Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

          As Ronald approached his new college, golden leaves fell on the red, wobbly bricks. The other new students bustled around him. Parents hugged their new adult children, trusting them to make it big in the new world. Most were trying to find their dorms, pulling boxes and dragging enormous suitcases. 

          Ronald looked down at the email on his phone. Parking was already a nightmare, having to park halfway across campus with his giant golden Trans Am in a modern-day compact spot. He left a note on the dashboard of the car next to his.

          “I am already committing minor vehicle damage on day one of college. Where the hell is Alder Hall?" Ronald mumbled to himself. 

           He turned to a young man with round glasses and wild green hair sitting under a tree, looking through relatively thick books. 

          "Hey, mate. Do you know where Alder Hall is from here?" Ronald asked.

          "Oh, yeah." The young man said, standing up. "Alder is past that super new tech building. To your..."

           The young man formed two "L" shapes with his hands. "Right."

           Ronald smiled. "Thanks, mate."

           Ronald walked his way down, looking at all the various buildings. He never pictured himself going to university. He barely passed high school as it was. His mother urged him to do something meaningful with his life instead of lounging on the couch. Playboy wasn't a career option.

           Finally, finding his dorm hall, he stepped through the brick building. Many students rush by. He went to the front desk. "Hey, the name's Knox. I think I am in room 311?" He asked.

            The young man at the front desk pushed up his reading glasses and typed something in. "311? Funny, that's my dorm." He spoke. Are you Ronald Oliver Christopher Knox?"

            "Yep, that's me." Ronald smiled.

            The desk clerk glanced at him. "Well, we can get formally acquainted with Mr. Knox in a few hours. For now, here's your key. You'll notice my side of the room. I'm Alan Humphries." He said, handing Ronald a single key. 

            "Great, nice to meet you. Does the school provide us with a keychain? I tend to lose things quickly," Ronald said, looking at the single key.

            "No, they don't provide us with anything. I'm sure you'll be able to find something." Alan's tone was a hint of passive aggressiveness. 

            "Oh, alright. I'll see you up. Roomie." Ronald smiled awkwardly, took his suitcase, and headed to the crowded elevator.

            He looked at his phone and pulled up his notes app. The app listed many other things, such as 'Get mom a birthday card' and 'Remember to send your brother £5 for bringing you coffee'. Now he added, 'Buy a keychain.' 

            He struggled to find the correct door in a sea of plain brown doors. Ronald finally found the one labeled '311'. He was pulling the key out of his jeans pocket. He opened the door to find the dorm, split evenly with a piece of masking tape. Only a poorly written-sitcom would have a situation like this. Ronald's personality is very relaxed compared to his roommate's type-a ways. He looked over the evenly placed lavender tapestry, crocheted plant holders, and fairy lights. Then, he directed his attention to his side of the room. 

           Ronald saw the canvas of a stiff piece of foam called a mattress, a desk, and smooth plastered walls, tossing his suitcase onto the bed. "Let's make this place feel like home," he said. 

          Emptying his belongings, he grabbed them from home. He found a pile of bunched-up t-shirts, his computer, and half-filled luxury hotel toiletries. When his mom threw him out, she only gave him 30 minutes to find what he needed for college. Luckily, he still had a good £750 in his bank account. He should at least find sheets and a pillow for the bed.

         Ronald sat on his bare bed and looked at his phone, scrolling through his social media and checking his upcoming semester schedule. He did not know his major, so he was thrown into whatever his advisor thought worked: English 101, Communication 101, and Bio 112. Ronald looked at his schedule again. 

         That had to be a mistake. Ronald couldn't remember the last time he took a science class. Sure, he had been in one in high school, but he often skipped that class and only passed because he paid the valedictorian for the answers. 

         Schooling had always been hard for Ronald. He was lucky he made it through high school. He was only getting into college thanks to his father and older brother, who were athletes and class presidents. Growing up, Ronald never had those ambitions. Often, he preferred to be the class clown and got sent to detention. Since the age of 5, sitting and listening to whatever tutor, teacher, or adult tried to get him to pay attention to anything academic was a challenge. 

          Ronald quickly hopped off his bed and rushed down to the front desk. "Hey, do you know where the academic advising hall is?" he asked, looking panicked.

          Alan looked up from his computer for a moment. "Well, it's on the other side of campus and closed."

          Ronald groaned. "God dammit.”           

          "I'd prefer that you didn't take the lord's name in vain," Alan folded his hands politely.

          Ronald looked at his future roommate in disbelief. The duct tape line in his dorm and this man's holier-than-thou vibe added to the challenge of settling into college.

          "You got to be fucking kidding me.”

          Alan looked up at Ronald with annoyance, biting at his spirit. "Language, and no, I am not."

          He quickly typed something, then turned the screen around to show Ronald. It opens tomorrow at 8, the first day of classes. How inconvenient for him.

          "I would also get there early. Party boy, you're not the only one trying to skip calculus class."

          "I don't even know how I got stuck in Bio 112. The email said they enrolled me in Math 103."

          Alan furrowed his brow and looked at his roommate. Lips pursed, he considered his following words. "Are you sure college will be up to your speed?" He asked.

          "I don't have much of a choice. Mom kicked me out of the house and won't let me back in till I make something of myself."

