Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Its the start of spring in Schpood’s small town, meaning people couldn’t be happier. There was something sweet about the rising joy in passerby’s faces due to the soon-to-be-fulfilled promised of finishing exams or the closeness to the warm summer season or even the simple promise of extra sunlight during waking hours.

However, despite all the sentimental bits of the season, Schpood was still the same. Gruff and a bit manic, chained behind the doors of the flower shop: “Ish’s civilization” (what a stupid and outdated name, he should really tell Ish to change it). Don’t get him wrong, the pay wasn’t bad and nor was the job or customers, it was just a monotonous routinely job that didn’t suit Schpood’s idea of exciting. He just needed something fresh. However, beggars can’t be choosers. No matter what, he was loyal to Ish, afterall, despite failing all his classes and exams in school, Ish gave him a chance that no one else would.

Now he was here. Since 2 years and 7 months ago.

One thing that did liven the small corner shop up was talking to potential buyers, more importantly, (as Schpood liked to put it) loveless losers who are too dense to make a move. You surprisingly learn alot from behind a counter (just ignore the fact that Schpood falls into those categories).

DING

As Schpood was freshening up the marigolds in the corner, he turned around to get a glimpse of who entered. Schpood knew (as he proudly would put it) everyone in town, though it wasn’t as big of a boast as he thought since the area was pretty small. Nonetheless, he was eager for a new interaction every time.

Now, apart from him, there was two people browsing around: Flux, who came in earlier and took his sweet time looking around (which Schpood didn’t mind, he liked the silent company) and now Saps, who glanced around stupidly, most likely clueless.

Just on cue, Schpood dropped what he was doing and walked over to him leisurely.

“Saps! My favourite customer! How can I help you?”

“Dude, you don’t need to keep up pretences, I know you say that to everyone.” Saps replied deadpan, crossing his arms playfully.

“Whatever! I have no clue what you’re talking about!” Schpood shrugged cheekily.

“Sure…” Saps said back, giving a knowing smile. “Anyways, you mind helping me out dude?”

“Yup!”

Schpood walked over to the counter, quickly casting a quick glance to the far corner of the store where Flux was aimlessly oblivious to his surroundings and was quickly typing on his phone.

“What did ya need.”

“Ok. So.” Saps said, taking out his phone. His voice dropped in a soft whisper, now suddenly aware he wasn’t the only man in the store. “I’m not all that great at matching colours and themes and shit, so you mind telling me what flowers go best with this outfit?”

Saps turned the phone over to Schpood to get a glance and Schpood suddenly narrowed his eyes.

“Oh..?” he muttered simply to a blushing Saps.

Despite the poorly cropped photo, it was clearly Flux in the photo- it would be impossible to deny that fact. Ignoring the similar build and skin colour, that outfit was evidently Flux’s signature look.

“Spill it.” Schpood demanded instantly. What can he say? He was a sucker for gossip…

“Ugh, I forgot I couldn’t get anything passed you..” Saps said, dejected, leaning in. “You’re smarter than you look, you know.”

“Yeah yeah, just get on with it.” Schpood replied, ignoring the flattery.

“Fine!” Saps said. “It’s just, Flux’s birthday is coming up and I heard he liked flowers, so I thought it would be nice if it matched. That’s all.”

“And…?” Schpood said, raising an eyebrow.

“FINE.” Saps said, shouting in an exasperated whisper. “AND I was maybe kinda really hoping for it to double as a small little tiny miniscule love confession.”

“There we are.” Schpood said, grinning victoriously. Based on all the past gossip he heard from other residents, it was cute knowing that Saps unknowingly reciprocated Flux’s shared feelings.

“I got the perfect flowers for you.”

Without another words, Schpood hurried to the backdoor to dig around for the exact fresh flowers he had in mind.

“Here.” He shouted happily, showing a beautiful and plentiful bouquet to Saps.

“Lilacs!”

“Woah! They’re SO pretty!” Saps responded, instantly enamoured. “I think they’re perfect! You think he will like them?”

“Don’t worry, I have no doubt.” Schpood smiled back.

Saps nodded as he pulled out his card to pay.

“Thanks again dude.” Saps said, taking the bouquet Schpood held gently.

“No problem, remember to come back so I can keep more of your precious money.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever.” Saps waved as he left the door.

