#the caption just walked up to me and stabbed me in the heart btw

[lostinshawnsmemory]

Figure You Out: Chapter 2 - Shawn x African OC

A/N: First of all I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who liked the first chapter. I got so many nice comments and great feedback, it made me emotional. I love these characters and I’m happy that you do too. Thank you to @vnv21 and @rulerofnocountry for reading my drafts

PS: There isn’t a specific song attached to this chapter but I’ve created a playlist that I’ll link at the bottom of each chapter, rather than linking each song.

Word Count: 4.0k

Warnings: None

MASTERLIST

Series Masterlist

Fic Playlist

SHAWN’S POV 

Did he stalk her Instagram? Yes, yes he did. ‘Everyone does it though’ he thought to himself as he picked up his phone for the umpteenth time. 

He wanted to know more about her, but her Instagram didn’t give much away. From what he could tell, she loved photography, music, food, and travel and her friends claimed she was hilarious, but there was nothing there to tell you what kind of person she was. As ridiculous as it sounded, he wanted to get to know her. ‘You’re never going to get to know her if you don’t talk to her.’

He met new people all the time and could tell when there was more to them than meets the eye and this was definitely one of those cases. They hadn’t spoken for long but there was something about her. She had a lot more going on below the surface. 

He tapped the arrow icon in the top right corner of his screen, then tapped on the new message icon and searched for her name. Before he could lose his courage he typed out a simple message. 

*Hi T. I hope you got home safe.*

Then he deleted it before he pressed send. Something about messaging her like that felt off. ‘She’d think it’s weird considering we just met.’ 

It had to be something worth starting a conversation over. He ran his hands through his hair. ‘You’re overthinking it, Shawn. Just let it occur naturally.’ With that, he locked his phone and put it on the table. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As she was getting ready the next day Tolani recalled what happened the night before. She was lucky she didn’t have a hangover when she woke up considering the fact she drank a lot more than she meant to. ‘You need to be more careful’ she scolded herself. Her thoughts soon turned to Shawn Mendes. Her friends had grilled her to no end on the ride back to their dorm. “I can't believe you were flirting with Shawn Mendes!” Nicole screamed. Tolani looked in the rear view mirror and gave the driver an apologetic smile, which he returned. 

“I wasn't flirting with him.” 

“Yeah right” Desire scoffed with an eye roll. “The two of you were deep in conversation and giggling for at least 45 minutes. Definitely looked like flirting from where I was standing.”

“Did you at least get his phone number?” Nicole was almost vibrating with excitement. “This is literally like something out of a fanfic!” She placed her hands in her heart and squealed.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but this isn’t fanfiction and no, I didn't get his phone number.” She conveniently left out the part where she had given him her Instagram. ‘It’s not like it's going to go anywhere.’ She thought.

“How could you do this to me?” Nicole wailed. “You're supposed to be my friend.”

“No seriously. You fumbled the bag on this one cause he was seriously into you, I could tell.” Desire added. 

Tolani gave a non-committal grunt and spent the rest of the car ride with her head leaning on the window, deep in thought. ‘So what that he has my Instagram? Nothing is going to happen.’ 

The sound of her phone brought her back to the present. It was a reminder that she was taking a tour of the campus and registering for classes today. She also had a text from her mum wishing her good luck and asking her to call when she had time. ‘I’ve got to remember to do that.’

It was only then she noticed the notifications and stared at her phone in shock. Shawn Mendes had followed her on Instagram. What she didn’t expect were the hundreds of comments on her photos asking who she was and why Shawn followed her. ‘I did not see that coming. Even though I probably should’ve.’ No messages from him though. For a split second Tolani felt a stab of disappointment. She had gotten her hopes up based on what everyone around her was saying. ‘Tolani you need to get over it. Nothing is going to happen.’  She looked down at her phone again, the sheer amount of messages and comments made her uneasy. ‘I can’t deal with this right now.’ She stuffed her phone in her pocket, picked up her bag and walked out of the door. 

The campus tour was exactly what she needed to get her mind off things. York University was huge, much bigger than she thought and it was going to take weeks to get her bearings. It also didn’t help that all her classes were on the other side of campus. ‘Guaranteed I’m going to get lost more than once.’  she thought. 

Meeting her personal tutor while registering for classes wasn’t as nerve-wracking as she thought. He was an older man who asked her questions about how she was adjusting to living in Canada and gave her advice about starting university and living in a new environment. After their conversation, she felt a lot more at ease about this new chapter in her life.

On her way back to her dorm she couldn’t help but take a photo of the library and put it on her Instagram story captioning it ‘Home for the next 4 years.’ With a smile, she has put in her earphones and walked back to her dorm. 

While she was walking, Tolani felt a tap on her shoulder. She flinched and whirled round in surprise to see Kyle standing in front of her with a lopsided grin. “I’m sorry I scared you.” He said with an apologetic look on his face. “It’s just that I called you a few times and you didn’t answer.” 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you.” She pointed to her earphones that were still in her ears. 

