Chapter Text
Finney Blake is a strange boy.
He was different from everybody else. I mean, everyone would hangout with their friends, hate school, drink and go to parties. All that stuff.
Finney? He was the opposite.
He loved school. All the teachers adored him because he was probably the only kid who would actually listen and put effort into their lessons.
He hated parties. The thought of going out drinking and being surrounded by a bunch of drunk teenagers was pretty terrifying.
And he also had zero friends.
Nobody wanted to hangout with Finney ‘the freak’ Blake. He wasn’t strong or masculine like all the other boys in town. He was small and skinny. He had these big, sad hazel doe eyes and all these feminine features and traits that caused a lot of bullying.
People hated the fact that Finney was feminine. They thought it was weird how he was too pretty for a boy. They thought it was odd how he had these long lashes and shiny pink lips.
They thought it was odd how a boy seemed so much like a girl.
He hated PE. That was another thing that made him stand out. All the other boys would laugh at him while they’d play dodgeball or basketball. He was always picked last when picking teammates.
But all of that? That won’t happen from now on. Finney has decided that on the first day of college, he’s going to finally make a friend.
Maybe he’ll be friends with his roommate, who knows?
You’d think that Finney would be this little shy kid who was too scared to do anything.
But no.
Finney was actually pretty talkative if you’d get to know him.
Problem is, nobody ever wanted to get to know him.
The only person who ever saw Finney’s true self was Gwen. His sister. And probably his best friend too.
But this year, he’ll make sure he has all the friends he needs and loves.
This year is going to be Finney Blake’s year.
***
“Okay, okay. You have everything you need?” Gwen said, her voice filled with worry.
Finney nodded in reassurance. “Yes, Gwen. I’ve got everything.”
“Clothes? Your phone? A charger? You’ve got snacks for the road, right?” She rambled.
“Yes, Gwen. Stop worrying. I’ll be fine.” Finney had said, again.
Today, Finney was leaving for college. It wasn’t that far away. Only an hour drive. College didn’t actually start for another 2 weeks, but all the freshmen were told to come a week in advance to set up their dorms.
Gwen? She’d been constantly worried. She was scared Finney wouldn’t have any friends and be alone for the entire school year. She was afraid he’d forget something at home or that he wouldn’t be able to call Gwen.
Or that his dorm mate would be a total bully.
Finney finished putting the last of his things in the trunk of his car. It wasn’t a huge car. His family wasn’t rich, so he only had a 2 seater. Plus, the car looked like it was already a couple years old, but it’ll still be able to get Finney to places.
Finney checked the time on his watch. 9:32am. He gave Gwen another hug. “I’ll visit, of course.”
“You better. If you don’t, well, I don’t know. But you better come visit.” Gwen said, giving him a warning look.
Finney just giggled. “I have to go if I wanna be there before my roommate. I do wanna get the better room.”
Gwen nodded, understanding. “Yeah, but… I just don’t want you gone! But I do, for college! Not for selfishness. I want you in college.” She smiled before pulling him into another tight hug.
The siblings just stayed hugging for a minute, swaying on the spot, arms wrapped tightly around each other before Finney pulled back and gave Gwen a peck on the forehead. “I’ll miss you. I’ll call you as soon as I’m there!” He said, opening the driver’s door.
“Okay. Drive safe, please. We all know you’re not… the best driver.” Gwen murmured, a teasing smile on her face.
She was right. Finney wasn’t a very good driver, but he had promised he’d drive slow so he’d get there safely.
“I love you, text or call when you’re there. Also, send me pictures of your room. I wanna help you design it.” Gwen said, giving Finney one last hug.
Finney nodded and squeezed her tightly. “I will,” He said, getting into the car. “I love you too. Bye!” He waved to his sister.
Gwen waved back, a big smile on her face.
At first, when he’d gotten accepted into college, Finney was hesitant on leaving Gwen here with their father, but the younger girl had insisted Finney should go to college. Insisted that he deserved the opportunity.
Gwen was only a year younger than Finney. He was 18 and Gwen was 17. Gwen’s way more popular than Finney in school. She has, like, a billion friends.
