"Perhaps we can. You don't seem stupid." So that was a plus. He wasn't calling him gay or accusing him of being a giant nerd so this was already the best relationship he'd ever had with someone his age. Usually, it was rougher than this. "I know that I will always be there so if you wish to stand with someone, I suppose I am the right one to pick."

Jonathan watched the flames but didn't put his hands over the fire - he was just fascinated by how the flames danced in the can.

"Yes, he is. He used to do research science. Still is but less peer reviewed so I'm not sure how to define it. He has an on-going project." And maybe he could get a proper job at a university and earn them some money, who knew? "How about you?"