𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑺 & 𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑼𝑷𝑺

𝑻𝑾𝑬𝑵𝑻𝒀 𝑭𝑰𝑽𝑬; 𝑬𝑿𝑪𝑰𝑻𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻

Almost a month had passed since Sloane and Paige hard launched on instagram and since, their relationship was evolving into something that felt both new and comfortable. Now, Christmas was around the corner, and Sloane was about to meet Paige's family for the first time. As she packed her bag for the sleepover at Paige's place, the reality of what tomorrow would bring hit her harder than ever. Meeting the family was a big deal, especially for someone like Paige, who hadn't brought anyone home before.

Sloane's phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see Paige's text.

-Don't forget your charger. I don't want you to be bored on the plane-

-yes ma'am-

Sloane threw the charger in her bag with a laugh, grabbed her coat, and slung her duffle over her shoulder. The Uber ride to Paige's place wasn't long, but every minute felt heavier, the reality of meeting Paige's family for Christmas creeping closer. Paige had warned her about her stepmom, Monique, being "extra" and how her little brother Drew could be "a whole mess," but Sloane knew this was important.

When Sloane finally reached Paige's she knocked once before the door flew open.

"Hey baby" Paige said, pulling Sloane inside with a quick kiss before shutting the door behind them. "You ready for tomorrow?"

Sloane gave her a look, shrugging. "Just excited and nervous."

Paige smirked and pulled Sloane toward the couch. "Theyre gonna love you."

Sloane smiled and dropped her duffle by the couch and sat down.

They spent the night talking about little things—laughing about inside jokes, teasing each other about their quirks, and scrolling through TikToks until their eyes were too heavy to stay open. Sloane wasn't usually nervous, but the thought of meeting Paige's family, in such a personal setting like Christmas, felt like a big step.

The next morning, they were both up early, grabbing last-minute essentials before heading out the door. The chilly December air hit as soon as they stepped outside, their breaths visible as they hurried to the Uber waiting to take them to the airport.

The airport was packed with holiday travelers, but Paige and Sloane navigated it easily, checking their bags and grabbing a quick breakfast before heading to the gate. As they waited for boarding, Paige leaned into Sloane, their shoulders brushing.

"You nervous?" Paige asked, voice low so only Sloane could hear over the buzz of the crowd.

Sloane shrugged, trying to play it off, though her pulse quickened a bit. "A little. I just want them to like me."

Paige smiled, her hand slipping into Sloane's. "They will. Trust me."

Once they boarded and settled into their seats, Sloane looked out the window, the gray winter sky stretched out before them. She felt Paige's head rest on her shoulder, and for the first time in a while, Sloane allowed herself to relax.

When they landed, Sloane's nerves started creeping back in. She tried not to let it show, but Paige sensed it and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they walked toward baggage claim. Outside, Paige's family was waiting. Sloane spotted them immediately—Bob, Paige's dad, stood tall and relaxed with a smile on his face, while Monique was tapping something into her phone, looking sharp in her sleek winter coat. Drew was leaning against the car, AirPods in, bobbing his head to some song only he could hear.

Sloane let out a nervous sigh to herself they approached.

"It's gonna be fine" Paige whispered back with a grin.

Bob was the first to greet them, pulling Paige into a big bear hug before turning to Sloane with another hug "Sloane!Good to finally meet the girl who's been keeping Paige busy."

Sloane laughed, easing into the moment. "Yeah, that's me. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Bueckers"

"Call me Bob," he said, patting her shoulder. "We're not that formal around here."

Monique stepped forward, giving Sloane a once-over before offering a polite smile. "Hi Sloane I hope you're ready for a busy weekend. We've got a lot planned."

Sloane nodded, meeting Monique's sharp gaze. "I'm ready. Thank you for having me."

Monique didn't say anything for a moment, then nodded in approval.

Drew finally looked up from his phone long enough to give Paige a quick hug and offer Sloane a nod. "Hey."

"Sup, Drew. Is that fortnite?" Sloane asked casually.

Drew's eyes lit up, and he looked her up and down with more interest. "You play?"

"A little," Sloane said with a grin, "but you're probably better."

Bob chuckled as they loaded the bags into the car. "Well, if you can get Drew talking, you're already halfway to being in good with this family."

The drive back to the house was filled with casual conversation, Bob cracking jokes and Monique slipping into her role as the one keeping everyone organized. Sloane found herself relaxing more, joining in on the jokes and answering Monique's questions about school, cheer and grades.

When they finally arrived at Paige's childhood home, Sloane took a deep breath. The house was a mix of modern and cozy, with warm lights strung around the porch and a Christmas wreath hanging on the door.

The warmth of the house immediately wrapped around them, and the smell of Christmas—cinnamon, pine, and something baking in the kitchen—made Sloane feel at ease. They headed upstairs to drop their bags in Paige's old room, which was now more of a guest room but still had remnants of her teenage years.

Sloane sat on the edge of the bed, looking around at the old posters and photos. "Oh my gosh."

Paige said, sitting beside her. "Every awkward phase, every bad decision, all in this room."

Sloane smiled, pulling Paige close. "I can't wait to hear all about it."

Downstairs, they joined the family for dinner, and Sloane quickly realized how much of a team Paige's family was. Bob and Monique moved fluidly around the kitchen, teasing each other as they cooked, while Drew slipped in and out, grabbing food and sharing random facts about his favorite games. Sloane found herself fitting in naturally, laughing at Bob's jokes and engaging in conversation with Monique, who—after a few more questions—seemed to relax.

By the time they headed back upstairs to settle in for the night, Sloane felt like a part of the family. As they lay in bed, Paige curled into her side, Sloane couldn't help but smile.

"I think they like me."
she whispered.

Paige snuggled closer, her voice sleepy. "Told you they would."

A/N: i'm sorryyy i've been ghost for 2 days i've been so sick yall💔💔 but anyways i try to put drama often so it doesn't get boring but lmk if it gets too muchhh or if yall like it!!

love u alll

-lea

sept 18