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“Were you wearing a brown sweatshirt yesterday?” Lumine doesn’t wait for an answer and slams her hand on the counter. “This was posted on the board today, didn’t you see?”
Aether picks up the paper where a quick sketch of him was drawn. He doesn’t need to see Lumine’s shit-eating grin at him by the way her fingers taps calmly. Aether doesn’t see a name or note like usual, aside from the impressive sketch of him, caught mid motion. Aether recalled focusing on trimming a flower yesterday, it was a slow hour and gave him time to relax a bit with orders and deliveries sorted out. He doesn’t, however, remember someone coming into the shop while he was in trance. Was someone watching?
“You can make a whole photobook from it, it’s ridiculous.” Lumine snatched the paper from his hold and Aether almost let out a cry when the edges were folded. “Has anyone ever owned it? This starts as some cute approach but the longer whoever has been leaving this continues, it’s becoming creepy.”
Aether doesn’t wince, perhaps there’s a part of him that agrees it’s unsettling to know someone is lurking and watching him, even without harming him.
“I’ll be fine and it’s just drawing. Give that back.” Aether put the recent sketch along with the others, hidden in a small compartment. “I don’t feel like I’m being stalked,”
Lumine rolls her eyes. “You know I thought by the third or fourth drawing they’ll finally put a contact number or something. But it’s been a month! This person could be a coward or just straight up creep.”
Aether hummed quietly and let Lumine exhaust herself ranting, while waiting for her to get dressed, Aether focused his attention back to a small bouquet he’d been arranging. If the admirer Lumine insists is somewhat true, Aether hopes they step up sooner, not for a reason he wanted to meet them but to turn them down properly. How does one say his heart is already taken by someone? Albeit it was one-sided— for now!
“.. I’m saying we could have someone extra to work on weekends so you’re not here alone for nearly a week, for your safety.” Lumine continued, tying her apron at the back and pinning her hair on the side, cutely she’d say. “We can post it as temporary, for a month or so, we can afford it.”
Aether scrunched his nose, almost cutting his finger when she came near. “That’s not necessary, we managed together or alone, not that it wasn’t a good idea.”
“You say that but we always put one foot on the grave whenever Windblume comes around.” Lumine argued still and Aether grimaced at the reminder of it. “And it’s drawing closer, if we start to post a notice now we can have enough applicants to sort. If you’re still not up to it, how about hiring them until the Windblume-trance ends? Bennett will die handling all the deliveries.”
As if by luck, Bennett pushes the door open and rings the door chimes. He’s wearing a pleasant smile. “Good morning!”
Lumine lights up quickly. “Bennett! Morning, we were just talking,”
Aether sighs and goes to finish the bouquet, tying the ribbon carefully, not too tight to crumpled and not too loose to lose its style. The new batch of Rainbow Rose and Maritime Flowers is by far the freshest, ah, Aether supposed the expensive shipment is just worth it after all. Aether almost rejoiced because this might be the greatest coincidence, it’s as if Cupid and his arrow is hitting him right on the heart and the wheel of luck is stopping at best spots for him. Perhaps it could even be a sign.
The bouquet was placed away from the morning sunlight, no matter how nice it was, Aether would lose his mind if the flowers withered before special delivery. The weather is still pleasant.
“Why not post it as a commission to the Guild?” Bennett suggested when Aether comes back. “That way people will see it more, their reach is also wide.”
Aether sees the moment Lumine shakes her head. “Most of them are looking for fast money, something they can finish in a day. That kind of worker, and I don’t mean all, tends to be clumsy and that’s something we can’t afford. We need someone who works fast but efficiently.”
“I know someone who is very acquainted with Mondstadt. She often assists people on events, Windblume included so I know she can work under your standard.” Bennett brightens up.
“And who is she?” Aether chimes in.
“Amber! She’s a very close friend, I can give you her contact number and just tell her it was me who recommended her.” Bennett happily taps on Lumine’s phone when offered. “I’ll also check in on her later if we bump into each other while I’m out delivering, speaking of it, I’m already clocking in!”
Both Aether and Lumine looked at the time, it’s already way past their opening time yet none enters the shop for a while.
Lumine’s eyes flickered to him. “Is it a slow day? Usually there’s already someone rushing for their morning romance.”
Aether steps in quietly and flips the sign hanging on the door. OPEN. Walking back to the counter, Aether can feel Lumine’s eyes on him while Bennett skitters quietly. “Let me get the list of deliveries today..”
