Fanfiction OneShot: Meeting The Parents

Summary:
Knock was not sure if he ever was that nervous before a meal. But this one was special, he had waited for years for this one. He would meet this boyfriend’s parents for the first time officially as Korn’s partner.
That would have been enough for anyone to get their tummy in a knot.

Couple:
Korn/Knock (Bad Romance, Together With Me; Max/Tul)

Word Count:
3752

Language:
English

Meeting The Parents

Knock still couldn’t believe that all this really happened. He could feel the warm hand in his and felt the familiar presents next to him, but somehow it just felt so, so weird. He had dreamed about this moment for such a long time, for years to be precise and now it was finally here.

He could feel his heart almost in his throat and he was sure that Korn, right next to him, felt similar. It was after all his parents on the other side of this door, not his. If it would have been his, Knock would have felt so much more at ease. His parents had been nothing but supportive ever since he came out to them.

Of course they were unhappy about the whole cheating incident and they questioned Korn thoroughly at their first official “Meet the parents” date with him. Well, more like grilled him, but even though they were just supportive and loving as they always were. Sometimes Knock didn’t understand why he didn’t come out to them earlier, but that was all in the past now.

And right now he was standing with the love of his life in front of his childhood house and was about to have a hopefully nice evening with the man, he came to detest the most during the last couple of years: Korn’s father.

“Are you okay?” Korn looked over to the thoughtful figure of this boyfriend and squeezed his hand in a hopefully encouraging way.

“Yes, of course. I was just lost in thoughts.” Knock smiled at him and with a last big breath they made their way inside.

“Mom, Dad. I am home.” Korn’s voice flew through the entrance of the big house.

It looked like his mum had waited for them impatiently as she was first at the door and pulled her son into a bone crushing hug.

“I am so happy, you are here.” She smiled at her son, before she turned to Knock. “And I am so grateful and happy that you are here as well.” Her smile turned even a bit more gentle as she pulled Knock also into a hug. Not as bone crushing as the one she just gave her son, but Knock clearly felt the sincerity in her.

After all he had known her for years. He knew her ever since he was a small boy and he always had liked her a lot. She was a very gentle and honest woman, who always wanted everybody to be happy.

Knock gave her a tiny smile. “Thank you for the invitation.” He looked down to the floor. Somehow he couldn’t shake his nervousness and Korn’s mother seemed to be able to sense that.

“This invitation is already incredible late. I should have invited you years ago.” She smiled again and Knock knew exactly what she meant. It was not like he hadn’t been a guest in this house during the last couple of years. But he was always just invited as Korn’s friend. And never as his boyfriend, his partner. It somehow felt good to hear this.

“And don’t worry, Lek is feeling the same way. He just doesn’t know how to show it.” She gave Knock an encouraging little nudge into the rips and put her arms around her son to push him into the living room. It seemed like Korn also had some reservations about this evening, Knock noticed with a tiny smile. At least he was not the only one.
They made their way over to the living room and Korn’s father was sitting on the couch watching football. He had the same grumpy face he always had. Knock wondered if this man ever smiled. He was not sure if he could remember a time where he had seen him laugh. He was not sure if he ever had.

“Lek, look who finally arrived.” May announced their guests finally to the man glued to the telly. But her voice made him look up and yes, a tiny, insecure smile showed up on his lips. Just for a second before it was replaced by his normal scolding look. But a smile was a smile. Even if it was just for a second.

It was the first time Knock saw Lek again. The last time he had seen him was on that fateful day. The day when Korn told him about him cheating. The day Knock felt like his whole world just crumbled around him. It should have been one of the happiest days of his life as his boyfriend finally stood by him and was honest about his relationship. But thanks to everything else it still felt like the most painful day he ever experienced.

“Hi dad.” Korn said nervous and Knock could see his tension all through his body. Yes, it seemed like Korn was even more nervous then Knock.

Korn just waved unsure at his dad and continued to play with his fingers.

“I wanted to introduce someone to you. Aehm, to you and mum actually.” He smiled at his mother who looked at him with a question mark in her eyes. She mirrored Knock’s look perfectly.

Korn just smiled. A bit shy he took Knock’s hand.

