a/n: yea ok my mind is filled with nothing but wonka... what about it 🙄 anyways this is my first post here huuuohoh
The aroma could be detected from just around the block.
Fiddlewhacker’s Gumdrop Shop stood right at the corner of the street, boasting a pink-and-white color scheme for the whole town to recognize. With a rather humble sign that featured a glass jar of gumdrops, the candy store made a decent name for itself amongst the residents. Despite working primarily with gumdrops, a variety of candies and goods were made available to customers. Many would come and go on a daily basis just to explore the wares that were offered; both children and adults alike reveled in the vast collection of sweets. Both small name and top game candymakers could find their sweets sold at Fiddlewhacker’s, for it was the town’s only access to any delectable wonder at all. There would be newcomers, there would be regulars. One thing that remained certain to the town was that a customer never left disappointed.
Employees were few, however, and business was difficult to handle with such a small cast. Fiddlewhacker himself was the manager; he could only hire so many workers that were actually up to the task, after all. It seemed that the overwhelming abundance of candy left many with more cavities than they had started with (some had worn a proud record of “no cavities” on their sleeve before taking the job). It seemed impossible to track down a willing participant who could control their sugar intake.
Enter you- Fiddlewhacker’s prized posession. Never had he met a “youngster” (as he called you) with such vigor and passion for candy. You enjoyed every moment spent stocking shelves, checking inventory, and manning the register. Hell, he was almost sure enough to leave the store in your care after his time was up. But you refused to talk about that.
With only two other workers, you all seemed to do an excellent job at keeping the shop spick and span. Apparently, business was booming enough to grab the attention of those outside the town. Wanderers recommended everyone to stop by the Gumdrop Shop- even hitchhikers. It seemed as though everything about the atmosphere you and your coworkers established was enough to intrigue foreigners; you and Fiddlewhacker accepted them with ease. The cast especially hoped that newcomers would consider moving to the town and applying for a position. You all had the chance to grow and expand, and here it was, handed to you on a silver platter. If only the silver platter had been just a little less than an arm’s reach away.
What with his arrival, the timing couldn’t be better.
The shop door opens, and a familiar little “ding!” reaches your ears.
You look up from where you’re sweeping (just by the assorted chocolate bars) to see a rather tall gentleman stride in. He’s got a massive black top hat and bug-eyed sunglasses to match. Sporting a- is that real?- bob cut that curved inward just at the jaw, his hair sways with him as he looks swiftly from his left... then to his right... then to you. An unsettling grin grows upon his features to reveal a gorgeous set of pearly whites. Damn, were you envious... but also kinda spooked.
For the brief moment you studied his figure, you took in his rather sharp cheekbones and pale complexion. Tying his look together was an expensive-looking red velvet coat that seemed to be perfectly tailored to his liking. He sure seemed comfy.
“Kiddo, d’you think you could get that customer?” Fiddlewhacker’s voice calls out from the back; he’s been handling a new shipment of licorice twists. The man looks past you, smile faltering slightly, realizing that he had entered right when you were getting ready to close.
“Oh dear,” He looks back at you, a frown finding its way to replace his perfect smile. “Did I come at a bad time?”
You stand your broom up by the nearest corner and dust your hands off excitedly, turning your body to him completely. “Hey, no, no! It’s alright! We’re always welcome to have a customer, even if it’s a minute before closing. How may I help you tonight, sir?”
He looks taken aback, but nonetheless straightens up and smiles widely once more. Reaching up to remove his sunglasses, you’re quite surprised to find that his eyes were strikingly violet. Not just a deep shade of blue, but rather a vivid purple that you would have never expected. Your shock must have been evident, because you feel his stare more than ever and you begin to blush. Shaking it off, you make your way to the counter as his gaze follows your movement while talking.
“Oh, good! See, I heard you guys were nice, but that’s too generous of you. Now, I was only wondering about your employee shortage. I wanted to come see a day of work for myself but it seems like I’m too late! Bummer.” He’s walked to the opposite side of the counter now, folding his hands politely as your folded arms rest inches away. You’re leaning forward, holding onto every word he says. Funny, his voice was a smooth as chocolate...
Once again, you shake such distracting thoughts from your mind. “No worries, sir! You can drop by any other time you’d like. We’re open from 7am to 9pm on days ending in Y.”
And that’s when he knew you were perfect.
You’re smiling, letting the lighthearted joke settle in. Your goal was always to be as inviting and hospitable as you could be, and cracking a stupid joke or two usually put customers at ease. He’s grinning ear to ear, an envied set of teeth displaying itself for the whole shop to see. His eyes light up and crinkle, a sign of a genuine smile.
