“Inksyyyyyy! Where are youuuuu?” Mario called out, searching for his beloved. It was pride month, and Mario wanted to celebrate. He knew it was Inksy's first pride month, and what better way to celebrate than with him? So he continued to search, wanting to make her first pride month the best one ever. He searched the city, the showgrounds, and the castle, before finally deciding to check Coffee & Bombs. He walked in, the familiar jingle of the door sounding. “Inksyyyy?” He calls out again, slowly making his way to the counter. Smg3 looked up at him from behind the counter, raising an eyebrow. “Mario? What're you doing here?” “Mario's-a looking for Inksy. Have-a you seen her?” Smg3 nodded, pointing to the door that says Staff only. “Yeah, she's in there with Ty. Been there for a while, which is annoying because Ty won't leave her alone. Which means I don't have a baker.” Mario rolled his eyes and walked behind the counter, heading to the Staff Only room. He slowly pushed the door open, finding Inksy crouched in the corner, hugging her knees, with Tyler at her side and Ty-Die at her feet. Tyler looked up when she heard the door open, smiling softly. “Hey, M.” Ty-Die also noticed the Italian, giving him a soft squeak before turning back to Inksy. “Whats-a the matter?” Mario asked, moving towards the girls. “I don't know, she doesn't feel like talking much. Something about pride month being scary, I think?” Mario nods, and the two trade spots. Mario sits next to Inksy, while Tyler and her small friend head out, leaving the two alone. “Inksy? Can Mario help?” Inksy looks up at him and sighs. “I just…pride month isn't my thing, and I'm scared that if I try to join in, I'm just gonna get judged. I mean, come on Mario. I'm a 7 foot tall ink demon.” Mario shook his head, his eyes filled with determination. “No, mi amor, that's not true. You're more than that. You're sweet and kind and pretty and strong and did I mention pretty?” Inksy can't help the small laugh that escapes her as Mario talks. He smiles, cupping her cheek gently. “And besides,” he continues, “pride month isn't about what you are. It's about who you are. And trust, Mario likes-a who you are.” Inksy smiled, taking Mario's hand and squeezing it gently. “Really?” Mario nodded. “Definitely.” She relaxed at that, and Mario helped her as she stood up, ready to celebrate. “Alright, lets do this.” She said, determined. Mario smiled, helping her out of the staff only room, and leading her to the counter where Tyler was. Ty-Die and Eggdog were off to the side, while the trio talked and laughed. Mario gently took Inksy’s hand again and squeezed it, a smile on his face.
