We made our way to campus

There was more buzz on our walk over than I had imagined for the time of day. Living close to the campus meant I saw more students than your typical commuter, but in the two plus years I’d lived here this was definitely more than usual. Maybe they changed the policies for staying in the dormitories? I’d have to ask Jun when I get a chance.

As we made our way into the campus, a familiar feminine voice loudly catcalled from the front of the gym facilities.

???: Hey lovebirds! How's it hanging?

I winced a little at the volume, but that’s just how she’d always been. It was a relatively small price to pay for her company. Nia and I turned toward the perpetrator and waved. Lucy was leaning against the brick archway of the building’s front entrance. She waved back and wore a bright smile.

Nia let go of my hand and jogged over to give her a hug. Lucy followed her lead and they met halfway, the two of them bouncing warmly into one another’s arms. It was sweet to see them like that again; it had been far too long since they’d been able to see each other in person.

Nia: Augh Luce you bitch, you should’ve warned me you were wet!

Nia let go quickly and looked at her shirt, which was now thoroughly soaked through. Lucy laughed loudly and put her arm over Nia’s shoulders.

Lucy: Yeah maybe, but if I did then would you've given me a hug?

Nia pursed her lips at her friend and raised an eyebrow.

Nia: Think you’re fooling me? I bet you got me wet so I wouldn’t mind helping you with the pool equipment.

Lucy: Ahaha you’ve got my number, don’t you? I wasn’t lying though, I did want a hug too. I’ll buy you another coffee to make up for it afterwards, kay? I promise.

She clapped her hands in mock apology and continued giggling.

Nia: Why do you think I want another, huh? Also…how are you so sure I had one in the first place?

Lucy: Oh please girl, who do you think you are fooling? You’re a disaster in the morning. You probably stayed over at Emery’s place just to get up on time.

She slid behind Nia while she spoke and patted her back in a rather patronizing way.

Lucy: And if you’re going to try and be coy with me, maybe don’t confirm that you did have one before asking that question.

Nia gave a cartoonish huff and petulantly stamped her foot at Lucy’s effortless comebacks, but stayed otherwise silent. Lucy turned towards me and flashed me her winning smile.

Lucy: Looking good today, Emery. You treating my girl well while I’ve been busy?

I returned her grin with a warm smile of my own.

Emery: Trying my best. Hard to replace you though!

She swished her hand playfully at my compliment and gave me a light slap on the arm.

Lucy: Oh please Em, she’s like puddy in your hands. You see how tricky I have to be to get her to work with me? I could never replace you.

Nia suddenly jumped between us and wrapped her arms around our necks, pulling us into an uneven pseudo group hug.

Nia: Nuh uh. No replacing anybody, thanks. I need both of you.

Both Lucy and I cracked up at this, closing the semi-circle to form the complete hug Nia was not so subtly craving.

Lucy: We didn’t mean literally girl, chill.

Nia: Yeah yeah course.

Emery: Don’t worry Nia, she was just buttering me up to see if I would help too.

A big exaggerated frown spread across Lucy’s face.

Lucy: Aw, you won’t?

Emery: You know how important it is for me to stay on top of my studies. When I have a little more free time I’d be happy to.

An impish expression replaced her frown. I had a feeling she was planning on me saying something like that…

Lucy: Relaaax, you guys are too serious. I’ll totally be holding you to that though Em, since you promised and all.

We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and quipped at each other as the sun progressively rose higher. The three of us eventually broke apart, with the girls toward the gym and myself towards the lecture halls.

I grabbed Nia’s hand and pulled her in for a quick kiss, which she eagerly returned.

Emery: You think you’ll be done with everything about two-ish?

Nia: Around that time, I think.

Emery: Alright, let’s meet back up here and we’ll go out for a date. You didn’t have to work or help with your siblings tonight, right?

She gave me one last hug and nodded her head.

Nia: No worries, I'm open. Sounds like a plan. I love you!

Emery: I love you too! Have fun!

She and Lucy turned towards the gym doors and walked away. Their chat started up again as they were out of sight.

Lucy: Ooo, another date? Making me jealous over here. Think you’re staying over again tonight?

Nia: Maybe? I dunno, I’m still sorta feeling it from what we did las-

The door drowned out the rest of the response from Nia. I covered my expression with my hands. Even back in high school they always liked to share sex talk, but for some reason I never managed to get used to the embarrassment. Likely it had something to do with me not being privy to exactly how much Lucy was in on. I knew it was nothing to worry about though. Nia shared with Lucy often, but she wouldn’t spill any of the exact details. Even if she did accidentally say too much, which admittedly happened once or twice, Lucy wasn’t the judgemental type. Plus I mean, my fetishes weren’t that weird…right?

I continued onward, wondering how the hell I was going to ask someone to partner up with us if just the idea of admitting it to Lucy was distressing. I shrugged, we’d just have to cross that bridge when we came to it.