Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lisa woke to the sound of the front door clicking shut.

Her eyes flew open, body tense before her brain caught up. She sat upright in bed, straining to listen. For a second, she thought maybe she'd imagined it, another restless dream after too many late shifts. But then came the faint creak of the garden gate, the quick scuff of trainers on the path.

"Bloody hell," she muttered, scrambling out of bed.

By the time she reached the window, the street was empty. Just the faint blur of movement vanishing around the corner, too far away to call back.

Lisa swore under her breath, grabbing her phone off the bedside table. She checked the time: 4:07 a.m. Quickly checked beside her, Carla Connor, her girlfriend of 9 months still sleeping beside her, in their bed. Her stomach dropped. Betsy. Who else would it be?

She dialled her daughter's number with shaking fingers. It rang. And rang. No answer.

"Come on, pick up," Lisa hissed, pacing the room. She called again, then again. On the third try, the call cut off immediately. Declined.

Lisa opened messages and started firing texts.

Lisa:
Where are you?
Answer me now.
Betsy this isn't funny.

Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. No reply.

"Jesus Christ." Lisa pressed her knuckles against her mouth, trying not to panic. She was supposed to be the calm one. DS Swain, steady under pressure. But this wasn't work. This was her girl. Her only girl.

The duvet rustled behind her. "Lis?"

Carla's voice was thick with sleep. She propped herself up on one elbow, hair sticking out in all directions. "What time is it?"

"Too bloody early." Lisa shoved her phone into her dressing gown pocket and started for the door. "She's gone. Snuck out. Just walked straight out the front door."

Carla blinked, trying to catch up. "Who? Betsy?"

"Of course Betsy!" Lisa snapped, then immediately softened at the look on Carla's face. "Sorry. I just...I heard her leave. I tried ringing. She's ignoring me."

Carla swung her legs out of bed and stood, tugging Lisa gently back before she could bolt down the stairs. "Alright, breathe. She's seventeen, Lis. She's not, she's not out committing armed robbery."

Lisa shot her a look. "Don't joke."

"I'm not." Carla squeezed her arm. "She's probably meeting a mate, or going to get a bit of space. Kids do that."

"Not mine," Lisa whispered fiercely. "She knows better. Anything could happen out there. You've no idea the kind of calls I've been on at this time in the morning."

Carla did know. Not the details, maybe, but she saw it in Lisa's eyes often enough. The things that stuck to her skin even after the uniform was off.

Lisa's phone buzzed in her pocket. She snatched it out, heart in her throat. Betsy. Finally. She opened the message.

Betsy:
Stop. I'm fine. Be back soon.

"That's it?" Lisa's hands trembled as she showed the screen to Carla. "No where, no when, just back soon?"

"At least she answered," Carla offered carefully.

"That's not good enough!" Lisa paced the bedroom, energy sparking off her like static. "She's a kid, Carla. Out there at God knows where, four in the morning. Anything could happen."

Lisa sent another message.

Lisa:
No Betsy, home now!
You're not an adult!

Carla caught her hand, steadying her. "And it hasn't. Not yet. She'll come back."

Lisa wanted to argue, wanted to tear the street apart until she found her daughter. But Carla's grip was firm, her gaze level. Reluctantly, she sank onto the edge of the bed, pressing the heels of her hands into her eyes.

"I can't do this," Lisa whispered. "I can't lose her. Not after—" Her voice cracked. She didn't finish.

Carla sat beside her, a hand smoothing down her back. She didn't push, didn't ask her to finish. She just sat there until Lisa's breathing evened out, until the tension in her shoulders eased slightly.

An hour dragged by. Lisa checked her phone every minute, rereading Betsy's single line of reassurance until the words blurred. Carla coaxed her downstairs eventually, making her tea she didn't touch, turning on the kitchen light against the dark.

When the door finally creaked open just after six, Lisa was already in the hallway.

The light snapped on.

"Elizabeth Swain." Lisa's voice was sharp, slicing through the silence.

Betsy froze halfway through shutting the door, hoodie zipped high, hair damp with mist. "Mum"

"Where have you been?" Lisa's voice was tight with anger and fear twined together.

