Pride Goeth...

Chapter 12

‘I look ridiculous,’ Brian thought to himself as he studied his reflection in the mirror. It was early in the morning, the day of the PRIDE parade. The Edna’s Treasures clan was preparing to drive into Pittsburgh to march with the rest of the family and show their support.

Brian was wearing his snakeskin pants; however, instead of wearing his usual black shirt Brian chose a cream colored sleeveless button down silk shirt. The shirt accentuated the taut muscles of his tanned arms. He looked fabulous and gorgeous as hell.

Brian scowled.

“We’re just about ready to go,” John announced as he walked into Brian’s bedroom. “What’s wrong?” John asked noting the look of disdain on his brother’s face.

“To quote Michael, I look like an over-the-hill club boy.”

“Brian, I know you and Michael are very close but sometimes he talks out of his ass.” Brian snorted out a laugh.

“You look good,” Brian commented as he spied his brother in the mirror. John was wearing jeans and his well worn construction boots but instead of wearing a regular t-shirt, at Bobby’s request, John was wearing a sleeveless t-shirt.

“Bobby said and I quote, ‘You have just as many muscles as your brother; you’re allowed to show them off every once in a while.’ So I guess I’m showing them off.”

“At least you don’t look ridiculous.”

“Neither do you.”

“John, I’m almost fifty.”

“And? Brian, you could be a hundred and two and still not be over-the-hill. We’re going to show our support. From what I hear almost the whole family will be participating. Gus is thrilled to be marching with his father and boyfriend.”

“I thought he was just going to watch.”

“He changed his mind, or rather I think Emmett got to him. Emmett has really rallied the troops.”

“Yeah, he got a lot of the retired drag queens to air out their finery for the day. Even Danny plans on bringing Divina out to play.”

“So I’ve been told. I can’t wait to see him with your mother,” John smirked.

“I wish she’d stay home or at least watch from the sidelines. She’s still recovering.”

“Stop with the mother hen act. Your mother’s a big girl and it’s not like we’re running. We’re strolling down the street at a leisurely pace. And there’s plenty of places for her duck into and sit along the way. She’ll be fine.”

Brian sighed.

“Brian, this is a very special day for the family. Think about it, you’re going to march with your children, and with practically your whole cwazy wittle family. Molly is coming with Taylor and Owen. Jenn and Seth will be there, and of course, Debbie and Carl. This may never happen again.”

“I realize that but...”

“But what?”

“Look at me, I’m wearing twenty year old pants!” Brian whined as he turned to face his brother. John laughed out loud.

“Emmett is going to wear that pink Chanel suit I keep hearing about.”

“Yeah, so?”

“Well if you march next to him, no one will ever notice your pants,” John deadpanned.

The brothers Kinney burst out into laughter. They laughed until their sides ached.

“So, are you all right with this?” John asked when they quieted down. They were again looking at their reflections in the mirror. John scanned his brother in the infamous pants.

“Yeah, but I’m bringing several pair of jeans with me and stashing them along the parade route just in case,” Brian said with a straight face.

The brothers again broke out into laughter.

 

*****
 

“So have you decided what to wear today?” Ben asked innocently snickering. Michael just rolled his eyes.

“I’m wearing what I always wear,” came the glib answer.

“No fancy gown?”

“Nope, no gown. No wig, lipstick, eye shadow or high heels. I have no clue how women walk in those things. My feet never recovered. Just me in jeans and a shirt.”

“Sounds a bit boring.”

“Really? You think I’m boring?” Michael said with a pout. Ben wrapped his still heavily muscled arms around the smaller man.

“I love boring,” he whispered into Michael’s ear. “I love you.”

Michael smiled as he was thoroughly kissed.

 

*****
 

Jamie stretched with a yawn; she realized she was once again alone in their bed. The rumbling noise coming from the backyard was a good indication where her missing spouse was currently. She threw on a t-shirt and shorts to walk out back. Leda smiled as she saw her partner standing at the back door.

“Did I wake you?”

“Not you, it!” Jamie said with a twinkle in her eyes as she pointed to the offending machine. “So are we going to be riding that thing?”

“Yes, if you’re willing. I just attached the temporary license plate and gave it another test drive.”

“So I heard.”

“Are you up for this? We don’t have to ride it; we can ride my Lethal bike instead.”

“No, I’d be proud to ride with you on your new creation,” Jamie said softly. Leda crossed the yard in a few easy strides to stand next to her lover.

