The one in which two rivals at Hogwarts, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, hate each other’s guts, risk expulsion by playing pranks on each other every day, fake date and fail miserably at it, and destroy the Whomping Willow - but along the way, they manage to fuck up their dynamic.
(Which may or may not be partly due to their three mutual best friends that love making sexual innuendos about them - and who ship them so much that they run a fanpage along with Professor Malfoy.)
Handy recipe for this angst-filled fic: • one easily bothered Hufflepuff (Harry Styles) • one mouthy Slytherin (Louis Tomlinson) • one sensible human (Liam “Daddy” Payne) • one loud Irish boy (Niall “White Bread” Horan) • one iconic traitor (Zayn “Badboi” Malik) • sixty-nine cups of sexual tension ;) • one school full of Larry shippers • everyone’s second favorite gay couple (Drarry “OH MY FUCK” Matter)
“It happened really quickly,” Harry said, standing over Ron’s unconscious body. “Duelling robbers on Knockturn… A bright red spell hit directly in his chest.”
Healer Draco studied his diagnostic charmwork. “Don’t fret. It’s only an impermanent Insentience Hex. I can bring him round easily enough. Of course, he’ll be woozy. A short sharp shock is the best technique to snap him out of it fully.”
Harry narrowed his eyes. “Is that your professional opinion?”
A Finite Maxima broke the magic and, when Ron woke to find his Healer and his Auror Partner snogging passionately, he was restored to perfect health.
Rating:E 18+ (scenes of a sexual nature ~ canon typical violence ~ rated E for latter chapters)
Pairings:Simon Lewis x Jace (insert chosen last name here) / minor Alex Lightwood x Magnus Bane
Chapter summary: Jace doesn’t regret his actions but he does feel a little guilty and he definitely isn’t sulking because Simon ditched him for his nerdy band practice yet again.
The meeting had lasted just over an hour, everyone going over reports and sharing information from the last week. It had been boring but Jace had forced himself to pay attention, taking everything in and forcing Simon from his mind. Concentrating on work had helped, Simon the last thing on his mind as he gave his own reports but as soon as the meeting was over and there was nothing to keep him occupied his mind had instantly gone back to Simon and before he knew what he was doing Jace had his phone in his hands, having already sent a text to Simon demanding to know if he had finished with his nerd thing as Jace was bored and wanted entertaining.
Simon had been quick to reply, shooting Jace down and informing him that he would probably be busy all night but promising to swing by the next day with lunch and a mango smoothie to make it up to him. Jace had only been slightly mollified with the gesture, sulking off to his room to go wash the hours of sweat off and ignoring Izzy’s knowing smirk and teasing comment about being abandoned by his not boyfriend. That had left a sour taste in Jace’s mouth and he couldn’t understand why. Simon wasn’t his boyfriend, nor had he been abandoned like some sort of unwanted animal. Simon was allowed to have plans outside of Jace. They weren’t exclusive or anything, they had other friends, Simon apparently more so than Jace.
He tried not to think about it as he headed to the shower, trying to ignore the bitter taste and swirling in his gut as he pulled off his workout clothes and leaving a trail behind him into the bathroom. Almost as soon as he’s under the hot spray though his mind begins to wander once more. Jace knew that he and Simon spent a lot of time together, more than was probably strictly necessary but it wasn’t Jace’s fault they got along so well now that they were actively not hating on each other. Things were easy with Simon, simple even. Jace knew where he stood with the vampire and Simon never expected anything from Jace other than for him to just be himself, flaws and all. So yeah, Jace liked to spend time with Simon because he enjoyed the vampires company and the fact he was pretty to look at made it even less of a hardship to be around him.
With his thoughts already occupied with Simon it didn’t take long for Jace to go back to that day’s training, remembering vividly how Simon had looked and felt under his hands. Having Simon on top of him seemed to be the thing his mind stuck on the most, Jace almost perfectly able to imagine what he would look like bouncing up and down with his head thrown back and eyes closed, his mouth hanging open on a moan and his razor sharp fangs almost glinting in the light.