Betsy kicked her trainers off, not meeting her gaze. "Out."

"Out where?"

"Just out."

"Don't you dare fob me off." Lisa stepped forward, tone rising. "Do you have any idea what you've just put me through? Waking up to find you gone, not answering your phone, ignoring my messages"

"I wasn't ignoring you!" Betsy snapped, eyes flashing. "I just didn't want" She stopped herself, chest heaving.

"Didn't want what?"

Betsy's throat bobbed. For a second she looked about twelve again, small and lost. "Didn't want you to come after me."

Lisa blinked, thrown. "And why wouldn't I?"

"Because—" Betsy's voice cracked, soft now. "Because I went to Mum's grave. Okay? I didn't want a scene. I just... needed to talk to her."

The words sucked the fight right out of the air.

Lisa's shoulders sagged, the anger dissolving into something rawer. "Oh, love..." She reached for her, but Betsy sidestepped, keeping the hood up like armour.

"I'm having a shower." Her voice was small but final. She darted up the stairs, footsteps heavy. A moment later, the bathroom door clicked shut.

Lisa stood frozen, staring at the empty space her daughter had left. Her chest rose and fell too fast, her hands shaking.

Carla stepped closer, hair messy, voice gentler than Lisa thought possible. "Don't go too hard on her."

Lisa swallowed. "She should've told me. I can't... I can't keep her safe if she sneaks around like that."

"I know," Carla soothed. "But she's grieving, Lis. Same as you. She's not out causing trouble. She's just... trying to keep a piece of Becky close."

Lisa let out a shaky laugh, bitter around the edges. "I should understand that better than anyone."

"You do," Carla said firmly. She eased Lisa onto the bottom stair and sat with her. For a while they just listened to the shower running upstairs, the pipes rattling faintly.

Then Carla tilted her head, almost casual. "Maybe what she needs isn't you watching her every second. Maybe she needs something else. Something good."

Lisa glanced sideways. "Like what?"

"Holiday."

Lisa blinked. "Holiday?"

Carla smirked faintly. "Yeah. Sun, sand, a few cocktails for us, mocktails for her. Give her a chance to feel seventeen again, instead of carrying the weight of the world."

Lisa stared at her, half in disbelief, half in wonder. "You'd do that?"

Carla shrugged. "She's yours. Which means she's a bit mine too. Whether she likes it or not."

Something fragile flickered between them. Lisa leaned her head briefly against Carla's shoulder, and for the first time that night, she breathed easier.

Upstairs, Betsy stood with her forehead against the bathroom door, listening to the faint murmur of their voices through the floorboards. She didn't understand why it made her chest ache, but it did.

Chapter Text

By the time the bathroom door opened upstairs, steam curling out into the landing, Carla had already made tea and shoved two slices of bread into the toaster. She wasn't much of a breakfast person herself, black coffee was usually as far as she went pop but something about Lisa pacing the kitchen like a storm cloud made her want to anchor the morning with the normal stuff.

Lisa sat at the table, robe pulled tight, phone face-down beside her. She hadn't said much since Betsy disappeared upstairs. The faint thud of drawers opening and closing had carried down, followed by the hairdryer, and Lisa's eyes had flicked toward the ceiling with every noise.

"She'll come down when she's ready," Carla said, sliding the tea in front of her.

Lisa huffed. "You're very calm about this."

Carla arched a brow, leaning against the counter with her own mug. "One of us has to be. You'll give yourself a coronary otherwise."

"I'm her mum, Carla," Lisa snapped, then softened immediately. "Sorry. I just can't help it."

Carla reached over and brushed her fingers against Lisa's hand, grounding her. "I get it. But maybe let her explain when she's ready. No point scaring her off before she opens her mouth."

The kitchen door creaked open then, and Betsy shuffled in, hair damp, hoodie swapped for a pyjama top with loose joggers. She avoided both their gazes, heading straight for the cupboard.

"Toast?" Carla offered, nodding toward the plate.

Betsy hesitated, then slid into the chair opposite Lisa and reached for a slice without a word.

The silence was thick. Lisa cleared her throat. "We need to talk about this morning."

Betsy groaned, chewing aggressively. "Do we, though?"

