Chapter Text
“Ciel Phantomhive!” the redhead dramatically sighed. “You goin’ on a hot date, or are you just interviewing more candidates today?” Grell already knew the answer but took every opportunity to get a rise out of her boss, which she deemed perfectly acceptable for the office manager who doubled as HR. She had hand selected the candidates from the stack of applications herself, afterall.
Ciel rolled his eyes. He was dressed more formally today than his usual business casual, opting for a well-tailored navy three piece suit. He would be annoyed by Grell's antics, but the overly gregarious redhead was competent and astute at screening applicants, so he let the saucy remark slide for today.
“Mm-hmm,” Ciel affirmed as he glanced at the resume in his hand once more. He couldn’t deny this candidate’s qualifications and experience were impressive, and he had come highly recommended by Grell (for better or worse) who claimed they had worked together ‘in a past life’.
Ciel’s business was taking off. As such, he now needed an executive assistant to handle many of his day-to-day tasks, loath as he was to admit it. He prided himself on the efficiency of his skeleton crew, and until now the fledgling business thrived with just his small team of core employees:
- His sales director, Bard, who was a little rough around the edges but effortlessly built trust and genuine relationships with retail buyers and clients.
- Finny, his operations expert with intimate knowledge of warehouse procedure and sourcing manufacturers for his products.
- Mey Rin, who was initially hired as a secretary and admin associate, but had demonstrated an undeniable eye for product and graphic design, became his lead designer.
- Soma, his ever-optimistic marketing and PR hype man, who was an overeducated, overqualified Ivy League and Oxford alum, but had stuck with Ciel since the beginning - always believing in his vision ever since those early days as a passion project during their university years.
- And the aforementioned Grell, a more recent hire to manage office admin duties - when Mey Rin moved to design - and HR for the growing team.
“You’re seeing Sebastian next, right?” Grell coyly looked up from her keyboard, red framed glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose just slightly. She knew he was the next interviewee, as indicated on the calendar of appointments on her screen, but wanted to gauge her boss’ impression.
“Indeed,” Ciel hummed as he leaned against the front desk. “He seems decent enough on paper, but he might be over-qualified.” He tapped his fingers on the desk anxiously. “Why does he want to be my executive assistant?”
He wrinkled his nose as he asked the question, implying that any sane person with any dignity whatsoever should be disgusted at the prospect. Like he was choosing some poor lackey who'd be sentenced to wiping his ass for the remainder of their lifetime. Grell found his reluctance amusing, evident in the shit-eating grin that lit up her highly made-up face.
“Well, why don’t you ask him yourself? Building reception just let me know he’s on his way up!”
The interview was going well-enough - better than the previous few, Ciel mused - and after the initial stiff introductions, pleasantries, and handshakes, he might have even found himself enjoying hearing about Sebastian’s past experiences. This interview was by far the most conversational and fluid compared to the handful he’d conducted so far, a refreshing shift from the more one-sided interrogating from his end and the safe, albeit clinical, elevator-pitch answers he’d received. There was still something that niggled at the dark alleys of his brain, though, as if trying to shoot up a red flag. An unsettling, almost intimidating tingle in his stomach he couldn’t identify amid the pleasant exchange. He blamed anxiety.
For all his impressive points on paper, Sebastian was equally, if not more, impressive face-to-face. Truth be told, his previous experiences weren’t as exact of a match as some of the others he’d interviewed, and he was objectively overqualified for the position. But everything else indicated he would be a natural fit, and would undoubtedly know how to navigate the nuances of corporate work better than someone fresh out of college.
“So, I realize we’ve only got about 9 minutes left, but I have to ask,” Ciel started after one topic lulled to a natural end. “You’re coming from a much more prestigious organization - and it seems like your trajectory would easily land you in leadership soon. Why did you apply to be an executive assistant for my dinky start-up?”
Sebastian smiled, expecting as much. “To be fair, I know it could be seen as less-than-ambitious to seek a lateral move at this point in my career. But to be perfectly honest, Mr. Phantomhive,” he moved closer so he could lean his elbow on the desk, as if imparting a precious secret to a trusted friend. “My current place of employment has changed drastically over the years from when I started, and I’m tired of the lack of soul it once had, and the ever-growing bureaucracy. And that has led me to realize two things:
“One, if I were to pursue a vertical move or promotion, I honestly don’t think I’d enjoy it very much. As you already know, the higher you climb in a very large company, you tend to lose touch with what it is your expertise is in, what you like to do, and trade that hands-on role for higher level strategy. I prefer taking more direct action, and being in a support role gives me more personal satisfaction.”
“My second point, as I’ve alluded to earlier, is why I particularly applied to be your executive assistant. Not to sound like a relentless brown-noser, but I think you underestimate just how impactful the Funtom brand has become, and the influence you have in this space.” Sebastian studied the young CEO for a second, gauging how he should continue. He knew Ciel despised flattery - he didn’t trust people who employed it, and it embarrassed him. But his interviewer didn’t show any signs of discomfort or annoyance - rather, he seemed to be genuinely listening to his response.
“Your strategy and vision for The Funtom Company, from its beginnings as your independent passion-project, have attributed to the success you’ve achieved in such a short time, and that intrigues me.” You intrigue me.
“I am very interested in contributing to Funtom’s continued success by directly supporting you and your leadership.” He met Ciel’s gaze with an amused twinkle in his eye that made Ciel’s stomach drop like suddenly driving down a rolling hill. “If you’ll allow it, of course.”
Ciel was half-expecting him to wink after that closing statement, and quickly turned in his swivel chair to hide his reddening face. Sebastian had done his research. While Ciel anticipated that to a degree from all of the interviewees, the earnestness of Sebastian’s delivery almost made Ciel believe it was genuine. Almost.
Clearing his throat, Ciel stood to see Sebastian out of his office.
“Right. Well, I guess that makes sense.”
There were things that still weren’t adding up, but Ciel was doubtful further probing would get him anywhere right now. No one is fully who they say they are in a job interview, though Sebastian had given the least canned answers out of everyone so far. And to be entirely honest with himself, it was getting late in the day, his energy was wearing thin, and he still had a few loose ends to tie up before the close of business.
Ciel opened the door, ushering Sebastian out past the front desk. Another handshake, this time a little longer.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I know you have more interviews ahead, and have a decision to make, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I gave you my card, and I know Grell has my info on file.”
“Of course, and yes - speaking of, Grell’s been singing you praises. Very loudly.” Ciel said that last part mostly to himself.
Sebastian laughed. “Yes, she does have a tendency to forget her indoor voice - hopefully her singing from the rooftops hasn’t been too much of a nuisance.”
“She has her moments, but fortunately her competence makes up for it. It’s been a pleasure. Truly.”
Ciel was not expecting the handshake to end with Sebastian placing his other hand over Ciel’s, fully enveloping his hand for just a split second. A warm gesture, but not entirely out of place in this context.
“The pleasure is all mine, sir.”