Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I’ve never been the type to let people see who I am easily. All my life, I’ve been put on a pedestal. Good grades, class president, every club you can imagine. Somehow, I even managed to get a 4.0 gpa in my college courses. You could say it was perseverance, but I say it’s something more. Competition .

I want to be the best, I want praise, I want people to look at me and think wow . 

But, no one I’ve ever met had this drive within them. All my “competitors”, if you can even call them that, had never put in nearly as much effort as I had. That is until he came. 

Aleksander. 

According to my colleagues, he’s transfering here from a company unit across the state in hopes for the new position open. The position I just applied to. But to make matters worse, according to the rumors, he’s the only person who can give me a run for my money. Good thing rumors are meant to stay rumors, right?

Well, that’s what I thought up until I saw him walk into the building his first day. There was no denying his attractiveness. Dark hair, almost jet black, quartz grey eyes, tall, slim, sharp figure. He holds himself up with a serious demeanor that was almost, enchanting. He looks like a leader, someone my boss Nikolai would give the position to. All my confidence that had been built over the years came crumbling down in a split second. But even then, I couldn’t look away from him. I was mesmerized by his sly movements as he moved down the hall greeting my, well now our, fellow co-workers. 

“Alina,” Genya calls out. “Are you doing okay? You look about ready to cry.”

I snap out of it, aware of my surroundings. “Yeah, doing just fine. Sorry, just a little nervous with the new worker and all,” I claim as I look around frantically to ensure no one else saw me staring. 

“I don’t think there's anything to worry about, love. Nikolai adores you. I’m surprised this Aleksander dude even found out about the opening position this fast. From my understanding, and yours as well, you were the first to know about the open position. Which mind you, has been open for two days.”

Genya was right, but when was she not. Though, that only made my gears start turning even faster. He must be an amazing employee then, no questions asked. It has only been two days. Meaning his boss at his previous location must have told him immediately about it, but it was only him. 

“Alina, you’re doing it again,” Genya sighs as her hands wave in front of me. 

“I just- I don’t know Genya. Put us side by side, he just looks like the better choice.”

“Looks do not equate to your drive. You’ve done amazing this past year you’ve been with us. One of the hardest working women in the building. Shit, probably the entire industry. Now pick yourself up right now and show him what he’s dealing with.”

I smile. “You’re right, he’s nothing special. Just some buffoon who thinks they can walk into this building and take everything I’ve been working for in life.”

“Who’s some buffon who thinks they can take what you’ve been working for?” 

I froze. Startled, I turn around and there he was. Right next to me, he was even taller than I initially thought. “Oh, no one,” I said as casually as possible, trying not to show inside I’m preparing to ruin this man's career. 

“Well, I’m Aleksander Morozova, new to the building”, he holds his hand out to shake Genya and I’s hands greeting us. “I’m looking for Alina Starkov and someone pointed me this way...has she been over here?” He asks calmly. Almost too calm. Does he not know this is a competition for the higher position? 

I look at Genya. She shrugs. “Hi, yes, that would be me,” I announce coldly to make him know that I’m not here to make friends.

He looks at me, amused, and slightly nods. Suddenly, he stands up straighter—if that was even possible—looking directly at me. “Good luck,” he whispers walking away immediately after. 

I close my eyes counting to ten. At some point during my conversation with Aleksander, Genya left to attend to her duties leaving me to think about how no one has been able to get under my skin quite as fast as he had. No one . But, I’m not going to let him be the first to crack the code. Quickly, I storm off to Nikolai’s office.

As I near the door, I see the same, unfortunately, familiar figure waiting outside. I roll my eyes as I walk straight into Nikolai’s office not having the patience to wait alongside the man who came to ruin my career and immediately, regret washes over me. My eyes open wide as Nikolai is in deep conversation via video chat with a higher up. Embarrassment floods through my veins. Nikolai gives me a ushered look that tells me more than words can at this moment. Quietly and quickly, I close the door behind me leaving as quick as I had entered. 

