Chapter Text
He really has no luck...
Cross was looking for a potential job for several weeks already, from any possible type he may have thought of, he was ready to accept anything at this point, even the most humiliating job.
One half rejected his offer or say that the place was already taken... The other half didn’t even respond...
He sighs, closing his laptop with a disappointed face, but before he could even get up from his chair, a mug of hot cocoa, marshmallow on top, was put in front of him, still perfectly warm and welcoming.
"Ya feels down Bruh, though it would makes ya feel better!"
Cross makes a short glance at Epic, his roommate, before giving him a small smile. "Thanks Dude..." He said softly, as he starts to take a few slip of his cocoa. He could feel some hint of milk, not too sugary nor too bitter, just like he likes it.
Epic comes to sit next to him, with a half serious, half relaxed expression. "So... Hows ya job research?"
"Not good..." Cross admits, looking mindlessly at the marshmallow floating in his cocoa, mind a bit elsewhere. "Get no great response so far..."
"Sorry Bruh..." Epic apologize, giving him a pat on his shoulder. "So guess ya gonna stay for a little longer with your bruhstie huh?"
Yeah... Unfortunately...
Cross did his best to avoid Epic’s gaze, a bit shameful. He doesn’t admit it to him, but he hates staying here, not because he hates this guy, in contrary, the moment he was in the wild, he was the first to be nice with him, propose him to be roommate completely for free, asking nothing in exchange but having TV nights together!
He just... Feel like a burden...
Epic never ever makes a comment about it, all is just Cross’ insecurities rising up. He feels like he forced himself into this funny sweet guy’s life, he fears he is abusing of his kindness... That’s why he is looking for a job, so he can move away the quietest he could and stop ruining this too cool for him guy’s precious time...
So he want to found a job and get out of here as quick than possible once he has enough to move out...
"Aww Bruh, don't makes da face! Ya gonna find stuff!" Epic try to cheer him up, the moment he spot a tiny once of sadness in Cross. "And ya know what staying here means? More movie nights between bruhskis hehehe!"
Cross can’t help but give a chuckle. "I really don't deserve ya dude..."
"What do you mean Bruh?" Epic let out, both perplex and joyful, just continuing whatever manage to make his Bruh crack a smile. "If ya here with me, it's because fate makes us become bruhskis! IT WAS DESTINYYYYYYYY!!!"
"Pff, whatever you said dude..."
One thing sure, Epic’s ‘oddness’ helped to makes Cross more at ease.
After a while, finishing his cocoa, he opens his laptop again, continue his research, with Epic assisting him, commenting on the various job offer they found. As Cross continues to scroll, Epic suddenly stops him. "Hey wait Bruh scroll back!"
A little confused, Cross does what Epic ask him to, until the ask him to stop.
"Look!" Epic point one of the offer. "This one looks nice no?"
A flower shop.
Cross wasn’t sure if Epic was serious or if he was messing with him, but he can’t help but make a ‘are you serious’ face. "Dude, I can’t be florist, I don’t know shit about flowers..."
"But it said they’re free!" Epic shouts cheerfully, though frowning a bit at the swearing. "And it seems like a nice job no?"
Oh shit he was serious...
"Yep, and half the plants I will take care of will die in the week..."
"Don’t say that Bruh..." Epic said, some concern in his voice. "Ya must try and learn, I’m sure ya will do fine!"
"But..." Cross tried to argue, but he ends up been out of word.
"It’s gonna be ok... And if ya boss end up to be mean with ya, ya know I’m here for anytime ya need me..."
Cross really hesitates a moment, before looking at Epic, still uncertain. "Ok... I will call them..."
Epic makes a little smile of satisfaction. "Alright! Will leave the time ya take your call, if ya need me I’m in the living room!" He said before leaving.
Cell phone in hand, Cross take a long deep breath before he finally taps the numbers, waiting anxiously, that each second passes, until finally someone dares to respond.
"Hello, this is is ‘The Orchid Garden’, how can I help you?"
The voice sounded like a young sweet man, probably around Cross’ age, it takes him a bit off guard. Unconsciously, he was expecting either a woman or an elder, this is the image he kinda has of a florist.
"Hum yes urm..." Cross was searching his words, more he hesitates and babble, more the situation gets awkward. "I... I’m calling because hum... I saw your job offer on a site..."