"Yes." Lisa's tone was firm, but gentler than before. "Betsy, you can't just leave the house in the middle of the night without telling me."

"I wasn't sneaking off to party," Betsy muttered. "I told you. I went to see Mum."

Lisa's expression softened at the mention of Becky, but she pressed on. "I know, love. But it's dangerous being out alone at that time. Anything could happen."

Betsy rolled her eyes, then looked down at her plate. "I just needed her. And I didn't want you to come and hover."

Lisa opened her mouth, but Carla cut in smoothly. "She's got a point, Lis. Sometimes you've just got to let her breathe."

Betsy blinked at Carla, surprised at the defence. "Thanks."

Lisa shot Carla a look but didn't argue. She knew when to pick her battles.

Carla took a sip of tea, then set her mug down. "Look, no one's saying don't go. Just let your mum know where you are next time, yeah? Even a text. Saves everyone panicking."

Betsy slumped back in her chair. "Fine."

"Fine?" Lisa echoed.

"Fine!" Betsy repeated louder, half-exasperated, half-teenager.

The corner of Carla's mouth twitched, and she leaned close to Lisa to murmur, "That's as good as you'll get."

Lisa sighed, defeated but grateful.

Betsy picked at her toast, quieter now. "It's just sometimes it feels like if I don't go, she'll think I've forgotten her. Like I'm moving on or something."

Lisa's throat tightened. "Oh, love. Becky wouldn't think that. She'd just want you to be happy."

Betsy swallowed hard, blinking fast. "Doesn't feel like that."

Carla reached across the table, nudging Betsy's plate with her finger. "Hey. You don't stop loving someone just because you smile again. You carry them with you. Even on holiday."

Betsy glanced up, startled. "Holiday?"

Lisa frowned. "Carla—"

Carla shrugged, deliberately casual. "I was saying earlier to your mum, maybe we all need a break. Bit of sun, bit of sea. Recharge. It'd do you both good."

Betsy's eyes widened. "You mean like abroad?"

"Yeah." Carla leaned back, smirking at her reaction. "All-inclusive, if you're lucky. Ice cream on tap, poolside sun loungers. You'd hate it, obviously."

Betsy sat up straighter, a spark lighting in her eyes. "I would not! That sounds amazing."

Lisa pinched the bridge of her nose. "Hold on. Carla, you can't just spring-"

"Why not?" Carla cut in smoothly. "We could all use it. You've been working yourself into the ground, Betsy's stuck between school and grief, and me..." She gave a half-shrug. "Well, I could do with a tan."

Betsy let out a snort of laughter, clapping a hand over her mouth. "You sitting still to sunbathe?"

Carla smirked. "Oi. I can sit still on a lounger with the best of them. Don't underestimate me."

Lisa looked between them, torn between exasperation and warmth. She'd never seen Betsy light up so quickly in weeks.

"I don't know," Lisa murmured. "It's a lot of money."

Carla reached under the table and squeezed her hand. "I'll cover it. Think of it as an investment. In us."

Lisa's breath caught. She studied Carla, searching her face. Carla looked serious, softer than Lisa was used to seeing her, but steady.

Betsy leaned forward, grinning despite herself. "Mum, please. Can we? I'll even stop sneaking out."

"You'd better," Lisa muttered, though her lips twitched.

Carla leaned back, smug. "Sorted, then. I'll start looking at flights later."

Betsy beamed, shoving the rest of her toast in her mouth before bounding up from the chair. "I'm telling everyone at school."

"Don't jinx it!" Lisa called after her, but Betsy had already vanished upstairs.

Silence filled the kitchen again. Lisa turned to Carla slowly. "You're serious about this?"

Carla nodded. "Deadly."

Lisa exhaled, long and shaky. "You don't have to, you know. Step in like this. Take her on."

Carla reached for her mug again, voice quieter. "I want to. For you. For her. For us."

Something settled in Lisa's chest then, fragile but real. Maybe, just maybe, they could make this family thing work.

