Kyoko stood on shaky legs, gripping a shelf and blinking rapidly under the recessed LED lights.

The knowledge of what Kuon could do with his skilled mouth and fingers soaked the little black cotton panties hiding under her slacks. My body moves on its' own like I'm under a spell whenever he touches me and, gods help me, I want him touch me- more than I've ever wanted anything else. How the hell am I supposed to work around him like this!? With knives!? And what is he even doing here!? Wasn't he supposed to have taken some lucrative, ultra-fancy job offer?

Never mind, she told herself putting a stop to the endlessly spinning whirlwind. She'd been in the room for far too long already. I'll table this for later. A ten count and several deep breaths later, Kyoko spun on her heel only to smack headlong into the door. She'd forgotten how close she'd been to the door. Clutching at her face and fighting back tears of pain, she heaved a heavy sigh and finally stepped out from the pantry.

And nearly plowing right into Antony. "Whoa, ragazza!" he exclaimed, nimbly dodging to his left. His eyebrows shot up as he noted the newly acquired angry red patch of skin marring her face. "What happened to you? Now you look like you got in a fight with your drug dealer."

She shrugged. "Sometimes we all just need a good slap to help us out," Kyoko said, shooting him a pointed look. I feel a little bad, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

At least he had the decency to look a little ashamed. "I was a bit forward earlier, wasn't I?" he shifted his feet and stared at the floor, unwilling to meet her eyes.

"Look, it's not like I'm not flattered because I am, but I'm already–" she paused to suck in some air before continuing, "I like someone else." Ugh, Kyoko closed her eyes, I suck at these kinds of conversations. Guess it's good I've hardly ever had to have them.

"No, no. It's ok! I get it," Antony replied, frantically waving his hands in front of himself and flashing her that dimpled smile once more. This time, it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Kyoko placed her best customer service smile on her face. "I'm glad you understand. Now, let's get back to work." She walked back to her station to finish up for the night, blissfully ignorant of the numerous eyes watching her.

=x=x=x=

Kuon Hizuri peered through the blinds in his office, observing the two staff members speaking to one another with apparent familiarity.

She probably thinks I'm some kind of sex-crazed maniac. His self-control was more like sand sifting through his fingers, swept away by the wind every time she came near. He ran a hand through his hair. I never even asked if she was seeing anyone.…wait, Kyoko's not that kind of girl anyway- she wouldn't do all that with me if there was anyone else in the picture he reassured himself. Besides, it wouldn't be that idiot. He watched Antony through narrowed eyes, frown deepening when he saw Antony ogling Kyoko as she walked back to her station. What the hell? His distress at the chef's behavior quickly turned to rage as he noticed the territorial smirk the man gave some of the other staff.

"`Tchyo za ga`lima? Otva`li, mu`dak!"Kuon seethed.

A minor shifting in the air currents alerted him to another presence right before he heard a voice speak from the direction of the entry. "Kiss your mother with that mouth?"

Kuon spun to meet the intruder. "Rick Schnee," he threw a tight smile at the older man as he moved forward to clap him on the shoulder in greeting.

"Oh, come on dude, that's weak. Real men give hugs," Rick laughed, drawing Kuon in and slapping him on the back a few times as the tense younger man rolled his eyes.

"I was wondering who had the audacity to just barge into my office. I should have known. And as to your previous question- It was my mother who taught me Russian, as you well know," Kuon quirked an accusatory brow at the shorter man, who feigned innocence, holding his hands up by his shoulders and pretending to back away. "What brings you by? And where is your better half?" he poked his head out of the room to glance around. "I don't see Tina anywhere."

"She's freshening up," Rick said, waiving the question off. "What I want to know is what's got you all edgy and cursing in your mother tongue?"

"A woman," came Kuon's reluctant reply. Rick had been giving him "advice" (which Kuon considered more like harassment these days) about his relationships with the opposite sex since he was a teenager.

"A woman," his friend intoned. "Well, well, well. Must be that young woman then, eh? Wait! Don't tell me," he jogged to the blinds and peeked out, gaze panning the room until his eyes locked on the only female kitchen staff member. "It is her!" he exclaimed, practically radiating delight. "How–" he began to ask, but Kuon cut him off.

"No, I had no idea she was here when I took this job offer and no, I have no idea how it never came up when we discussed work," he said with finality.

"Fine," Rick relented throwing his arms up in temporary defeat and sat down on the leather chaise lounge.

Both of their heads turned at the click-clacking of high heels signaling Tina's approach and a moment later she strode into view. "Hi boys."

