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The first thing you think upon stepping into your childhood home is this: I am completely fucked.
You thought you were ready!
You thought, hey, I've been dating the guy who saved my life (and who I saved back) for almost six months now, I should introduce him to my family.
Past you is an idiot.
The first person to greet you at the door is Alessia, who is already on your nerves for making dumb faces at Der through the window. She bounds up to you from the living room, smiling wide.
“Avery!” She tackles you in a hug, squeezing far too tight and trying her damndest to knock you over. You don't fall for her schemes, returning her hug with both exasperation and begrudging acceptance.
“Sia.” You greet, and you can hear Derek snickering at your “serious” tone.
“Oh wowww, you're pretty.” Alessia coos, and you have no idea what she's talking about until you realize she's only hugging you so she can ogle Derek over your shoulder.
“Alessia!” You shriek, wriggling in her grip and gently pushing her away from the both of you. She giggles into her hands, and it is then that your heart admits you've missed her.
You look back at Der, who is now looking at the floor, cheeks tinted slightly darker than usual.
Alright. He is very pretty. But you already know that, you don't need your little sister to say it!
You inhale, carefully wrapping your arm around Derek's waist and presenting him to your fiendish sibling. “Sia, this is Derek. My boyfriend.”
You know Derek is turning redder by the second as she beams at the two of you.
“Hi.” He says quietly, giving her a little wave. “Nice to meet you.”
She squeaks, resting her chin in her palm. “Aww, he's so cute! Pfft, oh my God, you two look like you were made for each other.”
You both share a glance, then look back at her, confused. That just makes her laugh more, bouncing on her heels, and oh God, she has definitely not taken her ADHD medicine today.
Either that or she's just really excited to meet your boyfriend and make fun of you while she does. Could be a little of both.
You refrain from snapping at her antics because it is then that your dad pokes his head out into the hall. “Avery, can you help your mother–? Oh, hello.”
It now feels like Derek is trying to hide behind you, which isn’t fair, because you want to hide behind him, and his plan wouldn’t have worked anyway because he's half a foot taller than you. Your old man dusts himself off, probably in the middle of setting the table, and holds out his hand to Derek.
“Hello, young man, Avery’s told us a lot about you. Derek, right?” He greets with a smile.
Derek laughs awkwardly, nodding as he returns the handshake. “Yes, uh– Sir. It's very nice to finally meet you.”
“What, no handshake for me?” You poke, trying to wheedle your way between them.
Your dad guffaws, clapping you on the back. “You are not our guest, ometto. But it is good to see you.”
You're then crushed in a massive bear hug, squawking in surprise.
“Ah, you never visit! Your mother's always asking after you.” He scolds kindly, ruffling up your locs.
“Dad, stop.” You whine, shooing him. “I promise I'll visit more.”
“Bah, you'll be starting your classes again soon. Don't be telling lies to your mama, yeah? If you can't make it, you can't make it.” He says, shrugging.
You nod seriously, sighing with a hint of guilt.
Shit was hard, after coming back from Sacramento.
Derek's body gave out halfway through the journey home, and you had to go to the hospital again because one of your wounds got infected.
You started classes late and didn't tell your parents.
You also didn't tell your parents that you were out of the dorms and living with a boy they'd never met until two months ago.
You give your father a weak smile, the man giving you a knowing look in return.
He then turns, smiling up at Derek, who snaps his head away from you now that the attention is back on him. Your dad gestures to the cake in Derek’s hands. “Here, I can help you put that in the fridge and– Ugh, where is–”
He looks around, eyes narrowing at the empty space where your sister should be.
“ALESSIA!” He yells down the hall, making Derek flinch, your hand instinctively resting against his wrist.
You forgot how noisy your family was. Oh Lord, this was a bad idea…
“ALESSI–! Agh, that girl.” Your dad waves it off. “Probably upstairs. Should be helping your mother, but ah, that's what I was saying before– Go say hello to Mama, Avery, I'll keep your friend company.”
Derek blanches in a way only you can see and you briefly close your eyes praying that your father doesn't give him any shit.
“Okay!” You say through a tight smile, almost leaning up to kiss Derek on the chin before realizing you do not want to kiss your boyfriend in front of your father within the first ten minutes of them meeting. You give him a prompt side-hug instead, taking the cake from his waiting hands.
