Halfway to You

Arsenal had just lost in Barcelona. And it sucked.

No way around it—losing never felt good, especially not on a night like this, under the bright lights, in front of thousands of fans who weren’t theirs. They had fought for it, pushed until the final whistle, but sometimes, pushing wasn’t enough.

And still, at the end of the day, they had made it through the group stage. It wasn’t the win they wanted, but it was a reason to keep going. A reason to celebrate, however half-heartedly.

So they did.

Dinner first.

A nice place, nothing too fancy—one of those restaurants that looked upscale enough to make them feel like they were celebrating something but still relaxed enough that they could show up in their team tracksuits and no one would care.

The mood was easy, light. A little forced, maybe, but no one was dwelling on the loss, not really. There was food, there was wine, there was laughter in the way there always was when they were together, the kind that made it easier to forget that a few hours ago, they had walked off the pitch feeling like shit.

Beth sat next to Jen and Steph, like always. Routine. Safe.

Viv sat a little further down the table, caught in a conversation with Lotte and Lia, something about a ridiculous travel mishap from last season. She was smiling, relaxed, her fingers tapping lightly against her wine glass as she laughed at whatever Lotte had just said.

Beth forced herself to look away.

She and Viv had grown closer in the past few months. It had started small—Beth checking in after Lisa left, just a text here and there, nothing big, nothing dramatic. But then it had become… more.

A coffee here, a casual drive to training there. Sitting together at lunch, stretching together after practice. Talking about things that weren’t just football, weren’t just surface-level bullshit.

Somewhere along the way, it had shifted.

Beth wasn’t sure when, exactly, but at some point, she had stopped checking in just to be nice and started doing it because she wanted to. Because she liked being around Viv. Because she missed her when they weren’t together.

Because, if she was being honest with herself, she had probably, almost definitely, fallen for her.

Beth tried to focus on the conversation around her, but her eyes kept drifting.

It wasn’t intentional. Not really. But every so often, between bites of food and sips of wine, her gaze would flicker back toward Viv. Just for a second. Just long enough to catch little details—the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the way her fingers traced absentminded circles on the rim of her glass.

She wasn’t doing anything special. Just sitting there, laughing at something Lotte was saying, looking so at ease that Beth felt something twist in her chest.

She looked away, forced herself to engage in whatever joke Jen was telling at the other end of the table.

But then it happened again.

Beth glanced up, only to find Viv already looking at her.

Their eyes met.

And for a moment, neither of them moved.

Viv didn’t look away, didn’t break the moment. Instead, she smiled—small, warm, like she had caught Beth in the act but wasn’t calling her out on it.

Beth felt her own lips twitch in response, her chest tightening as she smiled back.

They stayed like that for just a beat too long.

Then Lotte nudged Viv’s arm, pulling her back into the conversation, and just like that, the moment passed.

Beth exhaled, shaking her head slightly as she reached for her drink.

The move to the bar had been inevitable.

Dinner had been good—loud, easy, warm in the way it always was with this team—but the energy was still buzzing, the kind that needed more space, more noise. Someone (probably Katie) had suggested it, and no one had really objected.

The bar was packed, music thrumming through the walls, bodies moving in the dim glow of overhead lights. It smelled like spilled drinks and cheap cologne, but the energy was good—loud, loose, exactly what the team needed after a night that started with a loss.

Beth had lost track of how many drinks were in front of her. She wasn’t drunk, but she was loose in that warm, familiar way, swaying to the music with Steph, laughing as Katie tried to drag Jen onto the dance floor.

And yet, no matter where she moved, no matter who she was talking to, her eyes kept finding Viv.

She wasn’t even doing anything. Just standing near the bar, talking to Lia, casually sipping her drink, but for some reason, it was impossible to look away. Maybe it was the lighting, maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe—probably—it was just Viv.

She turned back to Steph, who was watching her with the kind of knowing smirk that made Beth want to groan.

“What?” Beth asked, taking another sip of her drink.

Steph raised an eyebrow. “You tell me.”

Beth rolled her eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Steph hummed. “Right.”

Beth ignored her, focused on the music instead, let herself sway a little more. She wasn’t drunk, but she was light, loose. Happy in that way that only came after a long day, a couple of drinks, and the right company.

She wasn’t planning to go over to Viv.

She really wasn’t.

But then, at some point, she found herself moving toward the bar, her glass nearly empty in her hand.

And, like fate—or bad timing, depending on how she looked at it—Viv was there, waiting for her drink, standing just slightly apart from the group.

Beth didn’t think.

Beth just slid up beside her, setting her empty glass down with a soft clink.

Viv turned slightly, glancing at her before turning back to her drink. “Already?”

Beth huffed a quiet laugh. “What can I say? Watching Katie dance is exhausting.”

Viv smirked, barely glancing toward the dance floor. “She looks like she’s fighting for her life.”

Beth let out a soft chuckle. “And somehow, she’s dragging Jen down with her.”

Viv shook her head, amused. “Jen can’t say no to her.”