After breakfast, Lisa half-expected Carla to let the holiday talk fizzle out. Carla was good at sweeping declarations, less good at follow-through. But an hour later, when Lisa wandered back into the living room, there they were, Betsy sprawled on the sofa with the laptop perched on her knees, Carla leaning over her shoulder, scrolling with a look of determination.

"Spain or Greece?" Carla mused. "Greece is gorgeous, but you two would fry out there. I, on the other hand" She smirked, running a hand through her hair.

Betsy gave her an unimpressed look. "You're already darker than me! How's that fair?"

Carla arched a brow, lips twitching. "Natural advantages, love. Some of us don't need a bottle of fake tan to look human in summer."

Betsy gasped dramatically. "Cheeky cow!" She elbowed Carla lightly, but a grin betrayed her.

Lisa leaned against the doorway, amused. "I can't leave you two alone for five minutes without it turning into a competition."

"Not my fault," Carla said smugly, slipping onto the sofa beside Betsy. "She started it."

"You did!" Betsy protested, but instead of moving away, she nestled half under Carla's arm, laptop balanced between them. Carla's arm slipped naturally around her shoulders, smugness giving way to something softer.

Lisa joined them, perching on the armrest, close enough that her knee brushed against Carla's.

"Alright, let's see what you've found," Lisa said, leaning in.

Betsy clicked a tab with enthusiasm. "All-inclusive in Spain. Pool, beach, free ice cream, and apparently there's a water park next door. That one's got my vote."

Carla gave her shoulder a squeeze. "Typical. You're your mother's daughter, led by your stomach."

Lisa swatted her arm lightly. "Oi. Less of that."

Carla tilted her head up, eyes glinting. "Don't worry. I'm partial to desserts too." Her tone dipped suggestively, and Lisa flushed instantly.

"Mum, tell her to stop," Betsy groaned, pulling the laptop higher like a shield.

Lisa shot Carla a look. "Behave."

Carla only smirked, whispering in mock-conspiracy near Lisa's ear, "She's just jealous she hasn't inherited my golden glow."

"Gross!" Betsy squeaked, burying her face into Carla's side.

Lisa laughed outright then, the sound light and unguarded. She reached down, brushing her fingertips across Carla's cheek with a look that was half warning, half adoration. Carla tilted into the touch briefly before turning back to the screen with a grin she couldn't hide.

"Spain it is," Carla declared. "Book it before I change my mind. You two can fight for the best sun lounger while I sit back, smug, and naturally radiant."

Betsy groaned again but cuddled closer, mumbling through the laptop screen, "This family is ridiculous."

Lisa smiled faintly, watching them. Ridiculous, maybe. But theirs.

The laptop hummed softly on Betsy's knees, its glow painting her face in pale light. Carla had taken command of the trackpad, scrolling with a look of business-like determination that was almost comical given she was still in one of Lisa's old t-shirts, hair tumbling over her shoulders in messy waves.

Betsy was tucked firmly under her arm now, almost absent-minded, though every so often she jabbed a finger at the screen. "That one. No, that one. Ooh, that one's got slides!"

Carla sighed, dramatic. "Slides, Betsy? You're seventeen, not seven."

"Seventeen-year-olds still like fun, you dinosaur," Betsy shot back, grinning. "Anyway, you're the one going soft in your old age."

Carla gave a scandalised gasp, nudging her sharply in the ribs. "Watch it, or I'll book us into a nudist resort just to punish you."

Lisa, perched on the armrest beside them, nearly spat her tea out. "Carla!"

Betsy recoiled, eyes wide. "You wouldn't."

Carla's smirk turned devilish. "Try me."

Lisa gave her a warning look, though her lips were twitching. "Behave, the pair of you. Show me the one with the slides."

Carla rolled her eyes, but clicked anyway. The webpage loaded with glossy photos: aquamarine pools, a beach shimmering in the distance, kids shrieking with joy as they shot down water flumes.

Betsy's face lit up. "Yes! This one. Look, Mum, they've got everything. And free ice cream on tap."

Carla groaned. "If you mention ice cream one more time, I'll—"

"buy me some?" Betsy cut in sweetly, batting her lashes.

Lisa snorted, unable to hold back the laugh. Carla shot her a wounded look. "You're supposed to be on my side."

