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Basch hates watching Roderich navigate Hotpads.com. What do you mean, that cheap 2 bedroom isn’t tolerable?! Look at the rent! Look at the location. What more could you ask for? Well, personally, Basch fantasizes about having his own farm one day, but as of now, he’s barred to gauging his commutes in the middle of the city.
It’s not exactly his ideal life.
And even more, he feels stuck with his prissy, messy roommate, Roderich. He’s lost how many times he’s randomly had to pick up his shirts (and once, a clean pair of underwear) across the living area and he’s frankly tired of it. While Basch is a neat minimalist, Roderich-- he’s chaotically organized at best, and borderline a maximalist. His stuff is everywhere, from his cooking supplies, to random sheets of crumpled music paper, to his coffee mugs, to his clothes, to--
Basch swears that Roderich’s never had to get his soft, dainty hands dirty throughout his life. Never had to lift a finger. How does he afford rent as a pianist for the theater? Ahh... Mommy and Daddy probably have a trust fund alllll set up for him!
But one thing about Roderich he’s noticed is the time that he accidentally forgot a thick bag of coupons when going shopping and how he always pays rent on time in just the right amount. Without any missed marks. What in the world is with those expensive-looking clothes, and all of his products strewn across their bathroom sink?
“No,” Roderich says, squinting at the unit they’re checking out together. The third roommate and Basch’s younger sister, Elise, is at school. Roderich continues, clicking his tongue in disapproval. “Do you see how they dim the lighting in this? This is precisely how they’ll hide ceiling stains. I’ve seen this building before. It’s also got reviews that s-”
“Yes. The reviews,” Basch replies between his teeth. “But by your standards, we’re never going to find a new apartment in time.”
“Don’t even try giving me attitude,” Roderich cuts him off. “Because the last time you picked an apartment, we ended up here.” He proceeds to look up at the aged popcorn ceiling, where stains litter across the room. Cracks stretch across the walls, which they’ve been waiting on maintenance to repair for months at this point. Not to mention, the broken oven (much to Roderich’s dismay), the roach infestation upon moving in, and a very sad excuse for natural lighting. Jammed in the basement right beside the inconsistent shared laundry units, their apartment practically asks for mold. Basch has also done some further research into the building and realized that their apartment is highly illegal in how it’s set up.
“And you still moved in with us,” Basch snarks back.
“Do I look like I’m rich?”
“Sometimes.”
“Well,” Roderich does have some privilege. He may have a small trust fund. “What matters is that I too value affordability, and I was naive to apartment hunting. Both of us were. We’re barely out of university, and we are not messing this up! Absolutely not! We can afford to be a little picky.”
“No we can’t.”
“Ugh, you’re just being difficult,” Roderich scoffs, closing his laptop. “I can’t believe I’m the one setting this all up.”
That statement alone is enough to have Basch curl his calloused fingers into a fist. “I’m literally right here. I’m offering suggestions. What more do you want?” He grunts.
“Higher standards from you.”
“And something cheap.”
“Are you blind? Look at the price minimum that I set up earlier.”
“You closed your laptop.”
“No need to play dumb with me!”
And hence, they got nothing done. They both try to retreat to privacy, only to remember that in this two bedroom apartment, they share a room together. Basch wants the best for Elise, so she gets her own room. He just wants her to live the healthiest life she can, even if that means cutting back on the quality on his own. Add Roderich, his old college roommate to the equation, with neither of them wanting to deal with the hassle that is searching for new people to live with, and you have a room quite literally divided by a thick strip of duct tape across the middle of the floor.
They nearly bump into each other, trying to walk in at the same time, but nimble Basch slips through with his smaller frame and Roderich rolls his eyes, padding behind to disappear under layers and layers of blankets and pillows.
