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Chapter Text

It has been a while since Avocato moved closer to his job. He had finally had it with waking up at an ungodly hour and sleeping only 5 hours a day (if he was lucky) and so he had decided to move closer to the city.

It was alright- or so he tried to tell himself. He managed an apartment room with good rent in an... uncivilised neighbourhood.

The first few nights Avocato had spent reporting every single suspicious thing his eyes fell upon. He'd call the police when he heard screams or gunshots, when his upstairs neighbour had clearly been robbed but she was too old to notice (How? He didn't know) and so on went the list.

After many calls and complaints, Avocato finally came to the realisation that nothing would be done. The cops would just send people with a warning or brush off the whole idea away- Once they even recommend Avocato sees a doctor... Avocato IS a doctor!

So, when he was climbing up the stairs towards his apartment room, short scrawny stranger following him behind with hoodie drawn up and a black mask covering his mouth and nose, Avocato only sighed heavily.

Taking comfort in knowing at least some basic self-defense from his teen years, Avocato simply made stood at his door and took out the keys, body tensing when the man walked past him and attempted to open the door next to his.

Real subtle, Avocato rolled his eyes. Was the man really trying to pretend to live here?

Last week, Avocato's neighbour had been murdered while he was at work so Avocato knows for a fact no one lives there.

Watching the man attempt to open the door once more, Avocato simply stared down the hall as the stranger began to pat down his body as if looking for somethi-

Avocato's mouth fell open as, out of his back pocket, the shady man pulled out a key. A single key.
Making a small "ah-hah" before simply unlocking the door to what was a crime scene a week ago and most likely still had blood everywhere, mind you, Avocato heard his neighbour was stabbed multiple times.

What appeared to- Avocato can't believe this- to be his new neighbour, tensed and turned his head slowly towards him, face shadowed by his hood (not creppy at ALL). Avocato was frozen in his spot as the man removed his gloved (GLOVED!!) Hand from his pocket and simply lift it with a "Yo" before entering the apartment.

What. The fuck.

////////////////////

Avocato had a theory.
His new 'neighbour' was the murderer.

Now, he isn't paranoid or anything- it makes oerfect sense if you let him explain.

When he first saw his 'neighbour', the man didn't have any moving boxes with him, just a key.

So here's what Avocato thinks happened.

His old neighbour whom he never got to meet but seemed to like to jack-off evertime Avocato had to sleep, poor soul, was murdered by a scrawny teenager- stabbed cruelly which meant it was personal, right? Or maybe the dude is nuts-

Point is- the teen (Avocato was led to assume he was a teen due to his small figure and how terrifying teenagers are now a days) must have left evidence or something and stole the key to make sure to get rid of said evidence while taking residence in the home of his victim.

That would explain the gloves, not leaving fingerprints and all, as well as the masked face.

There.

Avocato had long learned that calling the police is futile but how could he not when a murderer could very well be right next door? And if not a murderer just... some shady ass dude that definitely does drugs based off the smell Avocato caught off of him?

Either way... his 'neighbour' is bad news and Avocato is going to report him.

Pressing the number down and quickly pushing his phone against his ear, Avocato listened to the ringing as he looked out the window.
Just when the robotic voice answered him asking him to press more numbers for certain services, Avocato pulled the phone away from him, seeing a small moving van park and the hooded figure rush out.

He hanged up.

His new neighbour was his actual neighbour afterall... but that doesn't mean Avocato's theory is wrong but... But Avocato can't just call without evidence himself so...

"Good morning" he greeted, what Avocato could see now, the human

The human jumped at the sudden voice, turning around to reveal he was in the same clothes as yesterday, gloves and mask too. He seemed to be stunned for a moment before tensing as Avocato raised a brow at him.

"Oh!" He managed, holding one of the few cardboard boxes still "Good morning" he greeted, turning again to walk down the hall to his apartment.

Avocato blinked as the man just... just left. It was almost impressive at how he simply left Avocato, just like that, despite the other clearly striking conversation.

Sighing, Avocato told himself this was a bad idea as he walked up to the open door of his neighbour's apartment and leaned against the door frame outside, glancing in quickly to see anything suspicious.

