My Father's House

Chapter 4

Lorien sighed. A dramatic, arrhythmia-inducing sigh that requires the effort of lungs, esophagus, eyes, sinus and mouth. And it did the trick as the registrar gained the attention of his classmates standing around him.

"I'm afraid it's serious, Mrs. Hopkins." Lorien said with a twinkle in his eye. "You've got a terminal case of gas."

The patient stopped moaning and balefully glared at him. The resentful look lasted all of three seconds before the corners of her mouth turned up and a smile burst forth. She chuckled, then winced as the pain was real, even if it was just gas.

"We'll give you something to handle the pain while helping you dispel the excess gas trapped in your intestines. Then we like to take x-rays and examine your bowels, and track their movements alongside. You'll be in observation for 24 hours."

"Is all that really necessary?" A voice piped out from the crowd.

"Perhaps not, but we have to make sure since this is a reoccurring problem with the patient." Lorien answered. "Is that fine with you, Mrs. Hopkins?"

She nodded and nestled deeper into the bed. Lorien closed the metal patient folder and placed it back on the hook.

"The next..." Lorien never finished the sentence. He spotted Surgeon Marcus running down the hallway, towards them at top speed.

"We've got a situation," The doctor gasped between long breaths. "There was a gay right march and they clashed with the police. The entire lot's downstairs."

Aslam winced, "And the police?"

"Them also," Marcus answered. "So be careful, feelings are running high and tight."

Lorien was the hit of the party, or as much of the pandemonium could be called a party. It took less than two minutes for Lorien's sexual preference to be outed by a gossipy colleague and from there the feeding frenzy was something to behold. Aslam guessed he received no less than seven pieces of paper with phone numbers from the protestors Lorien treated. The young registrar took the flirting with stoic grace and managed not to yelp out in shock as an inebriated patient felt him up while Lorien was examining a bloodied but bandied officer.

Aslam felt sorry for his friend and quietly sided up next to Lorien. "Need help? Want me to fetch a bodyguard? Stun gun?"

"Too bad your walking mountain isn't around here to strut his stuff." Lorien sighed. "Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I appreciate getting mauled."

"Prefer roses and dinner?"

"A pint and some cheese would do." Lorien said, "I'm allergic to roses."

Aslam laughed, "Go help Jonah, his group don't look as predatory as this lot."

"You think you can handle it?" Lorien asked. "Because they'll eat you whole too whether you want them to or not."

Aslam gave a nod, "I can handle it. Don't worry."

Lorien fled the immediate vicinity and joined the emergency surgeon across the room.

"Stitches," Jonah pronounced with a huff. "Lots of stitches. What did you do you stupid git?"

The man sprawled over the bed snarled. "I ran into a wall while trying to get away."

"This beautiful example of manhood is my brother," Jonah explained to his younger colleague. "Take a good look at him, remember his face so that in the future you can flee whenever he approaches you."

"Thomas, we have to talk." A soft voice piped up from behind Lorien. He turned around and had to actually look up. The stranger was gangly and remarkably tall. Even with his stooped posture he possessed an impressive height and shoulder span. All of which was jarring combined with the soft, almost imperceptible voice.

"Not now, Matt." Thomas said, "Later, we can talk later."

"No, now is good." Matt insisted. "You told me you wouldn't get violent. You promised me this would be a peaceful demonstration."

Thomas looked away while muttering, "It was suppose to be."

"Suppose to be?" Matt's voice rose in pitch and volume. "My arm's broken! I had it with you! If you want to be the martyr for every cause that comes across our doorway so be it! But you emotionally blackmailed me into this and I can't take it anymore! Get your stuff out of my flat and your sorry, lying, self-serving @@@@ out of my life!!"

Jonah said, "You can't mean that, Matt. I'm sure my brother..."

"Matt?" Lorien interrupted. "Why don't you sit down and let me examine you."

"Why?!" Matt roared at the doctor. "You want a piece of me too?!"

"No, I think you broke your stitches. There's fresh blood."

