Riley x Val (Inside Out 2)

Chapter 3

Val's POV:

I offered to walk her back, but for some reason, she denied my offer.

"Riley, I'm walking you back," I said, my voice firm but soft.

"I'm fine by myself!" Her tone defensive, I wondered why she was so insistent.

"Too bad." I put an arm around her waist as we walked out the door, making sure to lock it behind me.

"What number's your dorm?" I asked, trying to gauge how far we needed to go.

"1...37," she mumbled. Her words were hard to understand, but I managed.

As we finally reached door 137, on a completely different side of campus from mine, I asked, "Do you have your keys?"

She shook her head, and I huffed in annoyance. "Where are they?"

"Mm... maybe back in your dorm?" Drunk Riley was getting on my last nerves, but I couldn't help but find her a little endearing.

"Alright, come on. We're heading back to my place," I said, turning us around.

The walk back felt longer with Riley leaning heavily against me, her steps unsteady. I tried to stay patient, but I was relieved when we finally reached my dorm.

"Let's get you inside," I said, unlocking the door and guiding her in.

Riley slumped onto my couch, looking around with bleary eyes. "I can just... sleep here, right?" she mumbled, already half-asleep.

I grabbed a spare blanket and pillow, setting them up for her. "Yes, you're staying here tonight. No way am I walking all the way back to your dorm again," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Riley smiled sleepily at me, her defenses finally dropping. "Thanks, Val. You're the best."

I felt a warm rush of affection for her. "Get some rest, Riley. We'll sort everything out in the morning."

She nodded and snuggled into the blanket, her breathing evening out almost immediately. I watched her for a moment, making sure she was comfortable before heading to my own room.

As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of responsibility and care for Riley. I didn't know why, but I left these thoughts as I drifted off to sleep, unexcited for hangover Riley.

Riley's POV:

I groaned, my head pounding as I awoke and sat up. Last night was all a blur, but I was more concerned about where I was. I looked around and quickly realized I was in Val's place.

I must've looked like such an idiot last night, I thought, feeling a rush of embarrassment. I tried to piece together the events of the evening, but everything was hazy.

As I swung my legs over the side of the couch and rubbed my temples, Val appeared in the doorway, a glass of water and some painkillers in hand. "Morning, sunshine," she said with a gentle smile, walking over to me. The nickname making me red, "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by a truck," I muttered, taking the glass and pills from her. "Thanks, Val. I’m sorry you had to deal with me like this."

Val shook her head, her expression reassuring. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're safe. Drink up, and this will help with the headache."

I did as she said, sipping the water and swallowing the pills.

"I really appreciate it," I said quietly. "I don’t remember much, I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble."

Val chuckled softly. "It wasn't any trouble. I just wanted to make sure you had a safe place to sleep."

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Thanks, Val. I really mean it."

She smiled warmly at me, and for a moment, the embarrassment faded, replaced by a sense of comfort and closeness. "You're welcome, Riley. Now, why don’t you relax for a bit? We can have some breakfast when you’re ready."

As she got up to head to the kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of appreciation for Val. Despite my mortifying behavior, she had taken care of me without hesitation.

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Short chapter, but trying to remember to do updates. Commenting will help remind me 🫶

650ish words