A Little Less Alone

The match had been frustrating, tense, and exhausting.

Arsenal had drawn—a disastrous result in their fight for the league title—and it hadn't been a good performance from anyone. The entire team felt the weight of it, and as soon as the final whistle blew, Beth could already feel the tension simmering on the pitch.

But while most players were quietly processing their frustration, Viv was fuming.

Beth spotted her marching toward the referee, her posture rigid, her hands gesturing sharply as she closed the distance.

"Are you kidding me?" Viv snapped, her voice cutting through the noise of the pitch. "You let them get away with everything, but the second we make a challenge, we’re penalized?"

The referee, clearly uninterested in prolonging the argument, barely gave her a glance.

"Game’s over, Miedema. Walk away."

But Viv wasn’t backing down.

She took another step forward, her expression laced with disbelief. "No, you don’t get to dismiss this like it’s nothing. That penalty? Never a foul. That handball? Somehow you didn’t see it. You were right there! What exactly were you watching?"

Kim and Katie were already moving toward her, sensing she was about to get herself into real trouble.

"Viv, come on," Kim muttered, reaching out, but Viv barely flinched.

"This isn’t the first time! You’ve been doing this all season!" Viv continued, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "You call yourself a professional? It’s embarrassing!"

The ref sighed, shaking her head. "That’s enough."

"No, what’s enough is us having to deal with refs who clearly can’t do their job!" Viv snapped, her voice rising. "Every time we fight for the title, we get decisions like this—every single time! It’s a joke!"

Katie stepped in, firmer this time, her hand pressing against Viv’s back, pushing her toward the tunnel.

"Viv, leave it. Seriously. You’re gonna get yourself banned."

Viv huffed, her jaw clenched as she finally turned away, her whole body tense with anger.

Beth wasn’t mad at Viv for it—not really. She had felt the frustration too, had wanted to scream about it, but what she was really focused on was just how furious Viv still was, how she was taking this harder than anyone.

As they walked off the pitch, Viv was still fuming, her boots kicking up bits of grass with every step. She was muttering in rapid Dutch under her breath, sharp, clipped words that Beth didn’t need to understand to know she was pissed beyond reasoning.

Just as they neared the tunnel, Viv’s eyes landed on the referee again. Her expression darkened, and before anyone could stop her, she turned back—one last burst of anger still boiling in her chest.

“You had one job! One fucking job, and you still managed to get it wrong.”

The referee, clearly uninterested in prolonging the argument, barely turned his head.

"Let it go, Miedema."

"Oh, I’ll let it go when you learn how to do your job!" Viv snapped, her voice cutting through the noise of the stadium.

Kim was there in an instant, stepping in front of Viv before she could take another step toward the ref.

“Viv, stop. Breathe.”

Viv ripped her arm away from Kim’s hold, still glaring past her at the ref. "No, because it’s bullshit. It’s the same every time. They screw us over, we get nothing, and we’re just supposed to act like it’s fine?"

Kim kept her stance, her voice calm but unyielding. "No," she said. "But you yelling at them now isn’t going to change anything. All it’s going to do is get you suspended."

Viv let out a sharp breath through her nose, her fists clenching and unclenching at her sides.

Without another word, she stormed toward the locker room. The second she stepped inside, she slammed her fist against the door as it swung open, the loud thud echoing through the room. Some of the players who had already started taking off their boots looked up, startled.

She didn’t say anything as she ripped off her gloves, throwing it onto the bench, her entire body still rigid with frustration.

The air in the room was thick with unspoken disappointment.

Katie, still pulling off her shin pads, was the first to break the silence. "That was a mess. We should’ve killed that game off early."

Viv laughed bitterly, shaking her head as she sat down, her knee bouncing restlessly. "We don’t kill off anything. We let teams walk all over us and then act surprised when we drop points."

There was a pause before Caitlin, trying to keep some perspective, sighed. "We created enough, though. It’s not like we didn’t try."

Viv’s head snapped up, eyes burning as she turned to her.

"Trying isn’t enough, Cait. How many games have we ‘tried’ in this season and ended up in the same fucking position?" She gestured around, her voice getting sharper. "What does trying even mean? That we ran around for ninety minutes and hoped for the best?"

Caitlin huffed, clearly trying to keep her own temper in check. "What do you want us to do, Viv?"

Viv stood up abruptly, her frustration boiling over. "I want someone to actually give a shit! That’s what I want!"

A few players stiffened, and Beth could see Leah and Kim exchanging glances, silently deciding how to approach this before it spiraled further.

Kim, watching the room closely, finally stepped in again.

"Viv, no one is happy about the result. You know that."

Viv let out a humorless chuckle, shaking her head. "Do I? Because I don’t see anyone acting like it."

The room went silent.

Some players exchanged quiet, uneasy glances, others looked away completely.

Viv ran a hand through her hair, jaw tight. "We just accept it. We draw, we lose, and we act like it’s fine. Like we have time." She scoffed, looking up at Kim. "We don’t have time."

Katie, still frustrated but not arguing, nodded slightly. "She’s not wrong. We’ve been dropping stupid points all season."

Leah sighed, rubbing her face, too exhausted to keep the conversation going. "We let them back into it when we shouldn’t have. It’s frustrating, but we can’t change it now."

Viv didn’t sit back down. She was pacing now, hands on her hips, her breath heavy with irritation.

"We do this to ourselves," she continued, voice still sharp. "We make the same mistakes, we don’t take our chances, and then we pretend like things will magically get better."

Beth had seen Viv angry before, but this was different. This was deeper. It wasn’t just about this game—it was about all of it.

Kim, still calm but with a growing edge to her voice, pushed herself up from her seat.

A few players stiffened, and Beth could see Leah and Kim exchanging glances, silently deciding how to approach this before it spiraled further.

Kim, watching the room closely, finally stepped in.

She exhaled before speaking, her voice steady, but strong. "Look, Viv’s right."

That alone seemed to catch some of the room off guard.

"She might not be saying it in the right way, but that’s not the point," Kim continued, her gaze sweeping across the team. "The point is, she’s not wrong."

Viv exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over her face, as if she didn’t want to hear it put like that.

Kim pressed forward. "We’ve dropped too many points. We keep making the same mistakes, and if we don’t fix them, we’re going to end up with nothing again."

There was silence, players glancing at one another.

Kim crossed her arms. "We all want to win. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t. But wanting it isn’t enough. We need to show it. Every damn game."

Beth saw Viv shift, her jaw still tight, but her expression slightly less heated.

Kim nodded, her voice firm. "We don’t have time to sit here feeling sorry for ourselves. This can’t happen again."

There was a beat of silence, then Kim clapped her hands together once.

"Alright. Go home. Reset. Next week, we fix this."

Slowly, players started moving again, gathering their things, finishing up their routines.

Viv sat down, running a hand through her hair, some of the tension finally fading—but not entirely.

The locker room was nearly empty now, but the air was still thick with frustration. Most of the team had already grabbed their things and left, but a few remained—Katie, Lotte, Jen, Steph, Leah, Caitlin, Kim, Beth, and Viv.

Viv hadn’t moved. She was still sitting on the bench, her elbows braced on her knees, fingers pressing into her temples, her breathing shallow and sharp.

Beth sat a few spots away, watching her out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to say something, but she knew better. Viv wasn’t ready to hear anything yet.

