The Master Programmer

Jason Cross stepped into the office building with his usual stride. He was confident, and composed, and he exuded an effortless charisma that turned heads wherever he went. He had a reputation by now. A reputation built off the back of how he carried himself. And he relished in the fact that people gazed at him in want and envy. The receptionist, a petite brunette with a sharp, professional demeanour, immediately perked up as he approached, smiling as she always did. There was just something about seeing a handsome man in the morning that was a real pick-me-up. This handsome man who also had a sweet tongue was even better for her. She couldn't help but wonder how sweet his real tongue was. She noticed the coffee in his hand and greeted him with a teasing smile. "Morning, Jason," she said warmly. "One of these days, you're going to bring me coffee too, right?" Jason chuckled, his deep, resonant laughter making everyone turn their heads. "If I ever see you drinking coffee, I'll be front-row for the spectacle. You don't strike me as the type." The playful banter hung in the air for a moment, and just as Jason was about to head toward the elevators, she called out, "Well, maybe you should find out. Let's make it happen." Huh… So she was throwing herself at him. Well, Jason was not one to say no to such a treat. Jason turned back, his smirk widening as he studied her. "Well, well," he said, his tone dropping slightly. "If you're really that curious, let's talk after work. It's a busy day, but I don't want to leave you hanging." She beamed, biting her lip. "I'll make it worth your while," she teased, a light blush colouring her cheeks. "So make sure to clear your schedule later so I can bring calm to the end of your day." Calm? Oh, it might be calm... but only for a while. Jason's response was smooth, with a deliberate pause to let his words land. "I'm sure you will. But I have to admit... I prefer it when my heart is racing. It's a good thing we are having caffeine isn't it?" Her laughter followed him as he turned away, but before he could escape entirely, a sharp voice interrupted the moment. "Jason, stop monopolizing the receptionist's time. Some of us have work to do," came the sneering remark from Tommy Carter, a man who had recently taken it upon himself to challenge Jason's growing influence in the company. Jason turned to this guy, sighing. Ever since the first day Jason had entered the company, this guy had been on his case. It was extremely annoying. Jason did not want to see this guy there. It was just too fucking annoying to him. He did not need to see him like that. But at the same time, Jason knew that he could not react too much. After all, that was exactly what he wanted. And anyway, he was in front of a lot of people. He had to maintain a frame. He had to keep being who he was, to make sure that others saw him not change due to something so small. Jason glanced over his shoulder, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "Didn't realise I was causing trouble just by standing here," he said, his tone as light as a feather yet laced with quiet authority. "She's too beautiful for her own good. Already distracting me. And now she's causing me trouble with other men… So annoying…" The receptionist giggled nervously, while Tommy's scowl deepened. "You might fool others with your charm, but I see right through you," Tommy snapped. "Everyone talks about you like you're something special, but I'll prove you're not all that." Jason turned fully to face him now, the smirk never leaving his face. "By all means, Tommy. Give it your best shot." His words were calm, almost encouraging, but the subtle shift in his posture made it clear who held the upper hand. Everyone watched what was happening, wondering exactly how it was all happening, and when they saw it, they couldn't help but be taken aback. Tommy spluttered another insult as Jason walked away, leaving him stewing in his frustration. Looking around at everyone else who was gazing at him, he said, "What?! Don't have any work?!" After saying that everyone began leaving the scene and the man shook his head, screaming in frustration, as the receptionist hid herself while continuing her giggles. Jason was already far away from the scene by that time though. He could not take the time to pay too much attention to that idiot. Just another scumbag using his family name to get ahead. The Carter family was influential and powerful, and Tommy was a part of it. Jason knew who they were. If the Cross Family was A Tier, then the Carters were B Tier, people who were nothing more than hangers-on. Jason knew that Tommy Carter was one of those scions, who was merely there to get some accomplishments. The guy was lazy and unaccomplished and the only reason he even got here was because of the connections of his family name. Jason knew exactly how to deal with