#he's been fighting homophobia since it's origins

[ox1-lovesick]

conspiracy theories about tchaikovsky's death make me so sad

[e3rt]

WOOD’S BROTHER HEAD CANONS!!!!!

(Art is mineeeee)

Art is how I picture Jeff after everything vs if it never happened to begin with.

- Eastern European but raised in the South(America)

- both have southern accents with some Eastern European inflections

- Jeff was always the creepy/weird kid but was generally considered attractive and could get his hands on anything so he was able to form some “friendships” off a transactional type of dynamic.

-Liu is the older brother because I prefer it that way

- Sully is like an alter Ego that took over Liu’s life and was originally made to fill the void of his family dying

- They’re Irish twins, so the brothers grew up incredibly close

-Liu was the favourite kid, he didn’t feel it though

- it wasn’t Jeff who cut the Chelsea smile, that’s just the town mythos that surrounded the case

- raised on a farm, both have farmer muscles

- the “bullies” were actually a group of boys from town that pretended to be friends with Liu, but would subtly bully him. It slowly progressed to physical altercations and blackmail. Jeff tried to help him but because of both their bad reputations, it was ignored by the school. Jeff had to step in himself which escalated everything.

-Liu can lie his way out of everything and anything, he was a lot more unassuming but only looked good compared to Jeff’s behaviour and personality

- Jeff is 24 Liu 25

- Jeffs ear was already partially deformed from fighting, the fire caused him to lose hearing in one ear and gave him nerve damage in his face and legs.

- his hands were one of the few places mostly unharmed in the fire

- the town boys had attempted to kill the whole family by burning their house down but Jeff was the only one home at the time

- after the fire Liu was the primary caretaker of Jeff while he healed(his “duty” as the eldest). He grew somewhat resentful during the time but then harboured a debilitating guilt after seeing how Jeff was disfigured

- Jeff whenever he is within Slendermans territory can communicate with spirits, he thought Ben and Sally were hallucinations brought on by his killings at first

- Jeff was a TBI kid, fell off a fence when he was a 10 and the adults in his life described him as “going dark” from that point on.

- both Liu and Jeff did petty crime and would instigate conflict with their peers often.

-the Wood’s home life was NOOOOT good at all

- Jeff didn’t try to kill his brother but indirectly led him to being nearly killed

-Jeff is basically a zombie, he made a deal with SOMETHING while in the slender forest and has been unable to die since.

- Liu has chronic pain from being nearly killed, while Jeff remains mostly unbothered by his injuries

- bisexual Jeff the killer 💯

- internalised homophobia Jeff the killer 💯

- academically gifted but never had the opportunity to develop it homacidle Liu 💯

- Jeff is pretty fond of Nina but not in a romantic or sexual way, he also managed to get close to Toby despite the guys allusive nature

- both heavy Nu Metal, industrial and midwest emo fans

Yeah these are all the ones I can think of rn but if YOU have any ones you think of or ones you want me to expand on I’d love to hear it forrealsies. Stay disgusting! 😸

[findafight]

Okay I kept thinking about this post and Steve being a BNF of Corroded Coffin message board of the internet of yore.

Alright so way back in the nineties Suzie hooks everyone up with the internet, yes? Yes. Eddie and Steve got together in '92 after some mutual pining and a few disastrous relationships that couldn't handle 1) Steve and Robin's general QPR clinginess 2) Eddie's intensity 3) the secrecy required if having multiple years of monster fighting and subsequent NDAs and the trauma associated therein. They're older and more settled and ready for an Adult Relationship.

Corroded Coffin is gaining traction and doing really well and the internet is still a brave new frontier, so Steve says to Eddie something like "I'm going to see if there's some message boards about you 🥰" and find them he sure does. So he makes accounts and posts under the username EddiesOnlyGroupie because he's hilarious and also the mods banned him from using EddieMunsonsHusband (he figured it was fine on the internet because nobody actually knew who he was but APPARENTLY NOT homophobia lives on in the digital age). He gets pretty well known in the Corroded Coffin fandom, most assuming he's a woman because he will go off on how hot Eddie looked at a gig. Like. Saying unhinged internet shit because 1) true and 2) he and Eddie think it's so funny. Everyone kinda believes the groupie thing too because of all the performance pics he's able to post and how he'll sometimes offer tidbits if knowledge about the band.

When they transition from chatrooms to livejournal etc he follows, with the same username. He's kind of a legend by the mid aughts. EOG is the acronym people use when discussing theories on his identity, and he's like "guys I'm literally his only groupie it's self explanatory. Guys why don't you believe me Eddie hasn't slept with anyone but me since 1992. We're basically married". He goes "it's not a mystery we literally are in love and Jeff and I go to Cubs games and cry when they inevitably lose together. Gareth is Godfather to my cats" (Eddie is still offended that he was not named Sassafras and Moonshine's godfather when Steve and Robin adopted them in '89). No one believes him.

Possibly because he still thirsts after Eddie and whenever someone posts a new Eddie pic those in the know wait for him to pop up with comments like "I want to bite his neck omg" "he has no ass but nobody is perfect I'll settle between his thighs anyway" and "literally a crime I am not married to him right now what the fuck" As twitter grows he swoops in to grab his handle, and follows a bunch of other CC fan accounts (some of them old friends, some of them new to the scene)(EOG 100% has his own fanlore page, which also has speculation on who he is and how he gets all the bts pics. It also doesn't believe when he says what it says on the tin. He's Eddie's only groupie.)

tumblr and tiktok come round and Steve is like. Openly horny on main. He's seen some shit go down on the internet but he's still commenting on Eddie fan edits that are title shit like "why am I attracted to this middle-aged white man" and "retro cc fancam" with things like "I'd let him lick the inside of my ear and only bring it up to tease him on special occasions" "his FINGERS" "back in '89 Jeff and Howie and Claire staged a mutany over this song because they were 'sick of Eddie only writing about biting bats' lmao" and "Jeff is my favourite member of cc"(just to stir the pot)

Eddie comes out in the 2010's and he's like "yeah I've been in a long term relationship with someone who is usually mostly a man kinda (gender is fucky) for the past twenty years, lol. His name's Steve. I love him a lot even if he mocks me online." and of course EOG comments "the mods of that old message board should have let me keep my original handle of EddieMunsonsHusband. When're you gonna make it reality, Munson? smh" and everyone is like Huh?? EOG is a MAN? And he's like yeah? Sometimes?? Not always?

(He 100% thinks this is him telling people he's Eddie's Steve. They don't get the message)

Anyways life goes on Steve continues to thirst under pictures of Eddie, he has his pronouns and name in his bio on twitter (Steve, he/him, she/her, Eddie Munson's first and only groupie 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ) and continues to post behind the scenes photos that shockingly few people question (she always says "because I'm his groupie" though. He and Eddie think this is VERY funny and also true. Robin groans. They've been making the same joke for two decades.) and people believe it because Eddie has interacted EOG sometimes, liking photos or videos, commenting sometimes. (Steve has a more professional realname account that he rarely uses but Eddie usually tags Steve there)

And THEN Internet user EddiesOnlyGroupie says he's taking a few weeks off for her honeymoon because "I'm finally marrying the man of my dreams!" And people are happy for him but also bummed because Eddie is also taking a two week hiatus but EOG promises wedding and honeymoon photos. (Face reveal! Sorta!)((he doesn't get why people are excited because he's pretty sure he's been in a lot of Eddie's recent pictures, but whatever)

Imagine the Internet's surprise when Eddie Munson posts a collection of pictures spanning '86 to his 2016 wedding of him and Steve, including one of Steve looking seriously at an old desktop computer, captioned "Steve starting his internet career" and tags EOG.

Steve qrt with "I told yall. I'm his only groupie, and they should've let me keep EddieMunsonsHusband even if they WERE homophobic. Because now it's TRUE"

Niche internet community drama chaos ensues.

[twopoppies]

Are the any new fics (within the last couple months) that are good? I’m in a reading drought and I feel like I’ve read every Larry fic there is :( I got so desperate I even thought about looking into f/m fics..

NOOOOO NOT THE HET FICS. DON’T DO IT. 😆

I think I’m just going to use your ask to post my year-end favorite fics. Hope you don’t mind.

It’s been a tough year for me, and I haven’t gotten to read a ton, but these are all excellent.

Secrets, Santa? By @indiaalphawhiskey (E, 19K) disaster gay Harry in all his bumbling, endearing glory still manages to make his incredibly hot boss (Louis) fall for him. This one has snappy dialogue, great internal monologue, and scorching smut. I’d expect nothing less from this author.

your lips in the low light by etherealbliss / @givesuethemoon (E, 21K) It’s been a long time since I read a Larry Uni AU, and this one checked all the boxes. This author managed to really capture the immaturity and obsessive emotions of university age lovers arguing and breaking up, and making each other jealous, and fucking and fighting some more, and ultimately making up. Harry is bratty and sensitive and Louis is dense and long-suffering and they’re perfect for each other.

Scorpions et Madragores by Stria / @nooradeservedbetter (E, 23K) Read the tags and author’s note on this one because there are some themes that could be triggering. This is a dark fic and Harry is a pretty creepy vampire, but the story is very well told and there’s a happy ending.

2 a.m. texts by everysingleday / @sun-lt (T, 30K) This was very sweet and very funny and had just enough sexiness (although I wouldn’t have minded more. LOL!) Link is to a download.

The Doppel Effect by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright (T, 6K) the concept for this fic was so original and a really compelling read, I can’t help but hope the author gets inspired to continue this ‘verse.

Danger I Can’t Hide by CelticSky (E, 227K) This one’s got all the tension and drama you’d expect of a World War II story—life and death high stakes, friends and lovers unexpectedly torn apart, battles and heroism, plus the added stakes of classism and homophobia—then add a slow burn, high risk, scorching love affair spanning years. If you want a story that’s complex and fantastically researched, plus lovers to root for, read it. It’s long. But I couldn’t put it down. When I finally did, I picked it right back up and read it twice more. It’s that good.

one conversation by fondleeds (NR, 1K) This really is just a couple of scenes, and the story is open-ended, but, if for no other reason, read it for the beautiful way the sentences flow. My notes on every fic of theirs begin with: “I wish I could write like this.”

Night Shift by banaanipoika (E, 9K) This was incredibly sexy and beautifully written. I loved that there was such a unique setting with so much descriptive language making me feel like I could smell and feel everything in that hospital room.

On The Pull by @homosociallyyours (E, 4K) Short, but really sexy and just the right amount of bittersweet and hopeful. Loved the characterizations and the smooth writing. So few people write canon Larry these days so this was a nice change of pace.

Devil in my brain, whispering my name by @lunarheslwt (E, 9K) i i thought this author struck a great balance between the dirtiness of a demon defiling an angel and the way the angel gave in to his desire to be defiled. Super sexy.

pull you closer (kiss me harder) by @sunshineandthemoonlight (E, 6K) This was absolutely beautiful — just the perfect amount of tension and wistfulness to make me tear up. But then it was sexy and full of hope at the end. I loved how Louis supported Harry and gave him exactly what he needed (and really, H gave Louis what he needed, too).

[veeisdunn]

Sneaking around

Shelby family x sister!reader

warning: period typical homophobia

context: set before season one, reader is a few years younger than Ada.

I know this isn't an original idea and is kind of overdone, but I figured since I am very very queer I might as well give it a shot.

WC: 4.1K

MASTERLIST

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

It took awhile for everyone to recognise, but it was clear as day now. The youngest Shelby girl was slipping away.

Finn saw it first. The young boy idolised his older sister. Though less than a year was between them, Y/N was his world. You were there, day in day out, to offer support, advice, or generally cause trouble; until one day, you weren't.

Arthur, bless his heart, took a long time to come around. 

"But I fuck off all the bloody time and I don't see any of yous all stressed"

"This is different Arthur, it's y/n" Tommy, the replacement voice of reason.

You were barely a teenager when you first realised you were different. You had a playground boyfriend who you adored, but not in the right way. You always looked at him like a best friend, but it became painfully obvious he was dealing with some serious puppy love. He kissed you. You hated it.

You promptly ended things after that embarrassment.

As you got older, it clicked. You didn't like boys, not in that way. You looked at women the same way many men would. 

I'm fucking delusional. A looney.

The Shelby boys would tease your lack of romance, but deep down appreciated that you being single gave them one less thing to worry about.

You was all alone with these thoughts of self-loathing, until you met her.

Emma was a few years your senior and worked as a seamstress on the other side of Small Heath. You were caught in the rain together one evening, and the rest was history. You and Emma became close friends, both craving female companionship in your male-dominated lives. Your relationship escalated one drunken night in the snug of the Garrison. Most of the Blinders were in London doing god knows what, leaving the private room of the pub to you and her friend.

