RP: Meet the Changs

[rar_cho]

Date: Saturday, December 23, 1999
Characters: Cho Chang, Stephen Cornfoot
Location: Glasgow
Status: Private
Summary: Cho takes Stephen home to meet her family.
Completion: Complete

Comments

[rar_cho]

She thought the introductions to her parents had gone well. Cho had been nervous when she met Stephen’s parents and knew it had to be the same for him, if not worse. His manners were impeccable but she sensed he was feeling uncomfortable.

She led him over to meet her brothers who were grinning far too much for her liking. Both took turns engulfing her in bear hugs as Lee asked, “How’s our little sister tonight?” Lam chuckled, “She’s practically glowing, Lee. I’m sure it’s because she’s so happy to see her brothers.” She swatted both before smoothing her hair back in place as she pleaded, “Behave yourselves, please.”

She smiled apologetically at Stephen but before she could make any introductions, Lee had extended his hand to Stephen. “Welcome, Stephen. I’m Lee and it’s nice to finally meet you.” Lam stepped forward next for a handshake, “I’m Lam, and don’t mind us. Cho will always be our little sister, even though she’s finally grown up on us.” Lee and Lam had stayed worried about their sister’s safety and well-being during those last couple years during the war. It was good to see their sister smiling more these days and it seemed this Cornfoot bloke had something to do with that.

[rar_stephen]

Stephen rubbed the back of his neck. Cho’s parents were incredibly nice. Not that his own parents couldn’t be nice and friendly when they wanted to, but Cho’s parents seemed more real than his own. There didn’t seem like was there was anything to prove with Cho's parents. Clearly, they adored their children.

Cho walked him over to meet her brothers. Lee and Cho looked a bit alike. His hair was short and dark, and he and Cho had the same smile. Lam was slightly shorter than Lee, had the same shaped nose and cheekbones as Cho, and Stephen was surprised to see his hair brushed against his collar. Stephen’s father would not have been able to stand any of his sons having long hair.

“Nice to meet you both,” he said. “Cho’s told me many stories about you two. All good, of course,” he added. He looked down at Cho and gave her a small smile. "It's brilliant to see a family getting along, happy to be together and such. But I couldn't imagine Cho coming from a family that wasn't amazing." Then he blushed. Had he said too much? He suddenly felt awkward again.

[rar_cho]

Her family already seemed to like Stephen, maybe even more after his last comment which had her parents exchanging approving glances. She smiled up at Stephen before introducing him to the rest of the family members. Her grandfather politely greeted Stephen and then sat back to quietly observe the rest of the introductions. Her sister-in-laws, Gillian and Helen, were excited to meet Stephen and from the looks on their faces, she knew she would be pulled aside later by them. Her nephews had patiently waited their turn to meet their Aunt Cho’s boyfriend, only to then bombard him with questions about his Hit Wizard training. Cho thought Stephen was handling the deluge of curious Changs pretty well.

A short time later it was declared time to eat by most of the Chang males. They gathered in the dining room where more tables had been conjured to accommodate everyone. Cho’s sister-in-laws were both talented cooks and had prepared a huge holiday dinner. Cho sat next to Stephen during dinner and kept close to him throughout the rest of the evening.

Cho pulled him aside while everyone gathered again in the sitting room. She smiled up at him, “Thank you for coming tonight.” She nodded towards her family who were now discussing their holiday plans. “You did well, handling all their questions.”

[rar_stephen]

After dinner, Cho and Stephen were able to sit down and talk. He smiled. “I hope I kept the Hit Wizard descriptions clean enough. No need to frighten them, but I got the feeling they wanted the gory details,” he said with a shake of his head. Boys were all the same, no matter the age.

He took her hand. “I suppose I might have imagined what other families were like, but this-I had…I mean, I didn’t know. They all seem so happy. Odd,” he said. He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand and glanced at her family. Then he rubbed his chest; it felt tight and yet…empty. “I’m jealous,” he said. “Shameful, yeah?” He tried to smile. “But I’m thankful that you’ve grown up here-in this family. It’s a strange feeling, and I…I don’t know exactly how to describe it.”

He frowned. “Do you think I’m the reason my family is so dysfunctional now? Should I apologise to my mother?” He stopped himself. “I’m sorry. This isn’t the time for this. We’re here to enjoy your family.”

[rar_cho]

Cho smiled as Stephen talked about her nephews’ reactions to his job. “The boys already have a fascination with that sort of thing.” She grinned at him playfully, “I think they’re impressed that their aunt is dating a Hit Wizard. I know they were excited about meeting you tonight.”

Stephen seemed surprised to see how well her family got along and she instinctively squeezed his hand tighter. Her family had always been loving and supportive of each other but it was that last year of the war that had drawn them even closer. She knew Stephen’s situation has been very different from hers. It hurt, knowing he was missing this kind of closeness with his own family. “No, it’s not shameful to want and wish things to be better. That’s natural.” Cho wished more than anything for him to find some sort of peace regarding his family.

She shook her head at his questions. “No, Stephen. You’re not the reason for your family’s problems. You had no control or part in what happened.” When he apologized for bringing up the subject, she moved even closer to him. “You can always talk to me, Stephen, anytime and about anything.” She raised her hand to caress his face as she looked into his eyes. “You’ve been dealing with this alone all this time. You’ll know in your heart when you’re ready to talk to your parents about it.”

Her lips curved into a small smile, hoping she couldn’t lighten his mood. “In the meantime, you’ve got a room full of people who find you as charming and interesting as I do.” She teasingly whispered, “I guess I’ll have to share you for another few hours.”

[rar_stephen]

Stephen wished he could explain how comforting Cho’s presence was for him. She really listened to him, and he still couldn’t imagine how he had gotten so lucky. He leaned into her touch and a slow grin tugged his lips. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you’re too good for me. But I’ll take it.”

He kissed her cheek quickly, making sure no one was paying attention to them. He didn’t want to be disrespectful in her home. “It’s a good thing your family doesn’t know how incredibly awkward and wretched I am in social situations,” he said and he winked at her. “Should we join them? I can manage a bit longer, especially since I know you and I will have our own Christmas.” He slipped his arm around her and tugged her toward him.

[rar_cho]

Cho shook her head at Stephen but conceded, “How about we just agree we’re good for each other.” She smiled when he kissed her cheek, and again thought he was better with people than he knew. “We should join them. My family does seem intent on getting to know you, Mr. Cornfoot.” She was glad Stephen and her family seemed to like each other. This evening had gone well in her opinion.

Stephen mentioned having their own Christmas and Cho smiled as she moved to wrap her arms around him. They would each be joining their respective families on Christmas Day, but would be spending tomorrow evening together. She snuggled against him, “I’m looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with you.” She hoped this would be the start of a new holiday tradition for them.