Second chapter finally up! Thanks for being patient! I'm glad this is being well received and thanks for noting the game reference. I knew in the original Tomb Raider games, people loved locking poor, elderly Winston in the freezer and I couldn't miss the oppurtunity to put it in.

I also learned in the Reboot, Lara did lock Winston in the freezer too. Guess Crystal Dynamics could not leave that running joke out.

Anyways, enjoy the second chapter and I hoped I nailed Sam's personality! And I thought Lara was hard.

"Life is full of adventure. There's no such thing as a clear pathway."

- Guy Laliberte

Chapter 2: Roommate

14:55…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Samantha's POV)

I sprinted towards the gate. Oh sugar! I knew I shouldn't have gone out drinking a night before college starts! Now here I am, rushing to sign myself in and hopefully meet my new roommate. I checked online for accommodation a few days ago and the last one they had was a two-bedroom. So I was expecting a roommate. I stopped in front of the woman, who I think is ticking off the students as they come. She looked bored, I almost feel sorry for her.

"Name?",

"Samantha." I said breathlessly, "Samantha Nishimura." My accent slightly changed when I said my Japanese surname. See, I'm Portugese-Japanese decent, but really I was born in America, so I was given American citizenship. My father is like, very wealthy and a powerful business man; he's Japanese. He runs a Media Company, quite big, but he's always stuck into his work, hardly has time for me. I can say the same with mother, she was a model and it explains the Portuguese side. So let's say, my family is quite wealthy. I was lacking attention from them, so I became quite a rebel. Getting into small legal trouble and stuff. Plus, I had a few one-night stands. I have no means to give my family a bad name, all I wanted was attention and mother thought it'd be a great idea to send me abroad to a college far from home. Thinking it would give me some 'grounding'. Yeah right.

The woman handed me a set of keys to the apartment floor. I nodded as a thank you and walked off with my gear. Happy days for me, a new life begins. I entered the building and went looking for Room 29. When I found the room, I put the key in and turned. I had a good scan of the room, not too shabby, needs a little brightening up. I found the bedroom, only to see an unpacked suitcase. Well, guess my roommate got here before me but hasn't unpacked yet. The reason I had to take a two-bedroom flat because it was the last one left. I don't mind sharing, hopefully my roommate will be fun and we can split the rent. A win-win they say. Maybe I'll see him/her shortly. As on cue, I heard the door open. I grinned. Speak of the devil.

15:00…

(Lara's POV)

That orientation was shorter than I expected, fine by me because I really need to unpack before classes begin tomorrow. I hope my lecturers will be nice, a plus side as well, I already have my timetable. Not too bad and I have to decide about what modules I want to do to fill up my Free, Archaeology and Anthropology Options for Second and Third Year. I have plenty of time to decide that, I can use the Christmas and Summer Holidays for that. Now, I was a bit wary to find the door unlocked, cause I swear, I locked it when I left. Maybe my roommate finally arrived. I looked around, another suitcase, but God above! How much stuff does she need!? I barely brought that much with me!

Next, I heard the bedroom door open and a young woman of Japanese decent appeared. She looks overly friendly, loud and… do I smell alcohol? It's faint, yet I can clearly pick it up. Great, I'm stuck with a party animal, but I could've gotten worse, hold on… I'm picking up another scent, a male? Yup, definitely male. So a party animal and person who likes to have drunken sex for fun. Please shoot me!

"Hi! I'm Samantha Nishimura. You can call me Sam." She smiled, letting out her hand for a shake.

"Lara. Lara Croft." I greeted,

"Woah, do I feel callus on your hands?" I tensed, feeling a little awkward.

"Um… sorry. I have a very active lifestyle. Rock Climbing, Archery, Shooting and Hiking.",

"That's like super cool! What's your Major?" Sam asked, very chirpy for someone who's after a night of alcohol. I was also, mentally face-palming, we don't use the term 'Major' in England. The term we use is Degree Course or Bachelors, may it be an Ordinary or Honours.

"BA in Archaeology and Anthropology. You?",

"Fine Arts. The BFA one, not BA." Sam chuckled nervously. I cocked my head to the side in interest.