The dry blood trailing down the wall was still there, and the place was dirty with wallpaper ruined.

As the man came back out, he yelped when he noticed Avocato at his door, jumping back and flailing his arms for a moment, one hand going to his hip as if to grab something before he faltered.
Avocato squinted at the gesture- His neighbour has a gun, just not on him.

"Need help?" Avocato offered with one last glance towards the inside

His neighbour stood dumbly, arms relaxing slightly but shoulder still tense. Avocato waited patiently before realising the human wasn't answering

"I live just next door" he pointed behind him "I'm your neighbour, Avocato" he gave his hand out to shake, hoping for... something- anything- this was getting awkward.

The masked man reached forward after a moment too long and shook his hand. Avocato gave him a firm handshake and the man seemed unsure from how noodly his hand felt in Avocato's hand

"Hi" croaked the man, pulling his hand away and beginning to fidget with the hoodie strings.

No introduction and nervous fidgeting. Definitely suspicious.

"So..." Avocato dragged out, eyes looking him up and down to intimidate him further as it seemed to be working "Need help?" He tried again after the human seemed to shrink under his gaze

"If it's not too much...." the man replied, saying something else that sounded like "please" but it was mumbled and quiet.

"Sure" Avocato turned, already making his way down, noticing the man rush to catch up from the corner of his eye.

As Avocato stacked three boxed in his arms, human barely managing two, he sniffed the boxes as he walked- wondering if they were drugs the man was hiding (judging from how nervous he seemed) but all Avocato smelled was the soft scent of a mixture of strawberries, smoke and gasoline.

Huh. No drugs.

"Where do you want these?" Avocato asked as he casually entered the apartment, wondering if it will make the other on edge

"Anywhere s-fine" the man replied, seeming less tense and speaking a bit more clearly but voice still mumbled by the black mask.

Placing the boxes down, Avocato turned to collect the last remaining ones (seriously, there was almost nothing to this man's belongings-) pausing when the man pulled out a butterfly-knife and began opening the boxes.

He had a knife, Avocato noted, walking out with caution to get the rest of the boxes as his neighbour grumbled "where the fuck is it?" To himself.

//////////////////////

Work began once again and Avocato quickly forgot about his neighbour, focusing solely on his job.
Washing his hand and arms, Avocato sighed in relief, glad the surgery went well and ready to clock out and sleep.

"Hey, Avocato" one of the nurses greeted, carrying a prosthetic limb casually

"Hey, Fox" Avocato greeted tiredly, finally removing his surgical mask and discarding it "What's that for?" He asked, following the him down the hall

"Oh - apparently someone got a damaged limb" the nurse shrugged "Dr Clarance had a look and apparently it was frying the guy's nerves" Fox visibly cringed

"What?" Avocato's eyes widened slightly "how long was it damaged?"

"Since he got it installed, apparently" Fox frowned "so... Two months almost"

"Two months?" Avocato repeated in disbelief, shaking his head when Fox nodded "how did this patient just come to us now"

"Dunno" Fox looked down at the prosthetic hand "but at least he's here now, before anything serious happened"

"Do they have anyone to install it for them?" Avocato asked "Clarance?"

"No" Fox replied, stopping in front of a door "Dr just came in to see him and prescribed some painkillers- he wasn't originally going to give him another prosthetic as the patient didn't know it was damaged to begin with" he explained "but I checked and mentioned it in front of the patient-"

"And Clarance was couldn't careless because if he didn't give a new prosthetic arm the more often his patient comes and the more money he earns" Avocato finished for him and Fox nodded with a frown

"Come on, I'll do it" Avocato finally opened the door, smiling when Fox brightened up and followed him in.

Inside, was a young blond human, hair hidden beneath a beanie and peeking just out the back of his neck, ears pierced with black earrings and hoops. He was pale, apart from the flush on his ears and cheeks, and had dark eyebags that took away the shine of his doll-like blue eyes, most likely from lack of sleep due to the pain.

He looked up and widened his eyes slightly, tugging at loose strings of his jeans

"Mr Goodspeed?" Avocato read off the file Fox handed him, smiling politely when Goodspeed nodded, eyes still wide- Avocato was used to it, there weren't many ventraxians on earth.