The tidy minimalist vs. cluttered maximalist feeling heightens upon taking a look at their living spaces. Basch’s side looks like a bachelor pad with that sad, sad sight of a mattress straight on the floor, and bare necessities. Looks like he has yet to crack into buying a bed frame, which Roderich thinks is crazy, considering the past roach infestation their useless landlords didn’t bother to alarm them of. Despite the depressing view of a mattress with few blankets, a night stand with a skinny lamp, and a bland Ikea dresser, the photos he has decorated around his side of the room at least add a splash of color. At least he’s also very tidy.
Roderich’s side, on the other hand, is clothes, clothes, and clothes. He’s got a regular bed with all sorts of lush pillows and thick comforters, but his drawers are empty, an ironing table stands awkwardly close to his nightstand, and piles of clothes absolutely conceal the floor. Roderich does his laundry. He keeps his clothes in great shape CEO of ironing, but rarely does he take the time to properly fold them. He’s always engaged in something else. It must be the ADHD. Fortunately, he’s never the kind to make smelly messes. He may struggle with the dishes, but he always remembers to rinse off the food particles before leaving a sad-looking dish pile in the sink. Basch usually grumbles and does the dishes for him and he’s tired of it.
Silence permeates the air between them. Basch is occupied with his thoughts, staring up at the ceiling with his hands supporting the back of his head. How long does he have to put up with this? Why, he doesn’t hate Roderich by any means! Their living styles, and personalities to an extent, don’t always mesh, and that’s how it’s always been. Behind all that pent-up frustration though, Basch never knows what to do when he finds Roderich looking pretty.
Roderich’s head pokes out from under the covers as he lies on his stomach, reading a period drama. For his creative brain, he needs some time to get lost in another world. And this world happens to take place sometime in the 1800s. With a hot werewolf, naturally. Occasionally, he glances over to Basch, wondering what in the world is going on in that funky little mind behind that cute, tense face.
They do say that opposites attract, but it’s also a chore when you find yourself frustrated half of the time.
Elise comes home to an eerily quiet apartment, and she knows they must’ve had an argument. She can sense the tension all the way from the doorway! Under that veil of deep-seated worry, she finds a little humor in their comically nuanced bond. So different, yet they choose to put up with each other anyhow! But, she wonders to herself, are they even capable of talking it out? Roderich has a slight ego and Basch is as stubborn as it gets.
Ah, well. She figures that she’ll cook them both up a nice dinner after she reviews some of her homework! Pre-med is hard work! She gently slips off her shoes and briefly hovers by their door, and it’s as silent as sin.
Silly, silly boys.
"So,” Roderich begins, guiding the two alongside with him down an unfamiliar road. There’s trees in full bloom, apartment buildings quaint and quiet. It’s a tranquil block, and they all find themselves appreciating that. “It’s 3576 Daisy Drive. It’s a surprise,” he states as they walk along.
“That’s so cute… But shouldn’t we be walking the opposite direction? I mean, if you look at the numbers on the buildings...” Elise points out quietly.
“Yeah, Roderich. If anything, shouldn’t I be taking us there?” Basch adds. “This property better be good. You never told me the rent.”
“-- Oh….” Roderich says awkwardly, before rolling his eyes to the point you can nearly only see his eye whites. His eyelids flutter, and his nostrils briefly flare out. There’s a shallow frown across his lips. “Yes, oh dear, Roderich’s getting lost again. What a travesty.”
“We know, princess,” Basch snarks before quite literally turning around, taking them down the opposite direction.
“Could you two kindly get along? I hope we can reach an agreement this time…” Elise requests, her tone sheepish but firm. It helps that she walks between the two, with Basch briskly paving the way forward and Roderich slowly trailing behind.
“You know? I’m with her, so as long as you decide not to be difficult,” Roderich huffs.
Before Basch has a chance at huffing right back at them, Elise interjects. “And maybe we shouldn’t insult each other?”
Roderich parts his lips, but after one look at Elise, he decides that it’s not worth it.
