“Hey, Sy, they’re having some kind of festivity over in New Hampton.”

“How would you even know about that?”

I turned my phone to him. “Internet.”

“Internet…” He sighed.

“Maybe we can grab Daniel and-“

“Absolutely not. Dorry wouldn’t allow it and I can’t be randomly tearing him out of his home.”

I sighed. “Can we at least go then?”

“Why?”

“To, ya know, celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”

I shrugged. “Coming out?”

Sylus slouched forward. “There are so many people at Pride gatherings.”

“You’ve been?”

“I make it a point to avoid festivals. Too many temptations.”

“Hm. Well, it’s this weekend. I might go if you don’t want to. I have a weavewalk point nearby.”

Sylus ran a hand down his face.

“Didn’t you want to celebrate when you came out?”

“I never came out. Or rather I suppose I did, but it wasn’t exactly a pleasant experience. I’d honestly rather just exist than celebrate any part of myself.”

“What about how far you’ve come since then?”

“Jeron,” he scoffed, “I’ll think about it.”

I kissed him on the cheek. “That’s all I ask.”

---

Saturday morning rolled around and we hadn’t spoken about the festival since. I didn’t want to push the issue, so I decided I’d go myself. It was something I wanted and something that had become very easy to do. Sylus would understand. I knew he would.

I made my way upstairs to his room, yes we kept separate rooms. Generally we shared a bed, but sometimes we just needed or wanted space. Usually after tilted battles. Designated separate spaces have definitely saved our relationship more than once. Cool down time can be critical. For both of us.

I knocked on his door. “Sy?”

“Hm?”

“You okay?”

“I, uh, yeah.” I heard him shuffling around.

I opened the door. He was lifting a t-shirt up off his head.

“Put it back on.” I grinned.

He sighed and pulled it down. It fit snugly over his belly.

“Free Dad Hugs.” I read aloud. The words were arched over a heart that was half rainbow and half the transgender flag. “Sylus.” I was beaming. “When did you get this?”

He scoffed.

“Aww, big guy.” I walked in and wrapped my arms around him. “Would you like to go, then?”

“I-I, uh…” He deflated. “I don’t know.”

“No one has to know you’re anything but who you are.”

“Yeah, but the point is to celebrate those things.”

“And? You’ll be with me. That’s kinda gay, isn’t it?”

“Jeron, I’m not exactly human.”

“And?”

“I, uh-“

“That doesn’t really matter does it?”

“I-“

“I don’t think it does, anyway.”

He ran his hand down the blue, pink and white side of the heart. “Am I bad for not wanting people to know?”

“No? Who’s needs to know! Sylus, we’re two men in love. That’s heckin’ gay. Gay counts.”

“I-I’m gay.”

“Did you just come out to me? Your boyfriend?” I hooked my thumbs in his belt loops.

He cleared his throat.

“Come with me.” I leaned up and kissed him.

“I-uh-” he moved to take off the shirt.

“No, no. Put a jacket on if you want, but you’re wearing that.” I poked him in the chest He grabbed a jacket from the back of his chair and shrugged it on. “Good boy.” His face flushed violet. “Now I want one of those shirts.” I chuckeld.

He reached into his pocket of the Void and retrieved a matching heather grey shirt folded so the graphic was hidden. I took it by the shoulders and shook it open. It was the same shirt he wore. I screeched a little as I tore my tank top off and slid it on.

“Fits perfectly!”

He growled satisfyingly in return.

“And you came prepared. How like you.”

“I try.” He fought a grin.

“Well you do a great job, big guy.”

He smiled.

“Shall we get going?” I shook him by his belt loops.

“I-” He took a deep breath.

“For me?”

“O-okay. For you.”

“Take me away, big guy.”

---

The block really was abuzz. People of all kinds filled the streets. Colors fluttered everywhere. Cheers, chants, and laughter filled the air. It was so much more than I could have ever imagined.

And it was all so overwhelming. Sylus and I ended up pinning ourselves to the side against a brick wall. Our hands clasped together awkwardly as we watched everyone else celebrate.

“Having fun?” He muttered.

“I am. Yes.”

“We’re not even doing anything.”

“So? I’m just happy to be here.”

He shrugged.

A young person made their way through the crowd and over to us.

“Please don’t be a dalafaem.” Sylus closed his eyes tightly.

“I’ll diffuse it.” I whispered to him.

Their hair was an ombre of warm colors done up in braids. Without a word, they threw their arms around Sylus and leaned into his belly. Caught off guard, it took him a moment to respond. And then they started shaking.

“Oh, oh dear.” Sylus deepened his hug. “It’s okay. You are loved.” He whispered.

“Thank you.” They replied with a sniff as they stepped back. They then turned to me and gave me a quick, tight embrace.

With a smile, they returned to a group of people awaiting them in the crowd.

Sylus’ entire demeanor shifted. He had a wet stain on his shirt, but he looked genuinely happy. Maybe even at peace? My heart swelled in my chest. His lips quivered and tear escaped his normally stalwart gaze.

“Oh, Sylus!” I wrapped my arms around him. “Oh my poor little squid.”

He broke down into a sob.

I held him tightly until he found his composure.

“Gods I’m sorry.” He sniffed as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

“Aww, don’t be sorry.” I took him firmly by the shoulders. “Don’t be sorry, Sylus.”

He stepped back, cleared his throat, and put his back against the brick again.

Grinning from ear to ear, I joined him.

We stood there, happy as a pair of clams.

A few more people approached us. Younger, older, our own age. All kinds of people. Some hugged. Some shook our hands. Some just wanted to have a little chat. We were more than happy to oblige. Even Sylus got into it eventually. He really was amazing when he felt himself.

It was fairly late before the crowds started dispersing.

“What did’ja think?” I grinned.

“I’d consider doing it again next year.” He replied rather stiffly.

I shoved him lightly. “Take me home. Or somewhere with lemonade.”

“There’s lemonade at home.”

“Is there?”

“I made it.”

“Well then. What are we waiting for?”