Diamond in the Rough // 2
Summary: you’re an androgynous woman who has a rather groggy voice. due to your social anxiety and shy nature, you refuse to let your beautiful, sexy voice free. that is until you do something that might lead you down a dangerous path.
Ship: Shawn Mendes x Fem!Reader
Warnings: angst, swearing, vulgar words, bullying, fluff, hyperventilating, gender bashing, etc.
Notes: none of these gifs are mine, credit to the owners.
Tagged: @bailey-hoover @kiralivelove @thalia-prior-of-ravenclaw @anamcg317 @bellasett @queentiffanyyy @archer-whovian-violinist@beingmadinwonderland @princessisabelle19 @violence-and-velvet @lachicadelamanzana
I freeze, blood running cold with distraught and fear. I can hear my heartbeat thumping wildly in my chest, so loud it almost blocks out the the actual voice that tries to speak to me. "Uh, (Y/n). There's an Andrew that's here to see you." Of course I'm overflowing with reluctance but I can't hide. I don't have a choice anymore. "Let him in." I say, dryly. The man the enters the room, looking nothing like I'd expect. Though he wears a sharp suit, he screams dad vibes. The collar around his next has a faint tan line, one meant for sweaters and jeans. Without the monkey suit, he'd look more approachable. I suppose that's why he looks up at me with a shy expression, one that people give children when they meet for the first time. And though I should hate people walking around me if I were to break like glass, the gesture makes me feel more at ease.
I eye him up and down again, waiting for his approach. "My name is Andrew. I'm a music manager that works with a lot of well-known artists. I loved your performance, was completely blown away and wanted to sign you. I want you to be able to express yourself in more ways than one. What do you say?" I stare at his hand and think for a minute. I can't turn back after the whole worlds seen my face, can't run and change my name or hide away. I don't have a choice in the matter anymore. And due to my quiet nature, I'm much more susceptible to reading people. And Andrew doesn't seem like a bad guy. He looks like the only agent I can trust. So I do the unthinkable. I take his hand in mine. "We take things slow."
He nodded, a faint smile making its way into his features before he heads back to his seat. My knees break from under me and I pull myself into a chair. Glancing to the right, I realized my phone was blowing up with hundreds upon thousands of notifications. I shouldn't look but I can't stop myself. Twitter is exploding with videos of my performance. A screen to the side of the stage that FJ was supposed to perform on lit up with bright words. This is (Y/n), the REAL person behind the voice. Bullied for years, (Y/n) had to sing in the dark of the night and hide from the world. No more. The words vanish and that's when I start singing. Not caring to watch, I don't even glance at the comment section, don't have the strength for it. Dammit, FP. She really did the unthinkable. Put my name out there for people to find on a whim. My skin crawls at what could possibly happen next.
Of course Shawn had to use the bathroom right before the opening performance, having missed the entirety of the beginning completely. He doesn’t think anyone will mind since almost everyone is excited to see just him up on that stage. That is until he heads back to his seat. There’s a not so faint hum in the room that only progresses as time passes. What the hell did I miss? He thinks to himself, also wondering where his agent, Andrew, ran off to. “Dude! You just missed the most amazing performance I’ve ever seen!” Niall turned to him and exclaimed. There’s a flutter of comments going back and forth, only so many of which he actually picks up. Powerful and chilling performance, something about a person being bullied.
He’s unable to really make any connections but Shawn’s sure he’ll get the whole scoop later on Twitter. Andrew comes back just in time with a massive grin on his face. “Where’d you go?” Shawn asked, genuinely curious. “I just made a deal with that performer.” His smile never fades and the young man watches as he slips into his own little world, setting up meeting after meeting, having already been invited by Ellen and James Corden themselves to their show. Who was this person? Shawn thought to himself, a tinge of jealousy rising in the pit of his stomach. It didn’t help that literally everyone around him during the entirety of the show talked non-stop about said performance, one he completely missed out on. But Shawn vowed to get to the bottom of this.
