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Viv’s never really put much merit in Valentine’s day as a holiday.
She’s tolerated it to an extent, not wanting to be too much of a Grinch. Honestly though, it’s such an over commercialized excuse for businesses to cash in on guilty or lazy partners. The number of people, mostly heterosexual men, who act like they’ve never heard of romance before is frankly astounding. In Viv’s mind, you shouldn’t need some made up holiday to remind you to do something special for your partner.
She’s always prided herself on how she’s treated the women she’s been with. She remembers important dates and likes to do all sorts of little everyday things to help her girlfriend’s feel appreciated and loved. Things like preparing a favorite meal or arranging some sort of special outing. Occasionally, she’ll even spontaneously bring home flowers just because. That said, she’s also never been one for grand gestures. She’s just a bit to shy to want to put herself out there like that.
Last year, for their first Valentine’s Day as a couple, her and Beth had intentionally kept it casual. Partly, it was because they were trying not to draw too much outside attention to their budding relationship. At the same time, they were still in the process of figuring each other out. Viv, who’s always been rather conflicted by her emotions, hadn’t wanted to admit to herself just how deep her feelings for the Englishwoman ran. They’d hardly been dating more than a few months at the time, she couldn’t be in love. It wasn’t logical.
The result was a rather tame observation of the day. They’d gone to dinner somewhere nice but not flashy. They’d splurged on some fancy desserts and ended up heading to bed together early. All and all it had been a pretty fantastic evening, though not totally out of the norm for them. That was fine though, Valentine’s Day wasn’t really that special anyway.
Now though, they’ve been together for more than a year. And on top of that, recently, life has been a bit rough. For Viv and Beth both.
Viv had been planning on pulling out all of the stops for their one-year-anniversary, feeling like the occasion warranted proper acknowledgement. They’d been through a lot, individually and as a couple, and were stronger for it. They deserved to celebrate.
Viv also wants Beth to know just how much she’s cherished. It can be hard sometimes for the more reserved Dutchwoman to be demonstrative with her emotions. Beth loves so hard and openly, practically daring Viv or anybody else to doubt her feelings. Viv adores her for it. She’s desperate for reassurance, always needing to be reminded that Beth really chose her. That Beth truly wants her. The Englishwoman never blinks, never falters. Every time Viv is unsure, the striker’s there, proudly telling the whole damn world that Viv is hers.
For all of Beth’s confident declarations, Viv also knows the Englishwoman has her own insecurities. Beth’s scared to death of pushing for too much and being left again. It’s why Viv had been the one to take all the scary early steps. She’d asked Beth out, kissed her first, and even been the one to admit she was falling in love. Beth had codified their relationship, solidifying casual dating into something concrete. But other than that, it’d always been left to Viv to propel them forward.
Their anniversary had presented the perfect opportunity for yet another big step. Or at least Viv had thought it did. She’d been planning on proposing for ages. For longer than she’s ever going to admit actually. But to celebrate a year with Beth, Viv had been ready to set some plans into motion.
After far too much searching she’d found a ring. It’s probably not the most fashionable. Viv’s never warn a ton of jewelry so she’s not exactly knowledgeable. But she’d picked something that she’s confident Beth will love. Then she’d got it inscribed, carefully curried it home, and waited.
She’s still waiting.
Since Viv brought the ring home, it’s left it’s hiding spot only once, making the trip up North with Viv when she’d accompanied Beth home for a visit. After sending her girlfriend to the shops on some frivolous errand, Viv had nervously spoken to the Mead’s. She hadn’t asked them permission. Beth was her own person after all. But Viv had shown them the ring all the same, swearing she’d love their daughter forever.
In the end, her anxiety over the interaction had been totally unnecessary. Beth’s parents had always been welcoming, but by the end of the trip, she’d essentially been incorporated into the family already. Beth had given Viv and her parents a few confused glances, clearly realizing something had changed, but never guessing what it might be. She’d not asked and Viv hadn’t explained, instead just encouraging her girlfriend to enjoy the visit.
After that, Viv had bided her time, trying to come up with the exact perfect moment. She’d thought it would be the day that marked one year.
Unfortunately, torn ACLs have a way of interfering with even the best laid plans.
When it had rolled around, they’d spent their anniversary effectively hobbled to their couch. They hadn’t even mustered the motivation to crutch their way out to eat. They’d ordered food from their favorite local spot and spent the evening cuddling while watching football. Hardly the most romantic night.
Viv had still debated pulling out the little box. The privacy of their own living room wouldn’t be a bad place to propose after all. She’d held off in the end. She might not be the most traditional, but she wanted to get down on one knee when she asked this most important of questions. And considering her knees could only bend about 60 degrees at the time, she’d decided to postpone.
Now though, they’re both post-op and well on the road to recovery. And Viv’s getting impatient. She wants to start combining all the lingering separate aspects of her and Beth’s life. They’re already living and working together, but she still wants more. She wants commitment and permanency. And in her heart of hearts, Viv’s pretty confident that’s what Beth wants too.
