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ROOTS - chapter 1

"the summoning" ⦻

SUMMARY: Out of desperation to prove yourself as a witch you attempt to summon lord Chernabog. You think the ritual has failed, but strange things start happening around town. A stranger shows up, digging into the roots of your once pleasant life as it falls apart. Is it a run of the mill psychopath, or a blood contract with your name on it?

PAIRINGS: Eyeless Jack/Jack Nyras x Witch! reader, Brian Thomas, Tim wright, Nina Hopkins, Jeffery woods, Tobias Rogers, Jane Richardson ⋆˚꩜｡

WARNINGS: Disturbing Imagery, blood, self harm (demonic ritual), eventual gore and smut - this is probably going to be the tamest chapter.

WORD COUNT: 10.5K

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I wrote for creepy pasta in middle school and I'm back in the building lol. Everyone except for Jack is written into a Greenhouse/florist worker AU. Jack is mainly cannon. This is my first attempt at a longer fic, still getting used to longer form content, so I hope you enjoy! As of right now I have seven chapters planned for this series. If anyone is invested and wants to be added to the tag list, please let me know! -ִ ࣪𖤐 Cher

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It’s speculated that witchcraft is most often a placebo. The manipulation of the spirit is not concrete enough to measure, and real witchcraft isn’t like the academia and schools of wizardry you might’ve seen in the media. It’s hard, grueling, sacred, and most often- all you have to show for your efforts is a clear mind, a series of unfortunate events, or the occasional infatuation. Who is to say that your magick even brings these things about? You believed your mind was clear, so it was. You placed a hex on those who hurt you, and they just happened to fall down the stairs. Perhaps that man fell in love with you all on his own, regardless of your weaving.

You know that your magick is real. However, you don’t know if it’s real enough for this.

“It has to be how wide?? I don’t know if I have enough pig’s blood for this.” Your familiar, a little gray and white cat, rubs against your ankle reassuringly.

You pull your lip between your teeth as you let fingers glide over the scrawling on the paper. The book is light between your hands. The leather it is bound in radiates energy from its previous rituals. You set the open book on the coffee table, hands dipping towards the mahogany bowl. A pentagram, five points. You spread the blood carefully, making sure the points connect to the circle you’ve already laid out. The metallic smell of the blood stings your nose making your eyes water, a tear or two fall into the circle.. But a little taglock never hurt a spell. You dip your fingers into the bowl, using your nails to perfect the edges of the design laid across your (now empty) living room floor.

Couches and plants are pushed to the side of your small apartment in preparation for the ‘visitor’ you’re inviting to your home. Ritual bowls of salts, pig’s blood, oil, bay leaves, and sage sit in a semi-circle around you. You have several books open, your spells are often a hybrid of the things that other witches have done which resonate with you. The more personal it is, the stronger the connection. Your personal Grimoire is covered in messy scrawl, only legible to its author. Diagrams show exactly what needs to go where and how, tastefully sketched.

You take a deep breath in. Bay leaves, sage and salt mix together in your palms as you hum a chant of protection over them. Once charged you cast them over the circle, thanking the forces for keeping you from harm (in advance, you hope). You light six candles. One for each point of the pentagram and one for the center. Beside the center candle you place a silver dish and a ceremonial dagger, both cool to the touch. The inscription on the side of the blade makes you shiver in anticipation, but you still yourself. You can feel the adrenaline in your body as you take your place.

You squeeze your eyes shut, summoning all the passion and command you can muster. Confidence is supposedly key. Your hands stretch towards the earth, palms spread wide and fingers tense. You push all of the energy that you can muster into your hands, feeling the atmosphere change. Finding a deep voice inside of you, you and draw the words out of your throat.

“Te nomine vero soloque evoco… Zcerneboch!”

Your eyes fly open as your pad to the center of the circle. You reach for the dagger, kneeling over the silver bowl. Your shaking hand hovers above the dish, the reflection dancing across your vision as you try to steady yourself. You press the dagger to your palm, mentally counting down from three. The blade makes you want to jump out of your skin but you need this, you need physical evidence of your work. It’s too late now. At one you slice the blade quickly, feeling numbness at first, and then a sharp sting as blood pricks at the wound. A gasp flies past your lips. You return the dagger, opposite hand coming to wrap around your wrist and squeezing gently. The blood drips into the dish.

plink, plink, plink

The offering of purity. The blood of a Virgin.

Once it is done you raise your hands upwards, towards the sky this time. You reach inwards and find the voice again.

“Fiat sic! So mote it be!”

Your eyes flutter shut again in anticipation. You wait. The house creaks. Your cat meows. The world is absolutely silent. You furrow your brow, expecting some large display of smoke and power. The wind picks up suddenly, throwing your window open and pulling at your hair and clothes with a gust. You let the wave wash over you, and when it dies down your eyes open. As they open you see scattered herbs and blood blown into droplets across your floor. Your bowls are overturned, the sacred silver dish spinning like a top. The offering of purity mixes with pig’s blood and you scowl. Maybe it is farce.. you don’t know, you're angry. The perfect ritual. Weeks of preparation, your hand literally sliced open. Now it’s just a bloody mess in your living room. You kick at one of the wooden bowls in dismay as you grumble about cleaning up this mess.. Your cat meows again.

