A/N: Wow, how long has it been? I apologize for that, but I'm back! Sort of, I think. I expect there will be two more chapters, and I don't think there will be such a long gap. I have the internet now, so as long as it doesn't glitch out, I should be able to conclude soon. Again, sorry about the gap. Sometimes things happen which I can't prepare for and didn't see coming.
In the days that followed, both Vishnal and Lest had to come to terms with their hasty and haphazard confession. The dynamic between them was slow to change, subtly the two added a few more romantic moments to their work day, mostly in Lest's office but also occasionally in the staff room or in the secretary's room. At first they would only exchange slightly romantic words and phrases, gradually working up to calling each other by cute pet names that they chose. Lest was beginning to get more bold and considered upping his game in the future, as long as no one was looking. On occasion, even Vishnal would take the initiative, and surprise Lest with a kiss or a shockingly out of place potentially lewd comment (Lest was still unaware if Vishnal knew what he was saying in these cases, but nevertheless found amusement whenever he heard something indecent coming from his usually proper secretary).
Rumours soon began to run rampant around the offices, which in turn made Vishnal a little shy and on edge. Being the ever diligent boyfriend he was, he went around to everyone in the breakroom and let them know the truth.
"That's right, I'm dating Vishnal. Don't worry though, I'm not playing favorites and I'm not giving him undue benefits or raises because of it. I'm just telling you all for disclosure, not to brag of course!" His tone remained upbeat and almost humorous. A few of his employees were actually disappointed that their gossip sessions had been neutered by such blunt honesty.
With the scandal taken out of their not secret anymore relationship, the rumours and gossip almost immediately ceased. Lest hadn't minded the rumours to begin with, but at least Vishnal was more at ease.
The only one who kept up the playful jabs was Leon, to the surprise of no one. Since it was Leon though, neither Vishnal nor Lest took much offense to his taunting. In a way, it made the situation all the more normal, considering silence from Leon would just be weird and out of character for him. Lest would even snipe back on occasion, accusing Leon of being jealous or other playful nonsense that he didn't mean.
While Vishnal opted to stay out of Leon's way, it did nothing to deter his work ethic. Every day was another chance to prove his devotion to Lest by working hard like he always did.
As always he spent his time buzzing around and making sure everything was in order. Despite his words to the contrary, he did attempt to weasel into Lest's quarters whenever he could. He found himself going there for the most mundane of reasons, but neither of them cared about that. It didn't disrupt his output, so it was always a welcomed change of pace.
Vishnal once again found himself in Lest's presence, for work related reasons of course. "Sir, where might I find the assessment forms?"
"Oh, they should be in the book room with the other forms, check with Kiel if you can't find them, he usually has a handle on where everything is. I think anyway, it's been a while since I drilled him on his knowledge of where stuff is."
"Right, I'll have a look then. Thank you."
"Did you attempt to tidy the records room lately? I know you've been keeping it in good working order for the last few months, I think."
Vishnal hesitated, but then answered, "I haven't lately sir, I apologise for my laziness! In the future I'll keep abreast of all tasks expected of me!"
"Relax, I never told you to organize it. That whole room needs an overhaul, it might be too much for just one person. I don't think it's been reorganised since I founded the company. Actually, I think there's still some stuff in there from the very first days of operation. Probably why it's impossible to find anything in there."
"Should I begin tidying that room sir? I can take on the task by myself as to not distract the others from their very important positions! I'm willing to stay after hours if I can't fit it into my current schedule."
Lest couldn't help but chuckle. This kind of attitude endeared him to Vishnal more every day. "Vishnal, you should know by now that I'm not about to overwork my hardest working employee. Besides, if you're working here after hours, you won't be home in my arms later on."
"Er, I, that is-" He stammered in response, feeling his cheeks darken. "Is that a request sir?"
"It is, I request that we go on a date later today, if you're not busy. And just so you know, I do know your schedule, so you can't tell me you have to work." His eyes narrowed and his lips curled into a sly smile.
"I um, I would be honoured."
"Good to hear. Anyway, I guess I won't keep you."
"Right, I'll get back to work, sir…" He turned to leave, though appeared hesitant. A light blush dusted his cheeks.
Now that his mischievous spirit had been ignited, Lest decided he couldn't leave his secretary alone. "Hey Vishnal, come here."
The secretary came over, as instructed. Lest pulled him onto his lap then. There was a look of adoration in his eye that made Vishnal blush, but also adopt a goofy grin. Lest tilted his head up, the height different made it difficult to maneuver while his taller lover was on his lap. "Kiss me." He said, leaning back with a sly smile.
"Yes sir." Vishnal leaned in then, and took his boss's lips. Lest kissed him back lazily, pleased at how natural these actions seemed.
Just then the door flew open to reveal Leon, looking unusually serious.
"Hey you two! Stop canoodling and get back to work!"
"Who's the boss here?" Lest said lamely, although his lover jolted to his feet and continued whatever he was attempting to do beforehand. "If I feel like canoodling in my office I'll canoodle in my office. You can't stop me and I can't fire myself."
"Maybe you should." Leon said, rolling his eyes.
"Check the numbers, we're not falling behind. Maybe you should get back to work."
"I am working, trying to get you to do your job!" Leon growled.
"Wow, something must be up, you're not usually this serious." Lest pointed out, finally deciding to take Leon's prodding seriously. Vishnal was already long gone, so he leaned on his desk attentively and stared Leon down. "So is there something that needs my attention right now?"
Leon's stern expression immediately softened and returned to his usual grin. "Not really, just wanted to mess with that excitable secretary of yours."
"I should have known." Lest wasn't mad, as he too found Vishnal's innocent reactions endearing. Leon very casually took his leave and Lest sat back knowing he'd be meeting with his lover later.