International (Buzzfeed Ladylike/Mike Rose/Ryan Bergara)

05. Ideas

I put my hair into a bun and left the bathroom. I went to the couch, where my suitcase. I hadn't unpacked yet because I didn't have a room or apartment. I had considered asking Mike if I could just stay with him. I wasn't sure about it because I had only been here a month.

I grabbed a bandana and tied it around my head. Mike walked in and smiled in me as he went into the kitchen.

"How'd you sleep?" Mike asked.

"Good," I replied as I joined him. "What about you?"

"Well," Mike answered. "The couch can't be that comfortable."

I shrugged as I leaned against the counter. "I've slept on worse. You should have seen my bed growing up."

"Have you been looking for apartments?" Mike asked as he peered into the fridge.

"Yeah," I said as I fingered my sleeve. "All of them are out of my price range. I can't really find one that's - I don't know. I will keep looking."

Mike looked at me. "You can stay here. I have an extra room."

I raised my eyebrow. "Are you saying I could've been sleeping in there instead of on the couch."

Mike smiled softly. "Yeah, sorry about that. It slipped my mind I guess. Are you almost ready to go?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I just need to grab my bag."

I went to grab my backpack and joined Mike by the front door. We left and made it to the studio on time. We walked in, smiles on our faces. We got to our computers and started working.

I couldn't wait to start on my ideas. The creative juices were flowing and I hoped nothing stopped them. For hours I did that, just typing away.

Mike tapped my hand. "How's your video idea going?"

I took out an earbud. "Good. I'm already writing the script but I don't know who will be in it. I was hoping someone will volunteer."

"I'll ask around the office," Mike said. "You don't know everyone and I'm sure there are a few people who're willing to do it."

I smiled. "Thanks, Mike. You're such an amazing guy."

Mike giggled. "Thanks, Fátima. You're so sweet."

I giggled and looked back at my screen, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. By the end of the day, my script was almost finished and I had so many ideas. Mike started packing up as he talked to Jen. I started packing up too and I put on my backpack, waiting for Mike to finish.

Once he did, we left and got into his car. I stared out the window, humming along to the song.

"Earlier, when I introduced you to everyone," Mike said, "you said you were asexual. What does that mean? I've never heard of it before."

"It means I don't feel sexual attraction," I replied. "It doesn't mean I can't feel any other kinds of attraction though. I like kisses and holding hands and cuddling. Just not sex. I have never felt any attraction in that way and no one understands it. They say that because I am human, I have to feel that way but I don't. Not many people understand and are always asking me questions that I sometimes cannot answer."

Mike nodded. "No, I completely understand. It's like being gay or trans. I understand what it's like and that some people are just ignorant. They don't know."

I nodded. "It is a hard life being ace because my parents said that it doesn't exist and I've had friends say similar things. It hurts sometimes."

Mike grabbed my hand. "I know. I'll get you some ice cream when we get home."

I laughed. "Thanks. I love chocolate ice cream."

Mike smiled. "A lot of people do. I'll make it a good night."

I laughed. "I am grateful to have a friend like you, Mike. You are too kind."

Mike laughed. "Thanks."

It was quiet the rest of the ride, the only sound was the radio. Once we got back, I started making dinner. Mike disappeared into his room for a few minutes before coming out.

"Do you need help?" Mike asked as he looked over what I was cooking.

I nodded. "Can you get some spices?"

Mike nodded and opened a cabinet. He grabbed a few spices and I put them into the meat. We talked as I cooked and as I got closer to finishing, Mike set plates on the breakfast bar. He finished setting everything up as I finished. We sat down at the breakfast bar and started eating.

Mike took a bite and set down his fork, looking at me. "You are an amazing cook, Fátima! I love it! It's got so many spices and it's just a burst of flavor. You need to teach me how to cook this."

I smiled, blushing hard. "Thanks. Mi madre always made sure to teach me how to cook. She taught me everything she knew, including Japanese and Chinese foods her parents made. I loved doing it. If Ladylike is ever doing a taste test video, I'm willing to cook."

Mike nodded. "Of course. You have so many good ideas that I think everyone would love. You're so creative."

I giggled. "You compliment me, Mike. I'm just normal."

Mike shook his head, taking a bite. "No one is normal, Fátima. You are no exception."

I smiled, staring down at my food as I stirred it. "Thanks. What do you think about me staying here for a little longer? I don't know if I can find an apartment and you have a room."

Mike nodded. "That's a good plan. As long as you pay rent."

I nodded. "I will. Gracias, Michael, gracias."

Again Mike nodded. "I'll do anything for my friends. I'll help you move in too and make your room more comfortable."

I furrowed my brows, trying to remember what the words he said meant. Within a few seconds, I did and I nodded. I had finally found a place.