A Little Less Alone

The first thing Viv felt when she woke up was warmth.

Beth was pressed against her, bare skin tangled with hers, lips pressing lazy, teasing kisses over her collarbone.

Viv hummed, still half-asleep, her body heavy with exhaustion, but Beth didn’t stop.

Instead, she pressed closer, her hand dragging slowly down Viv’s stomach, her fingertips grazing over soft skin, making her shiver.

"Mmm, good morning, baby," Beth murmured, her voice low, raspy with sleep, but dripping with something else entirely.

Viv smirked, eyes still closed, her hand moving to Beth’s waist, gripping it lightly.

"Morning," she murmured, tilting her head slightly to give Beth more room as she kissed along her jaw. "Someone’s eager."

Beth laughed softly, her breath hot against Viv’s neck.

"Can you blame me?" she teased, nipping gently before dragging her fingers lower, brushing over Viv’s hip, teasing where she knew Viv needed her the most.

Viv sighed, her breath hitching as Beth’s mouth moved lower, her fingers slipping between Viv’s thighs.

Just as Viv gasped, just as Beth’s fingers were about to move exactly where she needed them—

The doorbell rang.

Beth groaned, her forehead pressing against Viv’s chest, her entire body tensing in frustration.

Viv chuckled breathlessly, lifting her head slightly. "You expecting someone?"

Beth huffed, shaking her head. "No. Ignore it."

She went back to kissing down Viv’s stomach, determined to continue, her fingers slipping between Viv’s legs again.

Ding-dong.

Beth gritted her teeth, ignoring it, her mouth dragging further down.

Ding-dong. Ding-dong. Ding-dong.

Viv let out a small laugh, tilting her head up to look toward the bedroom door.

"Beth, I think whoever it is really wants to see you."

Beth groaned, dropping her head back against the pillow dramatically.

"Oh my God, I hate everyone."

Viv grinned, rubbing small circles against Beth’s back.

"Are you sure you’re not expecting anyone?"

Beth was about to snap a sarcastic answer when suddenly—she froze.

Her eyes widened slightly, her brain finally catching up.

Shit.

She had agreed to have breakfast with Steph and Jen.

This morning.

"Fuck."

Viv raised an amused eyebrow. "Beth?"

Beth sighed deeply, dragging herself out of bed, already pouting as she reached for a pair of underwear and a loose T-shirt.

"I forgot I said yes to breakfast with Steph and Jen," she admitted, shoving the shirt over her head.

Viv grinned knowingly, propping herself up on one elbow, watching as Beth stomped toward the bedroom door.

"You’re adorable when you’re annoyed."

Beth glanced back at her, narrowing her eyes.

"I’ll deal with you later."

Viv smirked, completely unbothered, stretching out against the sheets.

Beth groaned again, dragging a hand down her face as the bell rang for the millionth time.

"Jesus Christ, I’m coming!" she yelled toward the door.

She barely had the door unlocked before Steph and Jen stepped inside like they owned the place.

"Took you long enough," Jen said, raising an eyebrow at Beth.

Beth yawned, running a hand through her messy hair. "Yeah, well, I was sleeping."

Steph smirked. "Oh? Sleeping?"

Beth squinted at her. "Yes. Sleeping."

Jen raised an eyebrow but just shrugged. "Alright. You were sleeping."

Beth let out a relieved sigh, thinking they’d let it go.

Then—

"Sooo," Jen started, her eyes casually scanning the room. "Does Viv usually just throw her jacket wherever?"

Beth’s stomach dropped.

She followed Jen’s gaze to Viv’s jacket, crumpled on the floor near the armrest of the couch, like it had been tossed there carelessly in the heat of the moment.

Beth opened her mouth to come up with an excuse, but before she could say anything—

Steph took a slow step forward, tilting her head slightly.

"Huh."

Beth froze as Steph’s gaze landed just a few inches from the jacket—where her own shirt from last night was lying abandoned on the floor.

And just beyond that—

The red lace lingerie.

Beth felt heat rush to her face immediately.

Jen let out a low whistle. "Wow, Beth. Really leaving all the evidence just right out in the open, huh?"

Beth moved quickly, grabbing the lace set and tossing it onto the couch like that would somehow erase what they had just seen. "Shut up."

Steph raised an eyebrow. "You know, I kind of expected you to be a bit more… discreet."

Jen grinned. "Or at least clean up before company arrives."

Beth dragged a hand down her face, groaning.

"Would you both kindly mind your own business?"

Jen smirked. "Oh, but this is way more fun."