          "Well, I guess we both have that in common." Alan pushed up his glasses. 

          Ronald looked at Alan. His half-lidded eyes and pouty lips didn't give the friendliest expression. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. It was comforting to have someone in a similar situation. "Your mom also kicked you out?" he asked.

          "We can call it that. I am here on my own since my family is in Wales."

          "That's such a relief. It feels like everyone here is having a wholesome family send-off while I don't even have a set of sheets."

          Alan scrunched his nose in disgust. "You don't have sheets?" 

          "On my bed back home, yeah. But my mom gave me 30 minutes to pack."

          "We've known about our acceptance since April."

          "Yeah, but..." Ronald shrugged.

          Alan sighed, not being able to hide his frustration. "Do you have a car?”   

          "Oh, yeah, Kesha. She's parked on the other side of campus. She's a big, beautiful trans am." Ronald smiled brightly. He loved his car more than anything else in the world. After hearing it referenced in a Kesha song, he spent months begging his mom for the hot rod for his 16th birthday. His older brother got a car for his 16th birthday. Why couldn't he?

          Alan looked less than impressed. "You know how much damage those vintage cars cause to the environment yearly?"

          "Yeah, but it's cool. I got these new speakers in it. What? Do you have a car?" Ronald asked.

           "No," Alan mumbled.

          "Well, if you need to get anywhere, let me know." Ronald pointed to himself with his thumbs, putting on a big grin.

          Alan thought for a moment. "I may need your help. I need to buy some groceries. I couldn't carry all of them on the bus."

          "Gotcha, mate. Oh, we should swap numbers, being roommates and all." He pulled out his brand-new smartphone.

          Alan pulled out his black flip phone. Ronald looked shocked at the archaic piece of technology in front of him. He had not seen one since he got his first phone in the late '00s.

          "Where did you get that?" Ronald asked.

          "The chemist. I got a nice deal of £20 for text and calls." Alan smiled rather proudly at himself.

          Another student came up behind Alan. "Alan, your shift is done." They said.

          "Oh, thank you. Well, let's go to the store. Get you some sheets and a keychain." Alan stood up from his desk and walked to Ronald.

          Ronald looked down at Alan, not expecting the man to be so small. Growing up, Ronald was often teased for being a gangly man. Especially compared to his older brother. The two young men walked out of the dorm building together.

          "Hey. Getting to know each other is important if we're rooming together." Ronald said.

          "What do you want to know?" Alan asked.

          "Well, what's your family like? Do you have any siblings?" Ronald started with a simple question. Alan didn't seem to enjoy being around people.

          "I lived in Wales with my mam and 12 siblings," Alan said frankly.

          "You have 12 siblings?!" Ronald said a little too loud.

          "It's quite common where I am from. I am the 7th child in my family."

          "Damn. And your mom is raising them all on her own?"

          "Yes. Well, in my town, we are a very close-knit community. So everyone helps one another."

          "Damn, that's cool. I have an older brother and a younger sister. So, it's my mom and the three of us."

          "No, father?"

          "No, he left when I was 5. I don't remember him much. But hey, a strong woman raised both of us." Ronald smiled.

          "Sure." Alan pressed his lips together, making that fake smile.

          They eventually got to the car. Alan paced around, looking at the giant vehicle in front of him, noticing the dent in the back of Ronald's bumper.

          "I am a better driver than I was at 16," Ronald said.

          "And how old are you now?" Alan asked.

          "Oh. I'm 21.”

          Alan looked at the young man in disbelief. Ronald's chipper demeanor, lanky limbs, and lack of organization. He had to be 18, maybe 19.

          "No way you're so…youthful looking," Alan said, trying to be polite.

          "Aww, thanks. But yeah, I am 21. How old are you?"

          "I'm 23. I went to a Christian college before this school."

          "Oh? Why'd you leave?"

          "They had a better program here. Let's get to the store before it's dinnertime."

          Alan dodged the subject, but Ronald shrugged it off, not wanting to overthink it. It's better to stay on his roommate's good side. Unsure how long he'll stay with his nitpicky roommate, he must use his signature charm and winning smile. It's what usually gets him out of trouble. His roommate had no chance of resisting that.

           So, he drove to the store. Not being the only college kids having to buy items at the last minute, Ronald grabbed a shopping trolley. "So, what do you need to grab that you couldn't bring on the bus?" he asked.

           "I could only grab a few vegetables. The dining hall only has so many vegan options. I just wanted to grab a couple of salads." Alan said

           "Ah, ok." Ronald nodded.

           He wasn't sure what to say. He was running out of good icebreaker questions to ask him.

            "So, what's your major?" He asked.

            It was the lamest question to ask, but it was something to keep the conversation going.

            "Well, I was in Theology in my old school, but now I'm thinking of environmental studies."

             "I noticed all the plants you brought into the dorm." 

             "Oh yes. Those are my babies. Some people have cats. Some people have dogs. I have my precious orchids and succulents." 

             Ronald nodded, half listening to Alan ramble on about his plants. Something about soil conditions and water temperature: either way, he had found the switch to get Alan talking, hearing his accent noticeably thicker. 

             They passed the linens section. Ronald chose a set of blue and yellow plaid bedding. It's an excellent fit for the plain side of the room. He wondered if he could get one of his siblings or his mom to bring him at least some decorations from home. He was avoiding a dull atmosphere on his side of the room. 

