[IC] The Last Straw ~ PopeAlessandros x Foxtrot

[Foxtrot]

The small apartment was silent. Then again, the alarm had not yet sounded those early hours that day. More precisely a Monday. The apartment consisted of a living room, a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and a small hallway. That was it. It just contained everything that one needed to actually survive. The living room’s walls were mostly white, but one had been painted a dark red. One of the white walls contained two windows that lighted up the room a lot. The floor was made out of oaken wood. There was a black couch and chair, a TV, a wooden coffee table and a few paintings. The kitchen was quite basic. He had a fridge, coffee machine, oven and so on. He ate at the small table that stood against the window through which he had a nice view over the city. The hallway had nothing special to it. Bathroom neither. His bedroom was quite basic as well. A closet, TV, a bunch of photo’s, a desk with laptop and a chair. Then there was the bed. It was a king sized with one man in it. A man that had spread himself out on it with and was just partially covered by his blankets. A man who would soon be rudely awoken by his alarm clock.

And thus, after several minutes the most hated sound in the morning rang through the apartment. Soon a deep groan followed as the man came to live. He rolled on his stomach and reached over for his alarm clock to turn it off. Then he slowly opened his hazel eyes to see the time. Today would be an important day and he really couldn’t afford to be late. He had an hour to get everything ready. Slowly the brunette pushed himself up from the bed and groaned once again. Mornings.. He hated them.

The man who was just mentioned was named Will Barnett, a 20 years old Englishman who had moved to America from a very young age. Fortunately he still had his accent which made him stand out and sound classier than he actually was. He lived alone. He had lived like that for quite a long time in his opinion. Of course that wasn’t quite true. He had only moved out 18 years ago. His brother had always been around to help him however he could. But now that his older brother was in Australia to work as a model, he was quite the handsome man, he hadn’t seen him for a long time. They did, however, contact each other every night. Asking each other how things were doing and whether something interesting had happened that day. Will himself didn’t often have anything to tell his brother, but he was always very willing to listen to his stories.

After half an hour Will had managed to take a shower, eat breakfast and brush his teeth. In the other 30 minutes he had left he’d dress himself in his nice, mid grey, suit and white shirt. He’d wear black shoes that day. Maybe a boring look, but it fitted him quite well. He wore his hair messy yet surprisingly classy. The sides of his dark brown hair were shorter than the top, which made him constantly run his fingers through it as it just felt really nice, soft and silky. Some were cursed with their curls but Will was obviously blessed with them as he just rocked the look.

He checked the clock and thought for a moment. He had a job interview that day. He could walk to the company if he’d leave right at that moment or he could take a cab. No, he preferred walking. Thus he grabbed his geeky glasses and his leather messenger bag before he turned off all of the lamps in the apartment and locked the door. Minutes later he had made his way down the building and outside. It was a fine day. A fine, warm day. He calculated how long it would take to get to the building. He still had quite a while and actually reconsidered to grab a coffee at Starbucks, but eventually decided not to. He followed the busy streets to the high building where he’d have his job interview in- he checked his phone- 15 minutes.

He entered the building through the main entrance and asked at the information desk where he could find Mr. Takashi or Sylus for his job interview. Eventually he was escorted there by another man. Apparently they didn’t trust him to go on his own. Great. He was then brought to the waiting room and told to sit down and wait until someone had time to talk to him. Will expected the man to then leave, but he stayed where he was. It made him feel quite uncomfortable. For a moment his hazel eyes were locked upon those of the other man to see whether he’d leave if he’d just stare at him, but he had no success and thus looked away. Was he supposed to look at his phone? Was he supposed to just stare at the walls and wait?
Instead he decided to look around him. The hallway was long and contained several doors. In front of one, at the end of the hallway, there was a desk with a comfortable looking desk. Then there was someone’s name on the door. He couldn’t quite see what it said, but he just guessed it was the office of Mr. Takashi. That made him wonder with whom he would speak that day.

[PopeAlessandros]

With a loud thump a bodies hits the floor. It lets out a long groan, however having only fallen a few feet the person suffers only a minor discomfort at the hard landing. The figure lay there for several minutes, contemplating all the merits of just letting himself drift into the abyss. 'I could just hand it all over to Sylus' it thinks. 'He's more than capable. He's definitely better at the people thing' The body rocks back and forth a bit until at last it rolls on to his back. Clad in only a set of black silk boxers the man who owns every square inch of the twenty floor building he is currently not only collapsed on the floor of, but contemplating weather or not it's worth all the trouble, lets out a long sigh and stares at the very boring ceiling of the very small room he spent the night in. 'Nah. I couldn't do that to him. Besides, things should be getting better, right?

Groaning again Marius Takashi rolls over to his front before pushing himself up into a kneeling position. The cramped space offers plenty of handholds and with a grunt he pulls his sleep laden body to it's feet and begins getting ready for the day. As he moves, his blood pumping to his depraved brain, the day begins unfolding in front of him. Each plan, idea, and scheduled happening moves faster and faster through his mind until at last he is as clear as crystal, his brain working fast and efficient. It is this function of his mind that has allowed him to not only keep his business running, but to make it better and better without much visible effort.

However he's not perfect. His mind may allow him to be the best, but at the same time it can be his greatest downfall. Sylus helps a lot, but he has his own things to deal with. 'He's irreplaceable in his position, but maybe, just maybe, I'll get what I need and he won't have to worry about me so much' he muses, putting on the finishing touches. His suit is bright red, but not garish. The color seems to set off his hair and skin just right and as he's thought a million times before, he checks himself out in the mirror he and thinks he could live very happily and successfully the life of a model. And like always, it is only for an instant, and with a compulsive roll of his eyes he heads to work.

Meanwhile. . . . .

A loud but pleasant ding rings out through the hallway as the elevator reaches it's intended floor. Even with the doors still closed noises can be heard behind it. It's not loud, just sharp, and steady. Finally the doors slide open to reveal the beings inside. To either side of a figure a good head taller than the others are two haggard looking young people. One is a girl who looks to be the older of the two, he figure well developed, but he ruffled appearance giving the impression of being much younger. He hair is fiery red, wavy, and tumbles down across her shoulder where it is cut strait. The other if a boy, he looks fresh out of collage and despite his businessman attire he looks little more that a boy trying on his father's suit, minus the jacket. His jet black hair is slicked back and the only neat looking thing about him, and he doesn't seem to be able to keep his glasses up. But, given their near frantic and sharp movements it's a wonder either of them still have any clothes on all together.

The man between them could not be more different. His coal black suit has crisp lines and seems to fit him almost as if he was born in it. His head seems to be tilted down by default, his height most likely making him use to having to lower his head to hear people properly. Everything about him screams “No BS” and the look on his face is no different. His posture is strong but not ridged and in one hand is what looks to be a booklet of some sort. As they group steps off the elevator the two to the side seem to be firing information at him at mach speed, to most people it sounds like insentient babbling, but the tall man seems to understand them perfectly. As they walk down the hall he replies in a rather quiet voice, however they seem to hear him just fine.

Files and folders pass through hands pass from hand to hand like a well oiled machine and as they enter the large comfortable waiting room the tall man does not even spare the occupant a single glance.

“Last night's financial report was off by a whole point two percent.” the smaller male chimes.

“Find Folly and have him run it back, it may be another clerical error. If so, Jully, I want you to start looking for some new clerks.” Replies the tall man as he comes around a chair, his hand resting on the back as he addresses his assistants.

