#adrianadmirerfics

[madrut16]

Meeting the Parents (Adrian x MC)

Author’s Note: I’m already back! This fic took me maybe 24 hours if that to write and a few hours more to edit which is the fastest I’ve ever done one of these. I just had to write this because it will provide some background for the first fic for the July Challenge I’m doing. I hope you like it, it’s just a cute little scenario I’ve been thinking about for months now for these two. 

Also, I’m going to be tagging all of my fanfic with adrianadmirerfics from now on so that you have an easy way to find all of my content! I’ll try to tag some of the old stuff too. :)

(p.s:  Also, I don’t know if I’ve said this publicly but Delilah--my TRR mc--is Isabel’s cousin and adopted sister.)

Pairing: Adrian x MC

Rating: PG

Summary: While visiting her in New York, Isabel’s parents finally meet Adrian for the first time. However, after learning the one thing she’s been keeping secret about him, will that jeopardize their opinions of him?

Word Count: 1523

@endlesshero1122 @kinda-iconic @krishu213 @ladykateofhousebeaumont @shelley-parah @tabithacarlisle @galaxyside-0 @desiree-0816 @brightpinkpeppercorn 

"Do you think your parents will like me?" Adrian wonders, playing with the cufflinks on his grey suit.

Isabel bites her lip as they walk towards their destination for the evening, the cool air blowing gently against her bare shoulders. "Mmhmm."

She certainly hopes so. They're visiting her in New York for the week and insisted on meeting him during the trip. In fact, she was pretty confident that it would go well...that is until their conversation yesterday. One secret uncovered later, everything has changed.

Now suddenly, this dinner is more important than ever. 

"I mean, of course, they will,” she adds quickly. “While they are overprotective, any hostility is usually just a front they put up. They’re actually really amicable. In fact, there’s only one person I’ve introduced who they haven’t liked," she explains. Her stomach twists itself into a knotted mess as she pauses in front of the restaurant. "Although...there is something that might complicate things."

His eyebrows lift up. "What is it?"

She lets out a sigh, playing with nonexistent dust on his suit. "They know about you."

It doesn't take long for him to realize what she means. 

He looks at her in shock. "You didn't tell them did you?"

Isabel shakes her head vigorously. "No! I haven’t told anyone besides Alyssa. Delilah did, even though I explicitly told her not to when she first said she was briefed on it. And then I had to tell them some information just to keep them from freaking out on me.”

She watches as his anxiety skyrockets. "I doubt you would allow me to have them debriefed."

"I know that you consider Jameson a friend Adrian, but I still don’t trust him. So no, I’m not letting them anywhere near him,” she confirms, pursing her lips at the thought of the scholar. “I don’t think it’s necessary anyway. They don't know that much. I didn't even tell them about The Council! I just said enough to reassure them that you don’t want to hurt anyone.”

A brief silence between them lingers as he becomes deep in thought. Finally, his expression clears, his mind made up.

"Okay, I won’t make them then, Isabel. I trust you.” He began to relax, but he’s still more nervous than before she said anything. “How do they feel about it?"

Isabel shrugs. "Well, they're still a little apprehensive but, they are willing to keep an open mind," she says. "I doubt it’ll be a problem. My mama is already fine with it since she’s been hearing vampire stories since childhood from my grandma, who’s kind of obsessed with everything supernatural. My dad will be the harder sell. But I wouldn’t worry too much.”

“Why is that?”

She gives him a reassuring smile. “Because I know him...and you. All you have to do is answer their questions and while it’s probably best if you don’t bring up your past in detail, I wouldn’t pretend like you don’t have one either. Just be yourself, like you were with me.”

“From what I recall, that did seem to work back then,” he chuckles as they enter the Italian place she selected. 

After being shown to their table, the two only have to wait for a few minutes until their company arrives. 

“There she is!” a soft voice with a distinctive southern twang exclaimed. 

Isabel looks up to see her parents walking towards them and immediately sets down the menu she’s holding. 

“Hi,” she says getting up hug both of them. 

“Hi Mija,” her father replies, a hint of unease on his aging features.

Meanwhile, Adrian stands a little ways back, watching the interaction take place. 

Seeing him, Isabel gestures for him to come forward. “Mama, Papa, this is Adrian.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” he tells them, shaking their hands. 

“Likewise. I’ve heard so much about you, on the internet, newspapers, Isabel,” her mother gushes as they all sit down at the table. “But, that clearly doesn’t give you justice.”

