Chapter 1
You walk up to the bar, completely exasperated. Why did you put up with such a ridiculous request? You sighed dramatically, and Steph turned to you, smiling. “You’re clearly not having a great time.” She said, looking at you up and down.
You groan. “I’d rather be home right now resting from work. This is completely ridiculous.” You complained once more.
“Okay, okay. I get it.” She grins. “You don’t want to be here right now. You don’t like drinking, blah blah blah. You’re here for emotional support, and that’s it. Also, how else are you going to meet a man? At a stupid flower shop? All the men there are already taken.” She exclaimed. She flipped her long and dark wavy hair back, flirting with the bartender somewhat as she ordered some fruity girly drinks. She knew they were the only ones you would be willing to drink. Steph was your friend from high school, and was always more outgoing than you. You appreciated how she constantly brought you out of your comfort zone, but tonight you would have rather just laid home and watched some TV rather than be dragged out like this.
She was right, it was time that you actually got laid. You were a grown woman secretly hiding the fact that you still had your virginity intact, it was shameful at this age! It wasn’t like you weren’t beautiful. You had amber eyes, porcelain skin, were petite in stature and your dark brown hair framed the side of your face perfectly. Your bangs hid both sides of your face, and you braided your hair on most days, especially while you worked, just to get it out of the way. You had nice C-cupped breasts that you liked to hide on most days, and waist and hips that matched up with it quite well. It was too bad you were so petite, it didn’t help with getting people’s attention, especially since you were the type to watch silently instead of speak your mind. The truth was, you had a lot to say, you just couldn’t find anyone to bother saying it to.
There was one thing going for you tonight, the fact that Flight of the Conchords was playing at the exact bar your friend dragged you to. It was an amazing coincidence, one that you were very happy about. You had heard of the band several times, and found yourself intrigued by their humour-filled songs. You doubted Stephanie knew anything about them, and just dragged you along because she knew a lot of men would be there tonight, maybe one she would be able to snatch. The two of you got there pretty early, and you were able to sit very close to the stage, right at a table with tall metal bar-stools that would enable you to see them despite your short stature. It took about an hour of slowly sipping on the same drink for the band to finally arrive, and before you could turn to Steph to tell her how excited you were, you find that she’s walked away to talk to a tall man close by. She was already ignoring you? Why did she even drag you here in the first place?
You decide to just enjoy the band on your own, and you hum along to your favourite songs- The Most Beautiful Girl, Robots, Ladies of the World while they play. They were even funnier in real life, making faces and winking at people as they sang. People couldn’t help but laugh out loud at their music, and it made you feel good that people were also appreciating them. In the middle of their set, they walked off to take a break, and you sighed, now realizing you were awkwardly sitting in the front with no one to talk to. It was clear that the man that was now seducing Stephanie clearly liked her, and she liked him back (based on all the hair twirling and giggling). You thought about getting up and leaving then and there, but you were too interested in hearing the rest of the set.
“Why are you sitting here alone?” You hear a voice say, looking down at you. It was Jemaine, and your breath caught. You were not expecting him to come and talk to the audience at all, let alone you of all people. What was he trying to do here? It was too good to be true. You study him close up, he was just like you saw in the album cover- black thick wavy hair, black-rimmed glasses, plump red lips. He was 6’1, clearly much taller than you. You decided to never get off the chair, what if you stand up and completely disappear from his line of sight? He was wearing an untucked dark baby blue button up shirt and blue denim jeans. Very casual for a concert, but it was just at a local bar, anyways. You didn’t recall ever seeing him with something more fancy than that.
“Ah, my friend over there.” You tilt your head to the right. “She seems to have found someone she likes already.”
He glances over at Steph, and laughs. “Hah. I see. Shame you have such a terrible friend.”
You huff, not liking a stranger say something negative about your friend like that. Then you remember hearing he has a very sarcastic personality, and decide to forgive him - for now. “Well, she means well.” You say, hoping that was explanation enough.
“I guess our music isn’t creative enough for her.” He grinned, still looking down at you. His eyes seemed to stare directly at you, and you couldn’t help but blush a little. Why was this man so focused on what you were doing? Shouldn’t he be preparing for his next set instead of talking to a blushing girl that had no idea what she was doing?
