the room was quiet, the aftermath of shared intimacy settling like a comforting blanket around you. the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the space, casting warm hues over the rumpled sheets and vi’s face, flushed and still catching her breath. she turned her head to you, her messy hair sticking to her damp forehead, and her lips curved into a tender, lopsided smile.

“you okay?” she asked, her voice low and rough, tinged with genuine concern.

you nodded, a small smile tugging at your lips. “yeah. more than okay.”

vi let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, propping herself up on her elbow as her other hand reached for you. her touch was featherlight, her fingers brushing over your cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear.

“good,” she said softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to your temple. “because you were amazing.”

you laughed lightly, still dazed and basking in the warmth of her presence. she didn’t pull away immediately, lingering close as her hand moved to your arm, trailing down to your fingers.

“stay here,” she murmured, her eyes soft and filled with something you couldn’t quite place.

you watched as she slipped out of bed, her movements uncharacteristically slow and deliberate. she disappeared into the bathroom, and you could hear the faint sound of running water. moments later, she returned with a damp cloth in hand and a glass of water balanced carefully in the other.

“here,” she said, sitting on the edge of the bed and offering you the glass. “drink this.”

you took it, smiling at her as you sipped, while she leaned over, gently cleaning you up with the cloth. her touch was delicate, the usual roughness of her hands softened by her care for you.

“you didn’t have to—”

“shh,” she interrupted, shaking her head. “i wanted to.” her tone left no room for argument, and you let her continue.