L A T E N I G H T S E C R E T A R Y

9 - Need You Now

After a few days of absence, Tyler came back to work. His reappointment put him back in the secretarial office. He was working quickly and efficiently, as always, but he kept sighing sadly with a glum look on his face. Either he was too focused on his work or he really didn't care. A few of his co-workers began to gossip as usual and the topic is... him.

"Tyler?" One of his co-workers called his attention halting his similar to robotic work. "Manager Polverini, wants to see you."

At Jeff's office... "Transfer?" Tyler questioned.

"I believe, that you've heard of Erde Company?"

"Yes, it's one of the members of Touma Corp. It deals with import and sales of interior..." Tyler replied still a bit confused.

"That's the one. They want to establish a secretarial office, but don't know how. So they've asked for our help." Jeff answered nonchalantly as he arranged some of his own paperwork.

"You're assigning me there...?" Tyler asked feeling as melancholic.

Turning back Jeff saw the younger man's expression and immediately tried to explain to him. "Oh, no. It's not a permanent assignment. I just want you to help them out with preparations. You'll take over the secretarial duties there, and advise them about the types of staff they'll need for the new secretarial office. So, you're pretty much showing them how a secretarial office is supposed to function."

"You're entrusting me with such an important task?" Tyler asked worried that he wasn't the right person for the job.

Seeing the smaller man's worry Jeff replied, "Don't worry. You're an excellent employee, so I can leave this to you. And anyway, don't you think right now that it's for the best if you weren't at headquarters? You did all that for Jared. You were very considerate of him. Changing your post and still being near him is kind of going to be a moot point if he's still there because it'll painful... wouldn't it?"

"Manager..."

"I don't want anything to mar your flawless work, that's all. And... Jared also agreed with this arrangement."

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The next day, Tyler was at Erde and met with the president, Tom Welling. He was a good-looking young man about Tyler's age maybe even a few years older. His height is 6' 3" which caused the younger Tyler to look up at him just like his earlier employer. He had raven dark hair and his eyes were an ocean blue. He had the same kind of glasses as Tyler. Seeing that this was a new fresh start Tyler was hoping that they would get along... of course, if it wasn't it wasn't meant to be.

"I don't need a secretary." Tom replied stubbornly.

"But, President Welling-" One of the employees began to say until he was rudely interrupted by Tom.

"You can use him for whatever you like. I don't need him. I can take care of myself by myself." Tom closed a folder he was looking at and by the sound of his tone dismissed any other arguments.

Tyler took a calming breath and readied himself for what he was about to say. "Excuse me, President Welling. I believe that if you leave the odd jobs connected to your work to us secretaries instead of you doing everything yourself, this can make the working process here much faster and efficient. You would also be able to deal with the more important issues of the company. I know it is very stressful to leave your work to someone you just met. I was sent here so that I could lessen your stress and help as much as I can. If you would allow it, I would like for you to give me a chance." Tyler stated with a smile on his face.

The president and the other employee were wide-eyed at the new secretary's boldness. The next few days were spent with Tyler working with his new co-workers. 'This is my job... Even if I'm no longer by the Director's side I still have a job to do... Besides maybe if I occupy myself I won't even think of him.' Tyler thought hopefully, and while his focus was distracted with work he never noticed Tom glancing his way a few times.

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The next day Tom was invited to M Company's party. The place was filled with people talking with one another sharing a few tips, etc. Tom's companion for the party was Tyler. "President... Um, is it really alright to choose me as your companion for this party?" Tyler asked curiously dressed in formal black pants and a white button-down that was unbuttoned at the first three. He still had his glasses on, but the gel in his hair was no longer there giving it a more natural and less organized look.

Tom was in a dark black suit with a white shirt underneath and had a blue tie that accentuated his eyes. "Well, you already know I'm not married, so if I came without a date it would be inappropriate for such an occasion. You're a real professional, so you're perfect." At hearing that statement Tyler blushed, but Tom wasn't finished. "In the end, I gave in to you... you really proved to me that we do need secretaries to increase the company's efficiency. You're a wonderful employee." Tom proclaimed with a gentle smile on his face looking right at his new employee.