The utter silence lingers still. You look around, scanning the room for any sign of success before you finally come to terms with failure. You trudge to the bathroom, rubbing your eyes. Whatever the outcome of the ritual it had exhausted you. You felt more drained than you ever had after a spell. You flick on the lights. The bathroom shines clean and white in contrast to the bloody apartment. You sigh at your reflection. Blood is spattered across your face and clothes, your hair is wild from the sudden wind, and your hand looks worse than it feels. Turning on the shower you let the steam fill the bathroom. Relaxing into the heat, you slip off your clothes. A candle or two is lit before you step into the shower. The patter of water across your back calms you, and you envision the dark grime and negativity of the failure washing off of you. Your eyes droop as you gently wash the blood off of your stained skin. Your limbs move, slow and tired, through the motions of your shower routine. You think you might just go to bed and clean up tomorrow…

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When you become conscious of the morning light shining through your eyelids you also become aware of the pounding soreness in between your eyes. The headaches that sit at the front of your head are always the worst. You sit up with a groan.

Pillows and blankets are strewn across your bed and floor haphazardly, and you feel anything but well-rested. You must have been tossing and turning all night. You slide out of bed. Walking out of your room you are greeted by neatly stacked bowls, organized grimoires and books, and your ceremonial dagger sitting neatly atop the silver dish. You raise your eyebrows at the scene, looking towards the kitty batting at a forgotten bay leaf. You were pretty delirious with exhaustion last night, maybe you cleaned it up before heading to bed and had simply forgotten. You thank your past self as you gather the bowls up in your arms, whisking them back to the kitchen. Kitty follows at your heels, meowing and trilling as she wraps around your ankles. At least someone is in a good mood.

You slide open the checkered curtains in front of your sink, allowing fresh sunlight to seep into the room. You start the coffee pot before coming back to the sink to give each bowl a cursory wash as you put them away. The clinking of dishes and humming of the coffee pot does make you feel slightly better. Once the washing is done you take a painkiller or two with your coffee.. You look down at the cat, crouching to stroke her back.

“Ayayay.. All of that wasted supplies for what.” Kitty looks at you innocently.

“Meow!”

“And this…”

You hold up the hand, a fresh bandage plastered across the wound. Kitty takes it as an invitation to brush her cheek across your fingers. At least she seems to have enjoyed the ritual. You scoop her up into your arms like a baby.

“Well, your mother has to get ready for work so let’s get moving little lady.” You tap the tip of her nose with your finger as you carry her back through the apartment. You pick out your outfit for the day. Typically, you try to dress flowery and flowy as a florist. You think it gives the customers a better impression. You say a little glamour chant as you get ready out of habit. Tote bag in arm, you grab your keys and wallet as you say goodbye to your cat.

The nursery and garden center you work at is only a short drive from the building, which sits at the edge of the city, and you find the sunlight rejuvenating as you drive into the countryside. You like this job specifically because even though you only work in the floral department, any dying herbs, flowers, and plants are often up for grabs. You like to dry them and store them for spell work. Additionally, working with nature is just up your ally. As you step into the little shop the bell chimes, and your coworker welcomes you in. “Good morning!”

You smile at the girl already bustling about the front counter, actively drawing flowers on the little chalkboard sign that reads the daily discounts and deals. “Morning’ Nina.”

You slip into the back room, setting your bag on a hook and tying an apron around your waist. The dark green contrasts nicely against your outfit. You tie it snugly, finishing it with a bow as you yawn. Nina skips in, high pony tail bobbing. You think a scene queen working at a flower shop is such a contrast, but you love her style. She always has great chats with the customers and the flowers seem to like her. “Rough night?”

“Yeah.. you could say that.”

Nina reaches for your wrist, pulling your hand into her own and gasping. “Girl, what happened to your hand?!” You grimace, trying to come up with an excuse quickly. If anyone was gonna pry it was her. “Ooooh um. I tripped over Kitty while I was chopping vegetables. I'm really ok though. You think it’s gonna be busy today?”

Nina returns your hand begrudgingly, walking to the front counter as you follow. She chips at her nail polish and sighs. “About as busy as it always is..”

You chuckle, flipping on the lights in one of the flower displays. A little knock on the front door and another bell chime draws your attention. Brian, one of the gardeners, steps in. He clicks his work boots together on the entrance mat before he walks into the store, careful not to track dirt.

“Morning.”

It’s gruff and short and you roll your eyes. Nina pops out from behind the counter, waving excitedly. “Morninggg! We’ve got the coffee on in the back if you want some!”

He nods in approval as he trudges to the back of the store.

You continue humming to yourself as you arrange the flowers in the display, making note of which ones are starting to wilt so you can mark them half off later. You think Brian is a nice guy. Taller, blonde, and scrappy. He’s easy enough to get on with. Most of the people working here had been here awhile, so the group is pretty tight knit. Brian is no exception. He’s serious at work, but every so often he’ll bring in donuts— and when you all go out to drink he’s fun.

“By the way, Toby said to come see him when you get a chance. Kid has some herbs for you.”

