„What if she hates it?” Maya asked Vic, taking a sip from her water bottle. As just the two of them were sitting next to each other, taking every break they could get.
“You don’t know, I mean. You’re gonna carry her if she’s tired, right?” Vic said laughing.
Maya rolled her eyes, before looking down.
“Oh, oh she’s blushing.”
“What?” Ben asked, everyone slowly coming to the beanery after their call, needing to hydrate and eat something.
“Nothing.” Maya growled, hating if there was attention focused on her when it wasn’t work related.
“Got it.” Ben said, continuing to prepare his sandwich.
“You can text me.” Vic said winking, knowing Mayas head was spinning a bit with what she had planned.
“For now, I bet the claxon is gonna torture us soon again.” Vic added, knowing work weirdly calmed Maya down in such situations.
“Oh, I hope…” Maya said sighing, while she unwrapped a protein bar.
Her and Maya had a few days off soon and Maya planned go on a little trip with her, a little getaway. She had it in mind a long time ago already, and then her days off just happened to be over valentine’s day. Which she kind of hated if she was honest.
She had never celebrated It for obvious reasons. Carina was her first settled relationship and they first valentine’s day happened during a phase of mistrust and them trying to find each other again. Nothing cheesy romantic. Maya trying to deal with her past and Carina working on forgiving her for what happened. It was the base that needed to be built again so that they could keep evolving together. Keep loving each other.
So now Maya was home alone after her last shift, hoping that telling Carina that they will be sitting in the car in a few hours will not cause any concerns.
Maya had the list on her phone ready, her bags already packed in her mind. She was now just waiting for her girlfriend to come home. And despite the exhausting day at work, she was nervous, jittery, and decided to just spend the remaining time on the treadmill.
“Bambina?” Carina called out, just stepping into their apartment.
Maya had set a timer on her smart watch, so she had enough time for a shower before Carina would be home and just when she turned off the tap, she heard the key turning in the lock.
“Bathroom.” Maya yelled, though she had let all the doors open.
“Ciao Bambina, oh.” Carina said, gasping a little, her mouth staying open as she looked up and down Mayas body, her lip turning into a smirk.
“Hello Carina, surprised a little?” Maya said laughing, pleased that her mission was accomplished.
“I love walking into my very beautiful, very naked girlfriend.” Carina said, stepping closer to Maya.
Water still dripping from her shoulder length hair and her body.
“Baciami.” Carina whispered, leaning forward so their foreheads were almost touching.
“Do you want to come in, I need to tell you something later.” Maya whispered; her eyelashes longer than they seemed to be normally.
“Mhm…” Carina hummed, very pleased by the fact that her girlfriend was gonna continue her shower with her. She kissed Maya, reluctantly pulling back to undress. Once she stood under the warm shower, she pulled Maya closer again, her hand gently massaging her scalp.
“I missed you.” Maya said, eyes close as she was enjoying to finally have Carina close to her again. She never thought she would be missing someone so much, but with Carina she always felt like she wasn’t fully content alone.
“I missed you too, Bambina.” Carina hummed, glad she was finally home and off work for a few days as well.
After they finished their shower and got dressed in some more comfortable clothes Maya and Carina went to get comfortable on the couch.
“What did you want to tell me?” Carina asked, remembering Maya had mentioned something earlier and despite the amazing sex they just had she hadn’t forgot about it.
“Uh…so we’ve the next days off…” Maya starting trailing off a bit, Carina nodded a bit amused.
It was cute to see though Maya Bishop become soft and flustered so easily.
“So, I thought we could go somewhere, I want to show you something… I know… you probably hate it, but… I really would love to show you. I’d love to take you hiking, Carina Deluca.”
Carina Deluca’s smile grew bigger.
“I am excited.” She said, laughing a bit.
“I thought you hated hiking.” Maya said, sounding a little bit surprised. She wasn’t expecting Carina to fight her for it, but maybe an annoyed expression or a groan, an “You know I’m not a hiking person. But there was none of that.
“It may not be my favorite thing, but I would like to try, with you.”
“I am so excited.” Maya said, and it seemed like her body was filled with adrenalin right on the spot.
“We’ll go in… 2 hours, I can help you pack, I have my stuff gathered, then I’ll drive, have a nice relaxed evening. Then we’re gonna go for the hike the next day, not too long, I promise. And the next day we’ll return home by the evening. What do you think?” Maya spoke, realizing that could’ve been a little bit too much information for Carina.
“I love when you start rambling, you know.” Carina said with a reassuring smile.
“What do we need?” She asked, as she was about to get up from the couch.
