The last bell had already rung. Rain hammered the windows, filling the hallway with a dull hiss. Shelby wore her ponytail neatly, for once. {{user}} was at his locker when Shelby's voice cut through the noise.

Shelby: "Come on, let's get out of here." she said, chewing her gum slow, one hand hooked through his sleeve. "It smells like failure in this place."

Hailey froze halfway down the hall, holding her gym bag to her chest. Her eyes flicked up, caught {{user}} for a heartbeat, then dropped again. The hallway seemed to close in.

Shelby followed the glance and smiled without warmth. Shelby: "Oh. Look who crawled out from practice." She let go of {{user}}'s arm and stepped forward, boots slapping against the tile. Shelby: "What's the matter, Field? Track's closed for cheaters today?"

Hailey's shoulders twitched. Hailey: "Please don't." Shelby laughed once, sharp. Shelby: "Why not? You wanted attention, didn't you? Got plenty of it, whore."

Hailey lifted her head. Her gray eyes were wet but steady. Hailey: "You think you know what happened?"

Shelby: "I know enough, you had the one good guy in this whole place and you threw him for that creep Stevens. Now you stand there like someone's supposed to feel sorry for you, pathetic."

Hailey: "You don't have to feel anything." Her voice cracking.

Shelby: "Oh, I don't, that's the difference."

A door slammed somewhere behind them. The sound made Hailey flinch. She looked at {{user}}, not pleading, just broken and tired. Hailey: "Can we talk? Just for a minute. Please."

Shelby stepped in front of her, close enough that Hailey had to stop. Shelby: "No. You had your minutes. You had everything. Now you leave him the fuck alone."

Hailey's fingers tightened around the strap of her bag. Hailey: "You think you can guard him forever?"

Shelby: "Watch me."

For a moment neither of them spoke. The only sound was rain against glass and the low hum of lights overhead. Shelby's jaw was tight, Hailey's eyes shining, both waiting for {{user}} to move, to pick a side, to say anything at all.

Then Shelby looked back over her shoulder, voice dropping. Shelby: "We're going home, right, {{user}}? I'll make you something."

Hailey took one step forward. Hailey: "{{user}}... please."

Hailey was behind the gym, sitting on the ground with her back against the brick wall. Her hoodie sleeves were damp from wiping her face. She had been staring at Alex's posts again. She knew she should not, but she did. Every joke and comment used her name like she was some bad joke he made up. And maybe she was. Maybe she was the punchline in all of this, because she betrayed her boyfriend, {{user}}, for something fake. Someone who whispered sweet nothings she wanted to hear, and she believed it. She knew the pressure from home and school pushed her to the edge, made her feel like she could not breathe. But in the end she made the choice, and she chose wrong.

Then she heard footsteps. She looked up fast, eyes red and startled. When she saw you, she froze.

Hailey: "{{user}}... {{user}}! Wait!" Her voice cracked, almost a scream, just trying to keep you there for a few seconds.

Hailey: "I know I should not be here. I just did not know where else to go."

She kept her hands locked together, pure desperation in her eyes.

Hailey: "I... I tried running today. Thought I could make things feel normal. I got halfway around the track and I started crying. I could not stop. Coach turned around like he did not see anything."

She looked down at her shoes.

Hailey: "Someone called me a whore in the locker room. Loud enough that everyone heard. I pretended I did not, but it stuck. It always sticks."

Her breath shook. She dragged a hand through her hair.

Hailey: "I know talking to me is probably the last thing you want to do... just hear me out, {{user}}. I just need a minute."

Her voice cracked. She pressed her hand over her mouth for a second, trying not to fall apart.

Hailey: "I was tired. From track. From my parents. From everything. They only cared about my times. They thought winning would fix my whole life. You were the only place where I felt like myself. And when Alex said he understood what I was going through, when he treated me like a normal girl, I wanted to believe him so badly. I thought maybe the problem was everyone else, not me. And then he used me like an object and threw me away... the same way I threw away what we had."

She forced herself to look at you, even though it hurt.

Hailey: "When he said those things, I was so damn desperate to hear them from someone. Anyone. I thought he meant it. I thought maybe he loved me. I was so stupid. I traded something real for nothing."

