Summary: Dinner with the folks is always awkward.

It was finally time. This moment was one that I had never thought would come. I was about to face Ripley, for the first time since I had gotten his children killed. I know I said that people don’t change… but was it bad to hope I was wrong? I hope I’ve changed, but no matter what’s happened I still felt like a selfish prick. Like I was doing everything because I was scared.. not because it was the right thing to do. Ripley saw who I really was, straight through me. He knew from the beginning that I was a good for nothing. He even tried to warn everyone.

 

And now I was about to face him again, the man who could see through my bullshit. Ya I was a little terrified. Though oddly enough I wasn’t the scaredest one there. Fang was shaking like a leaf as we stepped out of the Nas-Car, hands across the top of the car as she tried to collect herself.

 

“Fuck!.. I don’t think I can do this…” she huffed. Naser looked as if he wanted to place a hand on her before shaking his head and motioning for me. Which I quickly did.

 

“Remember what I said.” I got her to face me, her eyes were watery but luckily she wasn’t wearing any makeup to smear. “Your father loves you.”

 

“But after what I did… how can I even face him.” 

 

“You didn’t do anything.” I reassured. “You stopped. Like I said you won a battle that day, and you've been winning them ever since. Remember that no matter what happens, I am proud of you.” I was proud of her.. I really was. She's doing the one thing I was too weak to do. Faceing her problems. “You've been struggling this entire time, you're too strong to crumble here.”

 

She pulled me into an embrace. “..ok..” her breathing was a little erratic still. I took a deep breath and held it. Fang seemed to catch on and quickly copied. In and out, In and out. We were getting pretty good at this zen shit.

 

“Haah.. Ok, I'm ok.” Naser was pretending to inspect a scratch on his hood, glancing at us out the side of his eye. He nodded when I caught his eye.

 

“Alright. Better get this over with.” He started towards the door. We were quick to follow him. He hesitated at the door before stepping aside and waving a hand in front of him. “I think it’s only fair you two take the lead. I’ve been stuck with them after all.”

 

It made sense sure, but I'm pretty sure he's just a coward. Fang sped up a bit and slid by me when we made it to the door. She took a moment to run a hand through her hair, brushing her clothes off as well. She was procrastinating. I stretched out past her and knocked on the door. Her head whipped over to me with her mouth open.

 

“What? Better to get this over with. Right?”  She didn't get to answer as the door opened. I'm not gonna lie. I jumped a bit. I was also suddenly confused as I stared into the empty air.

 

“Oh sweetie it's so good to see you!” The air said. Leaning around Fang I was just in time to so a diminutive ptero crash into the frozen rocker. Samantha tried her best to crush her wayward daughter.

 

“Mom!” Fang squeaked out.

 

“Your father isn’t home yet! I wanted it to be a surprise so-.” Her attention has finally swapped to me. “Oh goodness! Where are my manners come here!”  I suddenly found myself getting the same crushing treatment as Fang. The little women could put some strength behind her hugs I’ll tell you what.

 

I tentatively hugged her back, a little unsure how to handle the situation. She hugged.. differently then the few I had received recently. No alarms rang in my head, but I also didn’t want to let go as she squeezed me one final time.

 

“Anon, thank you for looking after her.. There are things I can’t help with as a mother and I’m glad she has someone like you to talk to.” She whispered to me before pulling back. “And I can’t forget about my little Nibble!”

 

“Mom, you saw me this morning.” Naser, or should I say Nibbles, tried to weasel his way out.

 

“And I seem to recall you running off without even saying goodbye, now come here!” Naser relented and let the fluttery women hug him. “Now please come in, come in!” Mrs. Aaron led the way inside. I followed at the end, letting Naser and Fang in ahead of me. The inside was as spacious and luxurious as I remembered it. 

 

“Now I’m making some snacks for everyone and then I’ll be out of your hair.” Me and Naser glanced at each other, hands going to our bald heads. “Figuratively of course.” She added. Mrs. Aaron turned to make for the kitchen.

 

“Mom wait!” Fang's shout startled her as she turned around. “Mom I…” Her face twisted into a painful scowl as she gripped her other arm. “…I just.. I’m sorry!” Tears started immediately as she said it. “I’m sorry.. I’m so sorry..” Mrs. Aaron didn’t hesitate as she rushed over and clutched her crying daughter.

