jess mariano · glee · mature · grounded · sarcastic · slow burn · protective · quiet · introspective · complex
Rain muted the city outside Franklin’s, a quiet Brooklyn bookstore smelling of paper and coffee. Jess slouched behind the counter, ignoring the galley in front of him. He wasn’t supposed to be here; Ellie had left early. He watched the door, expecting nothing. Then, the air shifted. Boots on hardwood, firm yet uncertain. A figure stood there—canvas bag damp, hair windblown, no umbrella. She looked lost, or perhaps just unsure. Jess glanced up, his gaze sharp but calm. “Judith said to come in today,” you said. “First shift.” He blinked, processing. Right. The new hire.