“Yes sir, and the meeting of the co-exects has been successfully pushed to two rather than one thirty. They need to know if lunch will still be ordered.” the girl whose name is apparently Jully fires back.

The man in black swings himself gracefully into the chair letting out a sigh. “If they are really that hungry, tell them to bring snacks. Just because they are some of the richest men alive, does not mean we are going to cater to them like the petulant school children they are.” He gives one of his rare humorous smiles to her and adds, “Leave off that last part.” She nods rapidly and scribbles something down on a piece of paper, sliding it into a folder before looking once more to the seated guy. With a slicing motion he signals for them to remain quite and almost like little soldiers they take up positions to the sides and one step back from the man in the chair.

Sylus turns his attention at last to the room's other occupant. He casts a critical eye across him, looking him over much like he looks over a bit of product before deciding to buy it. He raises an eyebrow and motions for him to take a seat across from him, a beautiful looking wooden coffee table between the two chairs. 'He looks well groomed enough, like all the others. Let's just hope he's not as boring as them. They were all like little cookie cutter men with dull eyes' As soon as the other is seated he hens his lips to begin the interview, however a loud bang like wood on wood rings through the hallway and instead a loud sigh finds it's way out of him. 'Just what we need. The boss scaring him off before we can even see if he's worth scaring' He holds up a hand for the interviewee to give him a moment and seconds later the source of the noise comes crashing into the room.

“Sylus! I swear, if you took my giant super ball again, I'm going to wring your neck!” Marius stomps into the room, a light growl in his through as he approaches Sylus. The assistants, use to these little interactions don't move, simply watching it unfold.

Very delicately Sylus stands and turns to the man in red. He towers over the shorter man but Marius doesn't falter. “Have you never heard the one about people who live in glass houses? That thing is a risk not only to your life but to your wallet if you ever manage to throw it hard enough.” His tone of vice is very different from when he was addressing his assistants. Instead of the authoritative but kind tone, his voice now sounds like a parent disciplining their child.

Marius huffs back. “It's not a glass house! It's just one glass wall, and it's tempered! There is no way I'm ever going to damage it you worry wart.” Marius on the other hand sounds very much the angry animal, his lips pulled back into a snarl as he glares up at the taller man.

Sparing Will a glance Sylus lets out a sigh and decides to end the confrontation as quickly as possible. Reaching up he spins his old friend around so he's pointed at the door. “Get the 407s for this afternoon done and I'll have Kesh bring it back to your office, alright? You've put them off for two weeks, and I need them today for the meeting.”

The Japaneses man glares at his half-breed companion over his shoulder for several seconds before giving him an honest smile. Without another word he marches out of the room, not bothering to close the door behind him and with a faint click he returns to his office. Sylus on the other hand turns so that only his assistants can see him and gives them a wide eyed exasperated look. The both smile, suppressing giggles as Sylus makes his way back over to his chair. A faint smile finds it's way to his own lips as he looks upon the potential secretary in front of him. Bringing up the clipboard he glances at it before setting it back against one arm, at the ready. “So, Mr. Barnett, why do you want to work for the Takashi modeling agency?”

[Foxtrot]

Will had slowly looked up when he heard the elevator arriving. A pleasant sounding ding was heard in the silent waiting room just before the doors opened and a trio stepped out. Almost instantly the young man had frowned at the strange sight of the three people. There was this young woman with flaming red hair. The fact she seemed somewhat ruffled made her look like she had just gotten out of school, but she still looked older than the jet black haired boy. He was wearing a suit that didn’t fit him at well and his glasses kept sliding down. The appearance of the two made Will look like a classy guy, which relieved him, with his suit clinging neatly to his body. Actually.. It wasn’t even a complete suit. He wasn’t really a fan of the jackets. He’d wear vests though, but he felt extremely uncomfortable with suits if he had to be honest.

Then his eyes fell upon the person in the middle. He was impressively tall. Even though he hadn’t even spoken to the man yet he already respected him in some way. His eyes trailed over his suited body, as if he had been born in the bloody thing, before looking up to his face again. He was holding something in his hand. Will couldn’t immediately make out what it was, but it was something work related.

He heard the soft conversation and inaudible babbling of the two smaller ‘helpers’ next to the man. What they said was a complete mystery to the young man with his neatly curled hair. The man said something back in a soft voice. Will couldn’t help but doubt himself and his hearing as the two seemed to have no trouble whatsoever to actually hear him. He himself had to pay close attention and he still couldn’t make up a word.

It was only when they came closer that he could hear what exactly they were talking about. But, just a little bit of it was truly understood by him. He just scratched the back of his neck and adjusted himself in his seat. He slowly just started to play with his buttons as he lowered his gaze to the floor.

When he simply felt the man gazing at him he slowly lifted his hazel gaze to look back at him. He could see the man criticizing him, which only made him straighten his back a bit. Then he was told to sit in the seat at the other side of the, quite beautiful looking, coffee table. So got himself out of the chair and picked up the bag he had set down next to him on the ground. Calmly he walked over to the other man and gave him a small nod as a greeting. He wasn’t quite sure what else to do if he had to be honest with himself. Then slowly he sat himself down and carefully dropped the bag next to him again. Almost immediately, as if it was a reflex, he crossed his legs and ran his fingers through his hair. Before the two could even really start the interview a loud bang was sounded through the hallway. It had almost scared the living soul out of the young man, but he restored himself quite easily.

Will gazed towards the elevator, which had been the source of the sound, and arched his eyebrow a bit when Almost automatically he tilted his head at the sight of a man in a bright red suit. His black hair was respectively long and kept back in a ponytail. There were two bangs hanging down either side of his face and contoured his jaw. His eyes were dark and skin alabaster.

Somewhat impressed Will was listening to the men. He wasn’t sure what to think, but it was actually quite amusing to watch from a distance. He had to do his best not to grin though. He honestly had no idea whether that would cause a positive or bad reaction. He just decided to watch his steps for now. He had almost opened his mouth to say something about the glass, but decided to bite his tongue and just watch the two argue. The one calm and patient while the other was snarling and growling, not trying to understand the other man’s point. It was quite interesting, really.

When the man disappeared again and the conversation had returned to him he had noticed that he was looking quite blank for a moment. Before letting out a soft hum and think about what he was going to answer to the question. His mind was still with the two arguing men and the sudden chance had somewhat startled him for a moment. Will ran his hands through his dark brown curls and then opened his mouth. “Both my mother and brother are into fashion. My mother has her own little company in France while my brother is a model in Australia. I was always interested in the branch and my dream was actually to follow into my brother’s step. But I wasn’t as lucky. They told me I wasn’t tall enough.” He shrugged lightly as if he didn’t care. “So when I heard someone was needed here, at Takashi’s modelling agency, I was eager to apply for the job. Even if it isn’t what I had wanted to become in the first place, it’s close enough and I’ll work just as hard to accomplish the things I’ll be assigned to. It’s just as important if you’d ask me.”

