Freddy was about to collapse by the time he got back to his apartment. He had two midterms that morning and then a three hour practice that turned into a four and a half hour practice. His legs felt like jello. He pulled into his parking spot. Tyler's car was there. He told Freddy that he was going to be out with the guys all day. He wondered if Tyler got sick or something.

He took a look at his car, filled with books and smelly hockey gear. He grabbed a couple of books out of the backseat that he needed for studying. He had two more midterms tomorrow morning.

He lugged his things up the stairs and fished his key out of his pocket. He heard the TV through the wall. He got the door open and stomped inside, weighed down by everything that he was carrying. He looked over to the couch, and could only see the top of Tyler's head. He looked like he was asleep.

Freddy went around to the front of the couch, not expecting to see both Marshall and a girl lying with Tyler. He had both arms wrapped around her, and half of her face was buried in his neck. He had never seen her before. Weird, he thought to himself. He considered waking them up, but thought better of it. He didn't want to feel the wrath that comes when he disturbs Tyler's slumber.

He had a better idea. He would let Marshall wake them up. He walked into the kitchen area and got the glass container off the top of the fridge. The container had dog treats in it. He rattled the contents around, waiting for Marshall to hear and come running into the kitchen. And that's just what he did.

* * * * * * * * *

"Ah, shit!" Tyler yelled as Marshall jammed his paw into his groin. Overwhelmed with agony, he instinctively covered his crotch with his hand, elbowing Nicki in the process.

"Ouch," she said sleepily, rubbing her temple.

"Sorry," he said as he recovered.

"You guys looked awfully cozy!" Freddy exclaimed proudly from the kitchen.

Nicki didn't even know that she had fallen asleep. Was he asleep, too? All she knew was that she didn't want to get up from where she was. Ever. Even after being smacked in the head.

"You are a frigging asshole, Freddy," Tyler said, still groaning from his injury. Freddy just laughed.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" He asked once the laughter subsided.

"Freddy, this is Nicki. Nicki, Freddy." Tyler said, still angry with his roommate.

"Oh! I see she forgave you then," he snickered. He knew very well that he was pissing Tyler off.

Nicki looked up at Tyler, who still hadn't gotten off of the couch. "You talked to him about me?"

"Don't worry, nothing bad sweetheart!" Freddy was having a blast. He earned an aggressive stare from Tyler.

He finally got up and stretched. He strode towards Freddy, steps quickening the closer he got. Tyler raised a fist at him and came down hard, right in the stomach.

"Douchebag," Tyler finished off his assault. He opened the freezer and got out a small ice pack. He brought it over to Nicki.

"Here, in case it leaves a bump. You don't need to be explaining that to your dad," he said as he placed the ice pack gently on the side of her face. She brought her hand up over his to hold it.

"Thank you." She would never get sick of him taking care of her.

Freddy entered the room. "So Nicki, it's nice to finally meet you." He stuck out his hand.

She grasped it with her free hand. "Yeah, you too. Tyler's told me a lot of nice things about you. But I'm starting to question whether or not they're true.."

"I know, I'm usually not this mean. I just had a tough day, so I like to take it out on Ty here," he explained. "And what's up with all these snacks?" He gestured towards the kitchen island, where the uneaten food lay.

"Nothing," Tyler said, "Help yourself if you want."'

He sat back down next to Nicki and moved the ice pack to look at her face.

"It doesn't look so bad. It's a little red, but I doubt it will bruise or anything. I feel really bad," he said.

"Don't worry about it. The more you're around me the more you'll notice that I'm always getting hurt." She spoke the truth. Ever since she was a kid she found the most intriguing ways to injure herself, and others.

Freddy came back, mouth stuffed with Cheez-its. "So are we good now?"

"Yeah, I guess," Tyler said, unsure.

"Great! Why don't we give Nicki a proper welcome? Who's up for some ping pong?"

"I don't kn-" Tyler began.

Nicki cut him off. "I love ping pong! Bring it on." Her mood was elated from spending the afternoon with Tyler, even if they had been unconscious for half of it.

"Are you sure? Freddy gets a little aggressive," he warned.

She nodded yes. She wanted to do something fun.

Freddy was ecstatic. "Alright. I'll go up against Tyler first. You can see the way the big boys play." Tyler groaned, clearly not happy with the idea. "What's your bet, Ty?"

