cafieeee

You would return it by baking little things for him or even just doing his load of laundry along with yours. You helped each other out, because that's what friends do. So asking if you could put two of your plants into his apartment because yours was full wouldn't be an issue, yeah? Yeah. No issue.

So that's what you did. You put the plants down and started your morning routine. Once that was done, you decided to also bring some left over cupcakes from the birthday festivities you had last week. You did invite Frank, but he had something last minute come up. He still sent you a present though, that was nice of him.

"Oh for the love of..." You pulled your front door shut with your foot before going down the hall to your left. Frank's door instantly is in front of you. Now... how the hell were you going to knock? Your hands were full, you didn't want to use your foot in case someone came out of the elevator and saw. So you opted for the only thing.

You lent forward and knocked using your forehead. Crazy? Possibly. But if it brought the needed outcome then it was all worth it. And in the end, it was all worth it as soon as Frank opened the door.

He looked... well you've never seen him so tossed up. His eyes were droopy from sleep, he had tiny hairs peeking up at all angles and he was still in his casual sleepwear. You won't admit how good he looks in black sweats. Never.

"Good morning Frank." He grumbled slightly as he yawned before then responding to you.

"Mornin'... Or should I say what a wonderful dawn." You snorted.

"It's 7:15. That's not dawn."

"Fuckin' feels like it. Now, why do you 'ave your arms filled?" You really did try to hide the grin, really, you did. "...I ain't likin' that look."

"I need a favour... And I brought the payment of cupcakes for it."

"Done. What'dya need?" This man... one mention of food and boom. Favour accepted. Or maybe because it was just you and your baking. You weren't sure.

"I need a windowsill. Preferably with indirect sunlight for my pretty calla lily and orchid here. I'm uh, fully booked." Frank glanced at the flowers in your arms before he opened the door fully and let you in.

"Well uh, you pick the window. All are open to you..."

"Why thank you Frankie." You handed him the container of cupcakes before going around his living room. Looking out to the sun and then the windowsill. You were so lost in your analysing that you didn't even notice the eyes watching every move.

Frank had always been... well, a little interested in you doesn't even scratch the surface. From the day he met you, he tolerated you. He was polite, you were the kindest ever. He got more comfortable, and you opened up. That's how the friendship bloomed really. It went from neighbourly things to having dinners with each other at times in each other's apartments. Small hello's in the hallway to then going on walks around the city together.

Then it struck him. He'd have two of your things, in his apartment. Most likely for the rest of eternity. Unless you get rid of some of your plants and take those back. A part of him wishes that never happens. He'll take care of them, he promises. He'll make sure they get watered every day for just what they need. Enough sunlight, enough nutrients in the soil if needed—

"This'll do perfectly." Frank quickly pulled himself out of his trance and saw you had picked a window right near his favourite chair. The white and pink was a stark contrast amongst his browns, reds and blacks, but fuck did he find it pretty. Your lives slightly blending together, he did wonder if you felt it. The little spark here and there.

You did, that's why the idea popped into your head in the first place.

"So uh, did you want me to water 'em?"

"What?"

"...Did you want me to water 'em?"

"Oh— I was just going to come over to do it. I think you giving them a little spot is okay enough."

Frank scratched his neck, a habit when he was thinking or slightly nervous. Which it wasn't the latter very much. But it was right now. You were... going to come over more. To water the plants. Should he give you his spare key then? So you could get in if he wasn't home? Or is that too much? Maybe that's too much.

"Unless you'd like to water them at times? The orchid needs to be watered every 6-8 days with room temperature water. Well, that's what is recommended. And the calla lillies need to be watered practically every day depending on the soil. It needs to stay moist, not drenched, just moist."

"Okay... and uh, which is which?"

"The pink is the orchid. And the white is the calla lillies. Just remember it like that." Has anyone ever told you that your smile is so bright it makes his heart melt every now and then? He hopes not, as he wants to say that.

"Right, yeah 'kay." He cleared his throat and came over to you. You felt the heat radiating off of him as he stood behind, looking at the flowers. He had to admit, they were very pretty. Suited you well. He's sure the relentless teasing he'd get from Curtis will likely make him throw him. But, that can wait until the moment.

"Such a grump you are. Maybe these will bring a smile to your face."

"I ain't a grump."

"Oh yes you are."

"Nah sweetheart. You just happen to be a ray of fuckin' sunshine." You bit back a comment for one moment, before ultimately deciding to say it.

"Well fine then. I shall just be your personal sunshine." Frank tensed, not that you noticed. He swears his heart stopped, can it do that? He'd be dead. So why did it just- nevermind. It's racing now. Full on.

"I—Uh... o...kay." You turned around to him, an eyebrow raised.

"Huh?"

"Do that. Be uh... be my own personal sunshine." You laughed, a full on, genuine laugh. That didn't help his heart at all. Maybe it was a heart attack at this point.

"And what would I get in return?"

"Anythin'. I'd do anythin' for my girl."

It slipped out. Not intentionally, but it still came out. He was now hoping you didn't think he saw you and thought of you as property. As a product he could pick up off of the shelf at the corner shop and buy and own. He just, finds it a really nice idea, a dream even, to just have you as more than a friend.

"... Anything huh?" He cleared his throat again now, awkwardly. His grumpiness from earlier completely melted away and it was now just an awkward swirl that kept him. But he still nodded slowly.

"Yeah..."

"Well... watering them would be nice. Especially if I'm busy at work..."

His heart dropped slightly, fuck, this went all wrong. You didn't feel the spark, you probably now thought—

"And a date would be nice. Then there is a reason you can fully call me that."

"Wait, huh?"

"A date."

"A... date. Listen, I'm sorry if tha' made you uncomfortable—"

"Frank." The tone. That tone that meant you weren't waiting around much longer for your point to get across.

"A date it is. Gio's."

"Wonderful. Now remember, moist soil for the lillies. Room temperature and 6-8 days for the orchids. Just call me if you think there is an issue." You then gave him one more sickly sweet smile before going back to your apartment. Calling out behind you,

"Can't wait for our date!!"

These flowers will now forever hold a memory that will murder Frank one day. Definitely.

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