Chapter Text
Somehow the sight of the harbor was both comforting and sickening. Perhaps it was a comfort to be back on solid ground; perhaps it was disappointing to know she couldn’t even do the one thing she always wanted to.
Most likely it was both. Whoever the idiots were on that ship knew nothing when it came to actual sailing. How was standing on the mast and shouting about enemy ships even “inappropriate behavior.”
Vriska sighs as the ship coasts to the dock and is tied down. She relishes in the last moments of surprisingly comfortable sway of the ocean. The stillness of the concrete below was as much a shock as it was unwelcome.
She had lasted only a single month upon the ship Mindfang before being told that she was a “havoc of a crew member.” Who knew “nothing of an actual ships running and only caused troubles for the rest of the volunteers.” Vriska had scoffed at the idea, if anything they didn’t know how to have some fun. Still, that couldn’t stop them from kicking her off the boat as soon as possible. So here she was, stuck back where she started and with nowhere to stay. Another case of horrible luck. When had she even had any semblance of just decent enough luck.
No one Vriska actually knew would be able to give her a place to sleep, if they were even willing. John might, but Vriska didn’t want to have to face staying in his family home. It would be a bit awkward to stay with the guy you once thought you were in love with, even if it was ages ago.
So roaming the streets and trying to make a decision on what to do it was. Lugging her small pack of belongings, Vriska set off to wander the city deciding that some ice cream would be her first order of business. Several hours passed like this and it was when she was staring blankly at a park fountain that her phone rang.
Vriska answered without checking the caller id, “Hello?”
“Vriska! I heard from a little source of mine that you need a place to stay for a bit. Where are you, I’ll let you stay over at my apartment until you get back onto your feet again.” She really should check who’s calling her more and who’s feeding her cousin this info.
Aranea continued on as if Vriska had agreed, though really there was no choice, “I bet you’re at the park near the harbor aren’t you. Anything interesting to stare at hopelessly there?”
How Aranea was able to figure that little tidbit so quick, Vriska will never know. It’s like she knew everything simply by just existing and being a total dork. “Oh definitely, this fountain is just a well of drama. More interesting than those soaps I know you enjoy binging.” Vriska’s voice is dry and rough, she vehemently ignores that fact.
“I’ll be there within the hour,” Vriska could hear Aranea gathering herself and opening the door, “don’t you dare move Vriska. You’re staying with me whether you like it or not.”
Groaning loudly into her phone, Vriska agrees to stay put and hangs up on the meddlesome force that is Aranea Serket. Now she just had to sit here for an hour and purposefully not think about what, or more specifically who, caused her to be in this position. Broken hearts rarely had anything good to add to any situation, but her’s couldn’t help but whisper that it was her own fault. Vriska could only agree.
She people watched silently, feeling jealous of the young teen couple sitting on the fountain ledge. They were so naive and young, fully believing their love would last more than a month. It probably could, more likely Vriska was just bitter and jealous of that innocent love. Her hands twitched to plug in her earbuds and play songs about heartbreak, she had some dignity still. Facing a first serious heartbreak was never easy though, and by the time Aranea arrived Vriska had managed to play a total of eight sad songs. The perfect number, so a perfect time to stop.
“Is this all you really have?” Aranea asked walking up to Vriska and taking her single bag of personal items into her arms, “What did she make you do with the rest?”
Vriska grimaced, she really didn’t want to talk about any of the circumstances surrounding having to crash at her cousin’s place. Instead she decided to walk to where she could see Aranea’s car idling and waiting for it’s owner’s return. Eventually she decided on answering as she entered the car, “I sold it all. It was her idea, something about having money to stockpile on. On the plus side it does mean I have something saved to get back on my feet. I won’t bother you for long cuz.”
The face Aranea made at the shortened word meant Vriska had won, no more prying questions about her most recent breakup for the rest of the night. Go Vriska. Unfortunately it didn’t mean she wouldn’t still talk about it, nothing could stop Aranea from talking about whatever it is she had her mind on.