"Truth or dare?" Emma slurred 

You hummed, "truth!"

"Who was your first love?" 

"That's a big question." you pondered

"I've just never seen you around any men! You never even talk about them, you literally have your pick of every man in Birmingham." Emma giggled, her inhibitions getting the best of her.

"I… I just haven't found the right person yet." you quipped defensively, pouring yourself and Emman another glass.

"Maybe you're looking in the wrong place?" 

You choked on her gin. "What's that supposed to mean?”

Emma leaned back into her chair and stared you down. "I saw the way you look at the barmaid." she smirked.

shit. shit. shit.

"I think she's cute as well" Emma continued, swirling her drink around her glass.

You felt like all of the air had been ejected from your lungs. Did Emma feel it too?

"Wait. You also like women?" 

"Yes. I think they're rather more attractive" the older girl replied nonchalantly.

— 

Ever since that fateful evening, you had been "best friends" - more accurately, you were sneaking around each other's houses, stealing kisses behind buildings or under tables, and fighting the urge not to show any physical affection in public. You were enamored by each other.

This new arrangement made you fear your family, quite simply because they ran the entire city - the walls may as well have had piercing eyes following your every move. Though if the you were exposed, you didn't worry for yourself, you worried for Emma - an unmarried 20 year-old living in a bedsit above a cobbler who had no family (or gang for that matter) to come to her defense.

Y/N was certain this was one of the only laws her family hadn’t broken, and now you were walking all over it. Homosexuality, as Emma had taught you, was fully natural, but extremely illegal. Sometimes the you wished you could just be normal, but then you wouldn’t be able to spend hours gazing into your girlfriend's glowing eyes - a truly impossible predicament.

— 

The sun peaked up over the dense bog of factory smoke, darkened rays illuminating the dusty streets. Y/N took a deep breath in, halfway between a slumber and reality. 

That’s a nice smell.

Only a few minutes later did you realise that that nice smell was, in fact, Emma’s perfume and your head was, in fact, buried in Emma's chest.

“Morning, sunshine.” The older girl whispered, resting her hand on your knotty h/c  hair, attempting in vain to comb through it with her fingers.

“What time is it?” you yawned and relaxed into Emma’s gentle touch.

“Just turned seven, the bird’s woke me.” She spoke softly but the you were thrown into a panic. This was your first time sleeping in your bed and you'd slept in.

“They'll be up.” You shot up from Emma’s embrace. This revelation ruined the tranquillity of your night together. Emma hastily slipped on one of your frilly blouses and long woollen skirt, abandoning last night’s evening dress for the sake of blending in outside. You then helped your lover out of the window and onto the fence, then down to the alleyway beside the Shelby home.

“Em I’m sorry, again. I’m just scared, I don’t want anything to happen to you.” You apologised profusely, feeling ashamed that you went to such lengths to hide. 

Emma smiled sadly “No, I get it. We can’t have our fun end now can we?” She giggled playfully “I best be off, you should sleep over in my room tonight.” 

You blushed as Emma waltzed down the alley and onto the bustle of Watery Lane as if nothing had just happened. 

— 

“Aunt Polly, guess what?” Finn giggled, skipping into the crowded kitchen. The whole family, except you, were crowded around the table eating breakfast. “I heard someone in Y/N’s room!”

“Finn, that’s not funny. Go and cause trouble elsewhere.” Tommy scolded, glancing up from his newspaper.

“No!” the boy protested, grabbing his Aunt’s arm as she walked past, “I heard her talking! And I heard lots of footsteps! And the window!” he blabbed

The chorus of murmurs that filled the room ceased. 

“Y/N’s finally gotten herself a man!” John cheered, slapping an angry Tommy on the back. Across the table, it looked as if steam was pouring from Arthur’s ears.

“Boys, I say it’s a good thing. It’s time she found someone to have fun with.” Ada sighed, sensing one of her brother’s was about to blow up.

“I agree with Ada.” Polly announced, “Y/N is an adult now, she can do whatever the bloody hell she pleases”

“She’s barely 18!” Tommy slammed his paper down “she should NOT be having men sharing her bed.” Ada glared daggers into him. A floorboard creaking across the hall meant that you had accidentally announced yourself sneaking back to bed.

“Speak of the devil.” Arthur tutted. 

You apprehensively stepped towards the stairs.

Maybe if I walk slowly, they won’t see me?

“Y/N! Y/N! Who was it? When can I meet him?” Finn sang, bounding up to you, Tommy hot on his heels. 

“Who was the man in your bed?” Tommy demanded “Do we know him? Or will I have to introduce myself?” He snapped, a menacing undertone in his voice.

“THIS is why she felt the need to sneak him out!” Ada shouted over her brother, “you could at least pretend to be supportive!”

Tommy let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Okay, how was your secret fuck last night?”

“THOMAS! Cut it out. Now.” Polly could have broken glass with her shriek. “Girls, I suggest you leave. Your brothers need educating.”  

You fled up the stairs to her room. Ada followed close behind, stopping her sister from slamming the door and locking herself away. You threw yourself on the bed in despair. 

“That’s a nice dress. Did you wear it last night?” Ada tried her best to be friendly, inspecting Emma’s crimson dress hung over a desk chair.

“That’s not my dress.” You rolled over to face the wall, “it’s my friends.” you huffed defensively.

“You know, you can always borrow my dresses?” Ada settled down at the end of her sister’s bed, misjudging the situation.

“No Ada, it’s just that she wore it last night and left it here.” 

“So if one of your friends slept over, can’t you just tell everyone so they’ll shut up?”

An unfamiliar knot tied itself in your stomach. It was one thing sneaking around behind the backs of your family, lying to their faces was not something you'd considered. You opted to remain silent.

“What’s going on with you lately? You keep shutting everyone out.” Ada leaned over and looked down over her little (adult) sister with concern.

“I’m just so fucking tired of hiding.”

Ada’s the least likely to kill me.

“From what?” 

“Everyone. I am sick of living life like this.”

“Y/N, who was here last night?” Ada asked softly, catching on.

You snapped. “My girlfriend. My girlfriend was here and we slept in my bed. We didn’t have sex, we just talked.”

Ada silently gasped and took a moment to compose herself. “Look, I don’t care what you’re doing with her-”

“No, it’s not that.” tears began to well in your eyes, “it’s the fact they all probably think I’m no better than a common prostitute despite the fact they sleep with every woman they find.” 

“Oh Y/N…” Ada mumbled with a smile, “Polly will sort them out. You shouldn’t be sneaking around us.”

You was taken aback by Ada’s lack of anger. 

“Now…” Ada jumped up and picked up Emma’s dress from the chair, admiring the quality “tell me about her!”

— 

“Look Thomas, just because she is a woman and you are a man, it doesn’t mean you have more rights than Y/N.” Polly snapped, towering above her nephew.

“You just can’t seem to get it through your head, Pol.” Tommy retorted, standing from his seat, “men are bad, they can’t be trusted.”

“Yes, and you would know all about bad men Tommy, since you yourself run with the devil.” Polly squared up to him and snarled, staring into his dark eyes.

John joined the pair standing and rested a hand on each of their shoulders. “Eva is a smart girl, she probably picked someone who’s the total opposite of a Blinder. He’ll be nothing like Tommy.”

“At least if he’s a fuckin’ Blinder we can finish him off quickly.” Arthur chimed in, gripping his glass so hard it could have smashed.

“There will be no finishing of anyone off. You boys cannot sentence an innocent man to death for sleeping with Y/N. How do you think she will take that? Will she thank you? Or will she leave this God forsaken city and never come back?” Polly snapped, “It’s your decision, but it’s one you should take in a fucking heartbeat.”

As Polly berated Arthur and John sat back with indifference, Tommy stormed into the hallway and ascended the rickety stairs to your room. His mind was running at lightning speed, anger and guilt both clouding his rational brain. He had to know who this man was before he decided on his next step. Your jubilant voice and Ada’s giggles stopped him from bashing her door off its hinges.

“And when Emma kisses me, I swear my heart is going to explode.”

“Does she treat you well?”

“She’s so thoughtful. On the anniversary of Mum’s death, she brought flowers for us to throw in the cut. We sat on the edge for hours and she just listened to me ramble.”

“Oh my gosh! You lucky girl Y/N!” 

Tommy kissed his teeth and looked up at the ceiling before opening the door.

If there is a God, he thought, then please tell me what the fuck is going on.

Both yourself and Ada jumped as your older brother entered, his expression was impossible for either of you to decipher.

“Tommy, before you yell at her, can you at least think about this!” Ada begged, standing between him and yourself.

“Ada. Out. I need to talk with Y/N alone.”

Ada stepped forward “If you upset her Tommy, I’ll fucking kill you.” she threatened through gritted teeth.

Begrudgingly, after bickering some more, Ada left your bedroom and closed the door behind her. 

Thomas sighed, listening to the rapid rhythm of his pulse. Wordlessly, he picked up your desk chair and placed it next to your bed, sitting down and staring at his sister who was leant against the headboard, your knees to yourchest. You refused to meet his gaze.

“So,” He coughed, “Who is Emma?”

You traced circles into your thigh as you took a shaky breath in.

“My friend.” You mumbled

“Your friend who you shared a bed with and kissed?” Tommy raised his eyebrows. He needed to hear you say it for yourself, though, as Ada did, he’d caught on.

“I - you know, Tommy.” You sniffed your tears back.

“I need to hear it from you, Y/N. Use your words.”

“Fine. I love her Tommy! I love her more than all the girls you sleep around with. I know you don’t want me to be happy but I don’t care because I love her.” You lost it, you sat up and faced him, shouting with tears streaming down your face. The only thing stopping you from attacking him was the iron grip you were keeping on your bed sheets.

Tommy didn’t reply. He rested his elbows on his knees and held his head in his hands.

“I know you’re pissed but quite frankly I’m sick to death of being a prisoner to the men in this family. For once, I have someone who loves me for me and who doesn’t treat me like a child. If you don’t like it, I’ll fucking leave and you can be rid of me.” The words flew out of your mouth without much doubt and you couldn’t figure out if they were empty threats or if you were ready to run. Your brother’s reaction would decide that.

Silence. “So?” you spat, “when do you want me gone?”

Tommy barely registered what he had heard. He was stunned, sifting through his racing thoughts: She could be arrested, or even killed. Her reputation would be finished. What if she wanted her own life and career? Would she even be able to find a job?

He was so engrossed, in fact, that he didn’t even notice you leave in floods of tears.

— 

You were running on fumes. You hadn’t woken up prepared for any of this anguish. Your legs carried you to the one place where you knew you’d be safe - Emma. Before long, and after lots of odd looks from people around you, you'd ended up at the door of the dress shop where your girlfriend worked. 

“G’morning! How can I help?” The woman behind the counter looked up from her work at you, a fake smile on her face.

“Emma.” you panted, catching your breath, “Is Emma here? I’m her friend and it’s an emergency.”

After studying your face, the woman’s smile faded. “Emma!” She poked her head through a door behind her and called, “There is a Miss Shelby here looking for you.”

A crash, a slam, and then Emma appeared, rather flustered. If it wasn’t for your panic, you would be swooning at the sight of your lover in your clothes. 

“You should step in the back for a minute - I don’t want customers seeing you girls chit-chat.” The woman, who you had now deduced was the boss, spoke quietly. Emma didn’t respond and grabbed your forearm, leading you into the back room and closing the door.

“What happened? Why’re you crying?” Emma fretted, sitting you down at a desk.

You held back your tears in fear of getting your girlfriend in trouble. “They know.” You whispered, “My little brother heard someone in my room and they’ve all found out.”

Emma cursed under her breath, holding onto your hands so hard her knuckles went white. “Are they angry?” She whispered back, her eyes flicking to the door cautiously.

“I - I don’t know. My sister was really happy but I don’t think my brothers are. I asked Tommy if he wanted me to leave and he didn’t even say anything. I don’t think I can go back.”

The older girl walked over to a set of pegs and took a key out of a bag, handing it to you. “Go back to my room. I’ll finish at six today, then we can come up with a plan.”

“No!” You snapped in a hushed voice “You don’t understand how crazy my family are. You should leave me here and go somewhere else, it won’t be safe in the city for you anymore.”

“I’m not going anywhere without you. If you don’t think it’s safe here, then let’s both get out.”

After that exchange, you were sent on your way back to Emma’s bedsit. Luckily everyone else was at work so no one saw you run in. You were originally planning to spend the day figuring out what you and Emma were going to do come the evening, but you instead collapsed from exhaustion and slept.

— 

“Thomas Michael Shelby!” Polly bellowed, practically picking him up by his collar. “What in God’s name have you done?!”

Tommy snapped out of his haze. Y/N was gone. Polly was out for blood. Ada was crying. Arthur was having a drink - at 8am. John was gone, too. What the fuck happend?

