Chapter Text
AUGUST
Living in a city full of drugs, crime and endless misery, one must find pleasure in the smallest things. For you, it was the calm of the rain, something about the peace that it brings in the cool air of the night eased every worry. The combination of repetitive pouring, the flickering light from the street lamp outside and the hum of the coffee machines made you fall into a trance, mind lost to the outside world, only seeing the occasional car or sketchy person go by. Your mind wonders and drifts, thoughtless and void like. Gotham was no place for you, a dead-end job and a crappy apartment, single and in your mid to late 20s whilst most of your friends had partners or even kids. You had potential, you had a relatively normal upbringing, sure under-privileged, but still, you could have been so much more. You at least had a cat and even a greenhouse, something many Gotham residents could only dream of having. Something you would do quite often after thinking troublesome thoughts is to zone out rather than pay attention to your pondering. It’s easier to numb yourself and not think of anything at all. Especially when things are so quiet. Your consciousness edging in and out of such a monotonous existence. You were in your so deep in your own little world you didn’t even notice the door opening and the bell ringing.
“U-um excuse me”
You blink, shaking your head lightly before turning your attention to a feeble looking gentleman, sitting in front of the counter. ‘Oh lord, how long was I gone for?’ You must have looked like a zombie, gently swaying from side to side like a video game character on stand by mode.
“Sorry to break you from your thoughts I-“
“No no I am sorry! I should have been paying attention!” You interrupt. “I haven’t had a customer in a couple of hours…or maybe I have and was too zoned out” You laugh out in a fluster, the gentleman doesn’t respond, not even so much of a change in expression. He watches you, cold and somewhat analytical, as if to work out what the fuck you are doing/saying.
You cough in your throat and muster up your best customer service voice. “Anywho, what can I get ya?”
“An espresso and maybe a slice of pie…whatever you have going” he asks, again emotionless.
“Of course, is pumpkin pie alright?” You ask
“Y-yes. Thank you” he nodded
“Just letting you know we close very soon, are you still happy to order?”
“Yes, thank you” he said bluntly, what a peculiar man you thought, though very polite. By the looks of things, he wore clothes that looked one or two sizes too large for him, his mousey brown hair plastered to his forehead (most likely from the rain) and thick clear glasses which covered his round, moonlike face. It wasn’t a bad face by any means, in fact it held a boyish youth despite being what looked like his 30s. One feature you did notice that made you feel a strange twinge, was his lips. Plump and very kissable. You mentally cringe; you should absolutely not be thinking that about a customer. You blame sleep neglect and boredom. You attempt to convince yourself that any other time you wouldn’t even look his way twice, its purely because he’s the only living person you’ve spoken to in hours, right?
As you prepare his order, you notice the time, 9:45pm; its very late to be having coffee, especially an espresso; perhaps he’s a night worker on his break. The cafe closes at 10pm every night, regardless of how many customers come in if at all. You must have been working at the coffee shop for almost a year, noticing particular patterns in your 3-10 shift such as the lack of customers after 8pm. Except for the odd customers, no one really comes in after the 8pm mark, but your manager insists on keeping the place open till 10. You recon it probably costs more to keep the place open than what the cafe earns during those hours.
As you are busy, the man looks at you up and down, noticing and drinking in every curve of your body; especially your legs. You were wearing the standard uniform of a button up shirt (which you left unbuttoned enough to see your cleavage; something the man took great interest in) and a short skirt with a barista apron on. If you moved a certain way, a certain angle, he could make out the shape of your thighs; so curvaceous and soft. He imagined running his hands along them, spreading you open all for him. He relished in the thought that you didn’t even notice him stare, unaware of his perverse thoughts; he’d have half a mind to take you there and then, in your cute little uniform.
His thoughts are interrupted by a clinking noise of the cup and saucer hitting the counter.
