Chapter Text
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Updating story - but here is a sneak peak below!
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The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the windows of a cozy flower and book shop, casting a gentle glow over the neatly arranged shelves and the vibrant blooms that adorned the space. On the outside a handmade wooden sign hanging from the brickface gently sways in the wind. Decorated in flowers and vines, the sign refers to the shop as Emerald Thorns. From inside soft clicks and clacks could be heard as Arthur moved gracefully about the shop, preparing for another day of tending to his beloved business.
With a cup of freshly brewed tea in hand, Arthur unlocked the door, causing a small brass bell to chime, signaling the shop's opening. He took a moment to relish the tranquility of the morning, the quiet moments before the world awakened. After a few moments of respite, Arthur, noticing the weather was going to be well that day - decided to prop the door open with a chalkboard sign his little brother wrote for the shop.
Arthur's routine began with carefully inspecting the blooms, ensuring each delicate petal was perfect and in good condition. As he meticulously watered the flowers, their scent filled the air, infusing the space with a sense of natural beauty.
Just as Arthur was arranging a bouquet of lilies, the door swung open, stepping inside was Matthew Williams—a graduate student who works part time at the shop. Noticing Matthew make his way into the shop with a bounce, Arthur stifled a groan - youngin’s having extra energy in the morning typically meant Arthur was going to have a headache by the evening.
"Good morning, Arthur!" Matthew greeted him with a cheerful smile, holding a stack of colorful advertisements in his hands. "I know it's my day off, but I thought you might be interested in switching out the old advertisements on the wall for new ones."
Curiosity piqued, Arthur set the lilies aside and glanced at the papers Matthew was offering. The advertisements showcased various local events and activities—a mix of art exhibits, community gatherings, and concerts. Matthew's lavender eyes sparkled with excitement as he pointed out a particular flier covered in wild designs and eye-catching images.
"Look, Arthur! There's a car rally happening this weekend. We haven’t had anyone use the track at the fairgrounds in so long. A couple of other students and I are going to watch it and you should come along with us!" Matthew grinned, looking up from the flier as he started to sort out the rest into categories to hand on the wall.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, keeping his interest in check and hoping the caffeine he consumed will take into effect quickly. "A car rally, you say? Well, Matthew, to be honest I’m not sure what entertainment you would find with watching cars go around a track hundreds of times."
Undeterred, Matthew laughed while going behind the counter in the shop. Pulling out plant designed push pins. Moving to the community events wall, taking down the old fliers and organizing the new ones. Matthew made sure to put the rally paper right in the center.
"Listen Arthur, I know it may sound like a super boring event but it's more than just cars going around the track. It has very home town rules and an exciting environment to be in. Who knows if you mingle with the people there you might even find someone interesting. Eh, you’ll at least have better chances than sitting in the shop waiting for your love story to walk in."
Arthur chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Oh, Matthew, you and your matchmaking schemes. I'll consider it, but I make no promises."
After finishing the community wall, Matthew wandered back over to the counter. Making a cup of hot coco and extra marshmallows - before sitting on one of the barstools to pull out his laptop and homework.
“I know it’s my day off but I hoped you wouldn’t mind me hiding in a corner to get some of this done. I want to make sure I’m caught up on everything for the weekend to enjoy the events - OH!” Matthew gasped, spinning erratically on the stool to grab one of Arthur’s hands.
“I’m so so sorry I forgot to ask earlier but I promised my soulmate I would pick them up from the airport on Saturday morning - is it alright if I show up late to work? I will make sure I have some clothes for you left in the back room to change into and all the plants organized in their color sections so you should be able to find everything without me.”
Arthur jumped at the fast movement but smiled when listening to Matthew ramble. One of the many reasons Arthur had hired Matthew was to have help understanding the colors of the world. From birth till locking eyes with fates chosen partner, everything is in shades of grey and white. Matthew had been lucky to find his soulmate right in the middle of spring break.
Arthur with no soulmate and a very small desire to go out and find them - has learned to live with the world as is, but does rely on Matthew to at least have clothes that match and window decorations matching the holidays as needed.
Gently setting his cup of tea down, and returning a squeeze to Matthew’s hands.
“I did not know your lumberjack was coming into town. That’s perfectly fine Mattie. I'm more than capable of opening the shop that morning. But I won’t say no to a matched set of clothes so I don’t look like a moron.”
Matthew’s face fell in relief Arthur wasn’t upset at the lack of communication - a quick smile widening in place.
“No worries at all! I’ll make sure you have a comfortable one since Saturday will be hectic with the race and visitors in the town. Yeah Matthieu said one his employees will be coming this way for an event so he’s stopping by. I’m hoping to get more details out of him in person but you know how he is on the stupid phone eh? No conversation - just grunts and one word statements.”
With a shake of his head in amusement, Arthur sat down next to Matthew - pulling out a ledger and going through a list of shipments that were upcoming for the shop since it was a slow morning.
“I’m sure he’ll get better in time Mattew. But enough worrying over him, get your homework done and give me some peace and quiet while I finish my cuppa. I haven’t had enough to deal with you bounding all over the place.”
The two of them laughed, but kept a small, quiet conversation going as the hours ticked by.
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