“You were meant to comfort her! Not drive her out of the fucking house!” 

Tommy ignored his raging aunt. “I’ll get every bloody man on the street to find her.” His voice was monotone as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket.

Ada chuckled sarcastically, “John’s already onto that, got all the Blinder’s after her. He was being a brother while you were sitting on your arse.”

“SHIT” Tommy stood up and threw the pile of books from Y/N’s desk into the wall. “Shit shit shit.” And he was gone.

— 

The three brothers were out all day looking for their sister, while Polly, Ada, and Finn stayed home waiting in case she returned. She didn’t. As the night approached, the trio returned and handed over to a group of their associates who planned to search all night.

On the other side of Small Heath, you and Emma were getting ready to head out. Your plan was to sneak back to Watery Lane, get your things, leave a note, and get out. You was intending to hide in Emma’s room until you could both figure out where to go next. You took the reverse route that you had that morning, seeing that all the lights were on downstairs, but no one appeared to be upstairs. Down the alley, up the fence, onto the roof, then through the window. The one thing that you'd forgotten to consider was that somebody could already be in there. 

Ada was laying on your bed in floods of tears. The second your feet hit the floor, she shot up and screamed, bounding over. “Y/N! I thought you were never coming back!” She grabbed you and smothered her in an embrace, “Tommy didn’t mean it. He was just being an idiot. Good god Y/N I thought we’d lost you.”

Emma awkwardly slid in through the window, extremely embarrassed. At the same time, a pair of footsteps sprinted up the stairs and into the room and the door flew open. John. He looked exhausted and was too shocked to even speak, he assumed Ada was having a nightmare. On her guard, Emma stormed over to him and backed him in a corner. 

“Are you Thomas?!” She snapped, seething with anger.

John let out a sincere chuckle and smiled. “So Y/N did pick someone tough after all - I’m John, not Tommy.” Emma retreated in embarrassment.

“Sorry, I thought he’d made you cry.” She mumbled to you “I couldn’t help myself.”

“I like her, Y/N.” Ada smiled, taking a good look at the new woman in the room.

You walked over to Emma and took her hand. “You don’t need to protect me, it’s ok.” You whispered, wrapping her in a calming hug. You could feel her pulse pumping across her body.

“So you’re the girl who stole my little sister’s heart?” John enquired, relieved.

“Emma.” You spoke into the girl’s chest, “You’re hugging me too tight.”

Emma immediately let go “I’m sorry, I’m just tense.” You pecked her lips, “Better now?”

Ada awed at the interaction and took in the sight of her baby sister in love, John could have sworn his legs had turned to jelly. The moment was destroyed by another set of footsteps, Tommy entered drearily. 

John ceased his opportunity to wind his brother up. “Emma.” He announced, turning to her, “This is Thomas. Tommy, meet Emma.”

The loving embrace between you both ended as Emma stormed over to the doorway and pinned Tommy against it. Ada covered her mouth, trying not to laugh at the exchange.

“You. You fucking made Y/N cry. She’s been in my room all day crying because you couldn’t talk to her, after demanding that she ‘use her words’ you fucking prick.” she spat. Tommy lifted his hands up in surrender, shocked at this new girl’s confidence. 

“Ay, no need to shout. I came to apologise to my sister for being an arse.” 

“Honest to God Tommy, I don’t think an apology will cut it.” John folded his arms and walked towards the door.

“No. I’ll listen.” You piped up, pushing past John. “Emma, it’s ok, I promise.”

Emma shook her head and stood back. Ada took her out of the room begrudgingly and John followed, the three of them waiting outside of your door.

“Tommy, I-” You began but you were cut off by your brother engulfing you in a hug and practically picking you up.

“I’m so sorry sweetheart. I’m sorry. You can be angry at me but I’m just so happy you’re home.” He rambled, gripping you as if you were about to disappear again.

“I’m not angry, I’m hurt.” You stepped back from the hug and looked into his glassy eyes. “Why didn’t you say something, anything Tommy? I thought you were mad, I thought you hated me.” You spoke as tears fell down her cheeks.

“I - Y/N I was thinking about you. I was scared. You’re too good for this world and people won’t understand this.”

“I just wish you could have said something. Tommy you fucking terrified me.” You sniffed.

He took your hand in his and held it to his chest. “I don’t care who you love, Y/N, as long as you love. I don’t know where all that talk of me hating you came from. You could scream and shout at me, but I will never, ever, hate you. I got scared that you’d met some man like me who wouldn’t treat you well; but now I see you’ve found yourself a woman who will fight me over your feelings - a brave woman.” 

“So… you don't hate me? I thought you’d want me locked up.”

Tommy scoffed “Locked up, eh? You don’t have shell shock. You aren’t crazy. And even if you were, I'd look after you, I wouldn’t shut you away.”

You burst into relieved tears, prompting Emma to open the door. Tommy immediately stood to face her, his arms yet again up in a surrender.

“I don’t know if you heard that, Love, but I was apologising, so please don’t cut me.” He spoke, locking eyes with her pleadingly.

“Ok.” Emma sighed. “You’re forgiven, for now.” She warned. John skipped through the door cheering. “Tommy brother, we have found your match!” He laughed, “Aunt Polly will love you!”

The rollercoaster of a day came to a crashing halt as night fell across Watery Lane. You apprehensively introduced Emma to your family. John was right, Polly adored her: “Finally, another woman to help me control these feral men.”

Arthur was less expressive: “D’ya want a whisky?” Emma obliged - immediate friends.

Finn, bless his heart, was very confused - “Y/N, your boyfriend is a girl.” but he eventually figured it out.

— 

“You know,” You started, looking into the fire surrounded by your family with the woman you loved, “sometimes Em and I joke that the Shelby’s have now broken every law in the book.”

“No, I’m sure your brothers could find a few others.” Polly chuckled, leaning back into her seat, a smile plastered across her face.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

please drop me a comment or message with any feedback or suggestions! I'd love to hear from you ♡

Vee x

MASTERLIST

[misscammiedawn]

Intentional, Accidental and Allegorical representation in media

CW: Suicide, stigmatizing language, homophobia/transphobia mentions.

Spoiler warnings: Mr. Robot, Deadly Premonition 1 & 2, The Missing: JJ Macfield & The Island of Memories, Star Trek DS9, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

So... today's essay is going to focus on less ideal bits of media representation. Some of the discussed media may have insensitive depictions of vulnerable groups. Please read with care.

One of the things I've focused on since starting Media, Myself and I was finding overt pieces of representation that I felt did a good job of taking issues of chronic dissociative disorders and putting them to screen or page.

I've covered memoirs, I've covered stories written by former social workers about generational trauma, I've covered games that explain the concept of derealization and characters diagnosed with DID.

Every entry so far has been clear and overt in their presentation of mental illness and in telling I've tried to explain the ups and downs of how the material was presented and what they got right vs wrong.

Our latest entry in the series was a memoir, written by a person diagnosed with DID. Though I cannot speak to the personal lives of the authors for Night in the Woods, The Incredible Hulk, Mr. Robot and Umineko; it is not apparent that they experience the conditions that they write about.

And that's okay. Not all fiction must be written from a personal perspective of lived experience.

The issue comes in when even well meaning creatives want to write overt representation without the proper level of experience and sensitivity reading.

As I covered in my Mr. Robot write-up, Sam Esmail wrote Elliot's DID to fit the split personality trope (in way of copying Fight Club) and needed to apply the real world condition to the plot. For the most part it is successful and deserves praise for being that rare piece of mainstream media that overtly explains part roles with the correct terms "protector" and "persecutor" and how these functions relate to the system's origins.

Then it finishes with the discussion of "The Real Elliot" and includes a heartbreaking scene where the Elliot we have known the entire show tells his sister "I love you" and that sister, Darlene, wanting her 'real' brother back, leaves the room without a word.

Many people, myself included, felt hurt and alienated by this complete misrepresentation of our condition and did not appreciate a hurtful piece of stigma being launched into the public psyche for further misunderstandings. If you hate the show because of this mishandling of the topic then I would not blame you.

On a recent rewatch, though, I saw this moment from the final episode of season 1:

When I first saw this scene I felt a deep well of comfort in seeing something true to my experience displayed in a way no fiction had ever attempted to display before. Every part is equal. We are all part of the same system. There's no part more valid than the rest. One part acting against the system will breed dysregulation.

The child part of Elliot even says that Rami Malek's character is "hurting the family" by forcing the rest of them away and denying them.

It is clear now that the show is over that this was not intended to be a piece of representation but instead a way of obfuscating the final episode twist that the Elliot we follow is actually an alter and not 'the real Elliot'. He was "hurting the family" by sealing away 'the real Elliot' not by rejecting the system.

It hurt to see a moment that resonated so strongly be overturned at a later point.

It is presently believed, though study is always ongoing, that children who experience CPTSD in their formative years do not develop the stability to create an integrated sense of self. This truth is relevant in the formation of chronic dissociative disorders and personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The root of all of these symptoms being tied up in CPTSD. There is debate in the psychological field on if personality disorders are worth diagnosing as they tend to lead to stigmatization and self-pathologizing in ways that distract from treating the root trauma, but that is a topic beyond the scope of this essay.

Without a stable sense of self the child grows up with an "disintegrated core" that shifts and changes to help gain the needs for safety and comfort based on what will work in any given environment. In DID there is a layer of shielding from PTSD triggers involved that makes it so ego/personality states can form dissociative barriers between one another which leads to the parts forming. With Borderline these fluctuations tend to be less stable and lead to Identity Disturbance, where a person feels alienated from their own identity.

BPD and DID have a lot in common and it leads to debate in the psychological field that they may be different presentations of the same condition. In my experience labels are only as effective as they serve the person who holds them and anything that can forge connection and understanding should be cherished.

But going back to the original point, Mr. Robot had accidentally provided me solid representation that I latched onto. It was not intended to be a representation of what the creators understood DID to be but it did hit something which matches the lived experience of at least one person watching.

It can be powerful when you see a piece of media reflect parts of your experience back at you. Even if it was never meant to in the first place.

Before we continue with this essay I wish to state firmly that everyone is entitled to every single message and emotion that they have ever gleaned from fiction. No one should be told that their sense of comfort and warmth is wrong to have just because it was not authorial intent. I never want my words to ever strip something that is a positive from anyone's lives. I hope that never happens.

But that's the topic of this essay. Accidental representation and Intentional representation and what the benefits and detriments are.

As we see above, intentional representation that is made by creators who does not have lived experience can lead to misinformation, misunderstanding and harm. Even the most well meaning creatives are prone to this.

In way of example, let's talk about a creator who clearly means well and has included topics of gender and sexuality in the heavy majority of his works.

SWERY 65 (Hidetaka Suehiro) is the creator of Deadly Premonition and head of White Owls studios. In 2018 SWERY's team developed The Missing: J.J Macfield and the Island of Memories. It's a short game that displays the following message each time it is booted up:

The game starts with a pair of women, JJ and Emily, on a camping trip on an island and Emily attempts to engage intimacy with JJ before being rejected. The next morning Emily is missing and JJ must find their childhood best friend and potential love interest while memories from their past appear in the way of text messages. Towards the climax of the game we understand that Emily had left clothes in JJ's room and her mother had found them and had sent her to conversion therapy. The game is fairly vague about the circumstances and it's easy to read this as JJ's mother finding out that JJ is a lesbian.

In the final chapter of the story we find out that JJ is transgender. That the entire game is a dream sequence after she attempted to take her own life during a university lecture. The game makes it clear that the JJ we play as is who she wishes she were and that in reality she has not yet begun transitioning. In the reality section of the game she speaks with her developmental voice and is not wearing a wig. We still identify her as JJ and the game even includes a New Game + mode where you can play as the JJ from the reality segment complete with every voice line read in her developmental voice.

It is a fairly good piece of representation particularly as the game and the development are Japanese and Hidetaka Suehiro does not apparently have lived experience with transition. Albeit it heavily fetishizes the suffering inherent to transition with the body mutilation gameplay mechanic feeding into the nature of the subtext.

Unfortunately, like the Mr. Robot example above, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of the representation and feel hurt/betrayed by the good that The Missing does when compared with other projects by the same creator.

In 2020 the same creative team released Deadly Premonition 2, a sequel to the cult classic game that itself had some slightly problematic depictions of gender and sexuality. Both games the culprit is explicitly LGBT and their motives are rooted in the abuse they received for living as their chosen identity. A topic included in The Missing also.

It's makes it difficult to accept the good representation experienced when the very next game involves a sequence that had to be patched out of the game with an apology from the creator for insensitivity.

It's up to a member of the audience to take what they like and leave what they don't but it's a good example of how overt representation can lead to missteps by even the most well meaning creator.