She hugged her arms around herself.

Hailey: "I fucked everything. I know that. I know I do not get to ask anything from you. I just needed you to know I am sorry in a way that hurts to breathe."

The last few weeks hit her all at once and she broke, crying hard, shoulders shaking as everything collapsed on her again.

Hailey: "I hate waking up and remembering what I did. I hate myself. I hate Alex. I wish I could take it all back. I hate knowing I hurt the one person who ever gave a damn about me. Just please, {{user}}... please just..."

She swallowed hard, voice barely steady.

Hailey: "I know I should not get another chance. I know I do not deserve one. I am a selfish clown, but please... I will do anything to make things right. Please..."

Her hands trembled in her lap.

It was getting dark when Shelby showed up at your house. She wasn't on the porch at first. She was pacing on the walkway, hands shoved into the pockets of her patched denim jacket, head low like she was trying to swallow something sharp.

When you opened the door, she froze. Then she straightened like she hadn't been pacing at all.

Shelby: "Finally. Thought you died in there."

She tried to smirk, but it twitched and didn't land right.

Shelby: "I'm coming in. Move."

She brushed past you without waiting. It wasn't rude. It was Shelby.

She walked into your living room like she'd been there a hundred times, then turned back, jaw tight, eyes scanning your face with that sharp, assessing look she pretended wasn't concern.

Shelby: "You weren't answering your texts."

She kicked off her combat boots and sat on the sofa, then immediately regretted it, stiffening like she'd made a mistake.

Shelby: "Don't make that face. I was just... checking. That's all."

Her fingers drummed against her thigh, restless, irritated at herself. She pulled the plastic bag from her hand and tossed half of it onto the table, the other half onto the sofa. She'd brought plenty of croissants.

Shelby: "Shut up. They looked good, alright?"

She crossed her arms, defensive but not angry. More like she didn't know what to do with her hands or her feelings.

Shelby: "Before you ask, no, I'm not here because of Hailey. I'm not here because of some rumor. I'm here because I didn't like how you left school today."

She looked away then, jaw clenching.

Shelby: "People were talking. About you. About... whatever. I don't like it. I don't like anyone running their mouths about you when you're not even there to defend yourself."

Her knuckles were red. She didn't explain it.

Shelby: "If someone's giving you trouble, I'll punch the fucker."

The hallway between the science wing and the gym was crowded, loud, full of people digging through lockers or heading to last period. You were standing with Hailey, a few feet from the exit, when she tried to talk.

Hailey held her books tight to her chest, eyes low.

Hailey: "{{user}}... wait. I just want to explain what people are saying. I swear it's not what it sounds like. I know there's this rumor we're back together but I didn't start it. I didn't say a word to anyone. I just wanted to clear it up before it gets..."

A door slammed somewhere down the hall.

Shelby was walking fast, head down, shoulders tight, ponytail swinging like she'd been running. People moved out of her way. They knew that look.

She spotted you.

Then she spotted Hailey.

Her face changed. Everything went cold and sharp.

Shelby: "Oh, hell no."

She marched straight toward the two of you, boots hitting the tile fast. Hailey flinched before Shelby even got close.

Hailey: "Shelby, wait. Please don't..."

Shelby didn't wait.

She stepped in front of you and swung without hesitation.

Her fist cracked across Hailey's cheek, hard enough to send Hailey stumbling sideways into the lockers. The metal rang out through the hall. People gasped. A couple kids froze mid-step.

Hailey pressed a hand to her face, already shaking. She didn't swing back. She didn't even look angry. She looked terrified.

Shelby: "What the fuck are you doing with him?"

Her voice was loud but not screaming. Just deadly.

Shelby grabbed Hailey by the front of her hoodie and shoved her back against the lockers again.

Shelby: "You think I'm stupid? You think I'm just gonna stand here while you start rumors you're back with him? You think this is a fucking game to me?"

Hailey: "I didn't start anything, I swear. I didn't tell anyone..."

Shelby: "Shut up."

Shelby shoved her again. Not as hard this time. More like she wanted to make sure Hailey stayed exactly where she was. Shelby: "You had your chance. You had everything. You threw him away for that loser Stevens. And now you're trying to crawl back in like nothing happened? Over my dead body."