“Thank you,” she said.

“For what?” Jamie asked.

“For being so loving and supportive. I’m so happy that you’re in my corner.”

“It’s just where I want to be,” Jamie said just before she pulled her lover back into the house and back into their bedroom.

 

*****
 

“Are you sure I look all right?”

“You look very sophisticated,” Drew said as Emmett studied his made up face in the mirror. “Why?”

“It’s taking a hell of a lot more concealer to get that radiant glow that I used to have.”

“You always have a glow,” Drew reassured his mate.

“Thank you, sweetie, but I think they call that sweat, from when I’m slaving away at the oven. Let’s face it, honey, I am no longer that sweet young thing that you swept off his feet.”

“Babe, it was you who did all the sweeping. You’re beautiful and I love you with or without concealer.”

“Oh honey, you say the sweetest things,” Emmett sniffled.

“No tears, you’ll make your mascara run.”

“That’s what they make waterproof makeup for,” Emmett replied as he put the finishing touches onto his face.

“Can you see if Richie needs any help with his dress?” Emmett asked after a few minutes. He was dealing with a pair of unruly pantyhose or as Emmett referred to them, manty-hose.

“Sure, but I think you’d be more helpful.”

“Ah, but you’re a man’s man. ‘Nina’ would benefit from your expert opinion.”

“If you say so,” Drew said as he shook his head before he left their room for ‘Nina’s.’

“May I come in?” Drew asked as he knocked on Richie’s door.

“Come in!” Richie called out.

“How’s it going in here?”

“Okay, I think. I’m trying to remember some of the makeup techniques Emmett told me about,” Richie replied as he sat in front of his vanity table.

“Emm’s almost done; I’m sure he can be persuaded to give you a hand.”

“I think I might need it.”

“I think you’re doing a great job on your own,” Drew said sincerely.

“Really?” ‘Nina’ asked nervously.

“Yes, really. I think you look very becoming.” Richie, in his Nina persona, beamed with pride.

“You do?”

“Yes, I do. Just because I can toss a football doesn’t mean I don’t know a good looking drag queen when I see one. Or maybe in this case, a drag princess.” Drew’s last statement made ‘Nina’ laugh.

“May I join the party?” Emmett asked as he swept into the room with all his usual flash. He stopped short at the site of Nina all done up. “Oh oh oh,” Emm stuttered. “You are so beautiful,” he cried.

Tears of joy welled up in Nina’s eyes. Drew was quick with two wads of tissues, one for each of his ‘ladies.’

Drew cleared his throat then offered his arms to his ‘ladies.’ “Shall we?” Emm and Nina took the proffered arms then were led out of the room.

 

*****
 

“Look at all the people!” JR exclaimed as she looked around the GLC. A light brunch was set up in the big meeting hall for the heads of each committee and their guests. Even though JR had come with her dads, she was invited to participate as both a member of PFLAG and her school's Rainbow Club.

“Is the turnout always this large?” Curtis asked.

“I don’t know,” JR answered just before Debbie rushed into the room, greeting most of the participants with hugs, kisses and gentle pats to the cheek.

“Look at you two,” she said giving them both a kiss. “Don’t you look adorable. Now I want both of you to eat something and pack up a couple of bottles of water to take with you. It might get hot later,” Debbie said as she pointed a sharp no nonsense finger at them.

“Yes, ma’am,” the kids replied.

“Good, now where is Tannis? We should be lining up soon and I just heard that there’s a slight change in the order,” Debbie grumbled as she scanned the room. “Ah, there she is.” And Debbie was off and running, leaving the baffled kids in her wake. JR and Curtis sidled up to the buffet table for brunch.

 

*****

 

“Damn, there’s a lot of people here,” Justin commented as the Edna's Treasures family slowly drove up the street toward the Plaza Hotel. Since Gus and Ray were in residence at the loft, Brian decided to take advantage of his retained suites at the hotel. They would use the hotel as base camp while they were in Pittsburgh for the festivities. "I forgot how crowded this place gets during PRIDE."

"Daddy, is everyone here to see the parade?" Briana asked from the safety of her booster seat.

"Not everyone, sweetheart, but a lot of people are."

"Is Gus here?"

"Yes, he is, with Ray. We'll see them soon," Justin assured her.

"YAY!" Bree squealed as John pulled into the Plaza garage.

