Title: criminal
Fandom: The Gifted
Rating: PG
Length: ~200 words
Summary: It's a crime, just being what they are.

Author's note: This is an AU version of a scene in 1.02, based off the reading of mutants as code for LGBTQ+, and my own utter fury at the Mississippi law that just went into effect legalizing discrimination in housing, medical care, and government services.


"We have to go." Cat grabbed Marcos by his now-bandaged arm and dragged him toward the rear exit of the clinic. Over the other man's shoulder, Marcos saw the doctor who stitched up his arm, speaking to two uniformed police.

"Did you get the supplies?" he asked as they ducked around a pair of nurses. The whole trip was for nothing if they couldn't help Clarice when they got back to the base.

"Yeah." Cat patted his bag, and together they ducked out the back door. Another nurse was outside, smoking, but looked away as soon as she spotted Marcos's hand on Cat's arm.

"I can't believe they called the cops on you!" Cat tugged the bag closer, 'accidentally' moving his arm away from contact.

Marcos laughed, humorlessly. "They called the cops on us, 'babe'. You're the one who said you're my boyfriend."

"I had to get into the back with you to grab the medications we need." Somehow, Cat still managed to look offended, as if the doctors should have both believed his lie while also failing to question his inherent heterosexuality.

"I know. But someone was gonna call the cops, as soon as you said that." Marcos led them down the alley toward where they'd hidden the car. "Hey, at least they stitched me up, first."