(Untitled)

[ephram_green]

Again, it's a disturbed-looking Ephram in the Nexus. This time he's more angry, but with a side of helplessness. For a while he fidgets near the doorway.

How... he sighs, trying to regain some composure ...how do you deal with someone who angrily and accusingly calls you a "faggot"?

Comments

[vicioussweetie]

"I ignore them. Unless I feel like a fight, then I accuse them of being jealous."

Ali looks at Ephram for a moment. "First time?"

[ephram_green]

That's an option I hadn't thought about. I had to keep it together so my husband wouldn't do something nasty, otherwise I would have started a fight.

It...I...yes. It isn't something I expected to ever happen to me.

[vicioussweetie]

"It happens to all of us. Hell, I got accused of being a lesbian before I was publically dating anyone. People just like to start trouble. It doesn't usually mean anything other than that they are small, tiny, insignificant things that realize this and want to drag you down to their level."

He gets hugs. "You'll get used to it."

[ephram_green]

People like to try forcing their narrow beliefs on others.

He sighs. I shouldn't have to get used to it, Ali. That's what hurts more. The world should be better than this.

[vicioussweetie]

"I know. It was, once. Humanity couldn't handle anything outside its little window of tolerance and screwed things up. So now we make the best of it." She ruffles his hair a bit. "So let yourself get used to it, and at least it won't hurt anymore."

[ephram_green]

Humanity is good at screwing things up. I've worked most of my adult life trying to build a group to fix some of those things about humanity. Making the best of it or getting used to it seems like settling to me. He dos appreciate the affectionate hair-ruffling though.

[vicioussweetie]

"We have to pick our battles, Ephram. There's only so much time."

[ephram_green]

This wasn't a battle worth picking? It doesn't matter that people are being hurt by others who have such hateful opinions?

[vicioussweetie]

"It does. I'm not saying it isn't a worthy battle. But one person can only do so much, and you're already working on something important."

[ephram_green]

That is a good point.

How did you react, the first time you were called such a thing?

[vicioussweetie]

"I was shocked. But then I realized they were just jealous, since they were assuming I was a lesbian because I wasn't dating anyone at school, so it didn't bother me too much anymore."

[ephram_green]

Hrm, jealous... That has potential. At least I'm in a satisfied, committed relationship.

[vicioussweetie]

"Right, and they wouldn't be so angry if their lives were going as well."

[ephram_green]

It's amazing what love can do for someone.

[vicioussweetie]

"Isn't it?"