Greece Arrival
The last few days had been exactly what Beth needed. Being home, away from everything, just with her family—it felt like she could finally breathe.
She’d spent most of her time just relaxing, catching up with her mum over cups of tea, letting her brother make fun of her every chance he got. She didn’t mind. It was nice, being in a place where nothing had changed, where she was just Beth.
Still, she missed Viv.
She’d tried, more than once, to convince her to come, to spend a few days with her before they left for Greece. But Viv had said she needed some time alone, time to just switch off, and Beth understood that. So they settled for texts and late-night calls, for voice notes that made Beth smile like an idiot when she listened to them in bed.
And now, she was on her way back to London.
She’d barely have time to do anything—just pack, sort herself out, then go straight to Viv’s. Their flight was early in the morning, and Beth was already buzzing with excitement. A week with Viv, just the two of them. No schedules, no training, no alarms. Just sun, beaches, and all the time in the world.
Viv barely had time to unlock the door before Beth was on her.
The second the door swung open, Beth didn’t hesitate—she all but jumped on Viv, arms wrapping around her shoulders as she kissed her, deep and eager. Viv let out a small, surprised noise, stumbling back slightly with the force of it, but Beth just followed, pressing her against the doorframe like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon.
Viv barely had a chance to react before she was kissing her back, hands gripping Beth’s waist to steady herself. Beth sighed into it, tilting her head to kiss her deeper, like she’d been waiting for this for days—which, to be fair, she had.
By the time they finally slowed, Beth’s breathing was uneven, her forehead resting against Viv’s as she grinned. “Hi.”
Viv let out a breathless laugh, fingers still gripping Beth’s waist. “Hey.”
Beth nudged their noses together before stealing another quick kiss, softer this time. “Missed you.”
Viv huffed, shaking her head like Beth was ridiculous, but the way her fingers traced slow patterns against Beth’s back told a different story. “Yeah,” she admitted, voice quieter. “Missed you too.”
Viv zipped up her suitcase with a satisfied little nod, double-checking the contents before glancing toward Beth. “We should probably get some sleep soon,” she said, stretching slightly. “Our flight is stupidly early.”
Beth, sitting on the edge of the bed, barely acknowledged her words. Instead, her gaze was fixed on Viv, a small smirk playing at her lips. “Or,” Beth drawled, pushing up from the bed and stepping closer, “we could not.”
Viv exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Beth.”
“What?” Beth murmured, her hands already finding Viv’s waist as she pulled her in, fingers slipping beneath the hem of her shirt. “I just missed you.”
Viv rolled her eyes, but her fingers curled instinctively into Beth’s sides, holding onto her. “You saw me, what, a week ago?”
“A week too long,” Beth said, tilting her head as she brushed her lips along Viv’s jaw, taking her time, like she was savoring every second of finally being close again. “I tried to get you to come with me, but nooo, you needed ‘alone time.’”
Viv hummed, half amused, half distracted by the way Beth’s lips were now moving toward the corner of her mouth. “I did need alone time,” she countered, but her voice was softer, less sure.
Beth barely let her finish before she kissed her—slow but deep, like she’d been waiting for this since the moment she left. Like she was trying to make up for every second apart. Viv responded immediately, her body relaxing into Beth’s, her fingers curling tighter in the fabric of her shirt.
Beth hummed approvingly against her lips. “Missed this. Missed you,” she murmured, her voice low, husky with something between affection and desire.
Viv felt her stomach flutter, but she still tried to be the responsible one. “We have to be up in, like, four hours.”
Beth let out a dramatic sigh, nuzzling into Viv’s neck, pressing another lingering kiss there. “Exactly. So we should make the most of it now.”
Beth guided Viv backward toward the bed, their lips never truly parting as she kissed her deeper, slower. Her hands traced warm lines along Viv’s waist, fingers brushing under the hem of her shirt like she wanted to map out every inch of skin she had missed.
When the back of Viv’s knees hit the mattress, Beth didn’t hesitate to follow as she settled over her, shifting just enough to make herself comfortable without breaking their kiss. Viv hummed into it, one hand slipping up to Beth’s neck, the other curling lazily around her waist.
Beth smiled against her lips. “I can’t wait for Greece,” she murmured in between kisses, her voice laced with warmth and excitement.
Viv let out a small, breathy laugh, brushing her nose lightly against Beth’s. “Yeah?”
