Chapter Text

Selfies

They kept Auron on a very steady selfie-schedule. Not on purpose or at least, not with malicious intent.

Not originally.

They worked their way up. From selfies with the sunrise at their back, or with their latest breakfast, hell, they actually took a selfie with Trish on one of their lunch breaks, then escalating to asking which outfit to pick, or just choose a colour, only for Auron to see them in what he picked in the next attached selfie, and for the rest of that day. Rook chose, deliberately, not to escalate further for a while.

They were busy, like him, true, but they wanted to choose a day when it would have an impact. Their opportunity came soon enough.

Since Auron could barely conceal his mental state in their texts, they could easily read from almost robotic replies lacking his usual bluntness they so enjoyed, that this particular day was not shaping up the way he desired.

Time for the plan, which was rather simple, but the execution needed to be perfect. They kicked something under their desk and got underneath with a muttered curse, something the rest of the legal team would understand.

They didn't have much time, lest they arouse suspicion. A cheeky smile, the camera held up and looking down on them, and in a few clicks, they had a selection to choose from.

They got the pen they "lost" and got back into their chair, continuing work as they considered what to write as flavour text for the photo.

Admittedly, their cheeks heated up at the way they looked from that angle. The embarrassment, mild as it was seemed to be unavoidable, but Rook pushed through. They always did.

In the end, they couldn't find the right sentence to write, so they sent one of the shots of them kneeling on the carpet under their desk, looking up into the lens, one hand stretched out for the shot, one bracing on the floor, looking almost pleading.

It took agonizingly long minutes, and they thought it was probably- no, no, it was seen, the app said so.

The typing started.

Then stopped.

Then started.

And stopped.

And then, 3 words:

My Office, Pet

Chapter Text

Not An Intern, but...

Rook didn't need to have magic to know when a day was going to be real shit. This was the kind of day that had everyone down. Well, everyone that needed to step foot outside the safety of their homes.

So, Rook chose to do something: Order in. They had plenty of other staff added, so they could pool money for a big order. Everyone's lunches and drinks, who chose to participate and who Rook trusted. Every office has its problem people.

There had been fights about this before, but it was sorted, through HR... and Auron. They'd be dumb to think he didn't interfere. Not that they minded, of course.

That's how Rook ended up walking around their department with the others, giving out the orders the delivery guy brought, and in the end it was only Rook left with plenty ordered for lunch themself.

They stopped at Trish's desk, sliding her her order, and the fancy seasonal drink they got for her "You just have to try this one, I swear." They promised her with a smile, and she nodded back.

"Boss is in and available, if you are curious." She told them like Auron's presence was a secret. It usually was, especially on days like this.

Knocking never became a habit after the first day, so they opened the door gently, one hand holding the bag with the remaining food.

They trusted Auron's steady diet of coffee to not be accompanied by actual food. And they didn't order him food. They ordered a large portion of theirs. This was the second attempt at getting something sufficient into him during the workday.

He had the gall to get them to eat normal, and he was subsisting on snacks.

"I'm not ava-" he began, voice the tight monotone he tended to have when disrupted in a task suddenly.

"It's me." Rook interrupted with a smile.

Auron's expression softened, and his shoulders relaxed, just a hair. Their presence may have been welcome, but it was still unexpected.

"Lunchbreak, my dear?" He asked, and they placed a takeaway cup of warm coffee in front of him "And here I thought you weren't the intern" he teased with a tired smile.

Dropping the bag at the edge of his desk, they dragged over one of the chairs in his office to sit in. It was the middle of the workday, so any idea of sitting in Auron's lap was put on the backburner. Not that they didn't want to, but this was only a short period of time they could share.

"I'm having my lunchbreak. And-oh, shit." They quickly took out their phone to message the rest of the legal team that they'd be back after their break "There we go!"

"Oh?" He asked, eyebrow arched in question.

"We can talk about that new contract adjustment you just sent through to legal for checking and applying to new contracts, and amending existing ones." Rook chose that explanation, and while Auron gave them a doubtful look, he did start to talk.

He didn't get far as Rook opened up their lunch, skewered a mouthful of the meal onto their fork and held it up for him. They made sure it had a bit of the side and veggies too, for max effect.

"What ev-"

"Say 'Ah'." They cooed with a soft smile, and he gave them a look "Come on, I know you like this one, and I know you had about 5 coffees and a couple of little snackbars at best."

"I'll eat after work." He protested.

"As well as now." Rook added for him "Just a few bites, and I'll let you be." It was meant to be a compromise.

The best part about ambushing him like so occasionally was the way he had his guard down for them, especially in the comfort and security of his office. Trish knew very well that Rook was ensuring Auron ate food during the day. They had failed a few times before, and they made sure not to do it too often, but she wasn't stupid. Rook had too much of a habit to join her on her lunch on most days, so there was no doubt about them trying to get Auron to eat sometimes too.

They asked about specific details Auron was likely looking for, while he had the bite they offered, and he answered when it was their turn to eat. As usual in many of their time-limited encounters, halfway through, their alarm went off, and begrudgingly they packed up.

"Break's over, I guess. I'll let the team know about what to focus on." They smiled, dragging the chair back where they got it from, and went to pick up their bag with the leftover food.

It was a surprise to find Auron's hand atop theirs, and his intense gaze boring into them when they met his eyes.

"Yes, Sir?" They asked, heart skipping a beat.

It took him a moment to debate things with himself before he stood from his seat, free hand cradling their face gently as he kissed them. They somewhat expected that, cheeks heating up with a blush, returning the kiss just as enthusiastically.

Auron was the one to break the moment, duty was calling them both after all "Thank you, darling. While I could definitely do with your company all afternoon... do a lot indeed, but we both have immediate responsibilities, so... see you later, Rook. Don't stay late." Was it a request, a warning or even an order?

They could test it by disobeying.

However, the allure of a potential reward was too great.

Chapter Text

The Boudoir Shots

This was the riskiest business Rook got up to so far. Not only have they been saving money for this specifically... trying to keep it a secret from Auron, who was like a goddamn bloodhound to the slightest change in their mood, was nigh impossible.

It got to the point where they went to get the photoshoot done while still having... marks. They couldn't postpone it, and realized it was unnecessary anyways. The pictures were meant for Auron... mostly. Rook would love to see how professional shots could make them look as well. The photographer didn't mind the "additions", even seemed excited about it.

"Don't mind me! It's been a while since the added excitement of someone being so... active was added to my work!" And it was 3+ hours of work just doing that, their cheeks heated as they were doing as instructed.

Keeping the poses, and regardless of everything, thinking of Auron. They weren't sure what they expected from the photoshoot itself, but they did decide to set up a contingency with the photographer about deletion of the files. It was more or less a back-up for them, included in the contract.