Kim, on the other hand, was never one to leave things unsaid.

She stepped closer, her arms crossed, but her voice was steady and soft when she spoke. "Viv, I get that you're angry, but punching doors and screaming at referees isn’t going to fix anything."

Viv lifted her head slowly, eyes dark and unreadable, but Beth could see the sharp edge of frustration still clinging to every part of her.

"Yeah?" Viv scoffed, her voice dripping with exhaustion and bitterness. "Well, it sure as hell feels better than watching us constantly fail to string three passes together or not be able to make a single fucking interception."

Kim sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. "Look, I get it. I do. But this? This right here? It’s not gonna change anything."

Viv stared at her for a long moment, jaw set tight, shoulders still tense. Then, finally, she let out a sharp breath and took a step back toward the door.

"I’m going."

Kim watched her, but didn’t stop her.

Viv was gone now, storming out without looking back, her bag slung over her shoulder.

Beth watched her go, feeling that pull to follow, but she stayed put, tapping her fingers against her thigh as she tried to figure out if chasing after Viv would actually help.

Steph, still leaning against her locker, tilted her head toward the door. “You not going after her?”

Beth exhaled, rubbing a hand over her face. “I think she needs some space.”

Kim, who had been watching quietly, nodded in agreement. "You're right. I had to give her the ‘no punching doors’ talk, but the truth is—she’s not wrong."

Katie, still pulling off her socks, snorted, shaking her head. “Well, maybe breaking something would be less painful than watching that game back.”

Beth rolled her eyes, but there was a flicker of amusement under her exhaustion. "Right, because our season isn’t already bad enough—let’s have Viv out with a broken hand."

Leah, who had been quietly tying her hoodie, finally spoke up. "I get why she’s pissed. This isn’t just about today—it’s about every single time we let games slip away like this."

Caitlin, stretching her legs, sighed. "Yeah, and we can’t keep acting like it’s just bad luck."

Katie finally stretched her legs out, offering a small shrug. "Maybe Viv yelling is what we actually needed."

Steph scoffed, tilting her head. “Or maybe she just needed to get it out before she exploded.”

Beth exhaled, looking down at her boots. "Probably both."

Kim clapped her hands together once. "Alright. Go home, clear your heads. We regroup and fix it. No excuses."

There were a few muttered agreements as everyone started gathering their things, the weight of the conversation still there, but shifting.

Beth lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the soft glow of her bedside lamp casting long shadows across her room. She had gone through the motions—showered, eaten, even tried mindlessly scrolling on her phone. Nothing worked.

Because Viv hadn’t texted. Hadn’t called.

Beth had figured she needed space after the game, but it had been hours. Viv had a tendency to get lost in her own frustration, and Beth didn’t like the idea of her stewing in it alone.

She grabbed her phone off the nightstand, hesitating only for a second before pressing call.

It rang.

Once.

Twice.

Beth tapped her fingers against her blanket.

Three times.

She was just about to pull the phone away, thinking Viv had shut off from the world completely—

Click.

Viv answered.

But she didn’t say anything at first.

Beth could hear breathing on the other end, the faint rustle of fabric like Viv was shifting on a couch or bed.

Beth exhaled slowly, her voice soft.

“Hey.”

A beat of silence, then Viv’s voice came through, low, tired, but carrying the weight of earlier.

“Hey.”

Beth rolled onto her side, tucking the blanket under her chin. "You alright?"

A pause. Then Viv sighed, voice quieter now.

"Not really."

Beth figured as much.

She hesitated, then tried to ease into the conversation. “What are you doing?”

Viv exhaled, sounding somewhere between exhausted and irritated. "Sitting on my couch. Staring at nothing. Thinking about how much I hate football."

Beth smirked lightly. "Dramatic."

Viv huffed. "I mean it. I could retire right now and never watch a game again, and I think I’d be fine."

Beth let out a short laugh. "Yeah? And what would you do instead?"

Viv was quiet for a second before muttering, "Open a bookstore. Move somewhere where no one knows me. Read all day."

Beth chuckled. "Oh, so you'd be a hermit?"

Viv sighed. "That actually sounds nice."

Beth grinned, shifting against her pillow. "You wouldn't last a week."

Viv scoffed. "Excuse me?"

Beth smirked. "You’d get bored, and you’d start kicking things again. Probably organize a town football match out of sheer frustration."

Viv was quiet for a second, then admitted, "Okay, maybe."

Beth smiled, sensing some of Viv’s tension starting to fade. "So no bookstore hermit life just yet?"

Viv sighed. "No. Guess not."

Beth let the silence settle for a few moments before her voice softened. "You were really upset today."

Viv let out a slow breath. "Yeah."

Beth hesitated before continuing. "I get why. It was frustrating as hell. But you seemed—" She paused, trying to find the right words. "I don’t know, Viv. You weren’t just mad. It felt like more than that."

Viv didn’t answer right away. Beth could hear her shifting on the other end of the line, like she was debating whether to say the truth or not.

Then Viv sighed again, lower this time, rubbing a hand over her face. “I’m just tired, Beth.”

Beth frowned slightly, adjusting her grip on the phone. “Tired how?”

Viv let out a slow breath. “Of all of it. Of caring so much and it never being enough. Of trying and failing. Of getting my hopes up only to watch the same thing happen over and over. It’s exhausting.”

Beth was quiet, letting the words settle.

Beth could hear Viv shifting again on the other end of the line, another sigh falling through the speaker. Not sharp, not irritated this time—just tired.

“I don’t know how people do it,” Viv murmured eventually, her voice quieter than before. “How they don’t let this stuff get to them.”

Beth turned onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. “I think they just pretend better than you do.”

Viv let out a dry, humorless chuckle. “Yeah. I’m not exactly good at pretending.”

Beth smiled softly, even though Viv couldn’t see her. “No, you’re not.”

Silence lingered between them for a moment, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Beth could hear Viv breathing on the other end, hear the way her exhale dragged just a little too long, like she was still trying to shake the weight of the night off her shoulders.

Beth hesitated, choosing her words carefully before she finally asked, “Do you ever think about what would’ve happened if you left?”

Viv didn’t respond right away.

Beth could almost picture her, sitting on her couch, rubbing a hand over her face like she always did when she was trying to push thoughts away before they settled too deep.

Then, finally, Viv exhaled, the sound slow and heavy. “Yeah.”

Beth swallowed, waiting for her to continue.

"Sometimes I think… maybe I should’ve gone. That maybe I would’ve been better off somewhere else. Somewhere where winning isn’t a struggle every single week. Somewhere where I don’t have to feel like I’m constantly fighting for something that never quite happens.”

Her voice was steady, but there was something beneath it, something Beth couldn’t quite name.

"Like Barcelona?" Beth asked softly.

Viv sighed. "Yeah. Somewhere like that."

Beth let that sit for a moment. She wasn’t sure what she expected Viv to say, but hearing it out loud still sent a strange feeling twisting through her chest.

She hesitated before asking, "So why did you stay?"

Viv was quiet for a long moment. Beth could hear the way her breathing slowed, hear the way she shifted slightly, like she was weighing her words before saying them aloud.

Then, finally, Viv spoke, her voice softer now.

"Because I love Arsenal. I love this team."

She paused.

Beth could feel it coming before Viv even said it, but it still hit her somewhere deep.

