Chapter Text
"Alyssa, you have a new roommate."
I just got out to take my mail, what is our landlord saying?
"Pardon?"
"You have a new roommate." He patted my back. "Don't worry, he might look scary, but he doesn't bite." Why does he make it sound like I will sleep with the guy? "Unless you're into that." I rolled my eyes, and he laughed. "Can't you take a joke?"
I pushed his hand away, "No. And why me?"
"Aww, you're so cold, Alyssa." He chuckled, "It's because you don't mess around with random people or something extreme." He could say I maintain a low profile. "He picked you because of that." He picked me?
I sighed, "What's his name?"
"He said he wanted to introduce himself. But to give you a heads up, he's a big man. A little intimidating, too."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
Sounds good. At least I have enough time to clean my mess. "Alright. I'll go fix my stuff." He whistled and I turned. He threw something at me and I caught it. "What's this?" I looked at it and it was a key.
"I'll let you do the honors of handing it to him."
"Alright."
This wasn't exactly new to me. Before I rented the apartment, he told me I might have roommates. He owns the place, so I don't make the rules. But I make rules inside the room - I would if I had any. I didn't mind.
I hope this new roommate doesn't party all the time.
I returned to my room and saw the mess I had to clean up. I groaned, not wanting to clean, but I had to make at least a good impression on my new roommate. "Whatever, suck it up, Alyssa. You have no choice."
With a sigh, I grabbed my stuff and began sorting them.
I played some music while cleaning. Music makes it easier. I was supposed to laze around on my day off, but oh well. It wasn't that messy since I was a fairly neat person. But I did take my time so I spent the entire day cleaning. I wiped my sweat and took a shower before plopping on the convertible.
There was only one bedroom.
The other was in the living room. The couch was a convertible bed. I sighed and felt my phone vibrate. I pulled it and opened it. It was a group video call. I turned to my side and answered. "What's up?"
"You've been busy. You haven't read any of the messages we sent."
"They're just memes. I can backread later."
"Fair. HAHA!"
I shook my head and shifted in my place. This is Jerome Reyes. He's been my best friend since 7th grade. He's been with me through my worst and best. He's someone I can lean on anytime. He's a real one.
"Yo, Aly!"
I smiled, "Hi, Kio."
Yukio Gonzalez. He's also a close friend. He might not be there as long as Jerome had. But he's a genuine and honest person.
"Your brother bought another Azur Lane figurine."
"Oh, god. That's like his 15th. Which one did he buy this time?" Jerome and Kio laughed before answering.
"I don't know who it is, but here. We'll show you!" They moved, and I saw the figurine through the video. "Not gonna lie, Aly. But your brother has taste." We broke into laughter. "I mean-" He tried to reason out but cut himself off to laugh.
"You're not wrong, Kio."
"Shut up, Jerome. Your opinion on this is invalid. We all know your type isn't one with boobs. It's people with dicks!"
We howled in laughter more.
"Fuck you!"
"Oh, man. I miss you guys."
Our laughter died down, "We miss you too. But what were you doing all day?" I told them about my new roommate so I cleaned. "Is he hot?" I rolled my eyes at Jerome. "Jerome! Of all the things you could ask, you ask if he's hot?!" They argued, "Unless you want to meet him and try to make moves, that would be more plausible. Besides, you know Aly doesn't fall for looks. If he's jacked and tall, that's only a plus for her!"
"ANYWAY!" I cut him off and they made faces at each other, making me chuckle, "I'll meet him tomorrow. I'll keep you guys posted. So stop talking about my non-existent love life." They smiled and we said our goodbyes as they went back to work.
I sighed and looked at the time; it was almost seven.
I grabbed a few sliced pieces of bread and poured condensed milk onto a small bowl to dip the bread. I opened my laptop and opened the browser. I moved the mouse to click on YouTube, but the news caught my attention - something about a commotion in Las Almas and the drug cartels.
I sighed and rolled my eyes.
It's always about drugs and nuclear weapons.
I decided to watch a few videos of Markiplier. He was the first YouTuber I found and subscribed to. His videos got me through some of my darkest times. I rewatch his videos to feel closer to back then... when I was whole and happy.
Even if it might seem impossible.
I'm happy with my friends, don't get me wrong, but... sometimes it just hits differently.
