WEBVTT - Episode 2: Midnight Oil 0:00:00.640 --> 0:00:04.240 The Hookup is a production of iHeart Podcasts, Blumbhouse Television, 0:00:04.280 --> 0:00:12.920 and Amber twenty. Listener discretion is totally advised. When I 0:00:13.000 --> 0:00:15.760 was little, my parents loved telling the story of my 0:00:15.840 --> 0:00:19.320 first ultrasound. My mother would recall eagerly waiting for the 0:00:19.320 --> 0:00:21.720 obgyn to turn the monitor so she could get a 0:00:21.760 --> 0:00:24.840 first look at a fetal young Damien. To my parents' 0:00:24.840 --> 0:00:28.920 surprise and endless amusement for years to come, the ultrasound 0:00:28.960 --> 0:00:32.519 revealed me not in the typical anterior or posterior fetal position, 0:00:33.640 --> 0:00:35.320 but rather on all fours. 0:00:36.360 --> 0:00:39.680 You know, our boy Damien was born doggy style. 0:00:41.560 --> 0:00:45.000 My father cackled joyously at my third grade orientation. 0:00:45.560 --> 0:00:48.239 He was on all fours in utero and he's been 0:00:48.320 --> 0:00:49.320 that way ever since. 0:00:50.159 --> 0:00:54.760 My mother teased to the Crustwick University tour guide. It 0:00:54.800 --> 0:00:57.280 didn't bother me when I was young, because I didn't 0:00:57.320 --> 0:00:59.320 really understand the implication. 0:00:59.240 --> 0:01:02.440 The implication that you like taking it from behind on 0:01:02.520 --> 0:01:03.080 all fours. 0:01:04.040 --> 0:01:07.720 Uh, this would be Santy. Usually throwing up on someone 0:01:07.760 --> 0:01:10.399 and passing out in their dorm ends a relationship quicker 0:01:10.400 --> 0:01:14.199 than you can say, is he breathing? But Santy was different. 0:01:14.880 --> 0:01:16.880 The next morning he asked me to brunch at the 0:01:16.880 --> 0:01:23.839 campus dining hall. No, not that implication. Well yeah, okay, 0:01:23.840 --> 0:01:26.200 that too. But what mainly bothered me as I got 0:01:26.240 --> 0:01:30.800 older was the idea that it made me like subordinate 0:01:31.440 --> 0:01:35.240 number two, as if I'm like physically predisposed to being 0:01:35.280 --> 0:01:38.640 on all fours. Santy narrows his eyes, and I know 0:01:38.720 --> 0:01:41.039 what's coming next. He's about to ask me if the 0:01:41.040 --> 0:01:48.280 prophecy came true, whether I am in fact a bottom, 0:01:48.440 --> 0:01:50.800 and I just can't with the whole top or bottom 0:01:50.800 --> 0:01:53.080 of question right now, because then I'll have to tell 0:01:53.160 --> 0:01:55.320 him that it's none of the above that I've never 0:01:55.360 --> 0:01:56.120 done either. 0:01:57.720 --> 0:02:01.960 But to my surprise, noted, we'll have to explore further 0:02:02.080 --> 0:02:03.240 next time you come over. 0:02:04.440 --> 0:02:07.480 Sing to this guy. I mean, I could just sit 0:02:07.480 --> 0:02:12.480 here for hours watching him eat his shrimp fried rice. Shrimps. 0:02:12.480 --> 0:02:16.160 Don't know how lucky they are, what you think because 0:02:16.200 --> 0:02:18.120 you spent a whole meal swipe on me that I'm 0:02:18.160 --> 0:02:18.880 just gonna put out. 0:02:19.680 --> 0:02:23.320 I don't know what to expect from me, Damien. I 0:02:23.320 --> 0:02:24.600 don't know anything about you. 0:02:25.320 --> 0:02:29.120 Ignorance is bliss, Okay, what do you want to know? 0:02:29.680 --> 0:02:30.960 Where are you from? 0:02:31.040 --> 0:02:33.600 New York? Little suburb outside in WYC. 0:02:34.160 --> 0:02:35.760 Did you spend a lot of time in the city? 0:02:36.560 --> 0:02:37.000 Kind of? 0:02:37.880 --> 0:02:40.200 I mean I ran a Twitter account of different rats 0:02:40.200 --> 0:02:43.079 I saw on the subways, so I guess. 0:02:42.960 --> 0:02:45.919 Oh, that's a niche. 