Love, On Read (MxM)

Chapter 2: Tuesdays with the Ladies

A/N: Introducing Ollie's two friends. Quite a bit of swearing as besties do, but I love their banter :) Hope y'all enjoy. Love ya <3

Oliver's POV

"I told you it would hurt like a bitch," Courtney was chiding Mahealani during our break between classes. Tuesdays were the only days we really could sit down and enjoy our time together, given our different majors and schedules. Despite that, I had appreciated having these girls in my intro to drawing and painting class freshman year. They had been the first and only friends I really had since starting college, Haruto and his coworkers aside.

Lunch on Tuesdays with the girls, and after school cold brew with Haruto. Aside from that, my social life was kaput. I guess it wasn't that terrible now that I thought about it.

Mahealani flinched as her girlfriend went to poke her new rib tattoo piece. "You'd think a five hour arm piece was painful, what the hell. Worst hour of my life."

"Don't say I didn't warn you, babe." Mahealani rolled her eyes at that before taking another bite of her salad. "Anyways, I feel like I haven't seen this bitch in months. Where have you been, Oliver?"

"You know, my major is a lot more stressful now, not everybody has simple meditation and art classes."

Courtney scoffed. "Ollie, graphic design is also art. Besides, be grateful you're not in landscape architecture. It's kicking me in the ass."

I made a face. "You decided that major for yourself, missy. Don't be butthurt about it to me."

"Yeah, yeah," Courtney sassed, glaring at me. "Missed you too, bitch."

"Same, boo," I mocked. "So is Miss Ink going to show us or keep it all to herself?"

Mahealani cringed as she shifted in place, pulling the flowy crop top up to showcase the side of her rib. The skin was still slightly red, but it had been a beautiful design. A turtle,with geometric shapes within, very tribal-looking. "It still hurts, but it's a honu, or a turtle for you mainland peeps. They have a very special meaning in my family, and I figured this would look nice here. I was honestly surprised that the shop had someone from Hawai'i too. He was so down to jump on this tattoo. Even gave me a discount."

"Wow, flirting with the tattoo artists again are we?"

"Court, you know I could never." She grinned. "I'm such an awful flirt. Even with the ladies, I'm always so awkward."

Courtney smiled before leaning in to peck her cheek. "I know, I'm just messing with you. I love that awkward side of you though. Your cheeks get all pink, and then when I tickle you like this..."

Mahealani had little time to react as Courtney quickly tickled her sides, being careful of her tattoo. Despite lowering her voice, I heard Courtney tell her, "You get so flustered, and makes me love you even more."

"Oh my god, Court, stop." Mahealani was smiling, pushing her girlfriend's hands away from her side before trying to catch her breath. Courtney retracted her hands before reaching over to grab her hand.

"Alright, alright. Let's not gross out Oliver too much," Courtney said. "I don't think he likes our PDA."

I chuckled before taking another bite of my sandwich. "It's fine, I'm used to it by now, girls."

"Damn Court, I think you bruised me," Mahealani joked, clutching her non-tattooed side.

"Aw, you need a kiss to make it better?"

Mahealani smirked before lifting her shirt up again. "Maybe."

I smiled at their interaction, finding it adorable. They were always very affectionate, both physically and with words. Admittedly, I did envy that, but I was content with watching them from the sidelines. I was happy they had each other, after all not everyone got that happy ending.