CAMERON

JAMES WATERSTON as GERARD PITTS in DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989)

easy to pronounce, even for children (though kids 4 & younger may pronounce it more like "mayd" or "maygh")

ONE SYLLABLE!!! ("individual" is too goddamn LONG.) you have to be able to say it quickly and casually

ends in a soft vowel sound, so it'll flow right into the next word ("ind" halts the whole sentence)

fits neatly into the existing structure as a relative of master/mistress that can be abbreviated down to an m and one other letter

distinct enough that it can't be mistaken for either gendered term (if you call me mix I'll kill you. it sounds like miss with extra steps)

wizard.

drawbacks:

there aren't any

They went NUTS for it! Not only did they love it, but there was an immediate click in understanding about they/them pronouns *from the entire cohort* that I haven’t experienced in 3 years of programming.

And linking it back to the root words Mister and Missus as OP so wonderfully provided helped establish that using they/them or neopronouns isn’t just playing around or “Miss but different” the way it can be with Mx. I used to try to go by Teacher Day because I was still getting she/her’d all the time but that also came with the problems of the students only being able to see me in the role of Teacher and being intimidated by the educational institution and their grades (I don’t even work for the school I’m external staff I don’t even have WiFi access). And I’d still get she/her’d all the time.

As soon as I introduced Magister they saw that a nonbinary person could be an Adult with a *societal* role outside the binary. It was immediately visible in their ecstatic faces. And I didn’t get misgendered today.

:(

Charlie: Well, he locked himself in the bathroom.

Pitts: Just tell him I said something.

Charlie: Said what?

Pitts: Anything factually inaccurate.

*two minutes later*

What It Would Be Like In A Poly Relationship With Steven Meeks And Gerard Pitts

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Coming to the conclusion of “we’re all dating” was a confusing process. All three of you were sitting around Meeks’ and Pitts’ room, in a comfortable silence, when you decided to get something off your chest, something that had been on your mind for a bit now. Probably about to ruin the comfortable silence. “Look, okay, this is hard for me to say, but I like both of you.” You said, your face turning a dark crimson as you looked over at the wall. They were silent at first until finally, Meeks spoke up and added to your statement with “I like you too...But I also like Gerard.” Which made a smile grow across your lips and Pittsie’s face turn a deep shade of red, just like your own. “But I like you both too.” Was what Pitts squeaked out.

It was a complicated and long conversation, trying to decided who would date who, if Meeks and Pitts would date, if you and Pitts would date or if Meeks and you would date. You all just couldn’t agree upon a final pairing, not being able to pick who you liked more, when Pitts just mumbled “Well...Why don’t we all date.” No one really said anything about the whole topic after that, but it was obvious you all happily agreed and liked that idea. But the words were never shared, it was never “official”, it just kinda happened.

That being said, it’s always a jumbled mix of “uhm”’s and “I don’t know”’s when someone asks if you’re all a thing, because you don’t really know what you all are. Those conversations usually just end in you all awkwardly shrugging while looking around at one another. You guys also never said anything about it to the rest of the poets, never clarifying if you were actually in a relationship or not. They just all kind of knew, and that was that.

Holding hands with Meeks was really one of the first, big turning points in you guy’s relationship. A mutual agreement was formed then, you all just knew “well...guess we’re dating now”, without the words actually being said. The same with quick hugs between passing periods that were shared with Pitts. He absolutely loved hugs, and giving them to Meeks and you was another, special signal.

It wasn’t often a struggle to come to an agreement for dates. One of you would throw out really any random suggestion that came to your mind, and boom, that’s what you found yourself doing an hour later.

Pitts perfered things such as tree climbing, which Meeks would happily sit and watch the two of you from the ground, the safe grass, where he wouldn’t fall, and Pitts also liked picnics. Which seemed to be a group favorite, picnics. Meeks liked dates such as ice skating and climbing up to the top of a water tower to look out at the view over town or watch the sunset cast pinks and oranges over each of your features. 

