Atopos - this started out as a debate in my law class (whether or not gay marriage should be made legal or not), it's then that you realize there aren't many good opposing debates. The line that Alfred says near the end was one of the against lines one of the boys in our group actually used. The idea for the story actually came from my teacher who said that gay marriage, like abortion, doesn't necessarily have a law regarding it...I think. This is also why Alfred is bringing this subject up after a long time; he doesn't even know how long Canada's had it in place.
Hopefully this makes someone smile anyways. I own nothing as always.
Legalizing Versus Allowing
"So, I hear you've legalized gay marriage." Alfred started to chuckle as if the idea amused him greatly.
Matthew looked thoughtful for a moment. "That was years ago. And it's not like I legalized it, per se. It was more like I just…haven't come up with anything yet."
"Oh, well I still think it's a strange idea." Alfred challenged like a petulant child. "Does that mean you're gay?"
"Some of your states have legalized it." Matthew stated, full of confidence for once. At least he paid attention to his brother's country, which was more than what Alfred could say. But this subject was brought up by Alfred, so maybe he was paying attention after all. "Does that mean you're partially gay?"
"How do you become partially gay?"
"I don't know," Matthew shrugged, staring at his brother. "You're the one who brought this up. Why is it so important to you that I've allowed gay marriage? There's nothing wrong with it. There're plenty of great people who've been attracted to the same gender."
"Sure, I'll admit to that," Alfred replied off-handedly. "I'm just sayin' that it's strange to hear that some country has allowed it, especially since it's you. Didn't France teach you all about God and religion?"
"Oh, don't start with that, Alfred. You and your leaders usually get it all wrong, anyways."
The room was relatively quiet. Alfred was busy pouting and mulling over what his brother had just told him. Matthew, though, was nervous with the silence. Alfred usually filled it with his rambunctious talking and laughter.
"I just thought it was weird hearing that my brother allowed people of the same gender to get married, when most of my leaders don't even like the idea." Alfred muttered as if it was an apology. He looked over at Matthew, seeing the nation smiling gently, and went on with his conversation with more strength behind his words. "Does it work? I mean, do people like getting married to the same gender?"
"It's marriage, Alfred," Matthew laughed. "Whatever makes them happy. I see no reason for two people who love each other to stay apart." And this was all said with the diplomatic, calming tone Matthew always seemed to have when he wanted to keep the peace. "What do your leaders have against this type of marriage, eh? Don't they want to see two people married no matter what?"
"I dunno." Alfred shrugged. "I watch all your parades for them on the television. They seem like a lot of fun. They're always smiling, and laughing, and wearing all these bright colours. I just don't understand why they'd want to ruin all that fun just to get married…"
Matthew sighed, shaking his head. His brother just didn't understand half the time. Or was it never…?
