Like a boss
Work It
Oh frick
FGS
11
As I grab a towel from the floor of my room (I don't care; all it's been on is me…and the floor…shut up) I hear Shizune mumbling moodily to herself. I pad back to the living room and gaze at her questioningly.
"I just got a call from the office; I have to go in and sort something out." She explains irritably as she puts her phone back into her bag and stands up.
"Sort Tsunade out, you mean?" I grin cheekily.
She gives me a glare of death. "In one way yes," she agrees. "That woman can't do a sheet of paperwork without my help."
"Maybe she just likes having you there." I suggest.
Shizune goes pink and then glances at the towel I'm holding. "Is that a clean towel?" She interrogates.
"Go to work." I retort.
She sighs and ventures to the door. "Just don't blame me when you get fleas or something, from that dirty old towel."
"Don't blame me if you end up alone forever, just because you didn't take my advice and jump Tsunade." I reply and then smile sweetly at her until she leaves.
I glance around after the door has shut and then head for the shower.
"This used to be a funhouse!"
Ah, singing in the shower, one of life's little pleasures.
"But now it's full of evil clowns!" I belt out the song as I lather shampoo into my hair.
"It's time to start the-"
DING-DONG
I go silent as the doorbell goes. Of course; only I would be unlucky enough to be in the shower when someone's comes a-knocking. Grumbling to myself, I wash the shampoo out as thoroughly and as quickly as I can, and then step out of the shower. Shivering a little as the cold air of the bathroom embraces me.
DING-DONG
"Shut up." I snarl quietly at the door.
I grab a towel and wrap my hair up into a turban before yanking another one free. Whoever's at the door's getting the half-naked Anko show…free of charge.
DING-DONG
Gritting my teeth, I stomp towards the door and rip it open. Only to reveal Orochimaru leaning his arms against the doorframe. He's dressed in his work clothes; a white shirt, blue tie and black braces over black trousers and nice shoes….fuck.
"Anko-" He goes to speak but I just squeak.
"I'll be right back!" I shout through him, before hurtling to my bedroom. "I need to get decent!"
Why'd I say that? ARGH, Anko!
I throw my towel off; yank on a bra and knickers, followed by trackie bottoms and a white shirt. I'm about to leave the room when I remember I've got my hair in a towel turban. Orochimaru has seen my hair in a towel turban. Oh God. I shove it off and brush my hair aggressively before kicking my bedroom door back open and heading back to the door.
As soon as I'm within sight, Orochimaru speaks.
"Where the hell have you been, the last few weeks?" He demands. He sounds absolutely furious…a quiet, cold furious that makes me feel like hiding away, in my closet, for another two weeks. "Miss Mitarashi I expect my employees to be punctual and attentive and I'm sorry to say; you have been neither these past two weeks. I'll be expecting you in on Monday, is that clear?"
Ok, even though I'm extremely scared right now; he does look hot when he's angry.
Bewildered and surprised I begin my apology.
"I'm…sorry, sir," I begin. "I will be at work on Monday."
"Early." Orochimaru adds in for me; the slightly sharper tone to his voice leaving now.
"Right sir. Early." I agree.
"Two weeks Anko," he emphasises. He looks at me for a while but I can't meet his gaze, and so drop my eyes to the floor. "I severely doubt you were actually 'ill' for these last two weeks. Is that a fair comment?"
"Yes sir…" I nod; feeling very much like a kid being told off by a teacher…but without the kinky element I would usually associate with Orochimaru being a teacher…yeah.
"Then why were you off?" He interrogates.
Hahahaha; I was off because I kissed you and embarrassed the hell out of myself, sir!
Obviously, I don't say that and instead just gaze imploringly at him; hoping he'll just leave it. He searches my eyes for a few moments and then shakes his head, a slow smirk curves across his mouth. I think he may be getting why I was off…hehe…ugh.
"Anko, what did I say to you…the last time you were actually at work?" He asks wryly.
I wrack my brains; but come up with nothing.
"I said: 'Don't let your work fall second to a man'," he reminds me. "And I meant it."
I'm too stunned to say anything, so I just stand there. Is that him saying that he's officially not interested in me? Or is that just him saying; don't take time off just because you kissed me?
