Rupert didn’t take much persuading. They ditched the bar and walked to Jodi’s flat. Before long, they were camped out on the couch with tumblers of spiced rum and Nutella on toast, a late-night snack that seemed to make Rupert’s day.
“I make this with bananas for Indie. It’s her special treat when she stays with me.”
Jodi licked chocolate off his fingers. “How often is that?”
“Once a month if I’m lucky. My ex likes me to babysit, but she’s not keen on my place. Says it’s minging.”
“She really does sound like a bitch.” Jodi sipped his rum. “She must know you wouldn’t let Indie come to any harm. You’re a fireman, for God’s sake. How much more responsible can you be?”
“It’s not a good night to ask me that, mate. We lost three to a house fire. That’s why I was late. Had a lot to sort before we clocked out.”
Rupert said the words like such horrors happened to him every shift. Perhaps they did. Jodi didn’t know much about the day-to-day life of a firefighter. “Bet that shit stays with you.”
“Sometimes,” Rupert said. “You get used to it, though, even the scary stuff.”
Jodi wasn’t sure he wanted to know just how scary Rupert’s job could be. He chanced a change of subject. “So, have you been seeing anyone since I saw you last?”
“As in going out with someone?” Rupert cringed and rubbed his palms on his thighs. “Fat chance. I wasn’t taking the piss when I said I was new to this. Tonight was only the second time I’ve ever been in a gay bar.”
Jodi chuckled. “That’s not something to be ashamed of. Being gay isn’t all about shagging and raving, you know.”
“That’s just it, though, isn’t it? Idon’tknow. I don’t know fuck all about how to be who I am. You’re the only gay bloke I’ve ever spoken to.”
“So? You don’t have to be like every other gay bloke, mate. You’ve just got to ... be, I guess. Beyou. Fuck anyone else.”
“Chance would be a fine thing.” Rupert grinned. “Not that I’m propositioning you, or anything.”
Jodi winked and poured them both another rum. “Never say never.”
A little while later, he was quite happily, and quietly, drunk. Rupert seemed to be in a similar state, slouched on the couch, one hand behind his head, the other resting idly on Jodi’s legs that were sprawled in his lap. Jodi wasn’t sure how they’d ended up entangled on the couch, but he had no desire to question it. Relaxing with Rupert felt right. He didn’t need to know any more than that.
“So,” Rupert said. “You’ve heard all about my sordid past. What have you been up to the last year or so?”
Jodi shrugged. “Not much. I left my job in the city eighteen months ago and set up my own company. I’ve only had time for a few friends with benefits. Nothing serious.”
“Benefits, eh? Sounds interesting.”
“If you say so,” Jodi said. “I went through a phase of whoring it up when I split with Sophie, trying to out gay my imagination, you know? But I settled down when I moved in here. Found my own company more fun than I thought.”
Rupert smirked and waggled his fingers. “Even I’m familiar with my own company, mate.”
“Ha-ha.” The idea of Rupert having a wank was enough to derail Jodi’s train of thought. He lost himself in the tickle of Rupert tracing absent patterns on his jean-clad thigh until the bellyful of rum got the better of him, and he yawned so hard his jaw cracked.
Rupert stirred and looked at his phone. “Jesus. It’s nearly three. I should go.”
“Go where? Home?”
“Yup. I’m off for a couple of days now.” Rupert lifted Jodi’s legs and stood. “Shit, fucking Tube’s shut, isn’t it? I need to catch the bus.”
“The night bus? Fuck that. Do you have anywhere to be tomorrow?”
Rupert shrugged. “Not really. Just the gym and getting my barnet chopped.”
“Screw it, then. Stay here.”
“On the couch?”
“If you like.” Jodi stood too and held out his hand. “Or you can kip in with me.”
