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Olruggio liked flowers.
So he owned a flower shop, and it let him consider himself lucky, because everytime he went downstairs and tied on his apron, he could say to anyone who asked “Yes, I am having a good day”.
Olruggio didn’t like motorcycles.
That was an overstatement.
Olruggio didn’t like danger, or loud noises, or things that drove away customers. It just so happened his shop had to be parallel to all those things combined parked outside day in and day out.
Since the dawn of time, or whenever Olruggio signed the lease for the Watchful Eye, across the street there was a tattoo parlor. At first, it was called The Great Hall and it was undeniably a gang hideout, but recently it became The Atelier, deniably a gang hideout.
Olruggio preferred to stay out of others business, he knew how hard being a business owner was and he’d hate to make it harder for anyone else, but it seemed the owner of The Atelier didn’t agree. As Every Single Day, without fail, the parking outside of the Atelier would be filled to the brim with rows of motorcycles, like dominos waiting to fall.
It was ruining business and Olruggio couldn't do shit about it.
So, nowadays, Olruggio couldn't tell whoever asked ‘Yes, I am having a good day’ because everyday, the cloud of The Atelier rained on his goddamn parade.
Not to mention it gave the nosy owner of the bakery next store plenty of conversation starters.
Still, surprisingly enough, after a week-long lull there were more customers than usual. Which Olruggio would never complain about.
“Huh, lots of people are coming in today, Hiehart.” Olruggio said as he cut parchment to wrap the twentieth bouquet of roses in the last three hours.
“Boss-- You're kidding right?” Hiehart asked, incredulously.
“What?” Before Hiehart could explain, Olruggio looked over to the sound of the door opening.
“Hiehart! Olruggio! Are you seeing this?” Marina asked, the doorbell chiming as she walked in.
“Good morning to you too, Marina.” Olruggio offered, the woman scoffed.
“Look at this, I woke up today and I saw this. I’m losing customers, I can feel my margins slipping you know!” She complained, Hiehart taking over the role of solemnly nodding along to whatever she began spewing as Olruggio went outside.
He could see the problem. A large build up of motorcycles had piled from its normal space on the parking space along the road, to encroaching over the sidewalk and even taking refuge in front of the Watchful Eye and the Twin Tail Bakery. It was an eyesore, and it was taking away parking. Parking that paying customers could have used.
“The worst part is I don’t even think that building is up to code to hold that many people! It's like thirty bikes-- Why are they all there? This was never a problem with the old man!” Marina complained as Hiehart filled her tea cup, giving Olruggio a pleading look for help.
“We could try and get them towed?” Olruggio offered, Marina groaning.
“And anger a damn biker gang?! That's the easiest way I can get your windows smashed in…” The woman sorrowed, and Olruggio shrugged, as non confrontational as Olruggio was, he could see a problem that would need to be snipped at the bud as easily as he could see his own hands.
“Are they really a biker gang?” Olruggio asked, and Marina shot from her chair, grabbing Olruggios arm with a shockingly hard grip, moving him to the front window as the door to The Atelier flung open. Three men left the Atelier, each with an impressive amount of tattoos on their arms, necks, even faces. All wearing a jacket of the same cut and style, two of them pulling out cigarettes.
“Biker. Gang. Also, the owners association has asked that the business owners on this street not let anyone smoke outside of the businesses with residents on top. What's the point of rules?! No one ever listens…”
“We have a business owners association?”
“Not the point! That's organization! With matching tattoos and stuff! You know when Tetia comes home she gets nervous when they're all hanging around, doesn't wanna ride her bike past them!” Marina explained, Olruggio found that hard to believe.
“Tetia? Afraid? Man, and hell froze over. Maybe I could get them to spook her from raiding my shop…” Olruggio joked, Marina didn't laugh. Giving him a stern look, before going back to grumbling.
“What are we to do Olruggio… We can't keep this up you know! All the conversations people have with me at the till are about those motorcycles, how they scare people! How can I sell wedding cakes when there's twenty Harley’s at my front door?” Marina asked, and it was honestly a good question. People got nervous when they saw a crowd of leather jackets and muscles across the street, it didn't bring in customers, and the bikers weren't buying any flowers.
“Look, have you talked to the guy? Maybe he'll tell them to take it around the corner or something.” Marina scoffed, shaking her head.
“He's some young sprite, your age too, nothing like the old man. At least when the old man owned the place he kept his business out of mine! You know-- kids these days.” Annnd Olruggio stopped listening, peering across the way and catching the eye of the one person who stuck out by the window. An idea forming.
“Hey… Marina, how about you leave this one to me?” Olruggio asked, cutting off what she was saying.
“Leave it to you? What are you gonna do?” She quieted, Olruggio smiled.
“I'll finally introduce myself to our neighbor.”
By the time sparkly pink and green bikes parked outside of the Twin Tail Bakery, the vast majority of the motorcycles had cleared out. Leaving a solid six or seven parked outside, not as bad, but still. Students were let out of their schools and Olruggio hung up his apron and set up the bouquet.