He could hear that something was falling in the florist’s side, something that seemed heavy even, like if the news of someone calling takes the poor florist off guard. It genuinely started to scare Cross until the man comes back, a bit in a hurry. "Sorry about that! Yeah we are still free!" He said with an excited voice. "We can organize an interview anytime you want if you are still interested!"
Cross can’t help but notice... How the man seemed desperate... Like if he was expecting someone to respond for a long while... "Hum... Yes, I’m still interested..."
"Perfect!" The florist shouts cheerfully. "Is tomorrow morning at 9 possible? We open at 10 so it let us the time to discus it!"
"Y-Yeah, sounds good..." Cross said shyly.
"By the way..." The florist continue. "Would you mind to give me your name, so I can welcome you when we meet!"
"Oh yeah hum... It’s Cross..."
"Cross..." The florist repeats, seemingly lost in his thoughts for a short moment. "Great then! I will see you tomorrow them!"
"Y-Yeah... Goodbye sir..."
The phone hangs out, letting Cross the ability to breath, his anxiety evaporating in an instant. He gets up from his chair, before going to the kitchen, expecting to see Epic.
This one was watching some cartoons on the TV, before his attention suddenly turns toward Cross, the moment he spots him at the entrance of the room. "So Bruh, did you get it?"
"I have an interview for tomorrow morning, at the very least..." Cross sounded still a bit unsure.
"YOOOO CONGARTS BRUH!!!" Epic suddenly shout, from pure joy. "I’m proud of you! Let’s celebrate!"
"Wait! That didn’t mean that I get the job yet!"
"Still think ya deserve it! Ya did great Bruh!" He said taking Cross by the shoulder. "Let’s go get some chocolate!"
"S... Sure..."
----------
Well, here he is...
He arrived a little sooner than what they agreed, around 8:15 or something. If one thing Cross absolutely hate is being late, especially for something as important than a job interview. He want to show his best, be the most professional he can be! To the point to come 45 minutes too early? Well yeah...
And here he is now... In front of that shop...
It was a very small shop, probably the smallest shop of the whole town, nothing really extravagant. But at least, it looked calm, it wasn’t in a busy street, but not too isolated either.
Like the owner said, it was closed, the shutter was down, but he could see thanks to the little holes that someone was inside, just their basic form, as they seemed to take care of the plants, probably watering them or something. It was quiet, but he is sure that the young florist was humming some kind of song.
Should he knock at the glass door or should he wait?
Wouldn’t came this early would annoy the small florist in his plans? He is probably taking care of his flowers sooner than usual just for his interview with him... But before he could even think of leaving, just wandering on the street for at least half an hour, the shutter suddenly starts moving, as the owner probably saw Cross waiting for him.
When the shutter was at least half lifted, he could see at least the shoulder of the little florist, opening the door in half. "Hum Mister? Can I help you?"
"Oh hum I..." Cross babbles, looking for his words. "Sorry if it’s too early I will-"
"Oh! Are you Cross?" The florist suddenly ask.
It takes Cross by surprise, not expecting that the florist would remember his name. "I... Yes..."
The moment the affirmation left his mouth, the shutter lift once again, this time high enough for him to enter inside... And also to see him...
Bright beautiful yellow eyes, as warm that the sun. It’s the first you see when you look at him, those almost hypnotizing eyes, accompanied by this almost innocent soft gaze, a face that screams kindness, especially when those eyes grow at the view of Cross, before showing the most beautiful smile Cross has even seen. "Oh! It’s you!" He screams, before opening the door large enough for Cross to enter, raising his hand expecting a handshake. "Dream! It’s nice to meet you!"
Cross jumped a bit, he was lost in his thought before Dream raised his hand toward him. After a moment, hesitating, he finally dared to take it, surprised by the strange warm it emits. "It’s... Nice to meet you too..." He said, mentally swearing if it wasn’t too casual.
"Here come inside!" Dream gently invite him in, pushing some stand away, to let enough place for him to join him.
The first thing that Cross notes, is the heat. Strange, he never thought that a flower shop was this hot inside... He is not even sure if the plant can even support it, but they look fine so far...
