recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
304:Binder

## Author Notes

After two weeks of depressing pages, let’s cut to a merrier holiday, shall we?

Apologies on the haphazard-looking binder. I did research; I really did. Didn’t help. I found a lot of pictures of people theoretically wearing them underneath their clothes, but I still don’t have a very clear idea on what a binder itself actually looks like. So, I don’t really know what I was going for in Kylie’s hand, but it looks stupid to me. If anyone has a competent reference, I will be more than happy to update this page in the future.

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
395:One Step at a Time

## Author Notes

Let’s go ahead and draw special attention Rain’s interaction with Emily here. She’s coming out about being maybe lesbian but NOT about being transgender. Is that weird? This is actually something I kinda used to go through years ago, but I don’t know if it’s common occurrence or if I was just weird (and I guess in this case, Rain too).

As for the rest of it, I don’t even know where to begin. There is kind of a lot being covered right here. Your thoughts are always most welcome though.

## Transcript

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## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
135:Ruby

## Author Notes

Hot damn, that boy’s got some fine legs! Ah, er… I mean… what was I talking about again?

One might be wondering what Rudy’s excuse for not having a wig is. I specifically gave Maria a reason; what’s Rudy’s? And Gavin’s for that matter (doesn’t Frankenstein’s monster traditionally have black hair)? Well, this actually comes back to being more of a holdup on my part, rather than any of the characters. I tried to avoid masks and wigs as much as I could with the characters so as to make sure that everyone remained recognizable. I mean, so far everyone in costume has changed up their hair a little, but I don’t think there should be much confusion on who’s who based on that.

And as you can see, Kylie lucked out with a vampire costume (it really could’ve been some shirtless Tarzan costume or something, so really, lucky). The traditional kind. Not that sparkling kind. You’re welcome.

Finally, no, Heather is not going to the party too. I only figured I’d give her an arrow naming her and her “non-costume”, because it’s kind of been a long time since people have seen her. I just wanted to make sure no one forgot about her.

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
29:Doctor's Note

## Author Notes

You know, this is probably the most “action” to appear in this comic to date. ^\_^

For all of her teasing, there’s probably nobody who cares more about Rain than Aunt Fara. You really kinda can’t blame her for getting upset anyway. It’s frustrating to hear someone speak ill of or make accusations toward someone you care about. It’s even more frustrating when their remarks are completely wrong and baseless. And then it’s downright infuriating when you can’t even tell them why they’re wrong in the effort of keeping a secret. Metaphorically speaking, Mrs. Parker was walking blindly into a lion’s den and stepping on every tail along the way; she didn’t know it, but she kinda had it coming.

And don’t worry, Mrs. Parker will be fine. It’s just a rolled-up, poster-size piece of paper (Fara’s student’s homework). Aunt Fara wasn’t trying to hurt her, after all… just shut her up.

As a side note, it was entirely unintentional, but the pairing of these two characters reminds me vaguely of Yukari and Nyamo from Azumanga Daioh (possibly due to the dramatic poster slap). Mrs. Parker wasn’t originally meant to be that important of a character, but I think I’d like to explore more of this dynamic in the future. ^\_^

## Links and References

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

## Related Topics

* Rain's Asthma
* Gym Class
* gender dysphoria
407:Affected

## Author Notes

Hey! Remember other characters? XD

This is the first bit of Gavin we’ve seen in quite a long time. How do you we think he’s handling Rain's new "maybe lesbian" situation?

## 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**
215:Courage

## Author Notes

Crazy page. So many points I want to make! I’ll focus on the big things.

Brother Arthur’s explanation of how he figured it out actually has a second purpose, moreso from a technical standpoint for me as the writer than anything plot-related. For the longest time, I got really hung up on how Rain could be enrolled in a school like this when her legal name doesn’t match the name she goes by. After all, I’m relatively certain such documents must be presented upon enrollment; the fact is, I don’t know if in real life anyone COULD go through high school without ANYONE knowing who they are. Members of the faculty would probably have to know. It’s a minor, forgettable hole that one could easily overlook because it IS fiction, but I guess it bothers me. Hence, this sort of explains it. Sort of… ish…

Also, I changed the dialogue SO MANY TIMES on this one. This page may have won the award for most dialogue rewrites of any in the story thus far. From Rain’s reaction, to Brother Arthur’s speech, I probably spent a literal day pacing around my apartment working out this dialogue. It’s still a little campy towards the end, but I think I generally like it for the most part.