You jump a little bit, not hearing Brian come back out as you were lost in thought. You can tell he’s chuckling at your surprise. He sips his coffee out of a green mug that reads ‘plantaholic’. You swat at his shoulder gently, giving him a half hearted glare. “We’re going to have to put a bell on you.”

He gives you a grin and you notice the second cup of coffee in his hand. He offers it to you and you hesitate, debating if you really need two coffees today, before caving and taking it.

“Thanks. I’ll go see Toby later. Where’s thing two?” He grunts, gloved hand coming up to scratch at the stubble on his face. “Tim? Haven’t seen him yet but ya’know.. He’ll be around eventually.” You shoot him a glance. “Something wrong? You two are usually attached at the hip.” Brian nods his head. “Nah, we got a shipment early this morning.”

Tim, the landscaper, was also responsible for unloading trucks and moving plants around. Your gaze softened as you realized that both men had probably been here early, Tim unloading and Brian making room for new plants and checking their health. You notice the dark circles under his eyes. He keeps blinking and you can tell he’s trying to chase the sleep away with coffee. Tim must be exhausted too.

“In that case I’ll go find Toby and bring Tim a cup of coffee while I’m at it.”

“K, js’ be mindful.. Could be one of those days.”

Tim is a nice guy and an excellent landscaper, but he has his moods. You assume it has something to do with the pills. No one here faults him for it. It doesn’t happen often but you all just try to avoid him and let him do his work when it does. You nod thoughtfully, shooting Brian a smile as you sip out of your mug. “I will be, thanks for the coffee Bri.”

You pour a bit more coffee into a to-go cup, popping the lid on and telling Nina you’ll be right back. When you step out the back door into the garden you are instantly washed with fresh air. The main stepping stones that wind through the garden lead towards the greenhouse, where you know you’ll find Toby, but there are several little paths that shoot off spiraling around patches of flowers, wheelbarrows, trees, saplings, and garden decorations. Trellises littered in vines cover the main path and you hear the water fountains babbling off in the distance. Tim could be anywhere in the garden or greenhouse, so you take your time down the path, admiring some of the new decorations that have come in. Out of the corner of your eye you catch movement, and you stop to look over. “Tim?”

You stalk over to the spot where you notice the rustling, not wanting to bother him in case he’s having one of those days. Messy brown hair comes into view, but it’s not Tim’s. It isn’t Toby’s either.

You clear your throat, not knowing exactly what to say. “Hello?” You step pass the foliage and the mystery man comes into full view. He turns, and his dark eyes meet yours. He’s pretty - almost too pretty.

The man sitting in the dirt is completely foreign to you. His brown hair waves and twists perfectly around his face. His skin is pale with a grayish-olive undertone that sounds odd in theory, but makes him look like a Greek statue in practice. His dewy eyes are black and soulful. You can’t help the little gasp that leaves your lips when he turns to look at you. He’s on his knees in the dirt, apron riding up around his jeans. The tight, white T-shirt he has on does little to hide his built torso, and his shoulders ripple as he digs into the soft dirt.

He nods at you in acknowledgment, brushing the dirt off of his apron as he moves to stand. A large hand with painted black nails is extended to you, you look down at the coffees in both of your hands, mourning the loss of shaking this beautiful man’s hand. You hold them out awkwardly. “I- uhh. Hands are.. A little full.” He chuckles and you nearly swoon. Who is this man?

His hands fly clumsily to his pockets and he rocks on his heels. “Oh, my bad. Yeah, I see that. I’m Jack.. Jack Nyras. I just started here as a gardener.” That’s funny, Jane has been worried about the need to let someone go due to your profits.. Why would she hire another gardener? But then again, the workings of your gothic manager are mysterious and ever-changing. You shrug it off. Telling Jack your name, you beam about how lovely of a place the Nursery is and how he’s going to fit right in. “Do you live in town then?”

Jack nods and a hand comes to scratch the back of his head. “Something like that, I just moved here. Still getting used to everything.” You nod at everything he says dumbly. “Well, if you need anyone to show you around just let me know!” He assures you he will before he starts talking about how he should get back to work or something. You don’t know. You wave giddily at him as you leave. Walking down the path lost in thought about Jack, you nearly run head first into Tim.

“Oh, hey! Sorry. I’m a bit lost in thought today, but I brought you coffee! Heard you guys had a truck early this morning.” Tim is not amused. He quirks an eyebrow at you, taking the coffee before you can spill it. “Thanks.. What exactly has you lost in thought?” You blush and look towards the floor, not wanting to admit you were schoolgirl-crushing on the new guy. You're honestly embarrassed, you never act this way over men. You shake your head vigorously, dispelling the sudden infatuation. “Nothing. Just a lot going on. Anyways, truck good?” Tim allows a tired smile to pull at his lips. He brings a hand to his neck, rolling his head in a circle. The stretch looks like it does little to relieve him. “Yeah, it’s all taken care of. Been here since four in the morning, just wish Jane would let me leave early. Thanks for the coffee kid.” You give him a sympathetic look. He swats at the air, gesturing for you to quit pitying him. “I’m a grown man, an early morning never hurts anyone. By the way, Toby’s looking for you.” You nod, sipping out of your mug. “Yeah, I'm on my way to see him now. If I see Jane I’ll put in a good word for you.” He’s already walking away. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” His own special way of saying thank you. You know he’s a big softie.