             Alan grabbed the last of the meal items he needed. Ronald watched him anxiously turn the plastic bowls in a specific direction three times, briefly hearing him mutter something under his breath. So far, Ronald had learned his roommate was Welsh, really into plants, and had specific ritualistic ways of doing things. At least, that's how he displayed it at the store.

             Ronald then drove them back to the dorm. He was turning on his favorite music and bopping his head along. The inaugural night of independence wasn't too frightening. Sure, he had yet to encounter bills or other adult responsibilities.

             He threw the sheets on the bed and pulled up the blanket. Ronald had never made his bed before. He was used to having the housekeeper or his mother do the chores. "Look at that. It's looking like a living space." He smiled proudly, patting the mattress. 

             Alan was sitting on his bed, looking at his laptop. He glanced at Ronald and made a "Uh huh" noise. 

             "I might be a bit much, but I'll win you over. Everyone likes me." He said confidently.

            "Is that what your mother said or the expectation you've been around your entire life?" Alan asked.

            "It just magically happens. I talk and talk, and people listen." Ronald then plopped himself onto the bed.

            "Do they?" Alan asked, not fully believing Ronald. 

            "Yes… I think." Ronald thought for a moment. 

           "What kind of person were you in high school?"

           "Oh, I was the cool, funny guy all my peers liked. My teachers could give or take my shenanigans, but I did what I do best." 

           "Talk?" 

            "Yeah. That and throw killer parties. Did you go to high school?" 

           Alan shook his head, then went back to his computer typing. 

           "You didn't go to high school?!" Ronald looked at Alan in disbelief. High school was only one of the most critical moments in a person's life. Or, well, at least in his blonde head, it was necessary. It's unimaginable for someone to miss out on life like he did. 

          "Like I said, I grew up in a small town in Wales. My mother homeschooled us. I fared better academically than my siblings, so I attended a Christian college. Then I ended up here." Alan said. 

          Alan closed his laptop and sat up, looking at Ronald. "Before getting too comfortable, let's establish some ground rules." He said.

          "Yeah, sure, anything, mate." Ronald sat up and crossed his legs. 

           Alan held up one finger. "Rule number one. This will not be a party dorm. My focus is on studying and eventually working in the real world."

           Ronald nodded.

           Then Alan held up two fingers. "Rule number two. Lights must be off by 10 p.m. I want to sleep because of my early class."

           "Yeah, of course, you got it," Ronald agreed. 

           Alan held up three fingers. "No booze or drugs permitted in the dorm. Especially smoking."

           "Alright, sounds reasonable."

           "Kindly inform me if you plan to have a female guest. I don't want to see you…"

          "Oh yeah, definitely. I wouldn't just lock the door and leave you out. Hey, I'll respect your boundaries." Ronald looked at his phone. It was already getting relatively close to the declared bedtime. "Hey, I notice you keep mentioning Christianity and such, but just to let you know, I don't always just bring lady friends over, if you know what I mean." 

          Alan paused. "I see. Well, that's fine, whatever you choose to do. I sometimes have those thoughts."

          "I need to fix my schedule tomorrow, so I should get some sleep. Do you want the shower first?" 

           Alan got up and selected floral printed pajamas from a drawer. "No, I'll take it first. While you don't seem like a creep, we just met, and I'd rather not change in front of you." He then walked on his tiptoes to the bathroom door. 

           Ronald threw his clothes into a pile by his bed and plugged his phone. Still nothing from his family. Not even a congratulations text. He just shrugged it off as everyone was busy. His family was never all that close. His mother often sent him away to whatever was the cheapest boarding school for boys. He had gotten kicked out of several of them, but not all of them were entirely his fault. Roughly 6 out of 10, his college didn't need to be notified.

           It was time to show his family he could be independent.

Chapter Text

            Ronald groaned, hearing the blaring sound of his phone alarm clock. A law against early mornings was necessary, but it could be a way to bypass the regulations. Today marked the start of classes, and he had to avoid Bio 112. So, he looked at his phone for 15 minutes. It was supposed to be 5, but as any good social media algorithm does, 5 minutes turns into 10, which turns into 15.

           He looked over, noticing Alan was already gone and out. The bed looked flawlessly made, as if he hadn't slept in it. In contrast, Ronald's blankets and sheets were in a crumpled heap. He would sleep there again.

           Digging through the drawers, he grabbed a random T-shirt, jeans, and yellow checkered vans and headed out. His stomach grumbled, reminding him he didn't eat dinner the night before. "Later. We'll get some Starbucks after this," he said to his stomach.

           A coffee with some sweetened syrup sounded terrific right now. But Ronald had to focus, trying to read the tiny map on his phone to find the academic counseling office. The straight lines of the buildings did not make them any easier to identify.

           Ronald then saw a building with a massive line in front of it. Then he looked down at his phone. He tapped a girl's shoulder who was waiting in line.

           "Is this the academic counseling line?" He asked.

           "Yes, it is. Were you able to book an appointment online?" She asked.

           "We had to book an appointment online?!"

           "Yeah. I got mine two weeks ago. You'd be lucky if anyone would let you in next week."

           Ronald sighed. Alan mentioned nothing about needing an appointment. It felt like the universe wanted him to take the dreaded class. In a few hours, ironically, it was his first class.

