She/Her - 45+ - Nerd, geek, artist, wonky writer without skill, mole in hibernation most of the time, has for companions a husband and a piano, Obsessed those days with The Ineffable Husbands, and that’s all for now Whoever you are, you're welcome in my space. I swear it’s safe 🫶🏻
After some hesitation, Anthony asks Asa if he would be willing to meet his parents.
A week later, they walk together to meet Anthony’s mother, who is eager to meet the man who has made her son happy.
Notes
Meeting the parents.
If you want to get an idea, imagine Anthony's mother as a sort of Catherine O'Hara
On Ao3
Rating G - 1828 words
Asa lay down with his head on Anthony’s chest and his fingers tracing random curves across his lover’s skin. He could feel the steady rhythm of Anthony’s heartbeat against his cheek.
Four months had passed since their first date, our months of getting to know each other, four months already, yet only four months.
Anthony sat up slightly and tightened his arm around Asa’s shoulders, pulling him closer. He let out a long sigh of contentment, resting his chin on Asa’s head.
"You’re quiet," Anthony murmured.
Asa smiled and closed his eyes. "I was thinking."
"Something pleasant, I hope, after what we just did," Anthony joked, his fingers brushing Asa’s spine and causing a slight shiver.
"I was thinking about how much I love this," Asa admitted, lifting his head slightly to look at his lover.
A strand of red hair fell across Anthony’s forehead. Asa raised his hand to brush it away, gently caressing his face.
Anthony looked at him intently and opened his mouth several times to say something. After one last hesitation, he inhaled slowly.
"Asa..." he began, then hesitated again. A rare flicker of nervousness crossed his eyes, just like the first time in the bookstore when he told Asa he’d written the book.
Asa asked softly, "Yes?"
"My parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary next weekend. It’s an intimate dinner at their place in the country with just me, their son, and a couple of friends who live nearby," Anthony said.
He moved his arm and found Asa’s hand, intertwining their fingers as if to give himself courage to continue. "I was wondering if you’d like to come with me."
Pleasantly surprised, Asa asked, "You want me to meet them?"
Anthony locked eyes with Asa and said, in a voice now free of hesitation, "I don't just want you to meet them. I want them to get to know you. I want to introduce the man I love, who shares my life, to them. My partner."
Moved by the passion in his lover’s voice, Asa whispered, "Your partner."
Anthony pressed a kiss to Asa’s hair and continued, "They've been hearing me talk about you for weeks. My mom thinks I’ve changed personalities because I smile during every FaceTime call now. I want them to see who’s responsible for that. Who’s responsible for my happiness?"
Filled with joy, Asa climbed on top of his lover, leaned forward, and pressed his forehead against Anthony’s. His voice slightly hoarse, he whispered, "I’d love to, Anthony. Really."
"The drive is a bit long, and my dad can be a little intense. You'll see where I got my nerdy side from. My mom will probably feed you until you can't eat another bite. But I’m sure they’ll love you."
Asa laughed and pressed a long, tender kiss on Anthony’s lips.
"You don't have to convince me any further. As long as we’re together, everything will be fine."
Anthony’s smile was radiant, and Asa leaned against him, snuggling a little closer.
**********
A week later, they walked side by side along the narrow, gravel path leading to a pretty, white house. In front of the house stood the silhouette of a woman.
Anthony whispered, "That's my mom. I think my dad’s waiting inside. His hip hurts when he stands for too long."
Asa nodded and swallowed. Even though he was over forty, being introduced to his partner’s family was still quite intimidating.
He wanted to take Anthony’s hand but didn't know if it was appropriate.
He knew his lover’s parents were open-minded, but they hadn't discussed public displays of affection.
It was one thing to walk hand in hand when you were anonymous, but quite another when it came to family. Especially since Asa knew his own mother wouldn’t have approved.
However, Anthony had inspired Asa to be bold. As they walked along the path, he stole a few glances at Anthony, trying to gauge his mood.
