Sebastian Black sat in the Company's smallest Conference Room. An impressive space, with a 140 degree view of northern Manhattan below. His eyes consciously withdrawn. His thoughts, pragmatic and superficial.

Beside him, sat Grace Keller. A much older, but beautiful woman in her late forties--as beautiful in her prime as she was twenty years before. Donning her tailored ensemble.

She reviewed a file, with River's name printed in bold letters at the top. Marveling at the young man's achievements, and history of education. Impressed with his chosen study, and the achievements he had made, in the four years of attending Lockwood University. A prestigious College, with an insanely talented Alumni.

"I can see why they vetted River Kennedi," Grace crooned, smiling as she turned to Sebastian.

She grimaced at him, for he didn't seem all there. Just introspective and blank--distracted by the City in the view from the Room.

"Sebastian, I'd appreciate it if you showed at least a little interest in being here." Grace implored suggestively.

"I don't find my reason for being at this interview relevant. Couldn't you conduct this interview without me?" Sebastian muttered, neglecting to even look at Grace.

His partner and the Wife of his Best Friend and COO, Jonathan Keller. They made a marvelous team in the world of business, yet always at odds whenever it became personal. For Sebastian was considered an arrogant, and heartless bastard. A title he wore proudly, not ever once feeling guilty about his personality. Because it worked for him. Even when it didn't for others, who found his attitude completely repulsive and rude.

"We're talking about the future of this Company, Sebastian. River Kennedi seems to be a wonderful candidate. Someone we can hope to take this Business into a new generation, somewhere along the line when me and Jonathon are no longer here." She advised in an enthusiastic tone.

"He's also late," Sebastian pointed out, causing Grace to grit her teeth in distaste.

Although he was right, Grace didn't just pass judgment on River. She had ran countless background checks on him. Following his finances, Social Media, educational background and his work history. All he did was pay bills, turn in his assignments and worked hard. Something that most millennials lacked the gumption to do. So Grace hoped that he would show up, and not disappoint her. For she prayed that he had been caught in traffic, or something else concerning his tardiness that could be disregarded fairly.

"We're in the middle of Manhattan. Odds are, he got held up by traffic or something." Grace debated defensively and Sebastian grunted.

"I take it you know him personally?" Sebastian challenged.

Grace's jawline hardened, as her teeth clenched and irritation heightened. She hesitated to answer, but a retort was not far away. "I don't need to know him personally. I was him, remember?"

Sebastian finally turned to look at Grace. A dull look in his eyes, that failed to mask his restive expression.

"Your car broke down," Sebastian stated pointedly.

"Exactly," she glared at him, but soon sighed with a slight shake of her head.

"You say that this interview is for the future of this Company. But every year we give this internship to one lucky person, and where are they all?" Sebastian frowned.

"What's the relevance to that statement?" Grace queried.

"They're not here, Grace!" Sebastian croaked dismissively. "They're either with the competition, or working at a Bank because they couldn't manage. What makes you think this River person is going to be any different?" Sebastian grew annoyed, that he had to point that out.

"Have you lost sight of so much, that you can't manage to actually believe in someone?"

"No Grace, I believe in you and Jonathon. I believe in the work we do together, to keep this Company at the top of its game." Sebastian implored haughtily and Grace pursed her lips.

"This isn't about the interview, is it?" Grace asked out of pure concern.

"We're not talking about this, Grace. So please, spare me the sympathy." He grumbled lowly.

Grace grew weary of seeing Sebastian that way, but it was to be expected. There wasn't much to happen outside, but she knew that he was being torn apart inside. Ravaged by his overwhelming emotions. Crushed by the sins of a Father, who broke him. Turned him into a wall of stone, with a heart lacking of personal compassion.

"Look, Sebastian." She began, resting a palm atop his left shoulder. "I know the anniversary to your Father's death is just days away, but please." Her voice grew pleading. "Just try to balance your emotions, and know that I'm here for you--always." She guaranteed in a somber voice.

Sebastian regarded Grace for a few fleeting seconds. He frowned marginally, then turned his gaze towards New York City. But the resplendence of the concrete structures, didn't do much to distract his mind.

He stressed having to deal with the death of his Father, even after it being over a decade. A tragedy that was enough to turn him reticent, and irksome. A means to block his sentiments, with walls that barricaded his feelings. Turning him into a closed off, and mentally disturbed individual.

"Fine, Grace." Sebastian said, his voice lowering and his tone changing to one of ample calm.

