Some things you never grow out of, but may learn to love more…
Rugrat /All grown up
Hey guys I think this has been the longest it has taken to me update. I apologize for the delay. I wrote this chapter but it was too long so I split it into a Kimi/Tommy part and a Phil/Angelica part. So I'll let you get into it. Don't forget to review!
Chapter 8: Work It… (Part 1)
Disclaimer: I do not own Rugrat/ All Grown up or any of their characters
The Paper
Kimi stepped out of her car carrying a box overlooking the empty parking lot. As usual she was always the first one to arrive. And almost always the last one to leave. She turned to face the old charismatic building that had been her life for the past three years. With a slight wind blowing against her long dark hair, she stood to admire the architecture. She would never quite get used the style of this fragile building. It just looked fragile but it was the most solid building in the town. It was a total contrast to her. She seemed solid but she knew in a moment she could break. She wasn't as strong as most people would have perceived. Sure she was strong-minded and opinionated but it was the only way she knew how to survive. The last three weeks had been torture without being here. Or maybe it was just this aspect that was torturous.
Yet again, her thoughts wandered over to a certain purple haired idiot. A cute purple haired, idiot she thought with a faint smile. She seriously didn't know where they stood. But mostly that was her fault. She didn't know what she wanted from him. Which was very conflicting when all she ever wanted was him. But she couldn't afford to be blind again. In a few months he would be gone. Again, she sighed. This time she wouldn't allow him to take her heart with him again. Though it was a constant battle between her head and her heart. Her head only winning by a fraction every time. How could this one person make her question everything about herself? She couldn't keep avoiding what he was doing to her. Sooner or later she would be forced to deal with it. With all these confusing feelings running through her veins. She'd pick later if it were up to her. Yet, somehow things were working in a strange way that put them in the most awkward situations. So Right now it was later's problem and she was going to enter this beautiful building and do something she was absolutely certain she loved. Her job.
She walked through the revolving doors and greeted the security at the front desk. "Good morning, Riley." She said in her usual chipper voice.
A chubby man in forties looked up from his monitors with a smile plastered across his face. "Good morning, Kimi. Why am I not surprised?"
"About?" Kimi smiled.
"You being the first one in today." He grinned. Then he sobered rubbing his beard between his fingers. "Well, in fact I am surprised."
She laughed. "You force me to repeat myself, Riley. About?"
"That you weren't in last night when they gave us the green light." He chuckled in his thick voice.
She rolled her eyes. "Har-har." She said sarcastically. Well that's probably because she didn't know that it was all clear last night. But she wouldn't admit that to him. "Do they pay you extra for being a wise ass?"
"No that's free of charge." He beamed.
"Ah, lucky me." She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Anyway, I should go sort out my desk so I can get to work." She indicated the box in her hands.
He smiled charmingly, "yes ma'am. Need help?"
"No thank you." As she entered the lift she shouted. "Tell your wife and Jake I said hi." He nodded and got back to watching his monitors.
Kimi entered her little cubicle. It wasn't much but it was hers. There was a small desk taking up most of the space. There was an input for her laptop, a document rack and of course a mini file cabinet. She settled the box on her desk before she began to personalize this little cubicle again. She placed all her stationery in the appropriate drawers and then started taking out the photo frames. She smiled as she placed the one with her father next to monitor. Hiro Watanabe was a handsome man she thought. He was back in Japan with his wife. She never held a grudge because she loved her family as well. Though she felt slightly guilty that she never really paid as much attention to her Japanese heritage as she would have wanted to. She looked at the frame again thinking about the last few years and her father's battle with cancer. He was a strong man and she just hoped it didn't return. She picked up another frame with her family. She laughed at how her dad, Chas could never take a good photo. The final frame she lifted from the box was one of her favorites. It was a picture of the gang at her sixteenth birthday party. A great day she thought as she settled it on the desk. She picked up the last item from the box. Something she had with her since her fifth birthday. It was still in mint condition. It was her Reptar bobble head and her most prized possession. She smiled as she placed it on top of the file cabinet. When she finally felt contentment of her working area she sat in her chair, switched her laptop on and got to work.
People entered the office in drips and drabs. Each one stopping over for a quick chat in between their work. That's what she loved most about working at this paper, the close-nit community. It had been three weeks since they have seen each other but when they got together it felt like they never left. She looked up to see Lesley walk in late. She smiled. "Someone had a late night." She said audible enough for everyone to stop and face Lesley. They all laughed.
Lesley blushed as she slipped into the cubicle next to Kimi's. She glared at Kimi. "Subtle…Thanks."
Kimi couldn't help but laughed. "I wasn't aiming for subtle but I'll definitely think about it next time."
"Har-har. Everyone's a wise ass now days." Lesley frowned.
