FINALS WEEK

Finals season was brutal. Three weeks of nonstop exams, essays, and cramming until my brain felt like mush. But for now, I was free—at least temporarily. My last final had ended this morning, and I'd dragged myself back to my dorm with every intention of collapsing into bed and waiting for Dash to finish his own test. I barely got to enjoy the peace before there was a knock at my door. A sharp, rhythmic knock. One that immediately rubbed me the wrong way. I debated ignoring it, but I wasn't that lucky. Another series of knocks followed, slower this time, like whoever was on the other side was getting real comfortable. With a groan, I forced myself up, ran a hand through my hair, and cracked open the door.

Kwan.

"Of… fucking… course." I thought to myself.

The second I saw his smug face, I knew this wasn't going to go well. I'd seen Kwan lurking around campus lately, his fingers still wrapped up from the last time Dash had… well, for lack of a better word, snapped them in half. I had no idea what he wanted, but whatever it was, I wasn't in the mood.

"Kwan. What the hell do you want now?" I asked, irritation evident in every word I said.

"Yo, Fenton. Long time no see. Just thought I'd drop by and check in on you. Y'know, be neighborly."

"Yeah?" I leaned against the doorframe, nonchalant as ever. "Well, neighbor, I don't recall inviting you. So, unless you've got a damn good reason to be here, I suggest you keep moving."

Kwan's grin didn't waver, but his eyes flickered with something—amusement, maybe. "Come on, man. No need to be hostile. I figured you'd be happy to have some company, seeing as your boyfriend's busy."

I exhaled slowly through my nose. "Not interested. Now, again, please leave."

He took that as an invitation to step closer, not past the threshold but close enough to be annoying. "Aw, come on. We used to have so much fun back in the day. Me, Dash, and the guys making your life hell. Good times, huh?"

I stared at him incredulously. "If by 'good times' you mean 'complete and utter bullshit,' then yeah. A real blast."

Kwan laughed, like we were just two old friends reminiscing on the "good ole days" of our past. Yeah, right. "Man, you really are something, Fenton. No fear, no hesitation. Kinda makes me wonder what Dash sees in you."

There it was. The first real jab. I clenched my jaw but said nothing.

"Y'know, I've been thinking. Dash—he's got a history, right? Hot-headed. Protective. But you? You're just this little ghost freak who somehow wormed his way into his heart. Kinda funny, don't you think?"

I crossed my arms. "If you're jealous, Kwan, please just say it. It can save us both a lot of time. Time that I do not have."

Kwan's smile flickered, but he recovered fast. "Jealous? Nah. I just don't get it. What do you have that's got Dash risking everything? His reputation? His game? Hell, his future?"

My fingers curled into fists. "You don't know shit about Dash."

"Oh, but I do, shithead." Kwan insisted. "I've known him longer than you have. And trust me, I know he's got a weakness for broken things. You think he's with you because he loves you? Nah. He's just trying to fix you. Just like he tried to fix me."

Tried to fix him? What the fuck is he talking about? That hit something deep, but I didn't flinch. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

Then Kwan smirked. "Or maybe he just likes taking in strays. Your sister, for example—"

I didn't think. I didn't hesitate. In an instant, I had him by the collar, yanking him forward so hard his smirk vanished. My breath was sharp, controlled, but my patience was gone.

"Say another word about my sister, and I promise you, I won't need Dash to break something this time."

Kwan's eyes widened, just a fraction. He hadn't expected that. Good. For a long moment, we just stood there, tension so thick it could choke. Then, slowly, Kwan's smirk returned—smaller, but there. "See?" he murmured. "That's what I wanted to see. You got some fight in you after all, Fenton."

I shoved him back, hard enough that he stumbled a step. "Get the fuck out before I snap your neck."

Kwan chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Message received. But hey, take this as a little friendly advice—keep your guard up. Dash ain't always gonna be around to save you."

With one last knowing glance, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing in the doorway, fists clenched, pulse racing. I exhaled slowly, closing my eyes for a second before shutting the door behind me. Dash would be back soon. And when he was, I had a feeling he'd have a lot to say about this.

Why does he think he has any right to come around me? Does he not realize I'll actually snap his neck? The nerve of this guy, acting like he's still relevant, like his words mean anything to me. Dash already put him in his place—twice. And if Kwan wants a third round, I'll be more than happy to deliver it myself.

The worst part? He almost got to me. Almost. But I refuse to let some washed-up idiot with a broken nose and busted fingers make me question where I stand with Dash. I know what we have. I know what we are. And no amount of taunts from Kwan is gonna change that.

Just as I tried to shake off the lingering frustration, the door swung open, and Dash walked in. The second he stepped inside, his eyes landed on me, and instantly, his whole demeanor shifted.

"What happened?"

I blinked. "What?"