"Bachelor of Fine Arts?",

"I want to be a film maker." My roommate said with determination in her voice. We carried on the conversation. "How long is your course?",

"Three years.",

"Oh my god! Same with mine! We'll be graduating together!" She squealed, a bit too high for my ears to handle, but I tried hard not to wince. Though she may take it as I don't like loud noise. Graduate together? That's if we even get right number of credits to pass our semesters and the entire year! On an important note, I have to be subtle about my monthly disappearances during the Full Moon. I have to keep the curse a secret, I don't want her to get hurt. Sam broke my thoughts. "So, are we going to unpack?",

"Yeah. I'm just about to." I walked off to my room, still seeing my case untouched. I heard Sam wheeling her suitcase into her room. God give me the strength to put up with her! Without tearing this poor girl to pieces. I sense she's going to bring a lot of trouble into my supposed, quiet college life. I pushed the thought aside as I unzipped the suitcase and began taking out my clothes.

(Samantha's POV)

As I unpacked my suitcase, my thoughts went back to Lara. Oh my god! I only just met her and she is the hottest girl I have seen so far in the flat. Her brown hair, tied neatly in a ponytail and those dark brown, soulful eyes! They may look sharp and intense, but there's something about them and I can't put my finger on it. Lara maybe a tad shorter than me, I'm guessing 5ft 6inches? But her wonderfully lean, muscular built frame makes up to it. Seriously! The muscles on her arms are like wow! I'm guessing from the Archery, Shooting and Rock Climbing! The Hiking did a number on her legs, they're so toned! I wonder does she have a six-pack? Does she go to the gym too?

Fuck it Sam! You just met her! Now you're drooling over her!? Ah hell! She's going to drive any young man insane with that sexy body! Then throw in that gorgeous posh British accent. It makes me want to date her! Sure, I had one-night stands with guys, but ever heard of Bisexuality? Yes, I'm bisexual. It's too early to think about dating Lara Croft! I don't know if she's straight, gay, bi, even asexual! OK, I'm going crazy, but… I'll need some time to get to know Lara. What can go wrong? College will be a blast!

As I stored away my clothes, I was thinking of tagging Lara along with me for that Freshers' Party tonight. I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in Lara!" Lara opened the door, meekly looking in. I scoffed. "Lara, we're roommates now, you don't need to knock.",

"Sorry. Habit. You need a hand with your stuff?",

"That would be great. How did you unpack so quickly?" I asked,

"I brought the bare essentials with me. I'm going to look for a part-time job in a moment. I'll only buy what I need." My roommate walked over, giving me hand with putting my clothes on their hangers. "So what brings you to capital of England?",

"My parents thought being away from home will teach me a thing or two about grounding." I replied, "What about your parents?" That was when Lara stiffened. Oh no! This is a touchy-feely subject for her. Were her parents abusive? Are they divorced? Is she adopted? Fostered? Or…

"My… parents are… dead." She muttered. I gasped.

"Oh god! Lara! I'm so sorry! I'm such an idiot!" Well done Samantha!

"It's OK. It's OK. You wouldn't have known first time." I know Lara doesn't want to drag this out, so I decided to change the subject.

"So, you coming to Freshers' Party?",

"Um…" Lara scratched her head nervously, "I'm not much a party person. I was going to stay in tonight and read some books.",

"Seriously! You are not spending your first day of college like a boring person! Just come with me please?" I gave my roomie the best puppy-dog eyes I could manage. I'll quiver my lower lip if I have to! Lara sighed.

"Uh! Fine! One day with you and you're already insufferable!" And there's more to come my dear, boring, nerdy buddy. She wasn't exactly the type of person in mind to have as a roommate. Lara Croft is the exact opposite of me! Perhaps we were destined to meet? Oh well, like people say, opposites attract.

After unpacking my stuff, I laid to relax and listen to my music. Lara went off to her own devices, she left to find a part time job. I'm sure she'll be fine. Employers may accept soles on her looks.