“You promise that there’s a small audience?” I ask Andrew again. He pats my back like a loving father would with a gentle nod. There’s still much I hadn’t told him about my life but I believe he’s slowly beginning to understand just how hurt I’ve been, just how scared I was about this sudden change. “Yes, like I said before and I’ll say it a thousand times. There’s a small audience and it’s just you and her. She’s gonna ask you some personal questions and you should do as we talked about. Just be open and honest and I know they’re going to love you. Dylan won’t be far if you need anything and he’s got a mic if things get too much for you.” He’s more open and accommodating than what I’d ever expect. Since my performance, apparently I’d been getting hundreds of thousands of calls and emails about an interview with the performer that took the world by storm.
Diamond, they’re calling me. Catchy and a bit ostentatious if I’m being honest but I don’t oppose. And though Andrew wishes for me to see the tweets about myself, I’ve refused, sure that they’ll only be negative. “Hey, you’ve got this, kid.” His dad voice is nothing but comforting. Glancing back at Dylan, he gives me the bouquet of roses I was insistent of buying for the interviewer and another encouraging smile before I’m directed to the entrance. “Now I know most of you have seen the opening performance at the Music Globe, one that really captured our attention because for a long time we thought this one girl was the one who’d been singing when in actuality it was a different girl entirely. Here to speak about it is the girl herself, (Y/n) (Y/L/N), also known as Diamond.” I feel confident in the nice casual suit I’m sporting and walk to the tune blaring from above. The crowd is much smaller and I can’t help but thank Andrew in my head.
The crowd awes when I hand Ellen the bouquet of roses and she insists on giving me a hug. I just hugged Ellen. Oh my god. We take a seat and the voices start to hoot and whistle. I can’t help but glance at them with a confused expression. “Why are they whistling?” Ellen laughs at my perplexity and it makes me feel more at ease despite the quick thump in my chest. “They think you’re hot, right?” The crowd, though small, roars to life and I even hear a few girls scream. “HELL YEAH!” I blush seven shades, not use to such out there flirting. Ellen shushes them quickly and thanks me for the roses before diving in. “So can you tell us what the whole performance was?” Whoop, there it is. I glance down at my hands, more worried about my finger tips than the beady eyes that seem to pierce my skin. “Well, Ellen. If I’m being honest-” I sigh and pause before doing what Andrew said. Just be honest and real.
“I’ve always loved performing and singing and, musicals especially, but I’ve never been able to accomplish that dream-” She interrupts to ask, “Why is that?” I gulp again, shifting from side to side, never looking at her or the audience for too long. “Honestly, I’ve been bullied my entire life.” The confession silences everyone, keen on listening. “It started in middle school, continued all through high school and even college. Nobody looked at me and saw a person. They saw this thing that wasn’t feminine enough and wasn’t masculine enough. I was a mix of both and nobody liked that. They didn’t like that I couldn’t be put into a box and when I tried out to sing in my high school, nobody looked past exterior to hear me and the bullying only got worse from there. I ended up transferring schools cause it got so bad and then it only got worse at college. And then that’s where I met FP.”
Ellen shifts her chair more towards me. “So how do you know her?” I take a deep breath, feeling more comfortable with just her and I talking. I almost forget there’s an audience watching, waiting and listening. “I met her in a cafe I was working at. I closed up one day and sang as I did and she heard me and we put together this plan that I’d sing the vocals and she’d lip sinc. I was perfectly comfortable with doing that because I was one-hundred percent sure that if I attempted to sing in public again, I would be ridiculed. And she was very outgoing and loved the stage, something I had never been entirely comfortable with, let alone something I knew how to do. But that performance, she told me that I wouldn’t be seen so I could actually go on stage but she slipped out and that’s when I got on the stage. I ran off afterwards and had a panic attack. I suppose with nothing but negativity in my life, I was so sure that that’s what would happen again. I haven’t checked any social media since the performance and I’m too afraid.”
My hands shake at the intimacy and forwardness I was giving but I could tell she really cared deeply, almost understood a time of heartbreak. So much so that tears seem to slip from the corners of her eyes. I just made Ellen cry. Glancing at the audience, I notice they’re weeping, too. Have I moved them so much to the point of tears? “Can I give you a hug?” Ellen herself asks me. I can’t help but chuckle at the surprising quietness in her voice and accept. “Well, you will always be loved and accepted on the Ellen show.” The crowd hums in agreement and for the first time in a long time I feel a warm sensation bubble up in the pit of my stomach.
