Chapter Text
KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweetie) played on a loop in Anne’s head. It was simple enough to not complicate things, especially if they were going well. Anne lived by this principle in most things in their life, so why should it be different now that they're dating. This is why in the few weeks of dating, Anne applied this principle with a personal tweak of KISS (Keep It Simple, Sashannarcy), Kiss they did often, but here they were about to complicate things so early in their dating stage. Anne sighed thinking of Halloween night and the events after their first kiss.
“Hey,” Anne said, sleepy.
“Yes?” They both said.
“I bet –”
The two looked at each other then back at Anne’s grin.
“No more bets, Anna Banana.” Marcy said, followed by a yawn.
“Yeah Boonchuy, what’s wrong with you?” Sasha said, closing his eyes .
“This is a good one, I promise.” Anne said.
“Okay, what is it?” Sasha said, followed by a yawn.
“I’m listening.” Marcy added.
“I bet we’re going to have the best time togayther.” Anne couldn’t help the smile that spread across their face.
“We’ll take that bet.” Marcy and Sasha said, as they couldn’t help the smile that spread across their faces as well.
Anne smiled into their Eggnog latte thinking of Halloween felt like yesterday, yet it’s been a few weeks since they’ve all started dating. The time they all spent togayther has been the best, it’s been a successful bet so far.
Anne had invited their two dates to Money Coffee to propose something they hoped would go well. Anne's smile turned into a nervous lip nibble as they slid the frog pendant from one side of their necklace to the other. Anne told themselves it was going to be fine. They thought,why wouldn’t it be when the trio have been in pure poly bliss. Maybe they should cancel the meeting to not rock the boat. Anne picked up their phone to send a text in the group chat that they changed their mind.
“Hey Anna Banana.”
“Hey Boonchuy.”
Anne looked up from their phone cursing themselves for moving so slow. They smiled and relaxed a bit seeing the soft smile on Marcy’s face and teasing one on Sasha’s. They thought, maybe this will be okay and they’re just freaking themselves out.
Marcy kissed Anne on their cheek while Sasha kissed them on their forehead before they both sat across from them. Anne smiled as the feeling of their lips lingered on the spots they kissed.
“Why did you want to see us, Anna Banana?”
“Yeah, why couldn’t you wait for our Serenity of Stones game tonight?”
“Oh, I didn’t know I needed a rhyme or reason to see you two.”
“Of course not, Anna Banana.”
“I also didn’t know I had a time frame either.”
“Boonchuy, stop. I didn’t mean it like that.” He sighed. “You just seemed nervous, is all.”
“Well, you two should order first.” Anne smiled sweetly. “Then we can chat.”
“Okay.” they both said.
The two came back, Sasha’s black coffee with a little cream and cinnamon, and Marcy’s Apple Crisp Macchiato made upside down. They sat back in their seats and started to sip their drinks, giving Anne as much time as they needed.
“Okay, so I been enjoying our time together —”
“You don’t want to date us anymore, Boonchuy?”
“We can do better, if we messed up —”
“What?! No. I said I’ve been enjoying my time with you two. I didn’t say I was having a horrible time.”
“Sorry. I’m used to thinking the worst.” Marcy hung xir head.
“Me too.” Sasha shook her head.
Anne smiled warmly at the both of them before taking both of their hands into their own and caressing them. The two smiled back and started to calm down. Anne continued to caress their hands with a smile as they continued to speak.
“Better?”
“Yes.” The two said in unison.
“Y’all know family means everything to me and because of my mom, Christmas is important to me too.”Anne watched them nod. “I want to get to know your families as well, if that’s okay with you both.”
“Are you sure you want to torture yourself?”
“Sasha, really?”
“Hey, I can be a handful.”
“True.” Marcy agreed.
“No argument here.” Anne added.
“Gee thanks, you two.”
“We both have two hands, Sashy.”
“Yeah Sash, four in total —”
“Great, you can count.”
Anne rolled their eyes dramatically.“Okay, now I'm not going to say the nice thing, you ass.”
“No. Say it.” She pouted.
“We have four hands, so a handful is never too much.
