The next morning, Lucius is feeling very guilty. It's not like Blake's accusations were totally unfounded. He does tend to be excessive when it comes to Blake. But he had also felt hurt. He hadn't asked either boy to care for his brother. Sure he talked to Dewi about him, but he didn't say anything directly. And he hadn't even met Satoshi before the fight with Blake. He had promised that this time would be different. He doesn't plan on going against his oath.

Luce rubs his eyes. He hates when this kind of thing happens. He had brought Blake pizza to his room last night, but now it is time to make this right. He tentatively knocks on his door.

“Hey, have you sorted yourself out yet?” A growl comes from the room before the door opens.

“You owe me two cakes for my next birthday. One of those cherry filled chocolate cupcakes I really like.” Relief washes over Luce's features.

“Of course. Anything else?”

“Is there any pizza left from last night?”

“I saved you two slices. They're on the top shelf.” Blake quickly reheats the pizza and devours it like he'd skipped dinner the night before. As he finishes up, Luce cautiously speaks again. “So, mind telling me what upset you so much yesterday?”

“I fell asleep in the living room…. And woke up on my bed.”

“Oh, yeah, I didn't talk to either of them about keeping an eye on you. In fact, I requested they give you your space if you wanted it… There is one possibility, but you might not like it.” Lucius focuses on his brother's reaction to what he says next. “Dewi was asking about us.” Panic crosses Blake's face so Luce is quick to elaborate. “Just the usual getting to know a roommate stuff like schedule and personality. I didn't ask him to help you, but maybe our conversation planted the idea in his head… Sorry, if I had known… who are we kidding, I probably would have still gushed about you. I guess this is why I'm not your favorite guy, huh?”

“I said that?”

“I'm number two.” Luce puts up two fingers. “You wouldn't tell me who gets the first place spot, but I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.” A light blush crosses Blake's features.

“If I didn't tell you before, then I'm not telling you now.”

“Don't need you to, as your bro I’ve probably figured it out before you.” Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by a sleepy Dewi draping himself over Blake.

“So what we talking about, Roomies?” Luce answers while his brother just shifts uncomfortably.

“Your stunt last night.”

“So you finally remembered. I was confused when you asked about it.”

“What do you mean?” Blake's soft voice comes from under Dewi.

“Well, you woke up after I got you into your room. You even thanked me.” Luce smirks at a thought before correcting Dewi. So he woke up...

“Actually, I was just guessing since it seems like something you'd do.”

“Wait, I didn't say or do anything weird, right?”

“Nah, just asked why I was in your room and then kissed me.” Blake turns white, but it's Luce's panicked expression that Dewi sees. “I’m joking about the kiss. He just went back to sleep.”

“Don't do that to me…. I thought that I'd-” Blake suddenly stops. If it's possible to be deathly pale and crimson at the same time, that is what his face looks like. Luce looks at his brother with empathy but can tell that Dewi is going to be good for him. Blake had trouble making real friends. Dewi has known him for less than two days and already acts like they're thick as thieves. Usually that would bother Blake but Dewi just seems to have something about him that lowers his defenses.

“Yo, Dewi, he might start hating you if you keep clinging to him like that.” Dewi suddenly stands up as if only now realizing what he was doing. Blake awkwardly stands up as well and rushes to his room, mumbling something about getting ready for work.

“I hope I didn't upset him….”

“Don't worry, he's just at a difficult age. It takes him a few days to become comfortable with a new setting. Once he's used to you, I'm sure he'll warm up to you.”

“Really? I really wouldn't want him hating me. What if I do something wrong?” Luce laughs at this.

“Despite being so different, you really are just like him. I will pay your part of the rent for three months if you two aren't at least good friends by the end of this month. You might even be able to take my spot as his best friend eventually.” He thinks for a moment. “Maybe less than two years?” Yeah, that seems about right.

***

Blake only has his morning shift at Hot Topic today so he gets home just as Luce is leaving. He says lunch is in the fridge before walking out the door. Blake grabs the prepared salad and his drink from the top shelf and sits down at the table. Looking around, he seems to be the only one here. Five bites or so into his meal, his original assessment is proven wrong when Dewi walks out of the bathroom in only a towel. What kind of exercise routine does he do to be that fit? I wish I had a body like that. Dewi notices him and walks over to talk, totally ignoring his lack of clothes. Blake tries to do the same.

“Welcome home. Do you have the rest of the day off?”

“Yeah, what about you?”

“Oh, I have a gig in three hours. I have plenty of time until I have to leave, but figured I'd get a shower early.”

“So you're a musician or something?”

“Actually, a model. Pretty good one too, if I do say so myself.” Well that explains how fit he is… “Though I do dabble in music and some of the other arts as well.”

“That's cool. I wish I could get paid for my passions.”

“Like what?”

“Don't laugh… but I want to be a author.”

“Really? You have got to let me read your writing sometime.” Dewi reaches for Blake's half full drink, but he doesn't notice in time.

“Wait, d-” but it's too late. Dewi has already taken a swig of the cloudy liquid.

“What's the big deal? If it's a problem, I'll just buy some more for you as an apology.”

“The big deal is that it's medicated. And it's very strong so I don't know how badly it could affect normal people.” Blake bolts up and starts frantically searching the cabinets and fridge. He can't find what he's looking for.

