Doğal Kaynak Suyu

Seamus has something that I want and he knows it. It’s crystal clear in his mind in the same way that it is clear in my desire- but we have to go through this dance. A prerequisite.

He gets closer.

So do I.

He knows where his night will end. I know it too. But we have to do this dance.

We’re alight like a good bonfire.

I don’t live far from here- I say, smirking proudly.

***

“If it isn’t bathhouse royalty! You’re here… again” Their accent was heavy, like wildfire smoke. They filled out their STAFF tee shirt nicely

“Fuck off! I said trying to not sound embarrassed. “Are you slut shaming me?”

“Not at all. How could I slut shame anybody?” They smirked, then grinned, then winked while poking me in the ribs

“If you are telling me I come here too much then I must come here too much.” I said trying to be polite but also wanting to end the conversation.

“Well I did see you here yesterday- and here you are again today. I’m not judging you darling, I’m describing you. I have to go back to work darling it’s wildly busy but it’s good to see you.” Their accent was sublime. They kissed my cheek. “See you soon”.

“That you will” I smirked.

“I know! That’s why I said see you soon, not just see you.”

Seamus was already at the exit, waiting for me. I hope he heard none of this.

He has something I want, and I have something that he needs.

“Ready?” He said, with a wink.

“Let’s go”.

***

He was the first person to sleep in my bed since Him. I had forgotten what that felt like. I’d had men in my bed since Him, but none had stayed the night.

He did go through the motions asking if it was ok to stay pretending that he didn’t want to be an imposition. We both knew from the moment he arrived that he wasn’t going to be leaving until the morning.

His staying didn’t feel dangerous or unsettling. Despite that I barely slept, I just lay there listening to his steady breathing. No one had occupied that side of the bed in months. Not even me. It was easier than I thought it would be, but harder in ways I didn’t quite expect.

We had breakfast on the balcony before he was due to fly back to his home in Brisbane.

Whenever he visits Sydney, he sleeps where He used to. When I’m in Brisbane I wake up next to him.

We have an arrangement.

He has something that I need, he feels the same about me.