An Unexpected Comfort
Beth sat at one of the tables in the training ground’s cafeteria, absentmindedly stirring her coffee. She had barely touched her food, too caught up in replaying last night’s events in her head. The way Viv had looked at her before they kissed, the way her hand had instinctively moved to Viv’s waist, touching her skin—she could still feel the warmth of it if she focused hard enough.
Steph and Jen dropped their trays onto the table, snapping Beth out of her thoughts.
“So,” Jen started, wiggling her eyebrows. “How did it go?”
Beth blinked at them. “What?”
Steph sighed dramatically. “Your date, you idiot. The thing you wouldn’t shut up about yesterday.”
Beth groaned, rubbing her temples. “Oh, my God. Can you two be normal for once?”
“No,” they answered in unison.
Beth sighed but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “Alright, fine. You want details?”
Jen leaned in dramatically. “Obviously.”
Beth exhaled, sitting back. “Okay, well… first of all, I completely screwed up the reservation.”
Steph, mid-sip of her coffee, choked. “What?”
Jen gasped. “You forgot to book it?”
“No, no, I booked it,” Beth clarified quickly. “Just… for the wrong day.”
Steph stared at her. “You’re actually hopeless.”
Beth groaned. “I was so stressed about making it perfect that I messed it up completely. And the place was packed, so there was no way they could squeeze us in.”
Jen winced. “Oof. That’s rough. Did Viv mind?”
Beth’s lips curled into a small smile. “She was the one who found a burger truck next to the river. Said we should just go there instead.”
Steph laughed. “That woman is a saint.”
Jen grinned. “And? Did she still like the date despite you being a disaster?”
Beth hesitated for a second before nodding. “She said it might have been her best first date ever.”
Steph and Jen gasped dramatically.
“She actually said that?” Jen asked, eyes wide.
Beth nodded smugly.
Steph groaned. “I swear, slow burns kill me. I feel like we’ve been waiting for this forever.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “You two are ridiculous.”
Jen smirked. “Alright, but let’s get to the important part—did you kiss her?”
Beth took a long sip of her drink, dragging out the moment before finally nodding.
Steph pumped her fist. “I knew it!”
Jen grinned. “Alright, where? Classic front door moment? Car kiss?”
Beth shrugged, trying to downplay how much the memory made her stomach flip. “Car. Slow. Really nice.”
Steph let out an exaggerated sigh. “God, I love when slow burns finally start burning.”
Beth groaned. “Please stop making it weird.”
Jen wiggled her eyebrows. “Oh, we’re just getting started.”
Beth sighed, knowing she was in for at least another ten minutes of teasing.
Then, after a brief pause, she hesitated before saying, “There was… something else.”
Steph and Jen both perked up immediately. “Oh?”
Beth exhaled, stirring her coffee again. “We talked about Claire.”
The table went silent for a moment.
Jen was the first to speak, leaning forward. “You mean, like… Viv brought her up?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. And I could tell it was bothering her.”
Steph frowned. “What did she say?”
Beth pursed her lips. “She asked if anything… happened. Like, between me and Claire.”
Jen raised an eyebrow. “And what did you say?”
Beth let out a slow breath. “I told her the truth. That I did sleep with her.”
Steph winced. “Shit.”
Beth ran a hand over her face. “Yeah. And it sucked, because I could see on her face how much she hated hearing it.”
Jen nodded. “Makes sense. She obviously really likes you.”
Beth sighed. “I know. And the thing is… I didn’t even want to. I told her that. I told her I couldn’t even focus on it properly because she—” Beth stopped herself, looking down.
Steph’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Because she what?”
Beth groaned, but after a moment, admitted, “Because I couldn’t get Viv out of my head.”
Jen let out a low whistle. “Yeah. That’ll do it.”
Beth shook her head. “I just hate that I hurt her. She even said she felt jealous, which she hated.”
Steph sighed. “I mean… it’s understandable. But you guys talked it out?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. And it was fine after that. We changed the subject, flirted a bit, and… then we kissed. But I can’t stop thinking about it.”
Jen smiled softly. “That’s because you care.”
Beth huffed. “Yeah, yeah.”
Steph nudged her playfully. “Look at you, actually having feelings.”
Beth rolled her eyes just as Jen’s eyes darted toward the entrance.
Beth turned just in time to see Viv walking into the cafeteria, deep in conversation with Katie and Leah.
And, unfortunately, so did Jen and Steph.
Beth didn’t even have to look at them to know they were staring. She could feel it.
“For the love of God,” she muttered under her breath. “Stop staring, you both look weird.”
Jen and Steph didn’t move a muscle.
“She looks happy,” Steph muttered.
Jen hummed. “She does. Interesting.”
Beth groaned, reaching across the table and smacking Jen’s arm.
“Ow!” Jen hissed. “What was that for?”
“Stop staring at her like she’s a science experiment,” Beth scolded. “You’re making it obvious.”
Steph smirked. “Pretty sure she already noticed.”
And sure enough, Viv turned her head slightly, catching their table in her peripheral vision.
But instead of looking away, she smirked.
Beth felt her breath hitch slightly.
Viv gave a small, almost teasing wave in their direction, her smirk growing slightly as she made direct eye contact with Beth.
Beth, suddenly feeling warm, forced herself to lift a hand and wave back as casually as possible.
