship of this nature. It may or may not pan out. Like I said before, nothing has been confirmed. We've only been teased. Hopefully, we get clarity at some point. But how would everyone feel if the setup was something like I just described?