Multi-Fandom One Shots

First Customer (Cassie Nightingale)

You lived in Middleton all your life so when a previously boarded up storefront suddenly lighting up with fairy lights, you had to stop to look. Sheer curtains hung in the window making you come to a full stop. A two-sided signboard read 'Bell, Book, & Candle' and a little sign hung in the glass door, reading, 'Open'. You liked the frilly font. Gently, you pushed the door open. The inside was an open area with a few enchanting displayed. Not every shelf was full and one hanging shelf rested on top of a table. Boxes hid under table skirts and more than a few pecked out.

"Welcome to Bell, Book, and Candle. Is there anything I can help you find?" a calm voice offered out of nowhere. You spun to look and find a tall, dark-haired woman behind you. A pure laugh tipped her head back showed her neck. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry."

Hand on your chest, you shook your head. "No, I'm sorry I didn't see you. Are you, um, open? The sign says you are."

Light brown eyes inspected you, an easy smile playing on her face. "Oh, we're open." Her playful gaze roamed your clothes and jewelry. Blunt nails trailed over the beading on your sleeve. "This is beautiful work. I don't sell anything so detailed, but perhaps there's something else I can help you with?"

Your heart was in your throat, though not from the scare. The slightly taller woman was still very close proximity-wise, and you couldn't tell if it was who she was or if she was really interested in you. You assumed she was just a curious soul. Like you were. "No. I was just gonna look around, see what you have. I used to love the bookstore in the space before."

Cassie's smile didn't change, but she tilted her head. "Well, I hope your fondness for the space still applies. I have some books on the side wall." She even pointed for you.

You followed her finger and wandered on over. The shelf seemed to contain lots of books on enlightenment or crystals and herbs knowledge. Not really your scene. "I'm sure it will." You kept moving, eyes finding a display filled with candles. Your nose was sensitive to most bottled scents and the masks and decorations didn't really match your decor. You were better with candles, but you were picky. You smelled them all once and picked out two. "I'll be able to look around more when I'm not on my lunch break," you giggled.

Cassie smiled. "Seven dollars. I'll be looking forward to it." Her eyes seemed to sparkle as you both waved goodbye.

*

The next day, the long lost Merriwick had to restock her kitchen. However, the Merriwicks rarely did one thing at a time. Cassie had been internally wishing to see you again. And she knew her wish had been granted before she even saw you. Turning the corner to the next aisle, she found you looking at two of the same general products, one in each hand. With a private grin, she got anything she needed before reaching you. "Hello again!" she greeted, unknowingly surprising you.

You jumped and looked over your shoulder. "Oh! Hi, hey." You quickly put the object back on the counter, correcting your purse so it didn't hit her once you turned to her. "How- how's the... store?"

"Ah, business is slow, but I'm hopeful. I'm sorry if I scared you. You didn't have to stop shopping." Cassie pointed, looking innocent.

You mostly just smiled, but followed her finger. "Oh, that. I was just... wondering." You scratched your forehead. "I don't usually.... Have you joined o-or applied to the small business committee? You'd be at the mercy of Mrs. Tinsdale, but you'll get to know the other small business owners, Martha. And they'll advertise the Bell, Book, & Candle," you babbled, pointing at her.

Her brown eyes somehow glittered under the awful fluorescents. "Then I'll have to think about it. Best not to think about that." She whispered conspiratorially at you.

You felt your face heat up and grabbed from the gut and tossing it into your basket. "So, where are you staying?" You began to lead the pair of you down the aisle.

"The locals - Mrs. Tinsdale - called it Grey House."

Your jaw fell open as you stared. "Uh... Are you renting?"

Cassie laughed again, reaching in front of you to grab something off the shelf. Her soul shown through her eyes, glancing at you, two inches away from her face. You were nervous, surprised, your breathing had shallowed and your pupils flexed, staring at her face so close. "No, she's mine." She smiled softly at you.

You breathlessly took in her features in detain. "Are you... seeing anyone." Once Cassie pulled away enough to deposit her grocery onto her own basket, you face palmed. "No! That came out- Too forward, is it creepy?" A gentle touch to your wrist drew it down and called your arm down.

"I would be delighted to be seeing you. And it was the perfect amount of charming and sweet. I like hearing your thoughts come out your mouth." With her witty retort, Casie tapped your chin. You were all the more stunned and speechless. "Perhaps you'd like to see Grey House?" the siren tempted.