Made Glorious Spring ( 18+ from page 10 onwards )

"... I can do that." Ben smiles shyly as he cuts the sausages, all awkward fondness

 

Martin grins. "Just add them into another pan on medium, after?"

 

"Uh... Medium?" He frowns at the stovetop.

 

"....turn the thingy there to five," Martin points.

 

"... Oh. Right. I ... right." He flushes and obeys.

 

Martin smiles. "You mostly use the microwave and oven, right?"

 

"... y... yeah. ... And the pizza delivery. On good days."

Or sometimes he just eats things cold. You know. Whatever keeps you alive, right?

 

"An' bad days?" Martin asks curiously, then pauses, blinking slowly as a thought occurs to him. "...y' don' have t' say if y' don' wanna."

 

Ben hesitates, blushing. "... uh... I don't eat, mostly. I... don't... I get nervous around people. Sometimes it's too much."

 

Martin considers this. "...then you should get a big, big box of saltines, or somethin'? Then you can at least nibble 'em?"

 

"..." Ben hesitates. "That... that's a really good idea. I didn't think of that..."

 

Martin grins. "...I know a lot of folks. They taught me some good tips."

 

"... they sound like interesting friends," he says, smiling shyly back. "... you wanna tell me about them?"

 

"Hmm. Maybe! Depends on what you want to know. I know a lotta people in a lotta places?" He's cheerful, bubbly.

 

"... just sounds nice. I don't see a lot of people. Don't get out much." He's wistful, chewing thoughtfully at his lip.

 

"Alright. Guess a name, and if I know somebody with it, I'll tell you. First or Last, either works." He grins mischievously.

 

He laughs. "Um... Smith?"

 

He blinks. "...I think we have a family of regulars? All siblings, they come to the Streetcar and catch up once a month."

 

"... huh. Uhm. ... John?"

He's just guessing common names because he figures it's his best bet.

 

"Uh. Not that I know of for sure?"