sheep go to heaven; goats go to hell

[willowed]

It's been weeks since Nuriko was discovered at the cat café and she still hasn't spoken to anyone about the encounter. The holidays have been too much, too loud, too busy for her to focus on anything more than doing a good job at work and coming home to make the space comfortable for Rin during the difficult time. With school on break, she's afraid of leaving him to his own devices for too long, unsure where his thoughts will take him.

When Christmas passes, she finally finds the space to think of herself again, slightly distracted as business slows and fiddling restlessly with her smartphone. Only when she notices Robin passing through the restaurant does she put the phone away, firing off one more animated heart in Rin's direction before trailing quickly after Robin in time to slip through his office door before it shuts.

Robin's been kind to her since they met, but still Nuriko feels her pulse quicken nervously. It's been a while since she's asked for a favor like this, potentially dangerous and definitely completely outside of her comfort zone.

And if there's anyone who knows the value of that, it's Robin.

"Hey, boss," she says, tone hesitant and wheedling as she knocks belatedly, offering a smile. "Do you have a minute?"

Comments

[goodfella]

"Yeah, I suppose," Robin says as he dumps himself heavily into the swiveling leather office chair behind his desk. He lifts his curly head to stare across the space at Nuriko with a question in his green eyes. He isn't quite used to this tone of voice of hers, and he wonders immediately what it means.

"I don't suppose this is about business?" he says, quickly steepling his hands on the surface of his desk. It doesn't sound like she's here to beg for a day off on the schedule. No, Robin supposes she wants something more personal, perhaps a favor. He isn't always the kindest, where favors are concerned, but Nuriko has never asked for much from him, and she's been a good employee. Both are important to him.

Moreover, he considers her a friend, whether he's volunteered the word or not in reference to their relationship, whatever it is.