Work Text:
- Genre: Fluff, magic, slice of life
- Prompt: “You’ve told your parents?” (@flufftober) / Truth: Do you believe in magic? (@slumberparty Halloween Flash)
- Word Count: 5,141
- Pairing: Reader x Yuken
- World: High&Low
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You shifted nervously from where you sat on the bullet train, brow furrowed at the glass. The world was passing by you in a blur of grey and brown with the occasional splash of orange.
Yuken’s parents lived about thirty minutes outside of the city and they wanted him to come home for Halloween. He had convinced you to tag along with him because he wanted you to meet his parents.
When you told him you had no right invading on his family gathering, he gave you a wolfish grin and had proudly proclaimed, “I’m going to marry you, one day. They need to meet you first!“
How could you say no to that? Especially when he was giving you that puppy dog look that you simply couldn’t resist.
You could feel your boyfriend watching you and you scowled.
“I’m fine.”
“I didn’t say anything,” Yuken chuckled from where he sat across from you.
“You were thinking it.”
“Oh?” He quirked a brow at you, propping up his chin with his hand. “You never told me that mind reading was one of your powers.”
You sent him a look and he chuckled again, shifting so he was sitting beside you. He put his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer.
“Stop worrying. My parents are going to love you.” He pressed a kiss to the top of your head and you smiled, reaching up to thread your fingers through his own.
You weren’t so much worried that his parents would hate you as you were worried about them finding out your secret. See, you were a witch, descended from a long line of witches. As far as most humans were concerned, your kind didn’t exist outside of movies and you had been taught to keep it that way.
Humanity simply wasn’t ready to accept that a different race had been hiding amongst them for so long. To be honest, you never planned on telling Yuken, at least not for a long while. That went out the window when he got into a huge fight with guys twice his size and age.
He had been pretty badly injured but refused to go to the hospital. You were scared of losing him so you used your magic to stop the bleeding, thinking he was unconscious. He wasn’t and, well… you had a lot of explaining to do after that.
You were convinced that he was your soulmate so the last thing you wanted to do was scare his parents or make them hate you. It’s not like you didn’t have control over your powers, but there was always a slim chance of using them by accident when your emotions ran high.
You rested your head against his chest, calmed by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. ‘This trip is going to be fine. Nothing is going to happen.’
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You followed Yuken up the steps of his parent’s house, gripping the strap of your bag tightly as he pushed the door open, announcing that he was home. A short woman with permed brown hair came rushing out of the kitchen, a bright smile on her face.
“Welcome home!” She cupped his face. “Oh, look at you! You’ve gotten even taller than the last time I saw you.”
“Maybe you’ve just gotten shorter, kaa-chan~” he teased with a grin, earning a smack to his arm.
She turned to face you, offering a polite yet friendly smile. “Welcome to the Odajima home, dear. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
You bowed politely to her. “Thank you for having me, Odajima-san.”
“Oh, please, no need to be so formal! You can just call me Kao. Or, if you feel so inclined… you can call me kaa-chan,” she winked at you, making you smile. “Well, what are you waiting on? Take your things upstairs and get settled. Go on!”
“Yes, kaa-chan~” sang Yuken before he started toward the stairs, you close behind.
His bedroom was clean and minimalistic, just like his apartment in the city. A single bed sat against the right wall with a bookcase on one side and a table on the other. Across from the bed was a desk, though there was nothing but a cup of pens sitting atop it. A dresser sat beneath the window and the closet was to the left of the door.
You set your bags on the bed, unzipping them so you could unpack. Yuken came up behind you, hugging you softly as he rested his chin on your shoulder.
“Don’t bother. We’re only staying for three days.”
“I know, but we should still put them away.”
He hummed, pressing his lips to the skin beneath your ear. “I’d rather spend that time with you.”
You grinned, turning around in his hold, your arms finding their place around his neck. “Technically, we’d be doing it together so you would be spending time with me.”
“I can think of better things to do,” he mused before pressing his lips against yours.
You didn’t hesitate to kiss back, tilting your head to the side to deepen the kiss. His tongue brushed against your lower lip and you granted him access just so you could brush your tongue over his piercing. He groaned in appreciation, giving you a squeeze before pulling away.
