Blind Stitch

Chapter 3

Ox was at his desk, spinning absentmindedly whilst looking up at the ceiling. His desk was adjacent to Lou's in the office. A way they could work together, more or less. The days most often consisted of Lou working and Ox pretending to be working. Not much could be done on his end, though, until he fully grasped the logistics of business. Something Lou was working on teaching him. And even now, with no idea what the jargon or numbers on the papers meant, he slid down in the swivel chair and let one foot kick against the desk to perpetually spin him in circles.

Needless to say, days in the office were always more enjoyable with his brother there. They would somehow manage to get work done – again, namely just Lou – whilst bantering and going through a plethora of random conversations. Now there was only the ceiling to entertain him and the view out the window that overlooked the Institute of Imperfection.

The door had been left open, so he didn't notice two dolls walking in until Nolan cleared his throat. Ox immediately startled and straightened in his seat. He grasped blindly for the edge of the desk to stop spinning. The nervous smile on his face dropped when he saw Lou with the brunette. "You're supposed t' be restin'. Whatcha doin' here?"

Lou couldn't wipe the amused grin off his face as he leaned forward on Ox's desk. "Well, I can't very well lay down and do nothing all day. Especially when my hard-working boss is up here slaving away at the office."

Ox huffed, ears going lax behind his head. "I was takin' a break. Speakin' of, you should be home lettin' Mandy take care of ya." He turns to Nolan now. "Why'd ya bring 'im here?"

"He insisted he wanted to come and help. I'm here to make sure he doesn't black out." Nolan went ahead and made himself comfortable in Lou's desk chair, legs crossed and tossing the rubber ball placed on his desk in the air. "He said he'd feel worthless staying home today. Mandy will be here later this afternoon, though, if that helps."

"No, it don't." Ox rolled his eyes, glaring over at Lou who still leaned against the desk. "You threw up this mornin'—"

"I feel fine now." Lies.

"Ya look pale."

"Racist," Lou mocked an offended face. "Is it 'cause I'm white?"

"Just go home," Ox gave Lou a look mixed between tired and concerned. "I don't want ya pushin' yourself just to get stuff done. We're on schedule, anyway."

"I'll leave when I'm dead," Lou said flippantly and walked over to his own desk. Ox gave him a flat look as he did. "Kidding. I'm fine, bunny, alright? Believe me, I'll let you know when I'm not feeling good."

"I've heard that before," Nolan mumbled under his breath. Lou, still giving Ox a convincing smile, discreetly kicked Nolan in the shin, promptly hushing the brunette.

"The second I feel off, I'll go back home." Lou put a hand over his heart with a smile. Ox scrutinized him for a second before sighing and turning back around to face his desk. Lou took this as a personal victory. He looked down at Nolan, who still tossed the ball in the air.

"What?" Nolan scrunched his nose at the blond.

The ball was tossed up again and Lou caught it before Nolan could. "You're in my spot."

"Don't see your name on it." Nolan retorted.

"I will flip you out of this chair."

"You won't." Lou went behind and shoved it forward. The sudden force had the chair tipping over and Nolan grappled onto the arms of the chair, legs drawing up to his chest. "Okay! Okay! Gosh, have your stupid seat back." He got up once Lou backed off and the blond sat down with a victorious smile. Nolan flicked the side of Lou's head as he walked over to Ox's desk. "Spoiled brat."