Maybe he should have prepared himself for these questions…

[PopeAlessandros]

Sylus watches carefully as the shock of the recent event wears off fairly quickly and the boy begins formulating his answer. 'Well, he doesn't seem all that bothered by that little outburst. I wonder if he realizes that that will be the man he will work for should he get hired. Most likely not. I mean, he may have gone into the nice big office space, but after all, he did not act very much like his position would dictate' He gives no visible response to the young man's reply, simply letting the words sink in. The tone, the speed, the inflection, and even the body movements all running through the critical analysis system known as Sylus's brain. Unlike Marius's brain, Sylus works with undefinable figures. A form of science or mathematics to which he has made up all the formulas and components. If he were every to play the stock market, he could easily be the richest man on earth in less than a week.

However the stock market is too cold a problem to work with, Sylus preferring actually dealing with people rather than numbers. His hands come to rest across is lap near his stomach, the fingers lacing together slowly as he listens to Will speak. He closes his eyes for a moment, just long enough for it to be more than a blink before once again looking to the young man. 'So, his first choice is model. He's right, most agencies will only take what they can sell not only at top dollar, but on a regular basis. With the trends of the past ten years there is no way an agency would take him' His index fingers slide out so they can tap their tips together while he thinks. 'Well, he is not a little carbon copy, and he did not even think to ask about the incident. . .'

Sliding a hand over he grabs the clipboard once more and gives it a quick glance. Then raising it up above his shoulder he opens his hand as if to drop it. However as if she knew it was going to happen Jully had stepped forward and grabs it just as he lets it go. A moment later she hands him a leather bound ledger and steps back. The shiny black leather catches the light as he brings it down and sets it in his lap. Pressing his fingers over the cover he tilts his head ever so slightly. “So your mother has an agency. Did you ever show any interest in the agency itself, or were you so intent on becoming a model that you ignored the actual work behind the business?” Sylus knows there is a more polite way to pose the question, however he is far more interested in the guys opinion of his very colored question than the actual answer to the question. He knows that models indeed to have their own kind of hardships, but Sylus himself has never seen them as something everyone can learn to deal with, unlike actually running the business.

[Foxtrot]

Will watched how the man eyed him and calmly seemed to think him over. Unlike all other people it made Will grow impatient and softly tapped with his fingers on his lap. He was a fast paced person when it came to work. Fast paced and precise. Waiting was something he was horrible at when it came to business. But he decided to say nothing as he just continued staring at the taller man. It was interesting to see him thing. It made the young man wonder what it was that went through his mind. What he was looking at and what he ignored. He already discovered Sylus was one of the brains of this place. He was a sharp person to say the least.

The brunette watched him lift up the clipboard before sliding it out of his hand. As if the young woman had expected it to happen she stepped forward and caught it before it touched the ground. He was handed a leather bound ledger. It was to no interest to Will. His eyes lingered on the two young people at the man's side. He was somewhat bothered by the fact that they looked like trained monkeys for the man's entertainment, of course he knew that that wasn't the reason. It was strange to him to see people behave like they were actually in the man's head. How did she know he was just going to let go of it. He felt his eyebrow arch lightly as he eyed the young woman for a little while longer.

Then he was asked a quite rude question. It didn't seem to bother him much, but he was going to note, out loud, that the man could have asked it more politely. He doubted that he'd care though. "Rude question. The answer is no." He then said. For a moment he paused and shrugged lightly. "Not hers if that is what you mean. I never had a good bond with her, nor did I like her fashion. It won't take long before her company gets bankrupt with the numbers that have been shown on the financial report." His answer had been as sharp as he the man's questions had been. Then he finally answered the last part of the question; "No, after I got rejected, for a good reason, I decided I could be put to better use somewhere where I can actually use my head." Then he smiled politely as if his answer had been the nicest thing he had eer said to someone. He wasn't sure whether to regret his somewhat rude and smart ass answers, but he'll notice soon enough.

[PopeAlessandros]

'He really seems interested in my assistants' Sylus notes, recalling how the young man's eyes lingered on Jully. Most people would just ignore them, seeing Sylus as the only important person in the room. The overly willing to please, or the ones only shooting to ride to the top are not what Marius needs. He needs someone who will be content at his station for as long as possible. And Sylus intends to find that person. Sylus doesn't respond outwardly to the other man's overtly sharp response, however inside he can feel a smile spreading. 'He's got some guts, that is encouraging, and despite saying he's shown no interest in other parts of the business, he seems to understand financial aspects to her little enterprise' Without looking at it he opens the ledger. 'And from the sound of the way he speaks about his family the chances of him asking for time off around holidays and such is lower than the others'

His eyes fall to the ledger when he talks about when he got rejected, looking over his notes for the other candidates swiftly before flipping to his page. It's already half filled with information that was gathered before he ever set foot in the building. All applicants had to apply online for the job, and once accepted Sylus sent out his investigators to pick up little tidbits of information on each candidate. 'None have shown such spirit. There was one other guy who talked back like this, but it was clear by then that he'd given up on getting the job and was just trying to end the interview as fast as possible' Glancing up at Will his inner smile widens again at the look in his eyes. Despite the obviously obstinate grin, there is a touch of confidence Sylus takes a liking to.

Sliding out his pen from the back of the leather ledger he begins scribbling done a few notes. He can almost feel, as he could from the moment he first made the man wait, that he has a level of impatience. Part of his collection of tools for his job includes a small monitor he keeps in his breast pocket which is directly connected to all the security cameras. He'd watched the young man from the entrance to when Sylus himself got on the elevator, and it was obvious the guy has spunk. 'Very key for dealing with Marius' “You are right, I could have indeed been more polite.” He snaps the ledger shut and hands it to Kesh behind him who had moved forward as soon as he closed it. As he steps back into place Sylus meet's Will's eye. “However, you too could have been more polite as well, but you chose not to.” He lets that hang in the air for only a few seconds before continuing.

Standing he turns towards the door. “This can be a very vicious business, as you know, and as a business it needs all the right parts to run.” Turning his head just far enough to look at Will a faint smirk appears on his lips, “If you are willing to take that tone with me and still expect to have a chance at this job. . . .” He looks back towards the door. His assistants move to his sides as he steps away from the chair. “You may just be the right piece to keep the wheels turning.” When he reaches the door he glances over his shoulder to the only man still in the room, the guard having left some time ago when no one was looking. “If you agree, be at your station tomorrow, five AM sharp.” He motions to the desk in the hallway with his thumb before dropping his head and once again the inane babble between him and his assistants starts up again and they vanish into the elevator.

[Foxtrot]

Will felt a grin of victory getting formed on his lips when the man admitted he could have been more polite. He wasn't quite sure why he had felt so victorious to be right about something around this man. He wondered whether it was because of the way the man had eyed him during their conversation, or simply the fact he looks smart. Whatever it was, it was probably a poor reason to feel the way he did. But then he was told he too could have been more polite and his grin fainted. The man had been right. Will thought about it for a moment. He admitted the man had been right and the feeling of victory had now washed away completely. The man won nonetheless.

He watched him get up and ran his fingers through his hair a few times as he glanced up and followed his movements with his curious hazel eyes. Will listened to what the man said and nodded silently. He understood what he was saying, but he wasn't quite sure what that had to do with him at this very moment. Or maybe it had been a trick question. Will was uncertain whether he needed to say something to outsmart the man. But then he decided that, even if it had been a trick question he couldn't outsmart the other, obviously wiser, man. Besides that, it hadn't been a trick. When he started about the tone he had spoken in he felt a somewhat choking sensation. Just say it for god's sake, he thought almost out loud. Then he heard he got the job. Will really had to try his best not the start grinning but to stay professional. But it had been obvious that he was excited. It was to be seen in his eyes. He gave a few quick nods when he was told he needed to be at his desk at five the very next morning.