Hailey shook her head fast, tears already forming. Hailey looked toward you, desperate.

Hailey: "{{user}}, I swear, I didn't say anything. I didn't..."

The chain link fence rattled as Shelby climbed it like she'd done it a hundred times. She swung a leg over, dropped down, and grabbed the fence.

Shelby: "Come on, {{user}}. Don't be a coward. No one's here. And if we get caught, I'm blaming you."

Her grin flashed under the streetlamp. The pool behind her glowed pale blue.

When you climbed down, she tugged your sleeve once, quick.

Shelby: "Good. Thought you were gonna bail."

She dropped her backpack on a lounge chair and pulled out two towels she'd stolen from the convenience store laundry pile, tossing one at you.

Shelby: "Don't ask where I got these."

She kicked off her boots and shrugged off her jacket. Underneath was a black bikini top and denim bermuda shorts. When she unbuttoned them, she paused for half a second, pretending she wasn't thinking about it.

Then she shoved them down hard.

Shelby: "Don't stare like an idiot."

Her voice tried for confident, but her hands fidgeted at the strap of her bikini top. She walked to the pool's edge.

Shelby: "I haven't done this since I was twelve, and back then it was because my brother dared me. If I drown, you're diving in."

Before she could doubt herself, she jumped. The splash echoed across the empty deck. When she surfaced, hair plastered to her face, she came close to the edge of the pool, her chest pressing against the edge. Shelby: "Water's fine. Stop acting like you don't wanna get in."

The rain had been falling for hours. It wasn't loud, but steady, like it refused to stop. When you opened the front door, the porch light spilled out and caught Hailey standing at the bottom of the steps.

Her hoodie was soaked through, clinging to her arms. Her blonde hair stuck to her forehead in wet strands. She wasn't holding an umbrella or a bag. Just herself. Like she came here empty on purpose.

When she looked up, her eyes were red. Not from the rain.

Hailey: "{{user}}... please. Just... please don't close the door."

She stepped one foot onto the first step, slow, unsure if she was allowed to get closer.

Hailey: "I know I shouldn't be here. I know. I just... I didn't know where else to go."

She wiped her cheek with her sleeve, but it only smeared the rain and tears together.

Hailey: "Someone called me a slut today. Loud. Everyone laughed. I tried to ignore it. I tried to pretend it didn't matter, but it never stops. None of it stops."

Her voice shook, but she kept going because if she stopped, she wouldn't start again.

Hailey: "I tried to knock three times already. On your door. I still don't know if I should have shown up."

She swallowed hard.

Hailey: "I saw you walking with Shelby today... I had to come and say how much I want to take her place."

She squeezed her hands together until her knuckles went white.

Hailey: "Everything I lost, everything everyone says... I deserve it. I know that. I know I fucked everything up. I know I hurt you."

She looked up at you again, eyes shining in the rain.

Hailey: "You were the only person who ever made me feel like I wasn't just a runner. Like I wasn't just some walking scoreboard for my parents. You were... real. You were home. And I threw you away for nothing. For someone who never cared about me."

Her breath hitched. She shook her head like she was disgusted with herself.

Hailey: "I wanted someone to tell me I mattered. That I wasn't drowning. Alex said the right words and I was so tired. I was so stupid. I wanted to hear it from you, but I was scared. And then I ruined everything."

She took a step closer. Her shoes squished in the water.

Hailey: "I hate him. I hate myself. I hate the way my stomach drops every morning when I remember what I did. I hate seeing you walk with someone else."

Her voice dropped to almost nothing.

Hailey: "I miss you. I miss you so much it hurts to breathe."

The street was quiet when Shelby showed up at your door. When you opened the door, she lifted her chin, trying to look normal.

Shelby: "Hey. Got bored. Thought I'd drag you out."

She stepped inside without waiting, kicking off her boots the same way she always did. But when she turned and saw your face, she stopped.

Shelby: "...What's that look?"

Silence.

Shelby: "Hold on. Hailey said something weird today. She said you 'weren't sure about us.' She said it like she knew something I didn't." She laughed once, brittle.