Beth rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Maybe you should consider a career in investigative journalism since you’re both so invested in my private life."

Steph laughed. "We don’t need to investigate when you leave all the answers right in front of us."

Beth opened her mouth to fire back, but before she could—

Soft footsteps echoed from the hallway.

The three of them turned just as Viv stepped into the room.

She was fully dressed in jeans and a hoodie, her hair neatly tied back in a low bun, fresh-faced, looking calm—but Beth knew her well enough to catch the slight nervousness in her expression.

Viv paused when she saw the three of them standing there, clearly sensing she had walked into something.

She shifted slightly, her hands tucking into her hoodie pockets. "Uh… hey."

Jen didn’t hesitate. "Morning, Viv. Sleep well?"

Beth shot her a warning glare, but Viv only glanced at her quickly before giving a small, shy nod.

"Yeah, I—uh, yeah, thanks," she answered, voice quiet.

She turned to Beth, tilting her head slightly. "I should get going."

Jen’s grin widened. "Oh, don’t forget your jacket."

Viv glanced toward the floor and immediately noticed it.

Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink.

Beth moved quickly, scooping it up and pressing it into Viv’s hands.

"Here," Beth murmured, fingers lingering just slightly.

Viv mumbled a quiet "thanks," shifting slightly as she took it from Beth’s hands.

Steph and Jen were already making their way toward the kitchen, giving them space but still very much listening in.

Beth opened the door for Viv, stepping close.

"Are you embarrassed?" she asked, smirking slightly.

Viv exhaled, glancing toward the kitchen. "A little. They’re… a lot."

Beth wrapped her arms around Viv’s waist, squeezing lightly.

"They’ll get bored eventually."

Viv sighed, her fingers brushing against Beth’s hip. "Doubt it."

Beth chuckled, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to Viv’s lips.

Viv hummed softly, kissing her back, still a little hesitant but relaxing into it.

Beth pulled back slightly, smiling. "You don’t need to be embarrassed. I like them knowing you’re here."

Viv raised an eyebrow, her thumb brushing over Beth’s waist. "Oh yeah?"

Beth smirked. "Yeah. And I still have something to finish later."

Viv swallowed, her cheeks darkening slightly.

Beth grinned, kissing her again, slower this time, her fingers tugging lightly at the front of Viv’s hoodie.

Viv sighed softly, her hands squeezing Beth’s waist before she pulled away slightly.

She glanced down at Beth’s oversized T-shirt, her expression shifting.

"Are you wearing just that for breakfast?" Viv asked, voice lower.

Beth smirked. "Why? Jealous?"

Viv hesitated for a second before quietly admitting, "A little."

Beth tilted her head, running her hands down Viv’s sides before whispering, "You know this is only for you, right?"

Viv exhaled, her grip on Beth tightening just slightly before she kissed her again, deeper this time, as if she wanted to burn that reassurance into her.

Just as they were getting lost in it again—

"Hey—sorry to interrupt," Steph’s voice cut through the moment, making them both turn toward the kitchen.

Beth turned, narrowing her eyes at Steph, who was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, looking far too amused.

"Where’s the olive oil?"

Beth sighed. "Top left cabinet."

Steph nodded, grinning as she backed into the kitchen. "Thank you. Also—bye, Viv."

Viv chuckled softly, shaking her head before pressing one last soft peck to Beth’s lips.

"Text me later," she murmured.

Beth nodded, smiling. "Of course."

Viv smirked before finally stepping out, leaving Beth standing in the doorway, still warm, still glowing.

Beth sighed as she shut the door behind Viv, still feeling the ghost of her lips on hers.

She turned back toward the living room, where Steph and Jen were now comfortably settled, clearly waiting for her to return so they could continue their relentless teasing.

As she walked past the couch, her eyes landed on the red lace lingerie she had hastily thrown there earlier.

Beth groaned, snatching it up before either of them could get a word in. "Not a single comment, I swear to God."

Jen grinned, stretching lazily on the couch. "I wasn’t going to say anything."

Steph smirked. "Me neither. I think the lingerie speaks for itself."

Beth shot them both a glare before making her way to her bedroom, tossing the lace into her laundry basket before grabbing a pair of sweatpants and pulling them on.

When she returned, Steph was pouring herself more coffee while Jen casually flipped through something on her phone.

Beth leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "You two act like you live here."

Jen grabbed her coffee mug, smirking. "We practically used to, before Viv started keeping you busy."

Beth rolled her eyes, stealing a piece of toast from Steph’s plate and taking a bite.

Steph nudged Jen with her elbow. "So, based on what we walked into this morning, I’d say things are going... well?"