“Be back in a sec. And you be nice!” You say, pointing at the older man before darting off to the kitchen.
“MA!” You roll into the room, setting the cake on the counter. Your mother is busily mixing salad as a pot boils on the stove. She immediately stops when you appear, a bright smile splitting her face in two.
“Oh, Avery, my love, so good to see you.” She grins, her strong arms opening wide so you can barrel into them. You curl up in her warm embrace, breathing in air that’s filled to the brim with spices and the scent of baking bread. She smothers you in kisses, making you laugh as the coil in your chest unravels, just a little bit.
“Hi, Mama.” You say as she relents in her fussing.
She clicks her tongue, looking you over. “Baby, you're too skinny.”
You groan, despite knowing this was coming. “Ma, I’m not! I'm literally not, look.”
You puff out your chest a little, flexing, which makes her laugh.
“No, no, listen to your mother, we know these things. Don't be so busy with school that you don't eat, yeah? Tsk, Avie, we missed you so much, why on earth did you stay away so long?”
You pull her into another hug, making her sigh.
“I didn't mean to, I promise. I was just…figuring stuff out, you know? I should've called more. I'm sorry.” You mumble, hiding in her hair.
“Figuring stuff out, hm? Figuring stuff out as in, I've been chasing some boy around and I'm too embarrassed to bring him over for dinner until now, yeah?” She needles, tapping her painted nails against your back.
You flush deeply, leaning away in shock. “Ma.”
She raises an eyebrow, placing her hands on her hips. There's the slightest of smiles in the corner of her mouth. “Hm?”
“I've not been–!” You look around, eyes scouring the hallway to see if Alessia or Derek are around to hear this, looking back at her when there's no sign of them. “I have not been chasing him around! He's my best friend. And he's very nice and very reserved and I don't want to scare him off by being too– Ya know–? I don't know!”
You look back at the hall, face hot. There's a brief bout of silence, only broken by the sounds of bubbling pasta and the tick of the stove clock.
“...you really like this boy.” When you look at your mother she's wearing a thoughtful expression, appraising you.
You shuffle on your feet. “...y-yeah. Yeah, I really like him. I- I would hope so! Heh, he's my boyfriend, after all.” You stop, feeling oddly emotional.
Your family already knows you like men.
They knew Derek was your boyfriend before you brought him here, and you didn't ask “permission” to date him because there's nothing and no one on this earth that will separate him from you again.
But they're still your family.
And you're still…nervous, about all this.
What they might think of him, and in turn, what they might think of you.
“I love him. He makes me so happy, Mama. So happy.” You insist, even as your voice goes quiet.
Your mother hums, a considerate look on her face. Then she shakes her head, smiling.
“You worry too much, baby. It's not as if we'll bite him.” She says as she turns back to the stove.
“Alessia might.” You frown, crossing your arms childishly. “Tell her to stop looking at him.”
“She just likes to tease, Avie.” She soothes, but you can tell she's trying not to laugh at your serious tone.
“Stop it!” You hiss, flushing.
“Finish tossing the salad and take the dressing out of the fridge, then you can go find your little friend before your father talks him to death. Dinner will be ready in ten.” She orders.
You're spurred into action, quickly doing as she says before pecking her on the cheek and leaving the room to see where your dad and Derek have gone.
You find them in the living room, Derek examining the pictures on the wall while your father yammers about each and every one.
“What are you guys doing?” You cling to Derek's side, the boy's face lighting up when he sees you. He seems fine, mostly. Focused, because he's on his best behavior, but somewhat relaxed.
As relaxed as one can be in the presence of your boyfriend's father, at least.
“I'm telling him about you, you goofball. You met what, six months ago? The boy doesn't know nothing about you yet.” Your dad harrumphs, rubbing his chin as he examines yet another family photo.
Derek gives you an indulgent little smile, eyes hawk-like with mirth.
You want to start hitting him. And then maybe kissing him.
“It's all been very interesting.” He croons, and you bunch up the back of his sweater in your fist.
“Asshole.” You mutter in his ear before smiling at your dad. “Mama says dinner's almost ready, can you get Sia?”
“Oh yeah, we have her book.” Derek says, holding up the copy.