Matt looked down at the cast on his arm and saw the red spot spreading quickly over the pristine white color. "Oh bother."

After saying those two words he dropped into a dead faint.

Matt woke up slowly, taking great pleasure in the fact he was rejoining the land of living because he wanted to and not because of an alarm clock was shattering his eardrums.

"Mr. Reimer, please wake up."

The pleasant voice added to Matt's need to open his eyes so he did. And was greeted by a sight few men could ever claim to have pleasure of. Lorien was leaning over him with a genuinely sweet smile.

Breathe. Matt told himself. But if I faint again, he'll stay by my side. My oh my, what wondrous work of man is this standing before me. Matt had to take some amusement at his sudden burst of poetic thoughts and chuckled. Lorien's smile grew in response.

"You fainted. Do you remember?" Lorien asked while examining Matt's pupils for response time.

Matt nodded sheepishly. "I have a hard time handling blood, especially mine."

He slowly sat up and winced. Matt looked down at the cause of his discomfort and saw that the cast actually had grown five centimeters while he slept.

"What happened?" He asked, stunned that now his elbow was also immobile.

"The fracture was more serious than we first thought. Your elbow has sustained severe damage. But we think surgery at this moment would be excessive. If you are careful and I mean that, the fracture will heal in time without invasive procedure."

Matt nodded, "Thanks. Where am I?"

"In a private wing. Your ... boyfriend left some time ago. I believe he's doing what you requested."

"Good." Matt groused. "I apologize for dragging you into this mess. But Thomas had that coming, and I, for one, am glad I did the dumping."

"Did he really blackmail you into demonstrating with him?"

Matt nodded. "Yes, it's not that I don't want to demonstrate or not tell the Parliament to get off my back, but Thomas made it a condition of our relationship. If you love me ... If you're really not ashamed of being seen with me in public ... you get the idea."

"Bullying," Lorien quipped. "I've had a taste of that myself."

Matt shrugged, "It doesn't suit me as I'm beginning to discover quickly. Where is Jonah?"

"In surgery, a bobby took a crack on the skull and it's quite serious."

Matt winced, "Just a kid?"

"Not even twenty." Lorien responded. "What happened? We had to treat over fifty patients just from the demonstration."

"Who knows in these rallies?" Matt said, "All I remember is tear gas everywhere and someone beating me with a stick. G-d, was it ever a mess."

"Well, officially this one wasn't as horrific as last year's demonstration."

"People died in that one."

"Like I said, wasn't as bad." Lorien said, "Here's prescription, get it filled downstairs and again, be careful with that arm."

"Thank you ... doctor?" Matt suddenly realized he had no clue who his caretaker was.

"Dr. Winters."

"Thank you for everything, Doctor Winters. Ciao."

Matt hopped off the bed, a funny act since his legs were so long he nearly keeled over on the landing.

"Whoa," Lorien helped Matt back on the bed. "I think the pain medication hasn't worn off yet. Let me get a technician and he'll wheel you out of here."

Matt had the common sense to agree and waited patiently while Lorien paged for help.

"The phone numbers," Matt clumsily began. "The numbers you got while treating us downstairs, throw them away and don't worry about insulting anyone. They were out of bounds when they propositioned you."

Lorien looked up, surprised. "You saw?"

"No, but I can guess. This is your place of business and nobody has a right to compromise that. I wish I can say it won't happen again, but we both know better. Anyway, that's quite crass behavior and I'm sure you'll end up paying for it with the hospital gossip and all."

"I don't think so." Lorien said, relieved. "The staff is quite tight-lipped about that sort of thing, and I believe most everyone on site was too busy treating their own. But thank you for your reassurance."

"You're welcome."

Matt opened the door to his flat, already braced for the carnage that was sure to greet him. Thomas managed to empty out his stuff, but not before trashing the entire place. Matt stared at the broken pottery and dishes. He decided he was too tired to clean and instead opened the fridge. Now, without Thomas, he wouldn't be able to meet the rent. Matt calculated he had enough funds for three months before things got difficult. He already knew the amount of his end-of-the-year bonus and it was pitiful indeed.

