20. Dean

Dean

The weekend flies by in a blur of cuddles, sex, and Christmas spirit. We go shopping for Christmas presents on Saturday, and Art totally gets into the spirit, even buying a few decorations for his apartment. We stop off at Art's so he can pick up some more clothes, and we have a long soak in his tub (and some more hot tentacle sex, of course).

Sunday, we lounge around and watch Christmas movies, and Art's commentary has me laughing nonstop. I can tell he's amused at the movies despite his incredulity over the whole Santa Claus thing. We end up doing laundry and going grocery shopping together for the week, and even that's fun with Art (and his tentacles come in super handy when it comes to folding laundry—which he of course does meticulously).

Somehow I manage not to think about Frank all weekend, but when we wake up Monday morning to my alarm, that's the first thing that pops into my head. I breathe a heavy sigh out as I shut the alarm off, wondering if I can just call out for the day.

"What is wrong, Dean Miller?" Art asks, his tentacles pulling me back into a snuggle.

"I'm just dreading today. I'm not sure what Frank has in store for me."

Art is quiet for a moment, and then he murmurs sadly, "I am very sorry that you are worried about your job because of me."

I turn around and kiss him, getting lost in the press of our lips and the warmth of him surrounding me. My tongue gently teases at his lips, and we end up kissing deeply, our mouths slanting against one another.

I eventually pull back and look into Art's eyes. "I'm not sorry. I would defend you against that asshole again in a minute. He shouldn't treat you that way. It isn't okay. And if it means I lose my job because I did what was right, well, that makes it worth it. My biggest regret will be that I won't get to see you every day at work."

"Dean Miller," Art whispers, "I am not worth losing your job?—"

I don't even let him finish. "You are worth everything, Art. I love you. I love being with you and working with you. You're fucking brilliant, and your mind amazes me. More than that, you're funny, and you're sweet, and you're kind. You really care about our work and about people, even if you don't always show it how people expect you to. I love being with you, talking with you, even just doing freaking laundry with you. I would stand up for you to anyone, because I love you, Art."

Art stares at me, and I can't tell if it's wonder or disbelief in his face, but his tentacles are suctioned on to my skin everywhere they can reach so tightly that I know that what I said hasn't made him upset.

"And of course, you're also sexy as hell," I add, smiling.

Art smiles back, then his face grows serious again. "I would like to respond to your declaration with one of my own. I love you too, Dean Miller. I have been hoping that perhaps our role as temporary mates would become something more permanent eventually," Art confesses.

"Me too," I say.

"And you are also ‘sexy as hell' and amazing. People like me now thanks to you."

"That's bullshit, Art. People like you for you . They just didn't get a chance to know you before, and they weren't the right people if they were assholes. We all have to find our people, and I just helped you find some of yours. You were making friends at the party even without me there. Don't sell yourself short, Art. You're awesome."

I lean in to kiss him, and Art smiles, but then his grin slips as he says, "You know there will be no avoiding dinner with my parents now."

"Art, I can't wait to have dinner with your parents. My mom is already getting the family history together. She thinks it's adorable. Maybe we can all have dinner together, my parents and yours. I think that would be fantastic."

Art looks surprised but delighted by the idea, and I kiss him again before sliding out of bed.

"We have to get ready," I sigh. "Time to face the music with Frank."

"Why would Frank play music if he wants to fire you?" Art asks.

I can't help the burst of laughter, and I feel decidedly lighter as we get ready. Whatever happens this morning, I have Art in my life. Art tells me not to worry about Frank, and I appreciate his reassurance, but he can't predict what will happen. It would really suck if I get fired or transferred, but I know I'll land on my feet, especially with Art to support me.

Art is getting off a phone call when I get out of the shower, and on the way to the office he gets a text and tells me that we're going to HR. I suppose maybe it is best to be proactive. And honestly, Frank was way out of line in how he treated Art.

It would suck to lose my job, but Art shouldn't have to continue to work under Frank, either. The harpy obviously has a problem with him, and it only seems to be getting worse. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if Frank was hoping I would complain about Art or ask for a transfer. I wonder if he was trying to get Art fired. He definitely doesn't seem to like Art, and I know Art has been called in before after the other techs left.