_______
Lumine had been there when the first sketch crawled its way to the counter, with a mini cactus figurine trapping it as a paperweight, it was a drawing of Aether smelling a flower. Teasing was no surprise, Lumine frantically flipped the paper to see if the mystery artist left their name but there was nothing, not even a sign on the edge. Lumine was sure it would happen again and Aether did not believe it. They've been living in Mondstadt for a while, surely their faces are no longer strange for the locals? Anyhow, the second sketch was posted on the open board near the entrance of the shop, amongst the pile of yellow sticky notes. No notes, no names, nothing. Then the third, fourth — to until today’s sketch continues to magically appear and the identity of the mysterious artist remains unknown.
The small compartment underneath the counter started to become its storage, the papers piling up each day or every other day. The supply of Aether sketches remains consistent.
Timaeus enters the shop not long since it opened. He was rushing but with his usual excited glee and smile.
“Aether!” Timaeus exclaimed happily and followed up when he noticed Lumine on the corner. “And Lumine! Are you two working together today?”
“Yeah, someone needs to keep an eye on Aether or he’ll turn into a portrait.” Lumine sneered and ignored him.
“What?”
“Don’t mind her,” Aether waves his hand and exits the counter. “So, your usual or are you planning on getting new flowers for a change?”
“Ah, my Ying’er mentioned she took a liking to Inazuma’s flora and fauna.”
Aether drags Timaeus to the corner where the limited section of Inazuma’s flowers were stored, due to their uniqueness, they have a special section with controlled environment for them. They are costly to maintain and so their prices are often doubled, their rarity helps for selling them, and their enthusiasts never fail to miss when there are new arrivals. They agreed to not sell it as regulars and often post for when they are planning to ship.
Timaeus left the shop after an hour of painstakingly choosing a flower for his girlfriend. Timaeus decided on Padisarah and Sumeru Roses after dwelling for long and Aether was happy to arrange the flower for him while Lumine tends to few walk-in customers that stopped by.
“You know if we calculate correctly three percent of the sales could’ve been from Timaeus.” Lumine says. “Which is already a lot. I really like this job: profiting off someone’s relationship.”
Aether rolled his eyes. “He’s very dedicated.”
Bennett enters the shop with slightly tousled hair, waving the clipboard and letting Lumine check the list, watching her leave to grab the remaining at the back. Aether unties his apron quickly and looks outside, no single passerby, it was quite clear. Aether went and retrieved the bouquet he’d been arranging this morning, carefully handing it to Bennett.
“The usual,” Aether says, a little out of breath from the short run and perhaps from anticipation. Bennett nods quietly and glances over Aether’s shoulder to see Lumine isn’t back yet.
“No personal card again this time? At this point you were decorating Albedo’s studio with flowers and I’ve never seen a tattoo parlor that colorful. You never missed a date.” Bennett exaggerates, it was only twice every week, Aether defended.
Aether knows if Lumine was here she’s going to give his head a good smack like the best sister she is. But Aether is stubborn. “Did Albedo start not accepting it?”
“Not what I’m saying, he’s still receiving them, I already feel like I’m acquainted with him in a way. Sometimes I don’t even need to knock, they just let me in once they see me hiking up.” Bennett recounts. “When are you going to finally tell him it was you?”
Aether thought of it and became quickly terrified. “Not yet, I’m not ready and I don’t know what to say. Is he still asking who kept giving him flowers?”
Bennett shook his head. “Albedo seemed to stop after asking me multiple times and sort of gave up. And I always tell him it was from your shop.” Bennett shrugged. “I mean, your style is easily recognized.”
Lumine came back just as quickly, whipping out another bunch of deliveries. “Bennett, come here for a briefing. Aether.. go tend to customers when someone shows up.”
Aether stride steadily towards his most favored part of the shop. Cecilia is hard to cultivate but it is always rewarding when the flower blooms and most especially its unique and comforting scent is stronger at night. Next to Cecilia’s white and delicate petals is Windwheel Aster’s blooming red in color. Unlike Cecilia, it doesn’t only strive in a place with harsh winds, it is a very common local speciality but still a popular choice for events. The reason for Aether's favoritism, however, stems from the fact that Albedo seemed to favor Cecilia the most.
