Christmas with Mulaney

•First day•

I woke up on time, I curled my hair, did my makeup, had a cup of coffee and was ready to start my new job.

I had taken the subway (yuck) and was about to start a new adventure. It was hard for me to focus because all I could think about was John and that kiss. But I couldn't let that distract me from my new job, with a new client, and a reason to get up every morning.

I open the back door to this brick building that looked almost abandoned. But when I walked inside the place was really nice. It was kind of set up like an office. The desks were set up nicely with all the workers family photos on their desk. There were a few yoga balls instead of chairs. I wonder if I was going to have a desk? No I was just here as an assistant. The email I was sent says to tell the receptionist my name and my "boss" should be waiting for me in his office.

"Hi I'm Julia Darling."

A women with bright red hair looked up at me from her desk.

"Oh yes. Mr.Mulaney is the first door on the left down the hall."

"Um. Eh-em. Mulaney? There has to be some kind of mix up?"

"Nope. It says right here Julia Darling animation assistant Big Mouth - John Mulaney."

Fuck. I really didn't want to see him today.

"Thank you."

I shuffled down the hall with my head down. I approached the door.

"John Mulaney-Nick Kroll"

A sign on the door read. I put my hand on the handle and turned it slowly.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

I give a little wave to John and Nick sitting at a round table.

"Julia?" John stands up abruptly.

Nick turns to look at me and smiles. "Oh you must be the new assistant! I'm Nick and this is John."

He reaches out his hand to shake mine.

"Yes that's me I'm Julia."

"Are you nervous? Don't be nervous! Me and John don't bite!" We both chuckle. Nick takes my jacket off and lays it on the chair.

"Excuse me for one second while I get some paperwork for you."

Nick leaves the room leaving just me and Mulaney awkwardly standing looking at each other.  

"Good morning." John pulls out my chair and he sits down in his.

"Hey John. Listen I'm sorry about last night I shouldn't have-"

"Julia it's fine. Let's just focus on work today ok?"

"Alright."

Nick comes back into the room with a packet of paper.

"Alright Julia to fill you in we're making a Christmas Big Mouth special and want your help animating it."

"What?! That sounds so cool!"

"Thanks! Me and John have a few ideas written down and wanted to see what you would sketch out for it. So tonight if you could read this over," he hands me the packet. "and tomorrow bring us some ideas you have for the scenes that would be great."

"That I can do!"

I can't help but notice Johns cute smile from the back of the room. He was wearing a red plaid shirt and denim jeans that fit him oh so well.

"For now I'll let Cathy our head animator show you the ropes on the technology we use."

A older women walked into the room wearing blue overalls with a white long sleeve under.

"Hey there! Follow me and I'll show you around."

Cathy quickly walks down the hallway and I rush to keep up with her.

Cathy had a thick British accent that was hard to understand at times.

"These are the computers we use to store any drafts of characters or locations."

"And over here is our white board we're all the magic happens."

John walks into the small computer room and knocks on the door.

"Sorry to steal you Cathy but Nick needs you for a second."

Cathy excuses herself and then exits the room.

"Why didn't you tell me you were working for me yesterday?" John says breaking the awkward silence in the room.

"I didn't know. I found out as soon as I walked in the room."

"I'm sorry. I wish I would have known."

"Yeah."

Cathy comes back into the room. Thank god.

"Alright I'm back. Where were we?"

A few hours pass by and the day was coming to an end.

"How was she?" Nick asks Cathy.

"Bloody great! I can't wait for tomorrow."

She gets closer to Nick to whisper. "I really like this one."

Nick wraps me in a big hug and it takes me back.

"Sorry I know I should have asked before doing that but I'm just so excited to have you here!"

I laugh at Nick. "Your fine!"

"Oh I almost forgot! Every Monday night we go over to Johns to play games and drink. Would you like to join us?"

I look at John for approval. I wasn't sure if going back there would be the best decision.

"It's alright I should really work on these scenes."

"Please Julia!! I really want to get to know you!" Cathy pleads to me.

"I've got egg nog!" John chimes in.

"Alright fine I'm in! Can someone give me a ride?"

"Follow me!" Cathy grabs my hand and drags me out of the room.

Games and drinking at Johns. Yay. :/