 

“Oh hush you have nothing to be sorry for..” Her own tears had joined Fang’s. Fang’s legs couldn’t seem to hold her weight anymore as she fell to her knees, her mother quickly swaddling her in wings.

 

“Yes I do..” Fang’s voice cracked and she paused to clear it. “I’ve been awful… and I screamed at you before prom… and I’m always making you worry and-.” Her mother shushed her, tilting her head back to look at her.

 

“You did nothing wrong.. we were the ones who didn’t support you. You needed help and couldn’t come to us with it. We failed you as parents…” 

 

“Don’t say that!” Fang’s sobbing had doubled as she nuzzled herself into her mothers touch. Me and Naser stood off to the side. They deserved this moment together. 

 

The front door opening caught all of us off guard though.

 

In walked a behemoth of a dino, a very, terrifyingly, familiar one. Ripley stepped in grumbling something about work as he slid his jacket off. He hadn’t noticed us yet as he paused in front of the entryway mirror. I don’t know what he was thinking as he stared at his reflection. A hand ran itself over his face as he slumped over, he looked defeated. “Come on..” he whispered. “You're better than this.” Ripley straightened up, wiped the frown off his face and turned towards us. “I’m ba-.” He froze as he saw us staring at him.

 

Nobody moved as he scanned over his audience. His gaze quickly found Fang, still wrapped up with her mother. His eyes widened as he seemed to process what he was seeing. Fang similarly seemed too shocked to move. Both just stared at each other for a minute, or it was a second and I was being dramatic, who knows. Ripely was the first to break the stalemate. His mouth worked like he was chewing on each word he attempted to get out.

 

“…Lu-.” He cut himself off again with a poorly disguised cough. “Fang..” whatever he was trying to get out never made it as Fang sprang across the room, colliding with the man with such force I swear I saw the colossus slide backwards.

 

She wrapped herself around his waist and buried her snout in his chest.

 

“Don’t call me that..” Ripley didn’t seem to know what to do, who knows how long it’s been since his daughter last hugged him, so he laid his hands on her shoulders. “It’s weird when you call me that…” That sealed the deal as the big man pulled her into another bone crushing hug.

 

“Your back..” He shakingly said. His face was twisted into an almost angry frown as he held back his tears. I was right, he’s definitely the hard old fashioned type.

 

“Aren't you going to yell at me..” Fang had buried her face into his shirt, muffling her voice through it. “Please.. scream at me. Tell me I'm horrible..” as the silence grew she started trembling harder. “Do it! Tell me how disappointed you are! How I always cause trouble! I deserve it!” She pulled away from him, practically screaming in his face. She huffed a few times catching her breath, angrily rubbing at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Fucking SAY SOMETHING!”

 

“I missed you…” Fang froze. Slowly her other hand joined the one on her face as a whimper escaped from behind her makeshift wall. Ripley was quick to pull her back into an embrace. As he held her any defenses Fang had left crumbled, a wail slipping from her as she folded into her father’s arms. 

 

I watched this all unfurl in front of me, a simple passenger along for the ride. I felt that bubble of pride inside me again. Fang was always stronger than me, and here she was proving it again. You did good here Anon.. whatever comes after, you helped bring the Aaron family back together. The road was still long and rocky for them, but I had a feeling they could handle it. They took the first step, that was the hardest part. Tomorrow they'll take another. 

 

But this wasn't my moment to have, so I sat back on the sofa and tried to become invisible. Naser, while looking a little awkward, had a smile on his face as he watched the two reconnect. Samantha had her hands clasped beside her face as she gave them a motherly smile. Every member of the Aaron family back under the same roof. As much as I enjoyed these last few days with Fang, I can't bring myself to try and separate them. Not again..

 

A few minutes of crying later the two pulled away from each other. Samantha had left to check on whatever she was cooking in the kitchen, and Naser had gone with her to help. Ripley had taken his spot in his chair, eyes wandering as he searched for something to break the silence. He settled on the tv and switched on some random sport thing I couldn't focus on.

 

What was I focused on? Well the person snuggled against my side who must be trying to get me beaten to death with a 9 iron. I did all I could to keep my hands in appropriate areas and my focus on the tv, but Fang was pressed up against my side. Her tears had mostly dried by now but she still tried to hide under my arm. Now that the emotion in the room had died down, her nerves must have been getting to her as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

 

“... I'm gonna go to the bathroom… freshen up a bit.” Fang softly whispered, bumping her snoot on my cheek in a quick kiss before she scurried out of the room. She completely ignored my outstretched hand and silent plea as I was left alone in the room with the father. I instantly locked my eyes onto the tv, refusing to acknowledge the giant. I saw him shift out of the corner of my eye. No Anon, don't look! If you don't look he's not there. My traitorous eyes flicked to Ripley. Yup he's glaring at me, hunched over in his chair, wringing his hands in front of him. 

