Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“You’re gonna do great, honey.”

Jeremy was going off to college, a scary experience. He was going to be leaving his mother's house for the first time, or even the state. He had been accepted at Tufort University in Tufort, New Mexico.

He was going off to college to hopefully get a good job, make something of himself, and make his mother proud. His mom knew he was a smart boy and always pushed him to do his best in life to not end up in poverty as they lived most of his life.

Jeremy came from a lower-class family in Boston. He lived with his mother, Lucy O'Connell, and his seven older brothers By the time Jeremy was going to college his brothers had long since moved away. It felt like his obligation as the youngest to stay home and take care of his mother but she was insistent that he needed to go and make something of himself.

Truly they wouldn’t have been able to afford this alone but luckily due to Jeremy’s successful baseball career through high school. He was the top player in their city and his talent never went unnoticed so it was no shock he got a scholarship.

They had packed most of his stuff up into as few boxes as possible. It wasn’t as if he had much stuff to begin with so it wasn’t that hard of a task. Luckily they didn’t have to pay for the ride to the school anyway since one of his childhood friends was in town and happened to be going to that school and agreed to give him a ride there.

“Aww, I can’t believe my baby’s finally going off to college!! I’m so happy for you Jer, make sure you call me as soon as you get there! I packed your favorite snack in your backpack and put all the money we saved up in your wallet so you can go decorate your room. I want you to spend it wisely now dear, don't go crazy”

Behind them, the horn of a car sounded. “Miss O’connell, we must get going now before it is dark,” Mikhail called from the car. Mikhail, or Misha, as Jeremy called him was a childhood friend. They met in middle school, Jermey was a fresh 6th grader and was getting bullied badly by a few older children. Misha, an 8th-grade transfer student from Russia, stepped in and helped him out. Most of the kids were terrified of him due to his size and intimidating demeanor. Ever since then, they were close and Jeremy considered Misha his best friend. But at the end of the year when Misha was moving on to high school leaving Jeremy to fend for himself. Luckily by then he had made friends and could handle himself.

They kept in touch for the two years they were apart, mostly Jermy calling him after school to rant about his day and Mikhail giving him some really good advice. Once they met up again in high school it was as if things were the same as when they first met. They ate lunch together, Misha standing up for him against bullies and all, but there was someone new. Ludwig Humbolt, he was in the same grade as Mikhail and they were also close, he didn’t seem all that fond of Jeremy.

To Jeremy, he was just another friend but it seemed like Ludwig saw his as competition, for what exactly? Well, Mikhail, it turned out that Ludwig had a huge crush and assumed that Jeremy was a threat to their relationship. After it was settled that Jeremy himself had no interest in Misha things were better. Ludwig was nicer, or it seemed, as nice as he could be to Jeremy, and eventually, Misha and Ludwig got into a relationship that shocked nobody when they found out

Everyone assumed with how lovey-dovey they were that they were already a couple. Things were good for the rest of high school before Misha and Ludwig eventually graduated and went on the college, again abandoning Jeremy. They all still kept in contact and finally, it was Jeremy’s turn to be joining them in college.

“He’s right!! Bye ma’ I love you so much, I’ll call you!” he gave his mom a big hug and she kissed him on the cheek and ran off to the car stuffing his belongings into the back seat before running to hop in the front but somebody was already sat there “Sorry, Jeremy, this spots taken.” Ludwig said glancing up at him with a cheeky smile

“When did you get here??”

“I’ve been here the whole time junge, now get to zhe back.” He replied slamming the door shut, Jeremy did that quickly getting in as to not postpone their trip further. “Bye, ma! I love ya!!” He called waving out of the window “I love you too honey!! Be safe!” and with that, they were on the road.

It was quiet for a while, Jeremy’s heart racing as they pulled off, this was really it, he was finally leaving Boston. And going to New Mexico of all places in the world, this was going to be a big moment in his life.

The backseat of the car was cramped, there was an assortment of different boxes and luggage stuffed there. Jeremy pulled out a pillow and blanket trying to get comfortable and nap. He had been up early to pack and get ready so he didn’t get much sleep. Although the road was bumpy he eventually fell asleep to the sound of the soft radio.

