Chapter Text
You walked through the busy building, your mind set on your destination as you carried yourself with your head held high and your hips swaying slightly to the song playing in the back of your head. You carried a small stack of papers and folder in your hands, going over them in your mind as you headed for your boss' office.
Walking through the dark wood doors of Mr. Mikaelson's office, you spoke calmly and clearly, "Sir, I have a few things for you to sign off on so that I can turn it in before the end of the day." He did not look up at you as his pen scrawled over the pages he was currently working on in an elegant cursive.
Without looking up at you, he nodded and held his hand out for the paperwork he was to be signing. You handed them to him as you went over a very brief, very vague summary of the documents. You took a look at the papers he was already working on, it looked as though he was tweaking his presentation for the meeting coming soon.
Mr. Mikaelson quickly scrawled his signature on each of the documents without a word. He trusted you by now to know what he would and wouldn't approve of signing. This was a usually routine when it came to needing his signature. It sped up the process and made for good business.
As his assistant, you would read his important documents for him and carry what he would sign to him. Having known him for five years, you were able to pick up a few things along the way about how this man worked.
You there while he signed the papers, going over the agenda for the rest of the day (the day that was more than halfway over). "Our meeting with the Salvatores starts at 5:30, the meeting room is vacant and will be set up very soon. Everything should run more than smoothly, sir."
After signing the paperwork, he handed them back to you and finally spoke, his gaze still on his documents, "I need you to double check my presentation, make sure the catering is set, and print out these copies for the meeting. Please and thank you."
You smiled and nodded, "Right on it, sir." You adjusted the papers in your arms to tidy them, glancing at your watch to make sure everything was being done in a timely manner. You would never let him run late.
Mr. Mikaelson added, "I have already emailed you the print-outs and the presentation. I trust you already know the menu for the catering?"
Again, you nodded, "Yes, sir."
"And what about the new chauffeur?" he asked.
You nodded, "Yes, he should be here soon, sir. I've already got the selections done. I just need to do a fitting and he should be ready to work in no time. He's a very good worker."
"Excellent," he spoke, his eyes scanning over the page in front of him.
You turned to leave the large office, setting the documents on your desk just outside of his doors. He called your name and you turned around, walking up to the doors with a hum. He gave a smile and finally looked up at you with those chocolate eyes, "Thank you, Ms. Y/L/N. You're the best."
You smiled back at him, sending a wink his way, "I know, sir." You then set your hands on the door handles and closed them shut. You sat down in your chair, fixing your pencil skirt as you brushed the invisible lint off of the fabric.
You opened your laptop, typing away at an unfinished email before hitting send after double and triple checking it. You then looked over your emails, clicking on the two sent by Mr. Mikaelson. They opened as you quickly scanned over the information, hitting the print button so fast you double checked to make sure they actually printed.
You then picked up your tablet sitting next to the computer, opening the presentation your boss had sent you so you could look over it like he asked you to. You stood, your eyes still on the screen, as you headed to the elevator to get to the copying room just a floor below you.
As soon as you entered the elevator, two other employees entered with you. You all gave polite nods and smiles as you greeted each other kindly. You then turned back to your tablet, tapping through the presentation.
The elevator starting to descend, hitting your floor first as you got off. You turned off the tablet once you reached the copying room. You stopped by the door when you saw someone standing in the room. He muttered under his breath in frustration, hitting the palm of his hand on the copying machine as it whirred and made noises.
"Damn copier," he muttered.
You spoke up, "Is there something wrong?" You walked further into the room and tilted your head. He turned around, a nervous smile on his face as he went to scratch the back of his neck. He chuckled lightly, "Oh, sorry. I just...the copier isn't working."
You raised your brows as you walked further into the room, "Have you checked the paper? Most times people just forget to restock it." You did just that, looking to see if the copier had any paper in it to work with. When you saw the empty tray, you offered him a smile and a stack of copying paper off one of the shelves.
He smiled bashfully, rubbing his hands together, "Oh... thank you." The machine began printing the papers as he mentally cursed himself.
"Are you new here? Don't think I've seen you around here before," you asked him as you stood, waiting for your copies.
He nodded sheepishly as he spoke, "Yes, it's actually my first day. My name's Joshua Rosza, but people just call me Josh." He held his hand out for you to shake and you did with a smile.
