04 - Her Parents

"Oh, god, your parents? Tonight?" Roxas stood with the sleeves of his white collared shirt's sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The AC at his office had broken down, and he felt sweaty and disgusting. All he wanted to do now was take a shower, and take a nap. It had been a record-breaking heatwave today, and he did not feel like entertaining. Not that there was anything wrong with her parents - but it had been a long day, and he wanted to relax! (And, yeah, her old man told tons of long, boring stories, and Roxas didn't think he would be able to stay awake).

But when he had entered the apartment, Naminé was setting the table, wearing her new blouse, her black pants, and heels.

"Yes, Roxas. I told you they were coming this morning. Don't you remember?"

"No..." Roxas groaned, kicking his shoes into the hall closet. He slumped down to the kitchen, sluggishly pouring himself a glass of water. Naminé trailed in after him, touching his shoulder.

"I could call them and cancel, if you really don't want to."

"No, no, it's fine." Roxas muttered. "Just let me rest a bit. I'll go take a shower."

Naminé let her hand graze the few unbuttoned buttons of his shirt. "Don't take too long in there." She winked before turning away to finish the table.

Roxas shook his head, dumping the last bit of his water down the drain.

They'll only be here for a few hours. Then I'll finally get some sleep.

Roxas had just finished putting the vacuum away when the doorbell rang. Naminé skipped towards it, opening it with a flourish. With murmurs of exclamation, she hugged and kissed both her parents.

Her mother was a tall woman, with flawless skin and fading hair to match her fading eyes. Her father, on the other hand, had a dark complexion, with even darker hair. It wasn't difficult to see who Naminé took after.

After Roxas stepped forward, shaking hands with her father an hugging her mother, Naminé led them all into the living room for a glass of wine. As they all sat in the chairs and on the couches, Roxas spoke.

"So, which hotel did you two decide to stay in? I know it can be hard to find a good one this time of year." He didn't catch his girlfriend's pointed look.

Naminé's mother laughed, setting her glass on the table. "Dearie, we're not staying at a hotel." She looked fondly at her daughter.

"We're staying here for the night!"

To be continued...