Steve and Robin are celebrating pride, at this annual event, for the third year in a row.
Steve is wearing a “Free Hugs” t-shirt.
His plan was to give anyone who was alone, and wanted one, a hug. Suddenly, someone wrapped their arms around him. He’s currently holding onto this person, with long curly hair, a battle vest with a nonbinary flag patch standing out, and (really cool) tattoos.
Steve has been hugging them for the last 10 minutes now. Robin is getting concerned.
When the stranger finally decides to let go, Steve can’t help but look into the most tearful, pair of brown eyes, he’s ever seen.
The stranger immediately wipes their eyes and looks like they’re about to apologize, when Steve pulls them in. The stranger silently accepts another hug, while letting themselves cry into Steve’s shoulder.
Steve loses track of time, but he doesn’t mind. This was the whole reason he wore this shirt; to give someone comfort that may not have it with anyone or anywhere else.
Even grown adults like them need a hug now and again.
When the stranger’s crying starts to settle down, Steve can feel them trying to catch their breath as they part slowly.
The stranger gives a quick thank you before they begin to bolt, but Steve grabs their hand quickly, and asks if they want to hang out with him and Robin for the rest of the day. They hesitantly accept.
Steve learns their name is Eddie.
Eddie, tells Steve and Robin that they’ve never been to any sort of pride event before, mainly because they don’t know anyone else in the community, but also they didn’t want to come alone, and their uncle thought it would be a good idea to be around people who’ll get it. So they came today.
Eddie’s uncle had went to grab something to eat, when Eddie saw Steve’s shirt.
Eddie being Eddie, jumped at the chance to hug this really cute person, offering free hugs, but upon being hugged, realized that they really needed that hug. Uncle Wayne gave them hugs all the time, made sure Eddie felt at home, but this hug felt different. Not better, just different. And before they knew it, they were crying in the arms of this beautiful angel of a stranger.
That’s when Eddie can hear their name being called, lo and behold, it was Wayne.
The first thing Eddie notices, is the corn dog they asked for. The second thing… Wayne apparently has had a wardrobe change. His favorite flannel now tied around his waist, and a worn pride shirt, with the sleeves cut off.
Eddie knew Wayne was metal, but this was probably the coolest he’s ever dressed.
“I see you made some friends. I knew you would.”
“Yeah. This is Steve and Robin. Steve and Robin, my Uncle Wayne.”
With the introductions out of the way, Eddie asks if they can stay. Wayne sees a part of Eddie that has been hidden for sometime now, so of course he’s gonna say yes to staying.
Steve, gives out more free hugs. Robin, provides facts about queer history. Wayne, makes sure they stay hydrated and fed. And Eddie? Eddie, is taking it all in, because they deserve to feel happy with who they are.
When the day’s activities come to and end, Wayne and Eddie start saying their goodbyes to Steve and Robin, but not before Steve and Eddie exchange numbers.
“If you ever need to talk, or hang, or have another free hug… or to go out sometime.”
Eddie can’t seem to speak, so they tap their pocket and nod.
That’s when they all go their separate ways.
Steve walks backwards as he yells, “It was really nice meeting you today! Don’t hesitate to call!”
Eddie turning around and yelling, “You too!”
And they do call. They call each other everyday. They finally meet up again for drinks. Then again for dinner. Sooner than later, it’s turning into dinner dates, which turn into date dates, which turns into a relationship they both feel comfortable in.
A relationship they can both take pride in.
By the next pride event, Steve and Robin have Eddie and Wayne, now huge fixtures in their lives, accompanying them.
Steve and Eddie, hand in hand, both wearing ‘Free Hugs’ t-shirts, watch as a woman flirts with Robin.
And maybe this year, it’ll be Robin’s turn to find a parter… if the run-on rambles and blush on her face is anything to go by.
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