(AN: Hey guys! It's me, Ivan again. So it's time, eh? It's been a long while since my last ORIGINAL Vecpio fic (A Deal or No Deal), and this has been a fic that's been in the works since at least the creation of Memoirs of Mobius U. And so, I welcome you to Rooming In, a modern Vecpio AU!

The idea for this AU actually came not from me, but from an old friend of mine who I, actually cut off this February. While we were still on good terms, he wanted to give me a gift fic, and he decided on Vecpio because he knew I liked it. Problem was; he didn't know CRAP about Sonic, cause he never played any of the games. So, only looking up the info about their characters, he tried to make it, and nothing came out of it. I just decided to revisit this concept and make it more... better. If you ever reads this, BKP, I'm sorry for technically kinda sorta taking your idea lol. I hope you don't mind

Anyway, huge shout out to Dan (Cosmictruffle) for providing the excellent cover image. Seriously, it's so amazing.

Well, with all of that out of the way, before I begin this fic, I would like to remind everyone that, as the description says, this is going to be M-Rated for eventual lemons, but also for violence, drug use, and well, other things that will be mentioned as the story progresses. Don't worry tho, no one dies in this fic (at least, no main character. Oops, spoiler?)

So, SUPER long AN aside, I wanna hear what you guys think of the fic? I'm expecting this fic to be as long as A Deal or No Deal, possibly longer, so if there's anything you feel should be changed, etc, tell me!

And now, our feature presentation.)

Inside a house in a rather quiet neighborhood, a loud argument went on between two men. One of them, a begging crocodile, walked behind his echidna friend and pleaded with him.

"C'mon, Knuckles! I know I ain't the most responsible person in the world, but I know ya can give me another chance!" He said, holding his hands together. "Please?"

Knuckles huffed as he angrily grabbed Vector's bags and put them into the crocodile's hands, proceeding to shove him out of his house.

"Vector, I said it on day one: You pay your rent on time, you can stay for as long as you want. You don't pay the rent? Well, you better find yourself a new place, cuz you aren't fucking staying here." The echidna said. He sighed, rubbing his eyes. "Look, Vector, I'm sorry, but you really do need to be more responsible."

"And where the hell am I gonna stay now?!" The crocodile yelled.

Knuckles shrugged. "Anywhere but here."

With that, Knuckles closed the door and locked it as Vector cursed under his breath, kicking the ground.

"Fuckin' smartass echidna, thinkin' he can kick me out all cause I just HAPPENED to accidentally not pay rent on time. 'SCUSE me if Club Rouge doesn't pay me 'till next week."

Vector sulked as he walked through the dark neighborhood streets, wondering where to go now. Since it was night time, all his friends had to be asleep by now.

"Fuck it, I'll probably just find some alleyway to sleep in or somethin'. Wouldn't have been the first time I've been homeless."

As Vector walked into the dimly lit city streets of Station Square, he noted the nightclub that he worked at on weekends.

"Oh, Club Rouge… I could honestly DJ some sick ass beats right now…"

As the main DJ of Club Rouge, Vector had his fans. With lights, and epic raves, anytime Vector found himself on the DJ's turntable, it was guaranteed to be one hell of a party, with drinking and hot babes all over.

But that same DJ everyone knew and loved was walking around on the streets like an abandoned puppy.

"Wonder what someone would think of me now?" Vector shook his head. Not like anyone would know, he can't even remember the last time he was with his family, and not to mention, his friends knew how he was.

Friends…

It was something Vector really didn't know the true meaning of. Sure he had Knuckles, and a few of his other friends, but no one he could really call a 'best friend.'

"I sure could use one right now..." Vector scoffed. The idea was silly. Was there really such a thing as a friend who would risk an arm and a leg for someone?

Just as he thought this, Vector came across a pay phone. Remembering that his cell phone was dead, and that he still had some tokens, Vector went to the receiver and placed the tokens into the coin slot.

"Now, who should I call?" The large green reptile muttered to himself. "I dun remember Stu or Bill's number…"

Then Vector stopped. "Wait…"

The crocodile dialed the number quickly as he heard the receiver buzz. He muttered, "C'mon ya dimwit of a mutt, I know yer awake…"

A second later, the caller picked up, and a gruff voice answered.

"H-Hnuh? Hello? Who is it?" The voice said in a heavy Downundan accent.

