Instant Family (SWSH Fanfic)

Coping Mechanisms: Part 2

Gloria walked over to the bed, wincing at almost every step as she did her best to work out the stiffness in her muscles. She picked up her phone, sliding her thumb across the screen to check her messages.

Hmm, Sonia? I haven't talked to her since... forever...

Sonia: Hey Gloria, have some time for a quick call, girlie? Lemme know!

Gloria looked at her phone, then glanced out the window. She weighed her priorities, shrugging inconsequentially as she shoved the phone in her butt pocket.

Ehhhh doesn't sound too urgent... Tonight I wanna just focus on Bea...

She felt a dopey smile spread across her face at the thought of her, those same words continuing to echo through her mind.

"I've got you..."

She was suddenly brought back to reality by a knock on her door. Her ears perked up.

Do I hear... panting...?

"Euuuhghhhhh here we go..." Gloria's face started to turn red with effort as she forced herself to stand, shuffling painfully to the door. Her heart melted at the sight of Bea's face when the door creaked open. She stepped aside and beckoned her in.

"Well you got here fast," Gloria said teasingly, closing the door behind them, "one workout wasn't enough for you today?" She walked close behind Bea, wrapping her arms around her waist.

She smiled as Bea's ears turned bright red.

-•-

"Oh— well I mean—" Oh no oh no she shouldn't be so close, do I smell bad? I think I might. Do I seem to excited? Is it lame? How much time has passed?

"You okay? Helloooo, any reason you rushed over here so fast?" Gloria's voice gave Bea goosebumps, stalling out her internal thought process completely.

Uhhhhh

"Uhhhhh," Bea turned herself around in Gloria's arms as she tried to find the words to say. "No particular reason?" Wait that's dumb, don't make her feel bad, she's important. Say something smart. "Actually scratch that? There are several particular reasons." Gloria flashed a smile as she pulled her in for a tight hug. Bea's singular on-duty brain cell cheered for joy as a love struck grin flashed on her face. She nuzzled her face into the crook of Gloria's neck and felt a happy hum vibrate against her cheek. "Hey," she pulled away begrudgingly to scan Gloria up and down, "how are you feeling? I hope you've been walking around to keep circulation running..." Gloria looked down sheepishly, scuffing her foot against the carpet.

"Ehh about that... Yeah I mean, sort of?"

Bea cocked her eyebrow.

"Okay yeah no, I took a nap and I feel like death. Bea, I'm so out of shape, please help..." Gloria's hand went to grab her wrist, she winced as her muscles did their best to do her bidding. Bea's brow furrowed in concern.

Awwwh nooo she's so cute and littleeeee... Wait. Actually though, I should help her, maybe she should relax... Uhhhmmm...

Bea's hands reached out to Gloria's shoulders deftly as years of experience suddenly started to come back to her. She did her best to shake off the buzz of her raging heart beat as she guided Gloria to the chair behind her. She noticed a groan leave Gloria's lips as she settled into the chair, letting out a relieved sigh. Bea crouched in front of her, Gloria's gaze fell expectantly down to meet her eyes. Don't blush don't blush don't blush, this is business. She gently put her hands on the top of Gloria's thighs. She rolled her thumb over her soft skin.