recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
186:Flux

## Author Notes

Read all of the dialogue very closely, and we actually learn quite a bit about Gavin here. Some “Gavinny goodness”, if you will.

And ooh… Another short set of black and white scenes that portray past events in the story. Heh, I guess if this were an anime, this chapter would be like the dreaded “recap episode”. Thankfully, it’s easier to get away with this stuff in comic form so that it’s not annoying or slowing things down too much.

The first flashback panel is from when Gavin discovers Rain’s identity and sulks about it (page 23 – Friends…). The second is when Rain explains the transition process to Gavin and why it’s so important (that being the aptly named page 93 – Transition). The final flashback panel (from page 129 – Tag Along), refers to a point in which he tried to dissuade Kylie from pursuing Rain… though Gavin himself may not have realized he was doing it at the time.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
107:Sobering

## Author Notes

(Sudden barrage of pages: 1 of 3. It sucks when I can't get online for days...)

I feel like there’s not a lot to say about this last page of the chapter. I admit, it was a little rushed… and it shows.

Feh…

On a side note, I wish I could get more opportunities to draw Puddle. I feel like it's imperative that I show him every single time there's a scene inside Rain's home.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* where rain stayed last night
* Aiken/Jessica
377:Commitment

## Author Notes

I actually wanted to include the meeting of Heather and Jessica in the last chapter, but there was just no room for it. I’m so glad I could finally fit it in here. ^\_^

Awkward conversation is awkward.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
374:Holly

## Author Notes

I’d totally almost wear Holly’s outfit too. Almost. I can’t stand turtlenecks. They’re just so uncomfortable to me. But beyond that, her outfit overall is really cute (despite being brown and white).

Incidentally, Holly almost got a headband too. She wasn’t rocking it like Rain is though. XD

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
163:Spectators

## 163:Spectators

### **Characters**

Rain Flaherty
'Ruby' Strongwell
Devon Givens
Holly O'Neill
Debbie Gero
Robert Roberts
Drew Borelli
Ky Coven
Maria Strongwell
Gavin Kurz
Aidyn Vintage
Randy Martin Guy
Madison Vintage
Chase Brenton
Emily Caston
Chanel Montoya
Todd Bittner

## Author Notes

No blurb from me this time. I’d rather let these pages speak for themselves.

For now, I’ll just sit back and wait for the hate mail to come in.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
231:Coolness Points

## Author Notes

Maria’s pretty smooth when she introduces herself. If only she could be so smooth when making up.

So, kind of like I was asking about Emily a few pages back, what do we think is Chanel’s deal? She very clearly seems to like Maria (in one way or another). She remembered Maria’s name from only hearing it once at a party a few weeks prior. She doesn’t “scoff and walk away” as one boy on the last page described. Heck, she seems a to be sucking up a little. Any thoughts?

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
233:Listen

## 233:Listen

### **Characters**

Chanel Montoya
Maria Strongwell

### **Location**

The cafeteria of St. Hallvard High School

## Author Notes

Chanel gives no immediate reaction to what should have been a big reveal…
…and then does “that”…

Oh my. What have we here…?

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Lesbian
* Maria's orientation
* Chanel's study habits
* Maria/Chanel
* Maria/Rain
32:Privacy

## Author Notes

Once again, Rain’s neuroticism knows no bounds. And it’s more or less true. If a person is panicked enough, they may start to fear totally irrational and implausible things. Even though Rain MUST know Mrs. Parker is just teasing and doesn’t actually have X-ray vision, the very minimal chance that she wasn’t lying was enough to freak her out.

Fortunately, Rain can apparently scream like a girl, thus protecting her secret. :D

This page is particularly special too for a number of reasons. First, it was actually just drawn yesterday. Yes, even though I’m 20+ pages beyond this scene, I decided something more needed to be squeezed into this arc (the best part about being ahead of the game). As such, this is actually the first of THREE new pages added into this chapter (although ironically, the last to be drawn). And it’s funny, because now I look at it and wonder how I ever thought not having this page was a good idea… ^\_^

The other worthy mention is the art. The first panel depicts the very first semblance of a dynamic angle in this comic (you know, something other than perfectly eye-level). And if I may add, it was a really fun image to do and I’m very pleased with how it came out. Now I should probably work at making the rest of the comic so dynamic…

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Gym Class
* Rain’s neuroticism
* Rain's Voice
356:Puppy

## Author Notes

What was THAT about, Rain?

