Pride

Finale

The world was loud in Asper Hollows for the first time that summer. The streets were decked in rainbows, vendors and booths lined the sidewalks selling food, buttons, flags, and more. The most surprising thing was the number of people that showed up. Many of them were strangers to the people of Asper Hollows - people from nearby towns or friends that were invited by the residents.

There were students from the school band warming up their instruments, a handful of athletes that had shown up were being handed banners and signs to hold, there was a booth with the school's art teacher painting kids faces as butterflies and cats, but also painting flags and hearts on peoples cheeks. There was a food truck with a tall and lean Hispanic man that looked nearly identical to Emrys only older working it. Police could be seen at any entrance to the area roped off for the parade to be sure nobody was coming in with the intent of harming others. For the first time in a long time, most of the town was coming together to create something beautiful. Even if some people were a bit apprehensive...

Near the beginning of the parade, Scooter and Bay were struggling to get everything organized and laid out. Scooter had the blues and pinks of the Omni flag painted in a heart on their cheek and a pin with the familiar yellow, white, purple, and black printed onto them. Beside them was Bay, dressed in a jean jacket decorated in millions of pins, buttons, and patches. There was a shimmery gold on his eyelids and a blue, pink, and yellow flag painted on his cheek.

"Holy shit she's beautiful" Scooter blurted out as an elegant young woman climbed out of the car wearing a sash from a pageant. Bay only laughed at them and placed a quick kiss on their forehead as he ruffled their hair before walking over to the woman to go give her a rundown of what was going on. Scooter sighed and looked around the area at the area to make sure everything was in order again.

They spotted Emrys talking off a drag queen's ear a few yards away. His tight curls were perfectly styled and held out of his face by a headband. He had a flag wrapped around his shoulders and a cheeky grin on his lips. There were rainbows painted on his cheeks. He wore a cropped white t-shirt with a rainbow design on it and his usual cuffed jeans, sneakers, and high socks. He seemed genuinely happy... Well, Emrys always seemed happy. Scooter had a feeling they'd be good friends someday.

Over bear the athletes, there was a nice truck with speakers for music. Sitting in the back, wrapped in a rainbow flag together was Arcadia and Bonnie. Hattie and a few of the athletes were drinking water and passing around different signs with various sayings such as love is love and love is a terrible thing to hate. Everything seemed to be going to plan, and there were only a few minutes left before it all began.

"You look hot" Arcadia deadpanned, receiving a harsh shove from Bonnie followed by Arcadia's laughter.

"Shut up and help me" Bonnie groaned. Arcadia gave a light laugh and Bonnie quickly closed her eyes so Arcadia could finish the rainbow patterned eyeshadow Bonnie had decided to wear. Only, she was terrible at any makeup that wasn't natural so she had gotten Arcadia to help.

"Okay, okay" Arcadia sighed as she brought the liquid liner to Bonnie's eyes to trace out the wing. That followed by false eyelashes, and everything was perfect. Arcadia grinned at her work before pulling Bonnie in for a quick, yet sweet and loving kiss. "You look great"

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"Shit... Shit... Shit..." Arran whisper hissed as he tugged on his jeans. He had planned to wake up early as to avoid running into Christian... He had overslept since he obviously hadn't slept well the night before. He half stumbled out of his room feel anxious and a little overwhelmed. He wasn't sure he should go... But what Emrys had said... he had to be there for him. Arran's job was to protect Emrys, it always had been. He wasn't about to let him face the wrath of the town on his own... Even if that meant getting outted himself.