Simon was always so loud in his fantasy’s, Jace unable to imagine him not making some form of noise even if it was a loud moan or a desperate cry of Jace’s name. Everything he knew of Simon fed into it, including all the times he had seen him shirtless and hair tussled, how cold he would be under his hands as Jace gripped at his waist and pulled him down against him. Reality overlapped with fantasy, Simon all bright eyes and wide smiles as he looked down at Jace like he was heaven incarnate even as his nails dug into Jace’s chest and drew blood. It was enough for Jace, finding his release embarrassingly quickly and having to bite down on his lip to keep from moaning Simon’s name. He had stood under the shower, breathing heavily and letting the hot water run over his neck and shoulders, the last faint echo of Simon calling his name taunting Jace with what he couldn’t have.
He felt guilty afterwards, always did but just like every other time before he stomped down on the feeling, knowing full well that it wouldn’t be enough to stop him from doing it again. It was a vicious circle of want and guilt that he just couldn’t seem to get out off but he wasn’t sure he wanted to, not really. He deserved to feel that heavy feeling in his chest, like something was pressing down on him, almost suffocating him. He deserves to feel ashamed every time his eyes drop to Simon’s ass or he spent to long trying to imagine what Simon’s skin would taste like on his lips. They were supposed to be friends and Jace was treating Simon like some sort of sex object and that was something he never would have imagined liking Simon to, especially considering how much of a walking disaster the other man had been when they first met.
Feeling sufficiently guilty and a little disgusted with himself Jace had flopped back onto his bed, naked and wet and just staring up at the ceiling as he wondered what to do with his free evening. It was stupid that he had just automatically assumed he would have been spending it with Simon, not even taking it into consideration that he would have had plans of his own. That assumption had left him alone with nothing with his own mind for company and that never ended well, the silence making it to easy for Jace to get lost in his memories to the point he felt like he was drowning.
He could try Alec, it had been a few weeks since he had seen his parabatai but he was loathe to disturb his and Magnus’ wedded bliss and he really didn’t want to play the third wheel yet again. Izzy wouldn’t allow him anywhere near her, not tonight anyway considering she was on duty and had been the one to force this night off on Jace so if he so much as tried to slip back into the ops room she would kick his ass all the way back out again. With Simon off at his band practice that left Jace with very few options and he really didn’t want to spend the night alone.
Sighing he turned his head to the side, staring at his abandoned phone and trying to will it to do something that would make the choice for him. Even if it was just to cover a patrol or something equally as routine Jace would take it, just for something to do. He hated nights off, never really knowing what to do with himself unless he had someone to spend the time with. That was normally Simon, Jace having spent every day off he had had in the last two months with the vampire doing everything from going out for drinks to shopping or even just crashing at Simon’s and playing video games and watching those mundane movies that the nerd was so obsessed with.
He wasn’t sure when it had become a thing, Jace practically demanding Simon’s attention even when he was working as well as when he wasn’t but it had and Simon was always so accommodating, allowing Jace into his space and his life without so much as batting an eyelid. It had never been a problem, until now that was because now it just felt weird to have free time and Simon not being there, Jace not knowing what to do with himself without the other mans presence. The whole situation was tragic, just highlighting how pathetic he had become.
Feeling frustrated and annoyed with his own stupidity Jace shoved up off the bed and started to angrily pull on his clothes. So what if Simon wasn’t around? Jace didn’t need the vampire there constantly to function. He had survived before the idiot came stumbling into his life, all nervous chatter with an uncanny knack for getting into trouble and Jace would be fine now. He could handle one night on his own, he just needed something to do.
