CAMERON

Honey Bees on the Horizon

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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