Hiei...

The snow was in a panicked flurry as I continued to stare out my window, completely ignoring the stack of papers I had on the desk. It was getting late, the streetlamps outside were beginning to light, the sun just a swirl of pink and orange, its glow sinking deeper and deeper beneath the horizon. I rubbed the bridge of my nose, the papers still beckoning me back to them, but I continued ignored them.

I sighed, trying to focus on something other than my work. The flickering yellow light of the lamp on my desk, the wall to wall bookshelves, the now cold coffee that sat in front of me. I tended to procrastinate while I was at the office, work ethic not really my forte. In fact I preferred to laze about, meditating, sleeping, spending hours at the dojo. It didn't matter. I hated the menial tasks I had to do in order to keep a roof over my head and food at the table. I felt it beneath me, but it wasn't like I was never going to do the work. I'd never hear the end of it from Kurama. No. I fully intend to finish... just not right now.

I heard a faint knock on the door. I gave an annoyed "what" to the disturbance, preventing me from procrastinating further.

The door opened and closed quickly, allowing the tiny girl to slip inside. She had a cup of hot chocolate on a tray along with a small serving bowl of marshmallows on the side. She stepped toward me quietly, that soft smile ever present on her face. "I brought you something to warm you up, sir." Her voice rang in my ears like chimes in the wind. It was the new girl that Kurama decided to promote just last week. She set the tray down next to me, the warm and savory aroma of chocolate caressed its way to my nose. I inhaled deeply, the rich fragrance became a solid at the back of my tongue, allowing me to taste it without ever taking a single sip.

"I hope hot chocolate's alright. We're out of coffee, and the espresso machine is... uh," She blushed a supple pink when she saw I was looking directly at her. My gaze unwavering as she took her dark blue eyes away. I couldn't help myself but make her feel uncomfortable, make her lose her confidence at the drop of a hat. She just made it too easy. The slightest glance or noise was able to careen her train of thought right off the tracks. I got an interesting sick satisfaction from making her squirm. A sort of power trip that made my insides churn with anticipation whenever I saw her. I dare say it was fun.

"The espresso machine is what, Miss Sai?" I pressed, her face becoming a dark shade of red.

"It's uh, broken sir." She managed to sputter out. She tucked a stray strand of her long black hair behind her ears, her gaze still not focused on me.

I smiled to myself. "You know, Miss Sai, it's rude to not look people in the eye when they're speaking to you." I stated.

"Right." She snapped herself to attention, her eyes trying to lock themselves onto mine. She truly did have the bluest eyes I've ever seen. Serene and dark like the tides of the ocean at night. She was only able to keep her eyes locked onto mine for just a few moments, however. Her rice paper nerves getting the best of her as she looked to the ground. She tried to cover her insecurity with a small trembling hand at her mouth.

"Was there something else, Miss Sai?" I asked, my tone laced with irritation.

"N-no, sir! Sorry, sir." She bowed low. "I'll be sure to come back for your cup, sir." She stuttered as she tiptoed her way out of my office backwards, nearly hitting her head on the floor from her constant bowing along the way. After she left, I felt such amusement that a smirk crept over my features. I took the hot cup of chocolate in my hand and slowly sipped away, my work ethic returning in force.

Sitsumi...

I feel so dejected. Mr. Jaganshi makes me feel like a fool. Botan said that he didn't mean anything by it, but I can't help but feel like there's something wrong. I just know my boss hates me. I sat down at my desk in the public office, trying not to keep the gloom on my face.

"Awww, Sitsumi. Did he bum you out again?" Botan looked over to me, a sympathetic smile on her face.

"I don't know what's wrong with me, Botan. He makes me so nervous. My throat feels like it's swelling, my face is hot, and I start to feel nauseated." I said, morose tears sliding down my cheeks as I start to bang my head on the edge of my desk.

"What's he doing exactly?" She asked, resting her chin in her hand, completely ignoring the phone calls that were coming through.

"He just... stares at me weird." I saw the "what the fuck" look Botan gave me. I quickly re-evaluated what I just said. "NO! NO! Not like that! He just... I... I don't know. I just feel like he's trying to make me... I don't know."

"You're probably just not used to things here. You did just get promoted. I mean, I know Mr. Jaganshi is a little hard to work with, but for the most part he's fair," Botan tried to console me. "Maybe the butterflies are there because you just want to make a good impression on your new boss."

"Some first impression I made." I said. " Whole pot of coffee, Botan. I still feel those burns." I could feel the wince Botan made, the sharp sucking in of air only confirming that she remembered that day.

"Oh... come one!" She continued. "It... wasn't... that bad?" She questioned herself the reassuring grin not so reassuring.