“You’re not making a good impression for the position Ms. Starkov,” Aleksander smuggly points out with a slight smirk the second the door closes, not even giving me a chance to look at him. I turn around quickly giving him my attention. “Seems we meet again, but from what I’ve been told, you’re my biggest competition here. And just for the record, this will not be one that I lose. Though, with you pulling stunts like barging into Mr. Lantsov’s office like that, the competition might not be as hard as I once thought.” The smirk stays glued to his face as he talks, eying me up and down as if he can’t believe I’m the one he is up against. By the looks of it, he was trying to make me feel insecure, but I now know Mr. Morozova here is just an egotistical, bastard who will in fact give me a run for my money. But instead the thought now made me excited rather than worried. For once, someone who can properly compete against me, someone who will put in the drive to push me further, someone who doesn’t know what they’ve just gotten themselves into.

“You see, Mr. Morozova, I’ve actually been at this specific facility longer than you. Unlike you, I have a close relationship to Mr. Lantsov in there,” I reply, gesturing to the door quickly then continuing on. “And for the record, you will not be winning this. Being full of it won’t do anything for you either.”

As he raises his eyebrows, ready to reply, Nikolai opens the door with a smile plastered onto his face. “Welcome to the office Mr. Morozova, and Alina, a pleasure as always.”

I smile and let some pressure out of my chest. From what I can see, Nikolai isn’t as mad as I would have thought. He seems relieved seeing the two of us, Aleksander and I, in the same space as another. Almost too relieved, almost excited. My eyes study Nikolai’s face to see any signs of what he might be planning. But as Nikolai gestures for us to come into his office together, I know this is bound to not end well. Aleksander and I look at one another for a moment making it obvious neither of us want to have a discussion with Nikolai together, rather separate. Of course, Nikolai doesn’t care and is already sitting at his desk waiting for the two of us to follow suit into his space.

Aleksander and I slowly make our way into Nikolai’s personal office for what seems to be a meeting. The two of us sit down, Aleksaner confident in his moves in contrast to my weariness of what is to come. “I was planning on calling you both into my office as soon as my meeting ended to meet another,” Nikolai claims. “Though it seems as the two of you have made it easy. But just to give an official start to this meeting, Mr. Morozova this is Ms. Starkov,” Nikolai points towards me, “And Ms. Starkov this is Mr. Morozova,” pointing back at Aleksander putting his hand back on the desk after to get back to business. “The two of you are both what seem to be the only contenders for the most recent position in the office of assistant manager. Not the biggest upgrade, but as you are both young, hard working people—not saying I’m not either of those—it is the best way for you two to work your way up the company ladder. The two of you both have outstanding portfolios and with my quick decision making skills, I’ve settled on a solution to choosing the best contender.” Nikolai stops and suddenly I can’t breathe. I quickly look over at Aleksander and he stares blankly at Nikolai waiting for the proposal. The temperature suddenly rose. I feel hot and sticky, full of anticipation. Nikolai just looks back and forth between the two of us smiling, amused. It feels like he’ll never continue, instead keeping the anticipation in the air for the two of us to figure out for ourselves, and when he finally does it’s like a fresh breath of air. “The two of you are to work alongside each other as the current assistant manager, no arguments are to be made. Neither of you have the power, or mental capacity, to argue with me on this issue. Though the main catch is, this test will last for a month. I will, as quickly as possible, send both of you an email stating your requirements for this temporary position. Some aspects I will expect the two of you to work on as a team, as that is what we are in this building. Keep the bickering to a minimum and if either of you are to come to me complaining about the other instead of fixing issues yourself, the less likely you are to receive this position.”

When Nikolai finally finishes, he looks back and forth between the two of us smiling. I have no clue what Aleksander’s face looks like at this moment, but I currently am giving Nikolai a face of pure shock. Mouth wide open, eyes about to pop out of the sockets. The words that left his mouth have still yet to process. Working alongside Aleksander, for a month, to get this position. It seems impossible. I feel Aleksander glance at me as Nikolai continues to smirk. Though I can’t move. I feel frozen, stuck. 

After a few moments I compose myself sitting up straight again taking a light breath in and out as Aleksander questions, “Well Mr. Lantsov, when will this start as we don’t have our official requirements for testing?” His voice wavers slightly. He’s no longer the confident man that walked into this building. His weak spot, partner work. 

“Seeing as I need to get to work on that email today, Ms. Starkov here, or eventually you might find it useful to call her Alina, will show you around the office.”

Aleksander looks at me questionably, a face that shows he thinks I will go against Nikolai’s declaration, or at least tell him my refusal.