"I... I’m so sorry did I come too early?" Cross immediately apologize. "We did said 9 so if I’m annoying you I-"
"Oh you’re not annoying me at all!" Dream said cheerfully. "In contrary, I’m happy to see you! We will have all the time we need for the interview! I just have a delivery to take care about in a few minutes, besides that I don’t mind having you around!"
"But... The flowers..."
"Don’t worry about it! I already watered them all already! I can take care of them later!"
Dream invites him upstairs, strangely again, the room was still as hot than in the shop. Is that an AC problem? Damn he can’t imagine how unbearable it would be to live here in summer...
Despite that, it was a nice little apartment...
"Do you desi... hum... Want something? I have some tea!" Dream propose, not without looking at his words.
"Hum... I already had my breakfast... But sure why not..."
"Alright!" Dream immediately go in the kitchen, not without slitting some stuffs on his way. He sounds like a very clumsy person if Cross wants to be honest, but in a way, he found that almost cute!
If this man does end up to be his future boss, he won’t mind, it’s a change from what he was always used to...
After a while, Dream comes back with the drink, surprisingly, he didn’t splinted them, but they were... Still bubbling... He is not sure if it’s really normal... "Here we go!"
"T-Thanks!" Cross said nervously, not really daring to touch his cup, pretty sure he will get a second degree burnt just by holding it. Dream, meanwhile, got no problem to drink it in one shot, making Cross crisp, having pity for that poor tongue...
"So..." Dream start. "Let’s talk a moment, what are you doing in particular?"
"What I’m doing..." Cross froze, not really sure what to respond.
"Yeah like what are you passionate into! Do you like reading? Hanging out with friends? Anything like that!"
Cross froze for a moment. He is not really sure what to respond. He could say he watch TV with his friend Epic, but is that really professional enough for a job interview? Wouldn’t he find him too annoying saying that? Calling him lazy and all? But he really doesn’t have anything too outstanding...
"I... Like too cook?" Was the best he could found...
"Oh really? That’s great!" Dream said cheerfully. "I also like to bake! I had fun trying this out think I moved on this re- since I moved here!" he correct himself, suddenly sounding a bit nervous.
"Oh, you aren’t from here?" Cross ask curious.
"I moved here not so long ago, I don’t exactly remember for how long... A year and half?" He explains. "I always wanted to be a florist since I’m a small im- kid! Taking care of flowers, seeing small little sprouts becoming big large plants, it always fascinates me! That and animals, but sadly, they don’t like me very much for some reason..."
"I see..." Cross just listen. It really sounded like Dream was passionate about his job, contrary to him who is just here because he was looking for some pay so he can move out from his dude’s apartment...
He is so sure he won’t be taken...
"Anyway, I just think life on here is beautiful don’t you think?" Dream ask, a bright smile on his face.
"Oh yeah you’re right!" Cross nodded, following Dream’s way to think more that his own thought...
Dream seems like he didn’t notice, he just continued to smile. "So anyway, let’s talk about why we are here..." He suddenly said. "Have you ever done any job that was around taking care of flowers before?"
Here we goes...
Cross freeze a moment, not sure what to respond, if he should be honest or lie just to get the job... Or not, he really don’t dare to lie, not with that kind of stuff! "No it’s my first time!"
"I see..." Dream just whispered, thoughtful before suddenly smile. "But that’s ok! There’s always a first at everything!"
"Y-Yeah..." Cross nodded.
"But I’m sure you will like it here! It’s not too crowded, so you will never get pressured unless certain period like the week of Valentine's day of Christmas, people are always looking for flowers at that time!" Dream explain, almost like to reassure Cross. "The only thing is that it’s a bit hard to take care of the shop alone, even the days I have the least customers, so I really don’t mind having some company to help me!"
Cross nodded, more and more uncertain he will get the job. He is so sure he will deceive him.
"Now... have you-" Dream was about to say before getting interrupted by a loud ring downstairs. "Oh I almost forgot the delivery! You can stay here, I will be right back!"
When Dream’s silhouette disappears the moment he left the room, Cross is left with nothing but his own thought. He can’t believe how kind Dream is, trusting him enough to leave him in his apartment, not scared that he would steal something. This job may not seem impressive, but it indeed seems... Nice... He can maybe like it here!
But he doesn’t know anything about flowers...
Wouldn’t it be best that Dream found someone else? Someone that already has some knowledge? Not a random guy like him...