Ten bouquets of different flowers in different arrangements have been delivered to Albedo, consistently, twice every week. Aether expected Albedo to storm inside the shop, demanding an answer for whoever had the gal to send him flowers, Aether decided that he would confess right there and then— except it didn’t happen, yet, perhaps. Bennett praised him for his stubborn dedication and had begged Aether to come out, but he always refused. There’s a part of him that wanted Albedo to recognize it was Aether and confront him personally then hope (daydream) something will bloom from there.
“These are the last deliveries today,” Lumine and Bennett came back, arms full of the deliveries and safely transferring. “Come back here after and I’ll prepare snacks.”
“Awesome.”
Bennett waves before leaving and Aether carefully trails, looking for the bouquet he trusts Bennett with and quietly steps back. He hoped Albedo would like the flowers this time, or the previous ones too.
“I’m not so sure which part I failed to raise you. You’re practically willing to lose sales just to give your crush flowers every week instead of, I don’t know— maybe asking him on a date like a normal person would?” Lumine snark while Aether blissfully ignores. “Or at least deliver the flowers yourself to let him know it’s genuine, I wouldn’t be surprised if Albedo thinks this is some dedicated prank.”
“Hey! My feelings are genuine and all the flowers I gave him were thoughtfully arranged.” Aether defended.
“But does Albedo know that?” Lumine asks, Aether only hears a snip and a leaf falls onto the pot. “You are hopeless.”
Maybe the 13th bouquet is the charm, fingers crossed. Coming back to the counter, Aether wipes his hand and sees a single message from Bennett.
Bennett
Yknow what you two r both dumb
Aether
Rude
Did Albedo like the flowers???
Aether never had interest in getting ink until Lumine forcibly made him come with her to a newly opened tattoo parlor near the plaza. The studio wasn’t so bad with its red walls decorated with endless portraits and checkered floor, minus a bright neon sign outside. The music that plays inside is slow and behind the front counter is a lady that seems to want to hide and duck instead of talking to them. Her name’s Sucrose and Aether burn his eyes watching Lumine try to flirt with her. Bless Sucrose’s shy heart.
Sucrose stopped them in front of a room, fiddling with her sleeves. Aether almost wanted to reach and pat her shoulder in assurance but that might make her jump and back off instead of calming.
“Uhm, is he coming inside too?” Sucrose asks, carefully pointing at Aether. “It’s just.. Mr. Albedo doesn’t really like it when someone’s around while he works.”
“Oh.” Aether shrugged. “I don’t mind waiting outside and I’m not the one getting a tattoo. You’re exactly the last person to need moral support.” he directed the last at Lumine and turned to Sucrose. “Can I sit in the chair over there while I wait?”
Aether comes back to the waiting area alone and Sucrose comes out a little later, informing him that it will take a couple of hours. Aether shrinks himself to the chair he believes he turns into a wallflower. Waiting in a cold room while left alone with someone that doesn’t want to initiate a conversation is not how Aether imagines their day off will be spent. Lumine just needs to drag him out of bed and make him a chaperone, Aether yearns for his bed. He wonders if Sucrose will let him sleep in the corner.
Aether is dozing off when someone walks out of the room and knocks on the front counter, startling Sucrose successfully and Aether— saw the most striking and gorgeous man he’d ever seen. The said gorgeous man is dressed like a grim reaper but Aether wasn’t the one to judge death-aesthetic.
Oh, he was staring and Aether was ready to claim death.
“You must be Ms. Lumine’s.. brother. She wanted to inform..” this man must’ve been the tattoo artist Albedo and Aether can definitely feel Lumine smiling behind the walls. This was a set up and Aether willingly walked into a trap but God this man is— “that you can go back and not wait for her. She suddenly changed her mind and the session would be longer.”
Aether curses deeply. Lumine just knows him so well to dangle a bait in front of his face and he’ll bite. “.. I’ll just wait. How, how long is it going to be?”
“Six hours.”
Albedo didn’t so much look back when he left but Aether is captivated, perhaps drooling after him if Sucrose’s squeak is to go by.
Aether attempts to walk past Albedo’s studio before opening the shop, nevermind that he’s going to make a long and useless detour and probably become a little out of breath before the opening. The parlor stands out the most for being minimal and a couple of posters pasted on the glass window. It’s always a closed door and Aether sees nothing of the inside. The parlor is dull at best but then the street around the plaza is already saturated with bright markets and shops, the monochrome style of Albedo’s studio became far different and unique. Definitely not a biased judgement on Aether’s side.