Finally, Anthony, observant as always, turned his head toward Asa and asked in a slightly concerned tone, "Is something wrong?"
Asa paused and shook his head, feeling guilty for being the cause of the worried look on his lover’s face.
He decided to be upfront.
"Honestly, Anthony, I'm a little stressed, which makes sense, given the situation. I just wanted to hold your hand for courage, but we didn’t talk about how to behave around your parents."
Anthony's worried look gave way to one of deep tenderness.
He took Asa’s hand and intertwined their fingers. Then he said softly, "I didn't think to discuss it because with my parents, there are no taboos. Just be ourselves, like we usually are. Natural."
Then, with their hands still intertwined, he leaned toward Asa and caressed his cheek with his free hand. He brushed his lips with his thumb before kissing him tenderly.
Anthony then straightened up, and they shared one last look before continuing on their way toward Aileen, Anthony’s mother, hand in hand.
As they drew closer, Asa could make out the expression on Aileen's face. He saw nothing but kindness.
He could tell from her attitude that there was no doubt she had witnessed their entire exchange.
*********
Aileen felt immense joy when she spotted the two figures approaching in the distance.
She was always thrilled when Anthony came to visit, but today she was especially elated because she knew he was happy, and she was about to meet the person responsible for her son’s happiness.
When her 14-year-old son told her he was gay, she had been afraid. Not because he was gay, but because she knew it wouldn’t be easy given the state of society. So, she and her husband assured Anthony of their unwavering support.
After all, all they wanted was for their son to be happy and to be able to be himself.
He had been their pride and joy then, and he still was today.
She had always been proud of her son's academic and professional achievements and successes. But she was prouder than ever at that moment, watching him walk with a man who had brought a smile to his lips and a sparkle to his eyes unlike anything she had ever seen before, not even when Anthony spoke of his beloved stars.
She remembered the first time she’d noticed this change in her son. It hadn’t taken her long to get the truth out of him, despite how smart he was.
Since then, not a single call had gone by without mention of the man in his life: the blond bookseller named Asa whom Anthony couldn’t stop raving about. She would form her own opinion, of course, but Anthony wasn’t an inexperienced young boy. He was a mature, experienced, clearheaded man. So she had virtually no doubt about the worth of the man he loved.
At that moment, there was no doubt in her mind that her son was in love.
She watched them walk toward her, close but not touching. Suddenly, she saw them stop and exchange a few words.
Then, her son took the other man’s hand. Aileen saw Anthony lean in and kiss him tenderly. After one last glance, they continued toward her, hand in hand.
It wasn't just Anthony who was in love; from what she could see, he was loved in return.
Overcome with impatience, Aileen stepped forward to cover the last few feet between them. Once she was near them, she dropped her cane, opened her arms, and said in a slightly choked-up voice, "Welcome home, my children!"
*********
Asa was surprised to see Aileen walking toward them, closing the last few feet between them. He was even more surprised when Aileen dropped her cane and wrapped him and Anthony in a big hug. His lover’s mother exclaimed, "Welcome home, my children."
He felt Anthony’s arm wrap around his waist, as if to encourage him. He then responded to Aileen’s embrace shyly.
When she released them, Asa immediately said, "Hello, Mrs. Crowley. I’m Asa. Nice to meet you."
"Mrs... Mrs... No, no, no. I’m Aileen, or Mom if you prefer."
Asa laughed softly and said, "All right, Aileen."
She winked at her son. "I understand. It's still a little early for 'Mom.'"
"Mom..."
Then she gently pinched her son’s waist. "Oh, look at you. You're going to have to put some meat on those bones."
She turned to Asa and said, "I bet he’s working too hard and forgetting to eat."
Asa nodded, amused.
"Hey, you two, don't act like I'm not here. Besides, Mom, Asa takes care of me and brings me lunch regularly at the university."
"You've really found a gem, son. What are you waiting for? Go marry him!"
"Mom!"
"I know, I know. Too soon."
Asa started to chuckle, then burst out laughing. The mother and son looked at him with surprise, then with the same fondness in their eyes.
