This guy…. THIS GUY. He's well versed on things like this, he knows trans people exist- but that doesn't mean he's great at being around them.

It's not like he's intentionally rude, and if he's informed about it he does try, but he's just really- REALLY- bad at remembering anything. He can't remember people's names unless they're someone he interacts with every day, he can't remember phone numbers- hell it took him years to remember his sisters new last name after she got married!

But he does try.

While he does know more than probably the people around him- the people he hangs out with- but he's not great at noticing, you have to tell him to his face. He ignores everything about it until he's told, and then it all clicks. So that's why you were so iffy about this or that, that's why you had this specific clothing piece or started doing that with your hair. Genuinely, it all is basically blocked out of his head until he's told, so you have to tell him yourself- he will not figure it out for himself.

When you do eventually tell him, he does everything he possibly can. He's spending his money on you in any way you allow him to, buying you any gender affirming things you need, he's paying for your haircut and taking you to the best stylist or his barber (who's also the best, obv), he's got your expenses- just say what you need.

Johnny is the type of guy to definitely be defensive over his friends, and even strangers, that are minorities. If anyone were to misgender you or say your dead name he would definitely stand up and correct them- usually politely first but if it keeps happening he'll just get more and more aggressive about it.

And yes, he will go to pride with you (not like he needs you to go, he's definitely gone by himself because- duh, it's Johnny Storm!!), or even go to doctors appointments if you're getting affirming care. He can do your shots for you too, if you don't want to do them yourself.

Ben is a guy who knows what it's like to be different, though not in the traditional sense. While he's not super knowledgeable of most of this stuff, he's a guy who is supportive no matter what.

It's all still new for him, yes, but he does learn as the days go by- willingly, might I add. He's probably in those queer NYC Facebook groups and asks questions in them all the time to understand more, and thankfully many people are willing to answer.

He isn't the type of guy to assume outright, if he suspects he'll ask after about a week of mulling it over- he doesn't want to be rude. If he's right he gives himself an imaginary pat on the back, good job him for that.

If you don't want anyone to know about it yet he'll keep it a secret, he wants you to make you comfortable.

Going back to Ben knowing what it's like to be different, he's so willing to be there if you need to talk about it. Truly, he's someone who knows what it feels like, and if you want advice or comfort he's your guy.

He's also the type of guy to buy you stuff if you need it, though not as much as Johnny, he's more of a words of affirmation guy- which does shine through during one on one moments together, he's real poetic when he wants to be.