#choices pride

[lilyoffandoms]

Kieran x Elam by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Hung on to this art for a bit but I think it’s time its gorgeousness was shared beyond me and my header here. Thank you, Elliott, for always creating the most beautiful art for me ever and being such a pleasure to work with. You are wonderful!!

Art Commission Tag: @storyofmychoices

Event Tags: @choicescommunityevents fairy event (coming in under the wire hope that’s okay @ladylamrian). Also tagging @julychallenge for the prompt happiness (thanks for hosting @peonierose).

[choicespride]

Choices Pride 2024!

Welcome to the third annual Choices Pride Month Event! Sorry for getting the info up a little later than I originally planned, but here it is now! I have plenty of prompts below, but as always, you don't have to follow the prompts as any fanwork about queer characters/themes/etc. will be accepted.

Prompts and Rules below the cut (because this post is long lol)

Prompts

One-Word Prompts

Sexuality

Life

Healing

Sun

Nature

Art

Harmony

Spirit

Intersectionality

Kink

Parade

Mentor/mentorship

Q&A Prompts

*for either you or your characters to answer!

When did you first realize you were queer?

Who is someone who helped you come to terms with your sexuality and/or gender?

How do other aspects of your identity (race, class, ability, etc.) intersect with your sexuality and/or gender?

What is something that makes you feel empowered as a queer person?

What is your favorite piece of queer history (either something particularly important to the queer community or just something from history that’s queer!)?

What is your favorite part of being in the queer community?

Who’s your favorite queer Choices character(s)?

What is your favorite queer Choices book(s)?

Rules

This event will start on Saturday, June 1 and end on Sunday, June 30

While there are prompts, the use of them is not required. Any work that focuses on queer relationships/characters/themes/etc. is submittable.

Submissions must include the characters full name and which Choices story they are from. GOC characters must also include a gender tag (ex. m!MC, nb!OC).

If your work contains a relationship it must be labelled correctly, using "x" for romantic/sexual relationships and "&" for platonic relationships.

All submissions must be respectful of the LGBTQIA+ community.

NSFW/mature submissions are allowed, but must be tagged properly and have the proper community label.

You cannot submit AI generated content for this event.

Tag this account on all submissions. If I don't reblog within 72 hours, please DM me the post on this account as sometimes Tumblr tags can be unreliable. You can also use the #choices pride 2024

[storyofmychoices]

Forever my tiny human 💛

Nyx and Aerin spending an afternoon together in the gardens outside their home in Ravenswood.

I absolutely adore this art of Nyx and Aerin by the lovely @wisejazz. It takes Nyx a bit to warm up to Aerin romantically, but once they get closer to him and they learn more about who he really is, they start to discover how important he could be to them.

@choicespride Aerin x NB!OC Nyx + @choicesficwriterscreations: acceptance

Nyx Selenastra is my Blades 2 OC. They are a nonbinary demiromatic elf who lives in Ravenswood a small town outside the Deadwood Forest.

[gaiuskamilah]

i think of that line where mc asks if she should put a leash on adrian a lot. and also that line where lily says they should put a muzzle on gaius while he's restrained. a lot. they really said walk those bisexual men like dogs

question of the day: who restrained them (no wrong answers)

for @choicespride prompt: kink

[zoeywades-spouse]

Since it’s the start of pride month I want to remind everyone that Choices is currently one of the best LGBTQ+ immersive story apps out there at the moment. Choices has gender of choice MCs, has stories that offer pronoun options (which is very rare), and overall treats female LIs better (although not always great) than many other apps out there.

If you believe that this is a game reserved solely for women (and what these people mean really are cishet women) you are wrong. Choices has been making gender of choice MCs since the beginning and while they still have a long ways to go they’re more inclusive than many other apps out there for the LGBTQ+ community. We don’t have many other apps to go that are this inclusive.

While obviously Choices favors their cishet players which is a major problem they’ve also made it clear since the beginning that this is a game for everyone.

Inclusivity is not exclusivity and Choices accommodating for LGBTQ+ players doesn’t take away from your experience playing the game

We have every right to play this game and ask for genuine representation

[jerzwriter]

High Score

Book: Open Heart (Prequel - Casey's Medical School Years)

Pairing: F!MC (Casey MacTavish) x F!OC (Jessica Phillips)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Mentions of homophobia including a slur

Words: 1,545

Summary: Casey and her girlfriend Jessica are both busy med school students with conflicting schedules, and they're both eagerly looking forward to sharing lunch at "their" diner. One idiot nearly derails their plans, but the women won't let him win.

A/N: This is based on a real event from my past, and the game really was called "King Kong." The picture in the header, however, is Donkey Kong because there are no pictures of the cheap knockoff out there! lol Participating in @choicesjunechallenge - romance, love, Pride Month, @choicespride and @choicesficwriterscreations pride bingo

“Fuck!” Jessica groaned.

She swore she’d pay attention. There was no way she was missing her stop this time. With competing hectic schedules, Jessica hadn’t seen Casey in nearly a week, and, except for this lunch date, they wouldn’t see each other again until the weekend. So she was not wasting five precious minutes of their time because she missed her bus stop. But in the end, she did.

Pressing the buzzer frantically, she grabbed the books that caused this whole mess and darted to the front of the bus, barely waiting for it to come to a full stop before jumping off. She walked frantically down the street and shook her head when she saw her reflection in the diner’s window. Quickly slicking back the errant red locks that had slipped out of her ponytail in the mele and applying lip gloss before entering. But it was for naught. Casey was already smirking in her direction as she walked in. She nudged a vanilla shake toward Jessica’s seat just before she leaned over the table for a quick kiss. 

“Glad to see you’re right on time,” Casey teased.

“Hey, it’s just five minutes!” Jessica protested; looking at her watch, she corrected herself. “No, it’s four minutes. If I hadn’t put on lip gloss for you, I could have shaved off 30 seconds! But I wanted to be pretty for you.”

Casey’s eyes crinkled as she giggled. “Oh please, you’re beautiful without a stitch of makeup. And I’m not naïve – you just tidied up out there in an attempt to conceal that you missed the bus stop… again.”

Jessica’s shoulders dropped in defeat, and she reached across the table, lacing her fingers with Casey’s.

“I was studying for my biostats exam. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Casey grinned a smile so warm Jessica was instantly at ease. “I get that more than anyone. But far be it for me not to tease you.”

The waitress arrived and placed two cheeseburgers with sweet potato fries before the two women.

“You ordered for me?” Jess asked.

“I didn’t mean to be presumptuous, but you order the same thing every time we come here. And, if you wanted something else, I figured I’d just wrap your food and take it home for dinner.”

“Oh,” Jess winked as she stuck a fry in her mouth. “What are you, rich now?”

“Yes, I’m loaded in cheeseburger and fry money,” Casey laughed. “I just figured I’d get the ball rolling. I know you – you’ll need to play that damn Donkey Kong knockoff in the back before we leave, and forgive me for wanting maybe 10 minutes of makeout time with my girlfriend before we have to go our separate ways.”

“It’s called King Kong, and yes. I do have to play. Need to ensure I still occupy all top ten spots!”