"Dingo, it's me. Vector?" Vector replied.

"Vector? Oh, Vector, it's you… wuzz goin' down, mate?"

"Nothin' much, man. Hey listen, I was wonderin', could I… crash at yer place fer the night? Just fer tonight, I promise."

"Crash? Oh, Vector… ya didn't get kicked out by Knuckles, did ya?"

There was silence on Vector's end. Dingo whewed. "Ooh boy, you did. Y'know, you gotta be more responsible-"

"Don't start with me, Dingo. Knux said the said thing."

"Ha ha, alright. Sure, it's fine. Try to get here fast; Sleet and I were just about to head to bed."

"He won't have a problem with me stayin', will he?"

"Nah, he likes ya, mate. D'ya need anything when you get here?"

"Well, a bed would be nice."

"I think we got an inflatable bed… somewhere… I'll look for it right now, just, get on over here."

"Gotcha, thanks man."

"No problem, mate."

Dingo hung up as Vector made his way to the orange canine's house, finally glad that he found a place for the night.

MEANWHILE, IN AN APARTMENT COMPLEX JUST 10 MINUTES AWAY

A purple chameleon stood in his room, looking at the sketches he made to teach his yoga class next week. He began to practice it to the beat of the music he was playing on his tablet, moving back and forth as he kept looking at the sketches.

Suddenly, a loud noise interrupted his concentration, causing the chameleon to bite his tongue. He glared at the door as he turned off the music, opening it to find a young bee child trying to find the batteries to the TV remote he dropped.

"Charmy, didn't I tell you that you had to be in bed ten minutes ago?" The chameleon asked, looking cross.

"Yeah! But I wanted some water!" The bee named Charmy lied, trying to look innocent.

"Charmy… I thought I told you no TV once I called bed time. Besides, you know that tomorrow is the day we're moving to our new apartment. We have to box up the TV."

"Oh, Espio! You're no fun!" Charmy pouted.

The chameleon, named Espio, sighed as he sat down next to Charmy. "Look, you can watch TV when we get to the apartment tomorrow, just, give it a rest for today, okay?"

The bee still was pouting, but he got off the couch and buzzed away. "You're right, Espio. I'm sorry."

"Good," Espio said, kissing Charmy's forehead. "Now get some sleep, okay? Because you know-

"-tomorrow's the big day, Espio, I know! And I can't wait!"

"Well, tomorrow won't come quicker if you don't get some sleep. So sleep. If you want, I'll leave you that glass of water you 'said you wanted'."

"That's okay," Charmy yawned. "Good night, Espio…"

"Good night to you too, Charmy. I love you," Espio smiled.

"I love you too, Espio…"

The bee buzzed back to his room as he closed the door. Espio sighed as he walked over to the small kitchen, stepping on something.

"Oh!"

Espio pulled his foot back to find it was a small action figure. He picked it up and looked at it.

"Looks like Charmy must have forgotten one of his toys," The chameleon said to himself, finding the closest box and placing it there.

Espio proceeded to walk over to the counter and look at the digital clock on the counter. 10:13 P.M.

To think that in less than 12 hours, Espio and Charmy would be moving into a new apartment, one where space wasn't an issue (something the bee complained about). Of course, it would be hard to imagine something like this happening once he left home.

Espio remembered a time where he was once a member to a family of chameleons in the Dragon Kingdom that specialized in martial arts. However, that changed when Espio was exiled by his family members when it was found that he was having romantic relations with a male from another family, and learning his sexuality. He still remembers the higher ups of his family booming that he was banished from the town, the door of his home being shut in his face, and his realization that he was all alone.

But that changed once he met Charmy.

TWO YEARS AGO…

Espio walked on the path out from his village, packed with nothing more than a few clothes, and very few personal belongings. He sniffed as the shock of everything that culminated in the past few minutes finally started to hit him.

"They… left me here to die because of who I am…" The chameleon said to himself. "THEY WANT… THEIR OWN SON TO DIE!"

Espio punched the nearest tree as he finally broke down. All of his emotions shattered in the blink of an eye.

Had it not been for a faint voice yelling for help, he would have stayed there completely sullen.

Espio moved away from a tree as he noticed a bee mother and her son, the mother looking incredibly beaten up and bloodied, walking up towards him. Espio, who was someone that had good morals, ran up to the two.

"Are you okay, ma'am?!" He asked. The mother shook her head.