Amy, Susie, Donna, even Ernesto Arellano. And Finney definitely does not have a massive crush on Ernesto’s older broth-
“Finney!” Someone yells. It’s Gwen. Finney can recognise her voice from anywhere.
Finney hadn’t gone that far down the road yet, and his window was open. So that’s probably how she caught up and how he could hear her.
He turned his head and stopped the car. He leaned out the window. “What?”
She stopped in front of him, panting tiredly before handing him a charger. “You forgot your charger. Idiot.”
Finney took it and placed it on the passenger seat. “Sorry. Thanks.”
Gwen sighed before giving him a soft smile and waving him off, yet again.
Finney did the same, smiling widely as he drove down the street.
From here on now, he was going to be a new person. A different person to who he was in Middle school and High school. He was going to make some friends.
He was determined to make at least one friend by Christmas, that’s what he had told Gwen.
She’d believed him and encouraged him, just like she always did. And Finney was grateful for her love and support.
But now? Gwen wouldn’t be at College with him. She’d be here, in Denver, with her own life and her own friends.
So Finney had to be confident and independent. But he’s going to power through and do it.
For Gwen.
For himself.
***
Finney sighed in exhaustion after carrying the last of his boxes up to his dorm.
Out of him and his roommate, he was the first person there.
The dorm was actually pretty big. Finney assumed he was going to have a tiny room with just 2 beds and a bathroom.
Well, he was wrong. Because apparently the College he was attending was pretty fancy and rich.
The dorm consisted of a room with a small kitchen, TV and a couch. And then another 2 rooms. One was the bathroom, not too big. And the other had 2 beds, which was Finney’s and his roommate’s room.
The two beds were basically the same, although one bed was by the window with a really nice view. So Finney just had to take that one.
But if his roommate asked to have it, Finney would probably give it to them. I mean, he was a people pleaser after all. Plus, he wants his roommate to like him.
So he’ll do it, if it means his roommate will like him for it. Even if that means giving up a bed with an amazing view.
The bedroom had a large closet, so Finney was able to fit all his clothes in there and still leave plenty of room for his roommate’s clothes as well.
The 2 beds were single beds and had a nightstand by each of them, so Finney had put on it his lamp that he’d brought, all of his bracelets (he had a whole collection), a framed photo of him and Gwen smiling together and both doing a peace sign, and a book for him to read.
He covered his bed in the many blankets and pillows he had brought with him. He was always cold, even in Summer.
Finney admired his little setup. He had even bought fairy lights with the Birthday money his Aunt had gifted him back in July. He hung them up above his window and bed.
He didn’t do anything to the other side of the bedroom. He left that all for his roommate.
Speaking of, about an hour or two after, when Finney had just finished a chapter of his book, he heard the front door of the dorm open.
He immediately sat up in bed, a little nervous to see who it would be. What if it was a bully? What if it was some punk guy who’d play loud rock music everyday. Finney would hate that. No offence or anything, but rock music was not his style.
Finney rose from the bed and hesitantly opened the bedroom door, ready to face his roommate.
If he could, Finney would scream right now, he won’t, because there are other people in the building who could be trying to sleep right now.
But he definitely would scream. Because standing in the little kitchen was his roommate, Robin Arellano.
Robin Arellano was in Middle school and High School with Finney, and Finney had the biggest crush on him since Sophomore year in High School.
Robin Arellano was probably the scariest kid in town. He had that intimidating look and aura that made people fear him.
Finney did fear him. Well, he wasn’t really as scared as everybody else. He was used to bullies and getting beat up. But Robin never beat anybody up for fun. Of course, he got into fights, but he’d never start them. Finney remembered overhearing Robin say to someone that he always fights for a reason and that there’s no point in fighting for fun or bullying. It wastes time.
He was mainly just nervous around him. Nervous because Robin was the most handsome boy he’d ever seen. Well, he’s the most handsome man now.
He’d cut his hair since High School. He used to have long hair to his shoulders. Now? It was all cut off. He was left with fluffy, dark brown hair that made him even more handsome than before.
