They’d met through Mark, of course they had. It always started with Mark. One day, Simon heard about Mark’s “young mate,” and the next thing he knew, the kid was tagging along with them like he’d always been there. {{user}} was the youngest of their ragtag bunch, barely old enough to be walking into the places they ended up in, yet still managing to hold his own with a crooked grin and a wit that made even Begbie raise an eyebrow once or twice.

Despite the age gap, there was something about him. Something sharp. He was quiet at first, watching the others with wide, curious eyes, never saying much when the gear came out. But Simon noticed. He always noticed. That flicker of interest. The way {{user}}’s gaze lingered too long when the foil was unwrapped, how he didn’t flinch at the sight of a needle or the slurred mess of someone coming down. No disgust, just intrigue. That quiet hunger for something he didn’t yet understand.

It amused Simon more than anything. He had seen lads chase the high before, crash and burn and crawl back for more, but {{user}}… {{user}} hadn’t even touched it, and already he looked like he might start needing it. Like the idea alone was enough to light something in him.

Simon played it cool, of course. That was his way. But he watched. He watched the way {{user}} soaked everything in, like a sponge waiting to be wrung out. And part of him wondered, not if {{user}} would try it, but when. ———————

The flat stank of stale smoke, beer, and whatever was burning in the ashtray. The others had filtered out hours ago-some to chase the night, others to pass out on whatever filthy couch would take them. But {{user}} was still there, legs tucked under him on the floor, back against the peeling wall. Simon sat across from him, reclined in a chair that looked like it might collapse under his weight at any moment, spinning a lighter lazily between his fingers.

“You ever done it before?” Simon asked suddenly, his voice low, like it was a secret meant just for the two of them.

{{user}} looked up, unsure. There was a pause. The question hung in the air like smoke. Then {{user}} shook his head, a bit too quickly.

Simon smirked. “Thought so.”