Black eye (L. Garmadon x Reader)

t e n (date)

A/N- Finally gonna write the date! sorry it took so long<3 ENJOY

The quiet hum of Lloyd's car was the only sound breaking the stillness of the evening as he eased to a stop in front of (Y/N)'s apartment. The city seemed to hold its breath, the faint glow of distant lights tracing the edges of her building, spilling onto the pavement in muted streaks of amber and silver. Shadows stretched and danced along the sidewalk, broken only by the gentle sway of tree branches in the cool breeze.

Lloyd sat motionless for a moment, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. His green eyes flickered down to the glowing screen of his phone resting in the cup holder, double-checking the address for the third time. Sure, he's been here before but he just had to make sure and to his relief the bold numbers confirmed what he already knew.

This was it.

He drew in a slow, shaky breath, releasing it as the cool night air seeped in through the slight crack of the window. Turning off the engine, Lloyd stepped out of the car, the chill brushing against his face like a subtle reminder of reality. He adjusted his hoodie, the fabric soft against his fingertips as he tugged it into place, then ran a hand through his messy blond hair.

The air carried the faint scent of rain, earthy and fresh, mingling with the distant hum of the city-a perfect stillness that somehow made his heart race faster. His eyes traced the outlines of the building's windows, glowing softly like warm, beckoning beacons.

And then, as if the night had been waiting for his arrival, the front door creaked open.

She stepped out.

(Y/N) lingered in the doorway, framed by the soft golden light spilling from inside. Her casual outfit fit the moment effortlessly, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and charm. The dim streetlamp caught in her (H/C) hair, its soft halo giving her an almost ethereal glow.

For a brief second, she hesitated, her eyes meeting his as though she were measuring the moment. Then she stepped forward, pulling her jacket snugly around her shoulders, her fingers fumbling briefly with the zipper.

"You're early," she teased, her voice light but not without a hint of nerves. There was something in her tone that matched the way her fingers toyed with the keys she still held-a delicate tension, a flicker of uncertainty hidden behind her confident smile. "Trying to make a good impression?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Lloyd's lips, easing some of the tension in his chest. He shoved his hands into the pocket of his hoodie, masking the way they still felt unsteady. "Figured showing up late wouldn't exactly help my case," he said, his voice steadier than he felt.

"Fair enough," she replied, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him. The faintest smirk danced on her lips, but her gaze softened. "But just so you know, this sweet shop of yours better live up to the hype. No pressure or anything."

"No pressure at all," Lloyd echoed with a chuckle, the sound easing some of the electric tension thrumming between them.

As she stepped closer, the soft click of her heels against the pavement joined the melody of the night. Her presence carried a quiet confidence that both grounded him and set his nerves on edge. She locked the door behind her, her movements graceful but deliberate, as though she were forcing herself to keep calm.

The city hummed faintly in the background, but for Lloyd, the world had narrowed to this singular moment: the glow of the streetlamp, the crispness of the night, and the girl standing before him.

As they strolled toward his car, the crisp night air seemed to amplify the quiet tension between them. A layer of unspoken thoughts hung heavy, each step measured as though neither wanted to disturb the fragile balance of the moment. Lloyd's pulse quickened as they neared the car, his nerves jolting when her eyes briefly met his.