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nightwingthedragoness · 5 days ago

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Alright! This is my attempt at making a Saltbaker x reader type fic. It’s supposed take place before the events of the game and you’re a resident of isle 4 who’s come to pop in Saltbaker’s before closing

The warm glow of the bakery stood out from the night that settled on the island. You tentatively step towards the building. You know it was just about closing time but this was the only place open and you just needed a quick bite to eat A pastry was enough to hold you over besides it would be nice to get out of the cold. You knew Saltbaker well enough. A regular to his bakery, so if there was a last minute customer that walked in, he’d rather it be you.

You push open the door, and the bell jingled out announcing your presence. It was far warmer here than outside. The entire place smelled of freshly made bread. The walls were lined with shelves each filled with jars, bakers, books, and all kinds of little knick knacks. Spices hung from the ceiling and some boxes sat up against the wall, the white paint chipping off revealing the bricks underneath. Chef Saltbaker stood just behind his display counter. One hand busily wiping down the top of his display with a wet rag while the other hand held a book which held his full attention. His face was scrunched up, his gaze intensely focused. You knew that look, he often had it when he was in the middle of cooking but you never saw him gaze so intensely at a recipe book before, it seemed nothing could stir him from his reading…nothing except you. His eyes flitted from his book to you. He blinked as though just waking and put the book down.

“Ah! Hello, I was just about to close up shop.” He greeted with a warm smile. His deep voice was a welcome sound to your ears. The rag he was cleaning with was tossed aside, and he wiped his dampened hand on the side of his chef jacket that was stained by various jams, flour, and dough splatters.

“Hey Saltbaker, sorry for coming in so last minute, I just wanted a quick bite to eat. You close the latest so I figured I’d come by.” Saltbaker glanced at the chalkboard behind him.

“You came to the right place. Take your pick.” He fiddled with his ascot in his clear glass fingers. You step closer to the display case. Fresh cakes, pies, bread loaves, and other various goodies tempted you.

“I’ll take whatever pastries you have left.”

“Excellent choice! Let’s see what I got for you.” He grabbed a box and while his attention was on gathering treats, yours was pulled to the book he was so focused on.

“What were you reading there, Saltbaker?” You ask. He slowly stood back up and glanced at the book.

“A little late night reading is all. I came across this recipe book and thought I should try adding some new treats to my menu but nothing is really sticking out to me, though I did see a cookie recipe that I may try.” For a moment there was this look in his eyes you never saw before. It lasted only for a second because he went right back to his usual jolly demeanor. He quickly took the book and tucked it under his arm. From what you could see, it didn’t look like any regular cookbook to you but why pry? He sat it back up onto a shelf far from your reach.

“Has it been busy today?” You ask, trying to change the subject.

“It’s the same as always. Not too bad.” responded Saltbaker. “Now about those treats!” He continued. “I got some danishes here, and a few turnovers. Will that be enough?”

“Sounds perfect. Should be twenty cents right?” Reaching into your pockets, you fish around for change, trying to grab at and pinch at coins. He sat the box of treats down, watching as you dug around.

“Hmm…you know, I’ll give you a discount since it’s so late. I’ll charge you ten cents. I’ll only give this offer once.” He sat there twiddling his thumbs. His offer warmed your heart, a faint blush creeped across your cheeks. He was always so sweet, how could you say no to a face like that?

“Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.” You take out the coins you had in your pockets, quickly counting out ten cents, and sat them on the counter. They jingled against the wood top and he scooped up the coins, sliding the boxed treats towards you. You took it, giving Saltbaker a grateful look.

“Do you mind flipping my sign to closed? I just need to get some of my stock down below for tomorrow before I lock up for the night.” You turn to his door.

“I can do that.” You make your way to the door, seeing his open sign. Reaching out, you flipped it over so it now read closed. You peek out hardly seeing anyone walking about. You reach to push the door open but pulled back. You spot the boxes against the wall. That must be the stuff he was talking about. Getting a moment to collect your thoughts, and the thought of making Saltbaker push and carry these after such a long day didn’t sit right with you. It wasn’t fair, not to mention coming in right before closing adding another thing to his pile of chores to do. The least you can do is help around. Placing the treats down by the front window display, you stand in front of one of the boxes and start to push. The wood scraping against the tile floor wasn’t the most pleasant sound, and whatever it was inside was quite heavy but you managed to shove it all the way to the wooden door that Saltbaker stood behind. He turned around, surprise clear on his face.