“Afraid you don’t,” the waitress said while refilling their water glasses. “I noticed someone bumped you out of first this morning.”

“OUT OF FIRST!” Jess gasped. “Not even fifth or eighth, but first!”

“Wow, with how you’re grasping numbers, that biostat exam should be a cakewalk for you,” Casey snickered.

Jessica shot Casey a look and squeezed her hand tighter. “Well, you better finish that burger quickly if you want a makeout session! I have to knock that fucker down to at least third place.”

Casey couldn’t help but laugh; she already knew the makeout session wasn’t happening. Her girlfriend was obsessed with old arcade games from the 80s. That’s one of the reasons this was their favorite diner. But King Kong was where she excelled, and she proudly boasted that she always claimed at least eight of the top ten scores, and always the top three. She knew Jess well enough to know someone else being in first was unacceptable, and vengeance must be had.

“Who was it?” Jess demanded of the waitress. “Do you know who beat me?”

The waitress looked uneasily between Casey and Jessica before she let the name out. “Dirk. You know, that tall guy who….”

Jessica threw her napkin to the table. “Oh, I know Dirk.” She spat, jumping to her feet. “I’ll be right back.”

Casey asked the waitress to wrap their food, then quickly followed after her girlfriend. One thing Jessica loved about King Kong was having twelve characters next to each of her high scores. Each spot proudly proclaimed JESSLUVSCASE. But at the mention of Dirk’s name, both women knew this was about more than a high score.

The small dark room that housed the three games was empty this time of day, which was for the best; Casey’s heart sank at the sight of Jess hunched over the game when she entered. Jess’s face was red as she valiantly tried to hold back angry tears, though one or two had won their battle as they trailed down her cheeks. Casey peered over her girlfriend’s shoulder and let out a sigh, her suspicions confirmed. She looped her arms around Jessica’s waist.

“Don’t let it upset you. He wants it to upset you… to upset us… don’t let him win.”

“If he said me,” Jess’s voice trembled. “If he used my name and not yours, then I…”

Casey looked at the screen again… nine rows of JESSLUVSCASE topped by one CASEYISADYKE.

“Jess,” Casey whispered. “He’s a fucking moron. I mean, come on… he didn’t even get it right. I’m as femme as they come.”

That got a little laugh, but Jess was still crestfallen. “Do you think that asshole even knows the difference?”

“Nope. I don’t. But he’s an ignorant piece of shit, Jess, and I’m not letting him ruin the little time I have with you this week.”

Jess let out a breath and wiped away a tear. “I was planning on playing. So… you don’t mind if I play now… do you?”

Casey raised a brow at her girlfriend. “You’re going to play until you knock that off. Aren’t you?”

“You better fucking believe I am. I’m sorry, Casey, but if you want to make out, it will have to be right here, between games, because I’m not leaving until that shit’s gone.”

“As much as I appreciate you defending my honor, Jess, you don’t have to….”

“Can you run and get me quarters?” Jess interrupted.

“Jess, I said….”

“Casey! Quarters!”

“All right, then,” Casey saluted.

For the next hour, Casey made jokes about the dexterity of Jess’s wrists, quizzed her on carpel tunnel syndrome, teased it was a good thing she didn’t want to be a surgeon and more as Jessica focused on bumping Dirk and his bigotry off the board. A bright grin crossed her face as she entered JESSLUVSCASE one last time, then she fell back into a nearby stool. Casey moved toward her and took her hand.

“My hero,” she smiled. “You know, I appreciate it, but he could just come back and do it again tomorrow.”

“It took the fucker a year to get on the board. I doubt he’ll do it again easily… besides….” She stopped.

“Besides, what?”

“He’s in a lab across the hall from me today. And when I’m through threatening his ass, he won’t be so quick to do it again.”

Casey lifted her hand and caressed Jess’s tear-stained cheek. Offering a tender kiss before nuzzling her head on her shoulder.

“I’m a little amazed at you,” Jess said. “You’re taking this too well.”

Casey shrugged. “It’s not that I’m not upset… but I know Neanderthals like Dirk that will never change. Besides…” Casey grinned.

“Besides what?”

“I’m already fantasizing about the things I’m going to do to that sweet little car he’s always bragging about.”

“Casey MacTavish!” Jessica laughed. “As enticing as that is… I don’t want you to be charged with vandalism. That would be terrible for you when looking for a residency placement.”

“You’re assuming I’d be caught,” Casey winked. “You forget, I grew up in Philly. I know a thing or two.”

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid….”

“Like ever? That’s a tall order, Jess.”

Jess pulled Casey close in her arms. “I’m sorry we don’t have time for that makeout session. I know how much that means to you.”

“Means to me?” Casey gasped. “Geeze, I like to think it means something to you, too!”

“It does,” Jess laughed. “Come stay over with me tonight. Let me make it up to you.”

“But your roommate hates me,” Casey sighed. 

“She doesn’t hate you… she dislikes… everyone. Besides, fuck her.”

“Well, I’d rather fuck you, but….”

The two women laughed, and it warmed Casey’s heart to see Jess genuinely smile.

“Fine, I’ll endure Bertha the horrible, just for you….”

“You won’t even see her! But you’ll see me,” Jess smiled. “Casey, I’m so glad you’re part of my life.”

“And I’m glad you’re part of mine. Not everyone is willing to risk carpel tunnel syndrome a week before exams to defend my honor.”

“Well, if they’re unwilling to do that, they don’t deserve you!”

“Here,” Casey said, holding up the take-out bag. “It’s your lunch. Now, get your bus before you’re late for class.”

“Thank you. But I promise you, I won’t be late tonight. My place at 8:00?”  

“Nothing could keep me away.”

Tagging in reblog.

[peonyblossom]

Happy Pride from Ricci & Associates

thank you to @weetlebeetle for this wonderful fanart of my throuple Gabe, Sav, and Aislinn!!

for @choicespride

[garrusknight]

Happy Pride Month!

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Worthy Of Love

Book: Desire & Decorum (modern day AU) Characters: Veronica Dantas (F!OC), Yusuf Konevi, Annabelle Parsons Pairing: Annabelle Parsons x F!OC (Veronica) Rating: M Word count: 1215 Reading time: ~5min Summary: A visit to a place Veronica has been avoiding for years will evoke memories and feelings she’d rather ignore. Based on the prompt: @choicespride Holiday Pride Event - Religious Trauma/Crisis

Author's note:

Veronica Dantas is a creation of this author. The others are owned by Pixelberry Studios;

@missameliep​‘s ask about the nice and naughty list got me thinking about Annabelle and Veronica too. This story isn’t as cute as I hoped it would be, but it still had to be written. Btw, Ann and Vee are totally on the nice list ❤

Warning: This piece contains subjects (mentions of homophobia and psychological trauma) may be disturbing for some people. Reader discretion is advised.

Veronica stopped before Saint Paul's Cathedral and shoved her hands into her coat pockets as she looked up at the Renaissant/Baroque church. Though some restorations were made on the building since the last time she had been here, to her it seemed like not a single thing had changed.