“I want to introduce you to my boyfriend. I want to introduce you to Knock.” He gently stroked the back of Knock’s hand while Knock felt like his heart might just explode. It was always the case with Korn. He always said these things that made him feel all giddy and happy inside. One second ago he was on the brink of just walking out due to all the tension in the air, but now Knock just felt a stupid grin crawling all over his face. He shook his head slightly and put his hand on the back of his head, just like he always did, when Korn made him feel this way.

“Your parents know me.” He mumbled shyly into Korn’s side.

“Maybe they know Knock, my childhood friend. But they have not had the pleasure to meet Knock, my fiance, actually.” He looked over to his father and Knock could see how Korn’s jaw was pushed forward in a very stubborn way. He knew that Korn was prepared to fight his father tooth and nails if he just said anything against this. But before Lek could say anything, there was a loud squeel.

“Fiance? You guys are engaged?” May was right in front of them and took their hands into hers to inspect them. And yes, there they were. The engagement rings that Korn just had exchanged into these beautiful new ones. Knock wore his again with so much pride and joy after he had taken it off after everything with Pete. And now Korn’s mother was holding both their hands and looking down on these rings. It felt so weird, but somehow extremely right.

“Yes, mum. We have been engaged for quiet some time actually.” Korn smiled shyly to his mother who couldn’t stop fussing over the rings.

“Congratulations, son. Oh, Knock. I am so happy. I couldn’t wish for a better daughter in law… “ She stopped in her tracks. “Oh… “ She looked at Knock and suddenly both burst into a laugh. “I guess I should get used to the term son in law.” May just pulled Knock into a tight hug and he understood her perfectly. She was still not one hundred percent comfortable with the new situation, but that was mainly due to the unknown. She just wanted her son to be happy and everyone could see that Knock was the key to Korn’s happiness. And what kind of a mother would deny her only son this kind of happiness.

While May was still fussing over Knock, Korn looked at his father. Lek still stood there with an unreadable face.

“Dad?” Korn asked carefully. He was not sure how his father would react. But he was so sick and tired of hiding. He loved this man next to him and he was so lucky that Knock gave him a second chance. He would do everything to prove to Knock that he deserved this chance and that Knock made the right decision in forgiving him.

After everything with Pete Korn suddenly saw what a life without Knock in it would look like. And he hated it. He hated every bit of it. It felt like he lost his entire universe with him. He was sure he wouldn’t survive loosing him again. And if his father had a problem with his relationship, then so be it. He wouldn’t hide this amazing, loyal, loving and sometimes idiotic man anymore. He had fallen for him such a long time ago and Korn knew, that there would never be another man for him.

Korn took a deep breath. “What are you saying, dad? I hope, you are okay with it, but if you are not… I am sorry. I won’t leave him. Not now, not ever… I want you and mum in my life. But just if you can accept me for who I am and for who I love.” Korn took again Knock’s hand in his and looked at his father expectantly.

Lek’s face was still unreadable as ever and Knock could feel how the anticipation almost killed his beautiful man. He squeezed his hand gently to show him that he was there for him. Whatever his father’s reaction.

“What do you want me to say? You have lied to me for years, it seems. I am not even sure, I know who you are anymore.” His voice was stern and serious. Korn’s shoulders just slumped down. He knew it. His father would never be able to accept him. He was about to turn away, when the voice of his father kept him still in his place.

“I accept that this is down to my own behaviour, son. I don’t blame you. Not entirely. You should have been honest with me and your mother. But I can see why you didn’t.” Lek said and his voice sounded almost gentle. “I want to get to know my son again. I want to know who you are. And I want to get to know your… fiance as well.” The pause was subtle and showed so much. Lek was not comfortable with any of this. Not by a long shot. But he was willing to try and that was more then Korn had expected.

“Come on.” His father said with a smile. “Let’s sit down and eat some of the delicious food your mum spent hours to prepare.” Lek walked over to Korn and put his arm around his shoulders while he guided him over to the dinning room. May did the same with Knock while she smiled up to the taller man. She knew her husband. And she knew that he could be an impossible stubborn creature. But she also knew that he loved his children. And he wanted Korn to be happy. For this happiness he would try to understand. May was sure that it might take a while, but they were on a good way.

