Underneath the Tree (gg)

Chapter 5 - Like it's Christmas

Summary:
They all head down to the lobby to discuss what they're going to do first.

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Beth and Rio, standing near the elevator waiting for Annie and Ruby, "They said to meet here right? It's freezing and they're taking forever." Beth complains as she checks her phone for any calls.
"Ma, you need to calm down. It's only 8:53, they said 9:00." Rio places a hand on the small of her back.
She glances up towards him, just to notice he's doing the same. They both let small smiles curl up from the sides of their mouths.
Just as Beth is about to speak, "Hello y'all! Hot chocolate on the house, couples get complimentary mistletoe mugs!" A waitress holding a tray of mugs filled with hot chocolate, some of the mugs having mistletoes with the resort name plastered on the front.
"Oh we-" Beth begins.
"Thank you, we'll take those." Rio interrupts. The lady hands them both a mug with a mistletoe. Beth, still seemingly confused as the waitress walks away.
Beth stares towards Rio, saying nothing, but still with a confused look in her eyes. Before any words can be exchanged, the elevator door dings, opening to Annie and Ruby who seem to be more energized. Annie racing out of the elevator first to gallop towards Beth and Rio in the lobby, Ruby following behind.
"Hey sis... wait they gave you hot chocolate? Where did you get it? I need some right now!" Annie grabbing on the Ruby's wrist she runs towards the lady with the mugs. The waitress apparently says something that makes Annie and Ruby look back towards Beth and Rio.
Now running back to where they met, "We got some..." Annie says this suspiciously glancing down at their mugs.
"Annie don't start," Ruby catching up. "It's not your business."
Annie glares at Ruby, trying to hold back anything she has to say to either of them. Beth looks towards Ruby to mouth a thank you. Ruby nods and smiles back winking.
"Well, what are we gonna do today? I was hoping ice skating..." Beth continues as if nothing happened.
"Yeah.. I'm down, Ruby?" Annie shares a look with Ruby, still concerned.
"Ice skating sounds fine, does everyone have anything they need, or do we need to go back to the rooms?" Ruby doing a once over, making sure they aren't missing anything.
"Nah we good." Rio's voice deep, certain.

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They all make their way towards the rink, Annie skipping and galloping ahead. Ruby keeping up, and Beth and Rio lingering slightly behind.
"You know how to skate mama?" Rio with his hands in his pockets, still facing forwards.
"I guess... I know my way around a rink." Beth looking towards him, "You?"
"I can figure it out..." Rio says this with confidence, despite not actually knowing how.
"Okay..." Beth says this quietly and sweet.

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Having all getting their skates laced up, they make their way onto the ice. Annie starts first, speeding off without any regard to how slippery it is. The ice had just been resurfaced and no one had been on it yet. Ruby next, managing just fine, keeping her balance. Rio standing behind Beth, keeping her close so she wouldn't fall. They both get on the ice at the same time, without falling. Beth feeing quite comfortable, remembering having gone ice skating when she was younger. Despite having to basically raise Annie, their favorite month had been December. Ice skating had been one of the only highlights of their childhood.
"Are you doing okay?" Beth looking at Rio, he hadn't looked uncomfortable, but it was clear he'd never skated before.
"Why ma, do I look bad?" Rio smiles down at her.
"No, of course not, but I-" Beth stops, "... you're doing good."
Rio responds with a small laugh, as Annie is already lapping them. Ruby following behind Annie, glancing towards Beth giving her an encouraging look. Beth smiling back begins to pick up speed holding Rio's hand to keep him trailing. He adjusts easily and follows closely. They continue skating around as Annie comes up from behind Beth and accidentally trips her up. Annie continues to skate away as Beth and Rio stumble down to the ice, still holding hands.
They fall in a way that doesn't hurt, but Beth is somehow sitting between his legs, almost in a sledding position. Instead of scrambling up quickly, they just sit on the cold ice laughing.
"I swear, she did that on purpose," Beth continuing to laugh. She gets up to her feet bringing Rio with her. Now standing face to face, Beth looking up at Rio, both smiling. His face changes, not in a bad way, but before Beth can think, he's leaning down placing a kiss on her lips. She pulls away, about to question, but instead she presses her lips back onto his. They stand there for a brief minute, still in each others arms, pulling their lips apart. Beth still locking her eyes with Rio's, they both turn to someone clearing their throat.
"Um hello..." Annie is staring at them her arms crossed. Beth has a blank stare on her face with Rio smirking, but... how did she do that lap so fast? How long were they...?
"Hi...?" Beth is at a loss for words, just as she's about to continue, Ruby comes up from behind Annie, grabbing her arm to pull her away. Annie can't fight it, the ice is too slippery for her to protest.
"She ain't letting up huh?" Rio still staring down at Beth, realizing they are still in each other's arms, no intentions of pulling away.
"I don't know why she's acting like that. I never judge her when she makes questionable decisions. Well... I do, but I don't stop her from making them." Beth now staring down at their skates.
"It's fine, she's gon' have to get over it. It's gonna be a long week." Rio says this quietly, Beth meeting his eyes. He begins dragging her along as they continue down the rink, speeding up as he sees Annie jamming towards them. Beth begins picking up speed, she is now the one dragging Rio along. They engage in all out chase, dodging people and children to keep away from Annie. On the other hand, Ruby is skating casually, glancing behind to see Beth and Rio coming towards her. She skates quickly to the edge to hold the rail, not wanting to get involved. Beth continuing quickly with Rio in her hand, both laughing loudly as they pass Ruby. Annie picking up steam comes full force around the corner, having to slow down to avoid falling, Ruby grabs her arm.
"Annie, leave them alone. B is having the most fun she's had since she got married." Ruby scolds Annie, "Don't be a cock blocker."
Annie finally catching her breath begins to protest, looking past Ruby to see Beth and Rio in the corner of the rink, laughing as they catch their breaths, holding hands.
"What? I'm not be- it's just... she couldn't have chosen anyone else. I know I've made my fair share of bad decisions, but he's a criminal!" Annie actually sounding concerned.
Ruby looks at Annie, "I know... he is, we kind of all are, but she knows right from wrong. Let her be, okay?"
"Fine." Annie shrugs, as she gets a funny look on her face, "Race ya!" Annie continues off with a head start, Ruby following behind not even trying.
Beth holding on to the rail sees Annie racing past them, not chasing them this time, but retreating from Ruby who is casually following. Annie gives Beth a look, this time it seems approving, not judging. Rio notices too, he leans towards Beth to pull her in closer.
"She good now?" He laughs as he's still adjusting from having just skated a marathon.
"I think so, she looked at us funny." Beth looks up towards Rio, just to be met with his lips. Once again, he's pulling her in for a kiss, this time more passionate. As if he finally feels comfortable, like he needed the approval of Annie. They pull away, continuing to maintain eye contact, smiling and breaking out into laughter.

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