You continue down the path until you come to the greenhouse, one of your favorite places on earth. You wish you were working the greenhouse checkout instead of Toby. It is massive. As you walk in you are met with wooden structures above your head, lined with hanging flowers and plants. Raised wooden boxes stretch on for what seems like forever, full of different plants, herbs, flowers, and vegetables. The quiet buzz of nature makes you smile as you walk down the path towards the back.

You find Toby bent down, scrounging about underneath the counter for something. When you say his name, he audibly bumps his head. He stands up to greet you, rubbing at the sore spot where he hit himself. Toby looks like a teenage boy, and he’s not much older than one. He has that boyish charm. His hair is messy and brown and freckles bloom around his cheeks and nose. He wears a patch on the side of his mouth, says it covers up a birth defect he never got fixed. He’s a nice guy. Has a few screws loose, but nice nonetheless. He catches your eye and gestures you over. You slip behind the counter with him and see that he is holding a few drawstring bags. He shoves them into your arms before you have time to ask any questions.

“Dried these js’ for yo-you. I know, I know. You don’t *snap* have to thank me.” You open one of the bags, sniffing the contents. Dried rose petals. Another one contains lavender, and a third basil. “Dried herbs for little ol’ me? You shouldn’t have.” Toby curses involuntarily, a symptom of his tourettes. “I did. You’re welcome.” You roll your eyes at his smugness, pushing him playfully as you mumble something about not leaving Nina alone in the shop. You call out to him as you leave “Hey! If you see Jane, tell her me and Tim want to talk to her!” Toby cups his hands around his mouth. “What???” You sigh. “IF YOU SEE JANE, TELL-”

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When you finally return to the flower shop to do your actual job you can’t wait to talk to Nina about the new guy. The sudden infatuation that came over you seems to have faded, but you are still full of questions. First and foremost, why did he make you feel like a hormonal highschooler? It's like the moment you saw him there was a pull — or a connection. It almost seemed unnatural, but it was probably just the fact you hadn't been with a guy, well… ever, and Jack looked like a model. Second and second most, why on earth would Jane hire another gardener? You bustle into the shop, slipping behind the counter and instantly busying your hands with the batch of wedding table bouquets Nina is working on. It’s silent for a few minutes.

“Hey.. have you met the new guy?”

Nina gives you an inquisitive look without slowing her work. “New guy?”

You hum in response, gently spreading the petals of a flower a bit further apart. “Jack, I think it was. New gardener. I thought Jane wasn’t hiring anyone else?” Nina nods, angling her body towards you. “No, she shouldn’t be. Not the way she’s always complaining. 'Who is he? Is he hot?”

Your cheeks flush and your eyes fix on your work. “I mean yeah… The first minute of talking to him I felt hormonal and sweaty. He’s really the definition of a pretty boy.” Nina sighs. “Not as pretty as that truck driver.” You visibly recoil. “Ew, Jeff? Not this again.” Nina has been crushing on the company truck driver that supplies your neck of the woods since she started working here. You suddenly remember your difference in types. “Nina, I love you, but that man is not hot. He also doesn’t know who you are.” Nina groans and plants her head on the counter. “I got here early to help with the truck just so I could see him.”

You purse your lips, stifling a giggle. “How noble. Did you actually help, or did you just hang off of him the whole time?” Nina starts to fake cry. “Jane made me actually helpppp.” You pat her back in a comforting gesture. “There, there. You always have next time. Maybe you can actually ask him for his number next time and he’ll give it to you.” Nina rolls so she’s half laying on the counter, facing the ceiling idly. “You don’t understand! There’s a strategy! I’m playing the long game.”

“Right, that’s why you're having me stalk him on Instagram for you so he doesn’t see you viewing his stories.” She stands up abruptly, going back to her work like nothing happened.

She changes the topic curtly, “Anyways, the new guy.” You smile at her antics. “Yeah, new guy. Why was he hired? I need you to see him so I can confirm if he’s actually hot or if I’m just delusional.” She picks a red flower from your pile, incorporating it into the pinks and whites of her bouquet. “Well we both already know the answer to that. You're delusional as they come.” You raise your eyebrows and her eyes widen. Before she can stop you, you take a deep breath, summoning a loud voice. “NINA LOVES JEFFERY WOODS.” No one can really hear you, but she scrambles to cover your mouth, shushing you in panic. You giggle as she wrestles you into silence. “I am not the delusional one.” She concedes with a sigh and you both return to your flowers once more. The store bell jingles. You both look up.

“Ladies.” Jack stands in the doorway and you feel that wave of Disney knees and butterflies wash over you. Nina chuckles and you elbow her under the counter. “I was told that you two supply the coffee.” Nina nods and gestures to the back. “That’s correct! We have our own little coffee machine and a mini fridge with some different creamers and stuff. Help yourself!” Jack smiles blindingly and makes his way to the back of the counter. It takes everything in you not to whisper ‘I told you so’ to the girl next to you. Jack hums as he starts the machine, the low timbre of his voice resonates in your chest and you sigh.