“Oh, I have a list on my phone, I’m gonna forward it to you.” Maya replied, nervous for what was about to happen. It wasn’t their first time on a trip, but it was, something else. It felt more exciting, more exhilarating, but for some part, she was more nervous.
“I don’t know if I even have hiking boots.” Carina said, getting Mayas attention again.
“Oh, don’t worry, you have some shoes that are not heels, right?” Maya laughed.
“I’m not just wearing heels all the time, Maya.” Carina countered.
“I’d not complain of you did.” Maya said, as she was scanning the much bigger part of the shoes rack that belonged to her girlfriend.
“These will do.” Maya decided, grabbing the pair of adidas sports shoes and putting them in the travel bag.
“Okay.” Carina said laughing.
Step by step their gathered their stuff, finishing earlier than they had thought and were on their way, the sun slowly setting as they arrived.
The car ride was relaxing, Maya drove, having the route memorized.
She hated surprises, but she knew Carina secretly loved them, and she just couldn’t wait for her reaction. The drive passed by rather quick, they were catching up about their days and the gossip that was going around in either of their workplaces.
“We’ve arrived.” Maya exclaimed, as she was parking the car near the hotel she had chosen for them to stay at. It wasn’t far from the hiking trail she wanted to go on with Carina and she was sure this place could provide enough comfort and relaxion for them.
“Oh this bed looks so comfortable,” Carina said, huging Maya as she stood behind her.
“It really does, also, there’s also a spa area here.” Maya said,
“Did you bring bikinis?” Carina questioned; ”they weren’t on the list.”
She said, stepping next to her girlfriend to look into their bag, both of their bathing clothes neatly wrapped into one of Mayas hoodies.
“Of course, I did, I just didn’t want you to know just yet.” Maya said laughing as she showed it to Carina.
“Excited for tomorrow?” Carina asked, as she was pulling her hair up in a low bun.
“I am, I hope you are. Bet this is your first valentines day hiking, huh?” She spoke.
“It definitely is.” Carina said, her stomach suddenly grumbling.
“Okay, lets get something fancy to eat.” Maya said, taking Carinas hand in hers as they walked to the restaurant of the hotel.
Once they went to bed after a good meal, Carinas thoughts drifted, wondering what tomorrow would be like. She was a romantic person. Not with everyone, but with people she truly cared for. She had initially planned to just go with the flow of the day, not expecting Maya to have something planned this big. But also, she was convinced that there wasn’t the need of a day to declare the love she had for Maya. It was something she would much rather do on a random day, a random occasion and without the pressure society had put on February 14th. A yawn reminded her that she actually should try to sleep, she knew she needed to be well rested tomorrow.
The night felt short as Carina was woken up by a small tender kiss on her exposed shoulder, the next one on the back of her neck, which send shivers down a spine, and she opened her eyes with a little groan.
“Morning darling, happy valentines day.” Maya whispered, her voice a bit deeper in the morning.
Carina turned around, looking in Mayas blue eyes. She desperately wanted to just wrap her arms around Maya and put her head close to her chest, closing her eyes again.
“Since when are you up?” Carina asked, yawning.
“A while…” Already secured breakfast. So, breakfast in bed, does that sound good?” Maya said with a small smile as she propped herself up a bit more. Just then Carina realized the tray of literally everything that would’ve been available on the buffet.
“Come here for a sec.” Carina said, pulling Maya back into her lap, her arms wrapped around her tightly.
“Buon San Valentino, Tesoro.” The Italian whispered, before she connected their lips. Her hand tangled up in Mayas hair. Their eyes closed in the small moment of intimacy they shared. As they pulled apart, Carina sighed, always realizing how much she needed this person to be in her life. It were the little moments, that meant the most to her and she rarely could imagine living without it.
Just then, Maya bend over, grabbing a strawberry and held it in front of Carinas mouth.
“Open up.” She said giggling, Carina doing as she was asked.
“Grazie Bella.” Carina answered, as they started to have a cozy breakfast. Once they were done though, it felt like Maya finally needed to get going. She was pacing in their room, packing the last things. Insisting she was fine on just putting all of their stuff in one backpack.
“Let’s go.” Maya said excitedly. Her hair in a high ponytail, some strands loose and hanging out. Her hiking boots on, some baggier pants and a sage green jack wolfskin jacket.
“You look hot in that.” Carina said, meaning every word when she looked up and down Mayas body.
“You do.” Maya said, she had mostly seen Carina dressed in either her pink scrubs combined with her white lab coat, or her street clothes. Which were absolutely stunning fancy and elegant pieces and even her sweatpants had more style than her own, she had to admit that.
