Waking Up Different
Viv sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her open suitcase. Most of her packing was done—comfortable clothes, something a little nicer for dinner, a bikini like Beth had told her. But the last item was still sitting on top of her dresser, untouched.
The black lace lingerie.
Her fingers hovered over it.
She hadn’t planned on taking it. It felt like too much, like a decision she wasn’t ready to make. But then… she thought about Beth’s voice in the store, the way she had looked at her, the absolute certainty in her tone when she said it would look unreal on her.
Viv sighed, grabbing the delicate lace and hesitating for a moment before folding it carefully and tucking it into the corner of her suitcase.
She didn’t have to wear it. But she wanted the option.
Just as she zipped the suitcase closed, a knock sounded at the door.
Beth.
Viv grabbed her bag and pulled the door open, immediately greeted by Beth’s familiar smirk.
"So, ready?" Beth asked, her eyes flicking to the suitcase before lingering on Viv.
Viv nodded, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. "Yeah, I think so."
Beth stepped aside, motioning toward the car. "Alright then, let’s go."
As they walked outside, Viv glanced at their two cars parked side by side and tilted her head.
"Which car are we taking?"
Beth snorted, already making a beeline for hers. "Remember when I said you didn’t need a new car?" She threw Viv a teasing look over her shoulder. "I meant it. But I still prefer mine."
Viv scoffed, shaking her head. "I’d argue, but… yeah, you’re right."
Beth grinned, bumping their shoulders as they reached the trunk. "Glad you’re finally seeing sense."
As Beth loaded their bags, Viv slid into the passenger seat, already pulling out her phone as Beth settled into the driver’s seat beside her.
"Go ahead, put on whatever you want." Beth said, starting the engine.
Viv didn’t hesitate, scrolling through her playlist before putting on Taylor Swift.
Beth glanced at her with a smirk. "Wow. Shocked. Never saw that coming."
Viv rolled her eyes, leaning back in her seat. "You like it too, don’t even pretend."
Beth shrugged. "Never said I didn’t."
The first song started playing, and soon enough, Viv was softly humming along, drumming her fingers against her thigh.
Beth glanced at her, smiling slightly.
She reached out, her hand finding its way onto Viv’s leg, her thumb rubbing gentle circles against the fabric of her jeans.
After a moment, she asked, "Are you excited?"
Viv turned to look at her, her face unreadable for a second before she nodded. "Yeah, I think so."
Beth arched an eyebrow. "That wasn’t very convincing."
Viv exhaled a small laugh. "No, I am. I just… don’t really do stuff like this."
Beth squeezed her thigh lightly. "Well, get used to it. I’m gonna take you on trips all the time."
Viv glanced at her, her lips twitching into a small smile. "That so?"
Beth nodded. "Yep. Next time, we’ll go somewhere even better. Maybe Italy. Spain. I’ll plan something big."
Viv shook her head. "You really don’t have to—"
Beth shot her a look. "Viv, I want to. You never do this kind of thing, so I’m making up for lost time."
Viv sighed, but there was no real protest behind it.
After a moment, Beth added, "Besides, this isn’t even that big. It’s just a little getaway."
Viv hummed, tapping her fingers along her leg again. "Still feels big to me."
Beth smiled. "Good. That means it’s special."
They fell into a comfortable silence, Taylor’s voice filling the car as Viv hummed along.
Beth squeezed her thigh again. "You know, it’s cute how you hum all the words even when you’re not fully paying attention."
Viv scoffed, turning her head toward the window. "Stop paying attention to me."
Beth laughed. "Impossible."
Viv shook her head, but the warmth in her chest settled a little deeper.
She let her head rest against the window, finally letting herself relax.
The drive was smooth, the sun hanging low in the sky as Beth pulled into the small gravel parking lot of the secluded, charming inn she had booked for them. It was nestled between rolling hills, the kind of place that looked like it belonged on the cover of a romantic getaway brochure.
Viv looked out the window, taking in the quiet, picturesque setting. “Wow,” she murmured. “It’s really pretty.”
Beth grinned, shutting off the engine. “And romantic,” she added, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.
Viv rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “Of course you’d say that.”
