Lunch with my future in-laws

I didn't even realise that I had fallen asleep until I felt fingers tickling my feet. When I opened my eyes, I saw Dahl, or Lia, sitting next to me, a playful look on her face.

"You know, considering how long it took to wake you up just with tickles, I was tempted to lick them, see if maybe it'd make you react~" She said, grinning. "After all, I do know how much you like it when we lick your feet, my loving queen~"

"That won't be necessary for now, and I don't believe it's the right time or place to get kinky anyway." I chuckled as I rose up.

It made her laugh quietly. "While my family is supportive of our relationship, I don't think they'd be thrilled to hear us moan all night."

"Indeed." I let out a loud yawn. "I guess I really needed the nap. Lunch is ready?"

She nodded. "Yeah, Dahl helped our mom with everything and switched with me so I could fetch you and spend some time with our family as myself."

"I see, I can't wait to see what you've made." I replied while putting my loafers back on.

Lia gave me a quick kiss on the lips and grabbed my hand, leading me downstairs to the kitchen. Her parents and brother were already there, sitting at the dining table. I sat next to Lia and her mother, smiling at the family.

"Did you have a good rest, Seo-Yun?" Lia's mother asked in a kind tone.

"I have. I'm sorry for falling asleep like this, I wasn't even able to help with anything."

"Don't apologise. You're a guest, we're not expecting you to do anything." Lia's father replied. "And considering how long you've been driving, it's normal to feel tired."

"Still, I want to make it up somehow. Would you mind if I prepare some Korean dishes during my stay?"

"Oh, that's a great idea, love! My family loves Asian food." Lia exclaimed.

Lia's mother giggled. "Indeed, although we've mainly eaten Chinese and Japanese food since they're the only Asian restaurants around here. We'd gladly taste some Korean food. But for now, I hope you'll enjoy my own cooking." She added while giving me a plate full of lasagna.

I smiled. "I'm sure I will."

After waiting for everyone to be served, we started to eat. It was indeed delicious, tasting very similar to the lasagnas Dahl sometimes made. I now knew where she got the recipe from.

"So, Dahlia told us you were a model, Seo-Yun?" Lia's father asked as we ate.

I nodded. "Yeah, I've been working as one for the last three years. It's the reason we went to London with Dahl, actually. I had a deal with a major fashion designer for a photoshoot there, and I asked Dahl if she wanted to tag along and visit the city with me."

"I see, you must be quite popular for getting deals like this."

I gave him a humble smile. "I would say I am, but I am trying to not let my fame go to my head, and use my influence to promote causes I find just. I'm still taking the time to study to get my degree, too."

"You're in the same major as Lia, right?" Her mother asked.

"Yes, although I most likely won't pursue a career as an accountant or anything of the sort once I'm done. I plan to keep modelling for a few more years, and maybe open a gym and become a fitness coach."

"Oh, interesting."

"While we're on that subject, I... have a confession to make." Lia said, appearing a bit more sheepish. "I don't think I'll work in your company, Dad."

Her dad raised an eyebrow, while her mother and brother seemed surprised by Lia's confession.

"What do you mean, honey?" Her mother asked.

"I've been thinking of what I truly wanted to do with my life. As you know, I love flowers and plants. I love cultivating them, taking care of them. It does make me happy to be around flowers. As such, I'd like to become a florist once I'm done with my studies."

Lia was clearly anxious about her parents' reaction. Even if it was more Dahl's passion than hers originally, they shared everything, after all, memories and feelings.

After a short silence, her father spoke, smiling at her. "I see. If that's what you truly wish, then I hope you'll find happiness this way."

Lia let out a sigh of relief and gave her parents a loving smile. "Thank you. I just... I just know it's what will make me happy."

"Then go for it." Her mother said. "Seo-Yun, what do think about this?"

I smiled, holding Lia's hand. "I'll support her no matter what, obviously. That's what I believe a good partner should do."

Lia's mother chuckled. "I can see why she'd fall for someone like you. You do seem reliable."

"I'm doing my best, Ma'am." I replied. "But Dahl truly loves botany, it's her passion, and I want to help her make a career out of it."

"I can't say I'm not a tad disappointed you won't get to work with me, but if that's your decision, I respect it, Lia." Her father said giving her a reassuring smile.

"Thanks, Dad."

After this well-received confession, we resumed eating. Lia's parents were curious about my own family, but I didn't say much. I was already pretty much estranged with Seo-Yun's parents, after all, and I definitely wouldn't talk about my mother. I told them about our trip to London in more details, obviously omitting the parts about Dahl's family. We simply had a wonderful time visiting all these famous monuments and landmarks seen in movies and TV shows. We also did a bit of small talk, Lia's parents mentioning their works and some of their hobbies. Lia's brother stayed mostly silent during lunch, he was apparently fairly quiet.

When lunch was done, Lia and I helped wash the dishes and then returned to her room, sitting on her bed.

"Your family is really nice. It's clear how much they love you." I said, stretching.

Lia smiled softly. "They do, yeah. And I love them deeply too. Me and Dahl both." She then sighed. "Sometimes I wish I could rewind time and avoid becoming the bitch I was in middle and high-school. I did hurt them on quite a few occasions."

I put a hand on her thigh. "Lia, I don't think it's healthy to think like that. What's done is done, and Dahl allowed you another chance at making things better."

"True, she was a blessing in disguise. Who would have thought a skinwalker taking my skin and forcing me to share my life with her would prove to be so beneficial?" She added with an amused giggle. "But for real, Dahl saved me. She worked so hard in my stead to fix my relationship with my family. Who knows how I'd be like had we not crossed paths."

"You might have realised it on your own someday, but being with her helped you mature a lot faster."

She tapped her forehead. "Love, I have all the memories and feelings of a forty three year old who spent fifteen of those years as a skinwalker in there. We both share everything with each other, of course her own experiences would shape the way I develop and see the world, too."

"You truly love Dahl, don't you?" I asked.

"It's more than love. Our relationship is perfectly symbiotic. I told you last time, when we traded skins. We are one being, we cannot be separated."

I leaned closer and kissed her. "I promise that I'll take care of the two of you. We will always be together."

At that, Lia pushed me onto the bed, but instead of kissing me or being more assertive like she sometimes was, she just rested her head on my chest, a warm, peaceful smile on her face.

"We love you so much, Yun. You truly are the best thing to have happened in our lives."

"I can say the same about you." I replied, kissing her forehead and caressing her hair. "I love you, Lia, Dahl."