Caleb looked at Caden for a moment, his brows slightly furrowed, as he made some conclusion he didn't feel the need to share. The pink haired man then shrugged, "Alright, we'll get started...but really no need to be worried about breaking down. You aren't the first person to break and confide in Mel in these walls and you won't be the last either. The world can be a terrible and harsh place but kind, understanding, people like him make living in it worth it,"<br/><br/>Though the conversation had mostly been about Mel at the end it didn't seem as though Caleb was talking about the owner of the cafe. However the man didn't elaborate, instead, he grinned, "Oh, as for the high comment I resent that. I've been clean and sober for the past eight and a half years thank you very much. But if you still don't believe me don't worry, Mel isn't as nearly as covert as he thinks he is...of course what you do with that is up to you. I'm just here to point out the obvious and prevent people from taking advantage of Boss,"<br/><br/>He then led Caden back out into the front of the shop. Chris turned towards them, head tilted and brow furrowed. Caleb just continued to grin which prompted Chris to arch his brow, "And what are you up to?"<br/><br/>Cay lay his hand over his heart and tried to look offended, ultimately failing as his smile was still in place. "What do you mean? I'm not up to anything just showing our new coworker the ropes."<br/><br/>Chris's eyes went wide, "So...Caden is working here now?"<br/><br/>"Yes, oh and don't worry. I already told him you were off the market," Caleb headed behind the counter, motioning for Caden to follow. H pulled an apron off the hook and handed it over the pale-haired man, his gaze moving to Chris who was sputtering with a red face. He then turned back to Caden, tying it snuggly. "By the way don't you have a date with Dixion today? I'm a bit surprised you agreed to stay later. Are you going to have enough time to go home and get pretty?"<br/><br/>The brunette flushed more over the light teasing tone in Caleb's voice. "I-I'm not you," He grumbled crossing his arms over his chest and resting his hip on the counter before he realized what was being said. His whole face turned a bright red. "And it's not a damn date, we're just friends and we're just going to see a movie. I'm paying for myself, ergo; not a date. So stop meddling and go play matchmaker with someone else,"<br/><br/>"The denial is strong," Caleb chuckled, prompting Chris to look around and make sure that the customers were otherwise engaged before flipping Caleb off. Cay didn't bother to check and just flipped him off back. They then stared each other down for a full minute before they started laughing.<br/><br/>Chris then turned his gaze to Caden, still smiling. "Well, it's good to have someone else here today, given outside of the morning rush it's been pretty slow...of course people do want coffee at some odd hours. It's also nice to see you're alright, I was starting to get worried."<br/><br/>"Everyone was worried, especially Mel, but enough of that now. Let me show you how to use these machines,"<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center">~*~<br/>​</div>Several hours later Mel looked up from his computer, stretching his back until it popped. He'd not only managed to get payroll done but also looked at his personal accounts to make sure he had enough money to turn his home office into a bedroom. Perhaps it was silly, maybe Caden would only stay for a day or so...but he didn't want the poor boy to have to curl up on his couch. Given he was only a bit taller than Mel but it still wouldn't be comfortable and Caden looked as though he'd experience enough of that in his life. A sigh slipped back his lips and he leaned back resting his head on the back of his chair. Of course, he could have easily just allowed Caden to sleep in his bed while Mel took the couch but he imagined the younger man wouldn't go along with that. Of course, there was also the image of Caden in his bed, groggy with sleep tousled hair that Mel wanted to avoid. In fact, any image of Caden in his bed was one that should be avoided at all cost. Mel didn't need to torment himself, but more than that Caden needed a safe place to be and not to have to deal with Mel's lopsided infatuation. If he was lucky Caleb kept that to himself.<br/><br/>Though, knowing Caleb, he hadn't so Mel could only hope that Caden brushed it off as teasing.<br/><br/>Caden wasn't the only thing he had to worry about. With fall on his doorstep, the holiday season was coming. While it meant good things like organizing a secret Santa for his employees, decorating, themed pastries and drinks it also meant that Mel had to see his family. They were perfectly content to pretend Mel didn't exist most of the year unless they needed something, but the moment the holidays rolled around he was required to attend all family functions. Mel wasn't much for parties or large gatherings, but it was when they were all sitting at the family table that he dreaded the most. The way every action was judged and ridiculed. He still loved them, though Caleb said he shouldn't, which made it worse.<br/><br/>Mel rubbed his wrist before tugging at his sleeves to make sure they were covered and stood. He put all his paperwork away and headed out to the front of the store. There was a customer at the counter and Caleb was off to the side, watching as Caden took it then proceeded to make the drink. Mel couldn't help but smile as he watched the pale-haired younger man. Caleb noticed his expression and grinned. Mel's only response was to flush like a schoolboy and straighten his clothing before walking up to the counter. The customer left, looking rather pleased with their drink, and Mel turned his attention to Caden. He was such a handsome young man and for a moment Mel couldn't find his tongue. Caden had such beautiful eyes, a pale crystal clear blue. Like the sky after a massive storm. They were much more stunning than Mel's own mismatched set.<br/><br/>At Caleb's chuckle, he pulled himself together. "How are you settling in? Hopefully, Caleb has been on his best behavior."<br/><br/>"Hey," Cay said with mock indignance, "I resent that, Boss, I'm always on my best behavior,"<br/><br/>Mel gave him a flat stare which Caleb just handwaved away. "Anyway, it's his break time and I know you haven't eaten, don't argue I know you haven't, so why don't you guys head to the deli across the street or something?"<br/><br/>Though Mel wanted to argue he realized it was just because his friend was being a bit heavy handed. There wasn't any reason for him not to go get lunch and Mel taking whichever employee's break fell on the time Mel went to get food was rather common...but that glint in Caleb's eye. Of course, bickering with Cay about it would just give him away so he turned back to Caden, "Would you like to go? If not I can bring you something back, though I'm not sure what you'd want,"