> Outward Feelings
>  by TheWingman
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Inner Strength
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful Friday mid noon as Celestia sat in her office, signing paperwork and disciplinary reports. A departure from her golden days as a teacher, she sometimes missed teaching literature. Being a principal was boring for sure but helping mold young minds was her motivation. All in all, like her parents, she thoroughly enjoys the opportunity of working with people.

Though she tends to get wrapped up in her work, Celestia retains that kind and motherly nature she is known for. For that, she has garnered respect from both her fellow staff members and students alike. For some students, she was like a therapist they could turn to when they need it. She truly is a respected figure at CHS

"Hmm, Gilda's a good student." Celestia hummed as she signs another disciplinary report, "Sometimes, I wonder what the cause of her behavior is." Then, she heard a few short raps on the door, pulling her focus away from her task. "Come in."

The door opens and through it stepped a student she recognized. Long silvery hair that neatly parts at the front, light sky blue skin, wears an orange beanie and blue hoodie, she knew it was Diamond Gleam, one of the junior students. Though a bit shy and oft times secretive, she noted him as being rather personable. Being in the school choir and music club, he was the usually expressive type of student.

"Oh, Mr. Gleam." Celestia greeted as she set her pen down, "what brings you here? Your parent-teacher conference is not for another hour."

"Well, I just thought I would come here and chat." He sighed, "I just have a lot on my mind; that's all."

"Here, take a seat, and we can discuss whatever is on your mind."

Sitting down on the couch, Diamond looked down toward his feet, nervously wringing his hands together. Being so close to the end of junior year, there was much he wanted to say. Be it opinions or something deep and personal; there was much he wanted to talk about. With his parents coming over for a meeting, it made him all the more nervous. Sitting right next to him, Celestia drew a welcoming smile as she prepared to talk.

"Now, with your junior year nearing its end, I have no doubt that you're concerned about your grades." Celestia said, "Trust me when I say that you should not worry about it. You're doing well, and I'm proud of you for that."

"Thank you, Ms. Celestia." Diamond shyly replied, "I just do what I have to."

"Understandable." She noticed his posture; a sign of one deep in thought. From the look on his face, his mind was going in many places, yet all come from a single point. She saw something like that before. It was the sign of one's mind mired in conflict. "Is there something else that's bothering you?"

"N~no," Diamond stuttered with panic, "it's nothing."

"Really? There have been several occasions that Luna and I have seen you aloof, even more than usual."

"Celestia, I-" Then, Celestia rested a hand on his shoulder, sparking many synapses in his mind. While the feeling felt warm and loving, he felt locked up. For the past three years, he held a secret from even his closest friends and teachers. He did not know whom to trust with it, even Principal Celestia.

"Diamond," Celestia sighed, "I can sense that you feel scared about wanting to tell me. I never gossip about any of my student's issues. You have my word that I won't tell anyone because whatever secret you may have; it's safe with me."

"But-"

"Don't be afraid." She then gripped his hand in hers, holding on with a robust and reassuring grip. "I am all ears." At that moment, Diamond felt that he could trust Celestia. She was the type of person that would drop whatever she was doing and hear one out. Gripping her hand, Diamond sighed internally as he relented.

"Celestia, promise you won't tell anyone other than Luna."

"Your secret is safe with her and me." With a deep exhale and a shuddering of his body, Diamond braced himself and prepared to confess.

"Celestia… I-I'm gay."

Celestia's eyes shot open at the young man's admission. She never anticipated anything beyond possible issues at the homefront. Though surprised, she never held any negative opinions toward gay people. She is very supportive of the school's LGBT students. Although, she never did suspect Diamond, usually a private person, of being gay.

"Diamond, you're... gay?" Celestia asked, coming off from the surprise.

"Yes." He muttered.

"I~ honestly don't know what to say other than I am proud of you. Having the strength to come out like that is never an easy thing."

"You are right, Ms. Celestia." Diamond shot back with a noticeable hitch in his voice, "And that is part of the reason why I've been torn up about coming out, especially today."

"Why?"

"My parent-teacher conference."

Off the bat, it all made sense to Celestia. She could read anyone like a map and figure out what is troubling them. She could very well tell that Diamond's mind is clouded by doubt and uncertainty. He worried about whether his parents would accept him and how they will see him if he does come out.

"Diamond, I understand that you are worried." Celestia said, "But, in your life, the most understanding people you'll know are your parents."

"That's the thing though. I have never heard them say anything on that issue. I'm… afraid of how they will react."

"It never hurts to sit down with them and talk things out. People are not as cold as one may believe."

"I-I know. However,… will they accept me?"

