ruscrewed / 23.25

I think it's intentional, bcos he used to think he was straight and therefore would be the one fcking people

Artykoala

2025-03-04 05:18:40 +0000 UTC

I totally feel this comment. I definitely grew up in a similar space but I think it got a lot better in the past few years. I love that there's so much communication and that sooch and howie really think things through when thinking about their relationship and how they feel towards one another.

Peachy Keen

2025-02-19 23:51:55 +0000 UTC

I think a lot of other users including myself grew up in a similar culture. When I was in high school when people talked about sex or even just said the word sex they meant penetration. I definitely get sooch's inner monologue, especially as a queer person who grew up in that environment. Anywaysss love this comic, thank you bittie !!

Peachy Keen

2025-02-19 23:47:53 +0000 UTC

Eep this is so sweet 🥹🥹💖

Skibidi Bonnet

2025-02-18 22:40:49 +0000 UTC

Howie has such a stupid face, ugh! Sooch I get it

Jenny

2025-02-16 20:56:20 +0000 UTC

I love this comic

Magdalena

2025-02-16 05:45:56 +0000 UTC

?

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

2025-02-15 16:40:17 +0000 UTC

I think the italics should go on "fucking" instead "he" and "me." Currently it sounds like he wants to be the one penetrating Howie instead of being surprised he's interested in penetrative sex with a man at all.

Pheobe Jackson

2025-02-15 15:07:40 +0000 UTC

That's a very conspicuous bagel 👀😂

J.K. Hogan

2025-02-15 02:58:03 +0000 UTC

I totally get what you meant about the difference between "sex acts" and "SEX" I grew up around the same culture. Friends would joke that you're still a virgin if you only did hand/mouth stuff etc lol. Things have changed a lot. It's great, because there's more education and sex positivity out there, as well as breaking down certain gender norms that caused that one track way of thinking. You did good, Bittie, considering Sooch is still exploring his sexuality when he once identified as straight. He's learning. ❤️

kozmicdonut

2025-02-14 20:18:21 +0000 UTC

tbh you have some of my favorite dialog in writing its just feels so authentic like i read your comic and feel like ive had the exact same conversation before

Magnus12

2025-02-11 00:24:56 +0000 UTC

The fucking bagel lmao love

Kat

2025-02-10 12:53:27 +0000 UTC

Omg yes, starting w/ sex toys as an into to anal may be a good move. & Sooch may feel less more comfortable doing it alone then having Howie join in to help him😌

Assiafalih P

2025-02-10 05:19:56 +0000 UTC

Is it just me or Sooch is becoming more and more handsome with each chapter?? 🥵

Halley Miller

2025-02-09 22:52:22 +0000 UTC

I love all this thinking while Sooch flawlessly makes a breakfast sandwich and wraps it up for Howie 😍

PandaRAWR

2025-02-09 19:34:18 +0000 UTC

I'm so sorry you got to go through that experience, nobody deserve that. And I hope they can treat you and everything get better

K Méndez

2025-02-09 18:51:55 +0000 UTC

This inner monologue is everything

Ella Romain

2025-02-09 18:40:29 +0000 UTC

So I hear you; you stress over the dialogue. But Sooch saying that when he sees Howie’s stupid face and just wants to give him anything he wants is SO relatable. That little bit of frustration from how overwhelming some feelings can be, but in a good way? And that’s just one line! chefs kiss Sooch’s inner monologues are some of my favorite parts of this whole comic ☺️

Jane Boggs

2025-02-09 18:05:00 +0000 UTC

Bittie I love your dialogue!! Totally fair if it’s stressful to write, but you’re doing amazingly in my opinion, and you also have the ability to convey emotions through the tiniest little expression or panel, and it just makes me want to reread something over and over again bc it’s so good!!!!!

Sophia

2025-02-09 17:52:29 +0000 UTC

Okay this is so real because when my ex-girlfriend and I started dating I could not keep my hands off her. It just felt so surreal that the object of my affection (same gender as me) and I can be physical together.

Hadara Penaloza

2025-02-09 17:30:53 +0000 UTC

"Howie's stupid face" 🤣 Sooch is down BAD for Howie, and we love to see it! When you feel comfortable, Sooch, give that man what he wants!

Chey

2025-02-09 16:22:52 +0000 UTC

I appreciate how he recognized the safety he feels with howie but also the fact that he wants to give his partner everything (just by looking at his stupid face 🤣 very relatable)

VelBelle

2025-02-09 14:46:16 +0000 UTC

Sooch, ask Howie to bottom first? Start off with sex toys, even trying them alone first and then as a couple. Don't worry your lil head lil baby.

Skibidi Bonnet

2025-02-09 08:03:37 +0000 UTC

Sooch making Howie breakfast to go!? A man after my own heart! 💚🥰😍

Amelia Rector

2025-02-09 07:16:29 +0000 UTC

I personally understood what shooch ment and even if I didn’t I feel like it’s common sense due to the context soo…. I don’t think it’s a dialogue problem :)

Camila

2025-02-09 07:10:58 +0000 UTC

Your dialogue has ALWAYS been amazing! One of the first reasons I fell in love with your work! I would never mind a full paragraph, no matter how many words are said you can tell you put a lot of an effort into your work❤️

Sam

2025-02-09 05:44:51 +0000 UTC

It may very well be a cultural regional shift thing. I think definitely in the last few (5-10) years, I've seen a huge shift into calling all sex acts "sex" and explicitly calling penetrative sex "penetration" or straight up "penetrative sex". I think a lot of people might've interpreted it wrong BECAUSE of that shift and now it's much more common to see a trope where a character doesn't think they REALLY "had sex" because there was no penetration and the story arc being them being educated about that. Like in the current culture that sentiment Sooch expressed in the last few pages would've been like "I thought it would make him feel like he was inside me" or something like that.

