You Being Imperfect makes You Perfect (Joe Goldberg x Reader)

IT STARTS WITH HELLO

Y/n's POV

My cozy apartment cocooned me in warmth as I delved into the final pages of an incredible book. The protagonist, a soldier, faced capture but clung to loyalty like a lifeline. His unwavering commitment to comrades resonated with my own experiences—minus the whole capture thing. My time in the service had its share of challenges, but I'd emerged with scars and stories.

As I closed the book, a sigh escaped my lips. It was the last unread one on my shelf, and the beloved bookstore I used to haunt had vanished like a wisp of smoke. The scent of old paper and the creaky wooden floors were memories now.

Desiring more literary adventures, I decided to reach out to Peach, one of my few friends. With my phone in hand, I dialed her number, each ring stretching like taffy until she finally picked up.

"Hello, Y/n," her voice sang through the line.

"Hey, Peach," I replied. "I'm on a quest for books. The old bookstore relocated, and my shelf is as barren as a desert."

She sighed, disappointment dripping from her words. "Why bury yourself in books when you could be out dancing with us?"

I chuckled. "Budget constraints, Peach. Plus, my badge doesn't mix well with late-night revelry."

"Let me stop you there, Y/n. You have money; you just don't want to admit it."

"That's not the point," I countered. "Can you please just send me the address? I'll join you all another time."

"Fine," she huffed. "Prepare for boredom."

The text arrived—a nearby address. How had I missed this gem? I slipped on my jacket, leather cool against my skin, and grabbed a handful of cash. The bookstore awaited, its shelves promising escape and adventure. As I stepped out into the bustling street, I vowed to lose myself in the pages once more.

[Time Skip]

I entered the bookstore, immediately feeling a warm, welcoming ambiance wash over me. The rows of books stretched before me, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of so many literary worlds waiting to be explored. I needed assistance navigating this treasure trove, so I scanned the store for someone to help.

That's when I spotted a friendly-looking man with a beard, and I approached him, intending to ask for guidance.

"Excuse me," I tapped his shoulder gently, and he turned around, offering a warm smile.

"Yes, how can I help you?" he inquired.

I returned the smile and explained, "Well, you see, I'm new to your bookstore, and I don't know where to look for anything. Could you help me?"

He chuckled kindly, a twinkle in his eye. "I can certainly assist you, but I think you might find the perfect book if you ask our manager."

I laughed and responded, "Well, I'm not looking for the perfect book. Besides, you're quite funny."

He grinned and asked, "So, what are you looking for?"

"I'm interested in war stories. Having served myself, I find these stories fascinating."

Without hesitation, he began walking, saying, "Let's go find your book."

I followed him, eager to see what literary adventures awaited me.

Joe's POV

She entered the store with confidence, an air of purpose about her. Her attire, a white blouse paired with perfectly fitting jeans and a casually draped scarf, suggested she hadn't put too much thought into her outfit, likely in a hurry. Her disheveled hair confirmed this assumption. She had walked here instead of driving, and her determination was palpable.

"Excuse me," she addressed Ethan, the store employee. He turned to her, and her genuine smile caught my attention immediately.

"Yes, how can I help you?" Ethan replied.

Her smile persisted as she replied, "Well, you see, I'm new to your bookstore, and I don't know where to look for anything. Could you help me?"

Ethan chuckled and suggested, "I can, but I think you would find the perfect book if you ask help from the manager."

Her laughter was genuine, not just a polite courtesy. "Well, I'm not perfect, so I'm not looking for the perfect book. Besides, you're funny."

Ethan inquired, "So, what are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for war stories," she answered, prompting him to lead her away. I had to seize this opportunity. I immediately moved from my spot at the register to clash paths with Ethan.

"Hey, Joe! Didn't see you there," Ethan said.

"Hey, Ethan, it's alright. I actually need your help with that new shipment that arrived this morning. Could you set it up for tomorrow's release?" I asked. I had a motive in mind.

Ethan's expression showed a hint of disappointment as he agreed. Before he left, she handed him her number on a piece of paper. What luck!

She turned her attention back to me. "Follow me" I told her as we went deeper into the section of war genre.

"So, what brings you to the world of war stories?" I asked, scanning her as she looks around the many books we have.

Her eyes lit up with a mixture of enthusiasm and nostalgia as she replied, "I served myself, so these stories resonate with me on a personal level."

I nodded, understanding dawning in my eyes. "That's powerful. It must be interesting to see those experiences reflected in literature."

She smiled, a mixture of sadness and appreciation evident in her expression. "It definitely adds depth to the stories."

Her hand glides along the spines of the books. It's a simple action but gosh do you make it enchanting.

I needed to impress her. I needed to get on her good side if I had any chance of talking with her again. I looked to my right and picked up a book.

"You might like this one, if you haven't read it yet." Alrighty let's see, if she takes it it's a good sign if not we'll crap.

She turned to me and looks as the book in my hand. She grabs it.

"All Quiet on the Western Front" she says in a low voice.

"Excellent choice," I remarked, gesturing towards the book. "One of the classics."

Her smile widened as she glanced at the book in her hands. "Yes, I've been meaning to read it for a while now. I'll take it."

I smiled, I was trying to keep my huge smile from showing on my face. "Well let's get that book home with you."

We made our way back to the register and I was just curious about her. "Do you have any other favorite genre?"

Maybe some romance genre in real life?

"Not particularly, if I had to choose I'd take historical genres as a close second." Well then.

I smiled and accepted the book, ready to ring it up. "Will that be cash or card?"

From her back pocket, she retrieved cash and replied, "Cash is fine."

I couldn't help but be curious about her. "So, you're new here, right? I haven't seen you before, and we have quite a few regulars. Just curious."

She chuckled, her laughter warm and inviting. "Yes, I'm new. Good observation. I've been here for about seven months now, transitioning from a different environment."

"It was nice to meet you...?"

She glanced at my name tag, and I felt a surge of hope. "Y/n, Y/n L/n. And you're Joe."

With her belongings in hand, she began to leave. I couldn't let her go just yet.

"Wait, don't I get your number?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

She chuckled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Ask Ethan for it," she replied before walking away. As she left, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I'd met someone truly special.