portalhopping | Filtered to LGBTlmnop whatever the whole thing is (I'm learning, don't be mad)

Filtered to LGBTlmnop whatever the whole thing is (I'm learning, don't be mad)

( When the video comes up, Robin is very clearly at work, in the Hot Topic at the Eglaf Mall. At least they still have malls, so that's something, but it's weird how...dead...it is here. There aren't any people in the store at the moment, which is why she's even filming to begin with. A couple just left, prompting the thought process behind this video, but they're only the third and fourth customers she's had in the last hour and a half since opening the store. Even being a weekday, shouldn't there be more customers in a shopping mall?

The music is super loud, but she's being a little bit louder so that she can be heard over it. )

Okay, so. Is it, like...safe here? You know, to be...um...

( She nervously fidgets, tucking her hair behind one ear and looking around the store again just to be sure, before leaning down against the counter and bringing the phone much closer to her face so she doesn't have to shout. )

To be gay?

( She straightens again, pulling the phone back so it's not practically up her nose, and she looks appropriately uncomfortable for someone from 1986 in Indiana to be bringing up taboo subjects like sexuality. )

Do people just, like, not care here as much? Or...? It's just, I just had a couple of customers in here who definitely were and they seemed super comfortable with being that way in public and I've literally never seen that before and I just...like...is that safe here? Can we, like...do that...here?

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It's safeer to be gay now - or bi.

[Sally waves at Robin and offers her a smile.]

Over time it's been normalized because y'know it is normal, but as a society, more and more people identify themselves somewhere on the spectrum of sexuality. There are still pieces of shit out there who are holding onto antiquated views, but I like to think they're not in the majority anymore.

[Sally offers as she picks up her iced coffee and takes a sip from it.]

So long answer short yes it's safe to be who you are here, it's probably safer to be who you are and love and like who you love and like than it is to be a super depending on the crowd you've run into.

( If Robin's expression brightens a little, it's because she can't help it. No matter what Steve decides he feels for his roommate, she's still one of the prettiest girls Robin has ever seen in person and she has a little teeny tiny crush. It'll never go anywhere and she won't let herself steep in it the way she had with Tammy or Vicki, but sometimes it's fun to have a little one and well. Sally was already interesting but the fact that she can see this filter makes her even more so.

Robin waves back, wiggling her fingers lightly in the action. )

I think there will probably literally always be pieces of shit out there who do that, though, over anything and everything. I feel like that's just the nature of human beings or whatever. But, like, it's not people being completely ostracized from society or, like, being tortured or killed for it or anything?

( She looks mildly confused by Sally's addendum. )

Super? So like the general public knows who we are or whatever? Are we famous or something?

( Because...no thanks. Robin doesn't sound happy about that prospect at all. Famous people have no privacy and she likes hers very much. )

It's pretty illegal to ostracize, torture, or kill in society - no matter what it's for. It's not the norm or common anymore and between everyone around here and their abilities and everything you're good, Robin. Nobody is going to hurt you for your sexuality.

[Sally promises - knowing how much Steve loves her she would, in fact, be one of those who would do whatever to protect her in this case.]

Known and they follow us - you've been lucky they got control over whoever it was that was posting these massive, anonymous shitposts where locals could post on this thing and fangirl or bitch about us. We're, apparently, kind of fascinating.

Yeah, well...illegality never stopped bad guys from doing bad things.

( She stiffens suddenly, a little, taken aback that Sally knows her sexuality until she remembers that she quite literally outed herself in the post by using "we." She knows how much Steve cares about Sally but he promised and it's a relief to know he hasn't outed her. )

It's good to know, though, that I could finally just...

( Robin takes in a deep breath and huffs it out in a quiet laugh. )

...be me.

( Her smile shifts into an expression of distaste when Sally goes on. )

I don't know what shitposts are, but they don't sound awesome, that much is for sure. I don't want to be fascinating. I'd rather continue to be boring and mostly invisible, thank you very much. Any advice on how to go about doing that...?

A well placed fire, punch, or angry Steve deter those pretty well. [Sally winks before playfully chomping down on her straw for another sip as she nods at the other woman, a real smile actually pulling at her mouth at the same time.]

You can be you, try new things - whatever - pretty sure you have one of the best guys for support here on top of the freedom of being out of 80s Indiana - no offense.