The dinner turned out to be really nice, Knock thought halfway through the evening. May was an amazing cook and she just bombarded both boys with question after question. It seemed she wanted to know everything that happened between the two of them and Knock was more then happy to tell her. Sometimes Korn would nudge him into the rips to keep him quiet when he was telling a specific silly episode of their shared story, but May and Knock just laughed it off.
And Korn was so happy to see that his mother and Knock seemed to get on like a house on fire. His father on the other hand just sat there and listened to these two talking with a stern face. He ate his food and listened. He didn’t ask anything or took part in the conversation. He just observed and it made Korn’s nervousness rise to an all time high all over again.

It was one thing saying that his father wanted to know about him and his relationship. It was another to actually really hear what had happened all these years ago. And Korn was not sure if his father would be able to handle it. Obviously Knock just told parts of the story, as his parents really didn’t need to know about the amazing night of passion that actually changed both their lives forever. But still… It was very obvious that both men loved each other. During all the stories Knock told his mother it was more then evident what they meant to each other, that they were so much more then just friends. And it worried Korn that his father just sat there, listening and not saying anything else.

“Oh, I really need to show you the pictures.” May’s excited voice suddenly pushed Korn out of his thoughts. Pictures?

“What pictures are we talking about here, mum?” He looked at his mother with a scared look.

“Oh, you know, these pictures I took of you with the toy, Knock gave you when he left Amphawa.” May giggled. “I mean you took that thing everywhere you went like for a year or so… It was so cute.” She said turned to Knock who couldn’t hide the massive grin on his face.

“Come, come. I think they are in the living room. I show you.” She held her hand out and practically whisked Knock away.

And suddenly they were alone. Korn and Lek… The silence between them was deafening.

Korn didn’t know what to say or how to react. He loved his father and he had spent most of his childhood looking up to the man. He was sad that his relationship with him turned out in such a way.

“Korn?” His father’s voice surprised him.

“Yes?” He looked up at him. His father was still playing with the rest of rice he had on his plate.

“You really love him, right?” It was not really a question. More a statement, but Korn knew what his father meant. And with every bit of strength he could muster, he answered: “Yes, I do. He is the most important person in my life.”

“More important then your parents?” Lek still didn’t look at his son.

“Are you making me choose?” Korn could feel bile rising up his throat. How did this evening took such a turn? But he knew the answer to this question anyway.

“Yes. He is. And you know why? Because he would never ask me something like that. He would never make me choose.” The faint laugh from the opposite side of the table made Korn look up again.

“You got yourself a very good man then, son. I am happy for you.” Their eyes met and Korn could see the sincerity in his father’s eyes.

“Yes, dad. He is a very good man. He makes me happy and I love him so, so much. I love you and mum, too. But I can’t be someone else just because you can’t accept that your son is gay.” There, he said it. He was gay. And all that had nothing to do with Knock.

“I know, son.” Lek’s voice was quiet and serious. “I have known for a long time. I just never wanted to admit it to myself or anyone else. I thought if my son is gay how is that making me look. I thought being gay would make you weak and soft, less of a man.” Korn listened carefully and tried hard not to feel offended by his father’s words.

“But I know now, that I was wrong. And I apologise.” Korn’s eyes widened in surprise at his father’s words. “I know now that being gay is not changing the kind of person you are. You are still you. You are still my strong, clever and amazing son. Being gay doesn’t change that one bit.” Korn could feel the tears pricking behind his eyes. “And believe me when I say, that I am very proud of the man you have become.” Lek looked at his son and Korn knew that his father meant every word.

“I hope, you will be very happy with Knock. You deserve nothing less then that. I love you, son.” Korn tried to swallow the big lump in his throat, but to no avail.

“I love you too, dad.” Both men grinned at each other. They were not used to this kind of emotional exchange. But this marked a new beginning. A new beginning born in honesty and respect. And Korn loved it.

May and Knock finally arrived back at the table and their laughs quickly changed the atmosphere all around. They didn’t even notice how Lek had to secretly wipe away a few tears that were trying to escape his eyes.