Beth hummed, resting an elbow on the bar. “And you? You don’t get dragged into things.”

Viv took a slow sip of her drink before setting it down. “I don’t.”

Beth tilted her head, studying her. “No one’s ever tempted you?”

Viv’s lips twitched slightly, a flicker of something unreadable in her expression. “Oh, plenty have tried.”

Beth felt that settle somewhere in her stomach, warm and heavy. She should have laughed, should have rolled her eyes, but instead, she held Viv’s gaze for half a second longer than necessary.

The bartender slid her drink across the counter, and Beth took it, swirling the liquid absently. “So, what do you think? Is this a good night or just tolerable?”

Viv exhaled through her nose, considering. “Somewhere in between.”

Beth made a face. “That’s a terrible answer.”

Viv smirked. “It’s an honest one.”

Beth tapped a finger against her glass. “You can admit you’re having fun. I won’t tell.”

Viv raised an eyebrow. “And why do you care?”

Beth took a slow sip, letting her eyes flicker over Viv before answering. “Because I like making you smile.”

Viv shook her head slightly, looking away, but Beth caught it—just for a moment—the way her fingers tightened around her glass.

It was so easy, Beth realized, to slip into this with her. This push and pull, this teasing, this thing that felt like it had always been there, just waiting for one of them to acknowledge it.

Beth took another sip of her drink, then, without really thinking, she said, “You look good tonight.”

Viv’s fingers stilled around her glass.

Beth noticed it immediately—the way Viv tensed, how she paused just a fraction too long before taking another sip. Like she was buying herself time.

Then Viv exhaled a small laugh, shaking her head. “I think you’ve had too much to drink.”

Beth smirked. “That’s the second time you’ve tried to brush me off.”

Viv lifted a shoulder in an effortless shrug, eyes flickering back to her glass. “Maybe you’re just easy to brush off.”

Beth tilted her head, voice quieter now. “That’s not true, though, is it?”

Viv didn’t answer right away. She glanced up at Beth for a second, then away again, fingers wrapping more tightly around her glass.

Beth let the moment stretch, let the silence settle between them, warm and charged. She didn’t look away.

And then, Viv cleared her throat, shifting slightly. “Are you trying to flirt with me?”

It wasn’t teasing. Not the way Beth had expected.

Viv’s voice was softer than usual, almost careful. There was no smirk, no sarcastic edge, no playful roll of her eyes.

Beth had been prepared for Viv to dodge the moment. She hadn’t been prepared for her to acknowledge it.

And suddenly, Beth felt it—the nerves, the weight of what she had actually just said, what they were actually talking about now.

She wet her lips, then forced herself to say, “Do you mind?”

Viv blinked once, caught off guard, her grip tightening around her glass.

For a moment, she didn’t answer.

Beth could see her thinking, see the way her fingers tapped an uneven rhythm against the side of the glass now, see how her gaze darted to Beth’s mouth before quickly flicking back up.

Beth felt her own breath hitch, heat curling beneath her ribs.

Viv shifted on her feet like she wasn’t sure what to do with herself.

And then—finally, voice quieter than before—Viv said, “I didn’t say that.”

Beth’s stomach flipped.

She exhaled slowly, barely aware of anything else in the room except for Viv and the small space between them.

Beth leaned in slightly, just enough for Viv to notice. “No, you didn’t.”

Viv swallowed, looking away for half a second before glancing back at her, lips parting like she might say something more.

Beth wasn’t sure what was supposed to happen next—if she was supposed to say something, do something, if Viv wanted her to—

But then—

“Beth!”

The moment snapped as Leah appeared, grabbing her wrist. “Come dance.”

Beth blinked, jolted back into reality.

She turned, catching Leah’s expectant grin before flicking her gaze back to Viv.

Viv hadn’t moved. Still watching her, still holding onto something she wasn’t saying.

And for the first time all night, Beth didn’t know what to do.

She hesitated.

Viv shifted again, this time tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear—something almost nervous in the gesture. Then she looked back at Beth, her lips twitching like she wasn’t sure if she wanted to smile or say something else.

Instead, she just tilted her head slightly. “Go on.”

Beth exhaled, letting out a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she let Leah pull her away.

But even as she stepped onto the dance floor, even as Leah spun her into the chaos of flashing lights and loud music, Beth’s mind stayed at the bar.

Beth wasn’t even thinking about leaving.

She was standing with Cait, drink in hand, still mid-conversation when movement near the door caught her eye.

Viv.

Jacket on, bag slung over her shoulder, saying her quiet goodbyes.

Leaving.

Beth blinked. For some reason, she hadn’t even considered that possibility.

Her chest tightened, something instinctive kicking in before logic could catch up.

She barely even heard Cait’s last words before she blurted, “I should get going too.”

Cait raised an eyebrow. “You? Since when do you leave early?”

Beth forced a small shrug, pretending this was normal, that she hadn’t just decided this five seconds ago. “Since now, I guess.”

She didn’t wait for Cait’s response.

Didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. Just moved.