“Vriska, you know you can stay as long as you need. I haven’t seen my dear baby cousin in so long! I hate to admit that I haven’t checked up on you as often as I might have needed to, but I am here now…” This was when Vriska stopped listening to Aranea’s tirade, instead choosing to look blankly out the window in as dramatic a fashion as possible.
Aranea kept prattling on about how she cared deeply for Vriska and that she was a delight to have regardless of what someone might have said recently. Or something, honestly to Vriska it just sounded like, “I care for you so much, because I’m a soft weak excuse of a relative to you. This shameful weakness needs to be shown at every possible moment, I will keep talking and talking until the end of time. All just to kill you and everyone else of boredom with my useless stories that have little to no relevance. Except they do, but it’s so drawn out that it’s hardly worth anything beyond maybe a good few moments of story.”
Eventually the car is quiet save the small sounds coming from the radio, for once Aranea seems to have run out of words. Vriska has never been more thankful for anything in her life. Literally never, there is nothing else she could have wanted. She can die a satisfied woman now. The cars pulls to a stop, the quaint little apartment building before them as incredibly plain as Aranea. How fitting, Vriska thinks as she clambers out and into the building.
Settling into the guest room Aranea had managed to set up was unfortunately, not a quiet affair. The two bickered about almost anything. Vriska saying just the couch was enough and Aranea refusing to treat her closest family in such a cold manner. Or Vriska trying to make dinner in an unspoken appreciation, even as Aranea constantly tried to shover her out of the kitchen claiming that guests should not have to cook. The first argument, Aranea had won; the second, Vriska.
After the first night, it didn’t take much to become settled into Aranea’s home. Vriska did her best to avoid her cousin and so she danced around, crawling out late at night and only leaving her room to go to the job she had at the quiet bookshop she managed to get. Or going out with John to see whatever new movie he wants to see, because no one else in his friend group has any sense of a good movie.
It was about two weeks into the “Serket Cousins’ Shared Living Extravaganza” that Vriska got a text message. Which rare enough on it’s own, wasn’t from John nor was it from Aranea aka near impossible. Leading to something akin to a dramatic scream as Vriska threw her phone after reading who had just texted her.
AA: i heard you needed a place to crash?
Why her of all people? Vriska was near crying, she couldn’t tell if it was frustration that this is how low she’s gone or just being glad that Aradia messaged her and wasn’t set on destroying everything she cared about. Her phone vibrated again, a small scream escaped her throat one more.
AA: vriska? did john give me the wrong number
AA: no he didnt i just asked
AA: anyway my friend has a spare room i thought itd be good to ask you before he gives it anyone else
AG: What is it to you if I need a place to stay.
AG: I thought you hated me, after all I did it would make sense for you to hate me.
AG: How much would it 8e?
AA: :)
AA: im not sure! let me ask him
AA: he said the rent is around $612
AA: hes willing to set up a meeting whenever if you want!
AA: and i dont hate you
AA: not anymore at least
Feeling both awkward and conflicted the whole way through, Vriska managed to decide on when to see the apartment and meet her possible new roommate. Though honestly, as long as she didn’t hate the guy too much anything was better than living with Aranea. Living with Aranea was akin to joining the convent and promising herself to God. No one was allowed over, no drinking on weekdays, no weed? It was like Aranea wanted her to be a better person or something, and god forbid that ever happened. So new apartment with some friend of Aradia’s; Aradia who hated her and was part of the reason she left university? It’ll be fiiiiiiiine.
It was not fine, none of this was fine at all. The friend was Sollux, Sollux Captor. Vriska should have asked who exactly was the friend, but of course it was this nerd. He and Aradia were attached at the hip. At least some things had changed since she had to (mis)fortune of seeing him last, like the lisp was gone. Good job Sollux! However, the thick glasses weren’t doing him any help in looking less like a nerd.
When Aradia opened the door, it was a surprise but a reasonable one. Who else to introduce two possible strangers who may or may not decide to live together after a short meeting. What she didn’t know was that the reason Aradia was there was really only to make sure the two didn’t start attacking one another verbally before anything could get done.