"I see you're having a good time here!"
A man had just appeared in the doorway. While Anthony bore a strong resemblance to his mother, his gaze was unmistakably his father’s. Asa stepped forward and introduced himself. This time, he received a firm and cordial handshake instead of a hug.
"As my Aileen must have told you, son, Call me Harold or Dad."
Asa nodded.
Anthony was greeted with such a tight hug that his father nearly lifted him off the ground, despite his slightly weak hip.
Echoing his wife’s words, he said, "We’re going to have to put some meat on those bones, son."
This earned another chuckle from Asa and a grumble from Anthony.
"Why don’t you show your partner around the house while your mother and I finish preparing dinner?"
After Aileen winked at them one last time, the older couple went back inside, leaving the door half-open. Anthony took Asa’s hand and led him on a walk around the house.
"You okay? They can be a little intense, like I told you."
Asa shook his head. "Oh, no, they're adorable! I can see where you get your personality from."
Anthony chuckled softly. "You could say that."
"I envy you a little, I'll admit. I mean, I know my mom loved me, but I don’t think she knew how to show it. Your parents, on the other hand..."
"You know they already think of you as their son, right? I think they’re going to love you even more than they love me."
Asa gave him a light nudge with his elbow and scoffed.
"Idiot."
Anthony stopped and turned to face Asa, cupping his face in his hands. "I mean it, Asa. You’re family now."
Asa was unable to respond; his throat was tight with emotion.
Anthony closed the distance between them and pressed his lips tenderly to Asa’s. Asa wrapped his arms around his lover’s neck as the kiss lingered.
He had one last thought before losing himself completely in the kiss.
Adam, Jesus, Muriel, and Eric are spending their lunch break outside when they see Professor Crowley walking by with a blond man. They start speculating about their relationship.
Notes
4 nosy students and 1 proud professor.
On Ao3
Rating G - 1384 words
"Hey, isn’t that your professor Crowley, J.?"
It was noon, and since the weather was beautiful, the four friends had decided to buy some snacks and eat outside in the campus park instead of eating in the cafeteria.
Muriel and Eric were finishing their sandwiches while lying side by side on their stomachs, and Adam was enjoying his with his head resting on his boyfriend's lap. His boyfriend had set aside his sandwich because he was engrossed in an astronomy book.
Jesus looked up from his book and glanced in the direction Muriel was discreetly pointing. "That’s not my Professor Crowley. You know it’s him; ou guys came with us to the astronomy club."
Adam also turned his head in the same direction and exclaimed, "Oh, but he’s with someone! Do you think it’s his boyfriend or fiancé?"
Adam and Muriel finished the sentence together: "His husband!"
"I think, no, actually, I’m sure, they’re together."
Eric was the one who spoke up. They didn’t talk much, but they observed a lot.
"This isn't the first time I've seen them. I saw the blond guy waiting for Professor Crowley outside his classroom at noon.”
Muriel pressed a kiss to Eric's cheek.
"Aw, my beloved spy."
Eric laughed softly and shook their head. "The advantage of trying to blend in is that people ignore you, so you see a lot when they don’t notice you."
Muriel gently stroked their lover's cheek and said, "But you know you don't have to blend in with us, right?"
Eric rested their cheek in Muriel's hand and replied, "Yes, I know, but old habits die hard. When you're not with me, I tend to fall back into my old ways."
“So, you said you were sure they were together.”
Eric nodded.
"You know, when you’re not here, my favorite spot is the bench under the weeping willow."
All three of them nodded.
"Well, that was the case last week. Actually, they were...how should I put it...um...kissing."
"Shh! They're going to walk right past us!"
The four friends fell silent and watched discreetly as the two men walked by, not far from them.
Muriel gasped.
“I remember! I know the blond guy!”
Their three friends looked at them, their eyes wide.
"He works at the old Derek's bookshop. He used to come by from time to time, but now I think he works there all the time. He wouldn't remember me, of course, but I remember him. I was ten when I fell off my bike in front of the bookdhop, and he tended to my knee, gave me a piece of candy, and took me home."
