It was a freeing feeling to be seen so completely. Beverly often felt confined in her little world. The binding was her own doing trying to live up to expcations she placed on herself. Beverly had kept a wall up the majority of her life. she hid behind her high-strung, type A persona, which wasn't completely fabricated, but most never got close enough to peel back the layers of her character. It was only Rocky who ever had the privilege of seeing her so incomplete when Beverly strived for perfection. She was given that same privilege back. Knowing the most intimate sides of her boyfriend no one else would ever see was something she did not take for granted.
"you're welcome." she nudged his shoulder playfully. The blush painting his cheeks causing her stomach to flutter with affection. The affection bloomed further as he kissed her knee. It traveled to her chest and exploded into a warmth she could only describe as home. Rocky was her anchor, a grounding force which was ironic given her boyfriend was known for never being able standing still. "I do intend on making sure you keep your promise." with a quick inhale, Bev slide off the side of the pool and plunged into the cold water below. As she surfaced she squealed to herself as her body regulated to the new temperature. Her arms reached out to wrap themselves around Rocky's neck as she smiled at him. "There. My hair is wet now. Were you waiting for me to jump in all night?"
"Drama queen," he teased, though he couldn't say he was mad about her coming to him for warmth. Considering Beverly had always been the smart one, the mature one, the one who didn't need supervision, it was nice to feel needed by her. "Yeah, figured you'd get there eventually. Had to make sure it was before Buffy pushed you though, for everyone's safety," Rocky laughed, though it was a genuine concern not only because his sister was just as much of a menace but because he knew Bev didn't like having her hand forced. If she was going to join him it had to be her choice or the party would be as good as over for them. Sure, his friends had always thought her a bit of a stick in the mud in that regard but he had huge respect for her ability to stand up for herself.
"Well, anyway, now that we've done that... home time?" he spun slowly in the water. It was a joke of course, because everything was a joke to him at the end of the day. Still, his grin was half drunk and dopey and ignorant of the rest of the party around them. "Next time is your choice. We can do something," he stole a kiss just because, "much warmer."











