I was going to say - [As he kneels, leaning in again to thread the next flower in beside the first] that I don't believe you learned to flirt like this without ever kissing boys. But then you put down pride.
[He settles both hands on Dorian's shoulders now.]
Pride is the only response to shame. It's the only defence. Where I'm from, Pride is a movement. Pride is marching down the street in rainbow hotpants while people rattle protest signs, because we exist, and we have and will exist whether they see us or not, we have and will exist whether they try to put us down or not. We have and will exist so we may as well be goddamn visible and make them deal with it. It's their problem. There are fucking terrible people in the world, Dorian. There are genocidal dictators with Chaplin moustaches, and murderers and abusers and presidents who should've stayed actors, and Republicans in general, and lawyers, and republican mormon lawyers and they should be ashamed for the things they think and feel and do. And anyone who thinks queers are shameful ought to be ashamed that they think fear and hate and rancid conservativism less shameful than love. Screw the bastards. They're messed up assholes, and they're the ones missing out.
[His shoulders tense, but he isn't so uncomfortable that he leans any further away. He listens, and parts his lips to interrupt, but lets the questions die on his lips. As many as their are running through his head, he shouldn't deflect.]
I might have a few questions about rainbow hotpants, but... [He starts slowly, carefully, like saying something might make him vulnerable.] You're much braver than I, Prior. It's a very good quality - an attractive quality. I'll try after you, shall I?
[He lets out a breath - it should be a laugh but the sound doesn't quite catch.]
You might. I'm not brave, really. I'm as scared and ashamed as anyone else, often enough. But when you have a community, enough of you, you can be brave on alternate days.
I won't have you discrediting yourself. You've said more than I could even think to myself, let alone voice to anyone. Besides, being brave and afraid aren't mutually exclusive.
[He hesitates, then brings a hand up to take one of Prior's.]
We do have each other, don't we? And they don't seem to care in this world.
They don't, although less can be said for some of our fellow refugees. Strange how many world decided to choose to have this in common. Green skin, three stomachs, still terrified of homos. You'll still hear things. But that's what I almost miss - adversity can be quite the bond, don't you find?
[He catches Dorian's hand and, lips curling at the corners, dips his head to kiss it.]
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[He settles both hands on Dorian's shoulders now.]
Pride is the only response to shame. It's the only defence. Where I'm from, Pride is a movement. Pride is marching down the street in rainbow hotpants while people rattle protest signs, because we exist, and we have and will exist whether they see us or not, we have and will exist whether they try to put us down or not. We have and will exist so we may as well be goddamn visible and make them deal with it. It's their problem. There are fucking terrible people in the world, Dorian. There are genocidal dictators with Chaplin moustaches, and murderers and abusers and presidents who should've stayed actors, and Republicans in general, and lawyers, and republican mormon lawyers and they should be ashamed for the things they think and feel and do. And anyone who thinks queers are shameful ought to be ashamed that they think fear and hate and rancid conservativism less shameful than love. Screw the bastards. They're messed up assholes, and they're the ones missing out.
no subject
I might have a few questions about rainbow hotpants, but... [He starts slowly, carefully, like saying something might make him vulnerable.] You're much braver than I, Prior. It's a very good quality - an attractive quality. I'll try after you, shall I?
no subject
You might. I'm not brave, really. I'm as scared and ashamed as anyone else, often enough. But when you have a community, enough of you, you can be brave on alternate days.
[He sits back on his heels.]
That's one thing I miss, being here.
no subject
[He hesitates, then brings a hand up to take one of Prior's.]
We do have each other, don't we? And they don't seem to care in this world.
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[He catches Dorian's hand and, lips curling at the corners, dips his head to kiss it.]
Pink or blue?
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[He slowly comes to smile, but his tone implies he's quite serious.]
Pink.
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Set fire to? Metaphorically, with the intensity of your disapproval?
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Oh, if looks could kill, that'd be enough. No, I do mean literally. Perhaps to just their coattails, if you'd like something less extreme.