No one comes out but the sign was flipped to OPEN so Aether knew Albedo must be inside. Aether sighs dreamily and leaves.
Bennett is waiting outside the shop, sitting on the pavement with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. He brightens at his arrival and Aether wonders why the sun rises two times today, Bennett is too cheerful for the cold and hopefully not a bleak morning. Bennett doesn’t need to look behind to know Aether should’ve come from the opposite street.
The Windblume is not starting in a month but it’s one of Mondstadt’s biggest festivals, most anticipated even, Aether isn’t surprised locals are already planning what to do. It always sounds like a happy occasion aside from its usual romance. Albedo lived in Mondstadt longer than he and Lumine, surely he was already familiar with the tradition of flower giving. Albedo must’ve had past confessions too and Aether couldn’t really blame them, Albedo just had this charm that lures in people.
Aether hasn’t made up his mind yet, to both confess his undying feelings and admit he was the mastermind behind the bouquets delivered to Albedo’s place. It was honestly surprising Albedo hasn’t filed for harassment yet, Aether was sure he’s easy to trace.
“I see Timaeus already reserved a very generous amount of our flowers— all fees were paid in advance. He’s such a.. dedicated man.” Aether commented in the air after reading the notes Lumine sent. “Ah, more reservations and flowers to arrange.. It was double that of last year..”
Windblume Festival is heavily tied with flowers, or it was how Aether understands it. Last time’s festival was bloody in terms of how overwhelming everything is, they’ve got customers that seriously think through their flower choices and just anything won’t work. Some are very picky and others are perfectionists. It was worth it in the end, colorful pennant banners, wreath flowers and bouquets decorated the city. It was such a fairy tale view, even Aether had only seen it from the shop’s window and surrounded by flowers himself.
The customer leaves just when Bennett enters, knocks on the counter and waves, Aether points at the snack and water and watches him rest.
With the amount of people, Aether thought of opening a class and teaching different flower arrangement. A workshop of sorts but with very limited participation. It seems that people of Mondstadt value their flowers deeply, a lovely show of devotion by the way, and many buy their own picks to design it themselves.
“That’s not a bad idea, I think a lot of people would sign up. Windblume is the biggest festival here, even when I was a child, I remember my dads going all in for it.” Bennett nodded cheerfully. “Besides, it would be interesting. There are already a couple of flower shops around here before you but none ever open a workshop like this.”
“Mn, I’m still thinking if it’s going to be possible before the actual festival.” Aether looked at the pages of everything that needed to be done. “Yeah..”
“What if Albedo comes to your workshop?”
“What?” Aether breaks his neck. Almost. “I mean.. Why would he? He’s already a good artist, I’m sure he knows about art more than me. He is art himself.”
“I said what if..”
“I heard you.”
“Do you want Albedo to come?” Aether glared and went back to work, leaving Bennett laughing behind. “Isn’t it today that I should deliver another flower to Albedo or are you skipping?”
“You still have another batch to deliver, maybe after that. I’m still not sure about today’s design, it’s.. lacking.” Aether frowns. “Try to come back a little later.”
“Okay!”
Today’s picks are: Promise of Blue Skies and Silhouette of the Wind’s Reverie. Both are from Mondstadt yet were quickly overshadowed by other flowers but if Aether were to describe its combination: it is of the radiant flower that seems to always belong to the skies meeting a humble but no less bright flower that flows freely with the wind. In terms of appearance, that is, Aether was sure their meanings run deep.
Aether comes back to check his bouquet. He always does Albedo's flowers the same day of its delivery, the inspiration always struck him at the thought of hopefully imagining Albedo blushing upon receiving it. Yet somehow.. nothing was able to satisfy neither his eyes and him. It looks plain, bright but boring. Aether thought of adding a couple of Plume of Wishes but it’ll be too over the top, not to mention it will look crowded. Does it make sense? No, nothing..
“I think it’s not boring.” Albedo’s smooth and calm voice interrupts. “Are you in the middle of arranging it?”
Aether nearly stumbled, looking between Albedo and the flowers in his hand. God, is he starting to hallucinate? Aether knew one way or another inhaling too many floral scent would cause delusion—
“Well, I hope not and I’m quite sure I’m not a spirit.” Albedo laughed, a bit hesitantly. Does he look worried?