His forehead rested against yours, a goofy grin on his lips. “I love you so much. You know that, right?”
You hummed, eyes flashing red for a moment before a smile came to your lips. “You’re telling the truth.”
He pouted, lightly pinching your hip. “Did you really just use magic on me? How rude.”
“I’m sorry,” you replied, trying to sound genuine but the wolfish grin on your lips and the amused glint in your eyes gave you away.
“You are so not sorry.”
“I am, I swear~” You reached up to kiss him but he turned his face at the last second so you planted a kiss against his cheek. “Now that is rude.”
“I don’t kiss liars.” He tried to sound annoyed but, just like you, he couldn’t keep a straight face. For a moment, the two of you just looked at each other before bursting into a fit of giggles. “Liars must be punished!”
You laughed when he went slack against you, his weight forcing you back onto the bed. “You’re heavy, get offa me.”
“I refuse.” His face nuzzled into the crook of your neck, arms tight around your body. “You didn’t say it back.”
“Hm?” Your fingers brushed through his hair, tugging it free from the hair tie. “Say what?”
“You didn’t say you love me back.”
A warm smile came to your lips. “I love you, Odajima Yuken. I love you more than the moon loves the stars. More than the flowers love the sun.”
He slowly pushed himself up, elbows resting on either side of you as his eyes met yours.
You cupped his cheek with a smile. “I love you more than the wind loves the trees and more than the earth loves the rain.”
“You’re so cheesy,” he whispered, heart filled with warmth and love for you.
“You love it.”
“I really do,” he whispered, pressing his lips against yours again, this time in a slow, sensual embrace.
“Yuken! Your brother is home!”
The two of you broke apart and you furrowed your brow at him. “Brother? I thought it was just going to be your parents.”
“It was supposed to be.” His own brow furrowed as he pulled himself off the bed, holding his hand out to you. “I guess you’re meeting the whole family.”
You held back a groan as you followed him down the stairs. Standing in the doorway was a heavily pregnant woman holding the hand of a young little girl. When the child saw Yuken, her face lit up and she darted toward him, jumping into his arms.
“Ken-oji-chan!” She giggled when he held her up by the armpits, spinning her around.
“Look at you~” he cooed happily. “You’re getting so big!”
“Papa says if I eat my veggies, I’ll grow as big as you one day!”
“He’s right,” he tapped her on the nose, making her squeal in delight.
You couldn’t help but smile at the interaction and how cute the two of them were.
“Yuken,” called the woman, sending him a look. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
The tall male held the young girl against his hip with one arm, the other going around your waist and tugging you closer as he introduced you to them before introducing them to you. “This is my sister-in-law Midori and my adorable little niece Mikki.”
Milking smiled shyly at you, offering a small wave. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too,” you smiled back.
“We’ve heard a lot about you,” grinned his sister. “Yuken talks about you constantly. It’s like he’s obsessed with you!”
“Nee-chan~” Yuken pouted, earning a laugh from the older woman. “I’m not obsessed…”
“Oh, you definitely are.”
His mom entered the room with a grin, tossing a dish towel over her shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with it, Yuken dear. To love someone with all of your being is to be obsessed with them.”
Midori nodded in agreement. “That’s right. It’s so romantic!” Her eyes fell to you, cupping her mouth despite talking at a normal level. “He truly does love you. Make sure you don’t hurt him, okay? He’s surprisingly sensitive.”
“Nee-chan!” He scowled, pale cheeks dusting with pink.
You felt your own cheeks heat up the tiniest bit, butterflies fluttering in your stomach as a smile slid onto your face. You had been so afraid of meeting his family but you were realizing that they were the sweetest people. You already felt at home.
You felt eyes burning holes into you and you glanced toward the kitchen, spying Yuken’s dad lingering in the doorway with a blank expression. His dark eyes were staring directly at you and it felt as if he could see directly into your soul.
You shifted nervously, returning your attention to the siblings as they teased each other. You tried to ignore it, but there was a voice at the back of your head, repeating the same phrase like a mantra within your brain.
‘He knows you’re a witch. He knows, he knows, he knows. He knows you’re a witch!’