"Bet?" Nicki asked.

"We don't play unless we each make a bet first. Like, if I win, you two have to make out," Freddy said.

"Seriously? What is with you today dude? Fine. If I win, you have to make out with Marshall. With tongue." Tyler seemed proud of his rebuff.

They shook hands, sealing their bets. Nicki watched them anxiously. They were actually pretty good. But she couldn't believe that Tyler had agreed to Freddy's proposition. Hadn't their almost-kiss nearly ruined their friendship? She didn't want to lose whatever they had, especially over a game of ping pong.

Tyler explained that the first person to get eleven points would win, but you have to win by two. The score was eight to five, Tyler was losing. He went on a run, scoring four points in a row on Freddy, who was getting frustrated. She doubted that he was very excited about the idea of making out with a dog.

"You're doing down," Tyler said, running in place while Freddy prepared to serve. They were funny, Nicki had to give that to them. The game was complete with behind the back serves and diving saves.

It was Tyler's turn to serve, and he only needed one point to win the game. They hit the ball back and forth for what felt like an hour. Freddy bumped it to Tyler's end, and he wound up, swinging hard, sending the ball once onto the table before it bounced past Freddy.

"No freaking way," Freddy said, unhappy that he was defeated.

"You were perfectly ready to watch us make out. Now its your turn."

Tyler laughed as he sat on the couch. He patted the seat next to him, beckoning Nicki over. He picked up the bowl of popcorn and began to stuff his face, doing everything he could to make a fool of his roommate. She sat next to him, and they exchanged high fives.

"Do I really have to do this?" Freddy looked at Marshall, disgusted.

"A bet's a bet," Nicki chimed in.

"How long?"

"Hm.. ten seconds? That sound right to you Tyler?" She asked, savoring their revenge.

"I think that's lettin' him off easy. Alright ten seconds."

Nicki and Tyler counted slowly in unison as they watched Freddy attempt to kiss Marshall. Excited, he lapped his long tongue all over Freddy's face. At eight seconds, they were laughing too hard to keep count. Freddy pulled away and ran to the bathroom, returning seconds later with a bottle of Listerine. Nicki and Tyler laughed even harder, until their abdominal muscles began to hurt from the extortion.

"I need a drink," he said after spitting out the Listerine. He opened the bottle of vodka and took a long swig, which earned more giggles from the couch. "Alright. I've paid my dues. Now Nicki has to go up against the champ."

They got up from the couch and each took a side of the table. Nicki picked up the paddle, looking it over. She waited for Tyler to tell her their deal.

"If I win," he said, "You have to sing for me. And you have to actually try."

She smiled. That was fine. But what would her condition be?

"Okay, I'll stick with the theme we seem to have going here. If I win, you have to make out with Freddy," she said, waiting for their reactions.

"Hell no. That's just not right," Freddy said, figuring he'd been through enough already.

"Maybe you should be a little nicer to Tyler! And me, for that matter," she said.

"Let's do this," Tyler said, confident that he would win.

And he did. Nicki lasted but five minutes with him before losing. She threw down her paddle.

"Ugh, do I have to do it now?" She asked, suddenly bashful.

"Mhm. That's the way it works. If it will make you feel better Freddy can play guitar for you," he offered.

"Really?" She asked Freddy. He said yes. "What songs do you know?"

"A lot. Mostly country, but I also do a lot of nineties, and some newer songs. I just learned the chords to The A Team by Ed Sheeran, do you know that song?"

"I love that song," she said, growing increasingly nervous. The only person she ever sang in front of was Mark.

"It's settled then," Tyler said, taking a seat.

Freddy went into his bedroom to get his guitar. He sat on a stool while he tuned it. Nicki wouldn't face Tyler. Her heart was beating fast and hard. She hated being put on the spot.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tyler stared at Nicki. He felt bad that she was embarrassed, but she had no right to be. He had heard her in the car. Not to mention it was worth not having to kiss Freddy. Especially after his episode with Marshall. Yuck.

"Are you ready?" Freddy asked her. She gave him a slight nod.

He didn't care if it seemed a little gay, he loved when his roommate played the guitar. He was good at it, and he would learn songs Tyler liked. He watched Freddy strum the chords. It sounded just like the actual song.