But let's step into accidental representation because the Deadly Premonition games can easily be read as representing CDD, even if it is not intentional. The main character of the game is Francis York Morgan. Throughout the game he seeks guidance from "Zach" who he speaks to constantly both when he is alone and when around other characters, though when people ask he informs them that it is a private matter which he does not discuss.

It is easy for those playing the game to think of Zach as the player themselves. Especially as York entrusts Zach to handle all of the combat segments of the game and we are prompted to answer questions when York asks for Zach's opinions on the investigation. It's also easy to ignore all of the comments the NPCs make about Francis Morgan's huge scar. York has a scar on his face and an odd patch of missing hair after all.

The final chapter of the game reveals that when he was young Zach witnessed the horrific death of his parents and was so traumatized that he was sheltered by an inhabitant of an extra-dimensional plane of existence who protects him from all the dangers in the world. Which sounds a lot like the formation of a protector alter to me. York fronts pretty much all of the time but keeps in constant communication with Zach and does his best to live their shared life in a way that will one day let Zach take control, which happens at the end and we get to see the protagonist as all of the NPCs saw him up until that point.

(York on left, Zach on right)

The epilogue sequence for Deadly Prem 2 even gives a heartwarming depiction of plurality in having literal IM messages from York appearing on Zach's desktop during a video call.

It's arguable over whether or not this is accidental representation or not. The circumstances of Zach and York's partnership do meet the typical standards of overt CDD depictions but there is no pathology involved in the depiction whatsoever.

Which is a big difference between Overt Representation and less overt kinds.

When Mr. Robot discusses dissociative identity disorder or Night in the Woods discusses derealization the story needs to take time to have characters explain the concepts to characters within the fiction and the audience. At the heart of all things, this form of representation is aimed at people who are not in the know about these conditions.

When it vibes with our experiences and makes us feel seen it is doing that as a side effect of presenting the experience to an audience. Generally the expectation would be that the majority of the audience do not happen to share these experiences and need help in being able to relate, particularly when the creators do not experience the condition for themselves.

In intentional representation cases where the creative team do have lived experience then the art of making an emotional connection with the audience is a matter of someone trying to convey that which they feel and experience, which makes those who resonate to have a higher chance of being and feeling seen.

Even that doesn't always seem to work out as expected though.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a musical romantic comedy TV Show which holds the interesting record of managing to complete its full TV run of 4 seasons despite being consistently drawing abysmally low ratings. It is arguably one of the best intentional representations of BPD in all of media, even sitting higher than works adapted from biographies such as Girl, Interrupted.

Well... part of the argument is that it was never intended to be.

The main character, Rebecca Bunch, is a Jewish woman with a highly religious family who makes rash and impulsive decisions that lead her to live in LA County restarting a highly successful law degree so she can chase an ex-boyfriend. She is played by the show's creator, Rachel Bloom, who is a Jewish woman with a highly religious family (her cousin, a rabbi, peformed the ceremony for her wedding). She was born and raised in LA County and she has an outspoken history with mental illness including OCD, Anxiety and Depression.

Rebecca Bunch is not Rachel Bloom even if they share many elements and initials. Rachel Bloom once said she is 80% autobiographical

(2 examples that showed up when I searched the topic, top from TheWrap and bottom from Chubstr)

But Rachel Bloom does not have BPD. Rebecca Bunch didn't until Season 3. But... she always had BPD. It just... wasn't intentional.

When starting work on season 3 the creative team spoke with therapists to determine the direction of the show and it was decided that Rebecca's diagnosis based on her actions in the show and her behaviors would best fit BPD and the final 2 seasons of the show were tailored around this to show effective therapy can help benefit a person in need. It leads to a positive ending for the show.

But even when Bloom was autobiographically placing her own symptoms on the page, enough that the story about Harvey Guillen having to play a person based on himself, the narrative and drama of the story required the character take actions that lead to a depiction of BPD rather than OCD/Anxiety.

Even though the intention did not kick in to the 3rd season, which only exists via miracles and CW refusing to give up on the show, Bunch is often listed as one of the best fictional depictions of BPD in TV/Movies, alongside Anakin Skywalker, Catra and Clementine Kruczynski. None of whom are diagnosed with BPD or seen to be struggling with mental illness. But they all fit the bill remarkably well. Enough that should a therapist be introduced into the plot of Star Wars, She-Ra or Eternal Sunshine they could easily take their existing characters and make the diagnosis intentional by giving it the label.

The same can even happen with gender and sexuality. Whether it is asexual representation from Jughead and Todd Sanchez from Archie Comics and Bojack Horseman respectively; Morph being genderfluid and using they/them pronouns in X-Men '97 or Halo/Violet in Young Justice coming out non-binary having a discussion about their preferred pronouns; or Korra and Asami's bisexuality in the Avatar universe.

All of these were not part of the blueprint when the character was brought to the stage, they just seemed a natural evolution of the character as the story progressed or, with situations like Umbrella Academy's 3rd season adapting Elliot Page's real life transition into the plot, it was necessary for the fiction to meet reality.

And this is of course ignoring the more important factor.

We live in a day and an age where we can have Viktor Hargreeves as a leading man in an ensemble superhero show. We can dedicate storylines to people discovering and exploring their non-binary identities and preferred pronouns.

That wasn't always the case. Which brings us to our final type of representation.

Allegorical.

When I say "this wasn't always the case", I do not intend to imply that allegorical representation has gone anywhere. It still remains with us and is as effective today as it ever was. But in the past, particularly the 90s, it was necessary.

Where intentional representation (and accidental that becomes intentional) has the luxury of using the correct language and educating an audience, allegorical representation speaks directly to the group in question without regard for the mainstream audience.

This can also happen in intentional and accidental forms. The quintessential example for trans people is The Matrix, a story where people who reject the reality that we are sold by the dominant culture and seek to find community of those who exist outside of that system and to wake up to their true reality and their chosen names after taking a pill. To those who know the feelings that Trinity and Neo discuss in the first 20 minutes of the movie, who see the forms of intimacy displayed in their romance and acknowledge the villain deadnaming as an insult; there is no question that it is superb representation of a lived reality. To a cis individual who has never had to ask those questions and do not know the violence of being denied a name, they would not even approach the questions the movie constantly asks to anyone who can listen.

But there are numerous examples of allegorical representation that are there to allow the content to exist in spite of censors and editors.

Garnet from Steven Universe is intended to be a wlw couple but their romance could not be overtly displayed in a children's show. Famously the show creator had to trade in all of their good will and bargaining power for the show they created in order to depict the wedding of Sapphire and Ruby on the show. Until then the concept of Fusion was introduced to show soulmates intertwined and working in unison. Itself a little bit of accidental plurality representation.

Of course, symbiosis appears to be a common point for such depictions.

Anyone who lived through the 90s would know it was the wild west for representation where the allegories could be paper thin but could never be confirmed. We were simultaneously accepting as a culture and absolutely terrified to commit to the retaliation that would come from actually using the words and being positive. The 90s was a time of cowardice and cruelty. Punching down was always allowed. Friends, the most popular show of the era, included a main character whose ex-wife left for another woman as a show long punchline and they included more transphobic jokes in some episodes than BIPOC characters in the entire run of the show.

We could laugh at the gays in Will & Grace but we couldn't celebrate them by allowing Xena and Gabrielle to be overtly gay. Just heavily implied.

And transphobia was the worst at the time.

Star Trek Deep Space 9 stepped around the stigma when they introduced Jadzia Dax. Dax may not actually be trans.

But she is a trans allegory.

Dax is a trill, a symbiotic entity that needs to bond with a host to live. Up until the events of the show it had been bonded with a male host, Curzon, who was Cisco, the main character's, mentor. The show often depicts the familiarity Cisco has with Dax despite Jadzia Dax (and Ezri Dax) being different incarnations of the same entity. As shown above, Jadzia is her name now.

The people of the era certainly were aware of the allegory at play and starved of any positive depictions in media they firmly latched on. Here's a 1997 magazine with Dax on the cover, celebrating Gene Roddenbury's show going "where no trans had gone before"

Allegorical representation is important. Especially as many pieces of media are shared globally and overt representation is often banned from territories where people are still starving to see themselves reflected in media.

So... with that said. Let me sum up my beliefs on the topic.

Intentional Representation often is in dialogue with the whole audience. It often intends to speak directly to those who are not part of the populations being represented, assuming a lack of familiarity. This is not always the case but is the assumed.

Accidental Representation begins a dialogue with the populations being represented and typically do not become aware of the fact that this dialogue has begun but can come to take it and make it part of the fiction's DNA.

Allegorical Representation is in constant and meaningful discussion with the populations represented and those sympathetic to them. It knows exactly what it is doing and does not need to conform to the expectations or understandings of the broader audience.

It's why I love allegories so damned much.

-

For more essays like this please check out our Media, Myself and I tag, we typically focus on dissociative disorders there.

[punkeropercyjackson]

Alr i'm gonna assume the best of newer and younger Pjo fans spreading misinfo on punk!Percy and by extension irl punk history and culture by guessing you guys aren't doing it on purpose and were just lied to about us so here's a bunch of debunks and clear ups on punk and why Percy is which also works as a sort of list of tips on how to write punk characters,canon and headcanon and completely original

So the obvious one out of the way first:Percy is actually not canonically a skater boy!There have been exactly two lines of this context in the entire franchise and one was in Som when he mentioned skateboarding once and then never again and the second was in Moa when Piper said he and i quote 'looked like a skater'.Sorry to past cishet Pipes but that's not a thing and Avril Lavigne making a cisheteronormative lyric that's extremely underservingly stuck around for forever dosen't mean she was right that he is one,it means she had internalized homophobia and gender stereotypes and no actual knowledge on alt subcultures because again,'looking like a skater' isn't a thing,it's a sport and not an aesthetic

With that,here's what actually makes Percy a punk:He was a bully beater from a young age and it escalates into full blown direct action for the whole saga,hates authority figures not for the sake of it but because he knows from experience that they're almost universally awful,is anti-corruption including his own by fighting against his intrusive thoughts to turn evil,does activism by helping fix the greco-roman mythos world system whenever he gets the chance to no matter how small,advocates for the rights of less fortunate people both mythical and human,hates rich people,fits entierly out of the box conformity in all aspects simply from the way he is even disregarding his demigohood,respects all minorities and is extremely kind to kids to the point that he adopted Nico and Hazel as his younger siblings and pseudo-kids because they don't really have parents(Hades/Pluto is abusive + Maria and Marie are dead).He fills out every punk requirement to a T,including being part of a marginalized group since he's poor and mentally disabled(audhd with dyslexia,bpd and ptsd)

He was a hero and Luke was a villain because they both hated the gods for traumatizing them and had nonpretty trauma responses from it but Percy still tried his best to stay kind not for his own sake but for his mom and the innocents in the world he knew didn't deserve cruelty and he provided and still does a safe and loving space for children specifically because he was a troubled but good kid once too and wants to be the positive adult figure for them he didn't get to have except Sally.Luke choose nihilism and that grew into turning a serial child abuser with bigoted ideals(his biggest targets being women and poc and in Kelli's case both)and fascist tactics.They weren't 'two sides of the same coin' and they're not even the same currency-Percy's a punk,Luke's a pig

Romantic attraction to someone based off them being 'ideal' by society's standards goes against punk beliefs!Our whole thing is nonconformity and that changing your true self to fit in makes you a sellout so this is why Perachel was canon and honestly i'd go as far as to call the 'outcast punk dude x perfect prep girl' a myth made up by normies who don't wanna date us for our actual personalities and just think we look hot so they objectify us.Related,it's ooc for Percy to be written to use kinds of flirting and dating treatments purely because 'it's what guys are like' since it's canon they hate traditional masculinity and consider it a burden they only force on themselves as a defense mechanism from trauma of being mocked for being 'not normal'

Ascention to godhood or into a titan inherently disquilify being punk and is an insult to irl punks.You literally can't be punk AND in control of a corrupted system,it's our lifestyle to fight them,not perpetuate them.This also applies to him dating deities,being rich in any way or an abuser.Dark Percy is Bootlicker Percy

Sorry to y'all who still think Hot Topic is a funny joke in 2024 of all years but they sold out to capitalism and conformity a loooooong time ago so Percy wouldn't be caught undead near that place and couldn't afford anything anyway because they've upped everything to rich people prices.He'd be going to thrift stores,family bussiness and small shops.Knowing how much free time he has probably knows how to DIY things that don't even exist and he buys all his games/consoles and legos secondhand

No Taylor Swift for him,her music's too corny and fabricated for him to not hate it but there's also how she's a huge bigot,a major bully and a whole ass poluter so🤷🏽‍♀️His favorite band is definitely My Chemical Romance but All Time Low,The Cure and Ramones are up there too

Please draw him with an actual battle jacket and proper piercings-By which i mean give it patches and a hoard of pins and draw it like a BATTLE JACKET,not a LEATHER jacket and actually google kinds of piercings instead of just slapping metal wherever onto him

He is NOT masc or an 'i'm too cool and edgy to like cutesy and kiddy things' type.Every single trans woman i've met in the Pjo fandom have said Percy's an egg and super femme and she does too much actual punk shit instead of trying to look the part to be a poser to care about her image anymore.She loves Polly Pocket,Warrior Cats,Animal Crossing,Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends,Bluey,Blues Clues,MLP,makeup,glitter,yk2/90s/80s toys,cats,Lo-Fi Beats,Cookie Monster and her second favorite color is pink,she loves naturally acting like a momdad and her gender fuckery includes a neopronouns hoard

Would most definitely have radicalized Nico and Hazel into goth punk and pastel goth punk if Rick let them be a proper trio and speaking from experience,it's entierly possible she does it completely on accident by making them want to be like her because of how nice and protective she is to them and what cool things she does

Few last points:She's definitely a heavy energy drinks consumer,a socialist,does vandalism,did actually super heavy research to go full punk once she realized she is and would never be friends with Harry Potter and in fact would probably kill him if they met since ACAB

[faneth]

I need to warn you about a very dangerous blog here on Tumblr. It's currently operating under the name "r4cs0" but is better known by it's original title of klubbhehead. The original blog was banned but he just remade another blog and picked up where he left off!

