#okay now imagine Barrys face if Rafe introduced him as a friend LMAOO

[keyh0use]

If Barry and Rafe were ‘official’, do you think Barry would be met with the same reception at the yacht club as Sofia is this season, with Ruthie calling Rafe out for dating a pogue and also do you think Rafe would have the same reaction of denial? Thought to ask the Topper expert, although I think he kept completely quiet that entire scene

No!

Here's my two main reasons: 1. Sofia can blend in and Barry can't. She isn't a kook but she's surrounded by the wealthiest of them all day, it's something she envies (for good reason, not knocking her for wanting a more comfortable, safer life) and she can play the part well. I seriously doubt visiting parties even realise she doesn't belong. On the flip side I don't think there's a universe where Barry would conform (maybe self indulgent here but Rafe wouldn't expect or want him to) and he would stay true to himself, to his style and mannerisms regardless of social status, company or partner. Because of this the kooks would already know, there's probably not a single one of them who hasn't seen him at a house party dealing, who hasn't seen Rafe trailing after him like a lost, doped up puppy. They were whatever to eachother at Tanneyhill, drinking beer and gossiping in a corner. On the beach, sitting too close as Rafe's eyes droop. In a bar sharing appetizers. What difference would it make to the majority of the north side, or at least the younger generation, if the two of them are doing the same shit in the country club or some benefit their parents forced them them to attend? Besides the obvious in-your-face differences between kooks and Barry, that they would've grown accustomed to by the events of season 4, he's not approachable and the fact he's sold to many, many of them would be reasoning enough for them to keep his name out of their mouth. This segues into reason two but fits here as well, Rafe could actually be himself with Barry, which means he wouldn't have to pretend to be a good guy when someone says something he doesn't like.

2. I feel like their dynamic happened naturally, quietly. Very little discussion. Very personal to them, they just work. They don't do certain things that will upset the other because it's common sense (Barry) or because someone got pissy over the very thought of something (Rafe), whatever it was. Barry definitely claims him verbally; my bitch, my boy, stuff like that. Rafe would do the same, less crude out of fear, but he certainly wouldn't correct others who refer to Barry as his boyfriend. (Meaning Wheezie). So Ruthie has a problem, tries to pick on Rafe for dating a pogue, would Rafe be dumb enough to deny their relationship? I doubt it, at least not out of embarrassment. Who thinks of Barry as a pogue? Not me, not Rafe, do you? He's just a handsome guy who happens to live on the cut. I've always viewed him as other from the kooks and the pogues. If Rafe did downplay their relationship, I think it would be out of uncertainty, the word boyfriend throwing him off and he just spews whatever deflective word vomit that comes to mind, little thought to what he's actually saying. But I know one thing for sure two things for certain my friend, regardless of Rafe's reasoning for denial, there's not a chance in the fiery depths of hell Barry is laid up with him afterwards playing house. I don't know if it's more satisfying to imagine Barry walks out without word, giving Rafe the cold shoulder without an explanation, dodging every call, text, visit; goes all in on revenge, cause he already knows all the soft, mushy parts of Rafe so he can make sure it really hurts this time; or Barry confronts Rafe right there in front of his friends, watches realisation set in, followed by horror, what he's said and done to them, what he's losing...maybe he'll cry, or beg, or chase after someone like Barry in front of all the high class patrons.

Let's just hope Rafe is smarter than that and would rightly put ms. Ruth in her place.

It's not the question so I won't go into Rafe and Topper being surface level friends (they're getting closer, that's the problem), or how having Barry around is necessary for them both to keep their sanity. Instead I'll just say Topper is indifferent to Sofia because her presence doesn't offend or benefit him. I know Topper wonders why Rafe is so determined to put on an act, has questioned him about why he isn't hanging out with Barry, tries not to get too involved in his friends life but it's so difficult when it's just them in the sharing circle.

Anyways I loved this question! Thank you for asking <3