After finishing the bread, I licked the remaining milk and washed the bowl. I plopped down on the convertible and closed my eyes, hoping sleep would come easy. Thankfully, it did.
The next day, I woke up, immediately cleaned myself, and wore decent clothes. I put my hair in a low ponytail and heard a knock on the door. "That must be my new roommate." I looked at the time, and he was early. I swung the door open and was greeted by a chest. I looked up but had to step back so I wouldn't crane my neck to a 90-degree angle.
"Good morning."
He was wearing a... skull mask. That's not the weirdest thing, so it's not a big deal.
"Are you my new roommate?"
"Yes. The name's Simon Riley."
Oh, he's British.
I noticed he only had a duffel bag. By his build and aura, he's a soldier.
"Pleasure to meet you, Simon. I'm Alyssa Floryn." I stepped aside. "Make yourself at home." He slowly entered, and I grabbed the spare key and gave it to him. "Here's the key to the apartment." He hummed and pocketed it. I pointed to the room, "You can use the room. I sleep on the couch most of the time anyway."
"Why?"
"I just... feel like it." He eyed me like he was reading my body language. "Anyway. You don't have to worry about anything. Maybe don't touch my food. You can ask, but please. I'm very particular with my food. I don't mind sharing food as long as there's permission." He hummed again.
I tilted my head down and rubbed my nape.
Christ! It's gonna be a pain to maintain eye contact for social etiquette.
"I'm sure our landlord told you about the rules of the apartment, and you look like you have a good memory so I don't need to remind you of them."
"House rules?"
I hummed, "No. I don't have house rules yet. Frankly, you're my first roommate." He hummed again. "I'll leave you to your stuff now." He entered the room. "Oh, by the way, that closet is yours to use. I use the one at the corner." He nodded in acknowledgment, and I went to the living room to prepare my stuff.
It's almost time for work.
I work at a cafe and a part-time math tutor at a center that shall remain unnamed.
I knocked on the door, "I'm off to work! Feel free to familiarize yourself with where the basic stuff is at."
I didn't wait for an answer and left for work. I walked there and saw my co-workers. One of them is also a close friend. "Good morning, Isabel." She turned and returned the greeting. We entered and put our aprons on. "How are your commissions going?"
She slumped and sighed, "Someone requested NSFW content even if I clearly said I don't draw that stuff." I laughed and patted her back. "Sometimes I feel like they're doing it on purpose to get on my nerves." She sighed again before shaking her head. "Anyway, it's too early, for that. What about you? Anything new?"
"I got a new roommate."
"Oh? He or she?"
"He." She gave me a worried look. "He's muscular and tall. I think he's military."
"How tall is he?"
"He's a six-footer - definitely. I'm just at his shoulder." I sweat-dropped at our height difference, but that didn't matter. Being small had its perks. For one, I can fit in smaller spaces, easier to get away in case someone tries to nab me.
"Damn. What does he look like?"
That's a good question. "I have no idea." She gave me a 'Wtf' look. "He had a mask on."
"And you didn't even bother to ask to see his face?!" I shrugged. "I swear, you are out of your mind. I wonder how you're alive or still not in an asylum." I chuckled and nudged her. I wore my apron, "Be careful around him."
"Will do."
We proceeded with work and sometimes tried to have fun, but not too much that we'd get scolded. Sometime in the afternoon, I saw my roommate stroll in, still wearing the skull mask. Naturally, it draws attention from people but he didn't seem to care.
"What's with the mask?"
"That's my roommate."
"Huh?! That's him?!" I hummed in agreement. "Damn. You weren't kidding about his height and build."
Simon approached the counter, "It's you."
"Yep, what brings you here, Simon?" He lightly shifted in his place and avoided my gaze. Huh, I wonder what's going through his mind. "Taking a stroll I assume." He returned his gaze to meet mine and nodded. "Well, while you're here. Would you like to try anything?"
He looked at the menu and thought for a while, "I don't suppose you have tea."
"We do."
"I'll have tea and the ham and cheese roll."
I smiled and nodded before punching the items and telling him the amount he needed to pay. I received the payment and noticed he was also wearing gloves. The gloves had the marks of a skeleton's hands, matching his mask. It's adorable. I handed him his change, "We'll serve it in a while. Please, take a seat." Isabel served it after a few minutes.
