WIP

Flora exhaled a sigh as she made her way home from the ball. It had been nice enough. Muffy had been beautiful, and the food and drinks were good enough. But she hadn’t gotten to dance. Really, her roommate was the only one who looked her way.

She kicked a pebble in her path and sent it rolling.

“Ah, not like I expected anything else... Still sucks though...”

Flora stared at her earnings - just a meager 500G. Maybe she ought to drop that job in Arcadia... She didn’t want to though. 

“Ah, what a hassle... But what other option do I have? Pick up a third job here?”

[-1,500G] for living in Inner Apartments with Muffy

[-2000G] for commuter’s pass

[+1,500G] for first job

[+1,000G] for second job

[+1,000G] for third job

[+500G] for making an open post

Flora wasn’t one for big get togethers, but she’d just bought this really cute suit and she’d be damned if her distaste for social settings got in the way of her wearing it.

“Eh, not like anyone’ll look my way anyways.”

send 🍬 for a family headcanon

“Flora, you’ve got to grow up sometime. You can’t just look at rocks forever!”

She let out a low groan. Sure, she was spacey and fairly laid back, but even she had her limits. Ever since she was a child, Flora had loved to spend her days collecting rocks, especially those with fossils, and her parents had been fine with it at first. The older she got, the less accepting they became.

“Dad, it’s a real job, okay? How else do you think museums get stuff in them?”“Big, strong men put stuff in them. You’re a woman. Why can’t you just teach archaeology or geology or whatever you’re into.”

“It’s not the same!”

Even now, especially after everything, they still didn’t approve.

Valentine’s Day, more aptly known as “Single’s Awareness Day” or “Remembrance Day” in Flora’s case, had been a painfully time with Carter long gone. There were no flowers or chocolates, no cute little reminders that she was on someone’s mind. There was just the crushing feeling of loneliness that left her wandering the streets of Leuda. Because, of course, today would just so happen to be her day off.

Her wandering led her to The Underground, a nightclub that Flora had passed a few times since returning to Leuda. She wondered if they would actually be open on a day like today and tried the doorknob. Sure enough, it opened. Of course, the club was understandably empty. Everyone else likely had someone to spend the holiday with.

She went to the bar and flashed her ID. “One Morning Mist,” she said. She waited for her drink to be made and downed it, before heading to the dance floor. Who cares if anyone saw her? Right now, she just wanted to dance the blues away.

Muffy watched the other’s cheeks crimsoned. So cute ♡! Flora is so precious, the playful blonde thought in amusement. She could only return a genuine smile at the other. While Flora was skimming through the menu, Muffy debated if she wanted to eat herself. Mmm, not too hungry. She did have a cup of coffee to keep her preoccupied!

Sipping on her mildly sweet cocoa, Muffy casually observed the woman across her. Of course, the blonde wanted to know more about her! From what she could see, Flora unquestionably has good taste with food! The curry section seemed to have captured her attention. Oh, now she was looking at the pasta platters. Muffy wasn’t very good at cooking either. (Actually, in general.) But she made a mental note to one day learn how to. Perhaps, Felicia could teach her a thing or two! 

Flora’s stammering protests interrupted her thoughts to which Muffy waved dismissively. Before she could assure Flora though, her sudden aversion to Muffy’s casual question threw her off guard.

Muffy set the warm mug down. Worry lines creased on her forehead as she looked at the other in bewilderment. Oh, gosh. There seemed to be a blanket of seriousness and discomfort.

Well, the blonde didn’t want to pry. Flora’s blatant hesitation and anguished words made it clear that the conversation needed a change of subject… But a part of Muffy was deathly curious. Especially at how the other touched her scar! Like, what happened? Was her potential roommate a criminal on the run or something?! How thrilling!

The apprehensive beautician shook her head and leaned forward. “Oh, Flora. You could tell me anything! I mean, I know we’ve only met a few seconds ago but we’re going to be roommates—basically sisters by heart! Besides, I’d feel more comfortable knowing more about who I’m living with.“ Then, she quickly added with a whole-hearted smile, "Though I’d understand if you prefer not to talk about it yet!” 

A waiter came by and asked Flora what she wanted to drink. The woman gave a small shrug, then asked for a soda. Hopefully the caffeine would keep her going and the sweet texture would improve her mood. 

On the other hand, Muffy asking about her history - prying, really - was only serving to sour that mood further. She would have preferred to keep her past to herself, at least until she was more comfortable with her new roommate. And she had a point. Muffy probably would prefer to know just what kind of a person she was dealing with. Flora was sure the people around her came up with all kinds of ideas about how she got her scars. The last thing she needed was her own roommate making up weird stories about her past.

