Luke Cage (Netflix Original Series) - Shades/OC

Gangsta

"Ten minutes, Ms. Brandon." The bartender relayed the message from the stage manager.

"Thanks, Chief." Lyla Brandon set her now empty glass of water down on the bartop. She glanced at the clock - 4:45pm - almost time for sound check. She rummaged around in her purse for her mirrored compact. She'd recently gotten her hair cut, and was still trying to figure out how to manage the curly mass.

Hernan "Shades" Alvarez stood in the crow's nest of Harlem's Paradise, watching the blonde at the bar. He didn't recognize Lyla at first, last week her hair was almost to her elbows, this week, she'd chopped it to a long bob, quasi-afro, just brushing her shoulders. The shorter length allowed her hair to curl tighter, which made his belt feel tighter than he remembered doing it. She'd turned to dig in her purse and he'd caught sight again of the floral tattoo peeking out from under her tank top, spilling over her shoulder. She was back for her second night to perform for the club. The first night he'd been admittedly skeptical. The girl was light, even for her mixed heritage with kinky golden blonde locks to boot. Then she opened her mouth and he almost lost his grip on the glass he was holding. If Adele had an American sister, she was Lyla Brandon.

Cottonmouth owed the girl's father a favor, but goodness it was an easy favor to repay. She was the princess of the local Motorcycle Club, infamous one percenter, The '69ers. Despite his misgivings about her cushy reputation, Lyla was fire on stage. The crowd was understandably cool at first, but by her second song, the majority of the room seemed to vibe on the incredibly intoxicating soul flowing through the microphone. Her vocal control was sick, timbre pure, with a soulful edge that had him a little hot and bothered, just thinking about it. She even brought up one of the club's regular artists to do a song. Cottonmouth invited her back because she had literally brought the house down, and she was just the opening act.

Shades glanced at the clock, 4:45pm - almost time for soundcheck. It was now or never.

Lyla pried open her compact, moving her head side to side, trying to make sure her hair fell evenly and the curls looked good.

"Perfect." Shades remarked, sliding up to her at the bar. This close to her, he could tell her eyes were green and she'd painted her lips a radiant red, her pink tongue peeking out in concentration.

Lyla gave him a sideways glance, trying to play it cool. She'd seen him standing up in Cottonmouth's private VIP area last time she'd performed. Even behind his dark sunglasses, she felt his eyes on her while she sang.

"Bold move," Shades continued, turning to fully face her, removing his dark sunglasses.

Most of Cottonmouth's entourage was extremely dangerous, plus they didn't have the MC for accountability. Hernan "Shades" Alvarez, was a person of interest for the MC because of his rumored association with the mysterious Diamondback. Rumor had it, Cottonmouth lost some of Diamondback's merchandise to the Harlem Police Dept. Shades was at Harlem's Paradise to ensure return of said merchandise and that Cottonmouth continued to be Diamondbacks top seller. Lyla was here to gather intel, and ultimately get out from under her Father's thumb. She was willing to be a gun for hire, for the right cause of course. Most people didn't look twice at her since she was a woman. Her hair helped her blend in, even if her skin was a little on the milky side.

She clipped the compact shut, tossed it back into her purse and slid off her bar stool. Lyla decided to ignore him for the moment, hoping he would lose interest and go away. As much as she wanted to complete her mission, she found herself dangerously attracted to the man instead of scared shitless. Daddy told her to play it safe with the men at the club. She was feeling a rebellious streak coming on.

Shades sighed internally. What did he expect, he'd whip off his Ray Bans and she'd fall wantonly into his arms? "Suits you." He confirmed, reaching up to fix a curl she'd missed settling back into place. Fortunately, Lyla had been well trained to defend herself. She reacted, grabbing his wrist, stopping him just short of touching her. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through her arm, straight to her core. She held onto his wrist, as he took a step closer to her. He was impressed; she had great reflexes and a tough grip. "Just one out of place, sweetness." Lyla searched his eyes for a moment. He seemed so intense, maybe that was why he wore the shades all the time to conceal his dangerous gaze. There didn't seem to be any intent on harming her, so she let go. Shades moved the curl back across her side part so it blended in with the rest of her hair. "What, no thank you?" He quipped, leaning back against the bar top.