Recovering, Aether dropped the bouquet without a wince and came forward. His heart beats rapidly as if he was caught. Guaranteed there’s no way Albedo could’ve known that flower was for him— then Aether started a dilemma, a crisis at the fact that he needed to think and make another flower for Albedo since Albedo saw that earlier. God, if Bennett were to deliver it later Albedo will surely recognize it and Aether is busted. Isn’t that what he was hoping for? Aether mentally refuses.
Albedo looked soft.
“I thought you heard me,”
Aether jolt. “Yeah, I’m sorry.. I was distracted.. Uh, can I help you today?”
Albedo’s eyes have always been so deep, not quite fierce but Aether felt it pins him to stay still and let Albedo look all over him.
“I debated calling but I decided to come here in the end. I’d like to make a reservation,”
Aether hasn't had that many interactions with Albedo in the past, he was counting when he first saw him because that had been the eye opening and The Light for him. But Albedo is always nice, level headed and fun to be around, even if he’s a man of few words. Aether doesn’t think Albedo is boring. He never thinks Albedo is boring. Every chance they meet, Aether’s crush-meter always breaks and now he’s considering having a love-meter instead.
“I see, that would be all? I mean.. anything else?” Aether wince, does he sound desperate? He hopes not because the last thing Aether wanted Albedo to think of him is a clingy and unable to control himself type of guy. Is Albedo into guys? Lumine said he doesn’t need to worry.
Aether tried not to look disappointed. Albedo is busy, maybe he should be thankful for whatever reason that Albedo chose to do a walk in reservation rather than calling, though Aether assures he doesn’t mind hearing Albedo’s voice over the phone as well.
Aether snips a lone Ring of Hearts and slips it with the receipt. Albedo seemed surprised and Aether spoke over the nerves before Albedo could refuse.
“It’s on the house. Consider it as an apology since I was a little absentminded earlier..?” Aether tried, the bouquet on the corner suddenly looked a lot duller. “It’s called Ring of Hearts, it’s a common local specialty, if uhm, that helps but I’m sure you already know that..”
Albedo took the flower from his grasp and Aether released a breath, then watched with rapt attention while Albedo sniffed the flower, smiling for whatever reason. This is the time Aether regrets not learning how to draw because Albedo looked too much of an ethereal being it hurts. He wanted to immortalize the scene even after storing it at the back of his mind to never forget.
“Thank you, Aether.”
“Ah..”
Ah?
The door chimes and Albedo left. Aether blink at the hole of space in front of him. He could’ve sworn the lightning made Albedo’s cheeks pink, maybe they should keep the light forever.
Bennett comes back a little later. Aether disassembled the bouquet, still careful with the flowers and arranged them into a clean vase.
“No flowers for Albedo today?”
Snip. “I already gave Albedo his flower earlier.” Aether barely hid a smitten smile at the memory. “You should’ve seen him today, he's so cute..”
Bennett gawked and turned his eyes wide. “You finally confessed!?”
“I never said anything about confessing.” Aether pouts.
“But.. Huh? You gave him the flowers so naturally confessing after that is kind of expected? Wait, you said you gave him, did Albedo come here earlier?”
Aether presented the new vase of Promise of Blue Skies and Silhouette of the Wind’s Reverie just in time for him to finish telling Bennett what happened earlier. Aether doesn’t treat it as bad interaction, every time he gets to talk to Albedo is good.
“The bouquet I made doesn’t really resonate with me today and the flower I gave Albedo looks more radiant, so I don’t think it’s a bit of a downgrade. He was happy, Bennett. Albedo smiled and thanked me. Me. Gosh and he looks so attractive..” Aether touches his cheek and gives himself a pinch.
“I don’t remember him smiling like that whenever I deliver the flowers..”
“What was that?”
“The last batch of deliveries? I think I’m going to finish early so I can help in the shop until it closes.”
Aether hums happily to the tune of flowers and wind. “You’re so nice. Wait here and I’ll pick them for you.”
“Okay.”
Aether comes back with a handful. “Let me double check each so there won’t be accidents on the way. I’m fairly sure I did but just in case..” Aether sealed the arrangements and wrappings before sending Bennett out. He’s probably not going to take longer, it’s only four bouquets to deliver.
The log book almost fell and Aether yelled to catch it before it split on the ground, instead a piece of paper fluttered underneath. Aether always heard that the artist's own aesthetic and how they see each subject influence their drawings, in that case is this how mysterious artist always see him as? Aether can pick at where his hair was exaggerated with flowy licks. For some reason he always appears dazzling, with few stars sketched at the edges. They must’ve been quite devoted and Aether feels bad.