Studying together wasn’t uncommon, study dates and helping each other with homework was a very normal thing. And you all actually worked very nicely together.

The conversations are never boring, bringing up random topics, new things you learned and having intellectually stimulating conversations is a must have. You three could talk for hours about anything that would get your brain thinking. Many mature and academic debates have been held between the three of you, politely arguing with respectful reasons is your speciality. So when the time comes that you do get into an actual argument or fight, it’s gonna be like a whole damn debate.

Blanket and pillow forts are almost always set up in each other’s dorms. Meeks’ and Pitts’ room is so full of them, and because of that, they’ve stopped sleeping on their beds and just sleep in the little set up tents every night. So much tea and gossip has been spilled in the depths of those forts, many late night book readings and make out seasons have gone on in the dim light.

Playing a game of tossing Stevens glasses around is a terrible, terrible thing. But that doesn’t stop you and Pitts from taking part in it. Tossing them around the room while effortlessly dodging him. Yes it’s crude, but he’s like a little blind puppy. It’s totally worth it to laugh at later.

You like to play with the boys hair, so they often argue about “whose turn it is”. They don’t argue over much, but that’s the exception. They love to have their hair played with. It doesn’t matter where or when, they will gladly have their hair played with. In or out of class, while you’re trying to sleep and more. They are needy in that aspect.

Meeks making food for the three of you is one of his favorite activities. Bringing meals into the dorm and seeing Pitts face and yours light up is like a treat to him. He’s an extraordinary cook and you couldn’t be more thankful.

You and Meeks only wear Pitts’ clothes. You take his sweatshirts, sweaters, t-shirts, long sleeves and more. You don’t wear each other’s clothes and he doesn’t wear yours, you guys only wear his. He doesn’t mind though, because not only does he get to see the two of you wear his over sized hoodies around school, but when he receives them, they always smell like you and Meeks.

Squeezing all three of you into an arm chair is how you guys cuddle. And it’s odd because most of the time, you actually make it work. Usually by just sitting on Pitts lap, but it still works. Being so close is extremely comforting and you’ve all been caught, many times. Which only makes the teachers more suspicious of the relationship you all hold.

Mr. Keating is your biggest supporter for some random and unknown reason. Probably because you all get your work done ten times better ever sense you’ve all started dating. Anyway, so that means, ever sense you’ve all became a thing, he’ll group you together for group projects, not even letting you intervene or speak, just throwing the three of you a little smirk before he sends you on your way. You’ve never told him before but he knows. He definitely knows. And most likely because Neil told him.

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What It Would Be Like In A Poly Relationship With Richard Cameron And Charlie Dalton

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You and Cameron were actually the first in the relationship, but your polyamorous relationship started when you and Richard were sitting in the cafeteria, eating, as people do in a cafeteria, when Charlie came up to the two of you. “Wanna catch a movie?” He said, in your general direction. He flashed a charming smirk before your boyfriend stepped in “What the hell, they are my significant other, you know that.” He pouted. “I know? I was asking you too.” And that’s exactly how you found yourself seated between both Cameron and Charlie in the dim light of the movie theater. Both your hands clasped together and taken by one of the boys.

You guys fight over date plans because everyone has very differnt ideas of fun and romance. While Charlie favors sneaking into abandoned buildings, feeling the thrill of the darkness and the new territory to explore, that’s not really Cameron’s cup of tea. Sure, he’ll join you guys and end up having a blast, it isn’t really his first choice. Or second or third. Cameron usually suggests plans for the night that are sweet and romantic. He likes going to fancy and expensive restaurants, going on late night walks in the dim light of the night. He likes to compliment and flatter both Charlie and you as much as possible. Both their suggestions are always fun and enjoyable but it’s pretty complicated picking which one you’re all gonna take part in that day.

