A light flickered dimly in the corner of the salon. Francis moved his hand under the flashing glow. His movements were given a sort of strobe effect that would have been a lot more fun if he didn't have to change a idea of spending some of his little earnings hurt him a bit. Maybe he could get away with natural lighting for a bit. Any money he could save would be worth it. As he considered his options, he noticed a figure moving in the corner of his vision. He turned to find that it was Arthur standing out in the cold of the night. Francis's face lit up. He hurried to the front door and stepped outside.

"Need a trim already, mon ami? Surely your hair hasn't grown much in a week," he said. Arthur jolted in surprise before realizing where he was. He scratched his head, ruffling his already messy hair.

"Ah, no. I was just going for a walk to clear my head, and I ended up here," he replied.

"I see. You can still come inside and warm up, if you want. I'm closing soon, but I wouldn't be against staying open a little later to keep you from freezing." Arthur bit his lower lip. He glanced first at his watch, then at Francis. After a moment of thought, he nodded hesitantly and went inside. Francis watched him head straight for the sinks, as if by instinct.

"Can you give me a wash and dry real quick? I just need to relax, you know?" Arthur said. He sat down in his usual seat and leaned back. His hair dangled over the sink in greasy clumps.

"Seeing as you've already made yourself comfortable, sure." Francis grabbed the shampoo and got right to work. Arthur put up a weak smile that faded after only a few seconds. His gaze became distant, and he bit his lower lip gently. "Something on your mind?" Francis asked.

"It's just stupid relationship stuff. You wouldn't want to hear it." Francis shrugged.

"I'm all ears. I'm pretty good with those sorts of problems."

"Mm, I suppose talking it out would be good for me…" Arthur let himself relax a little. Maybe it was Francis's hands, or maybe it was the way he spoke that made Arthur feel so comfortable with him. "Sure, why not? I've got time. So basically, this bloke I'm dating has been quiet and collected ever since I met him, and now he's suddenly crying all the time and getting short with me. It's just not like him. Mind you, he hasn't been like this with anybody else. His buddies all say he's the same as ever. I know it's silly, but I can't help but feel that he doesn't love me anymore. I mean, why else would he be so off?" Francis thought for a moment, lips jutting out a bit and his eyebrows pushed together. He found a strange sinking feeling had rooted in his gut, as if he were reminiscing about a lost pet. This situation was all too familiar.

"That doesn't sound great. Perhaps you should talk it out with him. Who knows, maybe he does still have feelings for you." Arthur didn't seem too satisfied with this answer.

"I guess, but… I don't know. What would I even say?"

"Just tell him how you feel. Or, if you're not up for talking, just do something romantic to show that you still care about him. Something like a fancy dinner or a day out. There's always options."

"Dinner is a good idea. I'll just need a babysitter for Alfred." Francis perked up. He saw an opportunity for money, and he was not going to pass it up.

"I know a few good ones. Or I could babysit, if you don't mind me bringing Matthieu over. He needs more friends, and I need more money," he said with a chuckle. Arthur thought for a moment. Most babysitters couldn't stand Alfred, but Francis seemed to be good with kids. Plus, Matthieu sounded like a good influence.

"I suppose Alfred could use a buddy. Give me your number after we're done with this, alright? Even if I don't end up needing a sitter, I think some playdates would be useful."

"I'd be happy to." With that, the conversation trailed off. Francis, not knowing what the talk about, focused on his work. Soapy bubbles swirled down the drain and popped under the stream of water. He watched them as he worked his hands through Arthur's scalp. He kept at it until every bubble and blob of shampoo was gone. That minute of silent work was bliss for him, and he hoped that Arthur was feeling similarly.

Arthur waited through that minute in a state of nervous confusion. His heart pounded and his palms were sweaty, but he had no idea why. It was just a simple wash, so why did it feel so…? He told himself that he was just worried about Kiku, bit he knew that wasn't it. He had been feeling sad and empty before he saw Francis, not jumpy. There was no reason for his mood to so suddenly change. Unless, god forbid, he was actually developing feelings for that french hairdresser. No, that couldn't be it. He had a partner, and Francis was probably straight. Probably. Come to think of it, he really didn't know. He wasn't a homophobe, at the very least, but his sexuality was a mystery. Francis did look and act a bit feminine, but that wasn't enough to prove anything. Arthur tapped his foot against the tile. This was really bugging him now. He supposed he could just ask, but that might come off as rude. The question persisted, prodding at his brain and making it hard to calm down. At last, the urge to ask became too much.

"Are you gay?" he blurted. Francis abruptly stopped moving. Shit. "Uh, I mean, if you're comfortable answering," Arthur added. His face was deep red, and he was already thinking of just bolting away to avoid further embarrassment. Francis broke away and make a sound like a hissing tire. Arthur looked up at him. Francis hand his hand over his mouth, his eyes locked on Arthur's. His chest was shaking with silent giggles, and his golden curls dangled down from his face. Finally, he burst into full laughter. Arthur felt more embarrassed than ever, but the sight of Francis's face was enough to keep him from being too distressed. Those blue eyes swimming in joyful tears were beautiful enough to kill for. Francis took his hand away from his mouth and drew a deep breath.

"Ah, sorry, sorry. I just thought it was kind of obvious, non?" Francis said as his laughter had faded away. "Yes, I'm gay. Incredibly so." Arthur laughed and sat up. His cheeks were still pink with embarrassment, but at least his question was answered. Francis switched off the water and started to towel Arthur off.

"Always nice to meet another gay person," Arthur said.

"Indeed. I must admit, I was a little excited when you told me you had a boyfriend." Francis lead him over to another chair and got out a blowdryer. Arthur shook his head.

"Ah, that won't be necessary. It's dry enough. Besides, you have a son to get some to. I ought to get out of your hair." Francis set down the dryer with an almost upset look.

"Alright, but do come back soon." Arthur nodded and fished a ten dollar bill from his pocket. He handed it over.

"Here you are." Francis took it, though there was hesitation in his movements.

"You don't have to pay. I told you your next trim would be free."

"This wasn't a trim, though."

"Touché." Francis gave Arthur a grin and took out his phone. "Now, may I have your number?"

"What? Oh, uh, right. That." Arthur fumbled for his phone and traded numbers with Francis. Once that was done, he headed for the door.

"See ya around," he said.

"See you," Francis replied with a wave.

Arthur exited into the bitter cold of the night with damp hair and a fluttering heart. The image of Francis's laughing face was still fresh in his mind. A slight smile touched his face. He pulled his jacket tight around his body and headed home.