"N-No… Ooh…"

"M-Mama!" Her son cried, holding her.

"P-Please… help…" The mother pleaded to Espio.

"I-I… I'll try, ma'am. But first I need to know, what happened to you and your son?" Espio asked. The woman breathed heavily, struggling to look at the chameleon. He knew it was only a matter of time before her life was over.

"T-The Baron Wasps… destroyed our happy and peaceful colony… So many dead… My husband and other children included…"

"Dead?!"

"Yes... heads, bodies ripped apart. Stab wounds... That's not even all of them..."

"And you and your son survived?"

"Yes... my son here; Charmy… was the only family member to survive, he was in hiding…"

"And these Baron Wasps, did they target you?"

"Yes… they tried to go after him, but they got me… O-Oh!"

The woman fell over as her son, Charmy, yelped. Espio quickly picked her up.

"Ma'am, you need to keep walking forward. You'll find a town there; there's a doctor there that can patch you and your son up. Go! Quickly!"

The woman was silent as she tried to keep her head up. "N-No… I don't see myself getting better…"

Charmy wasn't accepting it. "Mama! Listen to the stranger! Don't leave me! Please!"

Espio couldn't lie; this bee looked no older than four, yet could talk so clearly. It had to be his distress.

"Poor child…" The chameleon thought. The child suddenly started beating on Espio's legs. "Take my mama to the town! Make her better! Make her better!"

"I… I can't… I was exiled…"

The bee child continued to cry as he held his mother tighter. She suddenly looked at Espio.

"Where… are you going now?" The mother asked.

"To a place where I can live my life how I wish to…" Espio replied.

"I-In that case… please-"

She picked up Charmy as hard as she could and gently directed him towards Espio.

"-take my son with you. Raise him like your own… He has no one…"

It was like a lightning bolt hit him. It was hard wondering where to go, how to survive and eat, but with a child on his back too?! There was no way he could do it. Thoughts raced through his head about what would happen; would he and this child die too from lack of resources? Would natural selection take its toll on them?

No…

Espio wasn't going to let that stop him.

"M-Mama! Mama, no!" Charmy almost screamed.

He nodded. "Okay, I understand. I'll take your son in. I won't let anything happen to him."

"Thank… you…"

The woman became weaker as Charmy cried harder.

"Mama?..." He said.

"Oh… Charmy...I...love you...More than...anyone else..."

The woman put her hand over her son's forehead as she groaned, falling face flat to the ground. Espio let out a gasp, one he could never hold back. Charmy became hysterical realizing what was going on.

"M-Mama?! Mama?! You're… you're sleeping, aren't you? M-Mama?"

Charmy shook his mother's lifeless body a few times as he started to break down, proceeding to shake her body harder.

"M-Mama! Don't scare me like this! Mama, wake up! PLEASE! MAMA! MAMA!"

And with that, Charmy cried and howled as the truth finally sunk in.

His mother was dead.

After Charmy grieved for his mother in the way he knew how to, if Espio remember correctly, he simply looked at Espio, snot falling down from his nose, and said while almost choking:

"What do I do now?"

The chameleon remembers comforting the crying bee, as he himself couldn't help but tear up, relating to the bee on what it's like to lose family. He promised him that he's going to love him and take care of him no matter the cost, even if he looks and acts nothing like his parents. From there, the two journeyed together to find a place to live, and finally found refuge in Station Square.

Now, two years later, Charmy was a changed bee. While still missing his mother, he learned to move on, and learned to love Espio like he was his own father. It almost felt like they were a family; a very incomplete family, but a family nonetheless.

As Espio yawned, he smacked his lips as the chameleon had the sudden urge to drink something hot before bed.

"I don't think there's anything here, so perhaps I'll go to the corner store."

As Espio went through a shortcut to the nearest corner store, he brought his attention to something clanging in the distance, wondering what it was.

"Whatever it is, I hope whoever's involved is oka-"

Espio suddenly stopped when he felt someone bump into him, touching his chest. He froze, whatever this man was doing, it wasn't good. He could have been a robber, or worse. Even if it may have been on accident, or not, the chameleon didn't care.

On instinct, Espio turned invisible, and then proceeded grabbed a large hand and threw whoever touched him onto the ground.

It was when he saw the person did he stop.

On the ground was a large green crocodile, struggling to get up. Espio covered his mouth, realizing what he had done was a terrible mistake. The crocodile shook his head.