"Ah, yes. I've been expecting you. You're the new chauffeur for Mr. Mikaelson. I'm Y/N Y/L/N, Mr. Mikaelson's assistant. It's wonderful to meet you," you told him. You gestured to the room, "What are you doing in here?"
He scratched his neck again as he chuckled, "Funny story, I was looking for the right floor to meet you and a woman stopped me and told me to go pick up some papers from copying. I didn't want to be rude, so here we are now..."
You chuckled with him. You were proud of your hiring skills, you made the right choice with Rosza. "Gotcha. You probably ran into Pierce, she's a bit of a bitch around here."
As the words left your mouth, you hear the annoying feminine voice coming down the hall. "I heard that, Y/L/N." You raised a brow as you looked at Josh, "Speak of the devil."
Josh smiled with a snicker as you both turned to see Katherine enter the room. "Pierce," you greeted stiffly with a smirk. The woman eyed you, shooting daggers at you with just her glaring eyes. If looks could kill, everyone in the building would have been dead by now.
She spoke bitterly, "I just came to see why pretty boy was taking too long."
You almost rolled your eyes, "Well, 'pretty boy' isn't your assistant."
Katherine didn't even try to refrain from rolling her eyes as she sighed, "Speaking of assistants, I heard you and Mikaelson were striking a deal with the Salvatores."
You gave her a bittersweet smile - one that was more bitter than it was sweet - as you picked up both stacks of papers from the copier. "And I heard they declined your deal last year." You handed her stack to her with your smile and she eyed you before snatching the papers.
You sighed, "Well, I would love to stay and chat, but I have a business meeting to finish prepping. See you, Pierce. Josh, please follow me."
"Glady," he muttered as you both exited the copying room together. You walked over to the elevator, stopping next to him as you told him, "Don't mind Pierce. Watch out for her and you should be perfectly fine here. I will be seeing you later today about fittings and sizes for your uniform. If you need anything, simply ask for me and I will help you anyway I can."
He smiled at you and you shook his hand. He nodded, "Thank you so much."
"Don't mention it," you told him before letting him go. He went to one elevator while you took the other, both of you going in opposite directions. You quickly got back to your desk, separating the papers that needed to be taken care of later and the documents for the Salvatore meeting.
Katherine Pierce was Mr. Mikaelson's assistant before you. She was moved down after an incident just before you were hired to take her place. People always loved you and applauded your work, some would openly claim how much of a better assistant you turned out to be.
Katherine held a grudge. It was the reason she hated you so much. Now hearing that you're attempting to strike a deal with the Salvatores - something she tried and failed at doing - she was really working up a temper.
And you loved to do it.
You finished looking over the presentation on your tablet, approving of the perfection that was Mr. Mikaelson's work. You wrote back to him on his email after you finished up.
'Everything is perfect, as always, sir. It is perfectly ready for the meeting.'
You sent the response and went straight to the meeting room with your stack of documents and tablet. You pulled up the menu for the catering to make sure everything was set. When you walked into the room, you smiled as things were just being finished. There were three people left in the room, adding their last touches and arrangements.
You looked over everything a second time, making sure everything was perfect for Mr. Mikaelson. You double and triple checked, just to be positive. You looked over the chairs and counted them. One, two, three, four. You furrowed your brows. There are supposed to be five chairs present: one for Mr. Mikaelson, two for the Salvatores, one for their lawyer, and one for yourself.
You checked your watch to see the time and cursed. 5:17. It was too late to grab another chair, you were supposed to be early, as early as 5:20 sharp. No exceptions - by your own standards at least, Mr. Mikaelson allowed your flexibility because you were such a good assistant.
You sighed before setting out the papers at each space. You fixed the waters just slightly, nitpicking at everything to make up for the missing seat. Everything had to be perfect.
Just as you finished up, Mr. Mikaelson walked in and examined the room. 5:20 sharp. He gave an approving smile and spoke, "Everything looks perfect. Thank you, Ms. Y/L/N."
You nodded with a smile, "Of course, sir."
His smile faltered a bit as his eyes narrowed at the set up, his gaze darting between each of the seats. "Wait, there are only four chairs present. Where is the fifth?"
You internally sighed, crossing one leg over the other as you spoke, "There was no time to grab an extra so I will be standing during the presentation, sir. Besides, it helps for when I pass out documents."
He shook his head, "Nonsense, take my chair. I will stand."
You opposed with a small smile, "Really, it's fine. As your assistant, I adjust to what you need. It's no problem for me to stand during the presentation. It works out well."