Avocato's own eyes widened when he noticed the young man's age- he was in his mid-twentues but looked young if not for the eyebags weighing him down.

Clearing his throat, Avocato held out his hand with a charming smile

"I am Dr Avocato" he introduced himself, watching the other duck his head adorably and slowly reach out to shake his hand "Dr Clarance is busy at the moment so I will be installing in your new arm, is that alright?" He gave a firm shake, noting the bitten skin and black nails on the other's hand.

"Huh-uh" Goodspeed nodded slowly, lowering his hand after the handshake, big eyes still on Avocato almost expectantly.

Avocato pulled up a stool and sat in front of the other, analysing the reddened stump, lifting the sleeve of the T-shirt to analyse it further.
The connecting point seemed irritated but good enough to place in the new limb, thanks to whatever treatment Clarance used before he left his patient alone.

"This might hurt a bit due to your irritated skin and nerves but it won't last" he spoke softly, taking the prosthetic arm from Fox, hoping to help relax Mr Goodspeed and the man kept fidgeting.

His reply was another shy nod, cheeks flushing as Avocato ran his fingers gently on the skin of the stump.
Carefully, Avocato placed in the prosthetic, going quiet with focus, his patient hissing and jolting at the small pain, before leaning back and smiling once again.

"All done" he pat Mr Goodspeed's back lightly "If it's alright with you, Mr Goodspeed, please mark an appointment with me instead of Clarance next time" he said, definitely not because he thought the man was cute "as I was the one who installed the new prosthetic..."

"Ok" Mr Goodspeed replied shyly, the smallest of smiles making itself present and Avocato just about melted.

Later, if Fox wanted to ask about how Avocato stole one of Dr Clarance's patients without permission or warning, or how Avocato's own tail twisted and waved content, then Fox didn't say anything.

/////////////////////

Miss Dewinter is talking about a charming new neighbour, talking about how cute they were. She was in her 40s and divorced with two children, her husband having cheated on her with her sister, but she still made a few lewd comments here and there- Avocato was used to it.

Before, Avocato had been the main target of said comments. She'd compliment his muscles and playfully grope his bicep and, while Avocato was uncomfortable at first, he soon noticed it was just some rude way of joking and played along for the cakes and biscuits she offered now and then.

Tribore, his upstairs neighbour, is also a victim of said comments but he takes it with stride and Avocato learned it all from him. Him and Avocato sometimes drank coffee together at Dewinter's.

So, Avocato only smiled around his cup of tea as Miss Dewinter began to boast about said "lil-cutie", waving her newly painted long nails around as Tribore paints her other hand.

"You shoulda've seen" she said in her heavy accent "I was carrying groceries up and he offered without hesitation- well... apart from his adorable stuttering" she cooed.

"Sounds like a gentleman" Avocato commented absently for the sake of her entertainment

"Oh- that he was!" She smiled "had this mysterious vibe you see in books, you know? All in black and mask covering his face" she whispered

Avocato tensed.

"How do you know he's cute then, sweetheart?" Tribore asked, adding little 3D stars to her nails to make it more dazzling

"Oh- he had these eyes!" She swooned "long lashes and the bluest you've ever seen" she added, blowing on her long nails before reaching for her own tea "he couldn't keep eye contact for long but once he did-" she looked deep into Avocato's eyes "it was intense"

"Right" Avocato wasn't convinced

"Sounds dreamy" Tribore placed a hand on his cheek, sighing dreamingly

"I met him another time after that" she continued "I thought he was this 'mysterious stranger' but realized I was dead wrong when he knocked on my door with the cutest pair of bunny slippers on" she giggled "needed help on using the washing machine and he was just so shy and cute! I wanted to squish him!" She squeeled

"Saw his face then" she leaned back on her sofa, hand still out as she sipped her drink with her other one, Tribore having finished "thought I had died and an angel came to visit me" she sighed

Avocato placed his cup down, surprised by the fact the man didn't seem to use his mask in front of Miss Dewinter- he had assumed he was hiding his identity, considering he never introduced himself to Avocato.

