"Physics and Engineering majors," I correct. "Same thing."
Meanwhile, JP has gathered a small crowd of increasingly concerned-looking frat guys and is lecturing them about alcohol metabolism.
"The key is electrolyte balance combined with B-vitamin supplementation before you begin drinking. Your liver can only process approximately one standard drink per hour, so if you pace yourself?—"
"Wait, go back to the hangover cure part," one guy interrupts.
JP sighs but pulls out his phone. "I'll send you the recipe. But you should know that excessive drinking causes significant damage to your?—"
"Yeah, yeah, liver damage. Recipe, please."
I watch my worlds collide, awkward and hilarious, but somehow it works. The geeks aren't quite fitting in, but they're not being rejected either.
The frat guys are trying not to overwhelm them. I'm guessing they're aware that Gavin cares about this and are behaving because of it.
But it's still a lot. I can see Leo starting to wilt despite his beer pong victory. Luca's practiced conversation topics have run out. Even JP looks ready to retreat.
"We're going to head out," JP announces, finding me on the couch where I'm comfortably settled in Gavin's lap.
I start to stand. "I'll come with?—"
"Hell no." Max appears out of nowhere, pointing at me firmly. "You stay. Sit on your man's lap and have fun."
"But—"
"Sebastian." Max's voice is surprisingly firm for someone who looks like a blue-haired pixie. "You finally have a hot boyfriend who's obsessed with you. Enjoy it. We'll be fine. We survived years without you; we can make it through the rest of one night."
"Rude."
"Accurate." He grins. "Text us when you're home. Or don't. We'll assume you're getting railed."
"Max!”
But they're already heading out, Leo waving, Luca giving a nod, JP herding them like a very tired sheepdog.
I settle back against Gavin with a sigh. "My friends are insane."
"Your friends are amazing." He nuzzles my neck. "And they really love you."
"I'm aware."
"Also, Max is terrifying. I respect that."
Before I can respond, Gavin stands, with me still in his arms, and starts walking toward the main couch.
"What are you—Put me down!”
"Nope."
"Gavin! You can't just pick people up!"
"Just did."
He deposits me on the couch, then sits and pulls me into his lap in one smooth motion. I'm sputtering with indignation.
"You can't just… manhandle me like… I'm a grown man?—"
"A fun-sized man," Gavin agrees.