PDA is a yes for Charlie Dalton, but you can’t exactly say the same for Richard Cameron. Now, I’m not saying he doesn’t want to show any public displays of affection, that’s not what I’m saying at all, just him and Charlie’s idea of PDA are a lot different. Cameron is totally okay with hugs, hand holding, quick kisses and small things such as, but nothing to draw too much attention to yourselves. Charlie is different. He will absolutely grab either Cameron or yourself by the waist, pulling either of you into his lap and making you sit there while he study’s, he is all about flirting and whispering smug things into your ears. Cameron doesn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable while Charlie is a bit needy.

They often sneak into your dorm together, just to have sleep overs. Charlie arriving and already seeing you cuddled up to Cameron isn’t very uncommon. Cameron doesn’t like to sleep alone, and while Charlie is always an option, that dude snores and Cameron can’t take it. All three of you love waking up in each other’s arms, smiling and giggling as the sun blinds you. Charlie likes to have his hair played with every morning, so you can usually expect him to be begging either one of you to fluff his hair. And neither of you ever object.

When you all go to the beach together, those are your own personal favorite days. Packing a lunch and being gone all day, with the people you love, excites you. When you’re with them, you don’t feel self conscious or judged in a bathing suit at all, you actually receive and give many compliments on those days. Having water fights is usually what happens, splashing and dunking each other under the water is very entertaining. Both you and Cameron spend just about the whole day fawning over Charlie wearing a pair of sunglasses and Richard always returns to Welton with the worlds worst sunburn you’ve ever seen. No matter how much sunblock he puts on, it never seems to be enough.

Sneaking out is always a big deal with these two. Charlie always has to be a little extra, so that usually leads to him, some how, scaling the wall from his window, landing safely on the ground, while Cameron and yourself just walk out the front door. Activity’s you take part in after successfully making your escape, might range from going for just a simple night walk, to skinny dipping. But no matter what, when ever you do decided to sneak out, you make the night a memorable one. Even if you do something simple or small, you make sure everyone is having a good time.

Seeing Charlie and you chasing each other around the halls for a single piece of toast or a half of a muffin isn’t very uncommon. The two of you take your food very seriously, and stealing each other’s meals is an easy way to gain it for free. Cameron, even though he will never admit that he does, sometimes even joins in on you twos little game.

Cameron will gladly tutor the both of you, happy to help anytime, but usually he gives up about half way through when you and Charlie are still both clueless as to what’s going on. And that’s when you and Charlie start begging to do something. Really anything works. Going on a walk around Welton or maybe going into town as a little treat. And Cameron just caves and gives you two what you want. You all just forget about the work and go out and get ice cream or something such as maybe going to a fast food restaurant, something quick and easy.

You are constantly wear each other’s clothes. It doesn’t matter who’s are what it is, really what ever is laying around, you’re wearing. And that means that poor Cameron has started doing not only his laundry, but both yours and Charlie’s too. And it’s a bit easy to figure out who’s clothes are who’s based on size and style but you guys just wear what ever. So a lot of the other Welton boys will hear “Charlie, do you know where our blue sweater is?” Being yelled out into the halls. To which Charlie would respond with “You mean my blue sweater?”

You three are actually very nice cooks, even Charlie. He burns things from time to time but he’s usually an immaculate chef. The three of you cooking meals for the rest of the dead poets isn’t necessarily uncommon. But usually, you just use your skills in a greedy way, to make pastries and hide away in your dorms with them.

When ever it storms is when you can find both Cameron and Charlie cuddled up in your room, hidden deep under the blankets. Charlie, he will never admit it but, he’s a bit shaken up by storms. The flashes of lightening and booms of thunder always make him a bit jumpy, so that’s when he heads to your room. And when Cameron wakes up alone, that’s when he starts getting scared himself and heads to your room. Their both just little scaredy-cats.

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The Poets On A Road Trip

We’re talking about one of those cars with three rows in this, so two front seats (driver and passenger), two seats in the middle, with a little walk way type thing in between them, and three seats in the back.

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~Neil~

Neil would be sitting in the middle row, behind the passenger seat. With Todd in the same row.