Nicki opened her mouth to sing. "White lips, pale face, breathing in the snowflakes.."

He let himself get lost in the words. Every time she would hit the chorus, she raised her voice and gave him chills. Eventually, she moved her head slightly, keeping time. He could tell that she felt more confident than a moment ago. He remembered how she said that singing made her happy.

He didn't dare say it to her, but she looked happy. He wondered if it was because of him.

She finished the song and he and Freddy clapped. Her cheeks turned red and she hung her head. Tyler got up to give her a hug. He wanted her to sing again for him sometime, but not because of a stupid bet.

* * * * * * * *

Yet again, Nicki was not expecting Tyler's hug. This time, instead of pushing away, she wrapped her arms around his waist. She was beginning to enjoy these impromptu embraces.

When he released her, she turned to Freddy. "I was just wondering.. do you think you could try to teach me how to play? Only if you don't mind. I've always wanted to learn."

"I would love to," he said, "Do you have a guitar?"

"Yeah, I do," she said. She had no idea where it was, but she had one.

"Bring it over next time! It'll be fun."

"I will, thanks." Maybe Freddy wasn't so bad after all.

"No problem. Anyhow, it's been fun, but I have to start studying if I don't want to flunk out of school this semester," he said as he picked up his books in the kitchen and walked towards his room. "It was nice to meet you, Nicki."

Tyler turned towards her. "Sorry he was being such a jackass. He usually isn't like that."

"That's okay, I still think he's nice," she said. "Hey, what time is it?"

He checked the watch on his left hand. "Almost seven."

Nicki made a face. She had to go home, but she didn’t want the day to end.

“Do you think you could drive me home now? My dad doesn’t even know where I am. He’ll start worrying soon.”

Her father was always worrying about her. When she was younger, he didn’t care what she did. But when her mother died, her brother, Jason, started doing drugs. He dropped out of high school and ran away. After that, Nicki was all her dad had left. And he wasn’t about to lose her, too.

“Yeah, I’ll get my keys,” he said.

He went to the kitchen to look for them. Nicki gazed longingly at him. What she would give to get back on the couch and cuddle again. She already missed him, and she hadn’t even left yet.

“All set?” He asked as he jingled his keys.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

She started to follow him out the door when she heard a cry. She looked around. Marshall was sitting at her feet, big eyes looking up at her.

“Aw Marshall, I’m gonna miss you buddy! You’re such a good boy,” she said as she leaned down to give him a kiss on the head.

She turned back to Tyler. He was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, smiling at her.

“What?” She asked, feeling self conscious.

“Nothing. It’s just cool how good you are with him.”

He didn’t say anything else. What did that mean?

They got to the car. For the fourth time now, he opened her door for her.

“How come you always get the door for me? You don’t need to, you know.”

He cocked his head to the side.

“Because you’re a lady. And I’m a gentleman,” he said as he gestured for her to get in.

He went around to the driver’s side and got in. She looked at him.

“I guess chivalry isn’t dead after all,” she said.

** * * * * * *

Tyler pulled over by the curb in front of Nicki’s house and grabbed the clutch to put the car in park. He saw her glance down at his hand. He left it there.

“Tyler, I can’t thank you enough. You did so much for me today. How am I ever going to make it up to you?”

He answered immediately. “Don’t ever worry about making anything up to me. I did it because I wanted to. Besides, I’ll expect you to be there if I ever have a break down like that.”

She laughed. “So I had a break down? Thanks, hearing you say that makes me feel so much better.” She paused. “Really though, you helped me. A lot. I can’t imagine what I’d be doing right now if you hadn’t stepped in.”

He didn’t know how to answer her. Instead of speaking, he leaned over to give her an across-the-car hug. He felt her press her forehead into his neck. She always felt so warm. Her hair was soft against his face. He moved slightly and gently kissed the top of her head. It felt like the right thing to do. As much as he didn’t want to, he pulled away. He couldn’t keep her there forever.

“Can I take you up on your offer?” He asked her.

“What offer was this?”

“To burn me a CD. If you don’t mind.”

“No, of course I don’t mind. It’s the least I can do. What do you want me to put on it?”

“Not sure. Just put on all of your favorites.”

When he said that, something changed in her face. Her eyes became soft as she answered.

