Chapter Text
Rikuson has completed little to nothing today. Checking the clock, sneaking a quick sideways glance at Maomao filing papers, he decides to stand from his desk.
Taking care to log out and lock up the documents he’d been working through, Rikuson opens his top desk drawer and grabs his pack of cigarettes and lighter.
“I’m taking a break. Be back in ten.” He announces to Maomao, in case anything were to fall apart without him in that amount of time.
Kicking his drawer closed with his knee, he hurries out of the office, ignoring the muffled ‘wait—!’, calling after him.
She probably just wanted to tease him again. If it was urgent she could call him.
Walking the long hall to the building's staircase, he flys down the stairs to the smoking area for workers. Someone is putting out their cigarette, when he lights up his own.
He thinks he’s seen the face of the person before, but can’t quite place their department. If his memory serves him correctly, the particular worker is newer to Li industries.
Rikuson gets a moment alone in the small concrete courtyard at the base of Li tower. Li tower is nestled amongst other taller buildings that surround them.
Leaning against the cool concrete at the base of the tower, Rikuson inhales deeply. This is his third break of the day. He feels strange for being so affected by something so trivial.
He was past the age to feel sentimental about birthdays.
Today he turns 30.
Today also marks the five year anniversary of his mother and sister's deaths.
Shaking his head to rid the horrid memories from his mind, he takes a long drag, his hand shakily scattering ash onto the ground.
The door from the staircase opens to his right. His eyes must look crazy, because when he locks eyes with Maomao, she practically steps back into the stairwell.
“You should be more careful where you ash.”
Scooting closer to the trash can, Rikuson taps his cigarette over the top. “Did you come out here to scold me, or do you need me back?”
Maomao steps closer to stand beside him. He really shouldn’t be seen alone with her. From what he’s heard around the rumor mill…she’s not only his boss’ daughter, and as of recently, also semi- involved with one of the higher ups in a different department.
Any other day he would entertain her weird and heavy handed sexual flirting, but today he’s really not in the mood.
“No.”
Putting out his current, Rikuson takes out his pack and pulls out a fresh cigarette.
“Can I have one?”
With a cigarette hanging between his closed lips, he turns to glare at Maomao.
What kind of question was that?!
“I’m the only one who smokes in the office. If your father smelled you, and put two and two together, I’d be fired. So respectfully, no .”
Choosing to ignore her presence, he lights up, and leans his head up, looking to the cloudy city skyline.
Fitting, he thinks.
“Three smoke breaks before lunch, and you’re worried sharing a cigarette with the boss’ daughter is going to get you in trouble.”
Shutting his eyes tight, he pinches the bridge of his nose with this free hand.
“What do you really want, Maomao?”
“I already told you.”
“Last chance.” Rikuson replies calmly.
“Am I at least allowed to stand out here?”
Typically, he’d ask why she would feel the need to stand out here with him, or maybe flirt a little, but today he just can’t find the words. So instead, he nods and relaxes a bit to at least allow her to feel like she can stay and stand next to him.
She does as she’s asked, remaining quiet beside him. It’s throwing him through a loop. He can’t place what she’s really after here.
“You’ve been less focused the last couple days.” Maomao states.
Taking a long drag, he holds it in his lungs a moment longer than usual before angling his head away from her and exhaling.
Rikuson has to get back to work, but not before he allows himself to be a little selfish.
Kicking off the wall Rikuson turns on her, boxing her in with his forearm, and resting it above her head. He looks down at her, her blue eyes challenging him.
“What’s really going on with you?”
He can’t tell if she does it on purpose or not, but her chest seems to lean closer to his body.
Looking between her eyes and lips, Rikuson makes a decision.
“It’s my birthday.”
“Didn’t we celebrate your birthday a few months ago?” She counters.
Shaking his head, his bangs fall over his forehead.
“What do you mean?” Maomao tries again.
His eyes don’t leave hers as he leans his head to the side and brings up his other hand to take another drag. Blowing it to the side, he studies her features, no doubt trying to piece his life story together.
“Open your mouth.” Rikuson commands.
“What?”
“Do it.”
Her eyes suggest a plethora of things she wants to say, but she does as he’s asked.
Taking his final hit, he leans forward, and grabs her chin. His lips ghost over hers. Maomao has every opportunity to leave, push him away, or stomp on his feet. When she doesn’t back away, he opens his mouth and blows smoke into hers.
When he’s all blown out, Maomao’s hands reach out and pull him by his shirt to get him closer. Keeping his body where it is, he does what he can manage for now, and swipes his tongue against her own, the taste of tobacco lingering between them. Smoke escapes through the cracks where their lips don’t fully connect.
Pulling away, Rikuson drops his butt and stomps it out.
“I’m going back to work.” He says, opening the door to get back into the building, and climbing the stairs.