Anyway, big important page. But I hope you all like it.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
184:Transcendence

## Author Notes

Confused, yet? O\_o

This page could also be called “Mindblow” or “WTF!? Grrfmblrgarhmfzzlegrblmarghhh!”, you know, depending on how willing you are to accept Rudy’s revelation. I settled with “Transcendence” because it is basically relevant though (and I love me some wordplay).

Special mention goes to the black and white scenes. The first two are from actual scenes earlier in the comic. The first portrays Rudy’s first display of admiration for Rain (from page 21 - The Truth Is). The second is from a scene in which he and Rain discussed the Strongwell home life (on page 39 - Slight Overreaction), making Rudy actually the first character to open up to Rain about his past. The third black and white panel isn’t any specific scene, but a simple montage of the three most antagonistic characters in the story: Emily, Todd and Father Quenton (although, only Emily has been particularly notable thus far). BUT! The “bumped into you on the first day” remark refers to Rain and Rudy’s first meeting (page 16 - Crash).

There’s lots more allusion throughout the comic thus far too. I’ve had this confession planned since day one after all. Don’t believe me? Read it again, and focus on Rudy. ^\_^

But regardless of nearly 200 pages of build up, Rain looks… iffy. How will things proceed from here, I wonder.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
183:Civil

## Author Notes

Good job, Rain. Way to rationally think out everything you’re going to say, so nothing comes off too harsh and no bridges are burned. That’s very responsible, and I think this is gonna go really well for you.

…
……
………

Uh… wait…
What did Rudy just say?

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
247:Shocked

## Author Notes

If I do say so myself, I’m impressed with the third panel here. “Ruby” looks exceptional. And by which I mean, this representation looks decidedly more feminine (than the costume back in Chapter 6) to the point where someone jumping into the story unknowingly right here might think Ruby was a real girl. Yet, I – personally anyway – still see Rudy through it. This is more or less exactly what I was aiming for too, so I’m kinda proud of it. ^\_^

Someone is inevitably going to think they’re clever and say something like, “it doesn’t look like Ruby’s wearing makeup though!” Makeup that fixes up your look while simultaneously not appearing as though you’re wearing makeup is really kind of what you want to go for. Mrs. Kurz is apparently good at achieving this.

Anyway, there’s a little bit of development peaking in here, and lots of funny faces.

## Links and References

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

## Related Topics

* Ruby
* Rain/Rudy
* Crossdresser
165:Let's Call It a Night

## Author Notes

Fun fact: I actually waited to see reactions to the previous page before finalizing the first panel’s dialogue. It helped to keep reactions more natural-sounding. ^\_^

Also, suddenly there’s a lot of kissing in this comic.

Also, also, even if it took until the end of the chapter, I still got Rain’s “chapterly cry” in there for good measure. I think it’s safe to say the last page gave Kylie a major headache; emotionally and physically. And Heather doesn’t get it as usual. I guess it’s kind of a boon nobody’s talking…

Also, also, also, this is it for now. The comic is going to be on hiatus for a short time in favor of me trying to get ahead on my pages AND to work on the print edition. Posts will begin again on January 16th, 2012.

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
318:Something Good

## Author Notes

First off, because a lot of people seem to have forgotten who Jessica is, I’d like to remind you about Aiken’s fiancé.
First seen here - 104:Hungover
Most recently seen here - 279:Flashbacks

It’s also worth noting that this was almost not the page today. I changed the order of the next couple pages a bit. Originally, I was going to have Fara and Jessica leave, but have focus remain on Rain’s party before showing this. At the last second, I looked at it again and felt this flowed a bit better. We’ll get back to Rain next week. Let’s take a moment to learn more about what kind of person Jessica is for now.

So, what kind of person is Jessica? And WHAT is Aiken up too? XD

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
118:Dating

## Author Notes

The return of the Fara vs. Mrs. (Ellen) Parker dynamic. Theoretically, they must be bonding a little bit to still be talking on a first-name basis following the incident on page 29. However, Ellen’s unconsciously rude commentary still drives Fara right up the wall.

And concerning Fara’s lack of luck with internet dating, it’s only been a couple days since she saw Aiken’s commercial, so she hasn’t realistically even been on the site long. Doesn’t stop her from getting frustrated over it, though.

