Mei smiled as she felt her fingers interlock with Matthew's for the moral support that she felt was neccessary for this moment.
Truly, she marveled at the feeling of fingers interlocked when it was theirs.
She loved the feel of the warmth of his hand, and the sparks that it managed to set off somewhere inside her.
Mei leaned forward to peck his lips lightly, and she felt her heart ache in desperate need of his support as she leaned forward to knock on her door.
Would they understand or answer it?
The first face that greeted her was of her older adoptive brother, Yao.
He'd been the one to raise her after her biological family died in an earthquake over seas, and she couldn't resist now leaning forward to hug him with one hand as she absolutely refused to let go of Matthew's hand and of his support.
"Who is this?" Yao looked curious yet also concerned for Mei's wellbeing as he viewed her as a daughter of sorts.
"He's Matthew." Mei smiled at that and motioned with one hand towards the house, "I'll tell you more once we are all inside."
Yao sent Matthew a wary glance, and the Canadian moved closer to his girlfriend and squeezed her hand that was in his.
Mei stepped closer to him and whispered, "It will be okay."
She hoped so anyway and sent a reassuring squeeze back Matthew's way.
They followed Yao in to the kitchen where most activity always happen to be.
It didn't come as a surprise that Im Yong Soo was there snacking or that he went over to greet his sister and her beloved.
The barest hint of his protectiveness shined in his eyes though the greeting hug with its tightness and length might have tipped anyone off to his bond with his little sister.
She smiled at him, "Don't worry." It was a mere whisper, but it made Im Yong Soo smile again as he pulled back with his normal energetic nature.
Naturally, she had noticed Kiku next; he was watching them quietly, and Mei would have to be ignorant and blind to have not seen the worry in her other older brother's eyes.
Mei sent him a reassuring smile though she knew that he'd watch them like a hawk just like Yao would to ensure her safety and the love in this relationship.
Lien stepped closer with watchful yet gentle eyes as she greeted her sister though no smile lit up the Vietnamese woman's face as she didn't feel comfortable enough around Matthew to allow herself to smile.
Before Mei knew it though, everyone was crowded around the table and eagerly listening for what the youngest of the group would say.
"This is Matthew, my boyfriend." She still held his hand under the table and the strength of their combined grip eased her worries, doubts, and potential fears at everyone's own opinions of this. "We met fairly recently, and I fell in love with him."
She knew to tell them all of this as she figured it would be best to tell her family all that she felt before letting them loose.
"Congratulations, sis." Im Yong Soo answered though he was still somewhat cautious over this new development.
"Are you sure?" Yao's worry rang through.
"Yes, I'm sure." Mei smiled faintly as she answered him.
"Good luck." Lien responded though she was one to look at the world through more of a realist's perspective rather than a romantic regardless of whatever her boyfriend may feel.
"How are you too?" Kiku was more concerned over how happy they were in the relationship rather than over the joyous congratulations or the wishing of luck.
"I'm happy with him." Mei answered as she squeezed Matthew's hand all over again.
"I love her." It was all Matthew said though the happiness and the joy of such a confession lit the room up with it's sincerity.
"Thank you." Kiku whispered, and it became easy to see how much more willing to trust the relationship he was.
Mei smiled happily and her fingers wrapped around Matthew's happily.