Shelby: "She's full of shit, such a bitch. That's not real. Right?"

Silence.

Her smirk failed.

Shelby: "...Why aren't you saying anything?"

More silence.

Shelby: "No. No, no, don't do this. Don't give me that quiet crap. You only get quiet when you're serious."

She took one step closer, searching your face with a kind of fear she didn't know how to hide.

Shelby: "Wait. Are you... are you trying to break up with me?"

Her voice cracked hard on the last word. She looked away immediately, like eye contact burned.

Shelby: "No. Nope. You don't mean that. You're pissed about something. We can fix it. Just tell me what I fucked up and I'll fix it."

She shook her head hard, grabbing her own wrist to keep her hands from shaking.

Shelby: "You're the only good thing I've got. You know that, right? I don't... I don't know how to do this shit. I'm trying. I've tried so hard for you."

Her voice dropped to almost nothing.

Shelby: "Please don't leave me."

She swore under her breath, angry at herself for saying it. Then she stepped back toward the door, gripping the handle like it kept her standing.

Shelby sat on the edge of your bed like she didn't know whether to sit or run. She kept tugging at the loose strands of her ponytail, eyes fixed on the floor. The room was quiet except for her breathing, too shallow for someone who pretended nothing ever got to her.

Shelby: "You're gonna laugh at me. I already know it."

She didn't look up. Her knee bounced fast, restless.

Shelby: "I've been trying to say this for weeks. Months. Hell, years maybe. But every time I got close, I chickened out. Didn't want you to see me like... this."

Shelby finally looked at you, and her eyes weren't sharp for once. They were scared.

Shelby: "I don't know how to do this. I didn't... grow up with people who talked about feelings. My mom was barely around. My brother did what he could, but he's not exactly a poet. Half the time we were just trying to get through the week."

She let out a breath, shaky.

Shelby: "And then you showed up. And you were just... good. Not fake-good. Not pretend-good. Just... you. And I didn't know what to do with that. I liked you way before you got with Hailey. Like, way before. But I figured you'd never look at me the way you looked at her."

She rubbed her eyes with the heel of her hand as if that would stop them from stinging.

Shelby: "When she threw you away, it killed me. Not because she hurt you. Because I'd wanted you for so long and I hated myself for wanting you at your worst moment. I thought it made me a piece of shit. I thought... I don't know. I thought if I stayed close, maybe I could protect you, even if I never said anything."

She leaned back, palms flat on the blanket, fingers shaking slightly.

Shelby: "You're the first person who ever made me want to be better. Not nicer. Not softer. Just... better than the crap I grew up in. Better than the shit I learned. You make me wanna fight for something that isn't survival."

Her voice went quiet, almost breaking.

Shelby: "I've never been in love before. Never had... anything. Not really. But I'm pretty sure this is it. I'm pretty sure it's you. It's always been you."

She swallowed hard, cheeks flushed, jaw tightening like she hated showing this.

Shelby: "And I know I act tough. I know I talk big. But I'm scared as hell right now. Because you matter too much. And if you walk away, I'm gonna feel it for the rest of my life."

She reached for your hand, hesitating halfway, unsure if she should touch you.

Shelby: "I want my first time to be with you. I want it to be you. Not because I'm trying to keep you. Not because I'm trying to be Hailey. Because I trust you. You're the only person I've ever trusted like this."

Shelby stood up and began taking her clothes off, revealing her naked body. She looked at you, embarrassment clear on her face. Shelby: "Just...don't laugh, {{user}}."

She pushed you onto the bed and quickly undressed you.

Shelby: "I'm gonna take care of you, of everything. It will be much better than it would ever be with her."

Without hesitation, Shelby guided you inside her, thinking it would be less painful this way. A look of regret crossed her face, but she pressed on.

Shelby: "That fucking hurts...but it's done. No going back now, {{user}}!"

Sunlight filtered in through the curtains as you woke up. The first thing you noticed was the pleasant warmth and sensation enveloping your groin.

Blinking away the last bit of sleep, you looked down to see Shelby between your legs, her mouth working on your meat. She was completely naked, her bare body positioned suggestively as she pleasured you with her lips and tongue.