Lyla smirked, deciding to have a little fun with him. Why not? She was in Harlem's Paradise, surrounded by a world that barely accepted her existence. It might be nice to have someone in her corner. Might keep the other men at bay. Bonus. She took a step closer, getting in his space. "Thank you." She spoke softly, then leaned up and placed a feather kiss to his cheek, lingering just enough to feel him shiver. She leaned away slowly, and he reacted, turning his head so his lips almost brushed hers. She could smell the menthol of the cigarette he'd recently had, not the alcohol she'd expected to. Not drinking, still hitting on her. Still looking good in the protection department. She flashed him her best, 'You want me and I know it,' smile and headed for the stage.

Shades couldn't believe his luck. It'd been work to get there, but he'd at least gotten close to her, even got her to kiss him. He turned to watch Lyla put in her in-ear monitors. She flashed a brilliant smile to the girls singing back up, causing his chest to tighten. What did he have to do to get her to smile at him like that?

"How we looking today, ladies?" She asked, giving them a wave. Rehearsal had gone really well, so she had great expectations. They both giggled and gave her a thumbs up.

Shades snuck a look at the setlist posted on the backstage wall. Her three song set was anything but safe. Lady Gaga, Kimbra, and Adele was a pretty tough line up for even an experienced singer. Maybe he'd wait for her backstage. No, that made him look like a groupie. Contrary to popular belief, Hernan "Shades" Alvarez was anything but a groupie. He liked the view from the crow's nest better anyway, so with shades back in place, he returned to his perch upstairs.

Lyla swallowed hard. Doing a Lady Gaga song was going to be a huge risk. Of course she'd reworked the instruments to be more fitting for the Harlem club, no cheesy dance vibe in sight. She was inspired by watching Gaga do a rendition of "Hair" on a talk show in France. She did the song very simply, just her and the keyboard. Tonight, Lyla was adding saxophone, electric guitar and a trap set. She only did the chorus twice, not the upteem million repeats of Gaga's original. She focused more on getting the verses out there and the song taking its meaning from the struggle of identity and the freedom found in that identity. Something Harlem could definitely relate to. To her surprise, the band loved it. They all brought their flavor and style and the song really came together. She settled at the piano and signaled to Clarence on the sax.

Shades didn't recognize the song at first, but then he heard the chorus and was transported back to the car he'd stolen in Chicago, late 2011. The car had a Lady Gaga CD, Born This Way, stuck in the dash, and try as he might, he couldn't get it unstuck. Of course, the radio antenna didn't work, so he was stuck with Gaga until he ditched it for another ride back to New York. He didn't mind Gaga's voice, but her music was a little too bubblegum for his taste. This version was soulful, highlighting the band and the flavor of the club expertly.

The next two numbers, Two Way Street by Kimbra and Rumour Has It by Adele, were done true to their original feels, which seemed to suit the club's atmosphere just fine.

"What a diamond in the rough, eh?" Cottonmouth had joined him at the railing. Cornell had noticed the enforcer taking a special interest in Harlem's Paradise's newest song bird.

Shades leaned back, stretching his neck, resettling his suit coat on his shoulders. He glanced sideways at Cottonmouth, cocking an eyebrow, feigning indifference.

"Awww, don't pretend like you don't want her." Cottonmouth scoffed. "She's gorgeous. Love the haircut, really suits her."

"Yeah, it does." Shades replied, leaning forward on the railing again.

Lyla chanced a look up to VIP area, Shades leaned against the railing, and to her surprise, Cottonmouth had joined him. They were almost done with "Rumour Has It." She decided to sing the bridge right to them.

All of these words whispered in my ear
Tell a story that I cannot bear to hear
Just 'cause I said it, it don't mean that I meant it
People say crazy things
Just 'cause I said it, don't mean that I meant it
Just 'cause you heard it

She turned to face the band for the final chorus and ending just to make sure everything was tight. She could feel Shades' gaze on her back, so she might have swayed her hips a little more than usual, just for fun.

Shades watched as Lyla placed her microphone back on its stand. She turned to the band, giving them praise and a few corrections for tonight.

She turned to the two backup singers, "Let's run the 'Rumors' to get the timing." She ran the chorus just her and the girls at the piano for a few moments, helping them to get into sync with the syncopated rhythm. "Great work ladies. See you at 8, thank you."

"Thank you, Sy. The mix is great, you rock!" She waved to the sound man and DJ at the back of the room. He gave her a thumbs up.

