He tenses and then relaxes against me, holding me as tight as I’m holding him.

Solidarity.

The things she forced on us.

The things we allowed.

The past.

Present.

Future.

And, of course, MB is standing right there, probably wondering what the hell silent conversation is going on, but I don’t want to shock her, nor do I want to embarrass Quinn. So I just hold him the way he holds me, not giving a shit who sees us.

What’s the worst that could happen over what already has?

“You know…” Quinn sounds like he’s smiling as we hug. “I really wish you were into dudes too.”

I burst out laughing and shove him away. “You’d be the only prick for me.”

He touches his chest with his hand. “Thanks, bro. I really felt that in here.” He taps his chest and keeps laughing while MB looks between us like she’s about ready to get a story about us.

Nope. Not the time.

The bell rings.

“Ah, back to hell.” Quinn winks at MB. “Want me to take you to class, or do you need to stay and chat.

MB is silent, and then she looks from me to Quinn. “Are you into guys?”

In typical Quinn finesse, which makes me want to punch him in the throat, by the way, he grabs her and pulls her against him, his mouth inches from hers. “I’m into you.”

“I’m killing you after class,” I mutter. “Stop messing with her head.”

“She likes to be messy, I think.” He smirks over at me. “Be gentle.”

“He’s never gentle,” MB says in my defense, holding her head high.

“Yeah.” Quinn nods. “I’m aware.”

Shit.

“Go.” I roll my eyes as he releases her and leaves the men’s bathroom. “And Quinn?”

He looks over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“Dicks forever, you bastard, not like I forgot.”

“You’re the dick.” I point out.

“Sureeeee,” he calls and then leaves us alone.

“We should, um…” I point toward the door. “Go to class.”

MB’s eyes narrow. “Will you tell me the story later? Promise?”

“What story?” I play dumb.

She glares. “You and your little dick club, will you tell me later?”

I sigh as the warning bell goes off. “It doesn’t have a happy ending.”

“I’ve never had one either. I think I can deal.”

My heart instantly clenches. “Yeah, just go to class, and forget about it until we get back home, all right?”

She nods. “Are you really okay?”

“I will be.” I start walking toward the door and open it. “Besides, I have a really cool roommate that likes to eat quesadillas late at night, so I think I’ll make it because, you know, cheese.”

“Solves everything.” She hangs her head like she’s almost sad this moment’s over.

I pull her in for a quick hug. I want to kiss her so badly; instead, I just hold her for a brief few seconds and let her go, then, in a dumbass move, kiss the top of her head before bolting.