The rest of the day went without a hitch, and we were all fine and dandy.
"See you tomorrow, Isabel!"
"You too!"
I walked home and made sure no creeps followed. I got back to the apartment and Simon wasn't back yet. I shrugged and went to the bathroom for a shower. I grabbed all my stuff so I could get dressed in the bathroom. I don't want any unnecessary cliche walk-ins while getting dressed.
After that, I plopped on the couch and my phone vibrated.
I pulled it and saw a message from one of my students. I opened it and it was a meme react of her expression when she asked me if the LCM of 5 and 10 was 20 or thirty to which I answered 'Neither'. I giggled and sent a laughing emoji to her.
The door opened and I turned, Simon.
"Welcome back." He hummed and retreated inside the room.
Man, it's like dealing with my brother again. Oh, well. Not that I mind. It saves me the frustration of decoding his hums and grunts in a conversation. And we're not close or blood-related so I don't have to dote on him. I minded my own business and that's pretty much it.
The days turned into weeks before I even realized it.
Simon and I rarely talked, let alone eat together.
He sometimes comes to the cafe and orders the same thing. He didn't invite friends over or had blaring music playing.
It's almost like living with a ghost.
But we co-exist. I sometimes leave some food for him. Of course, I gave him the heads-up that I wasn't a cook and that my cooking skills were subpar at best. He didn't mind. I think since the food is always gone. Unless he throws it away or gives it to some stray animal.
I wouldn't hold that against him.
Although, tonight was a little different. I stayed up to help my brother record his students' grades. Yes, my brother is also a teacher.
"How's your roommate?"
"He's asleep by now."
"Did you see his face yet?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"He clearly wants his face to be hidden. You want me to peek or force him to show me his face?" I spoke in a hush manner. "It's like you're begging my face to cave in." He laughed and I rolled my eyes, "Anyway, there are only a few left. I'll leave it to you. I'll go to bed."
"Sure."
"Good night."
He hummed, and I chuckled before ending the call. I took the earbuds off and heard shuffling and groaning from inside. Oh, this better not be a PTSD mental breakdown. I don't have the power or ability to counter that. I set the laptop down and walked to the door. I raised my hand to knock, only for it to swing open and reveal Simon with his mask off.
I was taken aback.
"Oh. Hi." I trailed off, and he had a lot of scars, but that's not what caught my attention. He was sweating and panting like he was running a marathon. "You should drink something." I turned and poured him a glass of water. "Here." He stared at it before wiping his face with the mask and drinking it.
"Thank you."
I nodded and poured myself a glass of water.
"I wasn't expecting you to be awake at this hour."
"I was helping my brother with his work. I just got off the call with him when I heard noises from your room." I drank the water and placed the glass down, trying to think which words to use. "Do you want to talk about it?"
He shook his head, pressing his palm on his forehead, "No. It was just a nightmare." I nodded and didn't press. I walked to the couch but felt a hand on my wrist stop me. "I could use some company, however. If you're not sleepy yet." He looks rattled. I nodded, and we sat by the round dining table.
There was a weight to the silence.
Tension.
I stared at his face - I tried not to, but it was the first time seeing him without the mask, so I couldn't help myself.
"It's rude to stare."
I averted my gaze, "Sorry. It's just the first time I've seen you without the mask." He had scars. Some of them looked deep. Despite the scars, he's quite handsome. And that's a lot coming from me. "Why do you hide your face?"
"Personal reasons."
"Am I right to assume you're a soldier?" He nodded. That explains the scars. Damn, I don't know what to say to him. I stayed silent, observing him. Half an hour later I yawned.
"You should go to sleep. I kept you up long enough."
I frowned, "What about you? Will you be able to sleep?"
"I'll be fine. It's not the first time it's happened."
It doesn't mean I should let it happen when I can help. An idea popped into my head. "Some warm milk would help." He gave me a confused look. It's a little cute to his facial reactions to conversations. "I used to drink warm milk to help me sleep." When I had insomnia. "Would you like some?" He looks hesitant. "You can watch me make it so you know what I put."
He deliberated with himself before nodding.
I smiled and hopped off the chair. I grabbed the kettle and began boiling the water. I opened the cupboard and tiptoed to reach the box of milk. A hand grabbed the box before I could. "You could use a stool." He placed the box down.