“Not that she'll ever read it.” Your father grunts, taking the book and rolling his eyes before trundling off to the hallway where he can better yell up the stairs.
You sigh as soon as he's gone, going up on your toes to kiss Derek's cheek. “Sorry, hon. Family.”
“It's been fine.” He says, leaning into you with a shark-toothed grin. “I've been learning so much about you.”
“Ugh, shut up, you jerk. You don't even remember all that stuff.”
“The knowledge of you being a potted plant for Halloween is actually incredibly distinct in my mortal memory.” He says, pointing at the offending picture.
“Oh my God, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up–” You say, dragging him away from the wall as he giggles.
“But you were so cute! Aw, Aves, please–”
“I'm taking Haïta and never coming back.” You threaten, waving a finger in his face as he gives you pleading puppy eyes.
“Sounds more like torture for Haïta than anyone else.” He says flatly.
“Stop being bad!” You scold.
He presses his face into your hand. You melt, resting your foreheads together.
“You doing okay?” He whispers, adjusting your tousled shirt.
“Mm, yeah. It's just been a minute. Kinda forgot other people exist outside of you.” You mutter, hiding from his searching eyes.
“Avery.” He says, a little surprised.
“I know, I know.” You exhale. He nods against you, and you nuzzle just a bit closer to him.
“If you two are done kissing, it's time to eat.”
You whip your head around, Derek immediately slamming his back against the wall in an attempt to remove himself from your space. Alessia stands in the hallway with her book under her arm, looking every bit like a bored teenager.
“We were not kissing. Don't tell Mama.” You hiss, pointing wildly at her.
“You looked like you were kissing.” She says, quirking an eyebrow.
“We weren't!”
“You so were.”
“Alessia!”
“Bye, Avie!” She skips down the hall, waving her book at you as you verge on self-combustion.
Derek snickers, still red faced. “Pfft. A-Avie…?”
“Oh, don't you start, come here–” You grab him by the arm and drag him off to the dining room, doing everything in your power to banish your flustered feelings to the back of your head.
You're now sitting around the table, Derek having introduced himself to your mother with much more confidence than he did your father. She sized him up silently, chattering all the while, and it's clear she was expecting…you don't know, someone bigger? Scarier?
You silently reconsider what exactly your mother thinks your type is as she looks Derek up and down. Derek somehow takes it all in stride, although he does have a hard time meeting her gaze.
She nods at you when he turns away, which means…what?
You leave the interaction more confused than when you entered.
Everyone sits down at the table and it's a lot of clattering pans and plates before everyone has their food, the meal commencing without much fanfare. You and Alessia are silently kicking each other under the table because she keeps smirking at you, which leaves Derek at the mercy of both your parents. You can hear their conversation in your right ear.
“So, Derek, what do you do for school?”
“Oh, I uh, I’m not actually in school right now…”
Your stomach hits the floor and starts rapidly digging as you quietly choke on pasta.
Your father leans over to your mother, muttering. “What is that, like a gap year, or–”
“I work full-time.” Derek amends hurriedly, his own panic easily climbing over yours. “I work with computers– Software engineering, coding, the like. Freelance has worked well for me.”
Your father nods, clicking his tongue. “I see. But you look rather young! Did you finish college early, or…?”
NOT COMFORTING. NOT COMFORTING.
You are grinding the pasta in your mouth into an unrecognizable paste.
Derek gives him a weak smile, already accepting his fate.
“I…didn't go to college.”
“Derek's a prodigy.” You say at the same time.
He looks at you, eyes wide.
You stare back, swallowing. “What. ‘s true. Like, why waste the money if you already have the talent?”
A pause. And then your dad laughs, returning to his food.
“Too true. God, if only. That's good, ya know, that kind of work makes money.”
“Yes.” Derek breathes, relieved. “We're– Very comfortable.”
“That's good, kid, that's good.”
“So he's pretty, and he's smart, and he has a job. What do you contribute to this?” Alessia whispers in your ear.
You want to die.
“What do you like to do outside of work, sweetheart?” Your mom asks him, smiling softly. Derek blinks, in the middle of sipping his water. He clears his throat, thinking.
“Uh…I like to read? Sometimes I tinker with stuff, I guess.”