Dash took a step closer, eyes scanning me, searching for any sign of trouble. "Something's wrong." His voice was sharp, protective. "What is it?"

I let out a breath, running a hand through my hair. "Kwan was here."

Dash stilled. Then, just as quickly, his whole body tensed, fists clenching at his sides. "What did he say?"

I met his eyes and smirked slightly. "Relax, baby. Nothing I couldn't handle."

Dash didn't look convinced. His jaw tightened, and his hands twitched like he was seconds away from marching out to find Kwan himself. "Danny…"

"Dash. I'm fine. If he shows his face again, that'll be the last time we see it."

His eyes softened—just a little—but I could still feel the heat behind them, the barely restrained fury. "Where is he?"

My smirk slightly increased. "No idea, but trust me, he won't be back anytime soon."

Dash exhaled through his nose, still visibly tense. "If he does, you tell me immediately."

I nodded. "I know."

Still, he didn't relax completely. Instead, he pulled me into a tight hug, as if needing to reassure himself that I was okay. I sank into it, letting the tension finally ease from my shoulders. Whatever Kwan had tried to do, it didn't work. Dash was here. And I wasn't alone.

—-

For the next few days, as finals came to an end, I didn't see Kwan. He didn't come to my dorm, and didn't come anywhere near me. Maybe he finally got the hint.

"Hey."

I looked up from my phone at Dash. His dirty blonde hair covered his eyes ever so slightly, just the way I like it. "Hmm?"

"You okay, baby? You've been a little quiet today." He smiled softly. "Just got to make sure my baby's okay."

"Yeah, I'm good, Dashi. I guess I didn't want to say much, y'know? Then again, I did sleep for most of the day." I replied, chuckling.

"True. Shocked you didn't notice me coming in earlier from the gym, but you were asleep, so…" He rested his hand on my head, running his fingers through my hair lightly. "I made sure to cover you up in case you were cold."

"I felt your body heat." I stated with a smile. "How'd I get so lucky with you?"

Dash didn't respond at first. Instead, he smiled and leaned down to give me a kiss. "That's how."

Typical. "Of course it is. Want to go outside for a minute? I'd like some fresh air, even if it's a little cool out."

"Sure, baby."

Minutes passed, and we were outside of our dorm, taking in the cool air. It felt so good, I almost forgot what it felt like. That was until I sensed something. "Dash."

"Yes?"

I narrowed my eyes and looked straight ahead. "I sense trouble. And it's coming in our direction."

Surely enough, Kwan was coming towards us. Bruised and all. To make things worse, he looked pissed.

"He's got some nerve." Dash remarked as Kwan got closer. "You must really want your other fingers broken, huh?"

He stopped five feet away from me, eyes locked onto me like he was a hunter stalking its prey. "Oh, shut up. What makes you think I'm here for you, Baxter? I'm here for your little bitch boy."

"What… the hell… do you want with me, Kwan?" I seethed, getting right in his face. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from me?"

A smirk found its way onto Kwan's face, followed by a chuckle. "Awww, Fenton. You think that just because your pitbull's here that you can stand up to me? Cute."

I narrowed my eyes at him, anger rising in my body. "Give me one good reason to not sock you in your jaw right now."

Dash stepped closer to me, whispering in my ear. "It's not worth it… let's just leave before one of us gets hurt."

I nodded, and started to walk away with Dash until Kwan pulled my arm back.

"I wasn't done with you, punk. I don't know why you act like you're so special." Kwan spoke in a low tone, getting closer with that ever-present smug grin. "Dash—he's always trying to fix people. First me, now you. He likes having a little project. Something to keep him entertained. You think you're different? That he ain't gonna get bored of you?"

"You don't know what you're talking about." I answered.

"Oh, I don't? C'mon, Fenton. You really think you're the first guy he's tried to 'help'? He used to be all over me, too. Said I needed fixing. Said I could be better. Sound familiar? Maybe you should ask yourself why he's so damn interested in helping broken guys like us."

He's trying to get a reaction. He's pushing every button possible. I know what Kwan'simplying, what he wants me to believe.

"You're full of shit." My voice is shaking from the sheer effort it's taking to contain the fury rising in my chest.

Kwan smirked. "Am I? Think about it, Fenton. Why else would he be so damn protective of you? Why else would he put his hands on me over you? He's done it before. Maybe he just likes having someone to keep his bed warm."

Before I could process what was just said, I attacked. "YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!" I shouted. I can't see anything but red, which is ironic because I can feel my knuckles connecting with Kwan's jaw.

Unfortunately for me, the pitbull came running back. Dash's voice barely cut through the haze before he started to grab me. "Danny, what the hell?!"