They knew if this struck the wrong chord Auron might look into who had seen and allowed Rook into such positions... and they just didn't have good vibes about that idea. His jealousy did rear its head before, so bringing someone outside the company into any kind of a crossfire was not something Rook was keen on risking. They believed the photographer would have no repercussions coming for them, but being safe rather than sorry was their modus operandi.

They were allowed to look at the raw shots before the photographer would go into the editing room with them.

Then, they had to wait.

It was killing them. Waiting was killing them. Also Auron noticing their anticipation. They couldn't hide it.

"What are you planning, Rook?" He asked when cornering them at their desk.

They almost replied with 'nothing', but knew their voice would take on that sharp and high pitch that would just betray them immediately. Plus, he already took the effort of coming to them, so such a lie would fly about as well as a lead balloon.

"A surprise?" They tried instead. A drip-fed truth in this case could end up with a satisfactory result. Buy them the time they still needed.

"Oh? You've been on edge for about 2 weeks now, darling. Should I be excited about this... surprise?" He prodded more, and Rook tried to push away with their chair, but couldn't.

They had to turn with their back mostly to their desk when he approached. He leaned down, trapping them further in their seat.

"Never claimed the surprise was-"

"For me? My dear, you should know better. Why would you be so unbelievably nervous in my presence, yet have no qualms about our activities?" Well, he got a point there. Nothing changed, except their new and likely temporary need to fidget a lot. To just look generally nervous.

Rook was no more or no less interested in their extracurriculars than they've been prior to the boudoir shoot.

When the photos were developed, Rook went through them with great care. Nothing in focus in the background. No identifying marks. The photographer's logo kept off for the time being.

They've chosen their selection of the photos as per the package deal, and waited for the prints to arrive. Then they went into an envelope, definitely different than anything in the company...

Only to be sent up to Auron's office with the regular post. He would stop them from leaving, if they left it in person so... they had to have patience.

The excitement and nerves mixed worse and worse with every passing moment. They were distracted during lunch break which they took with Trish. It was a chore to talk with colleagues.

No reaction. Nothing. The envelope was eye-catching enough to ensure he'd check it. It wasn't possible that it was thrown out. Those letters were- oh fuck.

They shot up from their desk like they were chased.

'Trish.'

Those letters were filtered by Trish. If something didn't look like acceptable company business communications, she was instructed to shred them.

'Oh, shit, oh, fuck.'

The envelope definitely didn't look like company business. Trish would have-

"Fuck." They couldn't even ask about it.

Just because Auron wasn't doing much to hide their meetings in general didn't mean that they weren't trying to keep it from the rest of the company.

They detoured to the staff room, finding it blissfully empty. An empathetic smack of their forehead on the vending machine as part of their self-berating, before they shoved some change into it to get a hot chocolate.

They needed soothing for their own stupidity. The hot chocolate from the machine was passable at best. What a waste of money. The photographer would have a field day with hearing about why they wanted a second set of prints.

"Should've just-"

"Should have what, Rookie?" They would've tossed the last remnant of the hot chocolate at the voice, if it wasn't Auron's.

"Nothing!" The defence came back with the vengeance of a lie. Not like he k-

He lifted a red envelope in his hand. The seal had been broken on it. The shock blocked both panic or excitement from coursing through their veins. It was just their being unable to comprehend.

Like a deer caught in headlights, eyes wide, they stared "Oh." the sound was out before they could stop it, cheeks heating as they took in the intense look they got from Auron.

"Oh?" One eyebrow raised in almost a challenge "Had I not been keeping an eye out for whatever you've been doing, Rook, this would have been shredded. So, I believe what I deserve here is a 'thank you'." he corrected with a smile.

"Got more saved." why the fuck did they say that?

"You do?" his voice barely concealed the interest, which could mean many a thing. Mostly good though. 'Was it the admission or the fact that they actually had more that brought the question?'

They wouldn't know, but the way his eyebrows rose was one of curiosity, excitement, and interest.

"Let's talk about where this was done." Auron suggested, and Rook felt worry well up in their throat.

"Uhm, I probably shouldn't?" They phrased it as a question, either to tease Auron, or to keep their photographer anonymous, they weren't sure.

"How am I going to pay for your next session then, my dear?" The heat in the question caught them off-guard as Auron closed the distance.

It must have been the primal hindbrain taking umbrage with the sudden approach of their boss, but they stood up, not that fighting was on their mind at all. Based on the way Auron froze up, the same they had, he must have caught himself just the same.

"This is the staff room, Sir." Rook barely managed to keep their voice even. This was a reminder for the both of them.

"I suppose, let's not get HR involved. Not if I want these photos to remain private." he straightened himself, taking a deeper breath "Send over the details of the photographer, and the rest of the photos you got from them, Rook." they pursed their lips at the order, not liking the vagueness there "No need to pout, just do it. I swear, there's nothing nefarious targeting your photographer-accomplice. I am... quite pleased with the results, as you can expect." he took another calming breath "See you after work, Rook. Oh, and next time? Just send them some other way? The quality of the photos is great, but if Trish or anyone else opened this, there'd be trouble. Dealing with HR and the fucking employee handbook is not what I consider the best foreplay." the warning was said only semi-seriously.

He owned the place, but Rook didn't need a law degree to know just what kind of a mess inappropriate conduct could create legally and beyond it, merely within the walls of the office. So yeah, he was right.

However, for the teasing, they did just mass-sent the edited pictures to Auron.

If they had to suffer for weeks, he'd suffer until the end of the workday. Okay, Rook's suffering was self-made and self-inflicted as well, but who cared about such fine details?

They didn't.

When their phone pinged a few minutes later, they had that pleasant excitement tingling under their skin, knowing that Auron sent a message.

They didn't dare read it for another handful of minutes.

In this occasion, there was a simple, 2-word promise/threat there:

After Work

Chapter Text

Papercut

Rook worked hard all day. They really did. They set things up so that they had to get their own stack of signatures from Auron. Well, the ones he already confirmed through internal communications.

This was an easy reason to see him. They would never miss such opportunity falling into their lap.

Trish smiled at them "He had a rough day?" they asked her, just so they could get a heads up.

She got used to it after a while. At the very least, Rook cared about how their Boss was. In more ways than one. She probably guessed that second bit.

"Not that bad from what I can see. He might actually sign without questioning you this time." Trish gave them a knowing look they have learned to bear.

Questioning... right. Make-out sessions in the office had an interesting synonym it seemed. They couldn't help their smile, as they opened the door carefully.

"Ah, Rookie, good timing." That could have meant so many things, and they were not about to query just which one of the myriad of options it was.

"Being finished with these as agreed and here they are, Sir." Frankly, they wouldn't be surprised to learn he was checking the cameras again.

It was a bad habit, but not one they discouraged.

