A Little Less Alone

The night air had settled around them, the streets quieter now that most of the team had either gone home or headed out to the bar. Beth and Viv were still standing outside the restaurant, close but not as tightly wrapped in each other as before, like they were still figuring out how to exist in this moment, in whatever they had just stepped into together.

Viv shifted slightly, her breath visible in the cold, then turned to Beth with a soft, almost teasing curiosity in her eyes.

“So,” she murmured, tilting her head. “Are you going out with Katie and them?”

Beth shook her head, glancing down for a second, then back at Viv. “No.”

Viv raised an eyebrow, clearly a little surprised. “Why not?”

Beth exhaled, shrugging slightly. “Just don’t feel like going out.”

Viv studied her for a moment, and Beth could tell what she was thinking—that Beth usually would go, that she wasn’t the type to turn down a night out when the whole team was celebrating.

A small crease formed between Viv’s brows. “Beth,” she murmured, her voice softer now, reassuring in a way that made Beth’s chest feel warm. “We’re okay, you know that, right?”

Beth nodded, offering a small smile. “Yeah, I know.”

Viv didn’t look fully convinced yet, so she tilted her head slightly, watching Beth carefully.

“Then why aren’t you going?”

Beth let out a slow breath, running a hand through her hair before shoving both hands into her jacket pockets.

“I just…” She hesitated for a second, then shook her head. “I just don’t want to, that’s all.”

Viv’s gaze softened, but she didn’t push any further. Instead, she shifted her weight and glanced around briefly before asking,

“Do you have your car close?”

Beth exhaled, glancing toward the street before shaking her head. “No, I left it at home.”

Viv raised an eyebrow. “So how did you get here?”

Beth huffed a small laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. “Steph picked me up.”

Viv blinked, then tilted her head slightly. “And how are you planning to get home?”

Beth shrugged, kicking at the pavement lightly with the toe of her boot. “I don’t know. Uber, I guess? It’s a bit far to walk.”

Viv sighed, shaking her head like she couldn’t believe Beth hadn’t thought this through.

“Beth,” she muttered, already unlocking her car with a click of her keys. “Come in, I’ll obviously drive you home.”

Beth hesitated, her lips parting slightly.

Viv must have noticed the hesitation because she turned to Beth, her voice softer now, a little firmer too.

“Beth,” she said again, waiting for her to meet her gaze. “We are okay. Everything is okay. Just… let me drive you home. Please.”

Beth felt her chest tighten in a different way this time, not with hesitation, but with something warm, something she didn’t want to run from anymore.

She exhaled slowly, then let a small, knowing smile creep onto her lips.

Stepping closer, she reached out, grasping Viv’s jacket lightly before leaning in and pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips, letting her own linger for just a second longer than necessary.

When she pulled back, she smirked slightly, tilting her head.

“Well, I will…” she murmured, voice low and teasing.

Viv raised an eyebrow. “Will?”

Beth’s smirk widened as she ran her fingers lightly down Viv’s sleeve, her touch barely there but still deliberate.

“If you come inside and keep me company,” she finished, watching Viv’s reaction carefully.

Viv let out a quiet breath of laughter, shaking her head but smiling now, the warmth creeping back into her face.

She opened the passenger door for Beth, motioning for her to get in.

“Fine,” Viv murmured, smirking slightly herself as she shut the door behind Beth and walked around to the driver’s side.

Once inside, she turned to Beth briefly before starting the car, her eyes dark with something playful, something knowing.

“What exactly do you want to do?” she asked, voice just the right amount of teasing.

Beth grinned, leaning back into the seat, letting her hand rest casually on Viv’s thigh for just a second longer than necessary.

“Well,” she murmured, her tone dripping with suggestion. “We could have our own party.”

Viv scoffed lightly, rolling her eyes but still smiling as she shook her head. “You are unbelievable.”

Beth just grinned, letting her fingers trail down Viv’s arm one last time before sitting back fully as Viv pulled out onto the road.

“Yeah,” she muttered, glancing over at Viv with something mischievous, something soft, something different.

Beth’s apartment was warm, softly lit, a quiet contrast to the cool night outside. They had barely stepped inside when Viv turned to her, raising an eyebrow with amused curiosity.

“So,” Viv murmured, slipping off her jacket and hanging it on the back of a chair. “What kind of party is this, exactly?”

Beth smirked as she walked toward the kitchen, reaching for a bottle of red wine from the counter.

“The best kind,” she said, lifting the bottle slightly for emphasis before turning to Viv with a playful glint in her eyes. “Now, sit on the couch.”

Viv watched her for a second, half-smiling, then did as she was told, lowering herself onto Beth’s couch with an easy, relaxed motion.

She leaned back, resting an arm along the back of the couch, tilting her head as she eyed Beth curiously. “I’m guessing it’s a fancy party, then?”

Beth snorted, shaking her head as she grabbed two wine glasses and walked over, bottle in hand.

“No,” she corrected smoothly, grinning as she met Viv’s gaze. “It’s a romantic one.”

Viv let out a quiet chuckle, a slow smile spreading across her face as she raised an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah?” she murmured, amusement flickering in her eyes.

Beth nodded, uncorking the wine with practiced ease, then poured them both a generous amount.

“Yeah,” she said, handing Viv a glass before plopping down beside her on the couch, their legs almost touching. “We need romance.”

