Lyman had decided he did not like this Lucario. He was annoyingly nice, and carried around an attitude that matched his, and always had a counter to Lyman's words. It was frustrating, and mildly respectable. He secretly liked people who had some backbone. It didn't piss him off any less however, he wanted to stump the Lucario at least once.

It was only the next day, and Lyman had already had several run ins with his roommate, and one ended with both of them being pissed and stomping away. But each time the Lucario would try to interact with him, and didn't respond well to Lyman's remarks, or being shot down with insults each time. Eventually they stopped talking, and Lyman had found a moment's peace, but he could hardly enjoy it, since he was still pissed about their last encounter. He had stubbed his toe on the kitchen table while trying to make a milkshake after the little amount of shopping he'd done, and the Lucario nearly pissed himself laughing, which resulted in a glob of whipped cream getting flung at him and splattering all over his face. The Lucario had turned bright red, then took some of it and threw it back, resulting in a whipped cream fight between the two of them, which is how he got here. Squatting over a mess of whipped cream cleaning it up.

He was visibly angry, and the Lucario made an effort to avoid him by cleaning up some of the mess in the living room. Lyman noticed him get up and start walking over, before squatting near him, and helping clean a larger portion of the mess. Lyman looked at him in confusion.

"What are you doing Lucario? I didn't say I needed help."

The Lucario just rolled his eyes and kept cleaning.

"We'll be here all day if we keep this up. So shut up and let me help."

Lyman snarled before huffing and scrubbing his spot harder. Whipped cream was really annoying to get out of carpet.

When they finished, Lyman was exhausted, and any thoughts of having a milkshake were long gone. He looked over and noticed the Lucario was wiping some of the cream off of his face. It was then that he felt like he was being immature. He let his anger take control, it led to a huge mess again. In the midst of his thoughts, the Lucario noticed him staring.

"What? Taking a look at your handiwork? Prick."

Lyman blushed a little but looked away, pouting a little.

"No! I was just...nevermind, fuck you."

He stomped upstairs, leaving his housemate to pout alone.

He laid on his bed, a clear scowl on his face. He hadn't meant for that to end up like that. He would need to work on his anger if they were gonna make this work. He knew staying with this Lucario would be aggravating, but it's only the second day and they'd already made a huge mess arguing over something stupid. The same nagging feeling he got whenever he did something he regretted tickled the back of his mind, and he knew he wouldn't feel right if he didn't at least say he was sorry. He thought about how they were still getting used to each other, and how there was still plenty of time to make things better, so it won't be a shitty year for both of them. He wiped his face, and huffed really loud. He'd need to swallow a LOT of pride if he were gonna apologize.

He walked downstairs, and saw the Lucario, scowling as he chopped vegetables, presumably for lunch, or dinner. Lyman felt a hint of nervousness seeing him angrily slice celery and carrots, using an uncomfortably large knife. He ended up standing at the edge of the stairs hidden by the walls. He felt his heart stop when the Lucario addressed him.

"I know you're there. What do you want, I'm busy as you can see. "

Lyman flinched at how creepy he was. It made sense that he felt him there, he is a Lucario. Their powers of aura reading are unrivaled, and he didn't have to guess that his aura was intense. He stepped out from behind the wall and crossed his arms without realizing, turning up his nose.

"I just wanted to make amends for earlier. Neither of us acted our age, and we made a huge mess out of nothing. I've been a little carried away with my attitude, and I'd like to start over. What do you say?"

The Lucario still didn't look at him, but sighed and put down his knife.

"Sure. I really do want to get along with you, but I'm gonna need you to work with me okay? If you can keep your...whatever you have going on in check and we can make things work. So, if we're starting over. My name is Lucien Valore. I'm 18, and from Kalos."

Lyman nodded and sat at the table.

"I'm Lyman Gibbs. I'm 20, and from Alola. It's a pleasure."

The Lucario smiled cutely.

"Nice to meet you Lyman. By the way, I'd prefer you called me Lucien, since you know, it is my name."

Lyman half smirked.

"Don't push it Lucario."

...

Lyman woke up with a yawn and stretched before scratching his lower back softly. After yesterdays events he'd slept like a log. He got up and put on a T-shirt. He threw it on, so he wouldn't be waltzing around in his boxers alone. Normally he'd wear his pajama bottoms, but the Lucario was just another guy, so he could be a little less decent about his dressing. He left his room, a little curious about the Lucario's morning habits. He was so used to Lucy making her special coffee and bagel breakfast, he wanted to see if the Lucario did anything weird in the morning so he'd be prepared to deal with it, or avoid it, depending on how good or bad it was.

He walked downstairs and found a large amount of grocery bags empty on the ground, and the Lucario was in the kitchen, stirring something in a bowl. He looked around in confusion, then walked into the kitchen, and opened the fridge. It was stocked full of food from the grocery store, snacks, drinks, etc. He opened the cabinet, seeing it had even more snacks, seasonings, and other ingredients for cooking. He looked down at his housemate.