A chill coursed through her spine, but she chose to ignore it. "It's just cold weather," she told herself. Then, with quiet steps, she tentatively walked in, hoping the clacking of her boots didn't distract the children's choir rehearsal for Christmas services.

As she took a seat on the bench closest to the door, she looked at the altar to watch the rehearsal. A group of fifteen girls between six to eight years old giggled whilst the coach, a man that looked like a former member of a grunge band, made oddly funny gestures to explain how a specific part of the music should be sung.

By the piano, Annabelle calmly waited as the choir coach instructed the kids. With her shoulders back, hair tied on a low messy bun and hand placed over her legs, she looked absolutely stunning. Veronica loved that about her. Her posture, elegance, and gracefulness. Quite the opposite of herself.

At last, her eyes met her partner's and they shared a timid smile from afar. But before anyone noticed, both of them looked away and the rehearsal continued.

Mixed feelings rose within Veronica's chest as the choir began to sing Child Of The Poor. Memories of herself as a kid, also part of the choir in this same church flooded her thoughts. Raised in a Christian home, she always attended church services, Sunday school, and choir rehearsals. It was fun for a while.

When she grew older, however, things changed. People stared, shook their heads in disapproval. Good Christian girls can't do this, good Christian girls can't say that. But it got worse she moved to live next to her father's family. She did her best to do everything she was told. But it was hard to fit in when everyone told her she couldn't be herself and seek "professional help", otherwise the Lord would never approve of her. But wasn't that the same God described in the bible as Love itself? Why did others insist she wouldn't be worthy of love?

She looked down at her hands as her eyes welled up. Of all the places they could've chosen to meet up before joining their friends for drinks, did she really have to meet Annabelle at St. Paul's? After so many years of avoiding religious-related things and places like the plague, she shouldn't have agreed to be here just because someone she loves dearly wants it.

Veronica quickly brushed away the tears that threatened to roll down her cheeks. She was done with this bullshit years ago. She couldn't cry over this again.

"Is this seat taken?" A calm and deep voice she knew so well caught her attention.

"Yusuf?!"

"Hi," Yusuf answered with a broad smile and sat next to his friend.

"Hi... I thought you and Bart would meet everyone in the pub."

"That was the plan. When you said you'd meet Annabelle here, Hamid and I were a bit concerned.

"Was it that obvious it wouldn't end well?"

"No. But abi¹ and I know how much this could affect you. How are you feeling?"

"I don't know... Overwhelmed, I guess..." Averting her gaze, a rueful smile adorned her lips. "But hey, I just proved Dame Margot Aldridge wrong. I didn't burst into flames when I walked in here."

Yusuf shook his head, but couldn't suppress a chuckle.

As their smiles faded, both of them looked at the altar. The children beamed singing Oh, Come All Ye Faithful whilst Annabelle played the song with ease.

"I see why Annabelle always offers to play. These kids are quite talented," Yusuf commented.

"Yeah... Somehow, she only has fond memories of her time in church groups."

They continued to watch the rehearsal for a while before Veronica spoke up again.

"You didn't have the best experience during your time in halaqas either and you're still very Muslim. What's your secret?"

"Years of therapy."

She chuckled.

"I think it finally hit me when I learned Arab and could read the Quran myself. It doesn't say much about homosexuality, except for the Sodom and Gomorrah surahs. Which is also the only moment mentioned in the Bible. The hatred we endured and the bullying we suffered aren't encouraged by the Prophet or Jesus Christ. They tell us the very opposite. Allah created diversity. He wanted all of us to be different and still love each other."

"I wonder how bigots ever finish secondary school given how they often lack basic skills like reading and understanding a book," she grumbled.

"A very good question," he nodded in agreement. "But what really matters to us is knowing we are worthy of Allah's love. And we don't need other people's approval to do so."

A tear rolled down her cheek. Before she could wipe it, Yusuf moved closer and enveloped his friend in a warm embrace.

"You really came a long way from the days you weren't even sure if you'd ever come out," Veronica said with a small smile.

"I wouldn't have crossed to that long path if it wasn't for a psychologist/friend of mine who said I should try psychotherapy to handle all the baggage I couldn't carry on my own," he commented, nudging her with an elbow.

She pursed her lips but nodded. "Okay, okay... I got the message. I'll talk to my therapist about it in the next session."

"That's the spirit!"

As the choir ended the last Christmas carol, the small crowd watching the rehearsal applauded the girls. Veronica and Yusuf followed suit. Her eyes and Annabelle's met again.

"It'll be a good step for you, especially now that you two are planning the wedding ceremony," Yusuf commented.

"What if I don't heal fast enough to agree with this blessing thing she wants so much?"

"The important thing is that you'll finally talk about it with someone other than Hamid and me, V. Annabelle is a thoughtful person and she loves you. She will understand if you need more time."

Whilst the people began to leave the cathedral, Annabelle sauntered over to them.

"Hey! I didn't know you'd be here," Annabelle said, greeting Yusuf with a hug.

"I was driving nearby and remembered you two would be here. You made such a compelling speech about the children's choir, I had to see it for myself," Yusuf explained with a smile.

"Aren't they amazing?" Annabelle enthused.

"They are. Christmas services will be beautiful," Yusuf agreed.

"Did you like it too, darling?" Annabelle turned to her fiancee.

"Yeah..."

Veronica exchanged glances with her friend, who gave her an encouraging nod and a smile. She then moved closer to her partner.

"In fact, there's something I want to talk to you about. Can we go for a walk before joining everyone in the pub?"

"Sure."

"I'll see you two later," Yusuf declared.

As they bid farewell to Yusuf, Veronica walked out of the cathedral alongside her fiancee. This might not be the pleasant talk she hoped to have whenever she thought about their upcoming wedding ceremony. But it certainly was a necessary one.

_________

¹ Abi: older brother. Often used to refer to a friend a bit older than the person speaking.

² Halaqas: religious gathering to study the Islam or the Quran

[writing-not]

Picket Fence

A/N: No thoughts, only rant fic about being aroflux, especially on Valentine’s. This is purely self-indulgent. I wrote this in about three hours so...there’s that lol. Anyways, I hope you like it regardless. Oh btw, Arion is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, hope that’s clear. 

A/N2: Please excuse any grammatical errors. / Trystan Thorne belongs to Pixelberry; Arion is mine. 

Book: Crimes of Passion

Pairing: Arion dela Rosa & f!Trystan Thorne (Platonic)

Song Inspiration: I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love - Addison Grace

Word Count: 632

© 2023 writing-not 

Trystan Thorne’s eyes graze over their body; eager, but not enough. Arion lies in a sea of gnashing waves of white silk, hand to moonlit eyes. A storm rages outside; the rain banging its fists upon the windows of their apartment, ignored. It shouldn’t be. It should’ve been loved for what it was. It should’ve been known.

This isn’t about the rain.

“Leave me alone, Trystan.” Arion moans, rolling onto their stomach.

“And let this migraine take you? I refuse.” She replies pointedly, gesturing to the cup of chamomile tea in her hands.

