#apartment plot

SO WE SEE EACH OTHER EVERY TIME I END UP HAVING TO DO LAUNDRY DOWNSTAIRS. YOU ARE SO CUTE/FUNNY/PERFECT THAT I CANNOT BREATHE. YOU’VE PROBABLY WARNED ME A BILLION TIMES ABOUT CLEANING OUT THE DRYER LINT BUT I’M ALWAYS TOO DISTRACTED TO LISTEN TO WHAT YOU’RE SAYING. SOOOO IT’S TECHNICALLY KIND OF YOUR FAULT THAT MY LAST EFFORT AT DRYING MY CLOTHES STARTED A FIRE AND WE HAD TO EVACUATE WHEN THE FIREMEN CAME AND NOW YOU’RE SORTA HOMELESS FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHILE YOU WAIT FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF COURSE THE FIRE MAINLY AFFECTED YOUR PLACE. I’M SO SORRY. I HAVE AN AIR MATTRESS WITH YOUR NAME ON IT?

Muse A has been looking for a place to live for awhile now, having recently moved out of their parents’ place, bunking with a friend here and there. After searching a few ads online, Muse A finds a nice place just within their budget. Even if Muse A has to share with two others, it’s a steal that they would regret passing up. When they meet up with the other residents, Muse B and Muse C, Muse A realizes fairly quickly that they are a couple, one that doesn’t mind flaunting their passion for each other. Muse A draws the conclusion that the reason for rent being so reasonable is most likely that others would not want to be subjected to the couples’ open displays of affection, but Muse A still decides to take the room; Muse B and Muse C’s intimacy doesn’t really bother them. Muse C is usually at home the most, while Muse B tends to work long, spontaneous shifts. Though Muse A attempts to keep to their own business, Muse C seems extremely interested in whatever they’re doing, tending to find ways to be around them. Muse C’s growing infatuation with Muse A becomes quite obvious, especially when Muse C does small things like brushing their hands against Muse A’s, or casually playing with Muse A’s hair. Muse A does begin to find themselves attracted to Muse C, but doesn’t want to risk getting evicted, or having bad blood with Muse B. Despite the potential drama of an affair, Muse A finds themselves denying less and less to Muse C as every day passes. 

Once Muse C realizes their feelings, they start to pull away, not wanting to come between the couple.  Muse A is the one that puts together what’s happening, and actively pursues Muse C, explaining that they have an open relationship with Muse B and that the both of them would love to see how they could incorporate Muse C into their dynamic.  

Grateful, Muse A and Muse B invite their friendly neighbors over. Muse A and Muse C are flirtatious from the get-go, while Muse B and Muse D can’t help but roll their eyes at their respective roommates. Muse A and Muse C rush into a fling based on their physical attraction to one another, but they end up having terrible chemistry once the deed is done. It’s very awkward and sometimes even tense between them when they bump into the other in the hall. Muse B and Muse D, however, develop a genuine liking for one another that seems like it might turn into something more over time. In the meantime, they take great pleasure in forcing their discordant roommates together every chance they get.

Muse A is quiet and neat. Muse B is loud and messy. Muse A has a decent job and pays most of the rent, Muse B recently got fired from their job, hasn't told Muse A yet, and isn't in a rush to find a replacement job. Muse A is the responsible type, and Muse B couldn't take care of a goldfish. Muse A likes their privacy and Muse B is happy walking around the apartment half-naked and entering their roommate's space without knocking. They hardly agree on anything, from what to order for dinner to what temperature to keep the thermostat on. Just when Muse A is reaching their breaking point and on the verge of giving up the apartment they love to move back home because Muse B is driving them crazy and they can't keep up with bills on their own, Muse A suffers a major setback/loss and Muse B is the only person who understands/can help them get through it.

Muse A has recently moved into a new place - a cozy apartment in a 6-story apartment building. Muse B lives across the hall and has resided in the building for the past 2 years. Apart from a few casual conversations on the walk up to their floor or brief meetings at the mailbox, Muse A and Muse B haven’t gotten the chance to get to know each other. Muse A definitely wants to see more of their neighbor though. Muse B is kind, funny, and sexy in Muse A’s eyes; Muse B’s just not very good at hinting whether or not they’re attracted to Muse A back. When the power goes out throughout the building, on a particularly warm night, Muse A quickly sets out some candles to light their home, but they realize that they don’t have any matches to light them (and their stove only works on electrical power). Seeing a bit of an opportunity there, Muse A heads over to Muse B’s apartment and asks for assistance.