The Secretary {Once-ler x Reader}

The Words He Never Heard (Chapter 11)

     "Okay, everyone back up!" N called as she made her way through the crowd outside of the factory. "If you'd like to see Mr. Once-ler, you have to make an appointment. Ow, hey!"

     She covered her eyes as several cameras went off.

     "Look, the Once-ler won't leave the building during work hours, especially with all of you out here!" she called, but no one seemed to hear. With a sigh, she walked into the factory and shut the door. Almost immediately, she found the Once-ler talking with his mother.

     "Remember Oncie, whatever you do reflects on the business," she said. "A scandal like this could ruin it!"

     "Don't worry, mom," the Once-ler said with a slightly nervous laugh. He looked up at N and turned away. "I'm sure this will be forgotten soon."

     "I hope you're sure, Oncie," his mother said, walking away. She passed by N and slowed down, giving her a strange look before continuing on her way.

     The Once-ler walked over and looked at N before speaking.

     "I'll need to see you in my office during your lunch break," he said plainly.

     "Um, why?" she asked.

     "For business reasons," he replied. He leaned in closer and whispered, "I want you to have your lunch break in my office today."

     "Oh... Oh, got it," N said. "And, Mr. Once-ler, be careful about leaving through the front entrance. The paparazzi are relentless."

     "Yeah... I know."

     With that, they parted ways.

     The day carried on as usual until it was time for N's lunch break. She walked to the break room and took her lunch out of the refrigerator before heading to the Once-ler's office. She knocked on the door and went inside, seeing him peering behind the curtains.

     "Um, Once-ler?" she asked as he let go of the curtains and turned around. "What are you doing?"

     "Checking for cameras," he replied as he walked to his desk, sitting down. N saw a chair placed on the other side of the desk. "You can sit down if you want."

     N made her way over and sat down, placing her lunch bag on her lap.

     "So how was your day?" she asked, wringing her hands.

     "Boring as usual. I mean, great," Once-ler replied. He looked concerned for a second, then he started to smile warmly. "You can relax, N. It's just us here."

     N took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, uh, just this whole 'dating my boss' thing is kind of new to me, ha ha..."

     "Then don't think of me as your boss right now," he said, reaching across the desk. He held his hand out to her, and N looked at it for a second before placing her hand in his. "You seemed fine yesterday."

     "It's probably just the atmosphere," she replied. Then, changing the subject, she continued, "Anyway, yesterday was really fun. And I'm glad I got to see another side of you."

     "Another side?"

     "Well yesterday, you just seemed a lot, oh I don't know, happier and more youthful. But whenever I see you at work, you always seem to be frowning. I actually thought you were kind of scary when I first started working here. Not that you are! Uh... I'm rambling, aren't I?"

     The Once-ler laughed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She giggled in reply to his laughter, her nervousness melting away bit by bit.

     "Anyway, I wanted to tell you something," he said, letting go of her hand. "Starting tomorrow, there will be less tree chopping and more hiring. We'll probably be able to completely stop cutting down the trees in about... two weeks."