Cole and Nigel-part 1 (outdated Short Story)

  -This event takes place a year before the affair scandal is released-  


   Cole’s hands gripped each side of the sink, his intense gaze glaring down at the slick porcelain. The surface was wet and showed his reflection back to him in a blurry abstract silhouette. He studied his own face.

     Ruby finally wanted a divorce. He had known it was coming for some time now, but for her to really say it was baffling to him. Why would they need a divorce?

     Parents fight. That's what they do, you can't be with someone if you're not going to bicker. That's just how it is. Ruby was incredibly impossible to him, but he still married her because that is what a man and woman are supposed to do. They had children because that is what they were supposed to do. Now, they are getting a divorce, which was not a part of the plan.

     Cole was to grow up, get a wealthy job, support his brother, have a wife, have children, then watch the process repeat itself. A divorce was not a part of that calculation.

     Perhaps it was a family curse. Mum and dad got divorced when they were his age, so perhaps that should be a step of life for him as well. Cole hadn't wanted it to be, and he had tried to sustain the marriage as long as he could.

     It wouldn't be any different once they had officially signed the papers anyhow. They would likely share custody of the children- god knows Ruby wasn't capable of handling them on her own- and they would fight whenever they had to pass them off. Isn't that what they've already been doing?

     It’s a load of paperwork for nothing.

     And what of Jareth’s upcoming press tour? Would they ask about the divorce rather than the new record?

     Cole straightened, though his eyes remained on the silhouette in the sink. He began twisting his wedding ring in increments of three back and forth.

     One, two, three…

     One, two, three… 

     No, of course not. They would ask Jareth about himself, what a ridiculous thought. Cole was the manager and not the star, no one would care about his love affairs. Luckily.

     The bathroom door swung open, followed by the gentle click of work shoes. In response, Cole automatically puffed his chest and rolled his shoulders back, reaching up to straighten his tie. He glanced at the figure, seeing a head of curly dark red hair and a curled mustache. Ah, Nigel. Jareth must have sent for him.

     “I’ll be out in just a moment, could you tell Jareth-”

     “Now hang on,” Nigel said. “Who’s to say Jareth sent me?”

     Oh dear lord. Nigel never let a conversation just be a conversation.

     “Hah,” Cole huffed. “Who else would be looking for me.”

     “I would.”

     Cole’s brow furrowed slightly yet a smile crept on his lips. He cleared his throat to fix it.

     Oftentimes, Cole didn't quite understand Nigel’s jokes, or when he was supposed to laugh. Perhaps it was Nigel's fault, he was scouse after all. Accent and all…

     But he was the suit wearing, slim cut, charming business man that Cole saw himself in. His approval was highly valued.

     “Oh dear, Cole…” Nigel muttered, his far taller frame nearing Cole. “What's got you all ruffled?”

     “All what?”

     “When you’re upset, right? Your lips got this way of curling in, makes all the hairs bristle out.”

     “That’s ridiculous.”

     “No look,” He chuckled, reaching out and brushing a knuckle against Cole’s upper lip. His hand was smacked away.

     “Stop that.”

     “See? Like a ruffled bird innit? With all his feathers fluffed up.”

     “I haven't the slightest idea.”

     “Now what's got you all upset?” Nigel said, placing a hand on the edge of the sink to lean against it, facing Cole.

     “Nothing at all.”

     “Ruby got something going on again?”

      Cole did not reply.

     “Ah…Look, I’m not gonna pretend I understand marriage, cause I haven't got a clue, right?”

     “Hah.”

     “But I’d say it's about time you got yourself in someone.”

     “Oh- for god sakes Nigel.” Cole chuckled, crossing his arms. Nigel always let conversations turn so casual.

     “Really, You’ve got yourself wound up Cole, It’s rather miserable to watch, right? You think we all like dealing with the wounded uppendness of a cat in heat?”

     “Nigel!” Cole scolded, though he wore a smile. “Enough of that now- that’s got nothing to do with it.”

     “Oh right… Could it be your height?”

     “What?”

     “Mm.. You’re rather small, maybe Ruby’s lookin for someone a bit…” Nigel trailed off, holding his hands up, palms facing each other, then bringing them apart.

     “Honestly Nigel!” Cole scolded, to which Nigel began to laugh. “You’re just terrible.”

     Cole reached up and covered his mouth with his fist, clearing his throat more firmly to clean his chords.

     “Don't be cross with me Cole, I’m only toying with you.”

     “I’m not cross with you Nigel, I’m only…”

     Cole sighed through his nose, reaching up to rub his eye with the sole of his palm. Nigel allowed him, watching the shorter man.

     “Only? Only what?”

     “Nothing.” Cole said shortly.

     Nigel stared at Cole, and Cole stared at the sink. The whirr of the bathroom vent hummed above and Vinnie’s bass guitar shook the walls from the room
over.

     “Right, go on and have a look at yourself.” Nigel said, shifting to stand behind Cole.

     “What on earth are-”

     “Come on then, have a look.”

     Cole watched himself through the mirror as two hands snaked around his shoulders and held his face forward. He batted them away half heartedly,
letting out a scoff of disapproval before allowing them. Nigel’s thumbs pressed against his cheeks, and his fingers held his chin. With a skeptical furrowed brow, he looked at Nigel in the mirror.

     “Now look at that, what a strapping young man.”

     “Nigel..”

     “Just have a look at yourself, one on one. Just Cole and himself having a look.”

     Cole watched Nigel through the mirror, but upon making eye contact he quickly averted his gaze to his own eyes. Dark brown, not the pale blue that Jareth’s were. They blended with his features, looking rather boring.

     “And try not to call yourself… A massive prick.”

     “For god sakes!” Cole shooed Nigel’s hands away, turning to glare up at him.

     “Oh- watch out lads I’ve ruffled his feathers. Best get back to work before he starts pecking at us.”

     “One of these days you’ll be out of the job.”

     “Oh will I?-"

     “Yes.”

     Cole kept his glare up towards the curly haired bloke that grinned down at him, but allowed Nigel to reach and start fussing with Cole’s collar.

     “Has she sent the papers?” Nigel asked.

      Oh… So he knew then.

     “No, and I’d sooner say she’ll wait all bloody week hanging them over my head.” Cole reached for his ring, beginning to twist it again. “No matter.”

     “No matter.” Nigel agreed. “You’re a good lad Cole.”

     Cole did not respond.

     “You're a good lad.”

     What an odd thing to say. No need to voice such an opinion, and at work no less. He sounded like an overly affectionate mother. Despite his disdain, Cole’s expression fell slightly softer.

     “Right, well best get back to work.” Nigel said, slipping his hands into his pockets.

     He was leaving already? Cole wished to reach out and take his arm, to ask for more time just talking. Yet, Cole nodded and followed, his mustache bristling outwards.

     “Right.” He replied.

     “But how about dinner after work?”

     “You and I?”

     “All of the lads.”

     “Ah, right. We’ll see.”