Beth chuckled, hopping out of the car before opening the trunk. "Come on, let’s check in.”
They grabbed their bags and walked toward the entrance, stepping into a cozy lobby that smelled faintly of vanilla and fresh flowers. A few candles were lit around the space, and everything felt warm and inviting.
A young woman at the reception desk greeted them with a bright smile. "Hi there, welcome! You must be Beth Mead?"
Beth nodded, resting an arm casually over Viv’s shoulder. "That’s me."
The receptionist clicked through something on the computer before looking back up. “Great! We’ve got everything set up for you. Since it's Valentine's season, we’ve added a few extra touches to make the rooms a little more special.”
Viv glanced at Beth, unsure what to say.
Beth, however, didn’t hesitate. "Oh yeah? What kind of special touches are we talking about?" she asked, smirking slightly.
The receptionist chuckled. "Just some cozy decorations, a few treats, and of course, our Valentine’s amenities. We always get a lot of couples around this time of year."
Viv shifted slightly, tucking her hands into her pockets.
The receptionist hesitated before adding, "Are you two here for a Valentine’s trip?"
Beth glanced at Viv before answering easily, "Yeah, we are."
Viv felt her face warm slightly but just nodded along.
The receptionist smiled. "That’s really nice. You two seem like a great match."
Beth grinned, nudging Viv lightly. "Hear that? We’re a great match."
Viv rolled her eyes, elbowing her in return. "You’re so annoying."
The receptionist laughed softly, handing over the key. "Well, your room is one of the nicest ones we have. Great view, lots of space… and there’s a jacuzzi inside, so you can really unwind."
Beth brightened immediately. "Oh, I like the sound of that."
The receptionist smiled. "Let me show you to your room."
They followed her down a beautifully decorated hallway before she stopped in front of a door near the end.
"Here you go," she said, unlocking it and stepping aside. "I hope you enjoy your stay!"
Beth pushed the door open, stepping inside first. As soon as she looked around, she let out a low whistle.
The room was stunning—warm lighting, a huge bed with crisp white sheets, and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the rolling hills. In the far corner, a luxurious jacuzzi tub sat near the window, promising pure relaxation.
Viv walked further inside, running a hand over the plush bedding before turning to the window. “Okay… I have to admit, this is really nice.”
Beth smirked, dropping her bag near the bed. "Told you I was gonna make this special."
Viv turned to her, tilting her head slightly. “You really didn’t have to do all this.”
Beth stepped closer, her fingers brushing against Viv’s waist. "I wanted to."
Viv looked at her for a moment before exhaling softly. "Well… thank you. This is amazing."
Beth grinned, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her lips. "You’re amazing."
Viv rolled her eyes but let her keep kissing her anyway.
Beth pulled back, grinning mischievously. "So… jacuzzi first or should we explore the place?"
Viv let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Let’s settle in first, maybe?"
Beth sighed dramatically. "Fine. But at some point, you’re getting in that tub with me."
The small town was even more charming than Viv expected.
Narrow cobblestone streets wound between old brick buildings, most of them lined with little cafes, bookshops, and small artisan stores. The sky had turned a soft shade of pink and orange, the sun beginning to set in the distance.
Beth walked beside her, hands tucked into her coat pockets, a little bounce in her step. “Alright, admit it. This place is cute as hell.”
Viv huffed a small laugh, glancing around. “I never said it wasn’t.”
Beth nudged her playfully. “You were skeptical.”
Viv tilted her head slightly, her lips twitching into a small smirk. “I don’t know if skeptical is the right word.”
Beth arched a brow. “Oh yeah? What word would you use?”
Viv shrugged. “Cautious.”
Beth scoffed, laughing under her breath. “Cautious? What, like you thought I was bringing you to some creepy, abandoned inn in the middle of nowhere?”
Viv bit back a smile, taking a sip of her coffee. "Wouldn't be the worst twist."
Beth gasped dramatically, hand over her heart. “Wow. So that’s what you think of me?”
Viv rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling.
They stopped in front of a small bakery with heart-shaped pastries displayed in the window.
Beth pointed at it. “Oh, we’re definitely going in here.”