Mr. Mikaelson thought for a moment over your words, silence settling in the room. You tried not to fidget with your watch, a habit you had been trying to break. Relief washed over you as the sound of your boss sighing filled the room.
"Very well then," he said. He went over the agenda of the meeting with you one last time - even though the two of you had been going over it over the past week to prepare for it - before he allowed you to go to the door and prepare to greet the incoming clients.
You waited for only a few minutes before the three men got off the elevator to your floor. You gave a welcoming smile as they walked over to you. You offered an outstretched hand as the younger Salvatore shook your hand first. "Hello, Mr. Salvatore."
He shook his head with a polite smile, "Please, call me Stefan."
You nodded, "Welcome, Stefan." He let go of your hand and you reached for the second brother. He gave you a smirk, one he expected to have you fawning over him as you stared into those icy blues; however, you were used to dealing with men like this. He didn't affect.
You greeted him respectfully, "Hello, Mr. Salvatore." He sauntered over to you, shaking your hand as he stood fairly close to you. He wiggled a brow and winked at you, "Damon." You nodded once as you continued to smile at him, "Of course. Come right in."
He walked into the room, shooting a look at you over his shoulder. You breathed a light chuckle and turned your attention to the third man. You shook his hand firmly, "You must be the Salvatores' lawyer. I'm Y/N Y/L/N, Mr. Mikaelson's personal assistant."
He gave you a nod and a smile, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Y/L/N. Alaric Saltzman."
"Shall we go in?"
"Lead the way," he said. You both entered the room as you closed the door behind you. You took your place behind Mr. Mikaelson's chair, adjusting a folder in your arms as he greeted each man. Damon's eyes kept looking back at you, winking and smirking as he flirted. Stefan seemed to notice this as he mouthed "sorry"s to you.
Once the introductions were finished, everyone took their respective places around the table. Mr. Mikaelson clapped his hands together and gave a professional smile, "Well then, shall we begin?"
~
The hour long meeting was a mix between long and short. Between you standing - which didn't really bother you - Damon's winks and smirks, Stefan's mouthed apologies, and the professional words exchanged between the men about the deal, you couldn't quite tell.
You smiled as you looked at each person throughout the meeting, noting the approving looks of Mr. Saltzman and Stefan - Damon seemed more interested in you than he did the presentation. But as the meeting came to an end, Mr. Mikaelson spoke as he looked between each man, "What do you think? Do we have a deal?"
Stefan and Mr. Saltzman shared a glance before all three of them turned their chairs more toward each other and away from you and your boss. They whispered to each other as they talked it over.
You narrowed your eyes a little as you watched them, glancing down at Mr. Mikaelson at the same time he glanced up at you. You gave a small smile and nodded once, which had him smiling in response. You both turned your eyes to the men and you did your best to keep from fiddling with your watch.
After another few moments, they broke up and turned back around to face you and Mr. Mikaelson. Their faces were blank as they seemed to assess you both the same way you were assessing them.
Mr. Saltzman's eyes landed on your boss' as they stared each other down. That's when your smile widened very slightly. Mr. Mikaelson always won stare downs. His gazes were always so intense and intimidating that it was impossible not to look away or crack under his powerful look. You would win this one.
Mr. Saltzman soon smiled, glancing away at Stefan momentarily to ease the tension of Mr. Mikaelson's stare. Both he and Stefan nodded as they held out their hands. You both shook their hands as Stefan spoke, "It's a deal."
You internally celebrated at their acceptance to the offer, keeping a professional stance as you shook their hands. You told them calmly, "It will be a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Saltzman. You won't regret it."
He smiled, "Please, we're business partners. Just call me Ric."
"Very well then," you smiled, "Ric, is it."
Mr. Mikaelson smiled as he spoke up, "I propose a celebration in honor of our new deal." You smiled up at him and the men nodded. Alaric spoke, "That'd be great."
He smiled regally, "How about drinks at the Mystic Grill. 9:00, on me."
"Great, we'll see you then," Stefan smiled.
Alaric spoke up then, "I actually won't be able to make it tonight. I have prearranged plans."
You nodded, "We understand. It was wonderful to meet you, Alaric."
"And you as well, Y/N, Mr. Mikaelson," he said. There was one last round of hand shaking as everyone began to exit the meeting room. Damon spoke, "I hope to see your lovely assistant, Ms. Y/L/N, as well."