Four Hours Later…

19:00…

(Lara's POV)

Samantha Nishimura is going to be the death of me! Damn that puppy-dog face! It was so adorable, I couldn't say no! Somehow, come to think of it, Sam is going to find ways to wrap me around her little finger. I might as well hide in the Institute of Archaeology Library! But that will be the number one place Sam will find me. I could try the Student Centre or study in another part of the library, like the Main Library or the Institute of Science Library. Anywhere really for a moments peace, before I literally rip her throat. Yet again, what can go wrong with a night out? Classes don't begin officially till tomorrow. I'll try to have some fun, if not, I'll stowaway a book with me.

Oh yes! I managed, narrowly to get a part-time job. It's some bar called the Nine Bells and something tells me, some of my nights can become quite eventful. The boss wasn't easily persuaded because I'm posh, but with a little bit of begging, he gave it to me. I'm working every night, six times a week, Monday to Saturday, with a half day every Wednesday. It's not that bad, it's £4.98/hour, then considering the amount of hours I'm going to work and perhaps I'm entitled to overtime pay too. I may be able to get another job when Christmas Holidays come. So, I won't be doing too bad. I hope now I can keep my aristocratic background quiet from Sam. Otherwise, I'll never hear the end of it from her.

"Lara! Come on! We'll be late!" Sam groaned. I mentally sighed. I just managed to squash in a half hour of relaxation and now, Sam is stressing about being late for a party that I don't give two shits for.

"I'm coming!" I answered back, grabbing my own set of the flat keys, silently putting my book on Ancient Civilisation in my bag. Let's hope I can have fun, if not, you tried Sam.

Ten Minutes Later…

19:10…

(Scene: Student Centre, Main Campus, University College London, London/Lara's POV)

Sam and I walked up to the entrance of the Student Centre. We could hear the DJ from inside, people dancing and if I put my bet on it, drinking too. Seriously! First day, classes tomorrow and students already want to get drunk! Myself and my roommate showed our student ID cards for confirmation of our identities and when the Student Leader nodded, he let us in. I was a little bit tense, the noise was too loud, it was too crowded. Perhaps if I sit outside, I'll calm down. After being locked in that werewolf-proof cell, I can't stand tight or restricted space. Sure, it's a stupid thing to be afraid of since Archaeology is going to involve cramped, uncomfortable space, buts that's different! I can handle that, it's just being around people. It sort of developed after I killed mother, I can't trust myself around innocent civilians. I clutched my bag a little tighter.

"Lara!" Sam yelled, so I could hear her over the DJ, "You OK? You seem to be tense.",

"It's a bit too crowded for my liking. You don't mind if I sit outside?",

"That's fine! I'm going to grab a drink! Want me to get you something?",

"No I'm good! Thanks Sam. I'll be outside." I told her. I exited the Student Centre, to find a free seat outside. It was a relief for me to smell the fresh air. I found a bench directly underneath a lamp post, great! I can read my book! I walked over, taking a seat, pulling out my book. It was a book on Ancient Greek and Roman Civilisation. It was one of Roth's 'Good luck in College' gifts. I'm so glad he got it for me. Sitting in a comfortable, cross-legged position on the bench, I opened the first chapter. Hm, the Macedonian Period, something worth looking into if it's brought up in my lectures.

I'm guessing Sam is having better fun than I am, she really knows how to party. I wonder why I did give into her, all I wanted was a quiet college life, with straight A's and come out with a First Class Honours by the end of it. All I asked for was to keep my life as straight-forward and non-complicated as possible! Is it too much to ask!? I was so engrossed in my book, lost track of time and I didn't hear the person taking a seat next to me. Slightly annoyed of being disrupted, I looked up from my book. I was met by your stereotypical college jock. He is clearly dumb enough see that I'm not interested and want to continue reading, but struck up some small talk.

"I'm Jake. What's your name?" He asks, trying and failing miserably at keeping a cool, suave tone. Someone shoot me please! Where's Sam when I actually need her!? She knows how to handle these situations.

"Lara." I replied plainly,

"So Laura." He can't even pronounce my name right. The 'Lar' is said harshly, while the 'a' is soft. I fought the urge to face-palm. "What's a pretty girl like you doing out here?",

"I'm not into partying." I answered bluntly, praying he'll leave me alone.

"What ya reading?" Like a jock like you would understand it! He's making an utter fool of himself trying to look or sound interested.

