Cassie's Flower Shop

It was a cold snowy afternoon. Just like every other day in this dreadful country. The weather is temperamental as its leaders. Vanica and her bloodlust. Dante and his parade of women. And Zenon, well he was as elusive as the sun.

You were just one of the few people allowed in the castle and more importantly the offices. You were the top maid, the only one allowed in the Spade Sibling’s office.

Opening the door to Zenon’s office, you hum quietly. Luckily for you, the youngest sibling was also the cleanest. You barely had to do anything.

Your head snaps up as you hear a snap. A dark cloaked figure stares back at you. Your heart races as your fingers twitch.

What could you do? Your magic is useless in attacks. For fuck sake, you have cleaning magic. What good is that besides being a maid?

The figure looks up, his striking blue eyes staring back at yours. The moment felt like hours. His eyes being the most beautiful color you ever seen, drawing you in.

Just as quick as he came, he sunk into the ground, disappearing into the shadows. You shake your head as you open your grimoire, cleaning supplies appearing for your tasks. “I do not get paid enough for this.”

The next time you saw him was in Vanica’s office. You were currently wiping the dried blood from her wooden desk when you felt the air shift.

You swing around, a broom appearing in your hand. You twirl the broom as the handle collides with the intruders head.

Your eyes widen at the familiar cloak. “Oh it’s you.”

His head snaps up as he rubs his head. “Did you just hit me in the head with a broom?” He asked incredulously.

You glance down at the broom in hand. “Yeah I suppose I did. I am sorry for that.”

He looked at you in disbelief, hand dropping to his side. "You're apologizing? For defending yourself against a possible attack?"

You nod slowly, cheeks flushed. "I guess I did. You weren't going to attack me, right?"

He shakes his head, the corner of his mouth lifting into a ghost of a smile. "You would be correct. I have no reason to harm a nobody such as yourself."

Typically that word would hurt. Nobody. That word would carve into your skin, leaving you hurt and dejected.

Yet the way he said it made you feel the exact opposite. You felt warm and... fuzzy?

"Thank you, I suppose."

Interactions that followed were friendly. The two of you never spoke about why he was there and you failed to mention to anyone that the Spade Kingdom had a spy. Sure if the siblings ever found out, you were certain your life would end slowly and painfully. Especially if Vanica has her way.

You learned his name is Nacht and that he had devils. Not just one but four of them. Truly impressive feat. The two of you mainly communicated through small letter, but small treats hidden in cubbies that were never used. Rarely did you ever get to see him in person, not until one rare day.

You walk into your room, completely exhausted. Vanica had another bloodbath in her office and Dante had another one of his “parties”. You desperately hope neither of them work tomorrow.

Your heart lurches into your throat at the sight of the elusive shadow mage standing beside your bed.

He looks up as if it were normal for him to just be in your room. “Should have known you would read these types of books.” He says, placing the book back on your nightstand.

You quickly shut your door, checking to make sure nobody heard him. “What are you doing here? You can’t be here. If someone heard or saw you, I would-I”

Nacht sighs, turning to face you completely. “The Clover Kingdom will be here in three days.”

Your eyes widen as fear chilled your veins. The Clover Kingdom is coming here? Your home? “What?”

Nacht takes a small step forward, mindful to keep distance if that is what you truly want. “I need to get you out of here. You can’t be here.” He looks away, pale cheek rosy. “I can’t lose you as well.”

You take a hesitant step forward. “Nacht?” He looks up, a distraught look in those beautiful eyes blue eyes.

“Please return to the Clover Kingdom with me. If something happened to you during this battle and I could have prevented it, I” He exhales, shadows flickering at his feet as if he was losing control of his magic at the though of something happening to you. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.”

He closes the distance, the toe of his black shoes touching your white ones as his hand carefully caresses your cheek. “If I survive this, I want to spend the rest of what’s left of this retched life with you. Throughout the years, it’s always been you. The reason I could finish this mission.”

You lean into his touch, breathing out all your worries. His touch was surprisingly warm. You always imagined him cold.

“You want me to leave my home and family to go with you, the enemy from another country?” Nacht nods like it was that simple.

You laugh breathlessly. It was a crazy idea, even crazier that you were even considering it. “Will you?” He whispers, the fear finally audible in his voice. “Yeah Nacht, I’ll go with you.”

——————————————————————

“I am not wearing this.”

You turn around, finding Langris standing at the edge of the bed. “What?”

His head snaps up, his usual frown deepens. “I am not wearing this.” You frown, bottom lip sticking out. “You won’t?” He shakes his head, picking up the black t-shirt.

“But we were going to match.” You say, showing your shirt as an example.

Langris shakes his head. “This is inappropriate. I can’t wear this to the squad’s movie night. It’s unbecoming of the vice captain.”

You thank your mother for teaching you how to cry on the spot, knowing how much Langris hated to see you upset.