Meilei Phang

2025-02-09 04:44:17 +0000 UTC

What’s with Howies face? 😂

Megan Pawlak Arts

2025-02-09 04:20:32 +0000 UTC

Also him making Howie breakfast cause he's in a rush to get to work, he is such husband material

HannaLuLu

2025-02-09 03:45:52 +0000 UTC

He is SUCH a simp for Howie, he's so cute and ridiculous I love him with all my heart 😭

HannaLuLu

2025-02-09 03:44:32 +0000 UTC

take it slowly howie! bittie, i totally get it, as a writer that is a major struggle to hold back on ALL of the complicated emotions from the characters. you’re doing a fantastic job and i adore your work

cosmic

2025-02-09 02:39:27 +0000 UTC

god this story makes me want to translate it so much i just want more people to understand how magnificent this is

Karma Kohana

2025-02-09 02:31:41 +0000 UTC

I am dying from the the wholesomeness. My heart implodes ❤️❤️❤️

Kayla Teague

2025-02-09 01:49:44 +0000 UTC

Oh so he’s in love in love

Holden

2025-02-09 01:22:43 +0000 UTC

I'm glad you learned important information about yourself from the gynecological exams. I'm also really sorry you had that terrible experience with the gynecologist. That was awful of him! You're right about the discourse around sex and the perception of what is sex and what isn't. So many factors affect our understanding of this topic: education available, cultural beliefs, religion, etc. And because of this some of us have very skewered ideas of what sex is...including the people who should know better. I, too, had a pretty traumatizing experience with a gynecologist (it turned out I have vaginismus). It left me with more issues than I already had, and I had to move past my ideas of what sex is. I'm still learning even now. But stories like this one, as well as seeing the experiences of others in the comments, help me know that I'm not alone in figuring this stuff out. It's comforting.

Kisa1014

2025-02-08 23:27:57 +0000 UTC

His stupid face. That’s so cute

Gracie Bou

2025-02-08 22:23:53 +0000 UTC

And regarding the penetrative sex comment on Bittie’s note: I absolutely get it, and you’re not alone in such believe. Some people that think that way are even in positions where they should know better. I may be revealing too much but just this month I had to go to the gynecologist and for the first time I admitted that I do indeed have sex so I need to get screened for hpv and other std’s. Thing is, the first gynecologist who did my Pap smear questioned me when I nervously told him that I had not been penetrated before and he asked me linde exasperated if I had had sex or not. I said yes and without letting me explain or asking more he just introduced a speculum that hurt. I said that it was hurting a lot, and just then he changed to the smallest one which he jokingly (not) called the “virgin speculum”. I had told him that I had not had penetrative sex and he still chose to use not the smallest one. It was both traumatic and humiliating. If it wasn’t for my friend who has hpv encouraging me to complete my gynecological exams then I wouldn’t have. Turns out though that I don’t have any stds but there’s a big mass o my uterus 🙃, so at least I’m glad I heard her and she had me persevere.

Ximinnie

2025-02-08 22:12:40 +0000 UTC

And even though Sooch appears perfectly capable and knowledgeable enough to make educated decisions about the topic, I've noticed in a lot of other webcomic chats: older readers who have a complex history with sex due to poor education (in home and/or school) and have since learned more will make clarifying statements in the comments for readers, especially younger readers who do not have as much education, so they do not fall into the same victimized situations or misunderstandings. The discourse in the chat is not always about the characters, and can be more for the education of the readers while the topic presents itself. I didn't read a lot of last update's chat, but I often enjoy the conversation and openness that can come from the chats I've read on Tapas. There are a lot of 11 year olds and undereducatered teens out there in the webcomic world.

AniMEniac

2025-02-08 22:08:29 +0000 UTC

Ive said it a thousand times and I’ll keep repeating myself: Sooch is one of the characters that resonates with me the most out of all the media I’ve read/watched. Not only do I personally feel his anxiety and attention problems, but the journey towards discovering his own sexuality is close to me. The way he falls for a person and how much this person loves him, the fact that he starts noticing how much this person’s physical characteristics start turning him on, and now the sudden want to just give everything he has to this person because he is sure that whatever they do it will be fun… damn…

Ximinnie

2025-02-08 22:01:14 +0000 UTC

I think a lot of people forget what it's like growing up (in the U.S. at least) and learning about sex for the first time. It's unrealistic for Sooch to already be fully sex-educated and informed with the background he most likely had. A large portion of America is going to teach you abstinence in health classes and nothing else. A small portion will maybe go "this is a condom. Use them to avoid pregnancy" and nothing else. No education about any alternative forms of sex, just a vague concept that a penis goes in a vagina from the reproductive unit of a biology class. He hasn't had the time or interest yet to look into anything else, and that's fine

Passthecass

2025-02-08 21:10:31 +0000 UTC

Thanks so much for reading ❤️😭

Kimmikala

2025-02-08 21:09:53 +0000 UTC

Also… I think Sooch being nervous and working through his insecurities about penetrative sex has a multitude of reasons (he wants it but that maybe scares him a little, he wants to please howie but not out of a sense of pressure from his partner, his hetero-normative brain sees that as the next step, it’s something he hasn’t even thought about before, he hasn’t even told his parents yet and might reach this big step already, it’s only been a few days that they’ve been sexual, and on and on and on) but he knows howie would never pressure him, so this is all him. Working through that so he can talk to howie about it is important. It would be confusing and possibly hurtful to bring it up or be presented with the situation and not know how you feel… in any case, just my thought on howie, he’s 100% ready to be bottom for Sooch here and now. No hesitation.

Morgen Schuler

2025-02-08 20:40:42 +0000 UTC

The last panel with "But I look at Howie's stupid face and I feel like want to give him anything he wants" is PERFECT. Sooch's inner dialogue feels really genuine. The reader gets to experience his thoughts process in a way that feels very real. Yes it's a bit rambling but I have ADHD and my own inner monologue feels very similar. I can see how keeping the unedited nature of thoughts can conflict with being an author though.

Sarah

2025-02-08 20:36:56 +0000 UTC

Thanks for giving so much tougth to this internal and external dialogues, it really shows. The story feels very well articulated and even if you added more extension to these writted parts I wouldn't mind. I really apreciate the condensation of dialogues tho, I know is not an easy task, even lesser in this kind of serious topics. And I think the discourse in the coments before was much about your public, we kind of open minded ones, I think we got the point about Sooch getting into this rediscovering of sex.