Your panic fades into fondness as you watch him hastily retreat into his shell. “He likes making robots. He's working on a little rolly-guy, when he has the time.”
Derek shies away from you, adamantly watching the ground while Alessia bolts upright, eyes shining. “A little guy?! You have to show me! Oh my gosh, does he move around yet? Do you have any pictures?”
“I can show you later.” You say, making her sit back down.
“Haïta keeps taking it under the couch and trying to destroy it.” Derek mutters. “So no, it doesn't move yet.”
“Can I see pictures of Haïta?” Alessia asks seriously.
“I sent you some before we left!” You say, exasperated.
“I want more. When I come over, I'm stealing your cat.”
“You can't handle Haïta. She'll maul you.” You say, stabbing at your salad.
“Is that why there are scratches on your arm?” Your mother points at your bare forearm, which you quickly hide.
You swallow. “Uh. No?”
“Haïta values personal space.” Derek explains. “She plays kinda rough with others.”
“She beats me up and then snuggles with you just fine.” You accuse, turning to him.
Derek should not be looking as pleased as he does about that fact.
“She's more Der’s cat than mine.” You say grumpily, nibbling on your salad. Your chewing quickly turns into an avid attempt to ignore Alessia’s teasing face over the nickname you just let slip out.
Dinner rolls over into easy conversation, and before long the air of awkwardness has fled the table. At some point the subject of conversation leaves you and Derek, your parents rapt attention now fully placed on Alessia and her semester plans (which do not seem to contain any studying).
You reach your hand under the table, curling your fingers around Derek's.
He smiles, tired, but happy. You trace shapes into his knuckles, getting lost in the hue of his copper skin and the little beauty marks that dot his cheekbones. You wish he was wearing more jewelry today, you like when he branches out and indulges in your love of accessories.
But no, this is fine. More than fine.
“Ready for cake, Avie?” Your mother calls, shuffling the plates together.
Your father has disappeared somewhere, and Alessia is on her phone. You have no idea how much time just passed.
"Uhh, yeah!”
“Then why don't you help me clear the table and let your boyfriend show Sia pictures of your kitten.” She says with a wink.
Alessia perks up at her name, Derek doing the same when the word boyfriend clicks in his head. You scramble after your mother, following her into the kitchen.
She seems much more content than when you first arrived. Maybe you should be coming here more often.
“That boy needs to eat more.” She announces.
Okay, but not too often.
“Ma.” You complain, putting the dishes in the sink.
“I am serious, Avery.” She says, setting the cups down and shooting you a well-meaning glare. “He’s thin as a rail. You need to make sure he eats.”
“Trust me, I do. I try.” You assure her, turning on the water.
“Good. You’ve picked a very nice boy to be your partner. I approve.” She says, wiping her hands off in a towel to start gathering fresh plates for dessert. You chuckle, even as she gives you a pointed look.
“Thanks, Ma.”
“I’ll admit, I was worried he was going to be…ah, what is it–” She snaps her fingers. “A bad boy. That is the term, right? Shady business. But no, he's a good boy, very polite and meek.”
The first half of her statement flies completely over your head.
You splutter in disbelief. “Meek? Pardon?”
This is the same man who fought a god and won, mostly by being stubborn as a mule and pissing it off to the point of its demise.
Meek. Yeah, right.
“Just remember to take care of yourself as much as you take care of him, alright?” She continues languidly, slicing the cake with ease as you stare at her, slack-jawed.
“And I want to meet his mother. No funny business before that happens.” She says after a moment of deliberation.
You flush. You haven't met Derek's mother. You don't even know if she knows that he likes guys, much less that he has a boyfriend. “Uhh, sure, Ma. Wait– What do you mean by funny business?”
She side-eyes you, unimpressed, and you’re forced to look away, blushing madly. Oh.
“You're not marrying him until I meet his family and that’s final. Save it for the altar.” She declares, clinking the knife against the plate with an air of amused finality.
Your head briefly goes dizzy with the idea of marrying Der before you snap out of it.
“Wait, what does Dad think?”
“I think your father is just happy there'll be more men in the house. There are only so many times Sia can show him those squishy toys and have him pretend to be entertained.” She says dryly, shrugging.
You hug her, the woman letting out a noise of surprise as you rest your cheek against her hair. “Thanks, Mama. I'm glad you like him.”
