Chapter Text
The sun was just peeking out from beneath the horizon, the rays spreading themselves across Pierce’s room filling the space. Shining in his eyes, Pierce sits up and stretches before starting to get ready for the morning. Everything in his little bedroom stays the same, just as his routine for the past few years. Glasses on the bedside table, pants in the second drawer of his dresser across from the foot as his bed, his work bag hanging up on the back of the door. He went through the motions like clockwork, nothing moved, everything has a place. After getting dressed he retreated his bag before grabbing his cane and heading out of his apartment to the bus stop.
Arriving at his bus stop, Pierce takes a second to assess the area and people around him. Most days the time he gets here, a lot of people aren't out on the sidewalks but some days are exceptions. He makes his way down the sidewalk, taking up a moderate pace so he can get to his shop on time, just like every other day.
A few years back, when his vision was a little better, he had opened a flower shop with the passion of a kid playing pretend. And that passion never died, but it got harder as his vision grew worse as he aged but as it was not all gone yet, he would run his shop. “Vanilla’s Floral Bouquets” was the name, his friend Lillian had been calling him Vanilla—eventually shortening to Nilla as time flew—since their grade school days, so it seemed to fit nicely as a part of him for this shop of his own creation. He worked hard to remember all the flower’s names and smells, what worked well together and what did not, what each and every flower he sold meant and hidden combinations, sure to woo anyone or to say I love you quietly.
Of course, as technology advanced, he got special tech to help with his vision, some chip connecting to his brain and cameras on his glasses bluetoothing and sending visual input back but he hates to rely on it to do things. Instead opting just for regular glasses and a cane most days.
Unlocking the shop, the door opened with a little jingle as it swung open softly—a measure he included so he could always greet a customer without exactly seeing them. He had a few things to tidy and fix before exactly opening but that would be easy. Watering the plants, sweeping the floor, and checking inventory were the daily things before he checked online orders and flipped the sign to open. Then all he had to do was wait for people. Pierce had a pretty good reputation in town, he made no enemies and was kind to all. It didn’t pay to be mean after all, so why choose a path of hatred and loathing? He had a phase in middle to high school and that was enough hatred for one lifetime.
As the day went by, a few regulars popped in—a guy who gets a rose for his wife everyday, a grandma looking to fill her vases with new colourful flora, a butterfly keeper who needs seeds to grow the flowers herself—and of course some new faces, or ones he’s seen before just far and inbetween—a sailor who just got back from sea, buying a bouquet to surprise his on-and-off girlfriend who works at the local church.
And before Pierce knew it, it was time to lock up shop for the day after the rush, usually people getting off of work and needing some flowers for their spouse. As the sun was getting orange as five o’clock passed on, he flipped the sign once more before trying to tidy up a bit. Wiping counters, throwing away loose leaves, etc.
When he stepped out of the shop and locked the door, it was still fairly light outside. The perfect time to go get some hot cocoa and go for a walk in the local park, he thought. Using his cane to walk down the street, he stops at the coffee shop, “CaFae Latte”, an old friend started it with the name back when she was really into Dungeons and Dragons—might I add, still is—and her party was stuck for many sessions in the feywild, though Pierce didn’t play, he always heard an earful from her, the rest of the party, and Lillian—who always dragged him to listen in. Opening the door with a click, he heard her all too familiar greeting.
“Hello and welcome to CaFae Latte, I’ll be with you in a se- Oh hey Pierce! How are you?”
He waved with a warm smile, “I’m doing just fine, yourself? You’re not working yourself silly again, are you?” he asked as making his way up to the counter, resting his arms on it. From the sounds of it, no one else was in the shop or if there was, it was just quiet.
“Ah, I’m as good as ever. And the day’s been slow so no worries about that! I just let someone off the clock to save a bit of cash since the rush already hit.” She turns from cleaning the machine to fully face him, hands on her hips, “Let me guess, the usual?”
He nodded, already digging for his wallet in his bag. “Thank you very much, Peyton, I plan to go around the park if you so wish to join me.”