She fiddled with her hands, picking at hide and running the tips of her fingers over her nails. She hadn’t really told anyone about what happened with him. She kept it all to herself, letting it bubble up to the point it was now about to overflow. She supposed she’d rather it be a stranger than someone who knew Carter. That way, they couldn’t say “I told you so”.

“I actually grew up here, in Leuda. Always had liking for rocks so I thought, well... maybe I could be an archaeologist. I went to college here. He was my teacher. Name’s not important... The year I graduated, he asked me to come with him, away from the islands. Help him find long lost artifacts all over the world, you know? I admired him. I was stupid.”

Flora’s hands were starting to shake. She rested them in her lap, hands clasped tight together as if that alone would stop the trembling.

“He was amazing. No other word for it. He was intelligent and eloquent and had a vision. Said he wanted to make a museum, and I believed him. Said he loved me, and I believed that too...”

Don’t cry, damn it! It’s embarrassing to cry over stuff like this!

“One day, everything was gone - him, the truck I bought us, all the artifacts, everything in my wallet. Left without me... He didn’t even say goodbye...”

The food soon arrived. A nice pasta carbonara. She’d likely be making rainbow curry tonight to deal with all these emotions.

“I... I’m sorry. I don’t mean to, ah...”

[-1,500G] For living in the Inner Apartments with ONE roommate.

[+1,500G] For your first (main) job.

[+1,000G] For your second (part-time) job

[+1,000G] For your third (part-time) job 

Total funds [+2,000G]. New total [+7,000G]

“Ooh, not a hugger, are you? Teehee!” Whoopsie, she should have seen that coming. But the blonde couldn’t help herself! She believed that hugs were more personal and less formal than a handshake, naturally making it ten times superior as a hearty greeting. ♡ Being easygoing, Muffy happily reached out to casually shake the other’s hand instead! 

Upon hearing the other’s reasoning, her incredulous gaze coursed from head to toe. Although Flora looked tired and was indeed grimy in some parts, Muffy could see how lovely she was! She had a well-shaped body, beautiful freckles—and oh, a scar? It seemed like an old one… Either way, Muffy was quick to respond positively, “You are? Well, you still look fabulous, if I might say! But it’s really thoughtful of you, love~♡!” 

Her lips softly twist to a smile, head tilted to one side. “I know that too well. Living alone is so terrible and painful for the wallet! Now, come take a seat!” Muffy sat down and motioned for her to promptly check the menu set aside on the polished table. “And please order up! Don’t worry, it’s on me!” She winked.

“So, what do you do exactly? You mentioned you came back to Leuda? What brought you back? Oh, please tell me everything you can!” Muffy couldn’t wait to know more about her soon-to-be roommate.

It wasn’t that Flora wasn’t a hugger. Not exactly. Get her near an old friend (or maybe a new one) when she wasn’t sweaty and dirty and she probably would have been up for it. Even just a quick side hug. But Muffy looked way too pretty to have someone like Flora dirty her up. Seemed rude.

Still... To have someone like Muffy compliment her as kindly as she did brought a rosy hue to Flora’s cheeks. Muffy was beautiful, flirty, and fun - the kind of woman Flora admired, in more ways than one.

“Oh, um... Thanks. Really kind of you to say that.”

If only she could take it to heart. And maybe be a little less awkward. Oh well.

Flora glanced dow at the menu, flipping through it to see if there was anything in particular that caught her eye. Namely curry. Surely there was some curry here somewhere. Oh, but she could have curry anytime, right? Only thing she seemed to be able to cook well...

Maybe... Pasta then? That’s changing things up, right?

Wait... Did she just say this was on her. Flora’s eyes went wide. “N-no, I couldn’t possibly-” Words failed her. This woman was too kind for her own good. 

And then Muffy changed the subject. Any trace of a smile vanished from Flora’s face. She looked away again, raising a hand absent-mindedly to her cheek. 

“That’s...” Flora couldn’t bear to meet Muffy’s eyes. “It’s a long story. A sob story, at that. Probably better you don’t know.”

Violet eyes stared at the ground. How do you answer something like this? Honestly, or...? 

“I.. have a lot of emotions to deal with. Too many... at least sometimes.” She hugged herself as if to block off the bad feeling washing over her. “I just try to keep them locked up, otherwise...”

Otherwise she’d start thinking about things she didn’t want to again.