"I'm sooo sorry!" Came a voice from the entrance of the Conference Room.

Grace and Sebastian were too engrossed in their differences, to realize that River had entered. Looking disheveled, and overly stressed to a point of pure regression.

"Mr. Kennedi, so glad you could join us." Grace rose to greet River with an extended hand.

River peered down at her hand, pondering whether he should shake it or not. For his hands were clammy, and sweating profusely from running.

"I'd shake your hand, but I'm sweating like a pig at a Barbecue." River joked and Grace rose an eyebrow, marginally amused. Sebastian however, was even more annoyed with Grace's complacency.

"Well then, I appreciate that--I think." Grace decreed with a paltry smile.

"I'm sorry I'm late, I-,"

"You're already 16 minutes late," Sebastian interjected, capturing River's attention.

As soon as River laid eyes on Sebastian Black, his breath hitched in his throat. It was the first time he had ever seen the man, for the Media was void of his photos. River's legs quivered and his body shook. His stomach doing flip-flops as the man glared holes through him. Nothing but lucid impatience in his blue eyes.

"So let's get on with it," Sebastian grumbled, with blatant perturbation for River's tardy and rather tacky appearance.

Admittedly, River wasn't an ugly young man. His boyish features, and raven-black hair made his pale skin stand out. Smooth like porcelain, and flawless to the naked eye.

"I umm, ok!" River exclaimed enthusiastically, and Grace beckoned him to sit before them.

"Since we have less than an hour to conduct the Interview. I suggest we progress into your goal whilst being here." Grace offered River a smile as they both sat.

"Yes, I am hoping to acquire some experience. This way I can pursue my MBA, and hopefully a promising career in Business after." River spoke confidently, and for a second Sebastian was intrigued.

He had expected River to be a stuttering mess, after his arrival. What he didn't expect however, was his state of professionalism--despite his attire. Nothing fitting of the Business world, yet Sebastian couldn't quite judge. The young man was on a journey, to make himself. Soon enough, he would begin to dress the part.

"I like that plan." Grace smiled modestly. "It says here that you have a Senior Degree in both Business and Human Resource Management."

"Yes," River nodded, smiling.

"Quite impressive, but what I want to know is," Grace paused, her gaze drifting to Sebastian.

He had been gazing at River, a stoic expression on his face. So unreadable, yet he knew exactly what he was doing. He was studying the young man, and reading his body language. A thing he was known for, except this time it appeared to be a little different.

"What Department would you prefer to work in? What do you expect to offer during your internship?" Grace asked, watching River's uncertain expression.

"I want to experience the world of Finance and Accounting. To delve into the cluster of National and International Financial Services and its significance to Investments and its Investors. Stock exchange was my main focus, but as for my Internship. I'd like to be involved in Financial Analytics." River spoke with conviction.

Grace nodded with a smile at River, who already grew on her. "A marvelous choice indeed."

"What are your views on comparisons?" Sebastian asked, capturing both River and Grace's attention.

"In accordance with today's stock exchange rates, and competing prices in the Business Revenue of Financial Dominance. Comparisons are meager, and sometimes irrelevant." River stated, and Sebastian's gaze narrowed.

"Would you care to clarify that?" Sebastian sat up, and Grace smiled as River fidgeted under the scrutiny of Sebastian's glaring eyes.

"Comparisons of Financial Centers focuses on their history, role and significance in serving National, Regional and International Financial activity. Each centre's offering includes differing legal, tax and regulatory environments. While that is necessary and true to its purpose, there are three prime factors for success as a Financial Institution." River added and Sebastian nodded, apparently pleased at River's knowledge of their world.

"And what are those three prime factors?" Grace was the one to ask this time. For she was intrigued by River and his countenance.

"A pool of money to lend or invest; can't own an Investment Company without lots of zeroes." River mused and Grace chuckled loudly.

"Indeed," Grace smiled but Sebastian frowned.

"What of the others?" He asked and River peered at him, as if lost for a second. He soon gathered his wits, and spoke.

"A decent legal framework, and high-quality Human Resources." River replied and grace nodded.

"You've done your research," Sebastian noted and River nodded.

"Yes, Sir. My ex-boyfriend once told me that in order for me to survive in this world. I have to know everything there is to know about it, along with the knowledge I picked up in school." River said, but Sebastian's face became a blank expression of astonishment and pure displeasure.

"He was definitely right about that," Grace laughed, but Sebastian remained neutral.