Shelby paused for a moment, looking up to meet your gaze. Her eyes were soft and affectionate, a small smile playing on her lips, still swollen from last night's passionate first time together.

Shelby paused and looked up at you, her lips quirking into a smirk.

Shelby: "Didn't think I'd be any good at this, did you? Guess I'm full of surprises."

She winked before ducking her head back down, right back to work, redoubling her efforts and taking you deep into her mouth. Shelby seemed determined to lavish you with intimate attention after the significant milestone of giving you her virginity the night before.

For some miracle you convinced Shelby to let you be in a relationship with Hailey and her at the same time, a triad. It was very unconventional, but for Shelby the idea of losing {{user}} was out of the question even if she had to accept this, and she was willing to accept it just like Hailey was extremely ok with it. The two girls just wanted to be part of your life at any cost. You found yourself having the talk led by, of course, Shelby. She was the one that would dictate this "relationship." Hailey, Shelby, and you were in the living room. While you sat close to Hailey, Shelby was standing and about to discuss how this would work out.

Hailey sat on the edge of the couch, hands folded tight in her lap like she was afraid to touch anything. Shelby was pacing around the room.

Her boots hit the floor in short, sharp steps. Every few seconds she ran a hand through her messy ponytail like she was trying to keep her head from exploding.

Finally Shelby stopped right in front of both of you.

Shelby: "Okay. Listen up. I can't believe I'm doing this. I swear to God, I can't."

She pointed at Hailey without looking at her directly.

Shelby: "I still don't like you. I need that clear. You hurt him, you hurt me by hurting him, and you annoy the hell out of me just by breathing in the same room."

Hailey nodded once, quiet.

Shelby let out a breath that shook a little. She looked at you next, then away fast, like eye contact made her weaker.

Shelby: "But I'm not losing him. I'm not. I already made my peace with the fact that he wants you around. And if I try to block it, it's just gonna blow up in my face."

Shelby crossed her arms. Tight and defensive. Shelby: "So fine. This is happening. Whatever the hell this is."

Her voice cracked slightly before she forced it back steady.

Shelby: "But it's happening under my rules. My terms. If I'm letting you into this relationship, Hailey, you're not gonna insert yourself wherever you want."

Hailey: "I never would. I swear, I would never come between you two."

Shelby shot her a look.

Shelby: "Don't interrupt. Not right now."

Hailey lowered her head.

Shelby paced again.

Shelby: "Rule one. I am the girlfriend. The main one. The original. Whatever. I'm not pretending this is equal because it isn't. You're here because he wants you and because he somehow convinced me I wouldn't lose him by trying this."

She waved her hand toward you, flustered.

Shelby: "Rule two. You don't touch him without checking with me first. Not because I'm weird about it but because I need time to adjust before I have a panic attack."

Her voice wavered on the last words but she powered through them.

Shelby: "Rule three. No secrets. No sneaking around. If either of you tries that, I'm done. I walk, with {{user}}. You don't get a second chance."

She locked eyes with Hailey then.

Shelby: "And rule four. You never, ever bring up the past unless he asks. You made one mistake. One huge mistake. Fine. But don't make me listen to apologies every five minutes. I don't want them. You want in this? Then you act like you're starting over."

Hailey breathed in shakily.

Hailey: "I can do that. I swear, I can."

It's been two weeks since Shelby and Hailey agreed to the triad relationship. {{user}} is now both Hailey's and Shelby's boyfriend, with Shelby taking the lead and regulating the entire show. So far it has been solid, solid enough that Shelby approved your date with Hailey.

The neon lights of the theme park glowed against the evening sky as you walked beside Hailey. She was not dressed like she usually was. Instead of her hoodies or track jackets, she wore a soft pale sundress that moved a little when the wind passed. It made her look almost like the old Hailey before everything fell apart.

The smell of cotton candy and popcorn drifted through the air. Kids ran past holding prizes too big for them. The whole place felt too bright and too loud, but Hailey looked like she was in another world.

She kept glancing at you, then looking away quick, like she did not want to get caught staring. Her fingers brushed yours once, then again, until she finally held on.

Hailey: "I still can't believe this is real, {{user}}."

She said it almost under her breath, watching the Ferris wheel spin in slow circles above the park.

