Almost Perfect

PATRICK MATTHEWS IS VERY MUCH STILL ALIVE

Patrick lifted the rubbish out onto the dumpster. He spun when he heard the footsteps behind him.

‘God!’ he breathed. ‘Ianto! You nearly scared me to death.’ The girl looked genuinely alarmed. ‘Really? Oh, I hope not. I really hope not. Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.’

Patrick smiled. ‘You didn’t, eh? Then what you doing creeping up on me in a dark alley?’

Ianto looked bemused. ‘I’m surprisingly used to alleys.’

‘Is that so?’ He smiled again, and leaned closer. ‘So you really checking up on me, or just trying for a quick snog without Bren noticing?’

Up close, Patrick smelt of fresh hot oil and vinegar. Ianto realised he was breathing quickly. ‘Er,’ he said.

‘Yes?’ Patrick smiled, really amused.

‘Everything been all right? In the shop, and all?’ Oh god, I’m babbling, thought Ianto.

‘Yes. Fine. Couple of boys decided to kick off tonight, but I soon cleared them out. I’m so glad I played a lot of rugby at school.’

‘Yeah, always comes in handy,’ said Ianto. ‘Um. Girl’s rugby. Obviously.’

‘Obviously, yeah,’ Patrick smirked, and started to undo his apron strings. ‘So, is that it?’

Ianto nodded, eagerly. ‘Honestly, genuinely, just checking up on you. You’re alive, tick, good. Carry on.’

‘And?’ Patrick leaned back against the wall, smirking.

Ianto looked round, and slumped with defeat. ‘Oh all right, but just a quick snog.’