This blog has posted just about every form of bigotry you can imagine, and probably quite a few you can't imagine (since I know you aren't a fascist like r4cs0 is). Homophobia? He laughs about gay people being thrown off buildings. Transphobia? He regularly sends his followers to harass minors for having pronouns in their profile. Dendrophobia? Wait you say, what is Dendrophobia??? But YES, that too! He says cottonwood trees spreading their seeds is "tree cum" and he sued his neighbor for sexualizing his lawn!!! I kid you not, there is nothing r4cs0 will not stoop to!

The worst part of it all isn't what he does on Tumblr, but what he is up to in real life too! He absolutely hates wolves, because he follows this obscure fascist conspiracy theory that wolves (the carnivorous animal) are somehow connected to "wolves" (the term for older gay men with beards). He has been teaching wolves (the animal) how to say homophobic slurs and then he sends them into gay bars so he can record the outcome for Libs of Tik Tok!!!

do you want me to fist fight him?

[cookies-and-mirrors]

Prison of Stone and Flesh

Chapter Fourteen

This is a collaborative fic between @cookiesupplier and @faceless-mirror.

Dividers by @samspenandsword

Authors Note: Short chapter, but there is angst involved, including blink and you'll miss it, potential consideration of a possible suicide attempt.

Pairings: Multi-Pairings, Everybody x Everybody.

Triggerlist: transphobia, homophobia, abuse, SA, dubcon, religious trauma, past suicide attempts, mental health issues, grief, death, (To be added to)

Christopher, Justin, and Ryan are members of the Gargoyle Order, soldiers fighting in the angels war against the demonic supernatural evils of the world to protect human kind. Through the years they lost comrades and now just the three of them remain in their little town.

Now, Ricky and Vinny are moving into their church, stirring up old and new feelings, along with the past, posing the challenge of navigating this new chapter in their lives.

Can they all navigate this path successfully and break free of the prisons that is their lives of both stone and flesh, or will they all be trapped forever in a world that could prove to be a constant misery?

MASTERLIST HERE

Taglist: @miamore0570 @21-century-tae @dragon-chica @shilohrosechicken @phxntxsmicgoricxl

@missduffsblog @witchyweeb34 @spicywhenspeaking @lacktoesandtoddlerants @blackveilomens

@bngurngheart @dominuslunae @collapsedglasshouses @emmmm127 @sunsshinesunny

@latenightmusiclover @dontdiganothergravetoday

(please comment/like/reblog/message to be added to taglist)

Chapter Fourteen

Ryan was on Church watch while Christopher had taken Justin out on patrol tonight. He could only hope the youngest of them was smart enough to keep his mouth shut on the night they’d spent together with Ricky. This being together intimately with the mortals was very new, and Christopher was still getting used to it, while he had spent time with Vinny himself, Ryan knew it was going to be an adjustment. Christopher was a first generation gargoyle, he was originally created by the angels, not born, not raised, and the effect on him was brutal. Just thrown down here as a warrior with nothing else but this life. He’d always been steadfast in his following of the angel edicts, but since Jerahmiel having abandoned them, he’d gotten more rigid about it. This, was bending a massive rule in a way Ryan had never seen him do.

The day had gone wonderfully, the tide of customers increasing and decreasing as they did… the night started and seeing Ryan at his bar, Ricky walked over with a smile leaning in, “hey. I got a special whiskey bourbon if you want.” He commented as Vinny changed water in some of the flower vases with a hum.

Ricky's silvery blue eyes gleamed beautifully in the lowlight at Ryan. “A… as a thank you for last night… with my scars.” He whispered softly. “I appreciate you not saying anything…”

Hearing Ricky’s works Ryan’s small smile was crestfallen that he thought he had to thank him, but there was a spark in his eyes at the mention of the whiskey, “That would be nice, but ah, Baby,” he sighed.. “You’re not the only one with scars.” Ricky just hadn’t really seen his. Maybe, maybe, when the pair had figured themselves out, Ryan would help show Justin how to help look after Ricky’s. “You can trust Justin too, he knows about mine, so does Christopher. I just don’t really let people near them.” Ricky was actually stronger than he was, Ryan didn’t have the strength to give up control the way he had last night to him.. Not anymore.

Ricky smiled softly, pouring a glass for him and leaving the bottle within reach. “My father was a dick… he did this…” he admitted, softly… sadly. “I dyed my hair because of him. I couldn't stand my blond hair anymore. It made me want to scream.” He whispered, admitting it to him with a heavy heart. “Help yourself to more if you like it.” He commented warmly.

Sliding his glass in front of him, he didn’t lift it to sip right away, pausing at the mention of his father. He remembered Ricky mentioning his father as he grew up, and after his realization last night, it made him curious. The blonde hair was a giveaway if his father was the origin, but to where he was now… wait. His father was the one that condemned him for being trans. He could never forget the day he heard Ricky tell them, the stone gargoyles, in this very Church about his father kicking him out and that he was leaving to live with his grandparents. His father, Ryan’s fingers tensed around the glass, lifting the cup and tossing the shot back, not even having the mentality to enjoy it.

Yet another of their kind that was fucking abhorrent.

He sighed softly, smiling at him, "Enjoy the whiskey, Ryan, and… honestly… thanks for last night… I needed it.” He murmured softly.

The cherry vanilla taste of the whiskey lingered on his tongue, but he wished he could enjoy it more, Ryan was just feeling far too dark, far too murderous to savour it now.. “Thanks Ricky.” Still, he managed that, “Just know you’re not alone, in more ways than one, I-” What he was about to say was cut off as he turned his head, his eyes flickering to the front door… Only for them then to turn towards the stairs and up. He was already tense, so it was hard to see if he had more of a reaction before he sighed and looked back to Ricky. “I’m sorry, I have to go, but you aren’t alone. If you see your father again, let me know, I’d love to have a chat with him.”

“I will, I'll let you know… are you okay?” He asked him calmly, raising a brow.

Ryan’s focus was split, he was listening to something else, but when Ricky spoke again, he was looking back at him, nodding slightly, finishing off his glass of whiskey before standing. “Yea, yea I’m okay, thanks, I’ll have to owe you for the drink, I’ll see you later okay, bye Babe.” A quick smile and he was slipping away and walking towards the stairs, a wave, smile, and quick goodnight to Vinny, he made his way upstairs.. Fuck, Justin, don't make a liar out of him, everything had to be fine, everything had to be fine.

Once he reached the rectory, he saw that everything was NOT FUCKING FINE. Christopher was covered in blood and Ryan couldn’t even be sure where it was coming from at first, just that Christopher was moaning in pain and Justin was holding him down. “Close the fucking door, they’ll hear you.” Ryan growled low at Justin’s words before he turned to close the door, pulling out a dagger as he did. Dammit, Ricky and Vinny would have to forgive him, but he carved a soundless rune into the hinge of the door, activating the mark once it was complete. He didn’t wait to watch the rune glow silver for a moment before it faded, the grooves then just looking like a carving in the wood. The room was already semi-soundproofed, but this, was better, and with the sound of moaning gargoyle just growing louder with each breath, Christopher bleeding everywhere, they needed it.

While Ryan was taking care of the door, Justin was attempting to peel back layers of Christopher’s gear without taking pressure off the worst of his injuries. “Ryan, I need help, he won’t stay still. Ascend me, this is bad.” Ryan didn’t need the commentary to be able to tell, from the amount of blood that was seeping through the leathers, he could already guess the extent of the situation here. Unless they could stitch the worst of Christopher’s wounds up, and quickly, he wasn’t going to make it until dawn when their regeneration began, that was when they turned to stone. They might get trapped in that prison, turned to stone every day, but it did come with some uses. If they could get Christopher to dawn alive, even if he was barely holding on with the slightest heartbeat, he’d be kept alive in stone, healing. 

Ryan really wished the healing was as good as it used to be. Whether the angels were punishing them for something, or that the magic of their existence was waning, it wasn’t performing the way it had once when he was young. As he got older, the healing took longer, but as long as he survived this first night, the odds he would live increased dramatically, his body would at least heal enough with the first stone regeneration… Ryan had never lost anyone if they at least made it to their first night's regeneration, never.

They would have to make sure Christopher would take down time while Justin and he would patrol, he would need to take time to heal. The problem was, the man was the oldest of their kind, and had pushed himself for the longest of times because of it. He’d seen so many of them come and go and felt like he had to make up for that. Ryan had seen it for himself, especially since Chenza had died, that had been the worst period for the elder gargoyle, the suffering of losing his mate, having lost so many, but losing her? It had been too much.

Once they got his upper body exposed from his uniform, and weapons, they saw just how bad the injuries were and Ryan couldn’t help but swear in the pure angelic enochian. If Jerahmiel had still been here, he’d probably had gotten a punishment for daring to blaspheme against the angels using their own language. Fuck the angels.. “Get the kit, we need to stitch him up, and fast, otherwise he’s not going to make it.” Ryan’s throat closed up, this much damage, and the way Justin rushed, he knew the younger gargoyle could tell what he wasn’t saying…

He might not make it no matter how fast they worked.

“Fucking hurry up, Justin!” He was not losing Christopher, not tonight. Justin was back before the words even finished leaving his mouth, and they went to work. One of them was stitching Christopher’s skin together, while the other was holding him down, and attempting to soothe him. They didn’t even have any means of actually relieving his pain, and short of even knocking him out, which would not be ideal with this much blood loss. All either of them could do right now was talk to him. Try to help him focus on anything but the pain. 

As Ryan was stitching up a particularly nasty gash that had struck along his abdomen, he shook his head looking over Justin, “What the hell happened out there?” He’d cleaned out the wound, check inside to make sure as best he could that none of his vital organs were bleeding too badly internally, there, shit shit shit… before stitching him… It looked liked whatever had clawed at him had tried to completely disembowel him. Not for the first time, and likely not for the last, but damn, it had been so long since they had been caught. Christopher had not taken a hit this bad in centuries. Ryan did not want to say that he was surprised that Justin was able to get him back here alive at all. 

Once Ryan was finished with the final stitch, he cut the thread and looked over at Justin again expectantly, “Well?” The younger gargoyle swallowed, looking at him, the guilt written all over his face.. “I fucked up.. I said something..”

Shaking his head.. This could not be happening.. “Out with it.” How bad was it, Ryan needed to know what to expect when Christopher recovered enough to kick their asses, and he would recover, he would make sure of it. 

Justin took a shuddering breath, “We were talking about last night, and I, well, I asked him…” when Justin winced Ryan frowned, asked, he’d assumed Justin was going to say something ridiculous about what had happened with Ricky, not asking anything. Wait… Oh, oh no. “Oh, Justin, tell me you didn’t..” Ryan felt horrified when he looked at Justin, knowing Christopher had spent the night before with Vinny, and she… 

“I asked him how Vinny compared to Chenza, and he completely lost it.”

Ryan was about to lose it! That little fucking shit, how could he ask that, was he brainless?! He loved Justin, he did, but knowing Christopher, and knowing… oh shit… From the look on Justin’s face, he already knew how badly he had screwed up, he didn’t need Ryan piling on. Taking in a deep breath. “What happened next?”

“Christopher was berating me about how disrespectful I was, and how dare I ask such a thing, and he was just ripping into me with a vicious verbal tongue lashing-”

“Which you deserved.”

