Big Dump

1997

“So…”

“So?”

“Why did you push me off the train?”

“Because we took the wrong one.”

“Alright. Where are we now?”

“No idea.”

“Hmmmm…” Thom rubbed his chin, walking around the deserted station, heavy backpack behind his shoulders. Noticing the door, he opened it and stepped in the spacey hall; a couple of escalators were working, quiet soft jazz played on the background, and the whole place was illuminated. He spotted a few brochures on the stand down the stares and scurried down the escalator.

Jonny followed him, looking around to spot anybody who could’ve helped them. The station was completely empty, however, and it seemed that they were the only ones there.

“We have to go back, right?” Thom called, studying the paper in his hands. Jonny rubbed the back of his neck a muttered an unsure “Yeah.”

“It says here the next train is going to be here in about…” Thom checked his watch, “In about an hour. Wicked.”

“Pffft,” Jonny sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“This is a freaky place,” Thom walked to the closed snack counter, peeking inside, “Everybody’s extinct.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s go outside. Come on.”

They walked into the warm air of the platform, Thom walking all the way to the edge and gazing as far in the dark as he could see. Nothing. Jonny sat cross-legged on the ground and Thom joined him, nestling close. Jon smiled and picked up a newspaper somebody left, reading the titles absently while Thom put head on his shoulder.

“…Two local men are to be joined in a civil partnership. They say it’s a shame same-sex marriage is not allowed.”

“Wow,” Thom scrunched his nose, putting an arm around Jonny.

“Yeah,” Jon put the newspaper down and the stared into the dark for a while, holding on to each other.

“You cold?”

“Naw.”

“Jon?”

“Yes?”

“Would you ever…you know…marry? I mean, a guy.”

“Erm,” Jonny rubbed his forehead, “Haven’t really thought about it.”

“Well it’s the next logical step really.”

“I suppose. It’s just that…I mean, I would be glad just to live with my partner, official stuff is just secondary.”

“Secondary,” Thom sniffed and Jon tugged at his sleeve, pulling him onto his lap and putting his arms around the tight little body.

“I guess the ceremony would be nice,” Jonny stated absently, his fingers playing with Thom’s locks.

“But don’t you think the relationship changes? It’s a new level, there’s this grim ‘forever’ hanging in the space.”

“Depends on who your partner is,” Jon rubbed his cheek against Thom’s.

“I guess you are right.”

Thom leaned back against Jonny’s chest, resting his head against the shoulder. They were silent for a couple of minutes.

“Jon?”

“Yes?”

“If it ever becomes legal…erm…you know…would you…ever…with me?..”

“Yes.”

Thom grinned childishly, turning his head and looking at Jonny’s thoughtful profile, then settled back against his shoulder, picking up a large hand and playing with the warm fingers.