Jen and Steph immediately leaned in, whispering way too loudly.
“Oh my God, the smirk.”
“She smirked at you.”
Beth, still feeling her skin burn, glared at both of them. “Can you two be normal for five seconds?”
“Not when there’s obvious tension in the air,” Jen whispered.
Viv, meanwhile, didn’t linger. She simply walked past, following Katie and Leah to sit outside.
Beth exhaled, finally feeling like she could breathe again.
Jen smirked. “So… you were saying?”
Beth groaned louder, already regretting telling them anything at all.
As practice wrapped up, Beth wiped the sweat from her forehead, still catching her breath. The session had been intense, and she could already feel the exhaustion settling in, but her focus had been split all morning. Every now and then, her gaze had drifted toward Viv, who had been training like usual—calm, focused, annoyingly good. And yet, something about today felt different.
Beth wasn’t sure if it was because of last night or the way they had left things, but there was something lingering between them, something unspoken. It was like she was hyperaware of Viv now, noticing every glance, every smirk, every time their paths crossed on the pitch.
As they walked toward the locker room, Beth let out a breath, trying to shake it off. Just as she was about to head inside, Viv slowed her pace, falling in step beside her.
"So… did you enjoy the show at breakfast?" Viv’s voice was light, teasing, and Beth turned to look at her, confused.
"What?"
Viv grinned. "You, Jen, and Steph all staring at me like I was some sort of zoo animal."
Beth rolled her eyes. "We weren’t staring."
Viv raised an eyebrow, giving her a knowing look. "Beth."
Beth sighed, feeling caught. "Fine. Maybe a little."
Viv smirked. "Let me guess, they know?"
Beth hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. I mean, I didn’t exactly sit them down for a serious talk, but they put things together pretty quickly."
Viv hummed. "Makes sense."
Beth hesitated for a second before glancing at her. "You don’t mind, do you? That they know?"
Viv shook her head. "No, I don’t mind." Her voice was quieter this time, less teasing. "They’re your friends. And… it’s not like I want this to be a secret."
Beth swallowed, not expecting that last part, and suddenly she felt the warmth spread through her chest again. She hated how easy it was to talk to Viv like this, how effortlessly the conversation flowed between them.
The locker room was loud when they entered, full of chatter and laughter, everyone in good spirits before the upcoming Christmas break. Beth made her way to her locker, peeling off her training top and tossing it into her bag, still thinking about Viv’s words.
As they finished changing and started heading out, Viv fell into step beside her again, but this time, her voice was a little softer.
"What are you doing tonight?"
Beth shrugged, swinging her bag over her shoulder. "Not much. Packing, I guess."
Viv hesitated for a second, like she was debating something, before glancing at Beth. "Do you want to come over?"
Beth looked at her, a little surprised. "To yours?"
Viv nodded. "Yeah. I mean, we’re leaving tomorrow for Christmas, and I figured… I don’t know. It’d be nice."
Beth didn’t answer right away. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she wasn’t expecting it. Viv wasn’t the type to extend invitations so casually—at least, not when it came to things like this.
But she wanted to. She knew that much.
"Yeah," Beth said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I’d like that."
Vvi nodded, looking pleased but a little shy, and Beth tried not to let herself think too much about how different this felt.
Viv stood at the wheel, her fingers lightly tapping against the leather as she drove home, lost in thought.
She had been looking forward to tonight, knowing it would be the last time she and Beth could spend proper time together before the Christmas break. A couple of weeks apart might not seem like much, but lately, Beth had become part of her routine—something familiar and warm, something she didn't want to go without.
She wanted tonight to feel special, even if it was just dinner at her place. Their first date had been a bit of a mess, but she had loved it regardless. Still, she wanted to do something right this time. She thought back to the meal they had planned that night before the reservation mix-up—Italian. They both loved it. Maybe she could bring that idea home.
Deciding on it, she took the next exit toward the supermarket
Viv moved through the aisles with purpose, grabbing fresh Arborio rice, parmesan, broth, mushrooms, and everything else she’d need to make a creamy risotto. She was about to head to the register when something caught her eye—a small flower shop tucked next to the bakery section.
She hesitated. It wasn’t something she normally did. She wasn’t the grand gesture type. But Beth had bought her dinner on their date, had let her pick whatever she wanted, had made sure it still felt special despite everything going wrong.
Maybe a few flowers weren’t the worst idea.
She stepped inside the shop and let her eyes roam over the selection before picking a simple yet elegant bouquet—nothing too flashy, just something that felt right.
As she handed it to the cashier, the young woman behind the counter smiled at her.
“They’re beautiful,” the girl said, scanning the flowers. “Special occasion?”
Viv hesitated for a second before answering, “Something like that.”
The girl grinned knowingly. “Someone’s lucky, then.”
Viv felt warmth creeping up her neck as she pulled out her card to pay. “I hope so.”
The moment she stepped inside, Viv set down the groceries and the flowers, glancing around. Her place wasn’t a mess, but it wasn’t exactly dinner-date ready either. She sighed, rolling up her sleeves before getting to work.
She cleaned everything—wiping the counters, fluffing the couch pillows, even lighting a candle to give the apartment a warm, cozy feel.
Once the place was ready, she turned her focus to dinner. She moved easily in the kitchen, chopping mushrooms, mincing garlic, and stirring the risotto, letting herself fall into the familiar rhythm of cooking. She wanted it to be perfect, something that would make Beth happy.
