Damaged

Constantine had been led on and hurt by others far too often after looking for a relationship of some kind. He didn’t care if it was a Friends With Benefits or something more. Or somewhere in between. People led him on, ghosted him, and everything in between over time. It didn’t help he was still living in the same small town he’d grown up in. He’d moved away for a few years. He’d come out as a Trans Man in that time. He’d moved back and into the same house as his dad. His dad hadn’t once accepted him as himself either.

He’d been fetishized by more than a few Bisexual people. Guys far more than girls though. They didn’t fully see him as Male. He hadn’t been able to get any kind of Gender Affirming Care. Surgery wasn’t an option for the time being either. He’d not even considered any kind of relationship with a Bisexual Man after a while. The comments they made left him feeling inadequate. That he’d never been seen as himself by anyone in the area. His experiences left him far more hurt than anyone realized or understood. He felt completely alone after a while.

His dads lack of acceptance was obvious. Despite the brief conversation Constantine had with him. He’d rather be dead or homeless after a while. It’d been one thing after another over time. He’d not been able to keep or maintain a job. The depth of his Depression went deep over time. His job as a Dishwasher didn’t pay much. Or have the hours he’d needed to save any money. Jobs in the area were more for the Retirees and teens in the area. Two demographical groups that couldn’t work much. It’d left people like Constantine unable to survive while there.

He’d somehow managed to save enough money for a brief vacation. Three weeks of time away from the area that never once loved him. He’d gone to Miami Beach for a few weeks. He’d felt peace he’d never felt before. He passed as Male the entire time. He didn’t think he had at times. He’d been accepted as himself while there when he did open up to anyone. People who saw him as Male at first glance. He felt thankful for passing as well as he did. He didn’t think the compression vest he’d been wearing helped him pass. Until those he’d opened up to told him they’d have not known if he’d not said anything. They love him as himself either way. People had seen him as an overweight man.

He’d fallen in love with a girl he hooked up with during the trip. They’d enough fun together. In his Hotel room and while out and about. It was the first time he’d had any real fun with someone he connected with. Addie had become a trusted friend in a short time. They’re similar backgrounds having a factor in it. They’d meet up most of the time at some point during the day. She’d taken him on adventures around Miami when they were together. Her work schedule for the last ten days of his trip meant they’d not be able to spend as much time together.

A job opportunity came his way after he overheard a conversation between a Manager and Bartender at the Restaurant he was at. He’d been sitting at the Bar watching the Drag Show. The pair were behind him, watching the show as well, trying to figure out what to do about the Dishwasher quitting on the spot. He’d turned around and asked if he could fill in that night. He’d taken a leap of faith when he did that. Ben was willing to do that. He’d set up a day full of interviews for the next day anyway. He didn’t mind some stranger offering themselves for the night. Especially one that was already a Dishwasher back home.

Ben was impressed by Constantine being able to keep up with everything. He’d learned where everything was in the first hour. He’d offered Constantine a job for the remainder of his time there. All five days. Constantine said yes without a second thought. He’d be able to watch the Drag Show in slower moments. Ben knew there’d be quite a few of those because of his speed. Ben offered him a permanent position if he wanted it. That he’d gladly find someone temporary in the meantime. The pair talked about how to move him down from the rural town he was currently in if he accepted the job. And the fact Constantine would be homeless until he had enough for a place. Constantine was all for being homeless to move there. He didn’t care what it was going to take to move there. It was an opportunity he wasn’t going to pass. He knew it might be the only chance he got to leave for a new start.

Addie was the first person he’d told after everything happened. She offered up her second bedroom until he was able to get a place of his own. He’d taken her up on the offer knowing they’d connect far more. She’d decided to take some time off to help him move. Ben was happy he would no longer have to worry about finding Constantine a place to stay. Constantine had saved all of what ended up being his first paycheck from the Bar to book a room at a nearby Hostel. He no longer had to worry about that. He’d called Riley during his last day in Miami Beach and quit his job. He’d let his dad know everything as well before he told everyone else back home everything in one Social Media post. He and Addie were back home long enough for him to pack everything up in a few hours and left again. He’d let Addie sleep while he packed. It wasn’t like he had much to pack. He’d taken what he knew he’d need and told Max to donate everything else. He knew far happier days lay ahead.

He and Addie’s relationship grew over the next few months. They’d begun dating after six months. He’d sworn off love until she’d come along. He’d become content with forever being single. He didn’t mind if he had one night stands or several Friends With Benefits. He never saw himself in an actual relationship. Addie had changed everything though. She brought out the best in him. He’d done the same. The pair knew they were meant for each other. Everyone saw that. Their love for each other as they are being obvious. The pair were far happier than before. And ready to take on the world together.