Long-form AU writers treat their work like prestige television. Seasons 1-3 typically follow the books. Seasons 4-6 introduce the "Divergence" (where the AU element truly begins). Seasons 7-9 are the "Dark Era" where the Dual universe creates maximum angst. By the time you reach , the writer has fully abandoned the rules of Jenny Han’s world.
: A Fanfiction.net series (Chapter 12) focusing on a reconciled family group and Belly’s contentment with Jeremiah. the summer i turned pretty season 12 dual au full
It is the ultimate wish-fulfillment: a world where Susannah lives, the house is saved, and no one has to get their heart broken. Long-form AU writers treat their work like prestige
The "Dual AU" follows Belly as she inexplicably swaps between these timelines every time she falls asleep. Season 12 of this story would be the climax where she realizes she has to collapse the two realities, choosing which version of the Fisher brothers gets to exist. Seasons 7-9 are the "Dark Era" where the
The "Season 12 Dual AU" you are likely seeing referred to in fan spaces is a combination of this "missing episode" theory and popular fanfiction. The "Episode 12" Viral Theory
In the world of fanfiction, a typically refers to a story that combines two different alternate reality tropes or follows two parallel timelines/perspectives. Review of " What We Don't Say " (Chapter 12 AU)