#was gonna use pink chrysanthemums but then i remembered chrysanthemums are already a thing for this fic

[salemontrial]

So. Chapter 22 huh.

@pittdpeaches

[dc41896]

Perfect

Hey guys👋🏾! So I saw in the video from the recent USO live chat that Chris said if he wasn’t acting, he’d be doing something where he has to work with his hands a lot and thus here we are lol! Hope you like it😊!

Pairing: Builder!Chris EvansxBlack Reader

⚠️: Slight angst, fluff

“Ohh this one is pretty! What do you think Ivy?,” you ask lying the lilac onesie against your swollen abdomen. With only a month left until your due date, you finally decided to try to organize your closet to accommodate her growing collection of clothes.

Although tiny, the amount of outfits and other supplies bought by you, your fiancé, and both sets of your family and friends warranted her own room really, but being stuck with your quaint one bedroom apartment the small plastic dresser in your closet would have to do.

“I’ll tell you this baby girl, you are definitely spoiled already.”

“And your grandparents wouldn’t have it any other way,” you hear from behind paired with the light thud of work boots hitting the floor. “Can’t blame them entirely though, me and your mom might have had something to do with that too.”

“You’re home early.”

“Yea the floors didn’t take as long as we thought they would.”

Kissing your cheek, he notices the box of diapers you were currently trying to move with your foot but not getting far. Bending down reaching for the cutout handle, he moves your hands beating you to the box before placing it with the others. “Here babe let me get that. Remember the doctor said-,”

“I know what he said Chris. I’m the one who told you what he said since you weren’t there remember?”

You didn’t mean for it to come out as bitter as it did, but you also couldn’t hide your frustration anymore. He was always a perfectionist when it came to his work. From the paint to the furniture placement, and even the plants outside, he never wanted a client to walk in seeing anything out of place or thinking he didn’t care about what he did.

You understood and loved how much he cared, but with your heightened emotions and the fact that this was a pretty important time in both of your lives, him not being there broke your heart a little more each time it happened.

“Y/N, I know I haven’t been around like I want to and I’m sorry, but it’s just I really want this house to be perfect.”

“I know you do, but I’d also like for you to actually see her moving on the screen rather than me tell you what happened. Or hear her heartbeat in person.”

Grabbing your sides, he gently pulls you closer bringing his calloused yet soft hands up to cradle your face and graze his thumbs against your cheek while peering into your eyes.

“I promise you things will be different as soon as everything’s done. Then I’ll be at every appointment and by your side so much you’ll be sick of me,” he smiles.

“You really shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.” Sliding out of his grip, you make your way to the kitchen, hands rubbing the base of your belly as he follows close behind.

“It’s not my fault this all had to happen while you’re pregnant.”

“I know.”

“Really? Could’ve fooled me,” he sighs, back leaning against the counter watching you remove different items from the fridge trying to put something together for dinner.

There’s silence as you chop bell peppers to sauté in the pan slowly heating up on the stove. You could feel his eyes still on you though as you moved about getting different seasonings and other tools to help make your meal, but you refused to say a word.

“Guess I’ll go shower then,” he states under his breath ready to leave so you could have the space you clearly needed.

“What’s so different about this house?”

“What do you mean?”

“Every other build you’ve done you’re telling me any and every detail about it and even a little about who it’s for,” you explain still focused on the sizzling pan in front of you. “This one, you haven’t said one thing about it other than you finished the floors today. Then you’re rushing out the room to take secret calls and working later than usual, which makes me believe this house must be something special.”

“I haven’t really had the time to tell you since I’ve been so busy.”

“...sure you’re not just trying to bury yourself in your work?” Hearing your sniffles, he walks up behind you turning you around to see your glossy eyes as tears begin to fall. “I mean I know I’m a bit more emotional and probably more annoying-,”

“Shh, stop,” he softly speaks wiping away your tears and hugging you close to his body. “You’re not annoying and I’m definitely not burying myself in my work. If I could, I’d spend every second with you doing anything you want.”

“You say that now, but I’m sure you’d think different after.”

“Nope. Never.”

Bringing your hand up to his lips, he kisses the diamond on your finger before moving to your lips making them move together as if they were part of a passionate dance.

“You’re gonna make me burn dinner. Again,” you smile resting your forehead against his.

“Sorry,” he chuckles leaving one last peck on your lips. Letting you turn back around, his chin sits on your shoulder and hand lightly rubs up and down your belly as he helps with the remainder of the meal.

———

The following week, Chris finally finished the house and couldn’t wait to give you a tour through the bare home. He was practically glowing with excitement each day leading up to the weekend, when you both agreed he could show you.

Driving through busy streets and backroads shaded by canopy trees, you eventually arrive in the driveway of a grey house trimmed in white with pillars of the same color. On the wrap around porch sat two dark brown rocking chairs seemingly waiting for someone to rest in them, while bunches of orange and yellow chrysanthemums were planted in the flower beds just below it. Carefully stepping out of the black Ford truck, with his help, a small smile forms on your lips as you look from the building to your future husband.

“What?,” he shyly asks nervously fidgeting with his hands.

“Nothing, just amazed again by what you do. And also wondering what made you chose to plant my favorite flower?”

“Guess you were stuck on my mind,” he winks kissing your lips before grabbing your hand and leading you up the steps to the door.

Your footsteps against the dark hardwood and Chris’ voice echo throughout the empty house as he takes you to every room, noting how the furniture would be placed once it arrived and asking your opinion on how it would look. Walking down the hall, he points out the master and guest bedrooms pausing in front of the last door with his hand on the knob.

“I’ll tell you now, I did this room all by myself so go easy on me okay?,” he states making you giggle.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s just as beautiful as the rest of the house.” Slowly opening the door, you notice it to be the only furnished room in the house with a grey crib, dresser, changing station, and cloth rocking chair all matching in color.

“Aww babe! Why didn’t you tell me they were expecting a baby too?”

Black butterfly stencils staggered along the pink wall above the crib, seeing the teddy bears placed on top of the changing table instantly draw your hands to your stomach as you become even more excited for your own bundle to come into the world.

“I uh also got them an extra little present from us,” he states opening the top drawer to reveal a folded baby blanket covered in clouds. “Think it’s okay?”

“Yea it’s-,” you start as you notice the shine of golden letters embroidered in the corner. Stepping closer to him, Chris can feel his heart pounding in his ears as he watches you read what’s been sewn on the blanket and look at him confused.

“Why does it have Ivy’s on it?”

“Because it’s hers, along with everything else in here.”

Words seemed to be something foreign to your brain as you continued to stare at the man in front of you wondering if he was being serious.

“Wha-? How-?”

“Grandma Peggy left this land to me in her will and I always planned to build a house on it but never got around to it. When little Ivy came in the picture though, I thought now was the perfect time.”

As you scan the room holding onto the blanket, he starts to feel a bit scared from your silence.

“W-We can always change stuff around though if you don’t like it,” he stammers rubbing the back of his neck. “Like maybe the crib can-,”

Unable to complete his words, he feels your arms wrap around his neck as your lips press against his moving in perfect sync.

“It’s perfect!”

“Really? You think so? It’s okay if you want to change anything I swear.”

“No I promise I love it how it is,” you giggle kissing him again. “I love everything, thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me love. I’m gonna do anything I can for the both of you to make sure you’re taken care of, and nothing will stop that.”

“I know, which makes me feel worse about thinking you were purposely trying to stay away,” you sniffle looking down at the blanket in your hands.

“Well, it didn’t help that I wasn’t being as open as usual.”

“But still I shouldn’t have even let my mind go in that direction and I’m sorry.” Wiping your tears away, he lies your head on his chest rubbing soothing circles on your back.

“That’s in the past okay? Now we focus on what comes our way next,” he smiles to which you nod your head wrapping your arms around his waist and enjoying breathing in his scent as you both stand in the peaceful quiet.

“So you really love everything? Be honest.”

“So much that if I wasn’t pregnant, I probably would be in the morning,” you bite your lip looking up to see his raised brow and amused expression.

“Looks like you might be getting another sibling soon Ivy,” he whispers down towards your stomach making you laugh.

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[reds-self-ships]

THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED DRAGON WEDDING

Tags: Wedding fic. No particular TWs apply, but if anyone wants me to tag anything specific then please let me know.

A decent enough crowd had turned out to London’s Guildhall that day for the wedding, sat either side of a long, red-carpeted aisle in one of its rooms especially set aside for events.

There was Professor Yujin Mikotoba – Susato’s birth father and Kazuma’s adopted one, Pycroft Sholmes – brother of the detective Herlock Sholmes, a number of Redford’s classmates from the University of London, a number of Ryunosuke’s previous clients, the parents of Redford and Ryunosuke – Ryunosuke’s having flew in from Japan especially for the occasion…

Also in attendance was Ryunosuke’s family and cousin from America, Phoenix Wright, as well as his daughter Trucy.

All dressed in their best formal outfits.

If it were an event open to the public—and if anyone else actually wanted to attend—it would almost certainly be standing room only.

Q and Kazuma were stood by the head of the hall beside the lectern, where Mr. Sholmes—apparently an ordained Humanitarian officiant for weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies and bat mitzvahs since The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle—was due to preside over things and handle all the legal end of things with the City of London.

“Is everything ready?” asked Redford, stood at the back of the hall with Sholmes.

“Yes. Evewything’s weady.”

“Mr. Sholmes, why are you talking like that?”

Sholmes sighed. “It’s Pycwoft. He bet me ten poundth that I would be able to put out a candle with my tongue without buwning it. You can pwobably gueth how that one turned out.”

“You know what? I probably shouldn’t even have asked.”

“Either way, I’m weady whenever you are.”

“Alright. You can tell them to run the music or whatever.”

Sholmes gave a look.

“Sorry, play the music.”

Sholmes gave Q the nod, and Q, in turn, gave the nod to Professor Mikotoba, who had volunteered especially for this part, pressing play on the CD player that had been connected up to the rather make-shift sound system.

The music began to play as Redford walked down the aisle, with Sholmes following behind him. Sholmes was followed by Iris, wearing a pale pink dress, holding a small bouquet of sunflowers, red roses and pale blue chrysanthemums.

She was followed by Susato, wearing a matching dress.

Then the other groom entered the room. Ryunosuke Naruhodo entered, wearing a dark blue kimono with a shade of red that would look familiar to those who had seen the other groom’s outfit. The sash of Ryunosuke’s kimono was cut from the same material as Redford’s suit, and Redford’s tie was cut from the same material as Ryunosuke’s kimono.

Ryunosuke was followed by Gina Lestrade, wearing a dress that matched with Susato’s and Iris’s.

As the two grooms stood at the altar, facing each-other, Redford mouthed, eyes already beginning to water.

“You look amazing.”

Ryunosuke was in a rather similar state.

“You too.”

As the music ended, the guests sat down again and Sholmes took to the lectern, removing the prompt cards from his suit jacket.

NOTE TO SELF: Remember to write something nice to say at the wedding. SHOPPING LIST: - Milk - Eggs - Coffee - Caramel Bars

Somewhat flustered himself, he quickly shuffled the remaining, blank, prompt cards and left them on the lectern before clearing his throat.

“Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us together today…Mawwiage…a wather bwessed awwangement. A dweam…within a dweem…”

The two grooms shot Sholmes a look, as they realised that that particular speech sounded rather like something they’d heard somewhere else before.

“OK then. Uh, do you, Ryunosuke Naruhodo, take Redford Ninate to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“And do you, Redford Ninate, take Ryunosuke Naruhodo to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“Great! If it were me, I’d probably call it a day there, but there’s more.”

The gathered crowd laughed.

“Please stand.”

The crowd stood.

“Marriage isn’t just two people getting together and having a kiss and whatever. It’s also the love and strength that we provide them as a community and as a family, by biological means or through the bonds of close friendship. So, are we all gonna help them and their marriage or what?”

“We will!” replied the crowd, before sitting down again.

“And now we have…er…Shizzen…What’s the word again?”

Professor Mikotoba approached and commandeered the microphone for a moment from Sholmes. “Shinzen Kekkon.”

“Yes. That, thank you Mikotoba.”

Kazuma stood between the two, holding a tray with a small bottle of saké and two cups. Ryunosuke poured a cup for Redford before pouring one for himself. Either groom took a sip from his own cup, before swapping and taking a sip from the other’s.

“I’m told that’s also a good luck thing in Japanese culture, but I’ll take their word for it. And now we’ve got vows to do. They’ve also written their own vows each which should be rather nice. Also – these are important. I’d recommend you don’t mess them up. Mr. Naruhodo will be the one going first.”

Ryunosuke took his flash cards from his pocket and cleared his throat as he began to speak.

“I, Ryunosuke, take you, Redford, to be my lawfully wedded husband. In recent times you have been a constant friend and partner, and all the evidence shows that we are truly meant to be together. And nothing will contradict that. So let’s get the wedding licence added to the court record, shall we? Lawyers should always smile and save their tears for when it’s all over, but I know every day I’m with you I’ll smile no matter what, and any tears will be the tears of laughter, no matter what trials may come our way, we’ll always .”

“Excellent, Mr. Naruhodo. Mr. Ninate?”

“I, Redford, take you, Ryunosuke, to be my lawfully wedded husband. They always say that a picture paints a thousand words, but any time I look at any picture for you I wonder if there really is nine hundred and ninety nine different ways to say ‘love of my life’. And if this is to be a fairy tale romance, I can’t wait to see what a ‘happily ever after’ looks like with you. Hopefully this is going to be the beginning of a new tale which I hope will be a real page-turner.”

Kazuma looked over at Q. “Are you crying?” he said, quietly, offering him a handkerchief.

Q unwillingly accepted it. “My hay-fever’s acting up. It’s all these goddamn flowers.”

“Mine too.”

“And if you two are done crying,” said Sholmes, “it’s now time for the rings, please.”

“It’s hay-fever, dammit…” said Q, as he handed over the rings from his inner pocket.

“Thank you. Please repeat after me: ‘I give you this ring, as a symbol and daily reminder of my love for you’.”

Redford slowly slipped the golden wedding band onto Ryunosuke’s right ring finger, saying: “I give you this ring, as a symbol and daily reminder of my love for you.”

Sholmes nodded to Ryunosuke, who slid the ring onto Redford’s right ring finger, saying: “I give you this ring, as a symbol and daily reminder of my love for you.”

“Very well then. By the power vested in me, the Great Detective, that Herlock Sholmes, courtesy of the Humanists Organisation and become-an-ordained-minister.org.uk, I now declare you two husband and…husband! I suppose you two can have a kiss or whatever.”

The two newly-wed grooms kissed as the crowd stood and applauded, Redford swinging Ryunosuke low in his arms and supporting his leg with his arm.