Viv scoffed lightly, raising the glass to her lips, taking a small sip before tilting her head toward Beth.

“We do?” she teased, her smirk playing at the corner of her mouth.

Beth huffed a laugh, rolling her eyes as she sipped her own wine, then shrugged.

“Well, yeah,” she said lightly, stretching her legs out. “We don’t really do romance.”

Viv gave her a look, one eyebrow raising. “No?”

Beth grinned. “No. I mean, be honest—when was the last time we did something that wasn’t either a team thing, playing, resting because we are tired or—” She paused, smirking slightly. “—other activities?”

Viv let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Are you saying we need to date?”

Beth shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. “I’m saying we need a proper romantic night. Candles. Slow dancing. The whole thing.”

Viv snorted, swirling the wine in her glass. “You have candles?”

Beth lifted a finger, feigning offense. “I could.”

Viv grinned, shaking her head. “Uh-huh.”

Beth leaned in slightly, smirking. “What, you don’t think I’m capable of being romantic?”

Viv took a sip of wine, tilting her head. “I think you think you are.”

Beth gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. “Wow. That was actually rude.”

Viv chuckled, setting her glass down. “I’m just saying—there’s a difference between calling something romantic and actually making it romantic.”

Beth’s eyes narrowed slightly in challenge. “You don’t think I can pull it off?”

Viv smirked. “I think you have a lot to prove.”

Beth hummed, pretending to consider before she leaned in, voice lower, teasing.

Beth took another sip of her wine, letting it settle before sinking back into the couch, stretching her legs out in front of her. Viv was sitting more upright beside her, glass still in hand, fingers curled around the stem, watching Beth with a kind of quiet amusement.

Beth smirked, tilting her head slightly. “So, are you always gonna be a little awkward?”

Viv let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head as she swirled her wine in the glass. “Yeah, probably,” she admitted easily. “I’m still a bit awkward around my family, so I don’t think there’s much hope for me.”

Beth laughed, nudging Viv’s knee with her foot. “I’m sure you’re not that bad.”

Viv smirked. “You’d be surprised. My mom still looks at me like I might trip over my own feet at any second.”

Beth snorted. “Well, to be fair, you probably will.”

Viv rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her wine. “Not the point.”

Beth smirked, shifting slightly toward Viv on the couch, her voice more teasing now. “Okay, but what about with people you’ve been with? Do you stay awkward?”

Viv raised an eyebrow, sensing exactly where Beth was going with this.

Beth took another sip of wine, then glanced at her again, curious now, not just teasing.

“Were you still awkward with Lisa?”

Viv didn’t answer immediately.

Beth saw the flicker of hesitation, the way Viv’s lips parted slightly like she wanted to say something but was deciding how much to actually share.

Beth felt a small flicker of discomfort, and before Viv could react, she waved a hand dismissively, forcing a small smile.

“Forget it,” Beth muttered, shaking her head. “Doesn’t matter.”

Viv exhaled slowly, watching her for a moment before shaking her head.

“No, it’s okay,” she said, setting her wine glass down and turning slightly toward Beth. “I guess… yeah, in some ways.”

Beth blinked, a little surprised Viv actually answered.

Viv let out a breath, rubbing her fingers along the stem of her glass.

“I always felt like something might change,” she admitted, her voice softer now, like she was choosing her words carefully. “Like… I kept thinking that if we just stayed together long enough, something would shift, and suddenly it would feel easier, more certain, more… right.”

Beth listened carefully, watching Viv’s expression as she spoke.

Viv shook her head, exhaling through her nose. “But that never happened. I think I was always waiting for something that just wasn’t going to come.”

Beth bit her lip lightly, processing what Viv had just said, then let out a small breath.

“I get that,” she murmured, nodding slightly.

Viv tilted her head. “Yeah?”

Beth shrugged, setting her own glass down on the coffee table. “I think I kind of did the opposite, though. I didn’t wait for something to change. I just…” She trailed off, then let out a small, amused scoff. “I convinced myself everything was fine when it wasn’t. Kept telling myself that things were normal, that it wasn’t a big deal if it didn’t feel right, because maybe that’s just how relationships were supposed to be.”

Viv hummed, nodding slightly.

Beth smirked faintly. “Turns out, no, they’re not supposed to feel like some kind of never-ending test of patience.”

Viv chuckled. “Yeah. Turns out.”

Beth sighed, leaning back against the couch again, her fingers playing lightly with the hem of her sweater. “You don’t really talk about Lisa.”

Viv glanced at her, studying her for a second, then shrugged.

“You don’t really talk about Daan,” she countered, raising an eyebrow.

Beth exhaled, tilting her head slightly. “Touché.”

A small silence settled between them, not uncomfortable, but thick with something unspoken.

Then, after a moment, Viv sighed, tapping her fingers lightly against the glass.

Beth sighed, stretching her legs out as she twirled the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. She exhaled, shaking her head slightly before finally saying, “I guess I don’t really talk about Daan… because you still play with her.”

Viv blinked, clearly not expecting that, before tilting her head slightly.

Beth let out a small breath, keeping her voice casual, though she wasn’t sure why it felt like she needed to. “You see her. On trips, in camp. It’s just… weird, I guess.”

Viv watched her for a second before setting her glass down on the table. “It doesn’t have to be.”