“And… well, you.”

Beth’s breath hitched slightly. "Me?"

Viv let out a small, almost self-conscious laugh. "Yeah."

She hesitated, then added, "I knew if I left, I’d miss you. Probably more than I was ready to admit at the time."

Beth felt something warm settle in her chest, something unexpected but undeniably real.

She didn’t joke, didn’t brush it off like she might have in another moment. Instead, she let herself absorb the weight of it.

Then, softly, she murmured, “I would’ve missed you too.”

Viv didn’t say anything, but Beth could hear the way her breathing changed slightly on the other end.

She smiled. "And for the record, I'm really glad you stayed."

Viv exhaled, and Beth could hear the small smile in her voice when she muttered, "Yeah. Me too."

Then, after a few beats, she smirked again. "Okay, so… should we talk about you yelling at the ref, or should I pretend I didn’t hear you scream at a grown woman like you were gonna fight her?"

Viv groaned. "Jesus. Are we doing this now?"

Beth laughed. "Oh, we’re doing this. Because not only did you yell at her, but then you punched a door. Are you trying to become the most terrifying player in the league?"

Viv groaned dramatically. "It wasn’t that bad."

Beth raised an eyebrow. "Viv, you were still going at her even after Kim was physically dragging you away."

Viv was silent for a second. "Okay, maybe it was that bad."

Beth laughed. "I think if Arsenal puts out a statement tomorrow saying you’re banned from talking to referees, no one would be surprised."

Viv chuckled. "Yeah, well. She was shit."

Beth hummed. "No argument there. But maybe next time, punch something softer. Like, I don’t know, a pillow?"

Viv sighed dramatically. "Fine. Next time, I’ll call you first."

Beth grinned. "Good. That’s all I ask."

Silence stretched between them, but this time, it was comfortable.

Beth sighed softly. "You gonna try and sleep now?"

Viv exhaled. "Maybe."

Beth smirked. "You want me to hang up?"

Viv was silent for a second before mumbling, "Not yet."

Beth smiled.

"Okay."

Beth wasn’t sure how long they had just been lying there, phone pressed to her ear, listening to the sound of Viv breathing softly on the other end.

Neither of them had said anything for a while, but neither of them had hung up, either.

Beth felt calm, content in a way she hadn’t expected.

Then, softly, Viv broke the silence.

"I really was a mess today, huh?"

Beth smiled, shifting on her pillow. "Oh, you were a disaster."

Viv let out a low chuckle, but there was something self-deprecating in it. "That bad?"

Beth sighed, tilting her head back slightly. "Let’s see. You almost fought a referee, screamed in three different languages, punched a door, and glared at anyone who even breathed too loudly. So, yeah. It wasn’t exactly your most composed performance."

Viv groaned. "Christ. I probably looked like an absolute psycho."

Beth grinned. "Oh, for sure. I’m pretty sure Katie was convinced you were gonna start flipping tables in the locker room."

Viv huffed out a small laugh. "Not my best moment."

Beth softened, her voice quieter now. "No, but I get it."

Viv was quiet for a second. Then, softer now, "Feels like I should be doing more."

Beth shook her head, even though Viv couldn’t see her. "You already do more than enough."

There was a pause, then Viv muttered, "Yeah. Well. Doesn't feel like it."

Beth wanted to argue, but she knew Viv wouldn’t take the words in right now.

So instead, she just said, "You know what you do need to do?"

Viv sighed. "What?"

Beth smirked. "Apologize to the door."

Viv let out a real, genuine laugh this time, soft but warm. "Beth."

Beth grinned. "It’s innocent in all of this, Viv. It didn’t deserve to take the hit for your rage."

Viv chuckled, and Beth felt something settle inside her at the sound.

"Fine," Viv muttered playfully. "I’ll send it a letter."

Beth laughed. "Good. That’s all I ask."

Silence stretched between them again, but this time, it was easy.

Then, after a few beats, Beth asked, "You feeling any better?"

Viv exhaled, and Beth could almost hear the way she was finally relaxing, just a little.

"Yeah. A little."

Viv exhaled softly, her voice quieter now, slower. "I miss you."

Beth blinked, a small smile forming as she traced lazy patterns against her blanket. "Yeah?"

Viv hummed. "Yeah. More than I probably should for someone I saw just a few hours ago."

Beth felt warmth curl in her chest at that, enjoying how easily Viv admitted it. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

Viv sighed, but it wasn't irritated—it was fond, familiar. "It's not. Just stating a fact."

Beth grinned, rolling onto her side. "Well, lucky for you, I happen to like being missed."

Viv scoffed. "Of course you do."

Beth chuckled, her fingers toying with the hem of her shirt. "I mean, let’s be real, Viv. Who wouldn’t miss me?"

Viv let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Oh god, here we go."

Beth smirked. "I’m just saying, I’m delightful. Irresistible, even."

Viv made a small noise in the back of her throat, a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Sure, Beth. Let's go with that."

Beth gasped dramatically, delighting in teasing her. "Wow. I give you my time, my attention, my endless charm, and this is what I get?"

Viv chuckled, her voice lower now. "I never asked for any of that."

Beth grinned. "No, but you keep coming back for it, don’t you?"

Viv exhaled, the sound slow, drawn-out. "Unfortunately, yeah."

Beth felt a flicker of something warm, something real settle into her chest. She let herself sit with it for a second before murmuring, "Good. I like when you miss me."

Viv hummed softly, the sound settling in Beth’s stomach. "Yeah? Then maybe you should’ve told me to come over."

Beth stilled for a moment before blinking. "What?"

Viv let out a small breath, like she wasn’t thinking too hard about it. "I would’ve come over if you asked."

Beth swallowed, not sure why that made her chest tighten in the best way possible. "You would?"

Viv hummed again. "Yeah. You just had to say the word."

Beth bit her lip, considering that. "I didn’t think you’d want to."

Viv scoffed lightly. "Why wouldn’t I?"

Beth hesitated. "I don’t know. You seemed like you needed space."

Viv sighed, softer this time. "I don’t think I needed space from you."

Beth’s heart skipped at that. She didn’t know what to say to it, so she let the moment settle, let the weight of the words hang between them in a way that felt steady, real.

After a few seconds, Beth exhaled and shifted slightly, smirking to herself. "Not to change the subject, but—"

Viv sighed immediately. "Oh no."

Beth grinned, biting her lip. "Hear me out."

Viv sighed again, already suspicious. "Do I have a choice?"

Beth ignored that. "I was just thinking… What if—hypothetically—I told you that your whole, like… rage-filled, aggressive thing today was kinda hot?"

Viv went completely silent.

Beth had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

Then, after a few beats, Viv, in the flattest voice possible, muttered, "I literally screamed at a ref and punched a door."

Beth grinned. "And it was hot."

Viv groaned. "What is actually wrong with you?"

Beth chuckled. "Nothing. I’m just saying, watching you be all intense like that? Kinda nice."

Viv sighed deeply, but Beth could hear the tiniest smile creeping into her voice. "So what, you want me to start yelling more?"

Beth smirked. "No, I think I want you to be more aggressive sometimes."

Viv paused, and Beth swore she could feel the shift in the air. "More aggressive?"

Beth hummed. "Mhm. In certain situations."

Viv exhaled, her voice dropping slightly. "What kind of situations?"

