True Allyship Requires Sacrifices

20260608

Prompt from “pridemonthprompts” 2025 list.

“Hey there, Zack.” Henry rubbed his hands together. Anticipating a challenge. “What is it this time?”
“O-Zomb-G cosplay.” Zack slapped down a stack of photos with the kind of serious, focused air some people saved for job interviews. “Do you think we can give me that crazy high-top with extensions, or will I need a wig? Cause there’s a dance routine with it and I don’t think a wig’s going to stay on - unless you have pro tips for that.”
“Hm.” Henry leant on the counter and inspected the photos. He pulled out the one group shot and said “Serious question.”
“Hit me.”
“Why are you always being the girl characters?”
Zack blinked and mulled this over. As if he’d never stopped to question the trend before. “I guess everyone figures it falls to me, what with being the token cishet guy. Kelly’s way butch, and asking gay guys to dress femme is, like… stereotyping?”
“Fair enough? Would’ve thought you’d try and get your girlfriend involved. Or, um, is this look too masc for her? Might be a sore spot?”
“Uh, yeah, I think this one would be too… But she’s uncomfortable about getting in on the cosplay anyway. Hates photos or public attention. Super self-conscious about her looks.”
“Aw, that’s a shame.”
“Yeah, no matter how many people assure her she’s totes cute she just…” Zack shrugged helplessly, his expression downcast.
“For a lot of people, it takes time for compliments to sink in.” Henry said sympathetically. “Plus, I mean, you said she only got on the HRT, what, six months ago? So she’s basically having to go through puberty all over again, right?”
“Basically. But she’s actually pretty psyched about it, which is kinda funny. Like, I was never as thrilled about my puberty milestones. Then again, if I’d had to go through a body horror version and then fight for the real thing…”
“Mm.” Henry shrugged, clearly lost. “Well, hopefully once she’s feeling more at home in herself, or however that works, she’ll be able to join in the fun. It’d be way easier to get her looking like this. But!” He clapped his hands together. “Let’s see what we can do with you. Take a seat.”
“You got it!” Zack dropped his bag by one of the chairs, then added with a wry grin “See, this is the other reason I get assigned all the zaniest characters - everyone else lives too far to swing by here on the way to the con, and we don’t know any other hairdressers with your mad skills.”
“Aw, shucks. Flattery won’t get you a discount, you know.”
“I’m hoping it’ll at least mean I don’t get charged extra for the hassle!”
“Mmm… we’ll see how this goes.”
Zack gave a rueful chuckle and dutifully leant his head forward so Henry could get started. Really hoping it didn’t take too much faffing - he’d rather not have to get up at seven for the actual event!

Prompt was “Hair styles”.