“Which I deserved…” Justin sighed before he continued. “Neither of us saw them coming… A group of demons got the jump on us, Managed to descend them, but not before…” Justin’s words faded off as he looked over to Christopher, shaking his head, “He was just so distracted Ryan, I, it’s all my fault. I’m so sorry- I- I don’t-”

Swallowing down the rebuke, knowing that with the way Justin was talking, he was already beating himself up enough, “I know, Jus, I know, go clean yourself up okay, I’ll keep watch over him, we need to.. Until dawn.” Watching the younger gargoyle carefully as he took in another shuddering breath, moving into the bathroom, going to go take a shower to wash away the dirt, the sweat, the blood.. The shame and guilt, however, would be far harder to get off, and those, Ryan, could see weighing him down.

If Christopher didn’t make it to dawn… this was not going to end well… For any of them.

Downstairs things were running as normal with Ricky working the bar and Vinny waiting eagerly for Chris. It was a busy night, but even Ricky noticed the fact the three were… absent. Normally they’d be down here socializing by now… but they weren’t. They weren’t here. And it was bothering the bar owner and worrying Vinny, who was playing with her rings anxiously in the corner.

When he closed up the bar he headed upstairs knocking on the door. 

After Justin finished cleaning up his shower, Ryan took one as well, he’d needed it. Having gotten a substantial amount of blood on himself from helping stitch up, and clean up Christopher himself, by the time they were both done, the night had worn on. Ryan was feeling so worn down, but there would be no naps, no rest, no going down to the bar. No, they were going to watch over Christopher and see him through. Of course, then came the knock at the door, Ryan looked over at Justin, and Justin stared right back at him. Fuck… Who was going to answer the door…

Ryan knew who was going to have to answer the door with one look at Justin’s face. Him. He already felt sick to the stomach. But as he went to the door… he just… he looked over to Christopher laying in his bed… looking half dead… what the hell was he going to say? Even as he went to stand, though, he could hear the other man talking against the other side of the door.

“Just leaving your drinks here at the door so you don’t have to come down…” Ricky paused, hand on the door. He swallowed, “I hope you’re okay…. All of you.”

Deflating against the door.. Shit.. shit shit shit.. Ryan didn’t know what to do. They were not okay, none of them were okay, Christopher least of all. Shaking his head and looked down over at the man that was stitched up, bandaged in the bed that looked like it was almost too small for him. Justin thought Christopher had been distracted when the demon had attacked, that that was why he’d been so badly hurt. It was one thing to get hurt, one thing to be distracted, but this? This, was this just a distraction, or something else entirely? Ryan didn't want to think it, but he had to, he worried about Christopher.

Hearing Ricky walk down the hall after a moment, Ryan collected the drinks, Justin came over, drinking them wasn’t the point, just having something to do, and pass the hours.. They needed to make it until dawn.

Somehow, they did. It was shaky, touch and go, and at one point, Ryan didn’t think they would. Christopher had let out a rattle of a breath, and he’d prayed. He fucking prayed to the Arch Angel that had created them, if he fucking ascended Christopher than he would march his ass up there and rip into him himself, edicts be damned. He was done being nothing but a fucking tool in this damn war. Did they not deserve better than being discarded aside like they had been, like they were meaningless and nothing?

As dawn approached, they knew they had to get Christopher on his feet, he couldn’t transform like that. The bed would be destroyed, and as much as he would heal just fine in his human form, if Ricky and Vinny so much as checked up on the gargoyle friends, they’d be screwed. No, Christopher needed to be in his beast form, just like he was every day. He groaned when they helped him up onto his feet, arms slung over their shoulders. “Come on, Christopher, time to shift, the dawn is approaching.” They could all feel it, even if they could not see the sky outside. Watching Christopher shift as injured as he was into his beast form was one of the most nerve wracking feelings in the world. Ryan, right then, held his breath, watching that the stitches, the bandages, held long enough for the stone to take him. 

Both of their focus were so trained on keeping Christopher’s injuries intact, that neither of them were paying any attention to a seemingly innocuous rune on the back of his left shoulder. It glowed a neon green just as Christopher turned to stone for the day, before fading back to its normal rune state, it was lighter than all of his other runes, barely discernible on his body.

[moonlight-warrior-1316]

"She Ate the Squid"

Alternate Title: Tox and Neuro are chaotic neutral and should never be left unsupervised.

Hello everyone!

So, I kind of want to get back into writing. Nothing major yet, just some one-shots and short stories.

I got the motivation to write this instead of doing anything productive, like sleep, so I hope you guys enjoy!

Also I hope I posted this correctly. First time posting something like this.

Fandom: Lego Ninjago

Word Count: 1.1k

Relationships: Brief! Tox/Neuro

TW: Swearing, Homophobia, and Sex Talk. Not bad but there.

“Alright bitches!” Chamille hollered across Skylor’s restaurant. “Tonight, we are playing Truth or Dare!”

            A mix of groans and cheers was the response.

            It had been a few months after the Tournament of Elements. In order to keep in touch and not be at each other’s throats all the time, all the Masters have agreed to meet once a week at Skylor’s Noodle House.

            Things had been awkward the first couple times. Learning preferred names and pronouns, likes, dislikes, allergies, home village/city/country, family, etc. had been awfully hectic and have caused a few fights. But Skylor ended up taking charge during the early days to ensure this new Alliance worked out.

            Now the meetings have developed into a quick catch up on what they’ve been up to and then a game afterwards. And it was unfortunately Chamille’s turn to pick.

            “Isn’t that for middle schoolers?” Pale retorted in response. Chamille shushed him.

            “Everyone in a circle,” Chamille continued. “And I will go first.”

            A collective sigh went up from the group as they all gathered around as closely to a circle as possible—Since there were booths and tables in the way—but they made it work.

            Chamille smugly sat on top of the counter, pointedly ignoring Skylor’s glare. “As I’ve said, I’m going first. Shade, truth or dare?”

            “Uh, truth,” Shade awkwardly answered, not trusting Chamille to give him an easy, legal dare.

            “Hmmm......Is your skin naturally grey or is it just a power side effect?” Chamille asked.

            Everyone turned to look at Shade. He sputtered.

            “It’s a side effect,” he muttered. “Like how Neuro’s hair goes white the more he uses his powers or how Tox’s hair is green.”

            “Fair enough!” Chamille cheered. “Now you pick.”

            “Okay...um...Bolobo, truth or dare?” Shade questioned.

            “Truth.”

            “Were you really a pizza shop manager and Jay’s temporary boss?”

            “Yes.”

            “Wait, what?!” Turner cackled.

            Bolobo sighed. “Before I got more in-tune with my powers, I was the owner of a pizzeria. This was roughly a week or so after the Great Devourer attacked Ninjago City. And Jay, the Master of Lightning, was asking about a job. He was my fastest delivery drivers before he quit.”

            “Holy shit,” Turner laughed. “I’m absolutely holding that over him.”

            “Poor Jay,” Skylor giggled.

            “Next!” Chamille shouted.

            And so it went.

            A few dares were sprinkled in. Pale jump scaring a couple on a date in the park. Jacob sonic screaming from the roof. Skylor throwing a water balloon at a police car.

            Then it was Ash’s turn.

            “So, Tox,” he drawled, casually sipping on his soda. “What the hell is the origin of yours and Neuro’s joke of ‘they ate the squid’?”

            Tox and Neuro both choked.

            “Uh, what?” Gravis asked. Pale laughed.

            “Yeah!” Pale chimed in. “You and Neuro only ever say it to each other. What’s it from?”

            Tox’s face flushed. “Oh. Um. It’s a long story. And not suitable for children.”

            Ash grinned. “Spill.”

            Tox shot Neuro an apologetic look. Neuro put his head into his hands.

            “So,” Tox clapped her hands together once. “It started at the Ninjago City Pride Festival roughly a week after the Tournament. I ran into Neuro by accident.”

            “You crashed into me and sent us both to the ground,” Neuro interjected.

            “Whatever. Anyway, long story short, we found out we were both gay. And we agreed that we would go together to any and all Pride festivals.

            Well, on our fourth one, Neuro was trying to introduce me to fried squid with ghost pepper shavings tossed in powder sugar. ‘It’s a delicacy from where I’m from!’ he said. It looked gross so I refused.

            So we started talking on which celebrities we found attractive. I was on a rant when this homophobic lady showed up and started yelling at us. Neuro, take it from here.”

            “She was a Karen,” Neuro supplied helpfully. “And I was trying to enjoy my fried squid. She then asked us how we knew we were gay when we’ve never had sex with the opposite gender before. I countered with: ‘Do you like to eat squid?’. She answered no that it looked and smelled gross. With that, I shot back at her saying: ‘How do you know you won’t like it when you’ve never tried it?’ She was mad.”

            The other Masters chuckled at that. “Go on!” Turner encouraged.

“At that point, she was full on screaming at us,” Neuro continued. “So in order to shut her up, me and Tox agreed to make a deal with her.”

“What deal?” Gravis inquired.

“If she ate the last 6 mini fried squids on Neuro’s plate, we would hook up and give straight-people sex a try,” Tox replied.

Dead silence.

“Did—did she do it?” Ash wheezed, looking between Tox and Neuro, shocked.

“Yes. Why do you think our joke of ‘She ate the squid’ came from?” Tox confirmed.

The room burst out in laughter.

“We didn’t think she would!” Neuro cried. “Then she did, and it was a whole ‘Oh shit!’ moment!”

“You guys kept your end of the deal?!” Skylor gasped.

“Yeah!” Tox and Neuro yelled.

For a solid five minutes, the only thing to be heard in the restaurant was laughter. Once everyone calmed down, Chamille took a breath and said: “Y’all need to tell us how this ended.”

“After she ate the squid and we confirmed a meet-up date and time so we could tell her how it went, we went back to Neuro’s apartment,” Tox began.

“And then spent 20 minutes figuring out how exactly we were supposed to do this. Since I’ve only slept with guys and she’s only slept with girls,” Neuro sighed.

“20 minutes?!” Shade chuckled.

“Once we sorted it out on how to do it,” Tox plowed on. “We made it quick.”

“And it was the worst sex I’ve ever had.” Neuro chimed.

“Agreed.” Tox nodded.

“Did you guys actually go back to meet up with her?” Ash asked.

“Yeah. And we told her that after that, we are for sure gay. And that it was the worst sex we’ve ever had.” Neuro answered. “She wasn’t happy about it. The best part was that her husband was with her and demanded an explanation on what we were talking about.”

“Yep. Turns out her husband was horrified to learn she was homophobic, since he himself was bi,” Tox giggled. “But after that me and Neuro agreed that when someone does something that we never, in a million years, would have expected, it’s called “they ate the squid’.”

“Alrighty then,” Chamille laughed. “That is the greatest origin story of an inside joke I’ve ever heard.”

“Though, for curiosity’s sake, did they divorce?” Pale leaned forward.

“I’m not sure,” Tox replied.

“They did.” Neuro piped up. “Her ex-husband told me all about it after we hooked up.”

The screams of shock, howls of laughter, and choking on drinks could be heard through the restaurant walls.

[cut-content-contest]

Yosuke Hanamura's romance route

persona 4 has got this friendship/romance mechanic called "social links" which is basically just 10 events that you can choose to gradually level up for each sociable character in the game where you raise your relationships with said characters, which gives you various in-game boosts. most of the women in the game are able to be romanced. however, there is cut dialogue which implies that at some point, one of the male characters was meant to be a romance option as well! yosuke hanamura, the main character's best friend, has cut dialogue for his social link rank 10 event which is voiced (VOICED!! IN ENGLISH AND JAPANESE!! WHILE PEOPLE HAVE DENIED THIS SINCE THE ENGLISH VOICE LINES HAVE HIM SAYING "I LIKE YOU," IN THE JAPANESE VOICE LINES, HE IS EXPLICITLY CONFESSING TO YOU I'M PRETTY SURE!!) that implies that there was at some point going to be an option to romance him. it's assumed that this was cut somewhere later in development due to the lines being voice acted, though i believe that the reason this was cut has not been confirmed yet (though, seeing as how persona 4 was made in the 2000s....... you can probably just guess why lol)

there were unreleased voice lines that showed what was supposed to be a gay route for Persona 4 (there ARE Japanese lines for this as well, and the way in which the "I like you" part is said is the Japanese version of confessing to someone you have a crush on) and a lot of fans do agree that the protagonist is best paired with Yosuke for character development purposes, but it was probably scrapped because of homophobia 😭

Exactly what it says. Was likely scrapped because Atlus are COWARDS who didn't wanna give us the gay romance we deserved. It would have been so cute though I'm forever pissed it was scrapped...