Peyton slid the cup across the counter, a small sun drawn next to the words ‘Hot Cocoa’ in sharpie. “I wish I could, truly, but we don’t close for another hour and you’d be surprised how many people come in just for some tea and baked goods after a long day. But be safe big guy, it should be getting dark sooner rather than later.”
“Ah, figures, I thought I’d offer either way. Here.” Pierce slides the cash and coins across the counter before dropping a dollar or two in the tip jar. “Glad you are doing well, I do have to get going if I want to catch the bus.”
She bows her head and sighs, looks up at Pierce through her round glasses. “Get. Be safe, yeah? Text me when you get there and back.” She always worried for Pierce, and if you asked why, he could not tell you. Though it was always nice to have people that care around you, it never bothered him to send a quick text or a call.
Pierce nodded in acknowledgment, “Yes, you know I will.” The cup takes up residency in his hand as he heads out the shop, the door clicking shut behind him. Making a fair pace back to the bus stop, sitting on the bench by the sign, humming as he waited for the bus to arrive. It should be soon that it rolls up, not many people should be on it. Half way through his song, the sound of screeching wheels can be heard as it rolls to a halt.
Standing up, he waits for whoever to walk off before feeling his way up the steps, eventually swiping his bus card and making his way to stand in place, hand moving to clip his cane on his pants and reach to hold the hand loop at the top. Taking a sip of his cocoa, he hears a frantic voice coming closer as the bus doors stutter starting to close.
“Wait, wait wait, hold the damn door!!” The footsteps were getting closer and something rattled as they moved. Keys and something wrapped in plastic.
Pierce couldn’t make out if the voice was more masculine or feminine but that didn’t matter much after all. He heard the steps stop and the catching of breath a few feet away from him. A bag started to rattle as the driver asked for the ride fee, a large groan following.
“I’ll pay double next time, I rushed out the house, I’m already late. Scout’s honour!” The driver groaned, telling the voice to get off or pay the fee. Pierce decides to step in, not bearing to hear this for much longer. Plus, he was a scout in his younger days, so he knows scout’s honor.
“Excuse me?” He walked forward, hand leaning on a seat of the bus, “I can pay for them, it isn’t an issue.” Pierce digs in his bag and pulls out two dollars, handing it over to the bus driver with a smile before they shove a thumb back and mutter something before telling them both to get back to a seat. He nods, heading back to his standing spot, the person following them, sitting beside where he stood.
“Heh, thanks gramps. I would have been so fucked if it wasn’t for that.” They said, placing the objects in their hand in the seat beside them, directly behind Pierce.
Pierce looked in the general direction of the voice beside him, “As I said, it is no issue. Everyone has places to be and I’d hate for someone not to have the means to get there.” The smile still on his face as he spoke, “And you said you were a scout? So was I in my younger days.”
The person laughed, “Oh yeah! Aha, no. Usually if I say that, people trust my word and whatever. Guess not that hag. I am a man of the theatre, no way could I survive as one of those.”
His eyes widened, to mock the scouts' honour? An interesting choice indeed but I suppose some people do whatever to get where they need. “Ah. Can you at least assure me that you didn’t actually have the money for the ride?” His hand slightly tightened on the handle, he didn’t know why but he always got angsty around the topic of lies.
The stranger perked up. “That was, I will admit. I am in a huge rush. My kids are having a performance their school is holding at the park and I promised to be there before it starts and it starts in like three minutes.” An awkward laugh follows, “So thanks for that. What’s your name, by the way?”
“I’m also heading to the park, if you tell me which part, I may have a shortcut if you want to get there fast.” After taking a sip of his drink, he speaks again, “My name is Pierce. Nice to make your acquaintance. And yours?”
“Silas. It’s a pleasure. And it’s ‘round the left corner, near the fountain.”
Pierce nods, “Then we’ll have to get off at the next stop.”
Silas raised an eyebrow. “Next stop? The park entrance isn’t until two stops.” Gathering their stuff before standing, suspicion in their voice, their hand stutters before realizing the handle is too high for them to reach. “I.. hope you don’t mind this, can’t reach the handle.” Silas put his hand on Pierce’s arm, holding it firm as the bus went over each bump.
