He will try to get more sleep after Loris is gone. Then he will go to George’s place for the football match and, later, he will come back here to kiss Loris’ earlobe. And his V-lines. He hasn’t touched Loris’ V-lines. That’s unacceptable. Is that why the Frenchs are constantly rioting? Is there a rule against tasting V-lines in their constitution? Charles and Loris will fight the French constitution. Once they’re done experimenting all the touching.
‘I was thinking…’
‘Me too,’ Charles mumbles. ‘We have work to do.’
‘Uh?’
‘Nothing. What were you thinking?’
‘I’m gonna be gone for three days, so I was wondering, because of what you said when—’
‘What the no, now?’ Charles sits up, and the arousing sight ofLoris unrolling a thermal top down his torso increases his outrage. ‘Why three days? Are you taking the kids to Murrayfield?’
‘I’m travelling to Kent after practice. Late Christmas celebrations with my grandparents. I’m coming back for my shift on Tuesday.’
A rope forms a knot around Charles’ stomach, but he silences his indignant refusal and the desire to decapitate Loris’ relatives.
‘Not to sound clingy, but it’s a bit upsetting.’
‘You gatecrashed a long-planned schedule.’
Charles looks down at the thumb he’s scratching.
It’s alright. He has to work early tomorrow and to go home at some point. He wasn’t going to bask in bliss and lust forever. He wasn’t, but now that he can’t, he painfully wishes he could have.
Loris sits next to him, wearing sport pants, a black hoodie and a preoccupied expression that moves the rope from Charles’ stomach to his heart.
‘The thing is, it feels like something is going on at home.’
‘No. Something is going on in Charland, about home.’
Loris takes his hand to interrupt the scratching. ‘Anyway, if you need to not be there, I keep a spare set of keys at the pub. I can text Patty that you’re gonna pick it up. If you want to stay here while I’m away.’
‘Really?’
‘If you don’t eat all the charcuterie I brought back from France.’
‘I… I might take you up on that. Thank you.’
Loris leans closer for another gentle kiss, and Charles’ heart swells so much the knot snaps. It’s perfect too. It’s peaceful. White flags and doves waltzing in the wind. But Charles’ tongue is quick to take some liberties, so Loris stands back up.
‘Nope.’
‘Five more minutes. You can Uber it.’
‘I am Ubering it. I made that decision when you were drawing on my shoulders. Do you mind cleaning up breakfast?’
‘Least I can do. Can you please pass me my phone? Oh, and can I borrow warm clothes? And you said not to eatallthe charcuterie, but can I try some?’
‘Anything else?’
‘I’ll let you know.’
Loris tosses the phone onto the bed and brings a travel bag near the door, where he puts on his coat and a pair of trainers. ‘Okay for the clothes. Not sure about the charcuterie. I haven’t forgiven you for—’
‘You didn’t let me apologise!’
‘—ruining my night.’