He would get one of those huge gas station slushy‘s, like the first stop they make, that’s what he’s purchasing. He’s making sure it’s cherry flavored too and he would be slurping on it the whole, entire time. Sharing with Todd, obviously. But some how, he would never request or even need a bathroom brake. It would end up making his hands extremely cold though, which he didn’t particularly enjoy.

He would actually bring good and healthy snacks, like watermelon, strawberries and other fruits such as. Each would be cut into neat, little slices, all of it placed into one of those sectioned up tupperwear containers. And he shares that with Todd too. He’s honestly just keeping Todd alive and fedd at that point.

And when ever Todd falls sleep, he puts his jacket over him to keep him warm and comfortable. But little does he know, doing this always wakes poor Todd. But the blonde will never mention anything about it to Neil, because he thinks it’s sweet.

He also brings along one of those head rest things. Well he actually stole it from Charlie but same difference. He has it on constantly, not even bothering to take it off when they make pitstops, he just wants to be comfortable and relaxed at all times, 24/7.

~Todd~

Todd would be sitting in the middle row behind the drivers seat, the same row as Neil and they would be holding hands. Todd would be blushing madly at first but after a while, he would get totally used to it and even start to enjoy it. Getting a little upset when Neil took his hand away, missing the warmth of his grasp.

He would be constantly staring out the window, making up imaginary storys and day dreaming as he watched the scenery from the moving car. He liked listening to the music too, when he could hear it over the rest of the chatter that is, because it helped him come up with more vivid ideas and little movies to replay in his head over and over again. To pass the time :)

He’s extremely quiet, the quietest out of everyone. While Cameron and Charlie are arguing, while Neil is trying to brake up these said fights, Knox laughing, Pitts fiddling with the radio and Meeks about to bite someone’s head off, Todd just sits there silent but content. He liked the sound of pure joy and happiness that was evident in the hectic car.

Lots of bathroom brakes for Mr. Anderson, because he just can’t seem to fucking hold it and he constantly has to go. No matter if he’s drank anything or not. “I really have to pee, can we pull over?” “You just went twenty minutes ago.” “But I have to go again.” “Here, pee in this cup :)” “NO-“

~Meeks~

He’s the driver because he’s the only one responsible enough to take up that position.

During the ride, he’s extremely touchy and annoyed with everyone. If anyone says anything to him, anything at all, good or bad, he might just consider murder. “I will crash this car.” But as soon as they make it to their desired destination, he’s back to the sweet and kind Meeks everyone knows and loves. But all the poets are still a bit weary.

Some how, he both reads the map and drives at the same time? Pitts offered to take up the map reading job but Meeks denied, claiming he could do it all on his own. And sometimes, he would get a bit frustrated but most of the time, he handled both these jobs pretty decently.

He would also make Pitts hand feed him? Why? I don’t know, he doesn’t know, Pitts doesn’t know. No one knows. I guess it was just easier for Pitts to place cheez-it’s in his mouth then for him to take his hand off the wheel and fumble around with the bag.

~Pitts~

He takes up the passenger seat for either three of these reasons. Or all, we don’t know. So, either A: He wants to sit next to Meeks B: He cannot possibly squeeze himself into any other seat or C: He actually has the best music taste out of all the poets so he’s been deemed the one to keep track of the music.

He drives during the night so Meeks can get some rest. He likes driving at night anyway so it’s not that big of a deal. While all the other poets are fast asleep, he gets to listen to his perfered music, humming along in the practically silence as he admires all the lights of the night. He likes the relaxing but almost creepy stillness of the night. But he barely gets any of his own sleep during the day, because Neil just won’t stop kicking his seat.

Accidentally punched Neil in the face? Some how. I have no more details for this one, it just happened outside of a gas station. While Todd was inside going to the bathroom, Meeks was inside paying for gas, Cameron was snacking, Charlie was passed the absolute fuck out on Knox’s shoulder and Mr. Overstreet was also getting some rest, some how, Pitts managed to sock Neil right in the face, from the passengers seat. Giving him a bloody nose. It wasn’t out of anger, it was on total accident, and it definitely woke Charlie and Knox up.