Just as she was finishing up the prep work, her phone buzzed.
Beth: Almost there.
Viv glanced at the clock and realized she still needed to shower.
She turned off the stove, checked everything was in order, then headed to the bathroom. The hot water relaxed her muscles, but her mind was still on tonight, on Beth, on the fact that she had become someone she looked forward to seeing in a way she hadn’t expected.
After toweling off, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a fitted top—not too dressy, but nice enough. As she stood in front of the mirror, she reached for a hair tie to pull it into her usual bun, but then she hesitated.
Beth had said she liked it down.
She let her fingers comb through her damp strands before deciding to leave it that way.
A small smile tugged at her lips as she gave herself one last glance.
Beth knocked on Viv’s door, shifting on her feet as she waited. She was really trying to let herself enjoy this, to let it feel like what it was. A date. She didn’t have to wait long before the door swung open, revealing Viv, standing there with a soft smile.
Beth’s breath hitched for just a second.
Viv’s hair was down again.
Beth had complimented it last night, and now, seeing it like this again, she couldn’t help but wonder if Viv had left it down for her. She liked that thought more than she should.
“Hey,” Viv greeted, stepping aside to let Beth in.
“Hey,” Beth responded, walking inside—and instantly, her senses were overwhelmed.
The entire space felt… romantic.
The lights were dimmed just enough to cast everything in a soft glow, the dining table neatly set with actual placemats, a bottle of wine waiting, the scent of something rich and warm hanging in the air. Even the air itself felt cozier, like an effort had been made to make the entire place feel special.
Beth turned to Viv, about to comment on all of it, when she noticed Viv reaching behind her.
And then she pulled out a bouquet of flowers.
Beth froze.
Viv extended them toward her, a little uncertain, a little shy, but smiling. “These are for you.”
Beth stared, completely caught off guard.
Flowers. Viv got her flowers.
She hesitated for a second too long, still processing, and Viv frowned slightly. “Do you… not like flowers?”
Beth snapped out of it. “No! No, I do, I—” She shook her head, finally taking them, her fingers brushing against Viv’s in the process. “I just… I don’t think anyone’s ever given me flowers before.”
Viv’s lips parted slightly, like she hadn’t expected that answer. “Really?”
Beth glanced down at the bouquet, running her fingers over the petals. “Yeah. It’s just not something that’s happened before, I guess.”
Viv watched her carefully, then her expression softened, her voice quiet. “Well, now it has.”
Beth lifted her gaze, meeting Viv’s eyes, and for some reason, those simple words made something settle in her chest. Warm. Steady.
She cleared her throat, offering Viv a small, lopsided smile. “You really went all out for this, huh?”
Viv shrugged, but there was a glint in her eyes now, confidence peeking through. “Only the best for you.”
Beth felt herself blush, which was ridiculous because she was usually the one doing the teasing.
She shook her head, trying to play it cool. “Well, I do like being spoiled.”
Viv huffed a quiet laugh, nudging her lightly. “Come on, I’ll put those in some water."
Beth followed Viv into the kitchen, still holding the flowers as she took in the warm, inviting space. The dimmed lights, the cozy table setup, the rich aroma of whatever was simmering on the stove—it all felt… romantic. More than she expected. More than she even knew she wanted.
Viv moved toward the counter, setting the flowers down before reaching for a vase. Beth watched as she filled it with water, carefully placing the bouquet inside.
“So,” Beth started, leaning against the counter, watching Viv’s movements with interest. “What’s for dinner?”
Viv glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Italian.”
Beth’s eyebrows lifted in curiosity. “Any particular reason?”
Viv gave a little shrug, adjusting the flowers slightly, as if making sure they looked just right. “Well… we were supposed to have Italian on our first date.”
Beth blinked at her, surprised by the thoughtfulness. “You remembered that?”
Viv turned back toward the stove, stirring whatever was in the pot. “Of course. I was there when it all went wrong.”
Beth laughed at that, shaking her head. “Fair enough. But still, that’s really sweet of you.”
Viv, focused on the risotto, responded more casually, “I thought you might like it.”
Beth felt something warm settle in her chest. She took a small step closer. “I do. A lot.”
Viv didn’t look up, but Beth swore she saw her lips twitch slightly.
Beth glanced at the stove, inhaling deeply. “So, what exactly am I getting?”
Viv hummed as she checked on the pot. “A little salad to start. Then risotto.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “You made risotto?”
Viv glanced at her with mild amusement. “Yeah?”
“That’s like, actual cooking, Viv. Like, chef-level cooking.”
Viv huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “It’s not that hard, Beth. Just a lot of stirring.”
Beth gave her a skeptical look. “Still. I’m impressed.”
Viv just hummed again, keeping her focus on the risotto. “And for dessert, tiramisu.”
Beth nearly dropped the flowers. “Okay, now I’m convinced you’re trying to seduce me.”
Viv’s entire body stiffened, her fingers tightening around the wooden spoon. “That’s—That’s not—”
Beth burst into laughter, nudging her playfully. “Relax, I’m joking. Mostly.”
Viv cleared her throat, turning back to the risotto like it required every ounce of her concentration.
Beth leaned against the counter, watching her work, taking in the way she moved so naturally in the kitchen. “Have I told you how much I like this domestic side of you?”