I nod dumbly and eventually manage a: "Yes sir."
"Excellent," he looks a lot happier now, he smiles politely at me. "So I shall be seeing you on Monday then Anko. The office doesn't feel quite…right, without you. I need to be getting home…I hadn't realised you lived quite so far away."
"Sorry sir." I apologise…I don't know why.
"It's no problem," he returns. He steps back a bit and then cocks his head at me. "And Anko?"
"Yes sir?"
"Wear that leather skirt you've got," he bites his bottom lip slightly and pushes his hair back a little with one hand. "That would make you being back in the office even better." Then he smirks and gives me a little wave before strolling away.
I watch him go, like a pervert, before shutting the door and collapsing against it. Yeah…the whole snare my boss thing? It's so back on. That was definitely flirting. He likes my leather skirt. Dear Lord; if I knew that beforehand, I would never have taken it off! Feeling a whole lot better; knowing that the kiss ordeal is behind me and that Orochimaru just flirted with me, I head off to the kitchen to get a beer.
As I pop the top off my beer and take a sip; I consider how weird it is that he drove all the way out to my apartment, just to tell me to get back to work…I really don't understand that man. But I'd have a great time working him out.
Yes. Yes I am going to have a sex dream tonight…
The following Monday
"Anko's back at work; hip hip hooray!"
I roll my eyes at Kidomaru as he punches the air.
"Does anybody have any idea where Suigetsu is?" Jirobo asks.
"He took one look at me and burst out laughing," I inform Jirobo dryly. "I think he's still downstairs in the lobby."
"That's weird. I take one look at your face and feel like throwing up." Karin smirks.
"Ahahaha, Sasuke has a girlfriend." I retort to her before venturing over to Tayuya, leaving Karin looking stunned and annoyed.
"Orochimaru came over to mine on Friday." I whisper to my red-haired friend.
"No way!" Tayuya hisses back. "Did you have mad sex on the kitchen floor?"
"That's always looked rather uncomfortable to me."
Tayuya and I turn to look at Sai, whose smiling at both of us.
"What has?" Tayuya questions in confusion.
"Sex on the kitchen floor," Sai clarifies. "Looks uncomfortable."
"Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" I ask in bewilderment more than anything.
"Nope. Just joining in a conversation with two friends." Sai returns; not a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
I look to Tayuya helplessly.
"He always does this. He's alright really," Tayuya shrugs and then she nods at Orochimaru's office. "So why'd he come to your apartment?" She asks.
"He told me to come back to work-"
"So you're the reason Orochimaru's been looking happy today."
I look around to see Kimimaro looking at me.
"Um…yes? I…guess." I shrug.
"Good," Kimimaro nods. "I didn't enjoy seeing him angry. Have you finished faking ill now then?"
"I was not faking!" I hiss.
"Yes you were. Everyone said you were." Sai puts in cheerfully.
I flip my middle finger at him and then drag Tayuya closer. "But the thing is…he told me to wear this skirt." I whisper, nodding down at the leather skirt, Orochimaru told me to wear.
"Who? Sai?" Tayuya mumbles in confusion.
"No!" I groan. "Orochimaru."
"Ooh-" Tayuya goes to speak but then the doorbell dings and Suigetsu and Kabuto step into the office.
Suigetsu takes one look at me and is in fits of laughter again. Kabuto takes one look at me and snaps at me to get to my proper work station.
I pull a face at the freak and then venture into Orochimaru's office.
"Welcome back Anko." Sasuke nods as I walk in.
"Yo." I nod back.
"Excellent Anko; you're here. Your work's on the desk," Orochimaru smiles and nods at my desk. He looks me up and down. "I like that skirt." He remarks before getting back to work.
I blush maroon and seat myself at my desk. I look to Sasuke only to see him watching me in amusement, when our eyes meet; his smirk widens and he mouths: 'You're bright red'. This obviously results in me going even redder.
"I'll stab you with my pen." I whisper to him.
Sasuke simply smirks. "Hn."
Ah. It's good to be back.
"Iruka,"
Its lunch break and I'm trying desperately to apologise to Iruka. He's not making it easy for me however, as he's literally running away.