“What are you up to?” 

“Oh, just taking a campus tour, need to make sure I can find my way around.” She gestured around her. 

“I can give you a tour if you don’t mind?” 

“Yeah. That would be nice.” She smiled politely. “Thanks.” 

The two set off as Kyle showed her even more of the campus than she would have been to explore on her own. He told her that his older brother had studied at York and he spent a lot of time here visiting him. After a few minutes of somewhat awkward silence, we turned to her. 

“Desire told me that you weren’t happy about the lion comment last night.” 

“Yeah. It wasn’t funny. Comments like that are ignorant and offensive and I don’t appreciate them.” Her lips twisting in disapproval.

“I’m sorry. I made you feel that way. Can we start over?”  

“Sure.” She replied. The two continued their tour, then walked back to their dorm. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the safety of her room Tolani let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. She was exhausted from all the walking and wanted nothing more than to lay in bed and listen to music. First, she needed to call her mum. 

“Tolani!” 

“Hi mum.” She smiled at mum through the camera. ‘Thank God for FaceTime.’ 

“Ba wo ni?” (How are you?)

“Mo wa dada” (I’m fine) she replied slipping seamlessly into Yoruba. 

“How was registration?” 

“Good. I’m all ready for classes to start next week. It’s exciting but also incredibly nerve-wracking.” 

“You have nothing to be worried about.” Her mum replied. 

Even though they hadn’t been on the phone for long, it felt good to talk to her mum. Being away from home was never easy and adding the fact that she was almost 10,000 miles away and in a completely different time zone didn’t help. 

“Tolani I want you to enjoy your time there but I also want you to focus on your work. Okay?”

“Yes Mum.” She replied in English. Her parents were very much work oriented. Everything else was a potential distraction. Tolani understood that it came from a place of love but it was sometimes difficult to open up to them. 

When the phone call ended, she was about to toss her phone on her bed she noticed another Instagram notification. It was hard to see in the midst of the comments still flooding her Instagram, but it was undeniable.

*Shawn Mendes replied to your story.*

Shawn: Pulling a Hermione I see?

‘A Harry Potter joke. Wooow’ she thought as liked the message and typed out a reply

Tolani: Harry Potter jokes. Is that what we’re doing?

She put her phone down and waited. Two minutes later he responded.

Shawn: They are the best type of jokes.😁

Tolani: Are they though… because I can think of at least 10 other jokes that are better than that one 🙄

Shawn: Maybe I could hear them one day.

That message stopped her dead in her tracks. Was that attempt to ask her out or was she reading into the message too much? She was confident that they weren’t flirting at the club but upon reflection maybe they were. 

Tolani: Was that an attempt to ask me out?🤨

Shawn: Yes and No. More of me seeing if you were open to the idea of me asking you out, rather than me actually doing it. 

Tolani: So I’m taking that as a yes. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Even though it wasn’t in person, the conversation flowed easily. Tolani wouldn’t have said that she was bad at talking to strangers but she was definitely on the introverted side of the scale. 

Shawn: I guess you could say that.

She didn’t know how to respond to that. He wasn’t asking her out but letting her know that he wanted to. ‘Would I say yes if he asked me out? I don’t know.’ She flinched as her phone vibrated in her lap. Her heart leapt into her chest as she opened the message from him. 

Shawn: Would you like to go out for coffee sometime? That was me asking you out btw 😉

Tolani: Like a date? 🤨

Shawn: Ideally yes, but it doesn't have to be if you don’t want it to be. We could go as friends 😊

Tolani: Are we friends?

Shawn: Let’s not label it right now.

He was definitely flirting with her and she wasn’t sure how to react to that. She could picture his smile and the way his eyes seemed to sparkle. He was definitely attractive so that wasn’t the issue. ‘There’s no harm in getting coffee as friends right?’ 

Tolani: I’d love to get coffee.

Shawn: Is it a date?

Tolani: Let’s not label it right now.

Shawn: Using my own words against me. Why do I feel like I’m going to regret that?

Tolani: I can guarantee it 😉

Shawn: Are you free tomorrow? There’s a really cool coffee shop we can go to called Early Bird on Queen street.

Tolani: I am. How about 11 o'clock? 

Shawn: Perfect. Meet you there?

Tolani: It’s a date. 

Shawn: What happened to no labels? 🤨

Tolani: I’m blocking you now. 😂🤦🏾‍♀️

Shawn: Haha! See you tomorrow T.

She stared at her phone in shock. She had a coffee date with a famous pop star. One that she knew nothing about. ‘A google search won’t hurt right?’ 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tolani was running late. She’d gotten on the wrong bus and was headed in the wrong direction before she realised what was going on. Luckily she was able to find her way to the coffee shop but was fifteen minutes late. 

The coffee shop didn’t take long to find. It felt warm and inviting as she walked in. With white-brick walls, marble countertops and the addition of greenery, it was the perfect minimalist café.