There was a momentary beat of silence, as things grew astringent and awkward. River hadn't noticed his mistake, because he didn't expect to judged based on his sexuality. Yet Sebastian was different--utterly different.

"Well lets go over this resume-,"

"I'm afraid that won't be necessary." Sebastian spoke, halting Grace's words.

She gazed at him with furrowed brows, slightly baffled at his seemingly gruff tone and impatient expression. "Excuse me?" River too, was confused, and his expression was testament to his befuddlement.

"Yes, excuse me?" Grace angled her body towards Sebastian, clearly too confused to decipher his sudden aversion of interest. "We barely read through his CV."

"I admire your conviction, and interest in the world of Finance, but I'm afraid that this Internship isn't for you." Sebastian blurted out in a low voice.

River froze at the words, feeling as if his world had shattered against his face. Throwing him into a state of shock, confusion and limpid discordance.

It was like a punch to the stomach, the moment Sebastian Black uttered those words. River was bereaved, yet noticeably abashed. For he couldn't decipher, why they rejected him. They had barely read through his resume, yet they turned him down. A deduction that seemed rather hasty, and underwhelming.

Perhaps it was the stupidity of mentioning his personal life. Something that was completely irrelevant, and utterly moronic of him to do. Yet it stuck with River. The question that anyone would ask in such a situation.

Why.

"I-," River paused as he felt a stutter, hindering him from speaking further.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Kennedi. This interview is over."

"Was it because I was late?" River asked, in attempts to comprehend the situation and the reason. "Because I can assure you, that it will never happen again." River blabbed on, but both Grace and Sebastian remained silent. "I just had a little situation with my car-," Sebastian rose a hand to stop River, who paused instantly.

"Mr. Kennedi, I don't care for your personal dilemmas. I expect all employees, considered or employed, to be consistent." Sebastian interjected, his expression aloof and voice dissonant. "You've shown blatant disregard for that, which is another reason this Job isn't for you." Sebastian peered away from River, refusing to look him in the eye after lying like that.

River was taken aback by the man's gruff, and considerably unforgiving tone. He could feel his legs fidgeting. His mind going hazy, as his lips pursed. Forcing dejection, barreling through his mind like a tundra.

"Sebastian, I think you should rethink that decision. Mr. Kennedi was suggested for this position by Jonathon-,"

"A position that can be filled with countless others, with more experience than him." Sebastian muttered dryly.

"I don't understand," River shook his head, to clear away the fuzziness.

"Look at him, Grace. He obviously doesn't fit the part, he's much too permissive and spineless." Sebastian acknowledged, causing River to look down at himself.

Grace knew at that moment. That River's mention of his ex-boyfriend put him in that position. But she was least bit worried about the young man's sexuality. The one thing that coveted her mind, was Sebastian's unmistakable disdain. A thing that didn't surprise her, yet left her flummoxed and intolerant of her colleague's homophobic behavior.

"Please, I really need this Internship. This is my chance to further my career and make something of myself. I'll do wherever it takes, I beg of you." River pleaded, which only enraged Sebastian.

"Don't beg," Sebastian spat, forcing River to recoil in astonishment--impoverished and indignant. "It's pathetic!"

At that moment, River forced back the tears that threatened to fall from his eyes. He had already experienced enough for one day. Sebastian's evident reproach, was enough to throw him over the edge. Yet he gripped the edge of the cherrywood table, forcing the tears back. River hadn't expected Sebastian Black to be so sharp and cruel towards him. Yet he tried to fathom the occurrence, feeling his insides split open like he had been impaled by a metal spike.

"Sebastian!" Grace gibed. A reproachful smile on her face, as his gaze drifted to hers. "May I have a word with you?" She smiled forcedly, "In private." She demanded sternly, just as he opened his mouth to deny her request.

"My apologies, Mr. Kennedi. I just need to have a few words with my Colleague." Grace excused herself, flashing River an apologetic smile--an awkwardly audible chuckle following after.

"Oh, umm. Ok!" River beamed, his green eyes twinkling.

Grace rose from her chair, causing it to scrape against the marble floor noisily. Echoing through the Conference Room--splitting River's eardrums. For he was still baffled, in the most harrowing of ways.

Sebastian gazed after Grace, as she strode towards the glass doors. He then shifted his gaze to River--distaste heavy in his handsome features. He quickly rose, gritting his teeth in contempt. Knowing what was to transpire, the moment he and Grace were outside of the room. A conversation, with questions that would surely incite his arrogance. Yet he had no choice. Grace was a voice of Black and Co. A voice of reason, that Sebastian had to listen to.

