Alfred turned away from his lolcats sign "It r true, I know because of my learnings" and smiled at the computer screen in front of him. It was another pleasant day at his awesome internship under the supervision of his equally awesome boss, Ivan. It had taken a while (almost a year) to get used to the guy's strange tendencies and mannerisms, but once Alfred had, he had adored Ivan.
They had a rocky start when Alfred's loud, brash, (and not to mention tactless) personality clashed with Ivan's shy, polite, and more reserved one… But that was all different now. They were friends, Alfred supposed. They would go out drinking sometimes, work late together, and eat lunch or go out to dinner together. Alfred didn't really think about the potential inappropriateness of it, what with a twenty one year-old intern drinking and supping with his thirty nine year-old boss. But that was Alfred, blissfully ignorant to the fullest extent. It's not that he was stupid, though¾oh no. He just didn't care for cynicism and negativity, so he pretended not to notice unless it was completely unavoidable.
He continued typing the article Kathy had given him earlier, occasionally "hmm-ing" and "well, let's see"-ing to himself. He admittedly had trouble keeping his word count low enough. He backspaced, rubbing his temples in an attempt to induce lesser-word concentration.
"Mr. Jones. Hard at work as always, I see. Keeping it thunder, I presume?" Dr. Braginski hovered over his shoulder, admiring his work. "Uh, yeah, sure," Alfred answered, still not really sure what that meant, but loving his subtle Russian accent nonetheless. "So, uh, Al. Err…" Ivan looked around nervously. Then, quietly, he whispered, "Is Natalie here y-" "DR. BRAGINSKI! There you are! I have that article you wanted. I know you said I didn't need to finish it until tomorrow, but I just thought it wouldn't hurt to, you know, turn it in early. So here it is!"
Natalie batted her lashes at Ivan, holding out the paper while using her arms to squeeze her breasts together. Ivan made a sour face, but quickly replaced it with a smile. "Why thank you, Natalie. That was very proactive of you, yes? Go see Kathy for your next assignment." "Thank you, Dr. Braginski. I'll be sure to do that. Have you decided whether or not to come to church with my family and me tonight?" Ivan tried his hardest not to frown, and began to open his mouth to respond.
"Oh, sorry Miss Arlove, but Dr. Braginski and I have to work late tonight, don't we? Terribly sorry, Natalie. Perhaps another time?" Alfred cut in with a hint of smugness at his arch-nemesis. Natalie narrowed her eyes at him, clearly irritated. "Right. Perhaps another time." She nodded her head at Ivan, batting her lashes again. She turned to Alfred and frowned. "Don't think you've won yet, Jones. We both know he likes me better." Natalie hissed at him. He snickered.
After she stomped off to Kathy's office, Ivan turned to Alfred, his face full of obvious relief. "Oh, thank you. Graciously." Alfred nodded and asked, "We still on for dinner at the Mexican restaurant and drinks?" Ivan smiled and replied, "Oh yes, most definitely. My treat. I will come find you in an hour." The taller man gave his intern a smart pat to the back, knocking Alfred's glasses forward off his nose.
After a large dinner and a few rounds of drinks, Alfred and Ivan prepared to part ways, both unpleasantly full and Alfred more than a little tipsy. Ivan dropped him off at his school apartment, placing his hand on Alfred's shoulder before he could leave.
"By the way, Al. I could not help but to notice that you have seemed a little distracted lately. Should you need a friend, I am more than happy to be there for you. Here is the address to my apartment and cellular phone number in case you need me, yes?" He smiled, concern showing through. The shorter blonde smiled back, taking the paper and clapping Ivan's back. "I'll be fine, old man. But thanks a ton, pal. I'll keep you in mind if I ever feel like talking about my feelings." He laughed and stuck out his tongue, continuing to reassure Ivan as he walked off.