Holding calm and normal conversations with Meeks while everything behind them is like a zoo is very common. They have a certian way of just blocking everything else out while they talk about their desired topic. Acting like Neil didn’t just throw Charlie’s pretzel out the window and Knox is now crying?

He also likes to put his head out the window like a dog. He likes the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. It’s just relaxing to him, in such a crowded, small and stressful area.

~Charlie~

He is taking up the middle seat in the way back, squished between Knox and Cameron but he is taking up as much room as possible. So it’s more like he is squishing them.

He spends most of his free time on this trip causing fights and annoying Cameron and Knox. Not listening to the music like Pitts or day dreaming like Todd, nope, he’s tickling Cameron and taking Knox’s food. Which ends up in many fights in itself. “I’m not touching you.” “CHARLIE, YOUR FINGER IS AN INCH AWAY FROM MY FACE!”

He sure is drawing a lot while taking part in this little activity. Either be it with his fingers on the fogged up windows or with marker on Cameron’s face as he sleeps. It’s really hard to tell what he’ll do in all honesty. And he thinks it’s even funnier when Cameron wakes up and has absolutely no clue what had previously happened.

~Cameron~

He has a window seat in the way back, stuck with Charlie. He was fine with Knox, because he knew they wouldn’t bother each other, but Charlie. He was a different story.

He doesn’t want to sit next to Charlie, he never wanted to sit next to Charlie. He just predicted that he would be way too annoying and he ended up being, you guessed it, correct.

So, I cant make up my mind but Richard is either reading the entire trip, ignoring the whole world around him while being totally sucked into a the literary world, or he’s car sick. There is no in between and I can’t seem to make up my mind.

He got in the car wearing a sweatshirt. The idea that it would be cold, with the intent of being a step a head of everyone else with his smart thinking. But he just ended up over heating and sweating profusely the entire trip. He just ended up screwing himself over really.

~Knox~

He’s taken the other window seat in the way back, the one that Cameron isn’t occupying.

He takes part in eating a lot of junk food with Charlie. Weather it be cheesy foods or chocolate, fried or salty, he’s almost constantly eating. That’s what he ended up doing for most of the ride. And he really favors those peanut butter filled pretzels, literally fighting Charlie off for the ownership of them.

Some how, he managed to hit Meeks in the head with a paper ball. From all the way in the back, he threw the paper ball over Todd and it accidentally bounced off the back or Meeks head, and the entire car went dead quiet. Well, that’s until he blamed it on Charlie. “Charlie, why would you do that?” He spat out. Yeah, poor Charlie took the punishment for Knox’s actions that day. From the one and only, already pissed off Steven Meeks.

He’s actually pretty quiet for the most part. While he does make a lot of jokes and is almost always laughing, he’s kinda just in the Todd category. Looking out the window and being in his own little made up world. Very peaceful.

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THE BOYS BUY CAMERON THE STUFFED COW

IVE BEEN SO HYPED TO WRITE THIS ONE YOU GUYS DON’T EVEN KNOW but on that note, I’m a little slow and a bit confused but I really hope that you meant the dead poets buy him the stuffed animal because that’s the idea this is being based off of lmao, if that’s not what you meant, I am so sorry, but anyway, I hope you guys enjoy!

THIS IS THE COW BTW AWWW FHSJFJ ITS SO CUTE

Anyway, onto the writing :)

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Meeks was actually the one who suggested that they all come together, raise enough money between the six of them and purchase the stuffed animal for Richard’s birthday. Doing all of this in secret of course, as a fun, little surprise. Seeing as Cameron was seemingly obsessed with the animal, owning an abundance of merchandise based around the mammal, the group agreed that it was the perfect present. They all wanted to chip into the acquiring of the adorable stuffy, so they split the cost as equally as possible. Coming to the conclusion that each boy would have to pay around four dollars. A small and very easy amount to retrieve. So, once everyone had handed over their rightful amount, they set off to buy the teddy. Purchasing it two days before Camerons birthday, and making Knox hide it in his dorm. They even went out of their way, Neil paying a bit extra, to get it strawberry scented, because their friend deserved it. Everyone mentally face palmed when they returned to Welton from their little trip, and of course, Cameron asked where they had gotten off to. And poor, nervous Todd squeaked out the sentence “Horse funeral.” To which Pitts added “Very sad.”