By the time she stepped outside, Viv was already a few steps ahead.

Beth swallowed, inhaled the crisp night air before calling out, “Viv.”

Viv stopped. Turned.

For a second, her expression flickered with something—surprise, maybe. But she covered it quickly, her face settling into something unreadable.

“Are you going to the hotel already?” Viv asked, her voice even. Casual.

Beth nodded, exhaling, like this was just… natural. Like she wasn’t suddenly hyper-aware of the fact that this was the first time tonight they were completely alone.

“Figured I’d call it a night,” she said.

Viv watched her for a beat longer than necessary. Then she nodded. “Alright.”

And just like that, they started walking.

For the first few minutes, neither of them spoke.

It wasn’t awkward, exactly. But it wasn’t easy, either.

Beth wasn’t sure why she thought it would be.

Maybe because they’d been like this for months now—hovering around something unspoken, neither of them willing to name it.

Maybe because the silence between them tonight felt heavier than usual.

She glanced at Viv, who looked calm—too calm. Hands tucked into her jacket pockets, gaze steady on the road ahead.

She looked relaxed—too relaxed, like she had already mentally moved on from the night.

Beth wasn’t there yet.

"Did you have fun tonight?" Beth asked, keeping her voice light.

Viv hummed, the corner of her lips twitching slightly. "Yeah."

Beth gave her a skeptical look. "That sounded convincing."

Viv huffed a small laugh, finally glancing at her. "I did."

Beth narrowed her eyes, pretending to study her. "Mmm. Still not sure I believe you."

Viv shook her head, amused. "You always need a bigger reaction, don’t you?"

Beth smirked. "Maybe I just like seeing you admit you had fun."

Viv glanced ahead, exhaling through her nose. "It was a good night."

Beth hummed. "You left early, though."

Viv didn’t react right away. Just kept walking.

Then, finally, she said, "Didn’t feel like staying."

Beth tilted her head slightly, watching her carefully. "Why not?"

Viv’s fingers twitched in her pockets. "No reason."

Beth let out a quiet breath, keeping her gaze on her. "You didn’t say goodbye."

Viv huffed softly, not quite a laugh. "Didn’t think you’d notice."

Beth bumped her shoulder lightly. "I always notice."

Viv hesitated, then finally looked at her.

Beth held her gaze, waiting.

Beth held her gaze, waiting.

Viv shifted slightly, like she wasn’t sure if she wanted to meet Beth’s eyes for too long. But she didn’t look away.

A beat passed, the quiet between them stretching, heavier now.

Beth exhaled softly, tilting her head. "You know I’d notice."

Viv let out a slow breath, barely a laugh, before finally glancing away. Her fingers curled deeper into her jacket pockets. "Guess I was hoping you wouldn’t."

Beth frowned at that, something pressing uncomfortably in her chest.

"Why?" she asked, keeping her voice quiet.

Viv hesitated.

Beth could see the way her jaw tightened, the way she shifted her weight from one foot to the other like she wanted to move—like standing still made this conversation harder.

But then she exhaled, her breath visible in the cold air, and said, "Because you make things… different."

Beth blinked. "Different how?"

Viv let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head like she wasn’t sure how to explain it.

"You just—" She paused, then huffed another small laugh, glancing up at Beth again. "I don’t know. You make me think too much."

Beth felt her stomach flip, warmth spreading through her chest despite the chill in the air.

"Thinking too much is bad?" she asked, soft but teasing, trying to keep things light.

Viv’s lips twitched slightly, but there was something guarded in her expression. "Depends what I’m thinking about."

Beth inhaled, steadying herself.

She could push. Ask what Viv meant. Make her say it out loud.

Or she could do what she always did—keep the moment just on the edge of something more, waiting for Viv to meet her there.

Beth licked her lips, took a half-step closer. "And what were you thinking about tonight?"

Beth inhaled, steadying herself.

She could push. Ask what Viv meant. Make her say it out loud.

Or she could do what she always did—keep the moment just on the edge of something more, waiting for Viv to meet her there.

Beth licked her lips, took a half-step closer. "And what were you thinking about tonight?"

Viv swallowed.

Beth saw it—the way she hesitated, the way her breath hitched just slightly before she exhaled.

Then, after a long moment, Viv’s gaze flickered up to meet Beth’s again.

And this time, she didn’t look away.

Beth felt it then—the shift, the weight of something unspoken but real, pressing between them.

Viv’s fingers twitched at her sides like she was debating something.

Beth opened her mouth to say something—she wasn’t even sure what—but before she could, Viv let out another breath and shook her head slightly, like she was pushing something away.

"It’s late," she murmured instead, voice softer now. "We should get back."

Beth’s chest tightened, disappointment curling at the edges, but she just nodded.

"Yeah," she said, letting out a small breath. "Let’s go."

They started walking again, the space between them feeling different now—charged, heavier than before.

Beth didn’t know what had just happened.

But she knew, without a doubt, that something had.

As they reached Viv’s hotel room, a quiet tension settled between them.

The door was open, but neither of them moved.

