Freedom To Love

You and your friend seem really close, it's nice to see.

Thanks, yeah. We've gotten along since we were kids. He was the one person that was there for me when I was going through some shit a few years ago. I wouldn't be where I am without him. For three weeks straight he checked in on me every day, brought me food when I couldn't bring myself to cook, and he sat with me as I feel asleep, to make sure I was getting rest. He used to sit next to me in classes in school, holding my hand and draw little smiley faces on them. During the winter, he'd keep holding my hands to warm his up, because his were always frozen.

That's really sweet. Are you both doing anything for the festival next week? I'm taking my partner out for a meal, then we're going home and watching our favourite film. Then... I'll leave it at that.

W-what do you mean are we doing anything?

You know, like a date?

We're both boys. That's not how that works.

But... it is? Why would you two being boys stop anything?

That's not possible. That's not what my parents told me. That's not what my friends say, that's not how society works.

I don't know what it was like on your home planet, but the moment you left it and found a life in this colony, your whole world has opened up. You can love anyone. Anyone. It has nothing to do with who you are, or who they are. If you fall for someone, you fall for them. Better to act on those feelings and see if a spark is there, than sit and wonder your whole life whether something could happen.

So, you're saying I could fall in love with a boy one day?

I'm not saying that. I'm saying it's already happened.

I'm not in love with him. I'm not. I'm not. Am I?

How often do you think about him? Text him? Hang out?

He's the first person I text in the mornings. We hang out most nights, unless he's busy.

How do you feel when he's busy?

I mean, I'm okay with it? I know he's got other friends. I don't, so I always want to spend my time with him, but he's allowed to hang out with his other friends. It kind of stings that he hasn't introduced me to his other friends, though.

...

Don't give me silent treatment. It's not like that. I care about him a lot, yes. When I've some good news he's the first person I tell. He's the person I celebrate every holiday with. We give each other gifts every New Year. Last year I made this ring out of his favourite flowers. He bought me chocolate kisses. But it's not like that, I swear. It can't be.

...

But... I'm a boy. I can't love another boy.

...

We're JUST friends. He's my closest friend. A FRIEND. Nothing more. I can't see a future without him, but he's just a friend. I swear.

...

It's okay. Take all the time you need.