CAPTAIN HEATH

Alicia not wanting to be pulled back into the closet by someone so fiercely closeted that they blew up at her for posting a picture they weren't even in, wherein they were afraid someone would recognize something that belonged to them - like that paranoid and afraid - is understandable. Like that's triggering and it would feel regressive to be with someone like that if you've come out already. And let's recall Leighton wasn't out to anyone yet and her internalized homophobia was at its peak. Alicia was right.

Tatum telling Leighton there's no timeline in coming out and not applying the pressure on her to do so (to her family) or making her feel bad was wonderful. Then again, I'd expect as much cause as she pointed out, they literally only just started dating. Tatum was right.

I think we were all projecting a version of Tatum onto her that we really wanted her to be, but that’s not who she is. We didn’t want to take it for it’s face value because the chemistry was so insanely good. But in the end, she isn’t right for the person Leighton is becoming. 

I personally think that she needs an Alicia. Someone who can meet her at her level, and sees the person she is today. Sees her growth. Someone stubborn and persistent and passionate like she is, but in a way that brings out the best in her. 

Now, I don’t think we can absolve Alicia of the way she handled their breakup. She dated someone deeply closeted, knowingly. That is not to say she didn’t have valid feelings regarding their dynamic. Leighton shouldn’t have felt pressured to come out and Alicia shouldn’t have to be made to feel like she was being hidden. The timing wasn’t right, but maybe it is now. 

Leighton & Alicia - Parallels

Leighton & Alicia

This was perfect. This was about character development.

Everything about Leighton's story so far and Alicia and Tatum's parts in it has made sense, and I will never not show appreciation for queer characters -especially lesbians- being written with care.

Thank you, writers. This has been wonderful. She's wonderful.

Me reading enemies to lovers fics in 2021