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Dante didn't really know what had got into him... ok, so that was a lie, but still... he NEVER usually came to this kind of place. He could hear music thumping overhead and chatter from every direction. Low lighting making it hard to see the steps, something that wasn't aided by the amount of people stuffed into such a small space. A night club. Bodies rubbing against bodies, the sound of sloppy kisses and the obvious 'come hither' eyes.... it was enough to make him sick to his stomach.

Was this really where his life had ended up? Once a secretary for a high profile business man, Dante couldn't help but feel a little cheated. Of course that was before he remembered what the guy had done. He had tried to take things from Dante that he could never offer; offended by the rejection the guy had taken to poisoning the only person Dante had ever cared about against him. In the end the guy had made Dante's life a living misery... until he finally decided to resign. Desperate for work he had applied for every secretary position available and finally he managed to secure one. A slight pay cut, but considering it meant the start of a new life, Dante wasn't complaining. That was why he was here... he needed to get his old lover out of his head, only then would he truly be able to claim he was moving on with his life. Sure, it would only be an empty one night stand.... but right now that was exactly what Dante needed, and with him starting his new job tomorrow, now seemed the perfect time to do this.

He made his way to the bar, waited his turn before shouting his order as best he could over the music; "JD and coke." Drink in hand Dante made his way to a wall, leaning against it as his eyes hunted for his 'prey', even as he felt silly doing such a thing. It was probably obvious how uncomfortable he was.

Dante had held the gaze of a few men but none had really caught his attention; they all just seemed.... unworthy of the risk he was taking. After all, if you were going to break out of your comfort zone and do something crazy you should at least go the whole way....

...at least that had been his thinking until his gaze fell upon a man well out of league near the bar, the guy literally seemed to drip and ooze with untapped sexuality. Dante gulped, literally unable to look away and break the fragile connection that was between them; but that only lasted a moment since the stranger broke it for him. Typical. He thought, I guess I am just not his type or something. Dante didn't see himself as particularly handsome or charming, and his ex-lover had told him several times that he needed to take a good look in the mirror and see what the rest of the world was seeing.... yeah right. He sighed, his eyes already scouting for an alternative within his league when he heard mumbled words spoken just above him. Automatically his attention turned, and when he realised who it was beside him his eyes literally widened. He blushed at his reaction and turned away to cough softly into his fist.

It took him a moment to calm down and regain his composure. Never one for lying when it held little importance to him he shrugged and replied honestly; "No. First time." He looked back up at guy, cocking an eyebrow at his words before chuckling softly; the action making his shoulders move a little. "I take it.... you do?" Dante had planned to say more, at least until the guy finished explaining. His blush returned and he had to fight the urge to look away again. Twice in one conversation was just begging for the guy to leave... and since Dante wanted this, he wasn't about to allow that. Though something still baffled him... how had he managed to pull the hottest guy in this play so quickly? Cocking an eyebrow and trying to pull of a confident persona that he didn't feel, he finally spoke again; "Who said you are done seeing me now?" Ok, it was an overly cheesy line, Dante even felt stupid saying it, but it was too late to regret his word choice now that they had left his lips.

Dante let the conversation flow, nodding where appropriate and silently agreeing that it wasn't good for things to get boring... though at the same time Dante rather liked his predictable day to day life.

Perhaps it was simply because he knew he would never see this man again that made things easier for him. He could pretend to be whoever or whatever he wanted and this guy would probably never find out or even care. Yes, this had been a good idea after all....

"Dante." He said plainly, offering his hand automatically to Jeremy's. It was habit to show the highest level of manner's at all times; you never knew what impact your lack of attention could have on a client... or in this case, a potential partner. Dante didn't look away, he found himself fascinated by the blue eyes (at least they seemed blue in the dull lighting); though he was taken aback when his hand received a gentle kiss. It wasn't anything that made him feel uncomfortable, if anything it almost softened Dante towards him... dangerous since he had no desire to take this beyond a single encounter. That was the only rational that could justify what he did next. Standing onto his tip toes, he brought his mouth up to the guy's ear. "Continue to treat me like a woman... and I will show you some bad habits of my own." He had meant it as a threat but the sultry tone presented his words more as an offer. Lowering himself back to earth again he grinned up at the guy; "Now... if I haven't scared you off... shall we explore your bad habit of taking men back to your room? Or part ways here?"