Beth’s breath was uneven, her chest rising and falling a little too quickly as she glanced at Viv’s mouth, then back to her eyes. Viv did the same, her fingers twitching at her sides like she was holding herself back from something.

Neither of them spoke.

Neither of them needed to.

Beth took one small step closer, and that was all it took.

She kissed Viv, hard and desperate, like she had been waiting for this moment for far too long.

Viv gasped against her lips, but she didn’t pull away—she pressed closer, her hands finding Beth’s jacket, gripping it like she needed something to hold onto. Beth groaned at the feeling, at the way Viv let her take control, their mouths moving in sync, all restraint finally breaking.

The door shut behind them without either of them noticing.

Beth backed Viv up until she hit the wall, swallowing the small noise Viv made as their bodies pressed together. She grabbed Viv’s waist, fingers tightening as if she needed to feel every inch of her. Viv let out a soft moan when Beth nipped at her bottom lip, her fingers finally sliding into Beth’s hair, pulling her even closer.

Beth was losing her mind.

She barely registered her own hands moving, fumbling with Viv’s jacket, pushing it off her shoulders before reaching for the hem of her shirt.

“Off,” Beth murmured against Viv’s lips, her voice rough, needy.

Viv didn’t hesitate. She lifted her arms, letting Beth pull her shirt over her head, her breath hitching as Beth’s hands immediately ran over the warm skin beneath.

Beth swallowed hard, her eyes dragging over Viv’s body. “You are so fucking beautiful,” she muttered, almost to herself.

Viv let out a shaky breath, her fingers moving to Beth’s shirt. “Yours too,” she mumbled, tugging at it with hands that weren’t quite steady.

Beth smirked, helping her pull it off. “Not fair if you’re the only one losing clothes, huh?”

Viv rolled her eyes, but it didn’t have the usual teasing bite—it was softer, her pupils blown, her lips kiss-swollen. “Not at all.”

Beth kissed her again, slower this time, letting her hands roam over Viv’s back, pulling her even closer.

Beth guided them toward the bed, her lips never fully leaving Viv’s skin, dragging slow kisses along her jaw, down the column of her throat. The moment was thick with heat, with something that had been building for too long, finally given the space to unravel.

Viv let herself sink onto the mattress, her back pressing into the cool sheets, but Beth barely gave her a second to settle. She hovered over her, hands tracing slow, deliberate paths over her sides, fingertips brushing the soft curves of her body like she was trying to memorize every inch.

Then she felt it—Viv shifting beneath her, something in her body language suddenly hesitating, like she was caught between the moment and something else entirely.

Beth stopped immediately, searching her expression, finding a flicker of something unspoken in her eyes.

Viv took a breath, then, softly, "I haven’t since Lisa."

Beth stilled. Her hands, her breath, her heartbeat—everything seemed to slow for a moment. She let the words settle between them, let them exist in the quiet, before she carefully tucked a loose strand of hair behind Viv’s ear.

"Do you want to stop?" Her voice was gentle, steady, willing to halt everything right here if Viv needed her to.

Viv swallowed, her fingers tightening slightly where they rested against Beth’s waist. "No," she whispered. "I just… I wanted you to know."

Beth exhaled, leaning down to press a kiss to Viv’s temple. "I’ve got you," she murmured. "I’ll take care of you."

Viv’s eyes fluttered closed for a second, like she was absorbing the words, letting them settle into her skin.

Then Beth kissed her again, softer this time, slower—like she wanted to reassure her without words, like she wanted to show her exactly what she meant.

Viv responded just as gently at first, but as Beth’s hands wandered, as her lips moved lower, she felt Viv’s body begin to relax again, arching slightly into the touch.

Beth took her time, trailing kisses down Viv’s collarbone, across the bare skin of her chest. She let her lips and tongue explore slowly, drawing soft, quiet sounds from Viv’s lips, until she was fully melting beneath her.

She moved lower still, pressing open-mouthed kisses down the center of her stomach, pausing briefly when she felt Viv shift again, her breath coming a little quicker now.

Beth glanced up, checking in, waiting for any sign of hesitation—but all she found was the flush spreading across Viv’s cheeks, the way her pupils had blown wide, her fingers curled tight into the sheets.

"Is this okay?" Beth whispered, her voice warm against Viv’s skin.

Viv’s breath caught. "Yeah," she said, voice barely audible.

Beth hummed, kissing her inner thigh, teasing just enough to hear the way Viv’s breath stuttered. "Tell me what you want."

Viv hesitated. She was never the type to just say things like this, not like Beth, not so effortlessly. But Beth didn’t rush her, didn’t push. She just waited.

After a moment, Viv exhaled shakily. "You. Just—keep going."

Beth’s lips curved against her skin. "I can do that."

She did exactly that.

Taking her time, learning Viv in a way she hadn’t before, listening to every sound she made, to the way her body moved, responding to every touch, every flick of her tongue, every slow, deliberate movement.