Now it’s just become a matter of timing. And honestly, Viv’s starting to count down the minutes.
Beth’s been a little downtrodden the last few days.
Getting back to training at Arsenal’s facilities, even if only in the weight room, had briefly brought back an exuberant and bubbly Beth. Viv had loved to see it. She’d missed her girlfriend’s loud guffaw of a laugh. It’s been far too rare a sound in recent weeks.
Only a couple of days after they got back to real work, Arsenal played Man City in the Continental Cup. They’d managed to pull out the win, though it had been a stressful affair requiring overtime to finally be settled.
Viv and Beth had attended in person, down to only one crutch (Viv’s) between the two of them. The Dutchwoman has never been the best at being a spectator, but having Beth by her side makes it a mostly enjoyable experience. It turns out most things in life are improved by getting to do them with Beth actually.
In any case, after the match finishes they carefully make their way down to the pitch and celebrate with their teammates. It’s almost like the good old days, before their knees had given out on them. Everyone is in a good mood, buoyed by the win. It fills them with optimism for the rest of the season.
That optimism lasts all of four days. Then they play City again. And lose.
Viv and Beth hadn’t made the trip to Manchester to attend in person. In some ways, that’s better. There is no risk of cameras finding them in the crowd and catching them looking as downtrodden as they obviously feel. And when the match is done, ending in a depressing defeat, they can turn off the tv and try to pretend that they hadn’t just witness such a huge setback for their club.
Unfortunately, after the brief return of an almost cheerful Beth, the slide back into depression is made all the more stark. Viv doesn’t blame the Englishwoman. She’s obviously intimately aware of how horrible this injury and the recovery process is. She just wishes she could do something to cheer her favorite person up.
Beth’s mood only worsens with the international break. She’s thrilled for all her teammates of course, but she’s also obviously regretting the fact that she’s not joining them. Viv empathizes, though she’s actually sort of come to relish the quiet of the recovery period. Maybe it’s different because of how much more social Beth is. She’s missing seeing her friends in a way that Viv isn’t yet. Not when she has Beth to keep her company.
Viv decides she’s got to do something, anything, to try to cheer Beth up a little. She can’t make her girlfriend’s knee heal any faster or force Arsenal to play better, but she can do something. She just has to figure out what.
The idea, when it comes to her, seems brilliant. Tuesday is the 14th of February, Valentine’s Day. Viv can do something special for Beth related to the holiday! Beth will love that, Viv thinks. It’s an excuse to show Beth just how much Viv cares about her. Viv is more than willing to overlook her own reservations about the holiday if it’ll bring a smile back to her girlfriend’s face.
It’s unfortunately short notice though. Now that she’s committed to the plan, Viv wants to do it justice. She doesn’t want to do anything pedestrian. Her first problem is getting a reservation at a decent restaurant. Not knowing how to find something worthy of the occasion on such short notice, Viv turns to her teammates.
She texts Katie first, knowing that her friend will be supportive of Viv’s sudden romantic notion even if she’ll also mock the Dutchwoman some. After the predictable teasing has subsided, Katie proves to be a treasure-trove of information. As it turns out her and Ruesha had tried a new place right in the heart of London not that long ago. It’s apparently the ideal romantic spot. Quiet and intimate, with good food to boot.
Viv rightly assumes all the reservations will be taken for Valentines Day. Instead of giving up on the idea however, Viv does something totally out of character for her. She capitalizes on her fame. Just a little bit. She still feels terrible doing it, but it turns out that one of the servers is a big Arsenal supporter. A signed jersey and a couple of tickets later, Viv’s secured a table.
Pleased with herself, Viv waits until her and Beth are eating supper on Sunday evening before casually asking her girlfriend if she’d like to go out to dinner on Tuesday.
Seemingly confused Beth asks, “why?”
“Well,” Viv mumbles, feeling almost shy, “it’s Valentine’s Day, isn’t it?”
Beth’s face breaks into a wide grin and she says teasingly, “Vivianne, is this you asking me to be your Valentine?”
“It doesn’t have to be a big deal or anything, I just thought…”
Before Viv can explain further, Beth interrupts, “hush you. No trying to pretend you aren’t a romantic at heart. I’d love to go out with you for Valentine’s. I know we didn’t do much last year, but I’d love to be your date. For any occasion really.”
“Good,” Viv says, pleased by Beth’s enthusiasm. “I’ve made reservations for seven at a restaurant in London.”
Frowning, Beth asks, “London? I don’t know Viv, isn’t that a lot of hassle? Our knees…”
“Our knees are healing. We can get a hotel nearby and make a night of it,” Viv suggests. “That way we won’t have to worry about getting home after.”
“Viv!” Beth exclaims. “Do you think if you take me out for a night on the town you’re going to get lucky?”