“You think that's actually gonna work?” Hiehart asked, cutting into a pastry from next door.
“This is my most popular arrangement, it's a favorite of anyone with eyes. Good variety, nice color palette, it'll add some good will before I start asking.”
“Your funeral boss! I'll make sure your shop is left to me… Its what you'd would've wanted…” Hiehart spoke with a tone of preemptive sadness.
“I'd rather you burn the building down.”
“Ouch! Still, boss, you know how that looks right?” Hiehart asked, Olruggio gave him a look.
“Looks?” Olruggio asked, and Hiehart floundered.
“Whatever, good luck.” Hiehart finally let go, Olruggio brushed it off. Normal, weird, Hiehart.
Olruggio wrapped the arrangement in parchment, cradling it in his arms as he closed the door behind him, a migraine growing as he was met with four little faces staring up at him.
“Afternoon girls.” Olruggio was ignored, as each of the cotton candy colored girls began to try and see the bouquet. All dressed in pink. Olruggio almost made a joke about it being a wednesday, but realized they probably weren't old enough to know the reference.
“Mr. Olly! Is that for your special someone? You have a special someone?” Tetia asked, voice high pitched with curiosity.
“I'm sure you have-- homework or something-- are you guys old enough for homework yet?” Olruggio asked himself, shaking his head as he tried to pass them.
“Are those for Mr. Qifrey?” Coco asked, noting where he was trying to walk.
“Yeah kid, a… welcome to the neighborhood gift.”
“Wha? But Mr. Qifrey’s been in the neighborhood since ever. He gives the best lollipops out for halloween! They tattoo your tongue for a bit!” Tetia announced, craning her neck to look into the bouquet.
“Well I've yet to meet him-- So if you'd excuse me--”
“Wait-- Is Mr. Qifrey your special someone?!” Riche blurted out, honestly Olruggio was shocked she could hear him from behind her noise defenders.
“What in the world are you girls talking about?” Olruggio asked, shaking Tetia from her grip on his leg, leaving the girls in his wake.
Olruggio finally made it into The Atelier, opening the door with his freehand.
He didn’t see many people in there, whoever was there was probably hidden behind the partitions that presumably had people getting tattooed.
There was a woman and two men seated in the waiting area, a cluster of three men in the corner speaking over something or another, and a person at the reception desk hunched over a piece of what looked like skin. A needle in hand as they glanced too and from the skin and the ipad next to them.
Olruggio cleared his throat, the person at the reception looking up. The only thing Olruggio could think was that they looked eerily like Riche.
“Hey there, we’re booked up all week so if you're looking for a tat you're out of luck.” They said in lew of an introduction. Olruggio read their name tag Riliphin (They/He) Apprentice.
“Not looking for a tattoo.”
“You're in a tattoo parlor sir…” Riliphin reminded, confusion on their face. “We don’t do piercings after 4pm.”
“Uh, no-- I mean-- Can I see your boss?”
“I mean, if your trying to get me fired you can just talk to me about i--”
“No! I mean, these are for him.” Olruggio said, presenting the bouquet to Riliphin, their eyebrows furrowing.
“Damn, Qifrey… Alright.” Riliphin said, standing up. “He should be finishing with Alaira’s new piece… Now, actually. Follow me.”
Olruggio obeyed, noting how the parlor seemed a bit quieter than he’d expected as he walked with Riliphin down to the partian where a woman and man stood together, talking excitedly.
“Riliphin! Perfect time! I think this might be my best piece I’ve ever done.” The man, who Olruggio assumed was Qifrey, spoke. Enthusiasm dripping from each vowel and syllable.
Face to face, Qifrey looked nothing like he’d expected. His nose was carved from marble, his eyelashes fanned on his cheeks, his eyes were the color of hyacinth. Olruggio had never thought of men as pretty, but facing Qifrey, he found his definition of the word to turn into what the man looked like. His upper lip was the shape of a cupid's bow.
“Oh! What a surprise!” Qifrey said, standing up as Riliphin moved to look over Alaira’s new tattoo.
“Afternoon I’m--” “Olruggio.” Qifrey finished for him, taking the flowers from his hands and looking at them with a tender fondness that in any other eye would be reserved for precious stones.
“These are stunning-- And such a surprising gift on a day like this.” Qifrey laughed, and it rang like wind chimes or petals in the wind or a warm meal.
“Their uh, my most popular arrangement. I just wanted to-- ask you something.” Olruggio stumbled on his words, and Qifrey perked up. Just then, from behind Qifrey a few men hung over the partian, eyeing Olruggio up and down with scrutiny, and Olruggio was very aware of how little he worked out.
“Oh! Then do ask, I must implore you.” Qifrey led, nodding his head with enthusiasm as Riliphin left with Alaira.
“I-- This was a mistake.” Olruggio spoke, feeling like a man possessed as he turned away and rushed to the door of The Atelier, leaving the white haired man in his wake.
He needed to close up shop.