“One espresso and one pumpkin pie, enjoy sir” You chirp, intentionally bending a little to allow this stranger a better view of your chest; you thought he looked a little sad and you were bored anyway so what’s the harm in a little flirting? Despite this, you feel a twinge of disappointment as you see his eyes immediately looking at his order instead of taking a second look at your soft assets. ‘What is wrong with me’ you laugh internally.
Oh if only you knew, this guy was an expert at gawking without getting spotted. The brief moment from looking at your face and down to his coffee and pie was enough to get a delightful image of you.
“Thank you” Was all he could let out with a fake smile. Not that you could tell it was fake, you thought it was cute in a weird way; just like the rest of him. He wasn’t conventionally attractive, but a perverted part of you thought that men like that had a “bigger package” than most. ‘Horny, horny horny thoughts, I need to get laid’ you think to yourself, it had been so long that you are beginning to seek attention from weirdos. A dangerous game, if only you knew how dangerous it could get.
You stand to the side, back to the wall and arms crossed as you stare out of the window again. It was almost completely silent, the tension thick as you think of something to say. You had never seen him before, and unsure whether you would see him again at all so asking for his name or even basic details would be too strange. At the corner of your eye you could see him tucking into the pie, licking his lips at every bite. You watch his tongue how it cleans the fork so attentively. ‘Shut the fuck up’ you think, how bothersome to be perving on an innocent customer. ‘I am no better than a man’ you confess internally.
Minutes felt like hours, you try not to look his way, deciding to tidy up to pass the time; even so, you were so desperate to say something, even if it meant telling him that the cafe is closing, any excuse at all to break the endless silence. You finally find the courage to attempt a conversation, you turn to speak but he’s already gone, money on the counter with an empty cup and plate. He didn’t even say thank you; or perhaps he did and you had zoned out again. You attempt to shake his image from your mind, but alas he is there. “Why do I always go for the weird ones” you huff out loud, clearing up the last few bits.
After about half an hour of tidying and closing the cafe, you finally get to go home. You check your phone to see over 40 messages in your group chat labelled “Gotham’s Rejects”. Only skimming the conversation, it seems that your friends want to meet up on Saturday night at 11pm, only a couple of days away. It was perfect, you had the entire Sunday and Monday off so you could spend some quality time with your crew; something you’d do most of the time when you had time off. Your friends are the only people who kept you from going insane in this lonely world; a bunch of ex-band members and aspiring activists with goals and dreams that kept you hopeful for this city.
As you walked home, you had no idea in the shadows someone was watching you. Taking in your sight, the way your black coat hung from your form and the way the phone light illuminated your face, it was intoxicating.
- The Next evening -
Friday evening, 9:25pm, you stood at the counter by yourself once more, staring into the void; only this time you brought in a radio to listen to. Luckily, as the only person working this shift you were able to put on your favourite station, alternative radio, playing the old rock classics your dad used to listen to. A bit of Black Sabbath here, and a bit of Billy Joel there; a bit of cheese but it was something that kept you entertained. It was until you noticed something stirring in the distance, slight movement in the shadows moving closer and closer to the cafe. You furrowed your brows and squinted to see whether it was a customer approaching. You put the radio’s volume down just in case, turning back to see that strange man again from last night entering the cafe.
“Good evening sir! Nice to see you back, what can I get you?” You asked as he sat down. Something about him seemed different this evening, his hair was far more fluffier (on account that it wasn’t raining outside) and that he looked less washed out; he was cuter than before. A haze of pink rose to your cheeks, questioning to yourself why you were getting giddy over this potato smiley of a man.
He smiled up at you, something about it seemed more genuine from previous smiles, but you can tell there was some slight hesitancy in it. “I uh, can I get a latte please, and a pie…like last night. Thank you”
“Pumpkin alright again”
“Certainly”
“Would you like any syrup in your latte?”
“I really don’t-“
“I have almond, hazelnut, this weird probably out of date pumpkin spice from 10 years ago and uh vanilla?” You interrupt, holding up each bottle. Something about the way you asked made the man feel fluttery, it was perhaps your childlike enthusiasm and cute face did he give in.