Beth huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “Tell that to my brain.”

Viv smirked, nudging Beth’s knee with her own. “You think it bothers me?”

Beth shrugged, shifting her wine glass in her hand. “No, I mean, I know it doesn’t.” She exhaled, then let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. “I don’t even know why I said that. Maybe I just don’t like the idea of you having to be around her.”

Viv tilted her head. “Because?”

Beth rolled her eyes, taking another sip of her wine. “Because she’s an idiot,” she muttered before placing the glass back on the table with a small clink.

Viv let out a soft laugh. “I mean, I won’t argue with that.”

Beth smirked. “Good.”

Viv exhaled, shifting slightly on the couch. “But for what it’s worth, she’s just a teammate. That’s it. I don’t think about her beyond that.”

Beth nodded slowly, letting that sink in. For some reason, it made her feel lighter, even though she hadn’t realized it was something weighing on her in the first place.

She let out a slow breath, then suddenly grinned, shaking her head.

“Okay, changing the subject,” she announced, shifting slightly closer to Viv, smoothly slipping into something easier, something lighter. “Tonight isn’t about her, or anyone else. It’s about us.”

Viv raised an eyebrow, amused now, as Beth set her glass down.

“Oh, so now we’re back to the romantic party?” Viv teased.

Beth smirked, lifting a hand to the back of Viv’s neck, her fingers pressing into the muscles there, warm, slow, deliberate.

“Obviously,” she murmured, leaning in just slightly, her thumb rubbing small circles against Viv’s skin. “And let me tell you… it’s going to be a really good one.”

Viv let out a quiet sigh, her body relaxing under Beth’s touch, her eyes flickering toward her with something soft, something amused, something entirely unreadable.

“Oh yeah?” Viv murmured.

Beth grinned, kneading gently into the tension in Viv’s shoulders, watching the way Viv’s eyes fluttered slightly at the touch.

Beth had just settled further into the couch, fingers still idly massaging the back of Viv’s neck, when her phone buzzed against her thigh. She sighed, reaching for it without thinking, but when she saw Steph’s name on the screen, she felt a small smile pull at her lips.

Steph: You good? How’s everything?

Beth exhaled, shaking her head slightly before turning her body slightly toward Viv, tilting her phone so she could take a quick selfie of them together.

Viv barely reacted, just eyeing her out of the corner of her eye, amused but unimpressed.

“You’re taking pictures of me now?” Viv murmured, sipping her wine.

Beth smirked, snapping the photo before Viv could move—she was still leaning against the couch, glass in hand, looking far too relaxed while Beth, beside her, wore a very pleased-with-herself expression.

Beth typed a quick response to Steph, attaching the picture.

Beth: Solved it.

A few seconds later, Steph’s reply popped up.

Steph: I’m happy. Knew you wouldn’t let yourself be an idiot forever.

Beth snorted, rolling her eyes before sending back a string of heart emojis and a simple “thanks” before locking her phone and tossing it onto the coffee table.

Viv, still sipping her wine, raised an eyebrow. “Who was that?”

Beth stretched her arms above her head before settling comfortably against the couch again. “Steph,” she said simply. “She was just checking if I was okay.”

Viv gave her a look, setting her glass down. “So, she knew you weren’t okay?”

Beth smirked, tilting her head slightly. “Well, yeah. She kinda witnessed me messing everything up firsthand.”

Viv chuckled, shaking her head. “Sounds about right.”

Beth grinned. “But don’t worry—I sent her proof that I fixed it.”

Viv huffed a small laugh. “And I’m guessing that proof was… me?”

Beth beamed, nudging Viv’s knee. “Obviously. Who else would be willing to sit through my very official romantic wine party?”

Viv rolled her eyes, picking up her glass again. “Right. Lucky me.”

Beth grinned, reaching for her own glass, letting the warmth of the wine settle in her chest. She glanced over at Viv, watching as she took another sip, and then, casually as ever, Beth asked,

“So, what do you think of our sex life?”

Viv choked on her wine immediately.

Beth burst out laughing, reaching over to pat Viv’s back as she coughed, trying desperately to recover.

“Jesus Christ, Beth,” Viv wheezed, clearing her throat and glaring at her. “What the hell?”

Beth, still giggling, shrugged way too innocently. “What? It’s a valid question.”

Viv wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, still coughing slightly, before shaking her head at Beth. “Maybe give me a second before you throw that at me, yeah?”

Beth smirked, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Not my fault you have terrible timing with your drinking.”

Viv groaned, reaching for her wine again but eyeing Beth warily this time. “I swear, if you ask me something else insane the second I take a sip—”

Beth grinned, cutting her off. “You didn’t answer the question, though.”

Beth took another slow sip of her wine, watching Viv over the rim of her glass, a smirk already creeping onto her lips.

“You didn’t answer,” she pointed out, setting her glass down with a quiet clink.

Viv exhaled, shifting slightly on the couch, not as flustered as before, but still clearly deciding how much she wanted to say.

“I don’t know,” she finally said, meeting Beth’s gaze directly now, her fingers absentmindedly running over the stem of her glass. “I think it’s… really good.”

Beth grinned, satisfied. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Viv smirked slightly, tilting her head. “You’re making it sound like a performance review.”

Beth laughed, nudging Viv’s knee with her own. “I mean, kind of. I like feedback.”

