[Video] Kazoo 16

[ayao]

Forgive me for being...selfish...

And I warn you, the subject matter of my question might be sensitive...

[But why not make this inquiry here rather than in his world where it would surely bring negative repercussions.]

What are your thoughts on two men being in a relationship? [He doesn't dare say married, but he is drawn to the idea.] Do you perceive it as...wrong? Should the men instead continue their respective lines with wives?

[Heirs are important. Yet can they not be had in other ways? Of course said ways are illegal and immoral in the land he knows.]

Comments

[secondconflict]

You want the opinion of a man who's done both?

[ayao]

Please? I would find that most helpful!

[secondconflict]

Love's one of those things that isn't guaranteed a happy ending, but goin' into marriage just 'cause it's what you "ought" to do makes an unhappy wife and miserable children.

Grab what happiness you can, no matter where it comes from. It's fleeting and will be gone 'fore you know it. Lettin' it slip past will only make you feel bitterness and regret.

[ayao]

[Bitterness...and regret. He knows those two feelings well and he would like to lessen them. And not just for himself.

But he hasn't ever pursued his desires in this way. He found ways to take the edge off and then pretended to be "normal" in public. But here and now, he can be...

Someone new.]

What if the happiness you want causes problems for others?

[secondconflict]

Fuck 'em.

[ayao]

If only it were so easy. [He sighs.] I hail from ancient China. At least, that is the impression I get when I read about history.

[secondconflict]

Ah. Right. Culture's gonna make that shit tough.

You could find a wife who's interested in other women? Make an arrangement.

[ayao]

That would mean revealing my proclivities. [And he doesn't like showing his hand.] I do not trust any woman that much.

[secondconflict]

Well, kid, sounds like you get to choose 'tween being miserable or choosing to fuck 'em.

[ayao]

I could stand against the sects. I could ignore them. [But would the man he loves do likewise?]

[secondconflict]

Depending on the time and culture, you might also end up dead if you're caught.

Folks like us have always had to make that choice.

Wish it were different.

[ayao]

Precisely. [How romantic to die for love! Yet ultimately useless and painful.]

I would change it. [If he had the power.] I am glad those aboard the train are more...open-minded.

[secondconflict]

Well they better be, considerin' how easy it is to walk in on somethin' here.

[ayao]

I have seen my fair share of...surprises, yes. [His small smile says he didn't wholly mind.]

[secondconflict]

For real, kid. I've lived through men like us being hated to being accepted. It ain't easy, but sometimes choosing love is worth it.

Don't be the coward who picks the easy path instead. Just be smart about it.

And you can use this train to experiment in the meantime.

[ayao]

My name is Meng Yao. [And the idea of experimenting leaves a flush on his cheeks.] There are so many variables. I want to act rashly, but rash actions are rarely rewarded.

[Frankly, the one he loves deserves better than that.]

Thank you for your wisdom. I will think on it.

[secondconflict]

And 'm Kerry.

And sometimes rash actions are rewarded. That's rock n' roll.

[ayao]

Rock and roll? What is that?

[secondconflict]

It's music, but also a lifestyle.

[ayao]

Your lifestyle?

[secondconflict]

More or less.

[ayao]

What does it entail?

[secondconflict]

Rebellion.

Usually in the form of stickin' it to corpo assholes, but with a healthy dose of sex and drugs too.

[ayao]

I... I see.

Who are "corpo assholes"?

[secondconflict]

Hmm... You know, rich fucks who think that they can use other people however they want? Those who treat people like pawns and think they got a right to rule the world.