“Vanilla, thank you”
“Coming right up!”
The stranger frowns a little, not out of annoyance but more so confusion; no one is this chipper at this time of the evening, especially in a low paid job and ESPECIALLY in Gotham. As you prepared the coffee his eyes shift to your chest once more, only for a second, noticing your plump features. His mind flashes images of his hands sensually grasping them, watching the plump flesh squeeze under his fingers. He takes a sharp inhale and pulls out a puzzle book.
“Sudoko?” You call over to him, his eyes dart back over to you, almost like a deer in headlights. You couldn’t help but internally giggle at his reaction, he mustn’t have talked to women very often.
“Crossword…currently on 32 down, colds that last a long time. 7 letters”
You stand there and think for a moment, you knew it wasn’t something obvious and most likely a trick question. The man’s eyes don’t leave yours as you set up a piece of pie on a plate. Your face is puzzled, going through possible answers in your mind and counting each letter.
“Ice Ages? If the s on the end counts”
“Very good!” Another genuine response with a bright smile. You can hear him scribbling away as you finish prepping the order. You puff out your chest in pride, puzzles aren’t something you do often, but you can admit that you can be a smart cookie sometimes. You place the latte and the pie down before the alluring customer and he thanks you. Silence once again heavy in the air, you almost begged the universe for another customer to come in; the tension is too thick to endure. Almost like a sixth sense, it felt like he was trying to hide in his puzzle book instead of talking to you, and you didn’t blame him; except this time, you don’t wait till the last minute to speak.
“Sooo what’s a stranger like you doing out at night alone?” You blurt out, sounding a little too eager for your own good. The man mid sip looks up at you, an unreadable expression on his face; perhaps you shouldn’t have got in his business. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, we don’t get many customers at this time!” You panic.
“I’ve recently changed shifts. But I do a lot of…extra work at home. This is my..you could say break between work and more work”
“Oh I see, what is it that you do?” You ask, before he could answer you cut in “I am Y/N, sorry if I am coming across as nosey!” You reach your hand out to shake. He opens his mouth and closes it, looking at your hand he takes a gulp before taking it for a quick shake. His hands were more clammy than you were expecting, but surprisingly soft. A simple interaction to you were setting alarm bells off in this man’s mind, he’s shaken hands before, heck, he’s even shaken a woman’s hand before; but a lady with a pretty face whom is interested in him wants to touch him? The poor guy felt like he could explode.
“I…I uh I am Edward, Edward Nashton” he answered with a nervous tone “And I am a forensic accountant”.
You pull your hand back, much to Edwards’ displeasure.
“Edward” you echo, a very suitable name you think.
“Ed is also fine”
“Could I call you? Eddie!” You ask innocently, Edward nodded. “ Also, Forensic accounting? You must be some kind of genius” You smile, earning a bashful smile from him.
“Heh, something like that”
The two of you make polite conversation, nothing too extensive, just surface level stuff. However, you found that the more you talked, the more you wanted to know. There was something about him that was captivating, and you took note of his growing confidence as you went along. As he spoke, you watched his lips once more, every curve of his tongue at every syllable, it was almost as if you were lost in his voice.
“Is something the matter?” Eddie blinks, you woke from your trance, something that is becoming a bit of a habit of yours.
“Oh! I am fine, I guess I was just thinking about walking home” you lied, you weren’t about to tell him you were staring at his lips. “Sometimes walking around at night can be…intimidating” you test the water, its true that walking the street of Gotham at night was terrifying so some company wouldn’t go amiss; but honestly, you were hoping to see where this night could end with this handsome stranger.
Edward thought for a moment or two, taking a little too long to realise what you were hinting at.
“I don’t live too far away, I could walk you back to yours?” Bingo.
