disc. reader wears beaded bracelets (not rlly a disc), bruce is a total flirt, fourth wall is broken like two times, use of (y/n), reader likes horror movies
in all honesty, bruce had no idea why he was there, in front if that glass door. the sign above it read ‘g central films.’ it was a hole-in-the-wall store in the heart of gotham, most people passed by it without a second thought. so why didn’t he? what drew him here?
looking around for paparazzi—even though he disguised himself well enough— bruce pushed the door open and heard a bell ding above him. the store was very cluttered, film posters decorated the walls as semi-organized shelves held a wide array of movies, magazines, books, and merchandise.
“hi, sorry, i’ll be with you in a second!” a voice called out from a storage closet, and bruce took off the hood he was wearing, and took to strolling the shelves. he ran his fingers along the spines of the many medias present, feeling new and old items against his fingertips.
the sound of beaded bracelets clinking against each other was the largest indicator of someone’s presence, and an employee—who bruce could assume was also the owner— stood at the opening of the shelf-made hallway.
“holy shit-“ you gasped. when you came into work today, you expected many things. maybe scarecrow would break out of arkham and fear gas the city, or you’d be robbed by some goon, but having billionaire bruce wayne standing in your store was not on that list.
“i’m sorry- excuse my language- what can i help you with mr. wayne?” you asked.
“please, call me bruce.” he said, walking up to where you stood and stuck his hand out, inviting you to shake it—which you did.
“right, bruce, looking for anything in particular?” you inquired, letting your hand fall to your side as you fiddled with the hem of your shirt.
“to be completely honest with you, i didn’t come here with anything in mind,” bruce said, winking, “unless a cute store owner wants to recommend me something.”
your heart started to beat ridiculously fast, it wouldn’t have surprised you if bruce could hear it.
“erm- uh- do you have any genres you like? maybe we could start there?”
“hm, never really paid attention to film genres,” bruce shrugged. he absolutely did pay attention to them, but he’d be lying if he didn’t want to spend time with you, the cute movie enthusiast.
“right, um, i really like horror, uh, i have a few favorites if you wanna pick from them,” you mentally punched yourself for the constant nervous stuttering, though bruce found it very charming.
“sounds good to me, lead the way…”
“(y/n).”
“your name suits you.”
this flirting was gonna knock you off your feet.
you walked out from the shelf area and went behind the counter, digging in a box underneath. bruce stood in front, looking at the items in the glass display case that showcased the more expensive merchandise. whether it be an authentic autograph from cillian murphy (bruce wondered how you managed to get that,) a rare vinyl for a very popular band, or— bruce’s face heated up when he saw the batman-themed jewelry.
he was very flattered, can you tell?
“okay, here we are.” bruce snapped up from the items to see a small stack of horror movie cds propped in front of him. movies such as american psycho, scream, candyman, and the blair witch project caught his eye.
“anything catch your eye bruce? i can always find more if this isn’t up to your speed,” you said, tapping your fingers against the glass. bruce stared at the collection before picking up the cd for american psycho.
“i’ll go with this one,” he said.
“american psycho? alright, a lot of people think it’s garbage but i really like it— has anyone ever told you you look like christian bale?” you asked, picking up the rest of the cds before placing them where they were before.
“christian bale, hm. I definitely see a resemblance, is he your celebrity crush?” bruce teased, and you nearly dropped the cd as you were renting it out to him.
“pssh, no—i mean, not that you’re ugly you’re really handsome—uh, i mean—fuck-“ bruce laughed at the way you got when he teased you, it was adorable.
“right-heres your cd bruce,” you said, handing him the box with shaky hands. he took the box and gently lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against the back of it.
“i think i’ll be coming here more often,” bruce said, pulling up his hood and walking out the store, sending a smile your way before he blended in with the bustling crowd of gotham.
you pressed your cold hands to your face, trying to cool down. today was eventful, more than you could’ve ever expected. and, you wouldn’t complain if bruce stopped by again.