"I think I caught a glimpse of him too" Tribore picked up his mug "was dressed in black skinny jeans that certainly flattered his ass" he nodded sagely

"Right?!" Miss Dewinter gasped "his butt is just- mwah!"

"Don't think I'll ever set my eyes on a better booty" Tribore drank his tea and Avocato was left to sit there dumbfounded by the fact these two seemed clueless at how suspicious this man was.

"You're lucky, Avo-babe" Miss Dewinter whined "you get to live right next to the cutie-patootie"

"Why must all the hotties live in the second floor?" Tribore sighed "I should be on the second floor too"

//////////////////////////

It was late... or maybe early- it was 4am and Avocato had a busy day tomorrow so he really needed some rest.
Closing his window to keep the noise, of what could possibly be drug dealing, out, Avocato crawled into bed with a sigh.

He quickly sank into his bed, eyes closing to dreamland as the noises of the apartment and around became white noise to him.
When he first koved in, he had trouble falling asleep but now he had grown used to Tribore's music upstairs, the gunshots outside and even the other neighbour which kept getting drunk and puking her insides out every now and then.

Dreams were just within his grasp when a scream shot through the air, making Avocato jolt awake. He gasped, panting as his heart hammered from the scare- he glanced at the clock

4:56 am

Another shout from the apartment next door caused Avocato to get up and march out. He didn't care he was only with his pants on- he desperately needed sleep and wasn't going to let his weird, shady ass, neighbour, probably watching horror movies, steal his rest away.

Banging on the door, Avocato stomped his foot as he crossed his arms impatiently. When there was no reply but a small shout, he banged again before he heard shuffling and some crashing on the inside.

Crap. Avocato paused- what if the shouting was another victim??

Just as he raised his fist again the door swing open revealing his neigh-- Mr Goodspeed???

Mr Goodspeed was wearing only a shirt and some shorts, hair a mess and eyes red and swollen, still shiny with tears that were quickly blinked away as he stood there confused.

Huh. What was he doing here?

Nome spoke, simply staring at one another. The silence allowing Avocato to notice the other's rapid breathing.

"....um..." Mr Goodspeed croaked, those big eyes taking in Avocato's state, seeming to linger on his chest "um..." he started again, eyes snapping back to Avocato's face.

Avocato tried not to make it obvious that he was ogling Mr Goodspeed's legs just as much.

Letting go of the door, Mr Goodspeed began to fidget with his own hair nervously, shifting his Wight from foot to foot

"M-may I help you?" He finally asked and Avocato suddenly understood the awkwardness- Avocato was the one who knocked

"Right-" he cleared his throat, embarrassed "Could you please turn whatever you're watching down? I have work tomorrow" he asked, trying to seem less angry.

Was his neighbour and Mr Goodspeed a thing? Is that why he was here dressed like that?

"Huh?" Mr Goodspeed tilted his head in confusion and Avocato wanted to punch his chest to get his heart to start again

"The screaming" Avocato gestured lamely

"Oh!" Mr Goodspeed flushed "I-Im sorry I was having a nightmare so--" he stumbled over his words, hands fielding together "I didn't mean to- I mean- I didn't know so--" he struggled, eyes down as his face became redder by the moment "and the so it still hurts and well- I'm sorry" he finished gnawing at his bottom lip.

Crap. He's too cute.

"Wait- it still hurts?" Avocato blinked "your prosthetic?"

"Oh no!" Mr Goodspeed waved his hands "I mean like- Erm.. the nerves still are a bit achey- is that a word?" He babbled "and so it just stings but its so much better thanks to you and Dr Clarance- so it's not that the new arm is hurting its just that it was already hurt before so it's like still healing"

Avocato blinked, watching as Mr Goodspeed avoided his eyes- or him in general, as everytime he looked he flushed at Avocato's pecs.

"I see" Avocato said easily "so... screaming due to nightmares and not pain?"

"Yes..." Mr Goodspeed flushed, embarrassed "I have night terrors" he scratched the back of his neck "I'm sorry"

"No! No- don't apologise!" Avocato said quickly watching Mr Goodspeed jump in a familiar way "I'm sorry for losing my cool so quickly, it isn't your fault" he said gently

"Oh..." Mr Goodspeed fiddled with his shirt "okay..." he mumbled and Avocato recognised the voice.