He was seated towards the back on his phone, completely engrossed in what he was looking at, so much so that he didn’t notice her till she spoke. 

“A pop star sitting all alone.”She said with a smirk “Aren't you scared you’ll get mobbed?” 

He turned to face her and she was struck with how good looking he was. Photos and terrible club lighting really didn’t do him justice. She couldn’t tell what colour his eyes were that night, but she could see now that they were a golden-brown and much like that night they were sparkling. He had an angular face with a strong jaw but also rosy cheeks and a soft demeanour. His hair was curly and pushed back from his face save for an ‘S’ shaped curl on his forehead. ‘How ironic.’ 

“I like to live dangerously.” He quipped. 

“I’m sorry I’m late.” She apologised. “I’m still getting used to public transport here. Ended up in on the wrong bus going in the wrong direction.”

“It’s okay T.” He flashed a smile. “Although I did start to think you stood me up.”

“Not gonna lie I considered it.” 

“I don’t think my ego would ever recover.” He chuckled. “I didn’t order yet because I wanted to wait for you, but I have been getting weird looks so there’s that.”

The pair went up to the counter and ordered their coffee. Shawn ordered an Americano and Tolani ordered a latte. 

“So…Harry Potter jokes…” Tolani gave him an inquisitive look as she took the seat opposite him dropping her handbag by her foot. “Of all the conversations starters, why that one?”

“Well, you posted a photo of a library, York University right? I could tell from the location tag.” After she nodded he continued. “And that was the first thing that popped into my head.”

“So you're a Harry Potter nerd.” 

“If by nerd you mean I absolutely love it, then yes.” He nodded. “You?”

“Meh.” She shrugged. “It wasn't a part of my life growing up so I have no real attachment to it.”

“What?!”

“I mean I’ve seen the movies and they’re good, don’t get me wrong. I can see why people like it but it’s not for me.” 

“Could’ve sworn everyone loved Harry Potter.” he said absentmindedly.

‘Not in my African household’ Tolani thought. 

“Indulge my ego for a little bit,” Shawn said after a few minutes. “Did you seriously not know who I was the other night?”

“You looked familiar but I couldn’t place your face till my friend told me your name and mentioned Stitches.” 

“Really?” he looked genuinely surprised. 

“I guess your music isn’t super popular back home” she shrugged as she took a sip of her drink, flinching at the heat. 

“Where is home?”

“I’m from Lagos in Nigeria”

“The only Lagos I’m familiar with is in Portugal.” He looked at her apologetically. 

“I’m not surprised.” Of all the things she expected from Shawn Mendes, Nigerian geography was not one. “If you didn’t know the Lagos in Portugal I’d be disappointed seeing as you’re Portuguese.”

“How did you know that?” He looked at her quizzically.

She shrugged casually “You’d be surprised what you can find on google.”

“You googled me?” Shawn exclaimed. She expected him to look surprised but he looked somewhat excited. 

“I had to! Stranger danger and all that.” 

“And what did google tell you?” He leaned forward a curious look on his face. 

“Everything. I know your address, bank account details and social security number.” 

The look of surprise quickly morphed into one of amusement, as he started laughing. His laugh was contagious and sure enough, Tolani was laughing as well.

“Might as well go home since you know everything there is to know.”

When their laughter subsided, they both looked at it each other, the awkward silence felt like another person was sitting at the table  until Shawn spoke

“What’s Lagos like?”

Tolani thought about her hometown and got a small twinge of homesickness. “Lagos has… the most incredible vibe, it’s one of the most vibrant and chaotic places but you learn to thrive on that chaos. And I may be biased but it has some of the best food and nightlife ever.” 

She reached into her bag and pulled out her phone and showed him a photo that she took. 

“That’s Lagos. Well, one photo of it I took in a moving car”

“As far moving car photos go, that’s pretty good” Shawn said taking a sip of his coffee. “How does it compare to living in Toronto?”

“I haven’t been here very long but I’m loving it so far. Lagos and Toronto are really different, it’s really hard to describe but the energy is different here. And I like that, getting to experience new places.”

“That’s one of the things I love about what I get to do. Seeing new places and meeting new people.” 

“Tell me about that.”

Shawn told her about touring. He’d just finished touring in Europe and was home for 3 weeks before starting the North American leg of his tour. He told her about the energy in each city, and what made each one different. 

One thing stood out to her as he was speaking and that was the way he spoke about performing. She could tell just from his description that he loved what he did more than anything. He was gesticulating wildly while telling a funny story about how his best friend Brian got hurt.

She took it all in, cataloguing his mannerisms and the excited way he talked about the most minute details.

“I’m so sorry! I’ve monopolised the entire conversation.” He pressed his lips together clearly displeased.

“Trust me I don’t mind.” Tolani started tapping absentmindedly on the rim of her coffee cup. “Listening to you talk about touring is way more interesting than me going on about my life.” 

