Pink Roses

Under The Same Roof

After their drinks Aloha leads Army to his place. The walk was filled with little chatter. Army kept his composure and stayed polite. He thought it's best to be on good behavior since Alohas offering his home to him. They enter an area that isn't lined with many homes, they're spread out and not like usual cookie cut houses. These held more unique designs. "Alright, we're here." Aloha voiced and turns around to face Army, whose jaw drops and gawks at the lovely structure. "This is your house!" The lad exclaimed.

Aloha gave an emotionless "yeah." In return and starts to head for the front door. Army soon follows and then they enter. But the inside was just as miraculous as the outside. "What is it that you do again?" Army sputtered as he observe tiny equipment. Aloha roams over to his chair and sits to finally answer. "I make little designs and sell them to the shore side. Mostly surf boards and what not. I take commissions and structure them to fit the person to the perfect size."

Army keeps his cool but can't believe how amazing Aloha is. He's grown so much and even seems more relaxed than ever before. It's slightly unnerving but Aloha has always been relaxed; just not in this way that Army sees it. He's not as chatty or cheerful. Army believes it's best to ignore that part however.
"What made you think of this?" Army skims his finger gently over one of the boards that seems like it was being worked on not too long ago.

"..." Aloha stays silent until he thought of his reason. "I enjoy surfing. Seemed like a clear choice. Besides, I was good at making it so I continued until I honed my skills." Army stares at Aloha who doesn't have his eyes on him. Instead he looks to the side avoiding eye contact.
Something began to surface in Army; and he needs to bring this to light.
"You seem different." He wavered out feeling like bringing this up would cause an argument. Aloha glares in the lads direction then scoffs.

"Is that a bad thing? You don't seem all the same either." He returns with a hint of attitude. "It's not a bad thing..it's just. I get the feeling you're not your bubbly self. Like you lost it..." Aloha widens his eyes and stood up immediately. That action startled Army to step back and wait for Alohas next move. "I don't know what your saying. Anyway, let me show you around." Aloha leads the way as Army stays behind to watch his old acquaintance leave the room. {Somethings different. I know people change, but Aloha...you seem like you're not you anymore...} Army clenched his hands and soon follows Aloha.
The place was nice and clean. It surprised Army since he thought Aloha would never keep things tidy.
"It's so nice in here." Army mentions. "Thanks. My workshop is on the bottom floor as you noticed and my living space is upstairs, I hope that's not an issue."

"It's not. But..why have your valuables downstairs. Aren't you afraid they might be stolen." Aloha snickers and finally reaches the top floor.
"Nah not really. Besides I have people come over time to time for commissions and I don't exactly want them tracking through my living space." Army nods and thought about it. "I guess that makes sense."

"Hah~ Anyway, here's your room. Feel free to decorate or not. I don't mind."
Aloha steps aside for Army to enter and examine the room. It's a medium large with a wide window and balcony showing out into the wilderness. It's beautiful and somehow comforting.

"Thank you again Aloha." Army turns in the pink lad's direction and smiles kindly. "Sure. I'll leave you to unpack."

"Unpack what?" Army then questioned which stopped the pink squid. Now that he looks at Army, he finally noticed how he's not carrying any bags.

"Wha- Where's your stuff!?"

"I don't have any stuff. I told you my move was sudden."

"So you didn't bring anything?!!"

"Not true." Army roams into his jacket pocket and pulls out a familiar looking book. "I brought my manual." Army flaunts it off and smiles obliviously.
"Of course you did..." Aloha slides his hand down his face in irritation.
"Is there a reason why you left where you we're suddenly?" Aloha leans against the door frame and waits for a response. As he watches Army place his hand behind his neck he steps back. "Uhh..I was exhausted..and wanted to come back." Aloha doesn't push any further and decides to change the topic. "Well if you have nothing we need to do something about that." Aloha walks away and goes into his living room. "We?" Army asked while taking a seat in one of the chairs.

"Yup. I know a place where we could go to get some new clothes for you."

"That's not necessary. I'll buy everything for myself once I'm settled and get a job."

Aloha looks up from what he was doing and observes Army. "You're already thinking of getting a job?"

"Yeah well...I'm sure you'd want your space. And getting a job is like keeping me out of your way." Army truthfully spoke without thinking of Aloha.
It may seem short and hidden but Aloha would most definitely love it if Army stayed. He lost him for years and now that he's here staying; living with him. He doesn't even want to think of Army already focusing on a goal to leave once more. Aloha scolds himself for thinking this way. He needs to keep at a distance from him. If he opens once more he'll likely get hurt all over again. So there can't be attachment.

"Sure, I don't mind keeping my space. But I'm offering it to you for as long as you need it. Please, take your time." Aloha genuinely spoke as he gives a friendly expression towards Army.

"...okay."

Aloha happily claps his hands together and gets up to head for the kitchen. "Well, now that's settled how about we celebrate this new arrangement with some food!"

Army perks up and joins him in the kitchen. "Sounds great. What do you have in mind?" Army steps beside Aloha as he shows them their options. Immediately Army's disgusted by the display. Ramen packets and microwave foods. "The hell is this." Army points as Aloha hums in return.

"Huh?"

"Is this what you've been eating?" Army picks up one of the ramen packets and waves it. "Well yeah, I don't know how to cook."

"This isn't good for you." Army scolds then goes to raid the fridge but nothing's in their beside some soda cans and jars. "You don't even have apples?"

"No."

Army closes the fridge and grabs Aloha by the wrist. "We are going shopping."

"Wait what!?"

"Look if I'm going to live here then I'll do my part and cook you meals from now on as my way of gratitude."

"There's no need for that." Army stops and turns to face the pink squid.
"You are opening your home to me. Let me do this for you." Army squeezed his roommates hand which made Aloha react. "F-fine!" He stutters and allows Army to drag him out of the house.
{I can't believe this is what we're doing now. Who knows maybe this won't be bad...} Aloha wished.

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