MARLL AM

2025-02-08 20:36:38 +0000 UTC

Bittie, the love and deep understanding you have for these characters is why the story is so coherent, and true to them as if they are real people. It shows in every panel. We love them because you do. I can understand, and feel in my bones, the stress you feel and I hope all these wonderful comments ease your mind a bit (but let’s be real you won’t stop stressing because it is so important to you, and that’s ok). Yes, definitions of sex will differ, but we’ll all talk about it seriously because you’ve created a safe space for us to talk openly. I cherish this comic so very much. Thank you for loving them so we can too.

Morgen Schuler

2025-02-08 20:34:03 +0000 UTC

yes. I'm not saying that this is the conversation verbatim or anything or that he doesn't know what they're doing isn't a form of sex. I'm just saying I feel like Howie is gonna be like "this level of intimacy is more than I ever expected to have with you and I dong wanna push you" or something and sooch is like "okay, but I want more" and then they'll have more conversations about comfort and intimacy etc. again not saying this will be verbatim or anything or even that it will actually happen. I'm just feeling these general vibes.

Juni B. Joons

2025-02-08 20:25:22 +0000 UTC

lol I was thinking the same thing. He’s so nervous and eager and excited and scared of the unknown. But at the same time, he trusts howie and I think that idea that howie is experienced probably eases his mind a little (to have someone who knows the ropes) but also is pushing him a little. Oh soochie, such an overthinker… I can relate

Morgen Schuler

2025-02-08 20:14:27 +0000 UTC

I love this story so much and the growth it shows in so many aspects of life! I’m so impressed that, as an author myself, you can express your art through dialogue as well as visual expression. I’m not exaggerating when I say the emotional connection I’ve developed with these characters shows just how good your pathos has been throughout this series! I’m so invested and enthralled with the world you have created and it makes me want to keep creating as well. I understand how painstaking it is to get dialogue just right and I definitely think you’re nailing internal as well as external dialogue!! I have so much more to say but this is already so long lol! Btw this story is my motivation to get through school so please keep it up!!

Nesta’s favorite book

2025-02-08 19:58:37 +0000 UTC

I’m sorry but are we not gonna talk about how Sooch is clearly making breakfast for Howie?? ♥️

Ashley Rodriguez

2025-02-08 19:51:31 +0000 UTC

Honestly I'm happy to read a lot of text in these kinds of comics, I like being able to linger on the pages for longer, and it gives a great inside into what the characters are really thinking/feeling!!

Amber

2025-02-08 19:37:03 +0000 UTC

Yesssss I totally get where you're coming from, some readers don't get the point of having obstacles and doubts, I think it gives every character a chance to have its own unique way of thinking and facing life like REAL PEOPLE DO. Some readers are so boring 😭 LET THE AUTHOR COOK!!!

Esther Navarrete

2025-02-08 19:25:00 +0000 UTC

I love this comic so much 😭😭 I'm demi so I totally understand how Sooch feels, totally new feeling of wanting to have that kind of contact with someone is sooooo overwhelming but exciting at the same time. I hope they both get whatever they both want because they are so freaking cute together 😭

Esther Navarrete

2025-02-08 19:21:27 +0000 UTC

I'm actually obsessed with the dialogue. I think it's perfect. It expresses the way he feels so well and it was adorable. Thanks again Bittie! ❤️

Millie J

2025-02-08 19:09:25 +0000 UTC

Did you read the authors note?

Laura YUC

2025-02-08 19:02:05 +0000 UTC

I second this 🫶🏽 these are meant to be real people, with real problems and real shortcomings.

your.mom

2025-02-08 18:53:35 +0000 UTC

KYAHH. I've let this cook for over a year and finally re read it and caught up. Bittie, your writing is so beautiful and you really show the range of emotions. Angst, fear, unweilding love. It's quite honestly the best comic I've ever read and so realistic. Please, never change and I hope you forever continue to write and draw because the storyline and emotions you express, the reality of not knowing sexuality and coming to terms with who you are as a person and what you like and what you want. You do it in such a beautiful way and I'm in awe everytime I pick this up. (Sorry for the sappy message, I just am so happy I found this years ago when you first started it :) )

Taylor Mineo

2025-02-08 18:51:13 +0000 UTC

I think the words are perfect✨️ Exactly what I'd be thinking at that moment and not pressured, just contemplating possibilities.

AlysiaWright

2025-02-08 18:50:51 +0000 UTC

I think the writing on this page is fine! Good job having him detail his thoughts. It is a tiny bit wordy, but the way you separated the text really makes a difference. Thanks for sharing what you’re feeling through this process ☺️

SilentGAY

2025-02-08 18:45:19 +0000 UTC

That's monologue, not dialogue 😄

Tom G

2025-02-08 18:29:26 +0000 UTC

I think you're doing a great job Bittie.

Frankie

2025-02-08 18:26:20 +0000 UTC

Idk but i like how much sooch has grew because in the chapter 8. 3-8.10 He says "see if i can fall in love whit him....?.... BUT HES A MAAAAN". And now hes all "im in love whit this man" 😭

Mooo777 8

2025-02-08 18:08:56 +0000 UTC

Sometimes i get frustrated reading some of the comments worrying about this or that in regards to the characters not having this perfectly aware, straightforward way of thinking. Like when sooch has any sort of hesitation when it comes to intimacy, sometimes ppl make a big deal about him being uncomfortable or something. These characters arent meant to be a manifestation of perfect, modernly updated social ways of thinking. The story would be boring if there werent misunderstandings, miseducation, doubts, hesitation, confusion, and fear. Because thats completely realistic and completely normal. I see a lot in webcomics characters being perfectly socially aware and the dialogue basically being this unrealistic script of political correctness and the characters understanding and voicing their feelings perfectly, and it really puts me off. Maybe thats more for the author to have an outlet, but i always think its much less interesting. I love these characters and this relationship because theyre flawed, and unsure of themselves, and even though we all like to think how perfect their relationship is it really isnt. I dont mean to criticize how ppl read it or to poo poo important dialogue in the comments, but i moreso dont want bittie to feel like they have to cater to our sensibilities by explaining away character flaws with perfect dialogue. Anyway i hope i worded this well and dont sound critical of other readers, this is just something ive been thinking for the last couple chapters!