Walking into the living apartment proper and seeing Sollux waiting however caused Vriska to freeze where she stood. Sollux noticed the two entered and looked between them both. He was confused until squinting and leaning forward he began to recognize just who Aradia had brought into his home.
“What the fuck Aradia? Why is she here?” He’s angry that much anyone could tell, and all Vriska can think is how the feeling is mutual.
Deciding to fake confidence till the end, Vriska struts into the room with her face held high. “Hello to you too Sollux, it’s been a while. Ready to live together?” Her smile was predatory and wide.
Solllux recoiled so far, he almost fell over. Aradia laughed at him walking past where Vriska had stopped again and sitting next to him. It reminds her who is the cause for this whole awkward encounter anyway. Stupid Aradia, you’re no friend to either now.
“Fuck you,” Sollux spits out to Vriska. He then immediately turns to Aradia and begins whining, “Why her Aradia? I thought you said it was someone decent.”
Aradia laughs again, “I didn’t say decent, I said trustworthy. As in trustworthy to pay her rent on time.”
Vriska still feels skittish but she decides that ultimately, even living with Sollux is better than living with Aranea. She takes a seat across from the other two and starts to plea her own case as well. “I might be a ‘huge bitch’ and all, but my word is my word. You will have it, and I will pay my rent. I won’t even get in your way! We’ll hardly ever see each other.”
Even Aradia is taken aback by that statement, which rude Vriska thinks before focusing on Sollux’s expression as it contorts into a mixture of disgust and pain. “Fine, only because I know you probably won’t kill us in our sleep and we really need someone else to help pay. Surprised you’re that desperate though, is staying with your girlfriend really that bad?”
“Living with Aranea was the worst mistake I ever made, anything is better than that. Even living with you,” Vriska tries not to flinch when he mentions her ex. Of course none of them know about their split, of course she’d leave it to Vriska to tell everyone in their shared circle.
“Just so you know Vriska, there is someone else living here! She’s not here right now, but Sollux was so desperate that he didn’t wait for her to come home. I’m sure you’ll get along!” Aradia interjects smiling brightly, Vriska can only nod quietly as she finally takes in her new home. It’s nice enough.
“So there’s only two rooms, but three people? Will we be room buddies as well? Also furniture, I have none,” If she has to share a room Vriska might just run back to Aranea.
Sollux laughs harshly, “God no. I don’t want that and I’d never force you onto someone else, and this place came fully furnished so you’re good on that.”
It’s enough, Vriska nods and watches as Aradia pulls out some papers and shows her where to sign. Surely this isn’t how someone is supposed to rent an apartment, but Vriska isn’t one to question anything because it’s not as if she knows how. Within an hour, she walks out with a pair of her own keys and an agreement to come back the next day to move in. If only the rest of being an adult was as easy as this.
The next day begins as any other: waking up and rushing to work while avoiding Aranea, and then suffering the required eight hours, and then returning home and collapsing on the couch. Today however is different from others, because the moment she’s able to get up again, Vriska grabs her meager belongings and leaves leaving the keys under the mat outside. After a moment of consideration she texts Aranea explaining the situation and sends a weak thanks for letting her freeload.
While heading to the part of the city where her new apartment is, Vriska made a mental list of new things she needed to buy. It mostly consisted of blankets and towels, some toiletries and plenty of snacks. No one could say that she didn’t have any skills in prioritization. First however, was dropping off her bag of clothes and putting all that away.
Entering the apartment, it was dark and quiet. No one even seemed to acknowledge her arrival. Or so Vriska had thought, seeing Sollux stick his head out of the larger master bedroom and nodding when he recognized Vriska. She nodded back silently. Entrance gained, Vriska went to find the smaller second bedroom to settle in.
