Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

The Morning After •|| SHIVIAN ||•

Prompt: Shibhon and Vivian had a rough night and Shibhon feels guilty for the marks she left.

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. Shibhon woke first, her body nestled against Vivian's, her arms wrapped around her, holding her close. For a moment, everything felt perfect-intimate, peaceful. But as her eyes slowly adjusted to the light, something caught her attention.

Her skin was covered in marks-dark bruises, love bites, and faint scratches that told the story of the night before. Her heart skipped a beat as she traced the marks with her fingertips, a rush of guilt flooding her chest. What had they done? Her mind replayed the intense moments, the passion, the roughness. It had all felt so good in the heat of the moment, but now, looking at the aftermath, Shibhon's breath caught in her throat.

Vivian stirred next to her, a soft groan escaping her lips as she shifted. The comfort of their shared warmth was something they both had become accustomed to, but today, there was a quiet tension in the air, a weight that Shibhon couldn't shake. When Vivian opened her eyes, a content smile spread across her face as she looked up at Shibhon, clearly enjoying the lingering aftereffects of the night. But then, her gaze shifted down to Shibhon's hand, which was still resting gently on her shoulder, grazing the marks she'd left on her own body.

Vivian's voice was soft but teasing. "I think we got a little... carried away last night," she murmured, her voice hoarse, and her smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You feel alright?"

Shibhon's heart clenched at the question. The worry she had been holding in the pit of her stomach since waking up bubbled up. "I... I didn't hurt you, did I?" Her words came out shakier than she'd intended, the guilt evident in her eyes.

Vivian's brow furrowed for a brief moment, confusion washing over her face. Then, the realization hit, and her lips curved upward into a knowing, affectionate smile. She gently reached up to cup Shibhon's face, her thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. "Bon-bon, hey. You didn't hurt me," she reassured her, her voice firm, yet tender. "It was intense, yeah, but... I wanted it too. You didn't do anything wrong."

Shibhon couldn't help but drop her gaze, her hands lightly tracing the marks on her own skin. "But look at what I did to you," she murmured, her voice thick with regret. "I got carried away... I didn't mean to hurt you."

Vivian chuckled softly, though there was no hint of discomfort in her tone. "Shibhon," she said, her voice soothing and warm. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me. And I promise you, I'm not hurt. I'm just... a little sore, but that's a good thing, right?" She winked playfully, trying to lighten the mood.

Shibhon's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "But the marks... they're so visible. I didn't think it would get like this."

Vivian smiled knowingly, her hand sliding down to gently grasp Shibhon's, her fingers intertwining with hers. "I don't mind them, Shibhon. Honestly, I kind of like them. They remind me of last night, of everything we shared. It was real, raw, and passionate, and I wouldn't change any of it." She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Shibhon's forehead. "I enjoyed it. All of it."

Shibhon felt a wave of relief wash over her, but there was still a trace of doubt in her heart. "You sure? I don't want to ever make you uncomfortable."

Vivian's eyes softened, and she pulled Shibhon closer, their bodies pressed together once more. "You're my safe place, Shibhon," she whispered, her lips brushing against her ear. "I trust you. I always have, and I always will. What happened last night? It was between us, and I loved it. The marks, the intensity... it's just part of our connection."

Shibhon let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of her fears begin to lift, replaced by a deep sense of peace. "I'm glad," she whispered. "I just want to make you happy."

"You do," Vivian replied, her hands smoothing over Shibhon's back in a comforting, gentle motion. "You make me more than happy. I feel loved and wanted, just like you do for me. There's no need to worry."

Shibhon finally let go of the last of her guilt, her body relaxing as she leaned into Vivian, allowing herself to just be. The soreness, the marks, the aftermath-none of it mattered in the grand scheme of things. What mattered was the love they shared, the trust they had in each other, and the certainty that they were both on this journey together.

As Vivian wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close, Shibhon smiled softly. "I love you," she whispered, her voice full of quiet affection.

Vivian grinned, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I love you too, Bon. And I'm pretty sure we'll be doing this again sometime."

Shibhon laughed, a soft, genuine sound that made her heart swell with warmth. "Definitely," she agreed, feeling more connected than ever before.