They decided to be a little extra. So when Cameron’s birthday eventually rolled around, they all prentended that they had forgot. “Guys! Guess what day it is?” Cameron came barreling into the study hall. “Uhm testing day?” “No...Wait are you serious?” “Yeah, what other day could it possibly be?” “Nothing...never mind.” He sulked, turning out of the room. The group felt extremely proud of themselves, of course they weren’t pleased that they had made their friend upset, but they knew it was gonna be totally worth it in the end just to see the reaction on his face. So, for the entire day, they acted like they had no clue what day it was. Even getting the teachers and other students in on it too, politely asking them not to mention anything about his birthday, under any circumstances was anyone to mention his special day. And it actually went quite smoothly, no one said a thing about his birth anniversary. So, at exactly 3 PM, when everyone but Cameron was studying, the group got together and headed to his room.

When they handed Cameron the gift bag, the bag that secretly held the cow, his first words were “Aww, I knew you guys wouldn’t forget.” Words said with a smile, then he tore into the present.

The red head immediately burst out into tears as soon as the stuffed animal was revealed to his eyes. He couldn’t even form words, he just sat there, a stuttering and mumbling mess. He just sobbed as he held the cow tightly to his chest. And as soon as the scent of delicious strawberries wafted into his nose, he just started crying even harder. His reaction honestly jumped the other poets a bit, they expected him to be happy and exhilarated but they didn’t expect him to start crying. They really hoped the tears were happy, making Charlie step up and ask “Do you like it?” Happily, Cameron responded with “I love it!”

Cameron could not be more thankful, “thank you”s and happy words were just fumbling from his mouth. He was absolutely mesmerized and totally fell in love with the small, plush cow upon their first meeting. He loved its big eyes and soft, fluffy fur. He thinks it’s absolutely adorable. It’s cute horns and beautiful smell. He couldn’t be more pleased with the gift.

Richard happily named his new found friend “Honeybun”. There was really no reason behind his choice except for it being an absolutely heart melting name and it just seemed to fit the cow perfectly.

Richard happily sleeps with Honeybun every night. No, he’s no ashamed, all his friends already know of the little stuffed animal, so why would he feel any sort of humiliation or need to hide this fact? He’s so attached to the fluffy stuffy that he just cradles it every night. The loving smell of strawberries lingering around him and it’s soft fur tickling his nose just seems to lull him to sleep. He rests easy with his little pal by his side.

After a long day, be it a stressful day or just a frustrating one, Cameron often returns to his dorm and holds Honeybun close for comfort. He actually looks forward to it the entire day, being able to calm his nerves. If he’s feeling any sort of stress, he quickly picks up the cow and squeezes it tightly. It always seems to melt away any pain he was previously feeling. He also holds Honeybun in his lap while he’s studying or reading, to help him focus or work better. It’s very calming.

Onetime, the cow went missing for about a week or so and Richard was totally distraught. This boy couldn’t seem to function. He couldn’t work, sleep or even eat. All the poets started to worry about him, but they also started to worry that maybe he had grown just a bit too attached to the object. Anyway, Cameron just silently cried every night the cow was gone, quietly, as to not wake Charlie, because he just couldn’t seem to achieve sleep without the stuffed animal. And he had also failed a test or two sense studying seemed to become increasingly difficult after the disappearance of Honeybun. Todd then found it a week after it had gone missing, Cameron must have dropped it in Todd and Neil’s dorm because it had some how slid under Todd’s bed. Todd found it while retrieving a dropped pencil and he quickly forgot about everything he was doing before and delivered it straight to Cameron.

Todd then became Cameron’s god and savior for the next month or so.

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