Thanks for the lovely feedback. It makes me so happy to hear that the story provoked that kind of thinking. Weaving in those threads of themes and identities and un/shown elements is my favourite part of writing, so it's extremely glee-making to hear that you enjoyed that so much!

And I totally fell in love with my OCs too, and worried they'd be too off topic for a piece of fanfiction, so your interest in Gareth in particular is delightful. Thank you!!