"Hey, Lucario. When did you get all this?"

He kept stirring, not taking his eyes off the bowl.

"This morning. I've been up since 5, I went shopping, cleaned the kitchen, and now I'm making breakfast omelettes. I assumed you wanted one, but didn't add any meat yet. Would you rather have bacon or sausage?"

Stooped down to his level once more, thinking.

Why would he go shopping alone? I would've helped if I were there. This Lucario is weird.

"Uhhh...I'll take sausage I guess?"

The Lucario smiled at him and started chopping the sausage to go in his omelette. While waiting, Lyman went and sat on the couch, he watched as the Lucario happily worked around the kitchen, dicing vegetables, heating up the pan, and frying his omelette first. He figured he'd try to make conversation.

"So uhh...you know how to cook? I noticed you bought a lot of cooking ingredients instead of the usual "college student quick meals" heh."

The Lucario nodded.

"Yup. I love being in the kitchen! I learned how to cook from my Dad, who had to cook for me and my brother and sister. I used to watch when he made meal after meal for us, and developed a talent for it out of watching him. Before I moved here, I cooked all our meals."

Lyman took notice of the pained look in his eyes as he finished. He watched as the Lucario handed him his plate of an omelette that looked and smelled delicious.

"Huh. Thanks. My last housemate cooked for us too, but was usually out with her boyfriend or friends, so I'd usually end up eating something small that I made in the microwave."

The Lucario threw him another smile.

"What? Cooking not one of your strong suits?"

Lyman shook his head 'no'.

"Nah. My parents always cooked for me and my sister. I tried learning a few times, but things didn't go so well."

He gave a light chuckle and sweatdropped at the memory of multiple charred dishes he'd ruined and borderline house fires he started trying to learn. He waved it off and started eating his omelette. He took a bite and stared down at the plate like it was something he'd never seen before. This omelette was amazing!

"This is really good! You really are a great chef!"

The Lucario smiled sheepishly.

"Oh it's nothing, I just take pride in my work is all. I'm glad you like it."

The rest of the morning went by fairly quickly, with the two engaging in small talk about what the Lucario liked to cook the most and what the Lycan failed to. He didn't want to admit that the Lucario made for pleasant company. The Lucario was in the middle of telling a story about his first time making roast chicken, when Lyman's phone rang. The caller ID read 'Lucy'. He held up a finger indicating he needed a moment and walked back to his room. He answered his phone as he closed his door.

"Hey Lucy, what's up?"

~Good mooooooooooooooooorning Lyman! How's the new house? Is your roomie as bad as you thought?~

He debated saying yes, to avoid that quirky know-it-all tone she used whenever she was right about things.

"Nah. He's not so bad...I guess. He's a little weird but it's kinda c- nice. He seems like a good guy at least, is what I mean."

There was a little silence from his friend, before she spoke again.

~See! I told you it wouldn't be the horrible experience you made it out to be. You should try to get along with him, at least then you guys could enjoy each other's company.~

Lyman rolled his eyes. He'd already dug himself a bit of a hole by being so impatient and making a shitty first impression. If anything they'd be acquainted at most. He looked up in thought.

Then why did he bother feeding me twice? Maybe he's just considerate, he's already shown he isn't that nice.

He sighed audibly. This Lucario was going to be tough to figure out. Even if he did want to be friends, he'd have to lower his own barriers first, which was hard enough already. He didn't have the friendliest face, and his height meant he was literally looking down on those around him constantly. And based on their interactions so far, Lyman knew the Lucario wasn't very appreciative of people looking down on him. He wasn't so sure it would work out so well.

"I don't know... You know how I am Lucy, I'm better off making sure I'm not on his shit list than outright being a friend. But I guess I could try."

~That's what I like to hear! You need to be more open Lyman, I think it'd be better for you! You can make more friends, maybe even get a girlfriend...hehe or a boyfriend *giggle*~

His face burned redder than it already was.

"H-Hey! I-I'm not into dudes! I just haven't met any interesting girls and I've been focusing on school a-and-"

~*giggle* Yeah I know Lyman, I'm just teasing. You make it so easy I swear.~

His ears flattened a little, and his face flushed. He didn't know why he got this way whenever he was teased about his sexuality, as far as he knew he wasn't interested in dudes. He'd never had a girlfriend, or a crush on any girl, or guy for that matter. He actually hasn't been interested in anyone, guy or girl, so while he did say he wasn't interested in guys, the truth was, he didn't know. He's never felt an attraction to someone, or the need to be close to them.

"Whatever. I'll be fine. I don't need friends, I have you, and Alex. As long as I have you guys, I'll be fine."

He heard her sigh.

~If you say so. You know I always want what's best for you Lyman. Remember that. I'll talk to you later.~

The conversation ended, and he leaned back on his bed. What was best for him? He always asked himself that question whenever she said that. He never knew, and he trusted his best friend more than anyone. She was really sweet, and has always been there for him, but what made her think she knew what was best for him, if he himself didn't? He sighed, not wanting to get into that head space again.