"Good, then let's see them." Walking around his executive desk, they handed him the stack, not expecting there to be any surprise visit.

The sharp, stinging pain made them hiss involuntarily, their reflex bringing their finger to their lips with a muttered "Fuck." Though it came out wrong.

'A goddamn papercut. Seriously?'

The only thing worse than a papercut is getting one and only realizing later. So, at least, this one was fresh.

In some ways, they never should have taken their attention off of Auron. If they didn't, the sudden grasp on their hand wouldn't have been a surprise. Nor would have the kiss on the wound caught them off-guard.

But it did. Face heating up, they stared at Auron as he pressed his lips to the wound. Of course he had to give them a confident, teasing look before speaking up.

"Kisses make the pain disappear, right?" Of course their own brain was right back in the car when they kissed his bruised knuckles. No question.

"N-not disa-appear, you should know that. Just... fade a little." Their protest was weak, the stammer unintended, but out of their control.

"Is it better then? Faded a little?" The very-present teasing did make them consider if he ever really and honestly was behind wanting to try and keep Trish off their trail.

Because a few more extended visits to the office, and she would put together two and two very easily. Supposed long discussions about the material every single time, plus Auron somehow being much more bearable or still in pretty decent spirits after- never mention the fact that he personally spent so much time on Rook.

Let's be honest, she knew they were together. All else was just... a game.

"I... I'm not sure." It took two to tango, and Rook would be damned to end this encounter so fast.

Not that Auron showed any sign of wanting to stop.

"Now?" He asked again, look at them.

They gave it a thought, maybe to, but chose "Yes, it's better now, thank you, Sir." Simple words, but chosen carefully.

A quick kiss on their hand, and then...

He didn't let go.

"So, can I trust that you haven't edited these before bringing them?" They snorted at the both very reasonable, yet utterly pointless question, including a delivery that was best described as cheeky yet with a deadpan tone.

"I leave that one up to you, Auron. You could read through them, if you want. I have time." their tone was faux polite as they leaned against the table, their hand still gently held by their boss.

They had no desire to leave, so when Auron began reading, they smiled, closing their eyes for a moment to just enjoy the quiet, and the warmth of their hands together.

Chapter Text

Missed Call

The day was productive, more than expected. The team deserved high fives and a pizza party.

Nah, no pizza party. Nobody wanted that.

However, as they got back their desk, and started packing up - the last one leaving, though not on purpose - and did their usual check of their stuff.

However, in the small breaks they took, they were quite disappointed to find no reply to their quick ringing of Auron's phone... or the text they sent. Sure, it was merely them trying to wish him a nice day, and let him know that potentially legal will do a bit of overtime. Then again, that was something he probably already heard of from the head of the legal department.

Still, it left a pang of empty disappointment in their heart.

Maybe the day really wasn't shaping up as intended. Maybe he got busy with his 'side gig'. It wasn't hard to guess that matters there could get out of hand.

Maybe it did so to the point where Auron had to fix it, however...

Well, that didn't erase their own disappointment now, did it. They wanted to ask him for his time. Maybe after hours, since it would have taken nothing to make the team believe Rook was staying late to get ahead of one job or another.

With the slightly bitter tang of this disappointment, they decided to actually leave for the day.

Coat on arm, as the weather outside was not cold enough for the short trip to their car, bag slung over their shoulder, they headed for the elevator. The hallway was quiet, most of the others on the floor have run out as the clock struck 5. Some probably even before then.

They weren't in any particular hurry.

The elevator's quiet 'beep' seemed to ring loud as they pressed the button.

'Huh, weird. Coming from a higher floor.'

It was a clear indication, but nonetheless interesting to see.

When the elevator dinged to gain their attention and signal that it reached their floor, Rook looked at the doors. Their eyes widened in clear surprise as they saw who was standing in the elevator.

Auron looked a bit tired, and a bit annoyed, but those have been quite basic features of his. He also looked... relieved.

"Good timing." They noted with a soft smile tugging on their lips. They stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind them, and leaving them face-to-face with Auron. They didn't reach for a button to direct the contraption.

"As if anything less is expected, Rook." The confidence was not lost, never lost, but the facade of it was easier to see.

Auron wasn't sure he'd get to their floor 'in time'. He wasn't saying it, but Rook could see it.

"Not staying late today?" He asked, the teasing lilt of his voice warming Rook.

"Nah, we finished the task on time, and I thought a night in with some takeaway sounded like acceptable celebration." They simply chose not to ask about Auron's absence.

Pointless to ask, and Auron deserved to switch off a little.

"I don't suppose I can tempt you with something more refined, my dear." The offer wasn't unexpected, but Auron tended to have more plans in place. Or appeared so. Maybe he was taking 'risks' for them this time.

"I don't look the least bit presentable." Their protest held the edge of vanity.

Going with Auron after the general stress and existence at the office left their mark on them wasn't their usual-

"Not that refined, Rookie. What do you say?" the question was simple enough.

An almost impromptu night out with Auron? That wasn't even a question.

"I guess I can forgo the comfort of my bed and the call of eating in said bed for you." he mirrored their smile.

"That is very kind of you." his words were warm, and Rook pressed the button they needed, and the elevator started down.

It took them a moment to gather their courage to ask.

"Was today difficult, Sir?" it was vague enough to leave Auron not just mere wiggle-room, but an entire field to hide his side gig or other issues.

Did they want to know, to be able to help more? Sure. They definitely did. However, Auron was not a man they could truly pressure to share what he didn't want, and his side gig was something he kept from them. Pressing him on the matter was pointless.

"More annoying than difficult. Borderline enough for a migraine. However, I'm fine. Especially now that my company went from unbearable to... welcome. Definitely more pleasant and witty than-" that had to be enough "Khm... than most others. However, don't feel the need to accompany me. While I didn't have the chance to check my email for what you and the team worked on, I realize your day must have been... exhausting as well." his consideration always warmed their heart.

They smiled softly, as they shifted to stand beside him, so their back wasn't towards the door.

"Soo, the bad day was the reason-"

"I didn't want to send a message that would come off as uncaring. Brushing you off with a text also felt... wrong." it wasn't really a defence, not to their ears. Just reasoning it out with himself, and revealing said reasons to them.

"The lack of a reply was more uncomfortable than any short text would have been." They've learned to be blunt with Auron at times "The uncertainty of it was kind of a shitty feeling." they added, and Auron nodded.

"Noted, Rookie. I will endeavour to not disconnect like that when I can help it." it was a very polite way of saying that he'll try to not do that again.

They didn't expect it to be a magical cure-all. Not with him. Not with them. They still didn't know a lot.

What they did know, as they headed out to Auron's car was that they were about to add more memories to their growing roster of their times with Auron.

