Black eye (L. Garmadon x Reader)

f o u r

The next morning arrived beneath a heavy, grey sky, the promise of rain looming like a dark cloud over (Y/N)'s spirits. The air was thick with humidity, and she could almost taste the impending storm. With a reluctant sigh, she forced herself out of bed, her muscles protesting as the events of the previous night replayed in vivid detail—each moment etched into her thoughts like a film stuck on repeat. Her head throbbed, a relentless reminder that it hadn't been a dream, and her bruised wrists throbbed from where the man's firm grip had held her captive. After a quick, steamy shower that barely managed to wash away her unease, she grabbed a slice of toast that felt more like a chore than nourishment, its dry texture scratching at her throat.

Dressed in her Aromá uniform, she made sure her wrists remained covered, anxious to avoid any probing questions. Inhaling deeply, she savoured the comforting aroma of coffee that wafted through the air as she stepped into the shop, the familiar scent momentarily soothing her nerves.

As (Y/N) entered, the bell above the door chimed softly, its tinkling sound slicing through the morning chatter and announcing her arrival. The café buzzed with the energy of early-morning patrons—some hunched over their laptops, fingers racing across keyboards, while others engaged in animated conversations, their laughter floating like music through the air. Yet, amidst the cosy chaos, (Y/N) felt a swirling storm of thoughts brewing in her mind. She took a deep breath, letting the rich scent of brewing coffee wash over her, grounding her in the moment.

Mina was already stationed behind the counter, her hands deftly crafting drinks with an ease born from countless shifts. She looked up as (Y/N) approached, a warm smile spreading across her face, radiating a kind of energy that (Y/N) desperately needed. "Hey, there she is! How was your first day? Feeling ready for round two?"

"It was good," (Y/N) replied, stretching her arms above her head to shake off the remnants of the previous night's tension. "Tough, but I think I'll get the hang of it."

Slowly wiping down the counter while watching customers filter in and out, anxiety swirled within her like a tempest. If the ninja hadn't saved her, would she be here right now? Or would she be buried somewhere, six feet under? The thought felt surreal, sending her stomach churning with worry.

Leaning against the counter, lost in thought, (Y/N) felt the knot in her stomach tighten. High school was starting soon, and the last thing she wanted was to fall behind in her classes. She had heard stories from friends back home about the relentless pace and pressure of high school, especially after moving to a new city. The fear of disappointing her parents weighed heavily on her, yet through the fog of worry, a flicker of excitement sparked within her at the thought of the Green Ninja—the one who had saved her during that chaotic incident. His bravery had ignited something within her, a sense of possibility that clashed with her fears.

"Hey, (Y/N), you okay?" Mina's voice cut through her spiralling thoughts. Looking up, she saw her co-worker watching her with concern.

"Yeah, just... thinking," she replied, forcing a smile that felt strained.

"You've been quieter than usual," Mina noted, her brow furrowing. "Is it the new school?"

(Y/N) sighed, running a hand through her hair, feeling the weight of her uncertainty. Maybe telling Mina how she had completely ignored her warning and went out late at night wasn't the best idea. "Yeah, I'm just stressing about how I'm going to juggle everything. Work, school... it feels like too much sometimes."

Mina nodded, understanding flickering in her eyes. "I get it. Starting high school is a big deal. But you've been doing great here. If you can handle this place, you can handle classes too."

"What if I can't?" (Y/N) replied, anxiety creeping back in. "What if I fall behind in school? I can't let my parents down; they're counting on me."

"Hey," Mina said, her tone firm yet reassuring. "You won't let them down. You're tougher than you think. Just take it one step at a time. If things get overwhelming, you can always talk to me. I'm here to help."