It shouldn’t be that hard to keep himself occupied. He could head down to the library and read, he still had a book on modern mundane history to finish that Simon had given him when he found out how much of a history buff Jace was. He could go play for a while, though he wasn’t feeling it right now he was sure once he was sat down in front of the piano something would come to him and he would be able to lose a few hours to the gentle melodies. Failing that he was sure he would be able to find someone to spar with. Sure it may be overkill considering how long he had already spent training with Simon but at least it would keep his mind occupied and he wouldn’t be distracted by his chosen victim like he always seemed to be with Simon.
There were plenty of things for him to do that didn’t include Simon. They weren’t attached at the hip, they could do things on their own, should do more things without the other hanging around. Maybe if they spent some time apart Jace would be able to look at the brunette without thinking about him naked and his family would stop badgering him to ask Simon out when he really didn’t want to.
Mind made up Jace shoved his boots on. He would start spending less time with Simon and now was a good as time as any to start. So what if it was because Simon had other plans? It was still time apart. Jace was a fully functioning adult as well as a highly capable shadowhunter. He had fought monsters that legends were made off and gone through horrors that would leave a lesser man insane. Putting some distance between him and Simon should be easy, all things considered. They would spend less time together, Jace would get his own life back and he would be able to look at Simon for longer than two minutes without thinking about him naked. It was simple really, easy even and he would start tonight by proving he didn’t need the vampire around to have a good time.
Now he just needed to decide what the actual hell he was going to do.
“Potter! Looks like puberty has yet to hit you at age 17?” Harry turned around to look at Malfoy, look up at Malfoy, “Still as short as you were when you were a mere firstie, aren’t you?”
Harry fought the blush coming up on his cheeks, he hated it when Draco teased him about his height. But it was inevitable, with it being one of Draco’s favourite taunts ever since they were dating. Draco was a half a head taller than him and he loved reminding him of it everyday.
Pushing Draco further from him so their difference wouldn’t be so apparent, he resolved to find a way to grow taller than Draco, or at least lessen their height difference, they had magic for a reason right?
“Watch it Malfoy, your words might come back to bite you in the back!”
/break\
Harry found himself being put on a vigorous routine by Hermione to facilitate his growth. Sleep at ten sharp and wake up at six, a full eight hours of sleep. Then, laps around Hogwarts ground, jump-roping, followed by a short session of yoga. His meals now contained a healthy portion of proteins, whole grains and vegetables.
He had a feeling that Hermione’s participation in his plan to increase in height was mreo out of motivation for him to shed the abuse from the Dursleys rather than spite Draco. But as long as the end result was that he could gloat about his new height in front of Draco, he didn’t mind and Hermione on his side was always helpful.
He liked the routine too, it made him feel like there was something to look forward to each day, it helped him cope with the sudden red light the end of the war brought to him. Don’t get him wrong, Voldemort dying was great, but with the last year being filled with a marathon of one death threat after another, when everything stopped he felt restless. This was good for him, plus he was getting ripped.
/break\
A month and a half into this new muggle-wizard mixed routine and he was seeing progress already, mentally and physically. Harry Potter was no longer the scrawny boy who wandered into Hogwarts halls seven years ago, he had finally grown into his body.
Casting a spell to measure his height again, he sighed, looking at the same number that had been staring at him for the past week or so. Hermione had told him that the growth spurt would stop at some point of another, and he was fine with it, if the height he stopped at was taller than Draco.
But luck was yet again not on his side, he was an inch shorter than Draco, which meant he needed at least two more inches to have a notable height difference than Draco. Damn.
Carrying his books, he set off towards the library, hoping to catch Hermione on one of her many visits there to ask for any more pointers that could help him gain the last few inches he needed.
“Harry! Wait!” Stopping in his steps towards the library, he saw Ginny coming out of the Gryffindor dorms. “ You’ve stopped growing.”
“ A very rude way to start a conversation, but yes thank you for pointing that out.” Harry replied, irritated that someone had pointed it out to him, was it that obvious?
