Chapter Text
Michael sat back with a groan, rubbing at his eyes tiredly. He, Jenna, and Rich have been interviewing potential roommates all morning. Who knew there was so many weirdos in LA? Okay, he knew but that’s besides the point. Why can’t a somewhat normal, decent person just show up? He was ready to call it quits for the day and it seemed like Jenna was reaching that point too.
Michael found himself cursing Brooke for deciding to finally take the leap and move in with Chloe.
“Thank god this guy’s the last one,” Michael stretched, adjusting his headphones around his neck. “I’m tired and I want a sandwich.”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “You can survive through one more person.”
“Can I though? Can I really?” Michael sighed dramatically as Rich welcomed the last person into their apartment. Michael noticed how blue his eyes were right away, his hair was curly. He looked nervous but he wore it well. Michael swallowed and sat up. “You know, maybe I can survive through one more.”
Rich flopped back down in between them. “That’s the spirit Mikey. Besides, I got a good feeling about him. My dudes, meet Jeremy Heere.”
“He seems normal enough. I like his hair, seems nervous though.” Jenna commented, starring the guy, Jeremy, down.
“Um, you know I can hear what you’re saying right?” Jeremy asked, fiddling with his cardigan sleeve.
Rich let out a laugh. “We know. Everyone else just sat there as we talked about them so that makes you different from the rest all ready.”
Jenna started with the standard questions, with Rich pitching in every now and then. Jeremy provided completely normal (thank god) answers - already proving that he was the most normal person they’ve interviewed so far, if not a little anxious. He’s twenty-four, works at one of the local elementary schools and drives a Ford Fiesta - which Michael found fitting.
Michael didn’t ask anything, too focus on not saying anything stupid. Jeremy was clearly the most normal person they’ve met all morning but there was something off. He seemed… sad. He wanted to figure him out. He seemed awkward but confident. His hair looked really soft, Michael wanted to run his hands through his it to test his observation. There was worry in his eyes though.
“Well, I think that covers everything,” Jenna said, clapping her hands and stood. “We’re gonna go discuss and then we’ll get back to you. Stay right there.”
She ushered them to the kitchen for privacy, well as much privacy on could get in a loft. Michael knew that this conversation was just for Jenna to tell them that she approves of Jeremy but wants their opinion before sealing the deal.
“I think he’s our guy,” Jenna singsongs as quietly as she could. Rich nodded enthusiastically. “What do you think Michael? You didn’t really pitch in.”
“He seems nice, just anxious and on the quiet side,” Michael shrugged, looking over his shoulder at Jeremy, raking over his figure. They didn’t know much about him, he could be a serial killer. He doesn’t look like a serial killer, but what does a serial killer look like? He guesses he was looking too long because Rich let out a yell and punched Michael in the shoulder.
“Dude you think he’s cute, don’t you?” Rich said in a hushed yell.
Michael felt himself blush. Jenna let out a squeal as Rich yelled once more, egging Michael on. Michael crossed his arms and shook his head, frowning. “No, nope. Nah. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You were just-- oh no. Don’t put up the hood,” Rich pouted as Michael pulled up the hood on his jacket, pulling it over his face. He crossed his arms again. “Okay, I get it. I pushed too far.”
Jenna let out an exasperated sigh and yanked the hood off her friends head. “Is he in or not?” At Michael and Rich’s shared nod she grinned and skipped back to the living room area, where a nervous looking Jeremy watched with wide eyes. “You’re in! Welcome to our little family.”
“Loft fam for life,” Rich shouted, jumping over the back of the couch. He relaxed into his seat and raised a curious eyebrow at Jeremy. “So why do you need to move anyway?”
“Um, I came home and found my boyfriend cheating on me,” Jeremy explained, looking a little upset. “I lived with my friend Jake and his friends from work for a little but I got tired of it. They’re all models. Doesn’t do great for your self esteem ya know? Jeremy chuckled lightly.
Rich looked excited by this new information. “Your friend is a model? Who has model friends?”