Beth smirked, her stomach twisting in the best way. "I could list a few."

Viv let out a low chuckle. "Beth."

Beth grinned, completely enjoying herself now. "What? You asked."

Viv hummed. "You’re playing a dangerous game."

Beth sighed dramatically. "What can I say? I like living on the edge."

Viv exhaled, something warm and teasing behind it. "Noted."

Beth smiled, letting herself stretch lazily under her blanket. "Now I really wish you were here."

Viv was quiet for a second before she asked, "Yeah? Why’s that?"

Beth hummed, dragging out the pause for effect. "I just… need some help taking care of something."

Viv let out a low chuckle. "Beth."

Beth grinned. "What? You said if I wanted you to come over, I should just ask."

Viv hummed, considering. "And are you asking?"

Beth hesitated, not because she didn’t want to, but because she hadn’t actually expected Viv to take her up on it.

"Would you come?" Beth asked softly.

Viv’s voice was warm, smooth when she replied, "Do you want me to?"

Beth bit her lip. "Yeah."

Viv exhaled, a small chuckle under her breath. "Then I’ll come over."

Beth blinked, her heart skipping slightly. "Wait, really?"

Viv chuckled again. "Yeah, really. Unless you were just messing with me, in which case, this would be very embarrassing."

Beth shook her head, even though Viv couldn’t see her. "No, I wasn’t messing with you."

Viv hummed again, like she was pleased. "Good."

Then, almost without thinking, Viv added, "Put something nice for me."

Beth froze for a second, her brain short-circuiting in the best way possible.

Then, slowly, a grin spread across her face. "Oh? Something nice?"

Viv exhaled, like she had just realized what she said. "Shit, I meant—"

Beth cut her off, absolutely delighted. "No, no, don’t take it back. I love this."

Viv sighed, but there was an undeniable smile in her voice now. "I swear to god, Beth."

Beth grinned. "Nope, you said it. You want me looking all nice for you."

Viv groaned. "I hate you."

Beth smirked. "You love me."

Viv exhaled, mock defeated. "Yeah. I do."

Beth smiled. "Then hurry up."

Viv let out a soft chuckle, warmth in her voice. "I’m already on my way."

Beth let herself sink into her pillow, heart light, knowing soon Viv wouldn’t just be a voice on the phone—she’d be here.

Beth stood in front of her open wardrobe, staring at her options with an amused kind of frustration.

She had never seen Viv like this before—flirty, teasing, openly asking her to put something nice on. Usually, Viv was the one blushing at Beth’s remarks, getting flustered when Beth pushed a little too much. But tonight?

Tonight, Viv had said it without thinking. And she hadn't taken it back.

Beth bit her lip, her fingers trailing over different fabrics. She could go for something simple, something safe, but where was the fun in that? If Viv wanted her to look nice, she might as well go all in.

Her eyes landed on the red lingerie set buried in the back of her drawer.

She hesitated.

She had bought it ages ago, but it had never really felt like the right time to wear it. It was bold, a little daring, and a lot more revealing than anything Viv had seen her in. Would Viv even like it?

Beth rolled her eyes at herself. Since when did she second-guess this kind of thing?

With a smirk, she pulled it out, tracing her fingers over the lace. She wasn’t sure how Viv would react, but there was only one way to find out.

The sudden knock at the door made Beth’s stomach flip, a rush of anticipation coursing through her.

She quickly grabbed the oversized shirt she had set aside and pulled it over her head, the soft fabric settling loosely against her skin, just barely covering the red lace beneath.

Taking a steadying breath, she made her way to the door, her heart beating a little faster than usual.

When she opened it, Viv was standing there, hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket, her hair slightly tousled from the night air.

Beth had barely said a word before Viv’s eyes ran over her, flickering down to her bare legs, lingering a little too long before snapping back up to her face.

Viv swallowed hard, clearly affected.

Beth smirked, leaning against the doorframe. “You okay there?”

Viv blinked, clearing her throat, her jaw tightening slightly as she forced herself to meet Beth’s gaze. "Yeah, I just—" She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You—"

Beth’s smirk widened. "You seem distracted."

Viv let out a small, breathy chuckle, but her eyes had already dropped to Beth’s thighs again, bare except for where the hem of the shirt barely covered her.

Beth tilted her head, stepping just a little closer, lowering her voice. “Wanna take it off? See your surprise?”

Viv stared at her for a second, like she needed to make sure she actually heard that right. Then, without another word, she reached for the hem of Beth’s shirt, her fingers brushing against the soft skin of her waist as she slowly lifted it up.

The second the fabric was out of the way, Viv froze.

Her eyes dragged over the red lace, the delicate straps, the way the lingerie hugged Beth’s body perfectly.

She exhaled, almost like she had forgotten to breathe.

Beth smirked, watching her reaction closely. "Worth the wait?"

Viv didn’t answer right away. She just stared, visibly struggling to form a coherent thought.

Finally, her hands moved to Beth’s waist, her fingers pressing into the lace as she muttered, "Jesus Christ."

Beth chuckled. "That a yes?"

Viv’s hands tightened around Beth’s waist, her fingers pressing into the lace as she backed her up against the wall, lips finding the skin just beneath Beth’s jaw.

Beth let out a soft, pleased sigh, tilting her head to give Viv better access, her fingers sliding into Viv’s jacket, gripping the fabric beneath.

"I knew you'd like it," Beth murmured, her breath catching slightly as Viv’s lips dragged lower, teasing against her collarbone.

Viv hummed, her mouth hot against Beth’s skin. "Like is an understatement."

Beth grinned, her nails scraping lightly down Viv’s back. "Yeah? What would you call it, then?"

Viv exhaled slowly, her fingers tracing over the lace at Beth’s hips, teasing but firm. "I’d call it unfair."

Beth smirked, shifting slightly against Viv’s touch, her head tilting just enough for Viv to press deeper against her. "Unfair how?"

Viv pulled back just enough to look at her properly, her eyes dark and hooded. "Unfair that you knew exactly what this would do to me."

Beth bit her lip, eyes flickering over Viv’s face, loving the way she looked at her, like she was barely holding herself back.

"I had an idea," Beth admitted, voice dripping with amusement. "But I like seeing the confirmation."

Viv let out a low chuckle, her hands tightening at Beth’s hips before sliding up, brushing just beneath the hem of the lace.

"You’re cruel," Viv murmured against her neck. "Making me drive over here like this."

Beth’s breath hitched as Viv’s hands traced over her waist, exploring slowly, purposefully.

"You didn’t have to," Beth teased, her fingers tugging at Viv’s jacket. "But I’m glad you did."

Viv’s grip tightened slightly. "I didn’t have a choice."

Beth’s smirk widened, her body arching slightly into Viv’s touch. "No?"

Viv shook her head, voice lower now. "Not when you said it like that."

Beth exhaled slowly, her hands finally slipping under Viv’s jacket, sliding over her stomach, feeling the warmth of her skin.

"So what are you gonna do now that you’re here?" Beth whispered, her lips brushing against Viv’s ear.

Viv groaned softly, her grip on Beth tightening even more, her body pressing her harder against the wall.

"I think I’m gonna ruin you in this."

Beth shivered at the promise in Viv’s tone, her nails dragging up Viv’s spine.