“Of course, Nikolai,” I smile, at not only Nikolai, but Aleksander as well. “And seeing as we will be spending loads of time with one another Mr. Morozova, are we okay with first names?” I cheerfully try to exclaim. I smirk as he looks at me puzzled, wondering if I am actually being serious right now. 

Slowly he replies. “Yes, first names are...just fine.” The ending spits out like a curse as he annoyingly eyes me up and down. 

“Great! Emails will be sent by the end of the day. If either of you have any more questions or concerns, please don’t be afraid to email me or come to my office,” Nikolai adds as he dismisses us.

Aleksander and I walk out quietly, trying not to acknowledge one another's presence. It feels like with every step I take, I’m not even moving forward. Like time has slowed down wanting me to be stuck in this position, next to Aleksander, my now partner, forever. Whether I get the position or not, this building is now ours. He’s a part of this location's life, not his old one’s anymore. 

Finally, out the door, as I prepare to turn down the hall leaving him behind as fast as humanly possible, a tight grasp latches onto my wrist. Unable to move, I sigh turning back around facing him, the closest the two of us have been to the other, and hopefully, the closest we’ll ever be. 

“According to what you told Mr. Lantsov, you’re going to be showing me around, or did both him and I mishear you? I’m sure I can walk back into the office right there”, he points, “and let him know I need someone else to escort me through the building.” Finishing off with a smile, I roll my eyes. At this moment, I wish I could smack that smile, smirk, whatever it must be called, off his face. 

Quickly, I compose myself. “Well, Aleksander, I assumed you didn’t actually want me to show you around,” I remark. Quickly he opens his mouth preparing to speak and I cut him off. “You see, I know you want nothing to do with me, and you know I don’t want anything to do with you. But, you’re right. I take responsibility. I shouldn’t have assumed.” I smile brightly. His mouth hangs open slightly, for a split second. He didn't expect me to apologize, but I’ve been in the game too long to know what he was about to do. According to my calculations, Aleksander was preparing to lecture me on why I should not assume things so he could get a rise out of me, but, fortunately, I beat him to it. 

I turn around starting to walk the hall. Confidence fueling my blood once again as I turn around slightly to ensure Aleksander is following me. When I see him in the corner of my eye, I smirk. Knowing I even have the slightest advantage to him brings me joy. Genya was right, he doesn’t know what he’s dealing with.

Chapter Text

“What did you mean when you said Mr. Lantsov and you have a close relationship,” Aleksander questions as we round the hall. The two of us are starting to near the end of this tour, and for the first time completely alone. 

I look up at him questionably, continuing to walk. Throughout the entire tour he has stayed mainly quiet, nodding slightly as we walked passing people. He’d only talk when we near a coworker he had yet to introduce himself to. “I’m sorry, but what are you on about?”

“Earlier, before Mr. Lantsov interrupted our lovely discourse on this...fight...for the position, you said something along the lines of if you had a close relationship with Mr. Lantsov then I’d understand why you could so easily barge into his space.” 

I abruptly stop in the middle of the hall turning to stare at him with pure shock, thinking back to what I said. He’s right. I realize my mistake with my words. “I…I didn’t mean it in that way. At all.” My voice sounds scared, but I’m telling the truth. Sure, sometimes Nikolai and I can get flirty with another. He’s a flirty guy, I can be a flirty girl, but it's all out of platonic love for one another. Out of fun. Though whatever Aleksander is thinking about, I’d rather not know.

“Oh what a shame; because I’m sure corporate would love to know. And if Mr. Lantsov is involved, then that means the manager position opens for application, even better.” The entire time he looks me straight in the eye, eyebrows slightly raised, a malicious look across his face, ready to ruin not only by career, but Nikolai’s as well. 

I glance away taking a deep breath attempting to compose myself. This was definitely not something I was planning on today.  “Aleksander,” I softly breath. “I promise you, Niko- Mr. Lantsov and I don't have anything going on. We genuinely get along well. I often will barge into his office to tell him about exciting news, business, or personal information. I’ve never thought of him this way, and I truly doubt he’s thought of me in this manner.” I stay as composed as I can with a serious demeanor. I’m not only trying to save my job, but Nikolai’s as well.