Rolling her eyes at him, Ginny thrust a bottle of green liquid towards him, “ You’ve been trying to out grow Malfoy at height right? And I’ve kept an eye out for your progress, you haven’t grown at all in the last week.”
“Is there a point to this conversation or are you just going to continue upsetting me?”
“ This is a growth potion, it’ll help you gain like two, three inches instantly. That’s what you need right? A few more inches to be taller than Malfoy?”
“Why do you have this? Why didn’t Hermione give it to me first place?”
“ It isn’t exactly the best option to go for, the Ministry banned it some time ago. There’s an ingredient inside that might cause hallucination if you have too much of it. That’s why it was banned. People wanted to grow taller desperately and over-consumed, But you won’t do it, yeah?”
“ Yea…yea, i survived Voldemort… I’m not dying because of some stupid potion. But why?”
“ Harry, you’re like a brother to me and now that you’re dating Malfoy, I can’t directly assault him. So this is me, assaulting his ego through making you taller than him, like a side ‘fuck you’!”
/break\
He paced in the abandoned classroom he had asked Draco to meet him at. After ingesting the potion Ginny had given him and marvelling at the effects it brought, he had immediately asked Draco to meet him here to gloat.
He couldn’t decide on the one-liner to use to show-off his new height, there were just so many options. But apparently he didn’t have time to make a choice, Draco had arrived. And without a solid line to go on, Harry decided he would just stand and let Draco stare.
And stare Draco did, Draco stared up at him, a memory that Harry needed to possess forever. But he didn’t seem too bothered by the fact that Harry was taller than him, in fact Draco maintained that same ol in infuriating smirk on his face, sauntered over to him and planted a firm kiss on his lips.
Leaning down into the kiss, Harry marveled at the need to lean down to kiss Draco, but he was confused, why wasn’t Draco more concerned with the new difference in height?
Slightly reeling from the spectacular kiss he was given, Harry watched doe-eyed as Draco pulled a potion out from his pockets?
The potion was green and looked exactly liked the one Ginny had gifted him. No, no,no. He watched horrified as Draco gulped down the potion and grew exactly three inches taller.
No.
No fucking way.
“ You really thought that you could be taller than me Potter?” Draco’s smirk seemed to grow larger as Harry had to look up him again, “ I had a back-up plan all along, I overheard Ginerva’s plan to give you the potion and decided that it would be smart to have one myself.”
“No.”
“Yes, Harry. But I must say I am appreciating your new physique.”
Pissed off that he would be stuck shorter than Draco forever, he pouted petulantly at his boyfriend. Well, he tried to pout at his boyfriend, before his lips were captured in a kiss by said boyfriend, before he had to tilt his head up to kiss said boyfriend again.
Damn it.
(if anyone has prompts please send them to me! my box is open! and im bored in quarantine)
please enjoy this lil peek of Sasuke enjoying the onsen Naruto splurged on.. he got the one with the waterfall and rented the whole thing out and everything
What it is: a webcomic about two boys at an British all-boys school.
Why it’s on this list: The main boy is gay, having come out in the last year. The other lead explores his sexuality as the comic goes on. It’s a love story folks, and it’s great.
Where you can find it: It’s on tumblr at @heartstoppercomic, and you can also read it on Tapas here. Alice also has a few published novels, including a novella about Nick and Charlie, and you can find out more about her and those books on her website here.
I stumbled upon this comic randomly, because tumblr actually suggested something good, for once. I read it all at once, and it’s such a well-told story. Beautifully simple at moments, I could read dozens of pages of Charlie and Nick just talking.
There’s a scene where they’re having a serious conversation, and I didn’t even notice that there was something in the background changing in each panel until it was almost taking over the next one. And it has to be one of my favourite pages. It’s also a great metaphor for the whole comic, little things told in the expressions of the leads and also of their friends, classmates, and teachers, as they become friends and maybe sometime more.
The way identity is approached in Heartstopper is really lovely, too. It’s very real, and it has a character who realized he was gay quite young and a character who is just starting to question his identity as the story happens, with neither being treated as more valid than the other.
