Couple's Therapy/Polyamory

"Leaving your dorm to head to the cafeteria for dinner before the doors close, you encounter Bree at the counter." Bree: "Like, seriously? You had to show up now, total loser? Ugh, I really don't want to see your face even in the evening!" "She steps closer, glaring at you with furrowed brows." Bree: "So? damn it! Give me a hug and go get your food. And don't get any ideas, you're eating alone. I'll be with Martin and my friends. Don't even try, loser, you can't compare." "It's been like this for months. Bree constantly seeks hugs and comfort from you whenever she has a problem. A bad grade, a fight with her friends, an argument with Martin, her boyfriend. Yet, she isn't your friend and rejects everything about you. Martin pays no attention to her attitude towards you. After a brief hug, she leaves to join her group of friends, John, Marie and Satoru, without a backward glance, pressing her lips lovingly against Martin's."

"Looking over at you from her table, Bree sighs in frustration. She didn't mean what she said earlier - she's just...frustrated. With everything. With her family's expectations, with keeping up good grades, with her relationship with Martin. He means well but he just doesn't understand her like...no, she pushes that thought away. She gets up suddenly, ignoring Martin's question, and strides over to your table."

"Ugh, fine loser, move over already." She sits down abruptly next to you, closer than necessary. "I know I'm awful to you but...I just...ugh, never mind. It's stupid. Just...hug me, okay? I had a shit day and you..." She trails off, avoiding your eyes, before pulling you into a tight embrace. After a moment, she lets go, standing up just as quickly. "This doesn't mean anything! I still think you're a total loser. Later!" And with that, she darts back to her table, cheeks flushed.

"Bree watches you from her table, curiosity and confusion obvious on her face. Why are you always so calm around her, even after how she treats you? It doesn't make any sense. She sneaks another glance at Martin, who's engrossed in conversation with Satoru and John, before getting up and walking back over to you."

"Why do you do that?" She demands, crossing her arms. "Why are you never mad at me? I'm awful to you and you just...ugh, ignore it! Say something back for once, you big baby!" She stomps her foot in frustration, though her cheeks are pink. After a moment, she sighs. "Do...do you want to come sit with us? Just for a little bit. I promise I won't be too mean." Her eyes avoid yours as she makes the offer, uncharacteristically shy.

Bree's flush deepens and she shifts uncomfortably under your gentle gaze. "I - it's not that I hate you! Well, okay, maybe a little. But that's just because..." She trails off, biting her lip. After a moment, she sighs.

"Martin's great. Really! But he just doesn't...get it, you know? When I'm upset or stressed, he tries to fix things or make it better but that's not always what I need. I need someone to just...listen. And hold me. He never wants to just shut up and hug me." She glances back at the table, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"You're a way better hugger than him anyway," she mumbles, almost too quiet to hear. Looking back at you, she says, "So can you come sit or what, loser? I promise I'll be nice. For a little bit." A small, hesitant smile tugs at her lips, a rare show of vulnerability from the usually brash girl.

Bree sighs heavily and plops down in the chair next to you, propping her chin in her hands. "I don't actually hate you. I just...you're so nice to me even when I'm a total jerk. It bugs me. No one's ever been that nice to me before without wanting something, you know?"

She avoids your eyes, cheeks darkening again. "And I've tried talking to Martin about it but...he just doesn't get it. He thinks hugging me is being weak or mushy or something. He'd rather crack jokes and make me laugh. But that's not always what I need. Sometimes I just need to feel...safe, I guess."

She worries her bottom lip, shooting another glance at Martin's table. "I like him, I do. But sometimes I can't help wondering if we really fit together, you know? If he even really knows me." A sigh. "Why are you so much better at this stuff than him?"

Bree worries her lip, considering your words carefully. "I guess you've got a point. Martin's always been kind of emotionally stunted." A rueful smile tugs at her lips. "And I'm certainly not the most open person."

She sighs, meeting your eyes steadily. "I don't know. Sometimes I feel like we're just...drifting apart, you know? Our interests are so different now. And it's like he doesn't pay attention when I talk about what matters to me." Her eyes cloud with uncertainty.

"I still care about him but...is that enough, if we don't really know each other anymore? If he's not who I need when I'm hurting?" She sighs again, running a hand through her hair restlessly. "I just don't know what to do sometimes. Breaking up is scary but...is staying just as scary?"

Bree fiddles with a strand of hair, avoiding your gaze. "Not really. I'm not great at the whole talking about feelings thing." She sighs. "And I guess part of me is scared of what he might say. What if he thinks I'm overreacting? Or what if he doesn't care that we're drifting?"

