Chapter Text
The fluorescent lights of the office building crackled overhead as Teto made her way to the elevator, hefting a tray of coffee that contained far beyond the daily caffeine recommendation. Despite her lofty hopes, office work had mostly ended up as the monotonous task of fetching lunches and pushing a file cart. Still, she had to hope, right?
Using her elbow to press the elevator button, Teto waited until the doors opened and stepped in. She let out a gentle sigh as the doors shut and she punched in the 4th floor. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't stop her mind from wandering to the woman she was delivering the coffee to. Miku was her superior, and as such loved to use her as a personal maid. She was an obnoxious, self-centered woman who almost delighted in her suffering. Teto couldn't stop thinking about her cruel face, her wicked laugh, her strong, muscular arms...
The dinging of the elevator bell snapped Teto out of her.... fantasy. She stumbled forward, almost spilling the coffee all over the ground, a wave of anxiety shooting up her spine. Brushing it off, she walked over to the crowded cubicle where her would-be master resided.
The small section of the floor assigned to Miku was crowded with papers, mail, and correspondence. Several tasks of differing importance were stacked up in piled in baskets that buckled under the weight. Her trash bin was overflowing with paper cups that reeked of coffee, and her what little open space remained on her desk was cluttered with ceramic mugs. Teto brushed them aside and placed down her tray. Miku reached out to pluck a cup, barely even looking up from her task.
"So slow, newbie. You'll never get promoted with speed like that~."
Teto bit her tongue, both literally and figuratively. Taunting was nothing new, but Miku just knew how to get under her skin.
"The cafe was crowded. I couldn't have gone much faster, and maybe if you drank less-"
"Excuses, excuses! At least take some responsibility like a good employee."
Miku finally turned to face Teto. Her face was clearly tired, although Teto couldn't help but notice the beginnings of a smirk on her face. A pit of dread grew in her stomach. Teto knew that look well, and it either meant punishment or assignment, both of which inevitably ended the same way.
As if on cue, Miku handed her a fat stack of files. "I need these filled out in triplicate by tomorrow."
:"Isn't that your job??"
"Well, I'm delegating. Don't mess up or else I'll be forced to give you another demerit~."
Teto took a deep breath. Then another. Her heart pounded a mile a minute as she welled up with rage. Why did SHE have to deal with this?
"I am not doing your job for you, you lazy hag! Do it yourself!"
She regretted it the second those words left her mouth.
Miku tensed up, her shoulders twitching gently. She rose from her seat, slowly towering above Teto.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you." She pushed Teto backwards, pinning her to the cubicle walls, which rattled ominously. "As far as I remember, you are UNDER me. You will follow my commands. And if you ever step out of line or speak like that to me again, I will severely punish you. Is that understood, Newbie?"
Teto shook with fear. Miku's grip was tight around her, and she was so close she could taste the lingering coffee on her breath. The look in her eyes was terrifying, almost predatory, as if she'd eat her up and swallow her whole. Despite the fear gripping her, she felt something fluttering in her chest. What was that, playing in her heart?
"I-I understand. I'm sorry.."
She could barely choke out the response through the rushing emotions in her brain.
"Good. Take the papers, and get out."
Teto obliged without question, and scurried out of the cubicle as fast as she could. She dumped her papers in her own space before rushing off to the bathroom in an attempt to compose herself. Staring at herself in the mirror, she took a breath.
"What.. was that?"
Miku was condescending and spiteful, but rarely let her composure slip like that. Clearly she'd somehow hit a nerve. But how? This was nowhere near their first conflict, and she'd called her much worse in the past. What was it that set her off like that?
But more importantly, why did that make Teto feel so.. strange?
As she pondered, she didn't notice the door swing open behind her. And who would walk in but Miku herself.
"I thought I'd find you hiding in here."
The edge of panic returned to Teto's voice. "I'm sorry, I'll get right to work, I-"
Miku silenced her with a hand. "I understand I've given you a high workload. I'll offer you an opportunity. Allow me to come over to your home after work, and I'll help you sort this out."
Teto was wordless. What was she proposing? Miku, in her apartment? Alone? What could she be planning? She could do nothing but nod in affirmation.
"I have your address from your records. I'll be over at 7:30 PM, sharp. Do be prepared, Newbie." As quickly as she entered, she stepped out, leaving Teto even more confused than before.
Teto slumped down into the nearest stall. Miku would be over tonight. For what? Surely she didn't care enough to actually help her. Could she have an ulterior motive? Regardless.. there was nothing to do now. Miku had made it clear that she'd be visiting, and she didn't want to think about what would happen if she denied her.
All there was to do now was prepare.