-

Jeremy was woken up by Ludwig's voice. The car was stopped at a gas station and Misha was outside pumping gas. “Junge, wake up. Would you like some food vhile ve are stopped?” he sat up a bit whipping his eyes “I ain't that much younger than ya Lud, but sure, I’ll come in.

Getting out of the car he did a big stretch letting out a sigh as he walked with Ludwig into the store. It was a decently sized store with an assortment of different goods and a huge candy section which instantly appealed to Jeremy. Just as he was about to walk down the aisle someone grabbed the back of his shirt stopping him “Nein. You vill not be having any candy. I don't want you to be all hyper in that cramped space.” This caught the attention of some ladies walking by who giggled at the comment. “Jeez Lud. I ain’t a kid, I can handle myself.” Ludwig didn’t respond instead shooting him a look which meant, ‘Don’t pick this fight, you won't win.’. Instead of the delectable candy, he grabbed a granola bar, some water, and a magazine to stop the boredom.

“Are you sure that is all?” Ludwig asked looking over his selection “ve vont be stopping for a few hours” he was right, he needed something bigger. While scanning the store for something more filling his gaze landed upon a hotdog stand in the corner which he rushed over to. He grabbed two dogs and more condiments and placed them on the counter to be scanned.

“That’ll be 19.89 gentlemen.” the cashier said and Jeremy began to pull out his wallet before he could grab some money Ludwig handed the woman a twenty dollar bill “It’s on me,” He said to Jeremy who smiled happily “Aw thanks, dad” He joked giggling

Ludwig clenched his fist “On second thought, vhy don't you pay!”

“Nope! Already walking away” but the back of his shirt was yet again grabbed delaying his escape. Just then Misha walked in most likely looking for the two “Car is ready,” He said before walking back out. They quickly grabbed the change and items rushing back to the car knowing if they took too long they would be left behind

The trip was long and uneventful. Jeremy complained most of the way there when he wasn’t singing along to the radio or sleeping. Once they finally reached New Mexico he was fully asleep. It felt like an eternity before they actually reached the school but when they did he was fully awake and bursting with energy.

The car pulled into a spot in the student parking lot and Jeremy was the first out of the car marveling at the school's size and beauty “Wow. THIS PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL!”

Misha just giggled as they began to unpack the car “Which room is yours, Jeremy?” Misha asked carrying two boxes into the building with ease “Here set them on this!” Ludwig called pushing over a dolly cart

“Room 305”

“Ugh. The one time the elevator is broken.” Ludwig sighed helping Misha lift the boxes up the stairs, they surprisingly got everything settled quickly and just as they came they were leaving “OK Jeremy, we will leave you to unpack and stuff, if you need up we are in room 202, come bye anytime” Misha handed him a key as they waved goodbye “Make sure to knock. Good luck!”

And then he was alone, in a new city, a new state, on the other side of the country with only two friends. He already missed home, the smell of his mom’s cooking, or the sound of music playing on the weekend while she cleaned. ‘Maybe I should call her’ he thought, so he did “Hello?”

“Hey ma, I made it! I'm officially in college!”

“AW HONEY!! I’m so proud of you!! How are you feeling?”

“I don't know, I mean my roommate aint here so I'm alone. I just really miss you already.”

“I know you do sweetie, I miss you as well. Everything will be alright, you’ll be home before you even know it. Just take things slow don't rush into too much this is obviously a lot. Just know I’m a phone call away to help if you need anything.” That made him feel better, she always knew exactly what to say to calm him down.

“Thanks, ma, I’m gonna start unpacking and stuff, I’ll call you tomorrow. Love ya”

“I love you too Jer, stay safe.” Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad after all

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Today was the first day of school, cliche right? School was something that Jeremy was never fond of. The kids were usually immature but he hoped this school would be different since everyone was an adult and probably had better things to do than mess around at school. He got out of bed glancing over at the empty side of the room. Hopefully, his roommate would come soon and he could make more friends.

