Work Text:
First impressions weren't exactly Peter's... Thing. So when his beloved asked if he wanted to go for dinner to meet her father every part of his soul burned him to say 'no'. But he couldn't, he'd put this off for far too long.
The man sat Infront of the wooden vanity that resided in his and Elena's shared bedroom, he'd been trying on different shirts for the past hour while Elena let him know that each outfit looked incredible on him. All the shirts were the same. All white. All baggy. And all just as stress inducing for Peter.
After Peter merely stared at himself for 3 minutes without blinking Elena, taking on the form of 'Rumi', knelt down next to him; "My love. I promise you your outfit is absolutely fine!" They were meant to leave about 30 minutes ago but Peter's sudden frenzy had prevented that. Not that Elena blamed him.
Peter broke his stare by resting his head on the vanity "what if your dad hates my white shirt and then I can never show my face to him again..." His voice was slightly muffled but still clear enough to make out. Elena placed a hand on his back and stood up, placing their other hand under Peter's chin so he could tilt his head up.
"No matter what you wear I promise they will love you just as much as I do" She reassured him and Peter glanced at himself one last time before exhaling a heavy breath.
The travel there wasn't long, especially by carriage. The next hour consisted of Elena running through with Peter the best conversation topics for their father, so far he memorized 'baking, writing and life stories'. Peter shuffled uncomfortably in the back of the carriage next to Elena.
He leaned over "something on your mind my love?" they asked, their voice dripping with concern.
Peter hesitated before being able to force the words out "Are um... you 'Rumi' today because your dad is...um-" Elena shook her head.
"no no no it's nothing like that. I much prefer my...truer form but when out and about I usually revert to this form anyway" He explained and Peter nodded. Elena smirked "don't worry, I'm sure one day I'll build up my confidence. Just like you did" Peter smiled and the rest of the carriage ride was comfortable silence.
Once they got past all the basic pleasantries, such as 'Hello' and 'It's so nice to finally meet you' Peter felt a bit better about the situation. Elena's father seemed like a warm man who appreciated Peter's "firm handshake". Perhaps he was just being polite... Or sarcastic...
Now sat at the dining room table the air felt hotter than before Elena's father kept a soft smile on his face; "Well Peter, what do you do?" He asked.
Peter froze. Oh gods what did he do? All he really did was spend time with Elena, farm and try painting and honestly he wouldn't have any other way! He knew this would happen. Elena's dad is going to realize what a boring man he was. This was only the first question! There were bound to be more! oh fuck oh fuck oh-
"Well Peter actually used to be an art teacher. But these days we take time to ourselves, right Peter?" Elena said, placing a hand over his husbands.
Fuck.
The smaller man shook himself out of his thoughts "oh! um- yes" He started "lots of farming right now and... Baking" he said, awkwardly smiling. They were both relieved to see a wide smile on the older man's face.
"Baking huh? Glad to hear your mother and I taught you something" He laughed and Rumi chuckled along.
When dinner was ready Peter was amazed that in their childhood Elena has dinner with her parents every night! Every night! Sure Peter's family was a lot bigger but the idea of having dinner with anyone from his family was a pipedream. Most nights consisted with trying to find whatever you could in the kitchen and wolfing it down before someone else could take it.
Dinner itself was delicious, it was nice to finally see where Elena got his cooking skills from. Even during the blights any dishes they made while on the road tasted incredible.
After that Peter seemed to get into the swing of things, if Elena's father made a joke Peter was able to bounce off of it. The conversation somehow never felt dry or repetitive. This was just... A nice moment for Elena. To see his new and old family sit at a table together as equals.
Soon the night was over and the couple headed home. Elena parted with their father with a hug, while Peter stuck with the handshake.
Once back in the carriage and a few meters away Peter let out a large exhale "Holy shit I just winged that whole thing!" He said panicked.
Elena laughed "really?" she asked "Peter you're a natural!"
Peter put his face in his palm "I had no idea what I was doing!" he said, laughing in-between words almost as if in disbelief.
Elena let out a happy sigh and rested his head on his husband's shoulder, shifting back into her most recent form.
"Well you did very well... And I think he liked your shirt."