After a few seconds it was just him there. The guard had left and Will was still processing everything. But then suddenly he started grinning and got on his feet. He got the job. He put his hands together and smiled pleasantly as he realized he had just gotten himself a job at a great company. He was looking forward to tomorrow. Maybe for this one time it wouldn't be hard to wake up in the morning. No, he actually doubted that. Mornings stayed mornings. Finally he got himself on his feet and picked up his bag. He should get home and prepare himself for tomorrow. How? He wasn't quite sure just yet. He had to wait for a little while for the elevator, but once it was there he quickly stepped in and pushed on the button that would get him to the first floor. He was still grinning like some sort of idiot, pleased with what he had achieved that day. When he got downstairs he had managed to stop his stupid smirk so no one would look at him as if they'd see a skinny psychopath walking around with his stupid grin.

After an hour he was home and had planted himself on the couch. Should he go out and celebrate it with the little friends he had? No, that would be a horrible idea. He didn't want to have a hangover the very first day he started working. Especially when he had to be there at five AM. It was only now that he realized how early that was. That meant he had to get out at four to have enough time to chance, eat and brush his teeth. Then he'd have to rush for a cab. That was going to be a fun process.. He wasn't a morning person at all. But he'd be there. He couldn't be late for his first day.

[PopeAlessandros]

Upon reaching his office Sylus waves away his assistants, each having a whole list of things to see to, and he wanting a little time alone. Pushing open the large mahogany doors, he slips inside, closing them gently behind him. His room isn't nearly as but as Marius's, though he has offered to make it so, however Sylus is comfortable with the space he has. He reaches over to the wall beside the doors and flips on the light, flooding the windowless space with a pleasant low level of light. Never one for the glare of the usual light bulbs supplied to office buildings, the special ones in his office are the only things he's ever ask for special from his childhood friend. The tall man hums softly as he makes his way over to his desk, a simple but elegant glass device outfitted with nothing more than a table lamp and a laptop. Behind the ornate computer chair however appears to be a wall completely riddled with screens. The other two walls of the room, the ones that do not share their space with a door, are likewise covered, but instead of screens these walls have a vast number of file drawers.

Each drawer is solid black only broken by a handle and a little white label plate. On each side there is a library style rolling ladder so that he can reach each and every one easily. It's the screen however that would draw anyone's eyes. From the international stock market to local news to MTV spring to life as the light switch gets flipped and Sylus spares them a quick glance before settling down at his desk, retrieving the monitor from his breast pocket. Now alone he relaxes, letting a soft smile come to his lips as he watches the young man do a little victory dance of sorts. 'Young Will seems to have some spunk. I'm sure this will work out, even if only for a little while. Only time will tell if he's actually up for the challenge of dealing full time with our dear president' He watches the man out of the building before standing and turning to the wall of images. Reaching out he touches one screen where some reporters are at one of his company's own showing hall. Running his finger along the bottom of the image a volume bar appears and suddenly the voice of the reporter comes through loud and clear.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Marius, despite now with the assurance that his thinking tool will be returned, continues to grumble and groan as file after file makes it's way through his hands from inspection. 'Why didn't I work on these earlier? I got them at the beginning of the week!' His hands pause for a moment, recalling what had happened that day. 'Oh, right, that was the day I lost my secretary. Or, actually, when she got the boot' He lets out a sigh, placing the last folder on the stack on his left before sliding the rest of his “to do” pile over to the front edge of his desk. 'I'll get to them later' he decides, the large stack of green on his left giving him a headache just from looking at it. His eyes wander over to his phone and after a few seconds contemplation he hits the speakerphone button followed by one that will connect him with someone who can get him some food.

“Yes Mr. Takashi?” the old woman's voice it grating and Marius rolls his eyes at the overly sweet undertone.

'It's like I'm a little kid or something' “Yes, Rosa, um, I would like lunch delivered in about an hour, my office. My usual order from Frido's down the street.” The line is silent for a few seconds and Marius begins rocking his chair gently.

“Yes sir, I'll have it up to you on time. Have a nice day sir.” she finally croaks back and without another word the line goes dead.

Letting out a sigh Marius almost jumps out of his skin when he feels a vibration against his chest. Digging at the source of the sensation he lets out a shuddering breath to calm his nerves. 'I keep forgetting this damn thing is here' He growls slightly as his pocket seem almost unwilling to let the little electronic device go but eventually it slides out smoothly into his palm. The device itself is almost as big as his hand, but not one for small screens he slides out the retractable cord attached to the bottom and plugs it into his computer to check the incoming message. It takes a few seconds to connect, then with a light ping the message opens up on his screen automatically. His eyes trail carefully over the little windows popping up in front of him, each one with different kinds of information on one Will Barnett. Picking up his large stylus he touches each little box in turn, enlarging to read then minimizing them until at last he comes to the last box. In it is the picture he submitted for the online application. For a long while he simply stares, the information he read on the man running through his mind, falling together in his picture like a master game of Tetris. Finally a smile finds it's way to his face and with a nod he clicks the large green “Approved” button at the bottom of the screen. This causes all of the boxes to shoot off the screen as his reply flies back to Sylus in his dim little room below.

[Foxtrot]

That night at eleven Will found himself with some chocolate chip ice cream on his couch. His knees were pulled up against his chest as he was staring at the screen of his television. He was watching a movie and he was watching it quite intensely so that he actually understood what was going on exactly. He had kept telling himself to go to sleep though. He already told himself that at ten o clock. He had already changed himself. No, correction. He undressed himself and was sitting in front of his TV with nothing but his boxers, because that was how he enjoyed his nights the most. Boxers, ice cream and his television. When he finished his ice cream he let out a soft sigh. Yes, he really had to go to sleep. If he'd stay up for another hour he wouldn't wake up the next morning.

He still couldn't believe he would be finally working tomorrow. He thought about it for a while longer as he got himself to the kitchen to throw away his trash. Then he got himself to the bathroom to brush his teeth and splash some water in his face. Soon after that he was in his bed, wrapped up in his blankets, and stared at the ceiling for a while. He wondered what his boss would be like. He hoped he was somewhat calm so he could do his job. He yawned and stretched himself before grabbing his phone and setting an alarm. He'd wake up at 4 AM to probably the most annoying ringtone he had ever heard, but it would at least wake him up. He hoped.

Will had been lucky with the fact he had fallen asleep quite easily. Within a few minutes he was already in a deep sleep. He had even forgotten to turn the lights off in his apartment, but that wouldn't cause chaos and crisis.

The next morning he heard this loud, high pitched, ringing next to his pillow. He almost jumped out of his skin. His heart thumping hard in his chest as he grasped for his phone and turned it off. It was 4 AM. Surprisingly enough he wasn't that tired, but he did tell himself he wasn't going to do that again. Next time he'd go to bed at 9 or 10 PM so he was sure he'd have plenty of rest. Will got out of bed and quickly went to the kitchen to eat his breakfast. He was going to take a cab that day so that he had half an hour to get ready so that he was sure he'd be in time.

After finishing his breakfast he went to the bathroom and brushed his teeth. He was glad he didn't have dark circles around his eyes. Well, actually they were there but they weren't as dark as he expected them to be. Good. He then dressed himself in his grey, yet very classy, clothes. His hair was quickly fixed and looked just perfect. He needed to look perfect on his first day. He needed to impress people and the first steps were mostly related to the looks. No one wanted someone who looked like he had just dragged himself out of the dumpster.