Aether
Got another sketch
Lumine
Ah yes without cards, names and contact again
Right??
Aether
I mean that’s not surprising
found it under the log book
I remember a customer earlier this afternoon, could it be him?
Lumine
Describe him to me
also are you alone?
13 isn’t something people would call a lucky number but Aether purely thought of it differently because Albedo’s birthday is on the 13th of September. And that’s enough reason to be biased.
Aether thought of the 13th bouquet to be quite grand, featuring thirteen different flowers maybe but that was proven to be a difficult task to arrange. It ends up as scattered and thoughtless which is the exact opposite Aether wanted it to be until Lumine called him out and nearly got him kicked out of their own shop.
“I’m pretty sure Albedo will appreciate it either way, he’s not very picky and always responds politely. If anything he’s going to let you down gently,” Bennett tried to soothe him.
“I think that’s not very assuring to hear, Bennett, though plus points for trying.”
Champagne Bloom, Sunset Shadows, Fox Ear Tamago, Windwheel Aster, Cecilia and for whatever reason Lumine threw a Mint at him. The flowers clash against each other and it’s physically hurting Aether to see them all cramped in one place, fighting for whoever gets the most attention. Everything is wrong. Aether wanted to use more flowers but then Lumine put a limit on him along the lines of how he was wasting their sales over ridiculous free bouquets that Albedo always gets twice a week.
Bennett comes back after another wave of deliveries and Aether had something arranged by then. He watched Bennett leave with a longing stare.
“I don’t get why you are fussing over this bouquet, it’s not Albedo’s birthday or something.” Lumine slaps his back, not enough to hurt but the surprise still makes Aether stumble forward. “You were watching a seventy-thousand mora worth of bouquet leave. Did you use all the Plume of Wishes?”
Aether didn’t bother to calculate. “13th time is the charm.. hopefully,” he said. “And I didn’t use any of that.”
Lumine stares long enough. “God, that's almost a million mora worth of sales. Imagine. Imagine you just ask him out like a normal person and then you can start planning what flower to have in your wedding.” she paced. “And that’s not something I’ll consider a lucky number.”
Bennett came back with his usual cheerful smile that always made Lumine give him loads of snacks. It wasn’t until Bennett handed him a slip of paper and Aether’s heart fell to his stomach.
“He asked if you were working today and asked me to give you this. Something-something because you gave him a flower the other day. What is it?”
Aether cradles the paper in his hold and Lumine comes back with drinks, already curiously looking at his hand with interest. “Is that a lottery ticket?”
“Better than a lottery ticket.” Aether beams. “It’s from Albedo.”
“Oh. Oh? What is it?”
Aether glance at the entrance, not wanting any customers to come in and possibly ruin a special moment. Aether flush at the thought of Albedo intentionally writing his contacts and finally telling him to get in touch personally. Just the thought and he was already over the moon. Aether opens the paper, it was folded in half and gasps to see a whole sketch of him.
“He drew you.” Lumine commented over his shoulder. “He.. this looks familiar..”
“That’s nice. He was a tattoo artist anyway but still so cool.” Bennett points at the bottom of the paper. “Is this his sign? I can’t read it clearly.”
Aether notices a single Ring of Hearts drawn at the edge of paper and his heart flutters more. Albedo remembers. Albedo didn’t sign any contacts or his number but a sweet note of ‘for you’ written below next to his sign looked endearingly enough to Aether. Now he’s having a strong urge to go shopping for a frame, this masterpiece needs and deserves to be on display and admired.
“I see.” Lumine suddenly announces and pulls out her own phone then snaps a picture of him unprepared. Aether doesn’t protest that much until— “I think Albedo will appreciate your cute reaction.”
A gasp, “Lumine, no!”
“Ah Albedo replied: I’m relieved he liked it. Wow..” Lumine recites with a grin and steps back behind another row of flowers Aether is scared to bump into. “.. God, you two are embarassing. Albedo is asking for your number and I’m giving it to him.”
What is happening? Aether wailed, then his own phone pinged! and he actually looked horrified. Lumine winked at him before running away, dragging Bennett with her.
Unknown Number
Hi, Aether this is Albedo
Aether
!!!!!!!
Unknown Number
Aether?
“I am flattered but I wish they would just stop.” Albedo’s voice is almost quiet.