Trystan steadily lowers herself on the panel of the wooden floor bed. She reaches for Arion but her hand abruptly stops, withdrawing back into her lap. For a moment she’d forgotten how they didn’t like to be touched; she scolds herself for it. And her worry grows.

Up and down, there and back again. Arion’s back arches as their breaths are muffled by a pillow squished between them and the mattress.

“Chocolate actually gives me migraines; have I ever told you that?” Arion says quietly. Trystan only catches their voice like the wind, gently yet out of reach.  

Trystan lets the minute escape and lets the moment play like a movie. (It might as well have been.) The porcelain cup she’s holding melts and becomes one with her hand as she forgets its presence, its warmth subsides like embers in a hearth. 

“And here I thought that you were some kind of impenetrable robot, but no!” She laughs, setting aside the cup on their nightstand. “You and I are the same after all, hm? Heart, bones, cartilage, and all. I’m surprised.”

“Is this supposed to be romantic?’

“Whatever you want it to be.”

“Haha, very funny.” 

Trystan slowly arches an eyebrow. “I mean it.”

Arion turns their head, half of their face still buried into the pillow. They also didn’t know. It was hard not knowing what they felt, especially on Valentine’s Day (well, even on any day really), given that their romantic attraction ever so fluctuates during the span of a day. In the morning they could fall head over heels for a long-haired man with a turtleneck on the train, in the afternoon they could despise love and all its oddities, in the evening they could feel nothing towards that ever-pervading emotion. It was all perplexing and ambiguous. Day by day, Arion falls into a spiral and it never ends. 

“Do I have to know?” Arion frowns, clutching the pillow closer to their chest. “Do I need to know?”

And Trystan’s heart crumbles. 

Arion purses their lips before responding. “Am I not a “freak” in your eyes as mamà says?” They kept a smile with no warmth. “She told me so after demanding a grandchild yet again. She told me I was selfish and cold. I did nothing wrong, Trys.” 

Trystan’s heart falls, it’s all it can afford to do. Falling. Falling. Falling. 

“I’m sorry.” Her eyes shift to the window, she looks to some kind of distance she tries to find; it doesn’t exist, neither does the answer. All she has is reassurance and hopes that it will be enough. (It won’t be but… she tries.) “For what it’s worth, whatever your mother told you earlier, she was wrong about all of it, alright? She didn’t deserve to tell you all those things.”

A tear falls from Arion’s eye. No reaction.

“What can I do for you now, hm? I’m right here if you need me.” Trystan whispers. 

They sputter before the words finally fall out. “I– Is it ok if you can just stay here. You don’t have to do anything. I just need to know that you’re here. You’re on my side.”

A look comes in passing.

Bedside, the tea sits cold.

[alexxuun]

To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.

[choicespride]

Asexual Awareness Week 2024

Welcome to this year's Asexual Awareness Week Event! I am so sorry for putting these prompts up so last minute, so I will be hosting the event for 2 weeks instead of just the one I was originally planning.

Rules

This event will start on Sunday, October 20 and end on Sunday, November 3

While there are prompts, the use of them is not required. Any work that focuses on asexuality/asexual characters/etc. is submittable.

Since I am hosting multiple events at the same time, you must clearly state which event you are submitting for.

Submissions must include the characters full name and which Choices story they are from. GOC characters must also include a gender tag (ex. m!MC, nb!OC).

If your work contains a relationship it must be labelled correctly, using "x" or "/" for romantic/sexual relationships and "&" for platonic relationships.

NSFW/mature submissions are allowed, but must be tagged properly and have the proper community label.

You cannot submit AI generated content for this event.

Tag this account on all submissions. If I don't reblog within 72 hours, please DM me the post on this account as sometimes Tumblr tags can be unreliable. You can also use the #choices asexual awareness week 2024

[storyofmychoices]

SpreadJoy #900 spreading positivity with quotes and @playchoices characters.

Quote by Michell C Clark

For @choicespride: Bryce Lahela (OpH)

900?! I can't even believe it. It's hard to believe I've been working on this project for over four years. I am extremely grateful for all of your love and support of my SpreadJoy project. When I started this project, my only hope was to share some encouragement in the challenging times facing us at the start of the pandemic. I know things are "better" now, but there are plenty of other challenges we face. I hope one or more of the quotes has helped you through a hard time. I don't know how long I will continue this project as support is minimal, but at this point, my goal is to make it at least until 1,000 quotes! Here is to the next 100!

[gaiuskamilah]

meet my mc: magdalene constantino from bloodbound for @choicespride trans month 2023! she's my favorite girl. a few things about her:

full name is magdalene catalina agoncillo constantino, nickname magda, but prefers magdalene. filipino, she/her, bisexual, polyam trans woman.

trapped in the body of a 23yo forever (thanks gaius)

magdalene grew up in a catholic home. her parents we devout believers, particularly her mother, who turned to religion whenever she had visions because of being a bloodkeeper.

in-universe, she chose the name magdalene after coming out because of an obsession with mary magdalene growing up. (the meta reason is that mary magdalene is the first person to see jesus out of the tomb, mc is the first person to see gaius out of the sarcophagus.. i like bible references lmao. catalina is from st catherine of siena.)

her coming out as a trans woman was initially a rocky spot with her parents, but they came around and now wholeheartedly support her.

i have a bunch of verses on who turns her and who she ends up with, but her in-game romance is kamilah. in all my other verses, she ends up with gaius one way or another a decade or two down the line.

i decided to make my bb mc trans because the gender essentialism in regards to the bloodkeeper annoyed me. magdalene is trans because fuck that. i also headcanon there to have been bloodkeepers who were trans men before her.

[giantkillerjack]

Today my therapist introduced me to a concept surrounding disability that she called "hLep".

[plain-text version of this post can be found under the cut]

Which is when you - in this case, you are a disabled person - ask someone for help ("I can't drink almond milk so can you get me some whole milk?", or "Please call Donna and ask her to pick up the car for me."), and they say yes, and then they do something that is not what you asked for but is what they think you should have asked for ("I know you said you wanted whole, but I got you skim milk because it's better for you!", "I didn't want to ruin Donna's day by asking her that, so I spent your money on an expensive towing service!") And then if you get annoyed at them for ignoring what you actually asked for - and often it has already happened repeatedly - they get angry because they "were just helping you! You should be grateful!!"

And my therapist pointed out that this is not "help", it's "hLep".

Sure, it looks like help; it kind of sounds like help too; and if it was adjusted just a little bit, it could be help. But it's not help. It's hLep.

At its best, it is patronizing and makes a person feel unvalued and un-listened-to. Always, it reinforces the false idea that disabled people can't be trusted with our own care. And at its worst, it results in disabled people losing our freedom and control over our lives, and also being unable to actually access what we need to survive.

So please, when a disabled person asks you for help on something, don't be a hLeper, be a helper! In other words: they know better than you what they need, and the best way you can honor the trust they've put in you is to believe that!