[Sally offers an apologetic look.]

They're not fun - well... they can be amusing, especially the people that want to like... lick Steve's hair or some of the bizarre things that they say, but it's not fun to see so many anonymous things about yourself and others. Or to realize how invasive they can be. My only advice for steering clear is don't go out and use your powers - if they've manifested already anyway - and always go out with the buddy system. Always.

( Robin laughs a little, in spite of herself. )

Steve sucks at fighting, have you met him? There's, like, a 90% chance he'll get his ass kicked if he tries and then I'd feel bad.

( Her laughter fades into something softer and warmer; more endeared. )

No offense taken, it's kind of a hole if I'm honest. And yeah, he's pretty great.

( Her lips pull back from her teeth with a yikes sort of expression. )

Ew, do they have any idea how much crap he puts in his hair? Ugh, gross.

( Shrugging a little, Robin shakes her head. )

If I'm supposed to have gotten cool powers, I haven't yet. I'm pretty bummed about that, actually.

Steve, technically, has ninja powers, or something like that - though I don't think I've ever seen them in action or how exactly that all works, but don't tell him that, I don't want him to think I'm doubting him. He's not had to kick anyone's ass, even though he's definitely wanted to.

[Sally admits, holding back a laugh of her own.]

You don't have to tell me twice.

[Sally winks before bursting into a peel of laughter.]

Clearly not - though when he's not going full speed on the product it's not so bad. Trust me I've stuck my hand in that before. I'm pretty sure full hairsprayed up and coiffed licking that would be lethal. God love Steve, but hard no, but some of the anons are gross like that, anyway.

[Sally shrugs and then snorts.]

Sometimes it takes a little time, I think - it's been a while since I had the introduction, honestly.

Shut up, ninja powers? That's incredible.

( Robin can't help herself from laughing. It's just too perfect and fitting. The poor guy couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag back home, and he'd gotten lucky once when it really mattered, which was great, but she can't help thinking that he deserved to get a power like this to boost his self-esteem a little. She, of all people, knows how important it is to him that he can protect the people he loves. )

I tried to touch it once and got my hand slapped, so you must be extra special to be allowed to stick your hand in there. I'm surprised you were able to get through the layers of hairspray, honestly.

( It feels a little weird poking fun at him, especially with the hot roommate he has developed feelings for, but as his best friend, she feels not only entitled to, but obligated. He'd do the same, she's pretty sure, so long as he was confident that the person he was talking to wouldn't be put off by it. She could tell the first time she saw the two of them together that Sally wouldn't be put off by probably anything Robin could say about Steve. )

Weird...if I get powers, they better be cool, that's all I have to say.

I really need to see them in action because I still have so many questions about what they actually are, I'm not going to lie.

[Sally holds back a grin but the laughter bubbles up and slowly escapes. There has definitely been a part of Sally that doubted his powers, but she's given him the benefit of the doubt - still it's not to giggle over it with someone who knows Steve so well.]

You forget - I live with him. And contrary to what is probably popular belief among the anons he doesn't keep his hair perfectly coiffed 24/7. Plus I'm a ghost, so before he and I got close there were times when he couldn't hear me coming. Plus, I'm adorable he can't resist my charm.

[Sally shrugs playfully.]

Fingers crossed for cool, for sure. I don't think anybody has gotten anything lame, but I haven't done a tally either, honestly. There might be a log somewhere but ain't nobody got time for that.

Honestly, me too.

( Oh man, Sally has such a great laugh, Robin can't help thinking. If not for Steve, she would absolutely be trying to flirt with this girl right now, age gap be damned. It can't be that big, after all, Sally can't be more than 22 or 23, at most. If that.

She points at the camera, eyebrows lifted as she nods. )

That...is a very good point. Oh my God, he's literally my best friend and I've only seen him with his hair uncoifed once...and that was after he was in the lake. I mean, unless you count when sweat might've weighed it down a little, but you know what I mean.

That and, you know, you are adorable. I can't say I blame him.

( Robin smiles a little and lifts a hand into sight, crossing her fings. )

Yeah, here's hoping. It's not that deep, I don't care that much. Honestly, I'm pretty okay without having any new powers to have to learn how to use, anyway.

Might have to ask for a demonstration some time, then.

[Sally grins, reaching for her iced coffee and taking another sip from it.]

