My Cage "Classic"

Huh. I think they are attracted to each other but for Ashley, an essential part of it is that Norm is taken and that she has most of the power in their dynamic by not admitting her attraction and constantly tormenting him. The boss thing fits with that too. And her only framework for a relationship is that mismatched power dynamic and ongoing strain; in her romances, Ashley is the one with less power. While her work spouse relationship with Norm is a role reversal for her, it's still the same dynamic--the only one she knows how to operate in. Norm is kind and stable and won't treat her badly or withhold emotionally. He wouldn't bring the dysfunctional excitement she needs in a relationship. If she relinquished power by admitting she was into him and he didn't take advantage and become rude and distant, she'd become uncomfortable quite quickly. And Norm likes her attention as a spice, not a meal. Generally he knows that she'd make his life miserable and a relationship between them would be nasty, brutish and short. But he's fond of her and she's compelling and clever and enjoyable in small doses.

FilloryCitrus

Eh...from the strips I get the sense there is an attraction there. Ashley likes Norm and knows he's not interested which actually gives her a safe space to act out and for Norm Ashely is the manic pixie girl that holds the promise of freeing him from his boring life , it wouldn't work in real life as it's not the movies and Norm is smart enough to know that. It's a weird dynamic and one isn't sure that they both completely understand what is going on, which in my experience is true of a lot of relationships.

yeah they are fun together but as a couple i feel it would be pretty toxic

I like this, because, whether wittingly or unwittingly, Norm is doing to Ashley what Ashley routinely does to Norm.

VGR