           He headed to the small student-run coffee shop and hoped to find an appointment to resolve his schedule. The coffee shop line was no better—a line of students, professors, and others waiting for their morning caffeine pick-me-up.

           Ronald dug his hands into his pockets, waiting and waiting. He looked around the small shop and noticed the man who had helped him find his dorm was sitting by himself, staring at his laptop and wearing thick black and green headphones. The man was wearing a lab coat and sweats. He was probably a STEM major of sorts, Ronald wondered.

           "Next customer, please." The barista called out.

           Ronald then snapped back to attention. "Oh yeah! Can I get a Venti iced caramel macchiato?" 

           "And a name?" The barista asked.

           "Ronald." He said, trying to get his attention back to earth.

           The barista nodded, making his drink. Then Ronald paid. He turned around, seeing the young man had already vanished. At the very least, he wanted to express his thanks to him. He showed him the way, but Ronald wanted to talk more.

           His watch beeped at him. It was time to dash to class. Luckily, the biology building was called the biology building and had an excellent clear sign. Ronald stepped out into the expansive lecture hall. His professor was a tall older man with greasy gray hair tied back into a ponytail. Then, right next to him, sitting near a computer, was the mysterious student.

           "Class has begun." The teacher said.

           Everyone already had their laptops out and looked equally prepared. Ronald had no materials, anticipating an early release from the class. Not even a pencil.

           "My name is Adrian Cross, but you will address me as Professor Cross. This is my assistant, Othello. He will be the one answering your emails and helping me throughout the semester," Professor Cross said. This won't be like your AP Biology classes, especially not your regular biology classes. I'm uncertain about what you know regarding me and this class. Science courses are mandatory for all majors, and I won't be lenient."

           Ronald gulped, hearing the words "requirement." This teacher was going to eat him alive. He sank into his seat. It was insignificant among a sea of kids. He checked his phone to see the time of his meeting with the academic counselor. The website said he could get an appointment in two weeks.

           "Oh, and if you want to drop my class and still get a refund, you must do it by the end of next week," the professor said.

           Ronald truly felt like someone had screwed him over. The class was mandatory, and he had to wait to schedule an appointment to be excused within two weeks. The college had indeed been a disaster. He still needed to buy the books he required or get actual supplies. He couldn't make it. He remembered being called a screw-up and a failure by his older brother.

           "If you need help, I have tutoring hours Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6." His assistant raised his hand and spoke up.

           The teacher looked briefly annoyed that he even mentioned it. That might have been the way to pass the class. Ronald looked at his schedule. He could do that time. It wasn't like he had a job or anything else. Without thinking, he stood up and said: "I'll do it!"

           The entire class stopped and turned their heads to look at Ronald. Ronald's body reddened, his hand shaking as everyone looked at him. He had played the fool once but couldn't reverse the situation to appear cool.

           "Well, at least one person cares about passing." Professor Cross said.

           Then, he went back to his lecture. Ronald sat back in his seat, feeling like a complete idiot. For once, instead of cracking the jokes, the joke was on him. He wanted to disappear badly. He was not even able to focus on the professor's lecture. Eventually, the class was done, and Ronald looked around, seeing everyone had left. 

          Ronald got up out of his seat. Holding his head down in shame. "Hey." A voice said behind him. 

          Ronald turned around and looked down. Brown, tired, angular eyes and a cheeky smile looking up at him. "I see you found your dorm and class alright," Othello said. 

          "Oh, hi. Yeah, I did, thanks." Ronald said awkwardly. 

          "Well, hopefully, I'll see you around. What's your name?"

          "Ronald. Ronald Knox." Ronald stuck out his hand. 

         Othello took his hand and shook it. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Othello Pham."

         "Othello. Come along." The teacher said, gesturing to Othello with his long finger.

        "Yes, sir. Well, I'll see you around." Othello waved to Ronald and walked away with the teacher.

        Ronald grabbed his few items as the next class bustled in. Something about Othello made Ronald's heart skip a little faster. Usually, he wasn't the type to get crushes. He was known for hooking up with someone and ghosting them. He looked at his phone, seeing when his next class was. English 101 would not be until 2 o'clock, so he headed to the dining hall. 

        Only having an iced coffee wasn't breakfast, no matter how often he tried to persuade himself otherwise. His stomach gnawed at him from the acidity of the coffee. Compared to the lines outside the counseling office and coffee, entering the dining hall was like a ghost town. Students sleepily ate cereal and looked through their textbooks. Ronald made himself a piece of toast and a cup of tea.

        He looked down at the sea of sparse tables. A red-headed woman was going through a script, mumbling her lines. "Hey, is anyone sitting here?" He asked.

        The woman shook her head, going back to reading her script. "No one's here, but I suppose you can keep me company while I'm reading this dreadfully boring play for class."

         "Drama major?" Ronald asked, taking a bite of his toast.

         "Double with a voice major. I love the classics like anyone else, but can we please read something other than Shaw or Pushkin." She groaned. "I'm Grelle Sutcliffe."

         "Ronald Knox. Uhh, undeclared." Ronald thought of how to describe his current academic ambitions.

         "I see. Is this your first year?" She asked. 

        "Yeah. I just came out of Cross's class." 