 

“Ahem.” He cleared his throat. Well I can't ignore him anymore. I tried to settle my heart. Fang’s been facing her fears, compared to what she’s been going through Ripley’s a puppy. So I straightened up, squared my shoulders, and faced the patriarch in the room. We had an ole fashioned stare down as he tried to put his thoughts into words.

 

“Anon…” he spoke before I could work up the nerve to address him. “Look, I'm going to be honest. I don't like you.” Well no surprise there, I didn't really like me either. “I had a… discussion with Naser about Lucy, and he said somethings.” That set alarms off in my head. Naser would have warned us or something if he told right? He wouldn't betray Fang, not after what he knew. I hope.. “I just want to know how bad it really was, Anon. He said… that she almost didn't come home.” Thank god.. He didn't know. Ripley glanced to the side, breaking eye contact with me. He was clearly unsure on how to handle this conversation and was waiting for me.

 

“It was.. Not good, sir. Prom really got to her. Trashed my apartment and was..” How do I approach this? “...She felt like she was pushed to the edge. I… don't know how much I can tell you. You will have to talk with her.” He sighed and rubbed a hand over his forehead. “Seriously. Talk to her. About anything, ask her about her day, or how her bands doing. Look, she thinks you hate her. And we both know that's not true.” It hit me then that I was preaching parenting to the only parent in the room. My nerves returned as it was my turn to shut up.

 

“...” Ripley didn't say a word as he contemplated what I said. His eyes never left me. It took every ounce of willpower I had not to break eye contact with me. “You know what else he said?” I shook my head. “He said that it was thanks to you… that she's still here.” I wasn't sure how to feel about that. It felt like a lie… If it wasn't for me none of this would have happened. “He put his foot down.. Stood up to me right here in this room. That's how I know how serious this was.” He turned his attention back to the tv. 

 

Neither of us said anything for a bit. We both clearly had more to say but something was holding us back. Maybe it was some sort of male pride, but I was reluctant to confide anything to the man. He looked the same, snout opening more than once before closing without uttering a word. I was startled a bit when he suddenly let out a growl and stood up.

 

“Like I said, I don't like you.” His face was turned into a deep scowl as he digested his own words. Well I never once thought I would get his approval. I wasn't dumb enough to assume it would be any time soon. “But..” But? There's a but? He already looked like he was regretting what he was going to say. “...I will give you one chance, prove you're worth my daughters time.”

 

“I don't have anything to prove to you, If Fang’s happy that's all I care about.” Anon what the fuck are you saying! Don't antagonize your girlfriend's (fiancée’s?) Father! The one who can dispose of your corpse where it would never be found! Ripley’s face twisted into an evil grin.

 

“Oh, we're going to be the best of friends.” I’m so fucked. “You see Anon.. I don't know much about you. We're going to change that. Phone.” He held his hand out. I quickly deposited my prized possession into his open palm. He typed something before flipping it around showing me the screen. It was my contacts. “Me and you are going to spend some quality time together, two fucking peas in a pod. Alone.” At some point he had crossed the short distance between us, I didn't even notice until he placed a clawed hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to learn everything about you..” He dropped my phone and I fumbled a bit to catch it.

 

“Ripley you better not be in there being rude to our guest!” Thank you Raptor Jesus. Samantha called from the kitchen. If he heard her he didn't show it. The evil grin on his face didn't waiver as his grip tightened on my shoulder.

 

 “How about it boy? We have an understanding?” I tried to meet his grin with one of my own, though the sweat pouring down my face betrayed my confidence. This motherfucker wanted to test me? I’m a fucking time traveler! I faced the worst ending of my life, compared to that whatever he can throw at me will be a cake walk. 

 

I set my most confident face and thrust a hand out. He only quirked an eyebrow before snatching my hand and giving it the most bone crushing shake of its life. I put everything I had into it. It felt like my muscles were going to tear from the strain as our hands shook in each other's grip. 