“I’m going to have to disagree. I asked you on this date to find out more about you. So let’s hear it.” 

“What happened to no labels?” She said with a wry smile and a raised eyebrow. 

He narrowed his eyes like he could tell that she was deflecting. “I only said that to make feel more comfortable about this.” He gestured between them. 

“Who said I was uncomfortable?” She crossed her arms across her chest. 

“I’m sorry… I just, I-“ he stuttered.

“Shawn, I’m kidding” she placed her hand on his. 

She could see the slightly skeptical look in his eye so she steered the conversation towards a more comfortable territory, music. 

“SO apart from Stitches, I’m not that familiar with your music. What songs would you recommend I listen to?”

“How about all of them?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I think they’re pretty good.”

“I don’t know why people think you’re humble cause to me it’s the opposite.” she said playfully rolling her eyes. 

“People think I’m humble?” 

“I told you. Google… and Twitter. People LOVE you on Twitter.”

“We never actually talked about what you found during your Google search.”

Tolani narrowed your eyes. “You really want to know?”

“Trust me I really do.” he nodded. 

“There may or may not have been something about Grammy nominations, 3 number 1 albums and performing for the Queen of England. I have to say, it's insane that you’ve achieved so much. “ she gave an approving nod. 

His face lit up. ‘He must really care about my opinion.’

“Okay, to answer your question, it’s a harder question than you think.” He strummed his hands on the table deep in thought. “While I think you should listen to everything, you should definitely listen to Lost in Japan, Where Were You in The Morning, In my Blood, Memories, Why and Bad Reputation.”

“Are those your favourites?” 

“Yeah. I feel like those songs encompass who I am as an artist.” 

“I’ll listen to them and critique them later.” 

“What about you? All I know is that you like Kanye and that your best album opinion is wrong.” 

Tolani rolled her eyes. “I'm not getting into this argument with you.” 

“Only cause you know you’ll lose.” Shawn feigned a cough. 

“I’m not falling for it.” She said adamantly shaking her head.

“Okay,” Shawn replied holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Apart from Kanye, what else do you listen to?” 

“Honestly. I’ll listen to anything, but afrobeat has my heart.”

“Afrobeat?”

‘Of course, he doesn’t know what it is Tolani.’ she mentally smacked herself. “Afrobeat is one of the most fascinating genres because it’s made of other genres specific to the African continent like Fuji music and highlife, while combining it with more western genres like funk and jazz.  It’s something that transcends music, it’s way more than that.”

“How so?”

“It’s directly linked to history, culture and to a way of life. It sounds ridiculous but you don’t just listen to it, you feel it, you live it, you experience it. It’s hard to explain.”

She looked up to see him looking at her. “Hey. You’re looking at one person who understands what that means. I hope you could play it for me at some point.” 

“I haven’t decided if I like you enough yet.” She replied. “Sharing Music is a big deal. You can’t rush these things.” 

“Wow, you’ve really hurt my feelings.” He held his heart pretending to be heartbroken. “What am I supposed to do now?” 

”You’re not funny.” 

Shawn pouted and at that moment Tolani started giggling uncontrollably and didn’t stop even though she was gathering looks from the people around her.

“Your giggles say otherwise.”

“And there is the aforementioned ego.”

Before he could say more, his phone rang. He gave her an apologetic look before answering the call and talking to someone named Andrew. Tolani took that moment to check her own phone and answer a few messages. She was surprised by how much time has passed. It was already 12:45. ‘We’ve really just spent the last hour and a half just talking. Wow’ 

She could hear Shawn wrapping up his conversation. Telling the other person that he would call as soon as he could. 

He ended the call and turned to her. “I’m really sorry but I have to go. I have a very minor crisis I have to deal with.”

“It’s fine don’t worry about it. I’ve got to head back soon anyway.” She gave him a small smile and reached for her bag. 

“Do you want me to give you a lift? My car is not far from here.” 

“It’s okay. Gotta get used to public transport remember?” 

“Before you go, can I have your phone number? I didn’t get it the other night.”

“I clearly remember you asking for my Instagram, but seeing as you’re being extra specific this time. You can.” 

The two exchanged numbers and only then did it dawn on her that she had just given her phone number to one of the most recognisable people in pop music right now.

“I guess this is goodbye.” Tolnai said as the two stood outside the coffee shop.

“For now. I’ll definitely ask you out again.” 

“How do you know I’ll say yes?” 

“I don’t, but it’ll be interesting to see.” 

“Bye Shawn!” she rolled her eyes playfully and started walking away. 

“Bye T!” 

She was glad she was walking in the opposite direction so he couldn't see her smile.

SHAWN’S POV

As he got into his car, Shawn couldn’t stop thinking about his date. He mentally cursed Andrew for interrupting but the potential scheduling conflict was something that needed to be dealt with before it caused a bigger problem. 