Sasha couldn’t help the red hue that coated her cheeks. “Whatever. But, my family can be a lot.”
“Sasha, you met my parents, and they have big personalities.”
“I love them.”
“I could love yours too.”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes.
“No pressure, Sasha.” Anne assured her.
“It’s okay, you would have to meet them eventually, so might as well.”
Anne squealed. “I’m so excited!” They turned to face Marcy. “What about you, Marmar?”
“Sure.” They smiled faintly, removing xir hands from Anne to place in xir lap.
“Thanks for making me look bad, Martian.”
“How so?” Marcy crossed xir hands over xir chest.
“Didn’t even put up a fight.”
“It’s no big deal. Like you said Anne would have to meet them eventually.” Marcy put xir hands in xir lap and wrung them under the table.
Anne removed their hands from Sasha and began to clap. “Thank you both.”
“Don’t thank us yet.” Sasha shook his head. “You still have to meet them first.”
“I’m sure it will be fine and no matter what I won’t think differently of you.”
Marcy let out a quiet breath before taking a sip of xir drink.
A week had passed since the trio’s chat in the coffee shop and it was time for Anne to meet the parents. Sasha paced back and forth in their living room waiting for Anne to arrive. She would go to the window and peek his head out before pacing again.
“Pumpkin, didn’t Anne tell you what time —"
“Yes Mama, they told me the time they’ll be here.” She said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Then why do you keep looking out the window when it isn't time yet.”
“Just ready to get this over with.”
“Sasha. That’s not the spirit.” She put a hand on Sasha’s shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll have fun.”
“I guess.” Sasha nibbled his lip. “Just get Anne’s pronouns right.”
“Okay, Anne’s pronouns are she—”
“They. Anne’s pronouns are they/them, Mama”
“Oh, right.” She nodded sincerely before letting out an exhausted sigh.
“What Mama?”
“Squash, I support you, you know I do.”
“But?”
“It’s just when you wanted to date girls I supported you, ladies are fun —“
“Mama?!” She shook her head in frustration.
“Then you wanted to use he/him, so I asked if you felt like a boy, and you said no.”
“Not everyone who uses he/him is a boy, mama.”
“Okay, understood.” She smiled faintly. “I just wish you gave me more time to practice your girlfriend’s pronouns.”
“Not my girlfriend.”
“Partner?”
“They’re my date, mama.”
“Why did you want them to meet Papa and Me?” She smiled brightly. “Are you thinking of making them your partner?”
“No. I don’t know. It’s too early.” Sasha shook his head. “Anne wanted to meet you for some strange reason.” She rolled her eyes dramatically.
“Well I guess it’s fair since you’re always at h — Sorry Squash. You’re always at their house. I am excited to meet Anne.” She said, before turning to the kitchen when hearing a ding. “Oh dear, that’s the rolls. I should get them.” She started to head in the direction.
“Mama?!” Sasha stomped his foot and crossed her arms over his chest.
His mother stopped in her tracks and turned to face her. “Pumpkin, I’m listening. I know pronouns are important. And I do not want to misgender your girlfriend — sorry partner - sorry date.” She threw her hands towards the sky dramatically. “Sorry. sorry.”
“Ugh” Sasha threw his head back in frustration.
“I will practice, I promise. I don’t want to mess up Anne's pronouns, and I also don’t want to serve them burnt rolls the first time they meet me.”
“Fine, go check the food”
“I’ll be right back or you can —“
“Nope, I am not stepping foot in the kitchen.”
She gave a tender smile. “That’s probably for the best, Pumpkin brb.” She said in song.
When her mama came back placing plates on the table Sasha walked over to help. “Mama, Marcy goes by Xe, Xem, Xir.”
“When did they change their – sorry xir pronouns?”
“Sometime in August.” Sasha shrugged. “You remember we’re dating too, right?”
“It's a little hard to forget your daughter has two girls— partners. Oh shoot, dates?” She smiled. “I’m going to go practice “dates, they/them, xe/xem.” She kept repeating as she walked back into the kitchen.
Sasha went to answer the doorbell, “Hey, are you here to sing Christmas carols?”