Viv eyed the window skeptically. “Are you just going to buy something shaped like a heart for the Valentine’s aesthetic?”
Beth grinned. “Absolutely.”
They stepped inside, the scent of warm sugar and fresh bread filling the air.
Viv watched as Beth immediately pointed out the most ridiculous-looking pastry—something with pink frosting and edible glitter.
The baker smiled as she packed it up for her. “Are you two celebrating Valentine’s?”
Beth didn’t even hesitate. “Something like that.”
Viv glanced at her, but Beth’s expression was casual, like the answer had come naturally.
Before Viv could say anything, Beth turned to her with a knowing look. “Want anything?”
Viv let out a slow breath, shaking her head as she turned away, pretending to inspect a shelf of jam jars.
Beth just laughed, paid for her overly extravagant pastry, and took Viv’s hand as they walked back out into the cool evening air.
Beth unwrapped the pastry as they walked, breaking it in half without hesitation and handing one piece to Viv.
Viv took it immediately, glancing at the pink frosting and edible glitter before taking a bite. “Sweeter than I expected.”
Beth smiled, taking a bite of her own. “Yeah? Good or too much?”
Viv shrugged slightly, chewing thoughtfully. “It’s nice.”
Beth handed her another small piece from her half without thinking, and Viv took it easily, their fingers brushing briefly.
“I like this,” Beth said after a moment, her voice softer.
Viv glanced at her, curious. “The pastry?”
Beth shook her head slightly. “This. Walking around, just... being with you.”
Viv looked ahead, nodding slowly. “Yeah. Me too.”
Beth’s fingers lightly grazed Viv’s wrist as she passed her the last piece of her half.
By the time they made it back to the hotel, the sky had fully darkened, the lights from the town below twinkling softly through the large window in their room. The air inside was warm, cozy, carrying the faint scent of candles and freshly laundered sheets.
Beth dropped her coat onto the nearest chair and stretched with a satisfied sigh. “Alright, that was nice. But now it’s time for something even better.”
Viv raised a brow, placing her bag down neatly. “Oh?”
Beth turned to her with a knowing smirk. "The hot tub. We’re getting in."
Viv exhaled a small laugh. "Right now?"
Beth rolled her eyes, stepping closer. "Yes, right now. We just walked through the cold for an hour. You’re getting in that tub with me."
Viv hesitated for a second, glancing toward the jacuzzi near the window. She wasn’t really the ‘soak in a hot tub’ type, but… it did look nice.
Beth must have caught her considering it because she grinned, placing a hand on Viv’s hip, her thumb brushing absently over the fabric of her sweater. “Come on, it'll feel amazing. You trust me, don’t you?”
Viv sighed dramatically but smiled as she shook her head. "That’s a dangerous question."
Beth chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before stepping back. "I’ll take that as a yes. Go get changed."
Viv grabbed her bikini and headed to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. She glanced at herself in the mirror, adjusting the straps slightly. It had been a while since she'd worn something like this, but she pushed the thought aside.
When she stepped back into the room, Beth was already in the tub, her bikini clinging to her skin, her arms stretched lazily along the edge as she watched Viv walk over.
Her lips curled into a slow, appreciative smile. "Now that’s a sight."
Viv gave her a look but didn’t comment, stepping carefully into the water. The heat was immediate, sinking into her muscles in the best way.
Beth let out a small hum, watching her. "Told you this would be good."
Beth watched her, admiring the way the light caught on her damp skin, the way her collarbones disappeared beneath the rippling water.
With a small smirk, Beth scooted closer, her hands finding Viv’s shoulders.
“You’re too tense,” Beth murmured, her thumbs pressing into the muscle at the base of Viv’s neck.
Viv let out a small sigh, tilting her head slightly to give Beth better access. "Mmm."
Beth chuckled. "I’ll take that as approval."
Viv hummed, her eyes slipping shut. "You’re lucky this feels good, or I’d tell you to stop talking."
Beth laughed softly, her fingers kneading along Viv’s shoulders, moving down her back.
"You know," Beth mused, voice lower now, "I was already struggling seeing you in this bikini, but now? Now you’re practically melting into my hands. It’s almost too much."
Viv opened one eye, smirking slightly. "Almost?"