Seeing her today made her even more endearing, but he knew he had a long way to go before he could say that he knew her. ‘There’s definitely more to her than meets the eye.’ She was introspective but had an incredible sense of humour, something he was sure a lot of people didn’t get to see. 

He could tell from the way her eyes glazed over when she talked about her hometown and her love of afrobeat, that both were incredibly important to her and he hoped she’d open up to him about it one day. 

His phone rang, the sound echoing in the car. He pressed the call button on his steering wheel and the sound of his manager’s voice filled the car.

“Hey Andrew.” 

“Hey Shawn, again sorry about the interruption.” 

“It’s alright.” He sighed. “This has to be sorted out.” 

“You sound frustrated. You okay?” He heard the concern in the older man’s voice. 

“Let’s just say the phone call came at a bad time.” He let out a humourless laugh.

“Something I should know about?” 

“Not right now.” 

“Okay back to the matter at hand. You’re in LA for 4 days and GQ is requesting an interview for the new single, but it’s on your day off. Are you good to do it in the morning or would you prefer over the phone?” 

Shawn drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Morning sounds better. That way it’s done and dusted.” 

“Sounds good. I’ll keep you posted if anything changes.” 

“Thanks Andrew.” Shawn ended the call and his mind immediately went back to Tolani. There was something about her but he couldn’t figure it out. ‘I guess we’ll see where it goes.’ he thought as he drove home back to his apartment. 

Taglist

@bugheadfanatic @eve134340 @sean-mendezzzzz @rulerofnocountry @thotmendes @shawnssnack @shawnase @momenraul @justbeingoceana @tisvanessa @petit-funsize @shawnsvalentine @song-bird-shawn

[rosetowersfanfic]

New Feelings Part 3

Mark and Graves’ feelings finally come to head when Graves realises there’s photographic evidence of a certain incident online.

Graves, once again, berated himself for taking this stupid job. He was supposed to hang around Beaks and pretend to be his bodyguard during the day, then periodically sneak into McDuck’s money bin to steal ideas. Dragging his nitwitted boss away from the paparazzi was not in his job description.

Yet here he was, running through the streets of Duckburg, his hand clasped around Mark’s (no, Beaks’) wrist because for once the parrot had decided to walk to get coffee instead of taking the limo. It had been something to do with a new app recording his steps, or some new fad online.

They ducked into an alley and let the crowd of reporters run past.

“Well, on the plus side, all that running added a ton of steps,” Mark (Beaks!) grinned, fiddling with his phone.

Graves rolled his eyes and was about to tell him to call the chauffeur when he heard heavy footsteps approach from the dark end of the alley.

“Well, well, well, if it ain’t Mark Beaks,” the shortest of three Beagle Boys grinned.

The largest scratched his head in confusion. “Uh, but it IS Beaks, Big-Time.”

Big-Time rolled his eyes and wacked his brother’s head.

“Shut up, Bouncer.”

Graves cracked his knuckles.The Beagle Boys had a lot of muscle, but were severely lacking in any concept of strategy or finesse. This would be easy.

Big-Time turned all his attention to Beaks, big mistake.

“Alright, rich boy. Gimme something valuable, and I might let you and your boyfriend here go…”

Big-Time was interrupted by Graves’ fist in his face, knocking him out and likely leaving a painful bruise. Bouncer growled and swung his own fist at Graves. He dodged, grabbed his larger opponent's arm and spun, throwing Bouncer at his skinny brother.

With all three Beagles out for the count, Graves turned to check on his employer and saw Mark staring at him with an expression that could only be described as starstruck.

“Call the chauffeur.”

“Guh? Right!”

                                                       ~~~

A couple of hours later, Graves was walking back to Beaks’ office from the company’s cafeteria, a styrofoam cup of tea in hand.

He was exhausted. Between the unexpected morning jog and the short tussle with those thugs, Graves was at the end of his rope. At least they made good tea here.

Another issue was how his “co-workers” had started to behave around him recently. Before, there had been a healthy aura of fear when he passed by, as well as some anger from the security guards. Now, however, when he passed by there was whispering when they thought he couldn’t hear.

Graves usually ignored it, but by this point he was seething. He heard more whispering as he passed a pair of interns at the front desk, and even heard a snicker. Graves focused his hearing and caught something deeply troubling.

“I mean, why else would he hire him…” “Desperate much…”

The first logical thought was that they knew Graves was a corporate saboteur. A select few in the company knew of Graves’ actual job: the scientists in Research and Development, and a couple of interns. The interns who believed Graves couldn’t hear them weren't supposed to be in the know.

Graves turned on his heel and approached them.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear your little chat about our employer and I,” he loomed over them and narrowed his eyes. One of them, a young looking dog, looked about ready to wet himself. The other, a pelican, smirked at Graves, unfazed by his intimidating size and glare.

“Oh, ya mean the employer who had to pay for someone to date him?” he snickered as his friend started tugging at his arm in a vain attempt at getting his friend to stop digging his own grave.

“Or how you need money so bad you’d accept money for dating him?”