He’d definitely been working out over the summer, because he was absolutely jacked. He had a muscular body, including his biceps and shoulders. His brown, tanned skin practically glowed in this light.
He had 2 black suitcases and a huge duffle bag on his shoulder. He was wearing a black tank top and grey sweatpants.
He took a quick glance around the dorm before his dark, brown eyes landed on Finney, standing in the bedroom doorway.
He didn’t say anything. He just… stared at Finney. He had a cold expression, but Finney remembers him always looking like that. Just looking grumpy and bored.
Finney doesn’t remember if Robin’s ever smiled or laughed. Well, he wouldn’t know. He wasn’t friends with the guy.
He does remember once, Robin’s friends were trying to get him to laugh. Finney doesn’t know if they ever succeeded in that challenge or not.
Finney gave Robin a little smile and wave. “Hi, Robin. We, uhh-” Wow. Awkward much, Finney? “We went to the same school. You know, I remember y-you and, umm.”
Robin drops his duffle bag onto the couch, cutting Finney off. He takes another look around the dorm before speaking up for the first time since he’d arrived. “Nice.” He murmured, but his expression stayed cold.
Finney nodded in agreement, still trying to keep the conversation going. “Yeah! Um. I hope you don’t mind but, uhh, I-I took the bed by the w-window. I mean, you can have it! If you want.”
Robin just moved past him into the bedroom and sat down on the other bed. He seemed fine having that side. Finney internally cheered.
“Well, um. Wow.” Finney said. “You, uh, you cut your hair! I remember your hair was, like, r-really long.” He stuttered. He was so embarrassing. “You probably don’t remember me but-”
Robin cuts him off. “Finney. You’re Finney Blake.”
Finney’s eyebrows raise slightly in shock. He hadn’t expected Robin to even know who he was. “Yeah! That’s me. Uhh. Hi, again.”
The older man just gives Finney another blank look before heading to the bathroom. “I’m going to shower. Don’t come in.” He said, shutting the door behind him.
Finney stood there in silence for a moment, taking what just happened in.
Well, that’s a nice first interaction with your roommate. Finney thinks that he was friendly towards Robin.
But he’s also internally panicking because the hottest man ever is now his roommate.
He has to text Gwen.
finney and gwenny 🥹
finn🩰: gwenny gwenny gwenny
gwen🤪: omg what
finn🩰: you won’t belive who my fricking roommate is
gwen🤪: do tell
finn🩰: ROBIN ARELLANO FROM HIGHSCHOOL OMG GWEN HELP ME
gwen🤪: SHUT UP
NO WAY
I’m texting Ernie abt ts
finn🩰: WHAT
Ernie as in ERNESTO? ROBIN’S BROTHER? GWEN!
What if he tells Robin that I’m texting about him and then he’ll want a room change NOOO
gwen🤪: Ok dude 1. He’s not gonna change rooms you idiot
2. i thought you’d wanna have a different roommate
finn🩰: well
idrk
I’m kinda nervous around him already cause he looks like he wants to beat me up
But then if we stay roommates we can maybe get closer 🥹🥹 and then maybe I’ll get the chance to see his abs
Gwen you NEED to see this man’s build
gwen🤪: I’d rather not actually
finn🩰: he’s in the shower right now
I don’t know what to doooooo
Like I’ve already finished setting everything up
gwen🤪: go get a drink somewhere idk bro
Make some friends while your at it
finn🩰: it’s you’re
gwen🤪: i genuinely hope robin beats you up
finn🩰: 🙄🙄 whatever bye 🤗
gwen🤪: bye 🥺🥺🤭🤭
***
Getting a drink was a nice idea.
Finney quickly put on a warm jacket and his bag before heading to the front door and leaving. He didn’t tell Robin he was going. He figured Robin wouldn’t exactly care.
It took him about 5 minutes until he came across a little coffee shop. There wasn’t a lot of people in there and they were playing pretty good music, so Finney went in.
He walked up to the counter and ordered a simple drink: a cup of coffee. He wasn’t a huge coffee fan, but he hadn’t had one in ages, so he wanted to have a little try of one again.
It didn’t take long to get some coffee. A girl with brown hair handed it to him and he thanked her.