"You're not helping, Botan." I said, as I picked up the incoming calls that she was ignoring. "Good Evening! This is Minamino Industries, representative Sitsumi speaking. How may I serve you today?" I tried to be as polite and cheerful as I could trying to forget the weight of his dreaded gaze.

Hiei...

I started to pack everything away, my work finally finished, the sun had finally set. I grabbed my briefcase and walked out of the office, already seeing that most of the employees had gone home. The only one left was that girl with the blue hair and the rice paper.

"You sure you don't need a ride, Sitsumi? It's dark out." I heard the blue girl speak.

"No, no. I'm fine, really! Besides, I've been wanting to take a nice long walk in the snow." That wind-chime voice again.

"If you're sure, Sitsumi. I wouldn't want you to get mugged! Or worse!"

Once I finally approached them after locking my office door, they both stood up and bowed. "Have a nice trip home, Mr. Jaganshi." I believe her name was Botan Sanae.

I glanced to the smaller of the two, the new girl. "Miss Sai."

"Yessir!" She immediately stood at attention.

"You did report the espresso machine to maintenance, didn't you?" I asked, trying to catch her off guard once more.

"Yes, sir. I did." She quickly stated.

I placed my empty cup of cocoa on her desk. "Then I'm sure you can take care of this as well."

I saw the blush on her cheeks rise again. "Right." I heard a tiny squeak come from the back of her throat.

"I'll see the two of you tomorrow then." As I walked away, I heard her let out a sigh of relief, and I allowed myself to smile once more.

Sitsumi...

After saying goodbye to Botan, I started to walk towards the ramen shop just a few blocks away. My old friend Keiko lives there with her husband Yusuke. They took over the family business after Keiko's parents retired. It'll be so nice to visit them again, since I haven't been able to after I got this new promotion.

I looked up to watch the falling snow gently drift its way down to earth. I caught a few on my tongue as I slipped it in and out of my mouth just to catch a taste. The snow is what made winter worthwhile. It blanketed the trees and streets in glistening little diamonds. Day or night, it sparkled and shimmered as it lays silently beneath the wind. It's so interesting how everything seems so much quieter in the winter. No bugs or birds. No rustling leaves or prancing squirrels. This time of year is something special. Though I hate the cold, I can't help but love the snow.

"SITSUMI!" I turned at the sound of my name. I saw Naoko rushing at me, sweeping me into her arms before twirling the both of us around.

"Naoko!" I managed to squeak out before she started to strangle the air out of my lungs.

"Naoko, she's turning blue." I heard her husband scold her.

"Oops." She let me dribble to a puddle on the floor, trying to cough back the air I had lost. "So how ya been?" She smiled and I couldn't help but smile back.

"I'm fine." I said.

"It's nice to see you again Miss Sai." Mr. Minamino put an arm around Naoko's waist. I can remember their wedding. It was beautiful, Naoko was beautiful. I never thought I would see her so happy. Actually, I thought I would never see her with a ring on her finger.

"Oh, Mr. Minamino, sir." I bowed.

"There's no need for that, Miss Sai." He said. Naoko laughed. She grabbed my arm and had me join them.

They apparently had the same plan to go visit. In fact, Naoko met Mr. Minamino through Keiko and Yusuke when they were in college. I was so proud of Naoko being accepted to such an esteemed university. I remember how she used to call me and tell me how much she loved it and hated Mr. Minamino. Then, all of a sudden, she wound up marrying him. She never did tell me what happened. I was all the way in the UK, studying abroad while this went on. I came back just in time for the wedding.

I was a year or two behind Naoko. I didn't graduate until after she had already moved on with her life and was living with Mr. Minamino. He was three years ahead of Naoko, and created his little empire that I work for today, after he inherited the smaller business firm from his father. Actually, I wouldn't have a job right now if it wasn't for Naoko. She was able to convince Mr. Minamino to give me a shot and I guess the rest is history. I was really surprised to be promoted. I just hope that once I get back up on my feet, I'll be able to do what I really want to do in life.

Another time maybe.

It was wonderful seeing my friends again. It has been so long. Keiko and Yusuke grew up together, then Naoko came into the picture when they were in middle school. Once high school hit, I was brought into the gang. We talked for hours at the ramen shop, just swapping stories. Or at least they were. I was always inclined to listen. I wasn't much of a story teller anyway. Once we were all full and storied out, Naoko hugged me one last time before taking her husband by the arm to walk home. Mr. Minamino waved goodbye in my direction. I waved back. Yusuke ruffled my hair as Keiko pulled me in for a hug. I bid them farewell before taking my leave, hearing the iron grate come over the little shop.