Nina looks at you knowingly, and whispers. “But someone from work, really?” You frown. “But you’re obsessed with Jeff, you can’t talk.” She just returns to her work and continues the conversation without eye contact. “It’s just for fun, a little crush. Nothing’s going to actually happen. I know you, you aren’t satisfied with little crushes.” You roll your eyes and look away as Jack walks out of the back with a steaming cup of coffee and a pleased look on his face.

Jack approaches Nina, holding out his hand. “Ah, I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting…” She shakes it, responding: “Nina.” He grins, giving her a firm shake. “I’m Jack, the new gardener. I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot of you two as long as you supply caffeine.” Nina giggles and you can tell his charm isn’t lost on her. When he leaves you nag her about how handsome he is and she’s inclined to agree. You can’t help but think that she’s right though, you should leave it at a little work place crush.

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The next few days pass on pleasantly. You hardly remember that stupid failed ritual, and despite the disappointment- it doesn’t stop you from practicing your craft. Glamour spells when doing makeup, protection stirred into your coffee. You had to use all of your self discipline to keep yourself from making a spell jar for Jack.

The Garden Nursery seemed more pleasant these days, sunnier. Tim hadn’t had a bad day in ages and even Jane was lightening up on the gothic reckoning of being a manager. Then there was Jack.

It started with your little crush. Your eyes would linger on him as he passed, hands brushing purposefully as you would bring him and the twins (as you call them) coffee every morning. You couldn’t help but notice the way his muscles rippled as he pushed a wheelbarrow across the soil. Could not stop yourself from getting lost in thought watching the sun hit his pretty face. It was manageable though, a true workplace crush. For the purpose of making work more fun, and for that purpose alone. That is, until you swore he was doing the same to you.

At first you were imagining it for the sake of your own delusion. He made eye contact with you today! He smiled at you! He may as well be confessing his love. It felt like having a senior crush in high school that you would mourn when they graduated…. or a celebrity you would rave about on twitter. Nothing serious and nothing reciprocated. Then, as time went on you begin to notice the feeling of being watched. Often you will turn around to see Jack staring a hole into you. His hands begin to linger. He begins to lose his words as he speaks to you. You start to think maybe taking it past a workplace crush wouldn’t be so bad. How much could it really hurt to date a hot gardener? Nina chides you when you voice this aloud.

"We've just met the guy. He's kind of suspicious, where did he even come from? He never goes out drinking with us, and doesn't shows up to the group meetings. I don't even think he's in the work group chat." You make a mental note to add him to that. Jane could be forgetful. Nina continues on her rant. "Then, what happens if you break up? Things are going to be weird, too weird. This place is perfect, we all have good chemistry. We're like family. Dating him would be like friend group incest." You frown at the term she coins. You make her stop talking about friend group incest by dismissively agreeing with her. As you get home your still thinking about it. Despite your admission that it would be weird, you can't get the possibility off of your mind.

You stop when you realize that you should at least give it more time. Nina is right about one thing, your imagining that you are in love with a man you don't even know. You're obsessed with the idea of him. Relationships hadn't always worked out for you, in your high school years you'd dated some real freaks. Every time you got close to a guy you'd feel trapped and scared, like you were afraid to put a label on things and then endure whatever it was you signed up for. Daddy issues or something. On top of that, you had used your own blood for the sacrifice of purity. You obviously hadn't gotten very far relationship wise. You aren't sure if you really like Jack, but you like the concept — the personality you imagine that he has. If you are going to entertain this you at least need to get to know him better. Problem is, he's always acting like a loner. As you slide into bed for the night you resolve to make an effort to pull him into the friend group. You start by adding him to the group chat before you shut your phone off for the night.

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The morning is bright and sunny after a night of rain. Dew rests on the plants and flowers, and birds chirp pleasantly. The whole world is hazy and soft. The truck is here late which means you and Nina get to help. The two of you zip around the flower shop, making enough coffee for yourself and the boys. You slip them into carriers, eight total, before sliding out the back door and into the garden. As you walk with Nina you laugh about Jeff being late. “I’m sure Jane put him in his place, she always does.” She sighs in agreement. “If I’m not the one who gets Jeff it’ll be her. They have an enemies to lovers thing going on.” You give her a sympathetic look and elbow her gently, careful not to unbalance the coffee. “I’m sure if you would literally just make any sort of move you would get him. You are genuinely so hot and sexy, and in the nicest way possible, he is a rat. Plus I think Jane is a lesbian.” She giggles as she skips down the path ahead of you. “I don’t know about the rat part, but maybe you’re right.”

As the gate comes into view you can see bodies moving boxes and plants through the wire. Nina opens the gate for you and you slip through, hands full of coffee. You hear a grating voice. “Bought’ damn time!” You mentally groan. You saunter up to the driver's seat of the truck, the window is rolled down and Jeffery Woods hangs his arm out the side of it. His messy hair is all across his face, dark black in contrast to the white hoodie he insists on sporting. You give him a fake smile. “Jeffery. Nice to see you as always.” He grins. You’ve always found his unnaturally wide smile creepy. “Come on doll, pass a man some coffee, I’ve been driving all night.” You’re about to give the man coffee against your better judgment, but a sharp voice stops you in your tracks.

