It was strangely weird and yet not weird to be hanging out with your almost lover's ex-girlfriend. However, Oliver did feel somewhat guilty that he should confess about his relationship with Cody to Colene, but he also didn't know how to describe it either. Friends who almost went on a date but then put it on halt because it was too soon after both of their breakups, and because Cody had moved away and needed time after what had happened with Snickelway. Maybe it wasn't that complicated, but Oliver was unsure how to proceed and casually tell Colene.

He had enjoyed hanging out with her at work, the two of them sharing their plans for what days they would work from home and eating lunch together. When was the last time Oliver had a proper work friend? It was... nice.

And one friend at work was plenty, more than Oliver could ever ask for. During his first month, he put on smiles, at least what Oliver considered a lot of smiling, whilst still being firm in his position as safety and compliance officer. However, a few people were naturally annoyed with him due to his persistence in having everything in this office run smoothly and perfectly.

One of them, Rupert, was talking to another colleague near Colene's desk, where Oliver was lingering, as they discussed where they wanted to eat for their treat day lunch of the month. Rupert always gave some ostensible reason for why he was late for every training deadline or missed something that could have led to something terrible if Oliver hadn't caught it beforehand and told him off. It was sufficient to say that Rupert did not like Oliver and vice versa.

Rupert and his coworker friend had gotten onto the subject of an actor they both liked who was starring in a movie as a gay character; neither liked this but in a closed homophobic way as other people were nearby.

"Why is it LGBT anyway?" Rupert scoffed. "Do the women have to go first all the time?"

"It's because of the aids pandemic," said Oliver, unable to stop himself from intervening from hearing something sexist, homophobic, and factually incorrect. "It used to be GLBT, however-"

"You always have to, right, don't you, Oliver?" Rupert sneered.

"No," said Oliver flatly. "If I am wrong, then I welcome to be corrected instead of remaining ignorant. Have you completed the online training yet? You said you had little time since you were swamped with work. Perhaps your time would be put to better use doing that? Because any more procrastination and I'll be writing you up."

Rupert looked like he was about to say something, then scowled as he watched Colene laugh at him, then stomped away.

Colene grabbed Oliver by the sleeve, catching her breath through her uncontrollable laughter.

Oliver himself struggled to contain his smile. "Stop laughing; everyone can hear you," he hushed.

Eventually, Colene composed herself, not before receiving some odd looks from the rest of the office.

"Wow," she said, grinning. "I guess you and I have much more in common than I thought."

"What's that?"

"We're both bitches." She swivelled around in her chair, collecting her oversized handbag. "That the office dislikes just because we are honest." Colene stood up. "Ready for lunch? Oh!" She touched Oliver's arm in excitement. "How about we get drinks after work? Cocktails?"

Oliver paused.

"I'm not asking you out, hun, don't worry. I can tell that you were gay before you tried to install some queer knowledge onto that buffoon."

Oliver bit his lip, hesitating, then said quietly, "Cody and I almost went on a date."

Thank goodness he didn't just blurt out they had slept together.

Colene pursed her lips, still smiling. "I figured something had gone on between the two of you. You seemed a bit awkward around me."

"I'm awkward around everyone," said Oliver.

"No, I think you're just yourself." She paused. "So why didn't you have that date then?"

"Because of..." Oliver trailed away.

"Ah, because he went missing."

Oliver nodded.

Colene glanced away, then rubbed Oliver's shoulder. "Well, I hope that when Cody has dealt with whatever he is dealing with, you two can finally go on that date... unless you don't want to, of course."

"Uh, thank you."

"Great, no more awkward talk about my ex; let's get an overpriced salad."