Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 39: Walls Crumbling

After the tension released it's hold on them for the night, the group met at the bar. Reece made his way to the bar, "Hey Sara, we need a round of drinks!" Autumn yelling out from behind her brother, "I need a whole bottle please." Flashing a wink at the bartender. Reece's face twisted in disgust, "Ewww!" As he had flashbacks of that one morning, he felt a little queasy.

They choose the circular booth in the back corner. Perfect size to fit each couple. Charlotte and Marjorie were still pouting slightly since their partners never let them be involved in things like this. They are too protective. However, they each were fully aware that their partners protectiveness was kind of hot.

Clinking of glasses fill the room. The sound of pool cues and laughter. The mix of alcohol and smoke wafting through the air. It's familiar to them, comforting, as they make their way to the booth.

The couples started sliding in one by one. Charlotte and Mia, Marjorie and Reece ended up in the middle. Autumn and Winter, Siobhan and Vivian sat at the ends of the booth. As Sara arrived with the drinks, Vivian quickly grabbed the glass and chugged it down. She could feel everyone's eyes on her as she slowly tilted her head forward gently setting the glass on the table.

"What? It's been a week, okay?" Laughter started to spill out of the crew echoing through the bar. Sara looks at her friend, "I'll keep them coming..." as she breathes a laugh walking away.

"So... we have to know. What happened? How did it go? Is he going to give you the tapes? Does he know about Roger?" Siobhan rolls her eyes, "Marjorie! Breathe... one question at a time. Geez!" Vivian places her hand on Siobhan's thigh and gives a gentle squeeze. As they make eye contact, Vivian whispers, "Cut her some slack, Bon. She's just a little overzealous." The blonde closes her eyes and takes a slow breath in and out.

It's engrained in me to keep people at arms length. Vivian is slowly teaching me how to let the walls down and embrace care from others. She has been the only one that cared enough to try, but now I have a whole village. I can let them in too.

Siobhan and Vivian take turns telling the happenings of that night. Sharp stares bounced between the friends as they were filled in. "He told me that after tonight I wouldn't have to worry about Roger anymore."

Mia choked on her drink almost spitting it across the table. "He said those exact words?" She was met with confused looks from around the table. She smirked as those words played through her mind, but about Declan.

I turn my gaze to Char as the conversations continued. I hope this means what I think it means. We could all finally be free... I could finally stay for good...

The bar was closing and the crew had all ended up drinking a little more than intended. All eight stumbled out of the bar chuckling, mostly at Marjorie and Charlotte. Those two were the light weights of the group, but were also the funniest to be around drunk.

The cool night breeze was refreshing. The glow of the street lights illuminating the sidewalk outside the bar. The sound of footsteps filling the air as others walked to their cars to leave.

Still buzzed from her wine, Autumn called out, "I'm getting taxis. No one's driving tonight." While dialing the number, she sees Charlotte and Mia wondering off. She swiftly catches up to them, "Absolutely not... you two are waiting for a taxi and going straight home!"

She turns them around with her hands on their backs guiding back to the safety of the group. The taxi service picks up as Autumn is holding her phone between her ear and shoulder. She pushes the two women on towards the group, "Hi, I'm going to need 4 taxis to 24 Russell St."

They remain standing together as they wait for the taxis to arrive. The Knight siblings, of course, are watching over everyone making sure they all stay safe. When the taxis pull up, Autumn walks Vivian and Siobhan to their taxi giving the driver the address and payment. Reece walks Mia and Charlotte to their taxi handing a piece of paper with the address on along with cash. The siblings nod to each other as they and their partners climb into their taxi.

Siobhan lays her head on Vivian's shoulder as their taxi pulls away. The slight swoosh of cars passing by and soft music from the radio almost soothes them. "Viv, I think I'm free. He's finally gone. We can be together—really together."

There is finally a chance for a future. A true chance of life with Vivian... a chance for love.

Vivian's face lights up as a soft smile appears. Lifting Siobhan's chin towards her she rests her forehead against the blonde's. "Yes baby, I think you are right."

Finally, she can let her walls down and truly feel safe. Finally I can feel safe to love her without holding back, without fear of losing her at any moment.

Their lips brush softly, their eyes locked in quiet reverence. They both lean into each other as they fully connect their lips.

They become more and more passionate as they allow the other access. Siobhan's hands sneak under Vivian's shirt as she softly caresses the woman's body. Vivian's lips brushed Siobhan's neck in fleeting touches, teasing but restrained, leaving both wanting more as their breaths mingled in stolen moments. Their bodies lurch forward as the taxi comes to a stop. Smiles and laughter break through as they thank the driver and run towards the house.

Vivian begins to unlock the door, but pauses and turns to Siobhan. "What is it Viv?" The taller woman just stares for a moment into those piercing gray eyes. "Could this really be it? Our forever?"