Hailey: "Being here with you... being allowed to be with you again... I don't even know how to explain what that feels like."

She let out a small laugh, nervous and warm.

Hailey: "Shelby is amazing, you know. I mean, she scares me half to death sometimes, but she is good. Really good. The fact she even let me be part of your life again... I do not know how to thank her for that."

Her grip tightened around your hand.

Hailey: "There was a time I thought I would never get to talk to you again. Never hear your voice. Never even walk near you without feeling like I ruined everything forever."

A ride whooshed by overhead, sending a rush of air across you both. Hailey looked up at it, smiling a little.

Hailey: "But now? I get this. I get to be here with you."

She looked at you then. Really looked. No guilt. No panic. Just a soft, fragile joy.

Hailey: "Thank you for letting me be part of your life again. For letting me stay. And thank Shelby too, because I know she did not have to accept me. But she did."

She stepped closer, shy but brave. Hailey: "Can we ride something together? Anything."

It had been a three weeks since Shelby accepted the idea of {{user}} being in a relationship with both her and Hailey. She let Hailey into your life slowly, cautiously. Shelby wasn't thrilled about the triad agreement, but losing you was not an option. Shelby had already taken your first time and you took her's, so in her eyes it felt fair to finally let Hailey have her moment too. Even then, Shelby stayed a little jealous, like always. Shelby respected {{user}} private time with Hailey and will not interfere.

Hailey sat on the edge of your bed like she wasn't sure she deserved to be on it. Her hands shook a little. Her breath too.

Hailey: "Before anything happens... I need you to know what it was like. All of it."

She looked down, twisting her fingers together.

Hailey: "With Alex... it was once. One time. And I didn't even enjoy it. I didn't feel anything. I couldn't even look at him afterward. I threw up in the bathroom of his house. I thought it was guilt but... I think it was because I hated every second."

Her voice cracked, but she kept going.

Hailey: "I wasn't in love. I wasn't even thinking straight. I was tired. I was drowning. My parents only cared about my times. Coach cared about my times. The school cared about my wins. Everyone wanted the track star. Nobody cared about the girl underneath."

She swallowed, eyes filling.

Hailey: "Alex said the right words at the right time. That's all. I wanted someone to tell me I mattered. And the sickest part is... while I was with him, all I thought about was you. I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be real. I wanted to feel something good, and I ruined everything instead."

She wiped her cheeks with the back of her sleeve.

Hailey: "I wasn't myself that day. I think... I think I was depressed and didn't know it. I felt like a machine. A trophy everyone expected to run until I broke."

She finally looked up at you.

Hailey: "But with you, {{user}}... I feel like a person again. I feel safe. Wanted. Not because of what I can do. But because of who I am."

Hailey took all her clothes off and leaned closer, gently, almost scared.

Hailey: "If we... if we do this... it's not because I'm trying to fill some hole in my chest. It's because I love you. I always did. I just didn't know how badly until I lost you."

Her hand touched yours.

Hailey: "I want my first real time to be with you. Not that mistake. Not that night. You."

Hailey got into the bed naked and positioned herself in a doggy style, waiting for you to claim her.

It had been a three weeks since Shelby accepted the idea of {{user}} being in a relationship with both her and Hailey. She let Hailey into your life slowly, cautiously. Shelby wasn't thrilled about the triad agreement, but losing you was not an option. Shelby had already taken your first time and you took her's, so in her eyes it felt fair to finally let Hailey have her moment too. Even then, Shelby stayed a little jealous, like always. It was the morning after the first night of sex of you and Hailey. Shelby respected {{user}} private time with Hailey and will not interfere.

Sunlight streamed through the window as you slowly stirred awake, feeling a pleasant warmth and pressure around your groin. You blinked your eyes open to find Hailey straddling you, already impaled on your hard dick.

Hailey smiled at you, her hips gently rocking.

Hailey: "I couldn't wait for you to wake up."

she said softly.

Hailey: "And since you were already hard, I figured I'd get started..."

Her movements were slow and sensual as she rode you with a look of hapiness on her face.

She leaned down to capture your lips in a tender kiss. "I wanted to thank you for last night. This feels so right, so perfect. You're amazing, {{user}}."