"W-Who's there?! Wh-Whaddya want?! Stay away!"

The crocodile placed his hand over his face, and before Espio could apologize, he got up, running away while screaming about a 'ghost'.

As the chameleon became visible, he could only wonder about how much distress that man was in, and not to mention Espio's own inability to apologize for what he had done.

Espio left the scene, a pang of guilt hitting him.

THE NEXT DAY

Espio sighed as all the boxes were now inside the new apartment. From the corner of his eye, he could see Charmy bouncing happily on his new bed. The chameleon smiled, now was the time for a new chapter to begin.

But something still struck with Espio.

According to their new landlord, the rent for this apartment was approximately 100 dollars higher than in the previous apartment. Add into inflation too, and there was simply no way Espio could afford it on his own.

Thus, it called for drastic measures.

"But, I think it's better than I focus on unpacking than I do worrying about that." He thought.

After organizing all the items and finding a good place, Espio finally sat down with a paper and pen and began to write down an advertisement, starting up his tablet on the side. He would write down one sentence, look up information, then write another sentence.

When he was finished, Espio looked at his advertisement.

"WANTED

Seeking Roommate who is willing to collaborate on paying rent with one individual who works.

Rent is $825 a month, both of us will pay half of it together.

Expected to know how to do chores, cook, clean, etc. Someone with good responsibilities is recommended.

Apartment has three rooms, very clean and brand new.

If interested, please call 901-435-7482"

Espio looked up quickly on where would be a good place to put up advertisements for roommates. He found that the community college was where he had to go.

The chameleon walked over to the window, and saw the college in the distance.

"I hope when I walk in, no one realizes I don't even study there," Espio said to himself before turning around.

MEANWHILE, IN A HOUSE A FEW MINUTES AWAY FROM THE APARTMENT

Vector mumbled as he turned over in his sheets, eyes opening slowly. He groaned as he saw the light coming from the closed blinds.

"It's mornin' already?" He asked himself. The crocodile got up feeling his arms aching. He rubbed the crust from his eyes as he looked around.

"Of course…"

Vector noticed a picture of Sleet and Dingo, and remembered that he was in their house, this being their guest bedroom. He grabbed the framed picture and looked at it. It was a picture from their wedding (Vector missed it unfortunately). As he continued to look at it, Vector couldn't help but smile.

The crocodile got off the bed, feeling his tail slumping as he walked out of the room. He made his way into the kitchen, where he saw Sleet; Dingo's husband, cooking breakfast for himself.

"Oh, Vector… good morning," He said. "Are you feeling well?"

"Well, I feel like I just got hit by a fuckin' huge ass truck, but other than that, yeah, I'm good," Vector replied. "Where's Dingo?"

"Left for work about thirty minutes ago."

"Oh yeah, still bodybuildin', right?"

"Yes. He's been going at it harder now, especially now that the annual Mr. Mobius competition is coming up."

"Oh… yeah that… I remember signing up fer one of those… Didn't get past the perminaries…"

Silence between the two happened for a few seconds.

"Do you… mind if I cook breakfast for you?" Sleet asked. "I was already cooking breakfast myself, I can make something."

"Naw man, ya don't have to do that. It's too much. Yeh and Dingo already gave me a place to stay fer the night."

"Oh, no no, I insist. You need your strength, Vector."

"Well…" Vector slumped. "Fine…"

Sleet nodded, placing a few pieces of bacon into a pan to get started.

"I'm just kinda wonderin' now where to go…" Vector said.

"I mean, do you have any other friends that would let you stay?" Sleet replied.

"All of 'em at least once. They ain't gonna let me do it."

"Well, maybe it's not a friend you're looking for this time."

"Hunh? Whacha talkin' 'bout, man?"

Sleet went over to the counter and pulled out a post-it note. He took a pen and began writing on it. He handed it to Vector after he was done.

"Here: Go over to this community college. They have a bulletin board where people ask for roommates and to give them a call."

"So ya want me to move in with some random stranger?"

"Basically. I mean, it can't be that bad, can it?"

"Uh, nuh-uh, considerin' what I am, I dun think people are outside of the ones I know are gonna like me."

"Vector, you're a different man than you were, let's say; a few years ago. Give it a try! If anything, it may even make you a new friend," Sleet slid a plate to Vector. "Now eat."