“Please tell your mother that I will call her very soon for our joined dinner. If I let you guys organise it, we will end up eating at Burger King.” May laughed at Korn and Knock who were just about to leave for the evening.

“Thank you so much for dinner.” Knock said politely to their host and was rewarded with a tight hug.

“Take good care of my son.” She whispered. “He looks so strong, but deep down he is still my baby boy.” Knock smiled into the embrace.

“I will. I promise.” They left the embrace and May smiled at him.

“Please. Call me mum.” Knock looked surprised at Korn and was greeted again with a blinding smile.

“Yes. Okay… Mum..” Knock laughed shyly.

“Oh, you are going to be my son in law soon enough. Why not get used to it now?” She smiled her gentle mum smile at him and once again Knock was reminded why his boyfriend had such an amazing smile himself. He inherited it simply from his mother.

“Mum, we really need to go now. We have work tomorrow morning.” Korn gave his mother a sweet smile before he pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for everything.” He didn’t say more but he didn’t have to. His mother understood perfectly well.

“You are more then welcome, my love. And take care of Knock. You are lucky to have him.” Korn looked over at this boyfriend who just looked up their bus connections on his phone for their way home.

“I know, mum. And I don’t intent to ever let him go.” His mother shared his wide smile.

“Good. And you shouldn’t.” They looked at each other and Korn felt so happy in that moment. He always dreamed about sharing this side of his life with his mother. He loved his mother so much and yes, he was a bit of a mummy’s boy after all. But he never thought he would be able to do it. And now it seemed that everything finally fell into place. He couldn’t be happier.

“Take care, son.” His father offered him his hand and Korn took it. With a new found respect for each other both men looked at each other.

“Don’t be a stranger. Your mother misses you too much otherwise.” Korn knew that it was not just his mother who missed him. But knowing his father he would never admit that it was also him, who wanted his son home.

“I won’t. I promise.” He smiled at his father. It felt like an eternity since he last felt so free around his father. And he loved this feeling.

“Maybe we can watch the Champion’s League game next week. You could bring Knock…” Korn’s eyes widened in surprise. His father really never stopped to amaze him. At least not tonight.

“Yes, absolutely. Knock? You want to go watch the Champion’s League game with me and my father next week?” Knock seemed to be as surprised by the offer as Korn, but he just smiled at Lek.

“Absolutely. But I have to warn you. I am a Chelsea fan through and through.” Knock stated while Korn groaned next to him. This was a constant source of argument between the two of them.

“Good, so I have finally someone on my side.” Lek’s voice shocked both of them.

“What? I know good football when I see it and Dortmund is not a good team, son.” Korn’s jaw dropped at the words of his father.

“You are kidding me, right?” Both Lek and Knock started to laugh and even though Korn felt insulted due to his father’s word about his favourite team, he couldn’t be any happier.

Things were finally looking up.

After they said their final goodbyes Korn and Knock made their way down to the bus stop. The night was clear and warm and here in the suburbs they could even see some stars in the sky.

They didn’t speak but it was not necessary anyway. They enjoyed each others company and that was all both of them needed right now. It had been a tough evening for both of them. And they felt exhausted.

But Korn would have lied if he felt anything else then absolute bliss right now.

He had the man of his dreams next to him. He finally was brave enough to fully stand by him and to say proudly that he loved Knock, for all the world to hear. Korn finally understood where all his insecurities during the last years came from and he finally could see that coming out was just the last piece of the puzzle that was missing for such a long time. He loved this stupid idiot so much and he couldn’t wait for their future to begin.

Of course it wouldn’t be just a bed of roses. After all they were still Knock and Korn. Stubborn, jealous, sometimes immature. But he was sure that the worst was behind them.

As they sat down on the bus bench Korn suddenly took Knock’s hand into his. Knock just looked up from his phone for a second to give him a sweet, little smile before he turned his attention back to whatever game he was playing on his phone right now.

A while ago Korn would have been mad, he would have been annoyed by the childishness of his boyfriend, but now… He was just happy to sit here with his hand in his. They had their whole future in front of them. And that was more then enough.