Work Text:
Pyro was finally going to college to pursue a course he was genuinely interested in: civil architecture. It was a miracle his parents even allowed him to take this course, if their constantly disappointed looks were anything to go by.
But they were allowed to leave, and Pyro couldn’t ask for anything more. At least, he wouldn’t have to deal with their hurtful words.
And in a new school, he would finally get away from Czeslaw, his bully since childhood.
So he packed his bags, careful to keep their expression neutral so his parents don’t change their minds. The next day, he arrived at the college, miles away from home.
Like a breath of fresh air, Pyro wandered the halls, suitcase in hand. He couldn’t wait to prove himself here, especially without the pressure of his family and the abuse of Czeslaw. Hopefully, he can even make his parents proud for once
So Pyro walked quickly to his dorm room, set on preparing his room before going out to explore and maybe even make new friends.
But all the excitement he felt beforehand disappeared the moment Pyro entered the dorm room assigned to him.
Because standing next to the bed across from theirs is Czeslaw.
Pyro felt himself freeze like a prey facing a predator, his mind consumed by dread. Czeslaw looked at them, his eyes widened momentarily before grinning at them.
“Well, look who it is,” he said, staring them down.
“W-what are you doing here?”
“What does it look like, dumbass?” Czeslaw retorted, a hand gesturing to the opened suitcase on the messy bed.
Of course, Pyro’s college roommate had to be the bully he wanted to escape from since he was a kid.
Life truly hates him.
Eventually, Czeslaw went to grab him, gripping tightly to his arm, to pull him further inside. The door closed behind them with a loud click.
“Come on now,” Czeslaw smirked, “don’t act shy. At least, your roommates with someone you already know.”
“Imagine if it was some stranger,” he continued. “Who knows what kind of shit they’ll do to someone like you.”
In a daze, Pyro can only nod. It felt like they had been hit on the head. Everything he wished for this year had suddenly been destroyed. All because of the tall, bulky man now standing in front of him.
“You really think you can escape me, Jack?” Czeslaw said quietly, stepping closer to them.
“No that’s not—“
He received a swift punch to the face.
“Don’t fucking lie to me.”
“I-I’m sorry,” Pyro said automatically, his cheek aching.
“You better be. Now, shut up and let me prepare my shit,” Czeslaw said, finally turning back to his briefcase.
With shaking hands, Pyro eventually went to open their briefcase. To say the silence was uncomfortable was an understatement. Only the sounds of closets opening, clothes being folded, and various things being placed on desks can be heard.
Placing some books on his desk, Pyro felt a presence at their back. He turned around to see Czeslaw inches from his face, causing him to jump back and squeak in surprise.
“Did you just squeak?” Czeslaw teased.
“I didn’t…“
Before he knew it, Czeslaw had an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close as is they were great friends.
“Come on, let’s go explore outside, shall we?”
They knew it wasn’t really a question. Pyro had no choice but to agree with him.
As they walk outside, Czeslaw kept him close. He spoke to other students, speaking for Pyro, implying they were just shy. He also made sure to tell everyone that they were childhood friends and roommates for some reason.
As they walk back to their dorm, Pyro stared at Czeslaw, who looked down to smile at them. The look on his face makes Pyro shiver. His smile was too wide, and his eyes glint with barely concealed excitement. Czeslaw was surely planning something.
And that never ends well for Pyro.
—
Living with Czeslaw was one of those things he never expected to happen.
It didn’t help that the dorm room was tiny, with the small room consisting of two beds across the wall from each other with their respective desks and closets on each side. The kitchen was tiny and there was only one bathroom.
In the first few weeks, Pyro was forced to be uncomfortably familiar with his bully.
For starters, Czeslaw snores in his sleep, and Pyro just has to endure it every night. The man also sucks at cleaning after himself, forcing Pyro to do the dishes and clean the room. What’s worse is how he insists on sleeping and lounging without a shirt on, which leads to more comments about how Pyro is a faggot for going red in the face.
But it could be worse. At least, Pyro isn’t getting beat up every other day and humiliated in front of a group of people.
This is mostly thanks to the fact that Czeslaw has a different schedule, studying business. Turns out college is nothing like high school. Even someone like Czeslaw has to study and attend his classes to graduate.