"A book and if you don't mind, I like to get back to it." I told him, making my tone clear, that I want him to leave. Now. "As soon as you leave.",

"You rather read a boring book than hit the dance floor? You're backwards girl!" He's persistent. I gripped my book a little bit tighter. Just leave me alone asshole! Before I kill you! Just in the nick of time, Sam was walking over. I only just met her, but damn! Her timing couldn't be any better!

"There you are! You had me worried! I thought you ditched me!" I chuckled a little bit,

"I may not be a party girl, but I'm not that cruel to ditch you." Sam turned to Jake and instantly, her face just went red. Like red as Superman's cape. Why is she blushing with awkwardness… wait a second, I did smell a male's scent off Sam and it matches Jake's. Oh my god! Lara why did you put two and two together!? I tried not to cringe. There are advantages and disadvantages to an acute sense of smell. This is one of them. God! How can I look at Sam the right way again!?

"Hi Jake… fancy meeting you here! I see you met my roommate Lara Croft." Yup, it's awkwardness after a one-night stand.

"Roommate heh? I feel sorry for you." Jake grunted. Sam straightened and to be fair, I felt a little bit insulted. Just because I'm not your typical girl, doesn't mean you have to be rude about it!

"Lay off her Jake. Lara is just shy. I'll get her to come out of her shell soon." Sam smiled, only to wink at me. Is she defending me!? We only knew each other for a few hours and now we're like hitting off like a house on fire! In a really weird way, also, Sam has me nailed to a tee. I am shy, I am quiet, I'm an introvert, you name it, the typical behaviour of a bunch of nerds and geeks.

"Whatever. I'm heading inside." Jake got off the bench and walked inside the Student Centre, I'm guessing he hopes to get lucky. I heard Sam throwing herself on the bench.

"Thanks for standing up for me. No one has ever done that.",

"It's the least I can do sweetie." She grinned. I've been upgraded to Sweetie now? This friendship is catching on fast, perhaps opposites do attract. "It is easy to tell that you're shy and introverted. Don't worry, I can definitely help you with that. There's more to London than just libraries and museums Lara." I closed my book, making eye contact with Sam.

"You better teach me then Sam. You want to get some takeout instead?" I offered,

"You know what Lara, I'm dying for a Chinese! There is food inside, but not enough! We can get it delivered.",

"You can call the order then." Sam and I got off the bench, leaving the party, returning to our apartment. Sam was ringing this nice Chinese Takeout she saw on her way to John Adams Hall this morning.

Twenty Minutes Later…

19:30…

12th September 2010…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

Sam and I didn't bother buying drinks as we both know we have classes in the morning. It would look really bad if we did not turn up because we were drunk. There are other free times to go partying or clubbing, like the weekend or the holidays! The Chinese arrived shortly afterwards, Sam offering to pay. I set the table and distributed the food as every as I possibly could. I would kind of feel awkward to explain to Sam that I have a very fast metabolism. Then of course, she'd shrug it off and say how lucky. We both sat down and began to eat.

I dare say, Sam really has a niche for picking out the good takeouts. This is the best Chinese ever! Unfortunately, I didn't realise I was beginning to wolf down my food.

"Jesus Lara! Slow down! You'll choke!",

"Sorry. It's been a while since I've last eaten." I answered, taking a sip from my glass of water. Sam just laughed.

"So, shall we toast to a new life and our new friendship?" I smiled at her, picking my glass.

"To our new life and friendship." We both clinked our glasses together. Guess life is getting better for me and I guess I do need Sam outgoing personality. My personality to keep her grounded and reasonable, while she'll help me be a bit more open. A new chapter begins.

Three Days Later…

Past Mid-day…

16:00…

15th September 2010…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

Three days into college, I'm already in routine. I was at my desk, happily typing out my latest assignment, an essay on the Social Structure of Ancient Rome, with minimum of 1500 words. I'm already over that, by four thousand. I'm impressing my lecturers, that's good. I guess I tend to go over-the-top in these kind of things, but Archaeology is my passion and Anthropology will help as well. Having knowledge on former civilisation will help when it comes to identifying artefacts and whether or not they once belonged to Lower, Middle or Higher class citizens. Also, lecturers are grinding down into hard work already since they only have thirteen weeks before Semester One finishes to teach us stuff. Sam has gone out for a food run, gives me some peace and quiet in the flat, for now. She better not forget the Twinings. Otherwise, I get cranky and it's not a pretty sight to see.