“She’s just not… musically minded. I think you guys are really great, though!” You say, trying to steer the conversation away from her.
“Actually…” He placed his hand on the back of his neck. “That was why I came over, I saw you humming away at our songs. Very cute, it's rare to see such a fan at a random venue like this.”
Did he just call you cute?! Was he flirting with you? He seemed too serious to be flirting… but why would he be calling a stranger cute if he didn’t mean it? You pretend you didn’t hear the compliment, but smile at him. “Yeah, I’ve been a fan of you guys for a few months now. You’re all really funny!”
He chuckles. “Thanks a lot.” There was an awkward silence, neither of you knowing what to say. You’re saved by a man who you recognize as Bret calling him over, telling him they’re beginning the next set. You adjust in your seat and wave back at him as he nods at you. You hope that he won’t be approaching you again after the set. You’re not sure whether or not he was trying to flirt. It didn’t seem like it, but you were typically a bad judge of character. You were a virgin, after all. You smile and hum along at the next set, and Steph comes up to sit next to you. Between songs, she whispers that she’s going to be going out with the man she's been talking to all night and that she’ll see you next week when the two of you have planned a shopping date. You nod, completely expecting her to ditch you.
You say. “It’s okay, I’m enjoying the band anyways.” In her ear before she heads out, putting her arm around the man’s arm. You can’t help but wonder whether or not Jemaine noticed your ‘horrible’ friend abandon you again. His expression hadn’t changed while singing, so it was hard to tell. When the set was finally over (and you finally finished your drink), you move up to leave the table, deciding to finally go home and call it a night.
“Tired of us now?” You hear a voice say. It was Jemaine. You’re completely shocked he bothered to talk to you again. You weren’t even that interesting! “I see your friend has abandoned you again.” He grins sheepishly, his New Zealand accent coming out. You found it incredibly hot.
“Yes, I’ve completely accepted that she does that sometimes.” You say, rolling your eyes.
“How was our set, acceptable?” He asks, genuinely curious about the opinion of a fan.
“I’d say so, though I think I liked the first few songs more.” You laugh, making it obvious you were joking.
He groans, though appreciates your humour nonetheless. “I was going to make you feel better for her abandoning you by introducing you to the band but… now I don’t think you deserve it.”
You grip onto his arm in a hurry, then blush when you realize your actions and drop your hands. “No, no! I’d love to meet them!” You say, hoping he was teasing you as well. The bar was already clearing out, and you follow him closely as he heads to the side of the stage, pointing dramatically towards two men.
“I’m sure you know Bret.” A man with wavy dark brown hair and a beard waved at you, seemingly exactly like the album cover you had at home. He was skinny, and wore a red t-shirt and denim black jeans, which showed his figure quite well. He was definitely not as attractive to you as Jemaine, and besides, you remembered he was in a pretty serious relationship anyways.
“What’s up?” He says, while putting his guitar in the case.
“Ah, not much. Jemaine just wanted to show me the band since he noticed me humming along to your songs.” You say awkwardly. What were you even doing here?!
“Psh! He’s not that great, I was totally the one who told him you were doing that.” Bret laughed. “You think he even notices anything people do around him? This self-centred dude?”
You blush, having no idea whose side you were supposed to take. Jemaine shoved him dramatically, and he hit the wall, grunting while holding his arm. “Hey! Don’t blame me for speaking the truth.”
“You’re giving me a bad rep here.” Jemaine says, hmphing at him. He points towards the other man standing there, someone you were unfamiliar with. “This is Murray, our manager.” Murray had red hair, and was wearing a yellow button-up shirt, a brown tie, a grey blazer and grey work pants. It was quite a boring attire, but made sense for a manager. You wonder what he was doing here, shouldn’t he be working with some other clients?
“I like your dress.” He says, looking at you. You look down like you completely forgot what you were wearing. It was a black dress with damask dark blue motifs, up to your knees because you were still shy about showing too much. Even the heart-shaped neckline was a little risque for you. You liked the dress too much to care, though.
“Thank you.” You smile, accepting his compliment.
“I like your dress, too!” Jemaine says, staring at the two of you.