Disclaimers: Affectionate pet names (angel, dear, dearest, honey, etc), established relationships, Jade and Floyd sorta give the reader no personal space for a bit 😭, Floyd is a menace to Grim for a bit
♡- Jade Leech
"Alright! One bag of multi-color sea glass, and would you be interested in adding an enchanted book that reads the content to you to the purchase? It's half off!" Sam said, wrapping a white tie onto the opening of the burlap sack.
"No thanks, Sam. Just the sea glass." You said, picking your wallet out of your pocket.
"Very well, that'll be 1500 thaumarks!" He said, popping open the register. Handing him the currency, he organized it into the slots and handed you the bag. “Thank you for your purchase, little imp!”
You waved goodbye as you left the store. Once on the field, you opened the bag. Staring at awe at the beautiful stones that clinked together at every motion, excitement grew. You couldn’t wait to give to him.
‘Wait, he’s working!”
But, as long as you’re a customer, there’s no harm in visiting the lounge. Closing the bag, you began to walk towards the main campus with a goal in mind.
----
Entering the lounge, you felt yourself relax at the jazz music that was playing. Picking one of the booths closest to the aquarium, you watched the aquatic animals swim and glide past the glass. You wondered how they got there, and why some of them were glowing. However, you couldn’t ponder too much as a familiar voice broke your train of thought.
"Good afternoon and welcome to the Mostro Lounge, what can I get you to drink?” Turning from the glass, you found your boyfriend standing at the end of the table.
“Jade!”
“Hello dearest. How has your day been?”
“Good, good. Um, I’ll just have a water.”
“Very well. Take a look at our foodstuff and I’ll be back momentarily.”
As Jade left, you felt your excitement grow. Bouncing your leg, you thought of ways to give him the bag. What if you did a big show of it, or gave him it while he was distracted, which one of your ideas would he enjoy the most?
“Here’s your water,” Jade said, placing it onto a paper coaster, “and what would you like to eat?”
“Uhh, fries?” You said, being caught off guard.
“And why do you sound uncertain?” Glancing around for his employer and his brother, Jade slid into the empty spot next to you.
“Uhh, just thinking about fish.” You lied, scooting away from him.
“Fish?” He moved closer, smiling cheekily at you.
“Mhm, the fishies. Like that glowing yellow one.”
“The Yellow Tang? I never considered it to be glowing,” Jade said, pulling you to him in an embrace. But as he did that, the sea glass in your pocket clinked together at the movement.
”What was that? Sounded like Floyd dropped a glass.” You said incredulously, not making eye contact with the heterochromatic eyes that were staring straight at you.
“Why blame Floyd? It came from your pocket dear.” He said.
Looking at his entertained face, you caved. “Alright, I give.” You said, pulling out the burlap sack and handing it to Jade. He stared at the bag for a moment before opening it.
“Sea glass?” He asked.
“Yeah! I saw it in Sam’s shop and I thought you would like it. I-If not I can-“
“Oh, hush. I love it.”
At those words, the biggest smile spread across your face. Wrapping your arms around his shoulder, you pressed a long kiss to his nose.
“Yay! I’m so happy you like it!”
“Any gift my angel gives me will forever bring me joy.” Jade responded, placing the bag onto the table before returning the hug.
The two of you sat like that for a moment, before you noticed other customers and employees staring. “Okay, you should get back to work. Will you stay at the dorm tonight?” You asked, letting go of his shoulders.
“Of course, just be sure Grim doesn’t attempt to bite bits of my hair off again,” Jade chuckled, placing the bag of sea glass into his pocket, “and will you be getting fries after all?”
“Mhm! I love you honey, thank youu.”
“Love you too dear.”
After he delivered your fries, you could hear the sea glass clink in his pocket as he moved around the lounge. And apparently, you weren’t the only one who heard it.
“What in the Seven did you give Jade? He sounds like a wind-chime.” Azul grumbled, standing next to your table with a tray in hand.