Viv was tense at first, like she wasn’t used to this, like she wasn’t sure how to let herself go completely—but Beth didn’t let up, didn’t let any doubt creep in. She just held onto her, kissed her deeper, let her hands soothe over her sides until, finally, Viv melted.

And when she finally pulled back up, pressing soft, lingering kisses against Viv’s stomach, she asked, "Can I?"

Viv didn’t need to ask what she meant.

Her lips parted, her eyes locked on Beth’s, something unreadable flickering behind them.

Then she nodded. "Yeah."

Beth moved slowly, carefully, pressing one finger inside, watching Viv’s reaction intently. She felt the way Viv’s breath hitched, the way her fingers gripped at the sheets, how her thighs tensed before relaxing again.

Beth kissed the corner of her lips, her voice soft, steady. "Does that feel good?"

Viv let out a shaky breath, her head tilting slightly back against the pillow. "Yeah," she whispered.

Beth pressed in just a little more, feeling the way Viv clenched around her, how her breath hitched sharply. She was watching every reaction, every little shift, drinking in the way Viv's body responded to her touch.

Viv let out a shaky moan, her fingers gripping Beth’s wrist, not to stop her—just to hold on. Her head tilted back against the pillow, her lips parting as another soft sound escaped.

Beth exhaled, pressing a kiss to her jaw before whispering, "You need more?"

Viv nodded quickly, her eyes fluttering open, heavy-lidded with need. "Please," she gasped, her voice barely above a breath, but desperate enough that Beth felt it straight to her core.

Beth groaned, the sound low in her throat, something about hearing Viv like this, so undone, making her pulse race. "Fuck," she muttered, adjusting slightly before pushing in deeper, feeling the way Viv's body arched in response.

Viv let out a loud moan, her fingers digging into Beth’s shoulders now, breath coming in uneven gasps.

Beth smirked against her skin, kissing her way down her neck. "You sound so good like that," she murmured, setting a steady rhythm, her free hand roaming over Viv’s body, gripping, teasing, taking in everything.

Viv whimpered, her hips shifting instinctively to meet Beth’s movements. "Beth—" she gasped, voice breaking slightly as Beth curled her fingers just right, pulling another moan from her lips.

Beth felt her stomach tighten at the sound, her own breath quickening. "That’s it," she encouraged, voice rough, needy. "Let me hear you.

Viv's breath hitched again, her back arching slightly, her fingers finding Beth’s arm and squeezing, as if she needed something to hold onto.

Beth could feel it—the way Viv was getting closer, the way her body tensed, how her moans turned more desperate, more breathless.

And then—

Viv let go.

Her body tensed, then trembled as the pleasure crashed over her, her breath breaking into a soft, choked moan. Beth kept her touch steady, working her through it, whispering quiet words against her skin, telling her how good she was, how beautiful she looked like this.

Viv slowly came down, her chest rising and falling with deep, uneven breaths. Beth pressed soft, lingering kisses up her stomach, over her ribs, before finally meeting Viv’s lips again, swallowing the last of her sighs.

Viv was still dazed, her eyes heavy-lidded, her body relaxed in a way Beth had never quite seen before.

Beth smirked, brushing her knuckles over Viv’s cheek. "You okay?"

Viv let out a breathless laugh, her arms lazily wrapping around Beth’s waist, pulling her close. "Yeah," she murmured, still catching her breath. "Really okay."

Beth was still catching her breath, pressing slow, open-mouthed kisses against Viv’s flushed skin, when she felt it—Viv’s hands, warm and steady, slipping down her body with clear intent.

Beth made a soft sound against Viv’s jaw, a half-protest, half-sigh.

"You don’t have to," she murmured, barely managing the words as Viv’s fingers traced lower, slow but determined.

"Shh," Viv whispered, voice gentle but firm, cutting off any further objection. Her hand found its place, fingers pressing exactly where Beth needed them, and Beth’s entire body tensed in response.

"Viv," she breathed, eyes fluttering shut as pleasure curled through her.

Viv shifted closer, her lips brushing against Beth’s, teasing. "Do you like it like this?" she asked, voice softer now, laced with something almost hesitant, almost unsure.

Beth’s answer was immediate—a shaky nod, her hands gripping Viv’s waist, anchoring herself. "Yes," she exhaled, her voice rougher now, more desperate. "Yes, keep going."

Viv hummed, a small, pleased sound, and then she did.

Beth buried her face in the crook of Viv’s neck, her breaths turning uneven as tension coiled tighter and tighter inside her. Viv kept her pace steady, her touch confident but attentive, listening to every shift in Beth’s body, every sound she made.

It didn’t take long.

Beth trembled against her, her fingers digging into Viv’s back as everything inside her unraveled. She gasped, her body tensing, then melting entirely as she came apart in Viv’s arms.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Beth was still breathing heavily, her face still buried against Viv’s skin, the warmth between them thick and lingering.

They lay there in the quiet, tangled together in the sheets, bodies still warm from everything that had just happened. Their breaths had slowed, their skin cooling, but neither of them moved much—like shifting too far away would break something fragile.