He got up and walked back downstairs, but stopped when he heard the Lucario talking to someone. He stood at the top of the stairs.

"Yeah... I've settled in great! I went shopping and got to use my kitchen this morning! My roommate? Eh...Well I don't have much to say, I did just meet him. At first glance he looks like a major hardass and came across as super abrasive... But he seems nice enough I guess."

Lyman's eyes narrowed. He didn't know how to perceive his roommate's view on him, but he didn't think it was all that great, and didn't really care. It wasn't a big deal to him if his roommate liked him or not, he felt a twinge of...something in his chest, and couldn't quite place it, but he knew it wasn't good. It was always like this, people assessing him on the surface, before trying to get to know him, and he was a little sick of it. He walked back upstairs, and closed his door.

Later that afternoon, Lyman was watching videos on his phone, when he got a knock on the door.

"What? It's unlocked."

The Lucario peered in, and smiled.

"Hey! You never came back downstairs earlier, so I came to see if you were okay, and ask if you wanted to explore the housing district. I figured it'd be nice to explore the area a little."

Lyman scoffed.

"Yeah no thanks. Not today at least. I'd much rather be alone right now, and making myself comfortable is pretty hard when someone's invading my space."

The Lucario backed away, shocked at the sudden attitude change.

"U-uhh...well...I was also asking because, I was hoping I could talk to you about some rules or things we can agree on in the house. But if you don't wanna go we can talk about it later, it's no big deal, we can always go another day, we have a week. Just let me know."

Lyman raised an eyebrow. Just how considerate was this Lucario?

"Whatever, you don't need me to go anyways."

He turned away, waiting for the Lucario to leave. He didn't wanna spend anymore time with him than he had to. He'd rather keep his distance, that way he wouldn't have to deal with anyone else criticizing how he acted and end up disliking him. He laid on his side, and found himself slowly drifting to sleep.

...

A couple days later Lyman was laying in bed, texting Lucy about classes, which started in a few days, when his thoughts randomly drifted to his roommate.

It'd been a few days since their last angry encounter, and they'd been getting along somewhat normally. Neither of them really left the house, save for either of them going shopping or for walks alone every once in a while. The Lucario left more often while Lyman lazed around in his room. Lucario had still made them meals, despite them talking less. Lyman realized he was still being his usual self, but no amount of attitude and intimidation made the Lucario back off, which only pissed him off more! Usually people would leave him alone when he was like this, it was aggravating! He ruffled his hair in annoyance. Why can't he just take a hint? Sure he'd said they'd start over, but he didn't actually wanna be friends with the guy. He just didn't wanna argue with him every fuckin day!

He checked his phone, and noticed it was already 6 pm. He stood up, and quickly walked downstairs. He was starving. He looked around the house, and found no one, which was unusual.

He didn't say he was going anywhere. Wonder where he could be?

He shook himself out of his thoughts. He didn't care, and he didn't have to. He looked through the fridge and saw another container of food, with a note on it, adressed to him.

Roomie,

I met someone nice while exploring the campus, and she invited me to stay over for dinner. I knew you'd probably starve if I didn't make anything, so I made this ramen for you, and left it for you to eat! I don't know if you'd want it, but you can warm it up if you'd like!

-Lucien

He huffed. This Lucario only got more confusing. He'd only known him 4 days, but he was still so insistent on being nice. He looked at the ramen, and the more he stared at how well prepared it was, and took in the nice smells, he felt a mental punch in the gut. The Lucar- Lucien, was nothing but nice since he met him, but he'd only been a spiteful dick to him. Sure, he talked about how abrasive he was, but he wasn't wrong. It just wasn't nice to hear. He knew how he could be, but he was used to people like Lucy and Alex, who liked him regardless of how mean and harsh he was. They saw him for who he was, and he appreciated that, even if he didn't tell them outwardly. That's when his friend's words rang in his head.

You should try to get along with him...

He looked at the ceiling. He didn't want to but he figured he might as well. At least to stop the nagging feeling he kept getting. It would be easier said than done. It was always that way. His brow furrowed and he stuck the container in the microwave. He had some thinking to do.

I've never cared about having friends other than Lucy and Alex. They're always there. But why do I feel so...weird about this? I've never had someone try to be my friend before, and this Lucario is too nice. Maybe Lucy was right, and I should come out of my shell a little. It's better than being alone, and I do enjoy his company sometimes. I should give him a chance.

He was suddenly filled with determination. He was going to do it, he was going to try to get out of his comfort zone, and be nice to his roommate, and try to make him his...friend. He knew it would be difficult, but that's never stopped him before! If he could lift an Arcanine and toss it clear across the battlefield, he can make a single Lucario his friend.

He took the container out of the microwave, and started eating the ramen. It was unsurprisingly good.

This story is clearly a work in progress. I wanna thank those that have been reading, but bear with me. I'm a little rusty lol. I'm convinced it'll get better the more I write, and if this one flops then the next one should be great! See you all next time.