"Yeah, but that's extra work. Thank you."
I took three spoonfuls of powdered milk and put it in the mug. I returned the box, but Simon grabbed it from me. I moved to reach for the sugar, and he grabbed it for me. I thanked him and put half a tablespoon in. I usually put three, but I'm not the one going to drink. "Do you like strawberries? I have a strawberry syrup if you'd like." He shook his head, and I nodded.
Once the water boiled I filled the mug with it halfway before stirring it.
When I was sure all the powder and sugar had dissolved, I added cold water to fill the rest and kept stirring. I placed the spoon in the sink before handing him the mug. He held it and stared at it before drinking. He hummed at the first sip and downed it all in one go.
"I take it that you like it."
He nodded, and his eyes drooped. Works every time. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. You should get to bed while the effect is still strong. I'll clean up here." I lightly pushed him to his room. "Don't worry about washing it. It's just a mug and a spoon. It's no heavy work." He grumbled but retreated to the bedroom.
Warm milk.
The best sedative someone could hope for. In my opinion, at least. After washing, I crawled into the couch and embraced sleep with a sigh.
Ever since that ordeal, he's been hanging around in the living room more often. He still had his mask on. He shared some food he bought from a stroll. It was nice. He was still reserved in talking. But at least he's making an effort. He's opened up about his teammates a few times. It's mainly about how insufferable they are. But he cares. That much I can tell.
He frequents the cafe now, too.
To the point, my co-workers think he's only frequenting the place because of me.
Which isn't the case.
But we're good acquaintances. I would even say friends.
I also mentioned him to my brother, Kio, and Jerome. Except for what he looked like.
I've gotten used to his presence. I've shared some parts of my life since he shared some of his with me. He sometimes helped me when I cooked something. I hide behind him when the oil is too sparky. It's ridiculous, I know, but I can't help it. He'd take over, but I'd fight him for the tongs or spatula. It was silly to fight a soldier almost twice my size.
I can tell our height difference amuses him. I probably look like a gremlin to him, hissing and reaching for the tongs from him, yelling, "Give it!"
He's got a good heart - jaded by the spoils of war and death... But he's genuinely a good person.
Now it was winter, my favorite part of the year.
But not when the power is out.
I wore a sweater and sweatpants with socks to keep myself warm. The cafe and center are closed due to heavy snowfall today. Simon was out doing whatever he did outside. The cold was bearable during the afternoon, but when it was time to sleep, I couldn't sleep from the cold.
"Fuckin' hell."
I shivered and pulled the blanket over me for warmth but couldn't get any.
I got up and went out to see the progress with the power, but it was colder outside. They didn't have any luck but promised tomorrow, it'll be back. I went back inside and tried to force myself to sleep. I couldn't even get the milk; my kettle was electric.
Will I even survive until tomorrow?
I might die of hypothermia right in a few minutes.
"Hey." I turned and saw Simon. "You're shivering." My teeth chattered. He sat on the edge of the couch, unbothered by the cold. "Come here." I looked at him, and he had an arm open, waiting. I sat up, and he carefully pulled me into his arms. He was warm.
I sighed and snuggled closer for warmth.
"You're really warm."
He hummed, and I closed my eyes. I curled into a ball to make myself smaller, gathering as much heat as possible. He crossed his legs and put me in the space between them. "Go to sleep." I was about to retort. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." I trusted him and let his body heat and heartbeat lull me to sleep. I felt a weight on my head and arms wrap around me before I drifted to sleep.
The following morning, I woke up still in his embrace but we were both lying on the couch.
The power was on again.
Thank God for that.
I tried to pry his arms off, but he had a strong grip. And his arm itself was heavy. I sighed and lay there, enjoying the warmth. I was getting attached to him. I can't tell if that's a good thing. He stirred, and his eyes fluttered open. "Good morning. Power's back on." He hummed. "I'll make breakfast." I tried to get up, but he just pulled me back. "Uh, Simon?"
"Stay. For a while."
"Okay." He set out a long exhale through his nose and I stayed there.
This isn't good. I'm getting nervous.
Am I having feelings for him?
I'm bad at that. What the hell am I supposed to do?