         Grelle groaned. "Oh, I hate that guy. He's such a sleaze, and his grading is nonsensical. It's best to get out and try something new next semester." 

         "I tried, but an academic advising appointment isn't until two weeks." 

         "Oh…yeah, unless you don't want to get your money back, you're kind of stuck."

         Ronald groaned. "Great. Maybe that assistant and his tutoring sessions are what I need." 

         "Othello?" 

         "You know him?" 

         Grelle nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "He's childhood friends with my boyfriend. He's a little weird for my taste but smart. I skipped that class as quickly as I could, though." 

         "Great… Well, thanks for the heads up."

        "What else do you have?" 

       "English 101 and Comm 101. My reading wasn't the best, so I'm worried about that but about commutations. My teachers always said I talked too much in class. Should be an easy a." Ronald leaned back in his chair.

     "You know communication means like public speaking and such."

     "Well, fuck me." Ronald sat back up straight. "I shouldn't have come here. I'm way over my head."

     "You have a week to drop out and get your money back." Grelle looked over at him. 

     "No, my mom already threw all my stuff out. I'd just be living in my car."

     "It's possible it's not as bad as it seems. I need to get to class, but here." Grelle passed her phone to Ronald.

     Ronald typed in his socials. He was amazed by her number of followers on Instagram. "Damn, your makeup looks good." 

     "Thanks. It was a hobby I picked up in high school. But now, since college, I have made a change. Anyway, I'll see you around, Ronnie." She waved her manicured hand and headed out. 

     Ronald sat there with his thoughts, looking back at his phone. He decided that since his family wasn't messaging him, he would try to contact them.

    'Hey. I left a couple things at the house. Is there a chance you could bring them to me?' Ronald sent it to his older brother.

    A few dots appeared in front of him. 'No.' His brother sent it back.

    'Can you tell Mom I need a few things? She hasn't messaged me since I got here. Please. And ask her to send me some more money.'

    'She told you to get a job.'

    'She gave you money whenever you asked and helped you move.'

    'Mom made sizable donations to get you into school. So take that as a blessing. If you pass your classes, Mom might find a solution.'

    'Fine. If you see Josie, can you tell her I said hi?'

    Silence. He had just about as much support as he expected from his family. But getting a job was something he wasn't hoping to get. He pondered sending a message to his mom but predicted the same response as his brother or being ignored. She was probably busy drinking at some ladies' soiree or getting sleeping pills from her doctor.

     She often got mad at Ronald for his partying and relaxed lifestyle. But who was the one who supplied the liquor cabinet and left him alone? What else would you expect a bored kid to do in an empty house? Avoid getting blackout drunk on a Tuesday.

   Ronald went to his other class. English class was different from what he expected. Trying to reflect on the English class he'd been shoved into in high school, he expected to receive a randomly selected book recommended by a respected scholar. However, he was okay with Great Gatsby. Living in the 1920s seemed fun.

   The focus shifted to writing in college, which seemed pretty straightforward. Finally, Ronald headed back to his dorm. Alan was already back-focused on his schoolwork.

   "Hey, you didn't tell me I needed an appointment," Ronald said.

   Alan looked up for a moment. "I thought you read it on the page," he said.

   "No, I didn't. Now I'm stuck in Bio 112." He plopped himself on the bed, defeated.

  "Did you go to that class today?"

  Ronald nodded, burying his head into the pillow.

  "What was the professor like?"

  "He looked like the crypt keeper."

  "How ironic he teaches about life, yet he looks like death."

  Ronald laughed. "That thought didn't occur to me. He has an assistant to help him. I need all the help I can get to pass this class. How were your classes?"

  Alan let out a long sigh. "Well, my environment classes were fine. But choir…" He groaned. "There was this WOMAN. She was a diva. I cannot elaborate further."

   "Oh, go- "Ronald stopped himself. "Gosh. I'm sorry. I didn't know you sang."

   "Yes,  back at home in the church, and I'm quite good."

   "Damn. I sound like a tone-deaf goose."

   Alan pursed his lips and nodded. Ronald continued trying to converse with his roommate, only getting the occasional 'Uh huh' and 'Oh, interesting.' Making friends had always been easy for Ronald, or at least he assumed they were becoming friends, but this guy wasn't giving him much. But the silence bothered Ronald a bit too much. 

   "You don't talk much, do yah?" Ronald turned to his roommate.

   "The one who knows uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered." Alan clasped his hands, looking ahead. 

    "Huh?"

   "Proverbs 17:27."

   "Ah.. cool. I read the bible a little bit. I mean… I went to a Christian school for a few months." 

  "What happened?"

  "I may or may not have started a fire after trying to sneak some girls in for a party."

   Ronald smiled, turning to his roommate, who was shocked beyond comprehension. He thought fondly back on that memory: opening the window and trying to help the girls get into the dorms, then booze spilling on the curtain and someone's half-lit cigarette. Was that school 4 or 5, he wondered? It technically wasn't his fault, even though he was blamed for it and was the only one who got kicked out of the school. 

   "Maybe you should keep that to yourself to stay in good academic standing," Alan said.

   "Oh, come on, I know you're trying to have this perfect goody two-shoes vibes, but I know you have done something bad too." 

   Ronald sat up on his dorm bed, beaming. He would wiggle his way into Alan's life whether he liked it. Alan shut his laptop, his gaze narrowing at the over-excited blonde. 

