“It’s just that Jesse and I never trended. We barely got a mention,” Lucy pouts.
I cut her a glare. “Trade you.”
She looks sheepish. “Sorry. Not for all the money in the world.”
I look at Twitter. “I’m a fag. Original.”
“Oh God,” Tera mutters. “They’re pulling out all the slurs.”
“Go on,” Linc prods as he eats his eggs.
How is he not affected by this?
Xander cringes. “You sure?”
Linc nods.
“All right, if you say so,” Xander replies. “Faggot. Fudge packer. Butt pirate.”
I chuckle. “I’ve always like that one.”
Linc lifts a brow.
“Think about it. When I’m there, I’ve found the treasure,” I remark with a wink.
Xander groans. “That was so lame.”
“You’ve got better?” I taunt.
“Not going there today. Really not in a joking mood,” Xan replies.
I stare. “What’s wrong with you? You’re always up for a good joke.”
He taps his phone. “This. This shit. I hate it. I hate what they’re saying. I knew it was happening out there, but you never realize how bad until it happens to someone you know.”
“Xan, we’re fine.”
“Are you?” Linc asks, looking at me.
I nod. “They’re only words.”
“Words can hurt worse than a punch.”
I look at the man I love and see the worry. “Babe, I’m good. If I’m not, I’ll talk to you about it.”
He nods. “You’ve got Joan, too.”
I put my hand over his. “I’d rather it be you.”
His expression softens. He turns his hand over and we thread fingers.
He looks up and frowns. “What the fuck, Xan?”
I look over and he’s recording us. “What he said.”
“I figure we should let them see the love not just the hate,” Xander replies, and I’m touched.
“I never thought of that,” Jesse says. “I like it.”
