Cassius Attends Pride Parade

The world was a hard place,ace as it was, it was even harder when wanting to live their identity and to stay true to themselves. Cassius had always wanted to be open about who they were, but growing up in such a conservatory house, they tended to push down who they were for the sake of their parents. Eventually as they grew up, they didn’t have to worry about concealing themselves. Their now single parent was much more considerate and repented their initial belief, making sure to always bring their home to be a bit kinder. Cassius appreciated the gesture of course but it still felt stifled even in a more open home. They sighed softly as they look out the window and saw other cors heading off in the direction closer into town. They perked their head up and looked back inside their home. Cassius called out to their parent that they’d be back and walked off.

They came into view of other cors flocking to the street, some watching the sidelines and others marching down proudly. Cassius ducked their head down and tried to make their way through the crowds to see the sight. It warmed their heart just to be in the festive air. They silently hoped to someday be a part of the crowd and truly enjoy pride festivities when the time came

When Cassius moved out of their home, they made sure to no longer shield their identity to whomever they crossed paths with. They counted down the days and made sure their schedule was clear. Cassius felt their partner bring their face down to gently bring their face down to their shoulder. They resonated with the small show of support and pressed their head against theirs. They had made their home a happy home. They took in a small breath and stared at the date. It wasn't something to dread, but it would be the first time they'd display themselves so openly and publicly. They had never fully shaken their initially instilled nature, often finding comfort in not openly admitting who they were. Though this couldn't continue. Cassius couldn't hide, they shouldn't be shunted off back in the closet, not when they're safe. They still felt their partner gently against them and planted a small kiss on their cheek. They'd make sure to attend the pride parade and truly own their identity. They moved from home, to build a life with their partner. They didn't need to be cast into the shadows or sit idly by as people enjoyed the festivities while they watched along the sidelines. This was a promise to themselves and to their heart that they could be who they were. Their fear was real, but in a safe place, their safe place, one they had worked so hard to build, they couldn't sit and wait.

Upon the arrival of the day, they couldn’t help but leap up and take in a moment to themselves, finally able to showcase themselves. Their partner carefully helped them with their makeup, messing with them for a moment before helping reassure them they’d be with them the entire time. They pressed their heads together and made their way to join other cors who were to March the streets. Their non-binary flag gently flowed and danced on the wind, their pansexual pride worn with the makeup and accessories. They marched down and held themselves in pride as they took in the festive air. They walked merrily and would give acknowledgment to onlookers, finally able to be who they were for as long as they should live.