Dred and Family -oneshot

Dred swept the floor, trying to keep his back to his parents. "I would appreciate it if you guys called at least a day in advance before you just show up like this!" He snapped. "Ah come on Dred, we were in the area." His father said good naturedly. Dred stood up and turned. "For what? Two days ago you were at home in Las Vegas! You just come here and show up at my door. I wouldn't be so frustrated if you just called! Look, I know you two worry, but I've been here for years, I made it through Katrina on my own and was able to help my tenants get out and return safely."
He watched as his mother walked around. "I am impressed; you've actually cleaned up this place." She remarked. Dred grinned in pride. "Do you have someone staying over?" Dred nodded before looking panicked. "SHIT! The plane landed fifteen minutes ago!" He dropped the broom and ran for his keys.
"Mind if we tag along, son?" Dred cringed as his dad asked.

"Did the bird have to come too?"

"Dad, the bird has a name!" The car went silent for brief moment. Poppet crouched on Dred's shoulder looking around with the same frustration as his master. "So, seeing anyone?" his mother said from the front passenger seat, trying to get them to talk again. "Yeah, yeah mum I am."

"What's her name?"

"Her name? Well her name is…" Dred tried to stall as he parked the car and got out. He moved quickly towards the terminal. "See, this is why I wished you would call before you visit!" He complained.

"But I did call!" Gabriel said, walking up to Dred. "I called a good month ago and yesterday and you still come to pick me up late!" Dred whirled around and grinned sheepishly. "Jeez, you look terrified man! Afraid I'll organize your bookshelf again?" Gabriel kissed Dred on his scarred cheek.

"No, it's not that, its well…" Dred gestured to his parents. They stood in shocked silence. "Oh for the love of…we talked about this, didn't we Dred! You said you were going to tell them…by the gods. This is awkward." Gabriel mumbled.

As they drove away his father shouted, "Why haven't you told us before? How long have you known?!"

"Since sophomore year!" Dred shouted back, "I never told you because you two always asked, do you have a girlfriend?!"

"That's a lame excuse." Gabriel grumbled. Dred looked down, ashamed. When they all got out back to the building, Dred's father walked out shaking his head. His mother turned to Gabriel. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Gabriel. I'm happy my boy has found someone." She hugged him a little uncertainly before smiling and running after her husband to calm him down.

Gabriel laid down the bed quietly, his back to Dred. "You still mad, Gabe?" He only glared before pulling the covers over his face. Dred poked him in the ribs. He didn't even shift. "Try crushed, not mad. I was hoping for a happier welcome." Gabriel said, looking over the edge of the blanket. Dred's shoulders slumped.

"Look, your parents seem nice but I just want this cleared up as soon as possible." Gabriel added. "Understandable, now will you please smile! You've looked glum since you got off the plane."

"Jesus, Dred, talk about changing the subject. Here I am trying to get you to have a mature conversation with the man I love and there you are thinking of something else entirely."  

"Because this whole situation was not supposed to occur. Let's talk about it tomorrow, Gabe."

"Fine and I am not talking to you till then!"  Dred cringed as Gabriel fell into a stony silence. The phone rang and he picked it up. It was his father. "Dred, I wanted to apologize for my reaction."

"Dad, its fine. I was trying to find a way to tell you guys for the longest time."

"Your mother and I wanted to talk to the pair of you maybe at breakfast tomorrow morning?"

Dred was about to reply when Gabriel took the phone. "Mr. Crow, hi, this is Gabriel. Yes, I am the boyfriend. Concerning breakfast tomorrow I'll be making it because I know Dred is going to suggest someplace with horrendously greasy food." Dred rolled his eyes and glared as Gabriel and his father continued talking. It was a good half an hour before Gabriel handed the phone back.

"I like your family already. I guess I can forgive you," he said before lying back down.

Dred put the phone back up to his ear. "Sorry about that, yeah every single plan Gabe just made is fine with me. Alright, see you tomorrow, bye." He hung up and glared. Gabriel was smiling.

"Well ain't you as pleased as punch!" Dred grumbled.

"I solved the problem didn't I? And look, I'm talking to you again. Solved all the issues and made an awkward situation not awkward. I think I deserve a medal for that."

Gabriel continued smiling. Dred laid down with his back to him. "I'm not speaking to you for the rest of the night." He mumbled. Gabriel's shoulders slumped. "Will you at least smile?" he asked.