It had been late and he had gotten home, only to find that his roommate was gone. So instead of getting ready for bed, he had grabbed his sneakers and headed for the gym. He must have fallen asleep after finishing his run. He groaned quietly. How much longer would his hangover allow him to remain awake? He had barely gotten a couple of hours sleep after taking the pills the night before and he was exhausted. He had to wake up at five and the last thing he needed was another round of drinking. At least his headache had subsided somewhat now.
The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Hugo glanced up from his feet and watched as his roommate entered the kitchen and stood next to him. He was wearing a pair of dark green sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt. His hair was messy, sticking to his forehead and cheeks. A small smile appeared on his face. "Good morning, sleepyhead!" he greeted cheerfully.
Hugo nodded, not really in the mood for conversation. He had never liked mornings. "Morning," he mumbled.
"What are you doing up already?" his roommate asked with concern. "Didn't you take the pills I gave you?"
Hugo's eyes widened, the realization striking him. Oh yes, he had taken the pills. He had downed almost all of them. Well then. Maybe he should go back to bed. He sighed heavily. He hated mornings but he didn't want to make his roommate feel guilty about giving him pills. He was supposed to help him after all. Even though the pills probably weren't necessary anyway. And they definitely didn't help him feel any better. Instead, they only made him feel worse.
"I'm fine," he said in a quiet voice, forcing a smile. "Just need to go back to bed."
His roommate nodded understandingly. "Okay. Don't drink too much today. You'll get sick."
Hugo chuckled. Yeah, right.
***
A few minutes later, their breakfast was finished. They talked briefly about their days, both agreeing that it would be better to meet tomorrow since the weather was nice. They both were planning to go to a museum together. They decided to go together because it would be a great opportunity for them to spend time with each other and learn more about each other's lives. Hugo told him that he would come early to pick him up since his apartment was located near the museum.
After breakfast they headed back to Hugo's place. His roommate had insisted that he didn't mind driving him, although the fact that he knew how to drive made him nervous. He hadn't had anyone drive him anywhere in years. He had even forgotten how.
As soon as he stepped onto his doorstep, his roommate hugged him once again. It reminded him of when he was still living in the dorms and their relationship had been much easier, before he moved out of his old apartment. It had been difficult for Hugo at times, but his roommate always tried his best to make everything okay. He had always wanted a big family; he had wanted a wife and children, and a husband, but it hadn't worked out for him. His father, however, still loved him. Although Hugo would never admit it, he had been glad to know that his father cared about him. Now he was living in his own little apartment. His friends all told him that he should move out and start his own business. They wanted him to follow his dream and start a successful career. But he refused to leave his home. It had become his second home. Besides, it was still too early. His father had yet to retire and he was only twenty-four. That meant that Hugo wouldn't be leaving his childhood home anytime soon.
So, there they were; hugging each other tightly. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reluctantly separated.
Hugo smiled. "Thank you. Again. For everything."
The other man smiled back. "Anytime," he replied, "Now get some rest, okay? See you tomorrow!"
With a wave, he turned away and headed to the stairs. Hugo waved back at him before heading inside his apartment. He walked slowly up the steps and collapsed onto the couch, pulling the blanket up to his neck. He was tired. He felt drained and exhausted. His head throbbed with every step he took. After throwing his keys onto the table, he slid down until he was sitting against the arm of the couch. His head sank into his knees and he let out a long sigh. His eyelids felt incredibly heavy, closing on their own accord. Hugo didn't resist. He welcomed the darkness and allowed it to pull him under.
***
When Hugo awoke, he immediately noticed the feeling of pins and needles shooting up and down his arms and legs. Rubbing his face, he pushed the blanket off and sat up carefully, looking around. The house was quiet, aside from the clock on the wall telling him that it was 5:30. He was confused.