7:45 a.m., his wall clock read.
Almost there, the resident secretary of JuOhCho thought. Hopefully today will go smoothly.
He usually gets to work at 7, to "ready his station". Today was no different. He was almost finished rearranging his pencils (by height) when his office telehone rang. He looked at the device quizzically. Who could be calling here this early? Gods, I hope its not someone selling life insurance. I am NOT in the mood.. He reached over and grabbed the receiver.
"Hello. Department of Records. Tatsumi Seiichiro speaking. How may I help you?"
"Tatsumi-san."
Didn't I just say that? "Yes, this is Tatsumi Seiichiro speaking. How may I help you?" he asked rather impatiently.
"Tatsumi, this is Watari."
Watari? He looked at the clock again. 7:46. "Watari-san? You're almost late. I pray you're on your way to the office, and are calling to report that you'll be a tad late?" He arched an eyebrow.
On the other end of the phone, Watari gulped inwardly. "No sir. I'm calling to report that I'm sick."
Although he exhaled an annoyed breath, Tatsumi had to admit that the scientist's normally animated voice did sound off. His voice sounded rougher. Forced, if you will, although he barely spoke above a whisper.
"Are you dying?"
Watari blinked. "What?"
"Are. You. Dying?" Tatsumi repeated slowly.
Prick. "No sir. But I'm congested."
"I see. And how did this congestion occur?"
Really?! "Well, sir, Tsuzuki-san and I went out last night, and it began to rain. So I walked Tsuzuki to his place and I ran to mine."
"You ran ten blocks in the rain?!"
"No sir. I ran seven blocks with my collar over my head, then my arms got tired. I ran three blocks in the rain."
Tatsumi rolled his steely eyes. "Don't get smart. You know what I meant."
Watari couldn't help the small smile on his face. He loved their daily pseudo professional, half pissing matches. "I know what you said." He chuckled, which ultimately ended with him choking and filling Tatsumi's ears with coughs and other sounds of his current condition. "Excuse me." he said after clearing his throat.
Tatsumi cleared his throat as well. "I see," he said slowly, "You sound like hell."
"Thank you."
"Not a problem. You should get some cough medicine."
Watari growled silently. "Thanks. I'll look into that, once I can breathe normally again, that is."
The secretary chuckled mentally. "So when are you coming in today?"
Watari blinked again. "What?"
"When are you coming in for work today?" Tatsumi repeated patiently.
Didn't you just hear me almost choke to death a second ago?! "I don't think I should."
"Nonsense," He waved his hand in dismissal. "You'll be alright."
"I highly doubt that."
"Alright, well, tell me your symptoms, then."
"My throat's sore as hell. Every time I swallow, it feels as if I swallowed a razor blade. It hurts to breathe. Kinda like my lungs are gonna explode. My skin feels hot to the touch, but I'm freezing. And of course, the coughs heard 'round the world."
Tatsumi couldn't contain the small chuckle that bubbled out of his throat. Although the stereotypically serious man was laughing, internally, he was worried.
He and Watari had only been dating a few months, but he felt very attached to the scientist. His scientist, a voice inside him whispered. He smiled. He wasn't sure if it was love he felt for the man yet, but he was sure that whatever it was, he would love to see how this ended.
He was snapped out of his reverie by Watari's shouts. "Tatsumi?!"
"Huh? What?"
" 'Huh'? Did you just say 'huh'?" He stifled a giggle. "Tatsumi using slang? Shoot me now."
"Ha ha. You just caught me unawares, that's all."
"Right. So, what is my diagnosis, doctor?"
Tatsumi cleared his throat again. "It is in my expert opinion that you may have the flu."
"Yep, that's what I thought, too."
"So when are you coming to work today again?"
Watari almost fell off his bed. "You just told me I probably have the flu, and you still want me to come to work?!"
"Yes. I'd like to see your pretty face."
A blush crept up Watari's cheeks. "Well, that may be, but I could've sworn that influenza is contagious."
"You could wear a doctor's mask."
Honey eyes met the ceiling.
"I'd rather not. Plus, that kinda takes away from the whole "pretty face" thing."
"Please?"
"That probably wouldn't be wise.. Besides you'd have my head if I caused an office wide flu epidemic."
"True, but I think a face mask might prevent that."
Watari sighed. "Whatever. Arguing with you is making me tired." He yawned. "Bye Tatsumi." He hung up, not waiting for Tatsumi to say anything else.
"Bye, I guess." The secretary slowly lowered the receiver to the cradle. He glanced over at the clock again. 7:55. He sighed. I guess he had a point. Konoe-san would probably stroke out if everyone got sick at once. He pictured Watari's face with his usual smile. A wave of loneliness swept over him. He wiped a hand across his face. I hope he'll be alright. I think I'll go over and check on him later.
His train of thought was interrupted by employees rushing to their respective offices. No one wanted to be under the scrutiny of their ruthless secretary. The sound of sliding feet, a loud bang and the splash of water rang outside Tatsumi's door.
"Dammit Tsuzuki!"
"Sorry 'Soka-chan! It was an accident!"
"Whatever. Hurry up and get up before you're late!"
Tatsumi heard loud footsteps running away from the apparent accident. He sighed, stood and stretched.
" 'Soka-chan! Come back! I'm kinda tangled here! Can I get some help please?"
Tatsumi opened his door only to see an overturned water cooler with Tsuzuki sitting in a puddle. His legs were helplessly tangled in the cooler's power cord.
How in the hell did he do that? He sighed and shook his head. Never mind. Its Tsuzuki. He'll find a way to hurt himself. I ought to let his ass get electrocuted. Then again, that wouldn't be good for employee morale..
"Never fear Tsuzuki-san. I'll help you." He said while reaching down.
Tsuzuki stared back in horror.
"Uh, hi Tatsumi. And thanks." Tsuzuki brushed hopelessly at his clothes.
"Don't mention it. Oh, and Tsuzuki? You're late."