Chapter Text

Booty Call

It was the middle of the work day. So the middle of it, Rook was preparing to go to lunch. Just that one final sentence. They just needed to finish that properly, then they could save the file, and get lunch. That was the plan.

Then their phone buzzed. A message.

My office in 10

Simple, to the point, and curiously lining up to be 5 minutes after Trish would be gone for her lunch-break. The same lunchbreak Rook would usually accompany her on.

Today was not one of those days. Trish rang them, and they said they'd take lunch later, which was usually Rook's code for no lunch, on most days.

This day, it was something else. Auron usually didn't call them up during the day. Not like this.

This sounded like something Rook didn't dare name. They didn't want to jinx it. Considering the man's usual attitude, they had an idea, but getting their hopes up was in their best interest.

So they finished what they had to, saving the file, and headed off for their 'lunch'.

Trish's desk was empty, a note to not disturb the boss left on there as a warning sign for staff and visitors alike. Auron probably requested that Trish leave that there.

Rook walked past there, and went straight for the door, opening it without hesitation, though their body was thrumming with anticipation.

They met Auron's eyes before the door even shut behind them, and could see the creases of annoyance in his brow smooth out just that little bit upon seeing them.

"A reply would have been welcome, Rookie." he tried to chastise them.

"Maybe give me more than 10 minutes next time, Auron." challenging words, but also quite true. He knew their schedule well enough, and knew that they needed time to plan to not make their extracurriculars obvious to everyone.

"That's way more time than I would give anyone. A head start, if you will." the implication was not lost on Rook, and it left them with a mental note.

"As if getting to your office needed that. It's not like I would be running away." Rook teased, but could feel a certain understanding pass between them as they said that.

"That's true. No reason to escape, I suppose." their boss teased back.

"So, what am I doing here? Other than you calling me." Rook ended up asking.

The silence stretched for a bit, the tension rising. Rook would have been lying to say that they didn't know what they were doing there.

They had an hour to mess around with, after all.

"I was intending to enjoy your company, my dear. I feel we both could use some relaxation." his tone was teasing still, and Rook didn't need signposting.

Pretending otherwise would be wilful ignorance on their part.

Approaching the executive desk, they rounded it with the ease and familiarity of someone who belonged on the same side of it as Auron. Almost enough to consider it their own desk by then.

"So, we can agree that this was a booty call?" the question's bluntness made Auron huff out a laugh.

"If I admit that I missed your ass, will that be satisfactory?" it was Rook's turn to laugh.

"Only my ass?" there was no way they would skip asking that.

"I suppose the rest of you is welcome too. Especially that talented mouth. Both at work and in other activities." they felt the smile tugging at their lips, before Auron shifted in his chair, and in a moment, they were pulled into his lap.

Their little gasp of surprise was expected by both of them.

They knew their 1 hour lunch break was going to include a lot of things, except for a filling meal.

Not that they minded.

Chapter Text

Butt Dial

Good thing everyone preferred the other 2 copy rooms. This one was nigh-deserted to the point that the machines hadn't even been switched on for the day. They suspected the janitor switched them off as a test, and who knew how long it'd been since either copier were in use. Frankly, they either needed moving or needed to be made redundant and make this room into something else instead of a-

No. No. They were grateful for this. The chances of anyone stumbling upon them was almost none, and that was good, considering their heart doing weird shit in their chest, and the way they were unable to take a proper and deep breath. It's been a bit since they got an attack without knowing the trigger right away. Their general unease had been persisting for almost a day, keeping them from sleep as well.

It was already a bad idea to come to work. Any sane person would have called in, right? Then again, they were in legal, nobody is sane in the business. Well, most people would risk getting their anxiety attack at work. They needed money to live, right?

Rook was no different, and the choked, mirthless laugh that broke through their already messed up breathing didn't help them.

The only thing them knowing what was going on helped was them taking the remaining window of opportunity and hiding from the prying eyes of colleagues. Their phone was still in their pocket, the only item of importance, in case things went from bad to worse.

They knew what was going on, and the tears of frustration at being unable to take themself out of it was stinging their eyes.

Soon came the chills, the dim lighting in the room and the complete shielding from natural light creating the feeling of cold, and their clammy hands clamped around their legs. Was curling up, sitting against the wall a good idea? They couldn't remember.

So many suggestions to handle this, to manage everything. So much information.

Yet all they could recall were the signs.

"Fuck." they gasped out, desperately fighting to keep the tears at bay, because adding sobbing in frustration to their still painful breathing wasn't helping.

For the first time, they swore they were about to die, because getting this while at work was simply unacceptable. How the hell were they supposed to get back to actually work, not be questioned about what happened, and then be able to go home? Nobody sane would drive or travel, if they could avoid it in such a state.

Nausea on an empty stomach, maybe even worsened by said empty stomach, and everything else added together, they admittedly lost track of time.

Between their breaths, shuddering from their attempts at slowing it down, and their blood rushing in their ears, the sudden voice in the room sent a shock of adrenaline through them all over again.

"Rookie?"

Auron. He found them, and they couldn't decide if his presence made the panic gripping their body worse, or if it was excitement and relief trying to carve a path through their nerves.

Still, they tried to look up, finding their vision somewhat blurry, and unsure if it was the tears they thought they were holding back, or just the panic burdening their brain.

"Rook..." he sounded closer and clearly was, and the uncertainty in his voice made them feel just that little bit worse.

The warm touch on their hand made them jump, a whole body jerk, looking at Auron at the surprise contact.

"Shit. Right... Rook, I'm going to touch you now, okay?" Their nod was another jerky motion, and they soon felt the warmth of his hand on theirs "I'm going to sit next to you." Auron announced, making the reasonable choice to announce his movements.

He was radiating heat compared to the chill coursing through their veins. It was admittedly reassuring.

"Rookie? You with me?" His voice was gentle, the isolation of the printer room lowering his guards as well.

"Yeah." Their voice was shaky and unsure, breathing still not under their control.

"Good. Please, explain to me step-by-step how you would start amending a contract. You know, the wording, and relevant law updates required." He sounded like he was trying to wave his own vagueness off, and Rook felt a smile tug on their lips, even if it never really got there.

It was a bit of a rough start, trying to find the starting point, to put it into words, Rook was stammering and stumbling over words, but their brain was slowly getting into the zone. Each breath and each sentence became steadier as their mind focused, and the warmth of Auron's hand on their own was ever-present and soothing in addition to that.

By the time they finished their explanation, they were leaning on him, and their hand was turned to meet and hold Auron's. Their breathing was more even, and the feeling of dread subsided.

They went silent upon finishing, and just checked themself. Their breathing, the creeping warmth of normalcy under their skin, the reassuring handholding, and just Auron next to them.

"A bit better?" Their boss ventured to ask.