"Oh, thank you... I'm very happy to hear you say that, but you shouldn't give me so much credit." Tyler replied flustered.

"But wasn't it due to your efforts that we achieved so much?" Tom continued and was looking right into the peridot eyes that were obscured by glasses. "I don't think, anyone but you could have convinced me of this."

"President Welling..." Tyler said blushing a deep red and as he began to turn and hide his bashfulness. He immediately spotted Jared. Jared was in a black suit with a red tie and a black polo underneath. A young man had his hand on Jared's chest. The young man looked to be around 23 or 24 yrs. old. He had dark black hair with brown eyes, and was recognized by Tyler as another one of Jared's dates when he had to decide on a gift for him. There was so much tension in the air you could slice it with a butter knife. Tyler was shocked and could only utter the words, "Director Polverini..."

"Ah, it's Director Polverini..." Tom replied walking over to the taller man and making conversation.

Tyler was looking longingly at Jared when he was interrupted from his reverie by the aforementioned young man. "Wait a minute... I know you, you were Jared's secretary before weren't you?" He asked innocently.

"Now, that you mention it... weren't you once in his employment, Tyler?" asked Tom smiling knowingly.

"Yes, that's right. Umm, did you... find a replacement?" Tyler asked Jared.

"Yeah, no problem at all." Jared was glaring a bit, but schooled his expression into something icy. "Ex-cuse me... " Jared took his companion's arm and began to walk away.

"...Your ex-boss is really unsociable, isn't he." The statement seemed like a question, but when Tom delivered it, it seemed more like a declaration.

Tyler was going through the events that happened and felt a throbbing pain in his chest. He quickly calmed himself down before anyone could notice. While that was happening Jared and his date were talking about something very interesting. "Jared..." The young man named, Jason began to say after noticing something was bothering the older man. "Lately, you've been unusually ardent when it comes to your dates... especially males. Isn't it because the one you want left you?" He asked with doe eyes looking up at Jared.

"No such thing, and stop being so nosey will you." Jared answered immediately with a permanent scowl on his face.

"So you're bad temper is because of a man, after all!"

"Cut the crap!" Jared was staring at a certain oblivious green eyed blond young man.

"Would you like a drink, President Vito?" Tyler asked politely to an elderly Italian man who was discussing something with his new boss.

"Thank you, I'll have some more wine, please." The elderly Italian replied handing Tyler his glass.

Tyler was looking for one of the server's with the wine. When he spotted one he walked over immediately making a bee line. As he took three glasses he noticed another hand, and when he looked for the owner of the hand's face it was Jared. They both looked at each other with wide surprised eyes even Jared's icy expression broke. Before Tyler could get lost in those sharp hazel eyes he quickly turned away not wanting to face the taller man as much as possible.

"Your boss is good for nothing if he makes his date run errands for him." Jared commented snidely.

Tyler twitched at that one, knowing full well Jared was baiting him to say something... and he did. "I am here as his secretary. President Welling is in the middle of making a business deal right now, so this is my duty. And also... just like when I was working for you... I had to do ALL SORTS of jobs, to help keep you and the work going smoothly. At least now, I don't have to deal with working so hard it feels like my life is being drained from me." Tyler replied with a sweet smile on his face when he saw what effect his last statement did to his former boss. At hearing the last statement Jared flinched a little with no one noticing it, but Tyler.

"Now, if you'll excuse me." Tyler said politely walking away towards his boss and President Vito. "Excuse me, President Vito, for the delay." Tyler handed the older man his drink.

"Grazie." President Vito replied his Italian accent prounced.

"And, Mr. President, this drink is for you." Tyler said handing it to Tom.

"Thank you." Tom riposted gratefully.