“Do not give him coffee until he gets out of that damn truck and helps.” You spin around to see your goth manager in all her glory. Her dark hair falls around her face in a style that reminds you of black and white movies. Her white makeup and dark lips stand out against each other, and the contacts she wears to make her pupils big and black make you think of something otherworldly. You like to brag about your boss. You brag about Nina too. You like when stores hire alternative people.

Jeff groans loudly. “Come on Janey, I’ve been driving all night for youuuu!” Jeff pleads, and you know the pet name is only going to fuel her wrath. She has a box against her hip and is obviously not taking his shit today. “You were five hours late. We have customers this time of day. The absolute least you can do is get off your ass and help.” Her tone is stern and he hangs his head in despair. You chuckle at his expense. “Come on Jefferey, you can have coffee as soon as you get out of the truck.” Picking a coffee cup out of the carrier you wave it in front of is face. He begrudgingly opens the door and hops out, snatching the coffee from you as he rounds the truck. You sigh.

You distribute the coffees to everyone else working… Tim, Brian, Toby and Jane. Nina circles back to get one from you after helping with a few boxes, and you take one for yourself too, so that leaves… Jack. “Have you seen Jack around?” Nina starts to laugh and chokes on her coffee a bit. “I think he’s in the shed making space for new boxes. Go give coffee to your man girl.” You slap her playfully as you roll your eyes.

When you approach the shed it’s silent, not a single sign of life. Suddenly there is a loud crash and a groan of pain. You rush inside to see Jack on the floor, pinned down by two boxes. Several more boxes surround him. You set the coffee down, pulling the boxes off of him and helping him up. “Are you ok?” He smiles, clearly embarrassed to be caught like this. Rubbing at his arm where a box had fallen on him he responds hoarsely: “Yeah, yup. Just a little caught off guard.” His voice sounds odd and as you step back you notice the state he’s in. Dark circles paint themselves across his eyes, and his skin has taken on a grayish complexion. His hair is slightly stringy, and he looks all together sick. Before you can stop yourself you reach to press the back of your hand against his forehead, he stands there in surprise. “Jack, you’re absolutely freezing. Are you sick? I know Jane can be scary, but if you talk to her she’ll give you the day off.” He just sits there for a moment, not knowing what to say. You hum the question again, and he waves his hands in defense, pulling your wrist down from his forehead and holding it between his fingers. You blush. “Thank you for your concern, but I really am fine. It’s just allergies. Spring always gets to me.” You eye him warily. Something is wrong with him. His body feels lifelessly cold. You know illnesses can make temperatures drop but you aren’t sure what to make of this.

“Alright, but at least take some coffee. I was actually trying to find you to give you one. Everyone else already got some.” He takes it gratefully, thanking you for your help as you turn to leave. He shoots you a little wave and it makes your stomach flip. God, that fine ass man. Somehow he's even hot when he looks like the walking dead.

You return to the truck, informing the group that you think Jack might be under the weather and that you all should use extra hand sanitizer just in case. Jeff makes a joke wishing the Garden employees good luck with that problem before he eventually speeds off. You lean over to Nina to whisper to her as you walk back towards the gate. "Did you get his number this time?" Nina rolls her eyes. "Strategy, patience."

───────────────

The next day Nina is exhausted. She walks in looking the same kind of sick that Jack did. It makes your heart drop. You really hope that whatever is going around won’t get you, especially since you had foolishly been all over Jack yesterday. Every time you had seen him you’d doted on him, checking his temperature, telling him to go talk to Jane and go home. You’d even made him some tea and thrown some salt and a simple healing spell over it. Now Nina looks the same way, if not worse.

“Nina, you look like hell. What happened, are you ok?” She hobbles past the counter and grabs an apron. “I don’t know. I was fine last night, but woke up today feeling like bloody murder.” She slips the apron over her head, wincing as she ties it around her waist. “My side is especially sore, it must be bruised or something. Maybe I hit myself when I was helping with the boxes yesterday.” You feel her forehead, it's warm but not feverish. “You know if you’re feeling sick you can ask Jane about going home. I can handle the shop for a day.” She sighs. “No, no, no.. I’m fine. Just sore. Not like it’s gonna stop me from playing with flowers.”

She says it lightly, making fun of the situation. However, when she comes in the following day she looks even worse. You have her sit in a chair by the cash register all day, only allowing her to take orders, while you handle everything else around the shop. She looks like a frail old lady. Her high pony tail droops and she's exchanged the wild scene outfits for something simpler and cozier. You don't think you've ever seen Nina out of alternative stuff. The sickness must be really affecting her. The bell rings, Jack walks in. You expect him to look worse than Nina at the rate she’s progressing, but he’s practically glowing. His skin is vibrant with color, his eyes wide and awake. If anything he looks better than he did before.

You wave him over to the counter. “Hey stranger. You’re looking better.” He nods and explains that it was just allergies and he’d gotten on some medication. “Well, allergies or not - whatever you have, you gave it to Nina.” He looks over to the girl curled up in blankets, sitting Indian style in the foldable chair you brought for her. A grimace frays at his face. “I’m not sure allergies work like that, but if I gave something to her I feel awful. I’ll bring her some tea and goodies tomorrow.” You smile gently - imagining what your parents might say.. ‘Such a thoughtful young man’.