"Small world!" Adam exclaimed.
Suddenly, Eric startled them. "I knew Professor Crowley looked familiar! Now that I see him with that man, I remember them. You’ve seen them before, too!”
The other three looked at Eric as if they had gone mad.
“I swear it's true!”
Eric nodded knowingly.
"It was a few months ago. The night Muriel and I decided to take charge of your love lives. You know, after we’d had enough of you two pining for each other for years without doing anything about it.”
Eric smirked and pointed at Adam and Jesus.
Muriel replied, "No wonder I don't remember it. I only had eyes for you, sweetie."
Now it was Adam and Jesus’s turn to snicker while Eric looked a little flustered.
Eric grumbled, "Still, Professor Crowley and the blond guy were both there, having dinner in the back of the pub. It looked like a first date.”
Muriel murmured dreamily, "They sure do look cute together."
The other three hummed in agreement as they watched the two men disappear behind the low branches of the weeping willow.
Adam said softly, "You know, it might sound silly, but when I see or know that people their age are together like that, it’s reassuring. It’s not always easy to be who we are. The four of us know that well. We’ve struggled at school and elsewhere.”
His three friends nodded in understanding.
Adam continued, "So knowing that..."
He couldn’t continue talking because his throat had tightened. Jesus leaned down and kissed his lover’s forehead, saying softly, “Yes, it feels good. It makes us feel brave and proud. To be who we are.”
The four of them understood each other better than anyone else because they had all sometimes had to stand up for who they were, whether at school, with friends, or with their families.
Their friendship had been forged by this adversity, which made it unbreakable. After sharing a knowing glance, they continued chatting quietly until the lunch break ended.
**********
Not far from there, under the weeping willow, Anthony and Asa were sitting on what had become their bench, sharing the meal Asa had brought, as had become their habit twice a week since that first time.
“Did you see the group of four students sitting on the ground that we passed earlier?”
Asa nodded, swallowed his last bite, and replied, "Yes, in fact, that's the same group that was walking in front of me the first time I came here."
Anthony took a big gulp of coffee.
"I have the two guys, Adam and Jesus, in my class. Since the Astronomy Club is open to everyone, they come with their two friends, Muriel and Eric, who are actually a couple. I really like them. All four of them.”
After putting away the leftovers from their meal and setting the bag on the ground, Asa took his lover’s hand and intertwined their fingers. He asked gently, “Is there a particular reason you have this special affection for them? I sense some emotion in your voice.”
Anthony nodded.
"The astronomy club has about 15 members. On the first night, I asked everyone to introduce themselves briefly. Adam and Jesus introduced themselves and didn’t hide the fact that they were together. Muriel and Eric, their friend, were the last ones to introduce themselves. They both said their first names and that their pronouns were they/them. Two other students who hadn’t dared to do so added that to their introductions as well.”
Asa nodded and said in a tone of wonder, "Isn't that brave?"
"Yes, so much so." Anthony couldn't hide how amazed he was and continued, "You know that's my philosophy, don't you? To live without censure or apology. Seeing them so proud of who they are made me realize that even though there's still a long way to go, there's hope. Things are changing."
Asa smiled tenderly at his lover, leaned forward, and pressed a light kiss on his lips. Then he said gently, "That's true. You’re also here to help future generations live without censure or apology. Just as you’ve helped me.”
"I didn't do anything special," Anthony protested, shaking his head.
"You accept anyone who comes to you without judgment," Asa replied softly. "You don't think it's special, but to the person who benefits from it, it's huge."
He pressed another kiss to Anthony’s lips, but when he tried to pull away, Anthony wrapped his arm around his neck to deepen the kiss.
When they parted to catch their breath, Anthony glanced at his watch and said disappointedly, "I'm sorry, it's almost time for class to start again."
Asa gently stroked his cheek with his fingertips and said softly, "Don't be disappointed. We'll see each other again tonight."