Viv shook her head, amused, before taking another slow sip of wine.

Beth set her glass down, shifting closer, eyes curious, playful, but genuinely interested. “Okay, so what’s your favorite thing?”

Viv tilted her head slightly, considering for a moment. “With you?”

Beth smirked. “Well, yeah, obviously.”

Viv let out a small breath, tapping her fingers against the glass before answering, more confident now than before.

“I like when you get really into it,” she admitted, watching Beth’s reaction closely. “When you stop thinking about anything else.”

Beth felt her stomach flip slightly, something warm curling in her chest.

“I like that too,” Beth admitted, running her fingers idly over Viv’s forearm. “I mean, I like a lot of things, but I really love seeing you lose yourself in it.”

Viv hummed, swirling her wine again, watching Beth now with something softer in her expression.

“I can tell,” she murmured.

Beth grinned, nudging Viv lightly. “Alright, what do you think I like the most?”

Viv let out a breath of laughter, shaking her head slightly. “That’s easy.”

Beth raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Enlighten me.”

Viv leaned back against the couch, her smirk deepening just slightly. “You like control.”

Beth laughed, shaking her head. “Not all the time.”

Viv gave her a knowing look. “Most of the time.”

Beth couldn’t even deny it, so she just grinned, lifting her wine glass again.

“I think that’s why we work so well,” Beth murmured, her voice lower now, running her fingers slowly up Viv’s neck, tracing her thumb just beneath her jaw.

Viv scoffed, rolling her eyes, but she didn’t pull away. “You mean because I let you do whatever you want?”

Beth grinned. “I mean because you love that I do.”

Viv’s lips parted slightly, her breath catching just barely, but before she could say anything, Beth’s next question threw her off completely.

“So, what do you think about toys?”

“So,” she said against her skin, voice low, teasing, “what do you think about toys?”

Viv, who had been perfectly composed moments ago, inhaled sharply, her fingers tensing slightly against Beth’s arm.

“You really just—” Viv started, exhaling, then huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head slightly. “God, Beth.”

Beth grinned against her neck, pressing another soft, deliberate kiss there, letting her fingers slide under the hem of Viv’s sweater just slightly, teasing.

“I think it’s a perfectly valid question,” she mused, mouthing lightly at the spot just below Viv’s jaw.

Viv sighed, tipping her head back just slightly, allowing it now, her voice lower when she finally answered.

“I mean… I don’t have an issue with it,” she admitted, her fingers curving lightly around Beth’s hip.

Beth grinned, pleased, and kissed down further, pressing into the warm skin beneath Viv’s jaw.

The air between them was already thick with something charged, Beth still pressed half over Viv, fingers resting warm and firm on her waist, her lips still hovering close to Viv’s neck.

Beth kissed her once more, slow and teasing, before pulling back slightly, her fingers tracing small circles against Viv’s side.

“So,” Beth murmured, her voice low, inviting, “what would you like to try?”

Viv blinked, her lips parting slightly as she clearly hadn’t expected the question.

“I don’t know,” Viv admitted, exhaling, her fingers tensing slightly against Beth’s back. “I haven’t really thought about it.”

Beth hummed, studying her expression, then decided to push just a little further.

“Well, I have some things,” Beth said, her voice still teasing, but there was an underlying edge of curiosity now.

Viv’s brow lifted slightly, intrigued now. “Yeah?”

Beth nodded, her lips curving as she watched Viv’s reaction closely. “Some vibrators… a strap.”

Viv swallowed visibly, and Beth saw the way her chest rose and fell just slightly quicker than before.

Beth smirked, voice lowering just a touch more as she traced her fingers slowly along Viv’s ribs.

“You like that?” Beth asked, her tone knowing.

Viv exhaled slowly, shaking her head slightly. “I don’t know. I never really…” She paused, then sighed. “I never really tried it.”

Beth raised an eyebrow, her fingers still playing idly against Viv’s skin. “Not even once?”

Viv exhaled through her nose. “I mean, not exactly.”

Beth gave her a look, waiting, and Viv, after a moment, finally sighed again before muttering,

“Well, with Alexander…”

Beth stilled slightly, waiting.

Viv cleared her throat, obviously a little awkward talking about it, but answering anyway. “He used his, you know. So I guess… kinda the same?”

Beth tilted her head slightly, considering that, then ran her fingers lightly up Viv’s jaw, watching her closely.

“Did you enjoy it?” Beth asked, genuine curiosity in her voice now.

Viv hesitated for only a second before nodding slowly. “More or less.”

Beth smirked, dragging her nails lightly over Viv’s waist now, just enough to keep her focused on the moment.

“‘More or less’ isn’t a great review,” Beth murmured, her lips grazing Viv’s neck again.

Viv let out a small breath of laughter, shaking her head slightly. “It wasn’t bad, but… I didn’t love it either.”

Beth hummed, considering that for a second, then leaned in just a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper against Viv’s skin.

“Well,” Beth murmured, “I’ll be better.”

Viv felt that, because her breath hitched slightly, and Beth smirked against her neck, pressing another slow, lingering kiss there.

“I’ll make you love it,” Beth added, her lips barely moving against Viv’s skin.

Viv smiled slightly, a quiet exhale leaving her lips, but she didn’t say anything right away.