[my-happy-little-bean]

Blossom

pairings: logan/patton (logicality) (because im trash) words: 2776 warnings: swearing, panic attack, implied toxic parental relationship, mention of an implied suicide attempt, fighting summary: 

blos·som /ˈbläsəm/

verb - to produce flowers or masses of flowers. - to develop in a promising way

Or: the five times Logan couldn’t see the flowers, and the one time he did.

a/n- hello! i hope you are all doing well during this strange quaran-time! i present to you, my first non-golden slumbers flower-related fic (still logicality tho,,, y'all can rip that pairing out of my dead, cold hands :pp). i had a really strange dream last night that had something to do with this concept and hey, you know what i do with dreams :p

i hope you enjoy it ^v^

read on ao3~

---------

dedicated to the one bit of starlight that always remembers to water my garden 

~*~

1. 

Logan was halfway up the porch stairs when Patton mentioned the flowers for the first time. 

“I’m telling you, Lo!” Patton followed Logan into their new house, carrying boxes behind him. “They were little yellow daffodils, just sprouting behind you as you walked! It was so pretty!” 

“Patton, it takes twelve to fifteen weeks for daffodils to bloom after chilling,” Logan said pointedly, setting his own boxes down by an old, tattered couch in the living room. “Besides, even if there were some growing, I would be more concerned that there is something prompting growth underneath our house.”

Patton giggled, putting his boxes down beside Logan’s. He wrapped his arms around Logan’s waist from the back, going on the tips of his toes to kiss the back of his neck. 

“Our home,” he murmured in Logan’s skin. Logan smiled. 

“Yes,” he said, looking around at their surroundings. “It is...a start.”

“It’ll be more than that soon enough!” Patton chirped, taking Logan’s hand and spinning himself underneath it with a squeal. Logan couldn’t help smile, moving his arm more purposefully to properly spin Patton around until he was standing right in front of him. 

“I’m so happy,” Patton said with a sigh and that lopsided smile; the smile that proved to Logan that he could at least feel love. 

“I am happy that you are happy, dear.” He pressed his forehead against Patton’s and kissed his nose lightly. “Now, we must continue on, or we will be late to the neighbourhood barbeque Janene invited us to.”

“Janene?”

“Our neighbour, remember?” 

Patton made a small ‘ah’ noise and nodded enthusiastically, already skipping past Logan to grab some more boxes outside. 

As he watched him go, Logan sighed; he could definitely love. He could love with all of the love the world had to offer him, for as long as they were offering. He could love the softest, most gentle creature he knew; one who moved with such grace and one whose mind and heart and soul was overwhelmingly admirable.

Yes, he could love him. 

And he loved him. 

- 

“Logan! There’s pink roses on our roof!”

---------

2.

According to Janene, the whole neighbourhood could see the flowers. 

It was a special kind of phenomenon that no one outside the small town of Khloris ever noticed. But if you had a house on its terrain, you apparently had flowers growing underneath your feet. Upon mentioning Patton’s observations at the neighbourhood barbeque, Janene had explained the rumours that it was the land’s way of “observing” or “understanding” its habitants. Whatever that meant.

Logan found it borderline infuriating that no one had pursued further research on the matter; that people just walked around their neighbourhoods, complimenting each others’ seemingly magical gardens.

What was even more infuriating was that everyone just...accepted it. Embraced it, even. As if it was normal to hallucinate flowers growing on vines across your windows.

He was still unable to see these flowers, if they even existed. And while he wasn’t keen on keeping a sense of distrust between himself and his partner (he would have stopped playing along if Patton shared his same view) he couldn’t help but remain skeptical. 

(He would never admit it to Patton, but the reason he had purchased that rather expensive machine off of Amazon was so he could test the contents of the air in certain areas of the town. It didn’t prove anything abnormal, but it was an interesting experiment. 

He read his findings out loud to Patton one night, and Patton listened to every word.

And when Logan left for work the next morning, Patton complimented the chrysanthemums trailing behind him.)

Still, he didn’t have much choice other than to embrace the absurdity floating in their town. Besides, it was mostly harmless. And, more often than not, it served as the backdrop to some of the most joyful moments they had. 

- 

“Why, yellow!” Patton exclaimed as he greeted Logan on the steps to their house. “Someone has an extra poppy in their step today, huh?”

“First of all, I believe you mean ‘hello’; the standard greeting which is first exchanged between individuals seeing each other,” Logan hummed. Then, he leaned over to kiss Patton’s cheek. “Second of all...hello, dearest.”

“Hiya!” Patton giggled. Logan watched as the spot he kissed flushed a soft shade of pink. “How was work?”

Logan couldn’t help but smile. “It was...very satisfactory.”

“Very satisfactory?” Patton rocked back and forth on the heels of his feet, immediately ecstatic. “Not just satisfactory?”

“Mhm.”

“Ooh that and the yellow poppies behind you! You must have good news!” Patton beamed. “Come, come sit with me! Tell me all about your very satisfactory day!”

Usually, Logan would politely decline, telling him that he had to first shower and prepare dinner as he always did after work. And it was almost second-nature to ignore the ever-growing amount of flower observations from Patton. 

But he couldn’t help but oblige upon seeing Patton rush over to their small, wooden porch swing, nearly knocking into his ball of yarn and newest knitting project. That and he did have good news. Very good news, in fact. 

“Tell me about your day first,” Logan insisted as he sat down beside him, setting his briefcase at his feet. “I would rather celebrate a mutual achievement than selfishly intrude with my singular one.”

“Intrude?” Patton nudged him lightly. “Well, you’re not being int-rude if you do! So don’t worry about that kind of intrusion-confusion you’re on about, mister!”

“...did you eat the cookies Janene sent us?”

“Several.”   

Logan shook his head. “She puts too much chocolate in those, you know. And those pastries surpass the recommended amount of sugar one should digest in a day.”

“I know! ”

Logan couldn’t help but laugh at how starry-eyed his Patton looked. Patton gently rocked the swing back and forth, then lifted his legs to sit cross-legged on the cushions once it gained enough momentum. 

“Anyway, my day was alright!” Patton chirped. “Had a breakthrough with a client today! It’s been a slow couple of weeks, but I think things are looking up!” 

“That is fantastic news, Patton.” Logan leaned his head against Patton’s shoulder, placing a hand on his thigh and smiling. “You’re doing an exceptional job.”

“Aw, Lo!” Patton giggled again. “You’re gonna make me grow peonies everywhere.”

Second-nature. Logan just chuckled.

“Now! We must celebrate you!” Patton lifted Logan’s head off his shoulder and held his hands into his own. “Tell me everything!”

A pause. Logan felt as if he too was holding his breath.

“Well, do you recall that promotion I recently inquired about at my work?”

Patton’s eyes widened. 

“Shut up.”

Logan broke into a wide grin, finally exhaling as he nodded. Patton squealed, practically lunging at Logan to give him a tight hug.

“Shut up shut up shut uppp!!!”

“Do you...actually want me to–”

“No!” Patton gasped, pulling back to hold Logan in front of him by his shoulders. His grin almost hurt to look at. “Never ever ever shut up!”

“Then why did you–”

“I’m excited, you goofball!” Patton brushed the hair out of Logan’s eyes with a small giggle. “Besides, if I’m shushing anything, it’s the guilty feeling in your head that I can hear from a mile away.

(Fuck. He could love him forever.)

“Be proud of yourself, silly.” Patton wrapped Logan into another hug. Despite being shaken around so much, Logan couldn’t help but laugh. “Gosh, you deserve this so so much– I’m so proud of you.”

Logan’s breath hitched. 

“You…” 

Patton drew himself back ever-so-slightly, leaving a mere inch between him and Logan. He smiled. 

“I’m always proud of you, Logan.” He kissed Logan’s nose, sending a rush of warmth throughout his entire being. 

He then looked down at the spaces between each wooden plank of the porch and smiled. 

“Peonies,” he whispered, resting his forehead against Logan’s. “I’m happy too, Lo. So so so happy.”

---------

3.

“Patton, take a deep breath.”

“He–” Patton gasped, wrapping his arms around himself– “how– I can’t–”

“Patton.” Logan took the phone out of Patton’s hand and held them, squeezing gently. “Patton, let’s sit down, please–”

“Don’t touch me!“ Patton sobbed, pulling his hands back and covering his mouth. Tears rolled down his cheeks and over his hands. He began backing away from Logan. “It’s– I’m a– I’m–”

“Patton–”

“Fuck,” Patton choked out, stumbling past Logan and heading in the direction of their backyard. “I can’t– I need–”

Logan just nodded, carefully catching up to him and clearing out as much clutter as he could so Patton wouldn’t get hurt. He slid open their backyard door for Patton to rush through. 

The cool, evening air hit Logan almost sharply, and he hoped that Patton could feel the same thing. He watched from a hesitant distance as Patton fell to his knees on their grass, folding into himself like a ball and clutching at each strand. 

(He doesn’t need you to make this worse.  "You don’t know how to feel, after all.”)

 “Hey,” Logan finally said. He walked over to the grass and sat a comfortable distance away from Patton. “Is this enough space?”

Patton didn’t lift his head, but he nodded. Logan sighed. 

“...What happens outside your workplace is not your responsibility.”

Patton let out a huge sob; one that felt like it echoed through the whole neighbourhood. 

Fuck. Logan cleared his throat.

“Tell me about the flowers,” he blurted out. Patton lifted his head slightly. 

“The–”

“The flowers,” Logan said again, even less sure of himself. “Tell me what they...what they look like to you right now.”

Patton let out a scratchy laugh. “You don’t believe in the stupid flowers.”

Logan’s heart broke. 

(He didn’t, but he believed in him.)

“Tell me about them anyway,” he said insistently. “I assume they are in our presence, no?”

Patton sighed and, after seemingly deliberating his offer, sat up; his hands firmly gripping the grass they were sitting on. He looked around him, all spacey in that way that used to scare Logan. (It still does, but he at least knows enough about it that it’s not as worrisome.)

Finally, he spoke up. 

“I– I see marigolds,” he whispered. “And– and yellow carnations.”

Logan closed his eyes in thought for a second and then opened them with a sigh. 

“My dear,” he whispered, scooting a bit closer to him. “It is normal to feel grief and disappointment. Those are common reactions to a tragic occurrence such as this. I am so deeply sorry that you have to experience this because you do not deserve this, my starlight.”

Patton curled even more into himself.

“But what is important is that he is still here,” Logan continued. “And I am going to be here to assist you with whatever you need in order for you to cope during this difficult time.”

He watched as Patton took a deep breath; the first one in hours. When he exhaled, he felt as if the air around him grew still and less frigid. 

“I already know with absolute certainty that I will witness you lift yourself up when we make it through this; stronger than you were ever before.” He moved closer to him again. “You did not fail, no – we are simply just trying again.”

A beat of silence. Patton sniffled. “T-There’s purple hyacinths now.”

Logan sadly smiled. A common one with Patton.

“You do not have to apologize.” He patted the space next to him. “I’m here. And so are you.”

Patton sobbed a bit more, but eventually smiled through his tears and curled up in Logan’s lap. Logan held Patton and leaned over to press a kiss in his hair. 

“I got you,” he murmured in his curls. He felt Patton settle into his lap, the tenseness in his shoulders loosening. He ran his hands through his hair, kissing it again and again every few seconds. 

“Forever?” He heard Patton mumble. He smiled. 

“And a little bit after that,” he whispered back. 

And they sat there for a while, underneath the starry skies above them, in what Logan assumed was a sea of yellow and purple flowers. Though, he was never really sure.

- 

Later on, Patton asked him how he knew what each flower meant. And Logan, who would never admit to researching floriography (or to any accomplishment at all), just said it was a coincidence.

---------

4.

Patton rarely got mad; but when he did, Logan could only assume there were petunias everywhere.

“You–”

“Patton, please, not today–”

“NO!” His voice bounced off the walls and hit Logan in the chest. He shut up immediately. “Just...please– please tell me you’re joking.”

Logan averted his glance. “...I had to speak with them.”

“With your parents?! “ Patton screamed. “Who– who haven’t even bothered to call you in the last, what, five years?! “

“Patton, I–”

“You promised you’d never talk to them again,” Patton hissed. “I thought we agreed that– that it’d be wrong to. Because they were miserable people– people who– who made you miserable.”

He stung more than any thorn ever could. Logan tried to imagine some growing through the floors, as if trying to sympathize with what he could be experiencing. Of course he was angry. What Logan did was stupid. And he didn’t even mention the outcome…

“They’re my parents, Patton,” he said instead. He tried to plant his feet to the floor firmly, but Patton’s pacing made him shrivel up where he stood. 

“They are not your parents,” Patton snapped. His breathing was sharp and quick. “Parents–  parents don’t just tell their kid that they don’t have the capacity to feel– parents don’t kick their kid out of their fucking house and– and abandon them and leave them to be fixed by someone else.”

Logan’s breath hitched. 

“I…” He tried not to let it hurt him, but seeing Patton also wince at his own words made him feel somewhat validated in his pain. Still, he stood his ground. 

“I did not ask you to fix me,” Logan whispered, just as sharply; as if to get him back. 

Stupid.

“Logan.” Patton’s voice was even more troubling when it was quiet. “How could you...”

“It’s true.” (Why was he still talking?!) “I didn’t need you to–”

But he never finished. 

Because that’s all it took for Patton to leave.

-

5.

Patton found Logan outside in their backyard, surrounded by roses.

Roses of every colour; yellow, pink, blue, black, and white. The grass underneath his feet was bright green– in fact, everything around him was bright. 

“L-Logan, what–”

And that was when he saw the ring.

“Patton.” It came out as a loud, choked sob. 

Patton took a shaky step towards Logan, who shakily got on one knee.

“What are you…”

To his surprise, Logan laughed. 

“We– we were never really good at appropriate timing, were we?” 

Patton covered his mouth with wide eyes.

“I called my parents,” Logan began shakily, “because I wanted to tell them that I was going to marry you.”

Patton’s breath hitched. 

“You were right,” he continued, wiping his eyes. “Parents don’t do any of the things you had mentioned a-and I know I broke that promise we made out of good intent but…” He sighed. “But they are my parents. And I wanted them to be part of this moment.”

He closed his eyes, almost shamefully.

“Ultimately, it was out of spite, wasn’t it?” He laughed quietly. “In the end, I just wanted to prove to them that I could.”

“C-Could what?”

Logan stood up from his place and smiled. “That I could feel.”

A wide grin spread across Patton’s face.

“Oh, Logan…” He sobbed, rushing over to hold Logan’s hands. He giggled as Logan’s glasses fogged up from him crying, and he reached over to take them off, opting to rest them lopsided on his head. Logan laughed again through his tears. 