The moment he left, Schpood slumped on the frontdesk. As much as he liked talking to (or a better way to put it, digging around) people, it got a bit boring quickly. Longingly, he stared at the window, hoping to be at the other side of it.

“Excuse me.” Flux said, startling Schpood up and awake from another encounter.

“My bad, how can I help?”

“Uh.” Flux flushed pink slightly as he itched the back of his neck. “You know the flowers Saps bought right now, did he like them perchance?”

Schpood paused for a second, completely forgetting the fact that Flux was more vigilant than he thought before smiling.

“He sure did!”

“Are you bullshitting me or are you actually being for real, cause I swear if you make me look like a fool…”

“Nah, trust me. You can ask him if you want, but in his words, they were ‘pretty’”

“Hmm…”

“Dude, he will really appreciate the gesture, trust me.” Schpood reassured him.

“You sure?”

“I mean it wholeheartedly.”

Flux nodded, walking out with another fresh bouquet of lilacs.

“I have no doubt it will work out.” Schpood muttered before putting his head down on the frontdesk, with just a small (practically undetectable) hint of jealousy evident in his tone.

Chapter Text

It was another quiet day in town, no big deal though. Sometimes, slow days were the best for Schpood when he didn’t feel like working (such as most days). Despite his gruff uncooperativeness, Schpood was an efficient worker so often when the shop was empty, he didn’t have much to do. Afterall, doomscrolling got boring after a while, and texting people took too much energy out of him.

One thing he was avoiding though, was Ish’s work emails. After the first year of Schpood working at the flower store (and proving he was a good, trustworthy employee), Ish felt like it would be a good thing to take a step back and focus on other projects, especially since ‘Ish’s civilization’ was a chain store. Now, Schpood was basically the one in charge, and often, other poor employees would have to listen to his orders (not that he would abuse it though).

DING

The little bell hanging on the door knocked Schpood out of his sluggish daze, but he welcomed that- the longer he stared at his phone screen, the more he was sure that the guilty feeling in his chest was uncomfortably rising due to betraying Ish’s ideal.

“Hello!” He shouted warmly, despite not even getting a glance at the customer’s face. “How can I help you.”

From behind some stalls of flowers, none other than Cynikka approached him.

Schpood grinned uncomfortably. It had been years since he had seen her, the last time was in high school when an extreme class argument led them to not talk to each other again. Internally, he consciously put that unfortunate awkward memory out of his mind. Now was not the time to dwell on that. He just hoped the saying ‘time heals all wounds’ was now applicable in this moment.

After high school, Cynikka was one of the few people he knew who moved out of his town all together, but he never expected her to return. However, if he made amends with Flux, she was sure that it could work with Cynikka. Or maybe they could pretend it never happened, that works.

“Hey there.” He said again, putting on a neutral and nonchalant customer service face.

He tried not to wince when he actually got to see her face directly. Sure, it was undeniable that she grew up to be very beautiful but one thing he couldn’t stop staring at was her horribly pale face with disastrous eyebags.

“Are you okay?” He choked out, getting silence as a response.

“Seriously.” Schpood tried again. He just felt utterly horrible.

“Ugh, I feel so stupid.” She muttered, hitting herself. “ I shouldn’t have come back.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what, forget it. I don’t need anything.” Promptly, Cynikka took a sharp turn towards the door, but Schpood dove towards her from behind the counter and grabbed her arm, making her halt to a stop.

“No please.” He muttered awkwardly. It was weird enough as it is, holding your ex friend captive in you store but hey, Cynikka’s cryptic words validated his decision.

Cynikka raised her eyebrows, but didn’t fight off Schpood’s arm.

“You know… I have a break now… do you wanna talk?” He asked cautiously.

To his surprise, Cynikka nodded before following him to the small breakroom. Schpood just hoped no one else decided to come in here, now was a moment he would probably not get again.

For basic pleasantries, whilst Cynikka took a seat, he made them two coffees.

“So.” He said, handing Cynikka a mug. “What brings you back.”

“I don’t really know to be honest.” She whispered, avoiding eye contact and Schpood took that as a sign to not pry.

“Do you atleast have a place to stay.” He asked.

“...I’m working on it.”

“How about Flux?” Schpood asked. “Does your brother even know you’re here.”

“No! Jeez Schpood!” Cynikka exploded. “Since when did you ask so many prying questions? Since when did you change so much?? You never used to be so… fucking respectful and shit.”

