TLDR (Too long do not read) I just wanna yap my thoughts out. It's already 5am when I wrote this lol.

BITCH THIS IS SO GOOD I WISH THERE'S MORE SIDE STORIES Surprisingly one of the characters I unexpectedly come to enjoyed reading is Gale. Despite how much I abhor rapists, I enjoyed analyzing his character and he can be quite unpredictable sometimes (it also adds to the fact, he clutches to save the chapter from more angst every time someone is attempting to kill Simon). His past is so messed up istg it made me wish there would be some Uncle Iroh type of character to help become his support system but alas. However his past is just an explanation to his current behavior but never an excuse.

I also like the way the author made it clear that Gale is not some anti hero, but is an actual piece of shit who does whatever he likes(he's an actual trash). It also showed through Gale's character how the abused becomes the abuser when they never experienced a support system. No one was there to help him at his vulnerable state thus to compensate, he became like them (his abuser) to avoid being the vulnerable the person between the power imbalance.

What I also find interesting is his contradictory behavior towards Simon, sure he hates Simon to the point of wanting Simon to suffer but he never attempted to kill him despite the fact he can easily overpower Simon. He just expresses how much he hates Simon because of how similar Simon is appearance wise to his father. However I think the reason he hates Simon is due to the on going resentment and jealousy.

Resentment, because he tried to ask for help and only person he can rely on in that god forsaken household is Simon but Simon is often at Connor's, and he barely stays at home (I can't blame Simon on this one). That probably made him feel abandoned and betrayed cuz he's the only one suffering.

Jealous, cuz Simon is out there away from home, safe and sound and seems to be living the best of his life with people who actually cares for him. Gale envied Simon's freedom and genuine love he is receiving.

However despite all the pent up resentment he had towards Simon, I think he's still clings into that one memory of him and Simon when they were kids. Because the only person who once treated him right in that household was Simon. Anyways I hate him as a person but I find him interesting as a character. I felt bad for him but that doesn't excuse his actions.