“What a gentleman!” You half joked “I would very much appreciate that, thank you”
After a few more minutes of talking, you decided to say ‘fuck it’ and close a few minutes early; you certainly couldn’t wait to spend more time with Eddie and perhaps even something more…
Once the cafe was locked and secured, you turn to Edward, clearly nervous over this whole ordeal; he had never been in this position before. Of course he has spoken to women, more so co-workers and none that could hold a candle to you. He felt like a teenager all over again, hot, sweating and flustered - this didn’t bother you of course, it was adorable.
“So, are we ready?” You smiled, Edward nodded and looped his arm for you to cling on to. You could feel him tense under the touch, man, he must be touch starved for him to be acting such a way. If you could be honest, you were quite nervous yourself; he is a decent height at 6 foot, and his lanky stature makes him look even taller, towering over you. He certainly wouldn’t win in a fist fight against someone but he did make you feel a lot safer regardless.
Just like before, the more you talked the more Eddie loosened up, you could even feel him relax into your touch and for the first time you heard him genuinely laugh; something about that laugh made your knees wobble and your lower abdomen ache.
“Right” You stopped, looking up at the tall building “this is me”
“O-oh” Ed stuttered, disappointed that this nice walk has ended so suddenly. You tug his arm ever so slightly toward the door.
“It’s really late, you are welcome to come in” you look at him with pleading eyes, hoping your attempts would result in a night of heated sheets and messy makeup.
“I-I..” despite wanting to, Edward pulls away and shoves his hands in his pockets. “I best not, I unfortunately have work to do. Perhaps another time” he said politely, pursing his lips a little into a sorrowful smile. He was so conflicted, multiple sides telling him to go and other sides telling him to take you up the wall and rock your shit; unfortunately his nerves got the better of him.
“Ah okay no worries, well perhaps..” You take an old receipt out of your pocket and a pen from your bag. “Here, take my number, will you text just to let me know you got back safe?”
Edward takes the note hesitantly, seeing your number, your name and a little ‘x’ on the paper. He gazes down into your doe like eyes, such beautiful eyes that he dare not resist. He smiles politely and thanks you, assuring that he’ll text as soon as he gets in. Although it wasn’t exactly how you planned your evening to go, it was still a rather enjoyable walk. You watched as he walked away, disappearing completely around a corner, you let out a sigh.
Once in your apartment, you drop everything on the floor and face plant the bed. Exhausted didn’t cut it, perhaps it was for the best that Eddie didn’t come in, the apartment wasn’t particularly tidy and your bones ached. You feel a set of furry paws hit your back followed by a long, welcoming meow.
“Liiiiiin” You let out an amused groan. Before you could move, your grey Persian cat thought it a good idea to curl into a ball on your back, there isn’t a hope in hell that you would be moving from this spot any time soon. You were able to move just enough to pull your phone from your pocket to check your notifications - nothing from Edward yet.
You check the group chat, your friend, Dave sent a slightly out of date meme with the caption “when the guitar rift is so killer it causes a mass genocide” - very tasteful.
*ding*
Your heart stops as you check the notification from an unknown number
Unknown
10:27: Hi, I’m home
10:27: It’s Edward btw
You smile like a little school girl, after adding him to your contacts, you enthusiastically text back.
You
10:28: Hey! Thanks for walking me back and letting me know you’ve got home safe. Had a nice walk. Now trapped under cat.
Eddie
10:29: it was nice, thank you. You have a cat?
You
10:30: *sends a picture*
10:30: meet Lin Manuel Purranda
Eddie
10:32: :0
10:32: Very fluffy! Fan of musicals?
You
10:33: Used to be, I saw them a lot when younger. But who has the time nowadays?
Eddie
10:34: I have never been to one myself. Maybe one day. I am about to work now, nice talking to you. Sleep well
You
10:35: Sleep well! x
Was the kiss a little too risky? Not that he would reply to it now that he’s gone to do work, but you had a tendency to overthink these things. ‘For god sake you just met the man, you aren’t married to the guy’ you mentally punch yourself. Despite how much of a disaster of a person you are, this small interaction was something that you couldn’t help but enjoy, you felt almost human again.