"Iruka!" I yell as he hurtles down the stairs.
Guessing where he's going; I rush to the elevator and we both turn up in the coffee shop a few moments later.
"Iruka," I yank at him and manage to pull him back as Ayame watches us in surprise. "Iruka, please listen to me."
Iruka sighs heavily before turning to me. "What?" He questions.
"Look, I just wanted to apologise for using you, the way I did. It was unfair and cruel." I state as I let go of his sleeve and then watch him hopefully for a reaction.
He stares at the ground thoughtfully; his eyes searching the tiles for something and then eventually he looks up.
"I'll forgive you if you buy me a coffee?" He suggests.
I break into a giant grin. "Done and done!" I exclaim and then we wander over to Ayame. "Two coffee's please Ayame." I smile.
Ayame bobs her head; uncharacteristically quiet and as she turns to make them, I smile at Iruka.
"So can I take your desperation to apologise to me as a sign that you like me?" He questions cheerfully as soon as I look at him.
My smile drops immediately. "…well…as friends yes." I agree carefully.
"Sure, just friends." Iruka nods and then winks at me…what?
Oh God; what was it Kakashi said about Iruka? 'Iruka's prone to be crazily optimistic sometimes…especially when it comes to the ladies'. I stiffen as I remember this and smile awkwardly at Iruka.
"No, seriously Iruka; just friends." I reinforce. I don't want to sound like a bitch…but I sorta need it to be obvious that I'm not interested in him that way.
"Anko, I think you like me more than as just a friend. I mean, look at how you chased me down, just to apologise." Iruka snorts and then smiles at me.
"That's because I felt bad." I reply, bewildered.
Ayame hands us our coffees and Iruka shakes his head a little at me before smiling widely.
"Ok then Anko. Thanks for apologising…I forgive you, obviously." It's clear from the way he says: 'Ok then Anko' that he doesn't believe me. I just stare, flabbergasted, after him.
"I…buh…" I'm confused. Where did crazily confident, crazily wrong Iruka come from?
Behind me, Ayame sighs. I turn to her questionably.
"What's up?" I ask.
"Nothing." Ayame squeaks and goes back to cleaning the work surface furiously with a cloth.
"Ayame," I say in a sing-song voice. "Listen, I know you like Iruka-"
"But so do you," Ayame cuts me off quickly. "And he likes you too…I have no chance whatsoever…"
I sigh and run my hand down my face. "I think Iruka's got the wrong end of the stick actually Ayame,"
Ayame cocks her head at me sweetly; to imply I should go on.
"Look…I sorta…used Iruka to make Orochimaru jealous,"
Ayame gasps loudly and I nod.
"…yeah. And so, I think, Iruka's convinced himself that I do actually like him…to make himself feel better right?"
"Oh, poor Iruka." Ayame coos sadly.
"I know," I sigh. "I feel terrible. But…Ayame, you like him don't you?"
Ayame blushes and then nods her head. "I like him a lot." She agrees.
"Great!" I exclaim. "Well then how about I tell Iruka that?"
Ayame lets out a small shriek of horror and shakes her head. "No! He'll turn me down!" She mumbles.
"No he won't," I deny, shaking my head vehemently. "How can he say no to you?"
Ayame shrugs modestly.
"Look, I'll talk to him; convince him there are better people out there for him. Namely you. Ok?"
Ayame considers this for a while and then nods slowly.
"Great!" I grab my coffee and give her a wave. "This'll be easy!"
I hope…Hopefully, it won't be too difficult to convince Iruka I don't like him without sounding like a bitch. And hopefully he'll realise Ayame likes him and that he should try it with her…God I hope Iruka isn't stubborn when it comes to things like this.
After lunch I go back into my office only to see a white-haired man talking to Orochimaru; leaning casually on his desk.
Orochimaru spots me and smiles. "Ah, Anko. Meet Jiraiya; he's an old friend and the boss of the office down the hall to us."
Jiraiya jumps off of the desk and shakes my hand furiously. "Very nice to meet you," he says; gazing me up and down appraisingly. "You've got a nice office here," He says over his shoulder to Orochimaru, who simply inclines his head and smiles. Jiraiya turns properly to face his friend. "So, how's Sai doing? Settling in well?"
