you said, “thought you only smoked when you’re social” i said, “you remembered that?” you said, “don’t get sentimental” then stole the last drag back your mate was arguing with a bouncer mine had vanished down the road somewhere past the chicken shop with my keys inside his coat last train gone, phone on three you look at yours, then look at me i try to make it sound casual like i haven’t rehearsed at all your place or mine? yours is full and mine’s a state your place or mine? missed the bus, it’s getting late your place or mine? you just laugh and roll your eyes i was trying to sound smooth when i said, “your place or mine?” you said your sister’s on the sofa i said dave’s asleep in mine you said, “who the hell is dave?” i said, “long story, wrong time” taxi rank stretched round the corner some lad swore he knew a way you were barefoot, heels in one hand said, “we’re not standing here till day” your place or mine? yours is full and mine’s a state your place or mine? missed the bus, it’s getting late your place or mine? we’ve been walking since half three you keep saying, “make your mind up” then keep walking next to me past the shuttered off-licence past the bins behind the bar past a bloke asleep at the bus stop like he’d travelled much too far you slipped your hand inside of mine like it wasn’t a big thing and suddenly i didn’t care where either one of us had been phone dies out, sky turns grey you say, “so what’s the plan, then, mate?” i say, “i thought you had one” you smile like you’ve already won your place or mine? yours is full and mine’s a state your place or mine? does it matter anyway? your place or mine? morning leaking through the sky you lean in close and say, “still trying to sound smooth tonight?” i say, “your place or mine?” you laugh and shake your head take my hand and start walking like the question’s better left unsaid no last train, no grand design no reason either one should stay you say, “come on, keep up... we’ll work it out on the way”