“Yeah.. yeah I can do that.”

“Thanks,” he said, almost whispering.

He didn’t look away. He could tell by her expression that she was thinking. She took her eyes away from his and glanced down at his lips. His heart started to beat a little faster. Was he nervous?

She shook her head.

“Thank you again for today, and for the ride home. I’ll talk to you later?”

Whatever she wanted to do, she had thought otherwise. Tyler sighed.

“Yeah, talk to you later.”

She got out of the car and waved before she went inside.

Did I want her to kiss me?

He spent the entire ride home trying to find the answer to that question. He was relieved when he got home. Maybe Freddy could take his mind off of it. That was a terrible misconception.

“So are you doing her?” Were the first words that Tyler heard upon opening the door to their apartment.

“No, Freddy. We’re friends. She was having a bad day, so I picked her up and brought her here to try to cheer her up. That’s it.” He didn’t want to talk about it.

“Oh okay. That makes sense. Because we’re friends. And we always cuddle and take naps on the couch together.”

“It’s different. She’s a girl. It didn’t mean anything. If you had a girl over here, wouldn’t you do the same thing?”

“Totally.” Tyler nodded and began to speak, but Freddy continued, “If I was doing her.”

“It’s not like that,” he said, becoming frustrated. “Today made three months since her boyfriend died and she was really upset. I figured it would make her feel better. And clearly it worked. Make fun of me all you want, I was just being a good friend.”

“Believe me, I am not making fun of you. Dude she’s hot. And the way she sings? Damn. I’m just sayin’, if you don’t want her, I’ll take her.”

“Whatever man. You want her? Give it a shot,” Tyler said, ready to dismiss the subject.

“Really? I didn’t expect you to say that,” Freddy admitted.

“Why?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t have feelings for her. Don’t even try. I see the way you two look at each other.”

“We don’t look at each other like anything.”

“Yeah, right. And the way you were so ready to accept my bet? You just wanted an excuse to kiss her. I’m surprised you didn’t lose on purpose.”

Tyler started to get defensive.

“What the fuck man? Why are you being like this? And if I remember correctly, you’re the one that called me an asshole for trying to kiss her that night at the bar.”

“No, I called you an asshole for assuming that a chick who just lost her boyfriend in a car accident wanted to sleep with you. And if I remember correctly, you’ve never just had a friend that was a girl. I’m not sure any girl you know would call you her ‘friend’. Face it Ty, it just isn’t who you are.”

“Well maybe I changed. Did you ever think of that?” Tyler said as he stormed into his room.

He slammed the door. Why was he so angry? He felt like he was going to explode. He wanted to call Nicki. She would understand. He looked at his phone and pulled up her number. He was about to call when he realized how strange it might sound when he told her that he got in a fight with Freddy. About her. He threw his phone on his pillow and let himself fall onto his bed. He brought his hands over his eyes, as if that would block out the thoughts that were running rampant through his head.

** * * * *

Nicki scooped up her hair and tied it into a messy ponytail. When she ran her hand over her hair to smooth out the bumps, she let it linger where Tyler had kissed her. She closed her eyes, trying to recreate the moment. She hoped he hadn’t seen the tear slip down her cheek. It was the place that Mark always kissed her.

It was a strange coincidence. When Mark would kiss her there, she always felt loved. It always brought a smile to her face. But with Tyler, it felt so different. Maybe it was because she wasn’t expecting it. He kissed her so lightly she nearly missed it. It ignited something deep inside of her. She felt it in her chest, her stomach, every nerve in her body. It was so strong that it made a tear escape her eye.

She climbed into bed, hoping that she would get some sleep. She didn’t have any expectations, since she hadn’t gotten more than four or five hours a night in months. But one thing gave her a little bit of hope. She had a hard enough time sleeping at night, when she was actually tired. The fact that she had fallen asleep in the middle of the afternoon was ludicrous.

Nicki felt her cat jump up on the bed. He curled up by her feet, keeping them warm. She closed her eyes, and for the first time since they’d met, didn’t push the thoughts of Tyler out of her head. He was all she could think about; he was all she wanted to think about. She tried to remember what it felt like, lying there with him. The way his chest moved her head up and down, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, even the scruff from his chin that scratched her forehead. She drifted off to sleep..