“Don’t be so needy all the time Jemaine.” Bret says, chuckling.
“Hey, do you want me to shove you again?” Jemaine says, raising his fist dramatically.
“The lady won’t appreciate all the aggression.” Bret replied.
You chuckle. “You’re both even funnier in real life!”
“In real life?!” Jemaine laughs. “It’s not like we’re faking it on stage or anything. It’s the real us. Just two dudes that make weird songs that people seem to enjoy.” He shrugs.
“Well I think you’re really talented.” You announce.
“This girl is quite the flatterer. So, you liked the set then? I’ve been trying to get the guys to go out more and play for more audiences, and I think it’s been working quite well.” Murray says.
“I think that’s a really good idea.” You reply.
Jemaine rolls his eyes. “This guy doesn’t need anymore compliments. He already thinks he’s an awesome manager. And trust me, he sucks.” You giggle at his response, though Murray looks a little fake hurt. “Wait, what was your name? I never asked.”
“How ungentlemanly. This is why he never gets laid.” Bret says casually. Jemaine shoves him again, but softer this time.
“Hey! I get laid! 3 girls remember? That’s triple digits.”
“No, that’s 3 girls.”
“My name is Karina.” You say before they can continue arguing.
“Pretty name for a pretty girl.” Murray says.
“That’s a super creepy thing to say.” Jemaine says. “And anyways, Bret, you know there’s a girl I’m after right now.” You blush. Could he be talking about you?
“Yeah I know, but she definitely doesn’t know you’re interested in her.” Bret replied.
“Which is why I’m saying I need to show her! Hey, Karina, what do you think? What would you want a guy to do to show you he’s interested?” Jemaine asked, staring at you with widened, curious eyes. You inwardly sigh. So he wasn’t talking about you. There was some other girl, and now he’s expecting you to help him get her? Of course he wouldn’t be interested in you. You were just some random fangirl that liked their music. He wouldn’t want anything more from you other than suggestions regarding improving the band.
“Um…” You say, trying to help him. “Maybe some flowers?” It was the best you could think of- you worked at a flower shop, after all.
“Brilliant!” He shot his arms up, cheering. “Do you have one in mind?”
You shrug. “Ah, I actually work at one. You can come by tomorrow and I’ll sort you out.” You say, trying to be nice and while ignoring the pain in your chest. Enough of this, you think, he never showed any interest in you anyways!
“Perfect.” You hand him your business card. “Thanks so much, luv.” He puts his arms around you, hugging you tightly in front of the other two men. “You’re a life-saver.” Your heart starts to pump loudly at the touch, and you hope that he doesn’t notice.
When he finally lets you go you nod and grimace at him, trying for an attempt at a smile. “I’m going to head out now. It’s getting late and I have work tomorrow.” You look at your wrist to check the time, and then realize you weren’t even wearing a watch. Oh god, you must’ve looked dumb.
None of the men said anything though, and you waved them goodbye as they did as well. “What a nice girl.” You hear Murray say. Well, at least they didn’t think you were a complete idiot.
Chapter 2
The next day you can barely focus on work while waiting for Jemaine to show up. Was he even going to show up or was he just indulging you? It was 2p.m. by the time you wave a customer goodbye and you hear a familiar voice call your name at the door. “Hey, is Karina here?” His accent was indisguisible.
“Yup.” You say, wiping your hands on your green apron as you emerge from the back. “Nice to see you again, Jemaine.” It was foreign to say his name on your lips, but you liked it nonetheless.
“I told you I’d come by.” He grins. “Okay, sort me out.”
“Hm… what’s your budget? What kind of flowers does this woman like?” You ask, something you’re used to saying to every customer.
“Ah. No idea.” He says, scratching the back of his head. “Surprise me?” He winces.
“Sure.” You try not to feel incredibly jealous again- especially with how hot he was looking with his black tunic and tight jeans. He looked so good, you were sure this girl didn’t deserve him. And his style of humour was right on par with yours! You grab a few of the flowers you think will go well together, and wrap it for him, trying to make it as pretty as possible. You may not be able to ever sleep with him, but you might as well make the arrangement look nice for the girl he does what to be with. A few minutes later, you head to the tell, and cash him out while he hums away.