I only tried internet dating once myself. It didn’t work out well for me either.

## Links and References

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

## Related Topics

* eHEARTyou
* Dating
* Fara's love life
341:Borrow

## Author Notes

Oh yeah! Fara and Jessica! Kinda forgot about them, did you?

If you think about it, they were gone a really long time. What did they talk about, I wonder? And what does Jessica have to say to Rain?

## Transcript

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## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
178:The Center

## Author Notes

Told you it was a short one. ^\_^

We wrap things up here with:
Emily and Chase still fighting, and with no end in sight.
Kylie, still unsure of himself… and now unsure of Rain as well.
Rob and Drew’s friendship becomes awkward.
Rudy answers ALL of Maria’s questions.
Gavin bids farewell after helping in the only way he felt he could.
And finally, Rain is left to wonder what the next day could possibly bring…

By the way, I’m not crazy about the narration here. To me, it feels tacky. But having short snippets of dialogue was actually worse. And not having any words at all just made it look horribly incomplete. So I feel like I couldn’t really win with this one. -\_-

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
385:Kids

## Author Notes

This page almost didn’t exist. It was kind of added last minute, when I suddenly remembered, “Oh yeah, Rain and Emily were supposed to talk this weekend.” So I just wanted to stress that Emily’s just kinda hanging around wondering about that secret Rain promised to share outside of school.

To flesh out the page a bit more, Emily ALMOST opens up to Fara about her own secret. Fara presents the “wrong answer” though and inadvertently scares her away. Poor kid.

## Links and Reference

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

## Related Topics

* Fara's kids
* Emily's pregnancy
258:Come Out

## Author Notes

Excuse my tease with the page title. XD

Anyway, I’m wondering if Gavin’s snark is a bit too subtle? Supportive as he may be of Rain, he has been kind of against this whole charade against her brother since the beginning. I think even Rain is starting to see the mistake she’s made. Not that this fact makes it any easier for her to just turn around and fix.

Artistically, this page is suck. Have I ever mentioned I hate car scenes?

## Links and References

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

Unnamed grandfather (deceased)

**Francis Kendrick** is a character in This Is The Police. He is the Deputy of the Freeburg Police Department at the start of the game. In July 1985, he was recently implicated in one of the largest corruption scandals in the city's history, although he was cleared of all charges.

## Personal details

### Early history

Kendrick joined the FPD decades ago - when he first met Jack Boyd 30 years ago, Jack thought that he resembled a "gallant royal officer in an old Kipling story." In 1965, Kendrick began "playing loose with the law," eventually becoming the Sand mafia's mole in the Police Department. Just prior to July 1985, he was investigated as a suspect in a large-scale investigation into corruption. The department's internal affairs raided his late grandfather's library, bringing great shame to Kendrick. Despite Kendrick's ties to the mafia, he was cleared of all charges following the investigation, though it left him greatly weakened all the same. Though Jack knew of his deputy's involvement with the mafia, they still view each other as friends.[1]

### Events of This Is The Police

Early on, he will approach Jack asking him to take on his agreement with the mafia while he flees Freeburg with his family. Jack can agree or disagree with this proposal and the answer seals Kendrick's fate.[2]

If Jack agrees to become the mafia's inside man, Kendrick flees Freeburg to start a new life elsewhere with his family. If Jack turns him down, Sand has Kendrick and his family murdered and a photo of their severed heads sent to Jack and forces him to become his inside man anyway.[3]

## Gameplay

The decision whether or not to help Kendrick determines the initial loyalty of the mafia. Leaving him alive also makes the assault at the end of the game easier to perform even though his involvement in it is not explained or hinted at.

## Gallery

Kendrick's fate if the player agrees to help.Ditto but the player refuses instead.
## References

1. This Is The Police: Cutscene at the end of day 2
2. This Is The Police: Cutscene at the beginning of day 5
3. This Is The Police: Cutscene at the beginning of day 6
290:Chanel

## Author Notes

That first page was murder. The worst part is it’s still lazy-looking. Bah.

Incidentally, I brought the setting into a church to create a scenario where Maria and Chanel could actually meet on Christmas. It seemed the best way when I was scripting it. Then when I drew it and looked at the page, noting Chanel’s texting Maria it dawned on me, I could have probably enacted an extremely similar scene entirely through text. I thought about changing it, but the page was already drawn by that point, and I’d spent more time than usual on it. Leave it to me to try and simplify things by dramatically overcomplicating it. o\_o

On the opposite end of the drawing spectrum, Chanel has quickly become one of my favorite characters in this comic to draw. She’s just so tiny and cheek-pinchingly cute.