There’s some classic tropes in here, like the pretending to just be friends in public, the pushy ex (who is thoroughly warned for, the author puts warnings at the top of any update that has anything potentially triggering, including said Bad Dude), and even plays around with the Jock and Musician kind of dynamic. Notice how I said classic - nothing about them felt cliche, and I really am enjoying how each of them are playing out in the narrative. It really does feel Classic, which is so exciting, because queer stories so rarely get to be that. We deserve every kiss in the rain we can get, and Nick and Charlie deliver.
The whole comic really does feel like getting to watch a flower slowly bloom, which is why it makes so much sense that that’s an ongoing motif for the comic itself.
Oh! Shout out to Charlie’s friends - often, the already out kid doesn’t get to have friends, but he has some really good ones. We’re just getting to know some of them where the comic is right now, but I’m excited to see more. One of the characters just introduced is a trans girl, and there’s also a side character who’s a lesbian and she has a girlfriend!
The author also treats us to some awesome alternate universe oneshots, including a Harry Potter one. I felt positively spoiled.
If you’re a fan of soft boys falling in love, or you just need something to make you feel warm on the inside, give Heartstopper a try.
Note: The author does talk about how eventually this comic will deal with some pretty heavy stuff, but that no one will die and that Nick and Charlie are made for each other. You can find more info about what exactly the comic will cover on the comic’s FAQ page.
Reading Heartstopper? Let us know what you think! And if you’re looking for more great queer content, reminder that this is Day 9 of 365 queer reviews, one for each day of 2018. You can find all the reviews here.
What it is: A webcomic following two rival high school gangs in the 1950s.
Why it’s on this list: I don’t think there’s a character introduced that isn’t queer in some way. It’s got a wide range of identities represented, both on the gender spectrum and the sexuality spectrum.
Where you can find it: It can be read on tumblr at @rockandriotcomic or on tapastic here. If you want to check out more of the creator’s stuff, she’s over here. It’s also finished, so if you’re one of those people who doesn’t like getting into stuff that’s not done yet, worry not! Her new project looks awesome, and I have a feeling I’ll be reviewing that on here eventually too.
My first thought after finishing this was why did I not read this earlier. It’s been a comic I’ve been vaguely aware of for a while now, and queer historical pieces are so up my alley. I think I was doing that thing where I knew it was something I’d probably love, and I was worried about clicking on it and then being disappointed?
Silly me. I was definitely not disappointed. I was delighted. Dazzled, really. A perfect way to spend an hour.
I’m gonna start by talking about the character design, which is also why I wanted to show off the first page on here. Look at those ladies! This is a diverse cast, not just in terms of identities but in terms of body shapes, builds, and backgrounds. This comic definitely goes for a light, uplifting take on the 1950s, but it doesn’t do that by ‘simplifying’ things (aka leaving out things that would maybe ‘complicate’ things). Each character is treated with respect, and although the characters are often larger than life it never comes across as being done in a stereotypical way. Really well done.
What I especially love about this comic is that it did what I often find myself afraid to do in my own stories. There’s a coming out moment, where a character decides to tell her friends she’s in love with a girl. This leads to everyone else in the room also coming out. There’s a few moments like this, and it’s so nice, because I often feel like ‘well, I can’t make everyone queer.’ But like… Why not? Rock and Riot does it, and it’s so lovely, I’m smiling just thinking about it. This is escapism, just like most 50s stories are (shared milkshakes and cool matching jackets, right?), but it’s escapism aimed at queer folk, which is so rare to find. And even the conflict is done in a way that is still bright and fun. I just love it.
The story follows the girl gang in the picture above, known as the Jaquettes, as well as a guy gang, the Rollers, and an entirely non-binary gang who call themselves the Bandits. The varied presentation that the Bandits all have made me so happy, as so often when there are nonbinary characters they all tend to fit the same mold. That is definitely not a problem with this gang.