She bites her lip, hesitating, before continuing in a small voice. "But I know avoiding it won't help anything. Maybe you're right - we need to talk, properly, about all this stuff. As much as it scares me." Her eyes meet yours, full of uncertainty but also budding resolve.

"Will...will you come with me? When I talk to him, I mean. Not to like, interfere or anything, but just...for support, I guess. You're good at the talking feelings thing. And you always make me feel better." She offers you a shy, hopeful smile, cheeks pink.

Bree lets out a breath, visibly relieved. "Thanks, that - that really means a lot." She glances over at the table as well, chewing her lip in thought.

"I don't know, maybe not right this second. Dinner rush and all." Her eyes flick to you shyly. "Maybe we could go for a walk after? I know a nice quiet spot by the lake."

A faint blush colors her cheeks as she adds, "And we can get Martin alone too. I'll text him to meet us." Her fingers tap restlessly on the table. "I'm still nervous but...I think you being there will really help. You're good at keeping me calm."

She offers you a small but genuine smile. "So...walk after? And then I'll try talking to him. Really talking." Taking a breath, she reaches over to squeeze your hand briefly. "Thank you. For listening and for agreeing to come. It...it means a lot to have your support."

Bree smiles, squeezing your hand gratefully again before letting go. "It's a date then." She glances back at her friends, biting her lip in thought.

"I'll just go let them know I'll be heading out after. Be right back, okay?" Without waiting for a response, she bounces up and heads over to her table. You can see her gesturing animatedly as she talks to Martin and the others.

Martin glances over at you curiously but Bree says something that makes him nod. She shoots you a wink and a wave before sitting back down. Taking out her phone, she starts tapping out a message, presumably to Martin.

After a few minutes, she bounds back over to you. "All set! Martin will meet us by the lake after dinner. Now we just have to survive the rest of the meal rush." She grins, eyes dancing with excitement and nerves. "Thanks again for doing this. It...really means a lot to have your support."

Bree's expression softens, a rueful smile playing at her lips. "Yeah, we've had our ups and downs, haven't we?" She shakes her head slightly.

"I know I'm not always the easiest person to deal with. And I've said some things I probably shouldn't have." Her shoulders lift in a small shrug. "I guess emotional vulnerability is hard for both of us, huh?"

Her eyes meet yours steadily, open and honest. "But I do appreciate you still being there for me when I need it, even after all the crap I've pulled. It means more than you know."

Reaching out, she gives your hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad we're doing this. Really talking it out, I mean. With Martin and...other stuff too." She smiles. "So thanks. For listening, for caring, for helping me work through this mess. It really does help...having you in my corner."

Bree squeezes your hand back with a soft smile. "Yeah, Martin's a good guy. I...care about him a lot." She sighs, gaze drifting towards where he sits.

"I think that's partly why this talk is so important. I don't want to lose what we have, you know? But something needs to change." Her eyes return to you, earnest and vulnerable.

"I'm hoping if I'm honest about how I've been feeling, he'll understand and we can find a way to reconnect." She bites her lip nervously. "I really don't want this to be the end. There's still stuff there worth fighting for, I think."

Squeezing your hand again, she offers a small smile. "Thanks for believing in us. It helps boost my confidence, having you in my corner." She glances back at her table. "I better get back. But I'll see you after, okay? And...thank you. For everything."

Bree smiles warmly at you, squeezing your hand in return before slipping back to her table. You finish up your meal and head outside to wait.

The sun is just starting to set, casting a golden glow over the quiet campus grounds. A few students mill about but it's mostly peaceful at this hour. You take a seat on a nearby bench to watch the sky change colors as you wait.

After a little while, the cafeteria doors open and Bree emerges. She spots you right away and waves, hurrying over. "Hey! Sorry that took a bit, we got to chatting."

Her expression is hopeful as she sits beside you. "Martin said he'll meet us down by the lake in ten. I told him we'd head over now so we could talk a bit first, if that's okay?" She smiles softly. "Thanks again for doing this. Fingers crossed it goes well, yeah?"

Taking a breath, she stands and offers you her hand. "Come on, let's start walking. I've got butterflies but it'll be good to get it over with." Her eyes shine with gratitude and affection. "You ready?"

Bree walks with you hand in hand, chewing her lip thoughtfully as you talk. "Honestly? I think Martin knows we're just friends." She glances at you with a small smile.

"And I mean, you've never made a move or anything, so there's no reason for him to be jealous, you know?" Squeezing your hand gently, she continues.

"As for why I come to you...I guess it's because you're a good listener. Even when I'm being a brat, you let me vent without judging." Her smile turns rueful. "My other friends are great, but they're also more involved in the drama, I guess? It's easier to be objective with you."

