Graves always has this stupid smirk on his face, and, quite frankly, it drives you insane. There's just something about his face that pisses you off.
When you signed up to be a Shadow, it wasn't because of the way that Graves talked to you like so many other Shadows say. It was because you wanted to do something with your life. You wanted to save people without the government being in direct involvement.
But having to see Graves smirk at you every day? Especially when you're sure that he's coming by just to see you? Yeah. Annoying.
You're sure that no other Shadow sees him as much as you do. Seriously, it's like he goes out of his way to ensure that you see him every day, sometimes multiple times.
Today, though, there is nothing good that will come from Graves seeing you.
You just came back from a mission where everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong, and you are beyond pissed. No one would listen to you even though you were in charge of the mission, and then you got blamed whenever things inevitably imploded.
All you wanted to do was shower and go to your room to wash of the grime and sleep off the irritation of the day, and you were so close to being able to do so when Graves turned around the corner, that same stupid smirk on his face as he tactically blocks the way down the hall.
"Hey now, darlin'. Don't tell me y'r gonna just wander off without sayin' hi, now are you?"
Irritation creeps up through your esophagus and settles in the back of your throat.
"I was going back to my room. Move, please."
You go to walk past him, only for him to block the way again.
"Aw, c'mon, sugar! Don't be such a downer. At least grab somthin' to eat. I ordered somethin' real nice, just for you guy gettin' back."
Again, you try and move, and again, Graves blocks your path.
"I ain't spend all that money on some quality food just for you to--"
Graves goes down, hand clutching his nose as he lets out a pained groan. You shake the pain out of your knuckles and stare down at Graves before storming off.
He watches you go, blood pouring from his nose and pooling in his hand. A warm, fuzzy feeling fills his chest, and he smirks real wide, not caring about the way the blood gets in his teeth. He just licks his lips and stands to go down to the medbay.
One day, he'll get you to stay long enough for him to woo you. One day, you punching him will be a memory that both of you laugh about while curled up in bed.
Graves doesn't mind, though. The chase is half the fun.