SVTFOE: Gender Bend AU

Therapy

"OK," I sigh, "Let's back up and start at the beginning. What does that mean?"

"I don't know!" Tiffany exclaims, "It's like, you know when like you make a bad first impression and you just stick to your guns? Like it's to late to fix it but you really start to like the person? I'm just... I mean things have been a bit better between me and Marcie as of late but like... well I don't even know it started with me thinking she was cute and that that would let her steal Comet. Then I kinda wondered what it would be like to cuddle her and then I wanted to make out with her and then I realized. You know?"

"Well," I sigh, "You like both of them don't you? Maybe just talk to them I guess? I would start with Marcie first to make sure you are actually like, friends which I think you are?"

"We are," Tiffany explains.

"Well talk to them," I shrug, "What could go wrong? No point keeping it repressed like this you know?"

"I guess you're right," Tiffany sighs, "But I dunno what if it makes things awkward?"

"Awkwardness passes," I explain, "Repressed feelings stay until they're handled. You can do this."

"Thanks," Tiffany replies, "I think I'll do that. Will you be OK around here? With Moon? We need to handle that."

"When Comet is ready," I reply, "We will, but we have time for now. Plan currently is to overthrow her but for now you need to handle things with your crushes..."

"So you're sure you're free right now?" Jim inquires.

"Of course," Ms. Candle explains, the older woman with brown hair just starting to turn grey, a kind smile on her face, slightly wrinkled with age as she replies, "I have a gap between appointments so come on in."

Jim grabs my shoulder and whispers to me, "Be open and honest. I know it's hard but you can do this."

I nod and with that, Jim walks away. I'm led into a room where Ms. Candles has a seat in a chair across from me as I sit on a soft blue couch, a clock ticking in the corner, a cat clock that seems to watch me with beady, lifeless eyes.

"So," I ask, "Where do I start?"

"Wherever is easiest for you," Ms. Candle responds.

"I suppose I should start with my childhood," I sigh, "Oh man when I was a kid I had to hunt for food to survive. Kill animals with my bare hands and..."

I continue to explain, "One time I was left outside for six weeks in Winter, and I had to kill and eat raw bird meat, I was so underweight as Star got to feast on pies and cakes and the finest of meats as I struggled to survive out there locked on the balcony of the castle.

"Are things any better now?" Candle inquires.

"Oh yeah of course!" I exclaim eagerly, "I have a family born of love, not blood, Jim, Johnson, Riley, I love them all as my brothers and sisters. They're my family. My real family. Then there's Marcie who is the sweetest girlfriend but I can't help but feel bad for breaking up with Tiffany. You know? I mean like, maybe that's selfish of me."

"I mean as long as you don't cheat on Marcie you're fine," Candles explains, "But if I may ask just so I have all the details, do you know what a polyamours relationship is?"

"No I don't why?" I inquire.

"Well," Candles explains, "Sometimes three people all love each other in a romantic way. It's not common but it does occur. When it does there's nothing stopping them from all dating each other if all parties consent as long as everyone is happy in the relationship. I don't know if that's for you but it's fair for you to know your options that for some it's a perfect valid and healthy lifestyle. As long as all parties involved are happiest in such an arrangement then why not? Works for me and my two boyfriends. Been happy together for 15 years and going strong. Only flaw, legally can't get married but if it's the most mentally healthy choice for all three of you could be worth it. Although maybe it's not for you that's OK too it's a personal thing. If not then any romantic feelings you have for Tiffany will continue to fade with time until they're gone. It'll pass and you'll just be good friends."

"Makes sense," I reply, "And if I was approached with the idea I would be down for it but at the same time it's not something I would actively seek. You know? If it happens then yeah it would be the best thing for me but I'll just see where the wind takes me in that area. Won't seek it but won't avoid it you know?'

"Yeah I hear you," Candle replies, "You do you Comet. As for your anger..."

"I dunno it's given me dark magic," I explain, "And you know, light magic represents positive emotion and dark magic is negative emotion but I sometimes use dark magic against my will and I feel like I'm losing it. Inch by inch I'm just losing my grip and I don't want to hurt my family. I can't hurt my family."

"It's OK," Candle reassures me, "You haven't yet, you came close with Jim but you haven't. I won't deny that that's really bad but if you ever need to talk just call me OK? I'm here for you."

"Thanks," I reply.

Candle looks at her watch and explains, "That's all the time we have for today. We'll discuss some ways to work on your anger next time. See you next week?"

"Sounds good," I reply, "It was great meeting you."

"You have a good day Comet," Candle replies with a smile as I walk out the door.

I head home, realizing now that I should probably buy a jacket before I see a sight that almost warms my heart. I see Tiffany waving at me from my front porch with a kind smile. I swear I feel the pink glow but I brush it aside. I'm happy with Marcie, and that'll fade with time.

"Hey can I ask you something?" Tiffany inquires.

"What's up?" I inquire.

"Does Marcie like women?" Tiffany asks.

"I'm sorry," I ask, "What?"

"OK," Tiffany sighs, "Oh lord in Heaven this is awkward but I have to say it. I... I have feelings for both of you."

"I'm sorry," I ask, blushing, "What?..."