I'll snap a picture next time he's running around in his most natural state - I've got your back. [Sally winks playfully.]

Just a waiting game, but I want to be on the list of people to know when, or if, they do come in.

Edited 2022-09-20 02:12 (UTC)

Maybe, yeah.

( Robin laughs a little. )

A photo of a wild Harrington in his natural habitat? How could I resist?! Please, please do.

( In spite of herself, Robin blushes a little and ducks her head only for as long as it takes her to notice that she's done it. )

You'll be the first to know after Steve, scouts' honor.

[Sally playfully gives two thumbs up and a wink.]

[ Steve usually doesn't really pay attention to the filters and today is no different, he responds the moment Robin appears. He's surprised that she's being so open, but also proud. ]

Yeah. This isn't Hawkins, Rob. You can be or do whatever you want to.

There are still some judgmental assholes, but for the most part, people allow you to be who you are.

( For a long moment, Robin just stares back at the screen with slightly widened eyes and her eyebrows lifted so high they disappear behind her bangs. )

Um...you can see this post, Steve...

( It takes another long moment but she manages to figure out how to flip her privacy settings on this conversation. )

STEVE/ROBIN
Let that sink in for a second. You can see this post. Go look at the filter settings.

Yeah?

[ His brow furrows in confusion before he does as he's told. He blinks, in surprise, his eyes widening slightly. ]

Steve/Robin

Wait. What? Maybe it's a glitch. That's happened before. The network has even changed my words before.

[ But, considering their conversation when Robin arrived, maybe it's not. ]

Edited 2022-09-19 13:49 (UTC)

Yeah.

STEVE/ROBIN
( She lifts her eyebrows and gives him a knowing look. )

Steve. This is me you're talking to. ...is it a glitch, really?

[ He deflates under her gaze, confusion clouding his face. ]

Probably not. But this isn't the way it works, is it? You just wake up one day and...

[ He rubs at his face. He knows that's a lie.]

Part of me thinks I just couldn't let myself see it. [ He lowers his hands. ] I didn't want to see it.

( Giving him a sympathetic frown, Robin shrugs. )

I mean...kind of? By which I mean, you've probably always been like this but like you said...you didn't want to see it, so you didn't see it. It took me until Tammy Thompson to see it. I just kept telling myself all the girls thought other girls were really pretty and all the girls sneaked peeks at each other in the showers after gym class because it was healthy to be curious about other girls' bodies and how they compared to yours. And then there was Tammy and I couldn't...not see it anymore.

( She sighs softly, running a hand through her hair. )

I know it's hard. Trust me, I know it is. But it's not bad and it doesn't change who you are. You're just...learning something new about yourself. And if it was going to happen, at least it happened here, since from the sounds of things, this is a lot safer a place to have the epiphany than back home would've been. You know? Especially for you. I think maybe I would've had it easier if I'd been outed back home than you would've. I think guys think it's hot when girls are gay, so...but...

( She shrugs and wishes that she could reach through the screen to give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze or, better still, give him a hug. )

But, like I said...I'm here. You know where to find me if you need or want to talk it out.

[ Robin can probably almost physically see the wheels turning in Steve's head as he tries to process this new bit of information, but he does listen to every word. He presses his mouth into a frown when she says it would've been easier for her back home. He shakes his head. ]

There's nothing easy about being different.

[ It comes out more forceful than he means it too and he immediately softens around the edges. ]

I just... I just mean, don't make it sound like it's easier for you, just because you're a girl. I know what it's like back home. I know how much of yourself you have to hide.

I also know how fucking unfair it is, because you're amazing. And I feel sorry for all the Tammys out there who don't know what they're missing out on.

( Her expression is neutral but she's being patient with his tone because he's going through something right now and, yeah, she knows how it feels. )

Yes, Steve...it would be. Being different isn't easier because I'm a girl, but getting outed back home would be. That's all I meant.

( Robin gives him a small smile and sighs. )

I love you, too, Steve.

( She laughs a little, softly and endeared. )

From the sounds of it, there will be significantly less Tammys around here and significantly more Sallys.

( In an attempt to inject some levity, she adds a wink to that sentiment. )

Oh shit. [ He swallows, opening his mouth and then closing it before trying again. ] About Sally...

I meant to tell you that we're kind of a thing now.