The rest of the day goes by with a blur and I’m the only person anyone is talking about. Andrew and Dylan take to me to the local diner for a quick snack before some other plans. “So, (Y/n). I’ve got some pretty big news.” I put down my fries for a moment and prepare myself, for what, I do not know. “I have over one hundred performers in the music industry who want to work with you. They keep emailing me, almost begging on their hands and knees to meet you or perform with you. Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Halsey, Camilla Cabello, Demi Lovato, Sia, and so many more want to work with you on upcoming songs. For the love of god, check Twitter.” Thumping with excited adrenaline, I cave in and do as he asks. One after another they tweet to my thumbnail.
@ c_cabello retweeted video of @ (y/n)_diamond: UGH I LOVE YOUR VOICE! IT’S SO SEXY!
@ niall_h retweeted video of @ (y/n)_diamond: I can’t get over the passion, I’m in love.
@ h_halsey retweeted video of @ (y/n)_diamond: oh my god we NEED to collaborate! You’re voice is killer!
There are hundreds of comments below her of artists commenting on how much they love me. There’s so much love I don’t know how to deal with it. Artists I merely dreamed of working with are saying how much they loved my voice and the passion behind it. The mere thought gives me chills. I keep scrolling and the comments never falter. I take a minute to comprehend all of this. This could actually work. I could actually be a performer, sing and work with the artists I’ve only dreamed of meeting. When I look up at Andrew, I feel a wave of confidence soar through me. “So, what’s next?”
Ever since the performance, Shawn notice how distant Andrew had become. Of course he had other artists working with him but usually he was the one Andrew gave his time to. So that morning, Shawn had been begrudgingly waiting for almost thirty-five minutes for his interview. Just the one today which was odd because he was almost always up to the brim with work. Just one interview and song-writing today. Andrew had said to him. Thirty-five minutes too long as he tapped the arm chair, a plagued look of irritation. Where the hell was Andrew? And just as he asked the question, in waltz the man himself. “Where have you been?! I’ve been waiting for almost forty minutes! You told me to come early so that we could work on what questions they were going to ask!” Andrew tilted his head, perplexed by the young mans attitude.
Yes, he was late but it’s not as if they hadn’t done a millions interviews before. As he’d told him, everything was set up accordingly, the questions skimmed over by Andrew himself. Things with (Y/n) ran a little later than usual which was fine for the older man because he really enjoyed her personality. She’s quick and funny once you get past her wall. “Shawn, this interview is just like the rest of them. It seems they did your hair and makeup which is exactly what I wanted them to do, so in actuality you’ve only been waiting for twenty minutes. I am sorry I’m late. I was with another client and we lost track of time. I won’t be by your side every second of the day, Shawn. This client that I signed needs a lot of coaxing and work. I will organize anything that you need like usual but I will also not be here physically sometimes. I’ve hired another man to be here if you have questions when I’m not. Do you understand?”
Shawn hadn’t a clue but he nodded his head anyway, not wanting to have another meaningless lecture. He wonders for a second as to who he’s spending so much of his time with but then he goes back to the performance he missed. Sneaking out his phone after the interview, he watches Ellen’s most recent video, now trending as number one. Leaning into his chair, Shawn watches with a perplexed expression. The person who enters is tall, much taller than Ellen, wearing a nice black dress jacket, matching tight jeans and a nice button up. Shawn can’t help but shift in his seat with jealous discomfort as the girls hoot and howl at her. Her voice is low and sultry, like silk. Her eyes are bright but there’s a still a wave of uncertainty. The longer she speaks, the more his heart breaks. Years of bullying, jeez. How could people be so cruel. He thinks of Teddy and how much she might have gone through.