Beth leaned in, her lips ghosting along the curve of Viv’s shoulder. "Dangerously close."
Viv let out a soft breath, tilting her head slightly, her wet hair brushing against Beth’s arm.
Beth’s hands slid lower, her fingers tracing along Viv’s sides beneath the water. "You look incredible, you know that?"
Viv scoffed lightly, but there was warmth in her eyes. "You’ve mentioned that a few times already."
Beth smirked, her lips brushing against Viv’s jaw. "Because it’s true. And because I love how flustered you get when I say it."
Viv turned slightly, meeting Beth’s gaze, a playful challenge in her eyes. "Maybe I like hearing it."
Beth tilted her head, intrigued. "Yeah?"
Viv hummed, lifting a hand to trail along Beth’s shoulder. "But I think you enjoy saying it even more."
Beth chuckled, her grip tightening just slightly on Viv’s waist. "Guilty."
Viv smirked, letting her fingers drift lower, trailing across Beth’s stomach. "I figured."
Beth inhaled softly, her fingers flexing against Viv’s skin.
There was a moment of pause—a charged silence hanging between them—before Beth closed the space completely, pressing her lips against Viv’s.
The kiss started slow, teasing, Beth’s hands roaming beneath the water, fingers brushing up Viv’s spine.
Viv sighed against her lips, leaning in more, her body pressing against Beth’s.
Beth grinned against her mouth, pulling Viv closer, her hands settling firmly on her hips.
Without thinking, Beth shifted slightly, tugging Viv fully into her lap, the movement effortless in the buoyant water.
Viv let out a small hum of surprise, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she adjusted herself, straddling Beth more comfortably, her arms resting against Beth’s shoulders.
Beth looked up at her, smirking. "Much better."
Viv chuckled, her fingers playing with the damp strands of Beth’s hair. "You just wanted an excuse to put me here."
Beth grinned, her hands sliding down Viv’s back. "I don’t need an excuse, baby."
Viv leaned in, her nose brushing against Beth’s before capturing her lips again, deeper this time, her fingers tangling into her hair.
Their kisses had slowed, but neither of them pulled away completely. Beth's fingers traced slow circles on Viv’s back, her touch light and deliberate, keeping her close.
Viv’s hands rested loosely on Beth’s shoulders, her thumbs idly brushing against her damp skin. Beth was looking at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered, and it made something twist inside her.
For a moment, they just stayed like that, wrapped up in warmth, in each other.
Beth exhaled, tilting her head slightly. “Tell me a secret.”
Viv blinked, pulling back just enough to meet Beth’s gaze. "What?"
Beth smirked, her hands drifting lower, gripping Viv’s waist suggestively. “A fun secret.”
Viv’s expression flickered, like she was trying to think of something that wouldn’t get her into trouble.
Beth chuckled at the hesitation, pressing a soft kiss against Viv’s jaw before murmuring, “Come on, you have to have at least one.”
Viv swallowed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "A... fun secret?"
Beth hummed, her grip tightening just slightly on Viv’s hips. "Mmm. Something that’ll make me smile. Or, you know... drive me a little crazy."
Viv exhaled sharply, her fingers flexing against Beth’s shoulders.
There was a pause—like she was deciding whether or not to actually say it.
And then, quietly, she admitted, “I, uh... I bought a vibrator a few weeks ago.”
Beth froze for a second before a slow, dangerous grin spread across her face.
Viv groaned immediately, tilting her head back slightly. "I regret this already."
Beth laughed, one hand sliding up Viv’s back, keeping her in place. “Oh no, no, no. You can’t just say that and expect me to move on.”
Viv sighed, her ears turning pink. "You told me to share a fun secret."
Beth grinned, pressing a teasing kiss to Viv’s neck. “I love this secret. Tell me more.”
Viv gave her a pointed look. "Absolutely not."
Beth’s fingers drew slow, soothing circles along Viv’s lower back beneath the water, keeping her close. The warmth of the hot tub wrapped around them, but Beth was certain it had nothing on the warmth she felt just having Viv there, pressed against her.
"You can't expect me to not ask more, baby," Beth murmured, her lips barely brushing against Viv’s cheek. "I'm curious."