He feels like he is making Dream lose his precious time...
"I’m back!"
Cross makes the deepest breath he could make, preparing himself mentally, to any kind of possible scenario...
But he must tell him...
"I’m so sorry about that! I hope I didn’t take too long!" Dream said, returning with a box in hands, putting it aside in a corner. "Anyway, where were we? Oh yeah, I was about to ask you-"
"That won’t be necessary..."
Dream fully stop, a confused expression on his face. "W-What?"
"I... I won’t take the job... I’m sorry..."
A heavy unbearable silence resonates in the room, as for several seconds, none of them dared to ever speak or move, until Dream finally decide to do the first step. "W-Why?"
Cross take a deep breath. "I... I don’t know anything about flowers..." He finally admits. "I was just looking for a job in hope to get some pay so I can move out... I’m not passionate like you are... All I will do if you dare to hire me, is ruining your business..."
It looked like Dream was both understanding of what Cross mean... And at the same time not. He genuinely looked like he was... On the verge of crying...
It just makes Cross feels even more bad...
"I’m so sorry... It looks lovely here, but it would never work... You should find someone else, someone who knows how to get their job right..."
Dream didn’t try to stop him, he didn’t say a word in fact, he let him go in silence, it was clear he was hurt, not just disappointed, really hurt... he tries to ignore it and goes down, back in the shop. He doesn’t dare to look back, not wanting to face him and feel even worse than he is already...
He can’t help but have a quick look all around him... It looks nice, cozy... It’s true that he would have loved to work here...
"Ya must try and learn, I’m sure ya will do fine!"
He rethinks about Epic’s words, he was really thinking if he was right, that he should have at least give it a try... But isn’t it too late? He can’t go back and ask again... Not after hurting him this much...
"Excuse me..."
Cross jump at the sudden voice, coming from the entrance, an old lady standing here, a customer probably.
It was 9:15... Dream did say he opens at 10...
"Oh hum mam..." Cross tries to point out the hour.
"Oh! You’re Dream’s employee?" She cut him, seeming cheerful.
Oh boy. "Oh no I-"
"That’s great news!" She smiles. "It’s been... A year or so, this kind man was looking for someone, and was always turned down... Some even dared to be rude to him... It’s great that he finally found someone!"
... Great, how to not feel even worse...
Cross stands for a moment, not knowing how to break the news, he doesn’t want to disappoint an old lady...
"Anyway mister... I was asking if you still has some roses?" She ask. "I’m visiting my husband today!"
Cross doesn’t know what to do for a moment, if he should play along, or tell the lady to return a bit later... But he already hurt too mush people today. "Hum... Sure I will look! What kind of roses do you want?"
"You are very kind my dear!" The old woman said. "I would like the white ones, it was his favorites!"
"Alright!" Cross immediately starts looking. They weren’t hard to find, he managed to make a small bouquet with the few flowers that were left, enough for the old lady, who seemed to be pleased with his service.
"Thanks you so mush sir!" She said, before checking in her wallet, taking out a billet of 50. "Here we go sir!"
"Ah wait!" Cross shouts. "I need to give you the change-"
"It’s no need dear!" She spoke out. "It’s as a thanks for your hard work! Young kids like you two deserve it more than I go!"
Cross’ heart emits a soft beat, not used of so much kindness before, he honestly feels some accomplishment, taking care of that old lady, doing what she asked for...
He... He likes it...
"Would you need a paper bag miss?"
Cross couldn’t help but jump, at Dream’s sudden arrival, appearing like a ghost behind them.
"Oh Dream!" The old lady spokes out. "It’s no need, I can carry them!"
"It’s just to protect them!" Dream point out. "Would be sad they loses their petals because the wind! I’m sure your husband would prefer flowers still intact!"
Cross didn’t take long to notice, that despite trying to sound as cheerful than possible, Dream’s voice was still a bit broken, still trying to hide the sadness, and it just hit Cross even more with guilt.
The old lady her, didn’t seem to realize, she was just thankful about Dream’s help, she acted like a grandma for him, almost about to pinch his cheeks like a kid. He did the rest that needed to be done before the woman leaves, greeting each others and wishing them to have a nice day.
When she was gone, Cross dared to approach Dream one last time, giving him the money, still avoiding his look. Dream just take it silently, just saying a quiet ‘thanks’ before moving toward the corner and register the billet.
