Clyde's mind was blank as a canvas. Everything his roommate said went from one ear to another. He was angry, baffled and shocked. Out of all the people, Archer knows, why him? The only interaction they had was through their weekly petty squabbles. They tolerate each other but if they have to be stuck in the same room without any reason,  that will not be the case.

 Clyde was not even supposed to live with him when he first saw what kind of person his future roommate was. He opted to look for another roommate but to no avail, they were either strict or had higher rent. One had a ban on meat, the other had a curfew. Also, there was someone who required him to be silent as it startles the birds he watches. With Archer, there were no rules but to pay rent on time and to do the share of chores. Plus the rent was cheaper even though it was a 55-45 split since he has the bigger room. He just had to tolerate Archer which was slightly doable.

Archer clapped his hand which caused him to pay attention. "So do you get the gist of it?"

Clyde shook his head." No, and also no to doing this fake thing with you."

"You can't do this to me." He dramatically spoke.

"Why?"

"You were short for rent last month and, I covered for you. You still haven't paid."

"I'll skip lunch for two weeks and pay you right now." He answered. The only reason he was short for last month's rent was that he impulsively bought a Jazz vinyl from one of his favourite artists, Duchess Silver. He's working himself through the bone, can't he have one thing he adores? As much as he loves his job, the pay's shit. Maybe he needs to move cities, it is quite expensive here.

Archer raised his hand as if to stop Clyde from saying anything. " I'm not begging you, Carter." He glared. " But she's a civilian who's currently camping out at the convenience store waiting for me to bring you."

Clyde's eyebrows met and mouthed what as he tilted his head. 

"She won't leave until I prove that you are my partner."

"Then let her?" He asked again.  This is not his problem. He just wants to sleep. As far as he's concerned, the so-called stalker wasn't doing any harm. She's chilling at a corner store and not trying to break into their apartment. 

Clyde lightly tapped his own forehead. " Are you serious? you're the police."

"We live in a safe neighbourhood, relax." It is true. it's one of the reasons why the rent in the area is higher than normal. Clyde's lucky to have snagged one at a reasonable price despite the idiocy that comes with it. 

" Even so?" 

 "You're not going to let this go, are you?" He sighed.

Archer enthusiastically nodded and, Clyde was filled with the need to throttle him. 

Clyde sighed and asked him to lead the way.  It was a quick 5-minute walk. Archer played on his phone while he smoked as they walked. No one else was out, there wasn't even noise from vehicles or people; just a faint echo from crickets. Archer almost tripped on nothing. Clyde snickered, but his cigarette fell from his lips. He grunted and rolled his eyes.

" Karma." Archer softly spoke while Clyde reached down to grab his cigarette.

" Don't tell me you're still using that?" He asked, clearly judging him.

"5-second rule." He defended and placed it again between his lips.

Archer chuckled and wildly looked at him. " For someone who's always judging me for being a slob. What you're doing is definitely a slob-move."

"Don't compare this to eating a chip you found underneath the sofa. God knows how long that's been there"

"It still had crunch. Time is an illusionary concept created by capitalists to squeeze us out of our money."

"Sure, sure." Clyde replied as he nodded along, not really caring.

Beneath the white fluorescent lights, Archer pointed where his stupid stalker is. She was slurping cup Ramen while she scrolled through her phone. Her glasses were folded and hung on her violet blouse. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail but it's so long that it swoops in front and gets in the way of her eating. Next to her, was a black backpack and a stack of binders. 

"That's your stalker?" Clyde asked she looked like she couldn't even hurt a fly. She does look tired like him. 

"Yes, That's Stella alright, jealous?" He teased. What does that even mean? him, jealous? yeah, she's a beauty but not quite right in the head if she's fawning over Archer. 

Clyde was about to retaliate but instead, he motioned to leave. Archer placed his arms around Clyde's shoulders to stop him from leaving. "I'm just kidding, Carter. Come on, Help me get rid of her."

The ding of the automatic doors caught Stella's attention. She almost choked on her noodles when she saw Archer with a man. He is as tall as him and, it's the only thing they have in common. She can clearly see how different their personality is based on how they're dressed. She is sure that Archer is making all of this up in order to get rid of her.  

The man wore black slacks and a powder blue button-up that was free from any stains or creases. His black hair was perfectly combed to the back and he wore a glare that can shut anybody up. Now, if she wasn't hopelessly in love with a certain slob, she'd probably take him home and treat her just the way she likes it. What? he's attractive, sue her.

"I see you brought him." She bitterly spoke.

"Since you would not believe me. This is Carter, Clyde Carter. We've been together for a month." He lied through his teeth while Clyde resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Stella shook her head. " I don't believe it. I'm not buying whatever you're selling."

"That's not our problem, right?" Archer asked and turned his head towards Clyde.

"Yeah, sure, definitely not my problem." He emphasized the word my.

"So that means none of this is real and you're up for grabs?" She asked with a smile.

"I'm not up for grabs, I'm a person, but I am already his." Archer wrapped his arm around Clyde's. Meanwhile, Clyde smiled to hide his seething irritability. His sleep seemed to be going farther and farther away. 

"I do not believe it." 

"Why?" Archer demanded.

"Honey, no offence but he is too good for you."