Beth kissed her again, this time longer, slower. “Mhm,” she hummed. “The sun, the beaches, the food…” She trailed off, pressing a kiss to Viv’s jaw before adding teasingly, “You in a bikini.”
Viv scoffed, but Beth could feel the way her body reacted, warmth creeping up her neck. “You’ve seen me in a bikini before.”
Beth hummed, tilting her head slightly as she pressed another kiss to Viv’s jaw, then her cheek, then just beneath her ear. "You really have no idea, do you?" she murmured against her skin.
Viv let out a small breath, her fingers tightening against Beth’s sides. "Idea about what?" she asked, though her voice was already softer, as if she knew exactly what Beth meant.
Beth pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, her expression fond but a little too serious for how teasing her tone had been before. "About how ridiculously beautiful you are," she said, brushing her thumb gently over Viv’s cheek. "Like, unfairly beautiful. Your legs, your stomach, your ass—" She grinned as Viv rolled her eyes but still shivered under her touch. "And don’t even get me started on your arms, Viv. Watching you play? I have to physically stop myself from losing my mind."
Viv groaned, burying her face into Beth’s shoulder, her ears burning. "I cannot stand you."
Beth laughed, tipping her chin up for another kiss. "Liar," she murmured between their lips.
Viv exhaled into the kiss, giving in completely as she pulled Beth closer, fingers slipping under the hem of her shirt. It was slow, warm, just the right mix of playful and wanting, and they stayed like that for a while—just kissing, Beth tracing soft patterns on Viv’s back, Viv’s fingers pressing into Beth’s hips as if she didn’t want to let go.
When Beth finally pulled back, she rested her forehead against Viv’s, her breathing slightly uneven but her smile never fading. "We’ll sleep," she promised, kissing her once, then again, a little slower this time. "But I need more of this in Greece."
Viv let out a soft, breathy laugh, still catching her breath as she brushed her fingers along Beth’s side. "Agreed."
Beth grinned. "Good."
The flight to Greece wasn’t particularly long, but Viv somehow managed to sleep through almost all of it.
Beth had expected some conversation, maybe a little bit of playful banter about how excited she was, but instead, about twenty minutes in, Viv got comfortable against her and dozed off.
At first, it was just her head resting lightly against Beth’s shoulder, her body tucked into the side as she shifted into a more comfortable position. But then, at some point, Viv curled in a little closer, her forehead pressing against Beth’s neck, her breath warm against her skin. One of her hands had found Beth’s arm, fingers loosely curled against the fabric of her hoodie, like she needed something to hold onto even in sleep.
Beth barely moved, barely even breathed.
Beth hummed softly to herself, letting her head rest lightly against Viv’s as she stared out the window. The view was stunning—the sky stretching out endlessly, the ocean far below them—but nothing was better than the way Viv felt against her.
Warm. Soft. Safe.
Beth shifted slightly, adjusting her arm so that Viv was even closer, her cheek now resting properly against Beth’s shoulder. Viv stirred a little but didn’t wake, only letting out a soft sigh before pressing herself even further into Beth, her fingers tightening slightly where they held onto her sleeve.
Beth smiled to herself.
She let her hand brush lightly against Viv’s thigh, tracing slow circles with her thumb as she leaned back against the seat.
The villa was stunning.
Beth had seen the pictures when they booked it, but stepping inside was different. The space was open and bright, with huge windows letting in the warm Greek sun. Everything felt luxurious but comfortable—white linen sheets on the big bed, a spacious living area, and best of all, the private swimming pool that stretched out just beyond the sliding glass doors in their backyard.
The moment they set their bags down, they both agreed on the same plan—skip the unpacking and just relax outside for a while.
So now, Beth was sitting by the pool, legs dipped lazily into the cool water, sunglasses perched on top of her head as she leaned back against her arms. The sun felt amazing on her skin, the heat settling deep into her muscles, making her feel loose, relaxed.
And then she heard footsteps.
She looked up just as Viv stepped out onto the patio, a bottle of sunscreen in one hand, sunglasses on, wearing the bikini. The one Beth had already gotten a little too excited about when she’d mentioned it on the plane.
Beth grinned immediately, her eyes trailing over Viv as she walked toward her.
Without hesitation, she patted her lap, giving Viv an expectant look. “Come here.”
Viv raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue, stepping between Beth’s legs before slowly sinking onto her lap, her hands resting lightly on Beth’s shoulders.
