PAPER RINGS || MARCUS LOPEZ.

𝙀𝙇𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉

Sunday.

Dylan hadn't slept since Vegas, her nerves were already at an all time high at the fact her parents wanted to meet Marcus, but now with Chico's death looming over them she was more on edge than ever.

She'd confided in her mother when she got home, quietly sobbing into the phone as she sat on the floor at the foot of her bed with Marcus tucked up asleep inside it. She knew telling her mother would result in her telling Chris, and then probably her father, but she knew none of the three would turn on any of the teens. If anything, they'd help them.

Her dorm was silent as she examined her appearance in the mirror, skinny jeans, a lacy white cami and an oversized black cardigan. A lot more casual than she'd have imagined for bringing her boyfriend home, but she hadn't the energy to go above and beyond.

Marcus had arrived as she was concealing the dark bags under her eyes. He looked more put together than usual, a black shirt and jeans which was simple for everyone but an effort for Marcus.

❝ You look nice. ❞ He complimented, coming up behind her and putting a hand on her waist ❝ As per usual. ❞

Dylan shook her head, brushing powder over the concealer before dumping the makeup back on her vanity ❝ I feel like shit. ❞

Gently he turned her around and wrapped her in a hug ❝ I know, baby, I'm sorry. ❞

❝ What happens if — ❞

❝ Hey, hey. ❞ Marcus interrupted, pulling back and holding her shoulders ❝ Nothing is going to happen, you're okay, I promise. ❞

Dylan's phone lit up on her vanity, a message from Yukio saying he and Devon were ready to go when they were. She only planned on bringing her phone and keys, she wouldn't need anything else in her own house.

Marcus had bought Dylan's mom flowers, the small gesture making her smile more than it should have. The car ride was mostly silent, Dylan and Marcus in the front with Devon and Yukio in the back.

The latter couple headed inside first when the car stopped, leaving the former in the car alone for a moment. Dylan noticed how Marcus fidgeted nervously, chewing on his lip and picking at his nails.

❝ Hey, ❞ The femme spoke up, reaching out to take his hand ❝ I have no doubt in my mind that they're going to adore you, try to relax. ❞

He nodded, his hand gripping hers tight ❝ I hope so, I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. ❞

Her mom and Chris stayed at the door after greeting Devon and Yukio, Dylan and Marcus took that as their sign to get out of the car and go inside, or at the very least get to the front door.

❝ So 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 is the Marcus I've heard all about? ❞ Dylan's mother questioned, eyebrow raised as she mouthed '𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦' at her daughter ❝ I'm Darja, this is my husband Chris. ❞

Dylan watched as Marcus shook hands with both her parents and handed the flowers over to her mother. Any other time she would've been cracking jokes, trying to make the situation less awkward, but when she caught a glimpse of her father in the kitchen it was like her whole body froze.

For the last year Dylan had only been thinking about the good things, about how her dad was a good man. Like how everyday after training she'd bring her for ice cream, as long as she promised not to tell Darja. Or how he'd taught her to drive, or brought her to as many Taylor Swift concerts as there were in her area.

How he'd listen to her boy problems and offer the most useless advice she'd ever heard, all the family vacations and Christmases, how good he was when her maternal grandfather passed away.