Love You Anyway

"We're here!"

Keith surveyed the house. It was a cozy two-story home, with chipped paint and chalk drawings on the outside walls. Tricycles, wagons, skateboards, and other toys littered the front yard. From their parking space near the side of the house, Keith could see a sandbox and a swing set in the back.

A wave of doubt and anxiety crashed over him. Keith thrust his hand into his partner's.

"Lance, I can't do this."

"Don't be silly," Lance responded. "You are an amazing person. My family will love you."

"But what if they don't? What if they don't like me? What if they disapprove? What if they think you're too good for me?" Keith could feel his pulse rising. His breaths came short and quick. He needed to stop-

"Hey," Lance murmured, pulling Keith to his chest. "Stop it. You're gonna give yourself a panic attack."

Keith wanted to explain that that's not how it worked, but he didn't want to speak just yet. He wanted to stay here in Lance's arms forever, safe and warm and not so nervous that his stomach was trying to digest itself.

"You don't have to go in if you don't want to," Lance offered. "I'll text you when it's over. You can pick me up afterwards."

Keith shook his head. He knew how long Lance had been looking forward to this day. And he really wanted to meet Lance's family. He was just nervous, he told himself. He'd be fine.

"You're sure they'll like me?" Keith asked.

Lance played with the tuft of hair on the back of his boyfriend's neck and kissed him on the nose. "I'm positive. Now come on, mullet. My family can't wait to meet you."

Keith nodded and exited the car. Hand in hand, the boys made their way to the front door.

Lance smiled, the look on his face suggesting that he was reliving a memory. He raised his free hand and tapped out a pattern with his knuckles. Keith recognized it as the Super Mario theme song.

Cries of "Lance is here!" rang throughout the house, and the pattering of feet was heard, accompanied by a voice shouting "Get back here!", and the pattering of feet again as they raced back to where the came from as. The door swung open, revealing a girl about their age who looked like the female version of Lance. Tall and skinny, with tan skin and light brown hair that just brushed her shoulders, and bright blue eyes to top it off.

"Primo!" She exclaimed, throwing an arm around the boy. "God, I missed you! How long has it been?"

"A year?" Lance estimated. He chuckled as she tried to frown, but she was far too happy.

"Let us in, chica," Lance said, tightening his grip on Keith's hand. "There's someone I want you to meet."

The girl backed up and shut the door behind the two as they entered the house. Keith was almost knocked backward by the sudden rush of scents. There was the smell of a freshly cooked Thanksgiving dinner- turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, pumpkin pie- but there was also something in the air, something that Keith couldn't quite place. It smelled like chocolate chip cookies, and faded perfume, and freshly cut chives.

The girl who answered the door gasped. "Lance! Who is this?!"

Keith gulped. Maybe Lance hadn't come out to his family yet? Maybe they were expecting a girl? Maybe they disapproved of his haircut?

Lance, on the other hand, looked as if Keith was a prize-winning cow that he was showing. Keith relaxed. He trusted Lance.

"This is my boyfriend, Keith!" He exclaimed proudly.