We stare at each other in the eyes for who knows how long. My teeth slightly bite on my lips out of nerves. And even with my body frozen, confused, anxious, for Aleksander’s reply, it’s only now I actually see how attractive he is, how much he towers over me. We have either gotten significantly closer to another, or I’m that entranced from the way his silver eyes stare into my brown ones. 

The look on his face is definitely one of questioning. As if he doesn’t know what to believe, his own intuition or the girl who he’s just met. 

“And for what reasons should I believe you?” he whispers suddenly, his words breaking the tension in our gazes. 

“There are none. I hardly know you, you hardly know me,” I admit, swallowing a bit of my pride, my heart rate slowing tremendously as we stare into each other’s eyes. “But, please just take my word for it.”

I’m practically begging. Wanting this to be over with. I understand where he’s coming from, Nikolai and I can get a bit suspicious, but I can’t have Aleksander thinking this is what I’ll do. That I’ll use some sort of leverage I don’t have to get the position. But, maybe that is not the only reason I want him to forget this. 

After a few seconds he nods ever so slightly taking a step back. We had gotten closer. Still, I have no clue as to what his next move is. He could still call corporate. He can hold this against me to get the job. Or maybe, hopefully, he will trust me. 

“See you later Ms. Starkov,” he states, striding back down the hall from the way we came. 

With every step he takes I feel a 

This is going to be one hell of a ride. 

⸻⸻

Good Afternoon Ms. Starkov and Mr. Morozova,

What a wonderful meeting we had today! As the two of you have already learned, you will both be working alongside one another to show teamwork, decision-making, planning, and even how to deal with debates on policy. I do not, in any way, expect the two of you to agree on everything. Though as I also slightly stated, that’s your job as a team to figure out. There are some exceptions to this rule, but let’s set in stone what you two will be doing during this month:

1. Work with another to employ new workers. This includes looking through portfolios and interviewing them for the best candidate. As Alina knows we are low on staff and with it being the end of summer, many college graduates are already starting to apply. The beginning of this application process has already been started by yours truly, so most of your assignments will be interviews starting as early as this wednesday. 
2. By the end of the month, there should be some new employees. As a team, you two are to train these employees, very similar to the start of what you’ve done today showing Aleksander around Alina. And from my knowledge, you were in charge of helping the new employees at your previous location Aleksander, so hopefully this part isn’t too much of a challenge for the two of you. 
3. Attend weekly meetings via zoom with other managers and assistant managers across the state to share company information. The two of you are to share an office, though zoom meetings can be taken from home. I recommend to stop echoing that the two of you figure out a schedule where either you both go on zoom from home or one of you log in at home while the other is at the office.

If there are any concerns, within the two of you, that involve a specific applicant or questions about company meetings, feel free to ask me. 

I want the two of you to understand and remember that in the end, only one of you will get this job. But, in this building we are a family. So hopefully no hard feelings will be dealt with when the winner comes out on top. 

Please start tomorrow,

Mr.Lantsov

I must have reread the email about a hundred times, maybe a million. Something in me just won’t wrap around the words. A shared office. An office with the two of us. Aleksander and Alina. Alina and Aleksander. Just the two of us for a month. And people still say nightmares aren’t reality. Also the word winner . This, in no doubt, is the competition my blood tells me it is. 

I look around my current small space of an office. The place I’ve made feel like a second home. How even with its size, it has all of my favorite things. A small succulent on my desk, a jar of candy I always filled with jolly ranchers, a painting of a field of blue irises, the way the sun beams ever so slightly through the window into the small space making me almost never needing to turn the building lights on. I’ve always preferred the sunlight, and who knows if I’ll be able to enjoy it anymore with Aleksander around. 

I grab my laptop and necessities to take with me to the new office. The one I share with Aleksander. One last glance at my personal space, and I quickly leave. 

Although through my few years at the company I’ve created a safe space where tears, anger, and love have all been spent, I remind myself this position is mine and a new place for such will be made. Soon I’ll have my own larger office. One where I can bring larger plants to fill the expanse of space, maybe add a cute rug that can properly fit without looking awkward, where I can admire the rays of light hitting every angle of the room in a greater expanse.

I smile. The job is mine. All mine .