   "Well, I suppose I have done something… There was an older boy in our choir. His name was Gareth, and sometimes we'd hide out in the confession booth and kiss." 

   "Yeah, I have done that before. What happened to Gareth?" Ronald tried his best to imitate his accent. 

   "We got caught and got separated. I'll leave it at that." His hazel eyes looked longingly. "Anyway. Don't you have your own assignments to focus on?"

    Ronald groaned, having the fun part of the conversation cut short. But Alan was right. He should have done some schoolwork to stay at this school and get on his mom's good side. Pulling out his sticker-covered laptop, he logged into his email and attempted to do some work. This felt like agony, trying to listen to music to get him to focus. He tried walking around and getting back to it, but looking at the due date didn't help either; it was due at the end of the week, but something would only get started if he at least got something started. But nothing was coming to his head. Frustrated, He shut his laptop, looking over at his roommate's bed. 

    With the sound of the shower and the fairy lights being off, Alan must have gotten his work done. Ronald could barely even get a word on the discussion board for the English assignment. Maybe everyone was right, and that school wasn't for him. No, he couldn't give up after the first day. Besides, he still had to meet with that cute teacher's assistant from his biology class. Tomorrow, he'd wake up early and try to finish some work. 

    Once the bathroom was empty, Ronald did his nightly routine and set his alarm for 7 a.m. He was determined to make a change and improve his life a little. 

Chapter Text

    However, waking up to that 7 a.m. alarm was another story. The blaring sound from his cell phone, which lay right next to his ear, was piercing. He squinted, slowly rolling himself up. "I'm surprised you're awake this early." 

    Alan was already dressed for his classes and having tea from the small kettle on their shared kitchenette. Ronald gawked a bit longer, still trying to wait for his brain to catch up with the rest of his body. "How the fuck are you ready?" He finally managed to get out. 

    "Language…I was put into a strict routine as a child, and now I wake up with ease. I'm guessing you would like a cup as well?" Alan gestured to the kettle. 

    Ronald rubbed his eyes and nodded. "Please, and thank you." 

    He looks down at his phone, but there are still no messages. No congratulations. Nothing from his mom. His heart sank a little, and he thought maybe he had done something she could be proud of. They still needed to pull him into the dean's office. Generally, by day one, he'd be pulled in at least once for his behavior. 

    "Here." Alan held out the cup of warm liquid in front of him.

    "Thanks." He took the cup. "Has your mom contacted you since coming here?"

    "Oh, she doesn't know that I am here. I got kicked out of the Christian college, but I was already starting to live independently, and that doesn't matter." Alan sat down on his bed, getting his laptop out. 

   "It's 7, and you're already doing school work?" Ronald looked on in shock. 

   "No, I do more than just school work. I blog, I have social media." Alan said. 

   "You're right, sorry. I assumed, and you know what they say about assuming." 

   Alan looked perplexed as to what Ronald could be referring to. 

   "It makes an ass out of you and me." 

   The room was silent. Ronald's joke did not land. 

   "I hope you weren't planning on majoring in anything related to comedy." Alan pushed up his reading glasses. 

   "No, I am still unsure what I want to do, but I'll consider your critiques." 

   Ronald then finished his cup of tea and prepared himself for the day. "Well, I am headed to the library before class. I hope I'll get this discussion board piece done. See ya." 

   Ronald patted down his pockets. "Sh…shoot. Keys."

   Then he put his hands in his hoodie pocket, feeling the metal key without the keychain. He could quickly stop at the student store before going to the library. That was something he could get done quickly, right?

   Quickly, he made his way down campus. It seemed like a ghost town compared to the bustling energy of yesterday's first day of classes. Students slumped over on tables, holding their cups of energy and motivation. At least he felt supported in the lack of being a morning person department.

   The student store was equally as sleepy. The student worker looked more at his phone than the customers, though the only customers were Ronald and a familiar green-haired friend also glued to his phone. Not paying attention, the two bumped into one another. "Ah. Sorry, Sorry," Ronald said. 

   "No, I am sorry. I shouldn't be walking around with my eyes glued to my phone, but… Oh? It's you, the excited one. Robert?" Othello said.

   "Ronald."

   "Right. Sorry, I am okay with faces but terrible with names. Especially one as classically handsome as yours. Are you from America?"

    Ronald blushed. He had been told he was handsome many times in his life. Having wavy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He was what most people would call "traditionally handsome." But something about how Othello's words seemed out of the blue caught him off guard. 

   "Who me? No, I am from London. Specifically from Knightsbridge. But thanks." 

   "Ah…so what's a little rich boy like you doing at a smaller local college?"

   "Mom said I had to go to Uni. This was the one that accepted me. What about you?"

   "Oh, I am here on a full-ride scholarship. I started in computer science, but now I am working for the biology department and working on my master's." 

   "Masters? You can't be that much older than me." 

   Othello chuckled. "How old do you think I am?"

   Ronald paused. He looked at Othello for a while, noting his small stature and rounder face but his tired eyes." Maybe 22?" He shrugged. 

   "24. I'm guessing you're 19." 

   "Hey! I might have a bit of a baby face, but I'm 21, thank you very much." 

   Othello laughed. "Sorry. I didn't realize that was a sensitive topic for you, my friend. So, what are you looking for in the student store?"

