There weren't a lot of options at 10pm on a Thursday, and Freddie had to keep the car running so he headed straight for McDonald's drive thru without asking. Leo didn't say much, but Freddie thought he seemed like the type to let it be known if he wasn't comfortable.

"What do you want?" Freddie asked as they waited for the lights to change.

"And don't say you're fine cause I'll buy everything on the menu, which will be awkward when I have to try to pay for it with the 30 bucks in my account," Freddie added.

"I'll pay," Leo said.

"Dude so not the point."

Leo was looking a bit sick again so Freddie took pity on him.

"Ya know what, I'm pretty skint, but I can definitely splurge on a soft serve each. That good with you?"

Very deliberately Leo drew Freddie's attention until they were staring into to each other's eyes. Leo spoke with intention.

"Fine."

The grin that spread across Freddie's face stretched too far too quickly and almost it felt like he'd strained something.

"I didn't expect you to be funny."

Freddie caught a glimpse of Leo's smile before he turned away to hide it. He liked it.

They ate their ice cream in silence, listening to the Hip Hop Show on Triple J.

"You haven't been at the centre," Leo said once Freddie has taken his last bite.

It was the first time Leo had initiated conversation, and it shocked Freddie so much he didn't reply for a full minute.

"Yeah," was all he said at the end of the long wait.

Worried he'd ruined his chance at a full conversation Freddie started to panic but Leo was the one who kept pushing this time.

"Why?" Leo asked.

"Oh yeah a bit embarrassing to be honest," Freddie answered.

Leo didn't talk again, he waited, and it worked because Freddie couldn't help filling the silence.

"I asked Sadie out," Freddie admitted.

"She's gay," Leo said and if Freddie didn't know better he'd think there was something a little sharp in his tone.

"Yeah I know that's the problem," Freddie said laughing a little at the memory of his own stupidity.

"You got a problem it?"

Freddie hit the break a little at Leo's accusation.

"No! Dude! No, no. The problem is me. I'm looking back like I'm that girl in a horror movie go up the stairs instead of up the stairs. I'm a dickhead yeah."

Another tiny hint of a smile appeared on Leo's face and Freddie decided it was worth a little embarrassment.

"I don't think Sadie'll mind," Leo said after he tucked his smile back behind a veneer of boredom.

"Yeah we sorted it, or well she sorted it. I'm gonna come back. It's just not been my week."

Leo didn't respond, but Freddie was starting to find a little connection in quiet of a words unsaid.

They got back to the car park too soon, and Freddie wanted to ask Leo to stay a little longer. But it was late and he didn't have a reason to drag the evening out.

"Thanks," Freddie said again.

Leo waited for a moment, like he was questioning himself.

"Text me, when you're home. In case the battery dies."

"It should be right now," Freddie said.

The silence that followed said Leo wasn't going to get out of the car.

"Alright I'll let you know," Freddie said.

Leo opened the door to leave.

"Wait," Freddie reached out to stop him. "I need your number."

"I'll text you," Leo said.

With that he left leaving Freddie to wonder how Leo had gotten his number.