I drift off while wandering down the expansive halls wondering what Aleksander would prefer our office to look like. Our Office . With the amount of time being a month, it’s not nearly enough time to properly decorate an office to one's liking. But even with the short time I’ve known him, I imagine his office decor would be simple, dark, maybe a bit mysterious, just like him. Or maybe he lets himself be shown more through his space, enjoys taking the creative liberty of a confined space to show who they really are. Though, no matter which one of my narrow options he may be, I can only imagine I’ll be parting with my wishes for the next month. 

I crack the door open to the new space, aside from one desk placed where the old assistant manager once situated themselves, the white and cool tones of grey that expand through the room look ready for some color. I smile wondering what I’ll do to this room one day, in a month.

“Don’t get too excited there, Ms. Starkov. It’s just a grayscale room that we have to share.” I turn around startled by the booming voice behind me, further behind me than I had anticipated. While looking at the office, subconsciously my feet pulled me to the middle where I could get a full three-sixty.

I look back to the room trying to ignore his presence. My eyes drift to the window where the sunlight hits every corner of the room just like I imagined it. This time, I purposefully saunter towards the expansive large window that covers slightly more the three quarters of the wall. Tall and wide. Located at the perfect angle to watch the sun set during long nights. 

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” His words were so close and silent. If you told me he had leaned down to whisper the words in my ear I would’ve believed you. 

I look to my right where he stands straight making me crane my neck to see the slight stubble starting to peek through the skin on his jaw. Even if I’ve spent most of today by his side, there’s still small things I notice every time I take a look at him. One now being the way the light hits his face in all the right places to contrast his shadowy figure.

“Yeah, it is quite beautiful.” I smile a little looking back outside. “I find the way shadow and light work with one another and their contrast fascinating. In the dark, you can always find that ray of light and no matter how bright a room is, there will always be a shadow to compliment it.”

I feel his gaze on me, but I choose to ignore it, turning back to the desk. As always I started going off about something insignificant. Something he could care less about. 

“Well, what are we doing to do with one desk?” I change the subject. Even if I don’t want to have to endure this month alongside Aleksander, we have to make things work. Even if that means me being the bigger person. 

“There’s actually quite a few things we can do,” he starts, talking as he moves towards the desk to lean ever so slightly on it. “Some are more inappropriate than others, but that’s besides the point. I’ve already asked Nikolai though, so there shouldn’t be a big deal.”

The look of shock that expands across my face could be seen from a mile away. Some are more inappropriate than others . As I stare at him with disgust from his words, his face fills with amusement. 

“Did I say something wrong, Ms. Starkov, or as we are supposed to be on first name bases, Alina.” With his eyebrows slightly raised showing just how much he loves teasing me, I turn even more red than I can possibly imagine I could ever be. 

“Yes, Aleksander. I don’t want to even think about what may be inappropriate.”

“Well seeing as Mr. Lantsov and you might have-”

“Nikolai and I don’t have anything going on for the love of fucking god.” I cut him off getting closer to him out of anger. That’s really what all this is about still? My pointer finger lands on his chest and I suddenly feel the heat radiating off of him. Not only at my finger, but near almost the rest of my entire body from our proximity. “I didn’t think I’d actually have to reiterate to you that nothing happened and it was a misuse of words.”

I step back ready to leave the office and clock out for the night. I did what I needed to do. I have no purpose in being in Aleksander’s presence if we don’t officially start til tomorrow. But, something stops me, someone. With a slight tug of my wrist I’m suddenly staring back at him. At his dark, but light eyes that capture more emotions than he’d probably like to admit. He almost looks sorry, but I quickly push that thought away. He’s not sorry, and neither will I be when I get the job.

He doesn’t say anything for a while. Just stares at me as if I’m a puzzle that he can’t quite piece together. Yet, I’m looking at him with that same longing gaze. 

He lets go of my wrist and stands up from his lean on the desk walking towards the door with long strides.

Aleksander turns around before exiting. “And just so you know, Mr. Lantsov told me a temporary desk from an empty office nearby will be in here before we arrive tomorrow. Goodbye, Alina.”

I stare at where his figure once was. I’d completely forgotten about the desk situation. Maybe that is not the only reason I want him to forget this. I shudder as my own thoughts come back to me.

Finally going towards the door I realize one thing, he only did that to get the last word.