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“You don’t mess around with your friend’s woman Your brother’s woman Your teammate’s woman It’s bro code”

I stare blankly, the last flush of sweet intile to understand what he’s saying

“For exa Jaime for whatever reason,” he explains, “and she was interested in Dozer and Dozer was interested in her… Even if Cage and Jaiood terms and had no qualms hom the other dated, it’s a violation of bro code for Dozer to date her”

“I think I see what you’re saying” I run ers with his “And you think you’re violating bro code by being with me?”

“I know I am,” he replies firmly

“But you’re willing to violate it?” I ask to be sure

“Apparently,” he returns dryly “And clearly, it’s complicated”

“You know this is different, right? Ji about bro code because that could cause hurt feelings, but that’s not the case here”

Malik doesn’t say anything, and I can see I’ him

“I talked to Corinne about this a little bit,” I proceed “I was having so Jimmy But she asked what Ji over me in the afterlife, he’d want me to be happy He’d be sad if I didn’t move on If I didn’t find happiness So I don’t see this as any type of violation”

Malik sighs, pulling oes to his collarbone, and I wrap my arms around his waist

“I don’t want anyone here thinking I’ in on territory where I don’t belong”

“They wouldn’t”

“They very well could,” he points out “I’… maybe we could just take some time to ourselves for now This is so co with such deep e we’ve lost, and how to deal e’re gaining I just—”

My fingershiles to overcome, and he has already battled quite a few demons to even take this chance with ht now

So, I agree “Just between you and me for now”

“And Kynan,” he adds

“And Corinne,” I point out