Inbetweener (Completed)

Part 7

I start on the forms straight away though. Having an outsider say the ideas are good has made it more real. Not a pipe dream anymore, but something that might happen.

I'm in my office, absorbed in them, and it takes a rough roll of thunder to bring me out, combined with raised voices. In the cafe, I'm greeted by the sight of Fin pressed against the back wall, as far from the counter as he can get, while Nielsen presses himself into the other side of it, as if he's trying to get closer.

I realise no one's shouting, not really. Nielsen is just becoming insistent. Trying to convince Fin he can't shut the stable door and he obviously wants 'it'. He doesn't say what, but it doesn't take a genius.

The sky darkens further as if influenced by Fin's change in mood, a sudden summer storm rolling in from the ocean.

I don't like the way he's trying to make himself smaller. The way Nielsen is ignoring every major, flashing-light sign that Fin's horribly uncomfortable; only thinking of himself and his own desires. There's a couple of regulars glancing over to Fin, and I can tell they're quietly discussing whether to step in, so at least it isn't just me who can see it.

"What do you want from me?" Fin asks him in a whimper. Still, the vile man doesn't even show an inkling that he realises his actions are wrong.

I can see the way Fin is shaking. I want to go to him, give him care, but something stops me. Nielsen is my fault, so it's Nielsen I need to face off now.

I finally make myself visible, walking towards him. "I don't know what you think your rights are here, Nielsen, but I won't have you harassing my staff."

"Staff, eh? I knew he wasn't more than that. No surprise he was securing his job with something extra, though, not the likes of him."

"Wow, you took a leap after seeing us holding hands one time, huh?"

There's a bright crack of lightning, and Fin stands up, no longer cowering. "How dare you speak to Callum that way. Nothing we do is any of your business."

The words sound scripted and a bit shaky, but his eyes are furious, and Nielsen looks taken aback for a moment. He soon recovers though, sneering and leaning in again.

Thunder rolls, low and ominous. The storm's coming in faster and harder than I'd expected. It makes me want to push everybody out and lock the door to keep Fin safe. He glances at me, but I don't know what his facial expression is telling me. He looks distressed but resolute, and I'm terrified of overstepping.

"Oh, come on," Nielsen says. "Everyone knows what boys like you are looking for. I'm just saying I can offer you more than this guy. I mean, he doesn't look like much of a sugar daddy."

"Fin," I say softly as I step behind the counter, holding my arm out slightly in invitation.

He practically throws himself at me, his grateful body slamming into my side. He nuzzles into me for a moment before tipping his head to momentarily look at me with a sweet smile.

His arm is around my back, his thumb tucked into my waistband, but he leans forward toward the counter like he wants to make sure Nielsen hears this. "You are nothing. I am not looking for anyone like you, and you need to get out and not come back."

"Whatever," Nielsen responds, though the raised tendons in his neck and red face suggest that he cares a lot more than that. "You'll be looking for someone new soon enough. I mean, this guy'll be jobless soon enough, and that won't suit you."

"What?"

"I've bought this place. You'll be out, so enjoy it while you can."

He storms out then, making sure to slam the door hard. The couple from the other table say goodbye, the woman petting Fin's hand. He doesn't seem to want sympathy though, moving quickly to clean up once they're gone.