Black eye (L. Garmadon x Reader)

t w o

As the clock inched toward closing time, the atmosphere inside Aromá shifted. The earlier bustle had slowed to a serene lull, the frenzy of the day melting into a peaceful calm. Only a few late-night customers remained, scattered like islands across the shop, engrossed in their laptops or chatting softly over their dwindling drinks. The clatter of mugs and chatter of voices that once filled the room had faded, leaving behind the occasional clink of a spoon and the low hum of an espresso machine.

(Y/N) wiped the counters methodically, each swipe of the cloth easing the tension in her muscles. The rush of adrenaline from earlier had long since faded, replaced by a deep, satisfying fatigue that settled in her bones. It wasn't exhaustion exactly—it was the good kind of tired, the kind that came from knowing she had given it her all.

"You ready to call it a day?" Mina's voice cut through the quiet, her tone light and teasing as she leaned against the back counter with a playful smirk.

(Y/N) chuckled, shaking her head. "I think my legs are threatening to quit on me."

Mina tossed her a bottle of water. "First day will do that to you. But you didn't just survive—you nailed it. We're turning you into a barista faster than I expected."

Grateful, (Y/N) took a sip, the cool water soothing her dry throat and helping to ease the last traces of the day's tension. A small, proud smile crept onto her face. "Thanks. Honestly, I thought I was going to burn the place down more than once."

Mina laughed, her casual confidence infectious. "Trust me, you're far from the worst I've seen. You're doing just fine."

The quiet rhythm of the shop took over again as they finished cleaning up, the soft whirr of the espresso machine and the gentle clink of dishes almost lulling (Y/N) into a sense of calm. The earlier chaos seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a surprising feeling of comfort. In an odd way, Aromá already felt like it could become a second home, the kind of place where she could find her feet.

As the last cup was placed on the drying rack, Mina cleared her throat, her usual easy-going demeanour shifting. "Hey, before you go, there's something I should probably mention."

(Y/N) paused, looking up from her task. "What's up?"

Mina glanced toward the front window, where the neon streetlights bathed the pavement in a soft glow. The shadows outside stretched long and dark, giving the city a mysterious air. "Ninjago City's... well, it's big. And some of the regulars around here, especially in this part of town, they might seem... odd."

"Odd how?" (Y/N) asked, raising an eyebrow. She'd heard whispers—rumours about strange happenings in the city—but they always sounded more like urban legends than anything serious.

Mina's gaze remained steady, but there was a trace of something in her eyes—concern, maybe. "You'll see what I mean soon enough. Just... keep your eyes open."

A flicker of unease settled in (Y/N)'s chest, but she forced a smile. "I can handle it."

Mina gave her a knowing nod. "I'm sure you can." She flipped the sign to "Closed" and stretched, her carefree demeanour returning. "Alright, let's get out of here. You've earned some rest."

The cool night air wrapped around them as they stepped outside, the warmth of the shop replaced by a subtle chill. Ninjago City was still alive with energy, but it had taken on a different tone—quieter, darker, as though the city itself was holding its breath. Neon lights flickered across the wet streets, casting colourful reflections that shimmered in the evening fog. The shadows felt longer, the alleys more mysterious, like the city was hiding secrets just beyond reach.

Mina waved, heading off into the crowd. "Bright and early tomorrow! Don't be late!"

"Wouldn't dream of it," (Y/N) called back, watching as Mina disappeared into the sea of people.