Beth stretched slightly, adjusting against the pillows, but the second she moved, she felt Viv’s hand wrap around her wrist, stopping her.

Beth turned her head, catching the flicker of uncertainty in Viv’s expression.

"Can you stay?" Viv asked, her voice quieter now, softer. There was something vulnerable in it, something Beth wasn’t used to hearing from her.

Beth didn’t hesitate.

She nodded. "Yeah," she murmured, voice steady. "Of course."

Viv exhaled, like she had been bracing for another answer, like she hadn’t been sure what Beth would say. She gave Beth’s wrist a small squeeze before letting go, allowing Beth to shift again—only this time, Beth moved closer, pressing their bodies back together under the covers.

Beth curled into her, tucking her face against Viv’s shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of her skin. She felt Viv’s arm wrap around her, pulling her in without a word.

Beth woke up first.

For a moment, she just lay there, still half-asleep, her mind slow to process where she was. But then she felt it—the warmth of Viv beside her, the steady rise and fall of her breathing, the way their legs were still tangled beneath the sheets.

Beth blinked up at the ceiling, suddenly wide awake.

And then it hit her.

Last night.

The way they had kissed like they couldn’t help themselves, the way Viv had looked at her, the way Beth had touched her, held her, stayed.

The way Viv had asked her to.

Beth swallowed, suddenly feeling like she couldn’t breathe properly. Because what did this mean now? What was she supposed to do? Yes, Viv had wanted her to stay last night, but what if she woke up and regretted it? What if she looked at Beth differently?

What if Beth had already screwed this up?

Her pulse picked up, panic creeping in, irrational but suffocating all the same.

She turned her head slightly, watching Viv sleep—peaceful, completely unaware of the storm raging inside Beth’s chest.

And against her better judgment, Beth did something she already knew was a mistake.

She slipped out of bed.

She moved carefully, making sure not to wake Viv, even as guilt twisted in her stomach. She found her clothes, pulling them on quickly, her fingers fumbling more than they should have.

Her heart was pounding now.

She should stay. She should wait for Viv to wake up. They should talk.

But instead, she opened the door.

And the second it closed behind her, she regretted it.

Beth stood in the hallway for a moment, her jaw clenched, hands tightening into fists at her sides.

What the hell was she doing?

She wanted to turn back immediately, wanted to crawl back into that bed and pretend she hadn’t just done the very thing that could ruin this.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she forced herself to walk.

She went straight to her room, shutting the door behind her, exhaling sharply as she leaned against it. The panic was still there, crawling under her skin, but now it was joined by something worse—shame.

She ran a hand through her hair, letting out a slow breath before pushing off the door.

She needed to shower. She needed to get dressed.

Viv woke up slowly, shifting slightly under the sheets, stretching against the warm comfort of the bed. For a few blissful seconds, she was still caught in the haze of sleep, feeling relaxed, safe, content.

And then she reached out.

Her fingers met empty sheets.

Cold sheets.

Her eyes blinked open, her body stiffening as she turned toward the space beside her. Beth wasn’t there.

The bed was already cool, like she had been gone for a while.

Viv stared at the empty space for a long moment, something sinking in her chest.

She sat up slowly, the silence in the room suddenly deafening. Her gaze flickered to the floor—Beth’s clothes were gone. The chair where her hoodie had been draped over last night was empty now.

She had left.

Viv inhaled sharply, her jaw clenching, a sting blooming somewhere deep in her chest.

She wasn’t sure why she had expected anything else.

Maybe because Beth had stayed last night. Maybe because she had felt something different, something more. Maybe because, for the first time in a long time, Viv had allowed herself to believe in the possibility of something beyond just the moment.

And yet, here she was. Alone.

She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling slowly, trying to steady herself.

Then, almost on instinct, she reached for her phone.

She shouldn’t have expected anything. She knew that. But still, a small, stupid part of her hoped—hoped that maybe Beth had left a message, an explanation, something.

Her screen lit up as she unlocked it.

Nothing.

No missed calls. No texts. No sign that Beth had even thought about her since walking out of that door.

Viv swallowed against the tightness in her throat, staring at the empty notifications.

She had been wrong.

Again.

She let out a slow breath, setting her phone down with more force than necessary. She clenched her jaw, trying to push down the dull ache settling in her chest.

Beth had left. And she hadn’t even bothered to let Viv know why.

Viv exhaled sharply as she pulled her hoodie over her head, running a hand through her hair before glancing at herself in the mirror. She looked tired. She felt tired. And if she stayed in this room any longer, she was going to drive herself insane checking her phone, waiting for a message that clearly wasn’t coming.

So she made herself move.

Breakfast.

At least she wouldn’t be alone there—she could sit with Lotte, maybe with Katie, act like everything was fine. Like she hadn’t woken up to an empty bed and cold sheets.

She took one last look at her phone before shoving it in her pocket, grabbing her keycard, and heading out.

Beth was already downstairs, sitting with Jen and Steph, but she wasn’t really there.