Instead, she just stared at Beth for a moment, her fingers idly brushing along Beth’s back, like she was thinking about something.

Beth noticed immediately, tilting her head slightly. “What’s in your mind?”

Viv hesitated, then exhaled, her voice slightly softer now.

“Well… it doesn’t really have to do with the toys part,” she admitted, her fingers lightly curling against Beth’s side.

Beth lifted an eyebrow, intrigued now. “No?”

Viv exhaled slowly, her cheeks warming slightly, and Beth could tell she was shy about whatever she was about to say.

Beth tugged her fingers lightly through Viv’s hair, encouraging, coaxing.

“Come on,” Beth murmured, kissing her jaw gently. “Tell me.”

Viv swallowed, then finally said,

“You know when we have sex… and when I make you come, you always ask for a second?”

Beth grinned, amused. “Obviously.”

Viv licked her lips, looking almost unsure for the first time that night, then sighed quietly, eyes flickering away briefly before looking back at Beth.

“I guess I’ve been thinking about that,” Viv admitted.

Beth tilted her head, fingers playing gently against Viv’s waist now. “Yeah?”

Viv nodded, exhaling slowly. “I just… I’ve never really had more than one in a row before.”

Beth stilled slightly, her brow lifting. “Wait, really?”

Viv nodded again, more certain this time.

Beth was genuinely surprised, not in a bad way, just… surprised.

Viv shrugged slightly, voice calm but honest. “I just never felt the need to do it more than once before.”

Beth exhaled slowly, dragging her fingers lightly along Viv’s jaw again, searching her face for a moment.

Then, instead of responding right away, she pressed another slow, open-mouthed kiss against Viv’s neck, trailing lower just enough to feel the way Viv’s breath changed under her touch.

“Well,” Beth murmured against her skin, her voice dropping slightly, “I’m more than available to please you as many times as you want.”

Viv let out a soft breath, fingers tightening slightly around Beth’s back.

Beth smirked, pressing her lips to Viv’s collarbone now, slow, warm, deliberate, as she added,

“With everything you want.”

The room was dim, the faint glow of the TV casting flickering shadows across the walls. Viv was half-lying on the couch, her legs tucked under her, when Beth walked in. There was something in the way Beth looked at her—a spark of hunger, a flicker of intent—that made Viv’s breath catch.

Beth didn’t say a word. She just crossed the room in a few quick strides, her eyes locked on Viv’s. Before Viv could even sit up, Beth was on her, one knee on the couch as she cupped Viv’s face and kissed her hard. Viv gasped into the kiss, her hands instinctively reaching for Beth’s waist, but Beth was already pulling back, her lips curling into a smirk.

“You’ve been driving me crazy all night,” Beth said, her voice low and rough. Her fingers tangled in Viv’s hair, tugging just enough to make Viv’s breath hitch. “You know that, don’t you?”

Viv opened her mouth to respond, but Beth didn’t give her the chance. She kissed her again, deeper this time, her tongue sliding against Viv’s as her hands roamed. Viv’s shirt was pushed up, Beth’s fingers skimming over her stomach, her ribs, until she found the curve of her breast. Viv moaned softly, her hips shifting as Beth’s touch grew more insistent.

Beth broke the kiss, her lips trailing down Viv’s neck, her teeth grazing the sensitive skin just below her ear. “You’re so fucking perfect,” she murmured, her voice thick with desire. Her hand slid down Viv’s body, slipping between her legs and pressing against her through her pants. Viv’s back arched, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.

“Beth—” Viv started, but Beth cut her off with another kiss, her fingers moving in slow, deliberate circles.

“You’re already so wet,” Beth said against her lips, her voice a mix of awe and satisfaction. She pulled back just enough to look into Viv’s eyes, her fingers still working her through the fabric. “Tell me what you want.”

Viv’s breath came in short, uneven bursts. “You,” she managed to say, her voice trembling. “I want you.”

Beth’s smirk widened, and she didn’t waste another second. She hooked her fingers into the waistband of Viv’s pants and underwear, pulling them down in one swift motion. Viv lifted her hips to help, her face flushed, but Beth didn’t give her time to feel self-conscious. She pushed Viv’s legs apart, her hands gripping her thighs as she leaned in.

“Look at you,” Beth said, her voice dripping with desire. She pressed a kiss to the inside of Viv’s thigh, her teeth grazing the sensitive skin. “So fucking perfect.”

Viv’s hands fisted in the couch cushions as Beth’s mouth moved closer, her breath hot against her. When Beth’s tongue finally touched her, Viv let out a strangled cry, her hips jerking off the couch. Beth’s hands tightened on her thighs, holding her in place as she licked her slowly, deliberately, savoring every sound Viv made.

“Beth—” Viv gasped, her back arching. “Oh God, please…”

Beth didn’t need to be told twice. She increased the pressure, her tongue working in firm, steady strokes that had Viv trembling beneath her. Viv’s hands found Beth’s hair, tangling in the strands as she tried to pull her closer, but Beth was in control. She pinned Viv’s hips to the couch, her mouth never slowing, until Viv was writhing, her moans growing louder and more desperate.

“I’m close,” Viv choked out, her voice breaking. “Beth, I’m—”

Beth didn’t let up. If anything, she went harder, her tongue circling Viv’s clit as her fingers slid inside her, curling just right. Viv’s body tensed, her thighs clamping around Beth’s head as she came with a cry that echoed through the room.

