Chapter Twelve

~ Vic ~

M onday morning came way too early. The only good thing that came of it was the half an hour drive with Tawson.

Vic's mom, having been left alone for the majority of the day, decided to rearrange the living room. Vic jumped in to help when they got back to the house, letting their mom direct them this way and that until she was satisfied with it. There was talk about repainting the walls too. Vic was glad they wouldn't be around for helping with that. They didn't have the patience to paint a room.

They texted with Joe and Tawson the whole evening. Tawson sent Vic a picture of the dinner he made, promising that there were leftovers that he'd save for Vic. Joe was living it up on campus. Vic was a little bit jealous that they were missing out on some things with having to come back home each weekend. Vic knew they could ask off for a weekend here and there, but the deal with their parents was hard to pass up and they wouldn't take advantage of it.

Plus, the weekends meant Tawson. It was a good trade. But Vic did miss their best friend. They'd have to hang out soon for sure.

"Good morning," Tawson said when he got in the car with Vic. He'd set his bag in the backseat and his coffee cup in the console holder.

"Morning," Vic said with a yawn. Tawson chuckled and moved his hand to the same spot on Vic's thigh. It was his go-to move when they were in the car and Vic loved it. "My class doesn't start until ten. I regret this decision to drive you in so early."

"I'm sorry, baby. But hey, we get a little more time together."

"That is almost worth it," Vic said. They opened the gate and drove through. Vic looked over at Tawson with a grin. "Can I have some of your coffee?"

"It's still hot, so be careful."

Vic took a large gulp, not caring that it burned their tongue and throat a little. It wasn't even eight in the morning yet. They'd definitely be going to their apartment and getting another hour of sleep. Vic set the cup back down and started driving again.

Tawson kept the conversation steady during the ride. Vic gave a non-committal ‘yeah' and ‘Mhmm', which Tawson found funny. He squeezed Vic's thigh several times, getting their attention in more ways than one.

"You are really not a morning person," Tawson said when Vic finally pulled into the parking lot and found where Tawson's car was parked. This early in the day, there were more than enough empty parking spaces. "Go get some more sleep, baby. I'll text you later during my lunch break."

Vic drove around the campus to park closer to the apartments. They fumbled the keys before getting into the apartment. The whole building was quiet. Either that was because of the early morning and most were smart enough to not take ass crack-of-dawn classes or there was a party or two and students were sleeping off hangovers. Either way, Vic was happy for the silence.

They moved to the bathroom and did their business, washed hands, and brushed their teeth. Vic got a text from Tawson as they stripped out of their clothes. They set the alarm for nine-thirty before looking at the text.

Don't forget to set your alarm. Have a great day. I'll see you later.

Vic smiled at the text and laid their head on the pillow. If all went well, they'd be sharing the bed with Tawson in less than twelve hours.

When Vic woke again, they felt even more tired than when they laid down. The whole apartment smelled like coffee, though. Vic didn't remember setting the pot that was kept in the small kitchen. When Vic heard movement and someone's voice, they shot out of bed, half-asleep brain hoping that it was Tawson. But it was a woman's voice.

They pulled on a shirt and opened the bedroom door. The elusive roommate was standing at the end of the hall. He was wearing a full outfit, khakis with a polo shirt, with his hair gelled into a slick back style. Definitely comes from money, Vic thought. "Oh, hey. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"I'm pretty sure that was the smell of the coffee," Vic said. "Do you mind if I get a cup?"

"By all means," Philip said. Vic knew his name from the start, but it was easier to just refer to him as roommate to others. "You look like you could use two or three of them, honestly. "

"I had to wake up early to drive back this morning."

The woman's voice came again and Vic realized she must be in Philip's room. Vic looked over their shoulder while pouring the steaming liquid into a cup. "Is that the girlfriend?"

"Fiancé!" the woman called out, clearly happy to shout the news.

"That would be her," he said with a smile. "Happened over the weekend. But we're just here for a little while today. Her parents are coming over."

"Oh, um." Victor didn't want to be rude and kick the guy out on the one day he needed the apartment. The universe was really against Vic and Tawson having time alone together. Any rational person might take that as a sign to back off, but Vic was stubborn. They didn't want anyone else. "Are you going to be here this evening?"

"Not if we can help it," he said. "You got yourself a hot date coming over?"

Vic couldn't help but smile. Hot was such an understatement when it came to Tawson Lancaster. "Something like that. We can change our plans though. I don't want to kick you out if you were actually planning on staying here tonight."