Celestia looked on at Diamond as he internally despaired. Throughout her life, she knew that keeping emotions boxed in causes more harm than anything. After the incident with Sunset Shimmer, she could not' leave a student wallowing in such a way. The wellbeing of her students is her primary concern. Turning him around, she locks her eyes square with his.

"Diamond, I understand that you are struggling to come out to your parents. However, you shouldn't have to fear them. If anything, they would be the first to understand what you are dealing with. When they brought you into this world, I am willing to bet that they swore to love you always; All parents do. What is worse: trying but failing or never having tried and fail? However, no matter what happens, you will have my support."

"Always?" Celestia then gripped his hands tighter. Looking him dead in the eyes, she gave him a smile that radiated seriousness and love.

"Yes. Always."

In his gut, Diamond Gleam felt that Celestia was right. If he did not at least try, it would only get worse. Sooner or later, he would have to face the music and let it all out. With a renewed smile, he gave Celestia a brief hug before letting out a big sigh. This was it, the day he would come out to his parents.

"Alright, I'll do it." Diamond muttered, "How will I go about this?"

"After the conference, I shall give you and your parents some space so you can talk it out with them in private." With a smile and a nod, Diamond hugged his principal once again only for it to be answered with one from her. Breaking it, Diamond fixed his beanie and brushed his hoodie with his mind at ease for the time being. "Now, go back to Mr. Discord's class with a chin up, and you can come right back here once it is over."

"Okay, I will."





After the fourth period ended, Diamond Gleam walked over to Celestia's office where the meeting was being held. Already present were Celestia and his parents, Eventide Dream and Argus. Eventide had yellow-orange skin with cerulean hair she keeps in a bun but leaving a few good locks to hang on either side. Argus, a dark blue man of color, had a short head of sky blue hair that's slicked back. Apart from looks, much like their son, they were both sociable and easygoing.

For the meeting, it mainly consisted of where Diamond's strong points were and his plans going into senior year. During the whole affair, Diamond was counting down the time in his mind. At the end of the meeting, he was going to come out and very little would stop him. Even if he could, his parents were between him and the door. Today was the day to lift that weight off his shoulders for good.

"So, apart from a bit of decline in his algebra class, he is doing well," Celestia remarked.

"That's very good to hear, Ms. Celestia." Eventide replied, shaking the principal's hand.

"All in all, I'm just glad our son is doing alright." Argus replied, "He's just a year away from graduation and we're all very proud of him."

"I can certainly tell. He has a bright future ahead of him." Celestia said as she got up from her seat, "This concludes our meeting. However, I want to leave you three alone here because your son has something he would like to say." With a wink and a nod, Celestia left the room, leaving only Diamond and his family. His parents all stared at him intently as his heart began to race. There was no turning back.

"Son, what did Celestia mean by that?" Argus asked.

"Well father, it was something I had on my mind for quite a while." Diamond said with a stutter.

"You've been acting odd this week. We are worried something is wrong, dear."

Between his father's question and his mother's genuine concern, he knew that the time was now. It was the moment of truth, confessing to his parents about his sexuality. With a gulp of air, he balled up his fists as he prepared himself.

"Mom… D-dad… I-II-I~ Oh god, I cannot do this!"

Before he could bury his head in his arms, his hands were taken by those from his parents. They were all linked together to where both their arms formed a triangle; a symbol of familial unity. Their eyes spelled concern with a dash of parental love. They cared deeply for their son and did not want to see him in turmoil.

"My son," Argus spoke up, "whatever you want to say, know this: we love you very much."

"Now and always." Eventide added, "Please, speak your mind." With the reassurances from his parents, his will had been renewed. Nothing was going to stop him again.

Here goes nothing. "Mom, Dad… Sigh, I'm gay."

Light gasps and apparent confusion, Eventide and Argus were left in shock. Their son, their only son, had come out to them as gay. However, it started to click with them. They wondered why Diamond acted was aloof throughout the week, and now they know why.

"Son, w-why did you… not tell us?" Argus looked at his son with visible concern as did Eventide. He sat there with his eyes fixed to the desk in front of him; distress was evident in his face.

"B-Because," Diamond stammered, heart and mind still racing, "I d-d-don't know if you will... accept me. I just was not sure."

"How long were you-"

"Since freshman year."

For a moment, Eventide and Argus looked at each other, never letting go. Though rooted in thought over the revelation, all their thoughts pointed towards one conclusion. No matter what, despite anything going on in the world, they love their son no matter what. No force in the universe would change that for them. Just as he was about to let go, Diamond's hands were gripped tighter as their warmth radiated onto him.

"What?" Diamond silently gasped, "I-I thought you were..."