Meanwhile, we finally see the REAL January Girl. Any new thoughts on Drew’s reception of her? Or how about “Miss January” herself? I know it’s only three panels and we still don’t even know her name yet, but I’m talking first impressions here. XD

This was – for the record – the last page I did before my old tablet kicked the bucket on me. In fact, it actually happened partway through the final panel, which I finished very slowly by mouse to try and just finish it. It took a long time, but I did manage to make it look somewhat consistent. Still, I don’t think I’ll be doing mouse work again anytime soon. I’m just glad the tablet situation was resolved. This would have been a terrible place to have to go on hiatus.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
14:Maria

## Synopsis

Maria introduces herself to Rain. Rain express gratitude that Maria is 'someone who's NOT trying to ask me out'. This makes Maria uncomfortable.

Maria then tries to change the subject, asking Rain why she came to St. Hallvard's. The real reason is so that Rain could start presenting as female in a new school. However, Rain gives a cover story about her and her aunt 'needing a change of scenery.'

Rain then asks Mara why she is here. Maria is at the school because her parents hope that her homosexuality can be 'cured'. She understandably does not wish to tell Rain this, especially considering Rain's earlier 'not trying to ask me out' remark. Maria is struggling for an answer when Gavin jumps in the conversation, saving Maria from having to answer, and Maria thinks "I've never been so happy to be interrupted...."

## Author Notes

Gavin and Maria, once again so close to the truth, and yet so far. Rain’s compelling response to Gavin’s question (ie. - running the hell away) has helped to keep her secret safe for the time being, but was that really the best move?

 I have to be honest. I’m not crazy about this page. Looking back, I think I could’ve probably condensed this page and the last page into one to make things move along a little quicker. But then I’d have had less time to establish foreshadowing for Maria in the last page, and Rain’s fear of discovery on this page. Okay, so maybe condensing isn’t quite what I’m looking for, but I still feel like I could have done better with these two pages.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Love
* Friendship
144:Lord of Nightmares

## Author Notes

The thing I think we’re most interested in on this page is the segment of “Halloween Princess Pandora”. This is easily the most out-of-place thing to ever appear in this comic to date. Much like the Kaminari references a few chapters ago, this has its significance. You’re free to determine it however you wish though. ^\_^

As an aside, I initially intended to have Aidyn (the samurai costume in the previous two pages) talking to Maria here. It felt a little detached for him suddenly go and BS about anime immediately after Rudy and Drew’s little scene though, so I inserted this other little known character instead. Chanel was originally intended to be more of sports person, but I guess she’s now an anime-loving sports person. Not as planned, but I’m willing to run with it.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
249:Unsee

## Author Notes

Originally, I’d considered making this a twofer with the previous page, I spread them apart for two reasons though. One, they’re already both pretty dialogue-heavy, so I wanted to split them up a little better. And two, we are changing scenes following this; maybe it sounds weird, but I hate changing scenes on Friday updates. At least with this set up as it is, the next scene can begin with the new week. Nice flow. ^\_^

Oh, and Ruby addresses a pretty valid concern…

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
154:Pandora's Box

## Author Notes

I can’t claim this to be any sort of fact, but an observation that I’ve personally made through life is that the average anti-LGBT person always seems to assume everyone else feels the same way as them first by default. It’s as though they can’t comprehend why someone would be an ally. You know, “how could someone support gays and not BE gay?” I can’t help but shake my head at this mentality, but it is something I’ve observed quite a bit of in my life (especially in my high school days when everything about me was still a secret to everybody).

Todd very clearly represents one of these sorts, even going so far as to assume that Rudy’s sister is going to hate him too. Truth be told, Maria is pretty mad at Rudy over the whole “Ruby” thing and she probably does hate him sometimes in that way that siblings do. At the same time, it could argued that nobody loves Rudy more than his sister. Between his family and his classmates though, maybe that’s not much of a surprise.

So, who else has goose bumps?

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
169:Drama

## Author Notes

Never underestimate a person’s ability to assume homosexuality is completely curable in an instant (let alone, at all), simply by the slightest interaction with the opposite sex.