“Oh, I feel very not like that.” Carina said with a giggle as she was following Maya to their car. It was not a long drive, they would soon finally be ready to walk and with the speed Maya was having as she approached her car it was clear she really was ready for it.
“You very much are babe, it looks amazing on you.” Maya said, quickly kissing Carinas cheek before she opened the passengers door for her.
Once they arrived they were surrounded with beautiful nature. A lush forest and a river.
“The first part is just like going for a walk.” Maya encouraged as they had bought their passes.
“So it will get worse?” Carina asked laughing.
“I promise you, It’ll be worth it, the view will be stunning.” Maya said.
“I’m gonna trust you.”
They started their walk, Maya trying to walk on a moderate speed, which was a bit difficult when she was used to be all alone on her hikes until now.
“Please tell me if I’m too fast.” Maya said, checking if Carina could keep up with her speed, but thanks to her gorgeous long legs it seemed to be working good so far.
“I will , but it’s fine, don’t worry.” Carina answered.
“It’s really nice here actually.”
“I love it…” Maya hummed, looking around.
“Have you been here often?” Carina asked.
“A few times, I don’t know exactly… I love coming here and just… be here, you know.”
Carina nodded, looking around, taking in the nature around her. Unlike Maya she loved the summers, especially in Italy and her favorite thing to do was just lay on the beach for hours and relax, feeling the sun in your skin and maybe take a nap. She had never considered hiking up some narrow muddy paths as a fun activity, especially when it was somehow cold.
But now she was here, and surprisingly, somehow it wasn’t too bad, it was quite nice so far actually.
“At least I’m glad that I found this trail right here,” Maya said, smiling a bit.
“Why?”
“It’s an unknown one, all the others are flooded with tourists and other random people.” Maya explained.
“I love that.” Carina said, admiring once again how thoughtful her girlfriend was with things.
“Me too, I really like being alone here.” Maya mentioned.
Their walk went smoothly so far, they had talked about all the random things that came to their minds, though most of the time a comfortable silence had settled around them. It was calm around them as well, there were away from the loud noise of Seattle, no traffic, no sirens, not the constant interference of people talking. Here, it was just the sounds of nature surrounding them, and especially the sound of the cascading waterfall pouring down the cliff. It was calming and also a little bit peaceful.
At some point, though, the path got steeper, and Carina instantly internally groaned, as she felt the burning short pain in her thighs and calves intensifying with every step she took. Maya meanwhile seemed to be even happier with the change, her smile widening and her steps getting bigger.
“So, this is what’s the fun part for you?” Carina asked in disbelief, her breathing becoming more rapid with every step she took.
“Kind of, yeah.” Maya said, looking back as she was now in front of her girlfriend, feeling bad immediately that she had sort of separated them. She immediately came back down, she didn’t want Carina to walk up to her, she wanted to support her. As fast as she could.
“Sorry.” Maya said, smiling at Carina apologetically.
“Oh, the view I had was worth it.” She said winking, and then there was it again, the slight red that covered Mayas cheeks. There were slightly flushed already, but it was visible that Carinas comment only intensified her redness.
“Try to breath in through your nose only.” Maya then said, noticing that Carinas breathing technique was the reason she seemed to be more strained.
Carina followed her girlfriends advice, noticing instantly that her body felt somehow calmer.
“Just focus on your breathing.” Maya said, holding her hand out for Carina to hold. She wanted her by her side. To keep her pace steady and for Carina to have some support.
“We can take a break in a few minutes, there should be benches.” Maya said, seeing Carinas relieved smile.
Once they had reached the benches Carina immediately flopped onto the bench.
“This is good.” She said satisfied, Maya immediately handing her her water bottle.
“I like that we’re alone up here, almost.” Maya said contently.
“Look how beautiful they are.” She added, pointing to the two waterfalls pouring down the cliff.
It was the first moment you could see them in their full beauty, even if they were still far away.
“It’s stunning.” Carina agreed.
She then turned her head, looking at Maya. Her side profile mesmerizing to her, some hair strands messy, then her small smile. That little cute smile meant everything to Carina.
They rested for a little while longer until Maya was eager to keep going again, pulling Carina up by her hand. Keeping a hold on it while they tackled the second part of their hike. The smell of coniferous wood and the water surrounding them more and more.
“I love you.” Maya suddenly whispered, almost taking Carina by surprise. She got used to their silence, their breaths almost synced, and their small smiled dedicated to each other and the multiple times when they eyes met the other ones.
“I love you too, Bambina.” Carina whispered back, gently stroking her thumb over Mayas palm.
