#{starters:kris}

the heels of the redhead clicked against the freshly snowed on ground. thankfully it was nothing more than a tiny bit of that weather, but it showed off exactly what time of the year it was. with that, it had brought them into the festive mood even more so. so of course when they had gone to greet the new neighbors (cookies and coffee in hand), they had adorned a little santa hat, a red button down and tight green skirt. the festive spirit alight within them only to be shocked out of them by the appearance of said neighbor after they knocked on the door. "hi! welcome...oh, welcome to the neighborhood. i just wanted to stop by and say hi. i live next door."

this party was a little awkward. not just because kris was technically working. because their boss and them had shared a moment just before the party. and by moment, the redhead had caught the other looking at them as they had bent over to grab something. well, not merely looking but full on staring. kris immediately loved it, but didn't know how to approach the subject. instead, the secretary smiled and took into their arms some of the jackets of those who were showing up to the ritzy office party, trying to distract themselves. even as their boss made their way over to them. "is there...anything you need?" they asked, attempting to remain calm and professional.

"no, no- not eye-catching enough," kris sucked in their breath and let out a sigh. this was hard. for both of them clearly. "we need something that will wow them the minute you walk into that meeting. but, nothing too flashy, you know?" it was a rare moment of quiet piece between the blonde and their boss. with what they had been through, kris wanted nothing more than to help but this was difficult. "you need the board room equivalent of eye candy."

“guess i’m just...just nervous is all,” kris glanced out the window, to the scenic view. the bedroom looked over the beautiful gardens, lush and green and vibrant with their choice of floral arrangements. chairs were already out and a few of the attendants were double checking to make sure everything okay. meanwhile, kris’ heart was a dizzy, unyielding feeling of nerves and anxiety. and not the normal wedding day kind. “m-more nervous than usual, i mean-” they pulled the white silk robe a bit closer to their body, not yet changed into the dress. “-this feels s-so...so final. so much m-more than i feel like i’m r-ready for.”

kris couldn’t help it- they got off to the power the other exuded when they were in a meeting like this. the way the other spoke, commanded the room, exuded such a confidence, it was impossible not to be attracted to them. bright eyes gazed up at them with brilliant attraction, “-the accounts are all closed. all set up for us- for you, to use at your discretion, complete with a drink waiting on your desk for a victory sip.” the only time kris was ever confident was at work, as their assistant. and they relished in being such a role.

kris had been a little out of it in the gym. their time here was usually when that happened. work was all they really thought about most of the day. this was the place where they could let their mind wander. or, rather, more of the place to let their mind rest. to almost meditate. but behind them, they saw the other come in and stand just behind them in the mirror. the redhead turned, eyes widening slightly, “i...didn’t realize y-you came here.”

life at home was simple. boring. it had been something that kris had wanted for many years. but those many years were up and now it was a blank slate of going through the motions. especially with their spouse. and then their neighbor showed up. suddenly the world had color. kris would sneak peaks at them through the window, go on walks when they were outside, try to saddle up into conversations with them. this time, however, their peaking got them caught. changing in the window and they had seen kris staring. now there was a knock at the door and the house spouse had no excuse as they opened up the door. “afternoon.”

“good evening. everything is prepped and ready to go for you today,” kris had been waiting by the door to the office for the better part of an hour. did they care? not in the least. a good assistant did as they were told and yesterday they had been told to be at that spot at 6pm sharp- to be ready to help their boss as they worked through the night. “i even made a pot of your favorite coffee in the breakroom. a cup is on your desk,” there was a soft smile and a nod to follow.