I feel like I made a mistake offering Folie a house. She's going to pay rent in peanuts and bottle caps. Then again, now that her house has been marked by those drug guys, staying there would spell certain death.
Well, I've got other things to think about.
"I don't want you to get in trouble for giving me a really good deal. I'd really be fine with the first or second floor."
"Well, I can give you a better deal if you agree to a roommate."
Her eyes beam at me. "A roomie? It will be like college! ...the college I never went to. So... what I think college is like!"
We step out of the elevator on the 78th floor. Making our way towards the hallway window, we stand there, overlooking the neon city.
"So, what are we doing all the way up here?"
"You said you like pretty views, right?"
"Oh, well, yes."
"How would you like to own an apartment on this floor?"
Her eyes widen as she whips her head to me. "You- I- are you being serious?"
I nod.
"I couldn't- I mean, it's too nice, and I know I don't have enough to afford this. I am grateful for the off-"
"You said $1,500, right?"
"...yes, that's how much I can spend."
"Then it's yours."
Her eyes widen as they slowly begin to water. "Do you really mean it? This isn't some kind of joke?"
"No, the only joke is-"
She lunges at me, embracing me in a suffocating hug as she begins to giggle and cry. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Thank you...
To think I was about to end it all.
Selfishly, I would have died for nothing.
Even if this whole thing ends here, saving 4 people would be more than enough for me.
Patting her on the head, she giddily hugs me. I scoff. "Well, you'd better see the place before you thank me."
With a close-eyed smile, she nods.
Walking up to the door, I knock.
"Moxie? Can I come in?"
"Oh! Graves, is that you? Give me a moment."
After a minute, she beckons, her voice slower and more sensual. "You can come in now, Graves."
Walking in she is standing before me, wearing blue lingerie biting her lip. "I hope your ready Graves, Im not letting you sleep tonight."
I wince as a head pokes out from behind me.
"My new roomie!"
Moxie's eyes widen as she covers her body up.
"WHA-?! Who the hell are you?!"
"Well... this is your new roommate, Astro. The one I told you about yesterday."
Astro's face blushes as she nods. "I didn't realize my roommate would be European. Well, I dont judge."
"She's not, she's just an exhibitionist."
Moxie's face goes beet red as she looks for something to cover herself up with. "Wha?! Graves- I- uh- wa-"
Astro comes running out from behind me and hugs Moxie, their two bodies squish together like dough. "I am so excited to get a roommate! We're going to have pillow fights and share girl secrets."
Moxie attempts to push the latching Astro off her. "What, pillow fights? Are you a second grader?"
"Is that not what they do in college?"
"I have no clue! I didn't go."
"Twinning! We are already finding similarities. We're going to be closer than a leech and a fish!"
"That is not even a saying!" Moxie is still attempting to push off the latched Astro. "Graves! Where did you find this- leech?"
"She's a rescue."
Finally looking towards the balcony, Astro gasps, letting go of Moxie, her eyes widen as she takes in the apartment.
"Graves... did you really mean it when you said I could live here?"
"As long as Moxie agrees."
Pulling up her pants, Moxie twitches at the mention of her name. "Wha- don't leave this to me."
Astro turns to her with a look of expected sorrow, clasping her hands together. "I can sleep on the couch, I will take 2-minute showers, and I will only be in the apartment if you give me permission."
Moxie's eyes widen in disgust and confusion. "What? There's no need to do that. You make me sound like your parent. Just don't make a mess? Other than that, do whatever."
"Really!?" Astro beams at Moxie, contrasting her reserved nature with her explosive energy.
She continues jumping around the apartment with starry eyes.
Moxie walks over to me. "You could have warned me. That was super embarrassing." Crossing her arms, we watch as the energetic Astro, explores the apartment.
"Could you do me a favo-"
"No, I'm not in the mood anymore."
Damn.
"Could you help build up her confidence. You're quite bossy, so just take her on as your deciphel."
"Should you really be giving backhanded compliments when asking for a favor?"
"It wasn't backhanded, I like it."
"You're lucky I'm a saint." With a defeated sigh, she walks towards Astro. "Alright, girl, I'm setting some ground rules."