Graves dropped his coffee.

“W-what?”

The pelican rolled his eyes. “Ugh, please. Everyone’s seen this pic of you guys by now.”

He brought out his phone and turned it to show Graves a picture of him and Mark caught in a moment he had been trying his best to forget.

That stupid impulsive decision Graves had made - wiping some foam off Mark’s beak - with the caption “OMG does Beaks have a bf? SO CUTE!”

It was online, for all the world to see. All except Graves who didn’t use social media.

Mark (no, BEAKS) knew. The picture was a few weeks old. Beaks KNEW.

Graves growled and grabbed the phone; he then stormed off, ignoring the intern’s whining, as he made his way to Beaks’ office.

“BEAKS!” Graves roared as he marched in. Beaks jumped six foot in the air and dropped his phone.

“Woah! What’s the big idea? I was in the middle of something!” Beaks snapped, not bothering to get up from behind his desk or bend down to pick up his phone, instead reaching into his hoodie to grab a backup.

“Your employees appear to be under the impression that you’re PAYING me to date you!” Graves snapped, slamming his free hand onto Beaks’ desk.

Beaks paled. “I- what?! Where’d they get that from?!”

Graves thrust the intern’s phone in his face, showing him the picture that was effectively ruining both their lives. “Does THIS seem familiar?!”

Beaks pinched the top of his beak and groaned. “Ugh, you’ve gotta be kidding me- wait, who’s phone is that?”

Graves snarled. “That’s not the point! You knew!”

Beaks glared back at him. “Hey, this is not my fault! I’ve been trying to get it taken down. Besides, it’s really your fault.”

“MY FAULT?!” Graves crushed the phone to pieces. “HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS MY FAULT?!”

Beaks stood up and leaned into Graves face. “You’re the one who got up in my bubble and wiped my face. In public.”

Graves leaned closer to Beaks. “You had foam on your face. It was driving me crazy so-”

“-You coulda told me to wipe it off instead of doing it yourself like that?” Beaks raised his eyebrows.

“Something ya wanna tell me, Gravesy?”

Graves growled. That was it, he’d had enough of this spoiled, annoying brat. He thought he could do and say whatever he wanted because of his money and intellect and the adorable way his brow creased when he was actually working on something…

Graves grabbed Beaks’ shoulders, ready to throttle him regardless of the consequences. He looked deep into Beaks’ hazel eyes; for the first time - other than at the coffee shop - he looked unsure, worried even. Graves felt a strange stab of protectiveness for the parrot, and he gripped him tighter, now breathing heavily as he finally processed how close together they were.

“Uh, Gravesy?” Mark gulped.

Oh no. No, no, no, no, no.

Graves held Mark closer; their beaks touched.

He was making a mistake. He needed to stop, he needed to put Mark (Beaks!) down and walk away, and hope he wasn’t fired. He needed to calm-

Mark interrupted his train of thought by shutting his eyes, leaning his head forward, and kissed him.

Graves’ eyes widened with shock. The kiss itself only lasted ten seconds, but it was plenty of time for him to silently panic.

Mark was kissing him. Mark was kissing him on the beak and anyone could walk into the office at any moment and Graves wasn’t sure if he was going to be fired now.

Then the kiss ended and Mark drew back an inch and opened his eyes.

They stood there, leaning over Mark’s desk, staring deep into each other’s eyes. Mark gulped again, visibly worried by Graves’ lack of reaction.

Well, Graves thought, he’s gotten me to make a lot of stupid decisions already, one more couldn’t hurt.

With that in mind, Graves pulled Mark towards him and kissed back. The parrot squeaked softly at the impact, bringing his hands up to grip Graves’ shoulders as they deepened the kiss.

Graves felt the tension leave his body, and could even feel Mark relaxing in his grip. They stopped again after a minute, panting softly as a shy smile graced Mark’s beak. He then climbed up onto his desk, grabbed the back of Graves’ head, and resumed their… well, it was basically a snog at this point. They really couldn’t deny it.

Graves wrapped his arms around Mark and held him closer as they kissed; Mark started letting out soft whimpers, Graves groaned when Mark ran his fingers through the bodyguard’s head feathers. Nothing could ruin this moment, everything would be fine so long as they didn’t have to stop kissing-

“Dude, just get a new phone! It’s not worth it!”

“Grow a spine, Bert. Alright Graves, gimme back my phone or- HOLY MOLY!”

Graves jumped back in shock, quickly trying to come up with some sort of excuse and failing.

Well, this was it.

“Woah, Graves. I mean, I knew ya needed cash but I didn’t think you’d be this desperate- hey! What happened to my phone?!”

Mark was probably going to fire him, he’d be broke again within a year, no other job opportunities available, and this twit was upset about his phone being in pieces on the floor.

Mark had dropped his own phone onto the desk at some point during their make out session; he picked it back up and started tapping at it. Suddenly, most of the lights went out, the remaining few turned red, and the door locked behind the interns.

