Kieran & Liam

"Hey. Can I have another shot?"

"Sure. What will it be?"

"Anything... Hey, you know what? Surprise me."

"We're... not really supposed to do that, sorry."

"Oh. Kraken then."

"One Kraken."

"Make it a double."

"Coming up."

"Thanks... ... ..."

"Rough day?"

"Can you tell?"

"You've got that face that bar tenders are just drawn to."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. It's a stereotype for a reason. I love talking to people, and as you can see... we are pretty dead here. So..."

"Ugh, I got stood up. Was meant to meet this guy and ... he didn't turn up. Not even a message to let me know."

"I hate when that happens."

"I am sure a pretty guy like you never has that problem."

"Hmm. No. Happens a lot."

"Ugh... Sometimes I wonder why I bother with those apps. I mean, it's mainly vapid skinny twinks who hate anyone who is not a twink, or else married, closeted conservatives. Or is that just me being a harsh and bitter, stood-up bitch? Ha. Actually, don't answer that. Ha."

"... ... ... I get a lot of chasers."

"Huh? Chasers?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"You know..."

"I really don't... Oh... Oh... Wow. No way?"

"Yeah, way. Surprises a lot of people when I tell them. And they say they can always tell."  

"I couldn't tell... Wait, I don't know if that's a compliment... It was meant to be, but ... Shit. I'm sorry I'm—"

"Sweet. Your foot is so very deep in your mouth, but sweet."

"You... think I'm sweet?"

"Yeah. If you don't mind me saying?"

"No. No. That's ... thank you. That does feel very confidence-building. You're sweet, too. And ... very ..."

"Very what?"

"... ... ... Hot."

"Yeah?"

"... ... ... Yeah."

"Thanks."

"Name's Kieran."

"Liam."

"You come here often?"

"Ha. Every Tuesday/Thursday after 12. If you're asking me about my shifts."

"I... don't know what I am asking, really. I'm sorry, I'm just a bit of a mess at the moment."

"It's fine."

"... ... ... Hey, Liam?"

"Yes, Kieran?"

"I don't suppose you're free tonight, are you?"

"After my shift? I mean... yeah. I was just going to grab a kebab and watch Love Island on catch-up... If you wanted to join me? It's Casa Amour week."

"I don't watch it... But... I would love to continue talking. And I do like kebabs."

"Okay."

"Okay? Great... ... Great... ... ... I'm glad I stayed out tonight."