He walked over to the bathroom brushing his teeth and hair. He puts on a simple band tee and some jorts and converses. He grabbed his backpack and walked down the hall. It was his first time leaving the dorm building but the walk from there to the main was beautiful. There were a lot of flowers and different people to see there. The first class of the day was History ‘just my luck’ he thought walking down the big hall and down to the room labeled “History, room 101”

The room was huge, way bigger than anything at his old school. He looked around trying to find a seat and the only good seat that was open was one next to a redheaded woman.
When he sat down he could tell that half her face was covered with bandages. He sat there awkwardly not knowing if he should really talk to her. Would it be weird to ask her about the bandages?

“Hi,” He said trying to be polite. She just gave a wave and a smile back not speaking but it was ok, at least she was friendly and I wasn't a complete failure. After sitting there for a bit there was no sign of any teacher. He was starting to space out but a note being slid his way caught his eye. The note was passed by the woman next to him, it read

“HI, I’m Bee, but my friends call me Pyro which you can call me too. Sorry, I didn’t talk when you said hello, it’s my first day and I’m nervous but thank you for being so kind! We should totally be friends if you’re in search of some! Here’s my number! xxx-xxx-xxxx” Jeremy smiled brightly. Already the first day and he was making friends this was great!! He saved her number in his phone and wrote his own down with a note attached

“Hello Pyro, nice to meet you! Thank you for the offer, I would love to be your friend. Here is my number as well! xxx-xxx-xxxx” Bee also did the same and saved the number smiling over at him. Just then the professor walked in “Hello class! I’m Mrs. Adams, It's nice to meet you!” She said placing her bag down on the table “This class will be worth a credit so please at least attempt to pass.

Jeez, were people just casually failing classes on purpose? “Now, I’ll take attendance, where you are sat now will be your assigned seats for the year so get friendly with your neighbor. Once attendance is complete we shall begin with our lesson.” Just as she started to call names the classroom door burst open and two men strutted in not seeming to care about the eyes on them. They were both well built, one dark-skinned with curls hidden under his beanie. The other is a little shorter with a blonde buzz cut. “Mr Doe, Mr DeGroot, what a surprise glad you could make it.” She said somehow knowing it was them without looking up

“Sorry miss! Car troubles, you get it.” The taller of the two spoke as they walked towards the back row of the class laughing together while they walked. “Anyway,” she said rolling her eyes. “Everyone, please take out your notebooks while I tell you about the first chapter of the book.

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Once it was over Jeremy was about to rush out and get back to the dorm but someone called out to him. It was Bee, or Pyro as she asked to be called, it was a bit weird but who was he to judge? New Mexico was his new home and he didn’t want to start it off by judging someone. They began to walk together down the hall making small talk

“So, Jeremy, What class do you have next if you don't mind me asking?” that was a good question, he pulled out his schedule “Uh, looks like I’m free until 1 pm, then I have
Math, what about you?” she took a moment to think before speaking “I have culinary now! That’s my major so I should run since it’s in a different building. But we should definitely get together after school, and hang sometime.”

“Sure I’d love to hang out, catch ya later Py!” Then they went their separate ways, deciding to go back to his dorm and clean up the mess he made while unpacking. When he opened the door yet again, nobody was there. It was good, he wouldn’t be caught off guard by someone randomly coming in. Being in this dorm all day was not something he was going to be looking forward to, maybe picking up a hobby could work or getting a job. Yes, that could work! A job could be perfect, he could make money while having something to keep him out of the house. While on the drive to the school, he noticed a coffee shop near the campus

it should be an easy enough job that wouldn’t distract him from school too much. He decided to actually go to the store in person and see if they were hiring which required a car! So Jeremy decided to go ask Misha for his car. He went down the stairs to Misha and Ludwig’s dorm to ask for the keys.

He completely ignored their past warning to knock before entering and walked in to see Mikhail and Ludwig standing closely. Ludwig’s pants were unzipped and Misha’s hand reached in and groaping him. They both looked over to the now-open door. This. was. AKWARD. What was he supposed to do?? Leave? No that would just be more awkward.“Um… Can I use your keys? I was gonna go down to the Coffee shop to get a job.’”

“Da… right next to you.” with that he grabbed the keys and rushed off to the parking lot. He needed to get out of there and try to get that image out of his mind.

