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- Guys look! - Romeo exclaimed excitedly after entering the apartment.
- My first salary! - he waved paper money in front of everybody.
Kuromaku, Fëdor, Gabriel, Felix and Waru were home at the time. At the beginning, Romeo really wasn't sure he'd be happy with his new job. He always thought of himself as more of a self-employed writer type, where he'd simply sit in his lavish armchair and write romantic books which millions would love and buy. 8-hour job at a bookstore wasn't that ideal dream but it's a decent start! After all he didn’t have much choice, Kuromaku was very insisting on the fact that they all need to immediately start working ever since he calculated how much money they owe to Fëdor since they started existing. Of course, Fëdor claimed they don't need to pay him back everything, just contribute to household expenses. And thus, Kuromaku immediately approaches to rain on his parade.
- Excellent! Now we can use your cut to pay some expenses as well.
Romeo reluctantly handed his papers over for Kuromaku to count the part that Romeo owes to Fëdor.
- Congratulations! - Fëdor said - I'm so proud of you.
This quickly improved Romeo's mood. True, Romeo struggled to find the right job for some time, he did get fired from few establishments prior before even getting his first month paid, so he too was proud of himself and glad Fëdor acknowledged his efforts.
- That's amazing! - Felix jumped to hug Romeo. His exclamation was a bit raspy, probably from jealousy because Felix was struggling to keep his jobs too, but he didn't want to let this get in the way of their friendship.
- What are you going to buy with it? - Gabriel asked Romeo.
Great question indeed. It sparked Romeo's imagination. Mayhaps some makeup or a nice smelling shampoo? Maybe a new suit! It would definitely improve his odds with the ladies.
- Hah! I bet he’s thinking of buying some kind of tacky makeup! - Waru said in a mocking tone.
- So, what if I am? - Romeo responded. He wasn't insulted, just amused. He knew Waru liked bickering and Romeo was in a good mood.
- Well, you'll look like a clown! Can't wait to see you juggle. - Waru laughed and Romeo did a bit too. However, Felix was insulted on Romeo's behalf.
- You take that back! - Felix growled.
And as usual, bickering and eventual fight ensues. Kuromaku, Romeo and Gabriel knew better to just stay out of it. The two will get tired after a bit and call it a day. While they were fighting in front of the TV, Romeo sat by the table and started counting what he had left of his hard-earned money and dreamed of what he can do with it. His daydreaming was however disrupted by a stern voice on the other side of the table.
- You shouldn't do that.
Romeo looked over, expecting to see Kuromaku's annoyed gaze judging him for whatever reason. However, he was a bit surprised that this time, it wasn't about him. Fëdor and Kuromaku were playing chess. Odd, was Kuromaku going easy on Fëdor? It's not something he'd usually do. Romeo was puzzled for a second before noticing the direction of Kuromaku's gaze. It wasn't on the board.
- I know. - Fëdor responded, his hand still guiltily hovering in a scratch position above his ear.
A place he just recently removed a band aid from. Romeo quickly and awkwardly looked back at his money. It's impolite to stare like that, especially if it's something someone is ashamed of.
- Is everything okay? - Felix was alarmed, looking back at Kuromaku while holding Waru in a chokehold.
- It would be if you two calmed down. - Kuromaku responded.
Felix reluctantly let Waru go - Concider this a warning. - he said to Waru.
- Pfft. That's more of a kitten cry than a warning. - Waru teases again.
- Oh YOU! - Felix was quick to act, but one look in their direction from Fëdor was all it took for Felix to swallow his words - Whatever.
- Come on, you're no fun. - Waru sighed and went along his business.