Also, I want to be very clear that the "getting angry at a disabled person's attempts to point out harmful behavior" part of this makes the whole thing WAY worse. Like it'd be one thing if my roommate bought me some passive-aggressive skim milk, but then they heard what I had to say, and they apologized and did better in the future - our relationship could bounce back from that. But it is very much another thing to have a crying shouting match with someone who is furious at you for saying something they did was ableist. Like, Christ, Jessica, remind me to never ask for your support ever again! You make me feel like if I asked you to call 911, you'd order a pizza because you know I'll feel better once I eat something!!

Edit: crediting my therapist by name with her permission - this term was coined by Nahime Aguirre Mtanous!

Edit again: I made an optional follow-up to this post after seeing the responses. Might help somebody. CW for me frankly talking about how dangerous hLep really is.

Plain-text version:

Today my therapist introduced me to a concept surrounding disability that she called "hLep".

Which is when you - in this case, you are a disabled person - ask someone for help ("I can't drink almond milk so can you get me some whole milk?", or "Please call Donna and ask her to pick up the car for me."), and they say yes, and then they do something that is not what you asked for but is what they think you should have asked for ("I know you said you wanted whole, but I got you skim milk because it's better for you!", "I didn't want to ruin Donna's day by asking her that, so I spent your money on an expensive towing service!") And then if you get annoyed at them for ignoring what you actually asked for - and often it has already happened repeatedly - they get angry because they "were just helping you! You should be grateful!!"

And my therapist pointed out that this is not "help", it's "hLep".

Sure, it looks like help; it kind of sounds like help too; and if it was adjusted just a little bit, it could be help. But it's not help. It's hLep.

At its best, it is patronizing and makes a person feel unvalued and un-listened-to. Always, it reinforces the false idea that disabled people can't be trusted with our own care. And at its worst, it results in disabled people losing our freedom and control over our lives, and also being unable to actually access what we need to survive.

So please, when a disabled person asks you for help on something, don't be a hLeper, be a helper! In other words: they know better than you what they need, and the best way you can honor the trust they've put in you is to believe that!

P.S. Also, I want to be very clear that the "getting angry at a disabled person's attempts to point out harmful behavior" part of this makes the whole thing WAY worse. Like it'd be one thing if my roommate bought me some passive-aggressive skim milk, but then they heard what I had to say, and they apologized and did better in the future - our relationship could bounce back from that. But it is very much another thing to have a crying shouting match with someone who is furious at you for saying something they did was ableist. Like, Christ, Jessica, remind me to never ask for your support ever again! You make me feel like if I asked you to call 911, you'd order a pizza because you know I'll feel better once I eat something!!

Edit: crediting my therapist by name with her permission - this term was coined by Nahime Aguirre Mtanous!

Edit again: I made an optional follow-up to this post after seeing the responses. Might help somebody. CW for me frankly talking about how dangerous hLep really is.

[jerzwriter]

A Family Affair

Book:                   Open Heart (Book 3 Timeline)

Pairing:                Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)

Rating:                 Teen

Warnings: Some characters are anti-pride/queerphobic

Summary:   Several months into their relationship, Tobias takes Casey to meet his late father's family. Casey is apprehensive. The rich and powerful Carricks occupy a world she is not comfortable with. The evening is tense but bearable until the topic of pride month is broached.

Words: 4,900

A/N: I've been working on this for a while, and OMG, once my dog got sick, writer's block hit hard. It's a very important fic to me, so I hope it did it justice; the brain is still kind of mush, but I don't want to sit on this any longer. I'll likely read it tomorrow, cry, and edit. lol Participating in @choicesficwriterscreations pride bingo, family, @choicesjunechallenge pride month, and @choicespride familial relationships

He had imagined this for some time now.  Ever since the night Casey confirmed she loved him every bit as much as he loved her, it took all of Tobias’s restraint not to shout it from the rooftops.  He was thirty-seven before the seemingly impossible was achieved: he found a woman that made forever seem like too short a time.  Now that she was here, he wanted to tell the world. But the world included his family, even his late father’s side, who he tended to avoid.  His father was no longer here, but his family was.  So when his Aunt Pauline invited him to a gathering at her Washington, DC home, he jumped at the chance to attend. An act that left him a bit baffled and left Casey a bit terrified. 

Today, she was a bright, rising star in the medical world. With an Ivy League education and a string of publications under her belt, everyone knew Dr. Casey MacTavish was destined for great things. But deep down, she would always be that little girl that grew up in South Philly. The one for whom back-to-school shopping didn't entail a trip downtown or to the mall but sifting through her cousin’s hand-me-downs on the living room floor. While she always knew food would always be on the table, it could be… creative at times. Cars and vacations? They only existed on the family’s small, antiquated television that always seemed to be on the fritz. Still, she knew she was rich in many ways.  Her loving, accepting family provided her with all the tools she needed to become the woman she was today.

Tobias wasn’t a complete stranger to the life Casey had led; his mother’s family shared a similar background, so he had a point of reference; but he was born a Carrick and lived in another world.  A place so foreign to most, it may as well have been thousands of miles away. Old money, accompanied by the power and trappings that came with it. His childhood was filled with homes that rivaled museums.  Servants, cars, travel, and excess most could only imagine were part of his daily life. But all that glitters is not gold. 

Demanding, unaccepting, and unforgiving of those who didn’t follow family edicts would pay a price.  Sure, they were careful to present a united front to the world; polite society required it.  But when the doors were shut,  a darker picture emerged. Tobias bore the scars of his childhood; still, as an adult, he knew how to navigate his family’s world with ease, even if it was with a touch of disdain. But tonight, the man was too enamored to believe anything could go wrong.

He waited at the bottom of the grand staircase that was the centerpiece of his childhood home as Casey descended.  Dressed in the elegant black silk sheath and matching shawl he gifted her, it was nothing a newly minted doctor with a mountain of debt could afford on her own. His mother's geometric gold necklace adorned her neck; it was stunning, even if not exactly to her taste.  It looked like a work of art and had a price tag that could back that claim.   

She was a vision, and Tobias couldn’t peel his eyes away.  Heat rose to Casey’s cheeks under his gaze, and she turned to him with a coy smile. 

“What are you looking at?” She teased.

“The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he answered at once.

“You’re smooth as ever, aren’t you, Carrick?”

“If I’m talking to you, it’s not being smooth; I’m simply stating facts. Are you ready to go?” 

Casey let out a deep breath, careful to conceal her apprehension with a warrior’s smile. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

She was uncharacteristically quiet as the couple’s Town Car meandered through the congested city streets.  Her eyes were glued to the window, and her grip on his hand seemed to tighten with every second that passed.  She could do this; she reminded herself.  She could fit into his world, even if it was a world she had no desire to fit into. 

Most would consider it a bonus, learning the person they fell in love with came from enormous wealth, but Casey wasn't most people. She had already fallen in love with Tobias when she learned he was one of the Carricks… and she was less than thrilled.  But, if she wanted a future with him, and she wanted that with all her heart, she had to find a way to make his world a part of her own…  at least when they visited.

"You don’t have to be worried about tonight,” he reassured.

"I'm not," she half-smiled.

"You lie like a cheap rug,” he snickered, happy to see her laugh.  Tobias may have been part of this world, but he was a man of his own design. 