0:02:46.280 --> 0:02:49.000 I know, I know. Rats aren't the most beloved of 0:02:49.120 --> 0:02:52.000 God's gentle creatures. The plague was kind of a pr 0:02:52.120 --> 0:02:53.000 nightmare in that sense. 0:02:53.360 --> 0:02:56.400 But can I guess? Can can I guess why you 0:02:56.480 --> 0:03:02.520 like rats? Okay, well, let's see. I want to say 0:03:02.960 --> 0:03:06.760 Damien likes rats because they're often underestimated and can fly 0:03:06.880 --> 0:03:10.880 under the radar. But you don't seem like a count 0:03:10.919 --> 0:03:14.840 a dog person. You probably had weird pets growing up 0:03:14.880 --> 0:03:18.919 as a kid, like rats, and they don't live very long, 0:03:19.000 --> 0:03:22.120 so you never risked forming an actual bond and then 0:03:22.200 --> 0:03:25.640 losing something you cared about. How'd I do? 0:03:27.600 --> 0:03:29.840 I was gonna say I like rats because they're cute 0:03:29.880 --> 0:03:32.760 and the hairless ones look like aliens. 0:03:34.520 --> 0:03:37.200 Well, either way, we have lab rats over in the 0:03:37.200 --> 0:03:40.360 science building. Should you ever want to reboot. 0:03:39.960 --> 0:03:44.120 The account science building? A what's your major? 0:03:45.000 --> 0:03:48.280 Chemistry? Can you feel it? 0:03:48.400 --> 0:03:52.920 And now Santy's grinning at me, amused and in control 0:03:54.800 --> 0:03:58.880 number one? That was a good one, Santi. 0:03:58.800 --> 0:04:00.600 Thanks just testing it. 0:04:00.560 --> 0:04:07.640 Out, testing me like a labyrinth number two, But. 0:04:07.680 --> 0:04:10.800 Don't change the subject. I want to learn about you. 0:04:11.840 --> 0:04:15.000 What makes Damien Hurst tick? 0:04:17.600 --> 0:04:21.960 Mainly my ocd Oh, come on, that was funny. 0:04:22.040 --> 0:04:25.280 Marginally, but I feel like you're using humor. 0:04:25.040 --> 0:04:28.000 To deflect deflect me. 0:04:29.279 --> 0:04:32.720 Fum what talking about yourself? Opening up? 0:04:33.040 --> 0:04:36.720 Not true? Not true? Ask away? Not only will I 0:04:36.800 --> 0:04:41.320 open up, I'll even say, uh. 0:04:40.440 --> 0:04:41.440 Do you have a boyfriend? 0:04:41.920 --> 0:04:44.160 Yes, but we have an arrangement about passing out in 0:04:44.240 --> 0:04:48.360 other guy's bed, so it's totally cool. Damien, No, no boyfriend? 0:04:48.960 --> 0:04:51.120 Have you ever had one? 0:04:51.440 --> 0:04:53.640 No? No boyfriend? 0:04:54.040 --> 0:04:56.240 Have you ever been with a guy. 0:04:56.960 --> 0:05:00.400 I've hooked up with guys. 0:05:00.520 --> 0:05:04.680 Yes, sex though, have you ever gone all the way? 0:05:05.520 --> 0:05:13.440 He smells blood? No, no, Santy takes a sip of juice, 0:05:13.640 --> 0:05:17.840 eyes never leaving me, and then finally he gives me 0:05:17.880 --> 0:05:19.680 the tiniest smile and says. 0:05:21.040 --> 0:05:23.680 Cool, cool. 0:05:25.560 --> 0:05:28.440 I think that's a good response, to be fair, I 0:05:28.440 --> 0:05:30.719 don't really know what the ideal reply would even be. 0:05:31.440 --> 0:05:33.279 I guess cool is better than. 0:05:33.640 --> 0:05:36.480 Lucky for you. I've got a green thumb. Want to 0:05:36.520 --> 0:05:42.120 get your petals plucked? Or fuck? Yeah till marriage? 0:05:43.520 --> 0:05:44.920 Is there anything else? Inquisitor? 