‡† The Unseen †‡

28 † The Unmasking II †

Apologies for any mistakes you might come across!

And please..! I beg of you in the name of Almighty God, do NOT judge anyone in this chapter. Anyone.

Trigger warning: Mild mention of slurs.
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Raven didn't even know when the bonfire was lit, but it was giving a somewhat dramatic backdrop, alongside the gentle rhythm of the waves, as Tyler and Isaac stood, silent and anxious, the anticipation making it all look like a scene from some fantasy novel.

In moments like this, the mage, who's also the MC's father, would probably say something dire like he's got two days left to live.

Tyler cleared his throat, his voice steady but tinged with vulnerability.

"There's something we want to say."

"Yeah no shit," Devon muttered under his breath. Raven shot him a wry look, even though he was also feeling pretty anxious. Were they.. about to.. come out to the teams?

That would be.. monumental.

Isaac glanced at Tyler, offering a supportive nod.

"Well.. uhm, yeah, I.. I'm just gonna say it."

Raven blinked and then, "We're.. both gay."

Isaac nodded, reaching for Tyler's hand and squeezing it as if proud of him. "Yeah, and we're dating, so.. yeah. Anyone have a problem with it?"

A hush fell over the group. The crackling of the fire and the distant sound of waves were the only sounds that filled the silence.

Raven peered over to the teams, catching their expressions, waiting for hostility. Honestly, he was on neither side of this gay or straight thing, nevertheless, he didn't want anyone arguing.

Mathilda raised her hand. "Um.. question?"

Tyler glanced at Isaac, then they both nodded at her.

"So that time me and Isaac were friends and stuff at the beginning of the school year, like beginning beginning, and you were like, attached to our hips, it wasn't because you had a crush on me?"

Tyler spluttered, flushing. "W-What? I.. you didn't— no, I didn't.. it's not because of that!"

Mathilda sighed dramatically. "Oh well.. a girl can dream.."

People snickered.

"And you know, as long as you're not screwing me, Isaac, I actually don't care, so like.. feel me?"

"Abel, that's rude."

"Tch, I stand with Abel on that one. Live your life, I live mine. As long as you don't come asking me for relationship advice, I'm good."

"Who the fuck would ask you of all people for relationship advice, you shit—"

"Oh, you take that back, you fuck—"

"Don't mind them. We're here for you, always."

"Oh shut up Loa. Stop being so sappy all the time—"

"Hey, have some respect. That's my girlfriend, you idiot—"

"Oh, shut up—"

The group fell into familiar bickering, although you could tell half of the people there were supportive, some keeping their obnoxious thoughts to themselves, and some not caring at all. All in all, it was manageable response. For Isaac and Tyler at least.

Raven felt a swell of emotion. He didn't know what his personal opinion on gays were, honestly, and as he stared at Tyler and Isaac together, he tried to think of what he felt about the sight. It wasn't triggering, neither was it satisfying, or angering. It was just like.. a part of them he'd come to find out and he just had to.. add that feature when he thinks of them. Nothing more, nothing less. And everyone had the right to decide on what to do, had the right to choose honestly, and he wasn't going to go around condemning people's choices.