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Sethos has no idea how, but he has a god for a roommate.
To him, it sounded like one of those shitty animes with titles like “My Armpit Sweat Dripped on the Side of the Road, and That Road Happened to Be the Forehead of a God that Despises Me, But Now We Live Together” or something.
Of course, that’s not what actually happened.
What happened was: he received a knock on his door one day and came face-to-face with the most beautiful being he had ever seen. Although, the sparkles and roses diminished when said being opened his soft lips and proclaimed that he was his god. Needless to say, Sethos was quite skeptical and thought he was in a Youtube prank video. There wasn’t any time to register all of that, however, because this mysterious stranger strolled into his apartment like he owned it.
Weeks of accommodations, furniture, and planning aside, the two now settled into a comfortable daily routine.
“Bee Wax! We have run out of tea. Restock immediately.”
Well, as comfortable as Sethos could get with such a demanding roommate.
He walked into the kitchen where Scaramouche was rummaging through the cabinets. For some reason, this god had taken a liking to earth’s bitter tea and forced Sethos to spend his leftover money on as many boxes as possible.
Sethos softly laughed through his nose. “I told you; we buy groceries every Sunday—we can’t mess up our schedule. Besides, it’s your fault for finishing this week’s supply.”
The latter closed the cabinets and turned to Sethos, crossing his arms.
“Well, you should have known such measly amounts are unable to satiate your god. But, fine. I can wait.” He walked into their living room and plopped down on the couch, about to turn on the TV.
Sethos followed him and sat down. Something’s been tugging at his mind lately. He started, “All you ever do is drink tea and watch documentaries. Shouldn’t you, I don’t know—find a job or a hobby? What’s the point of staying here if there’s basically nothing to do?” It’s not like Scaramouche was causing a ton of trouble; it’s just that he doesn’t do anything at all. It was more like keeping a snarky cat than an actual roommate, but the monetary loss was way higher.
Scaramouche scrolled through the channels, replying, “I came down here because I was curious. I’ve learned many things during my time here, and they’re all from this…TV. What more could I do?”
Sethos had been pondering his proposition for a while now, and it’s time to see if he’ll accept. “Weeeell, you know how I host a podcast Friday nights? You wanna join? I’ve set up a love advice segment today and a second opinion would be great!”
Scaramouche scoffed, “What makes you think I’d lower myself to entertain these stupid mortals and their meaningless problems?
”Come on, it’ll be fun! Besides, it’ll give you more experience and a better look into the human hearts. That’s one of your goals, isn’t it?”
Scaramouche’s face took a contemplative turn. He couldn’t find any plausible reasons to say no, and Sethos is right—this will help him understand these complex little mortals better.
He weighed the options for a few more seconds before finally replying, “Alright, then. Since you’re so desperate, I’ll go on your little podcast.”
Sethos made a sound of joy and sprang up from the couch. “Great! I’m gonna go set it up for us, I’ll call you when it’s time!” With that, he dashed off into his room, closed the door, and began fiddling with the cable and mic placements.
——————————
“What’s up? How’s everyone doing tonight? Hello, helloooo.”
“This is like talking to air. You look schizophrenic.”
Sethos laughed and introduced Scaramouche to the listeners. “And as you just heard, I’m here with my good friend and roommate today! Please welcome Scaramouche.”
After a bit of small talk and telling stories about their day, the love advice session commenced.
Sethos had a form filled to the brim with submissions loaded up on his screen. “Thank you to everyone who submitted! We probably won’t be able to go through them all, so I’m planning a part two in the future.” He scrolled to the first one on his list, “Starting off, we have anon: ‘Hello Sethos! Recently, my partner has been neglecting me and is spending time playing games. How do I get their attention back?’ Hmmm, that’s interesting! I’d say to talk it out with them and try new things together. But if they’re unwilling, then they clearly don’t reciprocate your feelings and that’s when you should think about finding a new partner instead! What do you think?”
He turned to Scaramouche and waited in anticipation.
“Kill them.”
“Yup, that’s–WAIT WHAT hold on! Why?” Sethos laughed a bit despite the crazy answer. He knew that Scaramouche was not joking.