I blacked out and kept punching away at Kwan, who was trying to cover up. All of my pent up anger and frustration with him was coming out, and I didn't think it would stop…

That was until I was lifted off of Kwan and carried me from the courtyard back into the dorm building. I'm kicking and punching at Dash until we get back to our room. I can still feel the heat in my fists, the dull ache in my knuckles where skin met bone. My breath is ragged, sharp like I'm breathing in glass, and my chest heaves as if I ran a marathon. My hands tremble, but it's not from exhaustion. It's from rage. From everything that Kwan said. From everything he made me feel.

Dash is staring at me like he doesn't even recognize me, his eyes wide with something between awe and fear. His hands are still on my arms from when he pulled me away, his grip firm, grounding me into the mattress under us. But I can't meet his eyes. My vision is too blurred to see whatever's in them.

"Danny… what the hell?" His voice is softer than I expected. Not angered. Not scolding. Just… careful.

That only makes it worse. My teeth clench, my jaw aches from how hard I'm grinding them together. I feel the heat behind my eyes, the burning that I refuse to let out because I am not breaking down right now. Not in front of Kwan. Not in front of Dash. Not because of what that bastard said. But I already lost control, didn't I? The proof is outside in the middle of the courtyard, Kwan groaning and bloodied, his face contorted in pain. The worst part is—I don't regret it. I should, I know I should, but all I can think about is his words looping in my head, mocking, biting, cruel.

Dash's fingers press harder into my arms, not enough to hurt, but enough to get me to look at him. When I do, his face is unreadable for a moment, like he's processing the wreckage of whatever just happened. Then his lips part, hesitating, his throat tightening as he swallows before he speaks again. "Danny… you're shaking."

I am. Violently shaking. I hadn't even noticed. I also hadn't noticed that my vision was returning to normal, and all I could begin to see were…

Dash's blue eyes.

"Danny… talk to me."

I blink and look at him, tears starting to come down, but my expression doesn't change. "He said you were trying to fix me. Like you tried to fix him." My voice cracks in the middle, and I fucking hate it. "Like I'm some broken project for you to work on. That's why you care, right?"

Dash's grip on me tightens just for a second. His face twists with something raw, something I haven't seen before. Hurt. Genuine, open hurt.

"What? Danny, no. That's not—" He shakes his head hard, eyes darkening, filled with something that's terrifyingly protective. "That's not true. That's not why I—why I care about you. That's bullshit, and you know it."

I exhale sharply, something between a laugh and a sob. "Do I? Because right now, I—"

"No." He cuts me off, voice firm but not harsh. "You do. You know me. You know us. Don't let Kwan—don't let his words do this to you."

My chest is too tight. My throat burns. I feel the weight of everything I've held back pressing down all at once. I shake my head, trying to push him away, but Dash doesn't let me. He won't let me.

"Danny, I'm not going anywhere."

"Dash, let me go."

"I'm not going anywhere." His voice is softer now, insistent, but steady. "I'm right here. And I'm not trying to fix you. I just—" He lets out a breath. A shaky, unconfident breath. "I just want to be with you."

That's when I stop trying to push him. I let out a shaky breath of my own, my entire body still tense, but Dash doesn't let go. And somehow, despite everything, that's what keeps me from falling apart completely. "D–Dash…"

"Danny, I promise." He's trying to find the words, and a tear starts streaming down his face and landing on mine. "I promise I'm not…" His voice is shaking, his eyes are turning red, and his grip on me tightens even more. "I promise… I'm not going anywhere…"

I look at Dash, and through my anger fueled haze, I can see something different in him. He's hurt. I hurt him. Again. "Dash, I… did I…" The words don't come out. I can't even force them out.

Dash is visibly hurt. I hurt him again. I said something that triggered him. He has tears coming down his face. His eyes are closed. He's shaking. And it's because of me.

I pull him down onto me, embracing him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Dash. I'm sorry, baby." I whisper in his ear.

"Danny, I just want you." He replies quietly before fully breaking down in my arms. "I'm not going anywhere."

I just can't believe I hurt Dash. Again.

I clung to him, not to ground him, but to fix what I had just shattered. "I just—he got in my head. And I was so mad, I—I didn't think." I muttered to myself.

Dash, head buried in the crook of my neck, spoke again amidst his breakdown, his voice still shaking. "Danny, I don't care what Kwan says. I don't care what anyone says. You're not some project to me. You never were."

"I know, Dash... I know. I was just so—so upset, and I… I let him get to me. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry..."

Dash exhaled, then pulled his head up to look at me without another word, his eyes still red. I could feel the way he was still trembling slightly, and it only made me feel worse.

"I'm so sorry." I whispered again. "Dash, I—"

He let me go and placed a finger to my lips, then nodded slightly and smiled weakly. "I love you."

"W–What?" I stuttered.

"I love you." He replied again.

"I… I love you too." I answered, knowing I'd do anything to make sure I never hurt him like this again.