They giggled, “Is that your pick up line?”
“No, maybe I really want a song, Boonchuy.”
“Silver bells, Silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city. Hear them ring -”
Sasha watched them sing, he knew Anne sounded angelic, but always put her in a trance.
“So, are you going to let me in?” Anne said, leaning towards her.
“Sorry, it’s freezing out there, come in.”
“Don’t be dramatic, we're in LA it’s not that cold.” Anne teased walking into the living room. They looked at all the decorations, the ten foot christmas tree with blue, red, and green ornaments. The matching wrapping paper that covered tons of gifts. “Wow, y’all really go all out for Christmas. Look at all of this, plus, all the Christmas lights and reindeers outside”
“It’s okay, I guess.”
“Why didn’t you tell me your family was into Christmas, when I told you that my family was?”
“Mostly my mama is into it and that’s every holiday.” Sasha shrugged. “You should have seen this place on Halloween.”
“What was it like?”
“A haunted house that would have made you scream, scary cat.”
“I’m glad I didn't see it then.” Anne stuck out her tongue.
Sasha blushed at how adorable they were. “Whatever. But next year you will.”
“Oh you plan to keep me around until next year.”
“Of course.” Sasha said with a small blush and smile.
Anne had a matching blush and smile. “Well, I like all the Christmas decorations.” Anne said, walking around to look at the owls in Santa hats in the dining room.
Sasha grabbed their hand and led them to the living room by the fireplace where the stoking hung above it. “You would like it since you’re all about Christmas.”
Anne giggled, “Yeah, but we haven’t even set up yet, you’re all set up before December.”
“I know, that’s why I didn’t want you to come so soon.”
“Why?”
“I know you love this junk, but I thought you thought I was dorky for being set up so soon.”
“Sashy, you are dorky.”
“Thanks Boonchuy.”
“Not for this, and being dorky isn’t a bad thing.”
“You and Marcy are adorkable.” Sasha teased.
“Well so are you.”
“I guess you two rubbed off on me.” She rolled her eyes.
“Or maybe we brought out the best in you?” Anne raised a brow.
“Whatever.” Sasha muttered.
Anne looked around at all the decorations with a smile. “Sash, I love all of this!”
“You do?” He nibbled her lip.
Anne nodded and placed their hands on her cheeks, “I do.”
“Well, in that case there is one decoration that I want to show you.”
“What?” Anne titled their head.
“That.” Sasha pointed up.
Anne followed his gesture and sucked their teeth, “really?”
“What? It’s tradition.”
Anne smiled before leaning in to meet Sasha’s lips half way-
“Now, I see why my daughter insisted on putting up the mistletoe this year.”
Sasha jumped back, “Mama!”
Anne stepped back too, a little embarrassed. Anne lifted her hand with a wave, “Hey –”
“No, you don’t.” Sasha grabbed Anne’s hand and walked them over to her mama before turning back to Anne. “I’m supposed to introduce you. You’re my date.”
“Okay.” Anne smiled shyly.
“Mama, this is Anne Savisa Boonchuy, my date.” Sasha smiled warmly at Anne. “Anne, this is —”
“Luanne Waybright, but my friends call me Lulu or Lemon. You can call me that too.”
“Okay, Nice to meet you Mrs. Waybright.” Anne said shyly, squeezing Sasha’s hand.
“How do you spell your name?” Luanne asked.
“Oh A.n.n.e”
“No way!” Luanne squealed, “I spell Anne in Luanne the same way.”
“That’s pretty cool.” Anne said honestly.
Sasha rolled her eyes watching her mama pull her date to the table to talk about all the food she made. Sasha looked at the time wondering if her dad was going to keep his word and make it home in time. Not that her dad was less embarrassing, but she really wanted Anne to meet both her parents since that’s what Anne wanted. If Sash was being honest it was nice to introduce the people she cared about to each other.
“Anne, I made a lovely lemon pie.”
“Because you're Lulu Lemon?”
“Oh no, Silly.” She leaned her head back and laughed. “Although that is the best reason and I wish I thought of it.” She calmed her laughter. “I like to make fruit pies with seasonal fruits and lemons are in season from Nov- April.”