   "I'm terribly good at losing things, so I came to buy a keychain, and hopefully, I won't lose it."

   "Oh, I am guessing you got your textbook and started reading the chapter?"

   Ronald's smooth and confident expression changed. That was the other thing he forgot to get. With his brain going a million miles a minute, it always seemed he was forgetting or losing things. 

    Othello pushed up his round glasses. "You haven't bought your textbooks yet?"

     Ronald felt no reason to lie to Othello. He sighed, defeated. "No, I have always done everything sort of at the last minute. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't."

    "And how has it worked out since college?"

    Ronald sucked his teeth. He didn't want to tell Othello it had been a complete disaster. Or he thought about dropping out after only being in college for a few days.

   "It's been a little rocky, but nothing this cool guy can't manage." He snapped, making finger guns.

   Othello chuckled again. "Well, let's get you a lab coat and the textbook for class. That's a good start."

   "Oh! I get a lab coat, too? I get to be like a real scientist."

   "Everyone gets one. Some of the labs can get messy. Don't need you ruining your fancy polos and designer sneakers."

   "Oh, these? What are we going to be opening up bodies?" Ronald laughed.

   Othello didn't laugh. "Well, you'll be looking at rat bodies."

   Ronald blinked upon hearing that. They would be dissecting rats in class. Biology was the study of life. Why would the professor have them going through a dead body? He searched through the lab coats, finding his size and spinning around. For once, he felt more than just handsome. He felt smart.

  "Looking good, blondie," Othello said.

  "Yeah? I might have to join you in the role of assistant."

  "Slow down there. Let's do one thing at a time."

  Ronald and Othello then examined the textbooks, examining their prices. He couldn't believe how expensive they were. "Are you sure these books are almost a hundred pounds?"

  "Oh yeah. The prices of books are in the Wild West. I can send you a PDF of the other books we might use. Sadly, the bio textbook isn't one of those," Othello said.

  "That would be great. I don't want to call my mom and ask for more money, but I will if things get tough.

  "Do you have your laptop?" 

  Ronald nodded, patting his bag.

  "Let's pay for the coat, key chain, and textbook. Then I'll show you." 

  Ronald went up to the front and paid for the white polyester coat. Othello looked at the various snacks, grabbing a bag of licorice.

  "You like that stuff?" Ronald asked. 

   "I know most people think the black flavor is bad, but I enjoy it. It's an acquired taste." Othello said, paying for the peculiar candies.

  The two men walked together.  "So, what class are you headed to?"

  "I was going to try and get this discussion post done for English which…"

  He looked at his phone. The clock read 8:30, and his class started at 10. "I have an hour and a half to kill in the library. Where are you headed?"

  "I'm headed back up to the lab. Adrien has some tests he wants me to grade."

  Ronald looked confused, hearing Othello mention that name. "Adrien?"

  "Oh, Professor Cross. Yeah, that's his first name. I have been working with him for so long that I have gotten too comfortable speaking about him. He's not that scary. Once you get to know him."

  Othello was right on this subject. It wasn't good to judge a book by its cover. Even if the cover looked like a decrepit grimoire or a sleazy porno from the 70s, looking at the decrepit biology textbook, the pages would likely be stuck for another reason.  

  After talking a bit more, they finally reached the big white building. "Well, I guess this is where I will depart." Othello looked at it.

  "Right. Well, I'll see you around." Ronald waved him off, going in the direction of the library. 

  Othello's heart skipped a bit when he saw the blonde man walk away. But he had his own studies and pressing matters to do. Walking through the busy TA hall, he saw the stack laid out on his desk for him with a sticky note on top. 'Meet me by our stop at 1, ' it read. 

  Othello knew who the note was from. The scraggly, quickly jotted-down lines were from Adrien. Knowing that the meeting was non-negotiable, he sat in his chair and went to work reviewing the test key and the papers. 

   Even if it was yesterday's first day of class, Adrien always pulled something on some poor class. Sometimes, Othello wonders if he did it to give him more work. His pocket buzzed.  A text message from his childhood friend William, who was also at the same school, stuck on the other end of campus in the law department.

  'Hello. I know we couldn't see each other during the summer. However, with school back in session, I wondered if we could talk like we used to?' William had sent. 

  'I mean, it's going to depend. If I can get these tests graded for Adrien, I must see him at 1.' Othello sent back. 

   Othello looked at the three dots popping up on his phone. He had known William long enough that he would put the energy into making his text messages grammatically correct and punctuated. He had been speaking in such a rigid manner since they were little kids. 

  'Does your mother know you're courting a man twice your age?' William had finally sent.

   Othello almost spat out his water, being called out like that. 'Does your mother know you have two..girlfriends? Does Sebastian consider himself a girl? The pictures on Grelle's Instagram of the three of you looked pretty scandalous compared to the awkward, brooding nerd I know you are.'

   'Those are private and for friends only. My older sister has met Grelle, and this should be the end of our conversation. Shall we meet or not?'

    Othello rolled his eyes, reading the text message. When he knew William in high school, the two of them were often the school's token nerds. Othello also remembers how William would usually talk down about romantic relationships growing up, and now he is in a polycule. He sighed, thinking about his response to meet up with his best friend again. 