"Yeah, except I get paid to be one." Kimi retorted.
Lesley's frown turned into a sympathetic smile as she brushed Kimi's cheek. "That's because you don't have a life, sweetie. You need a boyfriend. You need to get laid."
Kimi rolled her eyes. "Oh, like how you did last night?"
"Exactly like that." Lesley winked. Kimi laughed she couldn't help but like this brash woman sitting next to her. They were completely opposite of course but that's what made her completely charming. They joined the paper at the same time straight out of college and had been friends since the first day. As these two ladies were catching up on the events of the past three weeks the intercom sounded.
"Kimi Finster please report to Mr. Oliver's office."
Lesley arched a brow. "Ooh, what did you do?" Kimi shrugged as she stood. Lesley rolled her eyes. "He is probably giving you another award for being the first one here, again."
Kimi turned back and flipped her off. Lesley laughed as Kimi entered the office. She greeted Greta the P.A. who stood at Mr. Oliver's side. "Good morning, you wanted to see me Mr. Oliver?"
"Ah, Kimi how are you?" Mr. Oliver sat behind his desk smiling at Kimi.
Kimi returned the smile. "Happy to be back and you?"
"Damn straight…" He winked. Kimi laughed. "The reason I called you in here was to ask a huge favor of you?"
Kimi arched her eyebrow. "Which would be?"
"Well, I'd like you to do a piece on Tom Pickles." He could see she was about to object so he continued. "I know this is not your usual scope but you probably know him better than everyone. This would be really good for the paper focusing on a local hero inspiring other youngsters to follow their dreams. Plus he is your boyfriend, I'm sure you could convince him to have an interview with you." Greta's eyes widened when she heard of Kimi's boyfriend. Great this rumor will be spread like wildfire in a minute, Kimi sighed. Greta was the biggest gossiper this side of the state. She was pretty sure the world. Then Greta slipped out of the office. Kimi's head turned toward the floor in defeat. "Kimi?"
Kimi raised her head. "Hmm?"
"Pickles?"
What could she say to that she thought? He damn well bulldozed her into it and he knew it. Damn journalists, she sighed. "I'll ask him."
Mr. Oliver beamed. "Thank you Kimi."
"Yeah, yeah" She muttered under her breath with her scowl. She stepped out of his office and turned to face a room that froze on her. Well, wow, Greta definitely worked fast. They were looking at her as if she walked in naked. Which she thinks she would have preferred right this moment. She started to walk towards her desk when various comments were thrown around the office.
"Way to go Finster!" There were various giggles going around the office.
"Working it in Hollywood!" She just ignored them.
"Whoa how did that loser bag herself Tom Pickles?" She heard Rachel whisper and that comment made her turn back and glower. She never did like her. Finally she got to her desk and sunk down as low as she possibly could. That was the longest 12 feet walk of her life. She turned to see Lesley frowning.
"What's wrong with you?"
Lesley crossed her arms and turned her head. "I can't believe you never told me about you and Tom Pickles. I thought we are friends?"
"We are." Kimi reaffirmed.
"Then why didn't you tell me that you dating him?" Lesley said in exasperated tone.
"I'm not."
"You're not?" Lesley asked with puzzlement.
"No, I am." Gaaah! Tommy stop ruining her life! She couldn't even keep up with her own lies.
"Well which is it?"
"It's a long story." Kimi sighed trying to calm down.
"I've got time?" Lesley offered.
"Well, I don't, I've got to schedule an interview. I'll explain later." Kimi picked up the phone and dialed. "Hey Tommy, yeah well I was wondering if you were busy?" Kimi twisted the cord between her fingers. "You not. Great, well do you mind meeting me at the paper? I'll explain when you get here. Thanks see you then." She hung up. She put her head down waiting for him to arrive. He even affected her work place. Is there no where she could escape from him?
He arrived within fifteen minutes. Why? Because at home he was busy watching the paint dry. Everyone else was at work. Even mailman Dil. Plus he missed her. He never saw her for a few days at most but he was pretty sure he was having withdrawal symptoms. How he survived in LA seemed a mystery to him now. He looked at the building. It seemed charming, Kimi would definitely enjoy it he thought as he walked in. He walked up to the security guard who had been scrutinizing him since he entered. "Good day, I'm here to see Kimi Finster?"
The guard looked him over. "One minute please." The guard picked up his phone then looked at Tommy. "Who must I say is here for her?"
"Ah, Tom Pickles." Tommy smiled.
The guard laughed. "No seriously?"
"Well that's the only name I'm sticking to." Tommy shrugged.
The guard spoke into the receiver. "Hey Kimi, some guy here claims he is Tom Pickles and is here to see you." He laughed into the phone. Then he stopped slowly and stared at Tommy. He hung up. "Well you free to go. It's the third floor. Are you really Tom Pickles?"
