₊‌‌°...𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢

Alex Forbes never liked Nigel, nor enjoyed talking to him. He considered Colbie as a strange and kinda annoying guy, because whatever he tried talking to him they always ended up with Nigel's typical phrases like "We are connected, you don't understand it, yet" or "We are chosen". Alex always walked away from him afterwards he never wanted to know about some nonsense his father and this odd roommate were passionate about. Alex had too many interesting things to do, and templars weren't consisted in this list.

After Josh's death, Nigel moved into his dorm room, leaving Alex alone again in his fortress of solitude. Finally, Forbe's desk was as neat as pin without any traces of blood from victims of his curiosity. Alex was happy that he was able to read books all night without disturbing someone's sleep. He could hum songs while doing homework. He was free and it was important. Raj was glad that he could finally talk to Alex without mentioning Nigel's night activities and the terrible smell of his medical equipment.

- Dude, you are finally free from that weirdo. I think we shall celebrate that. - Raj smirked, sitting on the floor, holding cards to play.

- Yeah, but unfortunately, I had to pay for my freedom... The price was Josh. I still think of him. What could have he done if he wasn't dead? - Alex sighed sadly, looking down.

- At least Josh is in a better place now. Don't worry. It's not your fault. - Raj placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Alex smiled weakly, looking at his friend.

Forbes wanted to believe that Nigel wouldn't be more than some classmate who would irritate him during the history project and try to be in the same group as him. But thanks to teacher who always allows Alex to do individual project, considering Alex as a smart student who can do everything by himself.

The more Alex ignored Nigel, the more he wanted to be with him. Maybe he missed his speeches about art, about brotherhood. He couldn't deny that it sounded appealing. But he didn't want to talk to him, probably Colbie knew about his silent torture and somewhat decided to leave him alone, letting him to make his own decisions.

One night, Alex had an insomnia. Too many thoughts of Josh and Nigel captured his mind, he still remembered his yelps of help and that blank expression on Nigel's face. Alex still doesn't regret that he slapped him. He needed to do this. Alex tried to read books, to repeat some poems, some dates...But the more he repeated them the more confused he became.

- My name's Ion Ionsen...My home...state..Connecticut? Washington? Dang it. - Alex buried his nose in the pillow and groaned quietly.

- It's Wisconsin. - suddenly, he heard a cold voice. It was Nigel himself, standing in dark pajamas and neatly brushed hair, his frame was slightly illuminated by a small bedside lamp. - Couldn't say the whole kid's rhythm?

- Shut it. -Alex grumbled under his breath and sat on the bed, watching as Nigel walked to his desk and took book about templar's in his hand.

- Didn't read it? Too busy? - Colbie looked at him.

- I am not into this topic anymore. Better read books about Napoleon.

Colbie almost smirked at this statement.

- I know you are lying. But I will make an act that you are indeed interested in this. Just to not disappoint you.

Alex rolled his eyes and laid on the bed, looking at the ceiling.

- Missed me, hm? - Nigel asked and sat on the edge of the bed, holding book in his hands.

- No. - Alex said weakly. He didn't want to admit it out loud but he missed him a lot.

- Noticed that since you were looking at me too long during lectures. That was not like you.

- Thanks for reading my mind.

- You're welcome. - Nigel sat close to Alex. Forbes curled up on the bed so Colbie could lean against the wall. He opened the book and started reading the articles. The soft rustles of paper were soothing to Alex's exhausted mind and that quiet Nigel's voice? It was like he was made to lully Alex back to sleep. It's not like he didn't like it. No. Not at all. Sometimes, Nigel could rub Alex's arm, but Forbes didn't even twitch. It was like a massage. Minutes slipped slowly, but Nigel didn't stop reading, letting the comfort stretch.

- And they lived long and happy. - Colbie said without even reading the whole article.

- It wasn't written like that. - Alex quietly protested.

- Who can keep their eyes without shutting them for more than five minutes? You or me?

- Calm down, man. I am not into mood to argue...

- You are funny, Alex Forbes.

- Thanks. It's my charms.

- Fear to admit that I kinda fell into them. - Nigel smirked, looking at him.

- Never thought that you would actually feel something.

- Don't consider me as a robot. I am not cold sociopath.

- Hard to believe in this. But still, you are too hard to forget.

- Is it a confession that you actually missed me? I am pleased.

- It's a moment of weakness. - Alex huffed and rolled his eyes.

- Yeah, miss you too. - Nigel laid near him, stretching out on the bed. - Sleep well, Alex Forbes.