Beth barely let her settle before she pulled her in, pressing a long, lingering kiss to her lips, letting her fingers skim along Viv’s waist.
"You look so good in this,” Beth murmured against her mouth, her hands squeezing at Viv’s hips like she wanted to make a point of it.
Viv huffed out a small laugh, shaking her head slightly, but Beth could feel the way she leaned into the compliment.
“I actually bought a few like this,” Viv admitted, her fingers brushing along the back of Beth’s neck. “Just in different colors.” She tilted her head, looking at Beth through her lashes. “Do you think they’re good for Ibiza?”
Beth didn’t bother answering with words. Instead, she kissed her again—really kissed her this time. Slow, deep, the kind of kiss that made it very clear she had zero complaints about any of Viv’s bikini choices.
When she finally pulled back, she smirked, brushing her nose against Viv’s. “I think I’m gonna love Ibiza.”
Viv chuckled, giving her a teasing look as she lifted the bottle of sunscreen. “Okay, but before you get distracted, you’re getting this first.”
Beth groaned, but she was already shifting, letting Viv move off her lap. “Fine. But only if I get to do you after.”
Viv gave her a pointed look, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “That’s what I’m worried about.”
Beth had expected Viv to be efficient about the sunscreen.
And she was.
She was meticulous, smoothing the lotion over Beth’s shoulders with steady hands, rubbing in slow, even circles, making sure every inch was covered. She worked her way down Beth’s arms, then to her back, applying firm but gentle pressure, like she was massaging the sunscreen into her skin rather than just spreading it.
Beth hummed, enjoying it more than she probably should have. Viv’s hands felt good. Warm and sure, moving with an almost practiced ease. If she wasn’t careful, Beth could fall asleep like this, just basking in the feeling of Viv touching her, the heat of the sun pressing down around them.
“There,” Viv murmured, giving Beth’s shoulder a final squeeze before straightening. “You’re all set.”
Beth turned to her with a slow grin, lazily stretching out her limbs like a cat. “That felt nice.”
Viv rolled her eyes but didn’t argue, simply handed the sunscreen to Beth. “Your turn.”
Beth took it with a little too much excitement.
Viv should have known.
Beth started normally—her hands smoothing over Viv’s shoulders, rubbing in gentle circles. But she wasn’t quite as efficient as Viv had been. She took her time, enjoying the warmth of Viv’s skin under her hands, the way her muscles shifted subtly with every touch.
She worked her way down Viv’s arms, making sure to linger, running her thumbs along the delicate lines of muscle there. Then she moved lower, her palms sliding over Viv’s ribs, tracing over her sides in slow, teasing strokes.
Viv let out a breath, her head tilting slightly like she was barely aware she was doing it.
Beth’s lips twitched.
Then she moved to Viv’s stomach.
She smoothed her hands over the soft skin there, her fingers trailing just under the hem of Viv’s bikini top, grazing featherlight over the sensitive skin.
Viv inhaled sharply, her fingers twitching against her thighs.
Beth hummed, pretending not to notice, her hands moving even lower, gliding over Viv’s waist, down to her hips.
That’s when Viv let out a small, barely-there sigh.
Not a protest.
Not even close.
Beth’s smirk deepened.
She kept going, letting her hands slip further, until her fingers brushed over the edges of Viv’s bikini bottoms, teasing at the fabric, slipping just barely underneath before retreating again.
Viv still wasn’t stopping her.
In fact, she seemed to be leaning into it.
Beth took full advantage.
Her hands slid lower, smoothing over Viv’s thighs before traveling back up, cupping her hips, fingers pressing just a little firmer now.
Viv let out another breath, her posture relaxing slightly, shoulders dropping like she was unconsciously surrendering to Beth’s touch.
Beth grinned.
Then she let her hands drift further back, over the curve of Viv’s ass, gripping lightly, kneading just enough to get a reaction.
Viv inhaled, sharp but still not stopping her.
Beth hummed, squeezing a little more, pressing a soft kiss to Viv’s shoulder. “You’re so soft.”
She took her time, working the sunscreen in with slow, languid movements, rubbing in firm, deep circles, dragging her palms along the swell of Viv’s ass.
Viv exhaled again, tilting her head slightly, her fingers twitching at her sides.
Beth pressed another kiss to her jaw. “You like this, don’t you?”