Beth’s fingers worked at Viv’s jacket, sliding it off her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor with barely a thought.

She barely had time to move before Viv’s hands were on her again, gripping her hips through the delicate lace, her touch firmer now, more sure.

"You really had this planned, huh?" Viv murmured against her skin, her breath hot as she kissed along Beth’s jawline, trailing lower, teasing.

Beth smirked, her hands slipping under the hem of Viv’s shirt, nails scratching lightly over her stomach. "Maybe."

Viv chuckled, her voice lower now, rougher. "You don’t wear this unless you want something."

Beth exhaled, her hands slipping further up Viv’s back. "And what do you think I want?"

Viv’s fingers brushed along the edges of the lace, teasing before she suddenly gripped Beth tighter, pressing her harder against the wall.

Beth gasped softly, the sudden shift sending heat pooling low in her stomach.

Viv leaned in, her lips just barely grazing Beth’s ear. "You want me to take control."

Beth shivered at the certainty in her voice, at the way Viv held her like she wasn’t planning to let go anytime soon.

She tilted her head slightly, giving Viv better access as she whispered, "Yeah."

Viv exhaled sharply, her fingers gripping Beth’s waist even tighter. "You want it rough?"

Beth felt her breath catch, her body pressing further into Viv’s touch, craving more.

She swallowed, then nodded. "Yeah."

Viv let out a low, satisfied hum, her hands finally sliding beneath the thin fabric of Beth’s shirt, gripping at her skin like she had been holding back too much already.

"Good," Viv muttered before pulling the shirt over Beth’s head, tossing it aside.

Beth barely had time to react before Viv was on her again, lips hot against her neck, her grip unrelenting, like she was making sure Beth didn’t have a single doubt about what was coming next.

"You sure you can handle that?" Viv teased against Beth’s skin, her hands trailing lower, her touch deliberate.

Beth exhaled shakily, her fingers already working on pulling Viv’s shirt off. "I can handle anything you give me."

Viv groaned softly, her voice rough with something darker now. "You say that now."

Beth grinned, pulling Viv’s shirt off completely, her hands immediately sliding over newly exposed skin, nails dragging just enough to make Viv inhale sharply.

"Then prove me wrong."

Viv’s eyes darkened, and that was all Beth managed to say before Viv’s hands tightened on her thighs, gripping hard as she pressed her completely against the wall.

Beth barely had time to breathe before Viv grabbed her, her grip unrelenting, her touch heavier now—more urgent.

She gasped as Viv lifted her slightly, her back pressing firmly against the wall, her thighs instinctively tightening around Viv’s waist.

"You wanted this, right?" Viv murmured, her voice low, teasing but edged with something darker, something hotter.

Beth swallowed, her fingers gripping at Viv’s bare shoulders, nails pressing in just enough to leave a mark. "Yeah."

Viv smirked, her eyes hooded, dark, as she leaned in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to Beth’s throat, then lower, then lower.

Beth tilted her head back, letting Viv take whatever she wanted.

But then, without warning, Viv pulled back, her hands tightening around Beth’s thighs.

"Good," Viv muttered, and before Beth could react, Viv turned, walking them both toward the kitchen.

Beth let out a surprised laugh, her hands gripping onto Viv for support. "What—what are you—"

Viv didn’t answer, didn’t even slow down as she reached the kitchen counter, gripping Beth’s thighs and hoisting her up onto the cool surface in one smooth motion.

Beth exhaled sharply, her hands instinctively bracing against Viv’s shoulders.

Viv stepped between her legs, her grip firm, her body pressing Beth’s back against the counter, trapping her completely.

Beth looked up at her, breathless, thrilled, aroused beyond reason.

"You always act so cocky," Viv murmured, her fingers dragging along the edge of the lace at Beth’s hip, teasing, barely touching. "But now look at you."

Beth swallowed hard, her body heating at the taunt. "What about me?"

Viv smirked, her grip tightening at Beth’s waist as she leaned in, lips brushing just against Beth’s jaw.

"You’re right where I want you."

Beth shuddered, her body arching slightly into Viv’s touch. "Maybe that’s exactly where I wanted to be."

Viv chuckled, her voice lower now, rougher. "Yeah?"

Beth nodded, biting her lip. "Yeah."

Viv let out a low, pleased sound, then grabbed Beth’s chin, tilting her face up before kissing her—hard.

Beth barely had time to process before Viv lifted her completely onto the counter, her back pressing against the cool surface as Viv’s hands spread her thighs wider, keeping her completely open.

Viv bit Beth’s lower lip, teasing before pulling away slightly, just enough to murmur against her mouth, "Hold on tight."

Beth didn’t even get a chance to respond before Viv grabbed her hips, pulling her even closer against her, pressing her completely against the counter.

Beth let out a breathy laugh, half aroused, half in awe. "You’re stronger than you look."

Viv smirked. "You have no idea."

Beth sucked in a breath, anticipation coiling tight in her stomach as Viv’s fingers trailed along the edge of the lace, teasing.

"You look so fucking good like this," Viv murmured, her eyes dark, her grip tightening at Beth’s hips.

Beth smirked, even as her body shivered beneath Viv’s touch. "Yeah? You’ve barely touched me yet."

Viv let out a low, amused hum, her fingers suddenly gripping the lace at Beth’s hips, pushing it aside.

"Don’t worry. That won’t last long."

Before Beth could even respond, Viv’s fingers pushed inside her, slow at first but firm, curling just right.

Beth let out a sharp gasp, her hands gripping Viv’s shoulders, nails digging in as Viv curled her fingers just right, dragging a slow, devastating rhythm.

"Fucking hell—" Beth exhaled, her head tilting back as pleasure flooded through her.

Viv smirked against Beth’s throat, biting down lightly as she pressed in deeper, her pace steady but unrelenting.

"You’re already so wet for me," Viv murmured against Beth’s skin, her voice rough, teasing, her free hand sliding up Beth’s stomach, fingers grazing the edges of the lace. "You must’ve really wanted this."

Beth moaned softly, her body arching into Viv’s touch.

Beth let out a sharp gasp, her hands gripping Viv’s shoulders, nails digging in.

Viv smirked, pressing her mouth against Beth’s throat, biting lightly before whispering, "You wanted it rough, right?"

Beth’s stomach tightened, her hips instinctively rolling into Viv’s hand.

"Yeah," she breathed, her voice already wrecked.

Viv hummed, satisfied, her fingers moving faster, deeper, pressing against that spot that made Beth tremble.

Beth’s breathing turned erratic, her thighs shaking as Viv worked her relentlessly.

"You take it so fucking well," Viv murmured against her neck, her free hand gripping Beth’s thigh to keep her completely still.

Beth let out a sharp moan, her body arching into Viv’s touch.

Viv watched her, her eyes hooded with something dark, something almost possessive.

"You’re already so close, aren’t you?"

Beth whimpered, her fingers digging into Viv’s back.

Viv smirked. "I can feel you."

Beth was spiraling, her body tightening, everything pushing her toward the edge faster than she could keep up with.

Viv felt it, knew it, and instead of slowing, she pressed her fingers deeper, her thumb rubbing firm circles against Beth’s clit.

Beth cried out, her head tilting back, pleasure hitting her all at once, overwhelming, devastating.

Viv didn’t slow down, didn’t stop, kept moving through it, dragging out every second.

