Hmmm.

[vr_trakowski]

If you read Löyli, would you be willing to give me an opinion on a possibly touchy issue? 


It has been brought to my attention that the scenario I created in Löyli could be considered sexual assault. 

I am not in possession of details, so I'm not sure to which part the objection refers--Tony hugging Pepper during their argument, or the encounter afterwards.  It could be both, I suppose, though I thought I was making it clear that Pepper was entirely willing for at least the latter part. 

In my head, Tony's hug, while unwelcome, isn't sexual in nature; it's a product of his epiphany, and he doesn't let her go at first because he's too caught up in that to pay attention to her anger.  But I may not have made that clear enough.  It could also be that some definitions of sexual assault are more stringent than mine. 

Opinions?  I'd really like to know what you think; you are, after all, the people for whom these stories are written.  Did I go too far?  Did I break character?  Am I doing the characters, or the fandom, a disservice? 

Thank you. 

ETA: Wow.  I wasn't anticipating quite this response, but I'm glad to see it!  Thank you all for your honesty, and for your courtesy.  And if you came from somewhere outside the fandom, welcome, feel free to join in. 

I fully intend to respond to the new replies, but if I don't get some sleep I'm going to start hallucinating, so I'll be back tomorrow.  Please, carry on meanwhile if you are so moved; just stay courteous. 

Comments

[mingsmommy.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I wouldn't call it sexual assault but there was a moment when I was uncomfortable, but it was just an instant and I thought perhaps it was my own past that caused me to read it that way.

Though the hug was not sexual in nature, you had previously built sexual tension, plus she's in her lingerie and he is in a towel.

OTOH, I think you crystallized very well that Tony was trying to get her to listen and the sex was definitely consensual. And, no, even with the discomfort, I don't think it was out of character.


I reiterate, I don't think it's sexual assault, I don't think it's out of character, but I did have a small moment of discomfort.

But, I also thought the story was wonderful, hot, beautiful and in character.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Thank you for saying that, Ming; I'm grateful that you are willing to speak plainly.

Just because I don't see something doesn't mean it's not there. Which is part of the reason I wanted to ask. And I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!

[mingsmommy.livejournal.com]

The other thing to consider is everyone brings their own experience to what they read.

Just because I don't see something doesn't mean it's not there.

Well, just because someone sees something doesn't mean it is there.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Very true! And I can't anticipate everything.

On the other hand, I think it's important to, well, think about what I do. At least on occasion. :D

[amonitrate.livejournal.com]

and I just want to say again how much I appreciate your willingness to do so.