When he was sure everything was in order he grabbed his bag and put on his glasses. His keys were already in his pocket and he had retrieved his phone from his pillow. Then he left his apartment. It was 4:33 AM at that moment, so he should be able to get there right in time. When he got downstairs and outside he managed to stop a cab quite quickly. After giving him the address of where he had to be he grabbed his phone. A message from his brother. 'Hey, pretty boy. How is business in the United States? You had a job interview yesterday, did you not? How did it go? Keep me updated! X- ' He quickly replied back. 'The US is sunnier than England, in many ways. The interview went great. It's actually my first day today. Not quite sure who my boss is just yet, but it looks very promising. Oh, I saw some of your pictures in a magazine here in the States. Keep up the good work, brother!' He pressed send and put his phone back in his pocket. The remaining time he just looked out of the window until they were there. He paid the driver and wished him a good day before he got out and looked up at the tall building. He knew by that time that he'd be in time. He had plenty of minutes left.

Will made his way to the elevator and went up to the floor where he had the interview that day before.

[PopeAlessandros]

With a light sigh Sylus shits down his computer, pushing his chair back a bit so he can stand. 'It's been a long day, but at last I think I'm ready for tomorrow' The printer by the door spits out the last sheet of paper Sylus sent to it for printing and falls silent as he walks over to it. Picking up the stack he switches his light off, killing the TV displays in the process leaving him in complete darkness before he steps out into the hall outside his office. Holding out his hand he nods as a binder of sorts gets placed into his hand by Kesh. “You returned the ball?”

Kesh nods rapidly, “Yes sir, as you asked I made sure he'd sent the reports first.” On Sylus's other side Jully waits until her boss looks over the binder before handing both the binder and the stack of papers to her.

“Two sheets per sleeve, back to front, like a restaurant menu.” She nods at his order and hurries off to her desk to set to work. Kesh on the other hand follows his boss as he walks down the hall to the elevator. Knakeshta van Hymulsa was the top of his class in business school, determined to own his own business strait out of collage. He'd taken a job at an agency for, what he called, some work experience, but the one day he was criticized for being a little aimless, and not showing any initiative. IN an effort to prove them wrong he tried doing something on his own, and the result was a loss in one of the company's biggest clients. Looking up at Sylus Kesh recalls how interview after interview he was rejected, but then he came to this place. His interview didn't go well, but on his way out he bumped quite literally into Sylus.

Immediately Kesh could tell he had run into a very important person, the girl at his side glaring down at him for an instant before looking to the tall male, asking I he was okay. The man however seemed to recognize him and without hesitation he knelt down and helped him to his feet. Kesh wanted to flee as fast as possible, but the black clad man wouldn't let go of his hand. As he looked up into those sharp eyes he felt so frightened but he did his best to not let it show. “What did you do to lose the client?”

The question shocked him, doing nothing to assuage his fear. However there was no contempt in the man's voice, only a pure and honest curiosity. Unable to think of anything better to say he'd summoned up all his courage and replied, “I did my best!” Sure he was going to get laughed at he braced himself. However the only response he got was a raised eyebrow, the look mirrored on the girl by his side. The man had released his hand and Kesh had all but bolt out of the building. However that evening there was a call, he'd gotten a job a the Takashi agency! When he came in the next day he'd been shown to a desk however he was not there more than a minute when he'd noticed just who was at the desk right next to his.

He tried to ignore her, but after five minute she stood and pulled him out of his chair. He had raised a few objections but a moment later he spotted the tall man from before. The girl had dumped a bunch of folders into his arms and shoved him to Sylus's other side while so took up her position at Sylus's right elbow. Mimicking her at his other elbow he's walked with them for a while before the man addressed him directly. “Kesh, the finacials from august to october.” Almost automatically his eyes fell to the folders in his arms and in a flash he had them out and over to Sylus. “Thanks, now later I need you to correlate the rest and get the findings to the finance board, they are doing projections.” And just like that Kesh became Sylus's invaluable left hand in the company. While officially he's just a secretary or assistant, Kesh holds more sway over the company than all the section heads combined.

'I will never forget this opportunity he's giving me, to work here near the top' He finishes giving his reports for the day, Sylus giving him a couple more things to do before he can go home as he steps off the elevator. Kesh knows that he should stay on the elevator, Sylus wanting to do his nightly check on his own as always. “Yes sir, I'll make sure the reports are in.” He bows, reaching over to press the down button.

“Kesh, one last thing.” His hand pauses and he looks at his boss curiously. “Once Jully is done with her task I'd like you to bring the binder up here and place it on the desk up here for the newbie. Make sure it's in plain sight.” Kesh bows again, a smile on his lips as he presses the bottom and vanishes for view.

Sylus makes his way into the large office at the end of the hall and lets out a huge sigh at the sight that greets him. Marius always wakes long before anyone else, working all day starting a good four hours before the first person even comes into work, which of course is Sylus himself. That being the case Sylus finds his dear friend in his current state more often than not. Marius is half laid on on his desk, his arms wrapped around to either side of his head, his face pressed firmly against the wooden surface. Under one hand is an open folder, his finger still pointing to a specific line, while his other hand rests lightly on his keyboard. Striding over Sylus glances at the screen and counts his blessings that other then a few odd letters at the very end all is well with whatever he was working on. He can not count the nights he's come into a mess of several pages of the same letter running on and on because he fell asleep on his keyboard with a key pressed.

The smaller male is rather light, for Sylus at least, and he carefully lifts him up off the desk and picks him up into both arms. Making his way tot he plain door on the side of the room he maneuvers it open and slips inside. The small room is little bigger then one of the smaller offices on the lowest floors, with just enough room for a small sink and some cupboards along one wall, a small closet with a clothes rack along the back wall, and to the left is a queen sized bed in an alcove. The alcove doesn't have a low ceiling so Sylus has no problem leaning in to set his old friend down on the soft surface. 'You work too hard, moron' he chides silently, slowly stripping off Marius's layers until he's down to his unders. Like an exasperated mother he watches as the grown man rolls around in his sleep, whining until Sylus can get the covers over him. “Bakairou.” he mutters fondly before ruffling his hair and heading out. As he passes the secretary's desk out in the hall he smiles at the sight of the leather bound black binder sitting on the middle of the desk. Glancing over the cover he chuckles lightly and makes his way to the elevator. “How to handle the President indeed.” he murmurs softly.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Marius wakes the next morning with a long sigh. He managed to not fall out of bed, but now his legs are so tangled in his sheets that when he tries to move he feels a twinge in his hip. With a few little grunts and growls he manages to free himself, his sheets now bunched up in mass at the end of his bed. 'I win!' he thinks fuzzily, his brain not quite working yet. As he stands up and begins getting ready for the day he has the nagging feeling that he's forgetting something important. It's not until he dressed and making his bed that it hits him. “That's right! New secretary today!” He smiles and finished folding his blankets at the foot of his bed. Putting them there makes it easier on Sylus, and Marius knows it. 'Let it not ever be said that I am not a kind boss' With that he slides out of the room, closing the door carefully before flipping on his coffee machine to heat the water he poured in it before sitting down to his last report the night before.

_+_+_+_+_+_

Please make sure to check out the OOC before responding.