"A bit... I can think again..." they wanted to say more, but the yawn was unstoppable as a wave of exhaustion swept over their system "I could sleep for a week." Rook muttered "Thanks, Auron." Their brows furrowed as a thought came to them "How did you find me?"

They chanced a look up at him, somewhat surprised at how unguarded he was, clearing his throat "Your phone, Rook. You called me." He clarified, though that didn't make sense.

"No, I didn't." Their protest was weak, not much effort behind the words.

"I'm under the impression it was unintentional. You didn't answer me when I was trying to talk, and I heard- well, your distress. The noises were hard to make out, but it was clear something wasn't quite right. After that, following your track on the cameras wasn't too difficult. Not that it was easy. I would have guessed you'd go to a toilet." He admitted the last bit with a laugh.

"And risk being discovered? The point was to hide, Auron." They shut their eyes as another yawn made its way through "So, it was a butt dial, it seems." They muttered.

"I suppose. Do you feel good enough to stand up?" Auron ended up asking.

"I... think so. Why?" They didn't have the capacity to follow the unspoken train of thought.

"Because I can't very well carry you to my office now, can I?" While it was true, the idea did make Rook smile.

"True." They agreed, and Auron climbed to his feet, showing clear signs that his limbs didn't appreciate the sitting on the ground in a cramped space.

Still, he straightened himself, and offered a hand to help Rook up. The sudden change in posititon made them lightheaded as they were pulled to their feet, unintentionally leaning on Auron for support again. Not that they wouldn't have done so otherwise.

"Let everyone think what they want. You need water and something to eat. Come along." His walls were goinf back up, but Rook could see through them.

Down the corridors they went, side by side, and Rook could feel Auron's cool aura like a physical thing, but they had collected themself enough to keep up and be able to internalize that it was for the outside, not them.

"Trish, cancel my meetings." Was the simple order, and Rook gave the woman an apologetic look.

"Of course. You're unavailable." She nodded and did as she was told, but Rook knew she'd have her own ideas about what happened.

In the office, Auron took Rook over to the couch that was pretty much never used "Sit down, my dear."

"I can retu-"

"I appreciate your work ethic, you know I do, but your current work quality would definitely suffer. Just rest up. We can talk about what actually brought this on later, if you feel up for it, of course." They wanted to protest, but despite the squeakiness of the leather couch, the coolness matched with the comfortable temperature in the office was already something they unexpectedly welcomed.

Their sigh was quiet, but full of relief and gratitude. Auron returned from his desk with a bottle of water and a snack.

"Eat and drink, Rookie, then lie down."

"Thanks. By the way, I have no clue what brought this out, Sir. But thank you." He returned to his desk, allowing them to do as he told them to.

They made sure to not eat or drink too fast, chewing the food slowly and thoroughly. They folded the wrapper almost neatly, and trapped it under the half-full bottle before lying down.

"Do you need something to cover you, Rook?" They shook their head.

"Nah, I'm good like this." They confirmed, settling on their side.

"Good. On another note, that room needs repurposed." They tensed up at that, now that Auron uncovered that hiding spot "Maybe a bit later. The printers definitely need to be returned to circulation. They cost too much to just let them be there, unused." They snorted a little at that.

"But that's my hiding spot..." their protest was only meant to be for show, not to mention that their mind and body were ready to crash.

"We shall see, Rookie. Now, rest. You need to be awake to go home later on." It vaguely sounded like an order, though it wasn't like they needed a lot of convincing for sleep to claim them.

Chapter Text

Hide & Seek

Auron permitted a whole lot when it came to Rook. They knew that really well. That's why Rook made a very annoying beeline around the office, using the fact that a decent percentage of the office was spending their holidays away or were permitted some minor home-office hours. Not legal though. Not Rook. They wouldn't take it, even if they could. They had a plan, and their phone was in their hand, waiting for Auron to see their message. Frankly, he got the worse end of things, the longer it took.

Not to mention, they only sent a simple, cryptic, teasing message:

I hide, you seek ;p

Finally they ended their random beelining around the place, and slipped into a small space that would only be used near the end of the day.

And so, they waited, finding a space they could lean against, considering the unlucky fact the door was opening outward.

Their phone pinged.

In the middle of the day, darling?

Rook barely got the chance to read the message, before their phone rang. Their heart felt like it jumped to their throat, the thrill dancing up their spine upon seeing the somewhat obvious and expected caller: Auron.

They answered the call, wondering what to say, but they didn't have a chance before the low voice on the other end spoke up.

"Interesting challenge to pose, darling." They heard faint clicking in the background.

"I thought going to you might raise suspicions by now." Their defense was lukewarm at best, voice hushed in the confines of their hiding spot.

"So you are hiding instead, and in a place you might be discovered in, then." That was in no way an appropriate reaction to their comment "You decided to get your mileage in, I see. Trying to get me to do the same." They could hear the suppressed laugh in his voice very clearly.

"Why did you call?" They blurted out, feeling the rush of adrenaline in their body.

"To keep you updated about how far I am in my... search. Surprising you is fun, but isn't it more interesting to know how far along I am in this game of Hide & Seek?" More clicks in the background "To know how much longer you have left of this little game?"

Rook bit their lip. Of course Auron picked up on the theme.

"It's surely a good way to make sure I don't get bored and get started without you, Sir." Their cheeky words were rewarded by hearing his breath catch for a moment.

"That would truly be a quite daring gambit to try, Pet. It would have - like everything - its consequences." his voice trailed off meaningfully "Plus, you cannot expect to succeed in hiding properly, if you are left to your own devices to be quiet." it was time for their breath to hitch at the insinuation.

"I can be quiet." they pressed out with as much false bravado as they could muster.

"With some help." Auron added, the smile audible in his voice "However, consider this a warning, Rookie: Don't start without me. You began this game, and you will see it through to the end." they knew he wasn't opposed to giving punishment, however proportional that was, if they were to not heed his order.

"Of course I will see it through to the end, Sir. It would be cruel and unusual punishment for both of us, if I just went ahead and returned to my seat before you even started looking for me." they protested, heart hammering with excitement, and indeed, the heat of it all was spreading through their body "Maybe instead of starting without you, I should just do that then? Return to my desk, continue working, and keep both of us in this anticipation?" it was not often wise to challenge Auron like that, but his chuckle did leave them with a pleasant shiver running through their form.

"That would quite ruin the seeking part now, wouldn't it, Pet? I could just call you to the office for an impromptu meeting, and we both know how that would end. Hardly a game worth playing when you've already expended the energy of hiding." he teased, and Rook leaned against the wall heavier.

The clicking stopped.

"Sir?"

"Time to see if I'm right." the statement was simple.

A little bit too simple. He couldn't have tracked their location this fast, right? Though he said he had eyes everywhere, those still take time to check. Shouldn't it have taken more?

Uh-oh.

The thrill was making them almost jittery as they held their breath, hearing Auron moving.