“Thank you so much for this Karina. Seriously, I totally needed a woman’s help with this, and they seem to hate me for some reason.” He explains.
You laugh. “Come on! You must have women coming to flirt with you all the time to get a date with a celebrity like you.”
He chuckles. “I am not a celebrity, and you can ask Bret. He’ll tell you how bad I am at flirting. This seems to be the perfect solution.” He points to the flowers he’s holding with his other hand. “Anyways, I’ll totally come back and tell you how it went. Hopefully I’ll get a date tonight.” He winks, and you send him off, completely disappointed at the experience. In the back of your head, you were still hoping he was coming here to see you.
It was almost the end of the shift when he returned, though this time Bret’s with him, dragging him into the store. “Tell her what happened.” Bret says, staring at the two of you.
Jemaine rests his head against one of the flower displays dramatically, clearly moping. “She rejected me!” He cries out.
“What?” You say, completely bewildered, though you realize you knew nothing about the woman he was trying to woo.
“He was trying to seduce this random waitress he orders a bagel from every morning and she completely rejected him. She’s fucking married, Jemaine.” Bret said, rolling his eyes. “He made me come along so he had some kind of support, and I had no idea he was going to be that stupid. He made a complete fool of himself in front of everyone.”
“I didn’t know she was married!” Jemaine says! “She just smiles at me a lot and I thought she was cute!”
“You complete and utter idiot.” Bret says. “Waitresses always try to smile at people so they can get more tips! Doesn’t mean you’re special to her or anything!”
You nod. “I can’t believe you asked me for help with a woman you didn’t even know.” Even you were smart enough to know not to do that.
“And you have a perfectly amazing woman right here that’s clearly into you that you’re totally blowing it for!” Bret screamed out, pointing directly at you.
“What?” You and Jemaine say at the same time. How the hell did Bret find out about this? Were you wearing your heart on your sleeves this whole time? How could you be so obvious! You thought you were better at hiding your emotions than that!
“Come on, she giggles at all of your jokes, she’s super shy around you. It’s sooo obvious. This girl thinks you’re funny and cute, what are you waiting for?” Bret announced, clearly completely done with Jemaine’s poor love life.
“I… uh…” Jemaine stares at you, his eyes wide. “Do you actually like me? I didn’t think someone so cute and interesting would be like me.”
“Oh god it’s like you’re in kindergarten.” Bret announces, and waves his hand as he twirls around. “I’m going to leave you two to it since I’m done being matchmaker. See you around, Karina.”
“Ah. Bye, Bret.” You say, feeling bamboozled.
“You didn’t reply, do you find me attractive?” Jemaine asks, acting a bit shy.
You nod, and blush furiously. “Yes. I was hoping the girl you were talking about was me… but it wasn’t.”
“I’m so sorry!” He says. “Ah, that must’ve been so awkward for you. I just really didn’t think you’d like me.” You don’t say anything, and wait for him to continue. “Well then, would you like to go on a date with me? I clearly find you very fun to be around, and I think we should start off fresh, like all this didn’t happen.” He says.
You nod. “Makes sense, let’s do that.” Did Jemaine really just ask you out on a date? You haven’t been on a proper date in years! And this artist that you find very talented just asked you out like it was nothing. Your heart couldn’t stop pumping. Steph would be so jealous.
He thinks for a few seconds. “Ah, I don’t really know this area very well, any suggestions?”
You think about it. You never had to come up with date ideas before, but you do know that first dates should be pretty casual. “Um, what about a walk at the park and then we can decide what we want to do?”
He nods. “Great plan. I’ll see you tomorrow then, is that okay with you? Maybe 2p.m.?”
How did he know you had no plans tomorrow? Did you look that desperate? You smile anyways, and nod. “Okay, tomorrow. I’ll meet you right here.”
He grins and gives you another hug, which you’re unable to return. It was too nerve-wracking, having his warm body pressed against you, his arms completely engulfing your body. He was way taller than you, and it felt like a bear was fully wrapping his body around you. Not that you were complaining though, it felt really comforting and nice, and you wanted more of this. More of this feeling that made your heart pump so rapidly.