Viv shot her a side glance. “You’ve barely seen it.”
Beth grinned. “Still. Very into it.”
Viv just shook her head, lips twitching. “Are you going to help, or are you just going to stand there and flirt with me?”
Beth tilted her head, pretending to think about it. “Hmm. I think I’ll stick to flirting.”
Viv exhaled, shaking her head again, but Beth caught the way she smiled softly to herself as she gave the risotto another stir.
She sat down, taking in everything—really taking it in. The dim lighting, the soft flicker of the candle between them, the neatly set table, and the unmistakable scent of something amazing coming from the kitchen. The flowers Viv had given her earlier sat in a vase near the window, and Beth couldn’t help but stare at them.
Flowers. For her.
No one had ever done that before.
Her fingers hovered over her phone for a second before she took a quick picture of the table, capturing the warmth of it, the effort. She hesitated before subtly angling her phone toward Viv, who was standing by the counter, completely focused on plating their food. Her hair was down—because of Beth, she was sure of it—and it framed her face perfectly as she moved around the kitchen.
Beth snapped the picture before she could overthink it, quickly tucking her phone away.
“You taking pictures of my food?” Viv asked, smirking as she placed the plates down.
Beth grinned, playing it cool. “Obviously. Gotta document the Michelin-star level meal I’m about to have.”
Viv chuckled, sitting across from her. “It’s just risotto, Beth.”
Beth scoffed, grabbing her fork. “Nah. This is art.”
She took her first bite, and immediately, her eyes widened. “Oh my God.” She stared at Viv like she had just uncovered a hidden talent. “Why are you so good at this? This is ridiculous.”
Viv laughed softly. “It’s not that hard. I just followed a recipe.”
Beth shook her head in disbelief. “I’ve followed recipes before. I still ended up with something that tasted like cardboard.” She gestured toward the food. “You made a salad, risotto, and tiramisu? You know you didn’t have to go all out like this, right?”
Viv hesitated for half a second before shrugging. “I wanted to. I thought you might like it.”
Beth paused, her fork resting against her plate as she took that in.
She thought she might like it.
Beth felt a warmth settle in her chest. She swallowed, nodding softly before murmuring, “I do. A lot.”
They ate in easy conversation, talking about the food, teasing each other, and occasionally falling into comfortable silence.
After a while, the conversation drifted toward the upcoming Christmas break.
“So,” Viv started, taking a sip of her drink, “are you heading home for Christmas?”
Beth leaned back slightly, playing with the edge of her napkin. “Yeah. I always do.”
Viv nodded. “That’ll be nice. See your family, take a break.”
Beth hummed in agreement but didn’t elaborate.
Viv noticed instantly.
“You okay?” she asked gently.
Beth hesitated.
She hadn’t meant to let it show, but Viv had this annoying way of noticing things even when Beth didn’t want her to.
“It’s just…” Beth exhaled, staring down at her plate as she gathered her thoughts. “Christmas is good, you know? It’s just… a lot.”
Viv didn’t push, didn’t rush to fill the silence with empty words. Instead, she reached across the table, her fingers wrapping gently around Beth’s hand, grounding her.
Beth stared at their hands for a second before looking up, meeting Viv’s soft, steady gaze.
“You don’t have to explain,” Viv murmured. “But… if you ever want to, I’m here.”
Beth swallowed, nodding slowly. “I know.”
She took a breath, her voice quieter when she spoke again. “It’s just… my mom’s health hasn’t been great. She’s had some rough months.” She tapped her fingers against the table. “I don’t talk about it much, but it’s always there.”
Viv was quiet for a moment before she nodded, her thumb brushing over Beth’s knuckles in a slow, absentminded motion. “I get that.”
Beth exhaled, giving Viv’s hand a squeeze before letting go, shifting the conversation before it could get too heavy.
“Anyway, enough about me. What about you? Going back to the Netherlands?”
Viv nodded. “Yeah. My parents would kill me if I didn’t.”
As they finished eating, Viv started gathering the empty plates, stacking them neatly as she stood up from the table. Beth, not wanting to just sit around while Viv did everything, quickly got up to help.
“You cooked, so I’ll clean,” Beth offered, grabbing a few dishes before Viv could object.
Viv gave her a small, amused look. “I was going to argue, but I feel like you’re just going to ignore me and help anyway.”
Beth grinned. “Smart woman.”
They moved to the kitchen, Beth rinsing off plates while Viv packed up the leftovers. It was easy, comfortable, a quiet kind of domesticity that Beth hadn’t really experienced like this before. She liked it.
She liked all of it.
As she turned to grab another dish from the table, her elbow clipped the stem of a wine glass she hadn’t noticed still sitting there. Before she could react, the glass tipped over the edge of the counter, crashing to the floor with a sharp shatter.
Beth froze, staring down at the mess. “Shit.”
Viv turned instantly. “Did you cut yourself?”
Beth shook her head quickly, feeling a small rush of embarrassment. “No, I’m fine, I just—” She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I keep fucking up with you.”
Viv crouched down to start picking up the larger shards, glancing up at Beth with a small frown. “Beth, it’s just a glass.”
Beth exhaled sharply, rubbing her temple. “Yeah, but I’ve been screwing up. First, the restaurant, now this—I swear, I have some curse where I just ruin perfectly nice things.”