"Trish, I'll be back shortly." they could hear him say over the phone "Needing to check on something personally." he added, probably as an answer to a question they couldn't hear.

Did he really find them so easily? So quickly?

For a brief moment, they felt the jolt in their whole body to bolt from the room. To run, and make it a chase, but such a thing was seriously dangerous to do when there actually were people in the building. Hell, there were people a couple rooms away already.

"Still here?" Auron's voice came through the phone, and Rook shivered.

"Of course, Sir."

"Good. I'd be severely disappointed, if you ended the call. I could possibly find you by your ringtone, but I guess you might have thought of that and silenced your phone." they didn't want to admit they didn't think to do that.

Had they ended the call, Auron would have been able to hear their phone.

"You didn't suggest ending the call though, Sir. Why would I have chosen to do so?" they almost challenged Auron with that, and the little huff of his laugh made warm curl in their belly.

"Because it's always entirely possible you decide to be a brat, considering you started doing all this in the middle of a workday. However, I don't mind. You know very well that I don't. I just hope you won't come to regret-"

"When has regret ever come up in my dictionary like that, Auron?" their interruption was preceded by a small laugh "I appreciate your concern though... it's cute." whether he intended to react to that or something else, they could hear a sound choke in his throat even through the phone.

"Y-you are really failing to grasp the words that are supposed to be used when referring to me, aren't you?" he sounded just as incredulous as they expected he must have felt.

"Are we talking about you being nice, caring, and now cute?" it was fun to hear him try to hide his potential sputtering from the world, but still the way he struggled to find the right words was really funny to hear.

"All of those." he almost choked out "I may not have a counter, but you should know that I am keeping track." another chill of excitement raced up their spine.

"Should I really worry about what number you are at?" they asked, knowing the outcome that was to come.

A wiser person would have stayed quiet by then, but egging Auron on was definitely thrilling.

"There are many things to worry about, Rook. Not just numbers." he trailed off meaningfully.

The next thing Rook knew was the closet door opening, no dramatic slam or anything, and Auron standing there with the phone still in his hand.

"Found you, Pet." his voice was low and echoing in their ear through the phone as well, both due to the mere proximity of the nearby office rooms, and because there was no reason to be loud, after all "The janitor's closet, really?" he ended up asking, before shutting the door behind him.

"The idea had been around for a while, Sir." they protested quietly, cheeks warm just like their whole body.

"And it would be very much in use after hours, true. I guess it will do." they were pulled into a heated kiss, biting back a whine at their little success.

They would definitely need the help keeping their voice down.

Chapter Text

Best Fit

Going out on a daytrip with Auron was not something they were used to. However, he had used the phrase 'date', so Rook decided to dress as though they were going out proper. They were, just in a different sense. The car ride was welcome, just as comfortably close as ever, Auron's hand on their thigh.

"Sooo, where are we going?" they couldn't help trying again.

Being denied the answer multiple times already, they couldn't help but try.

"I told you, my dear. You will see when we get there. I'm sure you'll find it a... more than satisfying reward for managing the anticipation." Auron was teasing them still, obviously and they pouted, looking at him.

"That is just mean." their protest had no heat behind it.

"Patience is a virtue." he reminded them, and Rook rolled their eyes.

"I never claimed to be a virtuous." however, they didn't press further.

When the car pulled into a closed parking garage, Rook frowned, only to be guided out of the car, and through well lit corridors, before going up an elevator with Auron. The place looked low-key, but Rook had the sense that this was for the benefit of everyone else who'd visit the building.

The elevator opened to a shop floor. It spacious, only a few pieces in each case, and there was no streetside entrance. There was no natural light filtering in either, the windows shielded.

A salesperson was waiting for them, dressed in formalwear, but simple in design.

"Good afternoon." Auron greeted them, and the woman bowed slightly.

"Good afternoon. I was informed you'd made an appointment. I've been assigned to be your guide to aid your selection." her voice was even, and Auron nodded.

"Good. I am looking for everyday selections and special event ones." she nodded and motioned for them to follow.

"Wonderful. Please, follow me. How about we start with the everyday pieces?" Auron nodded in their stead, and they stayed in step with him, glancing from one display to the next, seeing the one thing that wasn't there.

Pricetags.

Nothing had prices on it.

They stopped at a line of display cabinets.

"Based on the information you provided to the owner, these might be a good starting point for your consideration." she motioned over 4 cabinets "These are all the ones we have on hand. Of course, we have your order on the system already for a bespoke piece." Auron nodded again, and Rook took in the subtle necklace designs.

Necklaces. Oh.

"Could you show the locking mechanism? Or better, the choice of locking mechanisms." the question was simple enough, and Auron glanced at Rook, trying to quickly gage their interest.

They were pretty sure their eyes were almost shimmering with excitement upon seeing it all, and they felt heat in their core at the idea of the necklaces. Honestly, very little care about the necklaces themselves... it was about the gesture.

"Of course, sir!" she practically chirped as she opened up the display case nearest to them "We offer four choices, depending on the needs of our customers. This one is the most popular, a key-lock. It's not a traditional key, more of a bespoke key tool, so that the piece can be easily removed. We also have the permanent option, which will have us manually aid you in closing the chain with no clasp, or the opposite of it, a standard clasp. One some models, with a more prominent pendant-" she cut herself off, placing the necklace she just showed back in there, and moved over to the next case, where the necklace had a more bulky and sparkly pendant, but it was still quite subtle for the filigree chain "We also have a puzzle lock option, once again, limited by the choice of pendants." she took the piece out, and turned the pendant's back to face them, showing how the visible peg was shifting on the visible lines there, while the front had certain sections of the flower shift a little bit "While this leaves an option for the wearer to unlock it after much practice, it's still easier to do so with help." she finished it up by showing how to close the lock back properly.

"Thank you." his attention fully shifted to Rook "So, my dear? Any preferences?" 

"You really should warn me when springing something like this on me." they griped with no bite behind the words "The puzzle lock. I don't mind you being the only one able to remove something, but it would keep me occupied to figure it out. And other things..." they trailed off with a meaningful look, and Auron huffed out a laugh.

"Sure then. Let's have a look at more of the puzzle options then." he asked the attendant, and she showed them to the displays with different puzzles and demonstrated them.

She explained their mechanisms, and their failure rates, since the puzzles can shift out of alignment with physical damage. She also emphasized that this design is once again, day-wear, regular jewellery, not noticing or not caring that Auron looked annoyed by the repeated reminders.

"We ge-"

"Sir, the company will not take responsibility for the deterioration of the mechanism or of the integrity of the material, if it is used wrong. It is my responsibility to ensure this is completely understood before the purchase." seemed like she was hardened in the business of dealing with stubborn customers.