0:05:45.560 --> 0:05:49.680 Yeah, one more question, Why did you let me go? 0:05:51.080 --> 0:05:57.279 What? Santy? What's going on? Whoa put down the fork? 0:05:57.720 --> 0:06:00.280 Why you. 0:06:04.320 --> 0:06:06.599 He presses his thumb against the head of his fork, 0:06:06.920 --> 0:06:10.400 skewing himself on the times there's bloods like all over 0:06:10.440 --> 0:06:12.320 his shrimp. Now, Santi, what. 0:06:12.279 --> 0:06:12.919 Do you want you? 0:06:28.279 --> 0:06:32.760 Yeah? That was the catch with Santy total package, except 0:06:32.800 --> 0:06:36.960 sometimes he channels Satan and impale himself on cutlery. And 0:06:37.040 --> 0:06:39.920 also where does he get off accusing me of using 0:06:40.000 --> 0:07:02.560 humor to deflect ten thirty ten thirty fucking Santy dreams? 0:07:03.839 --> 0:07:07.799 See between us ethically raised free range chickens. My classwork 0:07:07.839 --> 0:07:10.480 has kind of fallen to the wayside since Santy disappeared 0:07:10.880 --> 0:07:12.560 the way way aside. 0:07:13.120 --> 0:07:15.920 Your grades have dropped severely. 0:07:16.000 --> 0:07:19.440 The Dean so keenly observed during our mandatory goals and 0:07:19.480 --> 0:07:21.080 progress check in the other day. 0:07:21.640 --> 0:07:24.120 If you don't turn things around, we may have to 0:07:24.120 --> 0:07:26.040 re examine your standing here at Krestwick. 0:07:26.720 --> 0:07:29.760 I get where she's coming from. I do, but I'm 0:07:29.800 --> 0:07:32.160 paying tuition, So what's it to her if I don't 0:07:32.200 --> 0:07:37.760 ace my exams or pass my exams or show up 0:07:37.800 --> 0:07:38.400 for them. 0:07:38.800 --> 0:07:40.800 I understand you were present at the time of your 0:07:43.480 --> 0:07:47.840 friends disappearance last year. Have you seen one of our 0:07:47.840 --> 0:07:48.920 on campus counselors. 0:07:50.400 --> 0:07:54.160 I have my own psychiatrist, thinks. I do see doctor 0:07:54.240 --> 0:07:56.920 Andrea Wiley every Wednesday and give her the rundown on 0:07:56.960 --> 0:07:59.920 my week. You know how I'm feeling, who's wronged me? 0:08:00.160 --> 0:08:03.160 Trying to get her to laugh at my jokes, therapy stuff. 0:08:04.120 --> 0:08:07.960 What I don't mention to doctor Wiley is the Santy situation. 0:08:08.680 --> 0:08:10.560 It just seems like such a can of worms, you know, 0:08:11.240 --> 0:08:14.000 slimy worms that'll make me answer tough questions and dig 0:08:14.160 --> 0:08:20.160 uncomfortably deep. No thanks, Besides, who needs therapy when you 0:08:20.200 --> 0:08:23.120 have metal? The gaze of Ludlow County ask more than 0:08:23.200 --> 0:08:29.520 enough uncomfortable questions like hey man, you pick? Do you 0:08:29.640 --> 0:08:30.080 like feet? 0:08:30.800 --> 0:08:34.160 Or hey feet? 0:08:35.200 --> 0:08:38.360 Still, the trickiest questions setting in my metal inbox would 0:08:38.360 --> 0:08:40.840 have to be the one for my current and only 0:08:41.160 --> 0:08:45.600 lead in Santy's disappearance, the Ludlow Lodge bell Boy. Now 0:08:45.640 --> 0:08:48.040 that his hotel of former employment has been turned into 0:08:48.080 --> 0:08:50.920 an apartment complex, I can't figure out why he was 0:08:51.040 --> 0:08:54.280 hanging around there last night. Factor in his cryptic metal 0:08:54.360 --> 0:08:57.840 chat and proximity to Santy the night he disappeared, I'd 0:08:57.880 --> 0:09:01.160 consider him a bonafide suspect. But what was his message? 0:09:01.640 --> 0:09:03.040 Hey? Man, what are you into? 0:09:04.280 --> 0:09:07.880 I have the hookup? I need to play this carefully, 0:09:08.200 --> 0:09:11.360 the exact right phrasing, the exact right words, to make 0:09:11.400 --> 0:09:18.840 sure this lead doesn't slip away. Hi, Hey, what are 0:09:18.840 --> 0:09:23.360 you looking for? I'm not sure, really open to trying 0:09:23.440 --> 0:09:27.679 new things fire. Have you tried the hookup? 