“Patton,” he whispered, looking up in his eyes. “I feel everything with you. I– I feel perfect, unadulterated happiness and love when I am with you. I feel joy, I feel peace, I feel...I feel things that I didn’t even know exist– ”

He held Patton’s hands and took a deep breath.

“I feel everything for– for you.” Logan rested his forehead against Patton’s and broke into laughter as their tears fell to the ground. “I want to feel everything with you– the ups, the downs, everything– for the rest of my life.”

---------

1.

And as Patton kissed him, Logan watched as a rainbow of colours blossomed around their home.

[feisty-fae]

If you still do the flower ask thingys.. 👉👈 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙜𝙤 :)

HoooH boY hEre we gO-

Alisons: Sexuality?

I sexually identify as a can of beans

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender?

Cis female she/her

Amaryllis: Birthday?

27 September

Anemone: Favorite flower?

All flowers pretty,, but stargazer lily, rose, dahlia and cherry blossoms

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show?

I don't watch tv but I'll list some other stuff i like to watch:mha, beastars and aggretsuko

Arum-Lily: What’s the farthest you’d go for a stranger?

Idk depends on scenario??

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes?

"Kanye West he likes, fingers in his ass."

Aubrieta: Favorite drink?

Any Milkshakes or smoothies (mostly banana and strawberry for milkshake and p much anything for smoothie)

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

I've never had kith

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love?

Well you see yes but actually no

Baneberries: Favorite song?

I listen to a lot but to keep it short:baby in the kitchen, in my mouth and friends slowed (chase atlantic)

Basket of Gold: Describe your family.

We p chill fam

Beebalm: Do you have a best friend? Who is it?

Irl bestie,, shes not on tumblr lol

Begonia: Favorite color?

PinKKK

But i like most colours

Bellflower: Favorite animal?

Cats,,,,

FoxES,

ANYTHING CUDDLY AND CUTE

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person?

Night

Black-Eyed Susan: If you could be any animal for a day, what would it be?

I'd be like a doggo bc it would be the most fun i think-

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a vet but then when my granny asked me "but whos gonna clean up the animal poop?" I was like "eWW pO0pP!" and then decided that mayb i shouldn't be a vet

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children?

They're either really kind and sweet

Or literal demons from hell

Legit no inbetween

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why?

I'm afraid of lot of things-

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood.

I was one dumbass bitcg-

Bugleherb: How would you spend your last day on Earth?

Idk eat pizza and cry or smth ajakamkw

Buttercup: Relationship Status?

Single

Camelia: If you could visit anywhere, where would you want to go?

NEW YORKKK, CONCRETE JUNGLE WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE OFFF THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN'T DO NOW YOU'RE IN NEW YOOORKKK

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved?

When someone hugs me or just generally spends time with me

Canna: Do you have any tattoos?

Nop

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings?

I used to have piercings when i was a bab but eHh haven't worn them since and i dont think my ear holes are big enough now-

California Poppy: Height?

4'10 grrr I'm the omega midget and I'll devour ur ankles

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts?

Nop

Carnation: What are you currently wearing?

Pant, pink top and black hoodie

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight?

I think i have??

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged?

My mom and my dad

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed?

I never kith

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font?

I dont have one so imma say sans bc it always looks out of place and makes me laugh-

Columbine: Are you tired?

No

I feel like screaming and jumping around my room like a crackhead

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to?

Nothing in particular ig

Coneflower: Dream job?

Smth kinda fun and art or design related hopefully,,,,

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert but i also get lonley easily

Crocus: Have you ever been in love?

Nop,,,,

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about?

I would get run over by 5 monster trucks, jump off a plane, get mauled by 10 bears, get trampled on by a stampede, get brutally tortured for 12 hours straight, yeet myself into the Grand Canyon and then break all my bones with my bare hands if they weren't broken already

Ok basically i care a lot

Cyclamen: Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? What was it?

I had this st bernard plush called Sparky and this lion named Sammy,,

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign?

Libra

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering?

My memory is legit so bad it's probably concerning uHHH

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

Mayb art??

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)?

Ehhh i might reason with them and then if they still disagreed I'd just keep the relationship a secret

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to?

My parents

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at?

Ehhh arT

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at?

EhhHh everything that isn't art-

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month?

Oh boy here comes my shitty memory-

Hmmm

Idk but I'm mostly happy that I've been more social and stuff and i feel like im kinda coming out of my shell a bit

Not sure what to say for other 2 bc nothing in particular has really happend?

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today?

Ehhh oK??

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life?

Mayhapsn't

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two?

I hope to pass all my exams and get an okish job mayb

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life?

1.fRIENBS ILY MY HABIBIS

2. Fammm

3. eHhh yummy food,,

4. Drawing and uhhh art

5. EPIC MUTUALS

6. Ok idk what else aside from like serious stuff like house and etc.-

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed?

Drawing, crying, venting to a friend/parent

Hellebore: How do you show affection?

Hugssss,kith,cuddle, *draws u stuff*

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of?

MmmmmMy aRRt?

Hollyhock: Describe your ideal day.

Wake up

Don't go to school

Vibe with friends

Sleeb

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time?

MmMmMM aRT-

Hydrangea: How long have you known your best friend? How did you meet them?

Ehh 8yrs? We met in hell school

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything?

Friendos

Mom

Laceleaf: How many friends do you have?

6..?? Aa idk theres some people that idk if they'd consider me a friend or not,,

Lantanas: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Idk any compliment is best compliment for me,,

Larkspur: What do you think of yourself?

Ew yucky gröss

Lavender: What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

m y a r t

Also my hair bc its soft and wavy,,

Leather Flower: What’s your least favorite thing about yourself?

Everything else-

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child?

Climb trees and do dumb shit

Lily: Who was your best friend when you were a kid?

Same irl bestie i mentioned before

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for?

MmmmmmMMM,,,

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about?

MMMmMMmMMMMmmmMMm,,,,,,

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name?

Well I chose Fae bc i thought it sounded pretty

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it.

Idk what to rlly say lmao

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up?

Kinda the same but i had toys everywhere-

Also when i was like 5 i had this legit fucking cursed thomas the tank engine shaped bed that i actually found a pic of but it's FUCKING HORRIFYING SO I PROBS WONT SHOW HERE-

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years?

EW BEING A TEENAGER SUCKS ASS HOW DO I UNDO????

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom.

Hi mom ily ur epic

Onions: Tell about your dad.

Hi dad ily ur epic

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents.

Omg i miss my grannies sm bc i couldn't see em this year bc nasty pandemic

Pansy: What was your most memorable birthday? What made it be so memorable?

Haha shit memory gor brrRR-

I don't really remember too many specific parties but when i was like 7-10 i had these epic parties in those birthday places with the giant play areas

I kinda wish i wasn't too old to go to them sobs

Peony: What was your first job?

I haven't had a job yet

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any?

Hmmmm idk? I haven't really thought abt that but i don't really mind i just wanna find someone to vibe with,,

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain?

I cri

Pink: Where is home?

Home is home home

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change?

Now where do i start...

Prairie Gentian: Who is someone you look up to? Describe them.

I look up to people that are kind, caring, brave, funny, cool or stronger than me ig?

Primrose: Describe your ideal life.

Basically my current life minus school, stress,pandemic and responsibilities lmao

Rhodendron: What is something you used to believe in as a child?

I used to believe in ghosts after i thought i encountered one

Ricinus: Who’s the most important in your life?

Hermmmst

Rose: What’s your favorite sound?

Peoples laughsss also music

Rosemallows: What’s your favorite memory?

Bro i dont have one,, my aphantasia makes it hard for me to remember stuff-

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory?

A

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want?

I wantttt better chargersss thattt donttt telll meee thatt myyy tablett will finishh chargingg innn 1 dayy andd 7 hoursss

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things?

Kinda difficult but im opening up more

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without?

fRIENDS,,,,,wAh

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night?

8 hrs

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning?

Idk ig i kinda have to go to school and do stuff

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job?

Non existant

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing?

My black and white stripy top, and all my hoodiess

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic.

I don't think i have just one aesthetic bc im drawn to so many different aesthetics at the same time-

Like vintage, neon, dark, spoopy, pastel, cute, etc etc

Tulip: What would be the best present to get you?

OMG I LEGIT JUST SCREAM AT ANYTHING ANYONE GIVES ME-

IF SOMEONE GOES OUT OF THEIR WAY TO MAKE ME SMTH I CRY,,

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now?

🤏

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called?

I haven't been reading anythinggg

But i should really finish reading Percy Jackson bc it do be picking up dust-

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year?

Everywhere

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is?

Mmm yummy 👅

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself.

I am currently living and breathing yes

[emospritelet]

Empty Corridors - Ch 18

Last time, Lacey was freaked out by realising that she has fallen head over heels in love with Gold.  So expect awkwardness :(

AO3 link

Gold was unused to feeling so content on waking.  He was wonderfully warm, his muscles aching pleasantly, and Lacey’s scent was filling his head.  Memories of the previous evening oozed into his brain, making him smile, and he licked his lips as though he would still catch the taste of her.  He reached out with a hand, hoping to pull her close, but the bed beside him was cold.  An odd sensation registered, something smooth and warm, patting his nose, and he opened his eyes.  The black kitten was watching him curiously, a paw reaching out to touch him with velvet pads, and he felt his grin widen.

“Well, good morning to you, too.”

He pushed himself up, throwing back the covers and making the kitten scamper away, and hunted for his clothes.  He presumed Lacey was already up and dressed.  It would have been nice to wake up beside her for once, and the first tingles of anxiety were starting to form, deep in his belly, as he thought about the possible reasons for her absence.  It had felt strange to talk about Bae with her; it had been so long since he had spoken to anyone about that, and he wasn’t sure what had made him decide to be open with her.  Perhaps her own fear and vulnerability, putting him in the unfamiliar position of wanting to protect and care for someone.  He wasn’t sure he was any good at it, and her absence from the bedroom made him wonder if he had shared too much, been too open.  Acted too much as though they were an item, instead of - well, whatever the hell this was.  Or perhaps she was regretting being open with him about her own past.  He could understand that, too.  Either way, he was pretty sure he had fucked up.

It took him a little while to get dressed and button everything, and his shirt was badly crumpled from where it had lain on the floor all night.  It would have to do until he got home, and he smoothed the front as best he could, knotting his tie.

Lacey was in the kitchen, standing with her back to him and gazing out of the window, but she turned as he entered, sending him a smile that seemed a little thin.

“Hey,” she said.  “Still no power, so no coffee.  Sorry.”

“No matter.”  He glanced out of the window at the clear blue sky.  “At least the storm is over.”

“Yeah.”  She held up her phone.  “Leroy texted me.  Power company says it’ll be back on later today, with any luck.”

She slipped the phone into her pocket, wrapping her arms around herself and looking down.  The anxious feeling began stealing through him, icy pinpricks crawling over his skin.

“We could try Granny’s,” he suggested.  “I’m pretty sure she has backup generators.”

“Yeah, I guess.”  She hunched her shoulders.  “I - I was kind of wanting to study today.  Thought I’d get some in while I can.”

She still wasn’t looking at him, and he wanted to sigh.  They had been so in tune the previous night, or so he had thought.  They had shared secrets and opened up, and when he had woken her from her nightmare and comforted her in the best way he knew, it had been different.  It had been like making love.  She had been silent afterwards, chewing her lip and not meeting his eyes, and so he hadn’t pushed it, simply spooning up behind her and feeling her relax as she slipped back into sleep.  She seemed to pull back whenever he thought he was getting close to her.  He supposed he could understand that, being used to keeping others at arm’s length as he did.  It was bloody infuriating, though.  He decided to give her space, as that appeared to be what she wanted.

“I’ll have to say no to coffee anyway, I have some things to take care of today,” he said briskly, straightening his cuffs.  “Looks as though you’re busy, too.  I suppose we’ll see each other on Wednesday, when you start work.”

Lacey blinked at him, uncertainty warring with what looked like hurt in her eyes.  Okay, so maybe he didn’t understand her.

“Yeah,” she said eventually.  “Yeah, I guess.  Wednesday morning, bright and early.”

“I open at eight-thirty,” he said lamely.  Lacey nodded.  She knew that, of course.  He had no idea why he had said it.  She was shifting a little awkwardly from foot to foot, and after a moment’s hesitation, he decided to reach out again.

“But if you wanted to meet for coffee beforehand,” he added, “I could see you in Granny’s.  Assuming the power’s back on.”

Her face brightened a little.  God, he had no clue what she was thinking.

“Okay, sure,” she said.  “We’ll start the day with a double-shot of caffeine.  Got a feeling I’m gonna need it.”

“Yes.”  His hands opened and closed on the handle of his cane, and he gestured at the pans of potatoes and coq au vin he had started to cook the night before.  “You - uh - you can heat that through if you like.  Should do you a couple of meals.”

“Thanks.”  Lacey glanced at the stove.  “Fingers crossed I can have it tonight.  Potatoes is something I can actually cook.  Kind of.”

He wavered, wondering if he should kiss her, and deciding that she didn’t want him to.

“Right,” he said.  “Well.  Wednesday, then.”

“See you around,” she said carelessly, and he nodded and backed away, heading for the door and wanting to bang his head against the wall as he went down the stairs.

Lacey listened to the door close, feeling anxious and awkward, and hating it.  She was aware that he wasn’t sure how to react to her coolness, but having been hit with a deluge of feelings that she didn’t know what to do with, running and hiding in the kitchen had seemed like the best option.  She had woken in his arms, warm and safe and content, until the reality of what she was feeling, and their whole situation, had made her panic and bolt.  Perhaps it had been the storm, and her being overemotional.  Perhaps she would see him on Wednesday and feel nothing for him but the faint sense that she wanted to screw his brains out.  Perhaps she could be casual about this whole thing.  And while you’re at it, perhaps you’ll get a 1580 on the SATs and every college in the country will beat down the door to enrol you, she thought dryly.  Admit it, you bloody idiot.  You fell in love with the man.  You knew full well it could never last, and you fell in love with him anyway.  Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Mentally yelling at herself didn’t make her feel any better, and so she made herself a dish of cereal - the milk was still okay, so there was that - and drank a tall glass of water.  Study would put him out of her mind, at least.  She was enrolled for the tests, and the second of December wasn’t that far away, really.  Sighing to herself, she reached for the books.  At least she could do her best in this.  Maybe he’d even be proud.

She had to work the next day, her final, early shift at the diner before her new job, and she was surprised to find that she enjoyed it.  Perhaps it was the air of excitement that she felt, despite her inner turmoil, or the fact that Leroy bought her flowers and kissed her cheek when she brought out his breakfast (extra bacon).  Granny and the other girls had got her a card and a present of a new black shirt and skirt, which she planned to wear on her first day.  Ruby had slipped one of the little aprons into her bag as well, causing raised eyes.  She had shrugged, grinning.