Mr Goodspeed was his neighbour.... his suspicious neighbour. That explained the wide eyed look he got at the hospital.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Mr Goodspeed" Avocato tried, mentally punching himself for being rude to the adorable man "If you need anything just knock on my door" he smiled

"Oh" Mr Goodspeed looked up and Avocato felt his heart quicken. Miss Dewinter was right, his gaze was intense- in a way it makes you feel special once he looks into your eyes.

"Goodnight" Avocato said casually, opening the door to his apartment with a small wave

"Gary!" Mr Goodspeed called, gasping and covering his mouth at how loud he was.

Avocato turned back to him with a confused expression

"Please call me Gary" Gary whispered with the faintest smile, ducking his head in that adorable way of his and Avocato was sure he would die today and now from how fast his heart was beating.

"Okay.... Gary" he tried, gulping as Gary smiled wider

"Goodnight Dr Avocato" Gary said with a small giggle, door closing behind him and leaving Avocato to stand there with wide eyes, the way Gary had said his name sending his logic off the roof.

So what if his neighbour could be a murderer or drug dealer or the devil himself? It wasn't any of Avocato's buissness...

That night Avocato ended up having to take a cold shower to rid of the... situation between his legs. His dreams haunted by those blue eyes and sweet voice.

Chapter Text

Running across the country wasn’t easy, never was, but it was something Gary had grown accustomed to.
He had been approached by a few drug dealers before, the movie kind of ones, they’d see how he was on the brink of desperation and offer him large amounts of money

“We’ll give you 20% beforehand and the rest when you complete it” they’d say as if Gary knew how percentages worked.

The first time, he hadn’t realized it was a trap to drag the pigs towards him while they made the bigger delivery. Gary had been followed and jumped into a river to lose them… Later on he managed to sell the drugs himself and got to keep not only the ‘20%’ of the other deal but as well as the money from the drugs- his first purchase was one of those large cookies and he may or may have not tried to marry the owner because they were that good.

When Gary was approached as a drug mule once again, he had learned to use a gun but never taken a life before, still he agreed because maybe- just maybe- he’d be able to afford one of those fake hands for his missing limb… and pay for medical expenses too.

Funnily enough, Gary managed to escape not only from the cops but the druggers that were a little too upset with him actually getting to keep the large percentage of the deal they offered.

He quickly fled across the country into a guetto-ass looking neighborhood with rent that was suspiciously low until he learned of the history of his apartment.
Still, despite a new identity and being safe at last, Gary found himself with a huge problem…

Turning his gaze away from the door to the large cat-man who was staring at him with wide eyes and mouth (“me too man” Gary thought, unable to believe he was going to live in a crime scene himself) he lift his hand awkwardly, heart hammering with nervousness and fear as he greeted his new neighbor

“Yo”

Yo?

YO?!?!

Gripping his hair and leaning back against his door Gary groaned, face red with embarrassment because who even makes their first greeting “yo” to a complete stranger who- btw- will live next to you!!

It was evident, Gary sank to the dirty floor, his social skills were donezo.

——————

After a night of sleep on the smelly mattress, Gary could only be thankful to actually be sleeping somewhere that he could call his own for once.

He patiently awaited the moving truck to arrive before he noticed a lady carrying groceries in, seeming to struggle from the way she waddled up the stairs.

It’s your chance Gary, he encouraged himself as he took a few deep breaths

“Excuse- excuse me” he stuttered out awkwardly, clearing his throat when his voice cracked “do you need help?” he offered

“My, my!” the lady smiles, eyeing him up and down “what a gentleman!” she beamed and Gary felt his cheeks grow warm at the attention he was so very not used to.

“If it's not too much trouble, then please” she said at last and Gary nodded in reply, taking two of the three bags and biting his tongue when pain shot through his arm which wasn’t there- it was a fake arm but he had been having what he learnt was “phantom limb” or something and he hoped it’d soon go away.

