the quinnblake breakup

Act I Part II

Clearly, my compromise was not enough for Quinn. He didn't look mad, not even sad. Just exhausted.

"It's not just last night, either, Blake. You've always been a bit of a douchebag, I know that..." He started, "But lately? You've just been nasty."

I felt a pang in my chest. His words hit hard, the last person I wanted to think of me that way, was Quinn. But really, it was his fault, wasn't it?

"If I seem 'nasty', it's only because you've been on my case so much about wanting me to be something I'm not!" I spat. "I don't want to talk about this for the millionth time. I'm never going to be what you think is a 'real' boyfriend. You were okay with it then, It's not like I was the most charming guy ever, what on earth could've changed your mind?!" I snapped.

"Nothing changed! I liked you for real from the start, you moron! I was just perfectly fine with compromising for you, because I genuinely liked to be with you." He furrowed his brows, clearly finding it hard to keep his composure. "And, yeah, I did try to convince you otherwise, but is that so bad of me? To like you? Love you, even?"

"It's not my fault y-" I started to defend, but Quinn cut me off.

"No, shut up. I'm not finished-" He stopped me, "-I still wouldn't have minded, you know, compromising my own feelings for your sake, if things just stayed like they were. But contrary to what you like to keep telling me, I'm not crazy or delusional. You really have changed, and for the worse. It's like- the closer we get, the meaner you are to me. I don't get it." He laughed, turning away from me for a second. He wiped the tears welling in his eyes.

The aching in my chest only grew, and I started to get nauseous. I'd never seen Quinn cry in my life. Not even once. I realized that we were a lot more similar than I thought, he was just as good at hiding it as I was. I had no clue my actions hurt him that much. Or, maybe I was just that stupid, that stubborn, that I didn't realize. Everyone was right about me, I really am evil.

"The worst part is, it's rubbing off on me. You know, I can tell, I've gotten pretty good at getting under your skin, too" Quinn continued, smiling sadly, "But... I can't do it anymore. This isn't the life I want to live. This isn't the person I want to be."

I blinked.

"What... What are you saying?" There was no defensive jab. No dismissive comment. I was frozen. Surely, he wasn't getting at what I think he was?

"I'm breaking up with you." He didn't avert my gaze this time. His hands were shaking slightly, but he was firm.

It took a few seconds for the words to register. My head was buzzing, I felt like my eyes could not focus, and it was suddenly impossible to form thought.

I forced myself to snap out of it as best I could. I had to respond. I wanted to beg him for a second chance, tell him that I'd change. But I've had hundreds of second chances from him, and we both knew I'd never be anything but what I am. So, I couldn't. After all, it was too late to salvage the relationship, but it wasn't too late to salvage my ego.

"Well, if that's what you want." I shrugged, voice quivering but trying to appear unbothered. "I wont lie, kinda fucking sucks, you know? Admittedly, you are the hottest guy I know." I took a shaky breath, unable to get a grip. "But whatever, I'll find someone else." It's not what I wanted to say. It wasn't even a good deflection, but it was all I could muster. If I kept talking, I'd sound desperate. Hurt.

"That's it? Only upset you'll have to find someone else to screw?" He sighed, standing up. "Well, I guess it was naive of me to still hope, somewhere in there, you cared about me enough to be upset about this. Though, I guess that proves I made the right choice." He rummaged through his pockets and placed some bills on the table. "I don't feel like eating, anymore. Here's money for the food, yours too. A parting gift, I guess. I'll... see you later, at the dorm. But I'm going to see about swapping tomorrow, so don't worry. You won't have to deal with me for long."

And with that, he was gone.

I didn't move for a while, still trying to wrap my head around what happened. It didn't feel like it was true. Yeah, it hurt, but our fights always did. I still felt like I'd cool off, go back home, and he would be waiting for me like always. But that wasn't the case, and a part of me knew it wasn't going to be, even last night.

I wasn't stupid, I expected it. I knew it was coming. Just not this soon, not like this. No screaming, no yelling. Just Quinn, completely sick of me. Like everyone else is. Even though I saw all the warning signs, I did nothing about it. I can't blame him for leaving me.

Eventually, the waitress returned, her presence snapping me out of my daze.

"I figured you'd want these in boxes," She mumbled, placing the takeout carriers in front of me.

Oh, awesome, she heard it all. How fucking embarrassing.

I barely managed a 'thanks' before I stood, leaving the money on the table and getting the hell out of the restaurant as fast as I could. It was really hitting me, now. How badly I'd fucked up. How much I'd taken him for granted. I got in my truck, praying I could keep my facial expression steady until I was out of the parking lot, away from any potential onlookers.

I couldn't go back to the dorm, surely. Quinn would be there. I don't want to see him, and he doesn't want to see me. I had no idea where else I could go, though. Bars weren't open yet, I couldn't bother Luci with this- and she was probably at work anyway- and Wynter was in god-knows-where on vacation. Those three were the only people I even somewhat trusted. I had no options.

So, I just drove in the opposite direction. As far away from the dorm, the city, as I possibly could get. I looked at the takeout boxes on the passenger seat next to me, where Quinn was sitting not even an hour ago. All his stuff was already out of my car. I wonder how he got home, I hope he didn't have to walk in this cold.

But, why the fuck should I care? I'm just a heartless, unfeeling bastard after all. I frowned at his stupid fucking box of maple ham, and threw it out the window.

I didn't want to think about him anymore, and hated throwing myself pity parties, so I cranked the music as loud as I could stand, and kept driving until the road ended and I reached the ocean.