Tommy laughed. "Maybe." He winked, entered the lift and left the guard staring after him.
Meanwhile Kimi was busy on her laptop. She just had to finish one of the charity pieces. Her mind was focused on the story when Lesley nudged her. "What?" She hated being interrupted when she was working. She turned to face Lesley who looked dumbstruck and pointed towards the entrance. Then she realized that the room had become dead silent. She stood up to see Tommy standing in the front. When he saw her his whole face started to light up. She hoped she was the only one who witnessed that as her cheeks started to burn. She walked towards him. He was wearing the navy button shirt she picked out for him and he got a haircut. Why, why did he have to look so irresistible? She was lucky she was a woman of strong will. She reached him, put her hand in his and pulled him into the conference room. She locked the door. Then behind the door whispers commenced. She sighed and fell into a chair.
He grinned as he leaned against the table in front of her. "Is it always so quiet when you guys work. It's kind of eerie."
She let out a half laugh. "Yeah I wish. Then maybe I'd actually get some work done today."
"What's up? You seem sort of stressed and it's only your first day back in three weeks?" Tommy's expression softened.
"You have no idea." She mumbled.
"Well, then why don't you give me an idea." He smiled and handed her a chocolate bar she was so fond of. She took it from him unwrapped it and took a chunk out of it.
"Well, firstly I have three deadlines by Thursday because Craig decided to fall off his bike and break his leg. I mean how inconsiderate." She vented waving the chocolate in the air.
Tommy couldn't help but laugh. "Totally." He agreed humoring her. She continued venting about some other people within her department. He just smiled and wondered if she had an inkling to how pretty she was when she was all enraged and badmouthing people with such colorful language.
She took another bite of the chocolate and calmed down a bit. "Then the whole office found out we dating and I've been getting daggers in my back the whole day." She sighed.
"We're dating?" He asked totally amused.
"Well, that's what they think." She scowled at the door.
"I see." He couldn't keep the grin off his face.
She pinched the arch of her nose then looked up to see Tommy grinning. "You enjoying this, aren't you?"
He laughed at her accusatory tone. "I can't say that I'm not." He smiled sheepishly.
She looked at him. "Why, it's a fake relationship?"
Well what should he tell her? He should probably stick to the truth. "Because whether or not it's fake, I still get to spend more time with you. Sure I don't want it to be considered fake. But only you can revoke its fakeness per say. So while you loathe lying to everyone. I'm going to enjoy pretending its true." He gave her a sly smile.
"I hate you…" She glared at him.
He chuckled. "No you don't." She shrugged and turned away from him. Boy he wished he had the courage to kiss those sexy pouty lips right now. But he would probably get punched into the wall. Better not to risk it. "So why am I here? I doubt it was to fill me in on what a crap day you're having or our fake relationship status, which is something you could have done over the phone."
Kimi turned to face him again. "Well, I kind of need a favour from you?"
"Hmmm… a favour you say?" He rubbed his chin. "What type of favour?"
"I'm supposed to do a piece on you, something to inspire other young talents."
"I see and?" His mind seemed a little scattered before it came back.
"Would you agree to a few interviews? Perhaps five?"
"Sure." He smiled.
Kimi smiled. "Really?"
This time Tommy's smile spread wider. "Of course, but on one condition."
Kimi's smile faltered. She knew it was too easy. Why should people do things any more just because they were friends? Gone were the simple days. "Okay what?" She frowned.
Tommy smirked. "For every interview you do, we go on a real date of my choice."
She straightened. "What?"
"I'm sure I don't have to repeat myself. But that's my only constraint otherwise no deal." He rose to admire the art on the walls.
"But that's unfair!" Kimi whined.
"How so?"
"Well this is business and going on a date is personal." She differentiated. He simply smiled.
"I disagree, this is not a business matter at all. Otherwise you would have been dealing with my agent." He turned to face her and took both her hands in his. He looked straight into her eyes. "This is personal Kimi. It's personal because you asking a favor from a friend." His eyes softened and his tone went very low to almost a whisper. "It's personal Kimi because it's you and me." He said simply. She stood there frozen taking in his words, realizing he was right. She may not like it. But he was right.
She removed her hands from him feeling uncomfortable, that she felt too comfortable by his touch. It made sense to her. She turned her back to him. This is exactly what she didn't want to happen between them. For him to get the chance to hurt her again. And agreeing with his terms was risky. But she needed him for work purposes. Was she willing to risk the only thing she was absolutely certain she loved for the chance that she may or may not get hurt? No she loved this job. She had to suck it up. She was stronger than the 18 year old girl she used to be. "Okay fine. Five dates." She resigned and she held out a hand.