carl_bug

2025-02-08 17:50:40 +0000 UTC

I do have to ask tho - was the bagel hole symbolism intentional?? 😂 if so, 10/10 incredible, otherwise fantastic coincidence with Sooch evaluating his own feelings on bottoming

Luna Lena

2025-02-08 17:49:55 +0000 UTC

(Also, like others are saying, sorry for stressing you out over verbiage - we love your work and I don’t think any of us necessarily though that Sooch was under any illusions that they hadn’t just had some sort of sex 💕 I think it was illustrated extremely well, especially in the context of a young guy who really just hasn’t had time to fully iron out his understanding and acceptance of his own sexuality quite yet, even if his wants are starting to become more and more apparent)

Luna Lena

2025-02-08 17:46:08 +0000 UTC

I honesly love these kind of updates where we can see the thought process of the characters so i dont think you need to worry about that bittie, you are a fantastic storyteller and sometimes these kind of introspectives parts are very important and integral to the story. Also It's perfectly plausible that Sooch was conditioned as where many of us to think that sex was only penetration so it makes sense that his thought would go that way. P.s.: I can feel the stress and the paranoia in howie's face, 😂

Silvia Monaco

2025-02-08 17:39:06 +0000 UTC

part of me feels like at some point sooch is going to tell Howie "I've been thinking lately that I wanna have sex with you" and Howies gonna be like "? we've been having sex what are you talking about?" then the communication will happen!

Juni B. Joons

2025-02-08 17:31:52 +0000 UTC

There absolutely is not 😭

Amanda

2025-02-08 17:27:19 +0000 UTC

same

Juni B. Joons

2025-02-08 17:24:40 +0000 UTC

I thought Sooch's internal monologue perfectly reflected his growing awareness of what intimacy between two men can mean and the various ways it can be expressed. This is all new to him and he's still on his journey of self awareness.

Scott Argo

2025-02-08 17:23:18 +0000 UTC

Ooooo I love that so much and now I’m even more excited for their “first” time trying to figure that out together and get comfortable with the less glamorous side of things. (I almost said unromantic, but I think that’s not quite right since any type of intimacy can be so so so romantic, including prep and aftercare 🥰) I’ve read a few pieces that feature switch couples where each generally has a preference for topping or bottoming, but bottoming of course seems more scary, vulnerable, often socially charged (how dare you want/enjoy something that is usually reserved for women??), so the partner who mostly prefers to top pulls out all the stops to have the other partner top for that first penetrative experience just to be sure the other knows 100% for sure that it actually is fun and feels good and isn’t a “loss” or “concession” like a lot of heteronormative bs makes it out to be 🥰 (not that Howie and Sooch need to do this, but there are so many ways to show first times like theirs where one or both characters are psychologically getting through more than just trusting their partner, and it’s always so exciting to see how authors handle that ESPECIALLY in the context of switches 🤩🤩)

Luna Lena

2025-02-08 17:13:12 +0000 UTC

The way i see it, we've been thinking about and relating to these characters more like real people. We're invested and have really gotten to know them. This has been such a great community to engage with and share our own opinions and experiences!

ell

2025-02-08 17:11:58 +0000 UTC

I also grew up feeling/being told that sex only meant penetration so I completely understand him tbh! I really appreciate seeing characters in your comic being so real about topics 🫶🏻

𐐪𓂃 haven

2025-02-08 17:05:05 +0000 UTC

Stupid faces tend to do that to you

𐐪𓂃 haven

2025-02-08 17:02:14 +0000 UTC

Sooch's thought processes for coming around to this relationship has been very clear. While we readers knew he'd fall, he started out identifying has straight, so of course he'd need to think through each step of the process, and yes, to a lot of people, it's not real sex (you can still turn back) until it's penetrative. You're doing a wonderful job showing bi-awakening and all the confusion that goes along with it.

Forester

2025-02-08 16:54:47 +0000 UTC

Bittie our discourse is mostly us fangirling over the progress of our favorite couple, you have an amazing grasp of how your characters interact with themselves and the world around them i have never felt like any of your dialogue or storytelling has been underdeveloped or overdone. The culture difference at least to me is that i was raised to think that 'sex' was general intimacy with or without penetration but it was almost always accompanied with clarification of what happened. So when i say omg they just had sex its more of me shorthanding my excitement over their intimate progress. We support you and don't want you to feel stressed out like this youre an incredible author and artist and we love everything youve created and i for one would have been completely satisfied with this page being totally dialogue free simply because of your character building and delicate facial expressions its so easy to understand how hes feeling ❤️❤️❤️

Misa

2025-02-08 16:50:59 +0000 UTC

‘Look at his stupid face’ is there any more adorable way to say that this is the person you love ❤️🤣

Lizzy

2025-02-08 16:50:22 +0000 UTC

"But I look at Howie's stupid face and I feel like I want to give him anything he wants" That is true love right there

sarah

2025-02-08 16:33:59 +0000 UTC

To be honest, I'm not mad about the heteronormative wording here, I'm much more worried that Sooch could pressure himself into penetrative sex just because he wants to give more to stupid-faced Howie.

Mm-ft

2025-02-08 16:32:49 +0000 UTC

I think you conveyed his thoughts perfectly. You got across his confusion, desire, and even a little vulnerability. It was great.

Malfuric

2025-02-08 16:27:20 +0000 UTC

Omg author, don't stress over this, that fact that your dialogs create some dialog among the audience is a good thing right ? The fact that non-penetrative sex is considered, as you said, lesser sex is one of many things that people should deconstruct, so it's all good ! Sooch has grown up in the same heteronormative society as us and he just found out he's not straight, so of course he's gonna think about sex in these words. And it's inner thoughts anyway, nobody bothers to choose the right words in their inner dialogs or we would all be so slow-minded 😅

Mm-ft

2025-02-08 16:25:10 +0000 UTC

😲😲😲

kira

2025-02-08 16:21:49 +0000 UTC

Oh both your points are interesting and valid

Kimmikala

2025-02-08 16:21:39 +0000 UTC

I liked how you did Sooch's internal dialogue here. Having his thoughts transposed over unrelated actions feels so relatable (my brain is constantly going no matter what I'm doing). This didn't feel stagnant because Sooch was doing something while thinking and we could be part of both. I love this comic and you do amazing work! 😊

Catherine

2025-02-08 16:21:17 +0000 UTC

You always have just the right amount of dialogue. There's never too much that you lose our attention or too little that we don't understand what's going on. You're doing an amazing job with this comic! 👏 👏👏

Courtney Barkley

2025-02-08 16:21:08 +0000 UTC

Your dialogue is great! I've always felt that well spaced dialogue is important and you've achieved it very well.

