Jace and the Black Dragon 02

The next day, Jace arrived at the office feeling unsettled. News of his alleged affair with Rubena had spread like wildfire. As he walked through the halls, he was met with knowing glances and mocking smiles. Some colleagues even greeted him with a newfound familiarity. While the point of the fake romance was to boost Rubena's popularity and sympathy, it seemed his own stock had risen considerably. When he reached his desk, Rubena was already there, staring at her computer with unusual intensity. Her golden eyes were narrowed, and her claws tapped a staccato rhythm on the keyboard. “Hey,” Jace said, pulling her from her concentration. "Oh, Jace," she exclaimed, a little awkwardly. "I was waiting for you." "What's up?" he asked, cautious. Rubena turned her monitor toward him, displaying a series of articles and infographics. “The new popularity survey is this Friday. With the right moves, we can climb significantly in the rankings. I’m researching strategies.” Jace scanned the list with skepticism. It looked like a generic "Top Ten Tips for Popularity" clickbait article. Still, he was touched by how seriously she was taking it. “You’re really going all-in on this,” Jace remarked. Rubena stopped tapping her claws and gritted her teeth, making that distinctive, worried sound of hers. "I don't want to lose my job. I've worked hard to get here. And it's not easy for people like me to find work," she said, her gaze dropping slightly. "I get it," Jace said. "And it's ridiculous to lose your job over a popularity contest. I'm still not convinced this is even legal." "They're hiding behind 'workplace culture,' even though it's a complete perversion of the concept," Rubena said, pulling out a small notebook. "I've also made a list of more ideas to make us popular." "Are these from the same internet article?" Jace asked, a knot of worry forming in his stomach. “It’s the same one that suggested the fake romance,” Rubena said, opening her notebook. “The most important thing is to maintain the illusion long enough for it to seem legitimate. If people find out it’s fake, the effect on our popularity will be the complete opposite.” “Makes sense,” Jace conceded. “So… what’s the plan?” “We should spend more time together,” Rubena stated, her expression as inscrutable as ever. “Our desks are right next to each other.” “I mean outside of work. We could go to the cafe together, or maybe…” “Maybe?” Jace prompted. “Maybe we should be seen together outside the office. Somewhere nearby where coworkers might spot us.” "Yeah, that makes sense," Jace said, the full weight of the long-term deception beginning to dawn on him. “…I’m sorry if this is too much of a hassle,” Rubena said, her tone pained. “You don't need to apologize. This helps me, too,” Jace said, trying to reassure her. “Be right back, I’m going for coffee.” In the breakroom, Jace mulled over his situation. For the deception to work, he had to commit to the "romance" fully. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Lina and Teresa enter. "Hi, Jace," Lina greeted him. She was an attractive secretary who had never so much as glanced his way—until now. “Oh! Hi,” Jace answered, startled. “Careful, Lina, this one’s taken,” joked Teresa, another attractive secretary. “Right, you’re the dragon girl’s boyfriend,” Lina said, reaching for a cup. “So, what’s she like? Is she a strict girlfriend?” “Well… a little. Not really,” Jace improvised awkwardly. He hadn't prepared for an inquisition. “Everyone’s talking about you two, you know?” Lina continued, filling her cup. “Though some are saying it’s just a ploy to soften her image.” “What?! No, of course not. That's a rude thing to say,” Jace said, struggling to keep his composure. “It just… happened naturally from working together. I got to know the real her.” Teresa and Lina exchanged a glance and a knowing smile. “Okay, just telling you what the rumor mill is churning out. I think it’s cute,” Lina said, sipping her coffee. “I have to admit… I never noticed before, but you’re kind of cute. Your girl is lucky.” “Uh, well, thanks,” Jace said, embarrassed. “I should… get back. My partner is waiting for me.” “Don’t keep her waiting. You wouldn’t want to anger the dragon,” Teresa said with a smirk. Jace hurried back to the office. Rubena was right; they needed to make their "relationship" more believable. And had Lina just flirted with him? Unthinkable. But perhaps their fake relationship was actually making him more attractive. It was a promising thought for when this whole charade was over. "Rubena, you were definitely right," Jace said, striding into the office. He stopped short. Rubena was standing there, her skirt hiked up to reveal significantly more leg than before—shapely, toned legs. “Oh, Jace. What do you think?” Rubena said, trying to look serious despite her visible blush. “Wow! That’s… quite a bit of leg you’re showing,” Jace said, his eyes inadvertently lingering. He also noticed she was wearing towering heels. “I-I read that this greatly increases your popularity in the office,” Rubena explained. “You’ll certainly make an impression in certain circles… but the office is almost 50% female. I think it might backfire.” Rubena put a hand to her chin, thoughtful. “You’re probably right. I appreciate the honesty. Besides, I wasn’t very comfortable showing this much leg.” “I don't think it's appropriate for the office, no matter how nice your legs are.” “…You think my legs are nice?” Rubena asked. “Well, yes. That’s obvious.” “Even if I’m… terrifying?” “I think that’s more about your attitude. You’re actually quite an attractive woman, to be honest.” Rubena was silent for a moment before offering a small, genuine smile. "Thank you. I’m glad to hear that." “Sure. And hey, this is important. I just found out there are already people suspicious our relationship is fake.” “Just what I was afraid of,” Rubena said. “Then we need to act more like a couple.” Jace nodded. When it was time to leave, Rubena put on her coat while Jace shut down the office. “Isn’t it difficult to walk in those heels?” Jace asked. “Not really. I think it’s a benefit of being a mutant,” Rubena replied, her tone slightly more relaxed than usual. As they stepped out, Jace took her hand. Rubena jumped slightly in surprise. "I think it's time we start raising the stakes," Jace said. Rubena nodded, attempting a smile. She squeezed his hand, and the two walked out of the building together.