Look, I promise I'm not intentionally going after your crushes. But to be fair, I saw Sally first and she was my crush before she was yours, so I feel justified in this one.

What?

( Her eyebrows lift in anticipation. She completely deflates; her expression falls and her body slumps. )

Steve! Come on, you can't have all the hot girls!

I don't have all the hot girls, just this one!

[ He truly and honestly loves her for fighting about stupid things when he feels like the world is turning upside dow-- sideways on him. He bites back a smile, his hand movements growing bigger. ]

There are so many other hot girls here. Just look around. Some of them have to like boobies.

( Her voice goes a little higher pitched and more shrill in her flurry to respond. )

And Tammy Thompson! ( her eyes go wide and she points at the camera. ) And Lydia!

( Robin's arms give a frustrated flap, but she's not angry and that's clear.

Her nose wrinkles with annoyance. )

I hate it when you say that.

( but in spite of herself, she laughs. When she speaks again it's with amusement and endearment, but no venom. )

I hate you and your stupid hair.

Boobies!

[ He grins fondly at her. ]

I love you and your stupid hair.

( Robin rolls her eyes and laughs a little, shaking her head. )

Stupid. Go enjoy your girlfriend, you thieving bastard. I'll just admire from afar, in your shadow. Again.

( She sticks her tongue out at him and smirks before shutting off the camera and ending her feed. )

[ Caleb looks surprised, too, that Steve can see through the filter on this one. ]

Dude, you can see this...? Since when? Why didn't you say something, man?

[ Steve feels his face warm a little. ]

I don't know. I mean, I wasn't sure. I'm not sure.

[ A part of him wants to ask what, exactly, he's not sure about, but Caleb knows better than to dig into that particular wound. And it is a wound, as far as he's concerned, because he'd had it, too, when he started developing feelings for Adam. ]

Do you...like, want to talk about it...? Or should I just fuck off and pretend I didn't see this, for now?

[ Steve winces a little at that. There's nothing more he would love to do than talk to Caleb about this, but considering he's pretty sure Caleb is the reason for this, it's complicated. ]

I do. [ He sounds hesitant and apologetic. ] I will. But I need a moment.

[ Caleb holds both hands up in surrender with a small, sympathetic smile. ]

I got you, my guy. Say less. Take all the time you need. Remember, I know exactly what you're going through, so I get it that you need some time to process before you try to talk it out with somebody else.

Holy shit - Steve how long have you been - no I can't ask that

[Sally smiles at Steve and gives him a little wave as she reaches for her iced coffee.]

Think you may have just discovered something new, but if you need to talk let me know, handsome - also hi.

[ Steve takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, brow furrowed in confusion. ]

That might be a little bit of an understatement. I tried to blame it on the filters, but... [ He's no going to lie to Sally. Especially not when they're just starting this new level of their relationship. ]

We should probably talk about this. [ Not that he has any idea what to say about it. ]

While they can screw up, I'm guessing by your reaction and some other context clues it's not the filters.

[Sally gives Steve a soft, loving look.]

Are you ready to talk about it now - because if you need to process I'm not going anywhere and we can talk it through whenever you're ready? You don't have to rush into it just because it's in your face right now.

That obvious, huh?

[ He gives her a half smile. ]

Some processing time would be good. Just to sort things out. But, Sal... [ He swallows. ] This doesn't change how I feel about you. I hope you know that.

Or I just know you that well by now.

[Sally winks before softening, and leaning in.]

Take whatever time you need and when you're ready then we'll talk. And, Steve, I know it doesn't - I'm not scared and I'm not going anywhere, and it doesn't change anything about how I feel about you. I'm here for you, okay?

Thanks, Sal. I know you are.

[ And that's the truth. He knows she means it and he loves her for it. ]

Oh, sweet precious closeted bean. There is always a sense of danger and excitement in discovering your wildly risque sexual identity, but I assure you if you walk with enough confidence, especially in a place like this, darling, you're going to be fine.

[ Klaus' video shows that he's responding to this while soaking in a bubble bath, curly hair plopped on top of his head with one of Lydia's clips, and a mud face mask lining his skin - save for his beard, of course. ]

So. Let me put it this way - you're gonna meet the nastiest fairy haters in the world, baby but that's anywhere. No need to give them more power by being afraid of yourself. [ he shrugs a shoulder, the water jostling the bubbles around them. he spits dramatically as some touch his face. ]

I'm Klaus by the way, your local disaster. Welcome to the party.

