As with most things, the news that Dorian and Reina had actually started dating spread through the school like wildfire. Of course, some people were a little skeptical since they’d put up the front before, but after a week or so, even the nay-sayers started to believe. Then again, Dorian and Reina had started to hold hands during school hours and some people even caught them sneaking around the school grounds during their free periods. While there were a few groans from all sides that Dorian and Reina were officially off the market but even those who were upset still couldn’t help but feel good for the both of them.
“What I don’t understand,” Wolfgang began, “is why you two decide to get together now?” They had gathered in the club room for a bit of an impomptu study session. Even though they knew their exams were more of a formality, they still wanted to do their best on these. Dorian looked over from the floor where Reina was leaning against his legs. “I mean...don’t you two maybe think it’s a bit early?”
“We’ve talked about that,” Dorian offered, taking a minute to tell Reina she was incredibly beautiful in French. “But I don’t think we really care, right kitten?”
“Yeah, we ended up thinking that there was no point in farting around and waiting for someone else to pick us up,” Reina agreed, jotting something down in her notebook. “And how long do you plan on calling me kitten, stud?”
“You two are so cute together,” Analisse smiled.
“Thanks,” Dorian said. “I just wish I could shake this feeling of being in a cheesy romance manga or something....” They all laughed before going back to their studying. After a moment or two, they heard a phone go off, everyone turning to Dorian who slipped his phone out from his blazer and checked it. The others waited and watched as he made a strange noise and made an sort of grimace. “Innis, I swear I’m going to end you....”
“Something wrong?” Reina inquired.
“Not in the way you’d think,” he answered, returning to his notes. “We’re still on for the stream night the night term ends, yeah?”
“Abby and I aren’t gonna be able to make it,” Jean admitted. “She and I are going to her place to watch a movie....”
“Just watch a movie?” Adelaide asked, a sly smile on her face. “I mean...not to get into your private business....”
“Leave her alone,” Wolfgang said, playfully pushing her.
“That’ll be fine since I think Taylor and few of the others were wanting to join in for some prop hunt,” Dorian said. “Anyway, since I’m streaming that night, I’ve promised my viewers that that night is going to be my monthly challenge night and I, as a fool does, am taking suggestions from my chat...some of whom are my friends from back home.”
“How bad are they?” Dorian smirked at them all.
“Nothing too terrible,” he assured them. “You’ll see what I’ve got that night....” The casualness of his voice only served to make the others nervous, and the fact that he did this regularly. From the stories they’d heard...Dorian’s friends were something else. Even if he didn’t tell them anything, just Dorian being Dorian would’ve made them concerned.
An hour or so later, they were leaving the building, Dorian a little sore from where he’d been sitting. He’d waived them away when they told him that they could’ve told him that was going to happen and said that it wasn’t the most uncomfortable thing he’d done or possibly will do. With a wave, they all went their separate ways, Dorian and Reina hand in hand at which the others couldn’t help but smile. “Honestly can’t wait for term to be over....”
“So you can spend more time with me?” Reina asked, batting her eyelashes.
“Yes, actually,” Dorian answered, walking backwards in front of her. “My parents and sister are going to visit some family in Wales for the holidays and I told them I’d spend our first Christmas together as a couple....” His smile only widened at the faint pink blush that had rose to her cheeks.
“That’s really sweet,” she mumbled. “You don’t have to....”
“You’re going to be alone this year, right? Why not come and stay at my place for the holidays?”
“That sounds nice....” Dorian fell back into step beside her as they continued walking. When they reached Reina’s house, she kept a hold of him as he tried to turn away. “Actually, could you come in?”
“Sure,” Dorian agreed, unsure why. His question was immediately answered as she led him into the sitting room.
A woman was sat on the couch who looked very much like Reina, a cup of tea in her hands and a soft smile on her face. Dorian hid his shock at how much Reina looked like her mom, the only difference being the length of their hair and their eyes. “Ah...so it’s my turn to meet the parents....” He hadn’t been expecting it to be so soon, but also knew the circumstances.
“Mom, this is Dorian, the guy I told you about?”
“Hello,” Dorian offered. “I can see where Reina gets her good looks from....” Reina’s mom smiled at him.
“She warned me you were a charmer,” she smiled. “And I see that she wasn’t exaggerating...good thing that she finally snatched you....”
“Mom,” Reina groaned. Dorian smiled smugly at her, taking an immense amount of satisfaction from her meeting his parents over a call and taking the piss out of him a bit.
“In all seriousness, it’s nice to finally meet you,” Reina’s mom continued. “Reina’s told me a lot about you, especially when you offered to help her. She didn’t really mention how she found out about your cosplaying....”
“She caught me in the act,” Dorian admitted, sitting down. “My sewing machine broke and the part I needed wasn’t coming in anytime soon, so I had to use one at the school. Reina seemed to have the same idea, but I offered to do it for her.” She nodded in approval and Reina sat down next to Dorian, grabbing his hand. “Actually, I think it was that event we went to that I first had the feeling that I was in love with you....”
“Really?” Reina asked, genuinely surprised. “And what was that realization?”
“A stupid way, really,” he sighed, putting a hand over his eyes. “I felt jealous when you were taking pictures with other guys....” He didn’t remove his hand as both Reina and her mom chuckled. It was something that he was planning to tell her eventually, or at least wait until she saw him get jealous again, but there wasn’t much reason to keep it till then. “People’ve told me that I’m like a puupy when they see me be jealous....”
“It’s cute, babe,” Reina assured him, running her fingers through his hair. It took a lot of willpower to not melt at her touch. Not really something that you do when your meeting her parents for the first time.
“I’m really happy for the both of you,” her mom smiled. “And Dorian, thank you for offering to stay with Reina over the holidays so she won’t be alone....”
“I’m happy to do it,” he assured. “I mean...really wouldn’t be a good sign of things to come, would it?” She shrugged in agreement before standing up.
“Well, I’d like to stay and chat, but I need to get ready to head out. You two have fun, but after your exams are over, yeah? It was lovely to meet you, Dorian.”
“Likewise.” With that, she left without another word, disappearing around a corner. “I think she approves....”
“Of course, she does,” Reina chided. “But I didn’t know when we’d get the chance, and I wanted you to meet her in person.” She kissed his cheek. “Anyway, I’ve already got thing packed up in my room. Just let me grab it and we can head back to your place and continue that discussion we’ve been having....”
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