“Part time, but yeah. He works with animals for a living. Modeling is just, like, a hobby.”
“I think Rich is falling in love with your friend,” Jenna joked before turning serious. “I’m sorry to hear about your boyfriend though. I bet he was an ass anyway.”
Michael frowned. So that’s why Jeremy seemed sad. He felt bad, he knew break ups were terrible. He couldn't imagine how upsetting it would be to be cheated on. A selfish part of him was glad he didn’t know the feeling and hopefully never will. He grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and took a seat next to Rich. He ate it absentmindedly as Jenna and Rich grilled Jeremy with more questions - Jeremy asking questions in return.
“You need a rebound,” Rich smirked. “Unless that’s not your kind of thing like Mikey here. He was dumped too”
“Stop calling me Mikey. I wasn’t dumped,” Michael paused, remembering when his ex-boyfriend, Bobby, told him he wanted to break up. He covered his ears and tried not to hear it. Michael sighed and took a bite of his apple. “Okay, sure he dumped me. It was six months ago why are you even bringing it up. I’m over it.” He really kinda wasn’t.
Jenna gave him a look that he knew meant that she didn’t believe him. She has spent many nights fighting a drunk Michael for his phone. She would switch it out for a video game controller and he would play until he passed out. Nothing to different from what he did when he was sober. He was slowly getting there, maybe he and Jeremy could rant about their exes together. Roommate bonding and all that.
“So when can you move in?” Michael asked, wanting to move on from the subject that was his sad love life. It wasn’t like Rich and Jenna’s were any better.
“Today, if that’s okay? All my stuff is packed, it’s just at Jake’s apartment.” Jeremy shrugged, smiling a bit. Michael decided he liked his smile a lot more than the look of worry he had earlier. “He said he’ll come over and help.”
“Today’s fine,” Jenna smiled and stood, motioning for Jeremy to do that same. “I’ll give you the tour and show you your room, it’s across the hall from Michael’s.”
They could pretty much give the tour while standing in the designated living room area. There was a dining table just beyond the couch and the kitchen was tucked away in the corner. Rich’s room was right next to it, seeing that he liked to snack the most out of the three of them. Jenna lead him down the hall, Michael watching as the two disappeared.
Michael threw away his half eaten apple and started to make himself a sandwich when Jenna and Jeremy returned. He shared a smile with the shorter boy as Jenna dug around in one of the drawers.
“Welcome to apartment 4D Jeremy,” She handed him a key to the loft. “We’re excited to get to know you more.”
Rich shouted his agreement from the couch, fist-pumping before going back to his phone. Michael took a seat at the island, Jenna taking a seat next to him. Jeremy waved excitedly, saying he’s going to go get his things, and left.
“Admit it, he’s pretty cute,” Jenna took one of his chips. “I saw you looking. I have a great feeling about him, he seems really sweet. Shy, but sweet.”
Michael felt himself blush. “Okay he’s cute. Just please don’t try to get us together or anything. I know how much you love to play matchmaker.”
“I won’t intervene, I promise. I just want my favorite gays to be happy.” Jenna said with a smile, taking another chip.
“Excuse you. I’m bisexual, not gay,” Rich mocked offence as he came over, leaning his arms on the island. “Do you think his friend Jake will come with him? More important, do you think they’ll be back before my shift at the bar?”
“It’s not even noon yet and your shift isn’t until five. Go do your homework until they get here. You can impress this mysteries Jake by focusing and getting your essay done on time.”
Rich stuck his tongue out but didn’t fight her on it. His school stuff was already spread out on the dining table from last night. Jenna started making small talk about how Brooke seemed happy about her choice to move out. So far she and Chloe were doing great, which Michael was glad to hear. Jenna soon started scrolling through her phone, taking his chips while she did so.
Michael finished his sandwich in peace, chewing thoughtfully. Going off what little conversation he had with Jeremy, he did seem really nice. He took back cursing Brooke for moving out. He could tell that Jeremy was going to be a good addition to the loft. He agreed with Jenna - he had a great feeling about him.