Still, it was weird for Pyro to see the man hunched over his desk and actually reading a book.
That didn’t stop Czeslaw from still being a pain in the ass. When they do encounter each other on campus, Czeslaw would immediately go talk to him, introducing Pyro to his friends.
To the others, it may seem like he was just being a caring friend, but Pyro knew better, especially with those comments about how they’re always alone and that they should “speak more”.
It’s not as overt as the bullying he used to do, but it was there nonetheless. The goal was always to make Pyro feel humiliated and seen as pathetic.
And the worst part is that Czeslaw is not entirely wrong. Pyro’s never been able to stand up for himself.
—
Pyro does meet another student named Shelby, who was studying creative writing. They accidentally became friends when Pyro bumped into her. Instead of being angry at his clumsiness, Shelby was kind enough to walk with him to class.
Since then, Shelby meets with them during their breaks which coincidentally aligns. Sometimes she is accompanied by her other friends, Drift and Apo. They were all nice to him, to Pyro’s surprise. They didn’t mind how awkward and timid he could be.
It was during one of these hangouts that Shelby brought up Czeslaw.
“Pyro, why didn’t you tell me you have a boyfriend?” Shelby said with a grin.
That made Pyro spit out his drink.
“W-what,” he said, eyes wide.
Shelby looked surprised and went to lower her voice. “Was it supposed to be a secret?”
“I don’t—“
“I’m sorry,” Shelby said quickly. “It’s just— I met your roommate, Czeslaw, right? He introduced himself to me because he said he always sees us together. That was like two days ago.”
“W-what did he tell you?”
“He told me all about you, like how you were as kids and what your interests are. He said he was happy that you found friends. It seems like he truly cares about you, Pyro. Also, I think it’s cute how you guys were childhood friends!”
Pyro can only stare at her, mouth open.
Shelby seemed to notice his shock. “Are you two not…”
“No, we aren’t.”
“I’m so sorry!” Shelby said, going red. “I just assumed since you two are roommates and friends. I mean Czeslaw was all worried for you and interested in your life, so I thought the reason why you don’t bring him up is because of some secret romance—“
“It’s fine, Shelby,” Pyro said tiredly.
“Really though,” Shelby giggled, “you two would be cute together. Czeslaw seems like a charming guy.”
If only she knew, Pyro thought with dread. He can’t even say anything about it. No one will believe him anyway.
“I just want you to know that there’s nothing wrong with it, Pyro,” Shelby said gently, noticing their troubled expression. “I mean, you’ve seen me with Drift.”
“Yeah,” was all Pyro could say.
“If you need anything, just call me, okay?”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime,” Shelby said with a smile, standing up. “I have to go to class now. Bye, Pyro!”
Pyro watched her run before lying down on the grass with a groan.
What the hell just happened?
Pyro closed his eyes tight. If Shelby can assume something like that about them then what about the other students Czeslaw had introduced them too? Did they also think they were dating?!
If Czeslaw finds out about how people think they’re together, he would definitely put the blame on Pyro as the one who made up the rumor, as if they did it to smudge Czeslaw’s name, labeling him as gay, for revenge. Even though, he was literally the one going around introducing Pyro as his “best friend” and roommate.
This whole thing is just so absurd and ridiculous.
Either way, Pyro is fucked.
—
It was almost dark when Pyro had the courage to go back to his dorm room. He was hoping Czeslaw wasn’t there. But of course, Pyro isn’t that lucky.
Czeslaw was on his bed with a tank top on, typing something on his laptop. Pyro’s just glad he wasn’t shirtless again.
“You’re finally back,” he said without looking up. “I thought you died out there.”
“I was just busy with something.”
Czeslaw hummed. “I bought some noodles if you want some.”
Pyro hoped it wasn’t poisoned. “Thank you.”
They went straight to the bathroom to bathe and change to a baggy shirt. Staring at himself in the mirror, Pyro starts to spiral.
They don’t know what to do. Maybe he doesn’t need to tell Czeslaw. Maybe it’s not a big deal and no one else really thought of it the way that Shelby did. It’s probably because of her imagination and love of romance novels.
