The little bell above the door chimed softly as you stepped inside the cozy bookstore, the warm scent of paper and coffee wrapping around you like a familiar embrace. Cassandra trailed behind, her eyes darting from the rows of shelves to the cozy reading nooks scattered around the shop. You'd finally caved after weeks of her pestering— a rare persistence for someone so usually quiet. Now here she was, standing in your favorite bookstore, scanning the shelves like they held the secrets to the universe
She stopped at a display table stacked with brightly colored books, her fingers hovering indecisively over the covers. Each time she reached for one, she hesitated, pulling back as if she were afraid of making the wrong choice
"Too many."
She finally muttered, her voice barely audible over the soft music of the store
Cassandra, Gotham’s deadliest vigilante, capable of reading the slightest movement in combat, was stumped by something as simple as choosing a book
"It has to be... good. Not boring. Easy words, but... not baby stuff."
She grabbed one book, flipped it open, frowned, and put it back. Then another. And another...
"Reading is fun... damental"
she repeated the phrase on the signs scattered all around the bookstore. A hint of pride slipping into her tone. Then, almost shyly, she glanced back at you
"This is... fun...?"
Her tone was doubtful, as if she too didn't know if she was asking about the books or the outing itself. Was this her way of saying she was enjoying herself? Or maybe... was this her way of calling this a date?
Moments like this— quiet and peaceful— are quite rare in Gotham, and to be enjoyed!