Also, never underestimate Rain’s ability to assume nothing can ever just be easy for her. She gets that from me. If something ever turns out seemingly anticlimactically for me, I may end up actually complaining that it felt too easy.

On a related note, I usually regret doing that…

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
387:Shock

## Author Notes

Ooh. Can it be? Rain finally confronts Rudy about his prior actions.

Question: Did it matter at this point? The boy just explained to her not long ago about how much he cares about her. Do you think Rain is just opening a can of worms here, or is she right in that this NEEDED to be discussed?

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
168:Exaggeration

## Author Notes

It’s Gavin! How ‘bout that? If you guessed it, give yourself a thumbs up and a pat on the back (although, I don’t think anyone who openly guessed, assumed Gavin).

I… don’t know what else to say. I’ll just leave it at that.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Rain/Rudy
* Rain’s neuroticism
355:Happy, but...

## Author Notes

This is just a personal pet peeve of mine, but when I say I don’t want to talk about something, and the other person tries to guess what it is anyway… ALWAYS gets under my skin. Used to happen to me a lot. I dunno. Apparently, I had a lot of friends who just can’t let things go. Thankfully, this isn’t something I have to really deal with anymore.

And YET! Despite my detesting Emily’s attitude on this page… I kinda feel bad for her. When you put together the context from her perspective, not telling Emily does seem off. Because the only people Rain’s been able to tell her news to so far (at school, no less) was Rudy and Chanel. Rudy’s the boyfriend, so sure, he gets to know her secrets. But who’s Chanel again? Some friend’s girlfriend? “Why does she get to know? I’m the sister figure!”

Sometimes, I honestly miss high school. And then I think of situations like this, and think, “nah, I’m good.”

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
370:Literally

## Author Notes

And so we jump right into things with Rain directly confronting Rudy seeking answers and… winding up even more confused than when she started. Just as planned!

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
37:Crying

## Author Notes

This is just a really simple transitional page with not a lot of substance on it, but I REALLY love this one. I’m not sure why though…

I’m going to keep this short tonight. Rather than saying how I view it, let me ask you guys: Is the last panel yet another example of Rudy saying something impulsively dumb or is that actually the cleverest thing he’s ever said?

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
361:With One "N"

## Author Notes

And we finally learn the January Girl’s name. I almost named the page directly after her, but I wanted you to hear it from her mouth; not mine. (Fun fact: her name actually came from the suggestion from a reader!)

As for Rain, I think she handled that interaction pretty smoothly. About on par with me meeting new people, really. XD

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
22:Judge

## Author Notes

And finally, two weeks after his first appearance, Rudy’s name is finally mentioned in canon! Huzzah!

Anyway. Super busy page here. It may even feel like two pages. That’s because I ALMOST was! Originally, I was going to have one page just be Aunt Fara lecturing Gavin, and then a separate page for Maria and Rudy cheering Rain up. But I felt like I didn’t really have enough to work with to spread either one out. Hence, I left it as is. I guess I kinda figure it still works since it’s more or less the same scene… I mean, they can probably all hear each other anyway.

And before anyone asks or tries to correct me: Yes, of course I know that “tranny” is typically regarded as an offensive term, and yes, of course I know that it’s not correctt to refer to Rain as a “he” or a “him”. I know that, and hopefully, most of you know that (or do now, at least). Maria and Rudy however, are a little less familiar with the subject though. Supportive as they may be, they’ve only been aware that they know a “real, live transsexual” for maybe about five minutes now and really don’t have the terminology quite down yet. And in my experience, it takes at least a night for even the most accepting people to get their pronouns straight. -\_-

Uh… focusing on Rudy again for just a moment, it’s dawned on me only now, that somewhere after page 20, he’s lost his tie. I mean… he WAS wearing it… and now it’s gone. Whatever. It’s after school; he doesn’t have to wear it anymore. He probably just stuffed it in his pocket. And yes, that’s totally viable excuse for forgetting to draw a part of his design for three whole pages… because no, he’s not wearing it in the next page either (LE GASP! Spoiler!).

