It was that time where the harsh buzz of the lights overhead got grating. When the radio played quieter and more somber songs and when the long road that stretched outside was barely visible. The dreaded graveyard shift. According to schedule, it tasked us, two unlucky bastards, with holding down the fort until the next day, and already I wanted to quit. Again.
Bored out of my mind, I pulled out my phone to check the time. Just after midnight, so we had about five hours left until we could leave. The only silver lining was who they partnered me up with, a shy sheep girl known as Lucille. I call her Lucy, and she doesn't seem to mind.
From first impressions, you wouldn't have known that the sheep girl was quite an engaging individual. Her outward appearance was rather uncomfortable, which was unfortunate since once she opened up to you, she was cool. Although her pallid skin and dark eyes were the most salient features on her face, she hid behind a mask of panic she never removed. Even when attempting to hide her real shape behind the baggiest clothing possible, her busty form was unmistakable. There was no doubt she was attractive for those who cared about her kind. For me, it's difficult. I've never really understood how people could like anthro species like her. The two of us made good work friends, and I'm sure she appreciated we entertained each other during our shifts. Her soft wool was also a bonus, fun to touch when she wasn't looking. Whenever I did that, Lucy would blush and hide in her hands, but I'm pretty sure she liked it.
"Anthony..."
Almost forgot. I brought vodka and soft drinks to lighten things between us, and make the shift go by a little faster. Lucy drank more than I expected she would. When alone in her apartment, she's quite the alcoholic, or so she explained while downing another shot of diluted alcohol.
Having turned my back on the register, I saw Lucy leaning against the counter, hazy inebriation in her eyes. Something that, when coupled with her assertive tone, unnerved me. "Y-you're such a tease sometimes, you know?"
What. "What?"
She giggled and reached out to grab my hand. "Don't play dumb. You've been flirting with me all night." She looked away from me, a sly smile on her lips. "And I'm not talking about alcohol here either. I mean...you just can't help it, right? All this time we've worked together. You've been driving me crazy, with that teasing grin of yours and those sexy words you say to me. I thought it was just me and my imagination, then I realized you were being serious. You really like me, don't you?" Her eyes were practically begging for an answer.
Lucy's frenzied look scared me enough to answer honestly, even though I didn't know what she was talking about. "No, I don't."
She flinched, smile off-kilter. "What do you mean 'no'? Of course, you do! It's obvious! Don't feel ashamed, I feel the same way, Anthony."
What was she talking about? "No, I—"
Grabbing me by the shoulders before I finished my sentence, she thrashed me against