“Maybe when you get off work we could go do something. Like, I don’t know––what do you like to do other than explain flower stuff? Whatever it is, we’ll do it. That way you’re not on the clock while we’re trying to relax. I’m kind of a roses guy, too. Maybe I’ll fine another kind I like at the shop. The problem is that I don’t know a ton. So, we’ll see!”

“D-Do something ? Yeah ! I -- Yeah. I would love that. Ha, uh --- I like to do a lot of things. There’s actually something that I really want t’do, b-but you don’t have to come with me if you like ... find it lame or something. Roses ? Nice, nice. What color ? Yeah ! Tell me if another flower catches y’eye. I’ll teach you all you need to know, don’t worry.”

sage had a car, he did. ask someone, and they would say that he didn’t or that he didn’t have his license --- but he had both. the thing was, was that he enjoyed public transportation more than his car and he loved walking. if he wasn’t using those two means of transportation then you could catch shay driving him around. so, here he was. walking home from another late night shift when he was a rather small figure pass by and he swore he knew who it was and the figure was verified as jasmine when he heard --- “if anyone asks, you didn’t see me” which caused a laugh to gently roll from sage’s lips. “on probation or something, jasmine ?” he asked, slowing down his steps. “where are y’off to ?”

Yup, all of them have pretty long hair, and they love their long hair. They even get fucking offended or whatever when you touch it. Playing with flowers? Classic Sage. Not much really. Been a little rough start to summer, but I think its all good from here.

Hm --- There’s the difference. I encourage people to play with my hair, it’s without a doubt the best feeling in the entire world. Yeah, well. If m’not playing with flowers, who will be ? Rough start ? M’sorry, bud. Has everything smoothed out so far ?

He can’t know, were the only words circling his mind when his eyes locked on his curly-haired best friend. The downfall of the picture-perfect Hansen household was not something on his list of topics he wanted to discus with anyone, much less the person who knows his family the most–– the person that’s an honorary part of the Hansen household. So instead of crying on the other’s shoulder, clinging to him, and pouring his heart out like every bone in his body wants and needs to do, he wrapped his arms around Sage in a regular hug. Shay kept Sage in his arms for four seconds before letting him go and beaming a smile at the boy, praying that the falseness of it wouldn’t show. “I missed you, too, pea pod. A lot.”

Without any explanation of the attitude that was present only a few seconds ago, Shay had Sage in a hug that wasn’t like his normal ‘full of love’ hugs but more like ... well, a normal hug. A regular plain hug. Sage didn’t like it at all, but still wrapped his arms around his blonde friend. The hug wasn’t long or full of energy like usual, and Sage just blinked over at Shay after it was over as if he was just told something completely shocking. The smile that Shay was sporting was suspicious as well and it made the brunette frown just a tad. “ -- Did you ?” He asked, moving his eyes from Shay to the ground. “A-Are you alright ? You like ... You left without saying much and now you’re back, and you’re kind of acting weird. You act more excited to see me when I see you after a normal shift at work. You were gone for awhile and now you’re acting like it was nothing.” He paused for a moment, looking back up to smile gently at Shay. “You okay ?”

“I know you do. I do the same thing. I’m stopping by tomorrow with some coffee, and you’re going to spend lots of time to me explaining flower stuff. I know Mari loves lilies and daises, but that’s about it.”

“I do love explaining flower stuff, and I do really want to spend more time with you. So, this plan seems pretty sweet. I also love coffee. Lilies and daisies ! Absolutely perfect ! I like lilies, too. They’re beautiful. What about you ? What’s your favorite flowers ?”

“She’s alright now. She’s back home and is doing a lot better. Nothing you should worry about too much. But that’s good to hear. I’ve been meaning to stop by sooner but it’s just been busy.”

“I --- alright, yeah. I’m glad she’s doing better and home safe and sound. I worry over everything, Skylar. Yeah, busy. S’fine, but if you ever see you have free time or something, just stop by.”

“She’s was kind of sick recently, so I thought they might help her feel a little better. And I might as well get double the flowers so I don’t have to make two trips, right? Yeah, of course I will! Maybe I can stop by Starbucks and pick you up something. Mari always loves it when I surprise her at the art store with an iced latte.”

“S-Sick? What’s wrong with her? Yeah, flowers always lift the spirits. Mm, coffee is always the greatest surprise, so please do so. But, two trips would still be cool. You can visit as many times as you want, you know.”

“Doesn’t your hair only grow half a millimeter a day ? I think you’re feeding me some lies there, love. I’ll whip out the ruler and we’ll have to start one of those markings on the wall like people normally do for height but we’ll do it for your hair. Rapunzel is eh, but you on the other hand—you’re a real stunner with those growing curls of yours. We’ll find ‘em sooner or later but I can stop by CVS after work tomorrow and pick you up some.”

“You’re too smart for me, Theo. I can try to feed you as much bullshit as I want, but you’ll always defeat me with those cold, hard facts. I love it, though. Very attractive, my little scholar. Ooo! Can we?! Much fun, those things. We can do one for your hair, too. S’getting pretty long. Oh, shush. This is why I keep you around. Who else would tell me m’prettier than a princess? And there’s another reason I keep you around. I don’t work tomorrow, though. So, I’ll probably be at your work an hour or two before you leave just see you and say hi to everyone. I can buy some on my way there.”

“For my mom, actually. But I might as well get some for Mari, too. I’ll make sure to have at least one on me when I know you’re around.”

“Flowers for your mom, how beautiful. I hope she’s doing well, and all. Ooo, so you’re going to get double the flowers? Make sure to come in soon because I get bored at work and love seeing familiar faces. Yes! That’s all I ask, Sky.”

Sage usually went to the park to clear his mind during his breaks at the flower shop, and it was his favorite area to just take a breather. With Shay being gone, he’s been a bit worried all week ---scared that he wasn’t okay or that maybe something bad happened. He tried to be as positive as he could and as he cleared his thoughts, he felt a sharp hit to his shoulder and gasped as he began to apologize immediately. Though, Sage went silent when he realized the harsh words were coming from Shay and his face turned a dark shade of red from embarrassment and confusion. “I --- M’sorry.” He whispered. “I -- ... Hi. Hello. Shay, are you -- ... I missed you.”

“I’m pretty sure your hair couldn’t have grown that much longer since I’ve seen you in bed this morning. Unless you’re secretly Rapunzel and you haven’t told me. But sorry, babe, I don’t have one.”

“I actually think s’grown like --- .. one centimeter. You can measure it tonight if you ever so please. I wouldn’t mind being Rapunzel, she’s gorgeous. Ugh, s’fine. I need to buy some more. I always find one, but end up losing it. I have a feeling there’s about ten elastics under the bed and tangled in the sheets.”