When Viv finally went limp, her chest heaving, Beth pulled back, pressing a kiss to her inner thigh before standing. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, her eyes dark with satisfaction as she looked down at Viv.

Beth grabbed Viv’s hand, fingers firm yet warm, her gaze locked onto Viv’s with a mix of hunger and something softer, something deeper.

“Come on,” she murmured, giving Viv’s hand a small tug, pulling her up from the couch.

Viv let herself be led, her pulse already pounding, her breath a little uneven.

Beth didn’t break eye contact as she walked her back to the bedroom, her grip on Viv’s hand never loosening, never hesitating.

The moment they were inside, Beth turned swiftly, pressing her lips against Viv’s, deep, demanding, before pushing her onto the bed with ease.

Viv let out a soft gasp, staring up at her as Beth took a step back, her fingers already hooking into the waistband of her own pants, sliding them down her legs and kicking them aside.

She climbed over Viv, pinning her to the bed, her hands pressing into the mattress beside her head, her mouth trailing along Viv’s jaw.

“I’m going to give you so much more pleasure,” Beth whispered, her lips brushing hotly against Viv’s skin.

Viv barely had time to react before Beth’s hand dropped between her legs, her fingers sliding in smoothly, pushing two deep inside her.

Viv’s breath hitched, a small moan escaping her lips.

Beth smirked, watching her carefully, her voice low and firm.

“I need to prepare you for the strap,” she murmured, her fingers curling just right, making Viv let out a sharp breath.

Viv nodded quickly, already lost in the sensation, her legs instinctively spreading wider, hips moving to meet Beth’s rhythm.

Beth leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to Viv’s lips before grabbing Viv’s wrist, guiding her hand down between them.

“Finger yourself,” Beth commanded, her voice thick with something dark and intoxicating, “while I put it on.”

Viv’s breath shuddered, but she obeyed, her fingers slipping lower, her body already slick with need.

Beth sat back slightly, reaching over to pull open a drawer, retrieving the strap.

She worked quickly but deliberately, her eyes flickering back to Viv, watching her every movement, watching the way her chest rose and fell, the way her lips parted slightly as she touched herself.

When Beth was finished fastening it, she reached for the lube, coating the length in a slow, deliberate motion, her gaze locked onto Viv’s.

“I think you need it,” Beth murmured, smirking slightly. “Probably too tight without it.”

Viv let out a breathy laugh, but there was something genuine in her enjoyment, something about how much she liked that Beth was taking her time, making sure this was right for her.

Beth climbed back over her, grabbing Viv’s wrist again, pulling her fingers from herself before bringing them to her lips.

She held eye contact as she licked them clean, her tongue dragging slow and deliberate over Viv’s fingers.

Viv shuddered, her breath coming out shaky, her eyes dark and wanting.

Beth positioned herself, pressing the tip of the strap just against Viv’s entrance, holding it there, waiting.

“Relax,” Beth whispered, dragging her lips against Viv’s neck, her fingers digging lightly into Viv’s waist. “It might hurt a little, but it’s okay.”

Viv nodded, her body already adjusting beneath Beth, her muscles tensing slightly.

Beth kissed her again, slow and patient, before pushing just the tip inside.

Viv let out a low groan, her hands gripping Beth’s back tightly, her thighs tensing.

Beth paused, studying her, her voice softer now. “It’s okay,” she whispered against her ear. “Just breathe, baby.”

Viv let out a slow, controlled exhale, focusing on Beth’s voice, Beth’s touch, Beth’s warmth against her.

Beth moved carefully, pushing further inside, watching every little shift in Viv’s expression, every sound she made, making sure she was okay.

When she was finally fully inside, she brushed her nose against Viv’s cheek, whispering,

“How are you?”

Viv let out a breath, adjusting slowly, her fingers curling against Beth’s skin.

“It feels weird,” Viv admitted, her voice a little breathless, but not in discomfort.

Beth kissed her temple, her lips soft but reassuring.

“Relax,” she whispered, pressing her forehead lightly against Viv’s. “It’s going to be amazing.”

Beth stayed still for a moment, letting Viv adjust, feeling the way her body shifted, the small tension in her muscles as she breathed through it.

Beth kissed her slowly, reassuringly, letting Viv know she had all the time she needed.

Then, carefully, she pulled back just an inch, before pressing in again, deeper this time.

Viv groaned, her breath catching, her fingers digging into Beth’s back, her nails pressing into her skin just enough to make Beth hiss slightly.

Beth smirked against her lips.

"That good, huh?" she murmured, voice low, teasing.

Viv exhaled shakily, her thighs tightening around Beth’s hips, but she nodded, biting her lip as Beth started to move again.

Beth kept it slow at first, deliberate, making sure every push filled Viv completely, making sure she felt every inch of it, stretching her in ways she hadn't felt before.

Viv moaned, her head tipping back slightly, and Beth’s stomach tightened at the sound, heat pooling lower in her own body at just how much she loved hearing Viv like this.

“God,” Beth whispered, watching Viv carefully, drinking in every reaction. “You sound so good.”

Viv’s eyes were blown out, dark and needy, her breath coming uneven now.