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The coffee shop was very beautiful. It was near the campus, basically close enough to walk if he wasn’t in a rush. There weren’t many people inside and it was pretty spacious. A great environment to work in.he walked up to the barista behind the counter. He was extremely attractive. His skin was tan, he had a mullet and sideburns, and a tight-fitting black shirt under his apron. “Hello, how can I help you sir?” the barista asked god. even his voice was hot

“Hi. sorry, I was wondering if you guys were hiring here.” the man looked him up and down before calling for, who he assumed was the manager out from the back. “Right this way sir.” The manager led him over to a little table in the corner “So, why are you wanting to work here.”

“Oh, well, I’m in college and need a source of income to support myself, and I need to get out of the house.” he nodded in response smiling at that. They continued the interview, which went smoothly, and at the end, the manager said “So, it must be your lucky day, we just had someone quit so you’ll be taking over their job as the cleaner and restocker. Think you can handle it, kid?”

Jeremy nodded eagerly “Yes! I can handle anything.” he agreed “That's what I wanted to hear!! You start in a few days. I’ll be in contact” This was going to be a great choice, a fun job, hot coworker, what could go wrong!!

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“No way he’s THAT hot man,” Pyro said taking a sip of her tea. “No, no. Like he was really hot dude.” Jeremy explained. Jeremy and Pyro were now hanging out in front of the main school building. He was telling her all about the cute guy from the coffee shop “No way, take me down there to see him then.” She couldn’t believe it, it had to be too good to be true “No freakin way! He’s gonna be my co-worker soon and I can’t make it seem like I’m stalking him, that could get me fired!!” although she didn’t like it, he had a good reason to not bring her to the shop. “Ok, ok. I get it. But I need to see him I’m interested!!”

“Maybe you can come in one day and see him, but don't get any ideas, I called Dibbs.” She rolled her eyes “Ok first off, you don’t even know if he likes guys. Second, why would I want him, I’m into ladies. Like Miss P in the front office.” Jeremy looked at her tilting his head in confusion “Wait who?”

“Miss Pauling, she’s the young woman at the front desk. Come on, I’ll show you her!” They got up and Pyro dragged him to the main office. Sitting behind the desk there was a young woman, her hair tied into a bun behind her head. She wore a purple button-up and had big librarian-like glasses “Hi Miss P!!” Pyro shouted waving happily “Oh! Hello Py! Who’s your friend here?” She asked glancing over at Jeremy “Ah, this is Jeremy, my friend! I just wanted him to meet you is all! Okay bye!”

“Ok, bye dear!” Pyro ran out dragging Jeremy behind her. Once they were far enough Pyro was a ball of energy “Isn’t she so cute!!” she was now jumping up and down smiling like a maniac “Yep, she seems sweet!” but truly that mystery man at the cafe had been stuck in his mind the whole time. “Oh come on, don’t tell me you’re still thinking about him. You gotta get over this silly crush if you're gonna be working with him” She complained, groaning dramatically for the effect. “It's not even a real crush!! I just think he’s cute, and I would totally do him if he asked. So normal stuff. She rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath “Bet he’d be the one doing you”

“What was that?” He turned to face her raising an eyebrow “NOTHING! I gotta get to class now ok? I’ll see you later Jer!” they gave a quick goodbye hug before Pyro scurried off down the hall. He probably also should be getting to class. Their friendship was moving fast, being friends with her just felt so natural. It was as if they had known each other for years. That was exactly what he needed. With a friend this close it was easy to get settled into the new environment

The math class was a few halls down from his history class which made getting there easier. But yet again most of the seats were taken. There was one open next to an older-looking gentleman with a full beard. He wore a blue hoodie with some jean overalls, and to finish off the outfit a simple khaki hat. When he sat down neither of them spoke, he didn’t even bother looking up from his work sheet that had been given to them. The teacher introduced himself as Mr. Robinson. He was in an older gentleman who was pretty quiet.