Dante had no idea where this confidence was coming from, never in his life had been so forward. He may not have been overly nervous but he did keep himself to himself. He worked hard and even demonstrated that he could take initiative when an opportunity arose... but this? Never had he been so forward. Perhaps he was simply letting himself go, after all... who was this complete stranger going to tell or report him to? No one. The guy clearly had his own agenda, and it suited Dante well that their business remained private and that only the physical fell between them.

He downed his drink, still looking up at Jeremy. "Well?" He asked, a playful expression covering his features.

The door closing woke Dante up with a start, it was obvious what had happened but he still looked over to the other half of the bed just to make sure. Yep, empty. This was good. No awkward good bye or weird exchange of numbers simply because you suddenly felt obliged. He had had fun... which actually surprised him, he hadn't expected to enjoy himself quite so much. He felt sore, but after a quick stretch he put that out of his mind and looked at the time. "s**t!" Knowing all to well that he was going to be late for his first day if he didn't get his arse into gear, Dante dressed quickly and made his way as quick as humanly possible back home, he grabbed a super quick shower and a change of clothes, deciding to wear a bright blue shirt and silver tie since he was in such a good mood.

While he sat on the tube reading through several prep documents that he memorised days ago, Dante allowed his mind to wander. He had avoided answering all the serious questions like 'What brings you here tonight. First Timer? Special occasion perhaps? Here with someone?' and had taken the opportunity to simply speak freely without fearing repercussions. Jeremy had done just as Dante had hoped, cleared his thoughts of the past... of a lover who betrayed him and of vicious rumours that cut to the bone. Now he could forget everything that had happened before this morning and move on with his life.

Today marked the start of a new life. A new career.
Things were looking up indeed.

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He entered the office building he had attended for an interview slightly nervous, would he like his colleagues? How would things go? First impressions were always so important and there where never any 'do-overs'. He smiled politely at the receptionist, taking a moment to introduce himself and explain why he was here. Recognition lit up in the guys eyes as he stated his purpose.... always a good sign since it meant he was likely expected. He wanted to ask 'what's the boss like' but dared not since that could make him sound weak. Instead he obediently followed the receptionist to an office that read 'Mr Wilkinson' on the door.

The fake and nervous smile was still on his face even as he bowed to introduce himself. "Dante Andrews." It was only when he brought himself up from the bow and looked at his new boss that recognition took place.... no way! It couldn't be. Unable to stop the reaction a light blush covered his features and he found himself unable to keep eye contact. How had this happened! Only he could be stupid enough to mess up a random encounter.

Over and over again in his mind he swore at himself for his stupidity.

"Do you know each other already?" The receptionist asked, spotting their reactions.

The question made Dante cringe inside but it woke him up, he couldn't simply ignore this... this was how rumours started, and he had no intention of going through all that again. "Not exactly." He said, ignoring the blush as he looked the receptionist in the eyes before turning to Jeremy. "Mr. Wilkinson simply helped me pick up my shopping after a rather embarrassing bag splitting incident." The lie flowed easily from his lips, he had lied so fluently for years about his sexuality that it was nearly second nature... and right now he really wanted to erase the events of last night.

As his lie was discarded for the falsity that it was Dante didn't actually bat an eyelid; instead he simply chuckled softly and said; "My bad. I must have mixed you up.... you do look miraculously similar." Dante was no fool, he knew exactly who this was; and no matter what lie he tried to spout about it being his tie that annoyed him Dante was sure it was so much deeper. Yet his determination to have things go smoothly prevented him from speaking or arguing; especially since it was beyond stupid to answer back or second guess your boss on your first day... at least unless you had a good reason. No, this worked better for him he supposed. Having never met 'Mr Wilkinson' before, or at least pretending not, would hopefully make things go a lot smoother.

He removed his tie without question, stuffing the thing into his briefcase; it had actually been a parting gift from his last office, and Dante rather liked the dull matt finish of the thing.... but he had worked beneath enough arseholes to know not to question. In fact, experience had taught him that acting anything but upset often threw them off guard... and that was exactly Dante's intention. He cringed inside at the comment about making a poor impression, and just about managed to bit back an acidic comment of 'I guess you really are no good at chivalry towards men after all'..... but he didn't. Biting his tongue he put on his best smile; one practised on so many clients that it was practically real these days.