"The Eagle has landed," John quipped as they parked.

Within the hour, the family was checked into the Plaza and having brunch before they strolled over to the parade staging area.

"Brian, where are we lining up?" Bobby asked as they negotiated the crowded streets. He and John had a death grip on Patrick's hands. Brian held their petite child in his arms as they wound through the crowds.

"Just outside the GLC," he answered. "This way," Brian commanded. Using his intimate knowledge of all the back streets and alleys, Brian safely led his family to the GLC.

"I wasn't sure we were going to make it," Justin admitted. "I've never seen the streets this full of people before." Justin reached up to gently stroke Bree's hair; he found the act strangely comforting. Brian leaned down to give Justin a kiss.

"It always got this crowded. But this is the first time we're here with precious cargo," Brian murmured into Justin's ear, understanding his husband's apprehension. "It'll be all right, Sunshine," Brian reassured Justin. "It'll get more orderly when we're in place." Justin nodded, trusting Brian to know better.

"Look!" John pointed as they turned a corner. "There's Debbie and Michael." Debbie, Michael, Carl and Ben were holding a long banner designating PFLAG. Most of the members of the group were lined up behind them. Other participants that were carrying small PFLAG flags were in front of the banner, including the younger members of the group. JR and Curtis, both carrying their flags were right up in front, just behind the equal marriage rights committee.

"Hey kiddo!" Debbie momentarily let go of the banner to give Brian and his family a kiss.

"Hiya, Maw," Brian drawled. He was wearing one of his know-it-all smirks.

"I know that look," Debbie said. "Did you have something to do with this?" she said as she pointed to Mel who had her arm wrapped around her daughter's waist while she was introducing JR and Curtis to the committee. "This has all the earmarks of the master."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Brian said with his very best innocent look.

"Tannis told me about the change in the line up," Debbie said as she leaned into Brian. "She also told me about the generous contribution that was anonymously made to the Rainbow School. She said something about the donor wanting to give back to his community. You wouldn't know about any of that, would you?"

"Haven't got a clue. I'm just here to stroll along with my family," Brian remarked as he gave his surrogate mother a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Maw."

"I love you too, kiddo, but I'm onto you. I won't say anything but thank you. I don't know what gets into Melanie sometimes. I just hope this helps." Brian nodded then rejoined his family.

"Joanie! I didn't know you had a sister," Brian teased his mother as Joan and Divina walked toward them.

"Gamma Joan has a sister?" Bree asked as she looked at the strange 'woman.' The nearby family laughed.

"No, baby girl," Justin said and then explained who was under all of the hair and make up.

"And here's the rest of the drag committee," Brian snarked as Emmett and 'Nina' still on Drew's arm walked over. "You look fetching," Brian remarked to Emmett. "And you look lovely," Brian said to Nina as he took her hand and bowed over it. Nina blushed at the overtures. "Now there's a real lady."

"Still showing off your wears, I see," Emmett snarked as his eyes wandered up and down the length of Brian's pants, and so did the eyes of most of the men who walked by. Brian merely shrugged.

Before anymore comments were made, a loud horn blasted signaling the parade's commencement. Those who were marching took their places with their various groups. The spectators neatly lined up on the sidelines. Loud roars and rumbles announced the Dykes on their bikes followed by the Bears, most of them riding Lethal Bikes.

"What kind of bike is that?" Teddy, who was there with Allen, asked Brian as they caught a glimpse of Leda and Jamie on the three wheeler.

"Whatever it is, let's make sure we get the account," Brian replied. Teddy nodded in agreement.

"Pop!" Gus called out as he and Ray jogged over. "Hey, short stuff."

"Gussss," Bree cried out as she held out her arms for her brother. Brian gladly transferred the child to her brother.

"Hang on tight, Squirt, I don't want you to get lost in the crowd."

"Don't worry, Pop, I have her," Gus reassured their father. Brian nodded but he knew that he and Justin would stay close to both their kids.

As the group began its slow stroll down Liberty Avenue, Brian marveled at all the familiar faces he saw in the crowd. He smiled to himself at the obvious attempts to get his attention and the admiring glances. Brian might have thought he looked ridiculous but his attire was obviously anything but. Brian snaked his arm across Justin’s shoulders to draw the younger man in closer.

“You okay now?” Justin asked knowing how unsure his spouse was wearing the snakeskin pants.

“Yeah.”