Tears well up in your eyes as your bottom lips quivered. “You don’t want to match with me?”

Langris sighs, shaking his head before pulling off the shirt he was currently wearing. “Fine I’ll wear it but if David says one word, he’s dead.”

You laugh, crossing the bedroom. “Deal.” You say, kissing his cheek. “Thank you for being the best husband ever.”

Langris huffs, rolling his eyes. “Whatever. You’re just lucky I love you.”

You gasp, pressing the back of your hand to your forehead dramatically. “Such a proclamation! Langris Vaude, vice captain of your Golden Dawn lives his wife. Shoving truly. Call the papers.”

Langris pinches your hip. “Be quiet wife.” He purrs, pulling you against him. The corner of your mouth pulls into a devious smirk. “Make me.”

Well let’s just say, the two of you were late to squad movie night.

———————————————————————

“Do you know who I am?” You huff, placing your hands flat in the counter top. You did not have to the energy to deal with this, not him. Solid Silva, the renowned crybaby of the magic knights. “You cannot be rude to my staff, no matter if you’re royalty or not.”

Solid scoffs, hands balled into a tight fist. You would look back at this later and laugh at how much this royal, this magic knights resembled a toddler throwing a fit.

“Excuse me commoner,” His chest puffs as his eyes darken. Solid takes a step forward, attempting to be menacing. “It is our status as royalty that allows us to tell you exactly what to-“

A voice clears behind the royal, a cold aura replacing the warmth you built so hard to build. “Solid stop. They have a point.”

Your eyes widen at the sight of the captain of the Silver Eagles standing in the middle of your store. His eyes lock onto yours. “Apologies for my younger brother. He can be…hot headed at times.” You chuckle, looking between the two men. “That is quite obvious. Maybe you should teach him proper manners as his brother and his captain.”

The whole shop pauses, holding their breath as they wait for the stoic magic knight’s reaction. The corner of his mouth twitches before a small sound resembles a laugh falls from his thin lips. “You are absolutely correct. I shall give him private lessons as soon as we leave.” You nod, smiling. “Great. Now what would you like, it’s on the house.”

Nozel tries to protest, claiming he didn’t need anything. You place a hand on your hip, an eyebrow raised similar to your mom when she knew you were up to something. “Please it’s on the house. It would be rude of you to deny my offer. Besides, it would be great publicity for my shop so think of it as a favor.” Nozel hums, stepping up to the counter. “Deal, can I get-“

You nod, placing his order with a soft smile and maybe just maybe your number was written on a napkin.

———————————————————————

Vanessa couldn’t help but chuckle at the pathetic sight in front of her. Finral, the Black Bulls flirt, hiding behind a cup as his eyes were glued to your figure, watching you talk to Mimosa.

She takes a large sip of her wine before shaking her head. Men, pathetic creatures. She always has to fix their problems.

“Why don’t you go kiss them?” Finral jumps, spilling his drink down the front of his shirt. “What? Why would you say that?” He shrieked, spinning to face her. Vanessa chuckles, looking between the spatial mage and you. “Because you look absolutely pathetic watching her talk. Finral, you look like a sad puppy dog. Go,” she guides him towards you by his shoulders. “Go talk to her.”

Much to her surprise, Finral does it. Not before giving himself a pep talk. She could hear his mutters before he semi confidently walk across the room to you.

He pulled you away from the Golden Dawn mage, tilting your head up as if he was experienced. But Vanessa knew Finral. The man could barely talk to a woman, let alone kiss them.

Vanessa’s jaw drops as Finral kisses you like he’s done in a million times. Smoke appears in front of her, signaling that Yami had joined. “Wow Finral is kissing a girl. Didn’t know he had it in him.” Vanessa nods, completely baffled. “Yeah who knew?”

Vanessa crosses the room, handing the two of you a fresh drink. “Wow Finral, didn’t think you could act do it. The toe of you look….cozy.”

You giggle, squeezing his hand. “Well that is because we are.” You say, kissing his flushed cheeks. Finral clears his throat, his chest puffing a bit. “We are um.. well you see, the two of us are….dating.”

Vanessa figured by the kiss but hearing the words actually come out of his mouth makes her lose it. Her shrieks could be heard over the crowd. Yami nods, clapping his shoulder. “Good work Finral. Now I have to go to the bathroom. Do not bother me.”

Once the night ends, Finral takes you back home. Well a few blocks away so he could walk you to your front door like a proper gentleman. “Sorry about earlier but you,” Finral cups your cheek. “you were just so beautiful and then Vanessa told me to kiss you-not that was the reason why I did it. I mean it is but not the whole reason. But what I was trying to say is that I’m sorry that I ruined our secret.”

You lean up, silencing him with a soft touch of your lips. “Don’t apologize l. It’s nice to finally be able to do that in public. I love you Finral Roulacase.” Finral hums, resting his forehead again yours. “I love you too.”

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