“Oh.” Anne nodded politely.
“Mama, you're boring them.”
“I am not.” Lulu protested, “am I boring you Anne?”
“No Mrs. Waybright.”
“I insist, call me Lulu or Lemon.”
“Okay, Mrs. Lemon.”
Lulu laughed, “Sasha you have a polite one here. How did you manage that?”
“What does that mean?”
“I love you Squash, but you are the complete opposite.”
Anne couldn’t help but laugh, “Squash?” They said, leaning closer to Sasha.
“Mama, I said no nicknames.”
“You have so many rules tonight Pumpkin, it’s hard to keep up.”
“Wait, do you call him Pumpkin because it’s a squash too?”
“Your girlfriend is really smart. Oh dang it.” She stomped her foot “You’re date is really smart. She’s a keeper.”
“Mama.” Sasha whined.
“Oh figs in berries. They’re a keeper. I’m so sorry Anne.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, no. I will keep practicing. I’m sorry for saying sorry. I don’t want you to reassure me. I’m still learning. Oh shoot, is telling you that counts as making an excuse.”
“Um no, Mrs. Lemon.”
“You Sure? You can be frank with me.”
“It could seem like an excuse depending on who you’re talking to. I honestly try to be gentle while people are learning. I’m learning the difference between meaning well and meaning harm. I like to meet the people who have been there for me. —” Anne looked at Sasha, “Or the people I care for, half way.”
“Anne, you are a crystal gem. Can I call you, Shimmer?”
“Shimmer?”
“Yeah, because you really shine.”
Anne blushed a little overwhelmed “Um —”
“Anne, you don’t have to agree to my mama’s nicknames, because if you do you’ll be that forever.”
“Oh hush. Mushroom likes my nickname.”
“Mushroom?” Anne asked, confused.
“Yes, Marcy since they – oh, xe loves playing that game with the mushrooms.”
“She’s referring to Mario.”
“Oh, why don’t you just call xem Mario?”
“Mario?”
"Yes since Marcy already has Mar in xir name.”
“Anne, you are brilliant. I’m going to start calling —” She stopped and thought for a minute. “Xe! I’m going to start calling xe Mario. Okay, I’m going to wait to decide your nickname.”
“Or not?” Sasha suggested.
“Hush Pumpkin.”
“Yeah Squash.” Anne teased. “I like nicknames, Mrs. Lemon.”
“Yay! Me too.” She cheered.
“Oh Toad.” Sasha rolled her eyes dramatically.
“What?” Anne bumped shoulders with her.
“I see you’re going to be my mom’s new best friend.”
Anne laughed, “Who was the old one?”
“Marcy.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, my mother’s favorite child.”
“Hush Squash, I love y'all equally.”
Sasha started to complain until he heard the bell ring. “Saved by the bell.” She said before getting up to get it.
Sasha opened the door to a pleasant surprise,.
“Maple!” He held out his arms.
"Papa!” She leaped in them giving him a hug.
“Why did you ring the doorbell?”
“I wanted to surprise you.” He stepped in and put his bag down. “Oh, you must be Anne.” He walked over to them.
“Yes, that’s me.” Anne waved shyly.
“Put it there.” He reached out his hand and Anne took it and gave it a shake.
“Sasha talks about you all the time.”
“Oh, she does?”
“Yeah Anne this and Anne that.”
“Papa, stop.” Sasha held his face embarrassed.
“Alright. Anne, are you ready to eat?”
“Amphibia-lutely .”
“That’s cute.” He beamed, before walking to the table and taking a seat.
“Please do not encourage them, Dad.”
He laughed lightly. “I hope you have an appetite because Lemon makes a lot.”
“Don’t force them to eat, Ashton.”
“I’m not forcing her to eat.”
“Them, dad.”
“Huh?”
“Anne’s pronouns are they/them.”
“Oh.” He said slowly.
“Dad, it’s like when Marcy pronouns were they/them.”
“Right. I mean, is it rude to ask why?”
“Why do you use the pronouns that you do?” Anne questioned.