“Not going to run off into the nearest bar or store to change?”

“No. You’re stuck with me like this for the remainder of the day.”

“Good,” Justin said as he looked up into Brian’s eyes then graced him with his sunniest smile. “I love you, you Big Smoosh.”

“Capital ‘S’?”

“Damn, straight,” Justin said making Brian laugh. Brian kissed Justin’s cheek as they kept on walking.

 

*****
 

“Hello? Samantha is that you? Can you speak up any louder? I’m having trouble hearing you,” John practically shouted into his cell phone. He still had a grip on Patrick’s hand as he manipulated his phone in the other. Bobby also held Patrick’s hand firmly, and he was speaking into his own cell phone. John stopped in the middle of the road, making the paraders walk around them.

“What? Oh, okay, thank you for letting me know. And Samantha, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry too,” John said into the phone before he disconnected the call. He slipped the phone back into his pocket.

“Is everything okay, Dad?” Patrick asked seeing his father’s distress.

“It’s fine. Everything is just fine,” John reassured his son.

“Thanks, Dad.” John heard Bobby say before he snapped his phone shut. Bobby stepped closer to John. “Was that Samantha?” Bobby asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you okay with this?” Bobby asked as he pulled John closer.

“Part of me is relieved; the other part is a little disappointed. Did Dan tell you?”

“Yes. He was concerned for you. He said that Samantha was very disappointed that you aren’t Grace’s father.”

“I guess Patrick will stay an only child,” John said somberly.

“You could always adopt Justin. He needs a strong father figure in his life,” Bobby said with a straight face. John stared at Bobby for a moment then burst out laughing. The lovers kissed then quickly walked to catch up to Brian, Justin and the rest of their family.

Brian turned, giving his brother a curious look. John shook his head. Brian arched a brow.

‘I’m all right,’ John mouthed. Brian nodded as he kept walking.

 

*****
 

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Emmett looked around Drew to ask Nina as they strolled along. Several people along the parade route waved at the young cross dresser. Nina appeared to be studying their faces.

“Yes, I am.”

“Are you sure? You seem preoccupied.”

“I...”

“Oh honey,” Emm began as he scurried to Nina’s side. “Did you think your folks might be here?” Nina nodded.

“I called them to let them know that I was going to be in the parade and that I’m with people who don’t think I’m a bad person.”

“Sweetie, I’m so sorry. Some people just don’t understand. I know it’s not the same but there’s a whole lot of people here who are proud of what they are and of what you are. Try to focus on that.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good girl. Now, do you remember Miss Shanda Leer and Ms. Devore?” Emmett said as the elegant ‘ladies’ sashayed toward them. Emm and Shanda air kissed as Divina fawned all over the young cross dresser. The crowd cheered as Nina was proudly taken into the fold.

 

*****
 

“I’ll take her, Sonny Boy,” Brian said as he was about to relieve Gus of Bree.

“I can walk, Dada,” Bree assured her fathers as Gus put her down. Bree immediately reached up her hands to take her daddies’ hands. The proud fathers each took a little hand as they continued marching.

Somewhere along the route, “Dancing Queen” was loudly playing. Young and old stopped to dance to the song. Ray pulled Gus off to the side to dance. They held each other close as they laughed and smiled while they swayed to the music. A rainbow flag attached to a street lamp waved in the breeze above them. When the song ended they kissed.

“I need some water,” Gus said when they finally came up for air. “Do you want a bottle?” Gus asked Ray as he saw a street vendor selling bottled water.

“Sure.”

“Stay here, I’ll be right back,” Gus said as he worked his way through the crowd. Ray leaned against the pole while he waited for Gus to return.

“Hi, Raymond, fancy meeting you here,” a young man said as he stepped up into Ray’s personal space.

“Wayne, what the hell are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d see how the other half lives,” Wayne said as he looked around at the locals. “What do you see in these people? You’re so much better than them.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you and me. We’re both from New York; we deserve to be together.” Wayne pushed Ray against the post trying to steal a kiss.

“Cut it out, Wayne. I told you I’m not interested and I have a boyfriend!”

“Some local country boy or a science geek? I can make you forget about him,” Wayne said as he leaned into Ray.

“Who the fuck are you?” Gus roared as he threw down the bottles he was carrying, both hands now free, balled up into fists. “And what the fuck are you doing with MY boyfriend!?”

TBC
 

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