A secret most guarded [F writing as M, for Trans]

[wigglebiscuit]

A story of transition and acceptance

Quick pitch:
A young transwoman finds romance in an unlikely place.

Details:
Let’s start with your character (YC). She is either late teens or early twenties (18+). She has been transitioning for a few years now, and is at a point where her confidence is starting to blossom. She has gone through hormone therapy. She has very little body hair, and no facial hair. Her breasts grew in. Perky little mounds to match her petite frame. How this has affected her penis (if it has at all) is up to you. Like many (all?) transpeople, this has been a long, difficult, painful road. She has faced self-doubt, ridicule, even abuse. Because of this, she is hesitant to discuss her birth gender.

It is her hesitancy that drives this story.

She is not looking for romance when she frequents the House of Commons, a no-nonsense coffee shop within walking distance of her home. Usually, she is looking for a quiet place to study or get away from whatever she deals with at home. The Commons has always been a safe space for her, and not just because of the rainbow sticker on the front door. Everything about the place is low-key and chill. The ambient music is always soft and without lyrics. When there are events, such as poetry readings and live music, it is always unplugged. Everyone minds their business.

The tone is set by the proprietor, Tony. In the many hours that YC has spent inside the walls of his establishment, Tony has spoken maybe thirty words to her. He does not speak unless he must. Regulars such as YC quickly learn that Tony isn’t going to ask you what you want. He expects you to tell him. When he must speak, his tone is patient and kind, but such words are rare. When YC walks in, her ‘regular’ drink is always on the counter, waiting for her, by the time she is ready.

The story kicks off when Tony offers the rare compliment. Perhaps it is about her dress, or her hair. Whatever the specifics, it is a genuine confidence boost. Unlike the compliments lavished on her by her Instagram followers (assuming she has those), this compliment is unsolicited. YC didn’t adopt a pose or use special filters. She might not even be wearing makeup. Which means that this compliment is one of the first confirmations that she has gone beyond ‘passable’ to ‘convincing’, helping her feel more comfortable in her own skin.

That compliment is the start of a slow-burn romance between the two characters. What follows is a series of conversations, at the Commons and later, on dates.

The conflict driving the story, and this is *critical*, is YC’s hesitancy to reveal that she is trans. This is in no way shaming her. It starts as innocent conversation, then flirting. She is by no means under any obligation to discuss her gender under these conditions. But the more time passes, the more difficult it becomes to broach that topic. Eventually, as the relationship cements into something official, it becomes a burden that is increasingly difficult to bear.

Conclusion of the story:
The story ends when YC finally reveals her secret to mine. I won’t spoil his reaction, because I don’t know myself. There is the potential for this to not be a happy ending, but that isn’t the plan. I don’t intend for this to be a long story. Perhaps medium-length would be a good description.

Post Length:
Most of this story will be conversations between the main characters. At first at the Commons, then on dates. I don’t want to rush these conversations. Nor do I want us to feel any obligations to surround them with a lot of filler description. Once the scene has been established, we can focus on the conversation. This allows us to have shorter posts. If all you feel the post needs is a single sentence reply, go for it.

At the same time, if the post needs exposition, by all means don’t hold back.

Post Frequency:
Given the shorter nature of the posts, let’s go for faster turn-arounds.

Kinks:
This is not a smut heavy tale. Sex may factor into it, but nothing along lines of BDSM or fetish play. Imagine the sort of things two ordinary people might enjoy, and that is probably the limit of the kinks we will include. If something is specifically off the table for you, please let me know.

Faceclaims:
Please include them with your posts. Your faceclaim does not have to be a transperson, but that would be a nice touch.

Final thoughts:
If this story interests you, please PM me. Do not respond here. I will try to respond to everyone, but sometimes I get crushed by responses and miss someone. If that happens, I apologize.

Please PM me with a faceclaim and short description of YC. Give me a little of her background and personality. Please don’t feel the need to make an extensive reply; I don’t want to waste your time. Include a writing sample if you so desire.

Though I am looking for anyone, any self-identified transwriters will have special consideration.