Kuon wrapped the woman he considered an older sister in a full upper body hug, seeking to transfer some of her innate tranquility to himself. Tina's concerned, questioning eyes met her husband's sidelong glance and he nodded, affirming some silent communication.

She drew back from Kuon enough to look up into his troubled eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked softly, but he had already cloaked himself with his usual confident exterior.

"I was feeling unsettled by something, but it's likely I'm merely being overprotective," Kuon said, flashing her his most reassuring smile.

Tina raised a skeptical brow, not buying what he was selling for a minute. "Uh-huh," she retorted, hands resting on her hips. "Well, if you need to ask us anything you know you can."

"I know, thank you." Kuon closed his eyes, trying to let his worries float away with an exhalation of breath. He smiled wryly, and turned to address Rick who was staring at him intently. "Seems I can't shake this feeling so easily, after all. There's a favor I'd like to ask of you."

"Oh?" Rick sat upright, leaning forward.

"Run a background check on one Antony S. Rossi, please," Kuon said rubbing a hand over his face. He walked to the copy machine and duplicated the pertinent pages from Antony's personnel file.

"Dude, you've always had good instincts. Trust them. I'll have one of my guys run it tomorrow. He's very discreet."

"Thanks man, I appreciate it," Kuon huffed out. Kuon knew Rick wouldn't ask why, but felt he deserved an explanation regardless.

"His vibe reminds me a little of my cousin's." Kuon's voice was a snarl as he spoke the last word.

"The Prince of Showbiz," Rick scoffed. " More like the Prince of Assholes. The guy's a demon in disguise. I'm glad your parents managed to dissuade you from acting after those first incidents and if anyone's like that on your staff, I see why you'd want to know.

Problem is, if Mr. Rossi is even half as conniving as Ceddy, he'll show as squeaky clean."

"Probably not nearly as bad and doesn't seem terribly bright, but still, I'd like to know."

"I also could name some similarities with your buddy Sho," Rick said significantly.

"Mmhm," Tina hummed in agreement. "I've wondered what you see in Sho Fuwa."

Kuon let out an exasperated sigh. "Let's not continue to beat that dead horse. I know Sho can be a prick, but I've known him for years and he's had my back when I needed it. Besides he's actually mellowed out these last couple years-–since his girlfriend died."

Already familiar with that incident, Rick held his tongue, only nodding faintly in acknowledgement that he'd heard his friend's words before changing the subject as he stood up. "Well, we just wanted to drop by to congratulate you on your new job, Boss Man," he teased before sobering. "I know not everyone gets it, but we're proud of you for wanting to work your way up rather than using your family connections like most others would."

"Thank you," Kuon replied. A genuinely warm smile lit his face, an echo of the carefree boy he used to be. Neither Tina nor Rick could resist reaching up to ruffle his silky blonde locks a little.

=x=x=x=

An ashen-faced Kyoko squatted on the tiled floor of the women's restroom, arms encircling her legs as she desperately fought to control her panicked breathing. She was careful not to touch anything in the room, recollecting the information about the germs that lurked in a public bathroom (no matter how pristine it looked) that she'd learned as a child from one of the many occasions she'd been sleepless.

Takai-sama had sent her to speak with the GM regarding a special ingredient request for an upcoming seasonal menu item, but what the young chef witnessed when she rounded the corner sent her scurrying in the opposite direction.

A stunningly attractive brunette intimately embraced a certain towering, sparkling-haired male. Kuon clutched at the woman like she was the buoy keeping him afloat amidst a raging sea. Kyoko felt stab of jealousy before a sinking feeling deep in her stomach took hold and the world spun faster on its' axis.

She had no idea how she'd made it into the ladies' lavatory nor what had become of the file she had in her possession. It's probably strewn all over the floor. Steeling herself, she resolved to return to the scene and dutifully deliver the papers regardless, but her legs still wouldn't move.

Rationally, she knew there were women in Kuon's life. She also knew that she didn't have a claim in him. Not yet. She'd been feeling weak and a little nauseous all day already thanks to being hung over, but coming face to face with the scenario she dreaded most threatened to undo her completely.

The voice in her head taunted her. See, he likes sophisticated older and far more attractive women, not boring average ones. She sighed, rose to her feet, and walked over to the vanity to splash some water on her face. Bloodshot eyes and a red splotch island contrasted strikingly with the pale sea of skin surrounding it. It did not make for a good look. She reapplied some foundation, grateful this day was nearly done.

She desperately needed to have a chat with Kuon about whatever this was between them. This heavenly (or possibly hellish) insanity. But, she also needed to get her rest and doubted her abilities to resist any advances he made. I probably won't be able to rest unless I talk to him anyway. At least I needn't call him after work now... a slightly hysterical laugh bubbled its way through her lips.

