5 please, make them stop [chapter 5]

A/N just to clarify, I have been single my whole life, I don't know how this works, if you think it's cringe, don't.

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A grin formed on Norman's face as he admired her dexterity. "You're great at this," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration. Zatanna glanced up at him, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "Buttoning shirts?" she retorted, feigning annoyance. "No, I meant caring," he clarified, his voice laced with sincerity, before he impulsively pulled her into his apartment, pinning her gently against the wall.

"Someone is eager," Zatanna teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips. Her blush intensified as their faces drew closer, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them. Norman couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in her demeanor. He decided to seize the moment and address a burning question that had been on his mind. "I'm just asking, why are you single?" he blurted out, surprising Zatanna with his sudden inquiry.

She looked up at him, her eyes widening with surprise before a radiant smile illuminated her face. "Well, I was waiting for an idiot to ask me out," she confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of playfulness and vulnerability. "I've been dropping him some very obvious hints, but he just glosses over them." As she spoke, she wrapped her arms around his hand, seeking comfort in his touch.

Norman, his gaze fixed on her, couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. "Maybe they weren't as obvious as you might think," he replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Maybe he had a lot on his mind, or maybe he thought he wasn't worthy." With those words, he pulled her closer, his hand resting on her waist.

A flicker of surprise passed through Zatanna's eyes as she looked up at Norman, who towered over her. "How could he not think he's worthy?" Norman mused, a note of genuine incredulity in his voice. His words resonated with Zatanna, causing her heart to skip a beat. "Maybe he had his doubts," he murmured, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Their gaze locked, a world of unspoken emotions passing between them. Zatanna couldn't help but notice something different about Norman's physique, his body appearing more toned and muscular. Curiosity sparked within her, prompting her to unwrap her hands from around him and gently explore his chest and biceps. "have you been working out?" she inquired, her fingers tracing the contours of his physique.

Norman grinned, appreciating her curiosity and the touch of her hands on his body. "Well, some have been paying attention," he replied, catching Zatanna off guard. She stammered, momentarily lost for words, before playfully retorting, "What, cat got your tongue?"

Norman chuckled, leaning closer to her. "Aww, aren't you quite the tease?" he remarked, his voice filled with amusement. His hands caressed her back, reveling in the smoothness of her skin. "Oh, shut up," she retorted, attempting to feign annoyance, though a smile betrayed her true feelings.

However, their intimate moment was interrupted as Zatanna suddenly remembered something important. "You see, my dad has something coming up, and he won't be back until late tomorrow, so—" she trailed off, leaving Norman with a surprised expression. "Wait, are you inviting me over to your place, cuz?" he asked, leaning in closer to whisper something in her ear.

"Oh no, my dad would kill you if he found you in my place," Zatanna responded, her words tinged with a hint of regret. Norman's face fell slightly, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Oh," he uttered, turning around as if defeated by the circumstances.

"But," Zatanna interjected, her voice filled with a mischievous tone, "Dad wouldn't question why I am at your place since you still have my plate." Her words stopped Norman in his tracks, his curiosity piqued as he turned back to face her. A smile spread across his face as he realized the possibilities. "Wow, you're even bolder than I thought," he remarked, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and amusement as he towered over her.

Zatanna met his gaze with a playful glimmer in her eyes. "Is someone not worried about entering a man's home, all alone?" Norman teased, his voice dripping with playful banter. "Oh, please, you're as harmless as a teddy bear," Zatanna retorted, her smile growing wider as she closed the distance between them.

"Oh, since I'm a teddy bear, why don't you cuddle me to sleep?" Norman teased further, his playful tone contrasting with the intensity of their connection. Zatanna let out a soft laugh, the sound like music to his ears. "You wish," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of teasing and affection. "In the meantime, let's get ourselves ready with something to watch while I prepare the snacks. And please, do knock on my door when you come from work."

With those words, Zatanna left Norman's apartment, leaving him standing there, a mix of anticipation and excitement flooding his senses. "Gosh, I love it when she takes charge," he mused to himself, a smile lingering on his lips. "Hopefully, that's not a kink."

Grateful for the unexpected turn of events, Norman finished getting ready for work, his mind filled with thoughts of the evening ahead.

-scene change-

Norman Bell stood behind the counter of his antiquities shop, surrounded by artifacts from various periods of history. The faint scent of aged parchment and polished wood filled the air, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and curiosity. As he meticulously arranged a display of ancient coins, two individuals entered the shop, catching Norman's attention immediately.

a man and woman, appearing to be in their thirties, their attire hinting at their profession as archaeologists. However, there was something about them that piqued Norman's suspicion. They possessed an air of secrecy and purpose that went beyond the ordinary. Nevertheless, he greeted them with a warm smile and invited them closer.

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