When Gary had placed the bags in front of her door, getting a pat on the cheek and cookies (Cookies!) as a thank you, he left the container in his apartment, reminding himself to return it before he walked down the stairs just when the van pulled up.

“Here!” He waved as he rushed out before they drove away, greeting them with an awkward nod and “Thanks” as they opened the back and removed his things carelessly-

Now, Gary didnt have anything precious to his name but he still found it very rude to just throw boxes on the sidewalk and drive off.

Not that he’d complain- he can barely get a word out.

Huffing up a box with a small yelp of pain, he waddled up the stair, focusing on breathing the stabbing pain away when

“Good morning” A deep voice greeted and Gary jumped, turning with wide eyes as his neighbor stood there in his tight t-shirt and joggers.

Gary gulped, watching as the larger man crossed his arms at the lack of reply, the action making his biceps bulge out.

Gary was terrified.

This man with looks that could kill and scowl that could also kill was his neighbor and sure- he was good and strong looking but that was the problem. He was strong looking- Gary has pissed off many people in the mask and did not need another beating from a man bigger than him.

“Oh!” When the ventraxian rose a brow, Gary noticed he was awaiting a reply “Good morning” Gary quickly greeted back before turning to make his way towards his apartment, fleeing from the man now that they were done.

He smiled to himself despite the ache in his arm, proud that he had a classic neighbor greeting like in movies- he even got the cookies earlier and Gary was sure it was fictional and no neighbor would give away goodies! Gary was on a roll!

Still, placing down the box with a sigh, blood splatter nearby that may or may have not gave him a bit of PTSD, Gary had not expected his very scary/sexy looking neighbor to be standing there.

His heart stopped and instinct flooded him as he quickly reached for the gun on his hip only to realize it wasn’t there. He froze… processing and telling himself that it was only his neighbor whom he greeted not too long ago (“and is huge and lives in a high rate criminal neighborhood” another little voice in his head reminded him) and forced himself to relax.

“Need help?” he heard the other offer but could only blink as he began to go on about how he lived next door and “I’m your neighbor, Avocato”

Don’t laugh.
DO NOT LAUGH GARY

Life is trying to get you beat, Gary, remember last time you laughed at someone’s name- remember Stevil?? Yeah, dont laugh.

It took a moment to realize his neighbor, Avocato, was awaiting a handshake so Gary, slowly reached to shake his hand as well before panic took over-

How strong does he shake his hand? What if he squeezes too hard and he gets the wrong idea and thinks Gary is picking a fight?? Oh, wow, his hand was large- probably could grab Garys head and crush it- its pretty soft too and OMG are those beans??? He has beans!!

“Hi” Gary’s voice cracked, strained and choked thanks to his mind panic which was futile because now their hands had dropped and Gary had no memory of actually shaking the others hand.

Fidgeting with the strings of his hoodie, Gary bit the bottom of his lip as he awkwardly looked away from the man who seemed to be waiting for something. He didnt know what- Was he supposed to give him something like in movies? Gary didnt have anything yet and what he had were all in boxes…

A thought occurred to him as he remembered the one candle he bought not too long ago, he had planned to use it but maybe he could give it to Avocato as a neighborly gift!

“So…” Avocato’s eyes travelled him up and down and Gary would’ve been turned on if not absolutely terrified “Need help?”

Yes. He so needs help.

“If it’s not too much trouble then …please” he copied the lady’s words from earlier, voice going quiet at the end. Gary wanted to punch himself for mumbling it.

Avocato was strong and Gary began to find it more sexy than scary as the man carried three boxes at once with easy. He still seemed a bit grumpy but as soon as Gary is to give him his gift he’s sure Avocato will like him more! It was rude of Gary not to offer anything, afterall.

“Where do you want these?” Avocato asked politely as he made his way in and Gary told his stupid side of the brain, that wanted to yell at Avocato for entering his safe-space not only without permission but with shoes on, to shut up

“Anywhere s-fine” he replied as he focused on the boxes instead, pulling out his knife to open them and look for the candle “Where the fuck is it?” he grumbled, feeling jittery from having someone so close by in his safe-space thats supposed to be safe but isnt anymore because a large man is here and he can be someone undercover to kill him and take everything from hi-

“Here it is” he chirped brightly, turning to Avocato to give the candle but the man was already gone, the last boxes placed at his door.

