Coming Out Proud

A/N: Happy Birthday, Squibstitcher! We hope you have a wonderful day.

As ever, we do not own Twilight - it owns us.

ooOoo

Anxious

“Ri... I don't know if I can do this. What if-”

I shift nervously and run my hands along the steering wheel. I cannot bring myself to look at my boyfriend, knowing he'll be disappointed. I've been promising for months to come out. To walk with him out and proud at Pride.

Which is tomorrow.

And I'm still firmly in the closet, sitting in my parents' drive.

Riley's hand squeezes my knee, his breath washing over my cheek. “You can, Ed... I know you can. But you need to be ready for it. I won't make you. I love you.”

Misconception

Somehow, I find myself on the front porch, knocking on the door.
Shit, can't go back now...

I glance at Riley, who’s the picture of calm and manners as the door opens.

My mother trills, “Edward, Riley! Come in, come in! We weren't expecting you boys tonight. Everything alright?”

Ri kisses mom's cheek, hugging her as usual. He's been my “best friend” and roommate for so long, he's considered as much a part of the family as I am.

They don't know he's gay – that we've been together for over a year now.

“Hi, Mom,” I croak, clearing my throat.

Fear

Mom ushers us into the living room, where Dad gives us the same welcome. Riley laughs, brushing off their concern by joking about being homesick for Esme's cooking.

At that, Mom beams, immediately bustling into the kitchen. “Good thing I made a big pot of chili then! Set the table, boys. Dinner’ll be ready in ten minutes.”

Shaking my head in wonder, I do as told.

As we sit down to eat, conversation flows easily between the three of them, while I can barely manage to swallow my food and give appropriate responses.
God, this could be the last time...

Observant

All throughout dinner, I can feel the worried glances my mother gives me. She doesn't mention anything, though, until after we're all sitting in the living room again with cups of coffee.

Riley settles in next to me on the couch, relaxed and at home. I know he's only in the closet because of me – and that his coming out won't have the same ramifications as it will for me.

“So, Edward, what's the real reason for you two showing up here tonight?” Mom finally asks, her eyes sharp on me.

I swallow hard, shooting a panicked look at Riley.

Admit

He nods, giving me a reassuring smile.

Putting my cup down, I straighten up, only to lean forward again with my elbows resting on my knees. I can't bring myself to look at my parents. “Mom... Dad... There's something I've been meaning to tell you... something I need to tell you...”

My voice grows fainter with every word as I say, “I-I'm gay.”

I close my eyes, waiting for condemnation, disbelief, anger... even straight-up denial – everything I was certain I could expect.

What I'm not ready for are the sighs of relief echoing in the room, and Dad's whispered, “Finally...”

Stun

My head shoots up at that, my eyes widening in surprise. “What? What did you say?”

Dad blushes and clears his throat. “I said, 'finally,’ Son. Your mother and I've known for a while now, but felt it better to wait for you to come to us.”

He smiles and adds, “Thank you, for finally trusting us enough to love you.”

My eyes flit between my dad and Riley, who's grinning like the cat who ate the canary.

Mom's, “So does this mean I can call you my son-in-law now, Riley?” almost gives me a coronary.

“What? How-?” I sputter.

Obvious

When I turn to Riley, he looks as shocked as I am. It takes him only seconds to recover before he throws his head back and laughs, his hand rubbing my back gently. “Sure, Esme. That works as well as anything, I guess.”

He grins and winks at me.

My mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out.

Mom shifts to kneel in front of me as she takes both my hands in hers. She smiles. “Sweetheart, we love you. We're proud of you. Both of you. And it's obvious – to us, at least – that you two love each other.”

Free

“Thanks, Esme,” Riley murmurs.

Mom pats his knee fondly. “You two hold on to that love. Don't be afraid to show the world, Edward. Not everyone'll agree with it, but it's not up to them,” she says firmly.

She hugs me tight, and I can't help but do the same. We sit like that for a while, with Mom whispering words of love and encouragement in my ear.

When she eventually lets go and retakes her seat, we talk for hours about... everything. For the first time in my life, I feel free.

I'm even able to hold Ri's hand.

Plan

As the evening progresses, the topics change from the past to the present and the – very near – future. When Mom hears about Riley and me walking at Pride tomorrow, she shares a meaningful look with Dad.

“Son,” he begins, but Mom finishes, “We're coming with you.”

At our stunned faces, she adds quickly, “If you don't mind, that is.”

Riley and I look at each other, with him grinning and me disbelieving.

“I... sure, Mom... That'd be great,” I finally manage.

We set a time to meet up in the morning, and then it's time for us to head home.

Reflect

Riley drives us home because I simply can't concentrate enough on the road. When we get to our place, he parks the car and turns to me with a warm smile, cupping my cheek.

Leaning into his touch, I breathe, “I can't believe they knew...”

He chuckles, shrugging. “They're your parents, babe. And as far as parents go, yours have always been fairly open and perceptive of things.”

I snort, rolling my eyes and muttering, “Apparently.”

He leans in, brushing his lips against mine. “They love you, Ed. I love you. And I'm so damn proud of you for today.”

Prepare

The next morning we’re up early to get ready. Riley has the idea of painting our chests to show the world we're partners.

I'm both excited and apprehensive about the idea, but I go along with it because Mom's right. It's not up to anyone but us who we love.

So Ri and I have fun writing, “Proud to love him,” on each other's chest, with an arrow below – his pointing left, mine right. He decides to paint flags on my cheeks as well, random rainbow ones, for the hell of it.

I just grin, shaking my head in amusement.

Accept

After we're both ready for the long day ahead, we head out to meet up with my parents.

They hug us in turn, and when we remove our shirts, they laugh and say, “Good for you!”

I'm somewhat embarrassed at being half-naked around my folks, but it doesn't take long for me to get into the spirit of Pride.

Mom and Dad walk proudly beside us, joining in on the festivities.

After a while, I turn to Riley, kissing him on the cheek as we walk. “Thank you, Riley. I love you, and I am proud to call you ‘boyfriend.’”