prompt: modern tatted!lee x reader because we love that toxic manso you work at the local movie theatre and something happens (you can choose what happens) and the sheriff has to come and tries to talk you about it and maybe it's something very traumatizing so he is trying to calm you down ❤️
warnings: robbery at the movie theatre, reader is panicky in the aftermath, soft!lee, pet name - gumdrop
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⇨ Business at the movie theatre is slow during the day. most of the time, it's just a few families and their kids. once in a blue moon, there will be a field trip from the elementary school. But, for the most part, it was slow business until the evening crowd showed up.
⇨ You almost felt guilty, then, when you didn't realize that the shifty guy who came in in the morning was trouble.
⇨ But you didn't realize, not until he came up to your register at the ticket booth and ordered a ticket. He passed you a bill to pay, and when you had the register open, he damned you give him everything in the register unless you wanted to get hurt. And, when you glanced down at his hand that was still in his jacket pocket, you knew that you didn't have any other choice. You gave him all the money, and he ran off without another word.
⇨ The panic set in quickly after. You called for your manager, then called 911 to report the robbery.
⇨ Sheriff Lee Bodecker was the one who arrived. Apparently, there'd been an issue with this guy robbing local businesses in the county.
⇨ While your manager took the deputy to review the security tapes, Lee was the one to interview to get your statement.
⇨ But, you couldn't even think straight, much less process the questions he was asking you.
⇨ You were too busy trying to steady your breathing, calm your racing heart, distance yourself from the reality of the situation.
⇨ You don't even realize that Lee's stopped asking questions, too lost in your own lost. But then he's got a hand on your shoulder, his voice soft as he asks, "You okay, gumdrop?"
⇨ And all you can do is shake your head.
⇨ His arms are around you in an instant, pulling you into his chest. And the dam breaks, you can't hold it in any longer. You're sobbing, and he's rubbing your back, trying to ground you to the reality you can barely cope with.
⇨ "It's gonna be fine," he coos. "We'll get that bad man, and you won't have to worry. We...I'll protect you. I'll always protect you."
⇨ When your sobs finally quiet down, you pull away, still sniffling, but he won't let you go, not entirely. He holds onto your hand, asking if you're okay to answer the questions now.
⇨ You nod, slowly answering his questions, focusing on tracing the tattoos he's got on his knuckles to keep your mind at bay.
⇨ And, when it's all said and done, he presses a soft kiss to your forehead before he goes, whispering that he'll stop by your house later to make sure you're still doing okay.
⇨ Because he means it. He'll always be there to protect you.