Following Jeremy he paused only long enough to catch the borrowed tie; "Thank you. But I always carry a spare." He bowed a quick thank you and returned it before following Jeremy. He supposed there were some habits he would simply never outgrow... a good thing too by the looks of things. He even carried a spare shirt; and planned on leaving a spare suit here when he grew more acquainted with the place.. after all you really didn't know when you would need one. Good thing he had packed his briefcase the day before his little trip to the bar.

Dante didn't brag about having memorised the document... another habit; after all if this guy continued to be an arse he may conveniently forget something simply to make the guy look dumb... ok; so he would never do that, but it was fun thinking it. Not interrupting the obvious show of power from Jeremy he followed to his desk; and found himself strangely thankful for not having to endure a full tour with the guy in this mood.

Jeremy's choice of words almost confused him though. I'd be happy to give you any answers you need,' was it a double entendre? Or was he reading too much into things? Fantastic... he would be second guessing himself around the guy for a while. He didn't show any of this on his face, simply bowed speaking quickly (since the guy seemed in a rush); "Thank you Mr. Wilkinson. I shall be sure not to let you down." Only after the guy had left did he relax a little, even though he didn't stop. Taking a seat he opened up his brief case, the first thing he did was take out his spare tie and put it on; nibble fingers working quickly. Next he took out his file, at the front of it was a pad and inside where all the documents he had been given in advance; placing it on his desk he returned to the case and took out his pen pot with its pens and spare inks. Automatically he returned to the case, pausing when his fingers touched glass.... why had he put that in? He scrunched up his fist and roughly closed the case without looking at or taking the photo out, before putting the case under the desk out of the way. Great, now he felt on edge.

He took a moment to compose himself, allowing his eyes to wander the new work space... at least until they wandered to the glass office that was Jeremy's... no, Mr Wilkinson's. He couldn't get informal with the guy, not even in his mind. Tearing his eyes away he picked up two pens and tucked them into his top suit pocket, just behind the ornamental handkerchief that hid them from the rest of the world. Done, he got to work. Re-reading the notes and highlighting anything in his mind that could be important for the meeting he was about to attend.

He didn't get to work long before a female, beautiful by normal standards, came over to give him his computer ID and password, she stayed to chat for a while, even made him laugh a little. Finally she was left, and he was glad for it... he had to reject so many woman that sometimes he contemplated writing on his forehand in permanent ink 'gay'.

Dante was still on edge from what had unravelled so far, it made little difference to him now that his new boss gave him a look that just screamed 'oh look at the good puppy who just learnt where to poop'... fantastic. This was just what he needed, maybe he would have been better off at his old place... at least there most acted like they respected him... to his face at least. He gathered his file and followed automatically, even as he wanted to find something hard to smash over Mr. Wilkinson's head.

The meeting had been... boring, at least to Dante. The guy presenting it rambled on about different tangents at several points, and while he did get all the points across it could have gone smoother in Dante's opinion. Now he was stood in front of Jeremy, trying hard not to scowl or maybe even growl at the b*****d.... yay him, a victory he was currently winning. Great.

The question that came was an easy one; given how much Dante had prepared he would have been more than happy to have done this particular presentation himself. "Very." He said, though his tone was not laced with overconfidence, simply a soft determination that told those listening that he knew what he was doing. "I have given them to similar and larger audiences in the past. Different topic but I am a quick learner." In all things.... and for some reason those words spring forth an image of them together in bed, reminding Dante of all the area's that made Jeremy moan when touched just right. GAH! Not what he needed right now. Ignoring his own inner war he continued to speak as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on. "Simple. Four slides too long. He rambled around slide 12 and 14, adding in information that actually hinted at a negative yielding result for the company rather than forcing focusing on the positives. Sure those figures can be printed in the booklets, but up and the screen for the world to see... not generally a good idea." Perhaps it was a matter of taste, but Dante liked his facts clear and to the point. "One of the figures was out by 1.2%" That just spoke volumes about how well he had memorised the information provided, "While not overly an issue it did provide a less positive result for the company." He took a breath, watching Jeremy's reaction... though he didn't expect much of one considering how he had been all day. "The guy only held eye contact with one guy, and it wasn't even the head of the company we were presenting too. Poor eye contact can lead them to believe we are not confident in our product." All basic stuff, and surprising common mistakes... especially when you got nervous or didn't completely feel confident in your knowledge of the subject matter. "He said 'em' a total of fourteen times." He stated it as a fact that didn't need to be exaggerated. "Finally I believe that a bar chart would have given a more accurate representation of our data, the pie chart used made several area's seem larger due to the distortion of the image, it had clearly been stretched on the slide. It wasn't a perfect circle. A bar chart would also have emphasised the highest data factor."