Oh, I've known it for a long time. I just...never told anybody until like a year ago, and even then, it was only one person. I'm from 1986. In Indiana.

[ She gives a significant tone to those words with the hope that they'll carry some weight, as if to say he must know what a shitshow Indiana is for someone like her. ]

I'm less afraid of myself and more afraid of getting my ass beat or being called a perv or something. Because I'm not. ...a perv, I mean. It's just, like, people back home would probably say that since gay and perv are just, whatever, interchangeable to their narrow little minds.

[ Sorry, Klaus, she's a rambler.

Robin's face lights with recognition at the mention of his name. ]

Oh, yeah! I saw you at Eddie's show; Steve pointed you out. I'm Robin. Nice to actually meet you. By the way, that at-home spa experience looks amazing and I'm a little jealous, Klaus.

Oh you didn't have to tell me - your outfit speaks volumes. But I dig it - very midwestern closet chic.

[ he reaches off screen for something and comes back with a mocktail, something fruity and sharp enough to burn like liquor but not quite.

she's a rambler, though, and he sips while she talks, taking in the nerves and need to explain herself. now's not the time to tell her he grew up around her time with an overbearing and distrusting and conservative father, then got to spend jolly time at war likely before she was born.

it's all in good fun. so he gets it. ]

Eddies show, right. Robin. Good name. Should I be Batman? I have a cape. Who doesn't love a good cape? [ A snort, then: ] The tub's huge. Come over - get in your skivvies if you want and take a soak. You can ask Lydia, I'm the best bathmate in town. Oh the stories we can tell...

( Robin looks down at herself, nose wrinkling. What's wrong with what she's wearing? Does it really date her that much? )

Yeah, you were there with Lydia and Chrissy.

( She blushes a little at the compliment — nobody's ever said anything about her name and she's never really been partial to it, herself. )

Thanks. If you have a good cape, by all means, who am I to stand in the way of a superhero taking his place?

( Laughing, Robin waits a moment for him to say he's joking, but his voice trails off without that backpedal. Surprise hits her expression then as she fully processes the sentence. )

You take baths with Lydia?

( So much for the hopeful idea that Lydia miiiight just be bisexual, Robin thinks. The likelihood drops even further than it had when Steve had said he used to hook up with her. )

I mean, wait, are you serious? Just...hi, nice to meet you, come on over and take a bath with me?

( Another laugh escapes her, mostly out of ideas for how to respond and just trying to buy herself a couple of seconds. )

I mean...that's one way to make a new friend, I guess...

( She doesn't want to actually respond to the offer because if he's joking, then she's going to sound like a moron, and a gullible one at that. )

[ ah, the rambling begins and klaus lets her go on and on as he sips from his drink. he's not unfamiliar with the way he can baffle people, so he just waits for them to do all the catching up. so he waits, and when she finishes, he looks to the camera again and sighs. ]

The water's getting cold.

[ a hint that if she really does want to come join him, then by all means. ]

Seize the day, take life by the nads, and hurry up already. I'm tired of dealing with this thing.

[ he shakes the device which inevitably shakes the image of him that she sees. ]

I take baths with Lydia. Why wouldn't I? Have you seen her? [ he tilts his head back and sighs a little. ] Of course you have.

( Robin blinks a few times rapidly. )

Oh, you're— you're actually serious...

( It isn't a question. She pauses, face turning away from the camera slightly as her expression scrunches a little with thought. After a moment, she gives a facial shrug and looks back at him. )

...yeah, okay, why not? That looks awesome and I have no plans tonight. Which apartment?

( Her face flushes and she shrugs, eyes darting away again. )

She's kind of hard to miss.

I am never serious and always serious. But the water's getting colder...

[ he sighs dramatically, tilts his head back to rest on the back of the tub. the water is not getting cold, as he's just refreshed it at the tap. ]

Apartment 302. Hurry up and you might even get a glimpse of her. I can ask her to join us, if you want.

[ he winks, knowing full well what she's flushing about. ]

Now hurry up! I'll be a prune before you arrive.

( Immediately, her face goes even redder still and Robin shakes her head. )

No, that's okay. All right, I'm coming.

( She laughs a little and shakes her head. )

This place is so crazy. I'll see you soon.

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