What he didn’t expect to happen was that when he turned around he accidentally collided with somebody, causing the both of them to fall and Finney’s coffee to spill all over the floor.
“Oh my God. I’m so sorry! Let me pay for that.” A tall man, around Finney’s age, maybe a little older, had said. He had fluffy brown hair and brown eyes. He held his hand out for Finney to take.
Finney gently took his hand and stood up. “Thank you. Oh, it’s okay. You don’t have to pay.”
“No, I insist. That was really silly of me. I should’ve been focusing on my surroundings.” The man said. “I’m Billy. You are?”
Finney smiled softly. “I’m Finney. I-I’m from the College just down the street.”
“Wait, as in Cliffwood College? I’m from there too! Well, I’m just a freshman so I haven’t exactly started yet.” The man- Billy- had said. He seemed really nice. And good looking. Finney! You can’t just think that about strangers.
“I’m a freshman too. I just finished unpacking.” Finney said. He noticed that he was still holding onto Billy’s hand and blushed a little, letting go. Oh my God, Finney. Watch yourself! You can’t like Robin and this Billy man at the same time.
Or can he? I mean, he’s still young. So what if he has a few crushes here and there?
“That’s awesome! Please, let me pay for your drink.” Billy said.
“Oh, no it’s fine-” He was cut off by Billy leading him to a small table with 2 chairs.
“Sit. I’ll be back. Coffee, right?”
“Uhh, yeah. You really don’t have to-”
“Hush,” Billy said with a wide smile. “I must and I will.” He said before making his way back to the counter.
Wow, Finney. Look at you go. First day here and you’ve already got a man buying you a drink.
He internally gives himself a high five.
Billy shortly comes back with 2 cups of coffees in his hands. He places one in front of Finney and sits down opposite him. “So, Finney, what are you at Cliffwoof for?”
Finney smiles, happy to be having a conversation with somebody who isn’t his sister for once. Maybe he could actually become friends with Billy. “Oh, well. It sounds silly… but I’m actually doing drama classes. I just.. I love theatre.”
“No way! Me too!” Billy says, his smile somehow growing wider. “I’m a fan of theatre myself. There’s a theatre not too far from here, actually.”
Finney immediately perked up at that. There’s a theatre near? When he got the money, he was 100% going to buy a ticket to whatever show was playing.
“I’d definitely take you to see a show one day! If you’d want, that is.” Billy offers, but then he frowns. “Sorry. I get comfortable with people a lot. You probably don’t wanna see a show with a stranger.”
Finney shook his head immediately. “No! I’d actually love to watch a show with you.”
Billy’s smile quickly returns. “Well then, Finney. Let me give you my number. I’ll message you about the shows then.”
Billy quickly exchanges his number with Finney and the shorter man does the same.
“I just can’t believe I’ve met someone doing the same class as me.” Finney said, a small smile on his face.
“Me neither! Isn’t this an odd way to become friends? I mean, I accidentally made you tip your drink-” Billy said, but Finney cut him off.
“We’re friends?” Finney asked, but then immediately regretted saying that. He sounded so mean! He didn’t want to be mean!
But Billy doesn’t frown or anything, he just nods. “Well, duh! Unless… you don’t wanna be friends?”
Finney shook his head. “No! No! I wanna be friends. I do!”
Billy smiles softly. “Well, then we’re officially friends, Finney…?” He trailed off, not knowing Finney’s last name.
“Blake. It’s Finney Blake.” Finney said.
“Finney Blake. Mine’s Showalter. Billy Showalter.”
“Well, it’s nice being friends with you, Billy Showalter.” Finney said.
They stayed there talking for about an hour or two. Finney hadn’t even realised how late it was until Billy said that he wanted to get back to see if his roommate had arrived yet.
Billy ended up walking Finney back to his dorm.
“I’ll see you when classes start, okay, Finney? Actually, we’ll hangout before that.” Billy said as they came to Finney’s dorm.
Finney nodded. “Yeah, I’ll text you!”
And with that, Billy went off to his own dorm, and Finney entered his.