/////////////////////////////////

Gary went around introducing himself to the rest of his neighbors, taking his mask off and everything despite his paranoia- he had gone into hiding for so long that it was hard to just come back.

He noticed his neighbor, Tribore, liked candles and rapidly told him to wait and ran to his own apartment to go get the candle to give to him, no longer wanting the damn thing thanks to his brain deciding for him that its not his anymore.

When Gary found the grocery lady’s door, he felt himself relax at the familiar face, shyly deciding that if he were to ask for help, he’d rather ask her because she was nice and sweet (and gave him cookies).

“Hello? Oh! Hello!” she opened the door with a wide smile and Gary fiddled with his sleeves

“Hello, sorry to bother” he began his speech once again that he practice, having become better after repeating to many neighbors “I was just introducing myself to everyone, I’m your new neighbor, Gary- Door 2C” he said, focusing on eye contact before pulling away, because he read somewhere that long eye contact can be bad,before looking back into her eyes but panicking because he didnt know which eye to pick “we- uh- we met yesterday” he added even though he hadn’t written it down

“Gary” she said “I am Melaine Dewinter” she played with her hair for a moment “feel free to come in- I mean- to come here whenever you need me” she batted her eyes and Gary smiled at her generosity- she was much nicer than the other neighbors

“A-actually” Gary took a deep breath, encouraging himself to speak “I need to use the washing machine in the basement but I dont really know how to use it” and the basement’s lights flicker and its super creepy but he left that out “maybe you can- could you maybe- I mean” NO GARY!! YOU WERE DOING SO WELL! YOU IDIOT!! “- Its just- dont wanna mess up so” GARY!! YOUR MOUTH IS STILL MOVING!! STOP!!

Gary gasped and clicked his mouth shut as he realized he has no idea what he wa blabbering on about, that he still didnt ask what he needed…
His face became increasingly red as his hands began to shake, eyes down on his bunny slippers to avoid the Malaine’s

“Awww” she cooed suddenly “Aren’t you just the sweetest thing!” she grabbed his cheeks and pulled causing Gary to freeze, eyes wide as his hands itched to grab his gun that he left in his room- She’s touching him without permission, she’s touching him and she was pretending to be nice because she is going to rip his head apart from his body-

“Sure, I can help you” she closed the door behind her and began to lead “anytime, anyday” she sang and Gary sighed, feeling a smile tugging at his lips- He likes Melaine.

//////////////////////////////////

Gary was used to the pain, he was used to the nightmares that followed him in his sleep and the blood splashes next to his bed that haunted him in the day… But he wasn’t used of not being able to pick up the lightest items and feeling pain shoot through his whole body in the process.

So, as much as he hated it, he went to see his doctor, Clarance.

And he was very much beginning to wonder if he could handle the pain a little longer because he didnt bring his knife and Clarance was touching his arm a little too much.
There was a Tryvullian twice the size of Gary blocking the door and Gary didnt have any self defense items and his arm hurts and he cant defend himself and-

“I think it’s damaged” the Tryvullian said, leaning in to look at his stump “mine looked like that too when it was damaged” he said, gesturing to his own hand.

Dr Clarance grumbled something to his nurse, scribbling down a prescription before angrily slamming the door on his way out.
Gary was alone with someone bigger than him and he was going to attack him and ask him where he got the money and-

“I will grab your new prosthetic” the nurse said simply with a saddened smile “I’ll be right back” he excused himself leaving Gary alone.

Finally, Gary relaxed, scratching his shoulder where his missing limb should’ve been, the memories of the loss feeling like a far off dream, unreal, but the pain and the feeling of where the metal connects the skin was real.

When the door opened suddenly, Gary had calmed down, already knowing what to expect and who to expect but then it wasn’t what he expected or who he expected and he was staring at his neighbor instead of Clarance.

His neighbor, Avocato, who was wearing a white coat and looked so handsome in his shirt that hugged his torso.