“Hey, so this is pretty awkward, right?” Mark hopped off his desk and approached the two frightened interns.

“I mean, you really shouldn’t have seen that. It would totally be a nightmare dealing with the press if this got out, huh?” He waved Graves over.

The bodyguard, though still in shock, got the memo easily enough. He put on a stoic expression, walked over to the interns and went up behind them. He then grabbed them by their collars and lifted them into the air.

“Of course, they already are, especially with that pic, which was totally taken out of context btw.”

He rubbed the back of his head, feigning awkwardness. “But look, I’m gonna need you both to keep this on the down low, cuz this would send everyone into a frenzy and then,” he chuckled, “well then I’d probably have to fire you and make sure you never work again, even interning would be off the table.”

Mark smirked at them in a way that caused Graves’ heart to skip a beat. This was actually a lot of fun. He could feel the interns shaking in his grasp, feel the malice roll off Mark in a way that was surprisingly attractive. It was like finally kissing him, finally admitting he was attracted to this ridiculous, adorable, amoral parrot had flipped some switch inside him. Possibly inside both of them.

“So, ya know. Keep quiet, got it?”

The interns nodded furiously; Mark tapped at his phone again and the lights turned back to normal, and the doors opened. Graves turned around and dropped the interns just outside the office.

“Awesome,” Mark beamed, his demeanor instantly changing, “see you guys around.”

With that the interns scrambled away, leaving Mark and Graves alone with each other.

Now Mark seemed genuinely awkward as he rubbed the back of his head again. He wasn’t alone, with Graves clearing his throat as he tried to find something to say.

“Hey, I- I gotta head to marketing, so…”

Graves nodded. “Right, of course…”

Graves kept his eyes to the side, avoiding eye contact.

“Uh, you can stay here, ya know if you want,” Mark continued.

Graves nodded again. Mark mumbled something else before slipping out of his office.

As he stood in Mark’s office, rubbing his temples and sighing, Graves only had this to say.

“I’m doomed.”

[ecotone99]

[HR] The Girl That Never Blinks

Just as she opened the door to leave, she realized that she had almost left home without her sunglasses. Walking back to her bedroom to fetch them, she took one last look at the weather outside. Stormy grey clouds hungrily swallowed every piece of blue in the sky. It's not an ideal day for her to go out, but she has been starving ever since her last meal two nights ago. With her Ray-Bans on, red rain coat, and black rain boots, she made her way out. Who her next meal is did not matter to her; she just needed to feed, and she needed it soon.

​

"Dude, can you please cover my shift after tomorrow? I have a final exam I gotta study for." asked Greg as he was refilling the coffee machine with milk.

On the wall opposite to the counter was a mounted TV that showed breaking news of a guy who was reported missing two nights ago. I caught a phrase or two from the closed captioning.

"Body has been found floating in the lake... petrified ... skin as pale as milk. Friends claimed that he was on a Tinder date...red haired girl. Investigations are still ongoing as to what ended Jason's life."

I looked back at Greg, and I saw him trying to puppy-eye me into covering his shift.

"Listen, kid. I've worked my ass off this week and I need the weekend off. Sorry, but can't do. Now, I gotta ring up that customer".

I straightened my name tag, which now says "Brando" since the last letter "n" has failed the test of time.

"Bro! It's that blonde chick again! Are you gonna grow a pair and get her number this time?" giggled Greg.

Greg doesn't know what he's talking about. I tossed her bait a few times, but she never showed any interest. Were my pick-up lines too cheesy? Maybe my biceps are not big enough for her. Or is it the fact that I am 35 and look like I'm 25 with a patchy beard growing on? Or ... I think she's just playing hard to get. Although, I don't blame her; she does have a lot going on for her.

Her blond hair drop down like drapes to her shoulders. Her glossy full lips, the color of cherry-blossom leaves, collected by a chiseled jawline. I'd say that her face has it all, but I can never get a glimpse of her eyes. She is always wearing sunglasses. I am not sure what's more weird: wearing shades indoors, or wearing shades on a rainy day. She left the cold sandwich she picked up on the counter as I approached.

"Would you like me to heat up that sandwich?" I asked as I tried to bury any signs of interest under my obligatory smile.

She nodded.

"Not in the talkative mood today." I thought to myself.

I went to toss the ham-n-cheese sandwich into the micro-oven, and set the timer to 60 seconds. 59...58...57...

"Ok, here goes my last attempt." I whispered to myself.

It has been a year since I last dated anyone, and this rainy weather amplifies my loneliness. I grabbed a napkin and wrote my name and number.

"Whoaaaa! I see you making moves buddy!" Greg teased. Trying to keep my features composed, I looked back at him and winked.

3...2..1..Ding! I opened the oven and the scent of melted cheese welcomed itself into my nostrils. I took her sandwich out, wrapped it, and placed it in our 100% recycled "LuLu's Cafe" brown paper bag. Her head was glued to the TV, still showing that news report. I took that opportunity to sneak the napkin in.

