
Genuinely baffled, I feel like the ppl calling this “weird” or saying it was rape have genuinely never had sex with a trusted partner bc wtf do u mean??

Let’s be objective here lol, just to clarify my perspective a bit more because I think some of the reactions are missing context. To be super clear that I absolutely do not condone rape or any kind of non-consensual behavior I’m very much against that. But I also think we need to be careful not to throw words like “rape” or “red flag” around too easily, especially in fictional stories with complicated dynamics.
In this scene, yes, Ash did use sex to try to get Lyle to open up emotionally, but to me, that doesn’t automatically equal coercion. These are two grown men in a long-term relationship. Lyle isn’t a child, he isn’t being manipulated out of ignorance or fear, and he clearly has agency in the situation. If at any point he truly didn’t want it to happen, he could’ve said no or stopped it. In fact, his reaction shows that he wasn’t traumatized by it—he was just being stubborn about something he was hiding (a proposal, not a deep dark secret).
I understand that not everyone sees sex in a relationship the same way, especially when it involves power play or emotional tension, but for a lot of real couples, using physical intimacy to break through emotional walls isn’t abnormal. It’s not the most “therapeutic” method, sure, but that doesn’t make it abusive. Ash didn’t punish Lyle, didn’t degrade him, didn’t hurt him without consent. It was still within the framework of trust and affection that the story has already shown they have.
If this scene makes some readers uncomfortable, that’s valid. But calling it “rape” or a “red flag” without acknowledging the mutual trust and the context between these characters just feels like oversimplifying a nuanced moment.

“Ugh whatever…” the silent echoes of my mind try to mumble, as I grasp my heart forcing it not to run away while the tears make my hand slip and rumble i cry to find a way; Why the fuck is this ending, i am not prepared, i have loved this regardless of its peculiar nature and freaky share, it’s fine I’ll be okay, it’s not like my life will stop it’s way, but i will not forget the emotions I’ve shared, the chuckles I’ve bared, the cries that came unprepared, the sleepless nights I barely dared, the gasps that I spared, the questionable choices that left me emotionally impaired. And for what? For growth? For closure? No… for chaos. I stood by, powerless, as they dragged my fragile heart through every morally dubious decision and emotionally charged stare. And yet… I thank them. For the pain, the laughter, the absolute circus of it all. I’ll tell myself I’m done, that I’ll break free… no sorrow.
But who am I kidding, fuck it, I’ll maybe…reread it tomorrow.
Just finished re-reading this in one go, truly one of my faves love it much more now that I read it again to regain some memories but still I hope there’s side stories I’m coping