Oh, man. So much to talk about on this page. I could probably keep going, but meh… I’ll open up the floor to you guys. It’s time for me to shut up, and you guys to talk. ^\_^

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topic

* Rain's past
* Transgender
206:That Symbol

## Author Notes

Kind of a lot going on with this page…

We come full circle with all three of Rain’s closest friends failing to be able to tutor her and save her grades. For the record, I don’t know what “that symbol” may be. Originally, I planned to show some actual math to demonstrate what Rain was having trouble with. I later decided making stuff up would just be funnier (what with some bizarre mathy symbol that confounds Rain endlessly). Just imagine that one symbol that you hate seeing, or make one up and then curse its existence. ^\_^

The other portion of the page focuses on a strange and cryptic note Rudy finds in his locker. Are girls starting to confess feelings for him now that he’s posing as straight? Is Todd looking to fisticuffs? Is Maria looking to fisticuffs? Really, it could be pretty much anyone.

And yes, I handwrote the note myself. I tried to make look like it wasn’t written by me, but considering nobody online probably knows my handwriting, that may have been pointless. Silly me.

## Transcript

Rudy

Meet me after school by the flagpole.

Come alone!

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
404:The Right One

## Author Notes

This one may require a bit of explanation if you’re not transgender.

If you’re not familiar with the term, “gatekeeper”, it’s a very feared and hated concept in the trans community. The unfortunate thing about being trans, is that you kinda have to be “approved” in order to begin transition. Particularly, you need a therapist/counselor/psychiatrist/etc to diagnose you as such before moving forward. If for some reason, said professional isn’t convinced you’re trans (or has some kind of personal stance against such things), they essentially have the power to halt your transition by either outright refusing to help or sneakily dragging things out. Without their diagnosis, you’re probably stuck. Most doctors won’t prescribe hormone therapy without the mental health professional’s letter of recommendation (I’ve heard rare instances where some will, but I wouldn’t depend on that).

So what Jessica is saying in the first panel about lying or exaggerating is something that unfortunately happens. Some trans folk simply don’t want to have the SRS (sexual reassignment surgery). Some suffer much milder cases of dysphoria. Some trans girls are tomboys, and some trans boys are femme. Nothing is wrong with any of these scenarios. But there are therapists out there who are, sadly, only impressed by the extreme cases. It SHOULDN’T have to be like that, and thankfully, for me it wasn’t (although, I AM kind of an extreme case). But I have a lot of friends going through this right now getting jerked around by professionals content to sit on their thumbs. It’s unfathomable to me.

Hence, why I think if your therapist fails to yield the results you want, look for another one. There are those that are NOT gatekeepers who will help. I know this. I’ve seen it firsthand. You shouldn’t have to lie or wait for someone to hum and haw. They’re there to help you; if they’re not helping you, don’t waste your time and money with them. Move on. Keep trying. You WILL find someone who can help as long as you don’t give up.

Wow. Kinda went on with this one. I hope I was able to inform with this though, whether you’re trans or not. ^\_^

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Therapy
* gatekeeping
* Rain's past
182:Alone

## Author Notes

You know, there aren’t many characters who could make that kind of segue and still remain completely in character. Only you, Rudy. Only you…

I’m at a loss of what else to say. I guess that means this is as a good a time as any for speculation! XD

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
100:All-nighter

## Author Notes

Last retro video game tribute page. I promise. For now...

Actually, I added this miniature arc of the past few pages to the script back at the end of Chapter 3 when Gavin first invited Rain over. I was originally a little stuck coming up with something for them to bond over, thinking video games would be kinda cheesy and might not appeal to many readers. But then a number of comments from people suggested things like, “I bet they’ll just play video games all night and forget all about the whole transsexual thing.” So, I figured I my worries were incorrect; it sounded like approval to me.

Not that anyone’s forgotten anything. But the nice thing about gaming is a little bit of escapism, especially if you’re the sort that gets depressed often or easily (as many transsexuals often are). There’s nothing like being able to take your mind off of the things that bother you in your life, by taking on a different life… even if, as in this case, that is the life of an badass, anthropomorphic frogman.

Originally, I planned to include dialogue in the first 7 panels. Obviously, the lack of room made that kind of impossible. But that’s okay, I think their facial expressions speak volumes here. You can probably imagine your own conversations based on the way they look.

Also, 100 pages! Whoo! XD

## Transcript

1:00 AM level 2

2:00 AM Level 3

3:00 AM Still Level 3...