We know it was programmed it. Yosuke is the only male character with dialogue flags, meaning you can fail his social link. The only other characters with these flags are the female love interests. Yosuke also has recorded, in both English and Japanese, final confession lines, something unique to max rank romance social links. This means it was likely scrapped very late in development. As the game also covers (badly) gender and sexuality, we can hypothesize that Yosuke's character arc was supposed to be overcoming internalized homophobia. Instead he just kinda stays "jokingly" homophobic and never grows past it.

The player would have been able to enter a romantic relationship with the character Yosuke Hanamura— text and voice lines for this option still exist within the game, and can be activated via modding. They even have proper translations, and the English versions of the lines are voiced as well, implying that the cut was made rather far into development. While this is a sad loss in its own right, it also has devastating implications in regards to the original state of other pieces of LGBT+ representation which may have also been scrapped and/or heavily modified to appear. For example, Kanji’s attraction to men and Naoto’s gender situation were both downplayed and/or walked back in the final version of the game, but it’s highly likely that Yukiko’s arc was originally intended to include more bisexual overtones, and arguments can be made for Rise’s arc being meant to center on the struggle to come to some sort of terms with her own sexuality and presentation in an industry that keeps such a tight hold on those aspects of its workers lives.

throughout the entirety of persona 4 (+golden), yosuke is portrayed to be the best friend of the protag, but also extremely homophobic towards another male character who was hinted at being gay (before atlus fucked that narrative up too). his social link hints at him having a crush on the protag, and he was intended to have a romantic route just like the female characters, but that was cut (not sure why). the whole game is about embracing the truth, including your hidden sides that you are ashamed to show to others, and having yosuke come to terms with his repressed homosexuality (& realizing that he has internalized homophobia) would have fit perfectly within that theme, but atlus said fuck that shit and cut that entire romance out. the cut dialogue can easily be found on youtube. the thing with this being cut out is that without the romance and coming to terms with his homosexuality, the only thing left of yosuke is being very homophobic. no one condems yosuke for what he says to the other male character, and it is never addressed beyond mere gags or jokes. it's horrible to sit through and honestly it was such a missed opportunity. it's such an issue that people have made a mod implementing a romantic route for yosuke just because of this. every day i mourn thinking of what could have been

This game explores many queer themes, but lacks any explicit queer relationships. The fact that file scrapers and modders discovered an unused voice line for one of the male characters that implies a romance option for him was cut from the final game makes queer fans feel let down, regardless of how groundbreaking the other queer plot points were at the time of release. It's speculated that it was cut because devs or localizers thought that it would be too much queer content in one game, and that it would affect sales and create too much controversy. I, however, believe that anyone who manages to get through the mandatory gay sauna dungeon would have had no stones to throw about an optional mlm romance.

The first party member in Persona 4, Yosuke Hanamura, was originally going to be a viable romantic partner once the player got far enough into his Social Link. This was removed rather late in development, as voiced lines for a scene where he and the protagonist begin dating were recorded in both Japanese and English. To this day, Persona 2: Innocent Sin remains the only Persona game where the protagonist can enter a gay relationship with another boy.

In this game you can choose to romance several people. There is cut voiced dialogue for a romance route for Yosuke, the main character's best friend, but in the final game he is not a romanceable character. Some are of the opinion that taking out the romance option for Yosuke removes the complexity from his character.

article: https://gamerant.com/persona-4-golden-mod-yosuke-romance/

Devil Joker boss fight

In Persona 2, an important story/game mechanic is that rumors are becoming reality in the setting. You would have been able to spread a rumor that Joker, the leader of the Masked Circle cult, was an angelic or demonic figure, and that would have determined the corresponding boss fight when you reached a key point in the game. The ability to spread that rumor was never implemented (probably due to time constraints? or maybe because Devil Joker ripping himself in half was determined to be Too Much), and so the citizens of the city default to Joker being "as beautiful as an angel", leading to the Angel Joker boss fight instead.

recreation of the boss fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uz24UqZfYk Angel Joker for comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UPtkrsvI20&t=1227s

[yuripoll]

KNOCKOUTS: Vengeance (2015 - 16)

Vengeance is a Korean thriller by Aji about a detective investigating the murder of her lover.

Having witnessed her "secret" love killed by a murderer, the normally calm and cool headed police officer, Seolah, is determined to find the bastard and avenge her love's death… - AniList

Originally posted on Lezhin (both KR & ENG), but has since been removed :(

CWs under the cut. General severity rating: major.

sexual content & nudity

bloody violence <- gore & detailed injury is the big thing; guts shown in ch22 and maggots shown in a wound in ch18. detailed slit throat shown frequently. on top of that, fighting, stabbing, blunt force, gun violence. facial trauma in ch14.

animal death <- ch7, dead animal (cat, i think? ambigious) is thrown in a carrier bag and you can see part of it's corpse. mention of animals being killed by a stalker in ch9 (not shown).

homophobia <- pretty intense, kind of everpresent throughout. violent homophobia in ch7. the protagonist theorises that her partner was killed with homophobic intent. additionally, derogatory use of "homo" towards a gay woman. multiple homophobic men relish in her death.

stalking <- subplot in ch7 onward, tries to attack his victim in ch10

police brutality & abuse of power <- arrest of a citizen without a permit followed by violently assaulting him during an interrogation. he's homophobic and sucks but that... doesn't really change the circumstances of the thing. happens in ch6. she also later attacks potential (but innocent) suspects extralegally. tresspassing into a suspects home without a warrant.

very brief mention of sexual assault in ch6, not related to any main character

murder & grief <- central themes

suicide <- by stabbing, not shown in detail.

adult age gap <- doesn't really draw attention to it aside a comment in ch16 confirming that the protagonist is "much older" than her lover, but the central relationship is between a uni student and an established police officer.

self harm <- ch12, character digs nails into face hard enough to cause bleeding.

incest(???) <- one character has a crush on someone she's ambiguously related(?) to.

unhappy ending and general very bleak tone

[silvertws]

I never did an introduction post so here I am!

Now who am I?

✨It's a me, Silver! :D✨

I go by he/She/they with a preference for he/they :)

I'm Demifluid but I'm fluxuating into more masc stuff recently-

Right now if people ask my sexuality I say Ace and bi though there's probably more specific labels for my orientation... I do not care to find them.

I also just might simply be Aromantic in denial tbh.

✨ If you do any of the things highlighted in red, you are not welcome here. ✨

I'm Italian! Which means no romanticizing the mafia around me please. Ffs they melt kids in acid.

I don't support any kind of homophobia, transphobia, racism, anti-Semitism, MAPS...

And remember kids...

✨Trans rights are human rights! ✨

I'm a feminist, equal rights, equal fights, if you're an incel or a femcel don't bother.

I like complot theories as long as they stay as theories and you don't push them on people.

I don't support any bullying towards furries, therians, gacha kids, cosplayers... So if you ever plan on doing that, you're not going to do it here.

Sending death threats is not allowed.

I do not support genocide or war in general, because what kind of human would enjoy that-?! Side eye 👀👀👀

If you use religion as an excuse for your ignorance or to simply be a dick, get out.

If you don't do any of this, welcome!

✨ Imma summarize some of my opinions (about random stuff) using songs ✨

Vulture -> Bear Ghost (they are a really cool band)

I'm afraid I'll go to heaven -> Moon Walker

Don't cry for your daughters Eve -> Lydia the bard

GOSSIP -> Måneskin

Dear God -> Confetti

Thoughts & prayers -> Grandson

To catch a Predator -> Insane Clown Posse

Labour -> Paris Paloma

The Exorcist -> CALYPSO

Make of these what you will. (No, I don't hate y'all. I hate hypocrites, the patriarchy, and the corruption of society.)

I like dark humor if it's actually funny.

Now onto the fun stuff!

I have been part of the gacha community since 2019, same with Origins, Country humans... Etc.

Any cringe fandoms, yeah, you can add those to the list.

My favorite ccs on yt are Pearlescentmoon, ZNathanAnimations, Manlybadasshero, FavreMySabre, Toiu, Neitirix, CaZaCoJa, IamCrusty... And many more.

Favourite characters currently:

Cal Kestis -> Jedi Fallen Order/Surivivor

Light Steve -> Ruined Reality

Rex -> Echoes of Arcadia

Dorian -> Critical Role

Seir -> The Chaos Protocol (did I write it right?)

Owen -> OutsidersSMP

Colin -> My Hero Origins

Now, if I were to post a complete list of all my fandoms, it would be around 120+.

So I'm not gonna do that.

To name some, Ib, Mad Father... And a lot of indie games of the same style, like, a lot.

I like mythology!

Anything Minecraft related is probably on the table, and a lot of different book sagas.

To name some, WOF (there aren't all the books in Italian so I only read the main story :(), Fairy Oak, a bunch of books from Licia Troisi, LOTR (I was devastated when I was told Tom Bombadil wasn't in the movies), Eragon... (We don't talk about the movie...)

But, my current hyperfixations are any kind of Steve story (so Ruined reality, The First Saviour, Ore Quest Prime...), Horror Games, BG3, Minecraft Roleplays in general...

I really like Star Wars guys.

I play D&D! :D

(send help my party is crazy)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So what will you find here❓❓

Well, I am an artist! I enjoy drawing and posting about it! I mostly do fanart because oc art doesn't really do well... But I will post some OCS from time to time.

I also write theories (I'm looking at you RR and Fable...) and rants or that one description of my MCYT Star Wars au and some art of that...

My favorite fandoms are Steve Saga related stuff, Origins crew (FTO,SNO,OOO,SNO,MHO), Star Wars, Fable/Mer/Siege... SMP... And many more.

I also want to maybe make fanart of those few Italian ytbers I still watch or am nostalgic about. Examples: Gabby16bit, Erenblaze, LyonWGF, (guys, the Failcraft, come on), Ratorix...

Sbriser- no not HIM. (What happened to you man? Tf is you doing???!!!!)

You will also find rants/comments on some of those fandoms!

Some oc art or au art from time to time and some random bits of lore about those!

I'm also a cosplayer...! I don't know if I'll post any of that here but my main cosplay is Technoblade and the basic Genloss henchman because I was matching with my friend who was Genloss Ranboo (check out mandydoodles on yt she's very cool guys).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‼️DISCLAIMERS‼️

I want to start commissions but until I feel comfortable enough with my style I won't so don't ask me for now.

But if anyone asks for silly doodles to post about then sure lol, I like doing funky stuff.

If y'all got questions just ask.

English is not my first language so there might be some grammatical mistakes.

If I say something offensive just make me aware without sending me death threats or canceling me right away.

No guys, being on a different HOTD team is not death threat worthy.

No, liking the last Star Wars movies or the Acolyte is also not death threat worthy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And lastly...

✨ Be respectful! ✨

✨ Enjoy your travels through my treacherous blog adventurer! ✨

[runawaysiren940]

Sometimes the things that TRAs say are so unbelievably incorrect that I don’t even have the energy to fight against it. I know it is wrong but sometimes I truly feel like it won’t change and that I should just give in before my friends cut me off for being “transphobic.” I don’t even wish any harm to trans identified people, I just need people to see and understand the holes in their logic. But every time I’ve tried to debate with one of them, all they do is twist my words so far from their original meaning that they are literally just making things up to be mad about and lumping me in with the conservatives. Why is it so hard to fight stupidity? God, it’s so tiring. I don’t know how you do it, Siren. You must be among the strongest of us all

I got lucky, I think, in that I've always had a small friend group, and one which I was close enough to that I was given the benefit of the doubt when I brought up these topics. That isn't to say I haven't lost friends over this.

One of the girls I was friends with in high school 'broke up' with me for pointing out the homophobia of straight people calling themselves gay because they identified as nonbinary. But in that instance, it was no great loss. Over the years, I've realized that even in supposedly safe 'gay friendly' places, most of the people there weren't gay. They weren't even allies. Not a single one ever dated a person of the same sex, and it all made sense, looking back, that I always felt so different and alone, even in spaces where I was supposed to be with like-minded people.

When I got to college, I finally had the freedom to date openly, and I essentially went out whenever someone asked. And from that experience, I only ever went out with one actual lesbian- and she later identified as trans and told me that feminism was transphobic. The others were a mix of women who liked the aesthetic of being WLW, but didn't actually want to touch another woman, women who were bisexual and wanted a side chick/throuple/non-monogamous situations, or men who lied and were able to portray themselves as women online.

In the end, I've found friends and a community where I can speak freely. I've met many people I've connected with through my channel or discord irl. I've formed genuine friendships, and even dated women I've met on this basis, and beyond that- one of my oldest friends remains my friend, and agrees with me on these issues, because he knows me, and would never assume the worst (that I was hateful for no reason, or wanted to be bigoted, etc) when I mention something that goes against popular opinion. It's easier to me, to not have to hide what I believe, or implicitly support misogynistic or homophobic ideas, just to maintain friendships, especially since I would expect any true friend to not abandon me for a difference of opinion (and one which is factually supported anyhow).