MelodramaticFool66

2025-02-08 16:21:02 +0000 UTC

This might be,,,, my favorite update ever

Emma

2025-02-08 16:20:59 +0000 UTC

They actually are a switch couple, that was some of the dialogue I had to leave out of this page due to lack of space. I decided to only focus on Sooch's curiosity about bottoming😭

Kimmikala

2025-02-08 16:16:18 +0000 UTC

Loved this. Don't stress over the dialogue, it's your comic if people interpretation is different than you intended that seems like a THEM problem not a you problem. Your writing it from the characters point of view anyway x

Milly

2025-02-08 16:08:15 +0000 UTC

This is beautiful. Words and all 🥰🥰

LV

2025-02-08 16:01:37 +0000 UTC

I think the dialog on this page was perfect! Your efforts definitely paid off!

NumberOneJew

2025-02-08 16:00:58 +0000 UTC

"Howie's stupid face" and that look... He knows he's helpless against that man hashjshdh

Kumiko Misaki

2025-02-08 15:56:19 +0000 UTC

Idk if Sooch has ever cooked before off screen but BRO IS COOKING FOR HOWIEEEE !!! 😳❤️

Kumiko Misaki

2025-02-08 15:52:47 +0000 UTC

I can certainly see this point from a higher systemic learned pressure and terminology usage. My personal experience had a different reason for the same emphasis. "Sex" had the implication of possibly getting pregnant. Anything else, although still with some level of risk, was less risk of changing my life overnight. Now, pregnancy isn't something these cuties have to consider, but until recently Sooch had a very hetero mindset, so it might be bleeding over. And regardless of the source, "socially acceptable" tends to be a driving influencer for individual self-consciousness.

Becca Fuller

2025-02-08 15:47:56 +0000 UTC

Agreed!!

Elity

2025-02-08 15:45:42 +0000 UTC

Ah this was so good! Even in not to many words I feel like so much came across. Soochs looks at Howie always say so much and I love it. It’s all been so great. I think you do a great job with showing Soochs opinions on sex. Yes he knows they are having sex but because in general, at least how I grew up, when people talk about or show sex it’s always penetration so other intimate physical acts don’t feel as official. At least that’s how I take it and I think it comes across well. I love it though so much. Like honestly the way you handle this topic is so fucking realistic I also never see it portrayed this way and I’m so happy that I’m seeing it like this. Amazing job!!!!

Kiri

2025-02-08 15:45:22 +0000 UTC

@Bittie Part of working at a domestic violence center means I give survivors/the community sex ed and you’re totally correct about most ppl thinking of “sex” as penetrative sex by default. Since Sooch currently has no way of knowing about his misconception when his only sex ed has been basic mainstream heteronormative concepts, your dialogue last week was actually really realistic. (And on a side note, it’s also way more important to make sure ppl understand how to safely experience their understanding of “sex” rather than correcting what they think it is.) You’re doing great!!

kells

2025-02-08 15:43:16 +0000 UTC

I feel it. I mean, look at Howie…

MB

2025-02-08 15:41:19 +0000 UTC

"I guess I'm curious about it, maybe.." This line sent me. 😂 Poor muffin. This is good stuffs, Bittie!

Amber

2025-02-08 15:37:16 +0000 UTC

Also, "Howie has experience." It was ONE TIME, Sooch. ONCE. 🤣 Bless his little heart.

Vyaoi

2025-02-08 15:34:02 +0000 UTC

We all go thru it 💪 😂

Insaner

2025-02-08 15:30:50 +0000 UTC

His MO lol, but same I hope Howie and his friends help him put of his own spirals (especially as he's about to recieve his adhd diagnosis??)

Insaner

2025-02-08 15:30:00 +0000 UTC

I think there was a lot said here and in not so many words. The feelings come across clear. I think tou did a great job here

Lillie

2025-02-08 15:29:53 +0000 UTC

Human thoughts are imperfect so even if you think you're getting it wrong it's not wrong. You're a wonderful story teller. I wouldn't wait with baited breath every week for a new couple panels if you weren't. Plus, thoughts don't always progress in a linear fashion. I bet Sooch's brain is going a mile a minute but you picked the most poignant parts. You're awesome.

Vyaoi

2025-02-08 15:29:01 +0000 UTC

The heart wants what it wants LOL

Insaner

2025-02-08 15:28:03 +0000 UTC

I've come to realize that most of the time the reason sex outside of penetrative is considered lesser is so that people can handle the cognitive dissonance of wanting to have sex but needing to maintain their virginity for religious reasons. The majority of US society has a Christian foundation which tells people they're morally corrupt if they lose their virginity before marriage. Not considering other forms of sex as "true sex" allows people to maintain "virginity" while still being able to deal with their urges and need to be sexually intimate with their partner(s)

Paw Kitty

2025-02-08 15:26:09 +0000 UTC

This ^^^

A.R.Walker_Art

2025-02-08 15:25:10 +0000 UTC

DUDE I LOVE THE KIND OF CONVERSQTIONS THIS COMIC BRINGS UP. It's so queer!! I mean a lot of folks experience this, but this is SUCH a queer feeling. Thank you for making a comic that so captures the experience fr.

