Brendon sat awkwardly in the couch, putting his attention in petting Zero as he sat beside Matty. The noise of the TV envelopes the silence between the two of them.

Dallon insisted that he cooked for them and 'assigned' him to entertain Matty while he's preparing. There's apparently no need for the order since Matty has his headphones on, nodding along to the music he's listening.

He realizes this must be the university boy that Dallon mentioned about sometimes. All the books in Dallon's apartment are gifts from Matty. The genres range from mystery to sci-fi novels. There are a few text books and DIY Books that Brendon found along the collection.

An old turnable that Dallon often uses came from Mrs. Truman just a year ago. So, Matty also brings him some extra vinyls that he bought from England.

It's nice how their family treats Dallon like their own, giving him little gifts and extras for whatever he needs. Dallon never asked for them, but he deserves it.

"Brendon?"

His head snaps toward the curly haired man beside him, looking at him expectantly. That's when he realized he was asking a question. "Pardon?"

"I asked when you met Dallon." He says as he puts down his headphones and shifts his position to face him.

'I met him when I escaped my wedding.' Is what Brendon wanted to say but of course he can't. "I-I met him at his work."

Matty raised an eyebrow at him. "The preschool?"

"Uh. Y-Yeah. My little brother studies there. And then Dallon and I got talking. Yeah." Brendon mentally slaps himself for the lame lie but it's nothing as bad as the truth.

He inwardly sighs in relief that Matty seems to take that for an answer.

"That's good. Dallon doesn't have a lot of friends. Believe me how surprised I was when I learned he has a friend staying over his place." Matty says with an amused, but fond smile. There's a hopeful look in his eyes. "At least someone would be looking out for him. I know I can't always be there for Dallon, but please, look out for him, okay?"

It sounded more like a plea than just any simple favor. Nonetheless, Brendon gestures his head with a nod and a smile. At least Matty seems to take that smile for an answer.

'He's not so bad.' Brendon concludes.

"Did you know, when Dallon first came here, he looked like on the verge of dying from starvation. It scared me." Matty says grimly, his arm reaching out to pat on the sleeping puppy on Brendon's lap. "Nana--my grandmother and I, thought we should help him. I know his parents died from an accident. With his older brother still missing, he felt it was his responsibility to take care of his siblings on his own."

It's a realization for Brendon to hear Dallon's predicament. He feels ashamed for despising his grand lifestyle when there are others like Dallon who are living far worse than him. He has a house, the friends, the wealth. But what is he living for? Dallon lives for his family, but what about himself?

"Nana and I decided to let him rent an apartment with whatever money he's got on his pocket the moment he came. We couldn't leave him behind in that state." Matty continues, his face still grim at the memory. "I worry about him a lot. He's like a brother to me."

Brendon hums in understanding. He feels a bit guilty for his childish mood towards this man who only meant well for Dallon.

Matty runs a hand through his untamed curls and lets out a relieved smile. "But, he seems to be doing so well now. He looks a lot healthier, he looks happier. That's good enough for me."

The other man turns to Brendon, the smile never leaving his face. "I'm sure you have some part of it. I'm thankful to you for keeping him company. A friend of Dallon's will always be a friend of mine."

Brendon flushes at the statement of friendship, and was about to deny the claim but was cut-off by Dallon calling them for dinner.

Matty lands a friendly pat on his shoulder as he passed by him, making his way to the dining table and help Dallon set the plates. Brendon stays for a moment in thought, absently running a hand through Zero's soft fur.

As if making a decision, he nods to himself with a tug on his lips. Brendon gingerly puts Zero off his lap and followed Matty, making a silent promise as he made his way to Dallon's side.

'I'll look out for him, I promise.'

*

'They got along well.' Dallon thought, his eyes gazing Matty and Brendon chatting animatedly as they watched a run-through of America's Next Top Model. It was Matty's suggestion, really. And now, he and Brendon are off on a bet on who'll win in the competition.

His place seems noisier than ever, and Dallon likes it. He loves how it feels more like the home he had with his parents. He remembers clearly how he and his brothers would fight over the remote to watch their favorite cartoon. Weston always beats them to it. He's the older brother, so he knows he can't fight against him.

