This page could also be called “Mindblow” or “WTF!? Grrfmblrgarhmfzzlegrblmarghhh!”, you know, depending on how willing you are to accept Rudy’s revelation. I settled with “Transcendence” because it is basically relevant though (and I love me some wordplay).
Special mention goes to the black and white scenes. The first two are from actual scenes earlier in the comic. The first portrays Rudy’s first display of admiration for Rain (from page 21 - The Truth Is). The second is from a scene in which he and Rain discussed the Strongwell home life (on page 39 - Slight Overreaction), making Rudy actually the first character to open up to Rain about his past. The third black and white panel isn’t any specific scene, but a simple montage of the three most antagonistic characters in the story: Emily, Todd and Father Quenton (although, only Emily has been particularly notable thus far). BUT! The “bumped into you on the first day” remark refers to Rain and Rudy’s first meeting (page 16 - Crash).
There’s lots more allusion throughout the comic thus far too. I’ve had this confession planned since day one after all. Don’t believe me? Read it again, and focus on Rudy. ^_^
But regardless of nearly 200 pages of build up, Rain looks… iffy. How will things proceed from here, I wonder.
Sounds like I was right in my comment a few pages back. The complete awkwardness of the situation and describing it, though, can accidentally come off as insensitive. ^^;
Maybe Rudy is just experiencing what it feels like to fall in love with someone when both gender identity and sexual orientation are at that point in time both completely irrelevant concepts?
With what we know about Emily’s future characterization, I wonder what would have happened if rain had bumped into her on the first day. Like Emily likely wouldn’t be transphobic, she might have even merged rain into the group. I really wonder how those scenarios would have played out. I might write a fanfic about after I finish the novel I’m writing
if my homophobia shows, yell at me.
this almost wierds me out though, AND DAMN YOU FOR THE CLIFFHANGER!!!!
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Rudy, why'd you leave us hanging? That's not cool, man.