Re-Hydration

Your throat feels parched after the exertion of your passionate encounters with Clara. You slip out from under the sheets, careful not to disturb her as she dozes lightly beside you. The wooden floorboards are cool beneath your bare feet as you pad across your bedroom in the darkness, guided only by the faint glow of streetlights filtering through the curtains.

In the hallway, you pause. The music from David's room has stopped, replaced by the low murmur of conversation. You hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but as you approach the kitchen—just past David's door—their voices carry clearly through the thin wall.

"I've never actually had anyone cook for me like that before," Zara's voice filters through, a hint of vulnerability in her usual professional tone. "Most guys I date just suggest takeout or reservations."

"Clara mentioned you appreciate good food," David replies, his voice warm in a way you rarely hear. "Though I should confess—I practiced that risotto three times this week. The first attempt was...less than edible."

Zara laughs, the sound surprisingly melodic compared to her typical restrained chuckle at work. "That's adorable. But unnecessary—I would've been impressed with pasta from a box."

"Would you, though?" David challenges playfully.

A pause, then: "No. Probably not." They both laugh, and you hear the distinctive clink of wine glasses touching.

"Can I ask you something?" Zara's voice drops lower, more intimate. "Why me? Clara's been trying to set us up for weeks, but you never seemed interested before."

You freeze halfway to the kitchen, suddenly feeling like you're intruding on something deeply personal. But before you can retreat, David's answer comes through the wall.

"I was going through some... complicated stuff," he says carefully. "Had to get my head straight before I could think about dating anyone. Especially someone I actually respect."

"And now?"

"Now I'm ready," David says with a certainty that surprises you. "More than ready. I think Matt coming back and settling down with Clara made me realize I've been using work as an excuse to avoid meaningful connections."

Your eyebrows rise at the mention of your name and the curious phrasing—"Matt coming back"—knowing he's carefully navigating around the truth of your transformation.

"What do you mean, 'Matt coming back'?" Zara asks, echoing your thoughts.

"Oh, he was...abroad. For work. Extended project," David fumbles slightly. "Anyway, seeing him and Clara together, how happy they are despite how complicated their situation is—it made me think about what I really want."

"And what's that?" Zara's voice has that teasing quality you've only heard her use with Clara before.

"Someone smart enough to challenge me," David replies without hesitation. "Someone who sees through my banker bullshit and calls me on it."

"I can definitely do that," Zara says, and you can hear the smile in her voice.

You finally continue to the kitchen, filling a glass with water as quietly as possible, feeling oddly touched by David's words. As you head back to your room, you hear one last exchange.

"Your friends are good people," Zara says softly. "Even if they are ridiculously loud in bed."

David's laugh follows you down the hallway. "Trust me, we gave as good as we got."

You slip back into bed beside Clara, who stirs sleepily and curls against your chest without fully waking. As you wrap an arm around her, you can't help but smile, realizing that despite all the chaos of the past few weeks, something stable and genuine seems to be forming around you—not just between you and Clara, but in this strange little found family that knows your impossible secret.

00:10 | Saturday 16 August 2025 | Matt's Bedroom, Putney