“It's just the pronouns I’ve always had.”
“Gender isn’t just a queer form of expression and identity, it’s for everyone. If the only reason you're asking why is to prove someone wrong instead of understanding who they are, then yes asking why is rude. It’s also rude to expect them to answer you.”
“That makes sense. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. And I use they/them because I am all energy while being something of its own at times. So when you say I'm one person most of the time I don’t feel that way. But, that’s not the reason everyone uses they/them.”
“Understood. Thanks Anne.”
“Honey, can you help me bring in the dishes?” Luanne nudged him.
“Yes Dear.” He stood up making a scared face. “I’m in trouble.” He mouthed.
“Honey!” Lulu called from the kitchen.
“Coming dear.” He ran in behind her.
“Sorry about him. I should've prepared him before you got here.”
“It’s okay, I’m glad you care.”
“Of course, I care about you Anne.”
Anne looked to the side smitten. “Gosh Sasha no wonder you were an ass at first.”
Sasha laughed, “Exsqueeze me?”
“Sasha you’re squishy when you let people in.” They giggled, “Squishy, Sashy, Squash.”
“Please don’t.” He rolled his eyes. “If you ever tell Mars I’ll never live it down.”
“I’m texting them now.” Anne took out their phone.
“Stop!” Sasha grabbed at their phone.
Anne lifted it up which did nothing since Sasha is taller than them. Sasha was leaning on top of them while Anne tried to lean as far back as they could. They both were laughing to the top of their lungs.
“Having fun.” Mrs. Waybright teased.
Sasha lifted up off Anne and they both sat up in their chairs a bit embarrassed.
“We were just playing.” Sasha mumbled completely red in the face.
The Waybrights sat at the table and Lulu nudged her husband. “I’m sorry, Anne. I hope we can start over and you can enjoy your meal. I’m not just saying that because my wife made me either.”
“Ash.” Lulu rolled her eyes.
“I want Anne to know I mean it.”
Anne nodded and smiled, “It's Okay.”
“Oh no, Marcy just texted me xir not going to make it.”
“Xir?”
“Yeah Marmar the Martian.”
“What?”
“Wait, let me ask Marcy if I can tell you.” Sasha sent a text and put her phone down. The phone dinged and he looked at it. “Okay, xir said it’s okay. So, sometimes Marcy feels beyond human so the pronoun xe expressives that.”
“Okay.” Ash said simply.
“Everyone ready for turducken?” Mrs. Waybright said excitedly.
Anne looked at the table of green bean casserole, mash potatoes, cream corn, and cranberry sauce. Very different from what her family usually serves for the holiday, but she was excited to try it.
“Maple, are you excited?”
“Papa not in front of Anne, please.” She whined.
“Are you telling me you are embarrassed by your childhood nickname?”
“Might as well tell them why you call me Maple –” She rolled his eyes. “... I know Anne is going to ask.”
“You know me so well, Squishy, Sashy, Squash.” Anne teased.
“That’s cute.” The Waybrights cooed.
“I hate it here.” Sasha muttered.
The Waybrights and Anne laughed at her pain. "You love us." Her parents said.
"Sometimes." He playfully rolled her eyes.
“Any way, so Sasha loved waffles and pancakes with maple syrup growing up. It was all she would eat for a while.”
“Awe, I have to make you some.” Anne said sweetly before taking a sip of their water.
“Yes, please.” Sasha said with a bright smile.
“That’s great you can cook, Anne, because my pumpkin can not.”
Anne started to choke on their water. Sasha rolled his eyes and patted their back. “It’s not that funny.”
“Thanks Sasha, but it is funny.” Anne continued to laugh between coughs.
Sasha shook her head. “Well, maybe don’t tease me while drinking next time.”
“I didn’t tease you. I laughed at your mama teasing you.”
“Same difference.” She rolled her eyes playfully.
The doorbell rang causing everyone to look at it confused.
“You think Mars was able to make it after all?” Sasha said.
“Hopefully.” Anne said.
“I’ll get it.” Sasha got up to answer it.
“I wonder who it can be. Did you say Mario wasn’t coming?”