Lisa slid her hand down onto Carla's thigh, a subtle squeeze. "I'll swap sides when you stop pretending you're not loving this."

Carla blinked, caught off guard, her smirk faltering into something warmer. She turned her head just slightly, catching Lisa's gaze. For a beat, the room softened, Betsy clicking away on the laptop, Lisa's touch steady against her leg, Carla's chest tight with something she didn't dare put into words.

"Gross," Betsy groaned suddenly, without looking up. "I can feel you two making eyes at each other."

Lisa flushed, snatching her hand back. "We were not!"

Carla chuckled under her breath, entirely unrepentant. "She's just jealous, love."

"Jealous of what?" Betsy asked, suspicious.

"My Manchester tan," Carla answered smoothly, tossing her hair. "Unlike you, I don't need tan in a bottle."

Betsy gasped, scandalised. "That is so rude!" She jabbed her elbow into Carla's side, though she didn't move away from her arm. "At least I don't look like I've been basted in olive oil."

Lisa shook her head, laughing again. "God, you two are like sisters sometimes."

Carla shot her a look, wicked. "Better watch it, Sergeant. That's not the role I was hoping for."

Lisa blushed crimson. "Carla."

Betsy groaned loudly, flopping against Carla's side like a dying starfish. "You two are the worst. Can we please just book this before I disown you both?"

Carla smirked, fingers tapping the mousepad. "Fine. Spain. All-inclusive. Pool. Beach. Ice cream. Water park. Three weeks from now. Sound good?"

"Yes!" Betsy bounced slightly in her seat. "Do it, do it, do it."

Lisa hesitated. "Wait rooms? Are we all sharing? Because I'm not—"

Betsy cut her off with mock horror. "No way. I'm not sharing with you two. Imagine hearing—"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Lisa warned, eyes wide.

Carla cackled, unable to stop herself. "Go on, Bets, say it."

"Mum and Carla getting all..." Betsy wrinkled her nose, waving her hands vaguely. "Coupley. Ew. No thanks. I'll send Carla the therapy bill."

Lisa groaned, covering her face with her hand. "Why did I think this was a good idea?"

Carla was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes, one arm tightening around Betsy while the other reached for Lisa's waist, tugging her closer to the sofa. "Because deep down, you love me," she teased.

Lisa tried to fight a smile, but it broke through anyway. "God help me, I do."

Betsy flung herself sideways into Carla with a dramatic sigh, burying her face against her. "Kill me now. I'm stuck on holiday with lovebirds."

Carla kissed the top of her head, smirking. "Get used to it, kid. We're a package deal."

And for the first time in weeks, Betsy didn't pull away.

Chapter Text

The morning of the flight, the house was mercifully quiet, Michelle and baby Ryan had been round to say their goodbyes the previous night. Betsy bounced around like a sugar-fuelled pinball, dragging her small suitcase behind her and rehearsing how many ice creams she could eat before Carla intervened.

Lisa stood in the hallway, suitcase zipped and ready, still adjusting her scarf over a light sweater. "I swear, I'm not going to overpack again," she muttered, though she'd stuffed at least three extra layers in the bottom just in case.

Carla leaned against the wall, arms crossed, sunglasses perched on her head. "You'll survive. If nothing else, Spain isn't exactly Siberia."

Betsy wrinkled her nose. "She was convinced she will freeze, mark my words. And she's still bringing those awful vests."

Lisa shot her a mock glare. "Don't start."

Betsy shrugged, grinning. "Just observing."

Carla laughed softly, brushing a hand down Lisa's back. "Honestly, Lis, you look good no matter what. Even in those vests."

Lisa felt herself flush, ducking her head but smiling anyway. "Carla."

"I mean it," Carla insisted, leaning in close, letting her arm rest lightly along Lisa's waist. "Seriously. You're gorgeous, and I don't care about the sweater. You're mine."

Betsy groaned loudly. "Ugh! Gross! Can we please leave before you two start a public display?"

Lisa laughed, squeezing Carla's hand. "You're lucky you're cute, Bets."

Carla smirked, dropping a quick kiss to Lisa's temple. "And we're off before she combusts entirely."