That was the only thought going through his mind when he left The Atelier, opening The Watchful Eye’s door and startling Hiehart as he watered the plants.
“Boss?” He asked, Olruggio shaking his head.
“Head out early, I’ll finish closing and pay you full.” Olruggio instructed, Hiehart taking off his apron.
“You good? I can finish my shift, it's fine…” Hiehart offered, only to be waved off.
“Go home to Jujy, bring her some flowers or something too. On the house just-- Head out.” Hiehart listened, taking one of the ordered bouquets that was never picked up and leaving Olruggio to close.
Olruggio’s heart beat, and he couldn't breathe. What was he thinking? Old, badbacked, Olruggio trying to convince the owner of a bike gang hangout spot to move some motorcycles with a pretty set of flowers and some pleasant words? Did he have a fucking death wish?
Olruggio scolded himself, spraying the plants down and checking for bugs, finding calm in the routine. Only to be removed from it via a knock at the door.
“Hello?” A voice, muffed, called out. And glowing in the evening hue, spotlighted by the streetlight, was Qifrey from across the road.
“Shops closed.”
“Is the owner closed too?”
Olruggio paused, before relenting, opening the door, Qifrey’s face lighting up.
“I didn’t get to thank you.”
“It was a gift, long overdue.”
“Still, a welcomed surprise worthy of thanks.”
Olruggio sighed, noting the lack of bikes around The Atelier. He wasn't one to judge by appearances, but Qifrey didn't seem angry at him, so maybe it was a good time to bring it up.
“Come in.” He beckoned, taking the chairs from on top of one of the tables near the cafe area of the florist shop and tucking them under the table. “I'll make us some tea. The house blend?” Olruggio asked, Qifrey beamed.
“I must try it.”
Olruggio went to brewing, his new guests' eyes trained on him as he worked.
“I really admire you Olruggio.” Qifrey spoke up, a tone in his voice he couldn't place.
“How so? I fear I'm the least admirable man by leagues in this city.”
“Nah, far from it. I know worse men. Besides, I admire the plants, the way you care for them.” Qifrey drawled, Olruggio turned to look at him as the water boiled.
“Really?”
“Really. I've tried to care for plants my whole life, I always thought fostering life in that way was a good deed but… Alas I have whatever the opposite of a green thumb is. You, you tend to them with reverence. Like it's a form of worship.” Qifrey went on, Olruggio’s face growing confused.
“You've seen me?”
“Yeah. You got a real nice planter up on your balcony, I live in the residential uptop of The Atelier. Whenever there's a break during the day I like to just watch you work. It's… I don't know… Therapeutic to see something others find insignificant be treated so tenderly.”
Olruggio paused, face agast. Tender words and tender looks were never spared for him, he wasn't the type who got faces to soften at his own or smiled to bloom when he walked into the room. Not until now.
There was a silence as the tea steeped, where Olruggio and Qifrey sat in a silence that was not uncomfortable.
“So… Motorcycles.”
“Motorcycles.” Qifrey answered, amusement on his tongue. “They are all family friends. My old man ran the parlor before me. They like to see what I'm up to.”
“Huh, um. I know you owe me no favors, but can I ask something of you?” He asked, bringing two mugs down to the table.
“Anything, isn't that what neighbors are for?”
Olruggio sat, and at sunset he wondered what Qifrey did everyday at this time. Did he wipe down the chairs of the parlor, take away needles, and send his apprentice Riliphin on his way home. For a man who had been so close to Qifrey for so long, it now seemed strange they had never interacted. That Qifrey had only watched from afar. Olruggio wished they had spoken sooner.
“You know Marina?”
“Oh yes, she has the sweetest daughter, Tetia and her little group of imps -- and Agott.” Qifrey joked, and Olruggio laughed along, even though he knew Agott could partake in their schemes as easily as the others could. She just did it with her nose turned up.
“She's been causing a fuss, a lot of the owners have really, about all the bikes. I can't say I don't have my problems with them too, my clients are mostly old ladies who walk here. They get intimidated.” Olruggio attempted to soften his words, for reasons unknown to him. Hours ago, he was ready to bring flowers to Qifrey’s parlor only to demand the clearing of the metal business killers, but now it seemed too cruel to speak to the man with anything but kindness.
“Is that so?” Qifrey asked, a smile playing on his lips.
“Yeah…”
“I'll tell them to back off… On a condition.” Qifrey tacked on, Olruggios brows furrowing.
“That being?”
“A date? Tomorrow night?”
He said yes. Of course he did, because Olruggio is a fool and he is thirty five and he still crushes on pretty men like he's a schoolboy.
Qifrey had left with a touch to his arm and a promise of meeting the following night. Olruggio thought it was comical, how he could spend all this time just a road away from a man that put his flowers to shame, and think him a bother.
As he closed up shop, cleaning counters and setting the unsold trimmed flowers out in the compost, Olruggio stumbled onto the open accounting book he used for tracking orders. Flipping to the dog eared page, Olruggio laughed, and laughed, and laughed a bit more. The date as clear as day on the upper corner.
February 14th