Insaner

2025-02-08 15:24:50 +0000 UTC

I have believed for a long time that your dialogue was as on spot as your expressions which are some of the BEST, MOST TELLING expressions i have ever seen in comics, and I will die on this hill. I can also agree that comic dialogue is exhausting. I've tried both comics and books, and I ended up leaving the former for the latter for this exact reason. I never seem to have enough room to say what I want to say, or the flow from one panel's dialogue to the next seems either too slow or too fast. I decided long ago that comics just weren't something I could pull off, but, if I may, I think you're a master of your craft. You've got a solid story with no real plotholes, fantastic world and character building, expressions that I have found on only incredibly rare occasions outside of this comic and dialogue that, while yes, can be frustrating (maybe even infuriating if you feel any way like I did), still hits every. Single. Time. I'm sure it may still be difficult for you and nothing I say can make it easier, but I want you to know that you are an incredibly skilled story teller and artist and, as always, I can't wait to see your story continue to unfold.

A.R.Walker_Art

2025-02-08 15:24:27 +0000 UTC

Please don’t ever change the dialogue on this page!! Coming from a writer who also struggles with dialogue, this was all perfectly done and felt like real emotions and thoughts. Not too much, not too little and you didn’t over explain or under explain his emotions, so it gives us readers room to think for ourselves❤️

Ash

2025-02-08 15:22:21 +0000 UTC

I completely understood the context of how sooch was thinking of sex. It also makes sense to have much of the hetero mindset in that because that had been so ingrained in him before Howie. To me, with my predisposed understanding of that type of mindset, your dialogue implied that well. I also think your line specifically when he says he wanted Howie to feel like he was fucking him also would clear up any misunderstanding for people who might not understand that discourse. You are doing great!

Haishaye

2025-02-08 15:21:28 +0000 UTC

I think we knew what you tried to convey in the last page. That he felt like sexual actitivities without penetration are 'lesser' than sex. We were reassuring Sooch (what? does that make sense? ahaha). Anyway don't know if you lose some info or not, but at least I got really into learning about sex ed and lgbt in college. I was in literature and then changed to biology so I'd been in places were understanding taboos and giving new meaning to concepts like virginity are important discussions.

Kumiko Misaki

2025-02-08 15:21:03 +0000 UTC

I would love it if they were both a switch, since it would be amazing to see sooch gaining confidence and taking the reins. Howie might have doubts at first, but I think he'd enjoy it. And I love it how throughout the comic you can clearly see that these characters navigate their feelings deeply and conscientiously. I love them so much.

Vii Cky

2025-02-08 15:20:59 +0000 UTC

I think you are doing great! These two have undergone such a journey to get where they are and to do the dialogue on a comic is hard- but you've nailed it. I love this work!

Rose Ponce

2025-02-08 15:19:56 +0000 UTC

I also had this sentiment about sex being a different type of sex. I feel like it might be generational? I understand it and it doesn’t bother me. This dialogue in my opinion was well done. I enjoyed it and it made sense in the panel context and had a lot of weight because it was broken up between the panels. As always I’m enjoying this comic immensely.

Crystalsky

2025-02-08 15:19:08 +0000 UTC

Dude, fellow comic writer, dialogue is SO hard especially because of how limited we are by space and you fuckin nailed this. It translates so well, you can see his meaning and what HIS definition of these words are very well. Love your work!

Art

2025-02-08 15:18:28 +0000 UTC

Aww Sooch… almost all of us have had to look at that stupid face before lol

Alexx Noël

2025-02-08 15:15:48 +0000 UTC

Bittie, don't worry about it! As a writer myself, I know how stressful it can be choosing words. But I've also come to learn that we can't control how everything comes across to everybody. Writing is a form of art, so reading becomes something very subjective that touches each person differently, according to so many personal experiences. I read the comments on the last update, and left one myself, but particularly it wasn't reprimanding or anything. It was exactly what I'd say if a friend told me what Sooch was thinking, so the person could expand their way of thinking, cause it can be limiting the person themselves and I know how more free I felt when I changed some concepts. People not interpreting it exactly as you'd like isn't a fault of yours as a writer at all. On the contrary, you depict their feelings and emotions so well with words and your drawing. But that's just it, reading is subjective too, and sometimes it's even a great thing when people see stuff we as writers couldn't in our dialogues. Even teaches us new perspectives on our own characters too, and that's the beauty of storytelling for me 💚

Mari

2025-02-08 15:15:41 +0000 UTC

Growing up, I was taught that sex was penetration. It wasn’t “real sex” until that point. You could still be a virgin up to that point. (Like that was something to be proud of and hold on to…). Ridiculous. I think western society is beginning to see that lots of things can be considered sex. That intimacy can mean a lot of things and penetration isn’t necessarily the goal. I love how you portray intimacy and love between Howie and Sooch.

Katiebee72

2025-02-08 15:15:08 +0000 UTC

Also I love that the Dynamic side comic shows Howie's perspective and the main comic storyline is Sooch's . You get both sides! And you see their growth!!

Hollz

2025-02-08 15:12:44 +0000 UTC

I love that he’s giving this so much thought. More than anything it shows that he is taking the relationship very seriously. And I think you do a great job getting their thoughts and feelings across in so few words tbh! I voiced concern about the limited definition of sex last time, but I also understand what you mean. When I was growing up “sex” definitely meant penetration, and was considered the “home run.” It’s not unrealistic to think that way, especially if you’ve only thought in terms of hetero sex before. I’m happy to see that most people’s view of what sex is has expanded over the years. And I have no doubt that even if they never went there, Howie would still be living the dream. 🥰

Amanda

2025-02-08 15:12:12 +0000 UTC

You could post a blank page with just their face on and i'd still madly love it

Igzitex

2025-02-08 15:12:03 +0000 UTC

i just like how he’s already accepted the fact he’s on bottom

Max

2025-02-08 15:11:27 +0000 UTC

Also you do a fantastic job at dialogue!!! Thank you for another fulfilling week! We always eat good 🙂‍↕️

Megan Ferguson

2025-02-08 15:11:22 +0000 UTC

I think it's perfect Bittie! Trust your gut. As a writer sometimes I wish I could draw to show things so in my own way I get it. Trust yourself and don't stress too much because eventually whatever you write will fit perfectly. And this fits perfectly 🤍

ThatOneIntrovert

2025-02-08 15:11:16 +0000 UTC

Not Howies stupid face 😂😩 Sooch is so in love 🥰

Megan Ferguson

2025-02-08 15:10:36 +0000 UTC

I really appreciate the way you've been doing Sooch's internal dialog. So many comics ignore this completely, and come across as if someone's first time just "happens" and then they have some sort of revelation. This is so much more real, and I really appreciate this depth...