“Just a teensey gift.” You giggled, making Azul sigh.
♡- Floyd Leech
Something tells you that telling Floyd you had a surprise for him was a terrible idea.
“Azul! Sorry to bother you while you’re working, but have you seen Floyd?” You said, dashing into the lounge and towards him.
“No, I haven’t. In fact, I assumed he was with you.” Azul said, before walking away to serve a table. Glancing at Jade, who gave you a shrug, the wires in your mind connected.
He was flipping Ramshackle upside down looking for his gift.
Your eyes widened and you turned away, running through the entrance of the lounge. Thank heaven that your dorm was on campus, because if it was through the Hall of Mirrors it’d probably be on fire now.
As you approached the gate, you waved hello to Malleus and Silver. You couldn’t catch much, but you understood that Malleus was giving a lecture on why gargoyles and statues were not the same thing.
“Oh, (Y/N). I understand that you and one of the Leech twins are partners, but proceed with caution. I saw him run into the dorm and he has yet to leave.” Malleus warned, before returning to his speech.
You nodded, a silent thanks, before running past the gate and up the path. Slowly, you opened the creaky door and stepped into the common area, closing the entrance behind you.
"Myah, (Y/N)! You’re home! The scary twin is digging through your things! And he tied me to this chair!" Grim yelled as you hunched over, trying to catch your breath. You watched as he tried to untie the restraints that bound him to a dusty chair, only rocking it in the process. "Grim, I'm more worried about the fact he tied you to a chair." You said. Standing up straight, you walked behind the chair. Picking at the knots until they loosened, Grim leaped out and into your arms.
“Thank you (Y/N)! I was so scared- I mean, I was so angry that he dared tie me up!” You smiled, petting him between his fluffy ears. You let Grim adjust himself in your arms before ascending the stairs, hearing very loud rustling from your room.
Peeking past the door frame, you saw a tall frame with wild turquoise hair tussling the blankets and pillows you had on your bed. "Floyd? What're you doing?" You said.
At the sound of his name, Floyd lifted his head from your mattress with a small blanket on his head. If he weren't destroying the tranquility of your room, you'd find it adorable.
"Shrimpy, you're back!" Floyd said cheerfully, moving in to hug you. However, he stopped when he saw Grim in your arms.
“Aww, you untied Baby Seal. And I worked so hard to tie him up.” He whined.
“Floyd, answer my question.”
“I was looking for the surprise!”
You sighed, exasperated. You saw the disarray that your room had become, and you had spent so much time organizing it this morning too.
“Floyd, if you had told me you were here you would've gotten your gift quicker,” You said. You felt Grim start to move, and you loosened your arms. Once you did, he jumped onto your shoulder and into the hallway, whispering about 'how dangerous saying that was,' and 'how you're on your own if you get hurt,' but you knew he was just outside, watching for any signs of danger.
“But it was fun snooping, I found cool things!" Floyd said, hugging you now that Grim was out of the way. "Like what, hun?" You said, running your hand through his tussled hair. "Like my hoodie that you took! I spent weeks looking for that!" He grumbled, digging his head deeper into the crook of your neck.
"Oopsies," you giggled, "will you forgive me if I give you your gift?"
As you finished your sentence, Floyd's head whipped up from your neck. He stared intensely at you, before nodding frantically.
"Alright little eel, no need for such intensity." You said, moving to your dresser. Pushing it forward, you grabbed a burlap sack you had taped behind the mirror. You could hear the sea glass clink together, and so could Floyd.
Turning around, you came face-to-face with your boyfriend, who was drawn in by the noise.
"Here it is babe. Take a look, tell me if you like it." You said, smiling, extending it to him.
Floyd picked up the bag from your outstretched hands, shaking it near his ear. Opening the bag, his eyes widened as he stared at the multi-colored pieces of eroded glass. It reminded him of home, of stalking the beach with Jade and Azul during the night looking for pretty stones.
