𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑺 & 𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑼𝑷𝑺

𝑭𝑰𝑭𝑻𝑬𝑬𝑵; 𝑰𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑰𝑹 𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻

The highway was almost empty this late at night, the streetlights casting long shadows over the dashboard. Sloane leaned her head on Paige's shoulder who was humming softly to the music playing on the radio playing in their Uber. Paiges fingers tapped on Sloanes thigh in rhythm, which helped her body relaxed despite the late hour. The airport was just ahead, its bright lights cutting through the darkness.

"Are you excited?" Sloane asked, trying to distract herself from the fluttering in her stomach. She wasn't sure why she felt so nervous. This was supposed to be just a trip home—a quick getaway with Paige. But right now it felt like something more.

Paige turned to her with a smile. "Yeah, Im just nervous ," she said. "I've never really done this whole 'meet the family' thing before."

Sloane chuckled. "Don't worry. My mom knows you, and my siblings will be happy to meet you. Just be yourself."

As the driver pulled them into  into the parking lot, they grabbed their bags, and headed inside. The airport was busy even at this hour; a steady commotion of travelers hurried past, their footsteps echoing against the tiled floors. They made their way to the check-in counter, getting in line behind a group of college students with overstuffed backpacks.

Suddenly, a voice called out, "Oh my god, Paige? Paige Beuckers ?"

Paige turned to see a young woman standing nearby, her face lighting up with recognition. "Yeah, that's me!" Paige replied, smiling wide.

"Can I get a picture with you?" the young teen asked, holding up her phone eagerly.

"Of course!" Paige said without hesitation, stepping over and striking a friendly pose. Sloane watched as Paige effortlessly interacted with her fan, laughing and chatting as if they were old friends.

Sloane stood back, a small smile tugging at her lips. Paige looked so natural, so at ease. She felt a familiar warmth spreading through her chest, something she had felt in small moments before, but it hit her like a wave now. She realized, with a sudden clarity that took her breath away, that she was in love with Paige. Completely, undeniably in love.

Paige turned back, grinning as she rejoined Sloane. "What?" she asked, noticing the look on Sloane's face.

"Nothing," Sloane said quickly, her cheeks flushing. "Just... you're really good at that."

Paige laughed, nudging her shoulder. "It's just talking to people. No big deal." But Sloane knew it was more than that. Paige had a way of making everyone around her feel special, like they were the only person in the room. It was something Sloane admired, something she adored.

They moved through security and found their gate, settling into the seats. Sloane's mind was racing, her heart still pounding with the realization that had hit her moments ago. She tried to steady herself, focusing on the here and now, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Paige.

The flight to Virginia was short, the quiet hum of the plane lulling them into a comfortable silence. They landed just after midnight, the terminal nearly empty with the exception of  a few sleepy travelers. Sloane's mom was waiting just outside baggage claim, waving excitedly the moment she saw them.

"Mom!" Sloane called, lifting a hand as they approached.

But her mom's attention was immediately on Paige. She pulled her into a tight hug, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Paige! Oh, it's so good to see you again! I'm so happy she found you and that you're together now," she said, squeezing Paige's shoulders.

Paige laughed, hugging her back. "It's great to see you too!" she replied warmly.

Sloane's mom finally turned to her, hugging her daughter tightly. "I'm just so happy you're both here," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

They made their way to the car, Paige and Sloane's mom chatting animatedly the entire ride back. Sloane sat in the backseat, listening to them talk, her heart swelling with a mix of affection and awe. Paige fit in so effortlessly, like she had always been part of their family.

When they pulled up to Sloane's house, the porch light was on, casting a warm glow over the front steps. Sloane's dad stood at the doorway, waving them in with a big smile.

"Hey there, sweetheart," he greeted, hugging Sloane tightly. Then he turned to Paige, extending a hand. "I've heard so much about you."

Paige shook his hand, a smile spreading across her face. "Me too, It's great to finally meet you, Mr Oceni."

"Oh, don't be so formal. Call me Sam," he insisted with a chuckle.

Sloane led Paige inside, her heart pounding with anticipation as they stepped into the living room. Two figures peeked around the corner, eyes wide with curiosity. "Neiko, Windslow, come here!" Sloane called.

The two Teenagers came around the corner Neiko, with his afro , and Windslow, with her cute glasses, approached them. After greeting them both, she began introducing them to Paige. "This is Paige, my girlfriend," she introduced, her voice faltering slightly.

Neiko, the older of the two, stepped forward first, his face having a small smile "Wassup Paige!" he spoke bouncing on his toes. "Do you play basketball at Uconn?"

Paige laughed. "I do! Maybe we can play later?"

Neiko's eyes lit up, and Windslow gave a small smile. "That would be fun," he said excitedly

Sloane watched the exchange, a warmth filling her chest again. Paige was so natural with them, so kind and open. It made Sloane's heart swell even more.

They spent the rest of the morning settling in, Them both setting up in Sloane's childhood room. The space was filled with old posters, trophies, and memories. Paige looked around with interest, smiling at the pictures of Sloane as a child, her cheerleading ribbons pinned to the walls.

Later in the afternoon, after unpacking and catching up with Sloane's parents, they decided to take a nap. Sloane felt Paige's warmth beside her as they lay down, her body instantly relaxing against the familiar feel of her old bed. But when she woke, she found herself alone.

She rubbed her eyes, glancing around the room before heading downstairs. Her mom, dad, and Windslow were in the kitchen, working together to make a small dinner. "Where's Paige?" Sloane asked, noticing the empty space beside her.

Her mom nodded toward the backyard. "Out there with Neiko, playing basketball," she said with a smile.

Sloane moved to the window, her breath catching in her throat. There was Paige, shooting hoops with Neiko, laughing as she dodged around her younger sister, teasing and encouraging him. Sloane's heart swelled again with that same overwhelming feeling. She realized all over again, in that moment, just how much she loved Paige. Seeing her so at ease, so comfortable and in her element with her family, made Sloane's love feel even stronger.

Paige glanced up and caught Sloane's eye, grinning as she waved her over. Sloane smiled back, a feeling of absolute certainty settling over her. This was where she was meant to be—with Paige, in love, and home.

A/N: hii guysss i've been literally tryna right this for like 2 hours but i keep getting distracted 😓 so now it's like 12:30 and i literally have a softball game at 9:30 but i gotta be there at 8:30 like??? AND ITS THIRTY MINUTES AWAY LIKE????
anyways bro i needa gts.... and also like if i saw anything about Virginia and its inaccurate and im so sorry but its cus i dont live there and i rlly just picked a random state..😅 anyways bye guys🥰😘

love u all

-lea