Office Mates

Roles are Reversed

Theo has been trying to get ahold of Marian all week and she hasn't responded. Usually, when she does this, it is not after a fight. But Theo senses something different is happening with Marian. While he would normally never want to infringe on her privacy, Theo is starting to feel desperate. He found himself waiting for Marian outside her office. He was waiting for her huddled up against her door. He just wants a chance to make things right with her. Marian is walking down the office hallway when she notices the shadow in front of her door. As she approaches, she notices Theo's red hair. She sighs. She isn't ready to talk to him yet, but it's not fair to make him wait for her to make up her mind. He stands up as she approaches. They stand next to each other awkwardly. She opens the office door and motions for Theo to go in first. She is grateful that Robin hasn't come in when he normally does.

They start to argue with each other. They are both so emotional that they are starting to raise their voices. Theo is trying to defend the fact that they have been together a year and he wants this to be more. They have been through so much this year. Marian is trying to explain to Theo why she doesn't want to be in a relationship. That she knows that it's hard for him to understand, but that her life isn't where she wants it to be to make her feel ready for a deeper relationship. They are mid argument when they are interrupted by Robin and Aurora. They walk in holding hands. Robin heard the voices through the door, but Marian and Theo stopped arguing once the door was opened. 

Robin tries to awkwardly change the mood in the office. He walks over to Theo and stands in front of him, "Theo! I haven't seen you lately." Robin shakes Theo's hand. Theo relaxes. "Hey, Robin. It's great to see you too. And it's Aurora, right?" Theo smiles and shakes Aurora's hand. She smiles at him, "Great memory." Theo looks at Marian. She avoids his gaze and instead looks over at Robin and Aurora. "Hello, I didn't expect you two to be coming in together." Robin and Aurora are holding hands again. Marian spies this. She tries sending Robin a look to ask "WTF?" Robin explains, "We were out late last night and she ended up staying over at my place." Marian looks excited, "Your place?" she asks Robin, "I haven't even seen your place." Marian meant it as a joke, but Aurora felt like Marian was comparing herself to Aurora. She didn't like it, one bit. Theo asks, "Are you two dating?"

Robin looks at Theo, he knows that now is not the time to gloat. He tries to play it down, "We are. It's new." Aurora looks playfully at Robin and says, "we are more than dating. Robin asked me to be his girlfriend last night." She smiles at all of them, unaware of what is going on. Marian is shocked that she has completely missed this new development in Robin's life, she says "WHAT?" in surprise. Robin tries to explain to Marian, "Yeah, it just happened." Theo asks, "Have you two been dating long?" Aurora responds with, "Not really! Only a few weeks." Theo takes a deep breath in. He asks his next question with frustration in his voice, "And you already know you want to be official?" Aurora answers, "Yup, we do."

Robin and Marian exchange a look. They know where this is headed. Marian tries to act surprised with a "Wow!" But Theo gets even more frustrated. Marian watches his mood change again and she instantly knows that she is about to fight with him again. "Wow is right, Marian. Your friends who have been dating for only a few weeks have already decided to commit to each other." Marian's head is filled with "shit shit shit. Why did they have to start dating this week?"But after she calms down she reminds Theo, "They are lucky to have found each other." Theo asks frantically, "Does that mean you are still looking for someone?!" Marian, "No, it's not like I plan on being anyone's girlfriend right now..." Robin grabs Aurora and puts his arm around her shoulders. He looks to Theo and Marian and asks, "We can leave so you two can finish up your conversation." Theo looks at the three of them and sighs, "No, it's fine, I need to get to work anyway. I see you later, Robin."

Theo and Marian are still facing each other without either one caving. Theo is about to walk out when Aurora stops him. "Hey, why don't we double date?" Robin and Marian both give Aurora a look, Does she not know how to read the room? This is the worst time to suggest a date. Robin thinks, "This is a terrible idea." Marian thinks, "This is a terrible idea." Theo answers and says, "We would be down." Aurora smiles at him and says, "Perfect, I will make the plans with Marian." Theo waves goodbye, he looks back at the new couple and honestly tells them "Seriously though guys. Congratulations on the new relationship. It's awesome to hear." He and Marian say nothing to each other and then Theo leaves. Marian and Robin are still speechless. Aurora kisses Robin and walks out the door to head to her office. 

Marian watches the two kiss. She has never seen this before. She wants to say something, but she is completely exhausted from Theo's visit. After a minute she tells Robin, "It looks like you don't need my advice anymore." Robin's face is white. "Sorry, it probably wasn't the best conversation to have in front of Theo. I know you two have been fighting." Marian looks at her phone and says, "We will get things sorted." Robin looks at Marian and asks, "Can I give you some advice? Whatever your reason for not wanting to be official, you should just tell Theo. I think he is more upset that you aren't telling him the truth." Marian starts to get super sad, "I don't think he would wait for me if I told him the real reason." Robin pats Marian on the arm, "Maybe. But that is for Theo to decide. You are keeping him from deciding what he wants by deciding it for him." Marian looks up at Robin and she teases him, "With how well things are going for you and Aurora, you might become my love guru." Robin makes a puking face, "No. Never."