As everything resumed more peacefully Romeo looked back at the duo across the table, specifically at Fëdor. His face was covered in colorful band aids clones bought him. His rashes were healing quite slowly because whenever a band aid comes off, he tries scratching again. He wasn't doing it on purpose of course. It was a bad habit, like biting nails. Romeo remembers being the first one to notice it. He was concerned at the quality of Fëdor's face hygiene. Romeo kept telling him how he should get some healing lotions for those but Fëdor always seems to forget to go to the pharmacy. Romeo even told Fëdor he can use some of his own lotions in the meantime, but Fëdor forgets. That simply won't do. Kuromaku was partially right, if anything they owe to at least try and make sure Fëdor is allright. Romeo sighed. He knew there's one more thing he can do to try and help... But it will cost some money.
...
- Hi Fedya! - Romeo returned home the next day carrying a bag with groceries.
- Oh, hi Romeo. How was work today? - Fëdor responded. He was making dinner at the moment.
- Good, good. There was this cute girl and I managed to get her number. How was your day at university?
- Oh... Allright I guess. - Fëdor said with a forced smile. Romeo noticed Fëdor trying to discreetly scratch his chest.
- I went and got groceries. - Romeo said.
- Oh, great! Thank you. - Fëdor responded somewhat absent mindedly.
- And I also picked up something for you along the way. - Romeo revealed. Fëdor looked at him surprised.
- Ta daaah! - Romeo said as he revealed a tube of lotion from the bag and handed it to Fëdor.
- What is this? - Fëdor was curious.
- It's the medicine lotion I kept telling you to get. It will help your scars heal better.
Fëdor looked at the gift for a bit... Probably thinking about where Romeo found the money for this, after which he got a guilty look on his face.
- Oh... Thank you so much, Romeo... But you really shouldn’t have worried about me. You deserve to get something nice for yourself too.
'Mighty high of him to say this.' Romeo thought. He knew Fëdor would never have bought this for himself because he is too conscious with money. The turtleneck shirt, gloves and bandages he's wearing now, he wears them because they were gifts from clones. True, they used his money, but they were the ones who bought it. And Fëdor would feel bad not to use things they spent money on; it would be a waste if he didn't use those. Romeo knew this and was aware Fëdor's guilt would force him to actually use this lotion.
- Well, I wanted to buy this for you, and I have made my decision. Besides, I still have enough money to get myself something.
- If you say so... - Fëdor's hand reached for his face but was stopped from scratching by a bandaid. This made Fëdor aware that he once again tried to scratch himself. He felt very ashamed.
- I... I'm sorry I'm like this. - Fëdor awkwardly held the lotion tube in his hands, trying to keep them in place.
- Don't be. - Romeo said sternly.
- I don’t want to make you worry.
- We worry because we like you and care for you, same how you worry and care for us. It’s only fair. And I want you to like and care for yourself too. You deserve it.
Fëdor looked to the side.
- Say it. - Romeo commanded.
- Say what? - Fëdor was confuzed.
- Look at me and say, 'I'm amazing and deserve self-care.'
- Come on, that's silly. - Fëdor mumbled.
- No, it's not! Here I'll say it! - Romeo claimed and put on his serious theatrical voice - I'm amazing and deserve self-care. - and then bowed down.
Fëdor giggled.
- Now you. - Romeo said.
- Fine. - Fëdor gave in and smiled - I'm amazing and deserve self-care.
- See? That wasn't so hard now, was it? - Romeo encouraged.
- I guess not. - Fëdor responded and was met with Romeo's gentle hug.
- Please don't forget it. - Romeo told him.
Fëdor sighed and smiled: - Okay... Thank you.
Romeo released him from the hug.
- Excellent! Now, do you need some help with dinner preparations?
- Did you bring the oil I asked you to buy?
- Yes! Here it is!
- Romeo, this is olive oil.
- I thought you needed olive oil.
- I was thinking of sunflower oil.
- Oh... Well, it's on me then! I love olive oil, it tastes way better and is healthier!
- Are you sure?
- When have I not been sure of something?
Fëdor smiled and accepted - As you wish.
- Come on, I have a great recipe in mind that I wanted to try for a while. This is a great opportunity! - Romeo explained and the two of them made dinner as others slowly gathered home after work.