Scene 20 - Meet the Parents: Part I
"You're going to be fine, stop worrying." Brianna said as Kaldur'ahm straightened his jacket for the umpteen time. The couple walked down the street slowly in attempt to delay the meeting.
"I know but it's your family, Brianna. Would they accept me?" The Atlantean replied and the brunette stopped in her tracks to cup his cheek, "Kaldur'ahm, I told you numerous times that they would. I have my 'special' gifts, and so do you. If they accept me, it would be natural to accept you as well."
She used his full name which meant that the girl was being very serious. He reached up to grab the hand on his face, "I know but it's my first time meeting them so personally."
The pyro sighed once more and stroked his skin, "Just be yourself, okay? You will be fine, just trust me. They won't eat you up. Dinner will get cold if we keep walking at this pace."
With that, they quickened their footsteps and walked past a row of houses before coming to a stop near the end of the street. An orange mailbox with the word "Dian" painted in white on the side signalled that they reached her home.
Brianna was glad to be back and she half-ran, half-walked up the steps to ring the doorbell which opened a few moments later to reveal a slightly younger boy, "Sis, you're back!" He immediately threw his arms around his sibling and the girl returned the hug with a big smile, "Nice to see you too, Alexander." She pulled away and her brother turned his attention to Aqualad.
"Hello there. Bri told me about you, Kaldur." The boy extended a hand and the Atlantean shook it politely.
"Mom and dad are in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the food." Alexander said and led the couple to the kitchen. Kaldur'ahm observed his surroundings carefully; it had a warm and cosy feel.
"There's my little girl." A masculine voice rang out and Brianna was enveloped in a fierce hug. Mr Dian then shook the blonde Atlantean's hand eagerly, "Welcome to our home, Kaldur. I see you've been looking after Brianna very well." The raven haired man was very warm and hospitable towards him and Aqualad was relieved.
A blonde woman carrying a stock pot walked past them and laid it on the table. She then pulled off her apron and gloves, "Brianna, what a fine young man you've brought home." Mrs Dian walked over and hugged the couple together.
"Thank you, Mrs Dian." Kaldur'ahm murmured and Brianna's mother said, "Oh, you don't have to be so formal, Kaldur. You can call me Jean."
Mr Dian then continued his sentence after his wife, "Please address me as Malcolm, my boy."
The Atlantean nodded and replied, "Thank you sir and ma'am- Sorry I mean, Malcolm and Jean. I find it difficult to break the habit of formalities."
His girlfriend stepped in to help, "His mentor is the king of Atlantis so he's always very proper with his speech. Kaldur has adapted to dropping it when he's with me though."
Her family smiled and they proceeded to sit down for a sumptuous dinner which consisted of dishes of Brianna and Kaldur's favourite food. They really went out of the way to make him feel relaxed and comfortable.
"Was it difficult getting used to air when you came onto the surface?" Alexander asked as they discussed about life in Atlantis and the Team's adventures so far.
"It was a little shocking at first but the adjustment was quick. The stars were beautiful that night too," Kaldur looked fondly at his girlfriend and she took another sip from her glass of juice in response to hide her slight embarrassment.
That did not go unnoticed by her parents and they grinned at the sight of young love. "I'm glad to see such a capable and confident team leader being Brianna's boyfriend. Thank you for bringing her and the rest of your teammates safely back home every time," Malcolm praised the young Atlantean and Jean began to dish out chocolate tart with ice cream to everyone at the table.
"Thank you for the compliment, Malcolm. They are already very capable in looking after themselves. I just guide them."
"Humble and brave. You really chose a good guy, sis!" Alexander was in awe of Kaldur'ahm and was starting to look up to him as a big brother.
"We should stop making him blush now. Let's talk about other things and promise us you'll stop by for dinner at least once a month." Jean said enthusiastically and her daughter replied, "We will."
The meal ended and the Dian siblings went to help their mother with the dishes while Malcolm casually brought Aqualad outside for a little conversation. The blonde hero brought his guard up and sensed something would be happening when he was alone with Brianna's father. They stood side by side on the porch and watched the families in the neighbourhood enjoying their night with either walking or cycling. After a long silence, Malcolm finally spoke, "I meant what I said inside the house. You are truly a great boy and I'm sure you will mature into a wonderful man. It is a blessing that Brianna's first boyfriend is so honourable. I am very proud."
Kaldur took all the words to heart and replied, "Likewise, sir. You and Jean have brought Brianna up well and I am lucky to have met her."
Mr Dian looked over and beamed him another fatherly smile, "I don't want to be so clichéd but it'll be best to get to the point. I can see you're a true gentleman and you treat my daughter with the outmost respect and love. With that, I like you already. However… if you break her heart, I will come for you."
The Atlantean looked back at Malcolm in the eye and said, "I promise to cherish her, Malcolm. Please be rest assured that she will be greatly treasured with my love." Brianna's father placed a hand on Kaldur's shoulder and gave it a manly pat.
"Good. We should head back in now before the girls think I'm interrogating you."
Back in the house, Ember held Aqualad's hand and looked at her watch. "Thank you for the delicious dinner, Mom. We have to get going now. How about we see you at the end of the month?" Jean nodded and gave the teens a hug and a kiss on their cheeks. The Dian family bid the couple farewell and soon, the heroes were back on the pavement.
"What did my father say to you?" The brunette asked curiously and her boyfriend replied, "I gave him my word that I'll take care of you."
She raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Huh. I see… I thought he might have grilled you or something."
"He is a very nice man. I should have listened to you earlier when told me not to worry. Maybe you should meet my parents too." Aqualad replied earnestly and his girlfriend nodded, "I would love to." The young lovers gazed at each other affectionately and leaned in for a kiss to end this wonderful and special night.
Author's Note: Wanna guess what will happen in the next chapter? It's kinda obvious with this chapter's "Part I" title. =P
Also, I've decided to update around the weekends to give something for everyone to look forward to. =)
Now onwards to the reviews!
To piggythelaw: You're welcome and thanks for your opinion!
To Eszra: Lol, I'm glad you laughed at the author's note! I figured Kaldur will be really sweet and gentlemanly when he's in a relationship. ^_^
To Dustfinger's cheering section: I answered your questions via PM so it would be appreciated if you replied that way too so it's easier to explain immediately instead of waiting once a week. =)
To Stronger123: Thanks! Weekends it is.