mothball

I love the idea of Harrison becoming obsessed with forensic psychology because he thinks he'll find answers there. He takes crim psych and does his research project on psychopathy. But every description of a psychopath feels wrong. He ends up writing three different versions of his essay. The first is a pretty standard take. It's well written, well researched and would probably have gotten him at least an A. But it feels wrong. Like a lie. The second is too personal. It's about Dexter. Like some unholy cross between a case study and a love letter. The third is a take down of the concept of psychopathy. A critique of the diagnosis itself. He gets a B-. It's creative and shows an understanding of the subject matter but its not what his teacher asked for. But at least it felt honest. No there are no answers in forensic psychology.

Harrison mentions the psychopathy project to Dexter. It's an awkward conversation where neither of them want to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Dexter is terrified Harrison will read something that will scare him off for good. But what can he fucking say. Please don't do your homework. He ends up sneaking a look at Harrison's drafts. He just has to know. He reads the first one and feels sick to his stomach. Is this what my son thinks of me? But then he reads the second one. It's terrifying but in a good way. His never felt more vulnerable or more loved. The detail Harrison notices. The love. It's a fucking revelation. Harrison catches him reading it for the 5th time in a row. His ears red. "I know it's too personal I'm not.. I'll submit the first one." Dexter pulls him into a big hug. "I love you". Harrison cries. He doesn't submit the first one. Writes the third one instead. He doesn't show it to Dexter because he's not sure how he'll feel. Knows he's attached to the diagnosis. Psychopath. Whatever that means.

Ok but what if Dexter was the kind of dad who's always trying to give his son condoms. Every time Harrison's going out he's like do you have condoms? Here are some condoms. After Harrison comes out as bi he gives him the you still need to use condoms speech. When they fuck for the first time they don't use a condom. Because Dexter is a hypocrite.