“Calm down.” Schpood said, starting to get irritated regarding her small responses. “It’s perfectly natural to ask so many god damn questions, especially since some random ass lady from my past comes here cryptically looking like shit.”

“Wowwww.” Cynikka snided. “There’s the man I know. You see? This is what I need, not some fucking losers walking on landmines around me. I’m a perfectly abled woman who can take care of myself, so why are you asking like a fucking dad??”

“It’s called being a good friend Cynikka, not like you’d know since you ditched and ghosted everyone ever since you left. Plus, unlike you, the people that stayed here actually know boundaries and shit, so that’s why people are so fucking concerned! I don’t know what the hell happened to you when you left…”

“Whatever you’re implying is bullshit.” Cynikka said, putting down the mug and crossing her arms defensively. “Unlike you, I actually made something of myself then getting a pity job at his lonely ass place. How the hell did you actually land a job anyways? I swear you failed everything in school?”

“Yeah yeah, now you’re just getting defensive. You know people don’t always care about grades, right? I landed this GREAT job out of my own charisma and interpersonal skills, something you don’t clearly have you lonely fucker.”

Cynikka’s fist slammed down on the table, causing the mug to tip over, yet none of them cared, they were just staring at each other with nothing but resentment.

“Do you even know what Flux is up to now? What he does? Who he likes and love?” Schpood shouted. “How bloody pathetic is that.” He spat out.

Cynikka’s cruel expression suddenly flashed into something more painful, more vulnerable. “You’re right..” She muttered, hanging her head in shame. “Truth be told, that’s why I came back.”

Her tone dropped into a hushed whisper. “I may or may not have realised everything I missed…”

Cynikka covered her face in her hands, crouching in shame whilst trembling slightly. Schpood suspected her to be crying yet he wasn’t exactly the best at comforting someone.

“Look.” He said firmly. “I know it definitely seems awkward to come back after who the hell knows long but if you don’t do it now, you will never get the chance to.”

“I think, after I give Flux’s address to you. You get a bunch of flowers, walk on over there and explain everything to him. Regardless of everything, true family would never despise you for long.”

“Ugh. You changed alot.” Cynikka sniffled, wiping the flowing tears down her face. “Are you trying to take my money in exchange for some dumb flowers”

“Hey, you may not exactly know, but your estranged brother just so happens to love flowers. I just so happen to give you a headstart.”

“I hate you so much.” Cynikka reluctantly grinned. “What flowers do you recommend?”

“I think camellias would be nice.”

“Then just give me a bunch of them.” She sighed. “Lord, you’re going to be the death of me, you know that.”

“That would be my pleasure” Schpood smiled back.

Chapter Text

“That’s all I heard from that night, but they’re keeping it lowkey, but although I respect their wishes, how could you NOT have the urge to want to find out what’s happening.”

“Mhm.”

“So then I went to Cass, who’s literally one of the only few least hostile people here and I was like ‘hey, you know what happened?’”

“Mhm.”

“And, I never would have guessed, but apparently Cass is also tied up in this whole ordeal, cause she refused to to tell me anything.”

“Yup..”

“And so, I confronted her about it, and she said she didn’t want to break Cynikka’s trust and privacy! Isn’t that weird?”

“Mhm..”

“EXACTLY. She said Cynikka! Not Flux, not Saps, Cynikka! I think something is afoot over there, about them two…”

“Listen dude, are you gonna buy any flowers or not? Cause as much as I… appreciate..your company, I have some work to get up to.”

Schpood didn’t feel one ounce of regret when he interrupted Sidefall’s ramble. On the contrary, he wished he did it more. Schpood and Sidefall were an unlikely duo, even he had to admit it himself, but at the end of the day, Sidefall came crawling back to him because ultimately, Schpood was the only person who couldn’t get up and leave, afterall, he was tied to this job (which he is obviously proud to have, but still).

“Alright fineee, I’ll buy something to help you out.” Sidefall relented as he winked at Schpood which subconsciously made Schpood recoil. Good thing Sidefall didn’t see that..

“Hm.. so what do you recommend because..”

Sidefall’s voice trailed off and for a minute it was like no one was standing in front of him anymore because there was one customer who entered which fully stole all of Schpood’s attention: 5pyder.