the idiots. Ignore and never look at them. Since they wanted his attention, but never got it, they would either escalate their efforts and risk ruin or just give up and move on to another target. His next stop was the HR office. Knocking once, he pushed the door open to find Oliver sitting at his desk, looking unusually polished. His usually chaotic office was uncharacteristically tidy, and Oliver himself looked transformed… his hair neatly combed, his suit freshly pressed. What the hell… was this the power of women? "Oliver," Jason greeted, raising an eyebrow. "You look… different. What happened? Something good, I'm sure." Oliver looked up, his grin wide. "You bastard," he said, getting up to clasp Jason's hand in a warm handshake. "You're not going to believe the night I had." Jason leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "I'm listening." Oliver glanced around conspiratorially before shutting the door. "So, remember how you told me to be confident? Well, after we left last night, I invited her over to my place. Turns out she's a geologist and my rock collection? Total hit. One thing led to another, and…" Jason laughed, shaking his head. "You're kidding me. She went for the rocks?" How was that even possible?! He must have been channelling some luck from his ancestors. Jason shook his head. He had spotted Maya standing there in the distance next to Angela, and back then seeing how uncomfortable Maya was in that place, he inferred that she did not do that kind of thing often. Which was perfect since that meant she and Oliver were the same. Now he knew though… there was much more to it and it was pretty impressive to Jason. Anyway, he was looking forward to the point where he finally saw them together. Oliver shrugged, looking sheepish but undeniably pleased with himself. "I guess I have hidden depths." Jason clapped him on the shoulder. "Proud of you, man. Keep it up." Oliver beamed, saying, "Oh man, she's so beautiful. And this morning, she made breakfast. I've never had a woman make me breakfast! They always just leave, or they ask for their pay, or—" "Okay, buddy. Too much information!" Jason said holding his hands up and eliciting some laughter from Oliver. Let's just skip over the fact that he used to see sex workers... Seeing how happy this guy was, Jason smiled, but still... It was important to make sure that Oliver did not imprint on this new woman. He needed Oliver to only need him in his life. No matter what man or woman entered it, no matter who looked at him and made him feel special. All of it did not matter. He needed Oliver to only look at him. In a non-gay way of course. Thinking this far, Jason slapped him on the shoulder, gazing deeply into his eyes. "But remember, Olly. Women are… interesting. It's funny. They're like tides. They're calm sometimes, stormy at other times, always shifting... But you and me? We're solid, like the island that stands no matter what comes and goes." Oliver's smile almost disappeared, but he was still amused as he asked, "What are you getting at?" When Jason heard those words, he smiled knowingly. "Think about it. Women add colour to life, sure… But how often do they stick around when things get tough? Ask yourself how long your previous girlfriends stuck around instead of waiting for you to be a better man than the one they were already attracted to." Jason patted him on the shoulder again, shifting his tone to a supportive one. "You need real bonds. Bonds that last. Who's going to have your back when the storms hit? It's not going to be the seagull who came to the island just because there was some pretty rock on there… no. The seagulls are only there for a good time. Not a long time." Oliver nodded, as he looked to the distance reflecting. "I mean I guess there's truth to that." Jason then shifted his body, putting his arm over Oliver's as he gave him direct eye constant. "Exactly. But let me explain it to you. It's not about dismissing her. No. It's about priorities. You can enjoy her company, but never forget what separates the strong from the lost. Loyalty. She's only there because she's there for a good time. But you and I… We have that. I've got your back, just like you've got mine. That's how we win in life." Oliver began smiling at that moment, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. Bros before…" Jason chuckled in glee, clapping his shoulder. "Exactly. Women are great fun. But they come and go. That's life. Charge it to the game. It's unshakable, the state of reality. Keep that in mind, and you will never get lost while chasing something temporary or unnecessary. But remember, man. I believe in you. And I trust your judgement." Oliver nodded, turning to Jason. "I know man. I trust you too." Of course, you do, bro, Jason thought to himself, watching as Oliver took in his ideas so easily. Language was power. And Power was everything in life.