Beth chewed slowly, giving them both a knowing look. "You’re fishing."

Jen smirked. "Maybe."

Beth sighed, but she couldn't help the small, smug smile forming.

Beth was focused on scrambling some eggs when Steph leaned against the counter, watching her with an all-too-knowing smirk.

"So," she started, grabbing a piece of toast from the plate Beth had just set down. "Last night must’ve been… eventful."

Beth paused mid-stir, glancing at her suspiciously. "Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated?"

Jen, who was setting out plates, grinned. "Oh, no reason. Just curious how you’re holding up after what was clearly a very… passionate evening."

Beth rolled her eyes, but the faintest hint of color rose to her cheeks. "I’m fine."

Steph smirked. "‘Fine’ isn’t the word I’d use for the way you and Viv were looking at each other this morning."

Beth sighed, turning back to the stove. "You two have way too much fun messing with me."

Jen shrugged, grabbing the coffee pot. "Hey, we’re just happy for you. And also… deeply entertained."

Beth shook her head, trying to fight back a smile.

For a while, they just focused on cooking, the teasing fading into the background—until Jen spoke up again.

"So, any plans for Valentine’s Day?"

Beth hesitated for a second, poking at the eggs with her spatula. "I mean… I want to do something. I just don’t know what yet."

Steph raised an eyebrow. "Dinner? That’s always a safe bet."

Beth immediately shook her head. "Too basic. I want it to be something memorable."

Jen hummed, thinking. "What about a spa day? Something relaxing?"

Beth scrunched her nose. "Eh. I don’t think Viv’s the ‘let’s get a couples' massage’ type."

Steph smirked. "Lingerie, then? Considering how much she appreciates it—"

Beth groaned, reaching for a piece of toast and throwing it at her. "Can you be serious for five minutes?"

Steph dodged easily, laughing. "Fine, fine. What about a little trip? Something romantic, just the two of you."

Beth hesitated, considering it. "That’s actually... not a bad idea."

Jen’s eyes lit up. "Wait, don’t we have a few days off soon?"

Steph snapped her fingers. "Yeah! We do! You could plan something for that."

Beth perked up, already reaching for her laptop. "Okay, okay, let’s look."

She set the computer down on the kitchen island, Steph and Jen crowding around her as she started searching for places nearby.

"Alright," Beth muttered, scrolling through listings. "What are we thinking? Somewhere by the coast? A cabin? City break?"

Steph leaned over her shoulder. "Somewhere cozy. You want romance, right?"

Beth nodded, still scanning. "Yeah, but not overly fancy. Just... something that feels special."

Jen nudged her. "Ooh, what about this one?"

Beth clicked on the link Jen pointed at—a small countryside inn in a quiet little town, surrounded by nature, with rustic decor, a fireplace, and glowing five-star reviews about how peaceful and intimate it was.

Beth stared at the pictures for a moment before exhaling. "This is... kind of perfect."

Steph nodded approvingly. "Yeah, it’s got that ‘let’s disappear from the world for a few days’ vibe."

Beth bit her lip, scrolling through the details. "You guys really think it’s good?"

Jen rolled her eyes. "Beth. Yes. It’s great."

Beth clicked through more photos, still hesitating. "But is it too much? Like, would Viv think it’s too much?"

Steph groaned. "Beth. Book it before someone else does."

Beth chewed her lip for another second before finally nodding, clicking the reservation button. "Okay. Okay, I’m doing it."

Jen smirked. "Look at you, being all romantic."

Beth laughed, shaking her head. "I just want it to be special."

Steph grinned. "Trust me, it will be."

Beth stared at the confirmation email popping up on her screen, her stomach flipping in excitement.

Beth was still staring at the booking confirmation on her laptop, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips, when Steph suddenly clapped her hands together.

"Oh, before I forget," Steph said, grabbing her coffee. "Me and Dean were thinking about going out for dinner this weekend, and we wanted to invite you and Viv."

Beth looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Like… a double date?"

Steph smirked. "Yeah, pretty much."

Beth leaned back in her chair, considering it. "That could be nice. Where were you thinking?"

Steph shrugged. "This new place in town, kind of fancy, but not too much. Thought it’d be fun."

Before Beth could respond, Jen scoffed, shaking her head. "Wow. Didn’t even ask me if I wanted to come."

Steph rolled her eyes. "We did. You just happen to be too busy dating around to commit to dinner plans."

Jen grinned, completely unbothered. "I prefer to keep my options open."