Viv swallowed, didn’t answer. But Beth could feel it—the way her body was reacting, the way she wasn’t even pretending to push her away.
Beth chuckled softly.
She gave Viv one last, lingering squeeze before finally—finally—pulling back, resting her chin on Viv’s shoulder.
“There,” she murmured, pressing a kiss just behind her ear. “All done.”
Viv let out a slow breath, blinking her eyes open like she was trying to remember where she was.
Beth smirked, nuzzling against her neck. “So… when do we reapply?”
Viv groaned.
The afternoon stretched out lazily, the sun warm against their skin, the only sound breaking the quiet being the occasional rustle of pages turning and the distant ripple of water in the pool. Beth had been watching Viv read for what felt like hours, stretched out beside her on a lounge chair, one arm tucked behind her head. She had spent the first half of the afternoon dozing off in the sun, but every time she blinked her eyes open, Viv was still in the exact same position—book in hand, completely engrossed, only moving to turn the page or shift slightly against the cushions.
Beth found it impressive, really, how she could sit still like that for so long.
Beth, on the other hand, was not built for stillness.
She shifted again, rolling onto her side to face Viv. She let the silence linger for another few seconds before finally speaking.
“What are you reading?” she asked, propping herself up on one elbow.
Viv hummed, not looking up right away. She finished whatever sentence she was on, then slipped a bookmark between the pages and set the book down on her stomach. “Kafka.”
Beth stared at her blankly.
Viv lifted the book slightly, showing the cover like that was supposed to mean anything to Beth.
Beth squinted at the title. It was in English, but somehow, it still didn’t look like real words to her.
“I’ve never read it before,” Viv continued, stretching her legs out a little, getting comfortable again. “Figured I should.”
Beth nodded slowly, like she understood. “Uh-huh. And… what’s it about?”
Viv smiled slightly, a knowing sort of smile, like she could already tell this was a lost cause but was willing to humor her anyway.
“It’s about a guy who wakes up one day and realizes he’s turned into a giant bug,” she explained.
Beth blinked. “A bug?”
Viv nodded, expression amused.
Beth made a face. “Like… an actual bug?”
“Yes, Beth, an actual bug.”
Beth sat with that for a moment, brow furrowed. “And that’s… good?”
Viv huffed out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “It’s not really about the bug,” she said, amused. “It’s about isolation, existential dread, the way people dehumanize others. It’s about—”
Beth held up a hand. “Okay, okay. Existential dread. Got it.”
Viv smirked. “So, you’re a Kafka fan now?”
Beth snorted. “No, I think I’ll leave that to you.”
Viv chuckled, adjusting her position slightly. “You don’t like Kafka?”
Beth hesitated for half a second, then shrugged. “Not really.” Then, after a beat, she added, “To be honest, I don’t love reading.”
Viv didn’t look particularly surprised, just thoughtful. “So you didn’t bring any book to read?”
Beth laughed, shaking her head. “No. I have my phone. I figured that’d be enough, honestly.”
Viv let out a soft, knowing chuckle. “That sounds about right.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “What, do you think I should be sitting here reading some novel, being all sophisticated and literary instead of playing games or scrolling?”
Viv smirked, tilting her head. “It’s a nice image.”
Beth narrowed her eyes playfully. “If I sat here with a book, I’d probably just be pretending to read while watching you.”
Viv scoffed, bumping her knee against Beth’s. “That’s ridiculous.”
Beth grinned, then hesitated for a moment, suddenly a little self-conscious. “Do you ever wish I knew more about literature and stuff?”
Viv blinked, eyebrows drawing together slightly, like the question had caught her off guard. “What?”
Beth shifted slightly, toying with the edge of the towel beneath her. “Like… I don’t know. Do you ever wish we could talk about books more? That I knew more about that kind of thing?”
Viv studied her for a second, then shook her head. “I’m not sure. We never really talk about books, I guess.” She paused, thoughtful. “But we like the same shows and movies. I guess that’s nice.”
Beth exhaled softly, relaxing a little. “Yeah?”
Viv smiled, nudging Beth’s foot with her own. “Yeah.”
Beth let out a small breath of relief, grinning as she stretched out beside Viv again. “Good. Because I’d be a terrible book club member.”
Viv laughed, shaking her head before flipping her book open again.
Beth watched her for a moment longer, then sighed dramatically and flopped back onto the chair. “Maybe I should just listen to an audiobook or something,” she mused.
