A Question Of Roomates

Ch. 5

Stiles ignored me for an entire month. We just existed with each other and I found myself praying for things to go back the way they were. But every passing day the chance of us ever being friends again seemed less and less likely. Stiles would find a reason to leave the dorm, or he'd hide in his room until I would leave and then take up residency in the living room. That was until the day came for a bit of a breakthrough.

It was a late night as I was sitting on the sofa when I heard the tell tale sign of the front door opening. I had taken to spending more time in the living room. It meant a better chance of seeing Stiles and possibly starting over.

Stiles came tumbling through and he wasn't alone. There was a guy behind him his hands gripping Stiles' hips keeping him on his feet and pressed against his front. There was a twinge of jealousy in my chest and I wasn't sure where it came from but I didn't like it. His hands on Stiles, his lips too close to his neck all made my blood boil and I realized then how far my feelings for Stiles went.

"Okay Matt you can go" Stiles slurred out laughing. Even in his drunk state Stiles' head was clear enough to push the other boy-Matt- out the door.

"C'mon Stiles. I walked you here" he said not taking the hint and leaned in to lick against the lobe of Stiles' ear "I can do so much more for you"

"No Matt-"

"Why did we even break up?" He was now fully in the dorm room with Stiles pressed against the wall. His lips had started to ghost, just barely over Stiles' neck. I found I had scooted to the edge of the couch not knowing when or if I could jump in.

"Cause you're a dick"

He pressed him harder against the wall. At this point any blurred lines the alcohol was causing had left and Stiles was shoving at Matt "You know I hate it when you call me that"

"Hey!" I said rushing towards the two. Stiles' glossy eyes switched to mine and there was some sobriety in them "Everything alright here?"

"It's not your business" Matt spat, trying to turn back to a reluctant Stiles.

"I think it is" I started as I reached for the young artists hand "Are you alright stiles?"

Matt slapped it away, officially pissing me off "Is this the new boyfriend you were telling me about?"

"What if I am?" I puffed out my chest crowding him at the door and he was cowering back down and he had quickly threw out his confidence from earlier. I didn't like to flaunt that I was clearly stronger than some guys but he deserved it.

"Y-You know what- you can have him" he said with a trembling voice and was out the room.

The smaller boy stayed slumped against the door, trembling fingers running through damp hair. I didn't stay for a 'thank you' or any kind of praise. I just didn't know if it would be safe to walk away just yet. Silence passed for what seemed like an eternity before Stiles spoke. It was small and quiet, he was rubbing at his eyes still a little drunk "I'm sorry" he slurred slightly.

"I-It's fine. Are you okay?" He nodded, his head sliding into his hands "Who was that guy?"

"Matt, my ex" Stiles was gay. He was gay and had actually been in a relationship with that guy. The mere idea of Stiles dating that guy hadn't made sense to me "Scott dragged me to a party, I didn't expect him to be there, but he was. I got a little too drunk. I never drink but I did tonight and-in a moment of terrible judgement and desperation I kissed him. He offered to walk me home, but I should have expected that" he said gesturing to the door where the whole scene had unfolded. I managed a smile though, not realizing I missed how much he talked.

"Is he always an asshole?"

He laughed pushing off the wall, and stumbling "Now you see why we broke up" before he retreated into his room he turned back with a small smile "uh, thanks for... ya'know well... thanks"

"Anytime"

Stiles was right about his sleep schedule. Because he may have been hammered the previous night,but when I awoke the next morning he was at the table, bright and early, sitting over a cup of coffee. I decided I wouldn't bring up the night before. I assumed it would be something he would prefer to forget and I was fine with that. To my surprise he offered me a small smile before taking his mug to his lips. He looked peaceful in the mornings, like for a split second he hadn't care in the world.

Suddenly he was groaning, earning a glance from me. He was looking down at his phone, thumbing angrily at the screen. Now seemed as good a time as any to try and see where we stood as roommates so I stepped forward "Everything okay?"

He looked at me, this unsure look in his eyes. Like he wanted to trust me but figured he should think better of it. Though I deserved the hesitation I needed him to know I was around for good. I slid into the seat across the table from him eager to listen "It's just Matt. He won't stop blowing up my phone"

"What does he want?"

"He keeps apologizing. Then calling me names, then more apologizing. He's asking about you and-"

"Me?"

"Yeah, he thinks we're really dating. I lied and told him I had a boyfriend. I mean I'm not with anyone but if I was it's not his business ya'know?"

"Yeah. What are you going to do?"

"What I always do, block his number and hope he finds someone else to tolerate him" I nodded in understanding, he had been through this with Matt before. Silence sat over the dorm room and just as I thought It would be a nice time for more conversation he was reaching for his watch "I've got a uh morning class. I'm going to head out"

"A-Alright. I'll...I'll see you"

"See ya"