4:00 AM Level 5

5:00 AM Level 7

6:00 AM Level 9

7:00 AM Level 11

Game Over A winner is not you.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Video Games
* Rain/Gavin
19:Gavin

## Author Notes

Now that I look at it, I wonder if this page was even necessary. I feel like all it really did was draw things out just a wee bit longer. Well, I guess it helps establish that Rudy’s not a complete jerk… hopefully…

I ended up changing the dialogue on this one a few times too. Maria’s final line, in particular, originally stated that she thought Gavin was being “emo” because “on the off-hand chance Rudy was right about Rain, he’d owe her ever more money.” As amusing as I thought that was, Maria did technically deny that bet. Plus, no matter how I worded it, it just never felt natural. So while a little funny, I don’t think I really liked the line at all. “I hope she slaps him” though, seems fitting to me… and is potentially still kinda funny.

 Transcript

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
330:Complex Orientation

## Author Notes

It was kind of a last minute decision to make this a two-pager. I felt the first page did nothing to offer new information so I tacked on the next page (which kinda flows well with it anyway). AND it brings up lots of potential for fun debate over the weekend. There's just so much one could interpret and misinterpret here. XD

Oh, and of course, Chanel’s sexually is finally defined in canon (though it wouldn’t be impossible to figure it out sooner). If you did figure it out sooner, why don’t you just give yourself a pat on the back.

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
337:Bringing in the New Year

## Author Notes

Incidentally, in retrospect, I probably should have had something on the page that says the New Year actually happened. I guess the content speaks to that effect, but really, a clearer indication probably wouldn’t have killed me.

Whatevs. Nobody cares about that. You’re all here for the content.

So which one was your favorite kiss? Not for any discernable reason. I’m just nosy. XD

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
303:Don't Call Again

## Author Notes

Ouch…

I know a lot of you are going to home in on panel 3. I very purposely worded that confusingly. Could Emily have realistically taken anything from that? She’s a smart girl and all, but she’s an emotional mess at the moment and clearly has a lot of things on her mind. Speaking of which, she’s been getting cut off a lot here. It seems like she has something important to say, but couldn’t get a word in. There’s been some interesting guesses already, but I wonder what the truth is.

I’ll be happy to hear thoughts on Chase as well. Is he justified in all this, or is he just a jerkwad?

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
426:Who is Rain Flaherty

## Author Notes

I wasn’t quite sure where to put this. Chapter 18 is actually not going to focus much on Rain herself. But as Vincent said, I just wanted “to get that out on the table right off.” After a long chapter of waiting around for the appointment to start, I figure I owe you guys this much. ^\_^

Fun fact: these pages are nigh verbatim of how the first five minutes of my first appointment went. It’s become a bit of an example in my mind of how I think these things SHOULD go.

Not so fun fact: I should remind you guys that starting now, we’re on hiatus. We’ll pick up again with the start of chapter 18 on **November 25th**. In the meantime… maybe other stuff. Just not pages. Later, boys and girls~!

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topic

* Hormone replacement therapy
* therapy
* Transgender
* Rain (character)
255:Famous Last Words

## Author Notes

This page is dedicated to everyone that has said, “this can’t possibly get any more awkward” over the course of the chapter. XD

Anyway, it’s a very busy page. And pretty colorful. It was kind of a pain to draw because the crowd is bigger than normal (and they’re not all wearing the same uniform), but visually, I really like this page a lot. It’s just a little bit more active than usual too.

So… uh, where do we go from here? I want you to know that this got extra tricky right here, because really, depending on who speaks next (and about what) the story could go in an obscene number of directions. Your thoughts?

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Ryan/Ruby (AKA Rain/Rudy)
* Ky
353:Chicken

## Author Notes

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Cute people are cute.

Really, I didn’t plan it like this, but I’m glad the super sweet page landed on my birthday. I was so afraid I was going to end up having to post some serious bummer page. XD

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
244:Uncomfortable

## Author Notes

Introducing the Adventures of Ryan, the Totally Norm-… wait a second… O\_o

Seriously though, this is the start of a potentially very interesting turn of events. Some readers have basically been demanding something like this to happen since Chapter 1. Others of you guessed this direction with the last page but hoped you were wrong. I hesitate to agree with what Rain’s doing here, and yet I can hardly blame her. Coming out to someone - especially family - is hard.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
202:Mistake!

## Author Notes

This is partly here to poke fun at myself for all of the kissing scenes that have been popping up lately. There is, of course, a more serious significance to it though.