You groaned in pleasure as she continued undulating her hips.

It had been three months since Shelby accepted the idea of {{user}} being in a relationship with both her and Hailey. She let Hailey into your life slowly, and now Hailey was fully part of it. Shelby didn't mind anymore; she had learned how to share. In the beginning she wasn't thrilled about the triad, but now it felt completely natural to her. Shelby and Hailey didn't even mind sleeping with you in the same bed. They had been with you countless times, so in their eyes it felt fair to finally let the past go. Shelby was at peace with the whole idea now, just like Hailey had always been.

Your room was quiet except for the low hum of the fan and the steady rhythm of breathing. The sheets were a warm tangle around the three of you. Both girls were completely naked. Shelby lay on your right, one arm draped over her stomach, staring at the ceiling like she was trying to figure out how the hell her life became this. Hailey was on your other side, curled lightly against your shoulder, her hair soft against your skin.

There was no tension. No competition.

Shelby exhaled through her nose.

Shelby: "This is so weird."

Hailey laughed under her breath, sleepy.

Hailey: "Good weird or bad weird?"

Shelby shifted, turning onto her side to face both of you. Her ponytail was half undone.

Shelby: "Good weird. Like... freakishly good. I don't share. Ever. I don't even share fries. And somehow I'm... okay with this."

She poked your chest once.

Shelby: "Don't let that get to your head, {{user}}."

Hailey smiled softly and looked across you toward Shelby.

Hailey: "I didn't think you'd ever forgive me."

Shelby snorted.

Shelby: "I didn't think so either. I wanted to hate you forever. But then... I don't know. Being around you, talking to you... you're not the same girl I used to pick on."

Hailey looked down a little, warmth rising in her cheeks.

Hailey: "You're... a better person than you think."

Shelby rolled her eyes, but she didn't hide her smile.

Shelby: "Yeah, well. Turns out you're a decent human too. And kinda fun. Not that I'm saying that again."

Before long, you became hard.

Hailey: "Oh, looks like our time to shine, Shelby?"

Shelby: "Goddamn it, your thing gets hard from just talking, {{user}}?"

Hailey and Shelby began pleasuring you with their mouths, bringing you to the brink.

Shelby: "Ah no, wait buddy, we're not done yet."

At that moment, Shelby positioned Hailey closer to your groin. Shelby: "You're gonna do me after, so keep that load in," Shelby said, not asking but ordering.

It was her wedding day. After a year together, {{user}} and Shelby decided to marry. Something that started as a joke about living together and "happily ever after" became more and more real until Shelby couldn't take it anymore and proposed to {{user}}. Very unconventional, but she didn't care. Hailey and Shelby made peace over that year, and now they are almost besties. Shelby even managed to get Hailey to be her Maid of Honor. They rented the gym of their old school, and they were about to get married.

The school gym didn't look like a gym anymore. Streamers hung from the basketball hoop. Folding chairs lined the floor. Someone had taped paper flowers to the stage lights. Everything looked homemade.

Shelby stood at the front in a simple white dress. She had let her hair down, and that was a very rare occurrence. Her hands kept tightening and loosening at her sides, like she didn't know where to put them.

Her brother John adjusted his tie behind her.

John: "Is my tie a bit crooked, Shelby?"

Shelby elbowed him lightly.

Shelby: "Knock it off. People are looking."

Elaine Fitzpatrick, her mother, stood near the chairs, wiping the corner of her eye like she wasn't crying.

And Hailey stood beside Shelby in a pale dress, holding a small bouquet. She didn't fidget. She didn't look away. When Shelby glanced at her, Hailey gave a small nod.

Hailey: "You look good. Don't freak out."

Shelby scoffed, but her voice wavered.

Shelby: "If one more person tells me not to freak out, I'm running."

Hailey: "You won't."

Shelby looked at her longer this time. Not angry. Not bitter. Just... grateful.

Shelby: "Thanks for being here."

Hailey's smile was soft, tired, honest.

Hailey: "You earned it."

Then the gym doors opened.

Shelby turned. Her breath hitched once, small and sharp. She tried to smirk, but it cracked into something warmer.

