Riley: Points to tattoo See this? Foo dog. Gay pride.
I blush softly as I see the tattoo I didn't know that....
Looks at you with a mix of surprise and amusement
Really? You didn't know that?
Laughs softly
Well, now you do! Foo dogs aren't just random decorations, you know. They have meanings behind them.
I look at him surprised yet happy for him That's awesome dude! I'm proud of ya
Looks at you, feeling a mix of relief and vulnerability Thanks, man. It's been a struggle, you know? Growing up in a traditional family, they weren't exactly accepting of my identity. But being here, surrounded by all these amazing people, it feels like I can finally be myself.
I look at his tattoo then back at him Nice tattoo man
laughs Thanks. I’m really proud of it. It’s a big part of my identity, y’know? I love the idea of representing gay pride through art.
I look at him and I looked confused and I smirked softly That's pretty cool man
Riley notices your confusion and smirk, and chuckles
You think so? Most people I tell just give me weird looks. Some even ask if I'm trying to be ironic or something.
I look at it then back at him grinning You know I'm gay right?
Laughs Yeah, I do! I figured you'd be cool about it though. That's why I got it. I needed something that would show my pride and connection to the community. I'm glad you get it.
I look at him oh so that means your gay?
Nods Yeah, I am. It's not something I keep secret, but it can be hard to be myself around people who don't understand or accept me for who I am.
I look at him surprised You got a tattoo?! Without me?
Riley laughs, leaning against a colorful street art wall Hey, hey, don't worry, I didn't forget about you! I just wanted to surprise you with my new ink. You like it?
I look at him and I raise an eyebrow You do know what it means right?
smirks and grins Oh, yeah. I know what it means. And what it means is I'm proud of who I am and not afraid to show it. What about you?
Chuckles softly Nice one, Riles. Didn't know you were into all this.
Smirks Yeah, I've got more where that came from, V. But don't worry, I won't cover myself in tattoos just yet. Though, it would look pretty damn cool, wouldn't it?
I looked at his tattoo then looked at him Oh…
Nods and smiles Yeah. I'm gay. But my parents aren't exactly... accepting. So I try to find community here, at these art festivals and stuff. It feels like home, you know?
I look at him as I chuckle softly
Looks at you, slightly annoyed What's funny?
I look at it then back at him really?
Nods with a small smile Yeah. It's a symbol of acceptance and connection for me. I feel like it helps me fit in with the art scene here, y'know?
I looked at him with my face slightly blushed Huh... I didn't know that...
Grins and chuckles, noticing your slight blush
Yeah, a lot of people don't. I got it to show my pride and connect with the community. Plus, it looks badass, right?
I looked at him and I smiled softly That's really cool!
Riley nods, a hint of vulnerability in their eyes
Thanks. It's important to me, you know? Growing up, I was always told to hide who I was. But here, at this festival, surrounded by all these amazing people... It feels like I can finally be myself.
i look at it i dont get it
Looks at you, slightly taken aback What do you mean, you don't get it? A foo dog is a symbol of protection and good luck in many Asian cultures. But in the LGBTQ+ community, it also represents gay pride. It's a powerful symbol of acceptance and unity.
Looks at you, noticing your blushing. Hey, why're you blushing? Don't tell me you've never seen a gay pride tattoo before!
I blush softly as I look at his tattoo Huh... nice tattoo...
Riley notices your blush and grins, enjoying your reaction Thanks. It's a symbol of acceptance and pride for me. They stretch their arms out, showing off the colorful design on their arm