“I never thought you would end up hiking with me, you know. Not because you didn’t want but because I did not.” Maya began to explain.
Carina nodded, not quite understanding where this was going but willing to keep listening to what Maya had to say. It wasn’t uncommon that her girlfriends mind was constantly filled with thousands of thoughts, which she needed to get sorted. Sometimes, this led to confusion at first, but her mind was brilliant. And Carina always was happy to listen to what she had to say.
“I always did it alone, and I needed to be alone. It was my escape from the world. It was like going for a run. But hiking… It’s more intense. I used to be up in the woods and the mountains for hours. I love the quiet, being alone here. I had a place to think without disturbances. It feels… personal, and intimate. Which, is stupid, I know…” Maya said, letting out a small laugh.
“It is not, Bella. I get what you mean.” Carina said softly.
“Anyway, I didn’t want to share that, it didn’t feel right… But now, I don’t know. It kind of does. I want to show you the places I went to. My escape rooms.” Maya said.
“Oh Maya, this means a lot you know.” The brunette said. She knew there was a lot Maya kept to her own. But she was willing to open up. And this was the biggest gift Maya could give her.
“It is good having you with me.” Maya said sincerely, “It’s better to have company sometimes.” She added.
“You’re very good company.” Carina said, once again glancing to Mayas blue eyes.
They had almost reached another viewpoint, though the way now led them downwards, a steep path along the mountains. Carina tightly held Mayas hand, the experienced hiker suggested to walk ahead of her.
“Just focus on me babe.” Maya said, a little louder, the waterfalls now nearer and louder than they had been.
“Oh, that is my pleasure right now.” Carina said laughing a bit, as she concentrated on her steps.
“We’re almost there.” Maya announced, when she saw the bridge they needed to cross to get to their destination.
“Okay.” Carina said, not quite used to the adrenalin that rushed through her body at the moment. It wasn’t like standing in the OR and asking for the scalpel, ready to make the first incision. She was used to that kind of feeling. This was all new, so the adrenalin felt at least doubled. Her girlfriends extremely calm and secure attitude was the only thing that kept her nerves at bay right now. But before she could think further about the fears that might be developed there arrived, the bridge the only thing they had to cross until they got granted a beautiful view.
Luckily, now the way was broad enough that they could walk side by side. Maya linking her arms with Carinas.
“You made it, I am so proud of you.” She cheered, a wide grin on her face, her flushed cheeks still evident.
“I did,” Carina said, having to admit she was a little proud of herself.
They stood there, watching the two waterfalls in awe, admiring the beauty nature provided.
“Snack?” Maya asked, noticing their last break was a while past.
“Please.” Carina said, noticing how her legs slowly felt heavier from exhaustion.
There were no seating options here, so Maya simply sat on the ground, her legs spread so Carina could get in the middle . Leaning onto her slightly.
“You brought chocolate?” the brunette gasped, when she rummaged through the backpack to find something edible.
“I knew it would make you that happy.” Maya just said shrugging. Carina quickly broke off a piece, turned around so she was facing Maya, now both sitting cross-legged opposite each other.
“Open up bambina.” Carina said, pushing the sweet treat into Mayas mouth gently. Mayas tongue instantly swirling around her finger, the brunette humming satisfied when she felt her body reacting, instantly feeling warmer inside.
As soon as Maya swallowed, Carina cupped her face with both hands. Connecting their lips. The taste of the remaining chocolate in Mayas mouth everything she needed at the moment. They broke apart reluctantly, both their eyes glued to each other, Both smiling. Both happy.
For a while, they changed back into their previous position, Maya bracing herself on her hands, as her girlfriend leaned against her torso. Drinking some water and snacking some chocolate, though Maya preferred the protein bars she had packed for herself.
“Ready to go back?” Maya asked, gently massaging Carinas head, both just enjoying the moment.
“Mhm…Si.” Carina said, getting up, feeling her muscles instantly burn as she stood. Maya followed her effortlessly.
They walk back was slow, but eventually they reached their car. Carina happy to be back soon, Maya smiling that the day so far was a success.
“So now, Carina Deluca, how about a nice relaxing stay at the spa?” Maya said, driving, while her hand was loosely laying on Carinas thigh.
“I approve that very much.” Carina said, taking Mayas hand in her own, pressing a small kiss onto her palm.
When they entered their hotel room, they quickly showered to get the sweat off of their bodies, then changing into the bathrobes the hotel provided.
“Sauna?” Maya asked, her hair down now, definitely fluffier than normal as she was wearing a ponytail all day. Carinas hair as well was just falling over her shoulders. Both of them happy to just relax.
