7atk1ngx

[7atk1ngx]

<<Breakroom Chat>>

EDWARD NASHTON X READER <3

Summary: You and Ed first meet in the break room of both of the accounting firm you both work at. It's rather awkward, but not all first meets are romantic and "love at first sight", right? . . . Warnings: none, just normal and kind of sweet human interaction between two awkward coworkers because Ed deserves nice things UwU

You find yourself standing near the window of the break room, watching as the droplets of rain race down the cold, tempered glass that protects you from the outside elements. The day’s mood has been much like the weather outside, bleak and lackluster, the sun showing no signs of showing its lovely face anytime soon. But it seems as if life has been like this for a while now, office life is a lot more boring and draining than you expected.

Much like your last job as a waitress at the diner, actually. The scenery may have changed but not the situation. Except now, instead of customers insulting you to your face, you have condescending coworkers that smile at you and then take bites at you when they think you’re not listening, and somehow that hurts more. 

'Would Mike give me my old job back if I ask?'

You wonder while stirring your tea absentmindedly,

'I mean he said he would, but it's been three months so it’s probably too late.'

You’re pulled from your thoughts by the sudden cracking of the break room door opening, out of curiosity you look over to see who’s come to share said space with you and recognize the person as Edwin, or was it Edgar? You can’t remember, neither of you interacted much outside of courteous ‘good mornings’, and for all you know he probably doesn’t know your name either. 

He makes his way over to the coffee machine to serve himself into a flimsy disposable cup similar to yours. You don’t mean to, but you continue to watch him. The way he moves is awkward, almost hesitant really and for someone so tall it’s as if he’s trying to take up as little space as possible despite the room being almost empty. 

‘Say something before he notices you being a creep!’ Your internal thoughts scream at you.

 Looking down at your feet, you take a breath before mustering the courage to speak, “Nice weather we’re having, huh?” 

“Uh, excuse me?” He questions turning his body in your direction.

“I said, ‘Nice weather we’re having.’” You cringe internally as you repeat yourself a little louder. 

The presumed Edwin lets an awkward laugh before speaking, “Oh! Right, right, yeah, cloudy day and it’s raining cats and dogs outside. Beautiful.” He smiles at you, his soft features seem to glow under the fluorescent lighting overhead. Such a little act of kindness takes you by surprise and although you don't show it, the way your ears heat up and cheeks flush red tells another story. Luckily, your coworker doesn’t notice as he looks away to secure a lid on his coffee.

"Haha, exactly, it's lovely." You laugh with him as you slowly ease over to him near the coffee machine before testing the waters with his name. "Edwin, right?"

"Uh, no... It's Edward" He sighs out and averts his gaze to look down to the coffee cup in his hand. Edward’s mind is quick to bully him, ‘Of course she doesn’t know your name. Why would she? Be realistic, you’re nobody.’

‘How embarrassing,’ you think, kicking yourself mentally, 'At this point, just walk away and staple your mouth shut. Dumbass.' 

You're quick to apologize, bringing your free hand up to pinch the bridge of your nose in embarrassment and is the room suddenly warmer? or is it just your face growing more flushed by the second? "Oh! I'm sorry, I've never been good with names and we were ever properly introduced. My bad, I-I'm (y/n)."

‘Nice save, (y/n), that sounds reaaaal convincing.’

It’s a shame you didn’t know his name because Edward already knew yours, how could he not? One look of that lovely face and poor Edward was hooked. It had been Zach that introduced you to the entire office your first day, you hadn't noticed him among the dozens of eyes looking at you in that moment, but rest assured that he noticed you. The way you looked standing before everyone seemed so innocent, so vulnerable, and the beautiful smile you offered as you waved to everyone in the room. Oh, he was left speechless. Where have you been all his miserable life? You looked like an angel, a soft glowing light in the never ending darkness of City of Gotham.

Edward spent days thinking about that smile and hoping to see it again, hopefully this time for him only.

With a wave of his free hand he dismisses the mistake, trying to play it off in a cool manner despite the fact that inside he’s so nervous and afraid to mess up this simple interaction. It’s not everyday the man has a chance to talk to a woman, “No-no worries. Now you know for next time we talk, hehe…” 

“Oh, Next time for sure! Same time tomorrow then?” You ask jokingly.

“Yes.” Edward replies almost too quickly, it’s so sudden and you can’t help but laugh. A hearty laughter that erupts from your throat. ‘God, she’s gorgeous. Please never stop laughing, please.’ He thinks, his glasses almost fogging up from how hot his face is getting just from listening to you. Finally, getting the last of the giggles out of your system, you compose yourself before looking up at the clock above the break room door. 12:55 pm it reads, letting out a sigh you drink up the last of your cold tea before dropping it into the trash.

“Perfect, well, I’m gonna head back to my little desk and wait for 5pm! See you around, Edward.” You say holding out your fist towards the man. A moment passes, Edward stares at your closed hand before making a fist and hesitantly bumps it against yours.

With one last smile, you turn to leave the break room with Edward’s quiet voice calling out to you to have a nice day.

Edward stood a while longer in the break room not really knowing what to do, he felt a warmth blossom within his chest and butterflies flutter in his belly. A sigh leaves his lips as he thinks over the interaction, you’re a lot more beautiful up close, the way you speak and carry yourself is beautiful, everything about you is perfect to Edward. The green eyed man really hopes you mean it, about meeting him again that is, because he'd do anything to just stand so close to you once more. And for once, amidst the euphoric high caused by you, Edward’s mind is quiet. 

And then he burns himself after trying to drink his coffee.

Meanwhile, you’re back at your desk preparing to take on the rest of the day saying ‘hello’ to all your coworkers as they came back from their lunch break.

The rest of the day continues as usual for the most part, but in the back of your mind lingers your coworker, Edward. You can’t help but feel excited for tomorrow's lunch break. You really meant it, the conversation although short and rather awkward was nice and helped you forget the possibility of quitting this job, you hope to see more of that nerdy accountant. 

'He’s kinda cute.' You think peaking over the receptionist desk to where Edward’s own place in the office. Curious eyes lingering on the man as he scribbles away on ledger sheets, he looks so focused and the way he adjusts his glasses with the pencil in his hand makes you light headed.

 'I was wrong, He’s very cute…'

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A/N: If you've come this far, thank you! This is actually my first fanfic, so I hope you like it.

I'm actually so late to the Paul Dano craze! I just watched "The Batman" like last week and fell in love with Paul Dano's portrayal of The Riddler, he's so cute lololol. I'll likely keep writing about him, I really hope the fandom isn't too dead.

Anywho, please feel free to comment or send asks. I'd also appreciate feedback too!

-Rom <3