Chapter Text
Jon had worked as a researcher for a few years now, the field has always been appealing to him. He is quite good at his job and his coworkers are not too bad either (except for Martin, though he had no real reason to dislike him); So naturally he is intrigued when word goes around that they will be getting a new coworker, immediately flocking to Sasha to speculate how they would be (Sasha wondered if they'd be hot, Jon wrinkled his nose at that and shot back that all that mattered was if they were good at their job; Sasha simply chuckled at that). Martin watched fondly, wondering all the same things.
It was unusual for a new hire to arrive midday, but Tim loved dramatic entrances (secretly hoping to impress his new coworkers with his impossible confidence) and so he threw on his nicest, most colorful button up and some matching shorts (not too short but revealing enough), not caring for 'professional work attire' (why would he?). The institute was a big and imposing building, making Tim feel so incredibly small; Once he was inside, though, he breathed in and out a few times, taking the stairs up to the research department (he was too giddy for a boring elevator ride).
The doors were large and heavier than Tim expected; That didn't stop him from swinging them wide open for an adequate entrance (Tim would settle for nothing less), striding in like he owned the place. Scanning over the area he saw nothing but incredibly attractive faces (since when was academia riddled with hot people?), but one person caught his eye specifically. They were the only one not beaming at him, no, he was frowning and seemed to be straining their eyes at Tim. Do I have something on my face? Tim thought to himself, not letting his concern show on the outside (he'd be damned if he did).
The woman who had introduced herself as Sasha was the first to come and greet him and their charm almost matched his own (almost); The second was a man taller than himself (he'd lie if he said he didn’t like that), gently shaking Tim’s hand and offering tea (how adorable) which Tim happily accepted.
Seeing as the small figure with the glasses (which had this old-people-chain attached to them) didn't make a single move to get up or even say anything, Martin told Tim that their name was Jon and not to worry, he would warm up eventually.
That was music to Tim’s ears.
Martin left for the break room to make tea for everyone, as he so often did. Tim set down his bag next to his new desk (he would need to bring all kinds of nick-nacks to make his desk more lively) but ignored it other than that; eyes settling on Jon (who was still watching him). Tim chuckled lightly, not too loud, (he didn't want to scare them, god forbid) holding Jon’s intense stare with such casualty he swore he could see them snarl the tiniest bit.
So naturally, he made his way over to the stranger, leaning on their desk (the temptation was simply too big) and offering an introduction, "Hi! Tim, though I suppose you already heard. I bet nothing happens around here without you knowing" and didn't bother to ask him their name (they would know Tim already knew it was Jon).
Tim had somehow blown away all the expectations Jon had for their new coworker (although, he thought, Sasha would brag later that she was right; he was quite attractive) and they did not like that at all. Tim swung open the doors like he owned the place; and his outfit! Jon would have told him off immediately if he were his boss, but unfortunately for them he was merely his coworker (though he supposed he did have more pull around here with Tim being new). He noticed Martin telling him their name (he needed to scold Martin later) and Tim’s eyes were on them while he was listening to Martin, chatting away. Jon was determined not to let the new guy win and hold his stare, making it a point to put on their best frown and squinting his eyes at him. Did he just chuckle? outrageous, he thought, as he snarled at this display. He couldn't form any more thoughts as now Tim seemed to make his way over to Jon; actually having the gall to lean on their desk!
"Hardly." Was all Jon offered in response. Tim put on a mock-surprised expression, mouth agape and hand over his chest, "My! He doth speak to dear old me!" following up with laughter. Jon did the most dramatic eye roll Tim has ever seen and god was it cute.
"Will you please get off my desk." His tone was flat, void of any indication of emotions he might be feeling at this moment (they even made it an effort to hide their annoyance, reluctant to deter the cheery man too early). "And shouldn't you get to working?" He stated, raising one eyebrow. Tim’s face lit up before he responded "Actually! Boss-man made it very clear not to worry my pretty little head about work today! So, I guess that includes all of you by proxy!". That made Jon squint even harder at him, not thrilled at the aspect of half a day wasted. He didn't even think about questioning whether Mr. Bouchard had actually said 'pretty little head' or if Tim was just that self-obsessed (probably, hopefully the latter). "Oh. Great." Jon said, tone as flat as ever, "I guess that means you won't leave me alone, then?". The question was followed up with a drawn-out sigh, letting Tim know how much of an inconvenience that was to them. "Nope!" he replied way too cheerily. This was going to be a long day.
Jon sneered, actually sneered at Tim, who couldn't hold in his laughter at the display. "I have a feeling we're gonna get along great!" and Tim dared to nudge them in the shoulder, a natural instinct of his to lighten the mood of any social situation. "I don't," Jon stated, body stiff as not to budge from Tim’s shove (he put in all his effort not to move and it proved more difficult than they thought) and that set Tim laughing yet again. He shook his head amusedly and noticed Martin balancing 4 mugs, making his way over to them. Coincidentally, Sasha came back at the same time, holding a big bag of... groceries? in her arms, "I brought pastries from the lovely cafe down the road!" both set the food and drink down at Tim’s desk, the only table that had enough space for it all to fit. "Ah! I'm starving," Tim dramatically let himself slip off of Jons desk as if he was about to faint and for a teeny second Jon finds themself startling to help Tim; almost immediately stopping, straightening his posture and determinedly making his way over to Martin and Sasha.
Sasha got out Jons favorite pastry already, having set it up neatly on a paper towel next to his designated mug. He gives them an appreciative look, sits down and starts eating away.
"Ooh, I didn't think I'd get spoiled like this! Thanks, guys," he beamed at Martin and Sasha and scanned all the pastries, settling on something similar to what Jon is eating. "Mhh," he exclaimed, thoroughly satisfied with his choice, "you have good taste, Jon. I'm sure that translates to your taste in people," he said with a teasing wink in Jon’s direction.
Jon, not used to so much attention, simply positions themself so he doesn't have to look at Tim (wanting to hide his slowly creeping blush, too, but that's beside the point) and Sasha, perceptive as they are, pulls a chair beside Jon and casually plops down. She leans in, "Nervous, Jon?" and smiles deviously at them.