Suddenly, while Tyler was talking with his boss, he felt someone bump him and felt something wet spilling on his left shoulder. When he turned around it was Jared with his wine dripping from his glass and onto his shirt. Tom's face was close to comical when his eyes seemed to widen at what he just saw, but couldn't say anything.

"... Oh, excuse me." Jared replied as if it were an accident. "I'm sorry, President Welling, but he's going to need to wash this now." Jared said sounding remorseful and putting his arm on Tyler who was too shocked to really say anything. "I'll be borrowing him for awhile, if you don't mind?"

'You... Bastard...!' Tyler thought angrily as he was being guided away.

"... Ehm... Alright..." Tom replied dumbly still trying to process what just happened.

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While they were in a hallway away from the party Tyler was yelling. "I can't believe you did this! It was on purpose, wasn't it!?" Tyler asked angrily already knowing the answer.

"Atrocity!" Jared muttered to no one, but Tyler heard it.

"What!?" Tyler asked thinking it was him being called that.

"I can't stand it when I see someone using something I used before. So stop showing up in front of me! Yes, hello I need a white shirt for a one man and suite ASAP." Jared said the first statement to a bewildered Tyler while the last one was to one of the workers at the hotel demanded via cellphone.

"Wha...?" Tyler asked taking his arm from Jared's grip. "Now, hold on a second! What I do with anyone or where no longer has anything to do with you, Director! You're the one who said you didn't need me anymore, remember? I'm not your secretary anymo-" Tyler was about to continue when Jared suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Now, listen here and listen good. Even if I throw you away, YOU'RE STILL MINE!" Jared said bringing his face close to Tyler's.

Tyler was so red from anger and... something else. "How can you say... something so-"

"Shut up." Jared began pulling Tyler towards his Suite.

In the Suite bathroom, Tyler removed his already ruined shirt and was given a new one by one of the hotel staff. This shirt was different because it had a tribal design by the edges of the collar, cuffs, and pockets. 'Am I mad at him...? Or am I...' Tyler thought as he changed. "Director..." Tyler trailed off as he walked out to find Jason on Jared's lap. "Umm...." Tyler clear his throat. "Thank you very much, for taking care of everything, Director. I'll make sure to remember to at least give you compensation for-"

"I don't need your compensation." Jared said turning cold hard eyes towards Tyler. "I already told you, you're an atrocity. So get out of my sight, and make sure I don't see your face anymore."

"Excuse me, then...." Tyler ran out of there as fast as he could and slammed the door shut. He felt tears pricking his eyes and wiped at them furiously trying to erase any evidence of them ever being there.

Back in Jared's Suite... "What are you so antsy about? That guy or.... yourself?" Jason questioned an obviously irritated Jared who was once again smoking worse than a chimney.

Outside Tyler was back by Tom's side. They were seeing President Vito off. "I hope to see you again soon. Be careful and have a safe trip!" Tom stated as he and Tyler watched the limousine drive away. "Make sure to schedule a meeting with President Vito tomorrow morning."

"Understood." Tyler replied and as he was looking around he spotted a scarf that was stuck on a bush. He spotted a woman who was with her friend acting panicked and connected the dots. "Excuse me, President. I think someone dropped this. I'll just be returning it." Tyler reported to Tom and when his boss nodded in approval, he jogged over to the disoriented woman.

At that same time Jared exited the door and took a quick glance at Tyler and looked away at the same time. He began to put his sun glasses on and coat to protect himself from the sunlight.

While Tyler returned the scarf a strong gust passed by and caused the item to fly right into Tyler's face. "What the...?" When he tried to take it off it seemed stuck on the edge of his glasses and staggered and fell back landing on his ass. He was standing very closely to the sidewalk's edge so when he fell it was on the road.

"Oh, my gosh. I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" The woman asked.

Tyler dropped his 'fake' glasses and began looking for them suddenly as he began to stand up a car started coming in. Tyler didn't notice because his back was turned to it, but Tom and Jared did.

"Tyler-rr!" Tom yelled trying to catch the younger man's attention.

