I think fans who think Malevolent can't be homophobic bc HG doesn't queerbait (sure) are forgetting that "no homo"-ing also exists and is actually way more common than straightforward gay ship-teasing. I really don't think HG would push the "Arthur is John's daddy" angle if he wasn't at least subconsciously trying to deter the shipping with uncomfy vibes (see also: the very no homo Christmas special). It didn't work, mind you, but that's more to do with the fujoshi's pure and unwavering pervert soul. Besides, this sort of defensive writing makes the show worse for the whole audience, not just shippers, and it would've been better if he just let Jarthur be equals and close friends without worrying about how that would be interpreted. The lion does not concern himself with the anal sex his characters are having on AO3.
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