You shook your head to try and rid yourself of those thoughts. That simply wasn’t possible. You had only used your power once since arriving and it was just you and Yuken in the bedroom, the door closed. Though it was highly unlikely, there was a slim chance that he had somehow seen it or perhaps sensed it.
In your experience, finding a human who could sense a witch’s magic was incredibly rare, but not impossible. Could it be that he was one of those rare humans? Could it be that he really did know?
“Dear, are you okay?” Kao rested her hand on your arm, a worried frown on her face.
“Ah, yes, I’m fine,” you replied quickly, bowing to her in apology.
“If you’re sure…” She didn’t appear to believe you but she nodded anyway, taking the young girl from Yuken’s arms. “Who wants cookies?”
“I do, I do!” squealed Mikki.
“Let’s go get them, then, hm?”
The pair disappeared into the kitchen, Yuken’s father narrowing his eyes at you before following after them.
Midori offered you a comforting smile as she leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Meeting the family can be overwhelming, right? I was a wreck when I met them for the first time, but they truly are so loving and accepting. As long as you make their son happy, they will welcome you with open arms.”
“That’s good to know. Thank you,” you smiled gratefully at her.
Her lips parted but, before she could speak a word, the front door slammed open and a teenage girl came rushing in, carrying several bags. She had a scowl on her face and didn’t spare any of you a glance as she rushed up the stairs, knocking into Yuken on the way.
“Hey, Kaeli -” Yuken frowned when she ignored him, slamming the bedroom door a moment later.
Her father appeared in the doorway a few seconds later, a deep frown on his lips. He, too, was holding several bags.
Midori frowned at her husband. “Did you two argue again?”
“Yes,” he sighed. “She’s really not happy about the move.”
“It’ll take time, but I’m sure she’ll come around, darling.”
“I sure hope so.” He offered her a sad smile before taking notice of you. He quickly set the bags down, running his palm across his jeans before holding them out to you. “Hi! I’m Yuken’s older brother, Ran. Very nice to finally meet you.”
You slid your hand into his with a smile. “Nice to meet you, too, Ran-san.”
“Please, no need to be so formal. Just call me nii-chan,” he gave you a wolfish grin. “He talks so much about you, it feels as if I already know you!”
Yuken groaned, pressing his hand over his face and muttering under his breath about embarrassing siblings.
You laughed at this. “Hopefully all good things.”
“Yes,” he nodded. “He doesn’t have a single bad thing to say about you.”
Your hand found Yuken’s and you offered him a warm smile which he returned.
“I’m gonna take the bags upstairs and try to talk to Kae.” Ran picked up the bags and started toward the stairs but his wife stopped him, slipping in front of him.
“Let me talk to her instead, darling.”
“Probably a better idea,” he chuckled.
Yuken waited until they disappeared up the stairs before turning to you with a pout. “I’m sorry, my family is a bit eccentric.”
“Just like you,” you teased, bringing his hand to your lips. “They seem really sweet, though.”
“They are.”
You glanced at the kitchen door. Someone was clearly there but they pulled back so quickly that you weren’t able to see who. You thought about the blank stare his dad had given you and you frowned.
“What is it?” wondered Yuken, swinging your hand lightly between you.
“It’s just…” you looked at him with a furrowed brow. “Did you… tell your parents?”
“Tell them what?”
“About,” you waved your hand toward yourself for emphasis. “You know.”
“No, why would I tell them?” His brow furrowed as he glanced at the kitchen doorway. “You told me not to. I would never go behind your back like that.”
“I know. I know. Sorry,” you offered him an apologetic smile and he hummed, pulling you into a hug.
“Stop worrying so much, love. I won’t tell them unless you ask me to. We’re going to have a great weekend together without incident.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
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“Kaeli, it’s time for dinner,” Ran called out, standing in front of the sliding glass doors that led into the backyard.
She glared at him over her shoulder before turning away and putting her headphones on over her head. The blonde sighed, closing the door before sitting back down at the table.
“She’s never going to forgive me, is she?” He pouted, stabbing the bread roll with his fork. “I’m a terrible father!”
His mother chuckled from the other end of the table. “She’s a teenager. I’d be more worried if she didn’t hate you.”
Yuken lifted his head, sending her a fake offended look. “I didn’t hate you.”
