Chapter Text
Awkward.
That's the word people would use when having dinner with your partner's parents. His mom was nice. Cheerful, maybe a bit of an airhead. His mother however, was a business woman: one who takes charge of a room and expects only the best, and her child was no different. Only the best for her baby.
"He's a bit on the short side, isn't he?" She was also very blunt.
Their mom gasped. "Honey, don't be so judgmental, he can't help being so small."
Tubbo just hid his face the best he could with his glass of what he assumed was wine or something. No water for obvious reasons.
Ranboo waved a dismissing hand at his mom. "Mama, it's fine, I know he's short, but I like that. Easier to pick up." End people. For some reason they really liked picking up things, especially things they love.
Their mother took a sip of her wine. Judgmentally. "And I can't for the life of me understand why. And an insect? " Was that racist?
" Mother!"
Yeah. It was a mistake to come and have dinner. His partner and his mother went back and forth, arguing whether or not he was a worthy boyfriend.
His mom finally put her fork down with the force of a little angry lady. "Now you stop that! He's just fine the way he is. You're just being critical, Raina." First name. Dangerous from a wife. "Now how about we stop talking about the boy as if he weren't here.” she turned to Tubbo with a more gentle look than what she was giving her wife before. “Isn't that right, dear?"
Shit, she's looking at me. "Uh… it's fine, I-I know it's a bit of a surprise. I know I'm not exactly what you expected."
Ranboo cut in "And he's very considerate. You know, on our first date, I told him about my asexuality, and he was very accepting."
His mother raised a brow. "Is that why this one lasted so long?"
" Mother ."
"No, no, I know." She continued to increase Tubbo's anxiety by turning to him. "You. Todd."
"It's actually Tub-"
"Don't interrupt me. What are your intentions with our child?"
Usually, this would’ve been an easy question to answer, but when put on the spot, Tubbo’s mind went completely blank. "Uh… well, uh-"
"Spit out."
His mom stepped in once again. "Raina, please. You're antagonizing the poor boy."
Tubbo cleared his throat and took Ranboo's hand for emotional support. "Getting to know your child has been the one pleasure I really want. Every day we talk to each other, the more about him I want to know." When he was about to get nervous, Ranboo gently squeezed his hand. He squeezed back. "I'd like to know how much more I can fall in love with them." He finally looked back up at Ranboo who seemed to be head over heels all over again.
He only gripped his hand more. "Oh my gods, I just can't believe you're real sometimes." His legs did little kicks under the table. "Moms, are you hearing this right now? Look at him and tell me he isn't the best."
His mom clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, look at him, darling! Isn't he just a little Prince Charming? He’s adorable!"
One last scrutinizing stare came from their mother. Then she sighed and went back to the meatloaf that was probably cold. "He's fine. Just take the leftovers when you leave, you smell of someone who eats cheap takeout and instant ramen."
"Uh… thank you, ma'am."
Then she mumbled "At least someone is going to eat the rest of my cooking."
Ranboo slightly leaned over to Tubbo and whispered "It usually takes longer for her to warm up to someone. She likes you."
Tubbo must've done something right for once in his life. If a woman like Raina Mai-Beloved can approve of a shlub like Tubbo, well, maybe one day he'll be able to call her "mother" too.