 

Luckily another call from the kitchen, about how he better not be ignoring her, had Ripley breaking off the shake and returning to his chair. A few seconds later Fang returned from her trip to the bathroom. It looked like she took some time applying her makeup and eyeliner. Not gonna lie, I really did miss her eyeliner. It brought some of the life back to her eyes. Naser and Samantha also returned, a plate of small sandwiches and a bowl of popcorn in their hands.

 

“He didn't give you too rough a time, did he dear?” 

 

“No ma’am, we were just getting to know each other more.” Fang was settling again back against my side.

 

“In fact we were just making plans, was thinking of dragging him along on a bowling trip or something.” Ripley added. Fang glanced up at me with a questioning look.

 

“Oh that sounds like fun! You can bring Naser and invite Moe. He's been nagging about going bowling again for a month now! You could have a little boys' night!” Oh bless you Samantha. At least now I wouldn't be alone with him.

 

If Ripley didn't like the idea, he hid it well. He had a damn good poker face. Eventually we settled in, Samantha snatching the remote to put some movie on. ‘You can watch your sports every single week, we have a guest tonight.’ It was pretty clear that the little women ran the household, though Ripley gave up the remote without a word. The game wasn't being watched anyways.

 

At the halfway point Samantha had left to check the kitchen. Naser looked like he was about to pass out as he tried to focus on the screen, every now and then popping a few pieces of popcorn in his mouth. Me and Fang had laid claim to the sandwiches which we we’re currently still demolishing. I guess our diet of pizza and dino nuggets must have been lacking.

 

“Dinners ready!” A call came from the kitchen. I quickly stood and followed the group into the next room.

 

Now this might sound weird. But I’ve never eaten at an actual dining table before. My family rarely ate together, and when we did it was takeout in front of the tv. So I was a little lost on the proper etiquette. Taking a spot between Fang and Naser, I did my best to observe them. Luckily it didn’t seem too complex or fancy. Fill your plate, and if you can’t reach anything, ask and it will be passed to you. 

 

The dish in question appeared to be a large bowl of spaghetti, with some bread and cheese on the side. I noticed Samantha bow her head and mumble a quick grace. Though no one else at the table did one with her. I hesitated a little before giving a quick dip of my head. 

 

‘Thank you whoever it was that gave me the chance to be here tonight.’… uh.. amen? Could I leave a prayer open like that? I’m fuzzy on the rules. When I opened my eyes the first thing I noticed was that Samantha had cracked an eye and had a small smile as she watched me. I suddenly felt like I was caught doing something I wasn’t supposed to.

 

The dinner devolved into quiet eating as people took turns talking about their day. This was.. nice. I assume this is how most families eat their meals. I found myself struggling to keep up, both in conversation and in stuffing myself. Man could dinos eat, maybe it was a bad idea to eat 5 of those sandwiches…

 

After thoroughly packing away as much as I could I focused in on the dinos. Naser was currently giving a dumbed down version of whatever the committee had to do as the end of the year closed in.

 

“That sounds fun dear! What about you Lucy?” Samantha seemed to hesitate as she caught what she said. Either she was still unsure on Fang’s name or the sensitivity of her day. Before she could correct either Fang spoke up.

 

“It was.. good. I uh. Stayed at Anon’s apartment when he went to collect our work. And I just.. texted Trish and played on his Xrox..” She looked nervous, her eyes glancing to me. She also not so subtly scooted a little closer to me. “I’m also going tomorrow.. back to school that is! That’s where I’m going.” 

 

“Anon-” Ripley had finally decided to add some input to the conversations it would seem. “- lives in Skin Row, correct?” I nodded. “I don't want you going over there anymore, Lucy.”

 

“What!” Fang shot to her feet.

 

“That is a dangerous part of town.” He calmly explained. “Just this morning there were two murders. One wasn't even a resident…” Fang had her hands flat on the table and a scowl on her face. A few tears threatened the corner of her eyes, but before she could argue Ripley interrupted. “But!” He seemed to struggle with the next part, as if it physically hurt him to say. “If he wanted to..” The fork in his hand bent. “..he is welcome here whenever he wants…” He ground the last bit out.

 

“..really?..” Fang’s anger instantly fizzled out. I was also caught a bit off guard. Sure he was probably only doing it to keep her from getting shanked in the streets, but to have him practically welcome me into his home? He was actually trying. Compromising for the big man must be difficult, but he was giving it his all.  

 

“It’s not that I don’t… trust Anon. But I would prefer some place where I know you're safe.” And where I can keep an eye on you. It didn’t need to be said but the implication was easy to read. 