Since the introduction of “RuIn” and the theme of “curing gay” has come up, there has been a great deal of concern voiced about what message I’m trying to convey with the comic's direction. There has been some misunderstanding, but I do want to make clear that I do not believe one can be “cured of homosexuality”, nor do I believe you can choose to magically stop being gay. As a transgirl and a lesbian (who has tried to stop being so in the distant past), I know full well how NOT a choice things like this are.

And that's just it. Sometimes, just like Maria here, we have to learn the hard way that we can’t we escape who we are.

Kinda feel bad for Gavin though. That might've been his first kiss, and she might barf... -\_-

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
239:Siblings

## Author Notes

Based on comments from the last page, it seems most of you have figured it to be the case that Rain hasn’t been open with her siblings before her friends did (or at least her brother; it’s already long been confirmed that her sister doesn’t know). So despite that being something of a big reveal at the end of this page for her friends, it’s not actually terribly surprising to [most of] the readers. The more revealing information for you, the readers, is actually in the middle of the page.

Apparently, Rain doesn’t talk much about herself to anyone. But why? Could it be a fear of opening up? Does she dislike her family? Did this topic just NEVER come up in conversation in the past four months?

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
31:Something to Hide

## Author Notes

This is just a transitional page really only meant to bring us from one scene to the next, so I feel like there unfortunately isn’t a lot to say about it. Although it is the first time we see Rain angry, even if it’s only for a moment.

And even if there’s not really any gag or punchline to this page, the fact that Mrs. Parker is still wearing a bandage makes me snicker.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
124:That Sort of Person

## Author Notes

Oh, snap! She went there!

Maria versus Emily. The overprotective bitch versus the self-important bitch. It’s certainly an interesting butting of heads. Good thing Maria walked off when she did though. It’s too important to both of them to be right; they’d be “getting the last word” in for the next chapter and a half…

-\_-

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
425:It's Time

## Author Notes

Ah, the moment of truth. This is an exciting and terrifying part of starting transition. After all that waiting, when your therapist comes out and calls your name, it really snaps you back to reality that this is actually happening. (Funny side story: My therapist double-booked on the night of my first appointment, so I kinda had it twice in one night. XD) Rain seems to be holding her own pretty well, but I think she’s had a good mentor by her side to keep her grounded.

Despite this technically being the last page of the chapter, I still have one more post before we’re ready to move on. And much as I hate to do this, there will also be a small hiatus following the next post. I’m sorry I have these hiatuses so frequently (believe me; no one wants them less than me), but if ever there was a time in which I needed it, it was now. I just have a lot going on all at once and I’m more than a little stressed out.

Again, there will be one more post at the next update. Following that, chapter 18 will definitely begin on **November 25th**. Thank you for enjoying my work, and for putting up with my incessant hiatuses.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
405:The Day Has Come

## Author Notes

It’s okay, Rain. You’re not alone. I don’t like it either. ^\_^

And what a fitting name for the page I’m posting today...

Today, I saw my endo, and we talked a lot about SRS (sexual reassignment surgery). And, well, I have her blessing. That makes two therapists and a doctor writing letters of approval PLUS the insurance to cover it, so I can set off on the final step of transition. The surgeon whom I'm looking at is apparently a popular choice though (not surprising, considering every post-op individual I know locally has gone through her), and according to my endo, is booked for at least the next six months. That's... actually, that's fine. I may be covered, but there are consultations, copays, hospital fees, travel costs, and perhaps hotel costs to keep in mind too. So, I've actually got some serious saving to do either way. But maybe, hopefully, I can attain what I need in that time. We'll see. ^\_^

In other news, this is fricking awesome!

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
351:Partner

## Author Notes

Please forgive all the scene jumping. There’s a lot to be covered. ^^;

Anyway, can I just say that back in high school (and, really, all school before and after that), I’ve always hated being forced to have partners or groups for anything. I was ALWAYS stuck with either people who didn’t feel like doing anything (making me pick up the slack for one or more other people), or people I didn’t get along with (making it hard to work with them even if they were responsible students). Just shoot me if it was a combination of the two. XD

So, what happens you force the shortest kid in school and the tallest kid in school to be “buddies”?