“Oh, please. You don’t have to stay and do my work for me. It’s late out, go home and rest. I appreciate it nonetheless. ” He opened the door and right below him you saw what appeared to be an opened cellar door. He took the box, lifting it up with ease as though it weighed no more than a feather to him. He vanished down below into whatever was under there. Probably just storage. While he was busy, you decide to get the next box, this wasn’t as heavy as the last one, so it wasn’t as strenuous to push it. You sat, leaned against the wall waiting for his return. It was taking him a while, surely it wasn’t that deep below in there? Before you had a chance to peek in, his metal top peeked out before the rest of him gradually made its way up, he spotted the next box and you still here.

“It’s the least I can do for you.” Now it was his turn to look grateful, perhaps a bit of blush dotted his rounded glass cheeks. He took the next box and once again descended down into the dark. There was only one left. Walking up to it, you get ready to push but this box was by far the heaviest. You groan, pushing your hardest against it but it didn’t even budge. You stood up, huffing slightly. “What’s in this box? More bricks?” You mutter. It’s probably best to wait for Saltbaker to get back up and deal with this one. You felt now was the best time to snack on those pastries you just bought. Reaching in, you grab a flaky danish. It was baked to perfection with a nice golden brown color, icing drizzled across, and a delicious filling in the middle. You bite down, remembering exactly why you loved Saltbaker’s cooking. The treat hit the spot, soft, sweet, and delicious. Saltbaker eventually came back up seeing the last box was still up against the wall, and there you were with a half eaten danish in your mouth. Quickly swallowing the mouthful you had, you point to the box.

“Sorry Chef, this one was too heavy for me.” You admitted.

“No problem. Let me take this.” He walked out, reaching under to lift it but found he couldn’t get it to move either. He stood back, hands resting against his hips.

“You’re right. This is too heavy even for me. I doubt I can get this down stairs but I can’t have it just sitting out here.” He tapped his chin for a moment. “Perhaps if we both lift? We just need to get it past the door. I’ll deal with the rest tomorrow.” You swallow the last of the danish and stand up eager to help.

“Sure! Just tell me where to lift and I’m ready.” Saltbaker chuckled at your enthusiasm.

“In a moment. Let me just close the cellar door so neither of us fall in.” You rush to the box and wait. With the cellar door closed up, he clapped his hands together and prepared himself.

“We lift on three.” He instructed. You bend down, poking your fingers through, feeling the edge of the wooden box sitting in your palms. Saltbaker got into position. “One. Two. Three.” With both of you using your strength, the box slowly lifted up. Saltbaker took a step back, and in turn you step towards him. It was still heavy but not as immovable as before. Your arms shake from the weight, and the fear of dropping it clung to your mind, but now was no time for what ifs. Saltbaker’s strained voice called out. “Alright…let’s…slowly…carefully…almost there.” Small little steps, until you made it past the small door. Your arms were nearly ready to give out.

“N-Now?” You ask. Saltbaker nodded.

“N-Now.” he wheezed. You both lower the box before dropping it. A loud THUD echoed across the bakery. Warmth crept up your cheeks. You may have let go a bit early.

“I’m sorry Chef, I didn’t think-”

“It’s not big deal. We got it across and I doubt it’s anything breakable. Just probably my flour or sugar. I go through a lot as you can see.” He glanced at his desserts.

“Now. Why don’t we both get out of here?” He gently led you out, pressing a chilled glass hand against your back. The contact made a shiver run down your spine. His touch was gentle, like you were delicate.

“Thanks for the treats and discount.” you mused walking towards the entrance.

“You’re welcome.” He reached into his pant pockets and pulled out the keys. “And thank you for your help. That was rather kind of you.” He added. Once he was sure everything was accounted for and prepped for tomorrow, he flipped the lights off and headed towards the front of the store, he spotted something and was quick to snatch it. Waiting by the door, you push it open for him.

“Thank you.” He said quietly. “Don’t forget these.” He lifted up the pastries you bought. You had forgotten them back at the window display.

“My treats!” You exclaimed. “I nearly forgot.” Reaching out for them, your hands made contact. Your warm hands against his chilled glass one. It was though time slowed and your eyes focused on your sudden contact, quite grateful it was dark out so he couldn’t see how red your face was and you couldn’t quite make out his expression either. Your mind whirled with thoughts, should you say something? Has it been too long? Should you pull away? Is this getting weird? Before you could do anything, he was the first to withdraw his hand. Your fingers gently wrap around the box.

“I better lock up. Will you…stop by tomorrow?” Saltbaker asked. No words came to you. He was wondering if you’d come by. His back was to you as he locked up his bakery for the night.

“I’m sure I can pop in for more treats.” You finally manage to say. A deep chuckle that rumbled from within his large belly, he turned to glance at you over his shoulder.

“I’ll be sure to have them made fresh and right out of the oven for you.” promised Saltbaker. Now that sounded good to you. “Good night. See you tomorrow.” He turned around and walked off vanishing off into the isle.

“Night….see you tomorrow.” You reply quietly clutching the box of treats tightly against you. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

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