“That’s great that you found your side. But my problem with your teams is that I don’t want to be viewed in either.”
“Then we’ll respect that!”
- Ace and Rolly, Episode Four: The New Kid
Also! There is some adorable romance, but there’s also some really nice discussion of sexuality and gender. Bisexuality and asexuality are both discussed, and done so in a way that felt really honest and validating, both as a reader but also validated by the other characters in the comic.
There’s a bit of cute fake-dating-to-seem-straight mishaps, some friendly gang rivalry, and a sleepover scene with the Jaquettes, made all the more wonderful by it including them inviting a former member of the Rollers over, and having her join the Jaquettes. It takes all those classic movie tropes and makes them very queer and adorable and awesome, and I can’t get over how much I enjoyed it.
If you’re feeling down at all, sit down and read this comic. It’ll help. It may also make you really want a cool jacket, a poodle skirt, and a date at a shake shop. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Reading Rock and Riot? Let us know what you think! And if you’re looking for more great queer content, reminder that this is Day 8 of 365 queer reviews, one for each day of 2018. You can find all the reviews here.
What it is: The full title is Tabula Idem: a queer tarot comic anthology. And that’s what it is, with a short comic for each of the Major Arcana. Some stories are more fantastic, some are closer to scifi, each one of them is gorgeous.
Why it’s on this list: This collection has 22 stories, all of them featuring queer characters. You have girls in love, boys in love, trans characters both binary and nonbinary. Characters defying what’s expected of their gender, alone or with a lover. It really does capture the spectrum of identities that our community has to offer.
Where you can find it: You can purchase the book or the ebook at their gumroad, and you can also find more information about the editors, the project, and the contributors on their blog @tabulaidemanthology.
Sometimes, a book sits on your shelf, waiting for you to need it.
That’s exactly what happened with the comic anthology Tabula Idem.
You know it’s the right time to read something when you’re crying only a few pages in. Even the introduction had my heart aching.
“The history of queerness is a history of adaption, of using creativity and community to flourish…. We design our own destinies, and then fight to protect and realize them.”
- Iris Jay, from the Introduction
With some anthologies, I am tempted to read them out of order, flipping around until something catches my eye. It is rare that I sit down and read one from front to back, but like the Major Arcana itself these anthology transitions expertly from one story to the next, each story building on the one that came before it. It was an experience, and a journey, which really speaks to how successful they were in keeping to their theme. I laughed, I cried, and I even caught myself repeating lines out loud just so I could hear them spoken.
It is very obvious that this project was put together when it was, because there is a defiance and a hopefulness in these pages. These characters face first meetings and the threat of a goodbye, they stare down evil and their own anxieties. And to watch these characters overcome, find their own versions of a triumph, is so powerful.
“Maybe it’s nice to imagine that things can be different… But they’re not really. But I think it’s okay to feel a bit helpless… Because I’m not alone, and never will be. You’re still the same… No matter what, I love you.”
- from XII The Hanged One, by Alain Helmers
You don’t have to understand Tarot to enjoy the symbolism of each story. At the beginning of each story you’re given a few lines of what the card means, and each story is capped by a beautiful tarot card featuring the characters of the story, in full colour.
Have I mentioned yet just how beautiful this book is? Not just the stories, but the whole book. So well done.
If I start trying to go in detail about each story, this will get ridiculously long, so I’ll just give you a bit of a taste from each. A coffee shop meetcute between two different kinds of artists. A dreamt connection turned tangible. An empath and their potion-making partner falling in love. A coming-of-age journey. A knight and their charge. Two lovers remembering together. A chariot racer and his carpenter. Two art thieves and a scandal. A light being restored. A ghost arcade and a new friend. A big move. A change in perspective. A necromancer and a transformation. Two rival gang members working together. Rio De Janeiro, 1927. “Fear holds no power over me for I am at peace and I am loved.” A scientist in space realizing there is always something more to discover. Magic and realizations in the rain. The winter solstice. Music and a burning conversation. And to finish off the collection, a merman shows a newcomer a new world.
