'Friendsgiving' (Becca Version)

This is a B. Warrick POV set prior to your return to Fernweh!

Within this writing, the two of you were roommates; however, this is something you'll be tailoring in Book Two or it can be left to headcanon as well. The choice I'm referencing is how the two of you met, so rooming together in university or just in general is an option among others. You could have met B in the foster care system and still ended up eventually rooming together, etc. Also, not living together works too! Imagine it however you desire, just in this piece you're roomies. 😌

Also, this implies a potential, future B romance. 🧡

Another muffled thud threatens to draw Becca's attention away from the butter and sugar she's creaming together. The highest setting on this electric hand mixer can't beat out those noises. Its small motor whines, but she uselessly mashes the button higher to—

"Got any water?"

Her eyes snap away from the aerated mixture to settle on Alicia, though they just as quickly flick away from her. That's half of the pajama set she bought you, the one with your favorite animal blotched all over it. Where's the matching pants? The shirt looks better on your figure, its color complimenting your skin and soft cotton perfect for a cuddle—a nice, friendly cuddle—on the couch. It's all wrong on her.

"The fridge…?" Becca hesitantly replies after turning off the mixer. Alicia makes no effort to move to said stainless steel appliance that holds an abundance of drinks. She simply waits with a distracted smile aimed at where your room is located that unfortunately backs up to the kitchen area. "I'll just get it for you."

"You're the best!"

Becca musters up a polite smile that instantly pinches once her back is turned to your 'guest' who shouldn't be here. It is Friendsgiving, not Bang-Fest-I-Forgot-Where-Water-Is-Giving, Smashed-Potatoes-Day, or Baste-Something-Else-Time. Becca's thoughts come rapid fire, building with the flush infiltrating her cheeks that the fridge's cool air quells. This is why she is keeping herself extra busy on top of being the main person cooking for today's mini-feast.

"Get lost in there?"

Alicia's joking question reminds her of the task at hand. "Is it for [Nickname] or you?"

"[Name], why?"

Becca doesn't directly reply to that, handing over a bottle of spring water that's unlike the smart water she'll sometimes drink. You claim this one tastes crisper and more natural, possibly because you grew up somewhere woodsy. She doesn't judge, always buying two cases at the store if that's what you prefer. You both agree sparkling water is a crime against humanity though. "It's a long story," Becca says.

"I bet it is."

With that dubious remark, Alicia returns to your bedroom without a 'thank you', but definitely with a bounce in her step, an eagerness. Becca catches herself mid-glare when a timer goes off that she's usually able to preempt. It's one benefit of being anxious. She had thought you'd still be asleep before hearing various noises from your bedroom that aren't really her place to judge. Maybe Alicia didn't want to overstep by rifling through your refrigerator. It could be Becca who's taking it too negatively.

Technically, it's your choice to share the PJs she bought for you, even if disappointment nips at her. She's definitely making it weird.

Stop it!

Becca returns to the apple spice cake she's determined to bake so it can sit before dessert time. Making rolls from scratch would've been preferable. She could be kneading—okay, 'pounding' fits better—dough instead of half-listening out for any thumps while carefully measuring dry ingredients. Alicia is… She is kind of funny to be around, and you deserve someone who makes you laugh. She also has a corporate job instead of taking classes and freelance photo gigs. There's something solid about her, yet she doesn't take things too seriously or overthink them, which might be better for you. Her parents invited you on a family vacation to—

Becca dumps more cinnamon into the mix, halting that comparison because that's what she's doing. There shouldn't be one. She's your best friend. Alicia is your… uh, occasional date/hook up/intruder-during-Friendsgiving person.

Becca's concern is your happiness. You deserve someone who treasures you.

She's only concerned.

"—turned it off?"

Your slightly raised voice ends with a dash extra of cinnamon in the cake before Becca puts aside her ingredients to avoid spills. In an instant, she angles towards your door. Her need to learn more wars with being respectful.

But there is some stray flour on that end of the counter, so… Becca slowly wipes up the spot.

"Because I wanted some me-time—us-time."

"It's my alarm."

"Don't make a big deal about it, baby," Alicia says, dismissive. "You clearly enjoyed yourself."