Aether stops from making an entrance, gripping the door’s handle awkwardly and hanging outside. Albedo sounds serious and was he talking to Sucrose? Aether didn’t want to just barge in and possibly interrupt something.
“I think they are lovely but I, uhm, I can see your point.” Sucrose said.
“If they are too afraid to hand them directly then I don’t see a point of where this is going.” Albedo continued. “I wouldn’t wait until someone files a complaint about triggering a pollen allergy with these flowers.”
“Should I stop receiving the deliveries?”
“.. I’ll think of something.”
Aether stood frozen outside despite the sun pouring at him directly. He heard it, didn't he? Albedo was still trying to be polite but it only made Aether feel worse. Was it too much this time? No, Albedo sounds like someone who is already stretching his patience thin and Aether can’t imagine how close he was to snapping. Then as if the punchline hadn't been delivered, Albedo added another blow.
“It’s only wise to tell them I’m already interested in someone and there will be no result in trying to pursue me further. If that was their intention though I can’t think of why they were doing this to begin with,” Albedo sighs. “Perhaps this is some elaborate prank.”
Aether didn’t sob but his eyes warmed and he started blinking too fast. Is he really going to cry outside? Right before he met Albedo? Ah, right. They have an arrangement, Lumine called it a date with Bennett’s support but with how things are looking.. Aether isn’t sure anymore. He does feel horrible though, far awful. Should he continue? He can’t..
“I’m sure their talents and time are better directed somewhere that is not me. I can’t give them the answer they wanted in the end. Sucrose, what time is it? I’m supposed to meet Aether—”
Guiltily, Aether runs away at the mention of his name. He retreated far enough until he bumped into someone and Lumine was looking down on him with a concerned look. Her lips were stretched thin, almost displeased.
“Get inside and you’re telling me what happened.” Lumine demanded. “Bennett! We’re closing the shop early!”
Bennett is about to ask but then Aether must’ve looked far worse than he’d thought and Bennett nodded. “Got it.”
The sign was flipped to CLOSED and the locks clicked though Aether was sure they could still be seen from the inside. Lumine sat him on the chair, she was frowning at her phone and the speed in which she type is furiously fast. Aether is scared if she was texting someone.
“Albedo already likes someone and I think that’s not the worst,” Aether blurted without prolonging. “And he wanted me to stop sending him flowers because it’s.. I don’t know, maybe it’s too much for him and it’s getting ridiculous.” he looked down.
“Did he say that to you directly?” Lumine asks sharply.
“No but I heard it and I now feel guilty.” Aether shook his head and thanked Bennett when he silently urged him to sip water. Lumine is still glaring at her phone. “Lumine..”
Lumine’s phone nearly cracked before she pocketed it. “Listen, I think there’s a far more ridiculous misunderstanding and you’re my idiot brother but you look okay-ish today so let’s not waste it okay?”
“What?”
“Albedo is coming to pick you up and I want you two to communicate like smart people do. I don’t care what happens next so long you’re not about to cry.”
Aether is close to being touched, actually, but the reality of Albedo coming here is sinking in too fast. Has Lumine been texting Albedo since? Someone knocks and Aether jolts then Bennett is rushing to let Albedo in. That was fast.
“I didn’t tell Albedo anything, I just told him to pick you up because something happened. The rest is up to you. Hey, Albedo.” Lumine greeted cheerfully, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. “Aether’s there, we’re actually closing quite early.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Albedo said, eyes already falling at him and Aether swallowed. “You said something happened.”
Lumine shrugged and waved as she left, dragging Bennett again by the collar and he wailed.
Albedo looks good even when wearing just a casual get up, his favorite sweater that he mentioned once. The only difference was Albedo’s hair that should be in a half-braid ponytail instead it was in a cute low ponytail with a large section of his bangs escaping. Albedo looks ridiculously good.
“Aether?” a thin line of worry appears between Albedo’s brows. “Do you not feel well to go out? You could’ve told me, I wouldn’t want to force you..”
I’m not fine? Echoed inside Aether’s mind. “I’m not completely alright but I’m not sick as well.” Aether said and saw the confusion painting Albedo’s face as he sat next to him. “This is probably too late and I’m.. I deeply apologize for being insensitive and coming too strong.”
“I don’t understand,”
“The flowers,” Aether started. “they’re from me. I probably bothered you too much already and.. if you really want, I can stop sending them? Ah, I didn’t mean it as a question, I’ll stop I guess. Albedo, I’ll understand if you’re mad..” Aether didn’t want to rant too much, talking Albedo’s ear off would be as bad.