"Son, when you were born," Argus softly spoke, "we swore that we would love you matter what. We still do, and we will never fail in our duty as your parents."

"Yes, my dear son." Eventide warmly added, "As I brought you into this world, there were… complications that rendered me unable to bear any more children. However, when I held you in my arms for the first time, seeing your precious smile, I knew everything would be alright. To us, you were something precious, like a Diamond. That is why we gave you your name because of no matter what… you are our son, now and always."

"To us, it doesn't matter if you are gay. We have grown tolerant of LGBT people. Never did we speak ill of them. We support them. Even one of my colleagues from work is gay. However, the point is… you may be gay, but that does not change our love for you. We are proud of you for being who you are."

Hearing those words, Diamond felt something grow within him. He felt their words were sincere, never an ounce of doubt. They were his parents, the two most influential people in his life and they felt proud of him. His heart grew warm with pride and joy that he no longer had to keep himself sheltered in. He was out and proud, and his parents still love him very much. He could not ask for anything more.

"Mom, Dad," With his arms outstretched, Diamond beckoned his parents into an embrace. It was a warm and tender moment between family as the air became silent. A relieved smile grew on his face, at peace that he did not have to worry anymore. "Th-Thank you."

"Do not worry anymore, dear." Eventide whispered, brushing her son's hair, "What matters now is that you're happy and nothing else."

"That is right, sport." Argus said, breaking the hug, "In this life, you choose whom you want to be, not those who'll judge you. You are the master of your fate." As he looked upon his son's warm smile, a thought dwelled on his mind. It was something he was most curious about. "So uhh… Pardon if I'm going into things too quickly. However, who is your errr… boyfriend?"

"Remember my friend, Obsidian Glint?"

Mentally, Argus began to connect the dots. There were times where Diamond would bring Obsidian to the house. He thought they were best friends but to hear that their friendship went beyond being just friends? It did not surprise him nearly as much as he anticipated, but the result was the same nonetheless: pride he felt for his son.

"Son, I'm glad you have found love." Said Argus, "I just did not expect that your friend was more than just a friend to you."

"I understand your surprise, dad. I am, and I love him with all my heart."

"Indeed." Eventide and Argus got up from their seats and headed toward the door. "Hey, we're going to be going out to eat tonight. Why don't you see if Obsidian would like to join."

"I'll go talk to him. See ya later, dad."

After his parents bid their farewells and left, Diamond breathed a big sigh that a significant burden was gone. No hiding, no worrying, he felt like he was over the moon. Now, all that was left was talking to Obsidian. From what he was told, he is in the music room getting things set for the concert next week.





Walking into the music room, Diamond Gleam looked all around and towards the stage. There, dutifully inspecting the instruments among other things, was Obsidian Glint. Buzzcut teal hair, maroon complexion, he is rarely seen without his denim jacket. The moment he turned around, he was greeted by the sight of his boyfriend with a relaxed smile on his face.

"Diamond," Obsidian gasped as he wrapped him in a brief hug, "How are you?"

"Doing great… especially after that conference with my parents."

Looking at his lover, Obsidian noted that he looked happier than usual during his week-long slump. Hearing him mention 'conference' and 'parents' sparked a storm of synapses within him. It did not take him long to deduce what had happened. If Diamond's cheerful demeanor was any indicator, things went well.

"They know about us, don't they?" Obsidian flatly asked.

"They do," Diamond replied, "but they're okay with us. It was like how your parents reacted."

"I would've imagined they suspected something."

"I thought as much, but... you know me." The two shared a hearty laugh for a while before it died down, "By the way, my father invited you to join us for dinner. Interested?"

"Wow, uhh… really?"

"He said it himself." For a moment, Obsidian stood in silence before his smile returned in earnest. For both of them, there was no more hiding, no more fear, and no more shame. They were out, and proud of their spirits held high. Slowly, they wrapped each other in a tender embrace as they exchanged loving smiles. "I love you, Obsidian."

"I love you too, Diamond."

Eyes closed, their faces leaned in until their lips made contact in a gentle yet passionate kiss. Hearts pounded and emotions flared, their love was ever higher now that they no longer had to hold back for their parents. Things would only get better for them from there on in.

"Well, school is about to end for the day." Diamond said, looking at the clock, "Why don't we let Celestia know we are leaving."

"Good idea." Their gaze fixed on each other, their fingers became intertwined as they held hands. Neither of them could wait to share their love with Diamond’s parents. It was the happiest day of their lives and nothing could top that. As they walked through the empty halls, hand in hand, a wave of pride washed over them. In Diamond’s mind, as far as he was concerned…

God's in his heaven, all's right with the world.