Soap felt like a dead man walking as he wobbled towards the flat’s elevator, his vision blurry and his body screaming for rest. Reaching out blindly for the floor button, Soap’s fingers trailed over the buttons until he found the right one. Floor 2, Flat 204 the Scotsman reminded himself, leaning against the back wall of the elevator. He let out a sigh as the elevator groaned. He was far too tired to care, just wanting to get back to his home and to Anon.

Anon was his roommate and his best friend. Soap hadn’t seen Anon for nearly three months, his job meaning he rarely saw them. But when he did, the pair were thick as thieves. Soap needed somewhere to eat and sleep while on leave and Anon had jumped at the opportunity to split rent. Plus, Soap truly valued the opportunity to share a flat with someone as kind and supportive as Anon. The apartment was a cosy two-bedroom flat in South London… but it was theirs. The thought made Soap feel slightly fuzzy.

The elevator doors slide open and Soap pushes off the wall, slowly shambling towards the familiar door. He finally made it, pushing his key into the door. The familiar, welcoming scent of home filled his nostrils. Soap didn’t bother to shed all his gear, only kicking off his boots before he lumbered towards the living room.

Seeing Anon resting on the sofa, a tired smile passed across Soap’s face. He sat down nearby, leaning his head on Anon’s shoulder and letting out a soft sigh. He heard Anon stir and relax as they realized it was him. “Sorry to wake ye, love. Just needed a bit of company… that alright with ye?” he asked, his voice slightly hoarse from sleepiness. He was exhausted, and he hoped they would let him stay there for a moment.