Beth let out a wrecked moan, her legs shaking against Viv’s sides as the pleasure coursed through her.

Viv grinned, pressing kisses along Beth’s jaw, along her throat, enjoying how wrecked she looked.

Beth was breathless, her body still trembling, her grip on Viv loose but clinging.

She let out a soft, breathy laugh, fingers trailing through Viv’s hair lazily.

Beth let out a breathless laugh, her fingers still tangled in Viv’s hair. "You must really love the lingerie."

Viv smirked, her fingers tracing slow, idle circles against Beth’s skin. "You have no idea."

Beth hummed, lazily dragging her nails down the back of Viv’s neck. "You didn’t even take it off."

Viv chuckled, standing up slowly, her hands still gripping Beth’s thighs. She leaned in, pressing a deep, lazy kiss to Beth’s lips, letting her taste herself on Viv’s tongue.

When she pulled back, Beth was dazed, still breathing hard.

Viv tilted her head slightly, smirking. "That’s because I’m not done with you yet."

Beth blinked, still trying to recover. "You’re not?"

Viv grinned against her jaw, pressing a teasing kiss there before murmuring, "Oh no, baby. I’ve still got more plans for you."

Beth shivered at the promise in her tone, her body already stirring with anticipation again.

Viv’s hands slid up Beth’s waist, gripping the lace of her lingerie.

Beth could barely think, could barely do anything but feel as Viv’s hands moved slowly, deliberately, pushing the lace of her bra up and over her shoulders.

Beth lifted her arms instinctively, letting Viv slide the fabric off, her skin flushed, hypersensitive, already burning from anticipation.

Viv let out a low hum of approval, her hands trailing down Beth’s sides before sliding back up, cupping her breasts, her thumbs brushing teasing circles over Beth’s nipples.

Beth let out a soft whimper, her head tilting back against the cabinet, her hands gripping at Viv’s shoulders.

"Fuck," she exhaled, her stomach tightening when Viv’s thumbs flicked against her nipples again, slow and torturous.

Viv smirked, leaning down, dragging her tongue over one hardened peak, sucking lightly before pulling back.

Beth gasped, her fingers tangling in Viv’s hair.

"Oh, you really like that, huh?" Viv murmured, trailing kisses across Beth’s chest before taking her other nipple into her mouth, swirling her tongue slowly.

Beth whimpered, her back arching, pressing further into Viv’s mouth. "God, yes—"

Viv smirked against her skin, biting down just enough to make Beth jolt, before soothing it with her tongue.

Beth was already aching, throbbing, her entire body so sensitive she thought she might actually lose her mind.

"Viv—please."

Viv hummed, trailing kisses down her stomach, her hands gripping Beth’s thighs, keeping her open, keeping her exactly where she wanted her.

"So impatient," Viv teased, kissing just above the waistband of Beth’s panties, her teeth grazing the delicate lace. "But I guess you did put something pretty on for me."

Beth sucked in a breath, watching as Viv hooked her fingers under the lace, dragging it down achingly slow.

Viv’s eyes stayed locked onto Beth’s face, watching every little reaction as she stripped her completely.

Beth felt exposed, bare, vulnerable in a way that only made the heat in her stomach grow.

Viv pressed a kiss to Beth’s hip, then the inside of her thigh, then lower—

Beth sucked in a sharp breath as Viv’s mouth finally made contact, hot and wet and devastating.

Her fingers immediately found Viv’s hair, gripping, tugging, desperate for more.

Viv hummed against her, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure straight through Beth’s core.

Beth moaned, her head tilting back, her nails digging into Viv’s scalp.

Viv started slow, teasing her with long, deliberate strokes, her hands gripping Beth’s thighs, keeping her spread open.

Beth whimpered, already so close, already trembling.

Viv felt it, knew it—

And then, just when Beth was right there—Viv pulled away.

Beth let out a frustrated gasp, her body twitching from the sudden loss.

"Viv—"

Viv smirked, pressing a kiss to Beth’s thigh. "Not yet."

Beth groaned, her head falling back, her fingers tightening in Viv’s hair.

Viv licked another slow stripe up Beth’s center, teasing, but not letting her fall over the edge.

Beth let out a whimper, her entire body shaking.

"Viv, please."

Viv chuckled against her skin. "I love hearing you beg."

Beth whimpered, hips shifting instinctively, desperate for friction.

Viv hummed, her tongue flicking just enough to make Beth’s thighs shake—before pulling away again.

Beth let out a desperate, wrecked sound, her nails dragging down Viv’s shoulders.

"I can’t—Viv, please—"

Viv smirked, dragging her nails along Beth’s thighs. "You said you could handle anything I gave you, remember?"

Beth whimpered, her body tightening, her breath ragged.

Viv kissed her thigh again, then another slow, teasing lick before stopping. Again.

Beth felt like she was going insane, her entire body trembling, her mind completely lost to the need for release.

Beth’s body was shaking, burning, her chest rising and falling in frantic, uneven breaths. She was so close, her nerves frayed, her skin buzzing from Viv’s relentless teasing.

And yet—Viv still wasn’t giving it to her.

Beth let out a wrecked, pleading moan, her fingers still tangled in Viv’s hair, her thighs trembling.

"Viv, please—please, I swear, I can’t—"

Viv hummed against her thigh, dragging her tongue in slow, lazy circles, not giving Beth nearly enough. "Can’t what, baby?"

Beth groaned in frustration, her head tilting back against the cabinets, her hips twitching up instinctively, searching for relief.

"I can't take this, I need you—please, just let me—"

Viv smirked against her skin, her fingers tightening around Beth’s thighs, keeping her completely still. "Oh, you need me now?"

Beth whimpered, nodding frantically. "Yes! Yes, I need you, Viv, I’ll do whatever you want—"

Viv tilted her head slightly, as if considering. "Anything?"

Beth gasped out a desperate breath. "Anything—just, fuck, just let me cum!"

Viv sighed dramatically, pressing another open-mouthed kiss to Beth’s thigh, her lips brushing just close enough to make Beth shudder.

"Mmm. I don’t know if I believe you yet."

Beth let out a broken, wrecked whimper, her hands clawing at Viv’s shoulders, nails biting into her skin.

"Viv, I swear, I’ll do anything—"

Viv bit down lightly on Beth’s inner thigh, marking her, soothing the spot immediately with her tongue. "Yeah? What’s anything?"

Beth groaned, her voice barely more than a breathless plea.

"Anything, Viv, whatever you want, just—please, I’m begging you—"

Viv smirked, kissing along Beth’s stomach, taking her time, enjoying every second of Beth’s desperation.

Beth let out another frustrated moan, her entire body trembling, so wound up she felt like she could break.

"Viv, I’m serious, I—fuck—I’ll do whatever you want, I’ll—"

Viv suddenly stood, towering over Beth again, her body pressing firmly against her, trapping her between the heat of Viv’s skin and the cold countertop.

Beth let out a strangled, needy sound, her hands fisting in Viv’s shirt.

"What the fuck—why did you stop?!"

Viv grabbed Beth’s jaw, tilting her face up, forcing her to meet her gaze.

Beth was a mess—eyes wild, lips parted, her body still trembling with need.

Viv smirked, pressing a slow, teasing kiss to her lips.

"You said you’d do anything for me."