Her hands were wrapped around her coffee cup, her shoulders tense, her mind replaying every stupid decision she had made that morning. She had barely touched her food.

"You good?" Jen asked, raising an eyebrow as she buttered a piece of toast.

Beth blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Yeah," she mumbled. "Just tired."

Jen hummed, clearly not convinced.

Steph, sitting across from her, watched her more carefully. "You’ve barely said a word," she pointed out. "And considering we were all drinking last night, you don’t even look that hungover."

Beth forced a shrug. "Didn’t drink that much."

Steph narrowed her eyes slightly, but before she could say anything else, Beth’s gaze flickered toward the entrance—right as Viv walked in.

Beth immediately stiffened.

Viv looked… fine. Or at least she looked like she was trying to be fine. But Beth knew her well enough now to notice the tension in her shoulders, the way her movements were a little stiffer than usual. She wasn’t looking around much, like she was purposely avoiding eye contact with anyone she didn’t need to acknowledge.

And she definitely wasn’t looking at Beth.

Beth swallowed, gripping her coffee cup a little tighter as Viv walked past their table.

Jen, oblivious to everything, smiled up at her. "Morning."

Viv barely glanced her way. She hummed in response—barely an acknowledgment—before continuing past them without a pause.

Beth didn’t stop staring.

She watched as Viv headed toward another table, sitting down with Lotte, Lia, and a few others, immediately turning her attention to them like Beth wasn’t even in the room.

"Jesus," Jen muttered, watching her go. "Someone’s in a bad mood."

Steph, however, wasn’t looking at Viv anymore. She was looking at Beth.

And Beth could feel it.

She shifted uncomfortably, focusing too hard on stirring her coffee even though there was nothing left to stir.

Steph’s eyes stayed on her. "Did something happen last night?"

Beth stilled for a fraction of a second.

Then, too quickly, she scoffed. "What are you talking about?"

Jen and Steph exchanged a look.

"You literally ran after her out of the club," Steph said, tilting her head. "And now she won’t even look at you."

Beth felt her stomach tighten.

Beth could feel it—the weight of their stares, the unspoken questions pressing against her skin like they were just waiting for her to crack.

"You’re making this so much worse by not talking," Jen pointed out, watching her like she was studying a particularly difficult puzzle.

Beth shook her head, exhaling sharply. "It’s nothing."

Steph scoffed. "Bullshit. You look like you want to throw up, and Viv won’t even glance in your direction. That’s not nothing."

Beth clenched her jaw, staring at her untouched coffee. "Can you guys drop it?"

Jen raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Not a chance."

Steph leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Did you two fight?"

Beth’s fingers twitched around her cup, but she didn’t answer.

Jen and Steph exchanged a look before Jen tried again, her voice lower now, more careful. "Did you—" she hesitated, "—kiss?"

Beth inhaled through her nose, keeping her face neutral, refusing to react.

But the silence was loud.

Steph’s eyes widened slightly, a slow smirk creeping onto her face. "Oh my god. You did, didn’t you?"

Beth shifted in her seat, looking anywhere but at them.

Jen tilted her head, watching her carefully. "Wait. Did you—" her voice trailed off as realization hit, "—you didn’t just kiss, did you?"

Beth’s stomach dropped.

Steph sat up straighter. "No way."

Beth exhaled, fingers tightening around her coffee as she gave the smallest, reluctant nod.

Jen’s jaw practically hit the table. "You slept with her."

Steph blinked, staring at her like she had just admitted to committing a crime.

Beth didn’t say anything.

Jen let out a stunned, almost breathless laugh. "Holy shit. You and Viv."

Steph shook her head, still staring. "Okay, that explains a lot. But if that’s what happened, why the hell is Viv ignoring you?"

Beth exhaled, dragging a hand down her face. "Because I left."

Silence.

Then—

"You what?" Jen’s voice was sharp, incredulous.

Beth shook her head at herself, the shame sinking deeper. "I woke up, and I—" she hesitated, forcing the words out. "I panicked. I didn’t know if she’d regret it, and I thought maybe it’d be easier if—"

Steph’s eyebrows shot up. "Easier?"

Beth groaned, leaning back in her chair. "I don’t know, okay? I wasn’t thinking. I just got dressed and left."

Jen’s mouth parted slightly. "Jesus, Beth."

Steph let out a slow, disbelieving exhale. "And you thought that was a good idea?"

Beth let out a humorless chuckle, rubbing her temples. "Clearly, no."

Jen was still staring, like she was trying to process the level of stupidity. "Wow. You really fucked this up, huh?"

Beth dragged a hand down her face. "Yeah. I know."

Steph leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "So… what are you gonna do about it?"

Beth swallowed, her gaze flickering toward the other side of the room, toward the table where Viv sat, hunched slightly over her coffee, speaking to Lotte and Lia but not really engaging. Her shoulders were tense, her face carefully neutral—like she was holding something back.

And she still hadn’t looked at Beth.

Beth exhaled, her stomach twisting.

"I have no fucking idea."

