Work Text:
Cinder reaches down and grabs a single rose, one of about a hundred stuck into the railings. She looks down at the rose, staring at it as if mesmerized.
"What are you doing, child?"
Cinder flinches and turns to see Madame approaching her. She had an angry look on her face, one that indicated she was in trouble.
"I-I was just looking at this rose," Cinder answers.
"Looking at a rose?" Madame questions, crossing her arms. "Why? What's so special about a rose, child?"
"It's just-it's just beautiful," Cinder stammers, fear in her eyes.
Madame huffs and reaches into the pocket of her dress. Cinder feels her heart drop as she thinks Madame is pulling out the device to shock her.
However, Madame pulls out a cigarette pack and lighter. Cinder watches as Madame puts a cigarette between her lips and lights it.
Madame takes a long drag from the cigarette, softly blowing out the smoke.
"Do you like flowers?" Madame asks, looking down at her.
Cinder was surprised by Madame's tone. It was much nicer than normal, calmer, and even… kinder.
Cinder nod. "I do."
Madame smiles. It was rare for Cinder to see her smile, and it made her feel safe around Madame for once.
"I do too," Madame says, bringing her cigarette to her lips. "What is your favorite flower?"
"I-I don't know," Cinder answers.
Madame hums. "Well, we will have to go flower shopping at some point."
Cinder's eyes go wide. "We will?" Madame was planning to take her somewhere?
"Yes," Madame smiles. "After all, flowers are very beautiful, and each have their own meanings. I bet a flower would look nice in your hair."
"T-thank you," Cinder smiles. She feels a lump in her throat. Madame has never been this nice to her before.
"Have you completed all your chores?" Madame asks, flicking ash off her cigarette.
"Yes, I have," Cinder responds. "I completed them before coming out here."
"Good," Madame smiles. "If you keep up this good work, you and I can continue to have little moments like these. Understand?"
Cinder nods her head. "Yes." She wanted to have more moments like these, more nice moments with Madame.
Madame chuckles as she takes another drag of her cigarette. She blows out the smoke and says, "You are like a flower, dear girl. You need me and this hotel in order to survive. Sometimes life can be harsh, but sometimes it is nice. Understand?"
Cinder's mind goes back to Madame using the electric collar on her, to Madame saying horrible things to her, making her cry, and giving her so many chores that she never had time to rest.
But she remembers Madame being so nice to her here. So warm, kind, and...motherly.
Cinder didn't want it to end.
Cinder takes a deep breath and says, "Yes, I understand."
Madame smiles again, soft and kind. "Good. Now, how about we put that rose somewhere my daughters can't find it?"
Cinder smiles. For the first time since Madame adopted her, she felt happy and safe around Madame.
She no longer wanted to leave this place.