“Just in case you feel like a bit of roleplay with - anyone,” she said innocently, making Lacey blush and glare at her.

She spent the rest of the day studying, refusing Ruby’s offer of a night out, but agreeing to meet on Wednesday evening to talk about how her first day had gone.  The power was back on, and so she studied late into the night, her eyes burning when she finally pushed her books aside.

On Tuesday she decided to take a break and do some chores, and so she went into town to stock up on food with her last paycheck from the diner.  There was something else she needed to do, but it meant she would have to speak to her father, and so she had been putting it off for a few days, unable to deal with the inevitable confrontation.

The late October day was crisp and bright, and she breathed deeply as she left her apartment, enjoying the cold scent of the air.  She had spent the evening hunched over her books, and so she rolled aching shoulders, glancing down the street to where her father’s shop sat, its front bedecked with hanging baskets filled with ivy and winter pansies.  The infamous metal flamingos stood guard outside, and Lacey raised her chin.  She would have to go in.

It had been the conversation with Gold that had made up her mind.  She usually went to her mother’s grave once a month, just to clear the weeds and brush dust from the stone.  Sometimes she took flowers, but she hadn’t done that for a few months now, as the only place in town to buy them was Game of Thorns.  She had decided that caring for the grave was more important than how she felt about her father, and so she was about to pay him a visit.

The shop smelt the same, fresh and green, with the heady scent of roses near the counter.  Moe French was making up a bouquet, wrapping pink florist’s ribbon around the stems, and his mouth flattened as she walked up.

“Hey,” said Lacey.  “I wanted to take some flowers to Mum’s grave.”

He grunted, turning away.

“Haven’t seen you do that in a while.”

“When was the last time you went?”

He didn’t answer, and she sighed.

“Look, just make me up a small bunch of whatever’s pretty,” she said.  “You know what she liked, I don’t really remember.”

“You’ll be paying for it.”

“Obviously.”  Not as though you’d give me anything, is it?

He finished the bouquet he was working on, setting it aside, and reached into the plastic tubs at his feet for carnations and chrysanthemums.  He glanced at her as he worked, and Lacey shifted from foot to foot, feeling his disappointment.

“Did you get anyone to help out?” she asked.  “You could do with someone to cover the shop while you make deliveries.”

“I can’t afford an assistant,” he said sourly.  “Honest businessmen don’t have money to burn, you know.”

It was a blatant dig at Gold, but she ignored it.

“Just get one of the high school seniors,” she said.  “They could do a couple of hours after class.”

“I thought that you would help me out, like you used to,” he said.  “Guess not.”

“You never paid me,” she said impatiently.  “I can’t live on fresh air, I have bills and rent to pay.”

Moe snorted.  “Do you?  Gotta say I’m surprised.”

She was about to ask him what he meant, but figured she could guess, so she ignored that, too.  He added some greenery to the bouquet, his eyes flicking across to her.

“Walking around town in the middle of the morning, huh?” he said.  “What happened to this great new job of yours?”

“It was my last day at Granny’s yesterday,” she said coldly.  “I start tomorrow.  Signed a contract and everything.”

“I’m not gonna ask what the terms were,” he said, and she flushed.

“Yeah, clause thirteen says I have to blow him on Friday afternoons between three and three-thirty,” she said sarcastically.  “Better bring your rent payment in the morning, instead.”

Moe frowned.

“You’ve got a mouth on you, haven’t you?” he said.  “I never raised you to be like this.”

“You barely raised me at all!”

She was getting angry now, and the way his thick fingers fumbled at the flower stalks was annoying her further.  No doubt his hands were shaking from the drink.  He cut a length of ribbon, winding it around the bunch, and pushed it across the counter.

“Twenty bucks.”

“How much?”

Moe shrugged.  “You can afford it, right?  Must be some perks to being Gold’s whore.”

Shaking with anger, she shoved a hand in her purse and pulled out a ten dollar bill and two fives, slapping them on the desk.

“Better learn as much as you can while you’ve got the chance,” he said gruffly.  “I’m guessing you’ll be looking for a new job within six months.  Business and pleasure don’t mix, my girl.”

“Like you’d know.”

“I know him,” said Moe, popping open the cash register and putting the money inside.  “The man’s a snake.  A snake who takes what he wants.  The moment he decides he doesn’t want you, I’m guessing you’re out on your arse.  So don’t burn your bridges.  You might need that diner uniform yet.”

She glowered at him, insecurity crawling through her, and he sent her a wry, ugly grin.

“Unless of course you think he might actually have feelings for you,” he said snidely.  “In which case I’ll wait for the happy announcement that the richest guy in town is content to have everyone else’s sloppy seconds.”

Lacey’s jaw worked, and she grasped the flowers and turned on her heel, striding from the shop.  Tears pricked her eyes, encouraged by the cold breeze, and she blinked rapidly, setting off up the street towards the outskirts of town, and the cemetery.  She was seething with a mix of rage and humiliation, but a part of her whispered that her father was right, and that thought was too painful for words.

Gold had kept himself busy by reorganising some of the stock in the shop, in preparation for Lacey’s arrival.  His records were accurate and complete, but he spent all of Sunday and Monday going through each of the items currently for sale on his shelves, checking its description and provenance and deciding whether it deserved space in the shop or should be relegated to the back room.  It was exactly the sort of task he needed, keeping him busy enough that he didn’t dwell too much on the fragile state of his non-relationship.  He had avoided the diner, knowing it was Lacey’s last day, and hoping that her colleagues would take some of the pressure off her.  It would be strange to go in for coffee and not see her.  The brief thought that perhaps they might go together each day had evaporated.  She seemed to want to withdraw from him, and he knew better than to push his way in where he wasn’t wanted.

By Tuesday afternoon he had finished sorting the stock and was going through one of his rent ledgers when the bell rang above the door.  A glance up made him sigh to himself, and he set down his pen.  Miss Green strode up to the counter in a swirl of skirts, her dark green coat flaring behind her and her curls bouncing on her shoulders.

“Oh, good, you’re here,” she said.  “I want to talk to you about the farm.”

“I trust there isn’t a problem?” he said neutrally, and she smiled.  It made his teeth ache.

“Not at all,” she said.  “It’s just that I wanted to make some alterations, and I’m aware that as landlord, you’ll want to look them over.”

Gold leaned on the desk, hands poised on splayed fingers.  She had his attention now.  Tenants taking it into their heads to make improvements without consulting him had cost him dearly in the past.

“I’ll want to see the plans and give my express approval before any work is done, yes.”

“Oh, it’s not the farmhouse itself,” she said airily.  “I just want to put up some greenhouses and ducting for the water supply, it’s nothing to cause you concern.”

“I’ll want to see the plans,” he repeated.  “And give my express approval.”

“Fine,” she sighed, rolling her eyes.  “I have the preliminary drawings.  I can bring them in this week.”

“Wonderful.”

He waited for her to go, but instead she stepped nearer, leaning on the counter.  It made him want to pull back, but he met her gaze as calmly as he could.

“I could bring them here, of course,” she said.  “Or you could come out to the farm.”

“It’s not me that wants to make improvements.”

“You could see what I’ve done with the place,” she said.  “The kitchen, for example.  I make an excellent pie.  I’d be happy to cut you a piece.”

She was grinning at him, and he decided that he had had enough.

“Miss Green, I’m at a loss to understand why it is you seem to think we’re old friends,” he said impatiently.  “I’m not aware that our paths have ever crossed, and yet since you came to this town you have been displaying a disturbing amount of over-familiarity.  Had we met before and I simply wiped it from my mind?”

Zelena pushed back from the counter, looking irritated.

“No,” she said, after a pause.  “And there’s no need to be so hostile, I can take a hint.”

“Really?”  He turned back to his ledger.  “And here I was thinking you were simply a budding stalker with too much free time.”

She pulled back with a huff.  “Has anyone ever told you that you’re insufferably rude?”

Gold showed his teeth.

“Frequently.  Do I look like I care?”

“Well, fortunately I have a very thick skin,” she said with a sniff.  “It takes a lot to knock me down.”

“That is fortunate indeed,” he said.  “For you.”

“I’ll see you later in the week, then,” she said.  “If you’re in agreement, we can sit down and discuss any terms.”

“My office hours are eight-thirty until six,” he said.  “And I’m in no mood to make exceptions, so do please remember that.”

She huffed again, tossing her hair.

“Fine,” she said.  “I’ll see you on Friday, I expect.”

“I am almost breathless with anticipation.”

Her mouth flattened, and she whirled away and stormed out, making him grin.  Bloody irritating woman!  There was something familiar about her, though.  Something he couldn’t quite place.  Her appearance in the small town, seemingly with no connection there, was unusual enough to make him suspicious, and he decided to do a little digging.  He drummed his fingers on the counter, weighing up his options, and after a moment, dug his phone out of his pocket.

“I have a job for you,” he said to the voice on the other end.  “A little detective work.  Usual fees.”

After giving as much detail about Zelena as he could, he rang off, turning back to his ledger.  He would know who she was, and what she really wanted, soon enough.

Wednesday dawned, grey and miserable, and Lacey curled her lip at the weather as she drank a mug of coffee and petted the kittens.  It was early, barely seven, and she was already dressed and watching the diner from her kitchen window.  It was odd to see Ruby and the others bustling about, setting out cutlery and refilling napkin holders, while she sat in the warmth of her kitchen and watched them.  Okay, so maybe she was actually waiting to see if Gold showed up and maybe she was all ready to get out of the door once he did, but that was beside the point.

As if on cue, she saw him out of the corner of her eye, a lone, slender figure in a dark suit and a red shirt, his black overcoat wafting behind him in the breeze and his hair rippling as he walked.  She downed the last of the coffee, and picked up the kittens to kiss them one by one.

“I’ll be back at lunchtime,” she promised.  “You guys be good, okay?”

Setting them in their basket, she grabbed the bag containing her laptop and charger, pulled a hat down over her hair and trotted out of the door.  She still felt awkward about seeing Gold, and was unsure how she was going to react, but she had told herself very firmly that she had a job to do, and her personal feelings towards him shouldn’t get in the way.

Just be casual, she thought as she crossed the road.  You’ve interacted tons of times, and the fact that you caught feelings and shit means nothing.  Concentrate on the job.  Just don’t be fucking weird about it and freak out when you see him.

She pushed open the door to the diner, calling out a greeting to Merida and Ruby, and caught Gold’s eye almost immediately.  He was just taking off his coat, draping it over the back of his chair, and he sent her a brief smile, his gold tooth glinting as he shook his hair back.  She felt her stomach flip, and almost stumbled into the table.

Great, Lacey.  Real smooth.

“Eager to get started, I see,” he said.  “Would you like breakfast?”

She busied herself setting down her bag and shrugging off her jacket.

“Coffee would be good,” she said.  “And - and I guess some pancakes, if you’re having some.”

“Make that two, please, Miss Lucas,” said Gold, as Ruby bustled up with a pad and pen.

“Sure thing.”  Ruby scribbled on the pad, winked at Lacey, and hurried off to grab the coffee.

Lacey pulled off her hat, shoving it into her bag, and sat up, knowing that her cheeks were flushed, and hoping he would think it was the cold air.  Gold was looking at her over tented fingers, the dark red of his shirt warm against his skin, light glinting on the heavy ring he wore on his right hand.  She sat back as Ruby placed steaming cups of coffee in front of them both.

“I brought my computer,” she said.  “I thought I’d probably spend at least the first few days setting up a spreadsheet to record the details of all the items.  It’ll make it easier to keep track of everything if we have a good database.  I’ll need access to whatever records you have on the crap in your shop.”

He nodded.

“I thought as much,” he said, taking a sip.  “I spent the past few days double-checking the prices and provenance on everything.”

She nodded, fidgeting a little in her seat, and he took another sip.

“I suggest you don’t label the goods as ‘crap’ when it comes to listing them for sale,” he added, his eyes twinkling a little, and she gave him a flat look.

“Just make sure I have as much info on them as you can give me.”

“Well, my ledgers have everything I’ve purchased and sold,” he said.  “I may need to provide you with more description, as a lot of the detail is held in my head.”

“It’s cool, I need to take pictures anyway.”  She added sugar and cream to her cup.  “I’ll need to set up in the back room.  A flat surface with some cloth covering it.”

“Black would be best for the jewellery, and perhaps green for the furniture and some of the china,” he said, rubbing his chin.  “Let me see what I can do.  It may not be today.”

“Not a problem, as long as I give everything a reference number we can use to add the pictures later.”

She could feel herself relax, as they talked about work, as they concentrated on what it was he had hired her to do.  She was surprised by how easy it was to fall into this new way of earning a living, discussing her ideas with him as though she had done this sort of thing before, and wasn’t an ex-waitress with a working knowledge of Ebay.  He seemed receptive to her suggestions, and amused by her enthusiasm, and by the time they left the diner she decided she had made the right choice.  She just had to keep on doing her job until she got over her feelings for him.

Gold had cleared a space in the back room for her, a small desk and chair on which she set her laptop.  He largely left her to get on with it, sitting at the workbench and making repairs to a pocket watch.  They sat in comfortable silence as Lacey began constructing her spreadsheet, adding columns for item descriptions, age and condition, along with purchase price, retail price and reserve auction price.  Gold made them tea at eleven, a strong, fragrant brew with chewy oatmeal raisin cookies on the side.  Lacey perched on her chair with her feet tucked under, nibbling at her cookie as he leaned back against the bench opposite.

“I’m gonna set up different sheets for different groups of items,” she explained.  “So there’ll be a furniture section, and a porcelain section, and a jewellery section, you know?  Should make it easier to find stuff.”

“Can you put something in there about sales data?” he asked.

“I can.  Do you do your accounts on computer?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Lacey giggled.  “Pity.  Would have made things easier for you.”

He grinned, and took a bite of his cookie.

“I have to go out to look at one of my properties this afternoon,” he said.  “Will you be alright minding the shop until I get back?”

“What if someone wants to buy something?” she asked, and he shrugged.

“Prices are marked.  Sell it to them.  If they haggle, don’t go lower than ten per cent off.”

“Um…”  She chewed her lip, and he smiled.

“No one ever comes in, remember?” he said.  “That’s why I hired you.”

“Okay.”  She nodded.  “Sure.  I’m sure it’ll be fine.  I’ll - um - I’ll need your records so I can start putting the details in here.”

Gold jerked his head at a large mahogany bookshelf at the side of the room.

“All the ledgers are on there,” he said.  “You’ll no doubt find that things aren’t in the order you want, but I’m afraid there’s no way around that.”

“I can manage,” she said, looking at the thick, heavy ledgers.  “I think - I think this is gonna keep me busy for some time.”

“Well, that was the general idea,” he said, lifting his teacup.  “I assure you this isn’t urgent.  Just take your time.”