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
256:Crazy

## Author Notes

It didn’t occur to me until I was literally drawing this page that it might be a lot of fun if Ruby felt threatened by Kylie. Like, I knew I didn’t want to go the route that a lot of people suspected: where Kylie pretends to be Ruby for this whole charade with Aiken. But still, if you didn't know better, you could absolutely assume that's what's going on. I mean, some other “boy dressed like a girl” is on the scene before Ruby was, making Kylie completely untrustworthy. The funny thing - to me - is that Gavin once literally admitted to fantasizing about Rain and Rudy didn't actually care. But the notion of another person crossdressing in Ryan’s presence? Now that’s serious business. XD

Please note, Ruby and Gavin here still have absolutely no idea that Kylie is genetically female.

Ultimately, this page really cracks me up; possibly one of new favorites. I hope you all like it too.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
305:Happy For Now

## Author Notes

Kylie has gone through a lot of inner turmoil in this comic. It’s nice to see the kid come to terms with things a little… even if, perhaps only temporarily.

Heather is also a pretty complex character, but we’ve only really seen her in passing throughout the story thus far. Her motivations always seem fuzzy. The one thing that is clear, is that she cares about Kylie, even if many of her concerns are pretty misguided.

What can we take from this? Well, you tell me. ^\_^

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Ky's gender
* Rain's gender
* Rudy's crossdressing
205:Uniform

## Author Notes

So, Maria takes it very hard that she missed out on the opportunity to ask out Rain. However, Gavin’s just the kind of guy who’d be indifferent enough that he probably get over it really easy. Except to him, the whole situation presents the likelihood that Rain is attracted to boys. And if she likes boys, Gavin will “be stuck with his crush and his complex” because now he actually has a shot with her (as he once said).

Needless to say, this is very uncomfortable for him. With his emotions AND his hormones in flux, Gavin is starting to overthink again. And his thoughts are very troubling… and kinda hot…

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
137:House

## Author Notes

Perhaps today’s page will be a little less… controversial?

Pro tip: If you’re planning on wearing a costume with wings for Halloween, I might recommend waiting until you get OUT of the car (if driving is necessary) to put them on. I speak from experience. Doors can be a pain. Car doors were worse. Of course, my experience also put me in the backseat of a two-door car. -\_-

Highlight of the page: Panel 2 was tricky to draw, but I feel the end result is worth it. Cracks me up every time I look at it. ^\_^

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
302:Sorry

## Author Notes

Gotta wonder how Chase keeps attracting all these beautiful women… -\_-

I don’t know if she’ll ever be important, but just in case, I kept calling Chase’s new girlfriend, Mindy in the back of my mind. Maybe that’s not enough to get her onto the character bio page at this time, but better safe than sorry. You never know.

Also, more importantly: I kinda feel bad for Emily, AKA the character you probably never thought you’d feel bad for. Her Christmas is turning out to be anything but merry. Poor kid. (Sorry for all the downer developments lately. I promise the next chapter will be less depressing.)

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
114:No Excuses

## Author Notes

Emily hates liars. Don’t lie to Emily. Ever.

The irony is that while Rain WAS making excuses to avoid having to go, nothing she actually said was a lie. What? I said Emily hates liars; not that she’s some kind of perfect human lie detector...

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**

## Related Topics

* Emily's Halloween party
* Introversion
139:The Costume Thing

## Author Notes

I enjoyed this page a lot. It’s always fun giving the foreground to a number of characters who don’t normally get so many lines. Devon’s “costume” may actually be my favorite one to draw so far. It can be a chore to make sure the bandages (or toilet paper) line up in the appropriate direction, but I feel like the end result is so worth it.

Rob and Drew, being best buddies, decided to compete a little as ninja and pirate respectively. In Drew’s case, I don’t personally understand what constitutes a “gay pirate”, but this scene is loosely based on a real incident at a real Halloween party in which a straight friend of mine was dressed as a pirate and was thought to be a “gay pirate” by many people. Again, I don’t really know what aspect caused this confusion, but I guess that’s just teenagers for you. Anyway, said theme fits well in the story, so I slapped it in here.

Then there’s Chase. Who the hell is he? Apparently, he’s Emily’s boyfriend (at least, I’m really hoping that’s apparent by the last panel). But what kind of guy is he? You know, besides a much taller and seemingly older guy. The two of them together represent a popular couple costume choice of devil and angel.

