Drunk
Viv sighed as she turned her key in the lock, pushing open the door to Beth’s flat. She’d expected to be greeted by Beth’s voice calling out from the sofa, or the sight of her curled up under a blanket, waiting for her to arrive. But the flat was silent.
Viv frowned, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. She toed off her shoes, setting down her bag as she glanced around. The lights were off, the air still.
“Beth?” she called, already knowing there wouldn’t be an answer.
She sighed again, pulling her phone from her pocket. She hadn’t checked it in a couple hours, not since she left Manchester, and she figured there would be an explanation of Beth’s absence. And like she suspected, there it was. A message from Beth sent a few hours ago.
Beth🌹: Going out w Jordan, Leah and Katie! Love you baby, see you later xx
Viv rolled her eyes, shaking her head with a soft huff of amusement. Of course. She should have expected this. If there was anyone who could convince Beth to go out drinking on a random night with training the next day, it was those three.
Viv was tired. She’d driven all the way down from Manchester after training, eager to surprise Beth, only to find an empty flat. She could have gone straight to bed -could have climbed into Beth’s bed and waited for her to get home. But she knew what Beth was like when she’d been drinking. So instead, she made herself comfortable, turning on the TV and settling onto the sofa, waiting.
It was past two when she finally heard the door handle rattle.
The door swung open and Beth stumbled inside, giggling to herself as she clung to the frame for support. Her dress was askew, one strap hanging off her shoulder, and her hair was a mess, her makeup smeared. The faint scent of alcohol and second-hand smoke clung to her like a second skin.
She hadn’t even noticed Viv sitting on the sofa.
Viv raised an eyebrow. “Liefje?”
Beth gasped, whipping around so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet. Her eyes went wide, and then her entire face lit up like Viv was the best thing she’d ever seen.
“Vivi!” she squealed, launching herself forward.
Viv barely had time to brace herself before Beth crashed into her, arms winding around her neck as she buried her face into Viv’s shoulder.
Viv huffed, but her arms instinctively came up to steady her. “Beth, baby-“
“I missed you,” Beth groaned dramatically, squeezing her tight. “I missed you so much.”
Viv let out a soft chuckle, resting her chin atop Beth’s head as she rubbed her back. “You are so drunk.”
Beth pulled back, blinking up at her, and Viv could see just how unfocused her eyes were. “Nooo,” Beth drawled, shaking her head. “I’m only a little drunk.”
Viv snorted. “You smell like a pub.”
Beth gasped, scandalized. “That is so rude. I smell lovely.”
Viv shook her head fondly, smoothing her hands down Beth’s back. “Come on, liefje. You need to get ready for bed.”
Beth pouted but let Viv help her stand. The second she tried to move on her own, though, she wobbled dangerously, nearly face-planting the floor. Viv caught her just in time.
Beth blinked, stunned, before bursting into giggles. “You saved me!”
Viv huffed, hoisting Beth up so she could guide her towards the bedroom. “Beth, please just cooperate.”
Beth hummed happily, letting herself be led. “You’re so pretty, Viv,” she murmured, gazing at her with starry eyes. “Like, so pretty. How did I get so lucky?”
Viv flushed, ducking her head as she tried to hide her smile. “You are very drunk.”
Beth ignored her. “I love you,” she declared, pressing a sloppy kiss to Viv’s cheek.
Viv sighed, amused but exasperated. “I love you too, baby. Now please let me help you get changed.”
Beth huffed but obediently lifted her arms so Viv could tug her dress over her head. Viv tossed it aside and reached for Beth’s pyjamas, but Beth was swaying again, and before Viv could react, she stumbled.
“Beth!”
Viv caught her around the waist, steadying her before she could hit the ground.
Beth blinked, looking up at Viv as if she’d just performed some kind of miracle. “You saved me again.”
Viv groaned. “You are going to be the death of me, you know that?”
Beth just grinned. It took longer than it should have, but eventually, Viv got her dressed, only to be met with another problem. Beth’s makeup was still smudged across her face.
Viv guided her to the bathroom, hoisting her up onto the counter as she grabbed a makeup wipe. “Okay, stay still,” she instructed.
Beth slumped against the wall, gazing up at Viv with a dreamy smile. Viv gently wiped at her face, biting back a smile when Beth just kept staring.
“You’re so beautiful,” Beth murmured.
Viv’s cheeks burned. “Beth-“
“Like, ridiculously beautiful,” Beth continued, completely ignoring her. “I love your nose. And your jaw. And your lips. And your eyes-“
Viv let out a breathless laugh. “Beth...”
Beth grinned. “What? It’s true.”
Viv shook her head, fond but exasperated. She finished cleaning Beth’s face before grabbing her toothbrush.
“You need to brush your teeth,” Viv said, squeezing some toothpaste onto the brush.
Beth made no move to take it.
Viv narrowed her eyes. “Beth.”
Beth just continued smiling at her like a lovesick fool.
Viv sighed. “You’re going to make me do this too?”
Beth nodded. Viv groaned but lifted the toothbrush to Beth’s mouth, cupping her jaw to keep her head still. Once that was done, Viv lifted her off of the counter before taking her hand and pulling her towards the bedroom. Beth practically collapsed onto the bed as soon as she was close enough, stretching out like a starfish.
Viv rolled her eyes, climbing in beside her. “It’s bedtime now, Lieverd.”
Beth immediately turned, wriggling towards her. “Cuddles.”
Viv hummed, the corners of her lips twitched upwards as she wrapped an arm around Beth, pulling her against her chest. Beth hummed happily, nuzzling into her. Then, suddenly, she was wriggling again, shifting until she had her hands under Viv’s shirt, resting against her bare skin.
Viv grinned. “Beth, what-“
“Warm,” Beth mumbled sleepily. “So warm.”
Viv let out a breathless laugh. “You are so much work.”
Beth just hummed, already half-asleep.
Viv shook her head, pressing a soft kiss to Beth’s forehead. “Ik hou van jou,” she murmured.
Beth sighed contentedly. “Love you too, baby.”
And just like that, she was out.
Viv smiled, tightening her hold as she let herself relax.