Getting anxious at his lack of response, you decided to do the best thing you could think of. "Floyd? I-I'm sorry, I should've gotten you something else. I'll return it and-" Before you could reach out to grab the bag, Floyd pulled in his arms and held the bag out of your reach.
"You're returning nothin', I love it." He said, suddenly scarily serious.
"Are you sure? Don't feel bad-"
"Shrimpy, I'm sure. I love itt." He drawled, now back to normal. Burying the bag into his pocket, he pulled you to him and began to cover your face in small kisses.
"Hahah! Floyd stop, that tickles!" You laughed, tossing your arms around his neck to pull him closer, despite what you were saying.
"You really like the gift?" You asked, placing a stray hair behind his ear. Floyd stopped kissing you for just a second, saying "Yes, I'm sure baby," before continuing with the kisses.
You sighed, relieved. "I'm guessing this means you're staying here tonight?" You asked, brushing Floyd's hair with your fingers. "Mhm! But I want my hoodie." He said.
Disclaimers: can’t believe i did this to jack,,, also this is based off yours by conan gray (v short!)
Winter had begun to turn into Spring at Night Raven College, but why was he still so cold?
Jack found himself unable to watch the plants bloom under the blankets of snow, or concentrate on his classes. He even failed to perform well at Spelldrive practice.
Because all he could focus on was how happy you looked with Ace.
He knew long before you and Ace started to date officially that he wasn’t the one you loved. But gods, he never expected this to hurt so much. He did so much, he would’ve given you the Universe had you asked, but it wasn’t enough.
He knew, yet he wished you looked at him the way you looked at Ace. Those eyes full of love. As if Ace were the love of your life.
But he knew he’d never get that look,
he wasn’t yours.
Jack knew he wouldn’t be able to change anything. In his mind, it was best to hide how he felt. He wanted you and Ace to be happy, even if it costed him everything.
Disclaimers: i am not immune to the coffee shop au
The gloomy reminders of winter had just begun to melt and small flowers bloomed where water pooled. The warmth of Spring hadn't arrived just yet, but it wasn't an item worth complaining about. Not to (Y/N). It wasn't a matter of strong dislike, more so that they prefer the cold over heat that spreads discomfort through their bones. (Y/N) had just moved to the Queendom of Roses, and the atmosphere was completely new. Compared to their former home, the Shaftlands, the..."flavor" of the region was warmer, with more red, and more roses.
Roses bloomed everywhere, somehow withstanding the winter despite some not having been tended for the entire season. There was a clump of them tied above the door to a cafe nearby your apartment complex. The cafe was named The Clover, and (Y/N) had decided it was time to go out of their small home and begin to become acquainted if they ever wanted to get accustomed to the town.
Pushing the glass door open, a bell dinged. They saw a tall figure with a head of green hair perk up from over the display case, turning towards the entrance.
"Ah, welcome! I'll be with you in just a moment." A warm voice rang out, matching the handsome face of the speaker. (Y/N) nodded, walking slowly towards the front. Observing the areas around them, they saw wooden furniture, shelves full of books, and unused glass cups that were mostly for decoration. But there were elements of the Queendom too, like vases of red and white roses and paintings ranging from the original Queen of Hearts to the current leader, Riddle Rosehearts. You had heard of him when you moved in, apparently, he wasn't of descent of the Queen but due to his intellect and will, he managed to capture leadership.
"Hi, what can I get you?" The man said, wiping flour off his hands with a rag before meeting you on the opposite on the other side on the counter.
"Oh, um, I'll have a caramel iced coffee, medium, and a chocolate chip cookie."
"Alright, great choice. That'll be $9.50, cash or card?"
"Cash."
The man nodded and tapped a few buttons on the register as they fished the appropriate amount from their wallet, handing it to the man. Moving away, (Y/N) sat at a table nearby the window and watched the roses slightly sway in the wind.
"You new here?"
"Huh, what?"
"Are you new here? I mean, I don't think I've seen you around before."