“I don’t, truly. Thank you for letting me know first before just grabbing.” Soon the bus rolls to a stop and the bus announces where they are at, his hands goes down to unclip his cane from his side and start making his way off the automobile, not feeling the hand leaving his arm but feeling the footsteps behind him. “I know a small trail we can take.”
“Uh-huh…” Silas side-eyed Pierce. They make fast work of the sidewalk, eventually trailing off into the wooded area that surrounds the park. After a minute or two of walking and Pierce almost tripping various times, they seem to miraculously arrive at the corner part, a few hundred feet away from where they are setting up.
They walk up to the folding chair rows set up in front of the wooden portable stage with a big curtain attached to a rod, portable lights set up on each side pointing at the stage. A brilliant display for a school in the area indeed, but he didn’t really try to ask which school since Silas was a stranger.
“Geez, right on time, you did know where you were doing.” Silas said, a small relieved smile on their face. A second passed before Pierce felt the hand quickly retract, the warmth leaving his arm. “Shit! Didn’t realize I still was holding on. My bad man.”
Pierce chuckled, his hand going up to cover his mouth, “It is quite alright. I was going quite fast through the path. Would it be intruding if I were to watch their performance with you? I have nothing better to do but I will be on my way if it is odd.” It is true, he has nothing better to do and a small performance with school age kids, it sounds wholesome but if Silas wishes they part ways, then that will be it.
“Uh, sure, just pick a chair I guess.” SIlas motioned over to the rows and rows of chairs, most being filled, random single seats and some pairs left, some parents opting to stand up instead. Pierce squinted to look over there, the day had started falling dark and that wasn’t the best for his vision.
He stuttered, “Uh.. I hate to ask a stranger but is there any way you can assist me over there SIlas? It’s getting dark and even my glasses can’t save me now.” His free hand moves to grab at his sidebag, subtly squeezing at the one ram plush keychain. Pierce always disliked asking for help when it came to vision assistance.
Silas’ eyes widened. “Holy shit, you’re blind? Fuck, I just thought the cane was because you’re old or something, same with glasses. Uh.. hand or arm or something. Don’t think I should lead with my voice during a performance, that’s bad etiquette.”
“That’s a good idea, thank you.” The taller man extended his arm for Silas to take, placing the warmth back as they walked over to the rows, eventually finding an aisle spot with two free seats next to each other. As he lowered himself into the chair, a voice of a teen boy rang through the small crowd.
“Come one and welcome all! This is the annual production of a Midsummer’s night dream, brought to you by the Blueberry Prodigy Academy! And before we begin, I’d like to thank our professors and sponsors; Ms. Lisa and Mr. Evans, the librarian and chemistry teacher. As well as all the parents who made their way out here tonight! Now I bid thee, a great showing”
The parents clap and cheer as the first few actors jump on stage, voices ranging from older teens to what seemed to be elementary students as they brilliantly worked through the script. If there were any mistakes, Pierce could not place his finger on a single one. Around an hour later, the play ended and the same voice came on to talk once again.
“Thank ye all for coming! This was of great support to our theatre department. Thank you parents for coming out this specific night, and the students backstage who worked so valiantly to put on a production here tonight. The donations box is on the front of the stage, it would be most appreciated. Farewell all and have a good night!”
Sounds of people raising from chairs causes Pierce to raise as well, stepping away from the end of the row, making a path for people to step out to greet their children as they ran from backstage towards them.
“Heh, my buggers have been practicing for weeks. My oldest was the one doing all the talky stuff at the beginning and end. Youngest was Puck.” Silas laughed before going to dig into his bag for something.
Small chuckle, he didn’t really know the characters well. “Oh you have two? How sweet. Though, it is late and I’d hate to linger much longer and intrude on you can your childr-” Pierce was cut off in the middle of his sentence by two voices coming towards them, one had a high pitched voice and the other was the same he had just heard on stage.
“Dadddd!! You made it! I would have thought you bailed like last time, mweheh. How did I do? Was I a convincing faerie?” The sound of joy was practically radiating off her voice as she bounced on the grass.
The older one spoke, “Glad you made it dad. Say, who’s this? Some new boyfriend you didn’t tell us about?” He raised an eyebrow and looked over at Pierce, looking him up and down, judging eyes even Pierce could feel being drilled into his skull.