He looked at the hand and smiled, partially relieved. "Okay." He placed his hand in hers but did not shake. "But I think we are beyond handshakes, don't you?" Instead he pulled her towards him. Body against body. Faces whispers apart. His eyes penetrating her own. "Say no Kimi, I dare you." He murmured. Whatever she attempted to say was muffled against his lips as it pressed into hers. Her lips were soft and welcoming as her fingers gripped his hair to pull him in deeper. Her mind switched off completely. She could blame it on a momentary relapse of her senses. Could she be blamed when he was the one who made her body need, want and think for itself? He opened his mouth slightly, inviting. And she accepted, her tongue slipped in to meet his own. His fingers tracing down her black cotton shirt craving the feel of her beneath his hands. He reached her pants feeling the firmness in his palms. He squeezed and lifted her up onto the table. She moaned into his mouth and straddled her legs around him bringing his body closer to hers. His body was pressed against her but it was nowhere close enough for her. His lips left her mouth to trail against her neck. She closed her eyes tight and before she knew it his lips were back on hers. Then there was a knock on the door. Tommy and Kimi sprang apart. Both of them panting and messed up.
"Kimi, sorry to interrupt but the conference room is booked in the next ten minutes."
Kimi prayed that her voice wouldn't fail her. "Okay Charlie, we will be out by then."
"Okay." He shouted from behind the door.
Then she turned to meet Tommy's eyes. She shook her head. How did his mouth alone have the power to make her forget where she was? Her resistance against him was decreasing and she knew it. So much for being a strong minded woman. He was only with her for fifteen minutes and they were already all over each other. Maybe her heart won this round, she sighed. She looked at her clothes all wrinkled. Oh boy, was she going to have fun explaining this to her colleagues she thought ruefully. She looked back at Tommy, he had a tiny smirk in the corner of his lips. Then he spoke. "I know what you thinking."
"You couldn't possibly." She retorted in a nonchalant tone.
This time he grinned. "Well in my defense, I don't know what just happened, Finster. You have been confusing me from day one. I can't be held responsible for my actions."
She rolled her eyes. "Of course, throw my own words in my face." He laughed. "What do you think this is funny?" She glared at him while trying to straighten herself out. "What do you think people are going to think when we walk out of here?"
He glanced down at his own creased shirt and smiled sheepishly. "I assume the truth."
"That's not the point. I don't want people to the think I'm the type of woman who gets it on during work hours." She groaned.
He smiled thoroughly amused. "Which was sort of what you doing just a minute ago."
"Again not the point." She sighed.
"Look Kimi, I'm not going to apologize for something I wanted to do. Something I want to do in the future. I told you to say no didn't I?" He grinned.
"You didn't even give me a chance to, but that's beside the point." There's no way she could pin this on him. She reacted just as much as he acted. She might as well give up and face the music. "Let's just get out of here."
He shrugged. "Okay so I'll pick you up at 7pm on Friday for our first date."
She rolled her eyes. "Right…" Both of them walked out of the conference room. Again the office went quiet. All scrutinizing eyes were on the two of them. He was glad he didn't have to work here. "Oh, I almost forgot there's article for Dil on my desk. Something about crop circles. I thought he was over the alien stuff." He shrugged and followed her to her desk as the whispers started again. They reached her cubicle and a smile spread across his face. It portrayed Kimi almost perfectly. With the frames of her family and friends. Then his smile faltered when his eyes lay on the tiny object on her file cabinet.
He spoke, his voice low. "You still have it." He picked up the Reptar bobble head. She turned around to see what she was talking about.
She smiled. "Well of course Reptar there is my good luck charm."
"I know, it is still in mint condition. I remember when I won this. I think I was five." He said smiling, touched that she still kept it.
"Oh, you were, and then you gave it to me for my fifth birthday."
He reached into his own pocket and pulled out the Oscar key chain. Kimi stared at it. "I can't believe you still have that thing."
He grinned. "You said I could only get rid of it when I bring the real one home."
Kimi smiled. "Which is pretty soon I'm sure."
He returned her smile and picked up the article. "Okay then see you on Friday."
"Yes, Friday." She turned around to sit down when he caught her wrist.
"Hey Kimi?" She turned to face him only to meet his lips. It was a gentle meeting that he couldn't resist. Her eyes closed for the moment that the kiss held. Then opened to stare into his eyes when it was over. A small blush growing on her face. Whispers broke out around them. "They think we're dating right. I was just confirming their speculation." He grinned. Then walked towards the lift. He was definitely glad he wasn't the one who had to work here. She sunk down into her chair for the second time that day avoiding the glares she was sure aimed her way. But she couldn't help the smirk on her face. Sneaky bastard, she thought.
So that was part 1. So tell me what you think. Complain, Praise your choice. Review and I might publish part B a lot sooner…