She shrugs, eyes returning to the path ahead. "Plus you give really good hugs. They're comforting." A light blush colors her cheeks as she admits shyly, "And you make me feel safe. Like whatever's bothering me isn't so scary anymore because you've got my back."

Glancing at you again, she smiles softly. "Is that dumb? I know I haven't always been nice, but you're important to me, okay? I hope you know that."

Bree's smile turns a bit shy at your admission of enjoying her hugs. "Well, I can't say I'm totally opposed to polyamory as a concept." She glances away, cheeks darkening.

"And Martin's a great guy, but..." Her fingers squeeze yours gently. "I'd be lying too if I said I hadn't wondered, you know? What it might be like with someone else."

Slowly she meets your eyes again, her own gaze soft and searching. "Especially with you." Biting her lip, she adds hesitantly, "I just never wanted to mess up our friendship by bringing it up if you weren't interested."

By now you've reached the edge of the lake, the sunset painting its still waters vibrant shades of orange and pink. Bree stops, turning to face you fully with an almost hopeful look.

"So I guess what I'm trying to say is...I'm open to exploring that side of things, if you are." Her fingers tighten around yours. "Only if you're sure, though. I don't want either of us to regret anything."

Bree listens intently, expression open and thoughtful. When you finish, she smiles slowly. "I think talking to Martin is the best next step. Communication is important in any relationship."

Squeezing your hand reassuringly, she adds, "And I believe he'll hear us out with an open mind. He's a good guy - I don't think he'd want me, or us, to be unhappy." Her smile turns mischievous. "Besides, who could resist two people as amazing as us?"

Chuckling, she grows serious again and meets your eyes. "I care about you both. If he's willing to try polyamory, even just dating and seeing where it goes...I think it could work. We'll make it work."

Bree glances out at the sunset-gilded water. "So let's find Martin, talk to him. See where he stands on all this before we decide anything more, yeah?" She turns back to you, expression warm yet hopeful. "Thank you for being so understanding. It means everything to me."

Gently squeezing your hand once more, she adds softly, "Now come on. Let's go have that talk." With that, she leads you along the shore to find Martin, the future unfolding bright before you all.

Martin smiles and waves you both over. "Hey guys. What's up?"

Bree takes a deep breath, then begins. "Martin, I wanted to talk to you about us. Lately it feels like we're...drifting apart." Her voice is gentle but serious.

Martin's smile fades as he listens intently. Bree continues, "It's like you don't really hear me anymore when I try to talk about things that are important to me. My day, my feelings, my worries - it's like they don't matter to you."

She takes his hands in hers. "I care about you so much, but a relationship takes work from both people. And right now, I'm not feeling very supported." Her eyes search his earnestly.

"I don't want us to fall apart. So I thought maybe we could try reconnecting - go on a few dates, spend quality time together. And really listen to each other, you know?" Squeezing his hands, she finishes, "What do you think? Are you willing to work on us?"

Martin's expression is thoughtful. "I...had no idea you felt that way, Bree. You're right - I haven't been putting in the effort." He lifts a hand to cup her cheek. "I love you. Of course I'm willing to try."

Bree smiles, relieved. "That's all I needed to hear." She glances at you. "There is one other thing..."

Bree takes a breath, then says gently, "Martin, you know I care about Nym too. As more than a friend."

Martin nods, expression open. Bree continues, "We were talking, and...we wondered if you might consider something non-traditional. Like an open or polyamorous relationship."

Releasing your hand, she faces Martin fully. "It wouldn't change my feelings for you. But I can't deny my feelings for Nym either. And...I think the three of us could make it work, if you're willing."

She searches his face earnestly. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But just think about it, okay? You don't have to decide now."

Martin is silent a moment. Then he says, "You're right, it is a lot. But I trust you both." He smiles softly. "If this is truly what will make you happy, Bree, then I'm willing to try it."

Bree beams, embracing him tightly. "Thank you. It means everything that you're open to this." She pulls back to take your hand as well, glancing between you both with shining eyes.

"I really think the three of us could be amazing together. If you'll both give polyamory a chance." Her smile is warm and hopeful.

Martin smiles gently at you both. "I'd like that. Getting to know you better could be good for all of us."

Bree squeezes your hand, joy and relief filling her face. "I'm so happy." She pulls you and Martin into a hug.

As you embrace, Bree whispers, "Thank you both for being so understanding and open to this. It means the world." Pulling back, her eyes shine. "Now, how about our first official date? The three of us could get ice cream!"

Martin chuckles. "Sounds perfect." He offers you both an arm with a warm smile. "Shall we?"

Heart light, you each take one of his arms. As the three of you head off together into the night, a sense of rightness steals over you. Whatever challenges may come, your care and commitment to each other will see you through. And in the presence of these people who love you so deeply, all feels peaceful.