Viv stopped what she was doing, resting her hands on her knees. “Beth.”
Beth glanced down at her.
Viv’s voice softened. “You didn’t ruin anything. Not the restaurant, not this.” She smiled gently. “It’s just a glass. I really don’t care about it.”
Beth let out a breath. “It was probably expensive.”
Viv huffed a small laugh. “I mean, sure, it was nice, but if I cared that much, I wouldn’t have given it to someone who talks with their hands as much as you do.”
Beth let out a breathy chuckle despite herself, shaking her head. “You noticed that?”
Viv grinned, standing up now. “Of course.”
Beth sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I still feel bad.”
Viv reached out, resting a hand on Beth’s forearm. “The only thing I care about is that you didn’t get hurt. That’s it.”
Beth glanced at where Viv’s hand was on her arm, then up at her face.
“Okay?” Viv asked softly.
Beth swallowed, nodding. “Okay.”
Viv gave her a small smile before pulling away, grabbing a dustpan to sweep up the rest of the glass.
Beth exhaled, shaking her head as she grabbed a paper towel. “I promise I’ll try not to break anything else tonight.”
Viv chuckled. “Maybe I should just get you a plastic cup to be safe.”
Beth smirked. “Wow. The disrespect.”
Viv grinned, nudging her playfully. “I’m just saying.”
Beth rolled her eyes but smiled as she helped clean up the rest of the mess. Maybe she had been overthinking everything tonight. Because standing here, in Viv’s kitchen, hearing her laugh and feeling her reassurance, Beth realized something. This night was already perfect. Glass or no glass.
As Beth reached for the broom, Viv stopped her by resting a gentle hand on her wrist. “Go sit on the couch,” she said softly. “Pick a movie while I finish cleaning up.”
Beth frowned. “Viv, you cooked, I can—”
Viv leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Beth’s head. “Please.”
Beth swallowed, her heart skipping a beat at the simple affection.
She exhaled, nodding slightly. “Okay.”
She walked toward the couch, stealing one last glance at Viv before settling in, scrolling through the movie options.
As Beth scrolled through the movie options, she found herself getting distracted, her thumb absentmindedly swiping through the pictures she had taken earlier. The first was of the dinner setup—the dim lighting, the carefully plated food, the flowers in the background. It really was beautiful. Then there was the second picture—the one she had taken of Viv when she wasn’t looking, her expression soft and focused as she finished setting the table.
Beth smiled to herself, staring at the image a little too long.
She barely noticed when Viv sat down next to her, only snapping out of it when she heard Viv’s voice.
“What are you looking at?”
Beth nearly flinched, locking her phone as if she’d been caught doing something illegal.
Viv gave her a curious look, raising an eyebrow.
Beth cleared her throat, unlocking her phone again, this time making sure to show only the first picture. “I was, uh, looking at the table setup. It looked really nice, and I was thinking… do you mind if I post this?”
Viv tilted her head slightly, then nodded. “Yeah, of course.”
Beth studied her expression for a second, as if making sure she really meant it. “You sure?”
Viv chuckled. “Beth, it’s a picture of a table. It’s not that serious.”
Beth huffed a small laugh. “Fair point.”
As she started posting it, Viv nudged her knee and motioned toward the coffee table.
“So, I know we’re technically full,” Viv said, a little amused, “but I got snacks. And…” she reached over, revealing two small bowls, “…I plated the tiramisu.”
Beth’s eyes widened, shifting to sit up straighter. “Viv, you’re spoiling me tonight.”
Viv smiled softly. “I told you, I just wanted to make it nice.”
Beth looked at the neatly prepared desserts, the thoughtful selection of snacks, the way Viv had gone out of her way to make everything feel special.
“Well,” Beth said, glancing at Viv with a teasing smirk, “you do realize this sets the bar ridiculously high, right? If I don’t step my game up, you’re gonna think I’m a terrible date.”
Viv let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “I don’t expect anything. I just wanted tonight to be good.”
Beth exhaled, a warm feeling settling in her chest. She reached for one of the bowls, picking up the spoon and taking a bite.
“Okay,” Beth said, mouth still full, “this is so good.”
Viv grinned, looking pleased. “Better than the restaurant’s, you think?”
Beth pointed her spoon at her. “Absolutely. And I know because I totally did my research when I picked that place.”
Viv hummed, clearly amused. “Your thorough planning definitely paid off.”
Beth chuckled, nudging Viv’s thigh playfully. “Alright, alright, let’s pick a movie before I eat all the snacks before we even start.”
Viv reached for a piece of chocolate from the snack pile, settling in beside Beth.
“Fine,” Viv said, bumping their shoulders lightly. “But I get to veto if you pick something terrible.”
Beth gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? I have taste, thank you very much.”
Viv just smirked, popping the chocolate into her mouth. “We’ll see.”
Beth’s chest felt warm at that, and she didn’t let herself overthink it. Instead, she pressed play on the movie and settled in beside Viv, the quiet hum of the opening scene filling the space between them.
At first, they sat a little apart, each focused on their snacks and the screen. But gradually, Beth shifted slightly, leaning toward Viv without really thinking about it. It was a natural pull, an instinctive sort of closeness, like settling into a space that just felt right.