“Huh?” The younger one turned around, “Ew! Stay away from my dad, you freak. He’s not on the market.” She hissed, narrowing her eyes at him as she clung to Silas’ arm.
Following both statements was two thuds with an accompanying ‘ow’ with each. “He is not my boyfriend, you twats! He helped me get here on time so you better be grateful or else I would have missed the whole damn thing in this big ass park.” Silas sighed, looking up to Pierce, “Pierce, Candigail and Blake. Candigail and Blake, Pierce. Introductions done! Be nice you two.”
If he was connecting the correct dots Candigail was the youngest—being Puck and something about being a convincing fae—and the older one was Blake. His cheeks were a twinge darker from the ‘boyfriend’ comment but it soon vanished. “Ah- It is certainly nice to meet the both of you. Though I must be going. You both did brilliantly.” He flashed them both a smile before turning to Silas, “Thank you for your bit of help today in getting here. Have a nice night.”
“Yeah, yeah. You too. Now shoo before Candi launches to bite you or something.” Silas does a motion, dismissing him off before turning back to his children, giving them both whatever he pulled out of his bag and then hearing some muffled words of thanks and excitement as he walks away.
Moon high in the sky, illuminating Pierce’s path along with various streetlights, after around twenty minutes of navigating streets, avoiding shadowed areas and crosswalks, and eventually finding his apartment again. The whole time, he was reflecting back on his day, the new experience with Silas. Well, ‘new’ as in a new person he met, he knew what it was like to go sit and watch a play.
Getting back to his apartment, he locked his door behind him and took off his shoes to put them back on the rack, the same place they always were in. Hanging up his bag and shrugging off his sweater, he started to change into some pajamas, just an old t-shirt from college and some basketball shorts.
Slipping into bed, he thinks about his day, it was pleasant overall!! Hearing a Midsummer’s night dream was pleasant, he hadn’t heard anything to do with it since high school common languages class. Though he did wish he got to talk more with Silas, he did seem like an interesting guy. Unfortunately he didn’t get his number or anything so they could chat more! Ah well, he’s sure he’d maybe see him again around town. If not, then it’s whatever.
Pierce reaches for his phone and fancy sight glasses which he placed on the bedside table, turning it on to many notifications over the past two hours from Peyton. Oh he forgot to text her, didn’t he. He reads through the messages:
Peyton^^ : “Pierce? You get there yet?”
[ Missed call ]
Peyton^^ : “Hello?”
Peyton^^ : “Pierce, answer??”
[ Missed call ]
Peyton^^ : “It’s been an hour c’mon the bus doesn’t take that long”
[ Missed call x2 ]
Peyton^^ : “It’s nearing two hours, answer me Pierce Valentine”
Oh dear, his phone had been on silent. He calls her as soon as he finishes reading them all, ringing once, and barely ringing twice before she picks up.
“Pierce! Witches you scared me dude. Are you okay? Is everything alright?” She sounded genuinely worried, which made Pierce feel bad for practically ghosting her for a while.
“Yes, everything is alright and I am just fine. My sincerest apologies, truly! On the bus I was getting acquainted with someone and ended up at the park with them. I forgot I had my phone on silent, Peyton, it had slipped my mind. Do forgive me.”
She sighed over the phone, “Just at least check your phone next time, gramps. I was about to come to your apartment or something.”
“You do not know where I live.”
“I- true. But I could figure it out just as easily! I was a big computer nerd back in my high school days!”
He laughed, “I don’t think hacking into discord accounts to steal their cards on some bot classifies you as a computer nerd. But you could surely try if you put your mind to it!! Though I am glad to placate your thoughts, it is time for me to head to bed. Have a good rest.”
“Sighhh, I guess. Goodnight, rest well.” Peyton said before they hung up the phone.
Pierce checked the rest of his notifications, nothing much of importance, his group chat of friends had Holly and Daehwan arguing about something alcohol related, Goldie sending popcorn emojis, and Lillian just trying to calm it all down. He gave his two senses before shutting off his mobile, placing it and the glasses on the table beside him.
Tomorrow was going to be a new day, full of surprise and wonder as Pierce will soon find out.