He took a drink, and she nodded, trying to relax a little more.  He was looking too good for her to be entirely comfortable, his jacket off and the red silk sleeves pushed up with his gold sleeve garters.  She hadn’t even known those were a thing until she saw them on him, but they only added to the attraction.  She found her gaze running down his body, remembering how he felt pressing down on her, and buried her nose in her cup to hide her blush.

“So which property’s causing you problems?” she asked, trying to distract herself.

“Oh, it’s one of my warehouses,” he said.  “It’s not causing problems, exactly, I just think it either needs extensive renovations or pulling down and replacing with something else.”

“Another warehouse?” she asked.

“Perhaps.  It depends on the interests of potential tenants.  The town doesn’t need more housing, it needs business investment.”

“You could turn it into smaller offices or retail spaces,” she suggested.  “Give discounts to start-ups, or start a weekly market for small traders.”

“Excuse me?”

Lacey sat forward.

“Look, there are plenty of people in this town who’d like to do something else, but don’t have the space or the time or the money,” she said.  “Take Leroy and Walter.  They work at the hospital, but Leroy’s a qualified electrician, and Walter’s a plumber.  They just never had any advice about setting up in business or any premises to work from.”

He was staring at her, but she pressed on.

“And - and then there’s Tiana,” she said.  “Making cupcakes out of her kitchen in the evening for whatever bake sale happens to come along.  If she had more space, she could take on some helpers, bake full time and maybe work up to that patisserie she always talked about running.”

“How do you know all this?” he asked.

“I talk to people,” she said patiently.  “Customer service, you know?  I could tell you the hopes and dreams of pretty much everyone in this town.  You know, except you, I guess.”

He was silent, and she wondered if she had overstepped.  She decided he could handle it.

“I’m just saying that if you maybe put up a bunch of smaller units and agreed a low rent for like six months, it might encourage start-up businesses,” she said, with a shrug, and Gold blinked.

“An interesting suggestion,” he said.  “I’ll consider it when I look the place over.”

He set his cup aside, picking up his jacket and putting it on.

“I’ll be back at lunchtime.”

She nodded, turning back to her laptop as he made his way out.  He hadn’t tried to kiss her, hadn’t so much as touched her since meeting her that morning, and it made it easier to think.  If she was going to be working for him, she had to hold onto as many of her wits as the man had left her, which were precious few.

She went to the shelves where the ledgers sat, pulling one out and opening it up on the desk.  There was page after page of notes on the items in the shop, each numbered, some with an entry to show the sale, all in Gold’s neat, flowing script.  She sighed as she looked at how many entries there were just one page.  At this rate she’d still be putting the database together when it was time to take the SATs.

Once a couple of entries were on the system, she decided it would be easier to use a ruler to see which item she was copying, and so she went on a hunt.  There was nothing on the desk or bench, and so she pulled out one of the desk drawers, reaching inside.  Her fingers touched thick paper, and she pulled out a bundle of envelopes, her brow wrinkling curiously.  A stack of letters and cards, that appeared to be unopened, bound with a rubber band.

Lacey looked around, suddenly nervous.  She was aware that she had no right to look, but she couldn’t help peeking to see if her suspicions were correct.  Bailey Gold, the top one said, followed by an address in New York.  It had been returned, unopened.  A quick flick through the pile showed that the others were the same, although the address changed to Portland, Oregon, and then to Phoenix.  The New York address was the most recent, and after a moment she pulled out her phone and took a picture.  She wasn’t sure why, exactly, but it felt like something she should take a note of.  Just in case.

Gold got back to the shop around one, and Lacey excused herself to go home to feed the cats.  He supposed he should have asked her to lunch, but then they were going to be together all afternoon, and she probably wanted time to herself.  He made himself some more tea, instead, with two of the oatmeal cookies, and started working on the pocket watch again.  He had thought over her ideas as he was looking over the warehouse, but although they had merit, he was not one to make snap decisions when it came to business plans.

Lacey returned at two, smiling briefly at him and returning to her work, and there was little more said until the clocks in the shop started striking six, and she stretched and yawned.  Gold flashed her a brief smile.

“How was your first day?” he asked, and she returned the smile.

“Okay, actually,” she said.  “See you tomorrow?”

“Coffee at Granny’s?”

She hesitated, but nodded.  He noticed that she was clutching her laptop bag to her chest, a little like a shield, and so he kept his distance.

“I’ll see you at seven-fifteen,” he said.  “Thank you, Lacey.”

She inhaled sharply, as though she was about to say something, but seemed to think better of it, and scurried out with the laptop bag under one arm.  He watched her go, wondering if he would ever understand what was going through her mind.  The bell above the door tinkled as she let herself out, and he stood up, his leg stiff and painful after sitting in one position for so long.  His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he reached for it, flipping it open to answer.

“It’s me, calling to make your day ten times better.”

The man who called himself Jefferson had an almost lazy drawl to his voice, and was a dreadful flirt.  Gold wanted to roll his eyes, amused in spite of himself.

“What do you have for me?” he asked, and Jefferson sighed.

“Straight to the good stuff, huh?” he said.  “No foreplay at all?”

“Do you want to be paid or not?” snapped Gold.  “I don’t have all night.”

“So my last date said.  Turned out that wasn’t true.”

“Jefferson!”

“Fine!”  Jefferson sighed heavily.  “Her name is Zelena Green, thirty eight years old, raised in London by a banker and his American wife, but went to Northwestern University and studied business.  She worked for Oz Industries up until 2012, then got laid off.  Since then she’s been doing consultant work for a health and beauty company in Philadelphia.”

“Okay, so far, so boring,” said Gold cautiously.  “I know you, though.  What’s your big reveal.”

Jefferson clicked his teeth, sounding exasperated.

“You never let me have any fun!”

“Just tell me.”

“She has interesting antecedents, if you move in the wrong circles,” he said.  “Her birth mother is Cora Mills.”

Gold tapped his pen on the counter, trying to hide his shock.  A name he hadn’t heard in a long time, and an unwelcome one.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.  “If I need anything further I’ll be in touch.”

“Sure thing.”

Jefferson rang off, and Gold slipped the phone back into his pocket, frowning.  Miss Green had made him uncomfortable from the moment he met her.  At least now he knew why.

[purechaos27]

Dynasty Chapter 2

A subtle breeze brushes through the air, sifting its way through the fiery-crimson locks of the two sitting on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. Choppy waves crash against the rough edge of the cliff, sending up a misty spray that briefly obscures the view of the red dawn. Yona has never been to such a place in person, but she trusts her companion’s memory and imagination enough to know that the fine details down to the taste of salt in the air are accurate to reality. The former king gazes ahead. “Had fun today, Yona?” “Uhn!” Yona nods in enthusiastic affirmation. “Soo-won and I hid from Hak today during hide and seek, though I’m not sure if Hak knew we were playing…” Hiryuu finally turns away from the dawn frozen in time to smile fondly down at his reincarnation. “You pulled off the temper trick to motivate Hak to run after you and Soo-won, correct?” “Yep! His face was really funny! I thought his vein was gonna burst!” “And what about your lessons?” Sudden silence as Yona turns around and starts to sweat nervously. “Eh, well, u-um you see—” A raised hand cuts her off. “It’s alright Yona, I understand. I know that it can be quite frustrating to be forced to listen to so-called scholars preach about incorrect or at least incomplete teachings. However.” His stern look quells the budding hope in the princess’s eyes. “That does not mean you can show such disrespect to your instructors by completely ignoring them and even running away in the middle of your lesson.” “But Hiryuu—” “Listen, Yona. All knowledge is worthwhile, even the biased history that is all your instructors know to teach you. To understand conflict, you must know all sides to the story. I have and will continue to teach you the unbiased truth that I have observed from my time above the stars, but as the future ruler of this kingdom, you must understand your own people. A ruler who cannot understand and connect to her kingdom is no ruler at all.” Yona looks down in guilt, kicking her feet to give a reason not to meet Hiryuu’s eyes. The adult sighs softly and brings his finger under her chin, tilting her head so that their eyes can meet. “Yona, I am not angry with you. Yes, I am slightly disappointed, but you are six-years-old. It would not be fair of me to expect you to—” “But I don’t want to disappoint you, Hiryuu! You are the only person who has always been with me; even father doesn’t always have time. I want to make you proud and be a kind, wise, and strong ruler of Kouka kingdom. You already have so many worries—don’t try to say you don’t, I know you’re worried about the Ouryuu! You shouldn’t have to add my competence onto the list as well. I want to change things in this kingdom for the better, but no one ever listens to me. If I can’t even convince my instructors that they’re wrong, how can I ever succeed as a ruler? Father just treats me as a child all the time, and when I ask about how the kingdom is doing, he just pats my head and says that everything is peaceful and everyone is happy. I know that’s not true so why, why does he…?” The little six-year-old girl breaks down into choking sobs before launching herself into her previous incarnation’s lap. Hiryuu looks down at the little girl who resembles him so much helplessly for a bit before trying to sooth her by patting her head. “Shh, shh, it’s ok Yona, you don’t have to worry about me. The kingdom will run just fine for now; you don’t have to change anything just yet. Yes, I worry about you sometimes, but that’s only natural for me. Adults tend to worry about children a lot, I know, it’s silly of us, right? I know you want to change this kingdom, and I won’t discourage you from doing so, but there’s nothing wrong with starting small. Try to make someone smile. Help out a servant who’s struggling with carrying a load. Thank someone…” Hiryuu rambles on and on, trying to soothe the princess’s concerns even as his mind works furiously to figure out just how he managed to miss this up-coming break down. I never knew she felt so much pressure, was I the one to cause this? The dragon king glanced sorrowfully down at the sleeping princess in his lap. I never wanted to—I just didn’t want her to be ignorant! I didn’t take into consideration her own stubbornness and determination. To think that she’d be worried about me! I don’t want her to think she’s responsible for the entire kingdom before she’s even 10. But how? I suppose…yes, that would work. But first… Hiryuu carefully stands up, making sure the princess is secure in his arms. As he walks away from the cliff ledge, the dreamscape slowly fades away to a familiar room. The decoration is tasteful, Hiryuu thinks as he gently lays Yona down on her own futon. It isn’t the garishly bright pink that most stereotypically imagine a princess’s room to be. Instead, the walls are decorated with to show a beautiful forest. Gentle branches spread out starting right behind the futon in the middle of the back wall, climbing overhead onto the ceiling and reaching to both sides of the room. Among the branches, the only splashes of color are four majestic dragons painted protectively around the futon. The futon in the center of the beautifully decorated room is covered by silk sheets of the highest quality, sewn with the detailed image of a crimson dragon. It’s a miracle no one’s figured the truth out yet, but Hiryuu supposes most people believe the story to be a myth nowadays. “Yona” The dragon sighs, “I’m truly sorry to have burdened you with such a heavy destiny for being my reincarnation. Although I will try to prepare you for your future as well as I can, I fear that you will have many years of pain and loss to face. I know you will bring about the change you so long for. Not because you are my reincarnation, but because you are Princess Yona of the red dawn.”

“…na. Princess Yona. PRINCESS YONA!” “Up! I’m up! I’m—hm? Oh, is it morning already Jae-eun? I—” The princess cuts herself off as she breaks into a wide yawn. The sound of an impatiently tapping foot interrupts Yona’s morning leisurely stretching. “Princess Yona.” The red-head freezes and robotically turns toward her servant, who gives an unimpressed look at her innocent smile. “Yes, Jae-eun?” “Don’t give me that look, Princess Yona! You know very well that your history lesson is first in the morning. Now up, up, time to make yourself look presentable. The maids have already drawn a bath for you and if you take too long the water will get cold.” A dejected sigh. “Alright, alright” Hiryuu did say that I can learn from my instructors, so I guess I’ll give it a try. The stuffy old windbag is so booooring though. All he does is go on and on about how our majestic kingdom brought peace and prosperity to all—he doesn’t even tell the story of Hiryuu and the Four Dragon Warriors, the founding of our country! But I don’t want to disappoint Hiryuu… Yona quickly gets washed and dressed before eating her breakfast (chicken porridge!) and running to her lesson. Her teacher is an old man from the earth clan with squinty eyes, a balding head, and a long, white beard. He’s dressed in the black colors of all palace instructors with a fan in hand. “Ohoho Princess Yona you are on time today! Perhaps this time you will not run off in the middle of the lesson?” I want to turn around and walk back out. Despite various uncomplimentary thoughts running inside her head, Yona takes a deep breath and sits down. For Hiryuu, for the kingdom, and for my pride because I don’t want to lose to this geezer. “Today we will be discussing how the reign of the sky tribe lead to wide prosperity…” Nope, she can’t do this. “Ah, actually instructor, today, could we learn something different? You are from the earth clan, correct? Could you teach me how the customs there differ from at Hiryuu palace? What are women and men expected to do? What activities and festivals are common? What does the earth tribe respect?” “Oh,” Her instructor looks taken aback. “But princess, that is not included in the original curriculum…” “That’s ok, I’ve already learned everything from the original curriculum.” Don’t say it, don’t say you know everything better than a windbag could ever teach, restraint! “But your father,” He tries to protest. “I’ll talk to father. Besides, this way I learn what I want to know and you don’t have to worry about me running away! It’s a win-win solution~” “U-uh, he-hem!” Yona watches delightedly as the geezer tries to regain his composure. “Well, if it’s ok with the king, then I will change the lesson plans. As you know, I am from the earth tribe. We are a strong, stubborn people and admire those who…” A smile spreads across Yona’s face as her eyes start to sparkle at finally learning about her people. “What about yourself? How did you become a scholar?” “Although books were rather scarce in my hometown, I learned to read…” “Do you have family?” “Yes, I have a son who has given me two wonderful granddaughters. My son was a soldier, but with the war-ban…” “Wow, I never knew General Geun-tae was so respected!” “Indeed, he is an idol to much of the clan. But I still remember when he was just a brat long ago”

“Are you sure?” “Yes! I just passed by the room!” “But-but, I just don’t see how that’s possible, the princess has never enjoyed a history lesson since she first started them two years ago.” “Still, I’m telling you, I was walking by the Chrysanthemum room on my way to deliver the laundry and I saw the princess asking questions.” The maid’s mouth drops as she stares wide-eyed at her friend. “Asking questions?” She squeaks out. “H-how is that—what do you think might’ve caused such a change?” “That’s the thing, no one knows! She just woke up today and arrived on time to her lesson for once, and the next thing we know, they’re discussing the earth clan with active participation and interest on her part. I mean, I’m not going to complain because this makes our jobs easier—we don’t have to worry about chasing the princess down after she escapes each day, but don’t you think it’s a bit strange?” “Well, let’s just hope this change of heart holds for a while.” “Yes, I suppose that’s all we can do for now,” Both maids nod at each other and go their separate ways. Rumor travels fast in the palace and before Yona’s history lesson that day ends, theories as outlandish as spirit possession and a missing twin sister are flying around. Yona, oblivious to the chaos her drastic change has caused, simply skips her way to her father’s room to discuss alterations to her lesson plan.