“That was cute! I liked that. You’re cute!” He happily rushes the words out of him as if he’s been holding onto them forever. His joyful demeanor falls quickly. The man’s face contorts into an expression of concern now, eyebrows furrowing and a downward, contemplative glance at the counter. He had never uttered words like that, ever. To anyone. In his whole life. Not once. So why was he saying them now?
“Oh!” You exclaim, ears and cheeks going pink with embarrassment instantly. “Thank you! You’re quite the charmer yourself!”
And now it was your turn to look down and contemplate regret. Oh wow, that was blunt. Kind of blunt. Yeah, you’ve never told a stranger that before.
A small cough pulls you from your thoughts, escaping what would have been an endless cycle of wonder. The man smiles warmly and gives a little giggle. “He-heh!” He grins, cheeks brushed with the lightest shade of pink. That’s a cute little giggle, you think. You’d never heard someone giggle like that without some creepy intent, but this man just seemed to be so peculiar that a giggle would be perfectly in character for him.
“Well, can I do anything else for you, sir?” He grimaces at the mention of “sir.”
“Ew. Sir makes me sound so old. Call me Willy!” A hand that was previously resting on the table shoots itself out to you, offering a warm shake from a purple leather glove. You stop leaning forward and immediately stand up straight, eyes growing wide with amazement. His poor hand remains jutted out. How could you not notice it before? The curly “W” pin stuck to his shirt collar that matched the very same logo of the chocolate bars you handle every day. The fact that you had never seen him before, and that his demeanor was much too peculiar to be some other wanderer.
“I can’t believe it... you’re Willy Wonka!” You joyously point out. Reaching out to shake his hand, a warmth fills your grasp. Beneath his gloves, there was a good chance his hands were just as smooth as the skin on his face, and they must have been perfect to hold. “How did I not recognize it before? I’m sorry, si-“
“Right! Willy... well, I can't believe it's you!" The sound of his name off of your lips was the loveliest thing he had ever heard. And that was far from an exaggeration. He wanted you to construct millions of sentences, some saying his name and some not. Whatever you spoke would be smoother than caramel and sweeter than honey, and he would be blessed to be wherever you were, hanging on to every syllable and pause.
"Don't believe it's me, huh? Well..." He retracts his hand and brings it up to his chin, stroking it thoughtfully. Your hand grows cold from the lack of comfort and you're already aching to feel him again. Concentrating on his features as he pondered, you yourself wondered what someone like him would be doing strolling into an established candy shop. He had mentioned wanting to see a day's work... could it be he wanted to help your business? Surely he couldn't see you as a competitor- you were nothing but a humble shop that did its best to share the magic of candy to an adoring few. Your thoughts escape you as he stops his train of thought with a little "yeah!" and focuses on your face.
"What exactly are you doing after work?"
That was not a question you expected to hear. What a surprising man, wasn't he? You glance at the broom you placed in the corner mere minutes ago, concluding that you had finished up cleaning and that Fiddlewhacker would complete his storage work soon.
"Nothing much," You start, eyes finding their way to his and locking his gaze with yours. "Planned on going back home and... falling asleep, really."
He gives a curt nod, adopting a look of seriousness. "Mhm," His finger begins to tap his chin. "Are you, by any chance, scheduled tomorrow morning? Any reason to be up early?"
Shaking your head no, he leans forward ever so slightly, dropping his voice to a clear whisper.
"Wanna see the factory tonight?"
And this is when your ears would shoot up and hearts would take over your eyes if you were a Looney Tunes regular. His request is anything but ordinary; you've been invited to see the fabled factory tonight? Who would deny such an call to wonder? You had just met this Mr. Wonka, and he's offering a personal tour of his beloved empire?
Nodding fervently, you rush to put the broom away. Organizing a candy bag or two that seemed out of place, you finish up quickly and rush to the back. You stop before the doot, about to knock when-
"I heard the whole thing, y'know. I'm done here, leaving soon. I won't need you tomorrow morning- go see that factory!"
Hand coming back down to your side, you give a wide smile and shout back, "Thanks, Mr. Fidds! I'll see you tomorrow afternoon!"
Rushing back to the lobby to find Mr. Wo- Willy waiting, you practically jump into his arms.
"I'd love to! A million times yes!" You exclaim, grabbing your bag and coat. "I'll give you another answer, for good measure: yes."
Willy smirks and feels his heart swell up with joy. You seemed thrilled to have this opportunity, and he was more than thrilled to get to know you better. Not once in all of his chocolatiering days did he believe in a feeling like this.
This felt new, spontaneous, fresh and healthy.
As he held the door open for you to let you out, he takes one last look at the shop. In all of its colors, patterns, and sweets, you seemed to stand out the most. He closes the door and walks by your side. Ready to explain the physics of the glass elevator, he excitedly leads you by the hand just to get there quicker.
Perhaps something could come from this, he thought.
Something that would be everlasting.
Now, wouldn't that be sweet?