Two

Roman's favorite book was Frankenstein.

He loved all things horror and sci fi, with a huge collection of books, movie memorabilia and figurines. His former roommate, Seth, used to complain about how the 7" scale action figure of Jason from Friday the 13th was staring at him.

The idea, of course, was absurd.

Not to Seth, however, who had all but complained to the residence hall manager who sourced for him another room.

Roman had been living alone since – for about 2 months – and had been informed a week ago that he was to be expecting a new roommate.

He fervently hoped that he could get along with the guy. He wasn't picky on what his roommate was like; not that he had any say in the matter. He had to make the best of the situation. He would be compromising; as long as they respected each other's privacy, they'd get along just fine.

He bit into his blueberry protein bar absent-mindedly as he opened his book. Roman had been thrilled when his professor had assigned the class to read Frankenstein. Even though he had probably read it over a hundred times – to be honest he lost count – it was like visiting an old friend.

You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise-

The impatient knocks on his door interrupted his silent reading. Putting his book and protein bar aside on his study desk, Roman walked towards the door and opened it. His residence hall manager, Finn, smiled at him. "Alright, Roman. Your new roommate should be here shortly. Try not to scare him away, yeah?"

Roman gave him a quick nod. "What's he like, Finn?"

"Oh he's… amiable."

"Amiable?"

"You'll find out for yourself."

Someone called Finn from a few door down and he excused himself. Roman sighed. Well, time to welcome this new roommate of his and if Finn's enthusiastic reaction was anything, Roman was bracing himself for a nightmare.

He could hear Finn call out to someone, "Aaah yes… room 1130 is just five doors down."

Roman could hear footsteps heading towards the room. Should he still stand by the door? Should he sit on the bed? He felt nervous for a reason he didn't understand and decided that he should sit by his desk with the door wide open.

Yes, that sounded perfect.

He quickly sat down and continued reading.

-which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.

"Roman?"

Upon hearing his name, Roman looked up to find Dean standing at the doorway. He blinked in surprise.

"You're my roommate?"

"Well, I was expecting someone-"

To his surprise, Dean pulled him to a bear hug. "Dude, this is going to be awesome! You and I are going to be brothers!"

When they pulled apart, Roman noticed Dean only had a large black duffle bag and two small boxes. "That's all you brought with you?"

"I travel light," came his new roommate's breezy reply as he jumped on the bed.

"Listen, Dean, there's something-"

"You have Jason's action figurine. That's sick!" Dean said, his blue eyes alight with excitement. "You a horror buff, Rome?"

"…Yeah," Roman replied slowly. "Sci Fi too."

"You read comics?"

"More like horror novels."

Dean nodded as his hand traced over the rest of the figurines on his shelf: the 10 inch deluxe action figure of Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead, the 7 inch action figure of Freddy from Nightmare on Elm Street and his favorite, 10 inch action figure of Frankenstein.

"I don't read novels," Dean admitted. "But I love Walking Dead comics. And Star Wars."

They were going to get along just fine, Roman decided.

"I hope you're not a light sleeper, Rome."

"Not really."

"Cool. Cuz I do go out to bars and stuff – you know to hang out and chill – and I may come back to the dorm at odd times."

"As long as you promise to keep your noise to a minimal, I'm okay."

"Great. Oh, I won't be in town for a week during Thanksgiving."

"That's fine. Heading out to see your family?"

Dean unzipped his duffle bag and pulled out a black leather jacket. "That's the plan. You?"

"My parents won't be in the area… we're kind of not on speaking terms," Roman admitted grudgingly.

"Why?"

"It's a long story."

"Well, you know, you can always come with me to Ohio," Dean said. "That's where I live. I'm sure my stepfather would be glad to have you."

Roman considered Dean's offer. It would be nice to be out of state during this season. "Sure," he agreed. "I'd love to. Thank you, Dean."

Dean waved him off. "It's no big deal, Rome. My family's eccentric, let me warn you first."

"I don't mind," he replied.

As Roman watched Dean unpack, he felt a sudden rush of comfort.

Maybe things would be looking up for him; maybe with Dean came along new changes.

The thought scared him yet left him oddly excited.