Chapter Text
Paper sat in his room.
He was alone.
He always was nowadays.
Ever since OJ had gotten his hands on that stupid briefcase. I mean, Paper didn’t mean to be rude, but OJ was acting like a different person. He’s been dragging that win on for a year now.. the money is practically gone already, spent on this hotel. Paper understood the excitement, but not at the detriment of their friendship. That glimmer in OJ’s eyes, the big goofy on his face whenever he saw Paper.. now, he only wore that same expression whenever he thought about the future of this hotel. This hotel that was the bane of Paper’s existence by now.
And yet, Paper had been pushed to the side for it.
“Ah, Paper. I didn’t expect you to still be awake..” OJ yawned, pushing the door open.
Paper blinked. “What do you mean? It’s not that late.” He stated, before looking at the time.
4:05AM.
“..Oh. Nevermind.”
OJ gave a lighthearted chuckle, but it felt slightly forced. OJ sat down on the bed beside him.
“So, how’s your day been?”
“It’s been alright, not much went on, but I wanted to t-”
“Good, good! I’m exhausted after all the work I had to do today though. I feel like I’m just going to lay down and pass out, haha.” OJ interrupted Paper, seemingly without realising it.
“…Wai-“
“Well, goodnight Paper!” OJ laid down on the bed, resting his head on the pillow and closing his eyes.
“..Goodnight, OJ.” Paper muttered, giving up.
Why did he even try?
OJ was always too tired.
So Paper had to feel ignored for.. well, until he changed. Until Paper found the right time to bring it up.
When would that be?
….
Maybe never.
Maybe Paper would never get to see OJ look at him with that same joy in his eyes again.
No. Enough is enough. This is getting ridiculous. Paper was sick of not talking through these issues. He was sick of OJ focusing on the hotel instead of them. All those empty promises that OJ forgot about that Paper was too scared to bring back up? Well, he was getting a reminder of them. Right now.
“OJ, hold on.”
“Mmm?” OJ hummed softly.
“I need to talk to you. It’s important.”
OJ sighed at the firm tone, knowing what was coming.
“Paper, can this maybe wait til tomorrow?.. I’m really tired.”
“No, OJ, you say that everytime, and everytime I wake up you’re already gone and I don’t see you until you’re about to pass out again.” Paper’s voice was stern, as if scolding OJ.
OJ just froze, opening one eye to look over at him. He wasn’t used to being told off. Like a child. He wasn’t a fan.
“It’s always about this hotel now. You can never just stop to listen to me for a minute. It’s not fair. I thought we were supposed to be partners. What ever happened to that?”
“..Paper, don’t-“ OJ started, but Paper didn’t stop.
“I’m done with it. It’s going too far. Whenever I try to talk to you while you’re on the job, you get aggressive, and just continue to work yourself to the bone. And why? For a bit of cash at the end of the day? Clearly you don’t earn that much. You said you’d pay me as soon as you had enough, and I-..” Paper finally paused to take a breath. To think.
“…Unless you’re lying.” He added suspiciously. “OJ, can you pay me yet? I do a lot of work around here.”
“Paper, I don’t have enough yet! I’m working hard because I want to be able to do all of that! To take breaks, to focus on the good stuff, to- to pay you..” OJ sighed.
Of course thinking about Paper came last. It always did.
..He tended to hold a bit of a grudge for this type of thing. Being counted for last. But really, it happened all the time. It was hard not to get irked by it.
Maybe.. maybe this was a bit dramatic, though. He was looking too far into things.
“OJ, look..” His tone became softer. He gently placed a hand on OJ’s shoulder.
“I’m not trying to rush you. But this is too much. I feel like I can’t even find a chance to talk to you anymore. I can’t remember the last time we’ve had a conversation this long..”
OJ shifted away, avoiding eye contact with Paper.
“I just.. I just feel like I don’t know you anymore. Did I do something? Why are you acting like you aren’t my friend?” A small hint of insecurity leaked into Paper’s words.
“…Paper..” OJ finally managed to find the right time to speak, as Paper nodded for him to go on.
“You’re being.. irrational. Just because I’m working hard doesn’t mean I’m acting any differently. Sure, I’m stressed, but that’s comes with work. I’m trying my hardest to move forward with this hotel, so that we can live with a bit of stability. I’m sick of being antagonised for it. You’re still my friend. You’re still my partner. I just want us to be comfortable. Is that such a crime?”
Silence. For awhile, Paper just.. looked away. Deep in thought.
All the times OJ had snapped at him. Told him to stop talking. Stop bothering him. With that cold, distant look in his eyes.
But.. he was just trying to keep it together. For the both of them.
It wasn’t fair to fault him.
Paper really WAS being irrational.
“I’m sorry, OJ. I won’t bring this up again.”
“Good. I hope not.” OJ turned his back to Paper, and closed his eyes, intending to go to sleep as soon as he could.
He was angry at Paper.
..God, Paper just hated himself sometimes. All his fault. As usual. What was his problem?