Beth nodded immediately, still breathless. "Yes, yes, anything, just—"

Viv bit down on Beth’s lower lip, pulling slightly before soothing it with her tongue, making Beth whimper.

"Good."

And before Beth could even process it, Viv’s arms tightened around her waist, lifting her effortlessly off the counter.

Beth gasped, her legs instinctively wrapping around Viv’s waist, her arms clinging to her shoulders, her head spinning from the sudden movement.

Viv carried her with no hesitation, no pause, no struggle.

Beth barely had time to breathe—

All she knew was that Viv was taking her straight to the bedroom.

Viv laid Beth down onto the bed, her hands firm but careful, her body still buzzing with the raw power of control, of Beth’s absolute submission beneath her.

Beth was still shaking, still whimpering, still desperately wound up from all of Viv’s teasing. She barely had a second to breathe before Viv hovered over her, her voice low, rough, demanding.

"Where’s the strap?"

Beth moaned at the words alone, her fingers instinctively gripping the sheets.

"Drawer," she gasped, arching slightly, her legs shifting, still searching for some kind of relief.

Viv didn’t hesitate.

She stood, her hands dragging over Beth’s thighs, down her body, before pulling away completely.

Beth whimpered at the loss of contact, watching through hazy, half-lidded eyes as Viv moved across the room.

She heard the drawer open, the small clatter of items shifting, before Viv found what she needed.

Beth let out a soft, desperate sound, her hips shifting against the mattress.

"Viv—"

Viv turned around, her eyes hooded, dark, her lips slick, her body flushed.

And then, she started undressing.

Beth stared, watching in awe as Viv pulled her shirt off, her toned stomach flexing slightly with the movement.

Then, the pants came next, sliding down her legs, revealing strong thighs that Beth wanted nothing more than to cling onto.

By the time Viv was completely bare, Beth was openly staring, wrecked, trembling, looking at Viv like she was her entire world.

Viv noticed.

"You’re fucking gone already, aren’t you?" Viv murmured, smirking as she strapped the toy around her waist, adjusting the harness.

Beth moaned at just the sight of it, her fingers digging into the sheets.

"I—fuck—" she breathed, shaking her head, completely lost.

Viv climbed onto the bed, stopping just at the edge, staring down at Beth’s wrecked, trembling body.

Then, without warning, she grabbed Beth’s ankle, yanking her down the mattress.

Beth let out a sharp gasp, her body sliding closer to Viv, her legs spreading instinctively.

"Fuck—"

Viv chuckled darkly, gripping Beth’s hips tightly.

Beth looked up at her, completely ruined, her voice barely above a breathless whisper.

"What do you want?"

Viv licked her lips, eyes burning with hunger.

"I want to fuck you hard."

Viv’s hands were firm, gripping Beth’s thighs as she spread her open, adjusting her position, pushing Beth further up the bed.

Beth could barely breathe, her body still trembling from how long Viv had teased her, how much she needed this.

Viv smirked down at her, gripping the back of Beth’s thighs, lifting them easily before pressing them over her shoulders, folding Beth completely beneath her.

Beth moaned at the movement alone, her back arching slightly at how deeply exposed she was, at how much she loved being held like this.

Viv let out a low groan, eyes flicking down between them, watching as she pressed the tip against Beth’s entrance, teasingly slow.

Beth let out a breathy gasp, her legs twitching on Viv’s shoulders, already desperate for more.

"Fuck—" Beth exhaled, her fingers clenching the sheets.

Viv chuckled darkly, rolling her hips just enough to push in the slightest bit, stretching Beth open, but not giving her all of it yet.

"This is the one, huh?" Viv murmured, pressing in a little deeper, watching Beth’s reaction with satisfaction.

Beth nodded frantically, her breath hitching as her fingers clawed at Viv’s arms.

"Yes—fuck—this one—this is my favorite—"

Viv groaned, biting her lip at the way Beth’s body clenched around her, at how wrecked she already was.

"Yeah? You love it like this?" Viv thrust just a little deeper, slow, deliberate.

Beth whimpered, nodding quickly, her hands flying up to grab Viv’s forearms, needing to hold onto something.

"Yes—God, yes—Viv, please—"

Viv smirked, her pace slow at first, letting Beth feel every inch, every movement, watching how her body responded.

"You’re so tight like this," Viv murmured, rolling her hips deeper, drawing a wrecked moan from Beth’s lips.

Beth’s eyes fluttered shut, her legs trembling over Viv’s shoulders.

"Fuck, I love it—"

Viv groaned, picking up the pace slightly, her thrusts getting harder, deeper, dragging moans from Beth’s throat that only made her want to ruin her even more.

She held Beth there, pushing her legs against her own chest, watching her take it, watching her come undone completely.

Beth whimpered, her fingers gripping Viv’s arms, nails biting in.

"Viv—fuck, you're so deep—"

Viv let out a rough, pleased sound, thrusting harder just to hear Beth moan louder.

"You love it when I fuck you like this, don’t you?"

Beth nodded frantically, her entire body burning with need.

"Yes—yes, fuck, I love it, please—"

Viv kept going like that for a while, her hands gripping Beth’s waist, her thrusts steady, rough, deep—just enough to push Beth toward the edge, but not let her fall.

Then, without warning, Viv pulled out completely.

Beth let out a wrecked, desperate moan, her hands flying up to grab Viv’s wrists, her hips twitching in protest.

"No—Viv—please—"

Viv grinned at how desperate she was, but instead of responding, she simply laid back onto the bed, the toy still strapped around her waist, her chest rising and falling as she looked at Beth expectantly.

"Ride me."

Beth’s stomach tightened at the words alone, her entire body aching, her skin burning, her mind gone.

She climbed over Viv quickly, already desperate, already losing herself completely.

Viv grabbed her hips, guiding her down, moaning at the feeling of Beth taking her again, deeper this time, sinking all the way in.

Beth let out a wrecked, shaking moan, her head tilting back as she adjusted, her thighs already burning, her breath uneven.

And then—she started moving.

Fast.

Hard.

Viv let out a low, guttural groan, her fingers digging into Beth’s hips as she watched her move, completely mesmerized by how fucking wild she was.

Beth’s hands pressed against Viv’s stomach for balance, her nails scraping lightly over her skin as she moved, chasing her own pleasure, chasing more.

"Fuck—Beth—" Viv groaned, her grip tightening.

Beth was gone, moaning openly, riding Viv hard, rolling her hips, losing herself completely.

"Feels so fucking good—" Beth gasped, her eyes fluttering shut, her body burning up.

Viv was panting now, watching her completely wreck herself on top of her.

"Yeah?" Viv gritted, her voice rough, strained.

Beth moaned louder, her movements getting more erratic.

"Yes—yes, Viv, fuck, I’m—"

She was getting close—Viv could feel it, could see it in the way Beth was trembling, the way she was gasping.

Viv didn’t let it happen.

Instead, she suddenly grabbed Beth, flipping them over effortlessly, pressing Beth into the mattress, pinning her beneath her weight.

Beth barely had time to register the shift before Viv grabbed her waist, flipping her effortlessly, slamming her down onto the mattress, pinning her beneath her body.

Beth let out a sharp gasp, her legs wrapping around Viv’s waist instinctively, her nails dragging down her back.

Viv was on top again, hovering over her, her breath hot against Beth’s skin, her eyes dark, hungry, completely in control.

