They didn't see each other after that, not unless they weren't alone. They would talk a bit, but it was never the same as they used to be. There was always tension, awkwardness, hidden longing. But it only lasted for a few more years until Jensen went off to college.
Jensen breezed through his schooling, a straight A student. He went for four years of business and economics. He was quickly hired as the CEO of a major tech company. He did his work flawlessly, pitched just the right ideas; was paid well and successful. Unfortunately he had pretty much forgotten about Mike over the years. They had truly fallen out. Some days, though, he would cross his mind, mainly on boring nights when he had nothing to do. But he hated thinking about him, it was too depressing. But it happened, best friends didn't always last forever.
It was a particularly slow work day when he got a call from his father. He asked him if he had spoken to Mike lately, in which Jensen replied that he hadn't. His father told him a bit sullenly that Mike wasn't doing too well, that he lost his job with the state and that he desperately needed a new one. Jensen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Thanks for letting me know, but what can I do?"
"Could you give him a job? You two used to be so close, I'm sure it would make him very happy. I would bet that he misses you."
Jensen knew this was coming. He dropped his hand and placed it flat on his desk, staring at his computer and thinking. Did he really want to see him again? Surely enough time had passed for the tension to go away. But there would be new tension in the form of, they had drifted apart and they had to rekindle their friendship. He sighed and leaned back in his chair, "Alright. Tell him he can come in tomorrow morning. I'll hire him as my secretary."
The news traveled immediately over to Mike and he was relieved to have a new position. He was just shocked that it would be under Jensen. He was overwhelmed with nerves. There was so much time lost between them. He hadn't forgotten about him, he had just decided to stay out of his way. What happened was far in the past, and with their distance, he was over it. He just hoped Jensen would overlook it as well.
He stood nervously in front of Jensen's office wearing a nice brown suit with a cream tie. He hoped he looked presentable enough. He felt lightheaded as he brought his fist up to knock on the door. He didn't exactly know how he'd say hello, or how he'd act at all. This was simply his cousin, he knew him as well as he knew himself. All he had to do was just be himself.
The knock sounded louder than it should have. He realized he hadn't really been breathing so he took a deep breath and let it out. And then the door opened and there was Jensen, wearing an immaculate grey suit and blue tie. Mike felt dull in comparison.
Jensen gave a wide smile, and it was genuine. Although he had been dreading this all day, he couldn't help but to be happy to see his old best friend. The brother he had left behind. He felt so much guilt, but he hid it behind shining eyes, "Mike. You look good."
Mike was flustered, in an, I can't believe we haven't talk in just a little over nine years, kind of way. That felt like an eternity. But as he looked into those eyes, as that smile met him, he felt just like he had when they were kids. It was easier than he thought to just simply be his cousin again. He grinned in return, "You look good too."
Jensen held out his hand for Mike to shake, "I'm thrilled to have you. I know you'll do great."
Mike shook his hand, though he didn't know why they had to be so formal. Probably because Jensen was his boss, cousins or not. And that was a bit intimidating. But he did his best to remain calm as he stepped into Jensen's office. It was nice with a perfect sky view through long windows. It was comfortable.
He sat down in the guest chair across from the older man and Jensen started, "We have forty invoices that need to be scanned and filed. I need you to check voicemails and transcribe them into document form in which you need to email me. Your desk is right outside. Can you handle that?"
Mike was nervous, but he wasn't stupid, or incapable. He nodded, "Yes, Mr. Marion." It felt more than strange calling him that, but it was more out of joking around than formality. And Jensen got the hint.
Jensen chuckled, "Good, now get to it."
Mike worked hard. He put in all his effort despite it being an easy job, even if it was a little demanding. He had a view of Jensen through the widow and he'd look over sometimes, just to get a glimpse of him. He didn't know why he was so entranced by him, why he craved attention, but he just couldn't stop looking his way. And then Jensen caught him, he fucking caught him staring like an obsessive bastard. He looked away, staring instead at the unfiled papers in front of him, then he glanced back up and saw Jensen still looking at him. Jensen smiled, and relief washed over him.
He filed the scanned papers away and went back to his desk just as Jensen was opening the door, "I don't see any emails."
Mike froze, he was suddenly scared that Jensen was mad at him. He couldn't lose his job on the first day. But then Jensen chuckled and he blew out a puff of air. Jensen was just messing with him.
"Let's get a drink after work," Jensen suggested, though it was more of a statement.
How could he refuse?