Shauna Ayers

2025-02-08 15:09:38 +0000 UTC

Ugh I love them

Jackie

2025-02-08 15:08:20 +0000 UTC

That’s love honey 😭🥰

HoneyB

2025-02-08 15:08:17 +0000 UTC

I my world sex is when penetration happens. Rest is sort of leading up to sex. Oral sex and whatever is a sexual act. But not sex. Imo

Anja Cook

2025-02-08 15:07:53 +0000 UTC

Tyyy for saying this !!!! I love Sooch réflection !!

Gegegee

2025-02-08 15:07:34 +0000 UTC

I think these pages are great and the thoughts come through crystal clear! Great job!

Jamie Giessen

2025-02-08 15:07:30 +0000 UTC

Sooch loves him so much 😭

Ino

2025-02-08 15:07:11 +0000 UTC

All boyfriends have “stupid faces” lmao. It’s a requirement almost 😂😂

Ash

2025-02-08 15:06:49 +0000 UTC

the expressions in this one.... so tender.... im actually so ill i love this comic so much oh my days

rossie

2025-02-08 15:06:45 +0000 UTC

LOVE getting to hear Sooch’s inner dialogue! You’re so right, Bittie, that it is a different definition depending on your culture or just how you were raised generally! That’s why I love to see what Sooch is thinking and get more insight as to where he stands🥹💕

Bella

2025-02-08 15:06:39 +0000 UTC

His stupid face is adorable

SnowWrite

2025-02-08 15:06:30 +0000 UTC

😭I love them so much gosssshhhh bitie you are amazing for real there is no comic like this

Mooo777 8

2025-02-08 15:06:25 +0000 UTC

Oh sooch look at you, totally whipped for each other ❤️❤️❤️

Barbs

2025-02-08 15:06:04 +0000 UTC

i have never commented here before but author i just want you to know i think you’re doing a great job with the dialogue. i love seeing a little glimpse into their thoughts :) keep slaying 🩷🩷

Selma

2025-02-08 15:05:58 +0000 UTC

It’s so nice getting to see sooch fall in love with Howie and seeing what love makes him want to do but knowing that Howie would never take advantage of that is the perfect balance. I just hope sooch doesn’t get too in his head

Teddy Chanel

2025-02-08 15:05:26 +0000 UTC

His face at the end😭😭 oh Gawd!!!! he is so cuute🫠💕

Any

2025-02-08 15:05:22 +0000 UTC

im sorry making this episode was so mentally taxing for you, your dialogue always seems great imo. i never notice anything seeming “weird”

Meowmeow

2025-02-08 15:05:09 +0000 UTC

Same! I look at his stupid face and just think fuck!!!! 🤣🤣

KC

2025-02-08 15:04:48 +0000 UTC

“I look at Howie’s stupid face” is so Sooch x Howie that it just makes me smile!

MJ

2025-02-08 15:04:48 +0000 UTC

He's having a bottom crisis

Lesbean

2025-02-08 15:04:43 +0000 UTC

I appreciate all that you do. Rest up!!!

Hollz

2025-02-08 15:04:41 +0000 UTC

Sooch, Howie is your daddy.

Littl3Gr3mlin

2025-02-08 15:04:33 +0000 UTC

Our boy is in loooooveeee. But really Sooch, take all the time you need to figure out what you want and are comfortable withhh

Ammi L.J.

2025-02-08 15:04:26 +0000 UTC

He made breakfast 🥹

Hudders

2025-02-08 15:04:16 +0000 UTC

Sooch is so in love it’s coming out of his pores

flowerpond

2025-02-08 15:04:06 +0000 UTC

lolol “howies stupid face”

Meowmeow

2025-02-08 15:03:57 +0000 UTC

I love how even when Sooch is being so serious and contemplative he’s like “when I look at his stupid face” 🤣

Biologygirl

2025-02-08 15:03:03 +0000 UTC

23.25 - 23.26

Comments

I think it's intentional, bcos he used to think he was straight and therefore would be the one fcking people

I totally feel this comment. I definitely grew up in a similar space but I think it got a lot better in the past few years. I love that there's so much communication and that sooch and howie really think things through when thinking about their relationship and how they feel towards one another.

Eep this is so sweet 🥹🥹💖

Howie has *such* a stupid face, ugh! Sooch I get it

I love this comic

?

I think the italics should go on "fucking" instead "he" and "me." Currently it sounds like he wants to be the one penetrating Howie instead of being surprised he's interested in penetrative sex with a man at all.

That's a very conspicuous bagel 👀😂

tbh you have some of my favorite dialog in writing its just feels so authentic like i read your comic and feel like ive had the exact same conversation before

The fucking bagel lmao love

Omg yes, starting w/ sex toys as an into to anal may be a good move. & Sooch may feel less more comfortable doing it alone then having Howie join in to help him😌

Is it just me or Sooch is becoming more and more handsome with each chapter?? 🥵

I love all this thinking while Sooch flawlessly makes a breakfast sandwich and wraps it up for Howie 😍

I'm so sorry you got to go through that experience, nobody deserve that. And I hope they can treat you and everything get better

This inner monologue is everything

Okay this is so real because when my ex-girlfriend and I started dating I could not keep my hands off her. It just felt so surreal that the object of my affection (same gender as me) and I can be physical together.

"Howie's stupid face" 🤣 Sooch is down BAD for Howie, and we love to see it! When you feel comfortable, Sooch, give that man what he wants!

I appreciate how he recognized the safety he feels with howie but also the fact that he wants to give his partner everything (just by looking at his stupid face 🤣 very relatable)

Sooch, ask Howie to bottom first? Start off with sex toys, even trying them alone first and then as a couple. Don't worry your lil head lil baby.