   'Yes. Yes. We will meet…'

    Othello looked at his calendar pasted on the wall. Today was not going to be good. Tomorrow was the first day of labs for the freshmen classes, and that would end at 5. Thursday looked empty so far. 

   'Thursday? I'll meet you at your flat. Unless you want to meet at your mom's restaurant, I'll tell her about the swingers lifestyle her boy is living in. XD.'

    Othello smirked to himself. 

    'My flat would be ideal. I only mentioned Adrien because of the last time we hung out when Grelle said she was worried.'

    Othello paused. The last time they all hung out, he remembered Grelle taking him to the side and talking about Adrien's concerning behavior. They didn't understand Adrien like Othello. Sure, there was an age gap, and he was a professor at the school, but it was different. Sure, Adrian had his moments, and sometimes, it was hard to tell when he was making a joke and when he was being mean. But that's because they did not understand his older style of humor and jokes. 

    'I'm fine and safe. There's nothing to worry about. See you Thursday.'

    Othello went back to work, trying to get his focus back. He clicked his pen anxiously, trying to discern the student's handwriting. It was the 21st-century test that could be online, or at the very least, one could've been a scantron. He could show Adrien that it was possible. He knew about computers.

    Computers had been his first love, and he initially went to school for them before he met Adrien in his sophomore year. Adrien persuaded Othello to drop his major and change to biology. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and was kept in this building for most of his day. When he did have classes, they were all taught by Adrian, but it was a coincidence, right?

     He was finally getting through those piles of tests. Othello remembered he still needed to send Ronald the links to the textbooks. He looked briefly at his student profile from his end. Pronouns: He/Him. High school: The Restorative Academy. Othello was surprised that often those students didn't go to college after graduation. He wondered what could've gotten him thrown in there. Ronald seemed bubbly compared to the picture Othello was thinking about these students attending that school. 

    Othello looked at the time, seeing it was already 12:55. He dashed out of his chair and slinked back to the back stairs and hallways. Sterile gray and white walls surrounded him. The only sound was the clopping of his Crocs as he made it to the back door. 

    But Adrien was already there waiting for him and sitting next to his black heares his gaze, looking down like a parent disappointed in his child. "I'm sorry I was busy grading all those tests you gave me. Why did you give them a test after day one?" Othello asked.

   "To make them stronger students. I also didn't want you getting lazy in your office." Adrian wrapped his arm around Othello's waist.

   "Well, you know me, I have everything under control." Othello froze, unsure where the older man's hands were going.

    Adrian leaned in, tongue first, sucking on Othello's neck, his hands slowly gripping Othello's ass. Othello didn't know how to react, and while this was their usual routine, something felt particularly off. His brain was thinking about the ray of sunshine that ran into him at the student store. 

    "What are you thinking about my rabbit? You're normally in position in the back of the car, ready for me." Adrian turned to the hearse, opening the back of the car.

    Othello crawled into the back of the vehicle. Adrian was already starting to get his pants off as he crawled after his partner. "William wants to hang out Thursday, and I ran into that new kid, Ronald, in the student store. Poor guy doesn't…"

    Othello laid back as Undertaker crawled on top of him, not paying attention to what was coming out of his mouth. "Adrien... Are you listening?" 

    "We have 20 minutes till my next class and your next class too. So lay back and let us enjoy this brief moment." His hands were already gravitating to the fly of Othello's pants.

    Othello grabbed Adrien's hand. "Can you at least listen to what I have to say before you thrust yourself on me?" He asked.

    Adrian sat up and scoffed. "Fine, you met the male Elle Woods in the student store, and William wants to meet you on Thursday. If I were you, I'd cancel; they didn't exactly understand us. Now, let's get back to us."

    Othello leaned back as Adrian tried to continue what he wanted in the first place. "Well, I'd say he's more than a Ken doll. He went to the Restorative Academy before coming here."

    "Why are you telling me so much about him? You're not interested in me? Some ex-junkie trying to crawl into my little rabbit's pants?" 

    "No. No. That's not what I meant at all. I am sorry. I'm sure you showed those freshmen who are the boss in your class. That's so hot when you give them extra work." Othello started unbuttoning his pants. 

    "That's more what I want to hear," Adrien smirked. 

    This wasn't the first time Othello had sex in the back of Adrien's car. That's where he lost his virginity four years ago. He remembered feeling awkward, sweaty, and painful because long acrylic nails don't always mash with delicate parts. Even after four years, it still seemed it hadn't gotten better, but at least it made Adrien happy, which is what a relationship was, right? Making your partner happy even if it meant pushing down your happiness. 

    Adrien finally finished putting on his pants and straightening his ponytail. “Did that make you happy?” Othello asked, his eyes still looking at the dusty carpeted ceiling on the hearse. 

    “Yes, you did wonderful, as always. Now get ready; we are teaching Biology 220: Foundations of Research.” He patted Othello’s thigh. You might want to lay off those licorice sweets.” 

     Othello frowned at seeing Adrian get off him as if nothing had happened between them. But this is what a relationship is like, right? Othello thought to himself. He was slowly sitting up and trying to straighten himself out. He peaked around the corner, ensuring no one would catch the two of them having these moments together. He sat at the assistant desk beside the plethora of whiteboards and looked up at the sea of students staring at them.  This is what he wanted, right?