They grabbed their bags and stepped out from under the weeping willow tree.
They were about to go their separate ways as usual when Anthony changed his mind. He grabbed Asa by the sleeve and asked, "Would you mind walking with me to my classroom?"
Saying this, he held out his hand to Asa.
Asa immediately understood his lover’s intentions. Smiling knowingly, he placed his hand in Anthony’s. They intertwined their fingers and began walking hand in hand toward the building where Anthony’s classroom was located.
They passed by the group of four friends again as they were getting up. Anthony looked at them, winked, and kept walking.
"Wow!"
"Yeah, did you see that?"
"So cool!"
Asa squeezed Anthony’s hand tighter, brought it to his lips, brushed his knuckles with a kiss, and said softly, "Without censure or apology."
Anthony nodded and repeated, "without censure or apology."
Anthony is annoyed by a tailor who's a little too pushy, but Asa is there to save the day.
Notes
Beware of the jealous bookseller!
On Ao3
Rating G - 838 words
"Wow, you're really handsome," the tailor said as he helped Anthony put on the jacket.
Anthony was eager to finish the fitting. He didn’t appreciate the man’s hands lingering on his hips a little too long while adjusting the jacket. It was too insistent to be professional.
To make matters worse, the tailor was wearing overpowering cologne that was almost making Anthony nauseous.
The university had organized a charity gala to raise funds for new equipment, including telescopes for the astrophysics club. Of course, Anthony was required to attend.
However, since he didn’t have a suitable suit for this kind of event, he decided to have one made by a tailor. Hence the uncomfortable situation he found himself in.
He was trying to remain polite to the tailor, who was giving him teasing glances as he took his measurements, but all Anthony wanted was for it to be over as soon as possible.
The tailor pulled him out of his thoughts by asking, as he pinned buttons onto the jacket sleeve, "So, who will have the privilege of seeing you dressed so elegantly?"
He finished the question with a wink that Anthony tried to ignore.
Anthony replied in a neutral tone: "My colleagues, the university president, the administrators, and the benefactors."
And, most importantly, my partner, Anthony concluded mentally.
He probably should have said it out loud because the tailor saw an opportunity and asked, in a fawning voice, "Really? Are you going to this party alone? Tell me, how can a man as handsome as you be single?"
As he said this, his fingers lingered on Anthony’s wrist. Anthony pulled away abruptly and retorted, "Who said I was single?"
This didn’t seem to faze the tailor. He took a step forward, licked his lips, and murmured, "If you are, I’m ready…"
He was interrupted by the door opening and a deep voice finishing his sentence: "...to let go of my partner immediately and behave appropriately."
Anthony swallowed hard. Seeing Asa, who was usually gentle and cheerful, with a dark, jealous gaze and a menacing expression was quite intimidating.
The tailor must have sensed that he should obey because he began to stammer. Then he apologized and left the room, claiming that he was going to fetch fabric samples from the storage room.
From atop the fitting platform, Anthony watched Asa approach, feeling both relieved and amused.
As Asa continued walking toward him, his expression gradually softened, and his lips stretched into a smile.
Anthony asked him, "What made you come in?"
"Since you didn't come out of the store at our agreed-upon time, I took the liberty of going in. The receptionist told me you were in the fitting room. The door was ajar, so I overheard the end of the ‘conversation.’"
Anthony chuckled softly.
"My hero."
Asa stepped in front of him and asked playfully, "Now that we're rid of the troublemaker, what should the hero do?"
Anthony replied in the same tone, "I have a little idea."
Still standing on the fitting room platform, he placed his hands on Asa’s shoulders before leaning in and continuing, his face close to Asa’s. "If I jump, will you catch me?"
Asa replied gently, "Always."
Anthony jumped into Asa’s arms and wrapped his legs around Asa's waist as he caught him.
They both started laughing when a soft cough interrupted them. They turned toward the tailor, who was standing hesitantly in the doorway.
"I'm really sorry to bother you."
His earlier flirtatious demeanor vanished as he continued, "I'd like to get the suit back if you don't mind."