Viv didn’t move at first, but then, after a few moments, she exhaled softly and adjusted too. Her arm lifted, hesitated for the briefest second, then draped gently around Beth’s shoulders, pulling her just a little closer.
Beth’s heart stuttered at the simple, casual intimacy of it. She wasn’t sure if Viv even realized how natural it felt, how easy it was to lean into her warmth, to rest against her side as the movie played on.
They made quiet comments here and there—Beth teasing Viv about something, Viv shaking her head with a small smirk. It felt light, easy.
Then, about halfway through, the movie took a turn—a shift into something softer, more romantic.
Beth felt the air change slightly, the glow of the TV casting a gentle light over them as the scene unfolded. On screen, two characters stood close, lingering in that unmistakable tension before a kiss.
Beth turned her head slightly, almost on instinct.
And Viv was already looking at her.
Beth’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected that, hadn’t realized just how close they already were. Their bodies were warm against each other, Viv’s arm still draped around her, but now there was something different in the way they were looking at each other.
Beth gave a small, nervous smile. “That was smooth,” she murmured, nodding toward the screen.
Viv let out a breathy chuckle, her voice quiet. “A little dramatic.”
Beth hummed in agreement but didn’t look away. She could feel the weight of Viv’s gaze on her, the slight flush creeping up her own neck.
“You know,” Beth said, voice barely above a whisper, “we’re kinda doing the same thing right now.”
Viv swallowed. “Are we?”
Beth nodded, her fingers twitching against the fabric of Viv’s sleeve. “Feels like it.”
Viv’s lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she just… stayed there, breathing the same air, eyes flickering between Beth’s lips and eyes.
Beth could feel her heart pounding.
Viv exhaled, hesitated for half a second, then leaned in—slowly, hesitantly, like she was giving Beth the chance to pull away.
Beth didn’t.
She met her halfway, lips brushing against Viv’s in a kiss so soft it was barely there. It was gentle, lingering, a quiet exploration rather than anything rushed.
Viv made the smallest sound against her lips, and Beth felt her entire body react to it. It was just a kiss, but somehow it felt like more.
When they pulled back slightly, Viv was smiling, a little shy but happy.
Beth grinned back, tilting her head slightly. “Not bad,” she teased, her voice light but breathy.
Viv huffed a laugh. “Not bad?”
Beth smirked. “Might need to try again. Just to be sure.”
Viv rolled her eyes but leaned back in, catching Beth’s lips again. This time, the kiss deepened just slightly, not urgent, not hurried—just them, learning each other in soft touches and the warmth of a moment neither of them wanted to rush.
Beth’s hand slid lightly over Viv’s arm, fingers pressing against her skin as she melted further into her. Viv’s hand moved too, resting lightly against Beth’s waist, her thumb grazing the hem of her shirt.
They broke apart eventually, their foreheads resting together, their breathing slightly uneven but calm.
Beth let out a small, content breath. “I love this,” she murmured.
Viv smiled against her skin, pressing the softest kiss to Beth’s cheek before whispering back, “Me too.”
They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, before Beth finally pulled back, a soft grin still tugging at her lips. “Okay, but just so you know, if we miss half this movie, I’m blaming you.”
Viv smirked. “Fair.”
Beth chuckled, then, feeling bold, leaned in and pressed one last kiss to Viv’s jaw before snuggling further into her side.
Viv’s fingers tightened slightly around Beth’s shoulder, her grip instinctive.
Neither of them said anything else, just turned back to the movie, Beth curling further into Viv’s side as Viv kept her arm wrapped around her.
As the movie’s credits rolled, the soft glow of the TV flickered over them. Beth stretched slightly, still tucked against Viv’s side, feeling warm and comfortable in a way she didn’t really want to leave just yet.
She turned her head slightly, glancing at Viv. “So, how are you getting to the airport tomorrow?”
Viv blinked, clearly not expecting the question. “Uh, I’ll probably just get an Uber.”
Beth frowned. “An Uber? That early?”
Viv shrugged. “Yeah, it’s not a big deal. Just easier that way.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “Viv, I’ll drive you.”
Viv sat up a little, giving Beth a look. “You don’t have to do that. My flight’s early, you’d have to wake up at—”
“There’s no argument here,” Beth cut her off, shaking her head. “I’m driving you.”
Viv opened her mouth, as if she wanted to keep protesting, but then just exhaled and gave Beth a look. “You’re stubborn.”
Beth grinned. “Yeah, I’ve heard.”
Viv hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly. “Thank you.”
Beth just nodded, nudging her lightly with her knee. “Of course.”
They sat there for a moment, the sound of the credits filling the silence.
Then Viv tilted her head slightly, glancing at Beth with something almost playful in her expression. “Well, if you’re driving me, then you should just stay here tonight.”
Beth blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, what?”
Viv shrugged, trying to sound casual. “I mean… you’d have to come over in the morning anyway. This just makes sense.”
Beth studied her for a second, watching the way Viv fidgeted slightly, like she was trying not to seem too eager.
“You want me to stay,” Beth teased, a small smirk playing on her lips.
Viv huffed, crossing her arms. “I’m just saying it would be practical.”
Beth chuckled, shifting so she was facing Viv more. “Mhm, practical, sure.”
Viv rolled her eyes but couldn’t quite hide the way the corner of her mouth twitched up. “You don’t have to, obviously.”
Beth smiled at her, shaking her head slightly. “I’ll stay.”