And I can’t even begin to list all of the ironic points in there…

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
267:Technicality

## Author Notes

I’m wondering if it’s going to be a popular page…

Uh, about the second page, I have to be honest, that’s the first time I’ve ever drawn something like that. So, I was all like, “I guess I should… look up a reference.” So, I’m on DeviantArt, and I go a-searchin’. The really shocking thing, was how hard it was to FIND a reference. I kept finding fanart of a certain really fast super hero, and little animated shorts about anything, really. Considering how dirty this place has become over the years, I’m just surprised to not find what I was looking for more easily. I was uncomfortable looking for it anyway (I’m really not that kind of person), so I ended up just kind of drawing it. It’s far from perfect, but for not using a reference on something I’ve never drawn, I AM a little impressed with myself.

As for WHY this happened, well… it’s possible it wasn’t a fully thought out plan. Gavin was completely missing the point, and this was frustrating Kylie (yes, that is supposed to be ironic considering the exchange between Kylie and Rain in the last chapter). In the end, this was the best idea that came to mind. And, well, it worked but… uh, yeah, you all know how these things go.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
224:Hellraiser

## Author Notes

Well, this is interesting…

Theoretically, we can toss Rain’s kind words up to her being kind of intimidated by Emily (and based on past experiences with her, can you blame Rain?). But Emily? As kind of a continuation of the last update’s question, what’s up with her?

She clearly had an agenda in the beginning of the page, but does she really believe Rain’s answer? Did she get the answer she wanted? Is she looking for any other answers with the rest of her dialogue, or do we think she’s being sincere?

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
364:Ladies

## Author Notes

I very strongly considered merging this page with the next one for a double update. I decided against it for two reasons. One is that I’m still playing catch up a bit, and separating them gives me more time to work with things. The other reason being that I want to hear some thoughts and speculation before moving forward.

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
317:The Visitor

## Author Notes

Well, her presence here just begs so many questions. I would love to hear your thoughts.

On a personal note, I have been waiting TEN CHAPTERS for this moment. I’m so excited to finally formally introduce her into the story.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
352:Psychopath

## Author Notes

Poor Chanel. She can’t seem to win with anybody today. Did Brett not hear the gossip, or is he just more bothered by sounds than talking?

It only occurred to me just now that Brett’s book vanished in the final panel. If we’re being honest, that’s just an oversight on my part. If you’d like a more amusing angle, you could always envision that Brett swiped it off the table in a fit of rage before telling his partner to cut out that racket. Although, at this point, it’s a little hard to think that this guy is capable of an emotion as strong as rage. XD

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
228:Bathroom

## Author Notes

Big point: It’s hard to convey sarcasm in written form. I tend to hope something like a smarmy grin will illustrate it well enough, but I had this horrible image in my head of everyone misreading the last panel as Gavin actually outing Todd. Maybe no one will read it like that, but to ease my neurotic mind: Gavin’s being sarcastic. He knows it’s the kind of thing that’ll piss Todd off, so it’s exactly what he’s doing. This is actually a good tactic for shutting up homophobes in general, but it probably works better for Gavin than it would, let’s say Rudy. Gavin’s at least bigger than Todd.

Middle point: Originally, the second and third panels were shown from an angle that had Rudy facing the reader. It kinda looked like he was still… doing his business. I feel like the side view doesn’t look as good, but I felt a little awkward when it wasn’t necessarily clear whether he was standing at a sink or a urinal.

Little point: Someone’s gonna ask, so allow me to remind you the different colored collars denote different grades. Rudy’s orange collar puts him in tenth grade. Todd’s green one shows that he’s in eleventh grade. Gavin’s (unseen here) blue collar means he’s in twelfth grade. Admittedly, you don’t really see the green one very often, but there really just aren’t a lot of significant junior year characters. And for what it’s worth, we should be seeing more red collars (ninth grade) soon too. ^\_^

Not really a point: Yes, it is extremely convenient that Todd shows up in the bathroom when Rudy’s in there… with Gavin apparently already in there. I’ve got no explanation for that. It’s highly unlikely, yes, but for purposes of moving the story along, it had to happen.

Summation: Eh. I don’t really like this page too much. It totally worked better in my head.

## Transcript

*This article needs transcripts. If you need help transcripting a guide is here*
## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**