0:09:28.120 --> 0:09:28.200 No? 0:09:28.520 --> 0:09:31.480 What is that? Do you mean like hooking up? 0:09:31.679 --> 0:09:32.680 You into group play? 0:09:33.280 --> 0:09:36.560 Oh? That took a turn group play? I mean, I 0:09:36.559 --> 0:09:39.360 can't even fathom how exhausting that internal ranch is going 0:09:39.360 --> 0:09:48.880 to be. Not expressly no either, only looking for threesomes 0:09:48.960 --> 0:09:54.400 right now? Ah? Shit, Well I learned the bell boy 0:09:54.559 --> 0:09:58.560 likes threesomes. That's something right. I swiped a close out 0:09:58.600 --> 0:10:02.200 of Metal, but something catches my eye A profile with 0:10:02.360 --> 0:10:09.240 the picture of Santi. The photo is foggy, a bathroom 0:10:09.280 --> 0:10:12.480 mirror selfie, focused more on torso than head. But I'd 0:10:12.520 --> 0:10:16.720 recognize that face anywhere. That's what I dream about after all. 0:10:18.200 --> 0:10:23.920 Without thinking, I message him. Hey, Logically, I know this 0:10:24.000 --> 0:10:26.760 is probably just some guy catfishing with the photo of Santy, 0:10:27.240 --> 0:10:32.360 But what if it's really him? The username isn't much help. 0:10:32.440 --> 0:10:35.960 It's just the letter M could be short for murderer. 0:10:36.080 --> 0:10:41.320 Comma Santy's damien. He knows my name. 0:10:41.960 --> 0:10:44.000 Shouldn't you be in class right now? 0:10:44.760 --> 0:10:48.040 He knows my schedule? Uh? Who is this. 0:10:50.440 --> 0:10:53.560 Mateo from two oh six Ethics and Journalism? 0:10:54.559 --> 0:10:58.679 Ironic the class I'm currently missing. His name doesn't ring 0:10:58.720 --> 0:11:02.120 a bell though, to be I've hardly attended that class, 0:11:02.160 --> 0:11:05.000 so why would it. Santy himself could be the TA 0:11:05.000 --> 0:11:10.440 and I wouldn't have noticed. Uh, matteo right, Sorry, I 0:11:10.520 --> 0:11:13.480 have trouble learning everyone's names in these big lectures. Ha ha ha. 0:11:14.600 --> 0:11:17.800 This doesn't make any sense. If this guy really is 0:11:18.040 --> 0:11:21.400 Mateo from Ethics and Journalism, that means he's messaging me 0:11:21.440 --> 0:11:24.800 on metal from class right now. Even I don't do that. 0:11:25.679 --> 0:11:27.800 Maybe if you were in class right now, you'd know 0:11:27.920 --> 0:11:28.600 more names? 0:11:29.320 --> 0:11:33.920 Whoa he really is in my class? Also kind of 0:11:33.960 --> 0:11:39.400 an aggressive thing to say, right, Oh, winky face, it's fine. 0:11:40.320 --> 0:11:42.200 Why don't you come over to my dorm tonight and 0:11:42.240 --> 0:11:46.400 I can fill you in on what you missed today. 0:11:47.360 --> 0:11:49.400 I mean, as much as I want to figure out 0:11:49.400 --> 0:11:52.080 why this person is using a photo of Santy, his 0:11:52.200 --> 0:11:56.960 proposal doesn't not seem dangerous, But I mean with the 0:11:56.960 --> 0:12:00.000 bellboy trail cooling down. This Mateo guy is the clue. 0:12:00.160 --> 0:12:02.439 This thing I have to a new lead, and I 0:12:02.480 --> 0:12:04.640 wouldn't even have to leave campus. I'd just be going 0:12:04.679 --> 0:12:11.640 over to his dorm. What could go wrong? I'm just 0:12:11.640 --> 0:12:16.320 gonna see who the catfish really is then bounce easy? Hey, hey, 0:12:17.480 --> 0:12:22.120 not easy? Not easy. I don't understand. Mateo wasn't using 0:12:22.120 --> 0:12:26.960 a photo of Santy. Mateo is Santy? Uh? 0:12:27.480 --> 0:12:27.960 Mateo? 0:12:28.760 --> 0:12:32.400 Is this real? He has the same bushy eyebrows, the 0:12:32.440 --> 0:12:36.280 same barely noticeable gap in his front teeth, the adorable 0:12:36.280 --> 0:12:38.680 little ears that stick out. It's a little further than normal. 