"Fine fine…"

As Vector ate his breakfast, he thought about what Sleet suggested. Maybe… something new was what he needed. After all, it's just like the wolf said: it couldn't be THAT bad.

"But damn, this is some good ass food. Now I think I see why Dingo married 'im…" The crocodile thought as he finished his breakfast.

After leaving a thank you note and a few bucks for Dingo and Sleet for letting him stay, Vector headed off to the community college, looking for the bulletin board the wolf told him about. He walked past the giant food court as he saw all the advertisements. It almost intimidated him how many there were.

"Geez… how do I pick?" Vector muttered to himself. "There's just so many…"

"Something that attracts mah attention, that's what I'm lookin' fer," The reptile thought to himself. "Yeah, somethin' like that one guy who says he's a weed smoker. He seems like he wouldn't give too much of a shit. Plus I could probably hit up a few blunts too…"

And that's when he found it, an ad that wasn't complex or detailed.

"WANTED

Seeking Roommate who is willing to collaborate on paying rent with one individual who works.

Rent is $825 a month, both of us will pay half of it together.

Expected to know how to do chores, cook, clean, etc. Someone with good responsibilities is recommended.

Apartment has three rooms, very clean and brand new.

If interested, please call 901-435-7482"

Vector looked at it and his brow furrowed.

"Expensive as hell rent, but… it's somethin' I can pay fer with the money Club Rouge gets me. And I know how to do all that… but heh, responsibilities, I dun have that. Like the three rooms though…"

The crocodile looked at it one more time. Something about the ad compelled him, made him want to call.

And once he left, that's what he did. He called the number, waiting for whoever it was to pick up the phone.

As Vector was about to hang up, the person who posted the ad finally picked up.

"Hello!" A clearly cheery voice said.

"Uh… hi?" Vector said, confused. "Who is this?"

"This is Charmy!"

Now Vector was confused. There was no way a child could post the ad, on top of that, have perfect spelling and handwriting.

"Look, kid, uh, is yer mom or dad there?"

"I don't have a mom or dad… but I got someone who takes care of me! Hold on, I'll pass the phone to him!"

The line went silent for a few seconds as the loud and happy voice yelled in the background, "Espio! It's for you!"

A new voice on the line spoke.

"Hello?"

"So… this must have been the Espio person Charmy was calling…" Vector thought.

"Uhh, hi. I saw yer ad fer a roommate at the community college and uh, I wanted to know if anyone had taken up the offer."

There was a pause for a brief second before the voice replied.

"O-Oh, that! Uh, I just put that there this morning, actually! I didn't realize someone would reply that fast. Yes, yes it's still open."

"Could I be so kind as to accept the offer?" Vector joked.

"Yes yes, of course. Uhh, here, I'll talk to my landlord about it, and make the arrangements. I'll call you back in an hour to tell you when you can come. The apartment is located at 8300 Avalon Avenue, Apartment Number 324. I'll see you then."

"Likewise."

Vector hanged up, somewhat happy that he finally got the offer. Maybe he'd loiter around the town until the person who posted the ad responded back.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE APARTMENT

Espio, who now had taken care of everything, was talking to Charmy. The bee sat on the armrest of the couch, listening carefully.

"Now, Charmy, our new guest is going to be our roommate, and he's going to live with us from here on out. Now, I want you to give him the same respect like you do with me, and since he's going to be your caretaker too, you have to follow what he does too. Understood?"

"Got it, captain!" Charmy replied, saluting. Espio patted his head.

"Good kid. And remember, don't be shy! He's a friendly man," The chameleon smiled. There was a knock on the door.

"Oh, and that's him!"

As Espio walked over to the door, he could only wonder if the person really WAS the crocodile he encountered yesterday. When he gotten his call and heard his voice, it sounded SO similar. It was part of the reason he froze and questioned if he should apologize for what he had done the night before. He didn't however, knowing it could have deterred him from not wanting to room.

The chameleon opened the door and sure enough, standing at the doorway was a large, buff looking green crocodile, wearing a burgundy shirt, jeans, black shoes, and had on headphones and a gold chain around his neck. It was clear as day this was the crocodile he attacked on accident last night.

It seems Espio wasn't the only one who was nervous, when Charmy noticed the crocodile; he yelped and hid under the couch, poking his head only slightly.

"Hey, yer Espio, aren't ya?" The crocodile said. Espio said nothing, slightly freaked out over the small detail.