Honestly, the worksheet was a little harder than expected but he got through the whole thing minus questions 3 and 5. Jeremy glanced over at the other man noticing he was already done which was shocking. Looking around everyone but him was still working, he needed to get help from this guy. “Uh, hey man.” he called out glad to see he successfully got the man’s attention “Sorry to bother ya but, do you mind helping me with questions 3 and 5 I’m stuck.” as he asked the man shot up seemingly excited to be able to help

“Of course, I’d love to help ya!” he said nodding eagerly. Jeremy was a bit taken aback by the accent. The school surely was diverse with all the accent’s he’d heard around the campus after just one day. The way the man showed him to do it seemed way easier than any other way he had learned to do things. “Hey thanks, dude! I’m Jeremy O’Connell by the way” and with that, they shook hands “Dell Conagher, a pleasure to meet ya” Dell’s handshake was firm but his smile was bright and friendly

“Dude, you’re really smart! Why are you taking this class if you’re flying through it so fast.??” He asked curious to hear the answer to that “Ah, well I’m working to earn my second PhD. just got my first one last year.” Dell explained scribbling a drawing of some machine on his scrap paper. “Woah, so you’re extremely smart huh” they laughed about it for a moment before continuing the conversation.

“So where are you from then?” he glanced over at the man “Boston” was all he replied with “Ahh, just wanted to make sure, could tell by the accent.” Jeremy would ask him where he was from but it was extremely obvious he was Texan by the accent. “So what brings you to Tufort?” honestly that was the first time anyone had asked him that question and he was glad he was being asked “Well my mom wanted me to go to college and make something of myself and I received a scholarship to come here because of my baseball playing.” the Texan nodded along smiling when he heard about the baseball part

“I took you as a baseball player, you have that personality and look fast.” Dell replied laughing to himself “Well that’s rich coming from you, Engie” Dell looked up at him shocked “Is it really that obvious I’m an Engineer?” he asked lifting up his cap a bit and smiling “Yeah, you got that face.” they both nodded at that. The class was about to be over in about two or three minutes. “Hey Engie, mind if I get your number, there’s someone I want you to meet, you two would make good friends.” Jeremy said sliding his phone over towards Dell “Of course, keep in mind I’m a busy man though so I won't have much time to hang out.” he typed his contact information into the phone hanging it back to its original owner “No problem! Catch ya later!” and with that, he was off to his final class

This class was in a different part of the school in the art department. Although he loved sports nothing compared to his love for comic art, so he decided to major in art to pursue that passion of his.

The class was quite boring though, nobody really interesting was there to talk to but the material they were learning was exciting so that made up for it slightly. Once that class had ended his day was not free but most of his friends were still in class so he had to spend a few hours alone. ‘Maybe now would be a great time to go grocery shopping’ he thought, so that’s what he did. Still having Misha’s keys made it way easier since he didn’t have to have another awkward encounter with them. He got in the car and drove down to the nearest and most affordable store around. Walmart. Sure it wasn’t the best option but it was all he could go to on such short notice, so it would have to do

Chapter Text

“Mick. Open this damn door, now!!” a voice shouted out from behind the door he was struggling to keep closed “Leave me alone!” he shouted back holding back tears. Mick Mundy, a sophomore in college. He moved to Tufort from Australia about a year ago to go to college which turned out to be the biggest mistake of his life. He met a guy and ‘fell in love’ as Charles, his boyfriend put it but that was far from the truth. They weren’t in love, Mick was just easy for him to manipulate and use. It started about a week after they got together. Mick was hanging out at Charles's dorm doing some homework and Charles was in the mood for sex, that was the whole reason he agreed to let Mick come over.

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“Micky dear..” Charles's lips teased the skin of Mick’s neck, his hands running down his hips “I’m not in the mood for that. Maybe another time” He said trying to be firm but not rude but that didn’t work “What do you mean maybe another time? We’ve been dating a week, I’ve wasted enough time on you.” Charles pulled always crossing his arms annoyed “We’ve only been dating a week. It’s too soon.” the Aussie shot back now sitting up from his once-laid-down position.

“So which is it? Is it too soon or are you not even in the mood? How am I supposed to consider you my partner if you can’t do this one thing for me.” Charles argued. Maybe he was right, he needed to step up and be a better partner. “So.. What do you say?” He asked again rubbing his hips and whispering sweet nothings in his ear to hopefully convince him. “Fine..” was all he said in return. Before he could even fully get the word out his pants were being removed and he was being taken advantage of...