The airport was busy, teammates scattered across the waiting area, some on their phones, others talking in small groups. The energy was mixed—some tired, some still buzzing from the trip, some already thinking about getting home.

Beth wasn’t thinking about any of it.

She was thinking about Viv.

She had spent all morning trying to get close, but Viv had made it impossible. She hadn’t looked at her once, hadn’t given her a chance to explain, hadn’t even acknowledged her presence beyond the bare minimum of civility. And Beth—Beth had never felt so awful in her life.

She was running out of time.

And then she saw her.

Viv was walking toward the vending machines, a bit away from the rest of the team, slipping a coin into the slot, pressing the buttons.

Beth didn’t hesitate.

She got up, following after her, her heart hammering as she stopped a few steps behind.

Viv was focused on the machine, waiting for her coffee. Beth saw the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers tapped against her thigh as she waited.

Beth swallowed, forcing her voice to be light.

"Bit of a gamble getting coffee from one of these," she joked, hoping for even the smallest smile, the slightest crack in Viv’s walls. "Could be the worst thing you’ve ever had. Could be decent. Fifty-fifty shot, really."

Viv didn’t look at her.

Didn’t laugh, didn’t react, just reached down to grab her cup and blew on it lightly before taking a slow sip.

Beth barely had time to register what was happening before Viv turned to her, eyes sharp, voice cutting through the tense air like a blade.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Beth froze.

It wasn’t just the words—it was the way Viv said them. The coldness, the edge, the sheer exhaustion wrapped around each syllable.

Viv had never spoken to her like this before.

Beth swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.

"I—" she hesitated, taking a shaky breath. "I wanted to apologize."

Viv let out a harsh breath, shaking her head as if Beth’s words physically irritated her.

Beth pressed on, desperate now. "I didn’t know how to start, I—"

"You didn’t know how to start?" Viv interrupted, voice laced with disbelief.

Beth shut her mouth instantly.

Viv exhaled, gripping her coffee cup like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. "You don’t get to do this, Beth. You don’t get to walk away and then come back when it suits you."

Beth opened her mouth, but Viv wasn’t done.

"You think you can just joke around, act like nothing happened, and then throw out an apology like it’ll fix everything?" Viv’s voice was sharp, but underneath it—underneath the anger—there was something raw. Something broken. "You left."

Beth’s stomach clenched.

"I know," she said quietly.

Viv let out a breathy, bitter laugh. "I asked you to stay, Beth. I literally asked you." Her voice cracked slightly, and she exhaled sharply, composing herself. "And you still left. And do you know what’s worse?" Viv’s jaw clenched. "I wasn’t even surprised."

Beth flinched.

"Because this is what you do," Viv continued, voice quieter now, but no less devastating. "You push people away before they can push you. You let them in just enough to make them think they have you, and then—" she gestured vaguely, jaw tight. "Then you run."

Beth shook her head, voice hoarse. "Viv, that’s not fair."

Viv let out a sharp breath. "It’s not? Isn’t that what you did to me?"

Silence stretched between them.

Beth had no response.

Viv inhaled sharply, glancing away like she was trying to steady herself. When she spoke again, her voice wasn’t as sharp, but it was just as firm.

"I told you," Viv said, voice quieter, "that I hadn’t been with anyone since Lisa. And I wasn’t just saying that to make conversation. I was telling you that because it mattered. Because it meant something." She shook her head, looking almost disgusted with herself. "I never would have done this to you, Beth. Never. I would never have let you wake up alone, wondering if I regretted it. I would never have left you like that."

Beth’s chest tightened, guilt hitting her so hard it almost knocked the air out of her lungs.

"I want to fix it," Beth said, voice barely above a whisper.

Viv scoffed.

"Fix it?" she repeated, like the words were foreign to her. Like she didn’t even know what Beth thought she could fix.

Beth swallowed. "Viv, please—"

"No," Viv cut her off, shaking her head as she finally looked at Beth again. "You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to say you want to fix it now."

Beth’s eyes burned. "You matter to me," she said, her voice almost breaking.

Viv let out a quiet, humorless laugh.

"You don’t get to say that now," she murmured.

Beth could see it—the finality in Viv’s posture, the way she was already stepping back, already preparing to walk away.

Viv exhaled, shoulders rising and falling.

"I’m not like this, Beth," she said, voice steady now. "When I’m with someone, it’s because they mean something to me. I can’t just… be with someone when they don’t mean anything. I can’t wake up to an empty bed like it never happened. That’s not me."

Beth’s throat tightened. "That’s not what it was."

Viv tilted her head slightly, gaze sharp. "Then what was it?"

Beth opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Viv let out a small, bitter exhale, nodding to herself like she had her answer.

"That’s what I thought," she muttered.

Beth didn’t even have time to try again before Viv took a step back, coffee still untouched in her hands.

Beth could only watch as Viv turned and walked away, leaving her standing there with nothing but the ache in her chest and the weight of everything she hadn’t said.

She stayed there for a long moment, standing in the middle of the airport, staring at nothing, trying to understand if she had just fucked this up forever.