Don't Criticize me!

⇠Inside Scoop!⇢

Oscar's grimace intensified as he stuffed his laptop and other gear into his backpack. He was dreading this day. The male critic would lie to himself if he weren't furious, but there was also a tinge of amusement. He still had an hour before meeting the baker. Running a hand through his hair, the older male groaned, slumping down onto the edge of the bed. Oscar nibbled his bottom lip, a sign of mixed feelings if he was being frank with himself, which he rarely was. He was not hostile toward Nigel; in fact, he enjoyed the other man's meal and the baker's bark. Oscar always enjoyed a challenge, and Nigel provided him with one. 

Regretfully, the older man lost his patience every time he saw the other man's arrogant smirk or the spark that glowed in his eyes as they bantered together. Oscar sighed wearily and gave a harsh shake of his head, sending his thoughts to the back of his mind. All he needed to do to avoid being sued would be to secure one interview and perhaps write a brief piece promoting Nigel's food once more. The reviewer will board a plane to return home, where he can relax, take a month off work, and concentrate on restoring his lost dignity. 

Oscar let out another sigh, removing his phone from the nightstand and putting his bag over his shoulder. Before leaving, the older man took his keys from the little bowl by the door. He swallowed hard, his heart pounding hard against his chest, before sliding swiftly into the packed streets. Even with a coffee break, the critic was at the bakery in no time. Oscar sipped his warm drink and observed the large group of people moving slowly across the street and into and out of the bakery. It was a noisy place to enter. Oscar glanced at Nigel, who was working at the counter with another coworker, for a considerable amount of time before locating a booth in the rear since the incessant chatting was hurting his ears. Taking out his additional equipment and laptop, he decided to attempt to finish portions of his article. If the man were to be honest, he had no idea what he would write and would most likely make something up to appease his publisher.

At some point, Nigel slid into the booth seat in front of him, leaning his chin on his hands while smiling. Oscar sipped his drink, glaring at the younger male. "Glad you made it; I was worried you'd gotten lost and grumpy." He beamed. 

The critic snorted, rolling his eyes. "It's not that hard when you have Google. Besides, I'm not here for you." He commented. 

The other male protruded his lip slightly and said, "That's not what your publisher said." He leaned back in his seat. 

Oscar turned to face Nigel, and his cheeks flushed. Nigel leaned forward with a smirk on his face, gently tracing a finger along the top of his laptop. The older man swatted the baker's hand away, rolling his eyes. "Stop being a pest." He protested. 

The baker laughed heartily, his amused eyes lighting up as he softly closed Oscar's laptop. "So mean." He chuckled.

The critic growled, hitting the other male's hand. "Let's just get this over with." He answered, opening his laptop again. 

In defense, Nigel raised his hands and said, "Okay, okay, have it your way, cranky. You need to finish writing that piece, so how about some tea and some more food?" He asked. 

Oscar sighed, "Fine," he muttered. He waited a few seconds before glancing back over toward the baker. "Thank you..." He trailed off. 

"Grumpy, of course," Nigel grinned while whispering. He slipped from the booth and vanished behind the counter. The smaller male employee gave his coworker a broad smile as the reviewer observed, then grabbed some pastries and sandwiches and put them in a big pink box. He then turned on his heel and filled a rather large cup with hot tea. The smaller male talked with customers as well as a few other co-workers before waving them off and returning to the booth, setting the box between them. "Choose whichever you want. I recommend the sandwiches; they were tested this morning." He said. The older male stared at him for a long moment before reaching into the box and pulling one of the sandwiches out. Pulling his pad of paper closer, he slowly took a large bite of food and moaned slightly. Nigel smiled softly, clearing his throat. "So what do you want to know first?" He asked.