Cottonmouth signaled to the stage manager to send Lyla upstairs to him and Shades. "Ms. Brandon, Mr. Stokes is requesting your presence." The stage manager informed her, as she removed her in-ear monitors. She glanced up to where the two men were still standing, Cottonmouth raised his hand in a beckoning gesture. A tiny finger of fear slid down her spine. She grabbed her purse from beside the piano and followed one of Cottonmouth's henchmen up the staircase to VIP.

Cornell Stokes wasn't a man to mess with. If you crossed him, you most likely ended up dead. Same thing could be said for her father. Being the daughter of an Outlaw MC President had its perks.

"Told your Daddy I'd give you a shot." Cottonmouth said when she reached his office. "I guess you took that shot seriously, my dear. You do not disappoint!" He smiled, sitting on the edge of his desk, motioning her forward. Shades hovered in the corner, watching the exchange.

"Thank you, Mr. Stokes." Lyla gave him a nod, settling in the chair he'd indicated for her. "I'm grateful for the opportunity. Life in the MC doesn't always allow me to express my creativity." She mused.

"We are grateful you agreed to continue to sing for us, love." Cottonmouth remarked, "I think we've got a great thing going here." He leaned forward, "I think we need to sit down with Pappa and see about extending your contract."

Lyla smiled at that, "That sounds like a plan, Mr. Stokes. My father will be here tonight, of course." She glanced at Shades to see his reaction. Nothing. Well, the sunglasses did help his case.

Cottonmouth shifted a little uneasily, "Of course, with you performing and all." He swallowed, "How many 69'ers should we expect this evening?"

Lyla smiled, there it was. She wanted to see if he had spoken with her father. Obviously not. "Oh, just the inner circle of the Brooklyn Charter." She glanced at Shades again, he was grinning, actually smiling, teeth and everything. The bastard.

"Wonderful," Cottonmouth tried to sound happy, but the sour note in his voice only confirmed her suspicion. Cottonmouth was getting his guns from another source. Most likely that source was Diamondback. Her father wasn't going to be happy. "You are welcome to stay up here, away from the crowd. I can have whatever you would like sent up from the kitchen."

Lyla waved him off, "That really isn't necessary." She started gathering her purse that she'd dropped at her feet, quickly checking her phone. One missed call. Daddy. "I usually just hang with the band and-"

"I insist," Shades stepped forward, "join me this evening." He smirked, offering his hand to her.

Lyla frowned. Her father wouldn't be pleased to find out she refused such a personal invitation from Shades. Reluctantly she took his hand, which he tucked in the crook of his arm, leading her out of Cottonmouth's office.

"You two kids have fun," Cottonmouth encouraged, just before Shades shut the door behind them.

"My dress and heels are downstairs. So is my band," Lyla began heading for the exit, "Look, I appreciate the invitation Mr. Alvarez but-"

"Shades." He corrected, settling in an oversized chair. He didn't seem to be the slightest concerned that she wanted to flee his presence.

"Shades," Lyla sighed, "Sorry." She shouldered her purse.

Shades just gave her a single nod. Then he removed his shades for a moment so she could see his eyes, and leaned forward. "Either you can go back downstairs and take your chances with the bass player who's been talking about getting you alone since you last played, or…" He put his shades back on and leaned back, placing his arm on the back of the chair, pointedly highlighting the empty space beside him, "You can hang out here where I can protect you."

Lyla rocked back on her heels for a moment, watching him sit there all satisfied with his self-promoting logic. How could the man actually know that? She wasn't going to be pushed around, told to sit down and look pretty. "I'll take my chances." Then she fled.

Dearest Readers,

Welcome to the fabulous world of Luke Cage brought to life by Netflix. The character, Shades, always intrigued me. When I found out Theo Rossi (who also played "Juice" on Sons of Anarchy) was portraying the character, I knew I had to watch it.

I wasn't disappointed! I really liked Luke Cage when he appeared in Jessica Jones last year. I was completely stoked when I heard Luke Cage would be getting its own spotlight series.

Gangsta - Kehlani - This song is usually associated with the ship 'Shady Mariah' but I have a hard time shipping them, even though Theo himself is captaining the ship. The age gap, not to mention Shades is a psychopath, and a master manipulator. It wouldn't surprise me if he uses Mariah up and tosses her away on his quest for power. I could be completely wrong, but that's the beauty of fanfiction, folks.

I hope you enjoy Lyla Brandon as much as I do. She's a spitfire, much more gutsy than I could ever be.

I would love to hear what you think, and what you'd like to see happen between Lyla and our main man, Shades.

xoxo

Lumora The White