0:12:39.640 --> 0:12:43.720 The eyes are wrong, though not wrong, just not Santy's. 0:12:44.840 --> 0:12:47.800 And they're lighter too. You know, like that TikTok filter 0:12:47.880 --> 0:12:50.080 that makes your eyes glow, but you don't use it 0:12:50.120 --> 0:12:52.080 because the whole thing feels a little rian. 0:12:53.440 --> 0:12:54.880 You good? Hi? 0:12:55.559 --> 0:12:59.800 Yeah? Sorry? You just you look a lot like someone 0:12:59.840 --> 0:13:00.440 I know. 0:13:01.240 --> 0:13:03.839 I heard the scene Doppelgangers as an omen You're gonna 0:13:03.880 --> 0:13:04.360 die soon? 0:13:04.920 --> 0:13:06.080 What really? 0:13:06.640 --> 0:13:09.520 Nah? If anything, it just means that you think all 0:13:09.520 --> 0:13:10.600 brown folk look alike. 0:13:11.559 --> 0:13:17.000 No, I come in sensory overload. The room's clean and tasteful, 0:13:17.040 --> 0:13:19.719 but not without its charm, which I guess you could 0:13:19.760 --> 0:13:22.880 say about Mateo too, his low neck tank and rolled 0:13:22.920 --> 0:13:26.000 up short shorts or lax hook up attire, and yet 0:13:26.000 --> 0:13:28.480 there's something magnetic about him? 0:13:28.640 --> 0:13:33.040 Was he hot? H the person I remind you of? Actually, 0:13:33.120 --> 0:13:34.800 you know what? Scratch that I don't want to know. 0:13:35.040 --> 0:13:37.599 Whenever people say that, they end up showing you a 0:13:37.640 --> 0:13:40.480 photo of the person you allegedly resemble, and it always 0:13:40.520 --> 0:13:43.200 looks like one of the decomposing muppets from Labyrinth. 0:13:43.800 --> 0:13:48.480 Yeah, is that not your type? Sandy grint? Matteo grins 0:13:48.480 --> 0:13:52.000 at me and I melt I've missed that smile. 0:13:52.520 --> 0:13:56.920 Did you bring your book? My book, your text book 0:13:57.520 --> 0:13:59.640 two oh six Ethics and Journalism? 0:14:00.280 --> 0:14:05.360 Yeah? That one negative I seem to have forgotten. 0:14:06.080 --> 0:14:08.200 Oh, no, worries, we can share. 0:14:08.760 --> 0:14:13.840 Okay, Hold up? What is this like? Why does Mateo 0:14:13.880 --> 0:14:17.480 think I'm here? I assumed the study date bit was 0:14:17.559 --> 0:14:20.800 just a pickup line, but it seems like Mateo actually 0:14:20.840 --> 0:14:25.520 intends to study, which can only mean one thing. Hits 0:14:25.520 --> 0:14:28.000 time for the hottest new game show sweeping the nation, 0:14:28.760 --> 0:14:34.680 study date or date dating. We've secured a panel of 0:14:34.840 --> 0:14:37.920 leading experts to help decipher whether Tonight's rendezvous is about 0:14:37.920 --> 0:14:39.320 coursework or coitus? 0:14:39.720 --> 0:14:40.680 You want something to drake? 0:14:41.040 --> 0:14:44.480 Sure? Yeah? Thanks? All right? Any early thoughts from our 0:14:44.520 --> 0:14:48.280 panel study date versus date date inconclusive. 0:14:48.640 --> 0:14:52.480 Meeting on metal would normally signify sexual intent, but the 0:14:52.520 --> 0:14:56.320 fact that he expected you to bring your textbook raises questions. 0:14:56.720 --> 0:14:59.480 Yes, yes, the one is a point in the date 0:14:59.640 --> 0:15:03.120 date column. Ah, but it's still too early to call 0:15:03.960 --> 0:15:04.680 got it? Thanks? 0:15:04.920 --> 0:15:06.400 What shit? 0:15:06.800 --> 0:15:07.880 Did I say that out loud? 0:15:08.480 --> 0:15:09.800 Did you say what out loud? 0:15:10.240 --> 0:15:16.320 Fuck? I just meant thanks for the wine, That's what 0:15:16.360 --> 0:15:16.720 I meant. 0:15:17.440 --> 0:15:25.720 Oh. Sure, so you've been sick lately? What I just 0:15:25.840 --> 0:15:28.560 figured since you've been missing class a lot? 0:15:28.960 --> 0:15:32.920 Oh? Yes, I'm terribly ill. I do hear consumption is 0:15:32.920 --> 0:15:34.600 making a comeback. Actually, so. 0:15:36.200 --> 0:15:36.600 Jesus. 0:15:36.720 --> 0:15:38.480 But I'm feeling a lot better now though. 