"It's just...." she stalled with a huff.

"You're nervous... I get it… this side of my family can be a lot, even for me. But remember, no one in that room means more to me than you… and you've already won over the only Carrick who matters."

"Your mother?" she grinned.

"Well, obviously,” he laughed. “But I meant me. Don’t worry, Casey, everything will be fine.”

He told her who would be in attendance in advance to help put her at ease.  His Aunt Pauline, the hostess, and her husband, Harold.  Any number of their many children or grandchildren could be there.  His late father’s brother William, also known as Uncle Bill, and his wife Mandy would be there.  They were the safe spot, he advised.  When in doubt, stick with them.   A multitude of distant cousins were on the guest list, though he didn’t know who would show. 

“... and of course, Jordan will be there, so you’ll know someone other than me.”

“I wish your Mom were going,” Casey sighed wearily.  “She wouldn’t let anyone mess with me.”

“And you think I will!” he blurted as they pulled up in front of the impressive home. “Come on, sweetheart.  We’ve got this.” 

For a while, it seemed like they did. Everyone was eager to meet her. After all, she was the shiny new thing. Tobias was finally bringing a woman home, and they were quite certain many showed up tonight just to make sure it was true. While comment after comment was made about how amazed they were; many left her feeling she wasn’t necessarily who they would have cast in the role. 

“So this is who Vivian keeps going on and on about….” “You’re also a physician, I hear ….” “I hear you graduated from Perelman.. that’s impressive, especially given your background….” “You grew up in Philadelphia.  Were you acquainted with Marses? If you went to the St. Martin Country Club, you simply had to….” 

Casey handled it well, despite her desire to return home. Then, William Carrick arrived.  His late father’s only sibling, Tobias’s eyes went bright when he entered the room.

“Uncle Bill!” he yelled, earning judgemental stares for his outburst.  “That’s my dad’s brother. One of the few people I like here,” he whispered.  “He’s going to adore you.”

Casey smiled graciously while shaking the kind-faced, grey-haired man’s hand. He was easy to talk to and immediately put her at ease. His wife, Mandy, was just as lovely. Tobias’s brother, Jordan, arrived and joined the group.  Matching his brother’s energy, he threw his arm around Casey with a smile, and for the first time that night, she breathed a sigh of relief; perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad after all. 

Dinner was finally served, and Casey was flanked by Tobias and Jordan.  The former joked that he was seated at the kid's section when several cousins, closer in age to Casey and Jordan than himself, sat nearby. After introductions were made, the cousins continued the conversation they were previously engaged in without making an attempt to bring the others in.

“So, you’re working on his campaign,” a flaxen-hared man in an overpriced dinner jacket asked.

“Of course!” his prematurely balding counterpart replied. “Virginia is still a swing state. It’s imperative we do all we can to change that.”

“Your favorite color was always red,” his date replied to a chorus of laughter.  

Casey bit her cheek.  She was well aware that many present had different beliefs than she, or even Tobias, held. But that wasn’t anything she wanted to bring to the forefront tonight. Tobias caught her eye and gave her a little smirk.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered. “I’ll behave.”

“I didn’t ask you to behave.”

“I will anyway.” 

And she did.  As the conversation turned to “that dreaded Senator Sanders” and how healthcare for all would destroy the country, she clenched her napkin and didn’t share how the fight for equal access to healthcare was something she worked tirelessly for.  A calling she felt as a doctor. She poured another glass of wine just before immigration became the topic of discussion, and this time, someone asked her opinion. 

“We all descend from immigrants, did we not?” she said through clenched teeth. “I think it’s important to remember that.” 

Tobias’s Uncle Bill shot her a sympathetic smile from down the table and did his best to change the topic to something more benign. But despite his best efforts, it always veered back to something divisive. 

“Do they serve anything stronger than wine at these soirees?” Casey whispered to Tobias. “Because I’m starting to think I may need it.” 

“Is this too much?” he asked. “We can go if you like.”

“Dessert hasn’t even been served yet. I’m assuming that’s when we’ll have a reflection on the teachings of Ayn Rand…who would want to miss that?”

“Oh, I wish Ma was here to see this,” he laughed. “She’s been dying for some companionship at these events.”

“I’m sure. But how are you?” she asked. “You float among them so easily, but it’s like….”

“I’m a square peg in a round hole,” he finished before downing the rest of his wine. “That’s exactly what I am. Trust, except for Uncle Bill and Aunt Mandy, you won’t see these people more than once every two years… and at funerals.”

“You said funeral with too much delight,” she chuckled.

“Only certain funerals.  I’m going to head to the restroom. Care to join me,” he said, with a wiggle of his brows. 

“Oh, sure!” She grinned. “Being caught getting frisky with you in the bathroom is not something I plan to do on my first meeting with these people.” 

“You’re right,” he nodded as he stood up. “We should wait until at least your third visit for that.” 

When Tobias returned to the table, Aunt Pauline met his gaze with a sparkle in her eye.

“Tobias, Casey is just delightful. Please tell me you're serious with her," she swooned. 

Tobias placed his arm around Casey’s shoulder and pulled her close.  

“Very much so. I have no intention of letting her get away.”

“Is that why we were instructed to lock the doors upon your arrival?” Uncle Bill teased.

“Hey, I’m not taking my chances,” Tobias chortled.

“Well, I couldn’t be happier!” Aunt Pauline beamed. “Your mother was right! She was worth the wait. You’re a lucky man, Tobias.”

“Thank you,” Casey blushed. “But trust me, I’m the lucky one.”

A cousin sipping an after-dinner drink scoffed at her remark. “No doubt you are,” he sneered. While Casey heard him perfectly clear, the remark appeared to go unnoticed by everyone else. 

“Pauline, darling,” Her husband, Harold, chimed in. “It’s a beautiful evening.  Should I instruct the staff to serve dessert on the patio?” 

Pauline harumphed with a wave of her hand. “On any other night, I’d say yes, but not tonight!”

“Why not tonight?” Uncle Bill asked. “It’s the perfect weather for it.”

“It would be,” Pauline replied. “If only we didn’t have to be subjected to the debauchery about to begin outside.”

Casey wrinkled her nose and leaned to whisper in Tobias’s ear. “I didn’t know debauchery was on the agenda?”

“I wasn’t aware either,” he whispered back. “I assumed that was reserved for us when we get back to the townhome later on.”

Casey giggled as she turned back to the conversation, which had continued while they momentarily escaped into their own little world.

“It’s pathetic!” someone else stated. “We can't even enjoy a night outside… we shouldn’t be subjected to this.”

“I don’t disagree,” Pauline grumbled. “Had I realized the date sooner, I would have rescheduled our dinner. But if you get in your cars and head south, you’ll be spared the bulk of the depravity.”

“Depravity?” Casey giggled curiously. “What on earth is going on outside?”

“The neighborhood pride festival,” a cousin answered with disdain. 

“There was a time this neighborhood escaped such things,” another chimed in. “But those days are long gone.” 

Casey’s jaw went slack and she was sure blood was going to start dripping out of her mouth from biting her tongue all night, and she was nearing her breaking point.