“Yes, dear, but I’m your mother,” she smiled, patting his hand. “And you’re a good boy.”
“What about me, ma?” wondered Ran, making her hesitate.
“Well… you were a bit more of a handful, dear.”
He groaned, hanging his head. “No wonder she hates me. I was the bad child!”
“The youngest is always the angel,” commented Yuken with a snicker, looking at the young girl sitting across from him. “Isn’t that right, Mikki-chan~?”
“That’s right!” She giggled, throwing her arms into the air. “I’m an angel!”
Midori slowly came into the kitchen, face scrunched up in displeasure as her hand rested over her large belly. Ran jumped up, rushing over to her. “Hun, you should be in bed.”
“I’m fine,” she forced a smile. “I want to be with my family. Where’s Kaeli?”
“She doesn’t want to come inside…”
“I’ll get her. She’s gonna get eaten alive by mosquitos!” Shaking her head, she approached the glass door and slid it open, peering out into the night. “Kaeli? Kaeli, where are you?”
Ran rushed over, heading out into the yard and yelling out her name, but there was no sign of the young girl. “Kaeli! Kaeli, you answer me right now!”
You and Yuken exchanged a look, getting up from the table to help him look. Something made you pause on your way, though, your eyes widening as they fell onto the puddle beneath Midori.
She sent you a pained look, leaning against the counter for support. “I think… my water just broke…”
“Shit,” you cursed, rushing over to the door. “Yuken! Ran! Midori just went into labor!”
With wide eyes, the two males rushed back into the room, the air thick with tension and panic. Ran was fussing over her, trying to get her to do her Lamaze breathing despite the fact that she already was. Yuken gripped his hair, pacing back and forth with a panicked look on his face.
“What in the world is -” Kao entered the kitchen with a furrowed brow, brown eyes taking in the scene. She smacked her eldest child upside the head. “You’ve already had two children, what are you panicking for?”
“I don’t know!”
“Go get her bag.”
“Okay!” Ran rushed from the kitchen, his feet pounding on the stairs.
“Yuken, get Midori to the car.”
“Yes, kaa-chan!” Yuken carefully took her by the arm, helping her from the kitchen.
She sent you an apologetic look. “I hate to ask this of you, but will you try and find Kaeli? I’m sure she isn’t far. She’s a good girl, really.”
“I don’t mind at all. I promise to find her, so please don’t worry!” You gave her a determined look which she returned with a warm smile, bringing your hands into hers.
“I have no doubt, dear. Thank you.”
The way she said that concerned you but you didn’t have time to worry about whether or not she knew your secret. You grabbed your jacket, rushing out into the chilly autumn night and into the dense forest that sat at the edge of the property.
The sky was covered with grey clouds, blocking out the stars and the full moon. The ground was littered with orange and brown leaves, crunching beneath your feet as you ran. Unlike the city, the area was quiet and peaceful save for the occasional sound of an owl hooting from somewhere high above.
“Kaeli!” You called out, your voice echoing through the tall trees. “Kaeli, please answer me! Your mom has gone into labor!”
There was no response, making you curse.
‘Calm down, breathe.’ You stopped running, taking a few deep breaths until you felt your heart rate slowing. You closed your eyes, focusing hard on the world around you.
Every single living object has an aura, no matter how faint it may be. Even things such as trees and plants have their own aura, though it’s hard to pick up on because of how faint it is. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a human’s aura was by far the strongest which made tracking easy, especially when they were alone in a forest.
With your eyes closed, you were able to see the forest in black and white within your mind. You could see the faint red aura of Kaeli in the distance, but she wasn’t alone, surrounded by three massive wolves.
Panic gripped you as your eyes snapped open, your legs carrying you quickly in her direction. You heard them before you saw them – Kaeli begging them to leave her as they snarled and growled.
“Kaeli!” You cried, bursting through the tree line. Your sudden appearance startled the wolves and the one on the left lunged at you, teeth bared and jaw open wide. Your eyes flashed red as you issued a command, voice sounding as if it were layered. “Sit.”
The wolf whimpered, immediately sitting down and lowering its head, ears flat against its head. The other two charged at you.