Albedo is quiet but he had this look every time he was thinking deeply, at least that’s how Aether described it. Albedo’s eyes are not as intense, confusion and slow realization flees across his face and Aether waits warily. Suddenly silence is a lot more painful than a crowded room. Albedo still doesn’t say anything but carefully reach for his hands, Aether startled and didn’t shy away. Albedo’s grip is a little tight? Intense? Aether would describe it as possessive.
“I’ve been drawing you since the first time I saw you.” Albedo startlingly admitted. “I already filled five notebooks of just you because I may have been a little.. fixated.”
That doesn’t sound a little but Aether is absorbing what was said with barely prepared mind.
“.. I’ve sent you more than fifteen bouquets of different flowers.” Aether countered.
“I’m already halfway through the sixth notebook and I only started this month.”
Aether couldn’t help but gasp and leaned but it was Albedo who pulled him quietly for a kiss. It was slow but all-consuming. Aether actually stopped breathing until Albedo pressed harder and he opened his mouth. Albedo guides him through and Aether follows willingly. It wasn’t demanding, it’s careful and sweet, as if Albedo is also wary the illusion will break when they move too hastily. Aether opens his eyes when they part and instead is met with Albedo’s brilliant eyes, equally his shiny lips fresh from their kiss.
That just happened.
“That was.. wow..” Aether said like an afterthought, his tone is laced heavily with awe. “We should.. we should do it again. It feels good, does it feel good for you too?”
As if to answer, Albedo pulled him again and Aether eagerly obliged. This time it’s more confident, not quite refined but as if Albedo had given the light that it was fine and now he’s giving it all. Aether mirrors it with the same ferocity as a very willing himself.
“As good as it was..” Albedo shivered also. “I think there are quite a few things that need to be addressed.”
“Do we?”
“I see you are very eager,”
“Sorry,”
“I never said I didn’t like it.” Albedo said. “But I do think we need to talk to avoid more misunderstandings. Aether, you were there earlier weren’t you? Outside the shop, while I was talking to Sucrose.”
“Guilty.”
“It was alright. You probably heard something that can be taken differently,”
“Oh. Oh..” Aether echoes, realizing the implication of Albedo’s words atop their kiss just now. “You like.. me. You like me?”
Albedo laughed and held his hand tighter. “Well, yes, I believe it would be obvious by now. I just did confessed obsessing over you just now.” Aether blushed. “What I meant was the other things I said. In truth, I was already determined to pursue you so the matter of an admirer that kept sending me flowers is bound to be a problem at some point. It’s what I thought and I wanted nothing of that for when I finally confess to you, but after knowing the admirer is you, I admit it changes everything regarding that. I’m very flattered and I.. I really like you, Aether.”
Aether just screams mentally again. “I can’t believe this..”
“Aside from drawing you, I’ve also been leaving sketches I made of you in the shop for you to find. Lumine found me out when that time I asked Bennett to give one to you directly, though I intend for you to find out by yourself—”
Aether grabs Albedo’s collar this time and yanks him closer until their noses are touching. “What the hell that was so cute it’s unfair.” and kisses him.
Aether couldn’t get enough, Aether thought he would never get enough.
Unexpectedly, someone slams against the shop’s window and Lumine is knocking harder by the second. Aether forgot they were even in the shop, Albedo did as well by the way his cheeks turned pink and mask it with a cough. Aether smiles at his sister.
“You said this is a date, are we still going?” Aether asks.
“I think there’s more reason to go on a date.” Albedo stood and offered his hand. “We can talk more on the way, I believe your sister is willing to put a hole on the window,”
“She’s very sweet.”
“She’s terrifying.”
Aether giggled and liked the way Albedo held him close until they were outside.
“You owe my store a million mora Kreideprinz, I’m getting a free session for the next few months.” Lumine greeted them.
“Of course, just book it with my assistant and Sucrose will assist you. Ah, please do mind she can be quite scared if flirted too strongly,” Albedo tugs his hand and Aether lets himself be swayed. “Sucrose told me your sister is overwhelmingly attractive but extra.”
“I heard that!”
Aether waves at Bennett giving thumbs up from the distance. Bennett, Aether supposes, deserves something for being the messenger between them.
“Would you object to me giving the flowers this time?” Albedo suddenly asks.
“Only if you buy from a competitor.” Aether laughs and he feels light.