Gary gulped, feeling his cheeks grow warm and praying that the man wouldnt take advantage of the situation and hurt him…

But then, Avocato smiled and it was so gentle and warm and Gary felt his heart flutter in a way that was so diffrent from fear. It was warm and it made him feel nice and while he knew he’d worry about it later, he couldnt find it in himself to worry about it now.

Pulling the strings of his jeans, Gary, for once, regretted not dressing up a bit more or at least trying to look more decent rather than a t-shirt and jeans (he did put on a beanie but that was because the hospital wouldnt let him in if he was hiding his face and hair).

Avocato sat down, pulling the stool closer and introduced himself and was just so nice and welcoming that it didnt take long for Gary to notice he hadnt recognized him- which, granted, that was the whole point but Gary still felt a wave of dissapointment wash over him.

He felt dumb but not dumb like he did before where he didnt know how to communicate with the other. He felt dumb because of the weird feeling in his gut causing his throat to close up and face to feel far too warm- was Gary sick? Oh no- was Gary GOING to be sick?! He didnt want to puke on the other!

The new limb was installed and true to his word, it only hurt a bit.

Gary sighed in relief as the pain subsided a bit, rubbing the area where his new arm connected with his skin on his walk home with an annoying smile plastered on his face that- despite trying to get rid of- returned everytime he recalled Avocato asking him to make appointments with him instead of Dr Clarance.

“Huh… guess I should call him Dr Avocato now”

/////////////////////////////

He was being followed and the fire was swallowing him then there was blood and it was everywhere and it hurt and it hurt so bad.

Gary screamed, his arm missing and blood- so much blood and he shouted because it hurt and it hurts and it hurts and it hurts and it—-

BANG BANG

Gary gasped a scream inwards, heaving and breathing harshly. His heart hammered against his rib cage and he couldn’t get enough air and there was a man standing in his room and

BANG BANG

Gary reached for his knife that was under the pillow, blinking and realizing the man wasn’t there and its not real and its all gone and done. It’s in the past.

With a shaky sigh, he placed the knife on the back of his shorts and rushed towards the door, stumbling over his things as he wiped his face, realizing he was crying.

Swinging the door open, Gary was met with large furry pecs. He blinked, unsure if he was still asleep (or perhaps high) but even then the well-defined soft-looking chest remained.
Cranking his head back, he was met with Avocato who looked messy in a “I just woke up and made you breakfast baby” way.

They stood there. Silence filling them in and Gary panicked because he was supposed to talk!

No- hold on. Avocato was the one who knocked- HE is the one who should be talking.

Taking a deep breath and smoothing his face that had scrunched up in confusion, Gary tried to ask what the doctor needed but everytime he looked up his chest was right there and Gary couldn’t think and his chest was right there but Gary needed to ask but his chest-

Gary was going to pass out. He felt dizzy and Avocato was shirtless and he’s his doctor and he is really fit and Garys stomach is doing that weird thing again and he’s so going to die right here and now because Avocato’s pecs-

“Right” Avocato said and Gary assumed he managed to ask because he began talking "Could you please turn whatever you're watching down? I have work tomorrow"

"Huh?" Gary asked before he could think because he certainly wasn't watching any horror- maybe it was another neighbour?

"The screaming" Avocato elaborated, his cheeks rosy despite the fur

"Oh!" Gary was embarrassed, he had been told before that he screams in his sleep by his old roomate but he hadn't thought it was real.

Gary was aware he was talking, what about- he didn't know. His brain unable to keep up with what was being said with Dr Avocato's pecs right there and him being g so surprisingly gentle even though they aren't in the hospital.

"Goodnight" Avocato was already walking away and Gary panicked, not wanting to be alone as the nightmares returned, reminding him of his oast and-

"Gary!" He shouted, eyes widening when he realized "Please call me Gary" he amended, shyly but it was worth it as Avocato said his name in that deep, gentle voice of his.

"Okay….Gary"

Gary wanted to dance, was that weird? He wanted to dance.

"Goodnight, Dr Avocato" he said giddly, proud for remembering calling the other by the title as well in order not to be rude. He quietly closed the door in order to do his little dance in privacy, his heart dancing along.