A Sweet Escape
Pairing: Jayden Shiba x fem!reader
WC: 1k
Warnings: Fluff, kind of love sick puppy Jayden?, he is for sure a secret yearner.
Summary: Jayden loves to visit you any chance he gets, even accidentally bringing some of the other rangers along too.
a/n: I have been writing a lot of hotch x reader stuff and I like it, don’t get me wrong, but I have free will and write what I want. And I wanted a part 2 to my Jayden fic. I love how all the episodes are on YouTube, so I just have them on in the background. I lowkey would have loved for the samurai rangers to have had that kind of balanced life more kind of like how the rangers in MegaForce did, like them interacting with the outside world more. Anyways, I digress. Enjoy.
Part 1
masterlist
Over the course of two weeks, Jayden had visited your store roughly 8 times. After training sessions, walks to clear his head, any and all errands that needed to be done, he would always show up at your job, buy one thing and then leave. All just to talk to you. It was adorable to say the least. And like clock work, you would always await his visit, always think of more things to say to him, and always find an excuse to be close to him; whether it be showing him where something is in the store or brushing his hand as you handed him his change.
It became so frequent that Ji had begun to notice all of his absences. Ji thought it was helpful that Jayden always volunteered to go pick up something from a store, how he would jump at the opportunity to run out and get something at the mere sound of “Do we have anymore–.” The others didn’t notice. They were so consumed with training and trying to better themselves that seeing their leader be so “considerate” and “dedicated” to going out of his way to get whatever they needed or go on a run wasn’t out of the ordinary.
One day though, Jayden slipped up. It was late after a Nighlock attack and Mia insisted on cooking everyone a meal. She said the magic words, asking if the team still had any tomatoes. Jayden sprang up and said, “I can go get some” and immediately started heading to the door. What he forgot to calculate was that Mia couldn’t cook to save her life, so when he sprang up to the door, Emily, Mike, and Kevin ran with him, shouting back some nonsense about helping him get even more ingredients for meals to come. The team followed close behind Jayden, Mike even clapping him on the shoulder for the quick thinking in getting them out of there before any food had been served. However, Kevin noticed something off.
“Hey, isn’t the grocery store the other way?”
Jayden froze at that moment. It was like his body was on autopilot that he had just started walking towards your store instinctively that he forgot to account for his team behind him. He stopped turned towards Kevin and the others.
“You’re right. The Nighlock battle really took a toll on me mentally, I’m sorry.” Jayden lied to his team.
Mike quick to his defense, “Hey, anything that delays us getting back to that cooking is nothing to apologize for. Plus the mall is this way, a little pit stop never hurt anybody.”
With that Emily agreed, and Mike and Emily took off towards the mall. Leaving Kevin and Jayden smiling and shaking their head at the two fleeting rangers. Kevin took off after them first and then Jayden quickly behind. It was almost comical that Emily wanted to go into the party store you worked at. She assured the team that this would be the last stop before they actually went to get groceries. Jayden of course had no objections. Entering the store, you were at the counter as always, cleaning up. You watched as the 4 trickled into your store, with Emily making a b-line towards your props and accessories section, as Mike left towards the toys. Kevin, the ever earnest one, began trailing around the entire store, starting first at the candy aisle. Jayden had taken this opportunity to pick up some chocolate bar at the register. Handing it to you as a faint smile plays across his face.
“Just this today?” You smile at him as you scan the chocolate.
“Unfortunately, but who knows what they are going to pick out.” He sighs back as he pays.
You hand him his change and chocolate with your hands brushing again, way beyond accidental at this point.
“Friends? This is the first time you brought friends with you.” You smirk at him.
“Well, it’s complicated. It wasn’t the original plan.” Jayden smiles.
Just then Emily calls out to Jayden, gaining both of your attention, as her, Mike, and Kevin proceed to show off all the various props and accessories they have tried on. Receiving a smile from the both of you.
“Jayden? That’s a nice name. Your friends seem fun.” You smile at each other and you can almost see the faintest traces of red come to his cheeks.
“You have no idea.” He shakes his head as he smiles.
“How long have you guys known each other?”
Jayden pauses, how is he supposed to explain that these friends were a result of living and fighting Nighlock monsters together over the course of a couple months?
“A couple of months.”
“That’s cute, you guys seem close for only being friends for a couple of months.”
He nods and smiles, looking back at his team. Soon the three come trailing up to the counter with a collection of props, candy, and toys. You smile as you ring them up and hand them all their bags. Jayden follows behind them and waves bye to you. You wave back, letting slip a small “Bye Jayden,” as they walk out the door.
Outside, Mike smiles back at the door before smiling at Jayden, slinging an arm around his neck.
“They totally have a crush on you, dude.” Mike proclaims to the group.
“No she doesn’t.” Jayden protests.
“I have to say I am with Mike on this. Plus she is cute, what’s the harm?” Emily encourages.
“It doesn’t matter, I’m a samurai ranger. I don’t have time for relationships.” Jayden argues.
“Exactly, we don’t have time for distractions. The Nighlock never lighten up. We must stay focused.” Kevin quick to Jayden’s side.
“All I am saying is a cute girl is a cute girl. And she definitely has a thing for the guy in red over here.” Mike raises his hands in mock defense.
The group head over to the grocery store quickly forgetting about their encounter with you. Jayden’s own words rang through his mind like a motto, convincing himself that he doesn’t have time for relationship even if he allowed himself to get one. He was a samurai ranger and that always came first, protecting the world from the Nighlock. Which included you. He successfully managed to convince himself that not acting on his feelings was way better than being around you and putting you at risk. Though, periodically going by your store to make sure you were okay, wasn’t out of the cards just yet for him.
a/n: Honestly just wanted to write something that wasn’t hotchner related. I never thought anyone would read this silly little blog or these stories so it’s weird to me to even fathom. Like this was just a way to write about these little fantasies I had. And personally if Jayden Shiba were real, I would most def do anything possible to see him as well. I also definitely think he would be shy around a girl he likes granted he spent his entire life training. It’s definitely a cute headcannon I have. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.