## Transcript

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## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
185:Similarity

## Author Notes

I realize you all hate me now for switching scenes mid-sentence, all I can say is I have my reasons. I never do anything for no reason. And I promise you won’t have to wait that long.

Anyway, Gavin and Maria here discuss the one question that most of this comic’s readers (especially the shippers) have been clamoring for since day one: “Does Rain like guys or girls?” This is actually the first time that sentiment has been really discussed in canon though.

So, what does it mean? Are we close to getting an answer then? Was this Allison person really a mere smokescreen, or did Ryan have a genuine crush on her back in the day? Oh, so complicated. ^\_^

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
360:Random

## Author Notes

Moving along, we get an explanation for Rudy’s absence throughout much of this chapter, followed by some more self-depreca-…

Oh~! XD

If I may say so, the January Girl is like my new favorite character to draw. She’s kinda fun, on account of her being SO asymmetrical. If I may also say, it’ll be a huge relief when I can stop calling her “January Girl” and refer to her by her real name.

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
434:Four Months Away

## Author Notes

Suddenly Rudy! XD

Lots to take in here. Between Maria’s brief interrogation, to Emily’s evasion and derailing of it, to Gavin’s intentions, to Rudy’s… well, to like everything Rudy says on this page. And what are you taking from all of this?

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
430:Dresses

## Author Notes

Most of what I remember from my senior year in high school, was girls talking about prom and dresses and limos and whatever else… for like the entire year. Seriously. It used to drive me nuts (maybe I was just bitter for not being able to wear a dress to my prom though). Anyway, my point is, hearing about prom MONTHS in advance was such a notable part of my high school life, that I consider it a personal flaw to have not really talked about it before now.

Cue popular girls. XD

Can’t help but feel bad for Emily though. You can tell she WANTS to be a part of this. But if she got pregnant in late October, what’s she going to look like by prom in late May? Will she even be able to go?

## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
175:The "Real You"

## Author Notes

Heather really is a different breed of “oppressive guardian” than the Strongwell parents. She really wants what’s best for her sibling; I mean, she genuinely cares. She just doesn’t get it. She’s blind to Kylie’s reasons for doing what he does. That said, it probably doesn’t help that even Kylie is also filled with uncertainty most of the time.

So when Heather says, “the real you”, she’s not really trying to be a bitch. Ignorant perhaps, but not with any active malice. The odd thing is that she doesn’t even seem unsupportive of Kylie showing interest in a girl…

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
236:And Time Passes...

## Author Notes

I really, really wanted to split this into two separate updates, but the pages really do go together. Understanding that kind of a lot happens on these two pages though, I’d be especially happy to hear some commentary.

And in case anyone asks, the final scene with Team Rain all gathered at her place does not include Chanel. Let’s just say she couldn’t make it… or maybe she just didn’t want to risk getting stuck sitting next to icky Gavin or Rudy or something.

## Transcript

Nov. 17th - Saturday

Nov. 18th - Sunday

Nov. 19th - Monday

Nov. 20th - Tuesday

Nov. 21th - Wednesday

Dec. 7th - Friday

Dec. 14th - Friday

Dec. 21st - Friday

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
225:Someone

## Author Notes

But can/will Maria really move on?

And on another note, I’m honestly surprised Maria hasn’t punched Debbie yet.

And on another other note, Rain seems to have made a new friend…

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
345:List

## Author Notes

(They’re talking about Jessica, by the way. I feel like that should be clear, but I just now realized that her name is never said on this page. So just in case there’s any confusion: it’s Jessica.)

Anyway, have I mentioned how much I hate car scenes. Why do I keep including them? I just get bored and stop drawing the seats and seatbelts and… car. Forgive this for now please, I’ll fix it at some point, I swear.