The latter shrugged. “Isn’t that easier? Trying to communicate something so complicated is a waste of time, just get to the point.”
Sethos wheezed and Scaramouche quirked an eyebrow in confusion. Nothing was funny, he didn’t know what he said warranted such a reaction. Sethos turned back to the screen and said, “Anyway, let’s move on. Anon said: ‘Good day. I have a roommate who’s extremely insufferable, but he’s always looking out for me? We argue all the time, but whenever I need or want something, he’s always a step ahead and buys it. I have a few rough days occasionally, and he takes care of me every single time. Now that I think about it, his “complaining” isn’t even complaining anymore. It’s more like…subtle affection? Does he like me? PLEASE HELP!’”
This evoked an interesting reaction from Scaramouche, “You stressing over whether he likes you or not? Just ask? What kind of question…” He had a hand propping up his cheek, expression thoughtful as he tried to reason with the plea.
“Hmm,” Sethos hummed, coming up with a good answer, “Well, there’s the fear of rejection. Many people don’t want to be faced with the possibility that the love was just a delusion. It’s embarrassing, you know?”
Hearing this, Scaramouche’s face scrunched in confusion. “What’s the big deal? They don’t like you—whatever. It’s not the end of the world.”
“Most people think being unloved is the end of their world. The world inside them. Their heart, I guess.”
“…”
Sethos realized they were getting off topic and returned back to the question. “So, I think you should do whatever fits his personality. If he’s more subtle and stand-offish, then it’d probably be best to tackle it head on. You won’t get a clear answer if not! But if you’re still skeptical, I recommend waiting it out a bit. If he does like you, I’m sure he’ll tell you soon enough! He seems quite bold.”
As the hours went by, the two had answered what seemed like hundreds of submissions. Scaramouche felt himself becoming more drawn to the topic. It was intriguing how this one emotion caused so many ranging reactions out of so many people. He began to enjoy talking about this. And most importantly, enjoyed talking with Sethos . He felt so connected with him. But it was getting quite late, and they had to retire soon.
“Alright everyone! We’re gonna answer one last question before we call it a night.” Sethos lightly rubbed his eyes and shifted into a more comfortable position. “By anon: ‘Is love really all it’s cracked up to be? I mean, sure, showing your heart and soul to someone is a nice idea, but can’t you do that platonically? Do I have to kiss them to make it real?’”
Before Sethos could answer, Scaramouche answered first this time. “I think it’s just an instinctual feeling. There are millions of ways to show someone you love them, but I think it’s when you crave something deeper that you truly know it’s romantic. When you learn to be selfish and greedy and your actions become irrational. Love is…different for everyone. People place it on different levels of their priorities. Whether it’s real or not just depends on you.”
Sethos was shocked into silence. In the dim glow of the computer screen and the bright light of the moon, he found Scaramouche so gorgeous at this moment it almost hurt.
In the past, most people couldn’t keep up with Sethos whenever they conversed. He found the way they talked so repetitive and shallow that even the most abstract of conversations left him empty. But speaking with Scaramouche? Sharing his thoughts with this god? It was like ripping open space and peeking into a new world.
Scaramouche was a quick learner. In just a few questions he’d already grasped the concept of love quite well. Sethos slung his arm over his shoulder, bringing him close. Was that a little jolt he felt? Oh well. Smiling, he said, “I couldn’t have said it better myself. I have nothing to add, so this is it for the night! See you guys next week!”
Ending the stream, he shut off the monitors and microphone. “That was fun, wasn’t it? We should do it again some time.” Sethos bumped shoulders with the other in a teasing manner, “I know you enjoyed iiiit. Those answers were too well thought out.”
Scaramouche’s face burned, and he replied, “Whatever. I did learn a lot, so this wasn’t too bad.” He stood up and walked to the door. “I’m tired. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Alright! Good night.”
——————————
Scaramouche has been avoiding Sethos for quite a while now.
Their day started off as usual. The two hung out, went shopping, and laid together on the couch watching shows. But it was during that last part that Sethos noticed a slight change in Scaramouche’s demeanor. He wasn’t as casual as before, not as care-free.
And as the week went on, he became even more sensitive.