Viv’s lips parted slightly, like she hadn’t actually expected Beth to agree so easily. “Yeah?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. But only under one condition.”
Viv raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”
Beth grinned. “I get to steal one of your hoodies.”
Viv let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “I should’ve known there was a catch.”
Beth nudged her again, softer this time. “So, deal?”
Viv sighed dramatically but then smiled. “Deal.”
Beth smirked, then stretched her arms above her head. “Alright, I’m gonna grab my stuff from the car.”
Viv stood up too, running a hand through her hair. “I’ll grab you something to sleep in.”
Beth hummed, shooting her a teasing look. “Something big and comfy, preferably.”
Viv rolled her eyes but was still smiling as she made her way toward her room.
Beth, watching her go, found herself grinning at the ground.
Viv walked into her bedroom, opening one of the drawers and pulling out an oversized t-shirt and a pair of soft cotton shorts. She turned, handing them to Beth with a small smile.
"Here, these should be comfortable," Viv said. "They might be a bit big, though."
Beth took them with a grin. "That just means they’ll be even more comfortable." She unfolded the shirt, running her fingers over the fabric. "Smells like you."
Viv raised an eyebrow. "Is that a complaint?"
Beth chuckled. "No, I like it."
Viv smiled at that, but before she could say anything else, Beth started unbuttoning her jeans. Immediately, Viv spun around, her back facing Beth as she cleared her throat.
Beth looked up, confused for a second, then realized what had happened. "Viv," she called, amusement in her voice.
"Yeah?" Viv asked, still facing the opposite direction.
"You can look," Beth said, half-laughing. "It’s fine."
Viv hesitated, fingers fidgeting at her sides. "I just— I didn’t want to disrespect you or make you uncomfortable."
Beth softened at that, stepping closer and reaching out, fingers brushing Viv’s arm gently. "You wouldn’t," she reassured her. "It’s just changing clothes. I promise I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t okay with it."
Viv turned her head slightly, finally looking at Beth over her shoulder. She nodded, though she still seemed unsure. "Alright," she said softly.
Beth just smiled, continuing to change as Viv tried to keep her focus on anything else in the room. Once Beth pulled on the oversized t-shirt, she patted the fabric against her stomach. "Alright, I approve. This is comfortable as hell."
Viv smirked. "Told you."
Beth gathered her jeans and folded them, placing them neatly over a chair before reaching for her bag to grab her toothbrush. As she rummaged through it, Viv leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.
"Do you always have toiletries in your car?" Viv asked, amused.
Beth looked up with a smirk. "Yes, actually."
Viv raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Beth shrugged. "Because you never know when you’ll end up staying over somewhere. What if I crash at a friend's house after a late night? Or end up on an impromptu trip? Gotta be prepared."
Viv chuckled, shaking her head. "You think ahead way too much."
Beth grinned. "Well, you should be grateful because now I don’t have to steal your toothbrush."
Viv’s face scrunched up. "Yeah, okay, I take it back—thank you for being overly prepared."
Beth laughed, grabbing her toothbrush and making her way to the bathroom. Viv followed, grabbing her own as they stood next to each other, brushing their teeth in comfortable silence. Every now and then, their eyes met in the mirror, and Beth found herself smiling at the simplicity of it.
Once they finished, they headed back to the bedroom. Beth climbed into bed first, pulling the covers up as she sighed in contentment. "I think I’m stealing this bed, by the way."
Viv turned off the lights and got in beside her, lying on her back. "You’re stealing my bed now?"
Beth hummed, shifting so she was facing Viv. "Mhm. Just saying, if it ever goes missing, don’t check my place."
Viv rolled her eyes playfully, turning her head to look at Beth in the dim light. "Noted."
A comfortable silence settled between them, the air softer now, their breathing the only sound in the quiet room. After a moment, Beth sighed, shifting slightly under the blankets.
"This is nice," she murmured.
Viv turned her head again, watching her. "Yeah," she whispered. "It is."
The room was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the city outside and the slow, steady breaths of both of them lying close in the dim glow of the nightlight by Viv’s bedside. Neither of them had moved much since Beth had reached for Viv’s hand, but neither had let go either.
Beth shifted slightly, propping herself on her elbow as she turned to look at Viv, their hands still loosely tangled between them. The dark made everything feel softer, quieter, like it was easier to say things that might feel too vulnerable in the daylight.
Beth exhaled slowly, then lifted her free hand, fingers finding their way into Viv’s hair, running through the soft strands with slow, deliberate strokes. Viv’s breath hitched slightly at the touch.
Beth smiled. “I really do like your hair down, you know,” she murmured.
Viv swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I left it down because you said you liked it yesterday.”
Beth felt her heart stutter for a moment before something warm settled deep in her chest. She let her fingers continue threading through Viv’s hair, gentler now, more intentional.
“You’re cute when you’re shy,” Beth teased lightly, her voice softer than usual.
Viv groaned, bringing her free hand up to cover her face. “Don’t.”
Beth chuckled, prying Viv’s hand away from her face and holding it between both of hers. “I think it’s sweet,” she continued. “You did something just because I liked it.”
Viv huffed, clearly embarrassed but smiling faintly. “I just—” she hesitated, glancing at Beth before looking back at the ceiling. “I don’t usually think about things like that… but with you, I don’t know, it just felt nice.”
