1198 words. My explanation for Incubux's behaviour: mom friend (Cross) + dad friend (NM) = big brother friend (Incubux)
The arguing echoed in his head. He was so fucking tired of this shit. His younger brother constantly bothering him didn't help at all. His parents arguing finally stopped and a knock was heard from his and his brother's shared room door. "What the fuck do you want?" He asked.
"PJ, Gradient. . . You're going to a boarding school."
...
The trip went without any conversation. All four of them knew if they talked, an argument would break out.
...
Gradient was nervous. He didn't know who his roommate was, or if they'd like him or not. What didn't help was the fact that the headmistress warned that his roommate could potentially be dangerous. He sighed heavily, then slowly opened the door.
He was greeted with another dark boned skeleton. They were a little too tall to be Paperjam, and they didn't have the paint like markings on their cheeks. "Oh, hello." Based on the voice, obviously male. He put down his book, facing emerald green and ruby red eyelights to Gradient. "You must be Gradient, right?"
Gradient nodded. "Y-yeah."
"I'm Incubux. It's nice to meet you."
...
"Hey, hey. What happened?" Incubux asked softly. Gradient had rushed into their dorm and began crying into his sheets. What happened was that he saw his brother, Paperjam, and he still believed Gradient was the reason for their parents arguing. They got into their own argument.
"No-nothing. . ." He muttered, embarrassed. He didn't think Incubux was in the room. Incubux did what every older brother friend would do, he tickled him. Gradient's tears were replaced with laughter. "Al-alright-! Alri-alright-!!" He said through his laugher.
...
"Ooh~ who're you texting? A girl?" Gradient teased. He peeked over the railing on the top bunk where Incubux was laying down. He'd finally opened up to Incubux, telling his story about his parents and brother to him. Gradient would never forget his caring response. Now, he was finally who he wanted to be around monsters, even if it's only one monster.
"Yes, but-"
"Wait- really?!"
Incubux shook his head with a sigh, but he was smiling. "Yes, but she's my cousin."
"Oh. Aw, c'mon, that was a perfectly good opportunity to tease you." He huffed. "How's she like?"
"She's energetic, and always ready to cause trouble."
"Really?"
"Mhm, and I always get pulled into her ideas," He chuckled. "But she's sweet when she needs to be." He paused. "I haven't seen her, in person at least, since we both enrolled here. . ."
"Oh, sorry." Gradient hugged him. Incubux pet his head. "Wait, isn't it against the rules to talk to any of the girls in the school?"
"I'm aware, can you keep a secret?"
"Of course."
...
"Brother!" Gradient called out excitedly.
Paperjam groaned in frustration. "What do you-" Gradient didn't acknowledge him, running by and happily hugging another skeleton. ". . . What the fuck. . ?"
"Did you just call me 'brother?'" The other asked as he hugged back.
"Wait, I did-?! I meant- uh, sorry!"
