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“Fair point.”

Dean leaned forward, steepling his fingers between his knees. “And if you’re right about him, you will need to be careful. If he’s being defensive, he’s got a good reason and probably knows he has a good reason. He’s not going to want to let go of those defenses.”

“I know.”

“And it might end badly.”

“I know that too.”

“Or could just be rough, ugly, and hard for no reason.”

“Dean.”

Dean shrugged. “Or it could end up being a combination of things. Which is why I came over here, to make sure you were alright and to make sure you understand.”

“Well, you covered those bases quite well,” Marco told him with a frown. “I’m not sure if I like that it’s coming off a little condescending, but you succeeded.”

Dean’s lips curled upward. “And I also came over to tell you I’ve got your back. And I don’t want you to think you can’t talk to me about this, alright? Even if it’s just to vent or get your head on straight. I’m worried, but that doesn’t keep me from helping however I can, alright?”

Marco bowed his head, nodding slowly. “I know.”

And he did. His frustration drained out of him. He had good friends, and even if they might piss him off, Dean and Sloane did support him.

“Oh hey, you have text messages. Are they dirty?” Dean asked brightly. “They’re from Carter.”

Marco darted forward, snatching the phone from his friend. “Give me that!”

“God,” Dean said, still grinning. “We really do have similar tastes in men. How the hell did we even date each other?”

Marco scowled as he looked down at the messages Carter had sent.

Admiral Douchebag is trying to run me ragged, fuck him.

Btw, you eat anything other than Thai food?

I hope so cuz we’re fucking getting tacos soon, and I don’t wanna hear you bitch about it either.

Marco shook his head, marking that, once again, Carter was saying plenty without actually saying it aloud.

“Ooh,” Dean grunted as he watched Marco. “Youdohave a touch of it, don’t you?”

“A touch of what?” Marco asked distractedly as he informed Carter that, yes, he did eat other foods and tacos sounded great.

“You’re smitten as hell,” Dean informed him as he stood up. “I don’t think I ever saw that look on your face before. Not with me or anyone else.”

Marco looked up, frowning. “I liked you!”

“You still like me.”

“Not like that.”

Dean laughed. “Yeah, but even back then, when you and I kinda sorta were a thing. I never saw that look on your face. I wonder if Carter’s caught it yet.”

Marco groaned. “Don’t, he’d probably lose his mind.”

“Or fall madly, deeply, completely in love with you, transformed by the power of your love,” Dean proclaimed in a wispy voice.

Marco pointed to the door. “Out with you, and take your bag with you.”