“Hey!” Schpood awkwardly shouted, trying to get his attention as he physically pushed Sidefall to the side. “It’s good to see you!”

Out of nowhere, Schpood felt revitalised and full of energy once again. All boredom he had once felt standing behind the counter eternally felt like a task he was willing to do all over again to see his face once more.

“Hey.” 5pyder smiled back, seemingly equally as happy to see Schpood.

Due to their conflicting time schedules and jobs, it was impossible for them to rearrange some sort of meet up with just the two of them without the expense of losing one of their jobs. However, today was a once in a blue moon occurrence that 5pyder was up and standing before him.

“Uh, sorry to ruin this reunion.” Sidefall grumpily snided. “But I believe you were assisting me with my purchase.”

“Aw, shut the hell up dude, I did not spend an hour of torture for it to be regarded as assisstance.”

Schpood grabbed the closest flowers near him and shoved it in his hands. “This is Protea. It’s a cute flower, now buy it or leave.”

“Jeez.” Sidefall grumbled. “You’re lucky we’re on good terms..” Swiftly, he snatched some more out of Schpood’s arms before throwing cash at him. “I won’t be returning soon, thanks to you!”

“I’m glad!” Schpood shouted back, as Sidefall quickly scampered off.

“Wow.. rough day?”

Schpood quickly snapped back to 5pyder who was patiently waiting by the side for him.

“You might say that…” Schpood responded, feeling his face flush even deeper.

“Yeah, I get you.” 5pyder inched closer, to which Schpood wordlessly did the same.

“I missed you, you know.”

“Really?” Schpood gulped, internally beating himself up on the inside for such a stupid response.

“Of course, you’re my bestest friend.”

Ah. ‘Friend’.

Schpood grimaced at that, but thankfully 5pyder didn’t get a glimpse. He didn’t want him to see such a distraught face in front of him, especially if they didn’t see each other much. All Schpood wanted from him was 5ypder’s joy and affection, uninfluenced by anything else. Honestly, Schpood hated to admit it, but for such a loud and mouthy guy, he was too much of a chicken to ask him out already. Maybe because their schedules rarely worked out.

Wait. What was he waiting for? It’s not like he would never see 5pyder again, it just means life would be hard to work out, but Schpood knows he would try.

There’s no time like the present.

“Listen 5pyder-”

“Schpood, I-”

“Oh-” They said simultaneously/

“You go first.” 5pyder said, nervously rubbing the back of his head.

“No! I insist, you first.”

“Alright, fine.” 5pyder sighed. “I’m...moving away.”

Schpood silently stood in front of 5pyder, mouth open in shock as he felt bullets of despair pelting him.

“What do you mean?” Schpood spat out, stammering. “Why?”

5pyder’s expression fell into something more crestfallen and regretful as he avoided Schpood’s eyes.

“Listen, it was not an easy decision Schpood, really.” 5pyder’s hand fell on his and grasped it tightly. “I got a new job, someone who’s ready to take a chance on me. I’ve been waiting so long for this. Plus, atleast my sleep schedule will be better.” 5pyder chuckled wetly.

“How about me?” Schpood muttered.

“Believe me when I say you were one of the biggest reasons for me deciding against it.”

“....” Schpood remained silent, looking down hopelessly as he tried to erase the touch of 5pyder’s hand on his fingers.

“I’m sorry…” 5ypder said after a while.

“No. You shouldn’t be. I’m really happy for you.” Schpood said, summoning enough courage to look at him in the eyes. “Afterall, who am I to stop you for something so much… better.”

“I’m glad you understand.” 5pyder replied solemnly. “Anyways, enough with all the sad news and shit, what were you going to tell me?”

“Ah.. that was nothing..”

“Really?” 5pyder said, looking curious.

“Yup! I completely forgot it!”

That was the biggest lie Schpood had ever said. He could feel his heart craving burst out of his chest yet there was no point to release it, it wouldn’t work at all.

“Hm.. okay.” 5pyder mumbled. “Anyways, I need to go now. To plan and stuff..”

“Yeah…”

“Alright, I’ll catch you later.”

“Wait!” Schpood shouted, grabbing the wisps of the fingers that held him gently. “One more thing!”

5pyder watched him with gentle amusement as he dug around until he arose with a warm blue flower.

“Here, for you, on the house.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have. It’s so pretty, what is it?”

“Forget-me-nots.”