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fisted in Dennis’ shirt as he shoves him up against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, right in my line of sight. Dennis has his fingers tangled in Tucker’s curls.
    They both groan as Tucker presses himself against Dennis. Okay, I’ve seen enough…
    I clear my throat loud enough for Dennis to hear me. He jumps, tearing his mouth away from Tucker’s. He glances over Tucker’s shoulder and sees me, so I give him a two-fingered salute. Dennis rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
    “What?” Tucker asks him. I can hear the confusion in his tone.
    Hopefully after tomorrow, he will be able to hear again and won’t need Dennis to tell him that they are not alone. Dennis motions with a nod of his chin in my direction. Tucker glances over his shoulder and sees me. His eyes widen slightly.
    “Oh, shit. Sorry, Duke, we thought you were sleeping since all of the lights were out.”
    “Definitely not sleeping,” I sign to him.
    He shoves himself away from Dennis. “I’m gonna go take a shower,” he says.
    Dennis nods. “I’ll be up soon,” he signs to Tucker.
    “Okay,” Tucker says, and gives him one more kiss before going upstairs.
    Dennis shoves his hands in his pockets and walks over to me. He stops next my chair.
    “Is there a reason you’re sitting here in the dark?” he asks quietly.
    I shrug. “Didn’t feel like turning the light on?”
    “Is there anything you need to talk about?” he asks all too knowingly.
    “Nope,” I say automatically out of habit.
    Shit. I was just telling myself that I needed to talk to someone. If I’m going to talk to anyone, it should be Dennis because he would understand the best.
    “Alright, you know where to find me if you change your mind,” he murmurs.
    I grab his wrist as he turns away. He looks over his shoulder at me and waits for me to speak.
    “I…I’m depressed again.”
    Dennis frowns and moves to lower down onto the coffee table in front of me. “How long?”
    “It started after I found out about Aimee cheating on me, but it’s getting worse.” I sigh and rake a hand down my face.
    “How bad are we talking here? Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Dennis asks in concern.
    I shake my head. “No, not yet, but I can see it going there.”
    He nods. “Okay. What do you need from me?”
    He places his hand on my knee. I pull in a deep breath and close my eyes. Just having his support and comfort is helpful. It’s funny how close Dennis and I have grown since our first meeting. I guess having something as crippling as depression in common forces us to confide in and trust each other. Plus, it’s always fun to be able to bust on someone who can take it and dish it back out.
    When I open my eyes, Dennis is studying me as he patiently waits for me to answer his question. “Just knowing I can come and talk to you whenever I need to is helpful. I already feel a little better telling you that I’m depressed.”
    He squeezes my knee. “Why don’t you come and stay with Tucker and me for a while? I don’t like the thought of you being here alone while you’re feeling this way.” He frowns.
    A rush of emotion has my eyes burning with the threat of tears. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
    “No, not at all,” Dennis says with conviction.
    “I would really like that,” I whisper.
    “Okay, good.”
    Dennis stands and grabs my arm, pulling me up from my seat and into a hug. I wrap my arms around him and rest my forehead on his shoulder. Relief pours through me; I already don’t feel as alone as I did only moments ago. Dennis rubs circles on my back, seemingly content to hold me for as long as I need.
    “Can I snuggle with you and Tucker tonight?” I tease. But I’m also hoping he will catch the need in my tone. I don’t want to be alone tonight.
    Dennis chuckles and pulls out of the hug. His eyes soften as his smile fades. His hands lightly smooth up and down my arms, as he motions with his head toward the stairs.
    “Come on,” he