“Sit!” you ordered, eyes flashing red. The brown wolf obeyed but you weren’t fast enough to use your power again as the black wolf jumped at you. You threw up your arm to block your face, wincing as its teeth sank into your flesh. With clenched teeth, you stared him directly in the eyes. “Retreat.”
The wolf slowly released its hold on you, whining in fear before scurrying off, his friends close behind. You waited until you could no longer sense them before you released the breath you had been holding, leaning back against a tree.
“Kaeli, are you alright?” you called out to her, a frown on your lips.
“Are you dumb?” She scoffed as she ran over to you, wide eyes set on the injury. “You just got attacked by a wolf but you’re asking me if I’m okay?”
You chuckled, taking her sass as a good sign that she was unharmed.
“I’m so confused,” she breathed out, eyes filling with tears. “Your eyes, they… were they glowing? And those wolves, they… they listened to you! How…?” She shook her head, wiping furiously at her eyes. “We have to get you to the hospital!”
“I’ll be okay.”
“You’re bleeding!” she cried in exasperation. “Yu-oji is gonna be so upset when he finds out…”
“Which is why we’re not gonna tell him,” you chuckled, knowing how protective your boyfriend could be.
“I think he’s gonna notice, oba-chan!”
Your heart warmed when she called you her aunt because it didn’t feel forced, it felt natural, as if you truly were part of her family. “Can you keep a secret, Kaeli?”
“I can, but -” she motioned frantically toward your bleeding arm. “He’s going to see it!”
“I guess we’ll just have to fix that, then, hm?”
“How?”
“Do you believe in magic?”
“Magic?” Her brow furrowed as she searched your gaze, realization slowly dawning on her. “No way…”
You smiled, holding your hand over the wound. Your eyes glowed red and your hand followed soon after, tendrils of red light shooting toward the wound. Warmth enveloped you as it slowly started to close, leaving not a single mark behind.
“Holy shit,” she muttered, eyes snapping to yours. “Don’t tell dad I said that.”
“Your secret is safe with me if mine is with you.”
Kaeli nodded frantically. “So, you’re a…?”
“A witch,” you admitted, watching her expression carefully for any sign of fear.
Rather than act afraid, though, her eyes lit up. “That’s so cool! Yu-oji is marrying a witch!”
Before you comment on the statement, you heard Yuken’s voice echoing through the trees, alternating between calling out your name and hers.
“Over here, babe!” You called out, peering around the tree so you could see him.
Relief flashed across his face when he saw you and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around your body. He exhaled sharply beside your ear. “I was so worried. I saw a few wolves and I thought…”
You patted his back gently. “Don’t worry, we’re perfectly fine. How’s Mikki doing?”
“Mom?” interjected Kaeli, voice trembling slightly. “Did something happen to her?”
“She went into labor, kiddo,” answered Yuken with a smile, ruffling the top of her head. “Do you want to stay here or go see her at the hospital?”
Kaeli bit her lip, shifting from one foot to the other. “Oba-chan?”
“Yes?” you looked at her curiously, ignoring the smirk that came across Yuken’s face when he heard what she called you.
“Do you think… they’re mad at me?”
“No. I think they’ll be happy to see you safe and sound, ready to meet your new sibling.”
She nodded, a smile coming to her lips. “I wanna go to the hospital, Yu-oji!”
“Then let’s go!” He slipped his hand into your own, starting toward the house. Kaeli ran ahead, pausing when she got too far so the two of you could catch up.
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You stifled a yawn as you stepped into Yuken’s bedroom, tossing your jacket on the desk. Yuken came in behind you, shutting the door behind him.
“Take the bed,” he mumbled tiredly, rubbing at his eyes.
“Not a chance.”
“I’m too tired to argue, love,” he groaned, trying to send you a stern look.
“Then don’t,” you grinned, lying down atop the air mattress that sat on the floor beside the bed.
His eyes narrowed at you and he didn’t hesitate to follow, laying his body on top of your own. You huffed at his weight but said nothing, wrapping your arms around him as he buried his face in your neck.
Silence fell over the room and you thought he had fallen asleep until he spoke up, his voice soft. “I’m really glad you came with me.”
“You didn’t really give me a choice,” you teased, combing your fingers through his silky hair.
“You wanted to come and you know it.”
“I can neither confirm nor deny that.”