But the jealousy only grows as he makes his way to Twitter and Instagram. She sits next to Ariana Grande herself. (Y/n) or, Diamond, as she’s being called, wears something similar to what she wore on the Ellen interview. She’s much taller than Ariana, practically towering over her small frame. They would make a great couple. The bad boy and the sweet, innocent girl. At least that’s what it looks like. Shawn won’t admit it but he’s thrown off in more ways than one. A mix of intimidation and attraction, feelings he doesn’t quite understand begin to fester in his chest. He watches intently, almost making competition in his head. She’s already taken Andrew. He thinks to himself. Maybe its a way to cover up how he’s actually feeling. (Y/n) starts the song by strumming along on her Ukulele. Bad Little Boy from Adventure Times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86yQIQFgWZk&t=10s
It’s a short little tune but brings chills anyway. Her voice works breathlessly with Ariana’s, smooth and sexy. Their voices dance around one another with a melody like no other. Just listening to her speak makes Ari practically swoon. She rests her hand under her chin as (Y/n) mutters the last few lines and plays the last cord on her Ukulele. Ariana squeals and launches herself onto (Y/n) who’s blushing and laughing at her excitement. “I cannot wait for you guys to hear Diamond’s voice on my upcoming album because anyone would be an idiot to not snatch you up right away! Thank you so much for jamming with me and I can’t wait to see you again. Bye guys!” Ariana says to the camera but Shawn’s more focused on (Y/n) and her cutely shy nature. Shawn doubts that that’s actually her real voice. It can’t be. And even though he saw it, heard it, he won’t believe. He makes his way over to the comment section that never stops exploding.
“DIAMOND IS A SNACK OH MY GOD”
“DIAMOND LITERALLY HAS THE SEXIEST FUCKING VOICE I’VE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE”
“(Y/N) IS LITERALLY SO ANDROGYNOUS I’M SO SEXUALLY CONFUSED!”
“my bi heart is so happy about Diamond slowly breaking out of her shell”
“OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD EVERYTHING ABOUT DIAMOND IS GOALS”
“I’m a diamond stan. everyone unfollow me because this is the only thing I will be tweeting about for the next week”
I give Ariana another hug before walking out with Andrew, Dylan and my best friend, Olive. She clutches my arm before squealing. “We just met Ariana mother fucking Grande! That was insane!” My heart thumps wildly in my chest, a new kind of adrenaline that I hadn’t realize existed. I slip my hands into the pockets of my jeans, blushing shyly as all three pat me on the back with pride. I’m afraid for the next steps but I won’t let Andrew see it. I don’t want him to see this vulnerable side. Glancing back at Olive and Dylan, the two most authentic people I’ve ever met, I know in my heart things will be okay. “So, (Y/n). I’ve got some more ideas and stuff I wanna throw by you. If it’s too much, tell me. But after a few interviews, I think we can start spreading out to bigger things. Have you ever thought about writing music?” The mere thought of writing something makes my heart thump.
I’ve always wanted to do that but I wasn’t sure where to even begin. “I’d love to. I know a few instruments and I have some books with lyrics.” Andrew nods, a hopeful, excited energy that seemed to grow around him. “Perfect. I’ll call Teddy. She’s just the gal for you.” He throws out his phone in a quick movement, so fast Barry Allen would be jealous. “Okay, she’s free now if you want to meet her.” Oh, wow. That was quick. Olive takes my hand in hers. “It’s okay. We’ll be right there with you.” The music studio isn’t far from where we met Ariana and I’m glad cause if we’d driven farther, I might have thrown up with nerves. We follow Andrew and it takes less than five minutes till we find her room. He doesn’t knock and I hesitate to follow. A low hum comes from the heart of the room before the sound fades. A girl with short hair and pointed glasses turns over to us with a wide smile. “You must be (Y/n), or as the world seems to call you, Diamond. I’m Teddy.”
I shake her hand before noticing another body in the room. “Shawn this is-” Andrew tries to say but is cut off almost immediately. “I know who that is.” He says in accusatory tone. Despite the fact that his eyes are a warm honey and his hair a chocolate brown, he comes off as cold and uncaring. I lift my hand for him to take, being as polite as usual. “It’s really nice to meet you, Mr. Mendes.” He glances at my hand with disgust before leaving the room. “So much for Canada’s sweetheart.” Olive snorts into my ear. Both Teddy and Andrew look perplexed at the rude behavior but turn their focus back onto me. But the entire time, I couldn’t stop thinking about the interaction. Why could he have been so rude to me? We’d never met before to elicit such a negative reaction? Did he hate how I looked? My skin crawls at the mere thought. What could it have been?
(I hope you guys like it! PLEASE FUCKING COMMENT)