Finished with the error's he had picked up on he waited for Jeremy to dismiss him.... all Dante wanted to do right now was find a isolated cupboard that he could scream in; because if he didn't let out some of this energy he would likely end up doing something he may very well live to regret.

Dante was unique, to say the least, but that had been one of the reasons he had survived so long in his old position.

When Jeremy interrupted his comments he couldn't help but narrow his eyes at him, positive that this time he wasn't mistaking the double entendre at all. The guy wanted to play dirty? Well... bring it on! Right now Dante was past caring that he was acting slightly out of character, previously he would never have considering doing anything other than helping his boss... of course, he had never slept with his boss before either; even if it was only by accident. Deciding not to give Jeremy the satisfaction of winning that battle he ignored the comment to continue.

The humiliation only continued when he was praised like a child; ok, so it was completely plausible that he was just being over sensitive given everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, but right now Dante could see very little that he had actually achieved. By eliminating the past he had somehow given himself a very twisted future. It was enough to make anyone a little jaded. He had been about to ask permission to leave when Jeremy brought up the one topic he had been trying to avoid all day... last night.

For a moment Dante just looked at the guy, trying to figure out if he was being serious or just a complete arse. Undecided he allowed himself to think about last night. While at the bar he had only looked away once, in the end it had even been Dante who had suggested they leave and forced the conversation in that direction... of course, he had been less able to look the guy in the eye while they got busy... but come on! What did the guy expect from a complete stranger? He bit the inside of his lip before he spoke, his voice not quite holding the strength he had hoped for; "Don't worry. I doubt very much I will find myself naked with my legs wrapped around any of the clients. When it comes to business my eye contact will be impeccable." Case and point was this conversation, Dante had kept eye contact with Jeremy the whole time... despite wanting to kill the guy.

Of course Murphy's law stated that 'Anything that could go wrong would go wrong', and this was just such an occasion. Just as the last of his words left his lips the door to the office closed. He turned to see the guy who had been in here earlier, Phil or something, and the look on the guys face told Dante everything he needed to know... he had heard everything. Oh God, someone shoot him now.

Dante listened to the exchange in utter horror. So much for trying to pretend they had never met.... now they whole department would know. He couldn't do anything else but look to the floor, the softest of blushes on his cheeks and he suddenly felt as if his skin was two sizes too small for him.

His mind tuned in on certain phrases; but it was clear they had been talking about him earlier in the day. Expected since he was new, but what could have possible lead to them discussing his sexual orientation? Especially since it seemed that Jeremy hadn't told Phil about last night... nope, the honour of that was all Dante's.

One phrase in particular caught his attention, and he found his gaze snapping to Jeremy as if he sought confirmation; So you where jealous when you saw them together' that had him brother cringing and curious, not a normal combination by any stretch of the imagination. He wanted to stand up and walk out of the room but decided that the consequences of doing so would probably be far worst than if he stayed... at least that was until Phil's questions and attention became directed at him.

Dante looked over at him, the salesman wink had him cringing more and he was pretty sure he visibly winked. "I...." He hesitated, not sure at all what to do. On the one hand this could be the perfect opportunity to get back at Jeremy for the way he had been treated all day, but on the other Dante really wasn't one for sharing his more intimate details. "...would rather not discuss this at all." He finally said standing up. He looked between them before speaking again; "Can I be excused?" The question was directed at Jeremy, and even with the blush on his cheeks he refused to break eye contact with the eye simply out of principle. Though the fact of the matter was... permission or not Dante was about to run out of that door, and as far away as possible from this duo.