0:15:39.000 --> 0:15:42.800 Glad to hear it. I hope you're not still contagious. 0:15:43.960 --> 0:15:46.800 As he says that, he flashes me this impish grin, 0:15:47.200 --> 0:15:49.640 And I don't exactly know what makes a grin impish, 0:15:49.720 --> 0:15:55.320 but this one was certifiable experts. The impish grins are 0:15:55.360 --> 0:16:00.280 an indisputable point, and the date date column agreed. That's 0:16:00.320 --> 0:16:03.720 just science. Now's your chance. Go for the cold my 0:16:03.920 --> 0:16:08.400 chance for what. I can't actually like do anything with him. 0:16:08.720 --> 0:16:13.680 It's too weird and yet well things santy again is 0:16:13.720 --> 0:16:17.880 all I think about. Fuck it, I choose date date, 0:16:18.120 --> 0:16:18.880 final answer. 0:16:20.720 --> 0:16:28.040 Whoa, oh hey shit, Oh my god, I am so sad. 0:16:26.440 --> 0:16:31.480 This whole situation. Panel of experts, please advise. Oh dear, 0:16:32.400 --> 0:16:35.000 it appears that if my cats wrong and my kitchen. 0:16:34.760 --> 0:16:37.480 Is on fire, I have to run it. And I 0:16:37.600 --> 0:16:41.440 just remembered that I'm late for my court date. 0:16:42.200 --> 0:16:45.320 What no, no, no, no, both of you come back right now. 0:16:45.480 --> 0:16:53.800 Goddamn sh uh matteo. I okay, I didn't realize this 0:16:53.920 --> 0:16:56.640 was like actually a study date. I mean I thought, 0:16:56.640 --> 0:16:58.960 because of the wine and the impish smile that you 0:16:59.000 --> 0:17:03.160 were trying to like, you know what, I am just gonna. 0:17:02.880 --> 0:17:09.800 Go, Hey, slow down, speed racer, come back here. You're right, 0:17:09.880 --> 0:17:13.440 I didn't just invite you over to study. I mean, hello, 0:17:13.480 --> 0:17:16.360 we met on metal. Obviously I'm into you. 0:17:17.560 --> 0:17:21.720 Oh okay, so then why aren't. 0:17:21.520 --> 0:17:25.520 We Because I met you three minutes ago. You really 0:17:25.520 --> 0:17:26.359 cut to the chase. 0:17:26.640 --> 0:17:29.080 Well, yeah, I mean, isn't that what a hookup is? 0:17:29.280 --> 0:17:31.600 Sure? If you use cheap sex to fill the void 0:17:31.600 --> 0:17:33.679 of utter self, low of being devouring you from the 0:17:33.720 --> 0:17:37.360 inside out. But if you're a normal person, you can 0:17:37.359 --> 0:17:41.080 have a drink before unleashing your bstiary of STDs. 0:17:42.040 --> 0:17:45.720 Okay, so in the spirit of impartiality, I should mention 0:17:45.800 --> 0:17:50.280 that's not verbatim what Matteo said, but that's how it felt. 0:17:50.720 --> 0:17:53.600 He was being way judgy. But if you must know, 0:17:53.880 --> 0:17:58.680 here's how it actually played out. Well, yeah, I mean, 0:17:58.840 --> 0:18:01.160 isn't that what a hookup is sometimes? 0:18:01.359 --> 0:18:05.359 But it doesn't always have to be so clinical. You 0:18:05.400 --> 0:18:07.760 can have a drink first, get to know the other guy. 0:18:08.440 --> 0:18:09.680 It can be chill. 0:18:09.960 --> 0:18:13.680 See the bastiari of STD's thing was obvious subtext. 0:18:14.080 --> 0:18:16.199 So while yes, I want to be on top of 0:18:16.240 --> 0:18:19.480 you tearing your clothes off, I think we both deserve 0:18:19.560 --> 0:18:20.919 to know each other a little better. 0:18:20.960 --> 0:18:24.080 First, I flinch at the part about him being on 0:18:24.160 --> 0:18:29.160 top of me. It's the implication he's number one. Sure, 0:18:29.200 --> 0:18:32.520 I've been on the bottom before at this point, just 0:18:32.600 --> 0:18:36.520 ask Big Top. But it's different with Matteo. He's a peer, 0:18:37.119 --> 0:18:39.919 my age, a part of my actual world, not just 0:18:40.000 --> 0:18:42.960 my sex world. It wouldn't just be one and done. 0:18:43.640 --> 0:18:44.800 He'd always have that over me. 0:18:45.600 --> 0:18:48.600 So in the spirit of getting to know one another. 