"That'll be $8.50."

"Thank you." she said as she shoved 10 bucks on the counter, grabbed the bag, and zoomed straight off. Her voice was wheezing, dampened by a congested throat. It might be just a cold she caught. As she left the cafe, I noticed her hair again. I could have sworn that it was a few inches shorter and a shade or two darker the other day she came in here.

"Shift's over, kiddo. Good luck with that exam."

Greg went back into his puppy form, "Please think about covering me after tomorrow."

"Yeah, yeah!" I said as I rolled my eyes, took my apron off, and waved him goodbye.

​

Lightning slithered like snakes in the skies, and the thunder claps shortly followed. It is going to be one wet walk home.

As I slammed the front door of my apartment shut, the echoes dispersed in waves towards the living room.

"What a week." I sighed.

I treated myself to a long, steamy shower, then headed straight to bed.

That night, I had a weird nightmare. It started in an ample room with walls, floors, and ceilings all paper-white. There was a girl standing on one corner of the room with her head facing the wall.

"Hello!" I called. Yet she was as still as a statue, still facing the wall. I cautiously started walking towards her.

"Who are you? Where am I?!" I yelled nervously.

Her head was still fixed towards the wall. I moved my hand closer to her shoulder. Closer, and slowly closer. Just as I was a hair away from touching her, she abruptly turned towards me. The whole room went from sheer white to pitch black. My heart skipped a beat as I was trying to fathom what I was seeing.

Her face was an empty slate. Where one would have lips, a nose, and eyebrows, she had skin and nothing but pale skin. The only feature that was in its place was her eyes. Big black bold eyes staring right into mine. Her gaze magnetized my head and fixed it towards her. She had no mouth, but her ink-black eyes roared all the words. They spoke of agony that slowly drains the soul out of its body. They spoke of anguish that steals one's breath. They spoke of despair that would make one rather choose death over life.

"No! No, no, no!" I screeched.

​

...

​

"NO!" My eyes opened wide as a pool of sweat traced my body on my sheets.

"What a weird nightmare." I thought to myself.

I was face up on my bed, staring at the ceiling trying to make sense of that dream. My phone then pinged and I looked at the text.

"Hey Brando ;)"

Given how she spelled my name, I knew it was the blonde girl from the cafe.

"Hey, good morning. I never got your name."

"Oh. Excuse my manners. It's Karen."

"Beautiful name. Would you like to go grab coffee sometime today? I have the day off."

"I'd love to but I'm feeling under the weather lately. Is it too forward to ask you to come over for a coffee?"

Ah. It's that kind of date, then. Well, it's been weeks since I've gotten any. Wouldn't mind if I did!

"Sure, I'd love to. Drop a pin and I'll be over in a few hours."

I ordered an Uber while I showered, then slipped into jeans and a polo shirt.

As soon as my Uber dropped me off, I got a text from Greg, "Have you thought about covering my shift tomorrow? I seriously need to ace that exam!"

This darn kid. He's breaking my heart.

"Fine! You owe me! Btw, at the blonde chick's place. I'll tell ya all about it next time I see you at work." I replied.

"Whoaaa! Look at you! "

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Alright. 5th floor. Apartment 5C."

I approached the elevator.

​

OUT OF ORDER.

​

Great! Stairs it is. I groped my pockets to make sure that the condoms were in there. As soon as my feet landed on the 5th floor, the door to apartment 5C creaked opened.

"Come on in! I'll be with you in a sec!" I heard Karen say. Her voice still wheezing.

I looked around her apartment. She has an odd collection of antiques that I can swear date back to 400 years ago. A set of urns on top of her fireplace. Five ragged dolls stacked on a shelf. A collection of wigs displayed on a book shelf: one brunette, one red, and one blond. I helped myself sitting on her antique French couch, a little too stiff for my taste.

She popped out of the kitchen and handed me a cup of coffee. I got to see her eyes for the first time, but the sight of them seemed familiar. I sipped my coffee as I kept admiring her eyes. Protected by long, wavy lashes. The color of a moonless night. I tried to not stare too much, but I was paralyzed. Actually, I was trying to look away now, but I was unable. My whole body has been paralyzed. Her gaze held me there for 3 minutes, and she never blinked. Not even once.

"They say that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Look at me, let me see your soul. Let me feed on it. Let me drain the life out of you."

My grip on the coffee cup loosened, and it dropped to the ground shattering to pieces. That broke her eye contact and restored my mobility. I need to get out of here! She abruptly grabbed a shard of the cup, and stabbed me in the chest. Laying on the floor, she locked her gaze on me again. My eyes involuntarily gushed with sanguine blood. The air around be became more viscous. It struggled to find its way to my lungs. Gasping, my vision slowly started turning black.

"Now, time to get rid of this body." she said with a wide grin.

submitted by /u/poozyWagon [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/2BbrfDX