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Eventually, the door was forced open and Mick was knocked over and onto the floor “Do you seriously think you have the right to break up with me?? After all the things I’ve done for you?” he yelled “You never did anything for me! You were a terrible boyfriend.” then Charles grabbed Mick by his neck choking him. “Let me go” he managed to choke out grabbing at the Frenchmen’s hands to get them off. Eventually, after quite a struggle he was thrown down hitting his head on the edge of the bathtub.

“You know what, whatever. Why would I waste my time with a bitch like you? I could find someone way hotter who does what I ask. Bye.” with that, he was gone, it was finally over. Mick’s head hurt like hell now. He sat up touching the back of his head wincing in pain. It wasn’t bleeding too bad but he still decided to go down to the emergency room to make sure nothing was wrong. He got up almost falling back down, he felt way too dizzy to get down the stairs and drive. So he decided to call someone.

He didn’t have many friends since Charles was adamant that he could only be friends with people he agreed with. To “Keep up his image” he argued, bullshit. He was just a dick and Mick was glad he was now free. It was lonely though, but he couldn’t think about it now. He picks up his phone dialing his best friend, Francine Pauling. Though she was his age she worked at the front office. Francine was a sweet woman, always there to listen to Mick cry about the abusive relationship. She begged him to leave seeing how the relationship was affecting him but he couldn't. He would be lonely without Charles. There would be nobody to hold him or calm him when he cried. “Hello, Francine speaking!”

“Miss P..” he tried to speak but it felt like he was going to pass out. “Mick? Are you alright??” She could hear how drowsy he sounded. “I…” then the line was quiet. Francine sat and waited hoping that nothing was wrong. Now his eyes were open he was looking down at his hands which were covered in blood. How did he not see this before?? “I need help... In my room” then things were dark.

-

When Mick woke up he was in the hospital. Francine was in the seat next to him and when she noticed his eyes open she shot out of her chair rushing over to his side “Are you ok! How is your head?” She asked “I’m alright... Just drowsy. How are you?” he replied sitting up and looking around the room. It was pretty spacious with two chairs, a desk, and a TV mounted to the wall.

“I’m sorry for making you come here..” Sniper looked down at his lap beginning to cry. He had dragged her along once again and she was now missing work just to take care of him “Woah, don’t cry. You don't have to be sorry. I’m just glad you’re alive, okay?” Francine replied with her usual sweet smile. Before they could continue the room door opened “Hi folks. How’s- Oh! Mr Mundy, you’re awake! How’s your head?’ The doctor walked over observing his head which was bandaged up. “It’s alright, just a bit dizzy. When do you think I can go home?”

She looked up thinking for a moment. Most likely tomorrow, you just need to relax here. The day there was quiet. Francine had to leave the hospital to go back to work, sleep, and whatnot which left Mick alone. He was sad now, Miss P being around made him forget all about the breakup but now that it was quiet he began to think and dreaded going home. What if Charles had told everyone about the breakup and nobody would speak to him? All the thinking and dreading made him upset. He cried himself to sleep hoping things would get better in life.

-

“Thank you for letting me stay here Fran. I’m sorry for crashin’ ‘ere. I just can't stay in that house, too many memories.” After coming home from the hospital Mick asked if it was ok to stay over at Francine's house. Before, he had moved into Charle’s dorm. It wasn’t his idea but he was new in the country and thought he was just being a kind boyfriend. Although the dorm was pretty spacious, it was made for one person. He didn’t bring many items with him to the States so the change from before him to after him living there wasn’t very noticeable.

” hm… Why don’t you just move back to your original dorm?” Francine recommended glancing over her shoulder to see if he was doing alright. That was a good point, he was assigned to a dorm but just never went. Maybe it would be a good idea “Uh, sure I guess that would work.” He said sitting down on the couch “I’m gonna have a nap” It was pretty easy to fall asleep at Francine's home. Her apartment was a decent size and good-looking. It was a shame nobody ever came over to visit her.

When he woke up the smell of eggs lingered in the air. Mick got up and walked over to the kitchen “Mornin’” he muttered going into the fridge and taking out a bottle of water. “Did you sleep well?” was that even a question? “Of course, your house is a sleepers paradise.” He replied chugging down the water. “I’m gonna be out today, work and other stuff. Why don’t you start, you know, moving your stuff?”

