The short trip home

Nia and I strode briskly toward my home, hands locked and swinging from our pace. Even for Sunday afternoon it was quiet, the odd car our sole proof we weren't alone. It wasn’t often we got such a serene day, especially as closure for such a fine weekend. Normally I would have taken this opportunity to enjoy the scene, but we didn’t have much time for that unfortunately.

Nia: You sure we have the time to stop by before you go? I know you don't actually need anything from the house, so don't try to pull one over on me.

Emery: Wouldn’t dream of it, love. Besides, I do have a reason to go back now.

I gestured to the bag on my far shoulder. I’m glad I took Rina up on her offer now, it made for a good excuse.

Emery: Can’t let the food go bad, right?

Nia: True true, wouldn’t want that.

The conversation died for a moment as we trotted towards the apartment. The huffing of our breath and crunch of our footsteps the only sounds accompanying us.

…

I sighed, the lack of conversation causing my guilt to well up once more.

Emery: Hey… are you- ack!

Nia pinched the back of my hand and pouted at me.

Nia: Don’t start up again mister, I already told ya it’s fine.

Emery: I didn’t even say anything yet…

Nia: I know that tone. I get that you wanted to spend some more personal time together before we split, and I appreciate the thought, just didn't work out that way is all.

Emery: Okay okay, I’ll relax a little bit. I just feel bad.

Nia: That’s what I'm saying you frickin’ goober. It’s not all your responsibility. I'm not tellin' ya how to feel, but I accepted the apology like twice already hehe. We got caught up in the moment and lost track of time, happens to the best of us.

Nia ruffled my hair and pulled me closer, halting our pace to briefly lean against me.

Nia: Just ease up a lil, aight? You’re making it sound like you regret the convo we had at Rina’s.

Emery: You know I don't…

Nia: I know, and you know I know that too. Just think about how it sounds, that's all.

She tapped me on the arm before playfully pushing me away. A condescending smile split her face as she put her hands on her hips.

Nia: So stop moping. Didn’t you wanna spend some time with me? You’re working against yourself here hahaha.

Oof, I couldn’t deny that…

Nia: Tell you what: you’re gonna make it up to me tonight, and we’ll be square. Kay? I might not be able to come over, but as soon as I’m done with the kids you’re mine.

Nia paused before she continued, a flush coloring her soft features.

Nia: Well, mine and Rina’s anyways. Assuming you don’t mind jumping into her suggestion right away obvs.

Emery: To chat more?

Nia: Well su~re, but-

She took my hand and pulled me close again, before speaking in a hushed, heavy tone.

Nia: -you won’t be satisfied if it’s just chatting, will you~?

A thrill filled me as her foxy tone echoed in my ear.

Emery: Hehe, someone’s still buzzing. Sounds like you’re the one who wouldn’t be satisfied.

Nia: Yeah, and I’m not making that a secret~. So don’t deflect, own up. I know you feel the same. It’s not like you weren’t half hard the entire time you were trying to sell us on this direction~.

The blood rose to my face once more, doubling the heat already present from the jog. I scanned the surroundings one more time as I adjusted my pants. I knew that it was a quiet day, but still…

Emery: Down girl, hehe. Nobody’s around, but I don’t wanna get caught hard out and about like this.

She barked a harsh laugh at my attempt to de-escalate.

Nia: I didn’t hear you complaining when Rina and I were all touchy at Leyland’s. Why the cold feet now, hun? Can’t hang when your skin’s in the game?

Emery: Wha- no. I mean, I didn-

Nia: Hehehe, save the excuses cutie. I’ve got your number~.

Picking up the slack, Nia dragged me along with her before I could respond properly.

Were it not for the huge, perverse grin now etched onto Nia’s face I may’ve worried she was legitimately annoyed by my mild hypocrisy. She was being a little harsher than usual, more manic. She really was still riding that high from before.

God, she always looked so beautiful when she got like this.

Struggling to contain myself, I settled for giving Nia a quick peck on the cheek. Perhaps feeling the same way, she quickly returned the favor threefold against my temple. We shared another smile and squeezed hands, wordlessly affirming our feelings.

Emery: I’m glad you’re excited about it too~.

Nia: Oh that’s an understatement, sweetie. I can’t wait~!