0:18:49.160 --> 0:18:52.920 Let's order food. How's tie sound cool? 0:18:53.640 --> 0:18:57.040 I can place it shrimp fried rice for you? Right? 0:18:57.600 --> 0:18:57.679 What? 0:18:58.400 --> 0:19:01.679 Ah shit? Know those moments when you're talking with your 0:19:01.720 --> 0:19:04.800 missing lovers doppelganger and you forget it's not actually them 0:19:04.800 --> 0:19:08.119 and assume they like the same foods. I meant the 0:19:08.119 --> 0:19:11.960 shrimp fried rice appears to be discounted tonight. In case 0:19:12.000 --> 0:19:14.800 that's what you In case that's what you want. For 0:19:14.840 --> 0:19:17.520 someone who lies NonStop, I could really stand to be 0:19:17.520 --> 0:19:18.080 better at it. 0:19:18.400 --> 0:19:21.600 I'm sure it's discounted for a reason. So that's a 0:19:21.600 --> 0:19:22.200 past for me. 0:19:24.240 --> 0:19:25.040 Is that incense? 0:19:25.440 --> 0:19:34.080 Yeah? Do you mind sandal? Would Japanese monks believe that 0:19:34.119 --> 0:19:38.000 incense had the power to cleanse body and mind, purifying 0:19:38.080 --> 0:19:39.720 us of uncleanliness? 0:19:40.840 --> 0:19:44.320 And do you feel cleansed? Not? Really? 0:19:45.480 --> 0:19:49.640 It relaxes me though. They say aromatherapy can cure all 0:19:49.680 --> 0:19:53.800 sorts of ailments, chronic pain, anxiety, depression. 0:19:55.040 --> 0:19:58.520 Wonderful. I'll just tell doctor Wiley to cancel my prescriptions. 0:19:59.000 --> 0:20:01.159 I don't know. Seems like kind of a lot of 0:20:01.720 --> 0:20:03.680 transformative power for an inhalent. 0:20:04.400 --> 0:20:05.119 Do you trust me? 0:20:06.720 --> 0:20:11.640 Trust? Another word for submit. Trusting someone with your secrets 0:20:11.680 --> 0:20:13.639 is no different than handing them the bullets to use 0:20:13.680 --> 0:20:16.879 against you. I watched the next Seum doc. I know 0:20:16.920 --> 0:20:20.600 how collateral works, uh, I think, so. 0:20:21.560 --> 0:20:24.440 Then tell me why you've really been missing class lately. 0:20:25.280 --> 0:20:28.159 Something's obviously up with you. I mean you checked to 0:20:28.200 --> 0:20:30.479 make sure you aren't being followed when I let you in. 0:20:31.480 --> 0:20:34.399 He's not wrong. There was that tiny issue of the 0:20:34.400 --> 0:20:36.960 guy's talking me outside Big Tops apartment the other night, 0:20:37.600 --> 0:20:39.960 and well, it's possible I was overreacting and the guy 0:20:40.080 --> 0:20:43.560 wasn't actually chasing me. I just can't shake the image 0:20:43.560 --> 0:20:45.560 of that ugly, pink and mustard hoodie. 0:20:45.880 --> 0:20:47.439 Come on, you can trust me. 0:20:49.040 --> 0:20:53.840 There's that smile again. And maybe it's because he looks 0:20:53.880 --> 0:20:57.680 so much like Santi. Maybe it's the wine. Maybe it's 0:20:57.760 --> 0:21:01.439 just been really long since I've trusted someone. But in 0:21:01.480 --> 0:21:07.280 this moment, I think I do trust Matteo. Maybe not wholeheartedly, 0:21:07.400 --> 0:21:14.800 but enough to spill it, like all of it. I 0:21:14.840 --> 0:21:18.000 tell Matteo about Santy the night he went missing Big 0:21:18.000 --> 0:21:23.440 Top Bell Boy, and Matteo just listens. I can't tell 0:21:23.440 --> 0:21:26.400 you how good that feels. Although I do leave out 0:21:26.400 --> 0:21:31.440 the doppelganger's bit, no need to muddy those waters. And 0:21:31.480 --> 0:21:34.440 then after mentioning something called the hookup. The bell boy 0:21:34.480 --> 0:21:37.159 said he only wanted threesomes and stopped responding. 