“Jeez, kicking me out already? Thought you were my mate.” He joked smiling goofily “No!! I just might be having a girl over. Can’t have you ruining my date.” She replied handing him a plate. They walked over to the dinner table to eat and chat. “A date? Wow, you finally got a girlfriend! Maybe god is real!” Francine kicked his leg under the table causing him to jump a bit. “Very funny. No, she’s not a girlfriend but I’m hoping she’ll be. That’s why I can’t have you over!” She argued “OK fine. I’ll be out of your hair tonight. Speaking of that I need to go buy some stuff for my room. You got my keys?” He asked standing up and placing his plate in the sink “Yeah, bye the door. And quit eating so fast you’ll get heartburn!” she yelled as Mick was walking out the door. “Bye, I love you too!!!”

Mick went by a store quickly and grabbed things like bed sheets and comforters, some storage, and other things that weren’t on the list. Luckily he never got around to dumping the key and dorm info so it was still in its original folder, a blessing that was. The dorm was closer to the ground floor than before which was great. It was awkward getting his stuff from Chales’s dorm. There was another woman there who was making snarky remarks about him in front of his face but he decided to keep calm and get out as soon as possible. Luckily this time the elevator was working so it made moving easier. Once he finally got to the door he was shocked to see another person there. Their side of the dork was fully decorated and it seemed like they had been living there for a while “...Hi?” The other person seemed to be shocked to see him “....Hi. I was wondering when you’d show up. Need help?”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks, mate.” He nodded. The guy was a little shorter than him, with light brown hair and freckles. When he smiled Mick noticed he had slight buck teeth. He was kind of cute in a weird way. But he shouldn’t have been thinking that he had just gotten out of a relationship. With the kid’s help moving in was swift. “I’m Jeremy O’Connell, nice to meet you! I’m a freshman if it wasn’t obvious.” Jeremy gave a small chuckle before extending his hand to Mick. “Mick, Mick Mundy. Sophomore. Nice to meet you” Him being a freshman explained his enthusiasm. He was like a kid in a candy store on Christmas day it was sweet to see someone being so kind though.

Luckily Jeremy didn’t continue to press for conversation so he could unpack in peace. The only sound in the room was the soft hum coming from the loud audio in Jeremy’s headphones. At least he wasn’t stuck with some psychopath as his roommate. He quickly unpacked everything and it was pretty dark outside once everything was done. He wanted to get off the campus and do something, anything. Mick picked up his phone and dialed one of his other friends hoping they would want to hang out. After a bit of talking, the friend told him off and said not to contact him anymore for breaking up with Charles, which sucked.

He was honestly bummed. It was now obvious that Charles had changed up the whole story and made himself out to be the victim. Now he only had one friend who happened to be busy the night he wanted to go out. Usually, he would go out alone but tonight wasn’t a good time to be alone. “Hey mate, wanna go out?” Mick called out to the other man in the room who looked confused by the question “Like, out on the town? If so sure!” He said smiling eagerly. Mick got up and grabbed his wallet signaling for Jeremy to follow him out the door.

They walked down to the parking lot not talking much. Mick wasn’t sure why the boy just agreed without question. Jeremy on the other hand was wondering why Mick decided to ask him to hang out. He seemed like he would be popular and have tons of friends to hang out with so why him? “You drink?” The Australian asked glancing over at the boy in the passenger seat. “Nah, not old enough.” He mumbled trying not to sound like a loser in front of this cool guy. Mick just let out an acknowledging grunt in response. “Mind if I drink?”

“Nope.” was all Jeremy responded with as they began to drive. After a bit, they pulled up to a bar. Jeremy was a bit bummed about the hang-out location before realizing there was an arcade connected to it, perfect. Once inside they sat at a table in the corner and looked over the menu. When the waiter came over Mick ordered some alcoholic drink and Jeremy ordered a soft drink. “So, can I ask you something?” Mick asked twirling his straw. “Hm? Oh yeah, sure.”