“It's okay. I feel fine. No need to panic.” Dewi is reclining and seems decently relaxed. This panics Blake more. He chugs the rest of his bottle and runs out the door as quick as he can.

Fifteen minutes later he crashes back into the apartment with a grocery bag and a cup of coffee from the nearby cafe. He grabs the largest cup he can find and starts mixing the coffee with a combination of different energy drinks. He shoves the finished product towards Dewi. “Drink this, all of it.”

“Whatever you want, Cutie.” Blake grabs another of his own drinks and chugs that one too.

“What I want, is to never have to do that again. Do you know how embarrassed I was asking the lady at the cafe for a large cup of pure espresso looking like a madman? And that was after scouring the store for the most powerful energy drinks they had.” By this time, Dewi has already half finished his drink, though with an unpleasant look.

“This does not taste good.”

“Well at least it's working. Ten minutes ago, I could have fed you live maggots in a rotting corpse and you wouldn't care.”

“Yeah, what was with that?” Blake seems really nervous to answer him.

“Well my anxiety levels can… get dangerously high. The drinks are made to mellow me out and keep me calm.”

“That is some strong stuff. I guess I'm just lucky that Satoshi is at college classes all day. I wouldn't want my roommates thinking I'm a stoner or something so soon after meeting me.” Blake genuinely laughs at that.

“You're too hyper to be a stoner.” Dewi gives his own laugh.

“Yeah, I guess but that's not a bad thing, right?”

“Not at all. It's really… nice. I spend too much time in my own head so Luce thinks I need more energy in my life. You might be just what the doctor ordered.” Blake winks. Opps, maybe two bottles so soon after each other wasn't such a good idea… Well, what does he care? He feels great. A tiny part of his mind reminds him that too calm is also bad. “Hey, give me a sip of yours.”

“But it tastes nasty. Plus doesn't it negate your chill meds?”

“That's why I need it, Model boy… I just had two bottles of the stuff and that means once it finishes kicking in, I am going to have no anxiety until it wears off.”

“And that's a problem why?”

“The last time I overdosed, I joined a stripper in pole dancing and made out with four people before trying to dive into a pool from the second story.” Dewi hands over the almost empty cup.

“Sounds like a wild party…”

“Cousin's bachelor party. It was at my uncle's place and was mostly family…”

“Wow. Just curious, but do you have like no filter right now? ‘Cause this sounds like something you wouldn't usually share with someone you met two days ago.”

“Yeah. I legit don't care what anyone thinks at the moment.”

“So like really strong alcohol?”

“Except I remember every little detail afterwards…. But that's a problem for future me. Maybe he won't care too much either, who knows?”

“So let me get this straight. I could ask you ANY question….”

“And I would answer with no worry of the consequences. Yeah, Dewdrop, you're getting the gist of it.” Dewi has to resist the temptation of this opportunity that has been dropped in his lap. Everyone has secrets for a reason and he's sure his roommate will be pissed later if he uses his unashamed honesty to pry.

“Alright, did you drink any of the energy drink yet?”

“No, but does it really matter? It's just the two of us anyways.”

“You said you needed to have some of it. Drink.”

“Okay.” Blake smiles super wide. “If you give it to me mouth to mouth.” Dewi sits shocked for a moment before grabbing the cup and taking a large swig of the liquid. He then proceeds to press his lips to his roommate's as nonchalantly as possible, like he does it all the time. Blake's eyes widen as he tastes the foul coffee brew in his mouth. As soon as he swallows, Dewi pulls away. “Woah, that was probably better than when Luce did it.”

“You asked your brother to kiss you?” Dewi notices the first displeased expression on Blake's face since asking for the cup.

“No, he forced it on me after I refused to have any caffeine and made out with my cousin's best man. The effects kicked in right before I jumped into the pool.”

“Wow, you must be a blast at parties.”

“Yeah, well nervous me gets really anxious about parties so he goes overboard trying to calm his nerves.” Blake looks annoyed at the nervous version of himself.

“Then I guess I’ll have to help regulate you during parties.” And like that, the thousand watt smile is back.

“You'd do that for me?” Blake exclaims like a kid that had just been told that he could have three birthdays.

“Of course, can't having you telling strangers things even your future best friend doesn't know yet.” Dewi smirks as he straightens up, puffing out his chest in the process. He is the cartoonish image of cocky pride and confidence. Blake's reaction to his exaggerated display is not what he expects. His eyes narrow suspiciously.

“Who told you? You're not supposed to know something like that.”

“I just want to be your best friend and I tend to get what I want. Do you not want to be friends?” Blake replies with enthusiastic head shaking.

“No, I would love to have you as a friend.” By this time Blake is starting to look flushed to the point Dewi notices.

“Hey, are you okay? You look really red.”

“That would be the caffeine kicking in and my body realizing before my brain how embarrassing I've been acting.” He stands up and walks towards his room. “I should probably go be alone for awhile before I do something else embarrassing.” Just as he reaches his door, Dewi speaks up.

“Blake?” Blake turns. “I…” Dewi fidgets. “I just want to say, you don't have to hide from me. I don't mind you being embarrassing around me. Afterall, we're friends now.” Blake smiles in acknowledgement before slipping into his room.

Dewi goes to his own room to get dressed, the final few sips of his caffeine cocktail forgotten.