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Poe has always known they experienced gender differently than the people around them.
When they first realized this, they thought maybe they were a trans woman, but then realized they didn't feel fully comfortable as a woman. They considered that they may just be a gender non-conforming man, but being viewed as a man didn't feel right either.
After doing some research, they concluded that they were genderfluid. They wanted to express their gender without confining themself to a binary. They felt most like themself in a blazer and heels.
The first “person” they told was Karl. He was very supportive.
Next, he told some co-workers. Nobody was rude. Some people didn't get it, but that was fine. They weren't treating them any differently, which was enough for them.
People mainly used “he” for them, which was fine. They liked hearing "he." It was comfortable and familiar. Occasionally, people would throw in “they” to refer to them. That made them feel really giddy. One thing that has yet to happen, though, is being called "she."
They yearned for it.
But they never complained. They didn't like confrontation and preferred to just endure. Plus, they felt comfort in knowing that if Karl could speak, he would use “she” for them.
They were in the middle of discussing this matter to Karl when they got a text. They were startled since they don't receive calls or texts very often, but felt that fear turn into butterflies when they saw who it was that sent the text.
Dear Ranpo
Want to hang out later? Like take a walk around the park or something?
"Want” would be an understatement. They would be delighted to hang out with Ranpo.
They were about to respond when they got another text.
Dear Ranpo
Like as a date I mean
What.
Ranpo was asking them on a date? They didn't know how to process this information. Of course, the answer would be yes. They would love nothing more than to date Ranpo. They have loved him for a long time, but wow. They were lightheaded at the thought. A date. With Ranpo. And so suddenly. They needed to calm down to respond to this text, but they couldn't stop the giggles escaping their throat and their hands from flapping back and forth in excitement.
Ed
Yes, please.
That sounded desperate. Oh well, they couldn't find it in themselves to care. They felt floaty until their heart plummeted at a thought.
Would Ranpo still be interested if he knew Poe wasn't a man? Would he date a genderfluid person? They had to ask, but the idea of Ranpo taking back the invitation was unnerving.
Ed
Before this date, I need to tell you something. I do not fully identify as a man. I am gender fluid and use all pronouns. I hope that isn't a deal breaker for you because I really like you and would love to go on a date with you.
Dear Ranpo
ur such an over thinker. Of course I don't mind. I will pick you up at 6. Does that work?
Any time worked. If they were busy, they would cancel plans. They were going on this date.
Ed
That sounds perfect; I shall see you then.
Poe has never been so excited. They showered, picked out their prettiest blazer, and chose their tallest heels. This was their first date ever. And with Ranpo, no less. Six could not come faster. Just two more hours. They could endure.
To pass the time, Poe elected to write. They were deep in thought when they heard their phone buzz. A text from Ranpo.
Dear Ranpo
Im outside
It was time. They were beyond excited. When they made their way outside, they saw Ranpo wearing what looked like a new hat but his same signature suit. He was handsome, as always. Poe couldn't help but wonder what a man like Ranpo saw in someone like them.
“Hey Ed, have you gotten taller?” Ranpo joked, referring to the heels Poe was wearing. “This is for you.” He handed them a flower that he was hiding behind his back.
If they weren't outside, Poe may have fallen to their knees.
“Wait, I guess it's not gentlemanly of me to make you hold this.” He took the flower back before putting it in Poe’s hair. “There you go; it looks pretty.”
“Thank you.” Poe was at a loss for words.
Ranpo took Poe's hand into his own. “Let's head to the park.”
“Y-yeah, sounds good.” Poe must have sounded like the biggest idiot ever, but how were they supposed to think clearly when Ranpo was holding their hand?
They walked for a while until they finally reached the park.
“Oh, Poe, look, look!” Ranpo exclaimed. “It's an ice cream truck!”
Poe would not be able to get through this date without dying. Ranpo was so damn cute.
Poe paid before Ranpo had the chance to reach for his own wallet.
“You didn't have to buy that for me.” Ranpo gushed.
“I wanted to.”
“You are being kind of quiet. I have deduced that you are uneasy. Whats wrong?”
Poe thought they were hiding it pretty well, but you can't hide anything from Ranpo.
“I'm just nervous.”
Ranpo ate his ice cream sandwich in about 2 bites before speaking, “Honestly, I'm nervous too.”
“Why on earth are you nervous?”
“I wanted to ask you out for a while and thought my text wasn’t romantic enough. I'm not very good at this kind of stuff.”
Poe was about to assure Ranpo that the text was good enough for them, but suddenly, Ranpo released Poe's hand.
"Give me one second; the boss is calling."
Poe would be lying if they said they weren't disappointed by the sudden loss of warmth against their palm, but this was only their first date, and they couldn't start off so clingy.
"Hey Fukuzawa," Ranpo began. Poe couldn't hear what was happening on the other side of the line, but luckily it didn't sound too serious. "Did you really call me just to tell me about a stray cat you found? I'm on a date, you know, and she shouldn't be kept waiting."
She shouldn't be kept waiting.
She shouldn't be kept waiting.
She.
Holy shit Poe was going to marry this man.
They never imagined being called “she” would feel so good. They have wanted it for a while, but hearing it was an indescribable experience. They have never felt so valid. The fact that is was Ranpo who said it made it all the better.
The minute Ranpo ended the phone call, Poe cupped his face into their hands.
With their newly found confidence, they said, “May I kiss you, Ranpo?”
Poe has never seen Ranpo so flustered. His face, all the way up to his ears, was red. He stared at Poe with wide eyes. This may have been the first time they actually caught him off guard. They heard Ranpo gulp before he responded.
“Please.”
Poe closed the gap between them.
The kiss lasted longer than either of them expected, as neither of them wanted to stop. Ranpo’s lips were soft and inviting. Poe liked to imagine a world where they could kiss his lips like this every day.
Unfortunately, breathing was necessary to live, so they parted their lips to take a breath.
“I- uh- that was my first kiss.” Poe blurted.
“Same.” Ranpo responded
They stared at each other for a while before they began laughing, unable to take themselves seriously.
“I hope it was okay. Obviously, I'm not experienced,” Ranpo said between chuckles.
Poe interlocked their fingers one more time, “It was wonderful. I shall cherish this moment forever, dear.”