Game of Hearts || Hailee Steinfeld x Male Reader

The Family

Y/N had faced his share of nerve-wracking situations—National Championship games, the grueling NFL Draft process, and meeting football icons—but somehow, the idea of meeting Hailee's family held a different weight. For weeks, he'd been putting it off, telling himself it'd happen naturally. Yet he knew he was avoiding it for a reason.

It wasn't that he thought her family wouldn't welcome him, but a lingering worry rooted in her past relationship. Hailee had shared parts of her last relationship, explaining how Niall had ultimately broken her trust. Though Y/N knew he was different, he couldn't shake the anxiety that her family might still see him as "the new guy" who could let her down.

On the morning of the meeting, Y/N paced the apartment, his palms slightly clammy. He replayed different ways to introduce himself, ways to make the best possible impression. Hailee, noticing his unease, walked over and slipped her hand into his.

"Hey," she said softly, her warm brown eyes reassuring him, "you're going to be fine. They're going to love you."

He met her gaze, hoping to soak up some of her confidence. "You really think so? I mean... after what happened last time, I'm sure they're still protective."

Hailee gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "They are. But they also know I wouldn't be with anyone who didn't make me happy. And that's you."

Her words calmed him as they arrived at her parents' home. The house, nestled in a quiet Thousand Oaks neighborhood, exuded a welcoming charm, though it didn't settle the tightness in his stomach. They walked up the path, and Hailee gave his hand one last reassuring squeeze before ringing the bell.

Moments later, the door opened to reveal Peter Steinfeld, Hailee's dad, whose warm smile mirrored hers. "Hailee!" he greeted, pulling his daughter into a hug. After a moment, Peter turned to Y/N, his smile kind but his gaze piercing as he extended a hand.

"You must be Y/N," he said, his voice steady.

Y/N clasped his hand, careful to offer a firm but respectful grip. "Yes, sir. It's really nice to meet you, Mr. Steinfeld."

Peter's face softened slightly. "It's just Peter, please. Come on in. Everyone's waiting in the living room."

Inside, the house was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, and as Peter led them to the living room, Y/N took in the cozy decor. Cheri, Hailee's mom, was waiting with her brother Griffin, who sized Y/N up the moment he walked in.

Cheri was the first to stand. She greeted Hailee with a hug before turning her attention to Y/N, her expression gentle but watchful. "So, this is Y/N," she said with a small smile. "We've heard a lot about you."

Y/N gave a small smile back. "I hope it's all been good things."

Cheri laughed, glancing at Hailee. "Well, Hailee certainly thinks so, and that's all that matters to us."

They settled in, and soon enough, Peter brought out a spread of drinks and appetizers. Griffin watched Y/N with a curious look before finally speaking.

"So, man, what's it like being a 49er?" Griffin asked, eyes bright with genuine interest.

Y/N relaxed a little, glad to have a familiar topic to talk about. "Honestly, it's a dream. Every day feels surreal. Rookie camp was brutal, though—way tougher than college practices."

Griffin nodded, impressed. "I saw some of your college games. You're like an athletic freak, man. San Francisco's lucky to have you."

Peter joined in with a warm smile. "Well, you'll have a few new fans in this house, that's for sure."

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Y/N shared stories from training camp and his college career, while Peter and Cheri asked questions about his family and background. Gradually, he felt his nerves slipping away.