This was fun but intense. Keep my Eyes is the first fic I’ve ever written, but also the first time I’ve written about gender identity and autism. KME is very, very close to my heart and I’m so happy to finally be able to say I did this!
The idea for PRTND came from a song called Pretend by CNCO, but the way it turned into a safe space for Harry and Draco came later when I joined the Transfest. I only wish this place could also exist in real life.
I wouldn’t have done such a story if not for @erebeus-roxy @amarillis39 and my best friend Mandy's amazing help and support. Again, thank you SO much for being with me and helping me accomplish such a thing! I love you guys.
For the HP Transfest 2021
Unable to understand his own gender identity, Harry finds solace in a place where anyone can pretend to be someone else for the night, surprised he's not the only one he knows that searches for the same release.
And then my sight caught yours, and I knew it was you by the way you kept your eyes as well. You had wanted the same thing I did; you had had the same idea. Your face was different, something as disconcerting as relieving now, I noticed, watching your bushy brown hair, round features and thin lips. Despite that, I recognised the two bright moons beaming in the club’s lights, eyes that had been following mine for years, never really finding them.
And you recognised mine as well.
Take a deep breath, Harry, I willed myself.
It was too much. All at once. People touching me, your eyes too knowing to be safe. I wasn’t supposed to be seen here; I wasn’t supposed to recognize anyone, and to be recognised by anyone.
It took a stranger’s hand in my neck, making my skin crawl, and your lonely step in my direction to get me fetching Luna and fleeing the hell out of that place faster than my heart could beat.