Viv sighed, shaking her head, but Beth could tell she wasn’t really annoyed. "I should’ve known you’d never let it go."
Beth chuckled, her fingers pressing lightly at Viv’s waist, holding her in place. "Nope. You gave me a fun secret, now I need details."
Viv let out a breath, her hands sliding absentmindedly over Beth’s shoulders. "Details?"
Beth tilted her head slightly, eyes gleaming. "So… what kind is it?"
Viv hesitated, lips pressing together, like she wasn’t sure if answering was a good idea. "Just… normal?"
Beth raised an unimpressed brow. "Normal like a regular vibrator, or normal like…" she let her voice drop slightly, her lips grazing against Viv’s jaw, "a sucking one?"
Viv’s entire face turned red, her fingers flexing against Beth’s skin.
Beth grinned at the reaction, watching as Viv exhaled sharply, like she was weighing her options.
After a moment, Viv muttered, almost like she hoped Beth wouldn’t hear, "I guess… a sucking one."
Beth groaned softly, her grip tightening slightly on Viv’s waist.
"Mmm, that explains a lot."
Viv shifted slightly, her body betraying her even as she tried to act nonchalant. "Explains what?"
Beth smirked, pressing a lingering kiss just beneath Viv’s jaw. "Explains why you get so desperate when I do that to you."
Viv let out a quiet breath, somewhere between a scoff and something much softer.
Beth nudged her nose against Viv’s cheek, her voice warm, affectionate. "Do you use it a lot?"
Viv took a second before answering, as if choosing her words carefully. "Sometimes… at night."
Beth hummed, her fingers moving slowly along Viv’s back. "At night, huh?"
Viv swallowed, her eyes flicking downward. "Yeah."
Beth smiled, tilting her head. "And when you do… do you think about me?"
Viv’s fingers pressed into Beth’s shoulders, firm but steady, as she let the question settle between them. "Yeah."
Beth felt her stomach tighten at the simplicity of it, the certainty in Viv’s voice. There was no teasing deflection, no attempt to downplay it—just an honest answer, spoken without hesitation.
Beth pulled back just slightly, just enough to see Viv’s expression properly—the softness in her features, the way her eyes met Beth’s with something steady, something real. smiled, her fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles against Viv’s back beneath the water. "I love that."
Viv hummed, her hands sliding lower to rest against Beth’s ribs, thumbs brushing idly over damp skin. "Figured you might."
Beth chuckled, leaning in to press a slow, lingering kiss to her lips, savoring the warmth of it.
Viv kissed her back just as easily, fingers tightening slightly, pulling Beth closer as their bodies pressed together beneath the water.
When they finally parted, Beth kept her forehead close to Viv’s, her voice quieter now.
"What do you think about?"
Viv exhaled softly, her hands never stopping their slow, absentminded movements along Beth’s skin.
"A lot of things."
Beth grinned, her nose brushing lightly against Viv’s. "Like what?"
Viv smirked slightly, her hands skimming down Beth’s waist. "You want a list?"
Beth chuckled, her fingers pressing into Viv’s hips. "Maybe. Got a favorite?"
Viv considered that for a moment, her gaze steady on Beth’s. "I like thinking about the way you look at me when you're about to kiss me."
Beth felt her stomach flip at the honesty, her breath catching slightly.
Viv’s lips curled into a small smirk as she added, "Like right now."
She huffed a small laugh, tilting her head as if she were studying her. "You like that, huh?"
Viv’s smirk didn’t falter. "Yeah."
Beth kissed her again, slower this time, more deliberate.
When they pulled apart, Viv exhaled like she was settling into something comfortable, something easy.
Beth brushed her fingers along Viv’s spine. "Good. I want you thinking about me."
Viv’s expression softened slightly, her hands settling against Beth’s ribs again.
Then, after a moment, she asked, "Why?"
Beth blinked, caught off guard by the question. It wasn’t teasing—it was genuine. she smiled, her fingers skimming lightly along Viv’s ribs beneath the water. "Why do I want to be on your mind?"
Viv nodded, watching her carefully.
Beth took a second, then leaned in, her voice quieter now. "Because I want you, Viv."
