Vic didn’t think they were ready to reveal their… situationship with the newest professor and resident on the ranch. But Vic was ready to tell him about the other things. At least, they thought they were. Vic wanted to be.
“I’m so down,” Joe said. “I’m thinking pizza, movie, snuggles. I miss our snuggles.”
Vic laughed at the dramatic way Joe said it. It’d only been a month since they started at the university but the way Joe said it made it sound like they’d been separated for a year. They’d seen each other a handful of times and Joe had already stayed over two separate nights. They texted all the time, too. But they did need to talk. Vic needed to tell their best friend.
“I miss our snuggles too, Joe.” Vic stood back up. Theirstomach growled at a missed lunch opportunity. They had a final class for the day at one, but that was a quick hour and then they’d go back to the apartment and get ready. “Um, can I ask you something? Like, kind of personal.”
After Vic and Tawson’s interrupted moment Sunday, Vic assumed that Tawson didn’t have any supplies. And Vic wouldn’t have time to go between class and Tawson coming over.
“What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”
Vic felt awkward asking. They knew there was nothing wrong with it. In the grand scheme of things, Joe was the one that knew best Vic wasn’t a virgin. He’d been the one to take that card from Vic, after all.
“Do you possibly have a few condoms I could take? I haven’t exactly made it to the store.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Joe said, sounding way too excited about the question. “I can meet you at the end of your next class.”
“Please don’t make a show of it,” Vic said. “I have the one in my wallet but… I just want to make sure I’m covered.”
“I’ll keep it discreet,” Joe said. His tone said he was serious but his expression made Vic wary. Vic wasn’t sure if they trusted that or not. Joe stood up and they started walking again. Joe was done with his classes for the day so he walked with Vic. They decided to stop at the cafeteria to grab something on the way to Vic’s math class. They chatted back and forth a bit about their classes and Joe told Vic about going home to hang out with his parents. He joked and prodded Vic for more about the mystery person.
Vic would talk to Tawson, make sure it was okay with him if they told Joe. Vic trusted their best friend with everything and wasn’t worried that Joe would see them anydifferent after he knew everything about Vic. But they also respected Tawson’s wishes to not share their relationship. Not if he wasn’t comfortable with it.
They parted after Vic paid for the food, including a drink for Joe. He promised to meet up with Vic outside of the math building at two. Vic begged Joe once again to not make a scene.
The math class wasn’t the most interesting. Vic did okay in it and while they were more advanced than algebra, it wasn’t a calculus class. A solid geometry; in the middle. Vic made a note in their physical calendar for a new quiz. They would have to study hard during the week. The professor reminded them of the office hours before dismissing the class.
The September sun was still shining hot when Vic walked out of the class. They waved to a couple of students, but their smile fell a bit when they saw Joe standing on the path. He looked relaxed and had two containers of Chinese in his hand.
“I brought you dinner,” Joe said with a smile. It was more like a smirk and he winked when Vic reached their hand out to take the one closest to them. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to go in the fridge.”
Vic’s eyes bulged when they opened the container. They expected one or two. Instead there was a whole rice container. There had to be at least ten. Vic closed the container and nodded, thanking Joe sheepishly.
“Have fun, Loverboy.” Joe clapped his hand against Vic’s back and smiled before walking off. “Text me later. Or tomorrow.”
“I will,” Vic said. “Thanks for dinner.”
Vic texted Tawson on the way back to the apartment. Vic new Tawson still had another two hours left for office hours. So they weren’t sure if he’d be busy or not. But Vic gota responding text before they made it back to the apartment.
I can’t wait to see you, Vic.
Vic smiled at the simple text. Maybe what they were doing was dumb. It wasn’t the largest campus and it was still bright outside. People could recognize Tawson. If it came to it, they could play it off as he needed something or was passing along a message pertaining to the ranch.
What would you like for dinner? I don’t have anything too fancy, but I could make some tacos or something.
It was another ten minutes before Vic got a response. Vic was changing out of their class clothes. Vic planned on greeting Tawson in the skirt and tank top. They’d worn the underwear a few times, but the other items were all but collecting dust.
I just need you. Anything else is a bonus.
Vic laughed at the emoji Tawson sent with the tongue sticking out. The heart eyes emoji came through next. A third text in quick succession.I hate emojis. They’re too close together.
Vic laughed even harder. They set their phone down and jumped into the shower. They made sure to clean extra well in all the areas. Vic shaved last week but they wanted to make sure that there was no stubble. They liked the feeling of being clean shaven. It was a bit of a process to make sure they didn’t nick themselves, but Vic got the routine down over the years.
When they were done, Vic made sure to clean everything and rinse the small hairs down the drain. They moved to the bedroom and towel dried their hair and body, applying an unscented lotion to their skin.
Then, it was time.
Vic turned to the closet and opened the door, looking at the last hanger on the right.