Sooch making Howie breakfast to go!? A man after my own heart! 💚🥰😍

I personally understood what shooch ment and even if I didn’t I feel like it’s common sense due to the context soo…. I don’t think it’s a dialogue problem :)

Your dialogue has ALWAYS been amazing! One of the first reasons I fell in love with your work! I would never mind a full paragraph, no matter how many words are said you can tell you put a lot of an effort into your work❤️

What’s with Howies face? 😂

Also him making Howie breakfast cause he's in a rush to get to work, he is such husband material

He is SUCH a simp for Howie, he's so cute and ridiculous I love him with all my heart 😭

take it slowly howie! bittie, i totally get it, as a writer that is a major struggle to hold back on ALL of the complicated emotions from the characters. you’re doing a fantastic job and i adore your work

god this story makes me want to translate it so much i just want more people to understand how magnificent this is

I am dying from the the wholesomeness. My heart implodes ❤️❤️❤️

Oh so he’s in love in love

His stupid face. That’s so cute

Thanks so much for reading ❤️😭

I’m sorry but are we not gonna talk about how Sooch is clearly making breakfast for Howie?? ♥️

Honestly I'm happy to read a lot of text in these kinds of comics, I like being able to linger on the pages for longer, and it gives a great inside into what the characters are really thinking/feeling!!

Yesssss I totally get where you're coming from, some readers don't get the point of having obstacles and doubts, I think it gives every character a chance to have its own unique way of thinking and facing life like REAL PEOPLE DO. Some readers are so boring 😭 LET THE AUTHOR COOK!!!

I'm actually obsessed with the dialogue. I think it's perfect. It expresses the way he feels so well and it was adorable. Thanks again Bittie! ❤️

Did you read the authors note?

I second this 🫶🏽 these are meant to be real people, with real problems and real shortcomings.

I think the words are perfect✨️ Exactly what I'd be thinking at that moment and not pressured, just contemplating possibilities.

I think the writing on this page is fine! Good job having him detail his thoughts. It is a tiny bit wordy, but the way you separated the text really makes a difference. Thanks for sharing what you’re feeling through this process ☺️

That's monologue, not dialogue 😄

I think you're doing a great job Bittie.

Idk but i like how much sooch has grew because in the chapter 8. 3-8.10 He says "see if i can fall in love whit him....?.... BUT HES A MAAAAN". And now hes all "im in love whit this man" 😭

I do have to ask tho - was the bagel hole symbolism intentional?? 😂 if so, 10/10 incredible, otherwise fantastic coincidence with Sooch evaluating his own feelings on bottoming

part of me feels like at some point sooch is going to tell Howie "I've been thinking lately that I wanna have sex with you" and Howies gonna be like "? we've been having sex what are you talking about?" then the communication will happen!

There absolutely is not 😭

same

I thought Sooch's internal monologue perfectly reflected his growing awareness of what intimacy between two men can mean and the various ways it can be expressed. This is all new to him and he's still on his journey of self awareness.

The way i see it, we've been thinking about and relating to these characters more like real people. We're invested and have really gotten to know them. This has been such a great community to engage with and share our own opinions and experiences!

I also grew up feeling/being told that sex only meant penetration so I completely understand him tbh! I really appreciate seeing characters in your comic being so real about topics 🫶🏻

Stupid faces tend to do that to you

‘Look at his stupid face’ is there any more adorable way to say that this is the person you love ❤️🤣

"But I look at Howie's stupid face and I feel like I want to give him anything he wants" That is true love right there

To be honest, I'm not mad about the heteronormative wording here, I'm much more worried that Sooch could pressure himself into penetrative sex just because he wants to give more to stupid-faced Howie.

I think you conveyed his thoughts perfectly. You got across his confusion, desire, and even a little vulnerability. It was great.

😲😲😲

Oh both your points are interesting and valid

You always have just the right amount of dialogue. There's never too much that you lose our attention or too little that we don't understand what's going on. You're doing an amazing job with this comic! 👏 👏👏

Your dialogue is great! I've always felt that well spaced dialogue is important and you've achieved it very well.

This might be,,,, my favorite update ever

They actually are a switch couple, that was some of the dialogue I had to leave out of this page due to lack of space. I decided to only focus on Sooch's curiosity about bottoming😭

Loved this. Don't stress over the dialogue, it's your comic if people interpretation is different than you intended that seems like a THEM problem not a you problem. Your writing it from the characters point of view anyway x

This is beautiful. Words and all 🥰🥰

I think the dialog on this page was perfect! Your efforts definitely paid off!

"Howie's stupid face" and that look... He knows he's helpless against that man hashjshdh

Idk if Sooch has ever cooked before off screen but BRO IS COOKING FOR HOWIEEEE !!! 😳❤️

Agreed!!

I feel it. I mean, look at Howie…

"I guess I'm curious about it, maybe.." This line sent me. 😂 Poor muffin. This is good stuffs, Bittie!

Also, "Howie has experience." It was ONE TIME, Sooch. ONCE. 🤣 Bless his little heart.

We all go thru it 💪 😂

His MO lol, but same I hope Howie and his friends help him put of his own spirals (especially as he's about to recieve his adhd diagnosis??)

I think there was a lot said here and in not so many words. The feelings come across clear. I think tou did a great job here

The heart wants what it wants LOL

This ^^^

DUDE I *LOVE* THE KIND OF CONVERSQTIONS THIS COMIC BRINGS UP. It's so queer!! I mean a lot of folks experience this, but this is SUCH a queer feeling. Thank you for making a comic that so captures the experience fr.

I think you are doing great! These two have undergone such a journey to get where they are and to do the dialogue on a comic is hard- but you've nailed it. I love this work!

Dude, fellow comic writer, dialogue is SO hard especially because of how limited we are by space and you fuckin nailed this. It translates so well, you can see his meaning and what HIS definition of these words are very well. Love your work!

Aww Sooch… almost all of us have had to look at that stupid face before lol

Howie has such a stupid face, ugh! Sooch I get it

DUDE I LOVE THE KIND OF CONVERSQTIONS THIS COMIC BRINGS UP. It's so queer!! I mean a lot of folks experience this, but this is SUCH a queer feeling. Thank you for making a comic that so captures the experience fr.