Their head was starting to hurt and Pyro eventually decided to not say anything.
He went out of the bathroom to find something to eat, taking the noodles and quietly eating on his desk.
They heard Czeslaw close his laptop; heard his footsteps slowly get closer until he was right next to them.
Pyro looked up at him, chewing the last of their food before swallowing nervously.
“I’m bored, Jack,” Czeslaw said with a smile.
“What do you want me to do about that?”
“Drink with me.” Czeslaw placed a bottle of alcohol on their desk. Pyro glared at him
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Come on, don’t be a loser. We don’t even have class tomorrow.”
“I don’t give a shit what you do,” Czeslaw continued, “but I will be drinking.”
Pyro sighed. He definitely doesn’t want to deal with a drunk Czeslaw while sober. They might as well do this to stop worrying about things for once.
“Pour me a glass.”
Czeslaw grinned at that.
—
Time passed and both men were on the floor, flushed and halfway drunk. Well, Czeslaw anyway.
Pyro seemed to be completely out of it, even though Czeslaw was pretty sure they only drank like two full glasses of alcohol. They obviously don’t tolerate it well. But Czeslaw has always been a bit of an alcoholic. Though, he isn’t that much of a drinker anymore, what with all the studies he needs to focus on.
He has to do well to be successful in business on his own, especially since his father won’t help or give him shit.
Czeslaw took one more sip to get rid of the thought of his parents.
He looked down at Pyro, the man who just had to be his roommate. He truly didn’t expect them to be here. He knew he can’t afford to be expelled from college, so he decided that instead of violence, Czeslaw would just pretend to be his friend, all the while making them seem pathetic to others.
Sure enough, that made Pyro simultaneously confused and annoyed. It was enough for Czeslaw. At least, he is seen as a good person by the people here. It’s crucial to set a good reputation in business.
“I d-don’t feel so good,” Pyro groaned next to him.
“I’m sure you can take a bit more,” Czeslaw replied, handing him another glass. When Pyro hesitated, he forcibly pushed it closer to their lips until they drank it.
Czeslaw would never admit it but he liked seeing Pyro flushed and shaking. Their submission and fear was like a balm to his soul. It’s why he latched onto them in the first place, obsessed with being their bully just to see them break.
And now, here was Pyro, looking at him with those bleary eyes and enticing lips.
God, what is wrong with him? He knew he shouldn’t be thinking these thoughts about another man. But Pyro has always been an exception.
Slowly, he inched closer to them, cupping their face to feel its warmth.
“You’re a fucking fag, you know that?” Czeslaw said.
“Why do you keep saying that,” Pyro slurred.
“Because you are. I bet you want me to kiss you, huh?”
To Czeslaw’s surprise, Pyro giggled.
“You shouldn’t. There’s already rumors.”
“About what?”
“You and— me,” they hiccuped.
“Fucking hell.”
“Shelby thinks we’re dating,” Pyro laughed.
Right. Czeslaw tried to wrack his brains to remember what they talked about. Perhaps he did the “caring best friend” act too well.
But deep down, isn’t this also what he wanted? For everyone to know that Pyro is his childhood friend, his roommate, his best friend and his alone.
His drunk mind tells him that if everyone already knows Pyro is his, then he should act on it, own them in every sense of the word.
But no one can know that he is a fucking faggot. This should remain between him and Pyro. Sure, someone like Shelby may think the opposite, but no one will wholly believe them anyway. There is no concrete proof as long as they both keep it a secret.
He can keep saying they are just close friends, and that would be enough to deter people from getting close to Pyro at all. It doesn’t even matter if others believe it or not.
Pyro was drunkenly mumbling something, but Czeslaw couldn’t care less. He can finally act on his deepest desires, inadvertently set up by his own actions.
He suddenly started laughing, startling Pyro who let out a little giggle too. Czeslaw thinks it’s adorable.
He tightened his grip on Pyro’s face, bringing them closer to him until they were almost straddling him. Pyro let it happen, clumsily holding onto his arms.
“Fuck, Jack” he murmured. “Why do you do this to me?”
“S-sorry,” Pyro stuttered.
“Shut up,” Czeslaw said before finally crashing their lips together.