[scottharper]

46) “Hey, have you seen the..? Oh.” + Coryder?

Pairing: Scott/CoraPrompt: “Hey, have you seen the..? Oh.”

Finally found the time to resume working on my pending Coryder prompts, and it feels good to be writing these dorks again~

-----

‘Kinda looks like a rose,’ Scott thinks to himself as he plucks the little flower from the potted bush, twirling the stem between his fingers to spin it around. It really looked more like a chrysanthemum – which he only knew how to pronounce because those had been his mother’s favorites – than it did a rose, but it was close enough, with thin, layered red petals that lightened to a pretty pink near the tips. The color of the stem was more blue than green but it had no thorns to pluck off at least, plus it smelled nice, and..

Scott scoffs at himself under his breath because he’s definitely over thinking this. It wasn’t a rose, but Cora would probably like it anyway, even if it wasn’t her favored flower.

He thanks the scientist for letting him take the ‘sample’ before he heads out of the building, squinting a little in the bright of Kadara’s sun. It wasn’t nearly as bright here as it was on Eos or Elaaden, but at least they had a breeze there. The air on Kadara always seemed so still, especially in a valley.

His mind was getting off topic. He had a flower to deliver.

If nothing else he at least knows that humans can handle these flowers without worry; a few Angaran scientists had brought in flora samples from Aya for the scientists here to study and they’d been handling them all week without any negative effects. Scott can think of worse ways to go, but ‘Pathfinder killed by allergic reaction to pretty flower’ would still be a terrible headline.

He finds Cora on the far side of the outpost, helping the settlers sort through Ditaeon’s latest shipment of supplies, and Scott smiles to himself as he watches his second.

He loves watching her work, hearing her speak and act with a confidence that he knew she didn’t always feel, but he was probably the only one who knew about her more secretive insecurities. She knew about his too, of course, which is largely what helped them adapt to being leaders. As long as they could play the parts and be what the people needed them to be then these outposts would thrive, and so far it was working.

Go team!

“Three of the food crates go to the galley, the rest into storage, and remember to set up the dextro food with the labels visible,” Cora says to a pair of workers as Scott walks up to stand behind her, still twirling the little flower in his hands. Her head turns towards him a little, just enough to acknowledge his presence without facing him. “One box of the medical supplies goes up to the port, and the rest to the infirmary.”

“I see you’re keeping busy,” Scott comments, reaching over to gently brush his hand along Cora’s lower back, and though she doesn’t look up from the data pad he feels her press back against his hand. “Should I get you a whip to crack over their heads? You’d probably look hot with a whip.”

“Hey, we can’t all run around chasing kett and playing with the Remnant,” Cora replies, her teasing tone matching his as she types something into the data pad. “Some of us have to see to it that the manual work gets done.”

“What? I’ll have you know that I love manual labor. I could watch it all day.” Scott replies, smiling again when he hears her laugh. Speaking of things he could do all day, listening to her laugh was one of them. He loved it, even more so when he was the one drawing it out of her.

“I’ll bet you could. But that reminds me, have you seen the-?” Cora starts as she turns around to face him but trails when she spots the flower he was holding only a few inches in front of her face. She blinks. "Oh."

“For you,” Scott says helpfully, his smile returning as she takes the flower from him. He brushes a hand against the back of his neck then, feeling unexpectedly bashful. “I know you’d like a rose more but some turian just snatched the last bouquet before I could get to it. Y’know how it is.”

For a moment Cora doesn’t answer as she examines the flower, setting her data pad down onto a nearby supply crate before gently tracing the fingers of that hand over the petals and Scott feels his face warming up pleasantly when she looks up at him with that tender smile, her eyes shining with affection.

“It’s beautiful, Scott,” Cora says, cupping the back of his head with her free hand and pulling him down into a soft kiss, which Scott returns eagerly as he settles his hands on her waist, pressing himself closer while taking care to not accidentally crush the flower between them, and they’re both smiling when they finally break away from each other. “Thank you.”

“Anything for my girl,” Scott replies, nudging their noses together with another soft smile. “Probably should’ve given it to you in a more romantic setting but I wanted you to have it before I head out.”

“Going to clear out the rest of those kett camps?” Cora asks, which Scott affirms with a nod, and Cora smiles again. “Good. I thought I was going to have to put you to work if you just kept wandering around like a lost dog.”

“Hey, we can’t all spend the day unpacking crates,” Scott says, grinning as he steals another kiss from his smiling girlfriend. “Like you said, some of us have to go chase kett and play with the Remnant. Gonna take Liam and Peebee with me, since they’re already fighting over who gets shotgun next anyway.”

“Go save the day then, Pathfinder,” Cora says, patting his shoulder affectionately before withdrawing from his embrace and retrieving her discarded data pad. “And just for the record, Peebee got shotgun last time.”

“Noted!” Scott calls over his shoulder as he heads towards the Nomad and his bickering companions, and the sooner they got underway the sooner they’d be back here so he could return to Cora’s side. He just had to kick some kett butt first.

They’re back within an hour.

The mission went as smooth as expected, with the Badlands now was cleared of four different kett camps, and as Scott climbs out of the Nomad he sees Cora still working nearby, the flower carefully tucked behind her ear now, and the sight of her sends that familiar warm flutter through his chest.

He knows he’s grinning like a fool, and behind him he can hear Liam and Peebee teasing him about it but right now he just can’t take his eyes off of Cora, or stop thinking about how the little flower did something he hadn’t thought possible and made her look even more beautiful.

They didn’t have roses in Heleus yet but they had this, and right now it was more than enough.

-----

[cathcacen]

Some cuteness in the face of all this epic happy/sad drabbling, I think.

It’s Valentine’s day. Despite protests, the entire hospital is decked out in heart-shaped tinsel and balloons. The reception desk is almost entirely covered in flowers, yet to be delivered to their respective recipients in their respective rooms. Pink and red roses form the majority of the bouquets.

By the time four PM rolls around, Anarei is grouchy and on her sixth cup of coffee. She’s already accidentally walked in on an attending at it with one of her interns, and at least eight people have asked if she’s got a hot date lined up for the evening. The first three times, she responds with a bright smile and a joke about a hot date with chocolate and wine. The next couple of times, she grunts in response. Eventually, when it becomes increasingly clear that everyone’s in a mood to meddle, she takes to changing the subject. She can’t remember the last time she’s discussed the weather this much.

Poor, sad Doctor Naveau. Let’s all try to find her a date!

She’s turned down Steve from Accounting. Jess from PR. She’s just about had it when Rhodri comes up to her, and almost yells at him before she realises all he wants is a consult.

Doctor Starke cancels their session for the day, and she has a sneaking suspicion it’s because Taranis is on break for the holiday. She doesn’t begrudge her doctor this – it’s been a good couple of years, much of it due to her help. Still, she finds herself completely bereft, and finding nothing better to do, decides to stop by Ora’s office on the way home.

Ora’s downtown office is filled with bright yellow flowers, but she likes the way it looks. Chrysanthemums, daisies, gerberas, and carnations. The ginger woman is fairly small to begin with, but she looks even moreso today, surrounded by blooms and desperately pinning printed-out pictures and textures to a mood board. Someone has woven a wreath for her, and it sits lopsided over her hair, which is worn in its usual side-hanging braid.

She looks like a tiny pixie. It’s adorable.

The receptionist waves her in, and Ora looks up, at first surprised, and then relieved. “Oh, thank god you’re not another delivery guy.”

“Heulan must really like you,” She grins, sitting down on the chair before the desk. “I think it’s sweet.”

“He’s just making up for last weekend,” Ora laughs. She works deftly, stapling a length of lace over a thicker, cream-coloured fabric. “Sorry, I gotta get this stupid board out. We’ve a presentation tomorrow and I promised Heulan I’d meet him at the café.”

She peers at the presentation board. Ora had fixed up her new apartment, and she’s yet to hate any part of it. “What did Heulan do?”

Ora gets to her feet and hops to her design desk. It’s a mess, covered in bits of fabric, wallpaper, and various other samples. She sets the corkboard down, leaning it against the wall, then places her hands on her waist and turns around. “Hm? Oh! We went to the pound.”

“Oh, no. What did you do?”

“Why’s it my fault?” The ginger laughs as she navigates back to her desk, sidestepping a huge woven basket filled with rolls of textured paper. “Oh, try these.” She leans forward, nudging over a small box. “Heulan made them.”

She glances in. “Wow, handmade truffles. Impressive.” They’re coated in cocoa powder, and just sweet enough. “Hey, I like your boyfriend.”

“I do too. Anyway, the pound.” Ora grabs a square of wallpaper from her desk before making her way back to the board to tack it on. “I fell in love. It was a really, really cute lab, and he wouldn’t let me bring that darling boy home.”

“Your loft isn’t zoned for pets, though.” She peers at the ginger.

“That’s what he said!” Ora throws her hands up in the air, accidentally dislodging some ivy from her floral headdress. “Oops. So anyway, he wouldn’t let me. He said, ‘I don’t care how cute he is, or how cute you are, a puppy is a lifetime commitment’. Then he dragged me away and that poor little pup whimpered the whole time.” She lets out an irritated grumble. “I even did the pouty face thing he hates so much.”

Anarei lets out a laugh. “Maybe that’s why he wouldn’t budge. Not the best show of your maturity, that face.”

Ora sticks her tongue out. “Wow, Estonia, that’s savage. C’mon, I’m done. We can go have some coffee first.”

It’s a short walk to the café from Ora’s office. She tells the ginger about the festivities in the hospital, and they laugh about the haphazard way in which she’s been bounced from man to single man all day. It’s pathetic, almost.

Deep down, it stings. She does want a man. A specific man.

She’s struggled against thinking about him all day. There’s no point. He’s beyond her reach, and she’s not even aware if he’s alive, or if he even loves her any more.

The café, usually packed at this hour, appears fairly empty when they arrive. Ora inhales sharply. Even from across the street, it’s obvious she’s pleased with her present.

Heulan’s standing at the door, grinning and waving. Sitting at his feet is a midnight-coloured Labrador puppy, awaiting his new mistress with a cheerfully-wagging tail. Three helium balloons drift above the puppy, attached at the collar. Heulan’s written on them with a black marker. The words read: “Hi, I’m Huei.”

“Oh my god,” Ora can hardly contain her excitement.

She lets out a laugh. “I think you’ve got some heavy gratitude to express. I’m just gonna head home. Catch you next week?”

“You sure?” Ora glances aside at her, suddenly anxious. “Join us! You can have Heulan – I’ve got a puppy.”

“That’s a terrible way to express your gratitude. I’m sure, go!” She shoves the ginger gently, then waves cheerfully at Heulan. “Have a good evening!”

She watches as Ora runs across the street, straight into the arms of her partner. They embrace, they kiss, they pick up the puppy and head indoors.

Alone on the street, she feels her insides go cold.

She considers going to a nice restaurant for dinner, but the city is packed with couples. She’s sure she won’t be welcome, especially since she’s got neither reservation, nor partner. All her siblings have dates, and by now, her parents will have settled into their yearly routine of a home-cooked meal and a trilogy marathon.

Defeated, she opts for takeaway and a bottle of red, which she picks up from the grocer’s. The elevator is filled with couples, and she’s glad she’s got her huge bag of food to hide her face in. Don’t be bitter, idiot.

Still, she’s glad when the elevator doors open to her floor. She’s busy juggling her food, wine, and purse, so she’s taken completely by surprise when something trips her up. She lands on her chest with a yelp, causing at least two neighbours to peer out of their doors. “I’m okay!”

The young boy from three doors down is still watching her when she sits up. “You need some help, Miss Anarei?”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. Your folks out?” She smiles wearily at him as she collects her things. Oh, good. Nothing’s spilt or broken.

“Not yet. They’re waiting for Stephanie to get here first.” He nods towards her. “Some guy came by earlier and dropped those off. You should really watch your step, though.”

She frowns. “What?”

“Behind you.”

She hops to her feet, wincing at the effort it takes. It’s only then that she notices the giant bouquet sitting beside her door. It’s made up almost entirely of lavender blossoms, but sitting begrudgingly amidst the purple haze is a single powder-pink gerbera. She’d tripped over the damn ribbons.

A million miles away in whichever direction, and still making me fall for you.

She bites back a smile, then gathers the slightly-squashed bouquet up into her arms. “Thanks, Jon. Tell your folks I say to have a good time.”

“Thanks, Miss Anarei.” He hesitates, then a small shy smile spreads across his face. “And happy Valentine’s day.”

She buries her face into the purple blossoms and takes a deep breath. “You too.”

[sakuari]

White Chrysanthemums

(Bawn Bawn x Yolo/Ban Ryu x Yeol Woo) A Hwarang fanfiction

*WARNING: SLIGHT CHARACTER SPOILERS*

*HAS SWEARS AND LAME JOKES/SASS*

*READ CRINGE AT YOUR OWN RISK BITCH*

Yeol Woo loves poking into people’s love lives. He just as equally loves matchmaking like the devilish cupid he is. He’s helped, flirted, and destroyed relationships in all of Silla like the heartbreaker he is. He’s mended a few too - but only the ones he found worthy of surviving to entertain him. He’s seen it all: the dramatic confessions, the mouth-gagging public displays of affection, and the trembling breakups. But he never truly experienced it all. He wonders every once in a while, but he rather watch from a distance.