“Mario?” Sasha's dad questioned.
“Marcy.” Mrs. Waybright said simply.
“Okay.” Mr. Waybright sipped his tea.
Sasha opened the front door. “Grimesy!” Sasha leaped in his uncle's arms. “What are you doing here you old toad?”
He rolled his eyes. “I should have never taken you to that Amphibian exhibit.”
“Come in.” Sasha waved him in. “I thought you weren’t going to make it?”
“Yeah, I thought so too, but my date was canceled.”
“Oh no Grimey.” She said, before she whispered in his ear. “Sorry that happened, but happy you’re here because mama and papa are blowing it.”
He nodded, “I’m sure they’re not that bad.” He said in a whisper before speaking out loud. “So, you have enough for me?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Waybright assured.
Sasha squealed, pulling Grime to the table.“Grimsey, this is my date Anne Savisa Boonchuy, they/them pronouns. Anne this is —”
“Grimothy (he/they pronouns), but you can call me Grime.” He stretched out his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” They gave his hand a shake with a smile.
“What bump on a log stood you up?” Mrs. Waybright asked.
“He’s not a bump on a log. Well, he doesn’t seem like one, just busy.” Grime sat in his seat at the table.
“Well, hopefully he can make it up to you.” She winked while pouring Grime some tea.
“Mama, that's gross.”
“Honey get your head out of the pig trough. I just mean with a nice date and maybe flowers. Why are you thinking like that anyway, young lady?”
Sasha's face lit up in embarrassment. “I’m not.” He folded his arms.
Grime laughed lightly before sipping his tea. “Lulu, you make the best southern sweet tea.”
“I would hope so, it’s the only thing I brought with me from Georgia.”
“OMT, Bi Besties!” Sasha squealed, causing everyone to turn to see her holding up Grimes hand.
“Sasha you are insufferable.” He tried to free his hand.
“No, show Anne first.” She beamed, “We knew you were bi like duh you told us, but this is the cutest way to express it.”
“Fine.” He held his hand out showing the bi flag colors painted on his nails.
“They’re beautiful.” Anne looked them over with a smile.
“Thank you. I have my polish in the car, I can paint yours and Sa-”
“Yes!” They both squealed.
“Fine, after we eat I’ll paint Sasha’s and your nails… Ashley?”
“It’s Anne, Grime.”
“Oh right, you’re dating Anne and Marsha.”
“Marcy.”
“Right, right.”
“Why did I think you would be better than my parents?”
“Better than us?” They raised a brow.
“At pronouns.” Sasha clarified.
“I am.” Grime said proudly.
“Yeah, but messing up people's names kind of sucks too.” She put her hand on her head in frustration.
Anne laughed lightly before turning back to Mrs.Waybright, “Mrs. Lemon, you're originally from Georgia?” Anne asked with a soft smile.
“Yes, as soon as I turned eighteen I wanted to see the world, so I became a stewardess, but all I ever saw was the inside of the airport and airplane.”
“You also saw me.” Mr. Waybright smiled brightly.
“You are my most cherished sight till this day, Puddin.” She touched his cheek lovingly. “Okay, everyone fix their plates.” Once everyone's food was in front of them Lulu reached her hands for prayer. “Anne, you don’t have to join if you don’t want to.”
“It’s okay. We pray at my house too.” Anne took Sasha's hand and Grimes as they all made a circle before bowing their heads.
Mrs Waybright said the prayer and everyone followed with an amen before tasting their food. Anne tasted the turducken and they didn’t know if it was Lulu’s that tasted like three undercooked meats, or if that’s how it’s supposed to taste. They took a big sip of their tea to force it down before digging into the green bean casserole. That was a mistake. The taste wasn’t there, but the texture was wet and soggy. Anne was starting to see why Sasha couldn’t cook. Taking another sip of tea they forced it down. Anne looked at the plate they filled and worried they wouldn’t be able to finish it. They looked under the table and nope, Sasha didn’t have a dog, so maybe conversation could save them.
“So you two met at work like Squishy, Marmar, and I?”
“Squishy?” Sasha interjected.