"Mine," Viv growled, her hand gripping Beth’s jaw, forcing her to look at her as she pushed back in deep, stretching her completely.

Beth sobbed out a moan, her fingers clawing at Viv’s skin, her back arching off the bed.

"Yours—yes, fuck, yours, Viv—"

Viv gritted her teeth, her thrusts deep and punishing, her body pressing Beth fully into the mattress, trapping her there.

"You take me so fucking well," Viv groaned, her hips slamming into Beth with each thrust, rough, overwhelming.

Beth was completely gone, lost in it, her mind blank, her body burning, overstimulated but still wanting more.

"Viv—Viv, I—" Beth tried, but her voice broke into a moan as Viv thrust harder, deeper, grinding against her in a way that made Beth see white.

Viv released one of Beth’s wrists, dragging her hand up her stomach, then over her chest, before finally wrapping her fingers lightly around Beth’s throat.

Beth let out a strangled moan, her body reacting instantly, her legs tightening around Viv’s waist, her nails scraping down Viv’s back.

Viv paused for a fraction of a second, watching Beth’s reaction.

Beth, already wrecked, reached up, gripping Viv’s wrist, pressing her hand back against her own throat.

"Don’t stop," she whispered, her voice hoarse, desperate. "I love that."

Viv cursed under her breath, tightening her grip slightly, her thrusts turning brutal, hard, relentless.

Beth cried out, her hands flying to Viv’s shoulders, her back arching as pleasure hit her in sharp, electric bursts.

"Oh my God—fuck—Viv—"

Viv grinned, pressing a rough, open-mouthed kiss against Beth’s lips, swallowing her moans.

"You beg so fucking pretty," Viv murmured against her mouth, thrusting harder, dragging out every sound from Beth’s wrecked throat.

Beth was falling apart beneath her, her body shaking, her nails digging into Viv’s back.

"You love it when I fuck you like this, don’t you?" Viv growled, pressing her hand firmer against Beth’s throat.

Beth nodded frantically, her eyes glazed over, completely lost.

"Yes—fuck—love it so much, Viv—"

Viv smirked, her thrusts turning sharper, her grip on Beth’s throat firm but controlled.

"Good girl."

Beth let out a choked moan, her thighs trembling around Viv’s waist, her entire body strung so impossibly tight she thought she might snap.

Viv bit at Beth’s jaw, her lips trailing down her throat, over the bruises she was surely leaving.

"You’re gonna cum for me, aren’t you?"

Beth whimpered, her head tilting back, exposing more of her throat to Viv.

"Please—please, Viv—please, I need it—"

Viv groaned, watching Beth’s face, watching her body tighten, her hands clutching at Viv like she was the only thing holding her together.

Beth was sobbing with need, her body completely beyond her control.

Viv’s fingers dug into Beth’s hip, her thrusts getting impossibly rougher.

"You wanna cum for me, baby?" Viv murmured, her voice low, wrecked.

Beth whimpered, her body trembling, her voice breaking.

"Yes—yes, fuck, please, Viv—please let me cum—"

Viv grinned against Beth’s throat, her own breath heavy, her body wrecked from watching Beth completely fall apart beneath her.

"Cum."

Beth shattered, completely, absolutely.

Her entire body tensed, then released, pleasure crashing over her in violent, overwhelming waves.

She screamed Viv’s name, her legs locking around Viv’s waist, her nails digging into her back as her orgasm ripped through her.

Viv didn’t stop, fucking her through every single second, making her feel it completely.

Beth sobbed out another moan, her body still twitching, still lost in the aftershocks.

Viv finally slowed, pressing open-mouthed kisses along Beth’s throat, her grip softening, grounding her.

Beth sighed, completely spent, her fingers still tangled in Viv’s hair, holding onto her as she came down.

Viv smirked, kissing her slow, teasing, deep.

"That’s my girl."

Beth was still gasping for breath, her body trembling, her mind fogged over with pleasure. She had never felt like this before—completely wrecked, spent, overwhelmed in the best way possible.

Viv slowly eased her pace, her movements turning gentle, careful, letting Beth ride out every last wave.

Beth whimpered softly when Viv finally pulled out, the absence making her shudder, her body still sensitive, still tingling from how thoroughly she had been ruined.

Viv, still slightly breathless herself, carefully unbuckled the strap, sliding it off and setting it under the bed without a word.

Beth watched her through half-lidded eyes, her chest still rising and falling quickly, her limbs heavy, her skin flushed.

She barely had the energy to move, but Viv did that for her.

Without hesitation, Viv laid down beside her, shifting close, pulling Beth against her, one arm wrapping around her waist, the other brushing soft, lazy circles on Beth’s bare shoulder.

Beth sighed, melting into her touch, into the warmth of her body, her head resting against Viv’s collarbone.
The room was quiet now, just their breathing mixing together, the occasional soft hum from Beth as she pressed herself further into Viv’s warmth.

Viv’s fingers trailed slowly, gently, down Beth’s spine, grounding her, keeping her close. She pressed a soft kiss against Beth’s forehead, her other hand tangled lazily in Beth’s hair, smoothing it back.

Beth sighed deeply, fully relaxed, her heart still steadying from everything.

Viv was the first to break the silence, her voice soft, careful.

"Are you okay?"

Beth nuzzled further into her chest, breathing her in, letting the warmth of her body settle into her own.

"Mhm." Her voice was sleepy, a little dazed, completely content. "More than okay."

Viv chuckled, pressing another slow kiss to Beth’s temple, letting her fingers rub small circles into the small of her back.

"I wasn’t too rough?" she murmured, her voice quieter, like she wasn’t sure if she had gone too far.

Beth laughed softly, her lips brushing against Viv’s collarbone.

"Viv, that was the best sex of my entire life."

Viv let out a small breath, something between a laugh and a sigh, her fingers tightening slightly around Beth’s waist.

"Yeah?" She smirked, but Beth could tell she really wanted to know. "You really liked it?"

Beth tilted her head up slightly, her sleepy eyes meeting Viv’s.

"I didn’t just like it. I loved it. I loved every second of it."

Viv exhaled, her knuckles brushing lightly over Beth’s cheek, searching her face like she wanted to make sure she really meant it.

Beth smiled tiredly, catching Viv’s hand and pressing a soft kiss to her palm, lingering there.

"You have no idea how good you made me feel."

Viv let out a small hum, something pleased, something sweet, as she wrapped her arms more securely around Beth, holding her even closer.

Beth sighed, her fingers idly tracing small shapes over Viv’s ribs, her body still pressed completely against hers.

After a moment, she whispered, "Are you more relaxed now?"

Viv smirked, humming softly. "Yeah. Yeah, I feel good."

Beth smiled against her skin, her voice getting softer, more tired.

"Good." She yawned lightly, nuzzling into Viv’s neck. "Because anytime you need to… you know, relax…"

Viv chuckled, her grip tightening slightly. "Yeah?"

Beth grinned sleepily, kissing Viv’s jaw lazily.

"Mhm. Anytime you need me, I’ll be here. I’d love to help you ease the tension."

Viv sighed, her chest rising and falling beneath Beth, something incredibly fond in the way she held her.

Beth hummed, her body finally giving in to exhaustion, her breathing evening out, completely settled in Viv’s warmth.