I like the page’s dialogue at least. Rain’s infrequent moment of happy-go-luckiness is just charming and adorable. And Fara gets to say some responsible parent stuff too. XD

## Transcript

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## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
116:Eye

## Author Notes

Being gay (or trans) and out in a school environment can be potentially dangerous. There are always bullies of varying degrees no matter what school you go to. To make matters worse, in some very real schools (like ones where addressing issues of homosexuality is forbidden by teachers and students alike, or ones - like in the case of this comic - where homosexuality is actually a bigger offense than assaulting someone), sometimes there’s really nowhere to turn. My heart goes out to any kids out there stuck in such a situation.

And for what it’s worth, you’ve actually seen Todd before.
See first panel here: 40:Not So Secret

## Links and References

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

## Related Topics

* Rudy and Todd
* Rudy's black eye
* Emily's Halloween party
158:Misunderstanding

## Author Notes

After a lot of pages, Rain finally catches up with Maria who is apparently REALLY GOOD at hiding her feelings of rage and vengeance after her “situation” with Todd.

One of Rain’s troubles is solved(?) quickly and anticlimactically as Chase is not onto her (or not telling anyone if he is). But the matter of Kylie still presents a problem.

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
210:Heather

## Author Notes

The second page here is extremely experimental, but for obvious reasons, I didn’t want it to stand alone. And yet, I also didn’t want to leave it out.

Thoughts on ANY part of this are entirely welcome.

## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
299:Playing

## Author Notes

This page is brutal. Probably one of the heaviest things in this comic to date.

Obviously, what Aiken says is not only incorrect, but also deplorable. To my trans brothers and sisters: if someone ever says something like this to you, don’t even give them the time of day. These people are not worth your tears or your words. And to my cis friends: please, please, PLEASE just remember that genitalia doesn’t have anything to do with gender. Having a penis doesn’t necessarily make you a man. Having a vagina doesn’t necessarily make you a woman. Period.

## Transcript

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## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
203:Positive Reinforcement

## Author Notes

I wanted to call this page “Parenting”, but as it turns out, I’ve already used that. I decided to go with classic psychology instead. ^\_^

Truthfully, I think this is a pretty clever tactic on Fara’s part. No yelling. No screaming. No grounding. Hell, Rain doesn’t even know she’s in trouble yet. Sure, Fara’s effectively bribing her niece, but hey, it just might work. Of course, if Rain does pass everything and Colin doesn’t get any tickets, Fara might be in trouble…

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
418:Source of Pain

## Author Notes

Using Jessica to channel my feelings again, and address something more.

There’s a common trait I’ve noticed among many transfolk who begin transition later in life begrudging the younger generations who’ve had the opportunity to start in their teen years, preteen years, or even younger. I’ve done it myself in the past, but it’s a trait I didn’t like in myself (or anyone), so I’ve tried to get over it. I still suffer the occasional twinge of jealousy, but I’m a big girl, so I should really try to act like it.

Did I start transition later in life than I would have liked? Oh god, yes. Does that mean I’m unhappy now because I didn’t get to live the first 28 years of my life the way I wanted to? Yeah. But you know, I’m still the happiest I’ve ever been. All it really means is that I shouldn’t waste my time sulking and make the most of the next however many years I have left on this earth. I want to be happy. I want everyone else to be happy. Why would I (or anyone) begrudge anyone else that right?

While I’m on the subject of age, I want to stress to some of my older readers who wish to transition but have not: there is no right or wrong time to start. It’s not necessarily easier when you’re younger (so don’t think you’ve missed some arbitrary window), and it’s not necessarily harder when you’re older (I know people who have started in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s; they’re doing great). There’s also some myth I’ve heard a few times that hormones have no effect after age 25-35 (every time I hear it, the age varies). I want to debunk the hell out of this. I mean, I’m almost thirty (certainly over 25), and the effects I’ve experienced have been phenomenal (honestly, better than I’d hoped for). The same goes for many of the older trans folk I know. Perhaps it’s slightly less effective then it could have been, but I don’t for a moment believe there’s actually a cutoff when it just becomes outright ineffective.

In the end, if you want to transition – young or old – I think you should.

I’m preachier than usual, today. I guess I had a lot on my mind with this one. ^^;

## Transcript

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## Links and Reference

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
200:Acting Differently

## Author Notes

Two-hundred pages! Whoo!

Besides what’s actually going on, I’d like to draw your attention to some slight uniform changes. With the story going into November now, the weather is cooling down and the students are expected to wear blazers. Additionally, while girls can still opt for the knee-length skirt they’ve all been wearing so far, they might also choose to wear a jumper. Although, the “Winter uniform” is entirely inspired by my own personal experience, I admit the real reason I made ANY alteration at is simply because I’m getting tired of drawing the uniform as it was (I mean, I have kind of drawn it A LOT in 200 pages).

