Any thoughts about how the other walkers and musketeers would react to Hank getting with Gary? Or Gary getting with Hank? There might be som unresolved tension there…
Oooh what a thought, what a thought
I have like a sort of timeline in my mind over this coz I absolutely do believe that Hank would never want to ever befriend, nevertheless like Gary, in any way if he was still actively antagonising his friends. That Gary would have to better his actions before Hank can develop feelings for him, and thus Gary having to “better” his relationships with the others.
But I also see Gary’s antagonism as an another point of turmoil/contention that does help build their relationship. But that’s another thought for another day.
Solely focusing on their friend’s reactions + under the circumstances that Gary is bettering his actions:
Harkness is the only one I think would take it positively. I do like to think Gary and Harkness have an odd sort of friendship built on creative similarities, as well as other things, and him and Hank like to debate with eachother and send eachother different articles. He’d be surprised the two are together, but would be ultimately supportive! Probs annoys both coz he needs to know how they happened coz he was in the camp they were at best frenemies LOL
Stebbins I feel would be indifferent. Probably one of the few who wasn’t surprised and saw it coming. In fact I think Hank and Gary knew that he knew and it annoyed tf out of them. Stebbins likes to tease them just to see them getting defensive but he’s ultimately harmless
Alternatively, I could potentially see Stebbins as being the one Gary would talk too abt his feelings for Hank. How it happens? I’m debating it but I feel it would be Stebbins coz a) He suspects Stebbins knows anyways and b) isn’t necessarily as close to Hank as Ray is. It would be a interesting convo between the two of them but I do see the potential of it happening.
Ray I think Ray would be shocked. He was surprised when they started hanging out, but glad to see that they’re friends, but as a couple? Definitely didn’t see it coming and would be similar to Harkness. Wanting to ask Hank why and how. Not because he doesn’t approve, Hank is a big boy, but he’s just curious how they happened, though he’d be alot less pushy abt it. He’s happy for both of them tho.
Now of the few with some apprehension/tension initially
Collie For him it’s another case of how? Another one who’s shocked. Yeah, it sort of made sense when they became friends. Double the annoying, but I think there would be that apprehension if them together is the best thing. And I do think it is for the both of them, not just Hank. Ofc Collie and Gary have their own grievances between eachother and if Gary pulls his old schtick he’s saying smthing. But in the same right he’d be worried if Hank is the best choice for Gary. However, ultimately Collie has faith in his friends and if they found each other he won’t judge. Maybe he’d have a talk with Hank/Gary too get more info and see if they’re really the best fit for eachother but it’s their choice. As long as they’re happy together he has no complaints.
Art as much as I say that Hank would try to deny his feelings, if any one of the group were to know that Hank does have feelings for Gary, it’d be Art. And I do think it’s Art figuring it out rather than Hank confessing it. It’s a whole can of beans but I do think Hank and Art end up having a long talk over it. It’s a mix of wanting to figure out his own feelings but also wanting to gauge Art’s approval/reaction. Art knows.
I feel Art would try to be respectful, but Hank would push for him to be honest where Art does admit he’s hesitant, but doesn’t want to get in the way of Hank’s feelings. So when they do get together Art carries the same thoughts. He’s happy for Hank, but there is some apprehension that it’s Gary. He wants to trust Hank, but Gary would really have to own up to his actions and change. Really prove Hank’s thoughts that he is changing and letting go of his old ways for Art to really “approve”.
Pete now this. oh boy. Pete wants to be happy for Hank, but if anyone has faced Gary’s antagonism it is Pete. I don’t think he’d necessarily be upset with Hank, maybe potentially sad that Hank didn’t tell him, but he’d figure out pretty quick why he didn’t, but I don’t think Pete was blind sided either. When he saw them getting closer he may have suspected smthing, even pointed it out to Hank, but never really thought it would get this far. So when it’s does it is a bit surprising at first.
Ofc he wouldn’t try to stop them. If that’s what they want sure, but i don’t think his support is there at first. He’s just quiet. So I do think it would involve him and Gary having a talk. Sorting their own issues out and Gary personally having to apologise and reassure Pete he does mean the best for Hank and that he is sorry for how he’s acted in the past. Do i think they’d be friends? Probably not, ideally maybe a bit... But if Pete can see that Gary is changing than he will trusts in that. Lowkey a Zuko and Katara moment if I were to compare it to anything maybe…
These are very general answers. It’s subjected to change the more I think on it, but these are my initial thoughts!! A lovely train of thought for me to explore and mull over especially since I’ve never really thought abt it. Possibly coz it is a loaded question but a very good one