He loves watching the other soldiers. Hansung is a fluffy fanboy of Seon Woo’s and the latter is an awkward dog-bird who doesn’t understand how life works but tries anyways. Ji Dwi is an obsessive mysterious weirdo looking for Ah Ro’s love, but Yeol Woo got tried of watching that real quick. Soo Ho and Ban Ryu are funny to watch; they bicker and beat each other up every fucking day and he loves it. Very entertaining, eh? Soo Ho’s too playboy for WooWoo’s taste however. Adds drama and tension, but is hella predictable after repeating continuously with like twelve women. Ban Ryu was an interesting case: stereotypical tough-outside, soft-inside man. His sixth sense could tell. And he wanted to test out his sixth sense.

~~~~~~~~~~

One fine day, Yeol Woo stal-followed, I mean, Ban Ryu to see how this open-shut case would go about his daily life. At first, Ban Ryu woke up at exactly 6 A.M, one hour before people should actually wake up, and went off to take a morning shower, summoning a VERY intrigued Yeol Woo to the showers.

“Hellooo~ Let’s see what you bring to the table.” He whispered seductively to himself before pulling never-before-seen ninja skills.

He wasn’t sure what to expect, but he knew he liked it. Maybe too much. He melted and thirsted for more after watching through a secret hole he carved beforehand, somehow not being arrested as a peeping tom. He watched the man’s muscles with eagle eyes, seeing them ripple and the water drops streaming down jaggedly on his back. His soaked hair bun gave way to a subtle contrast to his tanned skin and his stark, dark brown eyes. The drops covered up the sound of the beautiful man’s thumping heartbeats, synchronizing together into rhythm. Wait. Why is he looking here? “FUCK.” Mission abort, mission abort!

After scrambling into the thorny ass bushes and desperately trying to cover up his “following,” Yeol Woo tried to make up for lost time and move onto the next event in the main course: training. It took WooWoo five minutes to realize that it was a day off and that most of the Hwarang were off into Silla to visit family and friends. Soo Ho went into town to tease his sister, Soo Yeon, and Ah Ro went to the markets to buy medical supplies and protect Soo Yeon. Seon Woo followed close behind, lost - and Ji Dwi not far from him to study his opponent. Finally, Han Sung skipped behind to follow Seon Woo. Damn was he lucky to have an opportunity like this.

He moved to the fields (which have very little bushes) and silently watched Ban Ryu with those same silent hawk eyes. Yeol Woo chuckles to himself and finds himself blushing all shades of pink and red he’s never felt before. Weird. He’s not even his type. They haven’t even reached the juiciest parts of the day yet. Feelings of confusion poked his heart constantly as he watched from afar. All was silent, until a little butterfly crossed paths with the bushes…

~~~~~~~~~

“Tsk! Damn!” He exclaimed through gritted teeth. He knew of two things that bothered him. One was that the arrow missed the bull’s eye by millimeters. The other was he was being stalked by Yeol Woo. He knew. He always and already knew. His guess was between Soo Ho and that guy; it didn’t take much to figure it out after that shower moment. He scoffs and remembers how easy it was to catch him:

Yeol Woo wasn’t the greatest in stealth, so he left a trail of suspicious noises that no one would normally hear at 4 in the morning (dude can’t even tell time, Gods.) He poked his eye through a conspicuous hole that was large enough to fit a fist through; all Ban Ryu had to do was to play along to spook him and catch his peep. And he did. Then he heard the yelp and the trail of hiccups shooting out of ear shot. Easy. All he needed was some back-up evidence to firm up the case: gossip. He listened in on conversations, hearing how odd Yeol Woo was acting to everyone today. The last thing he remember doing was smirking and grabbing his weapons for training.

Back to the present, Ryu. Earth to Ban Ryu. He steadied his bowstring, calmly readying his arrow. His eyebrows furrowed, his demeanor tense. Eyes targeting the bull’s eye, he was about to release the arrow into take-off when…

“ACCCCHHOOOOO!” Yeol Woo sneezed and the butterfly fluttered away with the wind. Ban Ryu, startled, had let go of the arrow, it throttling no more than seven feet into the grass. Pissed as all hell? Check. Fuming with murderous rage? Check! Prepared with a weapon of choice? Check and check!

Shit went down. LET’S LEAVE IT AT FUCKING THAT. Punches were thrown, squeals from divas were made, things happened, okay?

~~~~~~

Both were caught fighting in the fields by Hwi Hwa and were summoned into his office. One came in pouty and with a couple bruises. The other moody and fuming with anger. Both knew they weren’t gonna get a chance to explain. The headmaster circled around them once to add some fear to set in before taking his seat at his cluttered desk filled with liquors of all sorts.

“What are two idiots punching each other in a field for?” Hwi Hwa said in a taunting yet calm manner. “Well, one of you.” He eyed Ban Ryu and the latter broke away from contact. The older man chuckles.

“No matter. We have to keep our image and reputation as a respectful place of education and training. We wouldn’t want news to get out to your families of your release, I presume?” Both boys stiffened. Ban Ryu knew what would happen if he disobeyed his fathers’* orders; it definitely wasn’t gonna be pretty. Yeol Woo wasn’t gonna have a source of entertainment anymore, and he lamented over that. Hwi Hwa knew he hit a spot, ensnaring them into his trap.

“It won’t happen again, sir.” Ban Ryu curtly replied.

“I concur for this side as well.” Yeol Woo quietly murmured.

“Good. I digress. Would you like some tea? Imported it from a province nearby.” The headmaster pours out some into simply-decorated, porcelain cups. Both deny it, with WooWoo getting even more red and Ban Ryu itching to leave to vent out his anger. The former stands up and leaves swiftly, the broad doors opening up and soon closing, engulfing the sun out a few moments later. It’s the other’s turn to leave, but is frozen in place when he hears the headmaster’s voice.

“Why don’t you keep me company a little longer?”

Ban Ryu gulped. His eyes went wide and his body trembled. He knew this could not end well. He turned around silently and sat back down on the wicker chair.

“Good. You can be obedient sometimes.” He pushed the cup in the direction of the boy with his fingertip. “You’ll need it after I’m done talking to you.”

~~~~~~

Meanwhile, right outside the door, Yeol Woo convinced (a.k.a. flirted with) the guards to let him linger around. He (and the guards) listened in, holding their breath to hear every single biting word.

They hear through the door an exchange of sorts.

“I know you. I know your family. And you know me. I’m not afraid to pull out my cards and flush you out. I can pull tricks unimaginable to torment you in this school. It hasn’t been a day since your last brawl. Tired with Soo Ho, I guess? Switching punching bags? I can use all these little incidents against you and kick you out. Daddy wouldn’t like that, would he?” Hwi Hwa cackles with ferocity and heartiness then continues. “This is power. The strong will tame and defeat the weak. The weak will comply. The son of a high-ranking dragon has let the fear spread over his face and has been quashed by a mere man. Where’s the power left in you now? Oh wait; you never had any. Remember that, kid.” He slams his hands on the table as he stands up, making Ban Ryu and the alcohol bottles shook.

The guards exclaim, “Damn, he’s pouring it on!” “That kid isn’t gonna survive in Hwi Hwa’s world!” “Whoo! ROAST!”

Yeol Woo knew his mistake. He had to rectify it but how? He learned tidbits of things he shouldn’t have known. He sparked something that shouldn’t have been ignited.

The door was being opened. Yeol Woo ran off, thinking on his plan of action. The guards reverted to their poker faces and demeanor.

“After you, weakling,” the headmaster snarled with a smirk, pulling a courtesy to open the doors himself. A defeated Ban Ryu was paler than the moon, his red lips highlighted even more than usual and his ebony eyes were wide with fright. He walked slowly and carefully, trying not to give in to his weak knees. He breathed gravelly and heavily, almost as if his lungs were weighed down by an elephant. His anger disappeared almost instantly; fear replaced it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He somehow stumbled back to his room and slumped himself onto his bed. He wasn’t in the mood to do anything. He felt small and useless, like a puppet. Casted away when he’s no longer needed or trampled upon when it’s his turn to perform lies. He truly was scared; he felt fear like never before and didn’t know how to handle it. He had no one to confide it, no one to turn to. His head was dizzy from all this new pressure and events he can’t wrap his head around so he closed his eyes to rest. Just a quick little rest is all he needs now…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yeol Woo knew what he was about to get into. He knew he wouldn’t interfere with this nut case, but his little heart took control over his mind. Yeol Woo poked his head up to the upper bunk, watching Ban Ryu quietly sleep. He squealed inside and watched the man’s long eyelashes flutter or twitch. He smiled in his sleep (but his body knew what it was doing and unconsciously reverted back to a scowl.) Sleep-talking came in every once in a while. Phrases like “FIGHT ME, SCRUB SOO HO!” or “I’ll take some chapchae and mandu, please” were muttered in his sleep. It was cute, and WooWoo embraced the urge to kiss him. A little peck on the cheek, Ban Ryu smiled but was still stuck in his dreams. Yeol Woo left a little gift in his hands and dashed off somewhere. He wanted to see if he could make a true, successful match with Ban Ryu.

Ban Ryu woke up eventually, noticing the letter and some flowers. He was at first shocked at how bold this person was to give a little bouquet of white chrysanthemums and what looked like a love letter, until he read it.

“My dearest Ban Ryu, I’m sorry for the complications I caused you today. I want to make it up to you. No drama, no traps, just a talk between us. I…heard some things that I shouldn’t have but I want to talk to you about it. I know I shouldn’t pry, and you don’t have to say anything. Just stay with me for a minute, get some air to loosen up that stuffy attitude of yours! I won’t set you up with anyone! I promise! And I won’t stalk you for a little while. Everyone is still roaming around; no one’s gonna care if two dudes hang out at a bar for a little bit! So what do you say? Come meet me at 9. -Your Amazing Friend, Yeol Woo”

“What the fuck is this? Leverage? Entertainment? Threats?” Ban Ryu, puzzled, tried to decode the underlying message. But he gave up quickly after that. At first, he decided not to go. But he changed it after wanting to give this man bitch a piece of his mind and seeing how this plays out. He changes and stomps out to the bar, white chrysanthemums in hand to sort out this nonsense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yeol Woo, dolled up and catching the eyes of all the peasants, strolled to the bar with a look of confidence. But underneath was a feeling of dread and uncertainty: what’s gonna happen? Will he figure out how to solve this if it goes south? He shook his head to banish these dubious thoughts and continued in. He sees Ban Ryu, poker-faced as usual. He noticed the flowers in hand and hesitated for a moment.

“What is he doing?” Both thought. They met up at a table in a private room. Loud and sassy music filled the air, infecting almost everyone with its rhythm in the main hall. Men and women were dancing, singing, mingling, letting loose. Yeol Woo gingerly took his seat opposite Ban Ryu’s. For once, he wad at a loss for words. He just carried a conversation with a bullied Soo Ho and an energetic Hansung about Ji Dwi’s sleeping abs seven minutes ago. Now he can’t even utter a sound.

“What do you want with me? Spit it out.” Ryu wasn’t interested in this games. He wanted the truth and only the truth; he was tired as is and has his hands full, literally and metaphorically.

“Why’d you bring those flowers?”

“I want to know what these mean. Is this some form of mockery? Some joke as my title of a Hwarang*?”

Yeol Woo was appalled. “No! They have a special meaning! And I wanted to tal-”

“WHAT MEANING? WHAT IS THERE TO TALK ABOUT?” Ban Ryu roared. His nerves were already triggered when he talked to his headmaster; it was time that he snapped. The music covered up the muffled roar, and everyone ignorant to the events unfolding.

“There’s nothing for you to stick your ass in! Mind your own damn business!” Ryu threw the bouquet at the frightened WooWoo. He was done with everything. He didn’t need another nuisance on his plate. He moved towards the door, but stopped once heard a whisper barely audible in competition with the music.

“L-lo-oyalt-ty and-d de-devotion-n.” He stuttered. His voiced gradually strengthened and recovered. “Lov-ving support-t and pl-latonic affection. Pure love.”

Ban Ryu turned around, stunned by Yeol Woo’s words. He didn’t know how to take it. An almost complete stranger is asking, son of one of the mightiest and cutthroat advisors to royalty, to trust him and depend on him. Yeol Woo was on the verge of tears; he was overemotional considering all that happened. The two felt the tension and uncertainty, the two afraid to do a single thing except breathe.

Breaking the silence, Ryu walked towards Yeol Woo and knelt down. He took the latter’s hand and took it, saying [insert Eucharist shit], “I apologize for my actions. I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s fine. I understand. Everything is just rushing. Maybe we should just slow all this shit down.” He wiped his dramatic diva tears and fanned his face to dry non-waterproof makeup.

Of course, Ryu knew he wasn’t ready to share anything of substance or significance to him. But it was a start to have someone support him on his path. That thought calmed him and enlightened him “A friend.” He thought. “A friend.” He quietly smiled inwardly and decided to give this a shot.He took the dishelved flowers and tried to fix them, being the second-most awkward man alive (Seon Woo obviously holds the title for first.)

Yeol Woo laughed a little, still slightly shaken from the emotional roller coaster of a day. Hormones probably got to them and the atmosphere too because who knows? He sat on the floor and laid his head down on his crush’s shoulder when Ryu sat down, and together they talked. They laughed, awkwardly smiled, and hummed off-key to the tune of the music. They had some emotional moments, some comedic ones. Everything was heavenly, seeing Ban Ryu’s nose crinkle and his eyes smile brightly like the stars above them. To Ban Ryu, he was content with the mood and it was pleasing watching his new ‘friend’ be happy too. He felt his heartbeat lurch a little faster and likewise to the other too.

The two found what they needed the most. For Ban Ryu, a companion to be his anchor, even if it was sudden. For Yeol Woo, an honest chance at love. They held the bouquet together, their hands touching by accident. Both blush, maybe one a little too red. They spent the rest of the night revealing a little bit on themselves and getting a little closer before going home to the bunks before they get beat up by the guards for staying out late. Who knew that this pair would get along? And who knew that they weren’t really alone…?

A.k.a. Soo Ho, Ji Dwi, and Seon Woo saw everything at the bar that night. EVERYTHING.

“WHAT? HOW DOES THIS WORK? THE GODS COULDN’T HAVE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. HE OBVIOUSLY BELONGS TO-.” Soo Ho is cut short when Ji Dwi covers his mouth.

“Shut up you fucking idiot. You’ll give our position away. I ship it. Kinda. To be honest, I wanna see where this goes.”

“What’s a ‘ship’? Who does Ban Ryu belong to? What do you mean by position?” Seon Woo asked.

“SHUT UP SEON WOO. NO ONE ASKED YOU.” Both of them said in unison.

—————————————

Hey, this is a really long fic (it’s my first time going this long.) I mean, I might do something similar and make a chronicles of it like Delley/Shavey (which is coming back soon.) Kudos if you finished it and survived through the cringy clichés and tropes. I’m doing this for a friend, who’s my partner in motivating me to make this and a really close friend in real life. There’s probably grammar mistakes but I’m too lazy to send to my editor to check. I meant to cut it, but I’m too invested in it. If you like my work, cool. If you don’t think it’s your cup of tea, I suggest finding better writers than me. They have some good work.

*Yes, Ban Ryu despises being a Hwarang. Yes, he technically has two fathers. But this is an AU fanfic I suppose. There’s a few details that are different too, but whatever.

So thanks for reading.

