Let Up The Suicide Doors [Oliver]

[Oliver Ken Toulson]

Oliver shifted on the counter nervously when Damien gave him his “what the fuck is wrong with you?” look. What had he done, anyway? Then he realized it. God, he really was being stupid today, wasn't he? ”Oh... you're a bird...” Well, it wasn't like he ever payed attention to what Damien taught. He had just seen him in the hallways and some staff meetings, decided that he was cute, and got him in a cab when he was drunk so that he wouldn't crash in the bar. That was how Oliver worked, and he really wasn't that much of a stalker unless he put his mind to it. If he wanted to get someone in bed, why would he need to know more about them? It was a mindset that he had picked up in the time of Tatsuya. After all, he still didn't know that much about his past lover, and they had been in bed together plenty of times back then. So why would he bother to learn anything about Damien? Obviously, he hadn't bothered, but the look on his face kind of tipped him off about the man's shift. Oliver hadn't been trying to be absurd, but sometimes odd things just flew out of his mouth. Other times, flirty things that would get him in trouble, but luckily, none of that shit was appearing on his lips right now.

”You were kidding..?” he asked, his accent getting slightly thicker as he blushed again. This really wasn't a good day for him, was it? ”So sorry. Not many people joke about having a family.” It was mostly a joke, but it was a joke bordering on an insult. ”But yeah... I guess your hypothetical wife would be kind of worried...” he grinned. Back when he had been married, his wife hadn't been too worried. Maybe it was because he hadn't disappeared that often, though. He had been such a good boy back then... after all, it was her that had ended up cheating on him. The memory made him frown, but he quickly hid it. He didn't need to tell Damien what he was thinking, even if it wasn't that big of a secret. He'd just uncharacteristicly break down and start crying... again. He really didn't need the other man to see that.

”Oh, I don't know. If I had the chance, I would teach my kid how to cure hangovers...” If he had the chance... yeah, like his son's mother would even let him explain the wonders of alcohol to Ashby, let alone how to cure the after-effects. The sentence could be heard as him talking about a hypothetical child, but he wasn't. He just hoped that Damien wouldn't ask why his smile had suddenly turned into a tired and thoughtful frown again. This was why he didn't think about his family often... then again, he was expecting a call from his Londoner relatives soon, so maybe he should just brace himself and get it over with.

[Damien Gregory Hawkins]

Damien caught the edge to the words, but he didn't think on it too much. He had been sarcastic; was that the same as joking? It didn't matter anyway. Oliver was probably just mad that he hadn't caught on. Then again, maybe family was just a touchy subject with the man. Damien considered the alternate interpretation of his comment on his kid. He made it sound like there was an Oliver, Jr. Damien was not the type to pry, and his curiosity was far from being sparked. People were entitled to their histories, and if they waned to keep them a secret, well... Ian didn't understand the sentiment, not being a man of many secrets himself, but he knew that plenty of people were extremely private. Trying to imagine Oliver with a wife and a child, though.... He'd had trouble picturing him with a dog, too, and Fluffy was undoubtedly real. Damien didn't really know what to think of the man anymore. He certainly didn't regard him as a friend, but for Ian being a non-enemy was the closest people got, and at the moment that was the title Oliver held.

He didn't really have anything he needed to do today, but it felt awkward standing around another person's kitchen all morning. Especially since that other person was definitely not a woman. He pushed off from the counter, heading back into the living room to collect his stuff. He was feeling much better, good enough to brave the outdoors. Seeing as his apartment was only a few floors away he decided to chance making the trip barefoot. How his socks and shoes had gotten so disgusting in such an urban area was beyond him, but whatever the case was, he wasn't going to put them back on his feet. After pocketing his cell, ensuring that his wallet was still in his pocket, and confirming his shoes were by the door, Damien turned to look at Oliver.

Not a friend, not an enemy. Still just a co-worker. Ian wasn't surprised that his attitude toward the man hadn't changed even marginally since the previous day. It was just how things went. "Feel free to stop by if you need a cup of sugar or something," he joked, turning toward the door. After picking up his shoes, he opened the door and lifting his right hand to wave without turning around. "See you Monday."