Beth kissed her jaw, her lips trailing down over Viv’s pulse point, her tongue flicking against her skin before she thrust a little harder, just to see what Viv would do.

Viv let out a louder moan, and Beth grinned against her neck, voice hot against her skin.

“You like that?” Beth murmured, thrusting again, a little sharper this time, her hands tightening on Viv’s waist.

Viv groaned again, but this time, she didn’t just react—she shifted slightly beneath Beth, pressing her hips up to meet her thrusts, chasing more of it.

Beth felt that immediately, the way Viv’s body sought out more, the way her thighs tightened around Beth’s hips like she was holding her in place.

Beth grinned. “Oh, you want more?”

Viv nodded, swallowing thickly, her hands curling harder around Beth’s arms now.

Beth leaned in, pressing her forehead against Viv’s, whispering, “Tell me, baby.”

Viv’s breath came out hot and heavy, her nails scratching slightly down Beth’s back now, and then, finally, she murmured,

“Rougher.”

Beth froze for half a second, and then—something inside her snapped.

Her grip tightened on Viv’s waist, her teeth grazing her jaw, and then, without hesitation, Beth thrust deeper, harder, making Viv let out a sharp cry of pleasure.

Beth groaned at the sound, her whole body thrumming with it now, and she set a brutal pace, hips snapping forward, hitting exactly where she knew Viv needed it.

Viv moaned louder, her hands flying up to grip the sheets beneath her, her back arching as Beth fucked her harder, deeper, taking her exactly how she needed.

Beth was lost in it now, in the way Viv clung to her, in the way she moaned Beth’s name, breathless and desperate, in the way her body took everything Beth gave her and begged for more.

“God, you feel so fucking good,” Beth groaned, thrusting harder, her lips brushing against Viv’s ear now, her breath hot and heavy against her skin.

Viv let out a broken moan, her nails digging into Beth’s back, her legs tightening desperately around Beth’s waist.

“Beth—” Viv gasped, her voice trembling, and Beth felt her body tense, felt the way Viv was right there, hovering on the edge, needing just a little more.

Beth was already lost in it, her body completely in sync with Viv’s, thrusting harder, deeper, each movement dragging out the sweetest, filthiest sounds from Viv’s lips.

Viv was panting, her moans growing louder, more desperate, her nails clawing at Beth’s back, holding on like she was about to break apart at any second.

And then, in a breathy, wrecked voice, Viv whispered against Beth’s ear—

“I wish you could come inside me.”

Beth groaned loudly, her hips snapping harder, deeper, her entire body thrumming at those words.

“Fuck, Viv,” Beth muttered, her voice low and raw, “you want me to fill you up, huh? Want me to fuck you so deep you’d feel me inside you all day?”

Viv moaned helplessly, her entire body arching, her hands clutching the sheets as she gasped out,

“Beth—please—”

Beth grinned against her sweaty, flushed skin, feeling the way Viv was shaking beneath her, so close, so fucking gone for her.

“Beg me,” Beth demanded, her voice dark, commanding.

Viv whimpered, digging her fingers into the bed, pushing her hips up to meet Beth’s thrusts.

“Please, Beth, let me come—fuck, please, I need it—”

Beth felt her entire body react to those words, her grip tightening on Viv’s waist, her pace ruthless now, pushing Viv right to the edge.

She leaned down, lips brushing against Viv’s ear, and nodded once.

“Come for me, baby.”

Viv cried out, her body shaking, clenching around Beth’s fingers, her moans high-pitched and desperate as she let go completely, coming hard beneath her.

Beth groaned, watching her completely unravel, soaked in it, loving every second of how wrecked she was making Viv.

But she wasn’t done.

Before Viv could fully catch her breath, Beth flipped her over, pressing her chest down into the bed, making her arch her back, her ass perfectly lifted for Beth.

Beth spread her knees apart, positioning herself behind Viv, her hands firm on her waist, keeping her exactly where she wanted her.

“Stay like that,” Beth ordered, her voice low, wrecked, dripping with control and hunger.

Viv nodded quickly, still breathless, but Beth could see it in the way she trembled—she wanted more.

Beth didn’t tease this time.

She grabbed Viv’s hips tightly, aligned herself, and pushed in, deep and fast, without much preparation, making Viv gasp sharply, her hands gripping the sheets so tight her knuckles turned white.

Beth groaned at how tight she still was, pressing in all the way, filling her completely in one hard thrust.

“Fuck, you take me so well,” Beth muttered, running her hands down Viv’s back, feeling the way she shuddered beneath her.

Viv let out a wrecked moan, her body adjusting quickly, pushing back against Beth without hesitation.

Beth smirked.

“You like it like this, don’t you?” she murmured, thrusting deep again, slow but firm, making Viv whimper beneath her. “Like being taken like a good girl?”

Viv moaned, nodding quickly, her body fully submitting to Beth’s pace, taking everything she gave her.

Beth leaned down, her breath hot against Viv’s spine, and muttered,

“I bet you’d let me fuck you all night if I wanted.”

Viv gasped sharply, and Beth felt her clench around her, reacting immediately.

“Oh, you like that?” Beth smirked, snapping her hips faster, harder, pulling Viv’s hips back into every thrust.

Viv’s moans grew louder, more broken, and then, without warning, she lowered herself fully onto the bed, her cheek pressing against the mattress.