"Say less," he said. He clapped his hand over Vic's shoulder and moved to dump the rest of his coffee in the sink. "We'll be out of your hair by noon at the latest. The place is all yours tonight."

"Thank you." Vic blushed and tried to hide it behind the cup. The warm liquid sliding down their throat woke Vic up a little more.

They made idle chitchat for a bit before Vic had to get ready for class. After comparing schedules, Vic noted they wouldn't see much of each other until next week. Vic left the two to watch a movie and wait for her parents to arrive. They were going out for a celebratory lunch. Her parents were much more accepting of their relationship than Philip's were. Vic understood his view, realizing that they were practically doing the same thing.

Vic's two classes went okay. They talked with a couple of the other students, texted Joe in between, and took at least three pages of notes. Vic did appreciate Tawson's help on the study guide over the weekend. They had a quiz on Wednesday. As promised, after Vic got out of the eleven o'clock class, a text from the man himself was waiting.

Leftovers in my office, if you want. I have almost two hours before my next class.

Vic was about to respond with a gif of Speedy Gonzales when their best friend's voice caught their attention.

"Long time no see," Joe said. He was only a couple meters away and said goodbye to the two others he was walking with. Vic held out their arm and they hugged shamelessly. "I've missed you. I swear, it's like we've barely seen each other."

"I was just thinking the same thing," Vic said. "I was going to ask my dad if I could have a weekend off soon. Maybe we can do something."

"Please! And maybe I could crash at your place?" Joe's voice was hopeful and as much as Vic missed their best friend, tonight was not it.

"Maybe tomorrow? I have… um, some stuff to do tonight."

"Stuff, huh? And does this stuff have a name?" Joe was too perceptive. Vic was also a terrible liar around Joe. Best friends since Kindergarten, Joe could always tell when they were hiding something.

"They might," Vic said. "But it's early and we haven't really labeled anything. "

"But you're… having sleepovers?" Vic rolled their eyes at the way Joe censored himself. "Is it someone from one of your classes? Do I know them?"

"You know of them," Vic said. In the back of their mind, their brain whirred with the ease of using gender neutral pronouns out loud. Even if Tawson identified as he/ him, Vic was starting to realize how easy it was to switch it out. As scary as it was when Tawson had done it at the bar, it also felt right. Vic could say it to themselves now, to Tawson. They could say it to their best fucking friend too, right?

"Earth to my best friend. Where did your brain go?" Joe reached out and stopped them. They stepped off the path and sat at the base of the nearest tree. Vic needed to text Tawson back. They pulled their phone out while talking.

"It's been a long start to the semester," Vic said. They sent a quick sorry text to Tawson and pocketed their phone. "We have quite a bit to catch up on. Do you want to stay Thursday after the meeting?"

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. Their stomach 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 any different 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 got a 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.

They grabbed it and moved to the dresser. A minute later, Vic was dressed and standing in front of the mirror against the wall. Vic had seen themselves in the clothes so many times, but now, knowing that someone was going to be seeing them in this in a matter of an hour, Vic was starting to freak out. They smoothed their hands down the pleather fabric, wondering if it was too short. Vic lifted the front, looking at the way the underwear cupped around their cock and balls. Vic swished their hips, a smile tugging their lips upward at the way the movement felt against their bare skin. Vic hoped Tawson liked it.

It was three-forty when Vic picked their phone back up. They had a text from Tawson, sent fifteen minutes ago, that he had one more student and then he'd head over. Vic made sure to move the small Chinese container to the bedside table, dumping the foil packets of different colors in the bottom drawer. Vic noted that at least one of them had the word ‘ribbed' on it.

They moved to the kitchen and turned on one of the eyes to start cooking the meat for tacos. Vic focused on that and the music playing from their phone instead of counting down the minutes until Tawson showed up. They were chopping up lettuce when three knocks caught their attention. Vic waited another second for the fourth, secret knock to come. They took a deep breath and steeled themselves to open the door. Vic checked through the peep hole first to make sure it was Tawson. The last thing they wanted to do was open the door for a neighbor dressed the way they were.

"Hey." Vic opened the door and stepped back to let Tawson in. Vic leaned out and sighed, no one was in the hallway.

"Oh my god, Vic." Tawson dropped his bag to the floor while Vic locked the door behind him. He dropped the sunglasses and hat in a haphazard pile. "Fuck, baby."

Vic stood half awkwardly as Tawson's eyes raked over their body. Vic rubbed their right hand up and down their left forearm, nerves threatening to show in the form of tears. Tawson asked them to spin and Vic did, smiling as the nerves turned to a little drop of confidence.