The chef emerged just in time to see that the entirety of the kitchen staff had finished for the day and were heading out.

She found the file resting on the counter of her station. After bidding them variations of goodnight, she told Takai-sama she still needed to talk to Mr. Hizuri.

He grunted in acknowledgment and said, "Otsukaresama desu," as he headed out for the night. Unexpectedly, he paused halfway through the door and she heard his gravelly voice call out, "Be sure to get proper rest tonight Kyoko-chan."

Then he, too, was gone and she was alone with Kuon Hizuri.

=x=x=x=

A tentative knocking alerted Kuon to a presence outside his door. "Enter," he said and Kyoko Mogami slowly approached his desk, a file secured firmly in her slight hands. The mere sight of her already had his cock at half-mast and he gripped the edge of his desk to keep himself in check.

"I have–" her voice broke and she cleared her throat before continuing, "a special order for a seasonal menu item. I meant to give it to you earlier, however..."

Kuon stood and allowed himself a small smirk as he noticed her golden eyes immediately focus on the bulge at fly of his pants. He prowled around the desk, the heated intent emanating from his emerald eyes sent a rush anticipation through her body that she fought against, struggling to remain in control.

He moved purposefully behind the flustered woman, brushing himself against her exquisitely round ass and breathing in her vanilla and jasmine scent as he leaned forward, "However?"

She shivered at the warmth of his breath against the nape of her neck, but rallied herself. "However- you were with someone." She winced at the pain she heard in her own voice and he stilled. "A-a woman," she choked out. She hated how pathetic her voice sounded.

Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her flush against his body and spoke softly. "I'm sorry you saw that without any context. Tina is family to me, married to a friend who I consider my brother," he explained. "She's my older sister."

Ever so gently, he turned her around in his arms so they were standing face to face and leaned down until his forehead touched her own. "I vow to you, Kyoko Mogami, no matter where I am or who I may be around, my heart always belongs to you." He lifted her chin, ensuring that her amber eyes met his own as he repeated, "Always."

Tears leaked from her eyes and he tenderly kissed them away. "Do you feel the same?" he asked, dropping his eyes and it was her turn to direct his gaze to her own.

She nodded, not trusting her voice, and watched his face flood with joy. Then she he was airborne as he spun her around in circle before capturing her mouth in a kiss. The touch of their lips ignited them both and suddenly they were a frenzy of moving limbs as they explored each other's bodies, flinging away any clothing obstructing touch and taste of skin until they eventually landed on the chaise with Kyoko, covered only by cheeky black panties, straddling a naked Kuon.

His confession left her feeling drunk, emboldening her enough do something she hadn't been able to do last night. Kyoko began to shimmy down his frame, teasing the evidence of his arousal as she glided past and inducing a guttural hiss from Kuon. She ran her hands down the length of his body as she moved, relishing the feel of solid muscle rubbing against her soft skin until she knelt at the end of the chair near his calves.

"Kyoko! You don't have to–" he protested, but she cut him off.

"Shhh," she held a finger to her smooth lips, slowly, seductively drawing it down to part them slightly, her gaze fixated on the object of her desire. "I know I don't have to, but I want to. I've wanted to since I first saw you naked," she confessed red-faced, though her eyes brimmed with need. The low ache that began the moment she'd walked into the room was now a throbbing demand–one she fully intended to satiate.

Kuon closed his eyes and began murmuring something rapidly in Russian. Whether a prayer or a curse, Kyoko couldn't tell.

Several minutes later, satisfied she'd managed to satiate both their needs, the young woman drew back and kissed her way back up his powerful physique to his panting mouth. She grinned down at him and licked her lips enticingly. "Mmmm," she smirked, "you taste delicious too."

"Holy gods, Kyoko," Kuon growled, slapping her cheeky buns lightly. "Where did you learn to do that like that?"

"What like what," she batted her eyes at him, laughing and he pressed a light kiss to her mouth.

"I read a lot. And I did some research with the help of Google Sensei," she smiled broadly and he chuckled. He slid one hand under her, lifting her up, and removed her panties in one swift tug, sliding himself down so she rested above his face.

"Now it's your turn," he said, eyes full of wicked promise.

A little while later they snuggled on the piece of furniture that had seen all the action. Kuon idly stroked her shoulders as he said, "I love seeing you like this."

"Like what?"

"So carefree. And mine."

She snickered. "I could say the same to you."

"Touché," he smiled.

=x=x=x=

Sometime later, Kyoko's slender form reflected off a computer screen onto a pair of observing eyes. Only the tick, tick, ticking of an analog clock and the harsh reverberations of angry breathing could be heard in the watcher's room.