"Bother," He said out loud and crashed on the sofa.

Yet, in spite of his dire situation and his newly single status, Matt felt all was well with the world.

So what if I don't have someone? Better no one than a lost cause like Thomas. Better to be alone than worrying about pleasing a bully.

Matt suddenly remembered his doctor using that very word.

I wonder if he had a bully for a lover too. Would make sense, definitely explain his attitude, and the fact he seemed genuinely concerned about my welfare. G-d, why can't I ever meet men like Dr. Winters? Why do I have to meet men that constantly transform our affair into a therapist-patient relationship? Why do I keep attracting men who need therapists?

Matt broke into a soft laughter and admitted to himself it's probably because he made a great father figure, especially in the gay community. Steady, solid, good old dependable Matt. Never lose his temper, never said anything out-of-hand. Wouldn't know what passion was even if it sued him, but he could always be trusted to be there when one needs help moving or a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup.

Well, at least my reputation would make it impossible for Thomas to poison our friends against me. Have to take some comfort in that.

With that semi-satisfactory conclusion Matt called his round of friends, asking for help for the next few weeks. All were pleased to volunteer, especially since they knew Matt would pay them back tenfold.

Chapter 5

Honestly, what did he expect? Aslam's undying loyalty to a non-existent relationship? Lorien should consider himself fortunate that Aslam remained his friend. To wish for something more was both fruitless and frustrating. Nevertheless, the earlier events kept replaying in his mind's eye, tormenting the young man until he had little choice but to get out of bed. Lorien wanted to take a short nap before heading out for his shift at the store, but it was a doomed quest at best since his brain was stuck on replay.

Lorien smiled when another registrar appeared for no viable reason save the curious desire to catch a glimpse of the genuine celebrity currently holed up in Room 1404. The young woman deftly ignored the blatant stare and instead paid attention to the fascinating details etched on the ceiling.

"Tell me that isn't what I think it is." She said as she squinted to take a harder look.

"I'll lie and tell you it isn't." Lorien quipped, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"What in bloody hell happened here?"

"I haven't a clue," Lorien answered, "And I know enough to be grateful for my ignorance."

Samantha Rowell gave a feeble chuckle and closed her eyes. Lorien took the rare opportunity to study her further. She was great deal shorter than he was led to believe. All those music videos made her seem as tall as he was, but in reality she barely reached his shoulders. But unlike others in her business, this singer was actually prettier in real life. She was an exotic mix, born of a Sudanese mother and an English father, the woman was raised in a cultural mix that was simultaneously foreign and familiar -- a combination that worked wonders in the music charts across the U.K. and around the world.

"Do I pass the muster?"

Lorien blushed furiously and looked away.

"Am I so pathetic?"

"You're recuperating from a heart surgery, Ms. Rowell. Nobody can look good after such a procedure."

"Bet Audrey Hepburn would have."

"Perhaps, but as a Registrar who has gone through this procedure numerous times, I doubt it."

Rowell smiled and opened her eyes. They reflected the physical exhaustion, the pain and the fear she'd been laboring under since her infamous collapse on stage.

"You really are lucky, you know." Lorien said as he checked her charts. "I hope you don't forget that."

"Not by a mile," Rowell answered, her right hand reflexively brushing over her sternum, caressing the new scars. "I guess all those training sessions paid off."

"I am sure of it." Lorien said. "If you weren't so healthy, the outcome would certainly have been different. I can assume your manager made arrangements for your recuperation?"

"Yes, yes, between him and my father I'll be lucky if I actually take a step in the next ten months."

Lorien was going to add his personal opinion to those already listed in her medical folders when Aslam entered the room.

"You're off the clock." Aslam said, yawning. "I'm here to relieve you. Sorry for being late but there was an emergency in Shapiro's room."

Lorien's lips thinned in distaste, but the presence of the patient prevented him from making acerbic comments regarding Shapiro's abilities in the OR. Aslam turned to Rowell and blinked twice when he recognized the identity of his patient.

"Oh, hello," Aslam said, unable to come up with a more brilliant greeting.