He scoffed, arms tightening around you. “I love you so much. I’m happy we’re gonna get married one day…” His voice trailed off as sleep claimed him and you smiled, feeling warmth fill you.
“Yeah… I’m happy about it, too.”
Despite how exhausted you felt, sleep refused to come for you and you laid there for hours before finally giving up. Yuken slept pretty heavily, so you were able to slip out from beneath him without waking him up.
The house was silent, half the participants asleep while the other half were still at the hospital with Midori, waiting for her child to finally arrive. You slipped out into the backyard, breathing in the early morning air. It was still early so the sun hadn’t yet begun to peak its head over the horizon.
The clouds had disappeared and, though the stars were barely visible now, the full moon was still shining brightly as it slowly sunk lower across the sky. You fell onto the bench in the garden, exhaling softly.
Your body was sore from using your magic, though you weren’t surprised. Controlling magic was complicated, an advanced form of magic that required your own energy in order to pull off correctly. It was a tiring form of magic that witches tended to avoid simply because of how draining it was. You didn’t regret it, though, and would happily do it again.
The bench creaked as someone sat beside you and you glanced over, surprised to find Yuken’s father sitting there. You straightened up on instinct, feeling a bit nervous. The silence was heavy and uncomfortable so you forced yourself to speak.
“Can’t sleep?”
His dark eyes fell on you, narrowing. “I know what you are.”
You sucked in a breath, fingers curling around your pants. “I… I’m sorry?”
“Witch.”
Your heart fell to your stomach and you swallowed hard. You didn’t want to deny it because you’d be lying to his face – not a good thing to do to your future in-law. You couldn’t bring yourself to admit it either, though, terrified that he would tell you to break up with his son. Instead, you remained silent, trying to calm your nerves.
“I knew the moment I saw you. You witches have the same aura.”
You held back a groan. Of all the people to possess the rare ability to see a witch’s aura, why did it have to be the father of your boyfriend?
“I don’t like witches,” he stated, folding his arms over his chest.
You lowered your head, feeling ashamed despite having done nothing wrong.
“When I was a boy, a witch tried to kill me. Nearly did, too.”
“I’m so sorry,” you replied softly, feeling genuinely sad by this information. Not just because he was Yuken’s father, but also because witches who attack humans only make things worse for the race as a whole.
“Do you know how I survived?” he questioned, his gaze falling on you again.
You could imagine a few ways, none of them pleasant.
“My life was saved… by a witch.”
Your eyes snapped to his in surprise, having not expected that at all.
His eyes flickered to the necklace hanging around your neck. It was a red jasper crystal in the shape of a pendulum, hanging from a thin, black rope. “The witch that saved me was wearing that.”
You lifted your hand to the pendant with wide eyes. The necklace belonged to your mother, passed down through your family for generations. It was tradition to pass it on to your child upon their fifteenth birthday because that’s when they become a full-fledged witch.
You didn’t know what to say, your lips parting and closing repeatedly.
“If you’re the child of that woman, then I have no doubt that you’re one of the good witches. My son seems enamored with you and, while I’m weary of your kind, I don’t want to hurt him.” He shifted so he was facing you, eyes narrowed. “If you hurt my son in any way, I promise you will regret it. Witch or not, no one will stop me from protecting my child.”
You nodded in understanding. “I promise, Odajima-san, I will never hurt him. I… I love Yuken more than anything else in this world. I would die for him happily.”
“While I admire your dedication,” he grunted. “We don’t die for the people we love. We live for them.”
Your eyes widened at the wise words. “Yes… yes, you’re right.”
He nodded, seeming satisfied that he had gotten all of that off of his chest. He stood up, turning to head back inside only to pause, glancing back at you. “Tell your mom thank you. I didn’t get the chance.”
“I will,” you promised, watching him re-enter the house. Your body relaxed against the bench, a wide smile on your face as you turned your gaze to the sky, fingers brushing the crystal absent-mindedly. As the sun peaked over the horizon, rays of light falling across your body, you couldn’t help but feel completely at peace.
You felt at home with the Odajima family, as if they were your own. They had welcomed you with open arms and, though only two of them knew the truth about you, they had accepted you for who you are. It gave you hope for the future, hope that the rest of his family would be just as accepting.
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