I looked up again to watch the snow drift down to earth. I shivered in the cold as the wind picked up. I pulled my hat over my ears to try to shield them, but the cap shrank back each time I tried.

I'm so happy for my friends, but I can't help but feel jealousy. They've been able to achieve what they've always wanted, and I wish I could do the same. I'm not the most confident thing in the world, but I'm not much of a push over either. I've been trying my hardest to win at life, but it's been a constant struggle. Then again, what's life without a little bit of hell nipping at your heels? I'm sure it would've been easier if mom didn't have all of those medical bills to pay, but she did her best. I had to pay for college myself, which was kinda fun actually. I at least always had something to do.

Though I feel very proud of myself, I still feel lonely at time. Ever since graduation, everyone's just been growing further and further apart. I guess I'm the only one who senses the rift though, probably because they're the only real friends I've ever had. They're the ones that I share so many memories with. When I think of all the times that had made me the happiest, images of them would not be far behind. They always came to my rescue whenever I was picked on for being so short. 4'11" is definitely not an impressive stature, but I always seemed to manage. I don't get to see my friends that often anymore. Everyone has been so busy. That was probably the very first time we were all able to hang out together in a very long time. I'm happy that it happened, but also very sad that it had to come to an end.

I smiled. Oh memories. You are my only company now.

Hiei...

The drive home was quiet as usual. The humming of my car and the heater at full blast was my only music as I sped down the road. The snow was annoying as it hit my windshield, the white nearly blinding in the darkness. I despise winter, and I despise the snow. I heard my phone go off to Kurama's ring tone. I picked up using the blue tooth that wife of his bought me last Christmas.

"Yeah?" I answered.

"Just checking on you, Hiei. Making sure that paperwork was finished today." He said.

"I did, I'll have it to you by tomorrow morning."

"That's good to hear." He said.

"Is that Hiei?" I heard Naoko over the phone. "Gimme. Hiei? That you?" She called out.

"What is it, woman?"

"You said you'd come over to the ramen shop with us, Hiei. I'm tired of hearing your excuses!" She reprimanded.

"Woman, it's freezing and I'm tired. Fuck off."

"YOU fuck off you spiky haired, HEY!"

"I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. Good night, Hiei." Kurama took the phone back from Naoko.

"Right." I said before hanging up. Kurama certainly picked a wild one to marry. The two of us never really got along in college. She was far too crazy. His lab partner, Kuwabara, introduced Kurama to Keiko, who introduced him to that spit fire that is Naoko. Why they're together is beyond me. Before they tied the knot, Naoko told him that she never wanted to see his faggot face again. I have no idea what made her change her mind. There are times when I wish she didn't, then there are times that I'm glad she did.

Once I parked the car I headed inside the apartment complex. I got into the elevator and pushed the button for my floor. Once I entered my apartment I took off my boots, grabbed a drink from the fridge and leaned against the window. I watched as the city outside of the glass expanded beneath me, the lights dulled by the flurry of tiny white flecks that refuse to stop falling. I chugged what I had in my hand, disinterest coming over me as it normally does. It was only 8 and already I could feel the night life scum start to crawl out from underneath their rocks and converge to their usual watering holes. I had half a mind to join them.

What made living alone such a hassle is the fact that I get bored far too easily. Then again, the same goes for when there's a female here. I'm still not sure whether or not I want to stay or go. I could get in a bit of exercise before going to bed, or I could attempt to get some broad to come home with me just to fuck what little brain she had, out. It has been a while. I decided on the former, not wanting to go out into the cold. It's a fine detriment to go looking for fornication. I'm too exhausted anyway. A hot shower will do me good. I looked once more outside to see the snow still hasn't stopped falling.

I remembered the hot cocoa from today, the new girl creeping into my mind. She was cute, really. Not the thing I normally went for, but cute nonetheless. I'm tempted to see if maybe I could... No. An affair with an employee would be too much trouble. I wasn't stupid enough to get myself into that. Although, there is something gratifying about making her sweat and stutter. It was so incredibly easy to do. She's far too amusing to leave alone. I've never had a toy quite like her, something made of so delicate, like rice paper. Not only did this make it more difficult for me to handle her, it made the boss-employee relationship so much more troublesome. It's borderline harassment really.

So why does she make it so much fun?

TBC...

L: This is something I've had in my head for a little while to be honest. It was supposed to be a one shot, but I thought I'll try and give this it's own series, see what happens. I've never done an AU before, and I want my creativity to flow freely!

I do hope this is to your liking! And please don't be afraid to click on that little box below and say hi! I wanna know what my readers think! Give me the criticism I so rightfully deserve! Love you all!