Even if he didn't want to.

River watched as Sebastian and Grace exited the Conference Room--both seemingly disparaged by their silent disagreement. Their gestures and body language was enough to alert River. He knew then that the Job wasn't his, but he kept a smile on his face.

At least until he had the pleasure of leaving.

If only he hadn't been late. Yet he found it hard to feel guilty, for checking up on his own Mother. A thing that he had always done, despite their bad history together. Yet one terrible thing happened after another. Like a chain of events, hellbent on seeing River fail.

From Dr. Hasan's words, that discouraged River. To the car breaking down, to being late--then rejected. A chain, so unexpected yet equally harrowing. Just as he thought the day was about to shine some light, on his rather gloomy mood.

He was confident that things couldn't get worse. But with all that happened, he learned that he shouldn't think about such trivial things--yet it was just his own bad luck. Goat mouthed and fought against by the cosmos. Facing the wrath of an unknown entity, that wished to to see him buried in his own defeat.

After a minute of hope, and burgeoning nausea. River was brimming with trepidation and querulous rancor--for himself.

Sebastian and Grace had returned to the Room, both discernibly displeased with one another. Only grace held sympathy towards River. Someone that she saw promise in, and a bright future ahead of. He was well mannered, and expressed himself politely and steadfast. Not too confident, and not at all to overindulgent. Traits that were vital to the role of an Intern, in the Black Co. establishment.

"Mr. Kennedi," Grace's eyes regarded River. A solemn look on her face, which was a result of seeing the one on River's.

She was impressed by his demeanor, and his smile. A smile that was apparently forced, due to him knowing the exact words to come out of her mouth next. Yet he upheld a calm approach--something that many his age lacked.

"Me and Mr. Black, have come to a final decision in regards to your application, and we-,"

"We think that your application is lacking and your credentials don't match the Internship criteria. Our apologies for wasting your time, sir." Sebastian quickly butted in.

A small frown crinkled Grace's nose. Adding more wrinkles to her forehead as it was. River simply nodded at them both, smiling tightly as he rose to his wobbling feet--attempting to mask his jarring despondency.

When he received news of the offered internship, and the possibility of getting it. It had excited River beyond any measure of his insecurities. His validation was perfect, and he had acquired all the necessary requirements. Yet, he felt there was more to the story. He felt a nagging voice telling him, that even if he hadn't been late.

He still would have been turned down--regardless.

"Thank you for having me," he managed to muster a cool tone, as to not betray his disgruntlement.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Kennedi." Grace said, her voice brimming with congealed affectivity.

River nodded curtly to them both. Gathering his files in its neat file jacket, then left without another word.

Grace turned to Sebastian, nodding in disbelief. He had just lied blatantly to someone--that they didn't have what it took to get a well deserved Internship. A position that River Kennedi had been vetted for. His high appraisals and recommendations, coming from a high caliber University.

"You are unbelievable, Sebastian." Grace said, her voice brittle and stern but Sebastian remained neutral. "You need to get over whatever sins your Father committed. That boy has nothing to do with that."

"I take it you aren't pleased, Grace." Sebastian noted, his voice bored and uninterested.

She simply scoffed, waving him off in a dismissive gesture. "Sometimes I wonder how you run this Company with that arrogance of yours." Grace rose from her seat, gathering her files beneath her arm.

"You're quite aware that it's what I'm supposed to do right?" He questioned with an annoyingly coy smile.

"Where's your empathy, Sebastian?" She asked, but he kept his irritation at bay. "Where's your compassion towards others?"

Sebastian refused to answer her questions, for they were rather irrelevant to him. But he grew annoyed with it. Bothered by her judgment, even if he failed to show it.

"You weren't raised to be this closed minded, to how other people lived their lives!" Grace was seething with disdain. "Where's the young man that I knew many years ago?"

"He died the moment that man finally kicked the bucket!" He finally retorted, and Grace shook her head vehemently.

She walked briskly towards the door, but halted and spun on her heels to face him. "He was the right fit for that internship, Sebastian. You know that as well as I do, but if you want to act like a Child. Then so be it!" She snapped, fixing her Jacket then stalking from the Conference Room--utterly peeved.

Sebastian kept his gaze glued to the City before him. Thinking of different options for the internship that his Company offered. He was certain that another could fill those shoes. River Kennedi on the other hand, would have been fine. But Sebastian refused to worry about his future, even if he had just ended it by turning River down.

〰