First thing she pulled out of her bag was the ratty old blanket from her childhood. It was orange and had a big sun in the middle. It was ancient and she was never getting rid of the thing. After laying that across the mattress, Vriska started pulling out her clothes and settling in. It was a quiet affair, the only sound beyond the rustling of cloth was the light traffic outside her window. The last thing at the bottom of the bag was a shirt of her ex’s. Vriska froze staring at it, her heart breaking into a million pieces as if the split happened just that day. Feeling numb, she pinched it in her fingers and walked outside the apartment to toss it down the garbage chute in the hallway.
Instead of returning to her room, Vriska left the building to go buy what she needed. Which, when trying to juggle all the things she bought on one arm, she belatedly realized was a bad idea to do without any help. Unluckily it wasn’t like she had anyone to call anyways, Vriska had always been really good at burning bridges faster than she could build any.
Once she managed to drag everything inside, Vriska felt better. This was a new beginning, sure she was stuck living around presumably people who have known her longer than she’d personally like. But that didn’t stop her for feeling like this was a chance to do better. She can start by being nicer to Sollux than she’s been before. It’ll go great!
Vriska flops onto her bed and revels in it. It was so much softer than the cot they have given her on the Mindfang. She considered if she had died and somehow managed to sneak into heaven. The thought was ruined with a grumbling stomach, no one could be in heaven and possibly ever feel this hungry. Whinely loudly, Vriska rolled off the bed and onto the floor and with momentous effort she pushed herself off the floor.
The apartment was dark this time when she walked through. The only light was from the streetlights outside, Vriska felt her way through the kitchen and turned on the light over the stove so she could at least see where she was putting her hands. With enough light to see the general shape of things, Vriska went right to the fridge and pulled out on apple. It wasn’t a full meal, but it was healthy enough.
While munching on the apple, Vriska walked into the living room and looked at pictures decorating the walls and furniture. She could recognize Aradia Sollux, and Sollux’s rich but elusive girlfriend Feferi which all made sense. There were of course other friends of his and perhaps the other roommate’s, some she could recognize, some she couldn’t. In the dark lighting however, Vriska couldn’t be sure who the other person that appeared in a fair amount of the photos. She could vaguely recognize it as a person she’s most likely met once or twice; hopefully it wasn’t a person who hated her, there were a lot of those. That would sure be unlucky.
Vriska returned to the kitchen to finish her apple. Leaning against the counter and slowly biting pieces off, she gave herself a moment to really appreciate what lay before her. A quiet new apartment with someone who didn’t wish her dead, and a sense of calm, like something good was soon to come. For just this instant, Vriska allowed herself to consider herself lucky for scoring such a nice apartment and this new chance. Her luck has been really bad for a while, so it was long due for some good luck for once.
First nights in new places always bring about the mild morning panic of “oh god where the hell am I,” and this isn’t any exception. It isn’t until Vriska manages to drag herself out of bed and then, into the kitchen to watch Sollux leave with a cup of coffee that she remembers. Both jump and stare at one another, Vriska laughs shakily and dances around him to reach the fridge. She guesses that both had forgot about the other, it’ll take a while to get used to.
There’s a rustling sound behind her. Vriska tries not to jump again when Sollux’s dry voice speaks out, “Our other roommate is coming back today, I’ll be busy working in my room so please don’t kill each other. There is only so much that our landlord is willing to deal with. Unfortunately murder isn’t one of them.”
Vriska laughs loud and harshly, “No promises nerd.”
Sollux just huffs and leaves without saying anything else. With him out of the way, she moves again and tries to remember where the small amount of groceries she bought were placed. It took about half an hour, but Vriska leaves victorious with a bowl of cereal, sweet sugary cereal.
She’s sitting in the living room, some children’s morning cartoon on when the door opens. Vriska looks up, spoon halfway to her mouth and watches as someone shoulders their way into the apartment. She reasons that this must be the third roommate and is about to say hello. However since she can’t really tell who the person is until they look up, she waits for them too look over. The moment they lift their head, she recognizes who exactly the girl in the pictures was. Vriska then immediately decides she still has all the back luck. All of it.