Okay, this one's kind of a doozy, but let's get straight to the point.
Firstly, are you satisfied with Aiken's explanation for everything? Is there hope for him after all despite what's happened in the past? How do you think Jessica would feel if she were hearing this?
I'm so proud of Aiken! I feel like a lot what he's feeling is to be expected, and he'll eventually get used to it completely. I can't really blame him for still being a bit confused anyway, I know that if I wasn't trans myself I would never understand it completely.
If Aiken hadn't sent Jessica Rain's way she would not have been able to meet vincent and begin the process of transition. So that's why Rain is thanking Aiken
After seeing how accepting Aiken has been, I actually forgot that he used to be a transphobic douche. But the past doesn't matter, the present does. I think he's done very well accepting Rain, and he deserves a "thank you". I believe Rain is thanking him for opening his eyes and accepting her, even though he still doesn't understand it completely. Also, if Aiken had never sent Jessica to Rain, they never would have met (Rain might not have met Vincent either, or at least not for a while).
I really like the care you've shown for your cast- Throughout the last few chapters, the growth of Aiken as a character has been incredibly realistic- can't wait to see how things pan out~! ouob
Actually, he sort of awkwardly refers to them as "some" of the most important women in his life. Who uses "some" to refer to a number known to be two and always is two (since Jessica plus Rain are always two)? Just weird.
It's standard speech-grammar; what he means is "some" in the context of "not the majority", rather than in the context of "an undefined but small number".
As in, there are other important people, and the total number is 5 or greater, but they're a part of that total.
Of course they're "some of" the most important women in his life--I would imagine that Kellen, and quite possibly Fara, would also be in that group (of most important women)!
headcannon:
Aiken is a closeted trans woman - Jessica coming out to Aiken shakes 'him' at a deep level as she passed so well, Aiken never expected it. The double whammy of Rain coming out forces 'him' to reevaluate 'his' initial reaction of letting out internalized shame. Aiken feels sees rain is happier and wonders if things could have been different - and slowly comes to terms that things *can* be different.
Why do you write it like " 'him' "? If Aiken was a transman, you would refer to him with male pronouns. I don't doubt that you're an ally of trans people, just wondering why you put quotes around the pronouns. Btw that would be a huge plot twist. Imagine if Kellen was trans also and they just kinda switched identities!?
no, I mean to suggest that Aiken is a closeted trans woman. Aiken identifies as male in the comic (for now!), so I'd go with 'him', suggesting that Aiken will come out.
Also, in your excitement, you're way off, I'm not a cis person.
One another note, if Aiken thinks of Jessica as one of the most important women in his life, does that mean he will want to get back together? I wonder if that would work out now. In a way, Jessica and Aiken both betrayed and hurt each other. They clearly did not know each other well enough to get married, in any case. If they do realize this, wouldn't it be prudent to avoid making the same mistake, and not get back together? Admittedly that's a bit defeatist, but what are the chances that they would end up with a better relationship dynamic if they got back together now?
I think there's definite potential here. They both did things they should have but I think they genuinely like each other and would get along well otherwise.
I have feelings about Jessica's "betrayal". I understand completely that outing yourself eventually is what has to be done so the Aiken/Jessie situation doesn't ever happen. That said, It's been made clear that they haven't had sex yet (I think? correct me plz.) and if that's the case coming out before any possible wedding is about all anyone should have a right to ask for IMHO.
That is just what I wanted to be greeted by when I woke up, Aiken doing the right thing for a change. Not so sure that Jessica will be so quick to apologize though.
Being honest with yourself about your own feelings is one of the hardest things you can do. Doing so for the sake of another - it's a sign of genuine change. Rain knows this - after all, I imagine that self honesty is a core part of transitioning.
(disclaimer: poster is cisgender, male and could be completely wrong).
This has nothing at all to do with the post, but I just had to say: I have started using the word "darling" to describe clothing, listening to podcasts and wearing shirt-type blouses over my bras. I have, overnight, become my mother. Dammit.
Oh wow. I'e got some major feels about this one. This is how I wish family reacted for all of us. You're not required to understand it, especially not at first, but it's pretty clear we're happier.
Geez Aiken is crawling back out of my doghouse. *squee*
Rain's thanking him because if it weren't for him and his genuine care she would've never met Jessie or started therapy. He is deep down a very good and honest person.
Aiken has just grown a lot a lot in my eyes just now. He is now being truly honest, respecting Rain for being her sister she really is, even though not yet in the all clear of why things are the way they are. He cares more for the person inside than to get hung up on however they present themselves, if they are happy and are clearly doing it for their own good, with no intent of hurting anyone. After meeting two trans woman in short notice, one being one of his very siblings, he's come very far.
Aiken officially earned my utmost respect.
I forgave Aiken the second he stood up for Rain to Keller the first time.
Maybe I’m too easily forgiving and too trusting, but I like to believe in the better nature in everyone.
Isn’t making coming out to my parents feel any easier though...
This really is rather adorable, and it's great to see that someone can actually come around and realise they were wrong. Aiken's growth as a character has been done really well.
You know, I kinda like him now. He’s trying to be supportive, even if he doesn’t get it. That’s more than I can say about many other people. He’s even willing to put in time to research and reflect on himself and his learnings!
As in, there are other important people, and the total number is 5 or greater, but they're a part of that total.
Aiken is a closeted trans woman - Jessica coming out to Aiken shakes 'him' at a deep level as she passed so well, Aiken never expected it. The double whammy of Rain coming out forces 'him' to reevaluate 'his' initial reaction of letting out internalized shame. Aiken feels sees rain is happier and wonders if things could have been different - and slowly comes to terms that things *can* be different.
Also, in your excitement, you're way off, I'm not a cis person.
I have feelings about Jessica's "betrayal". I understand completely that outing yourself eventually is what has to be done so the Aiken/Jessie situation doesn't ever happen. That said, It's been made clear that they haven't had sex yet (I think? correct me plz.) and if that's the case coming out before any possible wedding is about all anyone should have a right to ask for IMHO.
It's enough that he cares so much.
(disclaimer: poster is cisgender, male and could be completely wrong).
I that's why she says thank you.
Geez Aiken is crawling back out of my doghouse. *squee*
I have no reason to say this, but that pun was inevitable.
Btw, you look gorgeous in that pic, Jocelyn n_n
I'm officially jealous now :(
Aiken= not a batch
Kellen= Toatal batch
Aiken officially earned my utmost respect.
Maybe I’m too easily forgiving and too trusting, but I like to believe in the better nature in everyone.
Isn’t making coming out to my parents feel any easier though...