“Did you happen to apply for a job a few days ago, at the coffee shop near campus?” Jeremy was shocked he even recognized him “Oh! Yeah, I did! I was kinda shocked when I saw you haha.” Mick nodded smiling a bit as he finished his drink starting to feel a bit buzzed. “Ha, yeah. I knew I recognized ya’. You got a unique face.” This comment made him blush. The rest of the night went by swell. They had a good time and it felt like they had become friends. At the night's end, Jeremy drove them back home since Mick was too drunk.

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‘This night had to go perfectly’ Francine thought to herself while cleaning her home. There was this girl, she was special to her. Bee Lee, or Pyro as they were nicknamed had been Francines friend for around 2 years. They were a few years apart from one another. They graduated from the same school and were close until Francine graduated. Bee took a gap year and worked for a year before going to college. She ended up going to the school Francine had been working at as a receptionist for the year. Ever since then once or twice a day Bee comes by and they have a chat.

It was refreshing to see her face every day. Bee was kind, she always had been to her and generally to everyone. She got her nickname in high school she was oddly obsessed with fire and a lot of people claimed she was a pyromaniac and that was what caused her accent. The reason Pyro wore bandages covering half her face was because, in their sophomore year of high school, her house was burned down killing both her parents. The police never found out if the fire was an accident or caused by someone one but people speculated it was Bee due to her interest in fire.

Francine developed a crush on Bee after a year of them being friends. She never acted on them since she wasn’t sure if Bee had any interest in women but recently she found out and decided to confess her feelings. She cooked Bee’s favorite food, Shrimp pasta and garlic bread. Francine was just about done cleaning when there was a knock at the door. She quickly fixed her hair trying to make sure she looked good before hurrying to open the door. Bee stood there in a white dress, she looked gorgeous.

“Hi! Please come in!” Francien led her in and to the dining table where their food was laid out “Woah! This all looks so delicious! What’s the special occasion?” Bee asked marveling at the food “Oh nothing, I’ll tell you later! Please dig in” Francine urged hoping she enjoyed the food. They had a bit of small talk while eating. Once they were done they moved over to the couch and looked online for something to watch.

“Oh right, Miss P! I brought you something!” Bee said taking out a small box. It was wrapped in a nice purple paper with a white bow decorating the top. When she opened it inside was a nice necklace. It was simple with a gold heart pendant at the end with her initials in it. “Wow Py, this is so beautiful thank you!!” Francie pulled her into a tight hug. Once they broke apart she decided it would be a good time to tell her

“So… Bee, I should probably tell you something. The reason I told you to come over” Bee was now looking at her wondering what she was going to say. ‘Was this the right time?’ Francine asked herself worried about Bee’s reaction to it. What if she said she wasn’t interested and it ruined their friendship?? No, she needed to do this. If not known it probably would never happened so it had to be done. “I, ok look. I think you’re amazing Py, I seriously do. You’re so funny and are the sweetest person on this planet. You’re my best friend and I hope this doesn’t ruin that. We’ve been friends for so long and I couldn’t help but fall for you. I know you’ll probably want us to stay friends and I am completely ok with that. I just thought it would be wrong to not tell you.” She ranted. Her hands were sweating she was becoming increasingly worried as the seconds passed by with no response.

“Are you saying you like me? Like romantically?” Bee finally spoke. Francine couldn’t tell by her face what she was feeling but hoped it wasn’t bad. “Um, Yeah…” More silence followed that before the room filled with the sound of laughter. She was laughing. What was so funny? “OH my god Miss P!! You’re such a nerd!!” She continued to giggle letting Francine sit there stunned by the comment. After a while of giggling Bee finally spoke up. “You’re the only person I know who could make a confession sound so serious!!” She was smiling now “Is that a good thing?” Bee sat her hand on the other woman’s shoulder

“Of course, it’s a good thing! I like you too you dork! I’ve liked you since we met honestly!” ‘I really am clueless.’ Francine mumbled to herself “I was actually thinking about asking if you’d like to be my girlfriend” Bee added which got her attention “Oh my god yes, I’d love to be your girlfriend!!” she exclaimed smiling like a kid. They hugged for a long time after that. The rest of the night was spent with them sitting on the couch watching random fantasy movies.