[Foxtrot]

"Can you press the eleventh for me? Hello... Hello?" Will had been staring at one of the elevator's walls as he had been thinking about what to expect that day. Then he felt a hard poke in his ribs that woke him up. "What?" He blinked several times and looked down at a somewhat old lady who seemed to be judging him and his lack of attention. "Eleventh floor." He repeated and nodded at the buttons. The woman shook her head when he finally pressed it for her. He then looked up to where it showed the floor. He was at the ninth. He wasn't quite sure what made his mind trail of. No, correction. He knew exactly what it was that made him this distracted. New job. New job, new expectations, new chances, new everything and he was looking forward to it. "You're not going to make it far if you're like this all the time." The woman muttered in pure annoyance. "You're not going to make it far if you keep being this negative." Will replied before actually thinking about it. Enemy no. 1, check. The elder woman had huffed loudly and seemed highly offended by his remark. Will wasn't sure whether to be ashamed or be proud of himself. As long as his boss wouldn't find out what he said on his first day he was completely fine.

When he got to the hallway, which would soon become familiar, he took in a deep breath. It pleased him to know that this was where he'd work from now on. When he got to his new place of work, the desk, he looked down at a small leather bound binder. He sat himself down and made himself comfortable before he took a better look at the binder. "How to handle the President?" He read out loud with a growing frown on his face. Then he softly pulled at his hair as he opened the binder. He blinked somewhat surprised at the pictures and rules that were noted on paper. As he read the sentences; Do not baby the president. No matter what. He had hooked his finger in one of the three rings of the binder. He eyed the puppy picture below and rubbed his neck. "Alright.. I can manage that." He muttered softly to himself as he turned the page. The second picture made him chuckle softly, but he hid his grin behind his hand. Check. Don't walk in when you thumping. Reminding him of things wouldn't be much of a problem either. Next one wouldn't be much of a problem either. He didn't even want to know what would happen when he'd leave him alone in the train as he took a good look at the picture. six and seven, check. With the eighth he paused for a moment. That was right. He was Japanese. Softly he chewed on his lips and stared at the picture for a while. That was going to be fun. Sort of check. He turned the pages again. Yelling, great. He just had to keep himself from yelling back. He was a cougar when it came to defending himself. So he had to make sure not to snap back at him. The chocolate rule made him pause again. Did that mean he couldn't have chocolate either? That would be horrible. He adored chocolate. He couldn't not eat chocolate for an entire day. It would just be unfair if he'd eat chocolate and not give it to the president. He let out a deep sigh. No chocolate for the both of them it seemed. Then he was wished success. Last but not least there were some empty maps telling him that he could add some things for himself if he needed to. Thanks, Sylus

He then closed the map again and shoved it to the side of his desk so it was always close. His bag got located against the side of his desk and he himself was nice and comfortable on his chair. He looked on his watch for a moment before he stretched himself and took a better look around him. This was something he could get used to he assured himself with a nod.

Will's eyes were drawn to the doors to the president's office. He wondered whether he should introduce himself or whether he had to wait. He heard no crashing of lamps, chairs or any other crashable things. That meant it should be safe now, right? He sat there for a little longer in his, far too comfortable, chair as he stared at the doors. Should he wait or should he knock and introduce himself? And if he'd knock should he wait for a reply or should he carefully open the door? He made his choices and decided to knock, carefully open the door, apologize for his entrance and introduce himself. Yes, that sounded about right.

So he pushed the chair back and got up. His hand ran along the side of the desk as he walked around it and towards the door. He wondered whether this was a good idea. Oh f' it. He knocked on the door, waited for about three seconds and then carefully pushed it open. He found himself looking around at the office for a little while before his eyes fell upon the man at the coffee machine. Will froze. Hadn't this been the man that had freaked out over some sort of ball and glass? He looked over at one of the walls that was entirely out of glass. Yes, this was most definitely him. He wasn't sure what to think, but decided to tell himself not to judge him. Will cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't mean to make my entrance this rude. My name is Will Barnett and I'm your new assistant." He was still standing in the doorway as he smiled at the, surprisingly, tall man. Or maybe he was just short. He wasn't sure. Or maybe it was both. Maybe he was short and Mr Takashi was just tall, which made him look even taller and made Will look more and more like a midget, no offence. Will wasn't sure why he spent so much time thinking of their lengths. He just did. He was sure that, if he had been standing right in front of him, he would've had to look up and most likely get a sore neck or something in that direction. The man was impressive. Let's just keep it at that.

[PopeAlessandros]

After staring at the report for a good en minutes he finally remembers what he was trying to get at. In a flash his fingers are flying over the keyboard and slowly the rest of it all falls into place. 'That's right, the board at Harumun's were having trouble with policy, so I needed to write a letter of clarification and document the world wide mat. . .' His thoughts devolve into a mess only really understood by the boss himself and he's on to the next bit of work before he knows it. A third program pops up, having been put on a timer the day before as a reminding of something with a deadline. However, being in the middle of something his quickly moves his cursor up to close the window. At that precise moment though the gurgling of the coffeemaker catches his attention and he freezes. 'Right, tea. Need some tea. . .' Shaking the fuzz from his head he stands up and lets out a sigh.

Before moving over to make his tea however the president looks towards the window leading to the world outside his little room. Honestly, the room may not be small in comparison to most, but to him it can be a bit stiffing at times. 'I really hope this guy works out. I want to get back on the road. I can do all this crap on the move. Our numbers are threatening to fluctuate if I don't get back out there soon!' His focus shifts, looking instead at his reflection. The lush plum purple suit today is accompanied by a black undershirt and dark red cravat. The chain hanging across the cravat has a very small bell inside that chimes pleasantly when he moves, much like the ones inside Chinese stress balls. Humming lightly he turns, his focus back in getting tea.

The smell of the tea as he opens the little tin makes Marius take a long inhale, letting the scent de-fog him mind. 'Love this flavor' Just as he's almost done preparing his tea he hears a soft knock on the door. Not really use to the sound, the only ones who come to this floor having blanket permission to enter without doing so since he will not notice it most of the time, he simply stares at the door at first. Then it opens slowly. The place he's standing is less than ten feet from the door. Along the same wall in fact, so Marius can not help but smile as the young man looks around the room a bit before spotting him. 'Right, new secretary. Keep forgetting that' Stirring his tea with one hand he slips the other in his pocket to watch the man look around the room, his smile widening when at last he spots him, his eyes going wide. 'He seems to have some interest in my window. I wonder if he's afraid of heights. . .' Marius does not remember the man at all, having been to focused on getting his ball back.

The ball is important to him, helping him relieve stress without having to leave his office. It wasn't that he didn't think Sylus would give it back the other day, he was upset because a report had been so messed up that it was unreadable when it was delivered to him, and Marius needed to blow off some steam before he simply curled up in his room for a nap to sleep it off. 'Obviously it didn't go through Sylus's hands other wise I would never have had to see such a mess with my company's records. . .' He shrugs the memory off however when the young man seems to get bearings at last and introduce himself. “No problem. Come in.” he murmurs, scooping up his tea and heading back to his desk. As soon as he's seated he motions in front of his desk indicating the man should come closer.

