Author's note: Sorry for the repeated chapters that are just code jibberish tried uploading from both my phone and laptop thin it might be something to do with google docs but I digress and apologize for my inattentiveness, I hope you enjoy the new chapter review appreciated as they validate my existence

The outside of the Loud house had been decorated up to the nines, there were colourful flashing lights, inflatable cartoon characters, even Santa and his eight tiny reindeer were present.

Standing alone in the cold a figure observed it all in a fog of ennui, the lights were on in the windows and boisterous laughter and jovial voices reached all the way to where she stood on the sidewalk.

It all seemed so warm and inviting if you were into that kind of thing Maggie, however, was not.

She was engaged in firing herself up, telling herself that she was here for Luan when she felt a hand touch her shoulder and cringed.

She turned to see a blonde girl with a blue streak in her hair, she recognized her from Luan's description.

"Hey sorry if I scared you," the blonde said smiling at Maggie, "Is this the Loud house?"

A bit flustered by the sudden interruption Maggie just nodded acknowledging that it was.

The other girl paused looking at her then seemed to clue in, "You aren't Maggie? Are you? Luna's sister's girlfriend?"

Nodding again this time Maggie was able to find her voice, "Yes, and your Sam, Luna's . . . friend," she caught herself just in time.

She wanted to slap herself for her near social faux pas, stupid!

Her irritation must have shown on her face because Sam looked at her quizzically, she searched for something anything to change the subject.

"Nice dress," Maggie said trying to sound sincere, it was only visible from the waist down under Sam's parka but the color watched the streak in her hair, she also had a little Santa hat fascinator.

"Thanks," Sam said seeming to accept the compliment, "Your duds are pretty rad as well."

Suddenly feeling a bit self-conscience Maggie looked down at the suit it fit surprisingly well, she wasn't dressed for the weather as her mother had dropped her off.

"Luan's sister Leni made it for me," Maggie said trying to dismiss the compliment.

"So," Sam asked looking at the house nervously, "Why haven't you gone in yet?"

It wasn't an unfair question but Maggie still wasn't happy about a stranger prodding her, she tried not to let it show, "Just enjoying the ambiance."

The other girl looked around and nodded, "I'm nervous myself, not that I'm saying you are," the girl stumbled in her words then whispering, "Don't tell anyone but I'm meeting a secret admirer tonight."

"I'm not a social person and social gatherings can be intimidating for me," Maggie blurted out, she didn't know where that had come from and looked at Sam in horror.

For her part, Sam didn't show any judgment she just asked, "Then why did you come?"

Looking away Maggie shrugged and said, "Luan wanted me to be here"

Pausing for a moment Sam gave her a reassuring smile and said, "then Luan should be proud to have such a brave girlfriend."

Blushing uncharacteristically Maggie didn't know how to reply.

She felt Sam reach out and take her hand and she said, "I can wait with you till your ready if you want."

Maggie found herself unused to this type of sincere casual affection from a stranger it was ... nice?

Looking up at Sam she forced a smile and even though she was still reluctant said, "I think I'm ready."

The two girls walked up to the path to house hand in hand.

Letting go Sam knocked on the door and smiled at Maggie one more time.

Maybe this evening wouldn't be so bad after all Maggie thought to herself.