Beth felt something tug at her, something deep and unfamiliar. The kind of feeling she didn’t want to name yet. Instead, she just smirked, letting her thumb brush lightly over Viv’s knuckles.
“So if I told you I liked, I don’t know, you wearing dresses, would you do that too?” she teased.
Viv turned her head sharply to glare at Beth, though the effect was ruined by the faint blush creeping up her neck. “Absolutely not.”
Beth laughed quietly, shaking her head. “Alright, alright, just checking.”
Viv was still glaring, though her lips twitched slightly. “Do you only like me because I wore my hair down today?”
Beth let out a soft, amused breath, her gaze flickering over Viv’s face. “Nah,” she murmured, her voice lower now. “I like you for a lot of reasons.”
Viv’s breath hitched, and Beth watched as she swallowed, her fingers twitching slightly against Beth’s.
Beth could feel the shift in the air, the space between them suddenly feeling smaller despite neither of them having moved much.
Viv cleared her throat softly. “Like what?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant.
Beth exhaled slowly, considering her words. “I like that you pretend you don’t care about things when you actually do,” she admitted. “I like that you act all calm and unbothered but blush like crazy when I tease you. I like that you came over and cooked for me even after I was a total asshole to you that day after training.”
Viv was watching her now, eyes darker in the low light, unreadable but intent. Beth felt her fingers squeeze hers slightly.
“I like that you’re kind,” Beth continued, softer now, her voice barely above a whisper. “And really, really lovely.”
Viv exhaled shakily, her gaze flickering between Beth’s eyes and her lips, and Beth felt the pull between them shift—like a gravitational force neither of them could fight. She didn’t want to.
Beth moved first, closing the small distance between them as she leaned in, pressing her lips against Viv’s. It was soft, slow, like neither of them wanted to rush whatever this was.
Viv melted into it almost instantly, her fingers tightening around Beth’s, keeping her close. Beth shifted again, her other hand moving to rest gently on Viv’s waist, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath the thin fabric of her shirt.
The kiss deepened gradually, Beth tilting her head slightly to capture Viv’s lips more fully, her fingers brushing lightly against her jawline. Viv responded in kind, pressing a little closer, her breath hitching as Beth’s hand slid higher, fingers tracing just beneath the hem of Viv’s shirt.
It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t desperate.
It was just them—learning each other in the quiet of the night, in the space where words weren’t needed.
Beth smiled against Viv’s lips before pulling back slightly, just enough to see the way Viv was blinking up at her, slightly dazed.
“Was that okay?” Beth whispered, brushing her nose against Viv’s.
Viv nodded, her voice breathy. “Yeah.”
Beth kissed her again, just a lingering peck, before pulling back fully and pressing her forehead against Viv’s.
Viv barely had time to process Beth’s words before Beth was leaning in again, capturing her lips in another kiss—this one deeper, slower but undeniably more intense. Viv responded instantly, her hands instinctively finding their way to Beth’s waist, fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her shirt as she pulled her closer.
Beth shifted, her body pressing against Viv’s as she adjusted their positions, moving until she was fully on top of her, their bodies molding together effortlessly. Viv felt the weight of her, warm and solid, sending a rush of heat through her veins.
The kiss grew more urgent, lips moving in perfect sync, a soft gasp escaping from Viv as Beth’s hands roamed gently, teasingly up her sides before settling at the hem of her shirt. Beth deepened the kiss, tilting her head slightly to taste more of Viv, feeling the way her body reacted beneath her.
Viv’s fingers dug slightly into Beth’s waist, holding her in place as she kissed back just as eagerly, losing herself in the way Beth felt, the way she tasted, the way everything about this moment made her pulse race.
Beth exhaled sharply against Viv’s lips, her breathing uneven, her fingers tightening slightly where they rested against Viv’s skin. She pulled back just enough to look at Viv, their faces still close, their breaths mingling.
“If we keep going,” Beth murmured, voice husky and low, “I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.”
Viv swallowed hard, her hands still gripping Beth’s waist. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she felt Beth’s breath warm against her lips.
She hesitated for a moment before admitting, voice barely above a whisper, “I- don’t know if I’m ready.”
Beth stilled, watching her closely. Viv felt her cheeks heat up, embarrassed by the words, but she forced herself to meet Beth’s gaze.
“I mean, I—I want to,” Viv added quickly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing small patterns against Beth’s back. “I just… I don’t know.”
Beth smiled softly, her hand moving to gently cup Viv’s cheek, thumb brushing over her skin in soothing strokes. “Hey,” she said, voice softer now, reassuring. “That’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”
Viv let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, and Beth leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips—gentle this time, slower, savoring it.
After a few seconds, Beth pulled back just enough to whisper against Viv’s lips, “I like this.”
Viv blinked, voice still a bit shy when she asked, “Like what?”
Beth grinned, her fingers tracing light patterns on Viv’s hip. “Being here with you. Just… this.”
Viv exhaled softly, her grip on Beth’s waist loosening slightly, her fingers trailing in lazy strokes up Beth’s back.
“Me too,” she murmured. Then, after a small pause, she admitted, “Probably more than I should.”
Beth chuckled, tilting her head to brush another soft kiss against Viv’s jaw. “Good.”
Viv rolled her eyes, but the small smile on her lips betrayed her.