“That’s sweet of you. I’m glad you're at least feeling better.” He toys with a pen on the counter. "Yeah, maybe I recovered so quick because of all your fussing yesterday." You roll your eyes. "Yeah and I'm mothering her too. You all whine but you can thank me when the sickness is gone." Nina drags herself out of her chair and over to your side. “What are the two of you talking about?” You steady her as she stands. “Oh, nothing. Go back to your chair.” She huffs in defiance, mumbling about feeling left out. Jack gives her a look of sympathy. “I’m sorry you’re feeling sick Nina. Hope you feel better soon.” She sighs in exasperation. “It’s not even sickness, it's just so much soreness and my stomach’s funny. Feels like my gut’s been rearranged.” You both frown at her. Jack pipes up, "Maybe you sprained something? You could try seeing a physical therapist? Have you seen a regular doctor yet?" Giving him a dry look she shakes her head. "It's going to pass on it's own, I can tell. No use taking off of work or wasting money." She turns to go back to her chair and hisses at the slight movement. “I mean seriously, is there a massive bruise here or what?” She lifts up the shirt around her waist and you gasp.

“What is that?” You blurt. Nina looks down. “What’s what?” She twists in circles, trying to see what you’re seeing. When she finally catches sight of it she has to grip the counter for stability. Along her tummy runs a freshly stitched wound. It snakes around her side and down towards the middle of her stomach. The stitches are red and angry, no wonder she’s been feeling like shit. “Did you have surgery recently?” Nina looks up at you, her eyes are wide and panicked. She whispers it, barely audible. “No.” Your stomach drops. “What do you mean ‘no’? You have stitches, what happened?” She can’t stop staring at them and honestly you can’t either. “I mean that I didn’t even know this was here… someone did this to me without me knowing. I don’t… I can’t-” She looks like she’s going to hurl.

You instantly call Jane. Explaining the situation over the phone… none of it sounds believable. The proof is there, in front of your eyes, as real as it can possibly be. “Ok, hold on. I’m on my way. I’ll take her to the ER and get her checked on, I need you to stay and run the shop.” You don’t want to leave Nina alone, but you know Jane has it under control. She pulls her car round back and you help Nina through the door until Jane takes over. She hooks her arm under Nina’s, steadying her as they walk towards Jane’s truck. You call after them. “Call me if anything happens!” All you receive from your manager is a nod. You trudge back inside as you hear the truck roar to life and crunch over the gravel. Jack is gone. You sit in the chair you brought for Nina pondering what just happened. How did she not notice the scar? How would someone have operated on her without her knowing? Could she have hurt herself and someone patched her up? Why would she forget that though? The thoughts spin around your head, making you dizzy.

You carry out your job in a daze. Around two you get a call from Jane and you nearly jump out of your skin. The customer you are with notices your urgency and offers to wait while you take it. As you scramble to the back you pull the phone to your ear. “Hey. Any news?” Jane sounds tense over the phone. “Yeah, the doctors have seen her. She’s fine, but it looks like someone operated on her. Removed her kidney.” A chill runs down your back. “What the fuck? It wasn’t like a surgery? How did it happen?” She fumbles over her words as she talks. “Nina doesn’t have any memory of it and there are no records of it happening at a hospital. We called around. The doctors say it was done well, that whoever did it knows what they were doing.” You can’t hide your disbelief. “So what, some psychopath just crept in, stole her kidney, and sewed her back together?” You can hear the lurch in her throat. It’s unnerving to the both of you. “We don’t know, the police are on their way to talk to her. Whatever the case, a surgery like this requires days of bed rest. She’s going to have at least the next week off.” You nod to no one in particular, taking in the information. You and Jane wrap up the call, but if anything your mind is fuzzier than it was before. You struggle helping the customers as your thoughts race.

Who could have possibly done this? Is it someone you know? Could it be someone here, at the garden? Is there a man on the loose in your city, preforming freak operations on people? You have to sit down for a minute and mentally coach yourself to handle the rest of the day. Right now, Nina is safe. That is what matters. You need to push this out of your mind and focus on doing your job.

───────────────

The next week passes in a blur. Police are crawling around the place. Each of you is questioned. They search her house. There’s nothing. No unusual fingerprints, no trace of the operation left behind, absolutely nothing. Jack starts to help in the flower shop. You think he can tell that you're spiraling. The Nursery didn’t really need that many gardeners anyways, so Jane didn’t mind. He's kind, helping you when you forget forget your words and trying to keep you hydrated. You’re thankful for the extra help.

To your disadvantage things are just going plain wrong. A lingering suspicion in your gut ties it back to you. Everything has you on edge. Your monthly full moon ritual is intense and you banish as much negative energy as possible. You sprinkle sale around the edges of your house and draw sigils on the doors and windows. The possibility of a person sneaking into your house and digging around in your guts without your awareness felt so invasive. You almost begin to fear it more than death. It's terrifying. You visit Nina a few times and Jack comes too. He delivers on that promised tea and goodie bag. She's doing better and promises that no one should be worried. No matter how hard you try to push it out of your mind, you can't shake the fear that whatever happened to Nina might happen to you next.