“No! I didn’t mean to assume, that is I…”
Laughing now, Beth says, “relax love. I’m just teasing you.” Leaning forward, Beth places a wet smooch of a kiss on Viv’s blushing cheek and adds, “besides, play your cards right and maybe you will get lucky.”
Watching her girlfriend retreat into their kitchen with a slight sway to her hips, Viv smiles. Maybe Valentine’s Day is going to be even better than expected. If nothing else, her plotting seems to already have helped improve Beth’s mood.
When Valentine’s Day arrives, Viv’s ready. The night before she’d spent a good half hour figuring out the optimal commute to the restaurant, not wanting them to have to walk to far on their recently reconstructed knees. Then she’d called and confirmed the room she’d booked at a nearby hotel. The morning of, she’d popped out first thing, before Beth had woken up, to get some pastries and a simple but elegant bouquet. She’d brought the fruits of her trip into Beth on a tray, enjoying waking her partner up slowly for once.
One advantage of the current International break is they’ve got a little more flexibility with their schedule. They still have to go in for a rehab session later, but they can enjoy a lazy morning. Sharing kisses and chocolate croissants with Beth might be Viv’s favorite pastime. And if they get a little distracted and take things further than kissing, well, it is Valentine’s Day after all. They’re meant to be celebrating their love.
Unfortunately, their training session is a bit less rosy. It’s nice to both be going through a similar rehabilitation process at the same time, but it’s still not exactly enjoyable. Especially since Viv’s always hated the gym. She’ll put up with it because she knows it’s important for her fitness so she can play at the highest level, but she’s never understood people who like things like biking.
When they’re finally released it’s pushing two. They eat a late light lunch at the training center before heading home. Viv convinces Beth they should take a nap, not that the Englishwoman really needs that much convincing. Viv’s always loved to sleep as much as possible, especially enjoying afternoon lie-down’s. Beth had been a quick convert to the napping lifestyle, coming to realize after only a few months of dating the advantages to cuddling with a sleepy Viv.
By the time they wake up, it’s starting to get late enough to think about getting ready. Beth banishes Viv to the guest room, declaring that they shouldn’t get dressed together. Viv goes. She thinks it’s rather adorable that Beth wants them to get ready separately even though they’ve been dating for over a year. She’s more than happy to go along with it if it’ll make Beth happy. Besides, they’re more likely to avoid getting distracted if they’re not changing in the same room. Viv’s got good self-control but she’s never claimed to be a saint.
Viv gets ready pretty quickly, slipping into the tailored pants and jacket she’d previously selected for the evening. She’s wearing a low-cut shirt under it with a neckline that plunges almost to her navel. It’s a little much for her taste, but she’s sure that Beth will appreciate it. Because of her knee, she’s not about to risk heals, so some ankle boots will have to suffice. She applies some minimal makeup, focusing on doing what she knows looks good on her and is within her somewhat limited skill set.
After that, she’s left twiddling her thumbs waiting for Beth. With time on her hands, Viv gets to thinking about the ring again. It’s hidden in the guest room closet, up high and out of Beth’s sightline. With nothing better to do, Viv goes and pulls it out. She removes the jewelry from its little groove, turning it over in her hands. It looks just as she remembers it, elegant and beautiful. She can almost picture sliding it onto Beth’s finger and how perfect that day, their wedding day, will be.
A knock startles Viv so badly she almost drops the ring onto the floor. Fumbling it back into the box, she shoves it into her jacket pocket just as Beth opens the door.
“Viv? Are you about ready?” Beth asks softly.
Stepping towards the door, Viv catches sight of Beth and spontaneously loses the ability to form words. Beth looks good. She looks stunning actually.
Viv had fallen in love with the Beth that ran herself ragged on a pitch, fighting heroically for ever ball and pushing into every tackle. She’ been captivated, and soon fallen for, Beth with her hair falling out of her ponytail and sweat dripping off her face. That said, Viv’s equally in love with this Beth. All dressed up and ready for a night out on the town. Her girlfriend is wearing the same stunning one sleeved, black, dress she’d worn for the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
When she’s regained her voice, Viv asks, “you’re going to be my guest again, huh?”
Rolling her eyes at Viv’s joke, Beth replies, “even better. I’m going to be your date.”
“How’d I get so lucky?” Viv asks.
Beth, assuming Viv’s at least partly joking, shoots back, “don’t you mean so unlucky?”
Viv, taking Beth’s hand and kissing her palm says, “being with you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You’re just saying that because you haven’t actually won the Ballon d’Or yet,” Beth teases.
The Englishwoman’s eyes have gone soft and tender though, so Viv knows that her sentiment is appreciated. Unconsciously she lets her thumb rub over Beth’s ring finger, thinking again about the box now in her pocket.
“Come on Viv, we should go. Valentine’s Day’s not going to last forever you know,” Beth says.
Smiling, Viv follows her girlfriend. She can’t help thinking that even if the silly holiday is fleeting, her and Beth, they’re going to be eternal.