Taking a seat he waits until Will is in place before his smile returns once again. “Welcome, I don't know yet whether or not I'm glad you've joined the company, but I hope in time I will be. I reserve such judgments until they are fair to make.” Dropping his eyes to the report he was in the middle of his eyebrows raises as another notification blinks at the top of his screen. “Is that today? Oh good, a perfect firs job. . .” he mutters to himself before standing. “This can be a very fast paced job here on the top floor, but my expectations are simple. Do the job. Do it right. Do it well. We'll have more time to talk later tonight after my meeting on. . .I for get, but I know I have a meeting to attend.” Coming around his desk he sits slightly on the front of it, his feet still on the ground. “Sylus will send you my schedule, make sure to come get me for it, I've got a lot to get done today and I doubt I'll remember to set my alarm.” He points over his shoulder with his thumb at his laptop.

Snatching up a random folder out of his messy stacks of them he pops it open and looks at the top sheet. “Today is the day for all the section heads to send me their reports, problems, and requests.” He flips the folder inside out so the top sheet is visible, the spine folded the opposite way it normally is. “Your morning job today is easy, but it'll take a while. The stacks are going to be brought up here to you and you need to separate them out by priority number.” He holds the folder out so Will can see the top sheet. His finger slides of to the top right corner where an upside down triangle holds a handwritten number four in red ink. “They just throw all the reports together as the week goes by, so the priority order is all jumbled up. For now, I just need you to sort them out and once you are done, bring them to me in priority order, one, to five. Eventually you will be reading these yourself, re-numbering them should you feel they were improperly prioritized. Don't worry, by then you'll know more about what your doing.” Flipping the folder around, the sleeves falling closed with a light tap, he smiles once more at his new assistant. “Have fun Will, and again, I'll be able to answer your questions after that meeting. . .” His voice trails off as once again he tries to remember what the meeting is about, but with a shrug he returns to his seat, shrinking the window he was going to close before to work on it later.

[Foxtrot]

A pleasant bell rang melodically as Will watched his new boss move to his desk and watched him sit himself down. What the source of the sound was, was still unknown to him. The young Brit found it hard not to get distracted by the window. As long as there were a few feet between him and the glass wall he would be just fine. He wasn't afraid of heights as long as there was a distance between him and the height. Which, basically, made him afraid of heights. He just didn't want to admit it. He slowly brought his hand up to pull at the waves in his dark brown hair as he was gestured to approach.

When Will stood closer to the desk he brought his hand down again and folded it with the other behind his back. He decided he wanted to look sure of himself. He wanted to be impressive just like everyone seemed to be at the top floor. It wasn't fair really. Everyone being so tall and him being a midget Brit. Of course, he was exaggerating. "I won't let you down, sir." This was something he didn't say because he wanted to impress him. It was a promise he made to himself. Little Will wasn't someone who wanted to be bad at what he did. He was a perfectionist. Sometimes. He wanted to be the best in what he did.

The hazel eyed eyed the man in front of him for a while. He liked his look. It was daring to say the least. Especially compared to him. He was too insecure to wear colors at the office. He never knew how people reacted. It was strange though. Will didn't mind being a total asshole, as long as people wouldn't laugh at him for his looks. It was still a mystery to him why he reacted the way he did to comments about his appearance. He didn't feel like he was insecure, which he obviously was. Why else would a man feel more than just embarrassed when someone made a bad comment or a joke about his clothing. Lucky for him it didn't happen often as he played it safe. But the man in front of him didn't seem to care. Then again he didn't need to care. He looked good. To be more precise; He looked great.

Those thoughts all crossed his mind as he watched Takashi taking in the information that had popped up on his screen. It was only when he heard 'first job' that he was all ears again. He was aching for more information. What first job? What was expected from him? The man had moved to the front of the desk and sat himself down there. Suddenly they were much closer. Will was sure that, if he'd step forward, he'd be able to smell the man. What an odd thought to think about though. Hey, Will. What did you do on your first day? - Oh nothing, just sniffed at my boss. He couldn't keep his lips from twitching in a grin. Creep. But he found concentration within a second. He glanced over at the laptop and nodded. Interesting, he was going to work as an alarm clock.

Will paid close attention at the following instructions. He was eager to do this perfectly. He had not yet noticed the fact that he flipped the pages the other way than he himself, but he'd notice soon enough. He gave a firm nod and an excited smile. This was better than modeling. His body was his own and his boss seemed quite relaxed. It was already a pleasant day. Then again, he hadn't done much just yet. He took the folder from the other man's hands and kept it close to his chest with one hand while the other had positioned itself on his hip. "Thank you, sir. And I'll remind you when the meeting is and what it is about when I know more." The Brit couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the puzzled look on the elder man's face. Then he backed away and turned to the door to walk out. For a moment he paused and thought about whether he had an important question or not. Then he shrugged and walked out.

He positioned himself at his desk and opened the folder. He frowned when he didn't see the top sheet that he had seen just a minute ago when Marius had opened the folder. He flipped through the pages until, at the back, he saw the top sheet. After staring at the piece of paper for a while he just shrugged it away. He, however, decided to keep it the way it was. He wasn't sure whether it had a 'deeper meaning'. And thus he took out all the papers and started to sort them. It wasn't that boring. In the meantime he just read some of the titles that were written on the papers that passed through his hand as he stacked the papers. Most of it was merely an unknown language to him. He could see what it said but had no idea what it really meant.

And thus there he sat stacking paper and letting his eyes slide over the titles and numbers. It didn't take long before he found himself humming songs that crossed his mind. Often just one part of a song as that was all that managed to get stuck in his head. When he thought he was almost done another stack came in. Followed by another one.. And- yet again- another one. He frowned deeply at the stacks of paper on his desk. How lucky he was it was big enough to contain such a huge amount of paper. The songs had ended and so had the reading of titles. He was now just concentrating on putting everything in the right order. It was fun at first, but after a while his body got sick and tired of the constant movements. Picking up a folder, opening it, checking the number, closing it and putting it on the right stack before picking up another one. After about two hours he checked his phone to see what time it was. Then he checked the remaining pile and just shook his head and quickly stretched his body.

He got up and looked around him for a while. He needed a break. Even if it was just for a minute. Honestly, his body protested against all the sitting. Maybe an office job wasn't the best choice of jobs for him. But, strangely enough, he liked this one. Obviously not because of the stacking of folders and looking at numbers, but because it just felt right.

Five minutes later he continued what he was doing until he, after a bit more than four hours total, was done. The first thing he did was sighing relieved and rubbing his eyes. How could people do this day in and out? Stacking things. God, he remembered his job at a information desk where he had to call. He was still young and more impatient and restless than he was now, but it had been horrible. At least his chair was comfortable this time and his boss seemed to be an OK guy. Finally he got on his feet and grabbed the first stack, number one, to bring to Takashi's office. He couldn't knock this time as he'd definitely drop everything if he'd try. So he pushed the door open with his shoulder.

"Sir... Where should I put this?" He asked as he gazed over. Then he looked at the door. "I meant to knock, but.. I didn't want to drop this." He nodded at the papers in his hands. He wasn't sure whether he'd get barked at for just walking in like that or whether he'd get a normal, humane, reaction from the man. Thus he decided to now stick at the door and wait patiently with his eyes scanning over the man's form. One movement that indicated anger and he'd be out of there. Of course, he wasn't scared.. He was just cautious. Or so he'd like to call it. People barking at him just made him very uncomfortable and edgy. His brother always said that his 'true sass' got exposed when he'd get edgy. He never really understood what he meant by that...

