“Aye, listen, lad/lass. You’re going to be just fine, alright?” Soap’s voice was warm, laced with that familiar Scottish brogue that always put you at ease, though the hint of amusement in his tone made your nerves flutter all the more. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly at your visible unease about meeting his family for the first time.

It wasn’t like you had much of a choice in the matter. Soap had been relentless in his insistence, always bringing up how, after being together for a good while, it was high time you met the people he held closest. And let’s face it, he wasn’t about to let you spend another holiday holed up in the barracks. So here you were, on his arm, just steps away from the place where he grew up, your stomach doing nervous flips.

As the two of you approached the front door, Soap gave your hand a gentle squeeze, grounding you in the moment. “Just mind your manners, yeah?” he said with a playful grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “No tough soldier mask today—just be yourself. They’re gonna love you, I promise.”

The warmth of his words and the steadiness of his presence made you feel a little braver, even as you took a deep breath, preparing yourself to step into his world.