"Understood then. Thank you for your concern." Rook interjected with a smile, not just covering for Auron's apparent distaste for being handled like that "There's no intention of using it as anything but a necklace." it was a nice attempt at de-escalation, and they felt Auron's tension ease next to them.

"True." was his curt addition, though it was still more mellow than whatever would have come out otherwise "We have another place to visit afterwards anyways. Take us to place an order." Rook tensed up at that.

"Wait, you aren't-"

"It will be a bespoke piece, my dear. Most of the details are already set up." the attendant nodded, and took them over to the computer, tapping away immediately to bring up details.

Rook glanced around, wondering what else would jewellery be like. Rings, bracelets, earrings... they must have their own specialty in those as well.

"Are these details correct?" she asked, turning the screen to him, and Auron hummed.

"Yes, when can I expect it be completed?" he asked in turn.

"Our processing time for bespoke pieces like that are about a month." she confirmed, and the man nodded.

"I suppose that's acceptable." he conceded and finished up the interaction, and they left the way they came, through the elevator.

"So, you've planned it all?" Rook asked as they reached the car.

"I may prefer to use my hand to measure you, my dear, but the necklace would be a lovely addition and unobtrusive." they both got back in the car, and the driver started out, leaving the parking garage, and back on the road.

Chapter Text

Sturdy Fit

"Wait, where are we going now?" Auron smiled at them as they left the building, comfortably seated in the backseat.

"There is another store we need to have a look... well, not really a look. It is finished." there was nothing uncertain about the statement "I hope as far as surprises go, this wasn't a bad one." of course they couldn't help the slightly nervous smile.

"Definitely had much worse surprises." the admittance of that fact wasn't difficult "Though now I'm concerned what else could you be thinking of, as you mentioned it's also a store." he smiled,  at the barely-veiled query.

"You'll see, darling, but I should think you have a good idea, based on the first stop." he offered as a vague hint.

Well, there was little vague about that.

"I mean, you've just ordered a necklace, presumably for me, based on my presence and my opinion being taken into account regarding the choice." they ran through it with a smile, receiving one in turn, that little mischievous glint clear in Auron's eyes "So, that rounds out the jewellery department." 

"If that's your conclusion, then I shall leave the rest of it to be a surprise." Rook couldn't do much about that in all honesty.

"What inspired this day out like so?" they just had to ask, because frankly, Auron never made it clear.

"I thought the choices of jewellery answered that already." of course he was being coy about it.

He could afford it in the privacy of the car for certain.

"I mean, it looked like it would be a pretty collar, but the function would be... 'limited' sounds like the right word." that earned them a little laugh.

"Oh, it is meant to be limited, my dear. If I wanted to limit you otherwise, I'd choose something more sturdy and less... harmful. Like it or not, a thin necklace might leave undesirable damage." his smile was a welcome sight, and leaning against him as they went wherever the next stop was inevitably proved relaxing.

The next shop, as it turned out, it was a shop too, was a tailor. Rook didn't need a degree to know that the specialty of the space was not everyday wear.

The amount of leather and latex lying around was a dead giveaway, if the displayed outfits weren't. Now, their curiosity was piqued again. Nice jewellery was one thing.

An actual collar? Something else? They let their eyes linger on different pieces.

"See something you like?" Auron teased, the quick glance confirming that twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Perhaps..." Rook's suggestive tone was not accompanied by any further expansion of what caught their attention.

Not that they could actually point out one specific thing. Never having been in a shop like this, a tailor like this, Rook couldn't really do more than explore, even if it was done by looking. The salesperson was-

"Hi!" the man who greeted them was absolutely delighted, the embodiment of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, despite facing Auron.

Perhaps because of it.

"Hi!" Rook greeted him in turn, a little surprised, but no less willing to return the enthusiasm.

"Hello." It wasn't hard to tell that Auron perhaps had good rapport with this person, which also meant one thing.

He was not just a tailor, he was the tailor.

"Now those measures make more sense." the tailor teased with a smile.

"Before we comment on that, I'd prefer to see the finished piece." that earned him a polite, yet beaming smile, as a black box was brought out in moments.

The box was well-cushioned inside, and the piece inside it was what Rook would not consider the theme of the day.

A leather collar. Black and red, for reasons they'd considered obvious at that point, but their curiosity lead them to come forward and check the softness of the lining, so the leather itself couldn't bite into their skin. No harm that Auron didn't choose, or Rook didn't approve of.

If it made their heart flutter in their chest, the only way for anyone to know that was their smile.

"I take it you like it?" the tailor asked as the two watched Rook pick up the collar.

It was definitely a sturdy piece, holding a weight that perhaps was more noticeable to Rook with what having it around their neck would mean.

"I-"

"Would you like to try it on, darling?" Auron's interruption and the nature of it brought warmth to their cheeks again.

"Maybe?" they allowed the uncertainty to show for a moment, before thinking better of it "Yes, please." the request was met with some approval, before Auron turned to the other.

"I take it checking the fit is alright to do." he could have meant it as a question, but it didn't sound like it was one.

"Of course! Best make sure the recipient feel comfortable. Plus, I can still make adjustments, if necessary." he added.

Rook froze for a moment, as they digested what was about to happen. There was no fear or real concern. They've joked about Auron having an organic collar when he used his hand, but they could never imagine the outcome of getting a collar around their neck.

From him.

Even the concept of the necklace with its puzzle lock was something easier to take in.

"Are you okay, my dear?" he asked, slight concern etched on his face.

"Uh, yeah, yeah! Just... yeah." they weren't sure how to put into words what they were feeling.

At least not in front of the tailor. A shared glance between them and Auron conveyed that they were, in fact, very okay, but just to be certain, they chose to voice it as well.

"I do want to see how it fits." and many, many other things, but it was hard enough to not let the excitement show more than that.

They remained still, allowing Auron to check the collar's fit on their neck. For all intents and purposes, he was good at taking measure of that. The inside lining of against their neck was soft and comfortable, lacking the bite of leather, but definitely permitting the control the collar was meant to provide.

The control they gave freely by allowing that collar on their person.

"How is it, darling?" the question had Rook jump a little, caught off guard and shaken out of their introspective analysis of this experience.

"I think it is a good fit. Comfortable." they smiled, reaching up to touch the cool leather on the outside "Not too tight or too loose. You really can take good measurements." they praised with a cheeky smile, and Auron cleared his throat.

"Of course, my dear, that was never a question." he appraised the look of the collar before nodding "I agree, it turned out great. As expected." that last bit was clearly aimed at the tailor, who smiled politely.

"Why, thank you. So, would you like to keep it on, or pack it back?" there was a shared look between Rook and Auron.

Rook wasn't sure what else Auron planned, but they only shrugged to signal they were okay either way.

"We'll take the box but... I think it can stay on for now. That is, if you agree, Rook." the final decision being in their hands was warming their heart.