0:21:40.480 --> 0:21:46.240 Wow, that's a lot to take in. Okay, one second, 0:21:48.200 --> 0:21:50.920 you were right about it being complicated. This is all 0:21:50.960 --> 0:21:53.120 a bit more than I bargained for when I invited 0:21:53.160 --> 0:21:53.520 you over. 0:21:54.200 --> 0:21:56.840 And it's too much baggage. And you're afraid my curse 0:21:56.880 --> 0:21:57.719 will rub off on you. 0:21:57.920 --> 0:22:00.960 I get it. Will you stop doing that? Quit deciding 0:22:01.000 --> 0:22:05.320 how other people feel about you. Yes, this is a lot. 0:22:06.080 --> 0:22:12.040 You're a lot, but I like that. It's real. You're 0:22:12.040 --> 0:22:16.240 deep and layered, and and you piqued my interests. Not 0:22:16.320 --> 0:22:17.400 a lot of guys can do. 0:22:17.400 --> 0:22:21.840 That instinctively and totally against my will. My eyes drift 0:22:21.880 --> 0:22:24.720 downwards and oh, yes, his interest is. 0:22:25.400 --> 0:22:28.120 Peaud you're an enigma? 0:22:29.640 --> 0:22:33.240 What like like the thing you used to clean out 0:22:33.359 --> 0:22:34.080 your butt? 0:22:35.320 --> 0:22:36.840 Enigma? Not anema? 0:22:37.600 --> 0:22:43.000 Oh okay, Uh yeah, I knew that. Okay, Dawn, keep 0:22:43.040 --> 0:22:43.639 validating me. 0:22:44.119 --> 0:22:47.320 You're an enigma, Damian, and I want to explore your 0:22:47.359 --> 0:22:49.760 brain and your body. 0:22:51.240 --> 0:22:55.320 He tastes different than Santy. Pretty quickly we're on his bed, 0:22:55.480 --> 0:22:58.520 sure it's coming off. His music plays softly, and the 0:22:58.560 --> 0:23:01.880 standal would smell sweet. The moment is warm and dim 0:23:01.920 --> 0:23:04.360 and playful, and I kind of never wanted to end, 0:23:05.640 --> 0:23:09.359 but I know what's coming. The four play timers running down, 0:23:09.400 --> 0:23:12.680 and the question is nigh top or bottom? 0:23:12.800 --> 0:23:19.239 And then, like clockwork, I am have an enigma in 0:23:19.280 --> 0:23:21.440 the shower. If you want to. 0:23:23.880 --> 0:23:28.440 Yeah, so about that? Oh good grief, Damien just say 0:23:28.480 --> 0:23:31.200 you don't want a bottom? Be direct? Is that really 0:23:31.200 --> 0:23:35.200 too much to ask of myself? See as it relates 0:23:35.200 --> 0:23:39.440 to the conundrum of say the intercourse? Apparently, yes, Okay, 0:23:39.520 --> 0:23:42.160 here's the thing. When I was in fifth grade, another 0:23:42.240 --> 0:23:46.520 kid named Damien moves to town, Damien Stafford, So you 0:23:46.520 --> 0:23:48.800 know I was Damien H and he was Damien S. 0:23:49.560 --> 0:23:52.280 Makes sense, it does, except that's not really how it 0:23:52.280 --> 0:23:54.760 played out. See, everyone got on board with calling me 0:23:54.880 --> 0:23:58.080 Damien H. But that fucker just got to be Damien 0:23:58.480 --> 0:24:03.360 no initial and me crazy. I was here first. If anything, 0:24:03.480 --> 0:24:06.720 I'm Damien and he's Damien S. But he was popular 0:24:06.800 --> 0:24:09.800 and douchey and didn't cry all the time, so he 0:24:09.920 --> 0:24:13.080 got to be Damian Alpha. Do you get what I'm saying? 0:24:15.080 --> 0:24:19.920 So the other Damien tried to fuck you from behind? 0:24:20.600 --> 0:24:24.240 What? No, what were you even listening? I'm saying I 0:24:24.240 --> 0:24:26.480 don't want to be Damian Beta, But. 0:24:26.560 --> 0:24:29.399 Why would you be Damian Beta? Wouldn't you both just 0:24:29.520 --> 0:24:31.160 be Damien's. 0:24:30.840 --> 0:24:32.560 Oh my god, I tell you you're not paying attention. 0:24:32.880 --> 0:24:38.160 Damien s is gay, which is bad. Yes, because he's 0:24:38.160 --> 0:24:39.000