I make no exaggeration, when I say I’ve considered an arc later on in the story where the school changes the uniforms. It’s kind of stupid, so I probably won’t do that, but this is how much I didn’t feel like drawing it anymore. And I figure by the time I get tired of the blazers, it’ll be warm weather again in the comic. Maybe. If I’m lucky.

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
* **Read this page on SmackJeeves**
* **Read this page on Comic Fury**
160:Laughter

## Author Notes

Just a little disclaimer here: Rudy’s not really laughing AT Rain. He’s just kinda… laughing.

There’s not a lot else to say about this one. Rudy’s outburst is really contagious to me though. I can’t help but chuckle as I look at panels 3 through 6.

## Transcript

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## Links and References

* **Read this page on DeviantArt**
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250:Wink

## Author Notes

250 pages! Whoo!

Based on the last few pages, it’s been a little over an hour since Ryan entered the scene with Aiken. All the conversation that’s likely happened up to now would’ve been “How’s school?”, “What’s new?”, “Blah blah blah.” It may have derailed to other small talk direction like, “Have you seen the trailer for that new movie?” but I’m confident we haven’t missed anything. Especially since Aiken – having not seen his ‘baby bro’ in over five years – circles back to his disbelief at how much Ryan has changed. Oh, if he only knew.

Fara sends it all back to Aiken though. She may even get an answer eventually.

## Transcript

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42:Hung Up

## Author Notes

Get it? “Hung up”? Oh man, that’s punny. (Or, you know, terrible…) I had a few other titles in mind, but I just couldn’t resist the stupid joke. -\_-

I hope you don’t mind the whole “phone conversation” thing. I feel like I use it a lot in this chapter. Admittedly I debated turning this specific scene into an IM conversation just to break it up, but figured it’d be more dramatic to actually have Gavin and Maria physically yelling at each other. Verbal rage for the win (I guess).

I really like this page because I feel like it’s something ANYONE can relate to (making it so delightfully frustrating). I mean, they’re arguing with each other, but they’re kind of on the same side… it’s just a different view from the same side. If they just shut up for a second and listened to each other instead of trying to make their own point, they might even see that.

(Good times, good times.)

## Links and References

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## Related Topics

* Transgender
* Gavin/Rain
* Maria/Gavin
* Maria/Rain
288:Avatar

## Author Notes

Subtle joke in the first panel. XD

Anyway, I guess I should explain for anyone who hasn’t interacted with a Nintendo product in the last six years or so (as the Funtendo Yuu Us is a parody of the new Nintendo Wii U). In short, all their recent consoles have an feature where you build an avatar based on yourself called a Mii. With the Wii U, it is actually integral to setup, since each person’s account on the machine is designated via a Mii. So here we see Aiken thinking he’s helping but… yeah…

If I may say, I think Miis look kinda stupid. Especially when I draw them. And ESPECIALLY when I draw them in a manner that’s supposed to “resemble-them-mostly-but-is-off-a-little-kinda-intentionally”. You know, just keeping it off minutely so Nintendo doesn’t sue me (for instance, “Baby Bro’s” hairstyle is not actually available option; it’s similar, but not exact).

What does one call a parody Mii though? O\_o

This is a lengthy blurb anyway, but I want close with a little fun fact: Since the Mii Maker screen always makes a point of having a “birthdate section”, I decided I should probably include it. But when I create characters for any story, I often have a zodiac sign in mind for them, but rarely come up with a specific birthdate. As it turns out, Rain’s a Virgo. I’ve known that forever. But the actual day wasn’t decided on until I drew this page. ^\_^

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115:"This"

## Author Notes

Leave it to Gavin to mean to say something nice but still manage to sound like a dick in the process.

To clarify the “mask vs. cute costume” argument: they don’t really make a lot of girly costumes that have masks. Guy costumes get masks, gore and weapons. Girl costumes get sex appeal, glitter and accessories. I mean, there are always exceptions of course, but that is the majority.

Ryan probably grew up being stuck with cliché boy costumes his whole life, like reapers and vampires and devils or something. So Rain is longing for the opportunity to finally be something more feminine, like a princess or a faerie or what have you. You know, something cute. Something ultra girly that she couldn’t have ever gotten away with in her childhood.

