Thinking about Bashira and Bakari introducing their parents to their s/o's/lovers. IN GENERAL, Blade and Nubia will be slightly more scrutinizing of Bashira's lover because of what happened with Reneira. Nubia is the Queen and though she cares for all of her Amazons, she feels guilty that she did not notice how toxic they had become, and feels that her inability to balance her duties as a queen and mother resulted in the events leading to Bashira's exile so she'd pay extra close attention to Bashira's partners. Meanwhile, Blade wasn't really able to see how Reneira treated Bashira, but he didn't like the fact that Bashira was made to feel ashamed of her vampire heritage because it strikes a chord in him. If he senses that they can't handle her or gets any whiff of them urging her to hide her "unholy" side, then he wants them out of her life instantly. Nubia wouldn't be immediately unwelcoming but just cautious, but Blade absolutely would be unwelcoming if he sees fit.
WHILE THEY ARE JUST AS PROTECTIVE OF BAKARI, not wanting him to get involved in that same type of toxic relationship, BUT LEXI WOULD BE SUCH A NICE AND WELCOMED ADDITION TO THE FAMILY. BUT BAKARI WAS DEFINETLY STRESSING INTERNALLY but kept it cool because he didn't want Lexi to stress about it but his family's opinions matter so much to him.
While he knew his mother and older sister wouldn't ever treat someone he loves cruelly or harshly, he still has that underlying fear of their dissaproval. But Bashira already likes Lexi because she was there and heard her story about Lex, so Nubia smiles kindly and says: "Hello, Lexi. Bashira had told me many stories of your bravery and brilliance. Thank you for coming to meet me, I hope you weren't feeling too intimidated to meet me." and Lexi just shrill saying: "WHAAAAAT? 'Course not!" only to internally curse at herself while Bakari winces but Bashira and Nubia just chuckle as Bashira looks at their mother: "Her earnesty is one of my favorite things about her."
And later, Bakari just leaving Lexi to talk with their stepmom, Io, and he's all: "Shira, I appreciate you talking to mom for me." and Bashira just looks at him: "It was not much of a talk, our mother has faith that you can select the right person for yourself....She will be good for you, Bakari."
and Bakari just grins: "You think so?" but Bashira pulls him in for a hug and Bakari's eyes widen as she softly says: "You deserve someone good. Never forget that." and Bakari just being still before he hugs her back. They have a nice sibling bonding moment before he's all: "By any chance, did you manage to talk dad, at all."
Bashira: "He told me that my words will not sway his opinion about her and that he will decide what he thinks of her when he meets her." and Bakari just groaning, "I mean...it's Lexi, she'll be fine!" but Bashira just awkwardly looks to the side, "Um...in theory, yes. But you don't ever really know with Dad."
When it comes Blade and Brielle, BRIELLE HAS SO BEEN WANTING TO MEET LEXI. After all, that's her big brother, and she's so curious to meet the girl who managed to break down his walls. She would also try to talk to Eric to hopefully get him to not be as strict or intimidating. BUT YEAH, Bakari just meeting up with them (Bashira came for back up, just in case) and he's all: "Lexi, this is my sister, Brielle. Brielle, this is my girlfriend, Lexi. Go easy on her." and Brielle rolls her eyes but she introduces herself. She might be a bit awkward seeing how awkward Lexi is but overall, she'd genuinely be happy to meet her and being all: "If you want embarrassing stories about Kari, I have plenty! Not as much as Shira, but still-" and Bakari just being all: "Okay, you can stop talking now. ANYWAYS, Lexi, this is my father, Blade."
and Blade just staring her down while Lexi smiles nervously: "Um, hello, nice to meet you, Mr. Blade!"
and Blade just nodding in acknowledgement, "Hello." and he doesn't say anything else to her BUT...HE SPOKE TO HER. SO THAT'S A VERY GOOD THING AND IT CAUSES THE BROOKS SIBLINGS TO RELAX A BIT. Brielle would do most of the talking while Blade would be silent, still observing but only responding when directly addressed, and with grunts and nods. At the end of it, Brielle being all: "Aw, she's a cutie! Not the kind of girl I thought you'd go for but I like her so far! I hope I'll get to know her better in the future!" and Bakari grins at her and ruffles her hair while Blade just says: "...You should make improvements on her gear as soon as possible, she's very underprepared for the threats we face." and Bakari grins because that's Blade's way of saying that he doesn't hate her right now. He does eventually come to warm up to her, not that she'd ever know because he's pretty silent or speaks in that really dry tone but he also thinks she's good for Bakari. LIKE, Blade seeing the way his son looks at her and you can see his face soften a bit seeing his son so happy and joyful.
