"Can I look yet?" Krycek felt the heat caress his cheek and the back of his neck.
"What?"
Damn the noise. He spoke up. "Can I look?"
The droning stopped and the warmth faded with it. "I can't hear you with that hairdryer on," Spender said. "Take a look -- tell me what you think."
Krycek looked. And looked again. He'd seen some strange and terrible things in his time but nothing even approaching the horror that stared out at him from the mirror. His hair wasn't any shorter than before, but now it was parted in the middle and feathered back. Feathered. "Jeff--"
"Do you like it?"
"You know that I was glad when you said you wanted to change professions and that I've tried to be supportive..." Krycek paused.
"But..." Spender met his eyes in the mirror.
"But I look like I'm going to a Partridge Family Reunion casting call."
Dismay creased Spender's forehead. "The 70s look is in now, Alex."
"I just don't think David Cassidy is me, that's all."
"I liked the Partridge Family."
"Far be it from me to disrespect your youthful TV watching habits, but I don't want my hair done like anyone on that show."
Sighing, Spender fingered Krycek's dark hair, combing it back with his fingers. "So, you're not going to tip me?"
Krycek watched him for a moment. "Just how much did you like David Cassidy, Jeff?"
"Um..." Spender looked away. "A lot, actually."
Flipping away the sheet around his neck, Krycek stood and took Spender by the shoulders. "So, about that tip."
"I think fifteen percent is standard." Spender smiled.
Krycek pulled him in close. "I don't have any money." He blew hot breath against Jeff's cheek. "You can take it out in trade."
"I think I love you," Spender warbled, but the words were lost inside Krycek's mouth. The blowdryer crashed to the floor. So did the men.
FINIS