“Yeah, Sashy, Squishy, Squash was getting too long.”
“Or you could not call me any of it.”
“Shush. Shush.” They waved them off dramatically. “Your mama is about to speak.
Sasha shook her head and muttered under their breath.
Lulu light softly. “Yes, this guy was and still is the pilot.” She pointed at her husband.
“Yes, I don’t see much besides airports, planes, and hotels myself.” He smiled “I am also from Georgia, but didn’t meet Lemon until we worked on the same flight. Love has a way of finding you.” He winked at his daughter. Anne pretended not to notice Sasha’s red face.
“You are no longer a flight attendant?” Anne asked.
“I gave it up once I had my little squash. I wanted to be there for him during her development years. Once Sasha was old enough I liked all the bake sales and being on the parent committee.” She cleared her throat, “Once Grime came into our lives I started working part time with the LGBTQIA youth to equal-stand my pumpkin better.” She smiled.
Anne sipped their tea noticing the change in everyone’s body language at the mention of Grime coming into their lives. Anne didn’t push, they just stared at their plate sadly. Sash noticed and nudged them with a smile before whispering in their ear. Anne gave a smile and sigh of relief.
“Mama, I think we're ready for pie”
“Oh, I can’t wait for you to try it!” Mrs Waybright stood up to grab it with excitement.
Sasha waited until her mama left the room to face Anne with a smile. “Put a napkin on your plate. She wont notice once you’re eating the pie and we’ll be the ones to clear the table anyway.”
Anne nodded and did as instructed. “Sorry.”
“Why?”
“I feel bad not liking your mama’s cooking.”
“Nonsense, your mom’s food is way better, so it’s hard to compete.You should come over for a regular dinner night, or stay for breakfast because that’s where she shines.” Sasha took a bite of her food.
“Are you asking me to stay the night?” Anne teased.
Sasha's eyes widened as she was worried that request would be too soon. On Halloween they stayed over late, but Sasha still took them home. “If you want to cuddle and watch cartoons or whatever.” He started to choke on the bite in his mouth and Anne patted her back.
“Sounds fun, but not tonight I still have to work on one of my final papers.”
“Oh, cool cool.” Sasha sip his tea. “Don’t worry, my mama’s desserts are really good, especially her lemon desserts because of the name and all.”
“Oh, of course.” Anne laughed at their date's flush face.
Mrs Waybright came out with kitchen mittens holding the cool rack that the pie sat on. She sat it on the table and sliced the pie to serve everyone a plate. Followed by her sitting down in front of her own slice.
Anne dug their forked in and brought the bit up to their mouth with hesitation. Once the flaky crust and juicy fruit hit their tongue they smiled while their taste buds did the tango with the sweet and tart flavors.
“This is amazing.”
“Thank you Shug. I can teach you how to make it if you like?”
“Yes, please.” Anne said, taking another bite. “Oh, so I noticed that your hair is a strawberry blonde, Mrs. Lemon. Mr. Waybright’s hair is sandy brown but, Sasha’s hair is –”
“Hey. Hey, I can’t eat another bite, mama. Anne, you want to help me clear the table?” Sasha said before he stood up with her plate trying to change the subject.
Anne rolled their eyes. “Of course.” They stood up with their own plate.
“Maple, I got it.” Mr. Waybright said, before he stood up.
“Papa, are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m not always here to clear the table, so now's my chance.” He reached for Sasha’s plate.
“Okay.” Sasha handed the plate to him before sitting back down.
“Anne, do you want to join me?”
Anne and Sasha looked at each other before Anne smiled back at Mr.Waybright. “Yeah sure.”
They walked into the kitchen and dumped the food into the trash before putting the dishes into the dishwasher. Anne rubbed the back of their neck wondering should they stand there until Mr.Waybright leaves the kitchen or leave before him.
“Sorry, I wasted so much food.” Anne nibbled their lip.
“Don’t worry about that.” He laughed, “Turducken is a required taste, that none of us require, but we don’t have the heart to tell Lulu. You should come back for her baked chicken.”
“Okay.” They rocked on their heels.
“We would love to have you over again, if we didn’t scare you off.”