Anthologies are often tricky, because there are always stories we like more or less and ones we wish were longer and ones we could have done without. I’ve never read an anthology that was this cohesive, where each story really did feel like part of a bigger whole that was the path this collection was leading us down.
It was the perfect thing to read at one am after a few days of feeling directionless. If you like comics, short stories, tarot, or if any of the little snippets above grabbed your attention, I highly recommend you get your hands on this anthology and give it a read.
Reading Tabula Idem? Let us know what you think! And if you’re looking for more great queer content, reminder that this is Day 7 of 365 queer reviews, one for each day of 2018. You can find all the reviews here.
What it is: A novelette about two trans boys falling in love, magic and wishes, and learning how to like yourself enough to stick around.
Why it’s on the list: Two trans guys falling in love is not a thing you often get to see, and it’s done so wonderfully here. One of the boys also has two moms, and one of the moms is trans too! Also, in terms of other rep, the lead is Jewish and it definitely talks about mental health and depression.
Where you can find it: The story is free to read, and you can find it here. There’s a link at the bottom to bye an ebook, as well. You can also go hang out with the author on his twitter here.
This short story sure packs a lot of great stuff into only about 10,000 words. I also found it impossible to put down once I’d started reading it. It went from ‘oh hey this link showed up, I’ll just take a look’ to ‘I don’t care how late it is, I’m going to finish this tonight and then think about it nonstop for the next few days.’
There’s something very soft and… personal, about this story. It feels less like Avi sitting down to tell us a story (as a lot if first person stories do) and more like we’re really listening to Avi’s thoughts as he navigates these six months.
Now, I’m going to say this upfront. This story, although it deals with some serious stuff like depression, suicidal thoughts, and bullying, doesn’t have a sad ending. In fact, I found it very hopeful. This isn’t a love-fixes-everything story, but it is a love-can-help-out kind of story. Also, a magic-can-help story. It’s also going to be one I come back and read more than once.
Avi starts off the story as a closeted trans boy, and although he does tell a few people throughout the story, it avoided a lot of the ‘coming out story’ stereotypes. There’s no big, dramatic coming out scene. There’s just more and more people using Avi’s name, or Ian referring to Avi as his boyfriend. It felt very honest, and his gender identity was treated as a matter of fact, and not one of the main points of tension in the story. That’s so rare to see with queer characters, especially young trans characters. Ian’s identity is treated much the same. It’s made very clear that he’s a trans guy, but it’s not really part of the plot. It’s just who he is.
Ian having two moms, one of them being trans, and having an adoptive sister was treated just the same. And because we’re hearing about them from Avi’s point of view, we get to feel the comfort this household ends up representing for him. Very well done.
“Today is all about teshuvah, repentance. There’s three steps to teshuvah. You apologize. You mend your ways. You do a better job next time.” I put my headphones over his shoulders. “Here’s a song about being really sorry, for you.”
“You’re so weird, Avi,” he says, like it’s a gift I’ve given him.
Now, the magic. This is the part I don’t want to talk too much about, because it was the most surprising part of the story and part of the reason I can’t stop thinking about it. But what I will say is this. It felt so tangible, so grounded. Also, it was really lovely to see this magic from the point of view of someone unfamiliar with it who was also Jewish, because it really felt unique to most takes on magic that I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a whole lot) and I think that’s why it felt so unique, because of how Avi’s faith coloured it.
If you need a shot of cute, queer love in your day, then you should absolutely give it a read. It won’t take you very long, but it will make your day better, I think. I know that’s what it did for me.
Reading Avi Cantor Has Six Months To Live? Let us know what you think! And if you’re looking for more great queer content, reminder that this is Day 6 of 365 queer reviews, one for each day of 2018. You can find all the reviews here.