Asa retorted coldly, "And if we don't want to?"
Anthony patted Asa on the arm and said in a coaxing tone, "Asa, let the poor man finish his work."
He slid to the floor, forcing Asa to let go of him. He continued, addressing the tailor, "I'll be right back."
He headed toward the fitting room. As he changed, he couldn’t help but smile, secretly delighted by Asa’s possessiveness. When he pulled back the curtain to step out, he was amused to see his lover staring at the tailor like a cat watching a trapped mouse.
He handed the suit to the tailor, who snatched it and said brusquely, "Your suit will be ready the day after tomorrow."
He left without asking for anything else.
Asa asked with a feigned look of innocence, "I wonder why he reacted that way."
Anthony let out a little laugh and replied, "Probably because he realized he didn't stand a chance."
Then he wrapped his arms around Asa’s neck again, closed the distance between them, and pressed his lips against his lover’s.
Not to be outdone, Asa slid his hands down Anthony’s waist to his back, pulling him closer and returning his kiss in a deliciously possessive way.
When they parted to catch their breath, Asa whispered against Anthony’s lips, "He never stood a chance since you're mine."
Then, he kissed Anthony again, leaving no doubt in his mind as to whom he belonged.
Asa woke up to find his lover asleep in his arms. He took the opportunity to gaze at him with all his heart.
Notes
I've got a lot of family obligations this weekend, so I need to cheer myself up with them, which means few words but lots of comforting fluff.
On Ao3
Rating G - 514 words
Asa woke up to find Anthony’s warm body in his arms, his head against Asa’s chest.
They had fallen asleep in the spooning position, with Anthony’s arms wrapped around Asa, and Asa couldn’t remember exactly when they’d shifted positions during the night. But that didn't matter; he loved being held by Anthony just as much as he loved holding him. He could never get enough of it, so he relished this moment as he gazed at his sleeping lover.
Even though they had been together for several weeks, his heart still fluttered at the sight of his beloved, as if it were the first time.
Although Anthony was a little taller than him, Asa loved the way their bodies fit together perfectly, no matter what position they were in. Like two unique pieces of a puzzle, made to fit together. Much like their lives.
Gazing at his sleeping lover, he tried not to think like a man madly in love and to remain objective, but despite everything, he could find nothing to fault in his partner.
Even the fact that he drooled slightly on Asa’s pajamas while he slept with his mouth agape. The fact that he tidied up his things almost frantically every night before going to bed. The fact that he talked to his plants and was practically obsessed with caring for them. His enthusiasm sometimes made him forget that the person he was talking to didn’t necessarily understand when he discussed astrophysics. All those little quirks were part of the man Asa was hopelessly in love with.
As Asa watched Anthony sleep, completely surrendered to him, he wanted nothing more than to stay like this forever.
He whispered, "I wish we could stay this close forever."
Anthony mumbled against his chest, "Mm? What did you say?”
Asa kissed Anthony’s hair before replying, "I just wish we could stay as close as we are now forever."
Anthony’s eyes were wide open now. He tilted his head back to look at Asa.
In a sleepy voice, he replied, "As it happens, my angel, I don't want anything more either."
Then he snuggled up against Asa, tightening his embrace. Clearly exhausted, he fully intended to fall back asleep.
Just as he seemed to be drifting back to sleep, Asa whispered, "Go back to sleep. I'll get up and make breakfast." Anthony tightened his embrace around Asa’s chest even more. He buried his face deeper in the crook of his neck and rubbed his nose against his skin. "I don't want you to leave. It's so comfortable like this. Besides, today is Sunday. There’s no rush.”
Although he was half asleep, Anthony knew his lover’s weaknesses all too well. He gently bit him at the junction of his neck and shoulder, letting out a soft chuckle when he felt a shiver run through his lover.
Cradling Anthony's face in his hands, Asa whispered, "Anthony, you're not fair..."
He couldn't resist and closed the distance between them, pressing his lips against his lover's in a tender, lingering kiss.