Chapter Text
Dave spent most of his days in a cramped apartment in Olympia, Washington, after joining Nirvana. Kurt was just down the hall, Krist visited occasionally. The rooms were small and poorly insulated, smelling of cigarettes ( thanks to Kurt ) and cheap laundry soap, scents he was forced to become accustomed to, clinging to both his and Kurt’s skin. Life wasn’t the easiest, but Dave felt a little more confident with Kurt at his side. Capable.
After all, they were best friends.
The sun was set, all of Washington was asleep, and Kurt and Dave settled side by side on the ratty, cramped couch situated in the middle of the living room. Kurt held an NES controller in his palms, distant and quiet, until PAPERBOY FIRED! lit up the television.
“Shit!” Kurt frowned. He hit the restart button. “The fuckin’ grandma got me.”
“You’re waiting too long to throw the paper,” Dave said.
Kurt exhaled through his nose. The light from the television painted both their skin with the colors of Paperboy, Dave's eyes stung.
“Maybe you should just play the game, then." Kurt said. He mashed the buttons as he tried again. Dave looked over. The clock read twelve.
Dave ran a hand through his dark, greasy hair, blinking wearily before shifting on the small couch.
“Go to bed.”
“No.”
Dave stood, looking over to Kurt and his Paperboy-colored face and the television before absently sauntering down the hall. Then he stopped. "I'm going.”
"Night."
Dave walked.
. . .
Dave stirred in his bed, gaze flickering up at the dingy ceiling, discolored and disgusting. The air around him was hot and sticky...The air conditioning must have gone out again. He peeled his legs away from the sweat-damp sheets and sat at the edge of his bed, rubbing his eyes blearily with the tips of his fingers.