Rowell smiled, a genuine thought-halting smile that required Aslam to keep blinking in response.

"Are you well?" Aslam continued, completely ignoring Rowell's medical charts prominently visible in Lorien's hands.

"I've had better days. As Dr. Winters here can tell you."

Aslam blinked again, turned to his friend and acted like he just noticed Lorien's presence in the room. "Of course, Lorien -- the charts please."

Lorien handed them over without a word and left the room. Before he exited he turned once more to glimpse his most worrisome fear come to life. Aslam, in a moment's breath, had fallen for a woman. And not just any woman but a person whose face was currently the most recognized in the music industry. A woman he could not even begin to hope to compete against.

As he walked down the hallway he heard the sound of the door to room 1404 close firmly behind him. For a moment, he delved into the evil wish that Samantha Rowell's heart wasn't in such a good condition, especially after the massive surgeries she was forced to endure.

Lorien finished his tea and dutifully marched to work. Really, how could he blame Aslam for being a man? Or, more to the point, for being a heterosexual man?

Stuff it you stupid git. Lorien berated himself. You're being maudlin because you knew, from the beginning, that there wasn't a chance with Aslam. That was why you hankered after the man, because he was safe -- totally unreachable actually. This was none of Aslam's doing save for the fact that he's everything you ever wanted. Ever dreamt of since you came to the conclusion that you liked men. Beautiful. Kind. Sweet. Non-judgmental.

And straight. Let's not forget straight.

Just for the hell of it Lorien kicked the store's doors open.

Matt studied his layouts, puzzled that his clients sent them back to him for the third time. To him they were more than satisfactory, but obviously Falling August, Inc. had different views on what was worth their money and not. The phone rang and Matt was tempted to ignore it but couldn't as he didn't have a secretary answering calls for him.

"Matt, it's Jonah."

Matt sighed noiselessly, "What has happened?"

"Look, Thomas really wants to talk with you. He's seen the error of his ways and I was wondering if you're willing to drop by my place for dinner tonight? I know he's a difficult man, I never said anything to the contrary, but you were the best thing that ever happened to Thomas, and I don't want this ruined because of a tiff you two had."

"I don't think so, Jonah." Matt said, "Look, he walked away first, but I did too. And my life's good as it is. I'm sorry but the answer is no. Take care."

Matt hung up before Jonah could further the conversation. However, the call utterly ruined his concentration and he decided a coffee break was in order. He turned the corner, passed by a store he hoped one day to be able to afford. Matt stopped mid-track when he caught a familiar face. He stared for a moment before entering the store.

"Hello, didn't expect to see you in here."

Matt's greeting immediately got Lorien's attention. The younger man paled, taken back by the fact he was caught outside his medical profession by his patient. For some reason, it made him feel guilty. And cheap.

"I work part time." Lorien explained lamely. "Need the money to put myself through the Programme."

"Of course," Matt said amiably. "How are you faring?"

"Well as can be," Lorien said. "I just came off a 36-hour shift so it's been a difficult day."

"You must be tired then," Matt said, the sympathy in his voice plain yet comforting.

"I'll survive." Lorien said.

"Look, I'm going to get some coffee at the corner, do you want one?"

Lorien gave a sheepish nod, "Would love some. Let me get my..."

"Don't worry about it," Matt said, already heading towards the door. "I owe you a favor from last time anyway."

Lorien stared as Matt disappeared from his view.

"Not bad, you really do have good taste in men." Alexis drawled from behind the partition where she hid so Lorien could have some privacy while conversing with Matt. "Something tells me his gate does swing your way."

Lorien smiled and shook his head, "Can't touch him, he was a patient of mine."

Alexis sighed, "Was being the operative word, my dear. Was."

Lorien didn't know how to reply to that remark so he returned to arranging the spring collection on the shelves. Before long he spotted Matt as the man walked by the front windows. Once again Lorien noticed how tall the man was and the particular loping gait that made him resemble a horse.

"Here," Matt handed over a large cup, "Best of luck and hope the rest of your day won't be as hectic."

