Chapter Text
Sam groaned to himself as he climbed his apartment stairs. The day had been awful. Will was mooching off the internet as always, some stupid customer had thrown their coffee at him, and not to mention Gino nearly running him over in the parking lot again. He was exhausted to say the least. All he wanted to do was lie down with his cat and just rest. He made his way through the hall, eyes heavy with sleep as he fumbled with his keys. A yellow slip of paper on his door caught his eye in the distance. He approached the door, confused, and focused on the writing.
“EVICTION NOTICE”
Fuck.
He knew money had been tight, but he must’ve been delusional to think it wouldn’t have ended up this way. He had a week to move out and find a new place, very obviously not enough time. Not to mention the fact he pretty much has no car anymore, Sam was sure he was going to be homeless again.
He ripped the paper from the door as he entered the apartment. Soft meows came from the kitchen. A fluffy Maine coon stuck her head out from behind a cabinet, fussing at her owner as she pawed at her food bowl. Sam sighed but made a way to give her what she wanted. He leaned against a cabinet on the kitchen floor as she ate.
Sam had to think through his options. He wasn’t desperate enough to ask for help from one of the other baristas. He couldn’t call up any family, he left them behind long ago. He recalled a new poster on the bulletin at work. Someone had been looking for a roommate. He hadn’t seen who put it up but it seemed like his best option with what he was given.
The Maine coon purred as she brushed her body against Sam’s leg. He pulled her into his arms.
“Oh chili, you’re the only good left in this world.”
——————
Will hated his alarm, he really needed to change it. He pulled the covers from his body and stretched. He can’t remember a time he ever liked waking up early, but if he wanted a good spot at coffee town he had to do what was needed. A light buzzing sounded from his cell phone as he stood. Will answered drowsily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“Hello?” He spoke in his morning rasp.
“Hi, uh, I’m calling about an open room?” A familiar voice answered. Will couldn’t quite place where he had heard the voice, so he moved past it.
“Yea, yea. I have.. a room open but you- probably already know that.” He confirmed, still half asleep. The voice on the other end paused.
“Well.. I was wondering if I could take a look at the place later today? I get off of work at about 9.” The voice questioned.
“Yea that should be fine.” Will yawned, “I’ll be there.”
He hung up before the other caller could respond again. He dragged himself to get dressed and packed for the day. The sun had just fully risen by the time he began driving.
He’d been doing the same thing for ages. Same wake up and go to work, aka coffee town, routine. Sometimes Gino or Chad would come to shake things up. But most of the time they were just idiots. He chose his friends, he guessed. When he walked into the building he was met with a familiar scowl. Sam stared daggers at him as the door opened. Will could almost appreciate the attention.
“I’ll just take my usual.” Will ordered. “Medium drip, Soy milk…” Sam didn’t even respond to him before writing the order onto a cup. Will smugly grinned as he watched Sam finish writing his sweetening preference.
“Ohh.. actually. No sweetener for today. I want to actually experience my coffee.” Will declared. Sam still didn’t look up, crossing his writing off.
Will felt a little odd about the interaction after it had ended. Usually the trick would at least get him a snarky look or a witty remark on a good day. Maybe he was just overusing it. Even so, the day carried on as normal. He worked as he did. Gino and Chad popped in to keep him company, shouting their usual antics. Something was still different, though he couldn’t place what. There was just something in the air. By the time it was 5 he decided to just head home, he couldn’t get his bothers out of his head and needed to prepare for the possible new roomate. God knows he needed one.
——————
Sam was relieved when his shift ended to say the least. The day had been long. His coworkers had noticed a difference in his attitude. The lack of snark towards will, and just a general silence. Still, as always, he didn’t need their help. All he needed to do was get to the end of the day. He walked out the building, pulling his coat tighter as the cold winter air stung against his skin.
“Hey! You there! Citizen!” A loud voice called over a speaker. Sam jolted, looking around for the source of the noise. His eyes landed on a foreboding cop car. Gino.
“Yea you! I know you see me! Come here!” Gino shouted into the mic. Sam debated for a moment but inevitably decided listening would end the interaction faster.
“What do you want? I have places to be.” He asked, checking to make sure Gino wasn’t holding his gun.
“You’re not going anywhere!” the cop announced, still using the speaker. Sam covered his ears.
“You don’t have to use that thing! And what do you mean I’m not going anywhere?” He scolded.
“I meaaannn, I just watched some guy steal your bike earlier. I was tired so I didn’t go after him. Oh well.” Gino explained with a shrug. Sam couldn’t believe his ears. He just wanted to scream, couldn’t something go right this week?
“Hey, listen, if you really need to get somewhere this badly I can give you a ride.” Gino offered, pushing down his sunglasses. Why was he even wearing them in the first place? It’s nighttime. Sam sighed but concluded it was his best option at the moment (how sad) and got into the passenger seat.
“Where you headed?” The cop turned his head to face his new companion. Sam recalled the address on the poster.
“Nice! I’ve been there tons of times.” Gino boomed. Sam groaned internally. ‘How comforting’.
Sam regretted his decision the moment they got on the road. Gino blasted his music through the night as he mindlessly rambled about some random topic. He couldn’t deny the fact the officer was the most tolerable out of all of his friends somehow. Despite being shot, run over, and pestered by the man numerous times (long story) he still would rather be stuck with him than any of the others. Sam knew why of course, yea Gino was a dickbag, but at least he could admit it. That was something everyone else lacked.
He could’ve cried with relief once Gino pulled into the apartment’s parking lot.
“I knew you’d end up here one day.” Gino jested as Sam exited the vehicle. He didn’t even have time to question what the officer meant by that before the car sped away. Sam looked up at the apartments as he walked the stairs. He ended up at a door, the light outside seemed to be broken. He knocked at the door, taking in his surroundings while he waiting for someone to answer. After a few seconds the door swung open. He was just about to speak before taking in the figure in front of him.
No. It couldn’t be. The man in the apartment stared with wide eyes.
“Sam?”
Sam scowled.
“Will.”