 

“That.. sounds alright.” Fang settled back down, glancing at me for some input. 

 

“Sounds great! I was actually looking for more excuses to get to eat here again.” 

 

“No excuses needed! I meant it when I said you're always welcome here.” The tiny ptero laid her hand on her husbands, also covering the bent fork I noticed. “We can't thank you enough for looking after her. Offering you a space in our home isn't even a drop in the bucket.”

 

“Thank you… Mrs. Aaron.” I was fighting a battle to keep my emotions in check, which hopefully I hid by pretending to wipe at my face with a napkin. “That means.. more to me than you know.” I never would have thought I would hear that.. I never thought I would be talking to anyone at this table again. Wait, focus Anon.. You can have an emotional episode when you're not surrounded by people.

 

Dinner eventually wrapped up and I found myself being ushered to the door. Naser agreed to drive me home and I was running out of excuses to stay any longer. So I eventually found myself on the doorstep with Fang, each of us reluctant to separate. Fang broke the stalemate as she wrapped me in a hug.

 

“...I..I didn't think I would see them again..” I squeezed her tighter as I felt her shake against me. “I just.. I accepted that It was over.. But I came back.. And they missed me.. I didn't think about how anyone would miss me..” Her head pressed against my shoulder as she used my shirt as a makeshift tissue again. “I wasn't going to come back.. How selfish am I?”

 

“You're not selfish.” I stroked the back of her head. “You were hurt and scared. Yet you still chose not to take the easy way out..” 

 

“But I-” She pulled back to look at me.

 

“No buts.” I interrupted as I tried to wipe some of her tears away without screwing up her makeup. “You came back to me. You came back to Naser and your parents. And I spend every second thankful that you did.”

 

“Anon.. I love you.” I was quickly fighting a losing battle as her tears began to flow. “I know I've said that a lot, but I really mean it. I.. I love you. I love you so much that I… I just..” She struggled to put her feelings into words. “I don't know.. I’m scared.. that I.. I can't live without you..” I quickly pressed my face against her cheek, startling her with my impression of a dino kiss.

 

“You're stronger than you believe, Lucy.” The dino in question had an embarrassed flush to her cheeks. “I’m not lying. If I had faced half of what you have, I would have crumbled. But you stayed standing. I look at you and see the most important person in my life.. And I'm scared too.” I was fucking terrified. “I've never had a relationship before.. I feel like I’m constantly screwing up and I know that each mistake I make hurts you. I love you. Whoever it is that you want to be. Fang, Lucy, or both. I love you .” 

 

Fang’s wings blanketed us again as she tried to squeeze my head off. Her lips peppered me with kisses, apparently too emotional to find my lips properly. How did I get this lucky?.. What did I do to deserve this second chance? Did some omnipotent force take pity on me? I guess it doesn't matter, because I wasn't about to waste it. If I didn't deserve this chance, then I would become someone who does. Fuck it, people can change..

 

A tapping on glass managed to catch my attention. Ripley sat behind the window, a scowl on his face as he drew his thumb across his neck. Noted.. I gently tried to pull back, but Fang only grasped tighter.

 

“I don't want to let go..” She whispered. 

 

“I’m a phone call away. Any time, any day, one call and I’ll be right over here.” I slowly inched away until only our hands were still connected. “Before you know it, we’ll be sitting in music class.” She nodded, one hand letting go to wipe at her face. 

 

“I’ll… see you tomorrow.”

 

“Tomorrow.” I promised. 

 

“Wait!” Her hand tightened. “Just.. Thank you, Anon. For everything..” she finally let my hand slip free. 

 

“I mean it. Anything you need, call me and I’ll be right over. Or if you need someone to talk to.” I was making my own excuses now, my steps barely taking me anywhere. Stay strong, worrying isn’t going to help with anything. I took a deep breath and turned away from her, almost marching towards the Nas-Car. I only glanced back once as I opened the door.

 

Fang stood under her porch light, a pained look on her face. But she still raised a hand to wave at me, which I quickly returned. One last nod towards her and I was in the seat, Naser already taking us out of park as he reversed out of the driveway. Dinner with the parents is some kind of relationship hurdle right? I think we passed it just fine. I still don't know what the future holds for me, but Fang’s was looking pretty secured.

[POST-NOTES]
It's still kicking. And A&P is also still kicking. But if all I did was study, I would go insane. So enjoy what I can crap out while not imprisoned in my room.