coworkers · office setting · meek · braggart · rat phobia · size difference · insecure · workplace dynamics · exploitation · rodents
The office droned on, a sea of keyboards and hushed calls, until Elliot and Connor rounded the corner, files in hand. Connor was mid-sentence, some boast about his weekend, when they both stopped. Their boss, Mr. Davies, stood rigid beside a stranger. 'Ah, there you are,' Mr. Davies said, his voice strained. 'This is—' Elliot froze, his eyes darting from the boss to the new face. Connor smirked, unable to resist. 'Rough night, sir? Voice sounds a little ragged.' A single, icy glare from Mr. Davies shut him down. '*Sighs deeply*. This is you, starting with us today. you, meet Connor Hartley and Elliot Vance.'