Things are good with Sam and I, we are really best of friends. We're like two peas in a pod. I actually never expected us to get on this quickly. I stopped for a moment to check the Moon Phases Calendar app I downloaded before Roth dropped me off to the college. I looked at the phone screen. Sod it! The Full Moon is tomorrow! So soon!? I pulled up a map of London on my laptop, seeing the furthest place I could flee to before I hurt anyone. I looked at the map, Regent's Park looks good, or there's Hyde Park. Hyde Park seems to be the better latter and it's only ten minutes if I grab a taxi. Also, who'll be strolling around a park late at night? Hyde Park it is, plus, it's larger than Regent's Park. I quickly jotted the note on a jotter.

I heard Sam opening the door, she's probably just back from her shopping spree and the food run. I saved my essay and turned off my laptop. As soon as I closed it, Sam burst into my room without warning, a storm on her face. I'm so in the dog house. No pun intended. Sam took a deep breath, then yelled.

"I don't believe you! You fucking bitch!" I leaped, too quickly before replying,

"Sam! Language!" I was never one to swear, but I do have my moments.

"What the hell is this!?" She shows a bank statement to my face. I genuinely forgot to put that in my room. I must've left it on the counter, not thinking Sam would be nosy. "Three days I've known you and I'm here, sharing a flat with a super rich British girl! I know I've money but nothing like this!" That is not an exaggeration. My face even says: I don't deny it. I let Sam continue her rant. Maybe I'll go deaf eventually. I hope. "I can't believe this! You've been holding out on me! I knew you have a savings account in the bank Lara but god damn! Look at all those zeros Lara! Look at them!" I stare at the bank statement. There were zeros, more than I originally thought there were. Uh oh.

"Seriously! You wouldn't have to work at all with this kind of fortune! What are you even doing here! You have enough money to cover your Degree, Masters and Post Doctorate in either Cambridge or Oxford!" I sighed, taking the statement off her. "Why didn't you tell me your family was so wealthy? You've been so quiet about it sweetie.",

"The reason I didn't use this money was because I wanted to find my own way in the world. It'd be very easy for me to buy my way to a degree with my parents' connections in the Universities, but I'll never be able to look at myself in the mirror again." Sam nodded, continuing to listen to me. "I wanted to start from scratch, I refuse to accept my inheritance. Roth, my Guradian supports my decision on this! This is the reason I'm working in that crappy part-time job, tossing beer in front of old men. Getting down and dirty with breaking up bar fights." That is true, my first night on the job, turned out to be more than I expected. I injured myself, but thankfully the Accelerated Healing kicked in and I sent that drunkard to the hospital, with a busted lip, black eye and maybe a bruised rib or two. He's lucky that I didn't knock him out.

"I'm not going to even ask about the bar fight Miss Croft. So, anything else I should know?" I looked to the ceiling and smiled sheepishly. Sam cocked her head to the side, "Lara?",

"I lived in a mansion, in my youth. Croft Manor, it's located near Surrey."

"OK! I'm done here! Fuck this shit! I have an assignment to do!" Sam said, walking off. I could tell she was being dramatic. Sam means well. "You're going to take me to your home one day Lara, no arguments! And sorry for over reacting!",

"It's no big deal." I said back. Well, at least she knows now, takes one secret off my chest. I should visit Winston during the weekend, despite the fact it's a bit painful for me. Sam did say she wants to see my old childhood home, I will not renege on that promise. A Croft always keeps a promise. Making a mental note of that. Next, is the full werewolf transformation tomorrow night. I'll have to make up a lie and I hate doing that to Sam, but it's for her own good.

The Full Moon is tomorrow, we finally see Lara in her deadly wolf form. Can she go the night without killing anyone? Animals might be unlucky, but what about human victims? How soon will Sam piece this together? Stay tuned for the third chapter!