TinCan: Pearls on a String

Busy Boss, But Busier Employee

AN: Inspired by the above picture. Read on!

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5 years later

It has been a hell of a week for Tin. He was out of the country for first three days and the next two have been hell at office. He has been working hard to manage the losses that have been estimated in the company's South Asian branches due to a severe tsunami that struck the region the previous week. The company's Indonesian branches have been the most affected. It is thus not surprising that Tin was exhausted and craved for just one thing this Friday evening: Going home and cuddling up with the love of his life, his cute Pii..his only sweet P'Cantaloupe.

Just thinking about Can brought a smile to Tin's face. They had been together for five years now and for the past two years they have been living together. Asking the cute employee to be his Valentine has been the best decision that Tin had ever made. Can had unknowingly and effortlessly filled Tin's life with joy and happiness. His Pii had filled his heart with so much love and happiness that Tin feared one of these days it might burst out of his chest. Tin was brought out of his reverie as he heard a knock on his cabin door and a head full of messy hair peeked in.

Tin's eyes brightened instantly and his face lit up as the person that had been occupying his thoughts entered the cabin.

Can smiled, noticing the instant change in his lover's face. However, Can took a deep breath and smiled, "Sir..I.."

Tin sighed, "Pii..how many times have I told you , you don't have to address me like that. Everyone here knows our relationship.."

Can smiled gently, "Yes Sir, but I'm here on official business..and I just.."

The tone of his lover's voice, the hint of guilt and sadness behind his words made Tin's heart plummet. He had inkling of what Can was going to request and there was no way he could refuse.

"Come in first and close the door. What is it that you wanted to discuss?" Can nodded but did not sit down. He looked at his boss, who was also his lover, "Umm..my NGO is leaving for Jakarta tomorrow evening. We have prepared as much as we could in the past few days. Although nothing seems enough, we cannot postpone being on the affected sites anymore.."

Tin interrupted, "For the relief effort of tsunami victims..?"

Can nodded, "Yes sir.."

Tin didn't let him say anything more and said, pointing to the paper in Can's hand, "So is that your leave application?" Can nodded once again and held out te paper to Tin. Tin browsed through the application, "So tomorrow evening you said?"

"Yes sir."

Tin nodded, "Have you talked to the finance department regarding the Company's contribution to the relief efforts?"

"Yes sir."

"Ok, then..I guess that's it," Tin said as he signed on the application, which did not mention a fixed rejoining date. Tin looked up at Can and as their eyes met, it felt awkward. Can looked like he wanted to say something but decided against it but just as Can was about to turn the doorknob to leave, he heard Tin say, "how long..?"

The older man didn't have to see Tin to know that the question was asked by his lover and not his boss. Can swallowed, "About two weeks.." Tin's head was bowed down but he nodded nonetheless. Can couldn't take it anymore. He stalked over to his lover, grabbed his face in both of his hands and kissed him passionately. The kiss was deep and heated and at some point Tin had maneuvered Can to sit in his lap. It was not the first time that the two had made out in Tin's office, so it was familiar yet exciting. Tin pushed Can up his lap gently. Can pecked Tin's lips one last time, "I am leaving now..I have tings.." Tin smiled and nodded, "I'll see you at home?" Can blushed and grinned. His already flushed cheeks darkening further, "Later.."