Dallon frowns at the thought of his older brother. His brother loved this girl he wished to marry. The problem was, it was too soon. Weston was only 18 back then. But it appears that didn't matter for him when he ran away from home, taking the girl with him to who knows where.

He doesn't hate his brother for loving someone. But he hates that he didn't even consider what he'll be leaving behind.

Dallon thought about how similar it sounded to Brendon's situation. The difference is, it wasn't Brendon's choice. He hopes that whoever will hold this boy's heart would treat him the way he deserves.

As long as Brendon knows the consequences of his choice, then he'll be ready.

For now, he should savor his life the way he wants to.

*

"I was wondering if you know any place I could work at?"

Why would he look for a job if he's rich, you ask? Well, relying on his bank account won't last if he doesn't find a job soon. He should be helping Dallon. That's what he should be doing. Sooner or later his father is going to find out that he's been actively using his credit card for stocking Dallon's fridge and find him. He can't risk that anymore.

Fortunately, Matty seems to know a lot of gigs in the city. With his one month vacation from the university, it's convenient that the said British lad is in the country.

The curled haired man looks up at him from his phone. "Actually, a close friend of mine who owns the café two blocks away asked if I know anyone who could work for him. Would you be interested?"

Brendon nods eagerly, taking whatever job he can get if it means it could help Dallon.

Matty drives him to a small, well-lit café. He realized he's been passing by this café every time he's out for groceries. It's the first time he entered it.

Brendon appreciates the vintage feel of the café. The little polaroids on their cork board is a nice touch, along with the nice looking sound system--or rather, a Jukebox-- in the 21st century that adds to the vintage aesthetic of the place.

Behind the counter is a tall, raven haired man with blue-greenish eyes instructing a blonde barista on how to work on the cash register. The other man turns his head at the sight of Brendon and Matty, and his face lits up at when he sees the curled haired man.

"Matty! When did you come back, mate?" A baritone, British, voice greeted his friend and gives him a hug.

Has the British quietly invaded America and he had no idea? Nah. Maybe just a coincidence.

"I brought someone looking a job. He's a friend of mine, or rather a friend of Dallon's." Matty introduces as he gives Brendon a light push toward the other man. "This is Brendon."

The other man gives him a kind smile, his eyes crinkling with warmth that seems very welcoming as the other man offered a hand. "I'm Daniel Smith. Or just call me Dan."

Dan briefs him of the job he's offering: A barista.

The owner did offer to teach him how it will work. And Brendon is okay with that. He's a fast learner. Handling a coffee machine and some irate customers would be a challenge but not a problem. As long as he can help Dallon, he'll try.

"And that's the lot of it. I can train you within this week, and it wouldn't take long. I believe your real work can start on Monday if things go well." Dan explains with glee in his voice.

At least his soon-to-be boss seems like a good guy.

"So, Matty. How's Dallon doing? Haven't seen him in a while." Dan notes, turning to curly haired man for an answer.

"He hasn't visited?" Matty glances at Brendon in question, but gives the other man a shrug for an answer. He didn't know Dallon knows this place.

"He's working in a preschool at present. Kinda busy, I guess?" Brendon mentions, as he takes a sip of the coffee that Dan made. He hums approvingly at the taste. It's great.

Dan smiles at him for his reaction, but turns to Matty again with an affronted, mocking look. "Tell the bloody wanker to bring his arse here in my café. He's welcome here anytime. We have a lot to catch up." Dan huffs childishly, seemingly disappointed that Dallon hasn't been visiting at all.

"Language, Dan. I'll be sure to tell him your displeasure of his absence at your café." Matty laughed heartily, finishing his tea and stood from his seat. Brendon watches as the other man fiddles with the jukebox, searching for songs.

"So, you're a friend of Dallon's. You look a bit young to be his friend." Dan states while Matty was away, there is a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "How did you meet him?"

Brendon tells him the same spiel that he told Matty. That would suffice.

What he didn't expect was that Dan seems to see him through.

"There's more than that, isn't it?" Dan surmises with flickering suspicion in his eyes.

Was he that obvious?

Dan clears his throat, mumbling a quick apology. "Sorry. I'm crossing the line. It's rude of me to pry. I was just..." Dan trailed off, his gaze turning to his hands on the table. He looks embarrassed. "I just wanted to make sure that Dallon's okay, you know? And that he's with the right people."