Vector looked at Espio. "What? What is it?" He then grinned slyly. "Yer not fallin' fer me already, are ya? Nyah hah hah!"

Espio couldn't hold back a chuckle at this point. "No, don't worry about it. But please come on in."

He let Vector inside of the apartment, who admired everything around him.

"Wow, nice place ya got here. Ya weren't kiddin', man," The crocodile said.

"I always say what I mean," Espio replied. "Oh, please put your stuff down,"

In a swift movement, the chameleon already grabbed Vector's belongings and placed it on the floor. Vector was quick to raise a brow.

"Ya okay, Espio? Yer kinda shaking?"

Espio let out a sigh, knowing that his nervousness was showing.

"Look, sir, uh… what if I told you I met you last night?" Espio said. Vector laughed.

"Oh, ya gotta be pullin' mah leg; I didn't meet anyone like ya last night."

"Yes you did. You know, in the alleyway, where you got thrown to the ground."

"How in the fu-…"

Vector went silent.

"Wait… THAT WAS YEH?!"

Espio nodded. "Yes… listen, I'm really sorry about that. I wanted to apologize so badly, but you ran away before I could."

Vector didn't say a word for nearly 10 seconds until he punched Espio's arm playfully.

"Nah, dun worry 'bout it. It was a misunderstandin'!" Vector said. "If it makes ya feel better, I'm sorry fer bumpin' into ya,"

Espio softly smiled. "Okay, thank you. And apology accepted," The chameleon nodded.

"I never asked for your name anyway. What is it?"

"Oh, mah name?" Vector replied. "The name's Vector!"

"Vector… So that's his name…" Espio thought to himself. He couldn't deny it, even though his roommate was the same man he had thrown to the ground last night, up close, he was quite handsome.

He shook his head. "He's your roommate, you fool. At least wait to know each other before you think that."

"So uh, wasn't there some Charmy kid that lived here or somethin'? He's the one who answered."

"Oh, Charmy? He WAS on the couch, but I'm not sure where he went," Espio said. "Charmy! Where are you?!" He yelled.

From under the couch, Charmy looked up at the legs of Vector and Espio, still scared of the crocodile. Espio walked over to the couch and looked under it, staring back at the bee.

"Charmy… why are you under the couch?" He asked. Espio pulled him out as he felt the bee shake in his arms. "Oh… you're shaking…"

"Because our new roommate looks mean and scary!" Charmy said. Vector put his hands on his hips and grinned.

"Hey, I ain't that bad. Just 'cuz Imma big crocodile doesn't mean I'm bad and scary, at least, unless ya get on mah bad side," Vector said. "But hey, Charmy, I ain't gonna bite."

The green reptile let out his hand towards Charmy as the bee slowly took it. He brought him out from Espio's arms and onto his head.

"Wow! Everything looks bigger from his head, Espio!" The bee giggled. "And he knows my name too!"

"See?" Vector replied. "But does that mean ya know mah name?"

"Yeah! It's Vector!"

"What a smart kiddo," The crocodile grinned. "So, about Charmy, Espio, is he yer son or somethin'?"

Espio looked slightly offended. "What, do I look like a bee?" Vector laughed. "No, it's… complicated about how he got under my wing."

"I got time, ya can tell."

And so, Espio explained it to Vector, omitting some parts however.

"Dang… that must have been real rough fer the kid."

"Nah, I'm over it now!" Charmy replied. "Besides, Espio is the best new dad ever! And having you around… does that make you my… other dad?"

"No… ha ha ha, I think if I'm gonna be yer other dad, I have to be in a relationship with Espio first. It's how it works."

"Oh… Espio! Love Vector! I want two dads now!"

"Charmy… that's not how it works…" Espio shook his head. Clearly Charmy took a loving with Vector so quickly. "Look, to get off this topic, how about I prepare lunch?"

"Ooh! Ooh! Can I help! I want Vector to feel at home!" Charmy replied, buzzing over to Espio. "We can make our pepperoni and sausage sandwiches!"

"You're right. Besides, we don't have much in the fridge anyway. I should go grocery shopping tomorrow…"

Vector watched as Espio and Charmy prepared the sandwiches for lunch. The chameleon cooked some of the meats on the stove while the bee placed cheese on the sandwiches so Espio could put it in the toaster oven.

