the quinnblake breakup

Act I Part II

I exited my truck, slamming the door shut and stretching once I was out. I was glad we had made it to the breakfast place before it closed, I was a little worried since we had woken up so late today, and took even longer to get out of bed, but Quinn convinced me to get up with the prospect of satisfying the rumbling in my stomach- as much as I had protested. I knew I was probably just being paranoid, maybe feeling guilty, but I didn't want to let go of him this morning.

However, the hunger won, and here we were.

"You guys can just find a seat wherever!" A waitress shouted as we walked through the door. Quinn and I came here a lot, so we knew the drill by this point, and took a seat where we always do- right at the window in the far corner. Normally, we choose this seat because we're hungover and it's quiet, but today, I suspect it's for different reasons.

We sat and waited for the server without saying a single word to each other. I shifted in my seat, restless at the silence. Quinn was looking over the menu, as if nothing at all had happened the night before. We were going through the motions so perfectly that, for a second, I thought maybe I was imagining the looming feeling of dread that was between us.

"...Getting the usual?" I asked him, desperate to break the silence, even if it was just small talk.

"No. I think I'm gonna shake it up a bit, today." He spoke. "The maple ham is calling my name."

"Oh? No fruit bowl? Those are your favorite."

"Not today. I feel... nauseous enough as it is." He huffed. "Don't need to add to it."

Ah, so, I wasn't imagining the tension.

"Hey guys!~ Sorry about the wait. Can I get you guys started with some coffee?" The server approached our table, gesturing to the pot in her hands.

"Yes, please. I didn't get much sleep." I sighed. She nodded and poured it into the mug that was already on the table.

"None for me, I have my own drink." Quinn smiled politely, pointing at the thermos to his side. "But I think we know what we want for food, if thats okay?"

The waitress nodded, taking the rest of our order and scurrying away quickly after- I wondered if she noticed the bad vibes at the table, too, and was trying to get out of there as fast as possible.

Almost as soon as she was gone, Quinn spoke up, as if he was waiting for a moment of privacy to say something.

"You know, Blake... Last night? I can't do that shit anymore." He sighed, not looking at me. "The fighting is killing me."

I know things were tense, but I didn't expect him to bring it up. We were together all morning, and he didn't make a single mention of it until now. I dreaded the thought of having this conversation, but part of me was a little relieved.

I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't looking for a fight last night. Do I need to remind you that you attacked me first?" I grumbled. "All I wanted to do was watch a movie with you and go to bed, but you decided to accuse me of the one thing you know I can't stand."

"...I admit that wasn't cool of me, and we both know I didn't really believe it, but I'm just frustrated." He frowned. "Besides, I already apologized for it, but I haven't heard even a peep from you about what you said. I never do."

"I know... I took it a little too far last night." I put my chin in my hands and looked out the window. What the hell was he so bothered by? I've said infinitely worse things to him before, last night wasn't even close to the worst fight we've had. I know I should apologize, but I couldn't, and he was expecting too much from me. I mustered a "I shouldn't have."