As much as Roderich would’ve loved a space for himself, with their strained budget, all he can manage is looking out for more two bedroom apartments. So they stand in front of a lovely, tall Victorian house, reaching at least three floors (not including the basement), and recently painted a mellow-looking yellow. There’s even a touch of stained glass at the windows flanking the front door, and Elise finds herself admiring how the front gardens are taken care of underneath a delicate hand and an attentive eye. Beyond the gate, the daffodils bloom, and looming trees cover the yard with just the perfect amount of shade.
“That is… A very yellow house,” Basch says lamely, gawking at this ridiculously nice-looking property. “-- Are you sure this is the right place?”
“Can’t you read? It says 3576 on that pillar. And you were the one who walked us here,” Roderich snarks. “And we’d live in unit 202 if we chose this place.”
After he’s done staring dumbly at the property, Basch’s face drops into a tight frown, his brows furrowed behind his choppy bangs. “There has to be a catch. It’s above our budget, isn’t it?”
Roderich hushes him and shows him and Elise the cost of the unit. Basch clams up and grows as pink as a rose. “-- I’ll commend you for that. But there still has to be something that they’re hiding. Do you think they also hide r--”
“Then we’ll check the cabinets for any signs of pests,” Roderich interrupts him. “You act as if I’m incapable of doing research. This was a tough find. Now hush, won’t you?”
“Don’t speak like that to me!”
“Guys!” Elise exclaims. It’s enough for both of them to pull their heads out of their asses and stare at her like fucking idiots. “The landlord is here.”
Dressed in a tight argyle sweater, button-up, and khaki slacks, the landlord steps over to them and greets them from the other side of the gate. Roderich swears that he and Basch must use similar hair products-- a sad, sad 3-in-1. But outside of that, he’s presentable enough, with thick dark eyebrows, intense green eyes, clusters of freckles, and a stiff upper lip. He’s somewhat unremarkable and plain in the face, but he’s here and with the presence of an old soul. “So is this for Roderich Edelstein and his party?” He asks, his British accent fitting for the property he owns. He holds his hands neatly behind his back, eyeing them with an almost curious glint.
“Indeed,” Roderich steps up, his hand out for a shake. “Mr. Kirkland?”
“Good to meet you, yes.” The shake itself is firm enough for Roderich’s liking: barely. He always feels frazzled whenever someone practically yanks his hand.
“I’ll guide you through to the front so you can see the common area for tenants. Normally, however, you enter from the back. I’ll see you out from there,” Arthur unlocks the front gate and guides them to and past the wide porch with open seating.
Basch sees the piano inside and knows exactly why Roderich chose this property. He immediately loses faith. How typically him! Putting his interests before practicality!
“How lovely! It’s a Bösendorfer at that,” Roderich fawns, already feeling himself drawn toward the instrument-- that is, until Basch tugs him back by the arm. Roderich gives him a look.
“There is a time and place, Roderich,” Basch scolds him. Arthur watches on with a slightly raised brow.
“He’s allowed to play it if he wishes, but I do have to say that there’s another couple looking at this unit in fifteen minutes. We’re on quite some limited time,” Arthur taps at his watch. Basch and Roderich awkwardly freeze in place.
“No--!! We’re not-” Basch stammers, blood rushing to his cheeks like it’s no tomorrow as he accidentally pulls Roderich close to him in an iron grip. Ah. He smells like strawberries.
“Another?” On the other hand, Roderich freshly focuses on the situation, only expressing mild confusion. Once it finally hits him, there’s a little flush to his face. “Basch, let go, won’t you? You aren’t helping our cause, and my arm is choking for air--” He tries (and fails) to elbow him.
Elise internally facepalms at them both, but her composure remains still and polite. All she can manage is a small, nervous smile.