Viv’s fingers flexed against her sides, but her expression remained unreadable—not hesitant, just absorbing.
Beth pressed a kiss just beneath her jaw, lips brushing lightly against her skin. "Because I love knowing you think about me, the way I think about you."
Viv let out a slow breath, her touch grounding, as if she was fully letting the words settle.
"Good," Viv finally murmured, her voice steady, but carrying something deeper.
Beth tilted her head slightly, smiling. "Good?"
Viv nodded, tugging her just a little closer. "Yeah. Because I don’t think I could stop, even if I wanted to."
Beth and Viv stepped out of the hot tub, steam curling around them as the cool air of the room pressed against their skin. Beth immediately reached for a towel, wrapping it around Viv’s shoulders before grabbing her own.
"You’ll get cold," she murmured, rubbing her hands along Viv’s arms through the thick fabric.
Viv let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You always do that."
Beth looked up, curious. "Do what?"
Viv shrugged, the smallest smile on her lips. "Take care of me before yourself."
Beth paused for a second, then smirked, playfully bumping Viv’s hip with hers. "Well, someone’s gotta do it."
Viv rolled her eyes, but Beth caught the way her expression softened, how she subtly leaned into her touch.
They dried off in comfortable silence, lazily moving around the room to change into their robes. Beth had tied hers loosely, leaving most of her collarbone and a bit of her chest exposed, while Viv had cinched hers tight, almost like she was preparing for battle.
Beth, of course, noticed.
"Relax, baby, it’s just me."
Viv scoffed, "You’re the problem, actually."
Beth grinned. "I’ll take that as a compliment."
Stepping back into the warmth of the bedroom, Beth flopped onto the plush bed with a content sigh, reaching for Viv’s hand to pull her down beside her.
"Okay, we have two options. We either order room service and let ourselves be spoiled, or we make tea and pretend we’re sophisticated."
Viv hummed, snuggling a little deeper into the blankets. "I think I’d rather have you spoil me."
Beth smirked, tilting her head to look at her. "Oh, you want me to spoil you, huh?"
Viv rolled her eyes, but the amusement in them was impossible to miss. "I meant with food, but…" she trailed off, giving Beth a pointed look.
Beth laughed, nudging her shoulder playfully before grabbing the hotel menu. "I’ll let you pick something. But dessert is non-negotiable."
They picked a few things to share—some pasta, a dessert Beth insisted on, and a pot of tea because “If we’re gonna be cozy, we’re doing it right.”
Once the order was placed, Beth turned to see Viv had fully wrapped herself in the blanket, only her face visible.
Beth laughed, sliding closer and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I’m never gonna get over how cute you are."
Viv groaned, burying her face against Beth’s shoulder. "Shut up."
Beth grinned, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her in closer.
The room service had arrived quickly—pasta, warm bread, and the dessert Beth had insisted on.
They had picked a random show to watch, something easy and lighthearted, though Beth couldn’t really focus on it. Not when Viv was beside her, sitting so comfortably close, her body warm against Beth’s beneath the soft hotel blankets.
Beth had barely noticed when Viv started leaning into her more, her head resting against Beth’s shoulder as they ate. It had felt natural, effortless, like something they had done a hundred times before.
At some point, the quiet hum of the TV mixed with the warmth of the food had made Viv’s blinks turn slower, her body growing heavier against Beth’s side.
"Getting sleepy?" Beth had murmured, softly running her fingers through Viv’s hair.
Viv had hummed something in response, shifting slightly before curling into Beth more, her arms loosely wrapping around Beth’s waist.
Beth had smiled to herself, pressing the lightest kiss to Viv’s forehead. "Just sleep, baby."
Viv hadn’t fought it—within minutes, her breathing had evened out, soft and steady, her face buried against Beth’s neck.
Beth let out a content sigh, sinking deeper into the pillows, her arms instinctively tightening around Viv as she let herself get lost in the quiet moment.
The room was dim, the flickering light from the screen casting soft shadows across the walls. Beth knew she should probably turn it off, but she didn’t want to move—not when Viv was tucked so perfectly against her.
So she just lay there, fingers tracing gentle patterns along Viv’s back.