“He's a good fit for you.” She sighs. “It's a bit obvious, dare I say.”
You blush, hugging her tighter. “Thank you.”
“Yes, yes, you have my blessing, now run along.” She pats your arm. “I'll handle the cake, you make sure Alessia isn't giving him too hard a time.”
You heed her words, grinning like a lunatic all the while.
You end up spending the rest of the evening lounging outside as the last dregs of sun filter through the sky, comfortably cradled against Derek's side as the fire pit crackles at your feet.
Derek is talking in a low tone to your mother, careful not to disturb you as you doze in and out. Your dad has long since fallen asleep after having his coffee, and Alessia is reading the book you've returned to her with surprising reverence as she sits on the warm patio.
You rest your cheek against Der’s ribs.
You can listen to his heart, like this. Slow and steady.
The evening went off without a hitch. You don't know why you were so worried, seeing as it's apparently obvious that he’s perfect for you. You snuggle deeper into his side, digging your fingers under his sweater to keep them from getting chilly. He twitches at your touch but adjusts to keep you comfortable, tone never wavering.
His clothes smell like spiced cologne. You want to properly cuddle him, not laze about on the patio sofa. You moodily paw at his chest, attempting to pat him.
He looks down at you, and you can feel his chin bump against your head.
“I think he wants to head out.” Derek says sheepishly, resting his head on yours.
To your mother, he sounds doting and innocent.
To you, he sounds like “Avery, stop groping my chest in front of your mother”, which is completely unfair.
You sit up, dazed, looking at the both of them.
Derek looks quite tired, working double time to keep that introverted smile pasted on.
You wilt a little, feeling bad for leaving him to fend for himself. My baby.
“Heading home, Avie?” Your mother asks knowingly, standing up to hug you. You wrap her in one of the tightest hugs you can muster, humming sleepily.
“Yah, sorry, Ma.” You yawn.
“I'm driving, don't worry.” Derek assures, making your mother snort.
“Go say goodbye to Daddy and Sia, I'll see you both to the door.”
You groan, flopping against Der, who makes a small noise at the sudden weight. “But Maaa…they're asleep!”
“You're asleep.” Derek chides. “Go say bye. I'll get the car ready.”
You grumble and stumble over to your family as Derek stands up to softly thank your mother, letting out a quiet “oof” when she ignores his hand and hugs him instead.
You watch them from the corner of your eye, smiling as he slowly relaxes into the embrace, returning it after a brief spasm of uncertainty.
You ruffle Alessia's hair, making her scowl. “Bye, troublemaker. I'll see you around, kay? Look after them for me.”
“Somebody's got to, now that you’ve got a boyfriend to constantly swoon over.” She chirps, smacking your legs.
“Hey!” You yelp.
She gives you a deadpan look. “Kidding. He's silly. Like you. You can be big silly nerds together.”
You crouch down, hugging her. “I'm sorry I was gone for a while. I promise I'll visit more often.”
“You better. Otherwise I'm coming over and visiting you. Unannounced.” She threatens in your ear, pummeling you without heat.
“Oookay, you will not be doing that. Love you, Sia.” You say firmly, patting her on the head. She waves you off, grinning into her book. You hug your snoring dad, getting a grumble and a firm pat on the back.
“Mph, night-night. Be good. Drive safe.”
“Love you too, Pa.” You huff kindly, leaving him be.
You find Derek and your mother at the door, Derek looking somewhat chastised as she hands him a container of leftovers.
“Mama, don't bother him–” You whine.
“No, it's fine–” Derek starts at the same time your mother says “I won't hear of it”.
You slink over to Derek, tiredly kissing his cheek and barely processing his immediate blush.
“Okayyy, bye, Mama. It was good seeing you, prom’ss we'll talk soon.” You give her one last hug, yawning as you take Derek by the arm and start pulling him towards the wonderful haven that is the dark, quiet car.
“Avery, are you forgetting something?” She calls.
You pause, thinking hard. You look at Der, who blinks patiently at you. You look at the food under his arm. Your phone is in your pocket.
“Uhh…no?”
She leans against the doorframe, sly. “I love you, monello.”
You resist the urge to facepalm at the state you're in. “LOVE YOU TOO, MA.”