By the time they reached the airport, Betsy had already mapped out the exact route to the check-in desk and the coffee shop for a pre-flight hot chocolate. Carla carried the smaller suitcase effortlessly, Lisa juggling the bigger cases and boarding passes.

The check-in line was already long, and Betsy immediately turned into a whirlwind of energy, tugging Carla along while pointing out security queues and duty-free shops.

Lisa muttered, "She's going to wear us out before we even get to Spain."

Carla squeezed her hand, leaning close. "Maybe. But look at her face. That's what matters."

Betsy, noticing them holding hands, rolled her eyes dramatically. "I can't with you two. Honestly. Gross again."

Carla laughed, tugging Lisa closer. "It's worth it."

Lisa rested her head on Carla's shoulder as they queued, and for the first time in months, she let herself breathe. Chaos, teasing, laughter and now, for a little while, sun and sea awaited them.

“Carla, Carla can I buy something from duty free?” Betsy pleaded, she pushed her hands together and smirked.

“Betsy no absolutely not, don’t be so rude!” Lisa snapped, meanwhile Carla was in her purse dragging out her credit card. She held it in front of the younger girl.

“You do not spend over £100 deal?” Carla said seriously, Betsy knew Carla would always give her money. Betsy nodded her head and took the card from Carla, smiling widely before throwing her hands around her.

“Thank you, thank you” she squealed.

Betsy barely sat still long enough for the seatbelt to click. She had claimed the window seat with a triumphant grin, kicking the small bag she had stuffed under the seat, already pressing her face against the glass.

Lisa, meanwhile, fumbled with the seatbelt, hands trembling slightly. Her palms were clammy, and she cast nervous glances at the plane's interior. The engines were humming softly, the cabin smelled faintly of recycled air, and the thought of thousands of feet of nothingness below her made her stomach twist.

Carla leaned over, slipping her hand into Lisa's. "Hey. Look at me."

Lisa's fingers curled around Carla's like a lifeline, gripping tight. "I... I can't. I hate flying."

Carla's thumb stroked the back of Lisa's hand slowly. "Shh. I've got you. Nothing's going to happen. I'm right here. Just breathe with me, okay?"

Lisa tried, shallow breaths shaking her chest. Carla mirrored her, slow and steady, fingers still intertwined. "Okay..." she whispered, voice tight.

Betsy, still squished against the window, glanced over. "Mum, you look like you're about to faint."

Lisa shot her a warning glare, but Carla's calm voice kept her grounded. "It's fine, Bets. She's fine. Just the engines. That's all."

Betsy, wide-eyed and impressed, pressed her face closer to the window. "I can't believe you're calming Mum like this.."

Lisa's eyes widened. "Betsy!"

Carla's lips quirked into a soft smile. She gave Lisa's hand a reassuring squeeze. "See? You're okay. Just trust me."

The plane taxied toward the runway. Lisa's knuckles turned white on Carla's hand as the engines roared louder. "I—ugh—I can't!" she breathed, a small whimper escaping.

Carla leaned close, brushing hair from Lisa's forehead. "Yes, you can. I'm right here. Look at me. In. Out. Focus on me, not the plane. You've done this before. You'll be fine."

The wheels lifted off, and Lisa's breath hitched, gripping Carla's hand even tighter. "It's..it's happening!"

"I know," Carla murmured, thumb tracing gentle circles over her knuckles. "I've got you. Every second. You're safe."

Betsy, leaning back slightly, whispered conspiratorially, "Seriously, Mum. You're gripping her like she's a lifeboat."

Lisa exhaled shakily, eyes watering slightly. "I feel... I feel safer."

Carla smiled softly, brushing a gentle kiss over the top of Lisa's hand. "That's my job."

Once the plane leveled out, Lisa finally relaxed a little. She leaned back against the seat, still holding Carla's hand, but breathing easier. Carla gave her a small squeeze, eyes bright with a quiet triumph.

Later, when Lisa excused herself to the toilet, Betsy leaned across from her window seat, lowering her voice so no one else could hear. "You know, even Becky couldn't calm Mum on a plane like you just did. That was kind of amazing."

Carla smirked, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Is that so?"