Beth laughed, shaking her head. "Translation: she didn’t want to third-wheel a double date."

Jen pointed her spoon at her. "Exactly. But you should go. You and Viv need to start acting like a proper couple in public anyway."

Beth smirked. "What, you think we’re hiding?"

Jen raised an eyebrow. "I mean… have you officially called her your girlfriend yet?"

Beth opened her mouth, then paused, pressing her lips together.

Steph let out a knowing chuckle. "Yeah, thought so."

Beth rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, I’ll talk to Viv and see if she’s up for it."

Steph grinned. "Good. And if not, we’ll just have to drag you out anyway."

Beth laughed, shaking her head. "Fair enough."

Now she just had to figure out if Viv would actually agree to it.

Beth was home alone, sprawled across her couch, lazily flipping through the TV channels. Nothing caught her interest. It had been a while since she'd had nothing to do, and now that she was actually free, she was just... bored.

She reached for her phone without much thought, unlocking it and tapping on Viv’s contact.

It only rang twice before Viv picked up.

"Hey, you," Viv’s voice came through, soft and familiar.

Beth grinned, instantly feeling better. "Hey, babe. What are you doing?"

"Just got home," Viv replied. "Why? You miss me already?"

Beth laughed. "Obviously. My life's incredibly dull without you."

Viv hummed, amused. "Tragic."

Beth rolled onto her side, smirking. "Come save me, then."

"Hmm," Viv mused. "What’s in it for me?"

Beth grinned. "My excellent company and devastating good looks."

Viv let out a soft chuckle. "Tempting."

Beth sighed dramatically. "I knew you couldn’t resist me."

"Not true," Viv teased. "I resisted you for years, remember?"

Beth gasped. "Wow. Harsh."

Viv laughed. "I’m just saying, your charm isn’t as undefeatable as you think."

Beth smirked. "Okay, but now that you've had a taste, could you actually resist me again?"

Viv was quiet for a second before she muttered, "Probably not."

Beth grinned in victory. "That’s what I thought."

Viv chuckled. "Alright, so did you just call to boost your ego, or was there another reason?"

Beth bit her lip, shifting on the couch. "Actually, I did have a reason. I have two things to invite you to."

"Oh?" Viv asked. "Should I be concerned?"

Beth laughed. "Not at all. First thing—Steph and Dean are going out to dinner tomorrow and invited us to come with them."

Viv hesitated for a second. "Like… a double date?"

"Yeah," Beth admitted, biting her lip. "Would you be up for that?"

Viv hummed, considering. "You know I’m not great at these things."

Beth smiled. "I know. But it’s just Steph and Dean. They like you. It won’t be anything intense."

Viv sighed. "Alright. Yeah, okay. I’ll go."

Beth grinned. "Perfect."

Viv chuckled softly. "And what's the second thing?"

Beth sat up a little, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "So… Valentine’s Day is coming up."

"I’m aware," Viv teased. "I live in the world, Beth."

Beth laughed. "Well, I was thinking… instead of doing something basic like dinner, we could go away for a couple of days. Just the two of us."

Viv blinked. "Like… a trip?"

"Yeah," Beth confirmed. "I booked this little inn in a small town. It’s really cute and romantic, and we actually have a few days off, so it’s perfect."

Viv was quiet for a second, processing.

"You… already booked it?" she asked finally.

Beth bit her lip. "Yeah. But if you don’t want to—"

"No, no," Viv cut in quickly. "I just… wow. You planned something for us?"

Beth felt warmth spread through her chest. "Of course I did."

Viv was smiling—Beth could hear it in her voice when she spoke next. "That’s really sweet, Beth."

Beth grinned. "So, you’re in?"

"Of course," Viv said softly.

Then, after a brief pause, Viv asked hesitantly, "How much is my share?"

Beth smiled to herself, already expecting the question.

"Nothing," she said simply.

Viv huffed softly. "Beth—"

"No," Beth cut in, her voice warm but firm. "I don’t want you to pay me back. I want to give you this."

Viv was quiet for a moment, and Beth could almost picture her, lips pressed together as she tried to find a reason to argue.

"It’s too much," Viv murmured, but her voice was softer now.

Beth shook her head, leaning back into the couch. "No, it’s not. It’s something I want to do for us. For you."

Viv exhaled, something tender creeping into her voice. "You’re really set on this, huh?"

Beth grinned. "Yeah. So just say thank you and let me spoil you for once."

Viv chuckled, the sound quieter, almost shy. "Fine. Thank you."

Beth’s heart swelled at the rare vulnerability in her voice. "Good. Because you deserve it."