nika muhl fic from when she at uconn and they’re going on the europe trip. gf is a manager on the team and she had been dating nika for a while now. gf is going on the europe trip and gets to meet nika’s parents for the first time. and gf is like freaking out a little bit before meeting them like what gift should she bring, whT she should wear etc. but nika ofc gets her to chill out and they meet the parents and it goes really well, they adore gf and they tell cute stories ab nika
SYNOPSIS: You're in Croatia with your girlfriend Nika for a few preseason games, and tonight, you're meeting her parents in person for the first time. You got super nervous but it works out in the end
WARNINGS ⚠︎: none that I know of
RECOMMENDED SONG: Lover - Taylor Swift
You’ve been in your shared hotel room with your girlfriend, Nika, for the past hour and a half trying to find the perfect outfit. You’re both on the same basketball team at the University of Connecticut, and for the preseason, you had a few games in her hometown of Zagreb, Croatia. When Nika told her parents she’d be coming home for a few games, they asked the two of you to have dinner with them on a night you were free. You didn’t disagree, after all, you’d talked to them a few times over FaceTime and social media, but seeing them in person? The idea scared the hell out of you.
“You know, you’re not meeting the Queen of England,” Nika said, leaning against the bathroom doorway with a teasing smile, arms crossed over her UConn hoodie. She was clearly amused, watching you do your makeup, then wipe it off, then redo it; determined to look perfect.
“You’re right. I’m meeting your parents, which is scarier,” you replied. “Okay, which says ‘respectable future daughter-in-law’ more?” you asked, showing her the two outfits you thought looked the nicest for meeting her parents that was laid out against one of the beds.
Nika walked over and wrapped her arms around your waist. She looked at both outfits; one a cute pair of jean shorts with a cami top, the other a matching patterned skirt and crop top.
“They’re going to love you no matter what you wear,” she said softly, brushing her nose against your neck. “You’re smart, loving… you deal with my chaos. My mom already thinks you’re an angel for that one,” she teased, placing soft kisses along your neck.
“Okay, but should I bring a gift? I feel like I should bring a gift,” you said, your hands gripping her arms around your waist. “Is that a Croatian thing?”
Nika laughed. “You don’t need a gift, ljubavi. But if it makes you feel better, bring chocolates. Can never go wrong with those, pretty girl.” She was clearly amused at how much you were freaking out, especially since you were usually calm and down-to-earth. Seeing you panicked over meeting her parents like they were the most powerful people in the world entertained her.
By the time you two were ready, you had just enough time to head to dinner. The soft city lights of Zagreb illuminated the town, the gentle chatter of people passing by filling the air. But all you could focus on was the reassuring squeeze of Nika’s hand in yours. Just a few minutes later, you reached the apartment she grew up in. She knocked gently on the door while you stood a little shakily beside her.
“Dušo, calm down,” she whispered, placing a soft, tender kiss on your temple.
You took a deep breath, centering yourself on the smile on her face. Even if she was a little nervous, she didn’t show it. The love of her life, for over two years now was finally going to meet her parents.
“Zdravo, dobrodošli!” her mom greeted excitedly, wrapping you in a warm hug and kissing your cheek.
You blushed, a dimpled grin spreading across your face. “Hi, Mrs. Mühl,” you said, kissing her cheek back.
“You must be the girl my daughter’s crazy over!” she teased, making you turn just in time to catch Nika blushing hard.
“I guess you could say that,” you said with a soft laugh, holding the small present out to her.
“Thank you for allowing me to be here, Mrs. Mühl.”
She took the little wrapped box, which contained a few kinds of chocolate and other treats Nika had told you they liked.
“Awh, you didn’t have to… thank you,” her mom said warmly, pulling you into a loving hug.
When you walked into the apartment, the aroma of something delicious filled your nostrils. Nika’s face broke into a wide grin.
“Are you two cooking purica s mlincima? Just for us??” she asked eagerly.
Her dad looked up from the kitchen, smiling when he saw you both. “Ah! You’re finally here!” he said, pulling you into warm, welcoming hugs. The way her parents greeted you with such open arms instantly put you at ease and Nika could see the tension leave your body the moment it happened.
After a long evening of joking, story-sharing, and laughter over wine and a dinner you hadn’t expected to love quite as much as you did, it was time to head back to the hotel before Geno would get too cranky.
Her mom pulled you in for one last hug, holding on just a little tighter this time. “We’re so happy to finally meet you,” she said quietly. “Come back anytime. You’re family now.”
As you and Nika stepped back into the soft night air, she looped her arm around your waist, tugging you close.
“You were perfect,” she said.
“You sure?” you asked, still half in disbelief.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” she replied. “Except maybe that you and purica s mlincima are going to have a long, loving relationship.”
You laughed, then leaned in to kiss her, the streetlamps casting a soft glow behind her silhouette.
Croatia felt like a second home now. Because of her, because of this.
Because you were already part of her world
a/n: idk why I took so long to write this babe but pls enjoy <3 love you guys pls stay safe
