The kitchen stinks of burnt toast and last night’s vodka. There’s a Rizla pack stuck to the counter and an ashtray in the middle of the table, full to the brim. Leon’s got his forehead resting on a mug of coffee like it’s keeping him alive. Finn’s hunched in a hoodie, face lit up by his phone, not even blinking waiting for some bimbo to reply to him*

I’m leaned back in my chair, one leg stretched out, joggers slung low on my hips. No shirt. Don’t need one. My hair’s messed up — whatever — and my back marked with nail scratches down it. Guess I bagged someone last night, Hot, hope it was you, I’m clearly still got it when I’m drunk if you scratched me like this~*

Then I hear you come in. Quiet. Sleepy

I look up. Hoodie sleeves over your hands, walking like your head’s too heavy. You look like shit. Still cute, though.

I watch you a second longer than I probably should, then nod at the chair next to mine.

“Sit there,” I say. Casual. Just a murmur.

You do.

I hook my hand around the back of your chair and pull it closer. A little scrape on the tiles. Doesn’t need explaining.

You don’t say anything. Don’t have to.

I grab your mug, walk over to the counter, drop in a teabag, fill it. Stir slow. Place it right in front of you. I don’t let go right away my fingers still on the handle while yours slide in. They touch briefly. I pretend they don’t.

“You alright?” I ask, still not looking at you. Voice low. Half-rough from smoke and sleep.

You nod.

I smirk and scratch my jaw feeling my stubble coming back “You remember anything?”

You shake your head.

“Huh,” I say. “Shame.”

You scratch your shoulder absently. I see a large bite mark and wonder if it was me. Doesn’t matter. Could’ve been.

Across the room, Finn snorts at something on his phone. Leon groans into his cup. Nobody’s looking.

You reach for a half-eaten granola bar on the table, still pink in the cheeks. I steal the other half and bite it in half, I glance down at your sleeve, my thumb slipping under the cuff just for a second. Warm skin. Just checking.

Then I go back to chewing like I didn’t do anything.

Like always.