Mr. Mikaelson turned to you, that same smile still resting on his face as he nodded, "Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yes, I will be there," you smiled, "I can't leave Mr. Mikaelson on his own. What kind of assistant would I be then?" Small laughter scattered through the rooms as the meeting officially came to an end.
At the door, Damon kissed your hand cockily and winked, "I'll see you tonight." He then turned and left with Stefan and Alaric in tow. Stefan shot you one last look to apologize for his brother. You shrugged and watched them leave. Once the elevator doors closed behind them, you turned with a heavy sigh to face the room again.
You smiled at your boss, "Another job well done, Mr. Mikaelson."
You walked over to him, your gaze moving up with each step closer. He smiled back at you, a more casual smile versus his professional one he usually kept on his face. Instead of looking at you with a raised head, he lowered his gaze so he could see you properly.
"All thanks to you," he responded, "You really are an amazing assistant."
You blushed very lightly at the compliment as you chuckled lightly, "It's nothing, sir. I'm just doing my job."
His hand came up to his lip, brushing his thumb against it as he told you meaningfully, "And you are very good at your job, dare I say the best. I truly appreciate your help over these past five years. I could not have asked for better. I have you to thank for most of my accomplishments - if not all."
You breathed a chuckle, diverting your eyes to the ground to hide the blush that was creeping up your neck at his kind words. Even if you didn't have huge feelings for the man, he knew the right things to say to get a girl blushing.
"Well, if it weren't for you, sir, I wouldn't have this job. So I suppose we both appreciate each other," you tilted your head as you looked up at him. He licked his bottom lip into his mouth, biting his lip slightly before nodding, "I trust I'll be seeing you tonight?"
You nodded gently with a gracious smile, "Yes, sir. I'll be there. Who else is going to plan it?" You both shared a laugh before he gave you a quick nod and left the room. You took a moment to stand there and breathe, allowing your thoughts to wander to the man you were so happy to be able to know and work for.
When the moment was over, you shook your head and began tidying the room. You then returned to your desk, tidying the things out of place as you got your things together. You grabbed your laptop and tablet, putting both in your purse before grabbing the folder of the signed papers from earlier in the day.
You knocked on Mr. Mikaelson's door, listening in for his answer, "Come in."
You opened the door and spoke gently, 'I'm taking these papers before I head out, sir. Also, the new chauffeur Mr. Rosza arrived. I will inform him about tonight and what time to pick you up. Is there anything else you need before I go?"
He shook his head with a smile and said, "No, that should be all."
"Great," you said, "I will see you tonight then, sir." You ignored the tiny skip of your heart as the words left your mouth. They were just simple words. Nothing to get excited over. He nodded, "Thank you, Ms. Y/L/N. I'll see you tonight."
You closed his door and left toward the elevator. Just as soon as you got on the elevator, Katherine joined you. You sighed as she stepped in next to you, her own bag thrown over her shoulder as she got ready to leave. There was a smug look on her face as usual as she prepared what nosy comment she was going to say to you.
"I overheard you talking with the big boss man. What was that about 'seeing him tonight'?" she asked, looking at you a with suggestive, and quite vexing, expression. You were tired of her sticking her nose in places she shouldn't.
Maybe you shouldn't have gloated, but it was the end of the day and you were close to tired - especially after dealing with Damon. "The Salvatores accepted our deal and the five of us are going to celebrate tonight. It probably would have been cool if you were able to, huh? Do you have anymore questions for me, Ms. Pierce?"
She kept quiet, now annoyed and pissed off by your fortune. You relished in the silence of the rest of the trip down to the lobby. When the elevator doors opened on the lobby, she got out as her heels clicked on the marble floors.
You smiled as you stepped out, walking over to the receptionist. "Hey, Cami," you smiled at her, leaning over the counter. She looked up at you and smiled back, happy to see her friend visiting her, "Hey. Long day?"
You thought over it, thinking about Stefan and Damon and then taking into account Cami's job. You sighed, "Probably not as long as yours."
You both shared a light laugh and continued, "Yeah, I gotta get ready for something with my boss. We made that deal with the Salvatores!"
Cami gave an excited look as her eyes widened, "No way! That's awesome!
You nodded proudly, "Yeah, we're celebrating at the Grill tonight." She went to respond when the phone went off and she sighed. "I've gotta get back to work. Congrats on that, though."
"Thanks. Bye, Cami," you waved as you began walking away. She waved at you as you walked out of the building into the parking lot where you got in your car and headed back home.