Brendon nods in understanding. He couldn't blame Dan for having suspicion. It's nice to know that there are people who care for Dallon other than him.

"You seem like a good guy, Brendon. So, I won't ask for more than that." Dan reassures him with a smile. "Can you make sure he visits here? I'm not as close with Dallon like Matty does, but after hearing his situation, I wanted to help him, at least. But I don't want him to think it's out of pity. I want to help him because he's my friend."

"Okay. I'll bring him here when he's not busy." He assures the other man. It warms Brendon to see such concern for Dallon. The said man seems very oblivious about such gestures of fondness towards him.

Dan takes that as an answer, excusing himself as he left Brendon on his own when one of his employees asked for help with the coffee maker. Minutes later, Matty returns to their table with a satisfied look on his face when the Jukebox plays a song he's never heard before.

"It's the Arctic Monkeys. I'm surprised you're not familiar with them." Matty mentions, tapping his fingers against the table, following the music's rhythm.

It's nice here. The warm atmosphere of the café can make a customer feel like they're in the nice comfort of their own homes.

Brendon feels like he's going to be just fine working in the café.

*

It's a weekend, so he's on day off today from Preschool. Dallon mentally checks the list of duties that he needed to do that day.

Cleaning the house is done, laundry is good. Next is stocking the fridge.

Brendon's been doing it ever since he stayed with him. He appreciates Brendon's help, but he doesn't want to keep relying on the younger man even with his tight budget situation.

Dallon mentally catalogues his shopping list when he collides into a stranger as he rounds the corner of the street. "I'm sorry!" He mumbles a quick apology at the round faced man, who seems to have fallen his book due to their encounter.

"It's fine. It's my fault for not looking where I was going." The man smiles at him good naturedly, that somehow wipes off the intimidating appearance of this stranger.

Dallon nods, moving past by the other man when the said man calls for him. "I was looking for an apartment that I could rent to. Do you know any place I could inquire, sir?"

There are a lot of apartments within these streets. Dallon muses that the man must be quite picky with his surroundings if he hasn't found one yet. He gives the other man instructions on where to find those apartments. The gentleman gives him a thankful smile for the information.

"Thank you very much, Mister...?"

"Call me Dallon." He replies with a smile.

Making a little bow, the man offers an outstretched hand as introduction. "Nice to meet you, Dallon. I'm Spencer. I believe we may meet again."

Spencer thanks him again for the help and passes by him with a his book in hand. Dallon stares off at Spencer's figure with curiosity, then shrugs as he continues his stride to buy some groceries.

*

"I've found an apartment, sir. I'll be playing undercover for a while until I find him."

He drops his call and puts his phone in his back pocket. The book in his arms weight against him, as he remembers an important image hidden in between the pages of the book.

Spencer takes the book in his hands, finding the picture of the person he's assigned to look for. An eighteen year old boy with honey glazed eyes. In the back of the picture, it writes: Find him. Those are the specific orders given to him. Failure isn't an option.

"Where are you, Brendon?" Spencer mumbles to himself, hiding the picture back and securing the book in his arm as he walks toward the new room he's been given to.

*

[A/N: sounds like filler but let me tell you, every character I've introduced has an important part on our two main character's development.

Speaking of introductions, you've heard Matty (he's from The 1975), now here's Dan (not Panic! Dan, sorry. This is Dan of Bastille). THEY'RE OUT OF CHARACTER AND I AM NOT SORRY FOR THE ADDITION OF MY FAVE BRITISH ARTISTS HAHAHAHA

And of course the Spencer we all know and love is in the story now yey!

I wanted to take this story a bit slow, so sorry if you're anticipating something big. We'll get there soon.

As a reader, I prefer stories where I can see two characters develop not just because of their significant other, but also because of the people around them. I also prefer stories where they grow to love each other, because there's a certain charm in watching the two characters start out as acquaintances and then bloom into something more, the more they spend time with each other.

If you wanted something fast, this story might not be for you hahahaha aND NO SMUT IM TERRIBLY SORRY.

That was long but hey, I hope you had a good read. We'll get there soon, don't worry. Thanks for reading and have a great day!]