Betsy grinned wickedly. "Yeah. She's your problem now."

Carla chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Don't tempt me."

Betsy's eyes twinkled. "I think she's already yours. And don't worry, I approve."

Carla glanced toward the aisle where Lisa was returning, holding herself slightly straighter now, more composed. Carla's lips softened into a smile. "Well let's see how long this honeymoon phase lasts," she whispered, a gentle squeeze of Betsy's hand under the tray table.

Betsy just grinned, leaning back to watch the clouds race by outside, already plotting the chaos and bonding that lay ahead on their Spanish holiday.

The landing came with a jolt that made Lisa gasp, clutching Carla's arm again. Carla only smiled, calm as ever, stroking her hand until the plane finally slowed to a crawl.

"You survived," Carla whispered with a smirk.

"Barely," Lisa muttered, her face still pale.

Betsy pressed her nose against the window, bouncing with excitement. "We're here! Sunshine, palm trees, actual heat that doesn't come from a dodgy radiator, this is heaven already!"

Carla chuckled. "We haven't even got off the plane yet, you.”

The moment the seatbelt sign pinged off, Betsy scrambled for her bag from the overhead locker, knocking Lisa's shoulder in the process. "Careful, will you?" Lisa scolded, but Betsy was too busy beaming.

The walk through arrivals was chaos, queues, heat, tourists everywhere. Lisa tried to keep a grip on both her suitcase and Betsy, but Betsy darted ahead, weaving through the crowd like she'd been here a hundred times.

"Slow down!" Lisa called, exasperated.

Carla only laughed, catching Lisa's hand. "She'll come back when she realises she doesn't know where the exit is."

Sure enough, Betsy circled back a minute later, sheepish grin plastered on her face. "I was just... checking it out."

"Mm-hm," Lisa said, tugging her closer.

By the time they reached the hotel, Lisa's nerves had given way to weariness. She leaned on the reception desk while Carla handled the check-in with her usual sharp efficiency. Betsy was too busy gaping at the huge lobby, marble floors, chandeliers, and a fountain that looked like it belonged in a palace.

"This place is insane," Betsy whispered, wide-eyed. "We're not fancy enough for this."

Carla grinned, sliding the room keys into Lisa's hand. "We are now."

The suite had two bedrooms, a balcony overlooking the pool, and crisp white sheets that smelled faintly of sea breeze. Betsy ran straight out onto the balcony, leaning over the rail. "Mum! Carla! Look you can see the sea!"

Lisa stepped out beside her, shading her eyes against the glare of the afternoon sun. "It's beautiful."

Carla came up behind her, sliding an arm around Lisa's waist as though it were second nature. "Told you it'd be worth it."

Lisa leaned into her touch, warmth spreading in her chest that had nothing to do with the Spanish heat. "You were right."

Betsy glanced back, catching them, and groaned loudly. "Honestly. It's day one. Could you not?"

Carla only laughed, kissing the top of Lisa's head deliberately. "Nope."

Lisa flushed, swatting at her lightly. "Carla!"

Betsy stomped back inside, muttering about how she'd have to book therapy when they got home.

Carla smirked, tightening her hold around Lisa's waist. "She'll get over it. Besides..." she tilted her head, lips brushing close to Lisa's ear, "I'm more interested in how you're doing."

Lisa let herself smile, soft and genuine, gazing out at the horizon where the sea shimmered beneath the late afternoon sun. "I'm good. Nervous. But good."

"Good," Carla murmured, pressing another kiss to her temple. "Because this week's about us. You, me, and the challenger."

"Oi!" Betsy shouted from inside, already flicking through the TV channels in Spanish.

Lisa laughed, resting her head on Carla's shoulder. For the first time in months, the weight in her chest lifted, replaced by the thrill of new air, new sights, and the simple comfort of being wrapped up in Carla's steady embrace.

 

The day had been long but good, settling into the hotel, wandering through narrow streets with tiled walls and tiny cafés, dipping their toes in the sand just to say they had. By the time evening rolled in, the balcony doors were wide open, letting in the hum of cicadas and the faint crash of the sea.