"Thank you ... Matt." Lorien said and kept eye contact as he left the store.

"I do like tall men," Alexis commented surreptitiously from behind a display dummy. "And he's got big feet."

Lorien ended up laughing to himself for the rest of the day.

Matt sighed. Really, seeing true honest-to-goodness beauty that hadn't gone through the paint factory did jog one's creative juices. Of course, half of what was currently occupying his mind couldn't be revealed in polite society but at least it fed his imagination en toto and Reimer found his sketch hand flying over the pristine white sheets laid out in front of him.

"What's got you smiling to yourself?" A voice broke his concentration.

Matt looked up and smiled. "Marissa, hello. Nothing much."

His answer did little satisfy his friend's curiosity. "You're a terrible liar, Reimer. Spill it."

"Remember that doctor I told you about?"

Marissa skidded into his office and closed the door, "Ooooohhh, the Adonis you mentioned?"

"Yes, just had a short conversation with him over a cup of coffee," Matt exaggerated, feeling little to no guilt about the wishful lie.

"Oooooohhhh, and? Is he actually as intelligent as he's attractive?"

"I think so."

"You really have it bad, don't you?" Marissa teased, "Anything further down the line?"

Matt shrugged, "I doubt anything will happen anywhere down the line. Men like Dr. Winters are never available, especially when it comes to men like myself."

Marissa frowned and made a disapproving noise, "Don't cut yourself short, laddie. At least give it a try, Matt. If he says no then you'll know. Otherwise, you could drive yourself mad not knowing what might have been."

"Aren't you the romantic?

"After three marriages, I will freely confess I must be. Otherwise, how can I explain my constant desire to give the marital bed yet another try?"

Matt chuckled and shook his head in mock despair as Marissa wiggled her eyebrows. He closed the door after her and wondered for a moment if he should listen to her advice.

Best not to act the part of the fool. Matt admitted to himself. I've done that plenty of times. And look the result. My love life in shambles and I am left resorting to hankering after men I can't possibly have. Best to stick with what I know. And, more importantly, what I can handle.

Chapter 6

Reimer's habitual visits to the store quickly became the social highlight for Lorien. And to Lorien's relief and puzzled disappointment, his newly-minted friend never crossed the line between friends and lovers. This unusual show of restraint actually bewildered Lorien, leaving him wondering if it was something he did or said that put off Matt from pursuing him romantically. In spite of his wounded sense of self-worth, Lorien was quite well aware how attractive he was. Strangers and near-strangers constantly asked him to dates, which thanks to his studies, Lorien was forced to turn down. This turn of fortune would have depressed most available bachelors. However, Lorien was inundated with work so he was glad he had a viable excuse to utilize when he had to refuse the abundant offers for dinners, theater shows, and sex.

Yet, Matt remained a mystery, even when they chatted amiably during the generous coffee breaks Alexis offered whenever Reimer came around. And, as days passed, Lorien began to grow blind to Matt's lesser charms, as most humans do when they develop a friendship so desperately needed. The stoop, the loping gait, the obviously balding pattern all faded in Lorien's memory and opinion, so when Lorien began talking about his friend, these attributes were forgotten or overshadowed by Matt's quirky sense of humor and passion for his work.

Jeb heard the phone ring and debated whether to answer it or not. After the fourth ring, he steeled himself and grabbed the receiver.

"Speaking," He greeted curtly, knowing full well who was on the other end.

"We were expecting you to attend breakfast." Sean barked into the phone. "Another busy Saturday night?"

"All my nights are busy," Jeb drawled, knowing fully well his reply would further infuriate his brother.

"Of course, why did I even bother asking?" Sean said, "When will you learn?"

"Before you, I suspect." Jeb retorted, throwing all caution into the wind. "And I spent the entire day yesterday with Daphne so don't even start with lecturing me about filial duties."

The brief silence told Jeb his arrow found its mark.

"I see." Sean said, his voice a sliver softer, "And Ben?"

"Wouldn't know, Sean. Why don't you ask him? Look, I really need to sleep, see you at the office."

