A/N: Rough week, my car died after 8 years, so I had to find another.

Lest lay on the cusp of sleep with a few things on his mind. The first time he had reviewed Vishnal's resume, he had assumed he'd be a seasoned old man well versed in the corporate world. What he got wasn't a middle aged man with tonnes of experience but someone about his age who was a total greenhorn. Lest had immediately taken a liking to his new unit's attitude and was even genuinely impressed with his work ethic.

Overtime he realised he was watching Vishnal more closely, his eyes lingering on any mundane thing he might be doing. Gradually his mind would wander, fixing on what Vishnal might be thinking or what he could do as a boss to brighten his day. Even Leon had snapped him out of distraction on more than one occasion. Best of all, or perhaps worst of all, Vishnal didn't seem to suspect a thing. On the off chance he did, he never raised any objections.

By now he had accepted the truth in full. He liked Vishnal. He liked his optimism, his tenacity, his gentle voice and his honest eyes. Under normal circumstances he'd have no problem voicing any of these feelings, but in this case he was held back by his position. Lest was the boss. A relationship like that would no doubt be seen as inappropriate by the public, not that he cared. Really the only thing holding him back was his secretary's compliance. He'd probably make a move if Vishnal showed him any sort of defiance and autonomy. As it stood, Lest worried that his employee would agree to anything he asked. If he were a lesser man, maybe, he'd abuse his power and make him his lover. Though, he had enough self control and a strong enough sense of morality to not act on some of his dark desires.

Getting Vishnal to visit was mostly an innocent tactic. There was about zero chance of anything becoming of it. Still, a small part of him hoped Vishnal would be impressed with his humble abode, and, then what exactly? Even Lest wasn't sure what he expected. Just the thought of Vishnal in his house mildly raised his spirits.

He grinned to himself as he listened to the other work. It was surprisingly soothing to have someone caring for him regardless of how mild his fatigue was. Eventually the quiet sounds of activity ceased, and Lest allowed himself to succumb to sleep himself.

At 5 a.m., Vishnal was on his feet and running out to the nearest coffee shop to pick up breakfast. Before leaving, he checked in on his boss. Still sleeping, good. If he ran he could probably make it back before his boss woke.

Lest was able to sleep solidly and without interruptions, until a familiar voice stirred him awake.

"Good morning sir, the sun is up, so should we be!"

"Mmm."

"I have a bagel and some tea on the table for you. Of course, if you need more time, there's no hurry."

Lest stood then and stretched, shamelessly in his underwear. Vishnal appeared surprised, but didn't say anything further, and very gradually adverted his eyes. "Morning." Lest said finally. His body felt much better now, and a little bit of Rune energy would likely bring him back to normal. He looked much better than yesterday, his eyes had lost most of the redness and he appeared to be more focussed. "I didn't think I had any bagels here though."

"Don't worry sir, I ran out and got it. I hope it's not unsatisfactory."

"I'm sure it's fine."

"Are you well enough to stand sir? Should I bring it into you?"

"I'm not only fine, but the two of us are definitely heading back to work today."

"Are you sure you're well enough sir?"

"Sounds like someone wants to shirk the work to me." Lest said with a mischievous edge to his voice.

It had the intended effect. "I'm sorry sir, I'm not trying to shirk work!"

Lest chuckled, having predicted this but still very endeared. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. I know you of all people wouldn't shirk their responsibilities. But you should know by now that I wouldn't either."

Vishnal fell silent, as if contemplating the validity of those words. "You're right sir." He appeared conflicted. "I'm not saying you're lazy or anything."

At that Lest just rolled his eyes. "I know, I know. Anyway, I'll get dressed and meet you at the table okay?"

"Oh, yes sir." At that he left, taking a seat at the table as he waited for his boss to join him.

When Lest appeared again, he was in his usual work attire. He sat across the table and stared down the meal before him. "I'm kind of surprised you didn't make it yourself."

"It's not like I didn't want to, but I'm simply terrible in the kitchen. I thought it would be better if I left it to the professionals for today, or at least until you get better."

Lest paused, recalling what he was told last night. "So what you're saying is, you've gone out of your way to become a butler, but you still can't cook?"

"It is a sort of sore area for me sir. BUT! I haven't given up! I practice whenever I get a spare moment."

Just relax Lest, take it slow and don't be too obvious. "Well then, that certainly won't do. If you get some free time later, I could show you some things, maybe even how to make curry rice."

"Really sir? I couldn't ask for that. Your time is valuable."

"My down time is my own. I won't be able to rest thinking about how you're so close to perfection. Also, not to brag, but I know a thing or two about the culinary arts."

Vishnal blushed slightly. "Well, if it isn't too much trouble…"

"It's a date then!"

"A… date?"

"Absolutely, look forward to it!" He patted Vishnal on the back then, trying to make his comment seem innocuous. "But anyway, let's eat and get to work."