Betsy sprawled across a sun lounger, flicking playing cards onto the little glass table with a grin. "Go Fish!" she shouted, slapping down a card.

Lisa laughed, swirling her glass of white wine. "That's not how you play."

"It is if I say it is," Betsy replied, smirking.

Carla, perched beside Lisa with her own glass, reached out to pinch Betsy's ear. "Cheat."

"Oi!" Betsy squealed, batting her hand away. "You're supposed to be soft now. That's what you are soft."

Carla rolled her eyes but leaned back, draping an arm across Lisa's shoulders in full view of Betsy. "Soft, am I?" she asked, fingers trailing lightly along Lisa's arm.

Lisa shot her a side-eye, though the corner of her mouth twitched with a smile. "You could tone it down."

"Not a chance," Carla murmured, pressing a quick kiss to Lisa's hair.

Betsy made a gagging noise, tossing her cards in the air dramatically. "Right, I'm going to bed before I lose my appetite for life. Goodnight, gross people."

Lisa chuckled. "Goodnight, Bets."

Carla blew her a kiss as Betsy stomped off. "Sweet dreams, kid."

The suite door clicked shut, leaving the balcony quiet except for the hum of evening and the clink of wine glasses. Carla turned back to Lisa, her touch growing less playful, more lingering. Her hand slid down Lisa's arm to lace their fingers together, thumb brushing the inside of her wrist.

"Finally," she said softly, voice dropping. "She's asleep. And I've got you to myself."

Lisa's heart flipped, heat rising in her chest as Carla leaned in, lips brushing hers once, twice, before deepening the kiss. The wine glass slipped forgotten onto the table. Carla's free hand cupped her jaw, steady, tender, yet full of intent.

"Carla..." Lisa breathed, though her body leaned into the touch, already yielding.

Carla's smile curved against her lips. "What? Can't keep my hands off you. You're gorgeous, Lis. Sitting here under Spanish stars, how could I resist?"

Lisa shivered as Carla's mouth trailed along her jaw, down her neck, leaving soft kisses that made her toes curl. The chair creaked as Lisa shifted, tugged closer, until there was no space left between them.

Carla's fingers slipped beneath the hem of Lisa's top, tracing the skin of her waist. "Come on," she whispered against her ear, voice husky. "Balcony's nice, but I want you in that bed. Now."

Lisa exhaled sharply, desire threading through her nerves, and let Carla tug her up. Their laughter spilled as they stumbled through the doorway, wine glasses still half-full, kisses urgent, hands everywhere.

The bedroom door closed behind them, and Spain's night faded into something entirely their own.

The moment the bedroom door clicked shut, Carla pressed Lisa gently against it, her mouth seeking hers in a kiss that was slow but full of intent. Lisa's hands found Carla's shoulders, clinging as though she might fall without the anchor.

"You're dangerous," Lisa whispered, breath catching when Carla's lips brushed her ear.

Carla smirked against her skin. "And you love it."

Lisa's laugh broke into a soft moan as Carla's kisses trailed lower, deliberate and teasing. Her nerves from earlier, her exhaustion from the long day, melted away in the warmth of Carla's touch. It wasn't rushed, it wasn't frantic, it was steady, coaxing, as though Carla wanted to remind her of every reason she felt safe in her arms.

Fingers tangled in Carla's hair, Lisa tilted her head back, giving in, her body moving in time with the rhythm Carla set. The bed caught them as they tumbled back together, laughter spilling between kisses.

Carla hovered above her for a moment, eyes burning with something both playful and achingly soft. "You're mine tonight," she whispered, brushing her thumb across Lisa's cheek.

Lisa's voice was shaky but sure. "I've always been."

The night stretched long, full of whispered promises, heated touches, and the kind of intimacy that spoke louder than words. The sound of the sea outside their balcony faded into the background until there was only them breathing, moving, loving, lost entirely in each other.

When silence finally settled, Lisa curled into Carla's arms, skin warm, heart steady against her chest. Carla kissed the crown of her head, pulling her close.

"Told you this holiday was going to be worth it," she murmured, voice low, satisfied.

Lisa smiled sleepily, her last conscious thought before drifting off being the certainty that she couldn't remember ever feeling this content, this safe.