A/N: This was inspired by a couple of conversations with friends, as well as this fabulous commentary by pistolwhippinzombies where it was discussed that perhaps in the Cube, Teddy had had to watch Billy be tortured before we see the story pick up with him passed out on panel and Billy watching. I was intrigued by that thought.
I also wanted to explore the aftermath of this event because we see absolutely nothing of how this ended up affecting them on panel. I cried really hard when I read this arc the first time, and by that I mean all out bawling, not just because how emotionally intense that torture scene was but for several other conflicting reasons.
I know Heinberg didn’t write this story arc of the Civil War, and I’m glad because I’m not even actually fond of this arc other than the cute bonding time with the Runaways, and here’s why: out of a dozen characters to choose to torture, the author decided to pick the four specific characters that were openly gay.
That is not cool, I don’t care how you spin it. Fucking no. I was really very fucking upset by this, and that’s part of the reason I cried so hard. You do not win a subtlety award Mr. Asshole-author-you-suck-so-bad-I-don’t-even-feel-like-giving-you-enough-recognition-to-look-up-your-name. And to the editor that let that be published? I’m giving you the stink-eye too, whoever the fuck you are.
So this is published, and then what? Nothing. We see nothing. If you are going to allow four kids to get the fuck tortured out of them, then at least have it affect them, have it be a part of some kind of character building experience. Nope, it’s like it never fucking happened. UNACCEPTABLE.
… . Sorry. (>.>);;
*kicks soap box away*
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Say it enough and I’ll believe you …
30 Quills Challenge: #4~ In a world without words
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It was the sobs that penetrated his subconscious first, the sound bringing with it dark memories he did his best to suppress in the daylight hours. Somehow the thin sheets of the pallet they shared had twisted around them with Billy’s thrashing. He shook off the last of his sleepiness and pulled the tangled mess away from them. The fabric of Billy’s shirt was damp with sweat where he gripped his shoulder to give it a light shake.
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WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH. ;_; THIS is the kind of fic I always wanted to write about them, THIS is the kind of thing I’d always wanted to see! GDI this is my fucking headcanon, and it’s like you went into my head and took it and put it down on paper. Well, on screen. Anyway.
God. ;_; All the little details, like Billy’s infection and how Teddy must’ve SEEN when they put in his ear restraint things, and and and BABIES. ;_; Oh my god. This is what I felt after reading that arc, but could never put into words. HRGGGGGGH.This is why you are a fantastic writer. You have the power to go after these things and find the gritty, painful details that make this real. This is fantastic.
I’m massively disappointed at Marvel for never having explored any of this. And for having this happen only to the openly gay characters in the first place. T: