Louise was the name of his brother's ex-girlfriend. He remembered them being together until his first year of college. Now, Miguel loves his brother and all but even he would admit that his brother wasn't the most faithful. Looking back on it, it was a miracle he stayed as faithful as long as he did back then before fooling around with other women.

But this brought up another question. Why is she here? He remembered the fall-out being so intense that she left him with a few broken ribs but considering what she said a few moments ago, they had to have spoken to each other.

"So, uh, what brings you here?" He asked.

He had submissively begun sitting in a seiza position as he looked up at her.

She rolled her eyes at his question and began reminiscing.

"Tch, get this, I ask all my friends if I can crash at any of their houses for a while and then your dipshit brother somehow hears about it and guess what he says?"

"Uh, was it something about me?" He asked.

"Damn right, it was something about you! Motherfucker told me, you'd welcome me with open arms. Worst of all, no one else took my offer, so here was my only choice. I'm fucking here and you're telling me you didn't know!?"

"I didn't Louise, be a bit easy with me!" He begged.

(Bro, I love you, you're a cool dude. But why the hell did you set your ex on me? Don't tell me this is part of some sort of plan to get back with her. I want no part, none!!!")

She scoffed.

"Whatever, so can I crash here in the meantime?" She asked.

"Well… I mean it is a bit-" He tried to stand up but she placed her hand on his shoulder and had him in a vice grip.

"Oi, what the hell is this? Your brother screws with me as a joke and you're telling me the younger one can't even man up and take responsibility?"

His knees buckled to the floor and he was once again forced to look up at her.

"Uh, well, Louise isn't that between you two?"

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She clamped down harder and it took all the courage Miguel possessed not to squeal out in pain.

"What kinda half-assed answer is that? Are you saying there isn't any space for the both of us." She looked around. "This place seems pretty spacious."

"I mean t-there is but who knows what your friend group and my brother would think of this. After all, it would be a bit odd for me to accept you so willingly into my house, wouldn't it?"

"Huh? Who cares what assholes think! If those bastards couldn't bother helping me out, I couldn't care what criticisms they pull out their asses."

"Well, uh, I guess it's okay." He relented.

This woman wasn't going to be discouraged by words.

"Finally, now you're talking some sense." She let him go and began walking around the apartment.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"Checking this place out."

She began combing through the rooms and to her disappointment there was only one bedroom. Well, only one room with a bed in it to be specific. She also wasn't impressed by the state of the place. There were pieces of paper, boxes and empty bottles strewn around the whole apartment, Miguel couldn't help but feel reduced by her gaze when she stared at him.

"Yeah, it's not in the best shape. It's okay if you don't wann-"

"What are you talking about? I've seen far worse with some people I've crashed with." She commented before continuing inside.

("Listen, I know I'm not one to be talking but are you sure you want to live in an environment like this?") He pondered.

She instantly made herself home and began watching his TV.

"Uh, Louise?"

"What is it, Miguel?"

"How long might you be staying here?" he asked.

"Oh don't worry, it shouldn't be more than a week. I have a nasty bitch of a roommate and it seems she no longer wants to help pay rent. I told the landlord. The guy must have a heart of gold or something. I considered dragging her out but the guy tells me I don't have to worry about rent as long as she's still in there, so I'm not in too much of a hurry for her to leave."

"I, uh, see."

The awkward atmosphere continued with Miguel keeping a close eye on her throughout the night.

After determining she was probably okay, he decided to go to bed. She began following him.

"Uh, what's up Louise?" He asked.

"Oh don't mind me, just gonna go to bed."

He continued walking towards his room and she followed him. After opening the door and still remaining behind, him he knew something was off.

"Okay, I guess I'm sleeping on the couch." He commented.

"What are you being such a pussy for?" She bluntly asked him. "That bed's big enough for the both of us."

"Louise, do you realise how odd it is for a woman to show up at your house in the middle of the night, and then demand you and her sleep on your bed?"

She thought about it for a moment.

"Unlike you, I probably wouldn't have let them in." She wasted no time tossing him on the bed and making her way beside him. "Besides we're friends aren't we Miguel? Why don't you say we catch up? It's not like I have anything better to do."

As Tibaut felt himself drift away finally, he couldn't help but feel nostalgic about their first encounter. It was odd and he felt she threw her weight around a bit too much for his liking but he couldn't deny it led to his fondest friendship. He'd even argue she was his only friend by the time his death came around.

"If only we could have been more than friends." He thought to himself.