Said costumes tend to be exceptionally “showy” though. Rain might want one because they’re decidedly girly, but at the same time, fears them for being able to easily out her if she’s not careful.

## Links and References

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## Related Topics

* Emily's Halloween party
* Rain's costume
* Transgender
* Rain and Gavin's past
* Passing
10: High School in a Nutshell

## Synopsis

The bell rings to signal the end of class.
Rain exits the class surrounded by several boys (Drew, Rob, and Devon) who compliment her, obviously attempting to flirt.

Emily exits the class talking about Rain and her squeak in roll call with Holly and Debbie.

Maria and Gavin exit the class discussing Rain's shyness around boys and how this 'might bode well for me for once'.

Gavin then remarks that he has a possible way to win his bet against Maria.

## Author Notes

There's a lot of characters shown here. Don’t worry though, it’s not technically necessary to know all of them by name. Few of them are crucial to the story, but you never know, I may come up with a perfect role for some of these kids. ^\_^

 Also, you can almost kinda sorta see Rain’s left eye for the first time. The wacky part: I totally don’t remember drawing it like that. O\_o

 Huh. I thought I’d have more to say about this one. But all of my points escape me at the moment. These ten-hour shifts at my job are apparently killing my ability to think. Oh well. If you guys have questions about it, just ask as always. ^\_^

## Links and References

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## Related Topics

* The boys of St. Hallvard
* Rain and Boys
257:Emphasis

## Author Notes

As usual, Fara is the aunt with a plan, but hell if anyone knows what’s actually going through her mind.

I felt wishy-washy about including this page, feeling the last panel is really the only significant one and probably could’ve just been tacked on to what comes next. And yet, this late introduction serves the purpose of establishing who everyone is to the characters and rules they’re going to have to follow for the coming events. It also helps lay everything out in a non-chaotic way, for those who’ve had a little bit of trouble following the last few pages. So, what the heck.

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376:"Hevon"

## Author Notes

No, Rain! Turn around! Turn around! D’aah! XD

Anyway, “Hevon” is what I call Holly x Devon. After the last two pages this week being named after them and this one including a kiss, this seemed like a good way to close the week. I like the name a lot, since it ends up being pronounced like “heaven”.

## Transcript

Devon and Holly kiss

Rain leaves Rudy

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296:Attraction

## Author Notes

Love is a very complicated thing (understatement of the century!). I don’t believe there are any right or wrong answers. Gavin’s dad (his name is Trevor, by the way) is one man. Although gay, he did legitimately love the woman he married, but he couldn’t take the lie he was feeding himself (as subtly implied by the last panel). This DOES have the potential to draw parallels to some other couple we know. But does it actually guarantee anything?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

## Links and Reference

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## Related Topics

* Homosexual
* non-prefered gender relationships
* Gavin's sexuality
179:Gossip Girl

## Author Notes

Starting now, I’m going to be naming the present day of the story whenever it changes from this point on. There has been a lot of confusion about the flow of time in the past, and I’m hoping this will adequately clear things up. I will also be (slowly but surely) retroactively going back and adding dates to pages throughout the first seven chapters as well. Please note, I will not be dating every page; just ones when the in-story date changes. In other words, if I don’t mention the date for so many pages, you can safely assume it’s the same date that was last mentioned. I hope that helps everyone.

On a completely unrelated note, if you’re familiar with my (indefinitely) unfinished story, “Lavender Town”, you may recognize Lavie and Amanda in panel 5. When I needed random girl designs, these two just popped into my head. Obviously, it can’t REALLY be them. Their personalities are all wrong and they’re in the wrong school (and wrong town). As such, they’re really just lookalikes. But I’m not above a shameless cameo like that once in a while. Um, the other girls are just girls though.

If you’re interested in “Lavender Town”, you can check that out here – Link

## Transcript

Nov. 2nd - Friday

Step

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275:Soap Opera

## Author Notes

I feel like it wasn’t totally clear, but this scene is literally following the other scenes with Rain/Ruby and Aiken/Chase. Time has passed since we’ve last seen these two. Kylie has calmed down a little, and asked about what the hell is going on. So Gavin clarifies everything that’s happened to everyone in the friend circle (since Kylie goes to a different school and is not as privy to this information).

