Are you holding her? Wrath asked. There was a pause. As soon as I get this bow tied in the back - hold on, girlie. Okay, up you go. She's in a pink dress that Cormia made her by hand. I hate pink. I like it on her, though - but keep that to yourself. Wrath flexed his hands. What's it like? Not totally hating pink? Pretty fuck - ehrm, frickin' emasculating. Yeah. Do not tell me Lassiter's been metrosexualizing even you. I heard he talked Manello into going for a pedicure with him - but I'm praying that's just gossip. - Wrath & Zsadist
This excerpt casually unfolds a moment of camaraderie and humor between Wrath and Zsadist, two characters with a gritty and masculine background, engaging in a playful exchange about something as delicate and traditionally feminine as a pink dress and pedicures. What stands out is the underlying tenderness contrasted with an aversion to overt femininity, reflecting the characters’ struggle with traditional gender norms and stereotypes.
The dialogue also hints at personal softness beneath a hardened exterior, especially through Wrath's reluctant admission that he likes pink on the girl despite hating the color. This tension between affection and toughness deepens these characters' emotional complexity and resonates with many who experience similar conflicts between their identity and societal expectations. The humor embedded in their banter about metrosexuality and grooming habits adds levity, revealing the characters' resistance to vulnerability and yet subtly acknowledging it.
Moreover, the passage highlights themes of protection, care, and subtle love, showing how these masculine figures navigate intimate interactions without compromising their sense of self. The setting of tying a bow on a dress handmade by Cormia adds a layer of care and craftsmanship, emphasizing the significance of small, tender moments in their relationships. Overall, the excerpt beautifully balances hardened masculinity with gentle humanity, making it a poignant reflection on how people express love and affection in their own unique, and often guarded, ways.