“Especially the bare your heart and soul part, baby.” Tawson spun Vic around and gave them a chaste, closed mouth kiss. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’m proud of you for being braveenough to be who you feel like. You’re braver than you give yourself credit for at your age.”
“At your age,” Vic said, continuing the sarcasm. They wrapped their arms around Tawson’s neck, playing with the small hairs at the nape of his neck. “You make it sound like we’re further apart than reality. My uncles are fifteen years apart.”
“Your uncles also aren’t a professor and student at the same university sneaking around,” Tawson said. “But go, I’m wasting water. I’ll take one of those burritos to go. Can you bring me my briefcase from the front door? I brought a change of clothes.”
“Will do,” Vic said. “I’ll leave it by the door.”
And with that, they finished up their morning as planned. Vic gave him a kiss on the way out. There were a few students out, but with the hat and sunglasses, no one seemed to pay him any mind. And if Vic watched him walk down the path from their living room window, no one else had to know that.
Tuesday and Wednesday were kind of boring after their Monday night together. They texted as much as possible, ending each night with either a phone or video call. One or both of them were usually cooking dinner. Vic was doing homework on Wednesday night. They talked about Vic having Joe over. Vic made sure to wash the sheets and the blanket, getting a rise out of Tawson when he was informed that Joe would be sharing the bed with them.
Classes were all the same as well. Vic turned in the study guide they’d worked on over the weekend and got a good grade for it. There was a surprise test in another class that didn’t seem too hard. Joe invited Vic out for dinner on Wednesday with a group of friends. Vic joined but bailed soon afterfinishing their food. Vic was already getting used to hearing and referring to themselves as Vic, that being introduced as Victor almost felt off. Joe must have sensed something was wrong because he’d texted Vic once he got back to his dorm asking if everything was okay. Vic promised they would talk about it Thursday and changed the subject to ask if he could pick up the pizza since Vic would be at the Queer club meeting beforehand.
By the time the meeting came around, Vic was ready to see Tawson again. And felt more confident in themselves. They were fully prepared to grab one of the little badges that had the they/them pronouns. It was something new the group implemented with the help of Tawson. Professor Lancaster. Pax told Tawson over a supper earlier in the semester they started out with writing it on name tags, but the pins were cuter, honestly. And could be kept and reused. Better for the environment and all.
“Victor!” a very familiar voice caught their attention when they walked into the room. William and Brett were standing just inside the space, along with Paxton. Vic’s eyes scanned the room for Tawson, having received his text earlier that he was already there helping to set up. “How’s the campus life treating you?”
“Not bad,” Vic said. Their eyes were still darting around and when they finally landed on Tawson, Vic’s shoulders relaxed just a little. “Tests, studying, roommates, the usual.”
“How is your roommate?” Brett asked.
Vic shrugged. “We live well enough together. Keep out of each other’s hair.”
“Always with the long answers,” Paxton said. Vic knew she had a big game tomorrow which they were all planning onattending before going home for the weekend. The game was against a rival team the soccer team hadn’t beat in three years. Vic wondered if they and Tawson could pull off the driving together thing again. Probably not. Vic noted that each of them had already grabbed their pins. Brett was wearing a gay pride flag, William with two: gay and demi. Paxton had the bi flag pinned to her shirt. Vic turned to look toward the table, wondering which option they’d go for. “I didn’t know you attended these groups, though. It’s nice to see you here.”
“Oh yeah,” Vic stumbled. “I mean, I come to support and all.”
The three of them looked back, a mixture of confusion and questions on their faces. The silence started to get a bit awkward. Tawson’s voice saved any of them from having to say something else. “Hey guys,” Tawson said. He stood next to Vic. “Do you mind if I steal this one away for a bit? I need some help setting something up.”
“Go for it,” William said. “We’re going to mingle and get ready for the announcements.”
Vic let Tawson pull them away from the three people. They walked far enough away, even exiting through a side door into a smaller room. It looked like a well-stocked supply closet with extra chairs stacked against the walls, a podium, two folding tables, and some random knick knacks that looked like holiday décor.
“Are you okay?” Tawson asked. “I could see the tension in your shoulders from across the room.”
“I’m okay,” Vic said. “I just wasn’t aware that they were going to be here tonight.”
“And are you comfortable with what we talked about Monday?” Tawson took a step closer and held his hands out.Vic stepped into the embrace easily, hooking their chin over Tawson’s shoulder and wrapping their arms around him.
“I don’t know,” Vic answered honestly. “I was prepared to come out around strangers, just casually. And I still want to tell Joe tonight. But family? They didn’t even know I come here each week.”
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” Tawson whispered into Vic’s ear. He pulled back just enough to look Vic in the eyes. “But I promise you that they aren’t going to judge if you do. You know this place is a safe space.”
“I know and I’m grateful for it. I just don’t want to see any hurt or confusion or anything on their faces.” Vic could feel tears threatening. They leaned their forehead against Tawson’s shoulder. “I think I might just dip out and have Joe come over a little earlier.”
“Text me when you make it to the apartment, okay?” Tawson kissed their forehead and then their lips. “Be safe and I’ll see you tomorrow. Or if you need me, just call.”
“Thank you.” Vic gave him one more kiss and walked back through the door. Paxton caught their eye but didn’t say anything. Just watched as Vic rushed right back out of the room. Vic trusted that Tawson would handle it.
Vic pulled their phone out once outside, pulling up Joe’s number.
Dipped out on the meeting tonight. Heading to the apartment. Feel free to come over whenever.
Joe texted back almost instantly.Actually at the place picking up the pizza now. I’ll be there half an hour, maybe. Everything OK?
Vic was grateful for the cooler weather coming. It was the middle of September already and while the days were stillmostly sunny and hot, the nights were cooling quickly. The skies were clear too, the moon full and bright.
I’m good. I’ll see you in a bit.