Pyro obviously hasn’t kissed anyone before but Czeslaw doesn’t care. Their little gasps and moans were more than enough to make up for it.
Before they knew it, Czeslaw was on top of Pyro. He forced his tongue into their mouth, enjoying the way they squirm beneath him.
Eventually, they separate for air. Czeslaw wastes no time in pulling Pyro’s shirt off them before putting his mouth on the man’s neck, biting and sucking at the skin, causing Pyro to arch up into him, mindlessly pleading.
He doesn’t know how much time passed before he collapsed next to Pyro, who looked just about ready to pass out.
As he drifts to sleep, Czeslaw can only think about how Pyro is finally his.
—
Pyro woke up with a groan. He was on the floor, shirtless. Suddenly, he felt the need to vomit. Immediately.
Somehow, he managed to make it to the toilet, heaving and shaking. They felt a hand on their back.
“You drank way too much, idiot,” Czeslaw said.
Pyro just groaned. Why does his body ache?
After he finished vomiting, Czeslaw hands him a towel.
“Go wash up, you fucking stink.”
Pyro didn’t need to be told twice. They went to brush their teeth, only actually looking at himself in the mirror after the fact.
They paused, feeling their heart sink.
Their chest and neck was littered with… marks. Bruises that seem fresh present on his waist and arms. His mouth looked swollen, his lip had a split.
“What’s wrong?”
Pyro turned around to face Czeslaw, who looked maddeningly calm.
“What the fuck happened last night?” Pyro asked, incredulous.
“What did you think happened?”
“D-did we fuck?”
Czeslaw laughed. “I bet you’d like that.”
Pyro blushed. “I’m serious Czeslaw! What happened?”
“You told me about Shelby. Isn’t it funny how she thinks we’re together?”
Pyro froze at that, feeling himself panic. “I swear, I didn’t make that rumor—“
“Really?” Czeslaw taunted. “You seemed very intent to kiss me last night.”
Did he really?, Pyro thought with shame. He’d always thought that Czeslaw was good-looking. Deep down, a part of them would be glad to be his friend or something more if wasn’t for his shitty personality.
He should have known getting drunk with Czeslaw was a terrible idea.
“So we k-kissed?”
“Yep.”
“Then you did this to me,” Pyro accused, gesturing to the marks on his body.
“Yeah,” Czeslaw said with a chilling smile.
Pyro didn’t know what to say. Czeslaw could have just beat him up last night, but no— this man fucking kissed him back and then decided to give him a bunch of hickeys. It doesn’t make sense.
Does Czeslaw actually want him?
His actions all seem to point to that ridiculous idea. Hell, the whole notion that they were together formed mostly because of Czeslaw’s insistence to act like his “best friend”.
Is this his plan all along? To make it seem like Pyro was more than his friend?
Before he knew it, Czeslaw grabbed his collar and forced him out of the bathroom before slamming him to a wall.
“Now, you better not tell anyone about this if you know what’s good for you,” Czeslaw growled, becoming the bully they’ve always feared.
“Anything I do to you stays between us, do you understand?” he continued, his face so close to theirs.
“Y-yes,” Pyro said quietly. No one will believe him anyway. And now, people will probably just think they’re a cute couple or a bunch of best friends.
“Of course, you do,” Czeslaw mocked. “It’s not so different from back then, remember?”
Pyro wants to cry. They have plenty of experience with trying to hide marks, particularly bruises.
Czeslaw went up to their ear, making them shiver. “This time, I’m just doing something you actually enjoy, you slut.”
“N-no, I—“
“Don’t lie to me. You enjoyed it plenty last night, practically begging me to fuck you.”
Pyro flushed in embarrassment. What’s worse is that they probably did beg. There’s always been something wrong with them.
He can only stay still as Czeslaw kissed him, deep and claiming; can only gasp as Czeslaw pressed up against him, practically grinding on his groin.
When they separate for air, Pyro was unsettled by the intensity in Czeslaw’s gaze, bordering on possessive.
Even as kids, they knew Czeslaw was weirdly obsessed with them, specifically their suffering. But this was something else. Something worse.
Because even Pyro can’t deny how much his body loves it, aching for intimacy and touch. It doesn’t even matter if it hurts.