"So, where do ya work at, Espio?" Vector asked, trying to stir up a conversation.

"Oh, I'm an instructor at Soar's Yoga & Wellness," Espio replied.

"Yoga Instructor, eh? Sounds like an awesome job."

"Yes, although I do often have to watch what I eat. Then again, I work out every day, so it wouldn't be too bad."

"Yeah, I work out too. Liftin' is all I know. Oh, and leg stuff too. Can't forget 'bout that like some people do."

"I see… Well, what about you, Vector? Where do you work at?"

"Oh, Imma DJ at Club Rouge."

"Wait, that Club Rouge?"

"Yup! Only open on weekends though. I'm there all night and until the sun rises. Gets me a huge ass pay."

"I imagine so. Club Rouge is very popular for the party types. A few of my friends have invited me, but I'm just not a fan of how loud it is there."

"Awh, it ain't that bad, Espio. Ya should come some time."

"Err, I think I'm good…"

"Alrighty, whatever ya say man."

"So, this means that you'll be around on the weekdays?"

"Well, yeah."

"Okay, that's good. Then let me assign you to your task."

"Whoa, we're already doin' this? I haven't even eaten yet!"

"This isn't for today, Vector!" He laughed. "Okay, listen up: since I'm gone during the morning and afternoon because of work, you'll be Charmy's new caretaker."

"Does this mean?!-"Charmy gasped.

"Yes Charmy, Vector here will be your new babysitter."

"Yes!" The bee pumped his fist into the air.

"Ain't he excited," Vector said.

"Eh, Charmy doesn't really like his babysitters. I think it's because I'm not around. It's common for his age after all," Espio said. "Anyway, so because I'm gone, you'll be in charge of cleaning up the place, cleaning the windows, tables, washing plates, you get the general idea. Just make it clean so each day I don't come home having to do it."

"That's it?"

"Not quite. You'll also have to prepare Charmy his lunch. Usually we have leftovers or you can find something new in the fridge. You CAN cook, right? It was in the ad."

"Sure I can! I think I can make a mean ass-"

"VECTOR…"

"What?"

The crocodile was taken off guard when Espio said his name sternly. He then noticed that Espio put his hands over where Charmy's ears would be.

"Oh…"

"I'm assuming you like to cuss, just, NOT around the child."

"Sorry…"

Espio sighed. "It's alright.

"I meant mean lasagna! I can make that."

"Ooh! I like lasagna!" Charmy explained.

"Also, last thing; if Charmy wants you to play with him, please do it," Espio said.

"Alright! I'm sure we can play make believe 'till we get tired," Vector replied.

Charmy grinned at Espio. "I love my new roommate already."

Espio smiled back. "I'm glad you do. Now come on, let's eat."

After lunch, Espio showed Vector around the apartment. He first showed him Charmy's small room, a small bed with some character he didn't recognize as the bed sheets, plus a drawer which were most likely filled with toys. A nightstand stood at the right side of his bed as Vector could see a nightlight on the right side of the room.

"Still sleeps with one?" Vector asked.

"Vector, he's a six year old child. Of course he still has his fear of the dark," Espio replied.

"Sorry sorry! I dun know anythin' 'bout kids. Ya know this."

Espio rolled his eyes as the two made their way out of the room and towards a small hallway. The chameleon pointed out the bathroom in front of them, as to their right was Espio's room. A larger bed lay there as a drawer bigger than the one Charmy had lay.

"Nice, this room looks amazin'," Vector said. "So uh, I AM gettin' mah own room, right?"

"Uh, Vector…" Espio replied. "Excluding the bathroom and the living room which doubles as a kitchen, mine and Charmy's room are the only rooms in the house."

"Oh…" Vector slumped with disappointment.

"Don't worry, it's fine. You can sleep on the couch. Or y'know… in…" Espio coughed, eyes looking away from Vector. "My bed…"

"Really?"

"I mean...! Is that okay with you? I don't mind but I just don't want you to become uncomfortable, that's all."

"Nah nah, it's fine. Wouldn't have been the first time I done that!"

Vector plopped down on the bed, sighing in relief.

"Vector… now that everything is taken care of, I have but one thing left to say." Espio said.

"Hm? And that is?" Vector replied.

"Welcome to your new home."

End of Chapter 1

Next time, on Rooming in:

Vector and Espio's day is shown!

And a new character is introduced!