Jeb didn't even bother to wait for Sean's answer before ending the call. He crawled back into bed, picking up the folders he was perusing before he was so rudely interrupted. The private investigator earned his bonus when he managed to take pictures of Lorien at his workplace. Lorien definitely looked thinner, shabbier, but nothing could dim the beauty that the youngest inherited so generously. And the reports jammed in Lorien's personal files told Jeb that the outcast was indeed very successful as a registrar.

Jeb studied the last photo, his gaze turning sympathetic. Lorien, I am so sorry. The picture contained two figures - that of his brother and his alleged best friend in the Programme, Aslam Subatoi. The look of longing on his brother's face was pathetically obvious, as was the fact that his friend hadn't a clue about Lorien's desires. Jeb had been in this situation plenty of times to recognize the facial expressions, but unlike his brother Jeb had developed the mechanisms necessary to overcome the handicap and move on with his life.

Jeb sighed and stuffed the pictures into the folder. He trudged to his office and opened up a locked drawer where he kept all such information regarding his banished brother. The meager treasure trove contained Lorien's grades, his performance reviews, his bills, and his wages since Sean threw out the youngest from the family's embrace.

There is nothing that can be done, Jeb admitted to himself, hating every word even as he thought them. I can welcome him, Ben can embrace him, but it is not because of us that Lorien left. For the nth time, Jeb quelled the desire to smash Sean's head against the nearest solid object capable of withstanding the blows. We can do everything, but we cannot shield Lorien from Sean or his cruelties. Neither of us is strong enough. None of us are.

Matt stared at the tele, wondering why he was bothering to watch the news when he desperately needed to sleep. The reason for his self-imposed insomnia was painfully embarrassing. When Matt closed his eyes, he dreamt of vivid blue ones. And these particular dreams were explicit enough to make him blush when he chose to revisit them during the light of day.

He was well aware that he could partake in a soothie as it was euphemistically called in his circle of friends, but going clubbing and getting one in the loo definitely was not in his list of do's. He knew better; besides, none of the pretty boys that haunted the clubs couldn't even begin to compare in beauty and charm with his current obsession. I like this, as self-destructive as it is, Matt admitted to himself. I like imagining my life with him, building a castle in the air, or at least in the bedroom. It's not an everyday occasion that I have the opportunity to indulge in such a thing.

Matt finally surrendered and went to bed. Wonder where his name originated from? He thought aimlessly. And when will he finally come to his senses and start seriously considering looking for a lover and stop puppying after Aslam? Instead of jealousy or frustration, Matt felt pity for his friend. Under the circumstances, Matt understood it was Lorien who was suffering the most. Unrequited love, laboring under poverty, two jobs, it was a miracle that he didn't already collapse from the burdens and responsibilities placed on his narrow shoulders.

I wish he'd tell me about himself and Aslam. It's not like I can present a serious competition either way. The bloke is god made flesh, and even if he's not interested in Lorien, that mess is not something I want to step into, as tempting as Lorien is. Matt sighed and rolled to his side. And sooner or later Lorien will find the strength or the excuses needed to find someone else. I don't want to know where I'll be relegated to when that happens. I just wish I could establish myself in his life, if only as a good friend. Right now, I really don't have a clue where I stand with him, do I?

Matt sat up, turned on the lamp and stared at the wall facing him. The bloody awful truth is I'm desperate - just desperate to somehow fit into his life. Why do I do this to myself? Why do I keep setting myself up for the inevitable fall?

The thought was depressing enough to keep Reimer awake for the rest of the night. So, when he came to work he was ill-prepared for the voice mail left on his message service.

"Matt, it's Lorien. Could you page me please? I'm in trouble."

Matt immediately dialed the hospital and within the minute Lorien responded to his call.

"Thanks so much for answering. I have a serious problem. My landlord raised the rent and I can't afford the increase. You told me you were looking for the roommate, and since the Hospital will raise our pay in April, I could afford to share your flat. I know you're interviewing candidates and to be honest I am a pig. But I'm a desperate pig, so would you consider giving me a chance?"