As you can see, Kylie is doing all the talking here. I wanted it to come off like Gavin just actually spent the last hour or so going into the details of everything in the story (since Chapter 1) thus far. What you’re seeing, is Kylie kinda repeating it back in brief summation.

The end result: man, I liked this page a lot better on paper than in practice. I really was trying to just push the story forward a little, but this feels clumsy to me. At least the last two panels are okay, I think.

Oh, and Kylie’s bi. Yes, it was the point to throw that out there as haphazardly as possible.

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226:Hard

## Author Notes

I guess I probably could have had these be two separate updates, but that would have been a REAL jerk move on my part if I had. Even as it is, I’m sure I’ll get hatemail for this. ^\_^

But, you know, Maria WAS kind of rude to Rain during the last chapter (with Rain completely unassuming as to why). And even if Maria feels guilty about it, it’s hard to just ask forgiveness to someone she’s alienated for over a week.

It’s never easy, is it…?

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329:A Daring Truth

## Author Notes

Soooooo, here’s a topic that hasn’t been talked about very much so far (surprisingly). It was inevitable that it’d come up at some point though, I guess.

So how about a random thought to pollute your minds with and initiate a little speculative discussion: do you think there’s anyone else in that room who isn’t? Who and why?

## Transcript

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285:Day's End

## Author Notes

Kind of a choppy page, but it’s more in the favor of moving things along (otherwise it’d be like three pages of completely unnecessary filler). Hopefully, you still get the important points.

Still, I kinda like this page. The last panel is so bittersweet.

[EDIT] - Perhaps it was too subtle? ^^;

Fara talks to Colin in the beginning of the chapter
Because of how things go, she is left with the impression that for Christmas to go smoothly, either Colin has to know about Rain, or Aiken does (or both). Fara has not been seen since then, and has apparently been out at the car for all this time, and on the first panel of the previous update, Fara is wiping her eyes. Based on her line in the final panel, one might be able to assume, she called him back and told him... and he didn't respond well to it.

Based on reactions I'm hearing though, this may not have been entirely clear. I apologize.

## Transcript

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141:Angels

## Author Notes

Keep walking, Rain! Quickly!

So, what made this page most awkward for you. Emily’s change of heart (better known as “watching her public image”)? The hug? The “sister” comment? Chase’s comment? Really, this page is just one big festival of awkwardness. ^\_^

Oh, and with that, now all of the main characters are actually AT the party. Only took eight pages to get the chapter about a party TO the party.

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167:Not the Point

## Author Notes

Argh! Damn you, person at the door! (But who is it?)

People are always asking if Rain and Kylie will ever learn each other’s birth genders. The answer is a surprisingly straight-forward “yes”. I don’t think it’s a spoiler though; I mean, you guys ALL know it’s going to happen. You just don’t know when and how. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t having fun making them repeatedly just barely NOT learn the truth though.

Highlight of the page: Fara’s lampshading the readers in the first two panels amuses me too much.

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166:Morning After

## Author Notes

I should probably explain Fara’s comments in the beginning. I can’t vouch for all Catholic schools, but in my personal experience, we always got the day after Halloween off from school because All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation. We also got days like the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8th) too. It was really cool because when all the public schools still had classes, I was at home kicking back. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we didn’t get off for Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashanah like the public schools did. In the end, it all really evens out.

Anyway, my point in all this is that most of the main cast consists of Catholic school students, which is meant to explain why no one’s in school on the day after Halloween.

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382:SOOOOOO CUTE!

## Author Notes

I remember when we wife and I first started going out, she said she knew I was a woman because I could do that “death glare”. You know the one. According to the last panel, so can Rain. XD

I wonder how Rudy will respond. I mean, he seems a bit concerned about just saying it, right here and now. Thoughts?

Also, in case you didn't see it, Rain and I did "Transgender Talk" with Times Union blog! CHECK IT OUT!

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413:Detail

## Author Notes

Maria’s so crafty sometimes. All that explanation without lying OR saying too much. Although, I believe Rudy’s done the same thing in the past. I’d say it runs in the family, but judging by their parents, I guess it skipped a generation? XD

The last panel is interesting though. Although the two girls don’t really get along under normal circumstances, the last panel has Maria showing concern for Emily. Probably on account of Maria knowing "that thing" about Emily that she shouldn’t…

I wonder how long she can keep up the crafty smooth talking...

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