Riven had faced exams, competitions, even the stares of hundreds of students in the auditorium.
But nothing, nothing, made him sweat like standing outside Eli's front door.
"Relax," Eli whispered, brushing their fingers together before knocking. "She doesn't bite."
"That's what people always say before someone bites," Riven muttered. His palms were damp. His chest was a drum.
The door swung open, and there she was — Eli's mom. Warm eyes, gentle smile, apron dusted with flour.
"You must be Riven," she said, as if she'd been waiting for this moment. No hesitation. No judgment. Just knowing.
She opened the door wider. "Come in."
---
The Living Room
It was cozy. Family pictures on the wall. A soft couch with knitted throw blankets. Everything smelled faintly of garlic and butter.
Riven sat stiffly while Eli flopped beside him, too at ease for someone who'd just dragged his boyfriend into a new battlefield.
Mrs. Navarro set out glasses of iced tea. "I've heard a lot about you."
Riven froze. His eyes flicked to Eli, who looked smug.
"Don't worry," Mrs. Navarro added. "All good things."
Riven managed a small, awkward smile. "That's… good to know."
---
Dinner
The table was set with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh bread. Riven kept thanking her for every dish she passed his way until Eli nudged him under the table.
"Stop saying thank you every thirty seconds," Eli hissed.
"I'm being polite!" Riven whispered back.
Mrs. Navarro only chuckled. "Polite is fine. Nervous is unnecessary."
Riven flushed. "Sorry, ma'am. I just… I don't usually do this."
Her eyes softened. "Riven, you're welcome here. You don't have to prove yourself."
For a moment, Riven forgot to breathe. Nobody had ever said that to him in such a way that it felt true.
---
After Dinner — The Conversation
Eli's mom cleared the dishes, leaving the boys in the living room. The quiet stretched. Finally, she returned, drying her hands.
She looked at Riven with a steady, almost motherly gaze.
"I want to say this once," she began, her voice firm but kind. "I don't know everything about what you and Eli go through. But I know he's happier with you than I've seen in a long time."
Eli ducked his head, ears turning pink.
Mrs. Navarro continued, "So, if the world outside makes things hard — know that this house is a place you're safe. Both of you."
Riven's throat tightened. He nodded, words failing him. Eli quietly reached for his hand.
---
On the Walk Home
The night air was cool. Crickets hummed in the distance. They walked in silence for a while before Riven finally said, voice low:
"She's… amazing."
"Told you," Eli replied softly.
Riven swallowed hard. "I don't think anyone's ever… welcomed me like that before. Not really."
Eli squeezed his hand tighter. "Get used to it. You're part of my world now."
And for the first time, Riven let himself believe it.