Matt bit the tip of his tongue just to make sure he was awake and not hallucinating.

"Matt? Are you there?"

"Sorry, yes I am. This is sudden, but of course, it would save me a great deal of trouble if you moved in. The people I was interviewing were terrible anyway, and I suspect the rest of the list won't be a vast improvement either."

"Bless you, Matt, you're a saint. Why don't we meet for coffee after my shift today and we can discuss the arrangements?"

"Sounds lovely, at the usual place then?"

"Yes, thank you, Matt."

Reimer hung up the receiver and stared dazedly at the phone before making another call.

"Marissa, it's me. Come by my office as soon as you can. And brace yourself. I think I made mistake, but I'm not quite sure how bad. Why do I do this to myself?!!"

Matt leisurely sipped his coffee, flipping over his latest project. Falling August accepted his latest proposal which was good. However, their acceptance came with numerous requests for changes, all guaranteed to drive him insane before the month was done.

"Hello there, you look preoccupied," Lorien greeted with a smile on his tired face.

Matt looked up, "My client decided to use the passive-aggressive routine today. Thy cannot be worth this much trouble."

Lorien's smile grew and he sat down with a great sigh. "Hard day today, difficult patients, surgeons with god complex and the cafeteria was shut down because the pipes in the kitchen blew. The entire fourth floor is flooded."

"Sounds awful indeed." Matt said amiably. "So, about your landlord?"

"It's actually his son. The poor man was hospitalized and his son had taken over the business. The b******d has driven up the rent so he can lose some of his more modest tenants such as myself. The truth is the entire neighborhood is being gentrified, and riffraff like me aren't welcomed anymore."

"If you're considered undesirable, I shudder at the thought of what classification I fall under."

"Here, I did a quick calculation of household fees and rent, tell me if this looks too outrageous."

Matt took the hastily-scribbled notes and perused them. "If anything, you've over-evaluated, Lorien."

Lorien frowned, "Did I? How?"

"First of all, the markets in my block are quite cheaper than yours, and if you know when to shop and where to shop your bills can be seriously cut down."

"How do you know?"

"Oh, I did a quick study when I first moved in." Matt replied, grinning. "Produce is the cheapest on Wednesdays, during evening hours. And there's a butcher two blocks away who always have a sale on his meats early Monday morning. If you know how to cook, I can guarantee your living conditions will improve drastically."

"Of course," Lorien said wryly. "I don't know how to cook unless you consider opening tins a cuisinary talent."

"Depends on the tins."

Lorien laughed outright. "So when can I move in?"

"Whenever is most convenient for you. The room stood empty for months now. What does your contract say?"

"It expires next Tuesday so Sunday would be wonderful. Is there something you need to know or tell me before we become partners in crime?"

"Yes, if ... if you have a guest? Please slide a note under the door for me so I don't have a shock three in the morning. And I know you said you're a slob, but if you could keep the bathroom clean, I'd appreciate it. The kitchen is a free-for-all, as I make a mess of it every day."

"I'll remember that," Lorien answered, faintly blushing. "However, I sincerely doubt I'll be having a roaring social life. My annual exams are looming in the horizon."

"Sounds dreadful."

"Worse, I do not know how they expect us to have time to study when they keep us busy round the clock." Lorien sighed again, "But since they've done it, I guess it is possible we, the lesser folk, can strive to match their greatness."

"Do you need help moving furniture? I have a friend who has a lorry. I think I could convince him to make a couple of trips for us."

Lorien's blush deepened, "I don't have much in the way of material goods. But it would come in handy since we'll need to make just one trip."

"Consider it done. Here is my home number," Matt handed over a piece of paper, "And call me as soon as you're ready to move."

"Thanks for everything, Matt." Lorien said and stood up to leave. "I hope I won't disappoint you too much."

Matt almost frowned at the last remark but refrained from asking Lorien to explain himself further. He watched the younger man disappear into the night and wondered with some amusement how many days he could go without sleep before collapsing of exhaustion.

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