And I guess, beyond all of that, I've always been a vocal person. My dad is the trump supporting, misogynistic, racist stereotype many people think of in these issues, and I spent my whole childhood debating with him on similar topics. Not everyone is up to it, but it's what I know how to to, I guess.

[dinluke-ao3feed]

C'Mon Baby Cry

Read it on https://archiveofourown.org/works/56892064 by Maered “Hi, I’m-“ “Skywalker.” Din says, crossing his arms, already annoyed at the car parked in his usual spot. Skywalker looks just like Din expected him to. All flash, no substance. “Exactly,” he grins and looks Din up and down. “-you must be Mando.” “Guilty as charged.” Din says, “-if you’ll excuse me, I gotta bring-” “Want some help?” “No.” Din says, immediately. “-it’s my job.” “Oh, I don’t mind.” Luke grins, “-Owen would insist on helping you.” It’s annoying that Mando is handsome, Luke thinks. Makes it harder to hate this interloper on sight. “You’re not Owen.” Mando points out, raising a brow. Luke gets the feeling he’s just been insulted straight to his face. “No.” Luke says, "I'm not.” Nevermind. Maybe hating Mando will be easier than he expects. Camie's getting married. Estranged from Owen & Beru, Luke goes home for the first time in 10 years. He's not looking forward to meeting their farmhand, the man who’s been living his old life ever since he left. Din isn’t particularly excited to meet Luke either; not when he already hates him for abandoning people who are like family to him now. They both try to be civil. Fireworks ensue instead. Words: 15430, Chapters: 1/4, Language: English Fandoms: The Mandalorian (TV), Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars Original Trilogy Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, M/M Characters: Din Djarin, Luke Skywalker, Owen Lars, Beru Whitesun, Grogu | Baby Yoda, Han Solo, Leia Organa, Biggs Darklighter, Camie Marstrap, Laze "Fixer" Loneozner, Cobb Vanth Relationships: Din Djarin/Luke Skywalker, Owen Lars/Beru Whitesun, Leia Organa/Han Solo Additional Tags: Cowboys & Cowgirls, Cowboy Hats, Alternate Universe - Western, Country & Western, Song Lyrics, Inspired by an Orville Peck Song, Period-Typical Homophobia, this is a trashy romance novel (affectionate), this is also a period piece, as it is set in the year of our lord, 2008, dont at me with historical innacuracies, my primary source is fallible, (my own memory), Enemies to Lovers, author does not even have a GED in country music, we had to rely on our lovely friends at, Discord: DinLuke Server, The Dinluke Server Made Me Do It, Baseball, Found Family, Grogu | Baby Yoda Being a Little Shit, Luke Skywalker's Nickname is Wormie, smalltown stuff, Secret Relationship, Switch Luke Skywalker, Switch Din Djarin, razor and artoo are horses, threepio is an alpaca, Estrangement, when i mean this is a trashy romance novel (like the kind the drugstores sell) i MEAN IT, DinLuke Week 2024, Implied/Referenced Domestic Violence, happened in the past to a minor character, Bar fights, as usual, dinluke week prompt, meet the family/culture and traditions

[softrozene]

Fear

Anon asked: That did help with the comfort ask thank you clearing that up for me. Um may I get hc or scenario for a male reader that tries to keep his relationship with Lenny private because he's been traumatized for coming out years prior? There can be a solution or just comfort from the gang I just need to feel valid rn thnx if you do this Ro ❤️ 

rdr2 masterlist

Of course Love. You are valid and I hope you are in a safe spot. I did base this trauma after some past experiences I have heard over the years or things I’ve seen from media so I hope that it okay. I just want you to know that you are loved and I would fight the world for you.

For everyone else who needs to hear it, you are also valid and loved.

Why do I end up turning things into one-shots? 

Originally published on February 28, 2020

Lenny Summers x Male Reader

Warnings: mentions of past verbal/physical abuse, mentions of past homophobia, angst for a hot second, but then a fluff I promise

*I mention an American poet in here named Walt Whitman. Our father of free verse. He has constantly been presumed as gay because of some of his works such as in the Leaves of Grass and honestly, I just thought it was a nice touch since he lived from 1819-1892. (I totally have not read this dude’s works. I’m just a nerd when it comes to literature and recall a class discussion.)

Words: ~2k

-

Guard duty is extremely boring. Or right now it is. The only thing that is saving you from dying of boredom is the occasional squirrel or birds making movement. Not even a carriage is heard from your post and there is usually a gunshot or two heard from the road to Rhodes.

“Sleeping on the job?” Lenny’s teasing voice, that took you completely by surprise, makes you come alive.

A lazy smile forms on your face as you say, “Never.”

You take a glance around, making sure the coast is clear, before placing a chaste kiss on Lenny’s cheek. Lenny immediately reaches for your hands and both of you look at each other content. You relish in moments like this.

“(Name),” Lenny’s voice breaks the comfortable silence.

You give him your full attention as he goes on. “I know that we said our relationship is secret, but I’ve been thinking… I want to tell the gang soon.”

The good atmosphere comes crashing down around you as you slowly begin to fill up with panic. Your face is emotionless as you let your hands fall from his and rest at your sides. He senses the drastic change in your mood and is quick to continue on his thought.

“Now, we don’t have to anytime soon. I just thought it would be kinda good to get it out there. We’ve kept it secret for two months already- I guess I’m just tired of having to sneak around,” Lenny explains.

He reaches for your hand only for you to pull away abruptly. The flash of hurt doesn’t go unnoticed by you and you feel the guilt flood through your system. He plasters on a smile anyway.

“Just think about it (Name). I can tell you don’t wanna talk about it right now so I won’t force you. Uh- I’ll see you later.” He tries to go in for a kiss but stops immediately as he sees you tense up.

Before he can show the hurt once more, he leaves. You feel like you’ve been punched in the gut. Everything feels heavy as his words go through your mind. All the past pain and panic feels like it’s setting you on fire.

“Fuck this I need a drink,” You say to yourself.

   ~*~  

“Thanks, Arthur! I really just needed someone to talk to,” Lenny states as he takes another drink of his beer.

The saloon is crowded at this hour but it makes good for talking normally then. The bottom of the saloon is packed so Arthur and Lenny lean against the railing on the upper level.

Arthur chuckles. “Yer lucky I came back to camp or you would’ve had to suffer from someone else. Let me guess… Is this ‘bout yer boyfriend?” Arthur asks bluntly since he already had a few drinks himself.

Lenny has only been sipping on his beer, being too consumed by the worry he feels. However, upon hearing Arthur’s guess, he lets out a gasp.

“What are you talking about?”

Arthur snorts as he states, “It ain’t that much of a secret, well to me anyway. You are acting how you were when you were sweet on Jenny. So shoot.”

“Well, I’ve been wanting to tell everyone since we made it official ‘bout two months ago but he… Doesn’t seem to want to? I don’t know if he’s ashamed of me or anything but I get the feeling that something deeper is going on-“

Arthur cuts Lenny off as he points down below them. Lenny follows the direction only to see his boyfriend looking rather troubled with the gentle Hosea. “Looks like you can go find out. C’mon kid, I’ll go with ya. Just follow my lead.”

“Oh Arthur, I think this is a bad idea.” He follows Arthur anyway.

   ~*~  

After a shot and getting a beer ready, you finally turn to the patient Hosea. He’s always all ears as he waits for you to speak about your problems. He’s used to this and you’re used to this. He is the father you never had, the father you wished you had.

“Hosea, thank you for taking me here,” You start your voice loud so Hosea can hear you.

It didn’t bother you at all that the place was filled with raucous men and working girls. No, whenever you were with Hosea, his presence just always made your worry disappear unless of course, it was a job. Whenever you feel like you have no one on your side you are able to go to him.

“I- Lenny and I are dating.”

Hosea smiles. “I know.”

Before you can ask how or anything else Hosea continues with a light-hearted tone. “I’ve known for a while. I’m not as dumb as the others and thanks to my age you can see love miles away. You and he are dating so what’s the problem?”

It takes a lot to admit this. Especially in this time and age when a male shows weakness, it’s usually considered pathetic. However, with your father figure sitting right here completely non-judgmental, the words fly right out of your mouth.

“I’m scared.”

All Hosea does is nod as he waits for you to continue. The wall you’ve set up so high is slowly crumbling down.

“I… Before I joined Dutch’s gang I was living with my family. They were considered high class which is why I had no problem stealing from them before I ran away on my 18th birthday. Anyway, this was a few years prior to that. I realized that I… simply wasn’t attracted to women. I told them this and my father’s reaction was to set up an arranged marriage with a gal from another wealthy family,” You explain.

You pause only to drink some of our beer. All this has been holding you back and finally bringing it up to Hosea is making you feel a bit better. You continue your story.

“The disgusted look my father gave me was enough to shut me up for a while. Well, until the first meeting with the girl. I started to not act like myself. I begged my mother who was heartbroken that her only son wasn’t perfect, to do something. ‘Course she didn’t. Just stopped talking to me unless it was ‘bout the wedding. The one thing I did enjoy doing there was reading. I read like crazy and one time my pops saw me reading but it must’ve been the last straw from my behavior because he burned the literature. Told me I shouldn’t be reading such filth.”

Hosea pipes up with a question, “What was it?”

“A collection of poems by Whitman. Leaves of Grass*,” The smile on your face is small.

Hosea smiles as he reassures you. “I borrowed a few of his works from Dutch. Interesting stuff. Dutch would love to talk about Whitman’s views of transcendentalism and realism. Beware if you do that though, he may talk the whole day. Though the works you referred to… I suppose your pa didn’t much like them.”

You give him a sad smile.

“You would be correct,” You say taking a shaky breath in before continuing, “After finding out I read the poems he grew beyond bitter to me. Eventually, he just snapped after I refused to talk to my fiancé. He paid some of his friends to beat me up on the way home. They would’ve killed me instead if it weren’t for a passerby.”

You seem to be done talking. Hosea can feel the relief but strong sad emotions coming from you. His eyes flicker a bit around the room before he speaks again.

“You said this was years ago. How did you cope after that?” He asks now curious about your mental state.

You laugh. It wasn’t a good laugh.

“I pretended to be in love with my fiancé. I acted like the son they wanted until my 18th birthday. The wedding was supposed to take place a week after on her own birthday but I just left,” You reply a bit stuck in your head.

Hosea knows this and he asks, “And now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Now you seem scared to tell everyone at camp about you and Lenny. From what I’ve heard your parents are frankly shit. They didn’t really love you but the idea of you representing them as a proper man. Well, I’m telling you, right now, that you are a proper man. You are a good man. You deserve to feel happy and not scared. You know that everyone at camp will be happy for you and Lenny. They don’t care about things like that, that you two are both men. I don’t care. I’m just happy to see you both happy,” Hosea states.

He places his hand on your shoulder and the warm energy radiating off of him makes you want to cry. He’s so genuine and knows his words are true.

“I, for one, don’t care. Though, it was obvious to me anyway. ‘Sorry to hear ‘bout what happened but don’t think that we’d do that to ya,” A voice behind you states.

You turn around to see Arthur with a big grin on his face. Lenny is beside him just staring at you with a bit of wonder. Instead of having a negative reaction to these eavesdroppers, you start laughing, this time completely happy.

“Arthur, how the hell did you manage to eavesdrop in your state?” You question.

He growls but answers, “I ain’t drunk. I’m just tipsy boy. Now go on get out of here. Both of ya.”

He pushes you into Lenny and you look back at Hosea. He gives you a nod before he makes Arthur sit down by him. Both men are a blessing. You turn to face your lover who just takes your hand, rather gently and for the first time with others around, you don’t pull away.

Lenny leads you outside and you stop him from going to the horse. To his absolute surprise and happiness, you give him a peck in public.

“C’mon, let’s head back to camp before it gets too dark. Y’know I don’t like these townsfolk and history,” You murmur.

Lenny catches the tone and gets on his horse. As you start the short ride back to camp he says, “We can take your time telling them. If I’d known ‘bout your past I wouldn’t’ have been so pushy.”

“You’re not mad that I didn’t talk to you ‘bout it?” You question feeling just a tad guilty.

Lenny states, “Not at all. I’m happy that it wasn’t me who did something. I was worried you were scared to be with me. I had an idea it was all ‘bout an experience gone wrong. Listen (Name), you need to know that I love and care for you deeply. We can take all the time in the world to come out if that’s what you want.”

You glance at him and smile. He’s been so understanding throughout all this. It feels as if your heart can burst any second. Shaking your head you give him your final reply with full confidence.

“Nah, I believe what Hosea and Arthur said. No one in the gang will treat me like that. We can come out together as an item. And Lenny? I love you too.”