“And how does the festival hurt you, Lars?” Aunt Mandy asked angrily.  

“It doesn’t hurt me, per se. But it hurts society. Do you know nearly twenty percent of Gen Z identifies as queer? Twenty percent! That’s up staggeringly from previous generations, and this is why! They’re bombarded with the gay agenda from the moment they’re born!” 

Casey sat upright in her chair, slamming her wine glass on the table much louder than she had intended. 

“Agenda?” She spat.  “Outside wishing to be respected and have the same rights afforded to other Americans, can you please tell me what is on this… agenda? Because I must have missed the memo.” 

“The agenda is clear,” Lars replied.  “It’s to turn people into… them.  That’s why there are so many of them now.” 

“Oh, so you’re delusional enough to believe that there were fewer queer people in previous generations. Or do you think that, maybe, people were just forced to live in closets?”

Lars emptied his glass and motioned to a server for another. “Better in their closets than out on my streets!”

“Your streets?” Casey scoffed.

“Lars,” an older relative jumped in. “What does it matter if they’re gay? It’s not as if it’s going to turn you gay.”

Casey briefly thought there may have been an iota of common sense in the room, but that ended quickly.

“But I understand where you’re coming from, and it’s overdone. Gay pride month? Come on… when do we get straight pride month.” 

When a rumble of laughter filled the room, Casey unfurled.

“Do you have any idea how insulting that is?” she barked.  “Straight pride month? You should be happy that you don’t need a straight pride month?  When was the last time you had to forgo holding your partner’s hand in public because it could endanger your life?  Has a landlord ever denied you an apartment because they found out you were moving in with your straight partner?  Or has anyone gone to court to ask for the right not to sell you a freaking cake? Or to say it’s against their values to provide you with medical care? Medical care! When has being straight ever caused a problem like this for you? Tell me. I’ll wait.” 

Her arms were crossed defiantly in front of her chest, and her face began turning their favorite color… red. As silence hung, several looked to Tobias to intervene.

“Don’t look at me,” he shrugged. “Casey asked a question, and I believe the polite thing to do would be to answer. Anyone?”

“Uhm, I see,” Pauline stuttered. “I didn’t… we didn’t realize this was a … a sensitive subject for you.”

“It’s not sensitive. But I do want an answer. If you can tell me why a straight pride month is needed, I promise, I’ll help plan it.”

“Casey,” a relative she hadn’t previously spoken to chimed in. “I assure you, they aren’t bad people. It’s just their… exposure to people different than themselves is limited… they don’t even know any queer people.”

“Oh,” Casey scoffed.  “I assure you, they do. They probably don’t feel comfortable enough to let them know it… but they do.”

“She’s right,” Tobias backed up. “But for argument's sake, let's just say they didn’t.  Then maybe you should get out there and meet some. Being exposed to different people than yourselves. What a concept? That's how you learn and grow, and that’s not a bad thing.  Is it?” 

“Casey,” Pauline interrupted, growing uncomfortable with the scene that had emerged.  “I would like to apologize. We didn’t know… I assume you have… gay…  people in your life.”

“Yeah,” Casey sighed.  “I do, and, as of tonight, so do you.”

“I… I don’t understand,” the elderly woman queried.

“I’m bisexual. And until this moment, you really seemed to like me. Does this change your mind? Because I assure you, I was just as bisexual when I arrived tonight as I am now. Nothing about me has changed.”

“Wait…” Lars interrupted. “You can't be bisexual. You’re dating Tobias.”

Casey rolled her eyes. “Do you even know what bisexual means? It means I’m attracted to more than one gender… which includes men. Being that Tobias is a man, he fits the bill.”

“I’m grateful for that…” Tobias injected.

“Well, that’s all right, dear…” Harold stated. “You seem to be a lovely young woman, and this whole…thing… won’t be an issue. You’re with our great-nephew… and… people will assume you’re a normal couple. We don’t need to announce to the world that you are….” His words trailed, and Aunt Mandy stepped in. 

“Bisexual,” she offered with a smile. 

“Normal?” Casey spat.  “If you want normal, you can find that setting on your washing machine. Of course, you’re probably about as acquainted with washing machines as you are with people like me. And sorry, I’m not going back into a closet for anyone.”

“Well,” the old man said, wringing his hands. “It’s just that if… say… you and Tobias should say… get married one day….you’d be a Carrick, and…”

“Oh, that’s the plan…” Tobias jumped in. “I told you, I have no intention of letting her go.”

“Well … we’ve never had this in the family!”

“You probably have,” Casey insisted. “But I have no problem leading the way if you haven't. Hell, it may even help your image! Bring you into this century!” 

“But there is no need to announce it,” Pauline pleaded.

“If you Google my name, you’ll see who I am. I’ve been an activist since college. It’s out there…and I’m proud of it.”

“Well, we are a powerful family,” Harold stated. “We could have that all wiped clean well in advance of any potential announcements….”

Casey was about to strike that down, but Tobias beat her to the punch. 

“Over my dead body,” he blurted, taking Casey’s hand.  “Casey knows who she is, and I’m never going to ask her to be any less.  Because she’s just perfect in my book.” 

Casey met his eyes with a grateful smile, then turned back to the family. 

“I’m comfortable with and proud of who I am. But I’m not comfortable being here any longer.” 

“That’s my queue,” Tobias hummed, finishing off his drink before standing up from the table. 

“Tobias,” Lars sputtered. “You’re all right with this? You finally settle down and she's... bisexual. Do you want to be cheated on?"

“Whoa…you think I’ll be unfaithful because I’m bisexual? Holy fucked up stereotypes, Batman! Like straight people have cornered the market on fidelity? I’m sure none of the straight folk in this room have ever dealt with that, right?” A low rumble filled the room before she continued. “Trust me, Tobias has nothing to worry about. He’s the person in my life, and I adore him.  Hard stop. You have so much to learn, but I’m done teaching today.”

Casey and Tobias were almost at the door when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Uncle Bill. 

“Casey, I’d like to apologize on behalf of my family. You were a guest tonight and weren’t treated very hospitably. Unfortunately, the small-mindedness of some here knows no bounds. I hope you’ll come to visit Mandy and me at our home.  We’d like to introduce you to our daughters and grandchildren, even our sons-in-law,” he chuckled.  “Seriously, we want to get to know the woman who finally took our nephew out of circulation.”

Bill grinned at Tobias. “I can see why she did. She’s something else, isn’t she?”  

“Uncle Bill,” Tobias beamed, “You have no idea.”

He clapped Tobias on the back and pulled him into a hug. “I wish your father were here… he would have been so proud… of both of you.”

“Well," Tobias replied. "He was a bit of a rabble-rouser, too, wasn’t he?”

“Yes!” Bill grinned. “He had no tolerance for this bullshit.”

“Good trouble. That’s what he and Ma used to say.”

“Exactly! Now, come you two. Let me walk you out.”

Alone in the back seat of the car, Casey asked the driver to raise the privacy partition, then turned to Tobias, slightly abashed. 

“I’m really sorry that I….”