I wonder if Frank has been bullying Art all along? I should've asked Art that question, but it's a little late, since we're walking into Harry's office.

Harry is sitting behind his desk, looking cranky just like last time, but I think that's just his face. Art and I both take seats in front of Harry's desk.

A voice from the corner of the office states, "Call him in." I hadn't noticed when we walked in, but the gorgon from the party on Friday is standing against the dark bookshelves at the side of the room, wearing a black bespoke suit.

He and Art seemed to get along well, and I really hope we aren't here for some sort of complaint from him.

"I would still rather not be present," Art says.

"Alexander is right, you should be here," Harry grumbles, and the gorgon smiles at Art and leans against the shelves.

So maybe this isn't a complaint? They seem to know exactly what's going on, but I'm in the dark. I feel like the HR department is another dimension of reality. I never know quite what to expect, but I don't think now is the time to ask. Art seems to have the situation under control, although I'm definitely going to remember to ask more questions next time.

The door opens, and in walks Frank.

He does not look happy. He's got a scowl on his face and his wings are flared out behind him.

"Good. I'm glad you called me in, Harry. This situation has become untenable." Frank grabs a chair from the small table in the corner and pulls it over, leaving a good distance between himself and Art and me.

Harry just grunts. I don't think Frank has noticed the gorgon—Alexander, apparently—in the corner.

Frank starts ranting. "We have lost seven lab techs because of Art, and I'm guessing the only reason Dean here hasn't quit is because of their outside relationship. Are you aware that they're dating? And I think that's interfering with the work environment. Dean has become increasingly hostile at work."

I stare at Frank incredulously. Is he serious? I knew he was a dick, but this is absurd. I'm not hostile! I look over at Art, but he looks perfectly calm, so I try to hold on to my temper.

"In fact, I have to wonder if this doesn't fall under sexual harassment, since Art is obviously coercing Dean into a relationship." Frank leans forward, adding, "In fact, I'm fully aware that some of the employees were discussing it and believe that Art forced Dean into spending time with him outside of work."

I actually sputter at that. "Art did not… You're the one…" I start, literally at a loss for words, but Harry just holds his hand up at me, shuffling some papers around on his desk.

This seems to please Frank, who continues. "As you know, numerous complaints have been placed regarding Art. Surely at this point, disciplinary action should be taken."

Frank leans back, smiling smugly. I was worried about my job, but it's clear Frank doesn't care about me. He really doesn't like Art.

"Yes, I have those complaints here," Harry responds, shuffling through some papers. "It seems that you did indeed have seven lab technicians file complaints, three of them stating it was at your behest."

Frank sputters, but Harry holds his hand up again, continuing. "All seven transferred to other departments, where many of them unfortunately did not last long. It seems their professionalism and ability to get along with others was… problematic. In fact, two of them were accused of sexually harassing other employees along with Art, although Art didn't put their interactions in those terms."

"Well…" Frank starts, but Harry cuts him off again.

"One has to wonder about the hiring practices of lab technicians in your department, Frank."

"I'm not the problem—Art is! Those lab technicians were fine before they worked with him!" Frank bursts out.

"And yet Dean has had no complaints, and he works with Art. I believe he was actually hired when you were on vacation, though, wasn't he?" Harry says, and I almost think his craggy face is fighting off a smile.

I just lean back. Wow. This is some good shit. It looks like Frank really has been hiring shitty lab techs.

"Did you not hear me about their illicit relationship? Surely that is affecting Dean's work!" Frank hisses.

"Actually, their relationship was declared to HR when it began, and Dean's work has been beyond stellar. He is one of our most productive lab technicians. As for the rumor that Art made Dean hang out with him, I believe that you actually demanded that Dean spend time with Art in order to…" Harry pauses, looking down at a paper, then he clears this throat and reads, "‘teach him how to interact with people in a way that doesn't make them want to quit.' I believe you also stated that Dean would ‘work side-by-side with Art all day, and smooth over any unpleasant interactions he may have with the rest of the staff.' Does that sound familiar, Frank?"