He wouldn’t look him in the eyes, always retreated back into his room after dinner, and didn’t playfully tease him anymore. It was during this time that Sethos realized just how deeply Scaramouche had integrated himself into his life. The apartment, and his heart, felt strangely empty without their chatter.
After four days of this behavior, Sethos finally had enough. He cared about Scaramouche, and he especially cared about their relationship. He was not going to drift apart from him without an explanation.
As he softly walked towards Scaramouche’s bedroom, Sethos felt his heart pound against his chest with every step. Why was it so nerve wracking? Maybe he was scared it was something unfixable. Maybe he was scared the problem would be too large. Maybe he was scared that Scaramouche was going to leave. Sethos sighed. During their time together, this god had truly wormed his way into his heart.
Standing before the door, he knocked lightly, calling out. “Hey, it’s me. Could you open the door? I wanna talk. Please.”
There was no response. Sethos heard muffled noises through the crack under the door. He attempted to turn the doorknob, and made a small sound of surprise when he discovered it was unlocked.
Peeking inside ever so slightly, what Sethos saw shocked him to the core.
Knees pressed against his chest on the floor, Scaramouche was profusely rubbing at the tears falling down his cheeks. At the sound of the door opening, his head jolted upward, surprised by the sudden intruder.
Sethos quickly opened the door and walked inside. Crouching down, he said in a concerned voice, “Why are you crying? Are you hurt? Nothing happened, right?” He didn’t know whether to reach out and soothe him or not. His heart throbbed painfully as he helplessly watched his beautiful god in agony.
Scaramouche’s face was flushed pink, the rims of his eyes a bold red that was further accentuated by his makeup. His eyebrows were scrunched together in frustration as he choked out, “I don’t understand. Am I sick? Why do I feel this way? It hurts…why does my chest hurt?” He vigorously rubbed at his tears, trying to make them go away.
It must’ve been really painful if the prideful Scaramouche was willing to so openly voice his worries.
Sethos sat down across from him and gently grabbed his shoulders, anchoring him. “I don’t know what’s wrong either, but I’m here for you. Just know that whatever you’re feeling, it’s not as bad as you think it is. It’s normal–I’m sure of it.” He slowly leaned in, and when Scaramouche didn’t push him away, hugged him in a warm embrace. “Whenever you’re ready, if you want to, tell me everything. I’ll always be here to listen.”
They stayed together like that for a long time. Arms wrapped around each other, legs intertwined, and heads on the other’s shoulder, breathing in the scent of their hair.
Once Scaramouche felt like he wouldn’t hate the sound of his voice, he slowly began, “It–It started after that love advice talk we did last week. I ignored it for a while. I didn’t think it was anything.” He paused, collecting himself. “But it kept coming back. Every time I was with you, or looked at you, or thought of you, this stupid burning in my chest erupts.”
Sethos nodded slightly, letting Scaramouche know he was listening.
“So then I tried avoiding you. But that made it worse. So, so much worse. I felt lonely, but I was…scared. I didn’t know what to do. How do I make this go away? It doesn’t make any sense!” Scaramouche felt tears start to come back. He hated when situations got out of his control, and this was practically a different universe.
Even though Scaramouche was going through a breakdown, Sethos couldn’t help but smile a little. He silently thanked the universe that it was this. What he had wanted deep down inside. This god of his is so innocent sometimes.
He slowly pulled away from their embrace, softly putting a hand on Scaramouche’s wet cheek instead. With the fullest of affections in his eyes, Sethos said, “I love you too, idiot.”
He watched as the other’s face widened with shock, settled into realization, and finally flushed a bright red. Sethos laughed, “I guess gods don’t know everything, huh?” Scaramouche babbled out a plethora of nonsensical sounds, unable to come up with a defense. The more he thought about it, the clearer it became, and the more embarrassing it was. He had just spilled his heart out right in front of his person of interest! It was equally mortifying and comical.
After struggling for a few more seconds, Scaramouche just gave up. He plopped his head back down onto Sethos’s shoulder and hugged him again. Sethos tried not to squeal in happiness as he gladly returned the embrace.
A few moments later, in the comfortable silence, a muffled, “I love you too” vibrated to his right.