'Tis confusion!

Untitled Part 43

The rain still hadn't let up by the time the movie ended. I had no idea what time it even was at this point, nor did I care too much. I did realize, however, that Q, Sal and I were the only ones still awake. I was stretched out on the couch with my head in Q's lap, and he was absentmindedly playing with my hair. Sal was seated indian-style on the floor next to us. The repetitive motions of Q's fingers through my hair was so relaxing, it was almost hypnotizing. I could feel my entire body melt under his fingers, and could sense my eyelids getting heavier. Then I fell asleep.

It couldn't have been too much longer that I drifted back to consciousness. I shifted slightly and heard Q's voice murmur to Sal.

"Would you look at that? Sometimes I really don't know how I ended up so lucky."

"Do you mean the cat, or the girl?"

"Salvatore."

I heard Sal laugh quietly. "I'm not allowed to bust your chops now?"

Q sighed.  "By all means, go right ahead... not that you'd refrain without my permission."

"Clearly. C'mon, that's what our entire friendship is based on, isn't it? In all seriousness, though, I don't think you give yourself enough credit. Mara seems to be gaga for you, just as much as you are for her. Do you see the way she looks at you? Plus, I know you heard what she told Gatto the night of the party. God only knows why, but she really seems to be falling for you."

I cracked one eye open just enough to see Q whap Sal with a pillow.  "Gee, thanks buddy," Q replied.  "Have you looked at your situation lately?"

"Situation? There's no situation to speak of. See, situation indicates a problem."

"Not to me it doesn't," Q said. "A situation to me is just...an occurrence. a happening. Almost an event, if you will."

Sal sighed. "Whatever it is you wanna call it...and yes, I'm totally aware of what you're getting at. I have a beautiful woman wanting to spend time with me. One who has similar interests, and isn't seeming the least bit crazy. And yes, I question that a fair bit myself.  But I'm not gonna make myself nutso over it... I'm enjoying getting to know Barbara. I think she's funny, and sweet, and really cute. I love that whole girl next door vibe she puts off."

"Ah, see, that's where you and I differ, my friend. Don't get me wrong, I think Barbara's a good looking chick. But she's a little...clean-cut for me. You know how I feel about that edgy, 'don't fuck with me' girl. I like a little kick to my coffee, if you will."

I could almost  hear  Sal roll his eyes at that line. "You are the biggest nerd in the world, Quinn. I hope you know that."

"Well, this nerd scored himself a wonderful woman, so...I guess I'm not doing that badly."  

I was trying so hard to hide the grin on my face upon hearing that, but I wasn't completely sure of my success there. I shifted in Q's lap in an attempt to conceal my smile..and ended up losing my balance and landing on the floor.  Both Q and Sal looked over at me.

"Everything ok?" Q teased. "Did the floor look more comfy than my lap all of a sudden?"

I grinned up at him. " On the contrary.... I wasn't snoring or anything, was I?"

"Hmm...I guess you'll have to watch the videotape to find out," Sal quipped.

"Fair enough. I"ll watch that after I rewatch your sleeping doughnut balancing act." 

Q snickered. I got up from the floor and flopped back next to him on the couch. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and snuggled me closer. "What are you guys still doing up, anyways?"

"Like you don't know. I saw you open your eyes all sly-like and watch Quinn abuse me with a pillow not five minutes ago." Sal said.

I grinned guiltily. "Busted."

"Tell me about it. What am I going to do with you?" 

"Punish me most verily?"

Q nodded gravely. "I may have to take you to the dungeon and dole out some pain."

I put on the most serious face I could muster. "Will there be dragons?"

"Stop," Sal interjected. "Brian, I know what you're about to say, and I am begging you not to say it...not in front of me at least."

Q rolled his eyes. "Spoilsport." I laughed. "Sal's just bitter because his princess is in another castle."

Sal sighed. "King and Queen nerd over here."

I laughed. "Proud of it, man. Proud of it."

 Q laughed, then yawned. He looked at his phone. "So, it's four am..maybe we should go...I dunno..sleep for a couple hours?" He looked out the window. "It sounds like it's still raining- " a bolt of lightening streaked through the sky, bathing everything in pale yellow for a split second. "Yeah, still raining. My street is going to be completely flooded...which I suppose means I'm stuck with you bozos for a while longer still." He sighed dramatically, then looked over at me and ran his fingers down my arm. "Well, I guess it's not that bad. C'mon sweetheart... wanna go to the bedroom and see if you can... slay my dragon?"

 Sal groaned. "And there it is."