Orochimaru laughs gently. "I think so yes. Though he does have a tendency to insult people, point blank."
Jiraiya laughs. "Yeah, that's Sai alright. You should have seen the mischief he got up to in my office."
Orochimaru smiles and then cocks his head. "Who's taking over your office once you leave, Jiraiya?" He requests.
"That'll be Minato; everyone loves him and he gets the job done quickly," Jiraiya nods approvingly. "It's great; I have no worries about this early retirement, because I know I can trust Minato with anything."
"You're retiring?" I ask. "But surely you're only the same age as Sir?" I incline my head at Orochimaru, who watches me; amusement sparkling within his eyes.
Jiraiya scoffs. "Only? Cheh; 54," but then he grins. "I'm in the money," he explains. "One of my relative's died," he whoops.
I glance at Orochimaru who just raises his eyebrow slightly and carries on smirking.
"Which is why my retirement party's going to rock…hard," Jiraiya continues. "My entire office meet's Orochimaru's entire office…it'll be a blood bath," he turns back to Orochimaru as I digest this information. "Oh and Orochimaru; try and convince Tsunade to come…and be enthusiastic ok? It's not like this is important to me or anything,"
Orochimaru sighs heavily but then nods.
"And announce it to your employee's soon. Or get this hot little biscuit to do it." Jiraiya thumbs over his shoulder at me.
"That hot little biscuit's name is Anko." I correct him. Though I've not really taken it to heart; this Jiraiya guy seems like a cool dude. I reckon he's a lot of fun.
"Ooh she's got claws," Jiraiya whistles. "I tell ya; if I'd met you before I retired…" He trails off but then winks at me before leaning over Orochimaru's desk and slapping him over the head. "Right; I'm off to split up any fights that will, inevitably, be happening in my office. Remember; tell your employees!" Then he shakes my hand again before slamming out of the office.
Orochimaru glowers after him; his eyes narrowed in annoyance as he brushes his hair with his fingers but then he looks up at me and smiles. "Anko, would you mind informing the office of the coming celebration?"
I bob my head. "Of course si-"
"Guys! Retirement party; coming this Saturday! Be there or be a sad, uninvited loser!" Jiraiya's voice booms over me.
Orochimaru and I go silent as we hear the office react.
"So that's you Kabuto!" Suigetsu shouts and then the whole office bursts out into laughter.
I grin sheepishly at Orochimaru who just massages the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes.
A lot happens if you actually turn up to work…who knew, right?
End of chapter 11
There you go; a quite long chapter for you as you've all been waiting for so long!
And…OH MY GOD. 115 reviews? Never in my life…I just…thank you so much; to all of you! I actually can't believe this has been received so well…thank you so much!
Just a warning though: I have exams coming up; so the story may not be updated for a while…it just depends on how seriously I actually start taking exams…Heheehe…ugh.
Thank you to: Angel, Loyal-Ruby (Thanks for all your reviews. And really? A squirrel chased your sister? What the hell! I thought I was being inventive XD That's insane! Knowing me I'd end up on the floor crying for my life :L And the meerkat story too :3 They're so cute), Danyel, elizabethlove4life, amaranteotaku (Be assured, I still went: '"kdbhsjhb!" at the amount of reviews. Thank you so much for taking the time out to review every chapter. And it's so funny how you asked about me being British –I am- cuz me and my brother were discussing, the other day, whether people could tell if we were or not; through our writing styles. What gave it away? :L), XxXUchiha SurayaXxX, Catnip Banana (What a wonderfully odd review :3 Thanks for the compliment on Guyface XD), Dagiis (I believe that Aliens most probably kidnapped your review. Oh don't worry; I'm a SasuSaku fan, so you can literally just be like: 'Squee!' Cuz they're pretty much together, even if it isn't mentioned much), XXXShionxxxInsanityXXX, Glitterthorn, NinjaSheik and LadyDM for your reviews; they mean so much to me, so thanks sooooo much. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Buh BYE.
P.S. Also, what is this travesty? 'Squee' is not in my dictionary on Word…WTF?