Slash's Snakepit

Grace's pov~

Theo is now my roommate. Never agreed in that, he just refuses to leave.

Even though he could easily book the most luxurious hotel in the city. Even though he has the money, the connections, and zero reason to crash at my place like a broke college student.

His first night in L.a. he stared at me, batting his big lashes saying: "Gracie, you cannot abandon me in this cold, heartless city all alone! What if I get kidnapped? What if I waste away from sheer boredom?"
So, after rolling my eyes, I let him in.

And I don't regret it.

Because even though I don't usually like sharing my space, Theo is a good distraction. He keeps my mind occupied, filling my apartment with his over-the-top commentary, his endless gossip, and his relentless teasing.

Like now.

We're sitting at the kitchen table, Theo working his way through a ridiculous amount of food considering how fucking thin he is: croissants, eggs, fruit, coffee, orange juice. I, on the other hand, am just sipping my black coffee, occasionally picking at a strawberry to make it look like I'm eating.

Not that he doesn't notice.

"You know," he says, popping a grape into his mouth, "I am deeply offended by your lack of appetite. I put my heart into selecting this breakfast spread."

I smirk. "You ordered it from a café downstairs."

"Exactly! Thoughtful, considerate, and delivered with love. And yet, here you are, treating it like poison." He gasps dramatically. "Grace. Are you trying to hurt me?"

I roll my eyes, sipping my coffee. "Yes, Theo. That's exactly it. My one goal in life."

"Ugh. Tragic." He shakes his head, then leans forward, resting his chin in his hand. His blue eyes glint with mischief. "Anyway. Back to the real issue: you and Slash."

I groan. "Theo."

He ignores my warning tone completely, his grin widening. "So, let's review: you fake-dated him, accidentally caught feelings, got tangled in a fucking sex marathon that nearly cost you your job, and then got your heart broken because -shockingly- Slash is an asshole. And now, instead of revenge or a dramatic public feud, you're just... sulking in Versace and starving yourself? Babe. Where's the fun?"

I throw a strawberry at him. He dodges it, laughing.

"Honestly," he continues, "I think the solution is obvious. I should be your boyfriend. Like, I ll treat you the best and we ll have the best time together"

I snort. "Theo, you're gay."

"Minor inconvenience," he says, waving a hand. "Think about it: we'd be the hottest couple. The power we would hold."

I smirk. "Tempting."

"Right? And, bonus, I'd never cheat on you with your best friend."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help laughing. "You're the best fake boyfriend I never had."

He presses a hand to his chest. "I know. It's a burden being this perfect."

I shake my head, sipping my coffee.
After a pause Theo talks again in a more serious tone
"Look, Grace," he says, his voice quieter now. "Do you love him?"

I freeze for half a second. Then I let out a laugh. "Come on now. How could I love him? The way he acts, his habits, everything about him is a fucking mess."

Theo tilts his head, unimpressed. "Well, considering how happy you sounded describing life with him... and how miserable you are without him? I don't see anything wrong with loving him."