“Sauna.” The brunette agreed.
Once they had enough of it, Maya had led them to the pool area. Carina very happy as she climbed into the hot tub. Maya, instantly wrapping her arms around Carina, before pressing a kiss on her neck.
“This is perfect.” Maya said, smiling.
“If we would do this every time after hiking I would almost say I would be down for this daily.” Carina said, giggling a bit.
“Oh.” Maya said amused, raising an eyebrow as she pulled her in her lap again. Both facing each other.
“Mhm.” Carina hummed; her thoughts no longer focused on hiking but Mayas lips gently sucking on her neck.
“I love you so much.” Maya said, looking into Carians brown eyes. She couldn’t resist to not kiss her again, both of them just caring about each other, ignoring the world around them and the people that were looking at them. Carina tightly wrapping her arms around Mayas torso, their bodies pressed together.
It was a good time, the massage they got afterwards definitely a blessing to both of their tired muscles. It was a good end to the day, though both women were happy to just be back in the privacy of their hotel room. Maya and Carina changing into their pajamas, their lights dimmed and the exhaustion slowly setting in.
Carina was the first one to climb to the bed, sighing as she laid down. Patting the space next to her, wanting Maya to join her immediately.
“Coming,” Maya said, as she quickly pulled her pajama pants up, before getting into bed too, laying down next to Carina, sliding closer to the blonde. Maya lifting her head a bit so she was laying on top of her girlfriends head. Carinas hands playing with Mayas hair, smiling contently.
“Thank you for today.” Carina said, softly pulling a strand out of Mayas face.
“I’m really glad you liked it…Thank you for trusting me.”
“Did you have plans?” Maya asked, a but shyly. Noticing she had completely occupied the day.
“I mean… not necessarily… I guess. I was just, wanting to go with the flow…” Carina confessed.
“I definitely would’ve cooked some lasagna.” Carina added with a smile. Knowing this dish had a great emotional value to both of them.
“We can make up for this, when we are home tomorrow.” Maya said, giggling tiredly.
“I’m glad you hadn’t bought roses, or some other cliché stuff.” Carina said, tilting her head to press a small kiss on Mayas forehead.
“Oh, trust me… I hate roses. They’re the worst they are so many other flowers and all people can think off are roses.” Maya complained, which made Carina laugh. Both of them ending up on their side, holding each other while laughing at the imagination.
“I think I would only have accepted roses from you. I hate them too.” Carina said laughing.
“What type of flowers would you have bought though, if not flowers?” Maya asked curiously.
“Hm… I think Hydrangeas.” Carina said thoughtful. “Blue.” She added.
“They are so beautiful.” Maya said smiling, it meant a lot to her. To have someone she could experience this with. Share thoughts with and be silly and vulnerable with.
“You?” Carina inquired.
“Heliotropes.” Maya said, smiling.
“Do you have a picture?” Carina said smiling, “I don’t know them.”
Maya quickly rolled over, grabbing her phone from the nightstand, googling the flower.
“Here.” Maya said. Showing the multiple pictures to her girlfriend.
“Oh, they are so beautiful.” Carina said, pulling Maya closer again, kissing her softly.
“Just like you my love.” Maya said tiredly, nuzzling her head further into Carinas chest.
“Would you have celebrated?” Maya asked her tone low; Carina understood her without a doubt.
“Probably.” Carina answered.
“But, It isn’t something to check off a list you know. I am perfectly happy with how today went.”
Maya hummed in agreement, looking deep into Carinas eyes, sometimes feeling more intimate and vulnerable in those situations than when she would be laying in bed naked, Carina under the blanket working wonders with just her fingers.
This was more and will always feel special to Maya. In her mind, sex was her plan to end the day. But now, she felt tired, she wanted cuddles, and just have a calm evening.
There would be time tomorrow morning, and well rested bodies.
“Should I turn off the lights?” Carina asked, noticing Mayas tiredness growing. She knew this was most likely not because she was physically exhausted but rather because all her thoughts, and emotions were a lot she had to manage. She knew Maya wouldn’t admit it, but she knew she had put pressure onto herself for today. They both knew the last time and Maya was desperate to change these memories into better ones.
“Yes please.” Maya said, Carinas long arm reaching the light switch on the nightstand.
“Go sleep bambina, today was good.” Carina reassured. She bend down for one last kiss for the day, before she closed her own eyes, her hand continuing to trace patterns on Mayas back as she was laying in between the brunettes legs. Her favorite lips touching her chest gently for a short time before her head laid back down again with a long exhale.
This was special, this always will be special.