After 6 years of switching majors and transferring schools, Carl Joven had finally done it. He'd earned his Bachelor's Degree. As he walked across that stage, his eyes searching the raptors for any sign of his family, he shook the Dean of Students' hand, grabbed the black faux-leather holder that contained his degree, and walked off the stage. The red and black coloured tassel - the official colours of Bridgerock University - hung awkwardly against his face. Once he returned to his seat, he finally caught a glimpse of his family frantically waving at him. Even from the other side of a backed stadium, he could tell his mother was crying. His younger brother, Devin, look nonplussed and his dad, Mark, was too busy chatting up someone else's mother to notice Carl waving back at the trio, degree in hand.
Weeks later, Carl had stored his cap, gown, and degree in a box and found himself, suited up and at the front desk of WKD Enterprises, one of the world's largest biotech organizations.
"Hi, I'm Carl. It's my first day," he said, trying to sound friendly and warm. The receptionist, a beautifully voluptuous young woman, looked him up and down and smiled.
"Welcome, Carl! Yes, Will is expecting you. Follow me!" She got up from her chair and ushered Carl through the modern offices. Carl was too busy adjusting the sleeves on his navy blue suit.
At 5'7" tall, Carl had the annoying problem of either finding clothes that fit him perfectly or clothes that made him feel like a little boy playing dress up in daddy's clothes. This navy blue suit, which his father gifted to him for his first day, was more the latter. Still, Carl cleaned up nicely, sweeping his jet black hair into a short ponytail away from his charming oval-shaped face and bright green eyes. He was confident in his body and that's what mattered.
"Hey Will, your new specialist is here!" Carl heard the receptionist say before she walked away, leaving him to greet Will. Will stood up and towered over the new graduate. Carl figured Will must be at least 6'4". And handsome, too, though his face was certainly weathered by age and experience.
"Uh, hello sir, it's good to see you again!" Carl said, extending his hand.
"Carl, it's a pleasure to have you with us!" replied Will, his voice deep, comforting. "Take a seat and let's get you going!"
First days at office jobs are some of the most boring days anyone can ever endure. It's mostly comprised of shaking people's hands, attending meetings and being introduced as the new person, and listening to other people introduce themselves to you repeatedly. So, by the time the clock struck 5pm, Carl was ready for some alone time. Granted, sharing an office with a tall, handsome, and older guy like Will felt like his sexual fantasies come true but even he couldn't deny how socially draining the first day was.
"I'm gonna start heading out. I'll see you tomorrow, Will?" Carl said as he started packing up his newly-assigned office laptop into his "Welcome to WKD Enterprises" backpack.
"Actually," Will started, "could you hang back for a while? I could actually use your help on this little project."
Carl looked at Will, his green eyes locked onto Will's icy blues, and he smiled.
"Sure, anything you need!"