Frank's mouth is literally hanging open.

"Then there is the matter of the complaints about you , Frank," Harry states calmly, even though Frank's wings are getting bigger and there's definitely a breeze in the office that wasn't there before.

"If Art complained…" Frank starts, but Harry cuts him off yet again.

"Oh, no, I don't mean from Art. Art is one of the few employees who doesn't complain about you, Frank. Well, at least until he felt you put Dean into an unfair position that violated the employee handbook."

"This is ridiculous, and I will not be subjected to this," Frank declares, and I swear I hear thunder coming from inside the office. "Art is a pain in the ass who makes me hire new lab technicians constantly, and I cannot believe his behavior is being blamed on me. He doesn't know how to relate to people, his social skills suck, and he's rude, unsociable, and has no friends at work."

"Actually, I do believe that last statement is inaccurate," the gorgon says from the corner.

The wind stops, the low rumbling dies down, and Frank gets visibly paler.

"Mr. Kefalas. I didn't realize you were here," Frank stutters.

Holy shit. I didn't realize who Alexander was, but I recognize the name Kefalas. He's the head of the entire scientific division, and Art was chatting him up at the party on Friday like they were old friends.

"When this situation was brought to my attention, Harry was only too happy to let me know about the numerous complaints over the years about you, as well as your less than stellar hiring record. It seems there was little concrete evidence until now, but with these most recent violations, the director in your division will be conducting a thorough investigation. For now, you are placed on leave pending those results. Security is outside to escort you to your office. You are dismissed," Alexander states.

Frank starts to mutter, but Alexander's long hair, which looked more like dreadlocks than snakes a moment ago, starts to wave about. Frank takes notice and can't seem to leave the room fast enough.

"Holy shit, that was epic," I say once Frank has slammed the door. I realize that may not be the best impression to leave on the head of the scientific division, but Alexander just laughs.

"That asshole had it coming," Harry grumbles. "I've dealt with petty complaints about him for years, but nothing that was a fireable offense. Demanding Dean work outside contracted hours, starting rumors about employees, and then threatening Dean's job is the tipping point."

"But I didn't mind spending time with Art," I defend.

"Of course not," Harry agrees. "That isn't the point. At any rate, neither of you will need to worry about Frank again. You have more important things to do in that lab than deal with bullshit."

Art stands up. "Harry Ebershoff, it has been a pleasure as usual. I have enjoyed your logical decision making regarding the situation."

Harry laughs, and Alexander walks to the door and opens it, motioning us out. We walk down the hallway in silence for a moment. I honestly have no idea what to say. Mr. Kefalas is legendary in the company, and he just came to help us out in HR.

We get to the elevator, and Alexander turns to Art. "Tell your parents I said hello, and I look forward to meeting them for dinner soon. Hopefully you and your partner will be there as well."

Art smiles. "Dean and I have agreed that our mating is not just a temporary one, so I suppose partner would be an acceptable term."

Alexander grins, congratulates us both, and walks off down the hallway as Art and I get in the elevator.

Art looks at me as we travel up to the lab, and I let out a long breath.

"Were you not satisfied with that resolution?" he asks me.

I lean into Art, wrapping my arms around him. His tentacles and arms come up and wrap around me as well. He squeezes me tightly, which is exactly what I need.

"I'm definitely satisfied. That was just… a bit of a surprise. I was worried I was going to lose my job," I answer.

"I did tell you not to worry, Dean Miller. I do not say things I do not mean," Art says.

I laugh, kissing him lightly as the elevator door dings open. "That is true, Art. It's just one of the many things I love about you."

His face softens as we leave the elevator. "Dean Miller, I love you. I do wish we did not have to work today. I would enjoy another day of cuddling you, kissing you, and having sexual relations with you."

As we walk toward the lab, I ponder the possibility of getting Art to take the afternoon off. After all, cuddles, kissing, and sexual relations sound damn good after the morning we just had.