[PopeAlessandros]

Marius' fingers fly over the keyboard as he slowly works his way through a report due the next day. I takes him most of the morning to get through the complex draft of projections and he is quite stiff fingered when he's done hours later. Groaning he leans back in his chair and stretches his fingers over and over until he can feel them properly again. 'I am so glad I only have to do this stupid thing once a month. Why can't they just keep their heads screwed on strait and leave the work to me I actually enjoy doing?' Huffing he spins his chair around once, coming to a stop facing the window on his second turn.

He looks at himself, his plum colored suit settles perfectly on his frame. His mind drifts to the young man out in the hall, doing his busy work. 'Once he's done it a few times, I think I'll show him a bit of what it's all about. I'm fairly positive he's not another Sylus, but he seems sharp and willing to learn. I like that in an employee' He giggles softly as he recalls the man playing with his tie. It was obvious he was not use to wearing it that way by the fidgeting, but Marius doesn't hold it against the young man. There's not many people who are.

Needing a little time to just think to himself Marius turns back to his desk and pulls up his music files and puts on one of his favorite old records Pink Floyd's The Wall begins thrumming softly from the speakers located covertly around his room providing him with outstanding surround sound and Marius lets out a sigh. He keeps it quiet enough that even when the actually rocking starts it can not be heard from outside his office. 'Don't need the new sec' being distracted from his important work after all' He smiles and hums along to the album, letting his mind settle as he reads over and corrects the report he'd written up.

He's just finished his re-read when the door opens and Will walks in with the first stack. He waves off the apology with a smile and stands up, stretching. “No problem Will, you can walk in anytime you like. Secretary’s prerogative.” He chuckles lightly then motions to his desk. “Just set it down anywhere. I'll put it where I need it eventually.” Kneeling down next to his chair he pulls open one of his drawers and retrieves a decent sized YOGA laptop from it's depths. Pushing the drawer closed with a foot he waits until Will's hands are free before handing it and the cords for it over.

“That's yous for as long as you work for me. It's filled with many programs necessary for your job, and a few that may be useful should you choose to make use of them. When it's on, it's connected to all the same systems and programs as my computer is, so try not to surf through the programs too much before I have a chance to explain them to you.” His gaze lingers on the device a little longer than it should have before he coughs and walks off towards the coffeemaker. That laptop was used by his previous secretary, and after she was fired he had it wiped before having all the proper programs put back on to it, but he can not quite shake the memory of the things she'd used it for near the end.

'Vile woman. . .' Shuddering slightly he shakes the coffee pot to see how much water is left. Noting that it's still mostly full he looks to Will and holds it up. “You're free to make coffee any time you like. I make up hot water throughout the day for my tea, which you're free to share in, I have a nice selection, but if you are a coffee drinker, that's fine too. Just remember that you made it because I will forget and leave it sit until. . .Well, it all evaporates.” He chuckles lightly. “If I didn't make it, I'll forget it exists.” Pouring the hot water into a thermos he again looks to the young man to see if he's thirsty.

[Foxtrot]

Will couldn't help but notice Pink Floyd playing in the background. Nor could he help but grin because of it. How much he loved that album. He remembered playing it over and over again until his radio overheated. His neighbours hadn't been too pleased with him, either. So they had been glad that the thing broke. He also used to sing with his brother, of course it never sounded too good, while they drove from London to get back home or vice versa. He started to like Marius more by the second. He had a great taste for music and style.

He chuckled at the man's comment, but was too concentrated on the paper in his hand to fully get the joke. Will just really didn't want to screw up. When Takashi waved to the desk he gave a nod and finally removed himself from the door. He carefully put the papers down on his desk and stretched himself. As his gazed moved up from the files to the man at the other side of the desk he was surprised he was handed a laptop. "I promise I'll use it wisely." Will said with a smile on his face. He hadn't expected to be trusted with this on the very first day. In his head the only thing he had was the fact he could now check Marius' schedule and could make sure he wouldn't get late for his meeting. That would actually be the only thing he'd check until he was told otherwise. He was careful when it came to important files and information. He just wanted to be able to be trusted with the information and responsibilities.

When the subject changed to coffee and tea he actually started realizing how thirsty he had become. And tea always did him good. Tea and chocolate, or ice cream, a good book and a comfortable couch was what he always longed for. The Brit grinned. "Drinking coffee at work is a bad idea. I tend to grow restless and quite annoying because of it - or so I was told- but tea sounds absolutely great." He pulled softly at his tie with his free hand to loosen it a bit. Almost instantly it just looked like he had a rough night instead of him being at work. How much one little detail could do to him.

When another song started playing he scratched the back of his head. "I don't mind if you want to turn your music up..", he hinted and then chuckled somewhat awkwardly. He wasn't sure whether this was the usual music volume or whether he had turned it down because of him. But Will sure wouldn't mind to hear some music while he worked. It was how he concentrated after all. Silence only made him focus on the littlest sounds. He'd even manage to hear, or so he thought, the cables of the elevator. "Do you usually listen to this music genre?" He then asked as he put his hand down to take a better hold of the laptop. His somewhat nervous expression had been exchanged for a truly interested one. He liked to know more about Marius. The man seemed quite interesting.

[PopeAlessandros]

Marius chuckles as he walks over to his desk and grabs up his cup. The simple dark blue coffee mug is bone dry as he wanders back over to the coffee maker. Pressing the pump at the top of the thermos he puts a little hot water into it, swirls it around, then dumps it in the waste basket next to the table. He listens to the man's comments about his music and smiles warmly while still turned away from him. Pressing the pump again, this time he fills his cup before setting it down and plopping in a teabag. As he steeps his tea he pulls one of the disposable cups and sets it under the thermos spigot and fulls it with steaming water as well.

“I like this kind of music when I'm facing something I don't feel like doing. Floyd manages to capture the feeling quite well, along with some of the stuff done my Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne.” He turns, leaving his cup to steep on it's own on the table. Glancing down at the now loosened tie he raises an eyebrow, however he doesn't comment. Instead he walks over to where the man is standing and without asking he undoes the tie complete and begins re-tying it with a simple but elegant knot. As he does this he speaks softly. “If you really like the music, there is a little switch under your desk, right hand side, that will turn on the speakers covertly placed around your desk area.”

He glances up, mid way through tying the tie. “The music will automatically turn off when the elevator doors to the floor open, so I don't have to worry about my music disturbing visitors. Next to the switch is a little nob which allows you to change the volume as well.” Snugging the tie into place, not too tight, but tight enough to angle his chin perfectly, he drops his hands but does not step back. His eyes are not reproachful neither is his tone as he begins speaking. “For many people who come to this floor, you are my face. You are what they see of me, and you are the first impression for everyone who steps out of that elevator.” He tilts his head slightly. “I have no problem if you don't want to wear your jacket, but I ask that you at least keep your tie strait.”

He does not sound disappointed, just as if he's delivering impassive instructions. Stepping back over to the table he picks up his tea and drops the bag into the garbage before heading over to his desk and sitting down. He motions towards the steaming cup of water and says in a light tone, “You are free to use the disposable cups for now, however please do not hesitate to bring in your own mug. It can live next to mine, heh.” He takes a moment to imagine what the man would be like on coffee and the smile on his lips widen at the images the thoughts conjure up. He watches with a soft look in his eyes as the man makes himself tea, listening quietly to anything he has to say.