Chris watched Oliver leave fixing his bright shirt’s collar and making sure his buzzed hair wasn’t sticking up at odd angles. The strangest feeling came over him, it started at his toes and settled in his cheeks burning him from the inside out. Oliver was going on a date. He couldn’t explain how he knew, Oliver was always self conscious about his appearance but today he seemed extra self conscious but not upset..he seemed excited maybe? Chris just knew. He let the blush of anger and upset darken his cheeks and chest and continued doing Mrs Grady’s hair, nodding and laughing as she chatted but taking none of it in. All he could think about was Oliver. 

He kept an eye on the clock, Oliver’s break was almost over. There were two women waiting for the nail bar to reopen. They were early for their appointments but it didn’t do to let them sit while Oliver’s space remained empty and dark. He decided since he’d finished with Mrs Grady and his next client was still at the sinks that he’d pop in to the cafe where he assumed Oliver was, he’d be casual, he’d just mention that he knew Oliver wasn’t officially off break for a few more minutes but there was a line growing. Casual. He could do this. 

He walked into the cafe and immediately spotted Oliver, his bright bird patterned shirt standing out across the room, he was laughing and had his hand on the arm of this man. This man who was making Oliver laugh. This man who was sitting with Oliver’s hand on his arm..this man.. 

“What do you think you’re doing??” Chris snapped waspishly at Oliver whose smile was beginning to slide down his face. “Chris? I’m not late am I? This is-“ “yeah yeah” Chris interrupted “I’m sure it’s a pleasure to meet your date but in case you’d forgotten we do have a business to run? And there are people who have paid handsomely for your services who are being left to sit there!!” Chris was angry, he could feel it scorching his cheeks and his head felt like it would pop. He couldn’t stop himself fidgeting with his beard nervously. The words were coming out with very little help from his brain. 

“Chris, I’m not late, I have 4 more minutes before I’d be on time for work, what are you doing??” Oliver was hurt. Flushed and embarrassed. He could see that Chris was nervous but he didn’t understand why he was yelling at him. Oliver just wanted to cry, whether from embarrassment or the upset he couldn’t say. 

Jan stood up and put his hand out to Chris “hello! I am Jan. I’m sorry I kept Oliver so long he’s just such a delight-“ Chris batted his hand away. “Get back to work” he growled out and stalked away ignoring the stares he attracted. 

Well. All things considered that went well? Had he been casual? Not entirely but it could have been a lot worse. Once out of eyesight he scurried back to the salon, mortified and confused. Casual. He sighed.