Beth bit her lip, loving the sight of Viv so completely at her mercy, and without thinking, she grabbed both of Viv’s wrists, pulling them behind her back, pinning them firmly in place.

Viv let out a guttural moan, her entire body tensing, her breath hitching.

Beth grinned.

“Oh, baby,” she murmured, pressing Viv’s wrists down hard, pushing her chest deeper into the bed, her thrusts unrelenting now, ruthless.

“I should’ve done this sooner.”

Viv whimpered, helpless, ruined, her body completely surrendering.

Beth smirked, watching her, feeling her, knowing she was right on the edge again.

And then, just to push her further, Beth pressed Viv’s head down into the mattress, keeping her exactly where she wanted her.

Viv came instantly, louder than ever before, her entire body shaking violently, convulsing beneath Beth, her moans raw, uncontrollable, breathless.

Beth held her through it, groaning as she felt every little tremor of Viv’s body, felt how completely she fell apart beneath her.

She kept thrusting through it, letting Viv ride every last wave of pleasure, until she finally collapsed completely into the sheets, panting, wrecked, fully spent.

Beth let go of her wrists gently, running her hands slowly down Viv’s back, soothing her.

She leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against Viv’s shoulder, voice gentler now, lower.

“You okay?” Beth murmured.

Viv nodded lazily, her voice hoarse, barely above a whisper.

“Yeah,” she breathed out, her fingers twitching slightly against the sheets.

Beth smirked, kissing her again, letting her lips linger against Viv’s damp, heated skin.

“You were fucking incredible,” Beth murmured.

Viv let out a small, exhausted breath of laughter, turning her head just slightly toward Beth.

“You’re gonna kill me,” Viv muttered, still trying to catch her breath.

Beth grinned. “Not my fault you like it rough.”

Viv let out a sleepy, satisfied hum, her body melting into the bed now.

Beth chuckled, pressing one last kiss to Viv’s back before laying down beside her, pulling her close, wrapping an arm around her waist.

The room was quiet now, save for the sound of their breathing, still slightly uneven, still coming down from it all.

Beth lay on her side, one arm draped over Viv’s waist, her fingers tracing lazy circles on her bare skin, grounding her.

Viv was still catching her breath, her body completely melted into the mattress, eyes half-lidded, her lips slightly parted, looking absolutely wrecked in the best way possible.

Beth smirked, shifting slightly, pressing a slow kiss to Viv’s shoulder before murmuring,

“Well, that was fucking hot.”

Viv let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head slightly against the pillow.

“Yeah,” she muttered, voice hoarse, exhausted, but undeniably satisfied. “I figured that out when you nearly broke me in half.”

Beth chuckled, running a hand down Viv’s back, softer now, just feeling her, keeping her close.

“You liked it,” Beth teased, grinning against Viv’s skin.

Viv hummed, letting out a deep, tired sigh, her fingers gripping the sheets loosely, her body still feeling like jelly.

“I did,” she admitted, glancing over her shoulder slightly, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smirk.

Beth grinned, tilting her head. “Oh, you did?”

Viv scoffed, rolling her eyes playfully. “Shut up.”

Beth laughed, nipping lightly at Viv’s shoulder. “Nah, I think I deserve a little praise for that performance.”

Viv groaned, dragging a hand over her face, but Beth saw the small, shy smile she was trying to hide.

Beth’s smirk softened slightly, and she slid her arm further around Viv’s waist, pressing closer, letting their bodies fully mold together now.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Beth exhaled softly, brushing her lips along Viv’s damp, warm skin.

“How do you feel?” Beth murmured, her voice quieter now, more intimate.

Viv inhaled deeply, blinking a few times, before rolling onto her back slightly, looking at Beth properly now.

“I feel…” Viv paused, considering for a second, then let out a small, slow breath, her hand finding Beth’s beneath the covers, lacing their fingers together gently.

“I feel good,” Viv said, her voice softer now, a little more honest, a little less teasing.

Beth studied her for a second, her smirk fading slightly, replaced with something warmer, something deeper.

“Yeah?” Beth asked, giving Viv’s fingers a small squeeze.

Viv nodded, biting her lip briefly before letting her thumb trace absentmindedly over Beth’s knuckles.

Beth tilted her head, watching her carefully. “You sure?”

Viv chuckled, tugging Beth’s hand slightly. “I think you made sure of that already.”

Beth grinned, her fingers playing idly along Viv’s stomach now, teasing but gentle.

“Well, you did say you’d never had more than one before,” Beth murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Viv’s jaw. “Figured I’d fix that.”

Viv let out a small laugh, shaking her head, but Beth could see the way her body relaxed completely now, the way she melted further into the bed, into Beth’s touch.

For a few moments, they just lay there, breathing together, skin against skin, neither of them in a rush to move.

Then, Beth broke the silence, voice slightly smug but undeniably amused.

“So,” she murmured against Viv’s skin, grinning, “am I better than Alexander?”

Viv let out a loud groan, covering her face with her hands. “Beth.”

Beth laughed, tugging at Viv’s wrist playfully. “What? It’s a fair question.”

Viv sighed dramatically, but she was smiling, her fingers trailing absently over Beth’s forearm now.

“Yes, Beth,” Viv muttered, rolling her eyes playfully. “You’re better than Alexander.”

Beth grinned. “Thought so.”