“Stop,” he interrupted.  “You don’t owe me an apology.  I think I owe you one.”

“You?” 

“Yeah, I avoid the majority of the people in that room tonight like the plague. I don’t know what I was thinking exposing you to them.  It’s just… not having my dad here anymore… I thought the next best thing would be introducing you to them. In retrospect, I should have limited that to Uncle Bill and Aunt Mandy.” 

“Tobias, do you think I don’t have people like that in my family? You think I don’t run into people like them every day… you don’t have to apologize for their behavior. But…” she stalled.  “I suppose we should talk.”

“About what?” he asked nervously.

“I never actually told you I was bisexual.”

“Well,” Tobias laughed, “When Jessica was in town, and you introduced her to me as your ex-girlfriend, I kind of got the hint. .”

“I don’t think it’s something people should have to share.  I mean, straight people don’t have to declare it at the start of a relationship, do they? So, I’ve always felt I shouldn’t either.  But I really want a life with you, and I need to know if this is a problem for you.” 

“A problem? No, it's not a problem.  I love you for you, and I meant what I said back there.  You are perfect just the way you are.  I wouldn't change a thing about you... except maybe the way you're always stealing the covers at night."

Casey reached over and caressed his cheek.  “This is just one of the reasons I love you.  But if you want to discuss it, you can ask me anything. I’m an open book to you.” 

“That goes in reverse. You can ask me anything you want, any time. No secrets between us.”

“Well,” she smirked, snuggling closer to him. “I mean, I love you and all, but we have established you were quite the ho before you met me. I just assumed it was because you were straight.”

“Oh, really!” he laughed heartily. “We will have no slut shaming in this car, young lady… and no disparaging any sexual orientation… including mine.”

“You know I’m joking,” she laughed. “About everything except that I love you.”

“Good, 'cause that’s the only part that matters. But… you know… the way you put my family in place,” he smiled salaciously.  “I’m not going to lie; I’m so fucking turned on right now.” 

“Are you,” Casey laughed, “then a good thing your mother’s away, and we have the townhome to ourselves.”

Just then, the car pulled in front of the home, and Tobias cursed under his breath.  

“What’s wrong?” Casey asked. 

“Look,” he pointed to the front steps Jordan was sitting, all man spread with a bottle of beer in his hand. “So much for alone.”

“He’s not staying here,” Casey giggled. “Let's go chat; he won't be here all night. A little patience, Dr. Carrick.”

“Jordan! What’s up?” Tobias asked as they approached.  “What are you doing outside?” 

“Waiting on you,” he said, handing each of them a cold bottle of beer.  “But I went inside to get these first.” 

“Sitting on the front steps drinking beer?” Casey gasped.  “Isn’t this going to lower the Carrick’s standing in polite society?”

“Like these Carricks ever gave a fuck about that,” Tobias laughed, but Jordan stayed silent. 

“Casey, you were really something back there,” he mumbled, staring down at his feet.  “You’re a strong woman. I’m impressed.” 

“Well, thank you. But all I did was speak my truth.  Sometimes it’s not easy, but I’ve found it’s easier than living a lie.”

“Is it?” he asked.

“I think so.  Now, I’m not sure if I’ll be invited to the next Carrick family gathering,” she laughed, “But….”

“Pfft,” Tobias spat. “If we are, we’re not gracing them with our presence.” 

“Except for Uncle Bill,” Jordan smiled. 

“Uncle Bill seems awesome,” Casey agreed.  “I think he and Aunt Mandy are the only two Carricks not mortified over having someone like me associated with the family. Hell, it’s 2021.  It’s about time the Carricks queered up a little. I’m happy to the first."

“Except… you’re not,” Jordan muttered.

Casey tilted her head in Jordan’s direction. “I’m not?” 

“Nope.  You’re just the first with the nerve to be honest... and open.  I’ve never told anyone in the family,” he looked to Tobias.  “Not even you… but I’m bisexual.” 

Casey sat down on the step next to Jordan, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.  

“Jordan… I had no idea.”

“You wouldn’t,” he shrugged.  “I’ve kept it a well-guarded secret.” 

“Why?” Tobias asked. “I mean, I get from the others, but why from me?” 

Jordan shrugged. “I’m bisexual; it’s easy to hide in plain sight if I want to.  And you know our family. I wasn’t ever planning on letting them know, so… why not keep it to myself.” 

“And that’s your prerogative,” Casey said, widening her eyes in Tobias’s direction to stave off the line of questioning she knew was about to begin. “I was much happier once I was out.  But that’s only my experience, and it should never dictate yours.  When and if you decide to be out... that’s up to you and only you.” 

Jordan placed his hand on Casey’s knee and smiled. “And until tonight, my answer to that would have been that it’s never going to happen.  But now… I’m not so sure.” 

“Well, just know if you decide to do so, you know you have my support….” Tobias assured. “At least, I hope you know that.” 

“I do,” Jordan smiled.  “Outside of a couple of friends, you two are the first people I’ve ever told, and… you know what… it feels good. I have to process this a little more, but I think I’d like to tell Ma.  Do you think she’ll be pissed?”

“You’re her son, and Mom is going to love you no matter what,” Tobias insisted. “Besides, you know Mom’s always been cool about this stuff. She’s not… the Carricks." 

“That’s a relief,” Casey sighed.  “I’m sure news of tonight's shenanigans will get back to her, and I was worried she might dislike me now.  See, this is what sucks.  Sometimes people like me until they find out… then I’m shunned.  I try not to let it bother me, but…”

“But, you’re human,” Jordan smiled. 

“Would you like to go inside and talk?” Casey asked.  “I know it’s late, but…”

“No,” Jordan smiled as he rose to his feet.  “I’m going to walk back to my place.  I have a lot to think about, but I just wanted to get this off my chest. Thank you for letting me.”

Casey stood to give Jordayna hug.  “Hey, you’re not excluding me from this!” Tobias smiled as he joined in. 

“You sure you don’t want to come in?” Casey asked again.

“Nah.  Even if I did, I know my brother,” he winked. “After what you did tonight… standing up to those people... he has to so fucking turned on!"

"I told you!" Tobias yelled as Casey covered her face.

"You sure do know him," she laughed.

"Now, get out of here. Go home, get some sleep.”

“And you get inside…," Jordan grinned at his brother. "And do… whatever you’re going to do.” 

Tobias and Casey returned to the steps. He wrapped his arm around her, and she nuzzled her head in the crook of his neck. They sat silent for several minutes as they watched Jordan walk away.

“Well, that was quite a night,” Tobias sighed.

“It didn't go exactly as you expected, did it?” 

“Nah, but in this family…I’ve seen much, much worse.”  He lifted her chin from his shoulder, turning to look her in the eye. “I love you, Casey MacTavish. I keep saying I can’t possibly love you anymore, but you keep proving me wrong.” 

“Mmm.  Let’s see if I can keep that up for the rest of our lives,” she smiled.  “Now.  You mentioned something about being all turned on? That wasn't all talk, was it?"

A wicked grin spread slowly across his moonlit face. “I’ll race you to the bedroom."

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