For a moment, Cross wasn’t sure about what to do. The most logical would be to leave and go home... But he doesn’t want to... He feels like what he is about to do will backfire very hard, because he messed up too much already... But he wants to try...
"Hum... I was asking..."
Dream raises his head, a bit surprised. "Y-Yes? Do... Do you want something?"
"Yeah I..." Cross takes a deep profound breath. "I wanted to say... Sorry for earlier... That was... That was rude of me and..."
"Oh it’s fine!" Dream cut. "I completely understand that you think the job isn’t suited for you! That you prefer seeing elsewhere! In fact, if you need help on that part, I know some place that would be willing to take you!" He propose with a smile, though he was clearly trying to hold his tears.
"I... No! You don’t need to do that! I..." Cross try to calm himself down, almost panicking to the point even Dream started to worry. But before the little florist could do or say anything, Cross finally dare to shout out:
"Does... Does the job offer still stand?"
Dream’s eyes wide open at the hear of this, making a shocked expression. "W-What?"
"I..." Cross shake a bit. "I was asking if... It’s too late for me to change my mind... Is it possible to at least do some trial or something? I understand if you don’t but..."
Cross almost closes his eyes from anticipation, so sure Dream was about to turn down his offer, and he thinks it would have been well deserved, he shouldn’t have acted stupid earlier...
He will say no, he will say no, he will say no, he will...
"Of course it still stand!"
Cross’ eyes wide open, almost in shock, not believing what he just said. "Really?"
"Yeah!" Dream almost tears up, like if he was touched. "For a trial, or for a long stay, even if you decide that your first impression was right, that the job isn’t for you, you will be always welcome here!"
Now it’s Cross’ turn to almost cry, his eyes watering a bit. "Are you sure... You want to give me another chance?"
"I’m sure!" Dream nods, giving him a bright smile. "Don’t worry about what happened earlier... You are all forgiven!"
Cross doesn’t know why, but he suddenly feels extremely light, a few tears finally left his cheeks. "Oh... So the interview..."
"Oh! Don’t worry about that!" Dream reassure. "I saw you taking care of that lady earlier, you were extremely kind and patient, I think it’s enough to say you’re qualified for the job!"
"But... I don’t know mush about flowers..."
"It’s fine! I will teach anything you need during your trial! Don’t be scared about making mistakes! I’m sure you will do fine!"
Cross finally smiles, a bright smile, the best ever genuine smile he has ever done in his entire life. "Thanks you so mush! I will try my best!"
--------
They spend the rest of the morning together, Cross here to help Dream to assist him. Like expected, he made some mistakes, but Dream was always here to cheer him up the few times it happens.
Cross genuinely feels like he has grown, both in knowledge and experience! He loved that time spend with Dream, talking about what they like when no customers were around, they slowly bounded, the accident of earlier was just in the past now, they acted like if it never ever happened!
When lunch time starts, Cross didn’t saw it coming, he wasn’t even hungry, he wanted to continue, Dream needed to stop him, proposing him to have lunch with him.
Dream’s cooking was... Particular... Everything was very hot, if not already burned, and it seemed to ashame him, but Cross reassured him, it didn’t stop him from eating, ignoring the burning taste, just enjoying being here with him.
"So hum... About the trial..." Cross spokes, a bit nervously.
"Oh... So you changed your mind?" Dream whispered, a bit sad, thinking Cross was about to cancel.
"Oh no no no!" Cross reassures. "I was just thinking if hum... Can we make it official?"
"You make your choice?" Dream shouts in shock. "Are you sure? Isn’t that too early?"
"I’m sure!" Cross said proudly. "I like it here, in fact, way more that I thought I would at first so I wanted to think... If I can sign the contract now..."
Dream seemed to be hesitant, but finally end up nodding. "Well, if it is what you want, sure! I will be right back!" He stand up, going to the other room.
While Cross waits, he gets his phones, immediately texting his roommate about the good news.
[Got the job!]
[YOOOOOOO!!!
CONGRATS
BRUH!!!]
[So? How is ya
boss?]
[He is so sweet
and kind!]
Cross send, able to hear Dream humming happily, even doing some squeak of happiness, it was genuinely adorable, he can’t help but blush trying to imagine it.
[A veritable angel!]