To The Beautiful You,

Zelo

[angry-mango]

103 questions

Alisons: Sexuality? ollie

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender? she/her, female

Amaryllis: Birthday? december 28

Anemone: Favorite flower? snapdragons

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show? i have a lot right now but it’ll probably always be supernatural

Arum-Lily: What’s the farthest you’d go for a stranger? like 2 hours

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes? i love quotes but i don’t really have a favorite

Aubrieta: Favorite drink? arizona green tea

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? n/a i’ve never kissed anyone

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love? currently 😌

Baneberries: Favorite song? my blood (tøp)

Basket of Gold: Describe your family. complicated

Beebalm: Do you have a best friend? Who is it? i have two: ollie and jonathan

Begonia: Favorite color? black or red

Bellflower: Favorite animal? sloth

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person? both

Black-Eyed Susan: If you could be any animal for a day, what would it be? a sloth

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? a vet

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children? love them but like? also hate them but i feel like it’s way different when it’s yours and you know how to raise them does that make sense

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why? losing people, bad storms, the uncontrollable

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood. i ate cat food once

Bugleherb: How would you spend your last day on Earth? i’d fly to ohio and kiss ollie

Buttercup: Relationship Status? basically taken

Camelia: If you could visit anywhere, where would you want to go? that cat cafe in japan

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved? talking to ollie

Canna: Do you have any tattoos? not yet (devastating, i know)

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings? two on each ear

California Poppy: Height? five one

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts? yes

Carnation: What are you currently wearing? black tshirt, jean shorts (what a rare sighting)

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight? yes

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged? jonathan

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed? my cat

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font? haven’t used fonts in a while but i’m pretty sure it’s georgia

Columbine: Are you tired? permanently

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to? right now, getting my income tax

Coneflower: Dream job? vet tech but who knows i might change my mind in a couple days (although i’m pretty sure this time)

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert? introvert

Crocus: Have you ever been in love? you already asked this, dumbass

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about? hours

Cyclamen: Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? What was it? this bunny from build a bear, i named her swirly cuz she has almost like a rosette pattern on her fur, i still have her

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign? capricorn

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering? no

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment? surviving up til now

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)? uh sorry bout that

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to? ollie

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at? gaming i guess

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at? literally everything

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month? 1- ive lost 5 pounds this month 2- ollie makes me really soft and i’m just super in love with her 3- i bought some new clothes and they’re two sizes down so it makes me really happy to wear them

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today? it’s actually been great

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life? not really but i’m working on it

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two? hopefully get my ged, start working on college or some kind of second education like that, and maybe meet ollie cuz i don’t wanna wait any longer >:(

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life? ollie, my mom, my gamecube, my cats, my bee necklace, my tahitian bracelet, fall out boy, twenty one pilots, my ipad, and my pillow

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed? ollie (i know she’s been in like 30 of these answers but it’s the truth), sometimes just breathing and sitting on the floor, doing my hair

Hellebore: How do you show affection? idk i’m really bad at it but i try? i usually remind them like a hundred times a day that i love them, check up on them, buy them stuff (only if i REALLY love them though)

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of? i defeated the shadow queen at age 6 >:)

Hollyhock: Describe your ideal day. sounds lazy but literally watching tv with a cozy blanket

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time? video games

Hydrangea: How long have you known your best friend? How did you meet them? ollie: through instagram, five months. jonathan: middle school, six years

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything? y’all already know.

Laceleaf: How many friends do you have? i wanna say four friends but there’s other acquaintances that i’m close to

Lantanas: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? ollie called me pretty once or like twelve times

Larkspur: What do you think of yourself? disgusting. don’t talk to me about that thing.

Lavender: What’s your favorite thing about yourself? uh i can bake a mad chocolate chip cookie 

Leather Flower: What’s your least favorite thing about yourself? myself

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child? i liked littlest pet shop and eating breakfast idk

Lily: Who was your best friend when you were a kid? the r*xana 😔

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for? dropping out of school

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about? mental illnesses

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name? annie means grace. while my mom was pregnant, she had a dream where a curly haired little girl with a round face was running and she kept calling “annie” so she decided to name me that. weirdly enough, as i grew up, i had the same curly brown hair and round face that she saw in her dream.

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it. i grew up in a small house with my mom and dad until i was six. i don’t want to talk about it here because it’s kinda private and personal and i don’t wanna share it with the world.

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up? my bedroom used to be really messy but as i grew up and developed my ocd everything’s pretty neat most of the time

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years?  i’m still a teenager calm down. it’s horrible there’s too much pressure i wanna be twelve again

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom. she’s amazing but she also makes me feel like shit a lot

Onions: Tell about your dad. where do i begin. used to be a complete asshole until a couple years ago he got a girlfriend that completely turned him around bless her soul. she broke up with him though. distant but i still love him with all my heart. i worry about him alot.

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents. moms mom (granny)- lives with me, i have to love her cuz she provides for us but god damn she gets on my nerves and i’m pretty sure she hates me. moms dad- used to be really cool, disappeared for six years, came back two years ago, now he’s an alcoholic, has dementia, and is a complete asshole. he’s dead to me. dads mom- the kind of grandparent that appears during holidays and birthdays and stuff and then disappears for most of the year. dads dad- wasn’t too close to him, but he died six months ago from cancer and i got pretty sad about it. he looked a lot (a lot) like my dad but just much older, so to see him in the hospital bed with all the tubes attached to him.. it was pretty emotional.

Pansy: What was your most memorable birthday? What made it be so memorable? most memorable birthday was probably age six i think?? i had a really cool birthday party at a park with some first grade friends, and i took an iconic picture thats super cute and i still look at occasionally but it’s hard bc it’s got the r*xana in it

Peony: What was your first job? i’ve never had one

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any? met her through instagram

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain? grit my teeth, walk around, distract myself

Pink: Where is home? technically, miami. but home is a feeling.

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change? i don’t know, really. i know it’s impossible and it’s totally metaphorical but if i could, not only could i not choose just one, but i do believe in destiny and i worry that if i change something then everything down the road would change and maybe i wouldn’t have met you her.

Prairie Gentian: Who is someone you look up to? Describe them. i don’t really look up to anyone i just wanna be a good person and i also wanna be thin.

Primrose: Describe your ideal life. well number one, this would take forever, number two, youre the only person that’s probably gonna read this and and you already know

Rhodendron: What is something you used to believe in as a child? the basics: santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy

Ricinus: Who’s the most important in your life? hmm i wonder who 😌

Rose: What’s your favorite sound? everything’s quiet except for the rain falling on the window, maybe some light music in the background

Rosemallows: What’s your favorite memory? i don’t want to think about this right now

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory? also don’t want to think about this right now

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want? you

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things? it’s usually really difficult but you make it so easy somehow

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without? once again, you. but also gamecube or flowers or bagels or hoodies or nail polish

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night? a lot actually? i think like eight hours woah that’s a weeks worth

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning? i’m about to copy and paste these answers they’re getting repetitive

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job? pretty good, being that i don’t have one

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing? generally? hoodies. my personal one? it’s either my new black pants or my trench hoodie

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic. damn i don’t even know 🥵 it’s probably white or light furniture and windows with natural light shining in on houseplants and nice comfortable sofas

Tulip: What would be the best present to get you? i love clothes or flowers or money

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now? i’m not stressed about anything at this minute so i don’t wanna think about something that’s stressing me out because then i’ll start stressing about it

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called? i read the fallen queen on wattpad does that count

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year? hopefully getting somewhere with my education. i’d love to get my ged instantly but i’m not gonna pressure myself or be upset at myself if i don’t pass the test the first time. i might have to take classes for it, and that’s okay. i hope.

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is? whasthat

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself. i hate food but love cooking/baking

[skyteglad]

do all the flower asks too you little heathen

Alisons: Sexuality? pansexual!! i used to go with demirom pansexual but pan alone is good enough

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender? he/him, it/its is okay too! bigender but also i’m?? leaning towards just trans masc at this point?

Amaryllis: Birthday? dec 11!

Anemone: Favorite flower? oh fuck uhhhh chrysanthemum but only bc i love that word?? i like how flowers look a lot tho

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show? oh shit fuck uh. there’s a lot but soul eater, desperate housewives, and heroes are three i can think of rn

Arum-Lily: What’s the farthest you’d go for a stranger? i have no clue what this question means!!

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes? h

Aubrieta: Favorite drink? soda… root beer, sunkist, and (currently) dr. pepper?

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? FUCK YEAH FUCK YEAH FUCK YEAH

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baneberries: Favorite song? THERE’S… A LOT OF THEM, OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD THOUGH, FIRST TO COME TO THOUGHT? between the bars by chris garneau

Basket of Gold: Describe your family. they’re actually pretty good? like, really good. not perfect, though. i still haven’t come out to them, but they’re very good in comparison to many other parents

Beebalm: Do you have a best friend? Who is it? imma go w my irl besties bryson and alyssa they’re fantastic, love them

Begonia: Favorite color? this is hard? i love colors??? fuck? i’ll just go with color combo instead here, which is a tie between red/black/white, and brown/teal/white

Bellflower: Favorite animal? I HAVE A LOT. CATS, DEER, AXOLOTLS??

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person? night

Black-Eyed Susan: If you could be any animal for a day, what would it be? cat cat cat cat cat

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? teacher, lawyer, forensic psychologist

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children? love them! they deserve kindness in the world and it makes me sad as hell knowing not all of them have that. no child is inherently evil, they’re still forming and changing and growing, and there’s still a chance to help them be a good person

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why? oh man, lots of things. i’ll go with… *spins the wheel* … abandonment! and yeah lol it’s bc losing people is scary and terrible

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood. not a fact abt my childhood but apparently i was born with an anxiety disorder lol

Bugleherb: How would you spend your last day on Earth?  question too deep, pass

Buttercup: Relationship Status? **MARRIED** i’m not married but i’m happily taken by two of the best people to ever exist ever???

Camelia: If you could visit anywhere, where would you want to go? SEE MY BOY NORSKI

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved? when i’m around my bfs and they’re being cozy and gay and sweet

Canna: Do you have any tattoos? nope!

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings?  nope!

California Poppy: Height?  fuck you! i’m 4'11

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts? sure do babey!

Carnation: What are you currently wearing?  pajama pants, socks that are too tight, a tank top, and my bfs heart player hoodie

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight? yes i still do lol

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged?  cotton :D

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed? cotton!

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font? fuck uhhhhhh yes

Columbine: Are you tired? lol ya

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to? LOVE BOYS LOVE BOYS LOVE BOYS

Coneflower: Dream job? forensic psychologist :c

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert? introvert!

Crocus: Have you ever been in love? this was already asked but YES

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about? ALL THE WAY ALL THE WAY

Cyclamen: Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? What was it? UHHH YYYESSS???? imma go w booger bear, a green bear… shade of boogers

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign? sagittarius!

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering? i… guess? maybe??? not really imo but idk!

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment? i have no braincells rn so pass

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)?  cry (they do like them tho thank fuck)

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to? COTTON AND NORSKI

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at? d…raw…?

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at? everything lol

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month? CON! HALLOWEEN SPOOKY STUFF! POTENTIAL MOUSE BABIES which is also a bad thing that happened but shh

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today? it’s been ok

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life? well… not exactly? i’m thrilled to be where i am w my bfs, i’m thrilled that i’ve grown and gotten through some bad trauma, but i want to be doing more, i want to feel accomplished, so.. i’m not :c

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two? FUCKING MOVE.

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life? oh fuck numbers. 1-2) cotton and norski 3) lee!!! 4) my family 3) my friends 4) there’s more but i have no braincells so :p

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed?  nothing

Hellebore: How do you show affection? many

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of? :D.. i don’t rememeber

Hollyhock: Describe your ideal day. shrug

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time?  drrrawww??? procrastinate lol

Hydrangea: How long have you known your best friend? How did you meet them? i’ll go w alyssa! almost 16 years, it was in kindergarten! my aunt had lied abt mama bringing me lunch so i was left kind of just… without any and alyssa stayed behind while i ate when everyone went to recess :’) we also just shared a class but still

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything? cotton and norski

Laceleaf: How many friends do you have? bitch? how am i supposed to know?

Lantanas: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? hhhhhh

Larkspur: What do you think of yourself? suck

Lavender: What’s your favorite thing about yourself? i give a shit about others

Leather Flower: What’s your least favorite thing about yourself?  i give a shit about certain others :\

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child? draw

Lily: Who was your best friend when you were a kid? alyssa

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for? SO MANY THINGS HHH JUST. BEING A THOUGHTLESS BITCH.

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about? retaliating against my abusers and saying harmful things to them while they were basically cornering me bc i had a breakdown and that was ‘rude’ somehow.

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name? bc im trash! and it means 'thunderous skies’ (i found out that skylar is a popular/overused trans guy name and now i’m sad at myself but also fuck u i love the name skylar it stays as my middle)

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it. texas lol i havent moved out of the city ive lived in my whole life

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up? its never been personalized… it’s… just a bed, a tv (not anymore but thats ok) and thats it. currently its two beds but, again, thats it

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years?  depression!

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom. shes great!! she sucks sometimes and doesn’t understand my boundaries at all (maybe she does and just purposefully ignores them), and she babies me to fucking hell, but she’s very very nice and tries her best and i appreciate her

Onions: Tell about your dad. we don’t mention him he’s a piece of shit :\ my step dad’s great tho lol

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents. ging and popo are treasures to this earth

Pansy: What was your most memorable birthday? What made it be so memorable? i don’t want to talk about that.

Peony: What was your first job? haven’t had it yet

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any? COTTON: MET HIM IN A HOMESTUCK KIN SERVER. NORSKI: COTTON’S OLD FRIEND, INTRODUCED US. the first thing i ever said to him was great…

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain? i don’t.

Pink: Where is home? where the heart is uwu

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change? terrible people from hurting millions of others.

Prairie Gentian: Who is someone you look up to? Describe them. norski tbh? he’s so talented and brave and has done so much in life. he’s not perfect but he’s grown so much and tried so hard to do good and i’m so proud of him and admire him a lot

Primrose: Describe your ideal life. no mental illness, with financial stability, and also the world wouldn’t have fucking oppression and harm in it tbh.

Rhodendron: What is something you used to believe in as a child? THAT BUTTERFLIES WERE VENOMOUS AND IF IT TOUCHED U U’D DIE.

Ricinus: Who’s the most important in your life? norski and cotton… and also lee

Rose: What’s your favorite sound? my bfs’ voices

Rosemallows: What’s your favorite memory? most memories of good times we’ve had

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory? :) pass

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want?  TO CUDDLE MY FUCKING HUSBANDS. also to go pee i’m gonna go pee intermission break here pee break done

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things? :D hard!

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without? norski or cotton hh

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night? uhhhh a good amount???

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning? staying in bed hurts my body

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job? that i wish i had one

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing? i have a rly hot hoodie now…

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic.  EDGY BUT COLORFUL

Tulip: What would be the best present to get you? stuffed animals… esp pokemon ones (or video games)

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now? life :D!!!!

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called? I DON’T READ HHHHHHH

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year? living with cotton like… permanently (also spending time w norski irl!!!!!!!!! pls!)

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is? :)

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself. I DON’T HAVE A BRAIN RN