"I'm leaving tomorrow." What? "I've been called back to duty."
"I see."
"You sound disappointed." Did I? Well, I guess I kinda am. "Are you?"
What answer is he expecting? What should I say? Does it even matter?
"A little." His arms wrapped tighter and he pressed his face against my hair. "Will you come back?"
"Depends." That wasn't the answer I was hoping for. "Do you want me to?" Why is the pressure all on me?
"And what if I said I do?"
Before he could answer, my phone rang. He reluctantly let me go, and we sat up. I pressed the accept and put my phone against my ear, "Yeah?"
"Hey, did I wake you?"
"No, I was already awake. What is it?" I sighed and rubbed my arms before kicking my feet as if to shake off the frost. "Is the center still gonna be closed today?" I yawned and covered my mouth before rubbing my eyes.
"No. Teacher Annie's asking if we can come early today. So we can fix stuff and help clear out the snow."
"Alright. I'll be there." I got up, "I have to go to work too." He nodded. We didn't speak of what happened earlier and proceeded as normal. But it will never be normal ever again. "I guess I'll... see you later?" He nodded and looked at me with a gaze I couldn't maintain. It was too much to handle.
I went to work after a quick shower.
I arrived at the center and greeted the other teachers.
"Are you okay?" I turned to Tristan. "Did something happen?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
He hummed and handed me a shovel. We began shoveling it while my brain replayed my conversation with Simon. And man, was I so stupid! What the hell was I thinking, saying, "What if I said I do?"?! That's brilliant! Astonishing! God, I'm an idiot!
I kept going and realized if it weren't for the phone call, I would hear Simon's answer.
Would he stay? Would he say he'll come back soon? Why is this even bothering me so much?!
"Alyssa." I felt a hand on my shoulder. "We should get inside. Teacher Annie had hot chocolates prepared for us." I nodded, and we stepped inside. We sat at our respective tables, and Rick gave us the hot chocolate. I stared at it and swam in my thoughts again.
"Stay. For a while."
I banged my head on the table and sighed. I groaned, trying to get my head out of my mind.
This is so ridiculous!
"Teacher Alyssa, are you okay?" Oh, fuck, right. I'm not alone. "You seem to be stressed."
I immediately composed myself, "No, I'm fine! I'm fine! I was... thinking. The power went out last night." They gasped and I chuckled, "Yeah. I'm trying to think how to keep warm if that happens again." And not depend on someone's warmth to do it.
Wow, that was bitter.
"Oh, dear. I hope that doesn't happen again."
Yeah, I sure hope so, otherwise, I'm gonna die.
Students began coming in, and I tried to focus on work for now. Thankfully, they flooded us and successfully got my head out of my dilemma - for now. It was tiring, but seeing them smile and brighten up whenever they see you is a different kind of appreciation. It's almost closing and I only have two students left.
"Teacher, why do you look so sad?"
I hummed, "What do you mean?"
"You look sad. Are you sad?"
I forced a smile and patted her head, "Teacher Alyssa will be alright. It's only temporary. Come on, finish your work. It's getting late." She kept writing and her sister stared at me. "What?"
"Nothing."
She answered the last question, and I checked if it was correct and let her call their dad since Lorraine was almost done. The other teachers had left, done with their work and they lived farther from here. Only Rick was left, waiting for me to finish with work.
"I'm done!"
She answered it correctly and I nodded. "Okay, you may go once your dad arrives." I recorded it and arranged my stuff and their father arrived. "Bye, girls. Stay warm, okay? Enjoy your vacation. Merry Christmas." They smiled, nodded, returned the greeting, and left with their dad. I finished up quickly and gathered my things. "I'll be on my way now, too. Bye, Rick! Be careful on the way home! Merry Christmas!"
"Likewise! Merry Christmas to you too!"
I sighed and now I had to face Simon.
For the last time.
In a long time.
Well, if he comes back that is.
I arrived, and there was a note on the table.
Simon left.
I laughed and placed the note down. "Not even a goodbye." I didn't even get to thank him for last night.
It's for the best. Maybe... Yeah, it's for the best...
But why the hell does it bother me so much?
I shook my head and tossed my bag on the couch before changing clothes. The room was clean and left as it was when he arrived. So, it's just like that.
Vanished.
Like he wasn't even here.