Chapter Text
"To earthbathing love, Good morning
To morning and day and night, Good morning
To the rhythm of universal galaxy, Good morning"
- Hatsune Miku, in sasakure.UK's *Hello, Planet.
Silver buried the final seed of his newly planted strawberry garden, his gloves stained with dirt. The sunset ahead blinded his eyes and cast a shimmering light across the field surrounding him. He stood up, stretching. If all went well, the strawberries would be grown in less than three months- just in time for Blaze's next visit!
Squinting against the light, Silver yawned. He made his way across the field, through the door, and into his cramped bedroom. He felt himself relax, then fell into a dream of ruined buildings and fire.
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A loud knocking suddenly woke him. As he slowly rose up, he heard a young, shrill voice speak on the other side of the door.
"Mister Silver? Are you awake?" He recognized the voice as Cream the Rabbit's, his nearest neighbor. She and her mother lived only a short walk away, so they frequently crossed paths.
"Uhm-" Silver stumbled out of bed, quickly brushing his quills into place. He shoved the clutter on his floor underneath his bed, doing his best to not make too much noise. As he pulled the door open, he replied with a smile. "Yes! What would you like?"
The pale orange rabbit in front of him held a basket, in which her chao, Cheese sat. "Mother wanted me to ask if you would mind watching me while she went on an errand to the city," she explained. "She said that she was sorry for the sudden ask, but that she didn't want me alone after Rough and Tumble tried to rob us…" she glanced down at Cheese.
Not wanting her to be left alone, Silver accepted the request. "Oh, of course I will! Just-" He waved his hands around at the surrounding gardens, "Give me a few minutes, okay?"
She nodded. "I'll see you soon, Mister Silver!" Then began her walk home, Cheese flying around her shoulder.
OK, let's make this quick, he thought. Making use of his telekinesis, he pulled water from the nearby river, raining it down carefully across the plants. He then, in a less thorough manner than usual, flew above the garden, checking for any weeds or badniks that may have snuck in. All clear! He dropped down, and started towards Cream's home.
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When he arrived, Cream was playing with Cheese in the yard. Now that he saw the house, he realized that it had been a while since his last visit. The house seemed friendly and well kept—except for the wilting rose garden near the wall. He checked the soil, noting the strangely sandy texture of the dirt.
"Yeah," Cream's voice suddenly appeared, making him jump. "I've got no idea why they wont grow! I made sure to water everything!" She gestured towards the watering can near the plants. "twice!"
Picking up a pinch of the dirt, he responded. "Where did you get this dirt from, Cream?"
With a puzzled expression, she replied, "Cheese helped me dig some out of the yard."
He smiled. "Well, that would be the issue! This type of flower doesn't grow here usually, the dirt it grows on is much richer." Dropping the dirt back into the planter, he continued. "I have the kind it needs back in my garden, if you would like."
With an enthusiastic nod, she replied, "Yes please!” her eyes glimmered with excitement. "May I come with you?"
He grinned, then lifted off towards the field. Cream and Cheese followed close behind. Slowing down slightly to let them catch up, he beamed to himself. After his struggles with the future and everything, he had forgotten how good it felt to help others out with simple things like this.
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After helping Cream set up the garden again, now with the correct soil, he heard the voice of Vanilla ring out behind them.
"I'm home, you two!" She set down her groceries, and hugged Cream. "Sorry for the trouble, Silver," she said, her smile appreciative.
He bowed his head. "Oh, it’s no problem at all!" Then, he turned to leave, not wanting to overstay his welcome.
"And, if you would like," Vanilla cut in, "you could stay for dinner. Market Harbor had authentic Babylonian spices! I wouldn't want to keep them all to myself." She chuckled lightly.
Unable to resist the offer, he helped them prepare. After a short while cooking, she had prepared a fantastic-smelling stew. The spices added a soft, peppery flavor—perfectly suited to the other ingredients that Vanilla had chosen.
As he sat with the rabbits, he felt the same warmth from earlier grow further. I hope, he thought, that things can stay like this for just a little longer. Outside the window, a forest stretched further than the eye could see, rays of golden sunlight sparkled over the horizon, and soft clouds filled the sky.
This time was so full of beauty.