Anne laughed lightly. “Not yet."
“Can I talk to you for a second?” He finger drummed on the kitchen island before leaning on it.
“Sure.” Anne leaned against it too.
“Anne, have you ever run away?”
“No.” They said simply.
“Sasha ran away when she was thirteen, that’s how she met Grime. He works at the LGBTQIA center. Sasha was still figuring things out and felt we couldn’t help her.” He adjusted himself against the kitchen island. “Grime called us that day and said Sasha seemed like she had loving parents, but he insisted on letting her stay at the center, and he promised to update us. Hardest two weeks of our lives.” He shook his head. “I don’t even know if I should be telling you this, especially if Maple hasn’t told you herself.”
“No, he hasn’t.”
“Dang it! Did I mess up again?”
Anne smiled softly. “You can finish telling me how it affected you. Sasha will eventually tell me how it affected her or not.” Anne shrugged. “She doesn’t owe me her story, but I'm happy to listen if she wants to share it with me..”
He nodded. “Well, Grime has been in Sasha's life ever since, and that’s why Lulu started to work at the center to understand Maple better. We both really try our best.” He smiled “Sasha really likes you and Marcy. I promise I’ll do my best with my questions and your pronouns. Just don’t give up on her because of me.”
“I wouldn’t.” Anne assured him. “Not to be disrespectful, but I’m dating Sasha not his parents, so unless either of you flat out disrespected me and Sasha joined you, or acted like it was no big deal. I don’t see myself giving up on her.
“Good. Thanks for hearing me out.”
“Thanks for sharing.” Anne patted his hand “You’re not so bad Mr.Waybright.”
“Call me Ash.”
“Okay, Mr. Ash.”
They went back into the living room and Lulu nudged him and whispered in his ear.
“I didn’t scare them off, promise!” He said to his wife out loud.
Sasha looked over at his parents while Anne sat next to her “He didn’t scare you off did he?”
“He couldn’t,” Anne squeezed Sasha's hand.
“Good.” Sasha squeezed their hand back. “Grime is ready to paint our nails if you’re ready?”
“Amphibia- lutely!”
“Not this again.” Sasha shook her head.
Grime painted Anne’s right hand the lesbian colors, and the left hand the trans colors. He then painted Sasha right hand the bi colors and the left hand the bi gender colors. The two squealed and stimmed by flapping their hands which helped with their nails drying.
The night ended with Sasha and Anne waiting for Anne’s parents outside hand and hand. Sasha wanted to take them home, but Anne said their parents insisted on getting them since they missed Anne all night.
“Hey Anne?”
“Yes?”
“Did I ever tell you why I like the power rangers so much?”
Anne shook their head. “No, why?”
“When I was thirteen I ran away to the LGBTQIA center for two weeks.” She stopped and took a few breaths.
“Take your time.” Anne took her hand into their own and gave a gentle squeeze.
Sasha smiled, returning the squeeze. “Grime would play old tapes of the show and movie. He really loved it and seeing him happy made me happy too.”
Anne squeezed her hand again. “That’s beautiful Sash–”
“Plus Kimberly, the pink ranger was hot!”
“There it is.” Anne rolled their eyes.
“That’s why I never wanted to dress up like her because I wanted to be Tommy, who dated her.”
“Did you get your wish?” Anne said nonchalantly.
“No, better. Who knew I would have my own QT ranger.” He kissed Anne’s cheek.
“Quit.” Anne giggled.
“Never.” Sasha pecked their cheek again.
“There’s no mistletoe out here.”
“I don’t need mistletoe to kiss my date do I?”
“Hmm.” Anne pretended to think. “Well, tis the season…’
Sasha reached in his pocket and pulled out something.
“Good thing, I stay prepared.” She waved the mistletoe above them.
“Sasha you're so squishy.” Anne giggled.
“You love it.”
“I do.” Anne looked at them with warm eyes and Sasha melted under their stare. Anne leaned in to give Sasha a sweet peck on the lips.
The two said goodnight with a tight hug and another small peck before Anne got into their parent’s car. Sasha touched her lips while waving to Anne as their parents drove away.