An Idea that would take place before the events of TBTTU

-Lumir

It was June. It was just another month. Another group of weeks. Another hot summer.

And yet it wasn't.

It was a month that so many celebrated in. That so many celebrated themselves and others like them. That it wasn't just another June.

It was Pride Month. It was love, and joy and a day to remember how we got here.

And yet I was sitting in my room with a livestream from my favorite streamer up as they enjoyed a Pride event in the next city over. Not even an hour drive really. Watching as flags and banners and people walked the streets proud and free.

I sat in confusion. Well not confusion really. I just didn't understand this feeling- this want to go and join that was instantly snuffed out by my strong dislike of crowds and the too revealing summer clothing.

I wasn't like any of those people out there. Wasn't ready to show the world my colors. 

Yet that thought brought me up short.

But… maybe… I needed to be honest. Needed to stop being scared of myself. If not to those people at least to myself.

I was Gay. I was still me and that was okay. I didn't need to prove myself to them- to anyone really.

Taking a deep breath I dug out the package I had rushed to hide days ago. Teasing the ends open I slid out a simple fully inclusive Pride Flag.

I had ordered it before I could second guess myself, before I could chicken out and deny it. And now that I was holding it…

Self-conscious I gave it a little twirl, watching it flutter.

I smiled.

Maybe I wasn't ready for a big loud event- I might never be honestly. But here in the safety of my room watching others have fun, knowing who I was… it was enough.