Viv glanced at her over the top of her book, a teasing smile on her lips. “Baby steps.”
Beth huffed out a laugh, reaching over to steal Viv’s sunglasses off her face just to be annoying. Viv swatted at her, muttering something in Dutch, and Beth grinned as she settled back under the sun, feeling warm, content.
Beth had been in the pool for a while now, lazily floating on her back, letting the sun warm her skin and the water cool her down. It was peaceful, except for the fact that Viv still hadn’t joined her.
Beth turned her head to where Viv was lying on the lounge chair, book in hand, looking as effortlessly gorgeous as ever. But Beth wasn’t interested in Viv reading Kafka right now—she wanted her in the water.
“Come in,” Beth called, resting her arms on the pool’s edge, chin propped up as she watched Viv.
Viv barely glanced up from her book. “I’m comfortable.”
Beth scoffed. “You’re reading The Metamorphosis, you’re not comfortable, you’re stressed.”
Viv exhaled a small laugh, but she kept reading.
Beth pouted dramatically. “You said you wanted to relax—what better way than a swim?” She ran her hands through the water, making little waves. “Come on, Viv. I want you in here with me.”
Viv sighed, closing the book with a soft thud and placing it beside her. “If I get in, will you stop annoying me?”
Beth grinned. “Not a chance.”
Viv shook her head but stood up anyway, stretching her arms over her head before heading toward the pool steps. Beth was openly staring now, watching how the sun caught on her skin, making the light fabric of her bikini stand out against the contrast of her tanned body.
Viv slowly stepped in, gasping slightly as the water hit her skin. “It’s cold,” she muttered.
Beth laughed. “You’re being dramatic. It’s nice.”
Viv sighed but took another step forward. Beth wasn’t going to wait for her to take her time. Instead, she waded over, reaching out and grabbing Viv by the wrist to pull her in further.
“Beth,” Viv protested, half a laugh, half a glare.
Beth chuckled but didn’t let go, moving her arms up to rest lightly around Viv’s shoulders. Viv relaxed into it, hands finding Beth’s waist underwater, fingers grazing softly.
“See?” Beth murmured, pulling her a little closer. “Isn’t this better than your depressing bug book?”
Viv sighed like she was suffering, but the small smile gave her away. “Maybe.”
Beth tilted her head, eyes flicking between Viv’s lips and her gaze. “Admit it. You’d rather be here with me than reading.”
Viv hummed, pretending to think. “I suppose you do have your charm.”
Beth grinned. “That’s the best I’m getting, huh?”
Viv just smiled, letting Beth pull her in a little more.
Viv just smiled, letting Beth pull her in a little more.
Beth didn’t waste any time, brushing their lips together in a soft, easy kiss. Viv melted into it, hands steady on Beth’s waist, pulling her closer. It was slow at first, lazy in a way that made Beth’s stomach flip.
Then Beth sighed into the kiss, tilting her head to deepen it, her fingers slipping into Viv’s damp hair. Viv responded instantly, her hands tightening on Beth’s waist. The water moved around them, but all Beth could focus on was the way Viv felt—warm, solid, right there against her.
The kiss got hungrier without either of them meaning to, their bodies pressing together. Beth barely had time to register the shift before Viv’s grip tightened—and suddenly, she was being lifted.
Beth gasped into Viv’s mouth, her fingers instinctively gripping her shoulders. “Jesus,” she breathed, slightly breathless, her legs now dangling in the water as Viv stood between them.
Viv smirked, her hands still resting against Beth’s thighs. “Too much?”
Beth let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “No,” she said, brushing a hand through Viv’s wet hair before pulling her back in for another kiss. This time, slower. Deeper. Letting herself sink into it.
Viv’s hands stayed on her, fingers pressing into Beth’s skin like she didn’t want to let go. Beth hummed against her lips, hands trailing down Viv’s arms before whispering, “That was really hot, by the way.”
Viv raised a brow, looking smug. “Yeah?”
Beth nodded, still catching her breath. “Yeah. You lifting me like that? Kinda does things to me.”
Viv let out a soft laugh, kissing the corner of Beth’s mouth. “Good to know.”
Beth shivered, eyes fluttering shut when Viv kissed her again, firm and lingering.
“Do it again sometime,” Beth murmured against her lips, smirking.
Viv just hummed, pressing a kiss to Beth’s jaw, her hands still holding her like she didn’t want to let go.