That borderline demeaning tone masked with humor provokes anger in Becca. Her counter cleaning stalls at the wrong moment because you're out the door of your room while she's still by the end of the counter. Fortunately, you miss her wide-eyed look at being caught since you're taking in the laden countertops, upset.

At least you're wearing your pajamas now.

Did Alicia just pull something on?

"I'm late," you lament. "Sorry, Bee."

This year you promised to be her sous chef and taster because Becca can get a little intense about everything coming out right, if not perfect. You soothe that part of her by lingering in the kitchen. She'll glance up and see you standing there, which makes her extra determined to cook something you'll love and that would make her grandmother proud. "No, it's okay, really," she decides. "There's a lot to—"

"It's literally just baking." Alicia cuts through Becca's reassurance. "She's got it covered."

Your upset heightens to irritation because Becca can spot the change in your face—how you do that thing with your eyes paired with a slow turn in Alicia's direction. Should she warn her…? Cover for her? "I mean, I can handle it—no need to stress if you've got things to do."

"That could be my new pet name," Alicia teases you. "Why slave away in a kitchen? I can get us reservations somewhere." Her grin widens when you give a recognizable warning look, suggesting to everyone this has been brought up already. "It can be a table for three or whatever." Alicia angles her head in Becca's direction. "What do you say…? It'll be fun."

She has the impression she's supposed to say 'no' to going along with you both, but 'yes' to abandoning her own holiday. 'Friend' is in the title! Becca focuses on you, suddenly unsure if this would be a superior evening, classy with less work and more time with your not-girlfriend.

"That idea is still DOA," you assert. "Drop it."

"I'm asking the reason for its death. Becca is probably a helluva lot less weird about it."

She's the reason you're staying here for dinner?

Becca's elation at that is engulfed with worries of if you're settling by staying in tonight. Alicia was technically included, except that may have been a compromise on your plans. She sets her wet dish towel aside after accidentally squeezing water out of it. "You two could—"

"No, that's all me," you retort. "I think it's best if you skip our dinner entirely. See? All me."

That was hot.

No, wait, no that means you're uninviting Alicia, which Becca is confusingly happy about after what she overheard. No one should ever speak to you rudely. She avoids Alicia's questioning stare, moving to stand by your side in support.

"You're canceling on me?" Alicia demands, laughing uncomfortably at this turn of events. "I—that wasn't even an option I gave you…?"

"You wanted to cancel ours, just go," you request. "'Give' me some space. I'll call you."

Alicia shakes her head in disbelief, shooting a look at Becca before grabbing her keys from the hook and storming out of your shared apartment. The door slamming shut gives her a good guess of who was making all of those thumps. "I… Are you okay?" she tentatively asks. You're still watching the door, clearly frustrated. "Or is there anything I can do?"

That wasn't really a break up, but still…

Becca wrangles her conflicting emotions to be someone you can feel safe leaning on, opening her arms for a hug. She smiles weakly once you instantly step into them, hugging her for all she's worth. She'd take that and more. The two of you stay like that for what's longer than a conventional embrace, not that Becca's too worried about that now when savoring it. Your pajamas are soft, smelling of your body wash, and you know how to wrap her up perfectly.

Above all else, it's comforting.

"She is kinda an ass with a great ass."

"Fair," Becca mumbles. "But I didn't like some of her comments. She should treat you better."

You pull back after she says that, meeting her eyes for a moment where Becca wills herself to concentrate on being reassuring rather than think about how stunning you naturally are.

"You're gorgeous and too good for Alicia."

That resolute thought is accidentally given voice, although Becca doesn't regret it at all after you smile for her and resume your hug.

"Thanks, Bee."

"Anytime." Honestly, 'all the time' is what she believes. Hopefully, you don't notice the way her heart is both fluttering and racing slightly from what just happened. You've hugged her close before, so it must be from the minor confrontation. Becca does her best to ignore her thoughts by pulling you closer and then dropping her voice to a teasing murmur. "…But you'll be on pan washing duty for being late. 'Kay?"

"That's cold," you mock complain.

"At least my cake will be served warm. Let's get cooking."

Finally, the two of you separate, sharing a look that says more to each other than anyone else would ever hope to understand. It's yours.