"You i***t!" Jared yelled at the same time running for Tyler.

When Tyler heard the beeping it was already too late, and his body was paralyzed in fear. At the last minute Jared dove for Tyler dragging him to safety and away from the car. Tyler was pulled to Jared's chest and when he turned back he saw his glasses being crushed by the vehicle.

"Damn it... Why the hell did I..." Jared grumbled, but was too weak because of the exposure of the sun. "That's why I told you not to show up in front of me..." By then Jared had his arm covered over his face.

"Director...?" Tyler asked noticing how Jared was in pain.

"When you're involved... I just..." Jared continued, but was in too much pain.

'The sunlight!' Jensen remembered and quickly reacted by cover Jared with his body. "NO!"

Tom, Cliff, and Jason ran for them when they heard Tyler's cry. "Tyler! Mr. Polverini! Jared!" They all yelled at the same time with Jason and Cliff worried for Jared while Tom was the only one who was worried about Tyler. Cliff arrived first and quickly tried to help them.

"Cliff! " Jared yelled glad somebody could finally help him.

"Tyler, help me move Mr. Polverini to the car." Cliff ordered and both men hefted Jared up quickly.

"Director... are you alright? Director!" Tyler knew that the only thing that could help Jared was blood. "Cliff.. he needs-" Tyler began to say when he was suddenly shoved away by Jared.

"Go back!" Jared yelled breathing harshly and looking like he was in a serious amount of pain. "You're not my secretary anymore!" Tyler after hearing those words once again froze. Jared, Cliff, and Jason all drove away leaving Tom and Tyler.

"Tyler..." Tom began to say when he saw the younger man begin to tear up.

'I can't help him anymore.... I can't do anything for him anymore...!' Once again Tyler cried for his ineptitude. Tom did his best to placate his secretary by placing a comforting hand on Tyler's back, but it was lost because all Tyler could concentrate on was his pain.

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Later, on that evening Tom drove Tyler home. "Thank you for working overtime with me for such a late hour. Are you all right?" He asked with concern clear in his voice.

"Yes... I'm sorry for causing you problems."

"No, no problems at all. Then... I'll see you tomorrow...?" Tom lingered for a little longer worried for the smaller man, and when nothing happened he said his goodbyes and drove off.

Tyler was about to walk back home when he heard a familiar voice call from behind him... it was Cliff!

"Tyler..."

"Cliff!" Tyler asked surprised at the man's sudden appearance. "Why are you here? How's the Director?"

"It was already past noon so the sunlight wasn't too bad and so he wasn't hurt so much. But his recovery is slow and very weak."

"Didn't he have enough blood?"

At that question Cliff shook his head and said, "It's more like his physical strength is failing. Ever since you left your job, Mr. Polverini hasn't fed properly. He keeps asking for more and more people in his office, but every time he just ends up not drinking a single drop of their blood. I've overheard him say that if it's not your blood it can't satisfy his hunger. But I think- it's more like he's suffering without it. Mr. Polverini needs your blood... so won't you please come to him?" Cliff begged sincerely. Cliff was an average looking man with red combed hair and a clean face. Tyler had never really seen the man beg before and seeing it now made him think this through carefully. 'The Director... needs my blood.... my... blood only?' Tyler's heart and mind were battling with each other. His heart screamed to go to him while his mind said not to go after all the pain the man has brought him aches fiercely.

"Tyler..." Cliff said interrupting Tyler's inner conflict. "This is for you." He said handing a new pair of glasses to Tyler. "Mr. Polverini, ordered them from the same store where you bought your last pair."

Tyler held the case lovingly and a stray tear ran down his face. 'The Director understands my feelings better that anyone else... and he wants to protect the things I value... I keep trying to distance myself from him... but my heart already belongs to him...' Taking a deep calming breath he said the words he had once been afraid to say. "Take me to him... Please." Tyler said squeezing the case that from the naked eye looked unimportant, but meant deeper to him.