“I see, anyhow,” Arthur really said “anyways, so.” “This is the common area, open to any tenant. Please note that it’s still private property and that it’s important to respect everyone’s peace here.” The rosy wallpaper seems fresh and clean. There’s an oil diffuser piping in the scent of lemons, and the natural lighting-- oh, the natural lighting! It makes their current apartment seem like a bat cave!
Roderich forces himself to look away from that beautiful piano to take a look at the rest of the common area. Frankly, he’s already sold and they have yet to view the unit!
“Come along now, I’ll show you. If I recall correctly, you were interested in unit 202,” Arthur gestures up to a beautifully dark, curved staircase.
Basch wants to roll his eyes. Roderich only thought for himself! The price is just sheer luck.
Upon glancing at those beautifully polished hardwood floors, freshly painted walls, and tall windows overlooking the tranquil neighborhood, Basch starts to wonder if he should swallow his earlier words. But there has to be a catch. It must be too good to be true!
But he does admit, he admires how Roderich’s checking the pantry and every cabinet he sees for any signs of pests. Roderich glances over at Basch, who’s been immobilized for half of the time. “Come here and look too, won’t you? I haven’t found any suspicious traces, but I know you. You’ll want to look for yourself,” Roderich curls his fingers to summon him. Elise, in the meantime, is busy asking questions and talking with Arthur.
“I guess,” Basch huffs once more, and accompanies him side-by-side to check through the small, but frankly immaculate kitchen. The oven is tiny, but after asking and checking, it’s not broken! Thank god. “Not bad,” he says after closing the last cabinet door. “But we haven’t seen the bedrooms nor bathroom yet.”
“Then what’s stopping us?”
As Elise and Arthur head to one bedroom, Basch and Roderich poke their heads inside the other. It happens to be the bigger bedroom-- the one they would share. First of all, the high ceiling makes them feel anything but pushed together. A plus. They have a view straight into the gardens below, and eventually downtown in the far distance. Basch was initially concerned about the commute, but its proximity to the local train station is unbeatable. He supposes he’ll give Roderich a point for that. And a point for the neighborhood. And for the unit so far. Guess this unit is a surprise for a reason. Oh, how pretty Roderich looks in how the sunbeams cast down on him and--
“Why are you red all of a sudden?” Roderich asks.
“I’m-- I’m pleasantly surprised,” Basch patches up a half-truth, his hands lightly waving around as if trying to wipe away Roderich’s attention.
A ghost of a smile grows on Roderich’s face, though Basch swears that it’s almost a smirk.
“I knew you would like it.”
It’s ultimately Basch who pushes open his laptop and insists that Roderich sends him the link now to send in an application, or else some other party might snatch up the apartment. Roderich finds himself agreeing, quickly emailing him the link to the property. Elise, meanwhile, is back on campus. What a busy girl!
As Basch rapidly starts typing in the application, with his payment ready and his mind absolutely swimming with plans on how to pack his stuff, Roderich looks over his shoulder curiously.
“You spelled my last name wrong,” Roderich says casually. “And we’ve known each other for a few years by now?”
“Hush, you. I was typing fast,” Basch grumbles, jamming at the backspace button.
“Well,” Roderich warmly, almost affectionately cards his fingers across Basch’s hair as he straightens up. “Let me know if you want any tea for your journey.”
Basch is frozen in his spot, feeling a light, almost saccharine tingle where Roderich touches him, and he coughs. “Okay. Sure,” he manages, flexing his fingers over his keyboard in and out.
“Cat got your tongue, Basch? It’s almost sweet of you,” Roderich adds with a certain depth of gentleness that gets Basch red to his ears.
“Just let me concentrate! I’ll take the tea,” he huffs.
“Whatever you say,” Roderich turns around, dragging his fingertips along the back of Basch’s chair before he saunters to the kitchen. “And by the way,” he pauses to look past his shoulder. “Please use a different shampoo. Your hair feels crunchy.”
“Shut up.”
(Be sure to check out An Overdue Meditation! Writing by @artistocrazy, art by me!)