A knock at the door broke me out of my thoughts. I put my phone in my pocket and opened the door to reveal my boyfriend.

Josh was wearing a pale gray t-shirt with the NASA logo on it, a pair of dark skinny jeans, and black sneakers. A gray snapback covered his messy red hair, but his sleeve tattoo was entirely visible.

"Hey, Ty." Josh kissed my cheek. "Are you ready to go?" We'd agreed previously that Josh would drive here, and I'd drive us both to Melanie's since I knew the (A/N: Gerard) way better than he did.

"Yeah." After making sure I had everything, I locked the door to my apartment, and we made our way downstairs. Josh held my hand, and it was reassuring. It kept me from getting too unsteady.

Why had I done that? Why had I asked Josh over to meet my parents? They didn't even know I liked boys. What were they going to think when I showed up holding hands with one? What if they were disappointed in me? Worse, what if they were angry?

Josh stopped at the end of the stairs. "Tyler, are you okay?" I looked to him and saw worry in his eyes. He must have noticed how quiet and unresponsive I was being.

"I'll explain when we get in the car, okay?"

He seemed to understand, and he didn't pressure me as we walked to my truck and got in. He didn't say anything as we drove out of the parking lot, either, and I realized he was waiting for me; letting me speak when I was ready.

I turned down the radio and took a deep breath. I kept my eyes focused on the road as I drove. "Every month or so, I go to my family's house for dinner. I...kind of asked if I could bring you over to meet them."

Josh looked puzzled as I went on. "I know, it's soon, but....I just...they don't know I'm pan, okay? I want them to get used to the idea that I might date guys. I'm sorry."

My boyfriend seemed to understand, and his eyes softened. "Sorry for what?"

"Sorry I did this without asking you first."

"Don't be, it's alright." Josh leaned his head on my shoulder. It was such an unfamiliar but comfortable feeling. "Of course I'll go. Did you tell them we're together?"

My hands tightened on the wheel as I turned onto Melanie's street. "I told my mom I was bringing someone who was more than a friend, but she said 'We'd be delighted to meet her.'"

As I parked my truck in front of Melanie's apartment building, Josh took my hand. "Hey. Look at me." I looked to him, and he squeezed my hand. "It'll be okay, alright? I'll be right with you the whole time. I won't leave you to explain everything on your own."

"Promise?"

Josh kissed the top of my head, and that made me smile a little. "Promise. Now let's go inside and have fun."

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A/N: But not too much fun, ayyy?

Art credit to CharaDerp

IT'S MELTING MY SOUL IT'S SO CUTE, AHHHHHHHHHH