Clark Kent x Bookstore owner! Reader
-this is my first fic, please leave feedback and any tips!
Clark stared blankly at the stack of notes on his desk at the Daily Planet, wondering how in the span of probably three days, he had let it grow to that gigantic of a size.
He let out a pained sigh. This week had not been it for him at all. Looming deadlines, piercing migraines, never ending assignments. He desperately needed to blow off some steam. Or else he’d dig himself into a deep irreversible pit of burnout, the absolute last thing he needed right now.
On the way home he had noticed a new, small bookstore had opened up on the corner of the street. Which led him to realise that it had been a seriously embarrassingly long time since he had even opened a book, let alone finished one. There was once a time where he burned through three books a week. The love and passion he had for books as a teenager was what inspired him to even pursue journalism in the first place.
Now, semi-determined to reconnect with that part of himself, and to focus on something that is not work related for a while, he decided to make his way into the shop.
As he entered, somehow the bookstore looked way bigger on the inside than how it presented itself. It had a homey, warm, welcoming feel, that would make you want to stay there and browse for hours.
Stacks and boxes of books were everywhere, waiting to be unpacked and shelved. A chipped mug of coffee sat on the front desk next to a tall potted plant. Warm fairy lights hung low from the ceiling, adding to the magical atmosphere.
There was a mustard couch, sitting in the corner occupied by a sleeping black cat, undisturbed by Clark’s weighted footsteps on the hard wood floor. The shop, despite not even being open for a week, had such a familiar, comforting atmosphere. It felt so.. lived in.
Of course, Clark, in awe of his surroundings, and not paying attention to where he was going, tripped over a box that he swore appeared out of thin air.
From around the back of the shop. You came rushing out to the sound of a loud bang.
When you reached, Clark completely stopped in his tracks. You stood there, eyes wide and panicked, and all Clark could do was stare, not creepily, but in disbelief. Your hair was tied back in a loose ponytail and wore a flowy black skirt and a white cable knit sweater, covered with dust from the work of the day.
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, are you ok?!”, you asked frantic, a hand clasped over your mouth.
He snapped out of his gaze. “Yes, yes I’m okay dont worry about me, I just wasn’t looking where I was going”. He smiled as he said this, but your look of fear didn’t disappear.
“Are you sure?!”, you asked while nervously pulling the strand on the sleeve of your sweater.
“I probably have an ice pack or something in the back.., I think? or actually, maybe I don’t, I’m not sure. Why didn’t I think to buy an ice pack?, of course on my very first day open, someone gets injured and of course I don’t have an ice pack or a bandage or anything?!” “Oh my gosh I don’t even think i have a first aid kit?!”
You had only realised you were rambling like an idiot when you looked up and were met with a look of shock on the customer's face.
“Omg im so sorry, im normally not this.. well tense” you admitted. “I just need this day to go right. Setting up the shop has been so stressful and I'm really not in the position to add a lawsuit to the list” you admitted through a strained laugh.
All Clark could muster was a small grin. You were by far the prettiest girl he had ever seen in his life and he had no idea how to act.
“So..” you went on, “what’s your name?”
“C-Clark, I’m Clark”, he managed, scratching the back of his neck in response to his stammer.
You then responded with your own.
“That’s a really pretty name,” he said honestly. You looked down bashfully, and smiled stupidly to yourself. He caught it and smiled right back.
“So, what can I help you with today?” you started, wiping your hands on the front of your sweater.
“Well, I’m looking for a book for myself, but I’m not too sure what to get. To be honest it’s been a little while”
“What kind of books did you like?” you enquired.
“I was mainly into.. well, mainly fantasy books.. when I was younger”.
He wanted to admit that he still does, but he didn’t know if you would receive well the fact that a man of his age was still a fantasy fan. Despite the genre obviously having a large adult audience, he didn’t want to risk it because at this point all he wanted to do was impress you.
“Oooh, fantasy is by far, my favourite genre of all time, no debate” you said excitedly. “You have good taste”
Clark could feel the blush slowly creeping up his neck.
“Come on, the fantasy books are mainly over here” you called, leading him quickly over to one side of the shop. He followed obligingly.
“Hmm.. So what are you mainly into?”
He went blank. He had no idea what to say, like every book he had ever read had completely flown out of his mind at that very moment. Conveniently.
“Uh.. maybe like.. dragons?” he replied, cringing at his vague response, paying more attention to you than the books in front of him.
“Ok. what kind of books did you read when you were younger, any authors in particular?” you asked.
He started listing them out, leaving out the ones he thought you would think are too geeky.
A beat passed as you were silently pondering then it came to you.
“OH MY GOD” you exclaimed, “I have the perfect book!!!”
Enthusiastically, you perused through the piles and shelves intently until..
“Aha! Found it!”, you dusted it off and handed it to him eagerly.
“This. book. is. amazing. Trust me. It will change your life. I'm not even joking. I first read it when I was probably around maybe 16 or 17, and I've genuinely never been the same since. Ive never read anything like it. The plot, the characters, the story, everything, ugh, perfect it never gets old, I know you will love it”
“Oh- ok” he replied, flustered over the fact that she already felt that she “knew” him and his taste in books well enough to know that he would love it. He didn’t understand why that impacted him so deeply as he hid his face in an attempt to conceal the blush that was now creeping up his face. “Ill give it a try”
You responded with a warm smile that made his knees weak as he followed you on the way to the counter.
While scanning, you went on again about the book, and all he could do was watch in admiration about how passionate you were about it. The way your eyes lit up and your face brightened, touched his heart. He would listen to you all day if he could.
You handed him the book with a bright smile. As he reached for it, your hands touched slightly. I- uh hm thanks for the book, or well introducing me to the book” He managed to get out as he was leaving the shop.
You smiled and waved. “Thanks so much!, hope you enjoy it!
As Clark left, he took in a deep breath of air. He was so gone.
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