What he didn’t expect to see was Robin mid workout in front of the TV.
He was doing some pushups in the same black tank top, just in black shorts instead of sweatpants.
Finney did say hello as he entered, but Robin was too concentrated on his pushups to notice him. Finney didn’t mind, instead, he just made his way to their bedroom.
He noticed that Robin had set up his side of the room. It wasn’t as cute and cuddly as Finney’s, it was pretty… rough? Finney didn’t know how to describe it.
There was a punching bag in the corner. A couple of weights on the ground near the bed. He didn’t have anything out on his nightstand. The bed looked pretty much the same as Finney had seen it before. And Robin had put all of his clothes in the wardrobe.
Robin’s side of the room was a huge contrast to Finney’s side. Finney’s was all colourful, there was blankets (and teddies, but so what?) and fairy lights hung up. Robin’s was basically just a gym if it was bedroom.
Finney didn’t mind it though. As long as Robin was okay with him having his fairy lights on in the night, it was okay. Finney had a great fear of the dark.
***
“So you’re, like, okay with these staying on in the night?” Finney had asked when both him and Robin were in their bedroom.
“For the fifth time, yes.” Robin said. He was dressed in a thin black tank top and shorts. Basically the same thing as earlier, but more comfortable versions.
Finney was dressed in actual pyjamas. They were a bit childish, but Finney loved them. They were space themed with little stars and all the planets all over the pyjama pants and shirt. The set was also a bit big on Finney, but he did accidentally buy the bigger size.
Finney got into his bed, covering himself with all the blankets, pillows and stuffed animals he had brought. He turned to his side to look over at Robin, who was sitting up in his bed. “Are you gonna go to sleep?”
Robin gave him a blank look, like always. “Yes.”
“Ooh! So it’s like a sleepover!” Finney said with a big smile.
Robin’s expression didn’t change. “I thought you were this shy kid.”
Finney shrugged a little. “Well, Gwen- sorry. My sister, she’s helped me gain confidence over summer!” He said with excitement. He loved talking about Gwen. She was his best friend (even if they were siblings). Most siblings don’t have a bond like theirs.
“I know Gwen,” Robin says, leaning back against the wall and crossing his muscular arms (that Finney has to rip his eyes away from) over his chest. “She’s friends with Ernesto.”
“Your brother, right?” Finney says. “He’s nice. Well, I think he’s nice. I don’t know what he thinks about me. I’ve never really… talked to him.”
Robin glanced over at him. “Who was that?”
Finney raised his eyebrow in confusion. “Who was what?”
“That man that walked you back.” Robin said.
Finney sat up a little. “Oh, Billy? He’s my friend.” He said. “We met in that coffee shop down the road.”
“So you just let a stranger walk you home?” Robin asked.
Finney opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. A minute or so later, he managed to find something to say. “Well, he’s not a stranger. He’s a freshman too. Like us.”
Finney thinks he sees Robin rolling his eyes. He doesn’t have time to call it out because Robin speaks up. “He could be lying.”
“Why do you care so much?” Finney asked.
“Because you just told some random man where we live.” Robin scoffed.
Finney frowned. “I’m sorry. I-I won’t do it again.” Crap. He’s already gotten on Robin’s bad side now. He was meant to make a good impression on him! They could’ve been friends. Robin probably hates him now. What if he asks for a room change? Then nobody will want to be his roommate. He’ll be known as ‘the kid who made everyone move rooms’. He doesn’t want that!
Instead of yelling at Finney or doing some other things that Finney does not want to think about, Robin just sighs. “It’s fine.”
“Wait, really?” Finney asks in disbelief.
“Yes, really. He looked like a freshman. He probably wasn’t lying to you.” Robin murmured before shifting to lie down on his side.
Finney did the same thing, but he quickly spoke up. “So you’re okay with-”
“Yes. You can keep the stupid fairy lights on.” Robin cut him off.
Finney smiled to himself before feeling his eyelids grow heavier. He doesn’t remember when he fell asleep, but all he knows is that he fell asleep with a smile on his face.
He made his first ever friend today.
And maybe, just maybe, he’s close to making a second one as well.