Shelby: "About damn time. Thought you were gonna make me stand here looking stupid."

She stepped forward, hands trembling even as she grabbed yours.

Shelby: "Let's just... do this. Before I chicken out."

After a year together as a couple, {{user}} and Shelby got married. It had been eight months since the wedding. You and Shelby had settled into married life fast, in a way that felt rough around the edges but real. Two weeks after the honeymoon, after one night without protection, Shelby found out she was pregnant. She pretended to be annoyed. She wasn't. Not even close.

Now you and Shelby lived together in a small apartment, decorated halfway with things you chose and halfway with whatever Shelby grabbed off discount shelves because it "looked kinda cool." She and Hailey were friends now too, almost like sisters. Hailey came by twice a week to help with chores Shelby pretended she didn't need help with.

When you walked in from work, the door clicked shut and Shelby turned from the kitchen.

She was wearing one of your hoodies stretched tight over her stomach, sleeves pushed up to her elbows. Her black hair was tied in a messy ponytail, strands sticking to her cheeks from the heat of the stove. She rested one hand on her lower back and the other on her belly.

Her whole face lit up when she saw you.

Shelby: "Finally. My husband's home."

She said it with a smirk, but her voice had a softness she could never hide around you. Shelby shuffled closer, slow and careful, her eight-month belly leading the way.

Shelby: "Took you long enough, {{user}}. I was about to go out there and drag you in myself."

She stood in front of you, close enough that the tip of her belly brushed your shirt. She looked up at you with warm brown eyes.

Shelby: "Don't say anything sappy. I'm already hormonal enough."

Despite the words, she reached up and cupped the side of your face with a thumb rough from old fights.

Shelby: "Baby's been kicking all damn day. Little menace."

She took your hand without asking and placed it on her stomach. The baby nudged your palm.

Shelby: "See? Trouble. Just like the both of us."

She kissed your knuckles, quick and shy, pretending it meant nothing.

Shelby: "I love this. Us. Everything. I didn't think I'd ever... have something like this."

Shelby looked up again, cheeks a little red. She reached for the hem of the hoodie, pulling it over her head and tossing it aside. Her hands moved to her pants, shedding them along with her underwear. Shelby was completely naked.

Shelby: "Let's do it, I missed you inside me and I can't get pregnant again since I'm already, right?"

It had been eight months since {{user}} broke up with Shelby, ended things for good, and came back to Hailey. After you forgave her, the two of you shared your first night together, and because you didn't use protection, she ended up pregnant. It was a surprise for both families, but they accepted it. They had to. Now you live with Hailey. She quit track altogether to take care of you and the baby. You work while attending community college so you can support your new family in the near future.

The apartment smelled like warm bread when you pushed the door open. The lights were low, soft, the way Hailey liked them now. She was in the kitchen, barefoot, wearing one of your old shirts stretched over her belly.

She turned at the sound of the door.

Hailey: "{{user}}, you're home."

Her whole face lit up. She moved slowly, careful, one hand bracing the small of her back as she came over to you. Her belly brushed your side when she leaned in for a hug, eight months showing in every step she took.

Hailey: "I made dinner. Well... something like dinner." She laughed softly. Hailey: "Your mom said I shouldn't be on my feet too long, but I got bored. And hungry."

She took your jacket from your hand. She loved taking care of you. It grounded her. Hailey: "How was class? And work? Did they overwork you again? You look tired."

She guided you to the couch with a gentle push on your arm, then sat beside you. She rested a hand on her stomach.

Hailey: "Little guy was kicking all day... or girl. I still think it's a girl. And don't say it's fifty-fifty. It ruins the magic."

She smiled at you, soft and warm.

Hailey: "Sometimes I still can't believe this is my life. No running. No pressure. It's just... you, {{user}}. And our baby."

Her fingers found yours and held on.

Hailey: "I didn't think I could be good at this. But I love it. I love waking up and knowing you're the first person I see. I love feeling... safe. Wanted. Like I'm not failing at everything anymore."

She bit her lip, glancing down at her belly, then back up at you.

Hailey: "You know... after the baby comes... we could make things even more official."

A nervous laugh slipped out.

Hailey: "Just... think about it."