Title: Chocolate
Author: shy-hinata
Rating: G
Paring: Ann/Atobe
Summary: Ann gets a part time job
Warnings: fluff, het
Disclaimer: I don't own any of PoT. Darn.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Chocolates! Chocolates! Free samples of chocolate!"

Ann was standing in front of the store, holding a tray of chocolates, shivering despite the jacket she had on. The store uniform, though very cute, wasn't exactly designed for the middle of February.

"Please try a sample of our delicious chocolates!"

-+-+-+-+-+- One week ago -+-+-+-+-+-

"Your application was great, but we mostly need staff during certain peak times of the year. Your hours wouldn't necessarily be consistent."

Ann looked hopeful. She'd been trying forever to land a part-time job, and so far this was looking like her best lead yet.

"Whatever works best for you, Ohashi-san. Hopefully, your peak times won't clash with my exams. As long as that's the case, I think it would be fine."

The older man nodded and smiled, extending his hand out to her.

"Then welcome to the Ohashi Candy Company, Ann-san!"

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

It all seemed like a good idea at the time. Ann had been looking for work so she could finally start paying for her own things. Tennis equipment wasn't cheap after all, and with two players in the family, her parents certainly didn't have it easy. While they never complained, Ann couldn't help feeling guilty whenever she wore out yet another pair of shoes.

In her excitement, she totally forgot about Valentine's Day coming up, arguably the Ohashi Candy Company's busiest time of year. And that explained why, with just one day left until Valentine's Day, she was standing out in the cold, offering samples to passersby.

"Chocolates! Please try a free sample, courtesy of the Ohashi Candy Company! Choco!"

Ann's eyes widened as someone stopped in front of her, smirking. Keeping her cool, she cleared her throat, mustering as much professionalism as she could while wearing a headband with glittery plastic hearts dangling all over them.

"My Ann-chan...fancy meeting you here?"

Great. Just great.

"Can I help you, Atobe-kun?" She held the tray out in front of her, putting some distance between them. "Chocolate?"

And just why was he smirking at her like that? Was it really that ridiculous that she was standing out in the street in a pink knee-length skirt and jacket, complete with white faux-fur collar, holding out a tray of chocolates? Hmm...Okay. Fine. When you put it that way...

And why was he just standing there, not saying anything. Was it that crazy for a high school student to have a part time job?

"Um...Atobe-kun? If you don't want any chocolate...do you mind? I'm kinda working right now."

In the blink of an eye, he had closed the gap between them, plucking a chocolate off her tray. With his eyes locked onto hers, he popped the chocolate into his mouth, licking his lips slowly. Ann, despite her best efforts, couldn't seem to look away.

"Mmmmm...tasty..." Atobe's easy drawl snapped her almost violently out of her daze.

Clearing her throat a little, Ann took a half step backwards, needing that bit of distance between them. People passing by were starting to watch them.

"Only the best from the Ohashi Candy Company." Right. Good job, Ann. She mentally patted herself on the back for steering things back to her place of work so professionally.

And after what seemed like an eternity, Atobe finally made a move to leave. Ann almost sighed with relief, until he stepped next to her, tilting his head to whisper in her ear.

"Don't worry, I'll get you something nice for White Day in return."

Ohashi-san wondered just what had happened that day to make his usually unflappable employee drop the entire tray.