“Shhh! Don't yell!” Derek whispers frantically when a neighbor's light comes on.
You listen to your mother stifling her laughter as he helps you into the passenger with the food, opening one tired eye when she whistles for your boyfriend’s attention.
“We love you, Derek.” She says, quieter, but just as meaningful.
You can't see his face, but you can see him nod, unsure.
“Thank you, ma’am. Or uh– Love you, too?” He tilts his head, then hurries off to the driver's side, hiding his face.
You wave to your mother as he pulls out of the driveway, heading back into the city.
You sleep for a while, Derek’s fingers tangled in yours, like they always are.
It's quiet but comfortable, listening to him breathe. By the time you're back at the apartment, you're just awake enough to realize that Derek desperately needs to sleep. He slumps back against his seat after turning off the engine, rubbing his tired eyes.
You stretch, rubbing his shoulder. “All good?”
“...you think they…like me?”
Oh, this mess of yours. You kiss him on the cheek.
“More than that. You got the seal of approval from Mommy.”
“She told me I was too little.” Der complains sluggishly as you unbuckle his seat belt.
“That's because she cares.” You soothe, gathering up the food and getting out. You set the container down on the hood before opening his door, getting a grunt in reply. He looks up at you, half-asleep.
“You could've crashed the car driving like this. We could've stayed over, you know.” You deadpan.
“You def’nitely would’a crashed. Conked out. Like that.” He needles, eyes narrowed.
“Yeah, you're gone.” You decide.
You pull him out of his seat, holding him up by the waist as his upper half goes completely limp over your shoulders. You somehow manage to hold him, and your keys, and the food, all the way through the lobby, up the elevator and down the hall without dropping anything.
Well, of course you did. You're kind of a pro at this whole multitasking thing.
Haïta is sitting primly on the kitchen counter when you open the door, eyeing you suspiciously before becoming interested in the container you set down next to her.
“No eating.” You scold, Derek mumbling the same sentiment.
She ignores you, and continues sniffing.
You lock the door, putting away the food before adjusting your hold and picking Derek up with barely more than a huff. He flails for a second, calming down once your arms are fully supporting him.
“Why are you carrying me.” He asks flatly.
“Tired. Bed.” You reply. He doesn't argue.
You set him down on the bed, pulling off your jewelry as he kicks off his shoes.
You both end up half-dressed and half-awake in the late moonlit hours, not quite asleep yet.
“That was fun. I'm exhausted.” You inform him.
“Yeah.” He hums, face buried in his pillow. Then he snorts, turning over to you. “But hey, we've felt worse.”
You choke, laughing quietly as you shove him. “Yeah, we have. Goddamn, I'd hope so, jeez! Was it really that bad?”
“No, no, it was wonderful. We had nothing to worry about.” He sounds so self-assured for someone who nearly had an anxiety attack on the drive there.
“Oh really?” You drawl.
“Mhm.”
“I agree. Everyone kept telling me how cute and shy my boyfriend was, and how good he is for me, and how perfect and swee–”
“They weren't saying all that.” Derek clamps his hand over your mouth, face now hidden in your shirt.
“They were.” You say muffledly.
“Nope.”
“Oh yeah.”
“Avery.”
You kiss his temple, clinging to him like an octopus as you giggle loopily. “Yuppp, yup, yup, yup–”
“Go to SLEEP–”
“Mrow.”
You cease the kerfuffling of your sleepy boyfriend to find Haïta sitting at the edge of your bed.
“How does she move without making any noise?” You whisper.
“She's a cat, Aves…” Comes the muffled reply.
Haïta snootily picks her way through your tangled limbs, getting a drive-by pat from Der before curling up in her favorite spot: away from you, snuggled up against the inward curve of Derek's spine. You huff, settling down and smoothing out the blankets that were disturbed from your brief roughhousing.
It's past midnight. You need to go to bed.
“Love you, Der.” You mutter in his ear.
He mumbles the endearment back, too deep into sleep for the words to be clear. You'll make it up to him somehow, the poor thing.
In the end, you didn't actually need your family's approval.
You already approve. You approve so much of the boy in your arms.
You just wanted the people who love you to love the person you love most.
Mission success, you’d say.
And by knowing that, you’re able to find sleep easily as you drift off into the cool, dark night.