Whatever else Auron had in mind for the day, somehow this choice being handed over was the most important moment to them.

Chapter Text

Well-Worn Fit

Rook didn't even try to be subtle. In the same breath, they didn't ask for help. Digging through the large wardrobe that Auron kept for no good reason, they were looking for the most suitable item.

It was only a matter of time before Auron found them going through his clothes, and they truly hoped they'd have what they were wanting to find by then.

Who knew it would be such effort to find a good belt in this place?

Too many of them were brand new. Even more of them maybe worn once. Then there were the ones worn regularly. Not one of those either.

And then they found the perfect belt.

How they managed to do so before Auron came looking for them was a mystery, but like hell they'd look a gift horse in the mouth.

The belt itself was nothing special when it came to being ornate or not, but it had the softness of some wear and tear, but the firmness that something Auron would wear needed. Just in case, they double-checked that there were, in fact, more belts of this quality, and they didn't somehow end up figuring out that Auron was wearing one belt until it was completely decimated.

That would have been quite the surprise.

What was less of a surprise was the pleasant chill dancing up their spine, and the warmth that started in their belly when they tried the belt on.

The leather was softened enough by use, but still firm enough to hold well that it felt just a little rough against their neck.

There was no chance they'd tighten it, despite their thoughts saying otherwise.

Their mind, however, went to many, many a place, and none of them were conducive to not getting caught doing this.

"Rook?" which they were, if the voice from the side was anything to go by "Is tha- oh?" Auron cut himself off, and Rook's cheeks heated up immediately, the warmth in their belly becoming a blaze at the realization that they were caught.

They didn't bother fumbling with the loose collar that the belt formed around their neck, not when the appraising gaze was almost pinning them in place.

Even if that place was kneeling on the floor.

"Uhm... I can explain?" they tried, watching as Auron crossed his arms, his face showing his interest and amusement.

"Do explain then. Because what I'm seeing is you using one of my belts as a collar and leash." their breath hitched as he pointed out the obvious, heated gaze trained on them "You could have asked, my dear. Not that I mind you taking initiative in any way, but this..." he walked over to them, and Rook admittedly waited to see what he would do.

Taking hold of the loose end of the belt, and the light pull, had all thoughts flee their mind as they focused on Auron.

"You do have a good taste in belts though. So, I take it you'd like to have this too?" he teased, hand still firmly holding the belt, but not pulling further.

"Y-Yeah, please. I mean... Please, Sir." they corrected as their mind was trying to catch up with all the simple things that each had it short out.

Whatever was planned or considered for the day went out the window real fast.

Chapter Text

This was so risky. So fucking risky. Not to mention how hot under the collar they were, literally. Rook tried to play it off so much, they did their job, and most people only thought they were tense due to work, or so they hoped. However, this was something special. The day was shaping up to be a beast, and choosing today of all days to bring this in was... risky in many ways.

The chain laid flat under their buttoned up top, the soft leather backing nesting against the back of their neck, while the metal chain and rings had long-since warmed against their skin. Fortunately they didn't have to move around in a way that left the metal jingling. It would sound too heavy for it to be misconstrued as a regular necklace.

The slip-chain was heavy after all.

It was after lunch that they were called to Auron's office, and it was their chance. Surely, they had to discuss important matters. They did.

Rook knew that well.

But they've been waiting for this opportunity, the heat that had been in their chest migrating to their belly as they made their way to the office, nodding to Trish with a smile.

"Ah, Rook, right on time." of course Auron expected them, he called them there.

"Auron, what seems to be the problem? Or better yet, is there a problem?" their tone was professional, sure, but the warmth that crept into it just from being in Auron's presence in the safety of his office was undeniable.

"Just a job I intended to delegate to you. If not for any other reason, than to be able to call you up directly. It's not a difficult thing in particular, but it needs a lot of extra menial labor, and as you are well-aware part of the more senior legal team is currently rather busy." he informed them with a smile.

"Very well aware, all things considered." they admitted, and rounded the executive desk with practised ease.

While Auron was detailing the pain-points he wanted them to focus on, Rook nodded along, choosing the right moment when they felt he was closer to completion of their little meeting, before undoing the buttons on their collar, revealing the hidden necklace underneath. They didn't draw attention to it, no. Not until they stood up, and leaned over to give Auron a small kiss before retreating, knowing the slip-chain collar was revealed, the heavier chain jingling, and Auron's eyes inevitably drawn to it as Rook chose to mostly back out of the office.

"I'll make sure to bring this up to a priority task!" they teased, proudly showing off the red collar with the black-tinted slip-chain.

"I expect it to be done by end of day... Pet." he warned with a teasing tone.

Rook had a second to debate the answer, but they did reach up and gently pulled on one the loose ring of their collar, index finger hooked into it "Of course, Sir." and that was as good a time as any to flee, otherwise neither of their work would get done.

Rook would be lying if they claimed they weren't fidgeting until the end of their shift, just a little, the heat in their belly a constant for the rest of the day, despite having their top buttoned up again for the time being.

Just the idea of Auron using the collar as intended kept any chill from their body.

When it was the end of their shift, they had a few things left to finish as they said goodbye to their colleagues.

The steps echoing down the corridor and getting closer were an exciting and ominous warning.

Rook pretended to not notice, finishing up what they were doing and saving their work easily.

Their timing was impeccable as they turned their chair to face Auron as he approached.

"I take it you are done, Rookie?" His tone held the edge it tended to in the work environment.

He was their boss, after all.

"Of course, Sir. I'm just about ready to head home." not that they made a move to get up from their chair.

"Show me, Pet." he didn't need to clarify, and before Rook could even think, their hands were undoing the top button to reveal the collar.

Auron almost idly reached for the loose ring that would help pull it taut.

"Are you expecting that I'm going to use this on you, my dear?" his tone was almost curious, the ghost of a smile teasing at his lips, before satisfaction sharpened it "Didn't we already discuss that I do not need such things to keep you in check?" the question was rhetorical at best.

"But you'd not deny me the reward of you actually using it." Rook tried to make it a statement, but that minute shift in Auron's expression was telling.

"Oh, Rook, that's implying you've not been a brat with this teasing. Why would I reward such blatant disregard for the long hours I had to suffer with the knowledge that you've had this weighing on your neck without my hold to control it?" he leaned in closer, pulling the loose ring and pulling enough to noticeably tighten it around their neck.

"Come on..." they pushed out through excitement and nerve-tightened throat while the chill was dancing up and down their spine.

"Hmm... maybe you do need a reminder about who holds the leash, Pet." the warning may have been welcome, but unnecessary.

Rook wanted this collar to join the collection. Auron using it, even as such, was the best outcome.

Even if they had to rush things again due to the janitor starting on his duty.