Isabel feels her cheeks becoming red as her father continues to scrutinize him. 

“Don’t worry, he always does that,” she whispers reassuringly. 

They continue to make small talk as they decide what to order. Everything seems to be going smoothly. But she still waits in anticipation for the inevitable questioning that is coming. 

“What will you be having?” their waiter asks after a little while. 

“I’ll have the cannelloni please,” her mother says before she smiles cheekily. “And be sure to leave off the garlic if you will.” Her eyes flick over to Adrian and she gives him a wink making him squirm. 

“Mama!” Isabel whispers in protest. 

“What? I’m simply being considerate.”

Rolling her eyes, she proceeds to give her order. “The Gnocci for me please.”

Soon the waiter leaves with their requests. 

Her father clears his throat. “So. I have a few questions to ask about...this vampire thing. I understand that some things must remain a secret but...I just want to make sure that my daughter is in good hands.”

“Of course,” Adrian says, his smile faltering for a second. Beneath the table, Isabel gives his hand a squeeze. “As do I. What do you want to know?”

The older man becomes thoughtful. Finally, after a minute he starts with, “How much of this is a part of her job? Is it dangerous?”

Isabel answers this one. “It’s...a significant part. And yes, I’ve been in some...precarious situations. But, I know what I signed up for Papa. This is what I want. I’m really getting to help people--mortal and vampire alike. And Adrian is here to protect me.”

“She has proved to be very capable of defending herself also,” he interjects. “She’s even saved my life.”

Her father’s eyes widen before a tentative grin appears. “I see those self-defense lessons have come in handy.”

“Yes, yes they have Papa,” she replies in amusement. 

“Well, as long as you’re keeping her safe,” her mother says. “I don’t see a reason to object.”

“Neither do I. But, I do have one more thing I’m curious about.”

Adrian nods. “Go ahead.”

Her father pauses before inquiring, “How long have you been so...friendly to humans? I’m assuming that you’ve done some things in the past that were less than...honorable.”

The CEO’s expression darkens into one Isabel is all too familiar with. “You’re right. We’ve instituted a restraint here in New York that is rather uncommon, it’s also relatively new. However, we now have rules against that which I stick to firmly. It’s been a while since I’ve killed anyone...almost a century now.”

“Why did it change? For you?”

“Well...I’ve always been sympathetic to you, even back then,” he replies, swallowing. “Deep down I knew it was wrong but, I didn’t think that there was another option, it’s what I was taught for years. Eventually, I decided I had enough. That I could use what I’ve been given to help people instead of hurt them. So, I helped create that other choice.”

Just like Isabel advised, the truth seems to remove the lasting doubt her father had. “I can respect that. As long as you’re sure about him Isabel. I don’t want you to go through what you did last time.”

At the mention of her previous relationship, she frowns briefly. “Yes, I’m sure. More than anything I’ve ever done. Now, can you please not mention Derek? You know I don’t like talking about him.”

Adrian’s eyes widen slightly at her sudden change in demeanor as her father nods silently, a secret communication between them. “Of course. Well, that’s all I need. You seem trustworthy.”

She’s kept him in the dark about her ex minus brief, minor details since the beginning. She fears that the lasting effects of the unhealthy relationship will affect what she has now. He’s the first person who she’s tried to date who she hasn’t felt guarded around and she wants to keep it that way.

Just as quickly as the tension appeared, her smile comes and it fades. The food comes after that, providing her much needed relief. “Thank you,” she says before swiftly changing the subject. “Why don’t you tell Adrian some stories about Ginny?”

Her mother’s eyes light up at the mention of hers. “Oh, that’s a great idea! My mama, Adrian, you’ll absolutely love her! She’s such an intellectual like you, especially when it comes to the dark and mysterious subjects.”

“I get a lot from her actually,” Isabel adds cheerfully. “The love of history, my perceptiveness. I could go on.”

“And your need for adventure Iz! Don’t forget about that.”

Adrian’s eyes sparkle at this. “Oh really? I definitely need to hear this then.”

They spend the rest of the time filling him in with numerous stories, any lingering discomfort between them quickly disappearing. And Isabel can’t help but smile, her mind already filling with quixotic wishful thinking. The seemingly impossible pipe dream of peace, even friendship between the two worlds she now belonged to. 

But, maybe, just maybe one day she’d be able to see it become a reality.