"Oh! Oh, yeah, I'm new here. Moved in not too long ago."
"Well, welcome to the Queendom. Where did you move in from?"
"Oh, the Shaftlands."
"Ah, the Shaftlands. A few friends of mine from my schooling days live there." He said, drizzling caramel inside the walls of the cup before placing ice inside. "My name is Trey, by the way."
"That's a nice name, I'm...(Y/N)."
"It's wonderful to meet you, (Y/N). Will I be seeing you around?" Trey said, placing the coffee on top of the glass display case and placing a warm cookie into a paper bag with a decal of a clover on it.
"Yeah, I think you will be." (Y/N) said, walking to the counter to pick up their items from the counter.
----
It has been four months since (Y/N) moved into the Queendom of Roses, and 3 and a half months since they meet Trey. They liked Trey, he was friendly and warm and caring, things they had missed since leaving the Shaftlands. However, they'd be lying if they said they weren't harboring any feelings for the lovely man.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite customer." Trey greeted, cleaning the odd spots around the cafe.
"More like your only customer, I've never seen anyone else in here." (Y/N) teased, moving towards the register. Trey chuckled at the comment before leaning the broom against a bookshelf, moving behind the counter.
"Gonna get the usual?"
"Hmm, how about a caramel iced coffee, and a chocolate chip muffin."
"Someone's adventurous today. Anything else?" He asked, tapping the mechanical buttons of his register.
"No, thanks Trey."
"It's always a pleasure to serve you, (Y/N)."
They walked away from the counter and sat by the window. Summer had just begun to walk in, and the budding Roses had begun to push through the soil. (Y/N) had only begun to realize now the time they'd spent in Queendom, and homesickness had begun to grip them. Sure, they had the occasional letter from their wolf friend, asking how they were, when they were going to visit, and sometimes, a plant that could survive a lack of sunlight and water for the time it took for the letter to reach (Y/N), but it was only a sliver of the Shaftlands.
"Here you are." (Y/N) snapped out of their trance when Trey stood next to them, holding the coffee and pastry in his hands.
"Thanks Trey." They said, gripping the items and peeling the wrapper off the muffin. Trey slid into the empty chair in front of (Y/N), looking outside the window with them.
"Do you like it here, (Y/N)? I know it's not for everyone."
"I like it here, it came off a little strong at first but you get used to it."
"I'm glad you like it here, it'd be a shame if my favorite customer were to move away."
"A shame, really?"
(Y/N) had turned to face him, and Trey did the same. Neither of the two noticed, not then, but the distance between the two had begun to shrink and before they knew it—their lips met.
The kiss was short, sweet, but it sent sparks through (Y/N)’s body. Trey tasted like hot coffee and chocolate, and his body warmth pulled them in.
They eventually pulled apart and stared at each other, assessing the change in their relationship.
“I- um, I’m sorry that was-“ Trey started, moving to stand up. But (Y/N) grabbed his warm hand, making him stand rigidly.
“I’m not- I’m not mad, Trey. Um, does this mean we can… date now?”
The fear melted off Trey’s face, and a happy grin replaced it.
“Of course, does this mean I can get your number?”
“You don’t even need to ask.”
- - - -
Dear Jack,
Hi! How is everything? I hope your little plant shop is going well, I know you’ve been wanting to open one forever. The little succulent you sent me was adorable, it fits so well next to my little cat statue.
In other news, I’m dating the cute cafe guy I told you about, Trey! You might know him, said he knew people from the Shaftlands back when he was in school.
- Miss you lots, (Y/N)
- - - -
Dear (Y/N),
I miss you a lot as well. Everything is well here, and the shop is going better than I had expected. I’m glad you like the succulent, I knew when I saw it that it was your type of plant.
I’m glad to hear you and Trey are together. I did in fact know him, we went to the same school. But he was in a different dorm and also a third year, so I never had many opportunities to speak to him.
- I hope the Queendom of Roses is treating you well, visit soon, Jack