Luckily, Nina makes a full recovery. Things don't go back to normal, but they get better. She returns to work where the whole group dotes on her like a baby. Toby pops in with snacks, drinks, and little trinkets he finds here and there. Brian doesn't say much, but his hands are always there, hovering as she walks up the steps or moves around to recklessly. The best way you can describe him is as a safety net, there just in case. Tim makes a daily round to the flower shop, checking in on her while pretending not to care. Even Jane is softer towards her. Additionally, Jack is becoming a bigger part of your little family every day. He starts to come out on weekend nights, hitting bars with the group. He never stays long, but his presence is nice.

On one such night you and Nina close up shop early. It's a typical weeknight and business is been sparce. You bustle through closing activities in anticipation for the Hibachi meal Jane had promised on the condition of raised sales. It was a condition she didn't actually think would be met. The group didn't think it would be met either- it had happened purely by accident. Hibachi is hibachi though, and a tasty meal would be perfect to distract from the lingering horror of Nina's misfortune. As you run out the door you catch sight of Jack walking to his car. You tug on Nina's sleeve and the two of you skip up to him, cheeks flushed. "Hey! Are you coming tonight?" Jack smiles at you both and gives you an inquisitive look. "Coming to what, exactly?" You mentally face palm, remembering that Jack hadn't been here when Jane made the exasperated promise. Nina cuts in before you can explain. "Months ago, before you started working, Jane said if we raised sales she'd treat us all to a hibachi dinner. Apparently we accidentally did it. Toby figured it out and now she's actually following through! You should totally come!" Jack's smile wavers and he rubs awkwardly at the back of his head. "I don't know, I'm pretty busy… I-" You cut him off. "Busy with what? Come onnn you never hang out for long. Just one night! It's free food!" You lock eyes with him, pouting ever so slightly. The blush that tints his cheeks doesn't go unnoticed. "Ah- fine. I'll go. Text me the address?" You jump excitedly as you pull it up and text him. Nina grins. "We'll see you there!"

As you leave him she shoots you a look. You bite your lip and raise your eyebrows, a silent plea to 'wait till we get in the car'. You had picked Nina up before work that morning so the two of you could drive together. As you tumble into the front seat she's giggling. "Oh my god, what happened to workplace crush????" You thumb at the steering wheel as you start the car, turning on the heater to clear the condensation on the windshield. "Nothing! I haven't done anything! That's all him." She elbows you as you back out of the parking-lot and you yelp. "I know I was opposed… but if you actually get together I want to be the first to know." You roll your eyes at her as you speed down the country roads back towards the city. "Trust, it's not like I'm going to be gossiping to Brian about it."

The hibachi grill is warm and inviting. The orange lights strung across the ceiling make the air feel comfortable, and as your group shuffles in you smile. When everyone is sitting around the table laughing and joking you feel at home. Somehow Jeff had conveniently timed his truck run to overlap and had coerced Jane into letting him come (he'd just shown up after hearing about it from Toby). So now Jane and Jeff are playfully bickering as Nina laughs at Jeff's awful comebacks. Tim, Brian, and Toby are talking garden stuff and you can't help but just enjoy the surrounding conversation. This is your family. Jack is yet to show up and you worry that you might've been too pushy when inviting him. Whatever the case these are your people, wasting time thinking about him won't do you any good.

"What do you think?" You're snapped out of thought by Toby's question. You look up to see the three men looking at you expectantly. "Sorry, what was the question? I spaced out." Brian chuckles and you give him a look. Toby repeats himself. "Is it easier to work the greenhouse or the at the florist?" You furrow your brows in thought. "Well I mean, you lift heavy stuff but we've got tons of orders. We supply weddings, party's, tons of custom stuff. We literally have to sort out every flower and make sure it looks perfect. I say florist." Toby laughs incredulously. "Not true I have just as many orders as you. I handle the orders for plants and hardware, tools, decorations.. et cetera. You even know how much shit farmers buy?" You use your hand to mimic his talking, earning a chuckle from Brian. Tim cuts in with his own opinion. "You lot have it easy. Me and Brian are the real workers. We're in the dirt every day. I'm get hired to haul ass and take care of yards all over town and Brian is the one keeping your gardens nice. We're the ones doing actual manual labor." You and Toby both respond in protest and Brian just laughs, neither confirming nor denying his stance.

"Yeah! Me, Brian, and Jack doing alllll the work around here. Keeping it looking nice and pretty so customers actually want to buy your leaves." A voice behind you all joins in. "Sorry, we're doing what?" The four of you spin around to see Jack standing there clueless behind you. Brian starts laughing harder. He's in a good mood tonight you suppose. "Jack!" Tim exclaims. "I was just explaining to these kids how we're indispensable and carry the Nursery." You retort quickly. "Yeah well even if you grow all the plants in the world you need us to sell the stuff. Your not exactly all there in the social skills department." Toby shouts in approval of your comeback. You divert your attention to Jack. Sitting on one side of you is Nina, but there's an open seat on your right. "Hey. Glad you could make it, saved you a seat." You pat the high top chair awkwardly, and he grins as he shuffles in. You've only seen Jack outside of work a few times, but you never get over how handsome he is in everyday clothes. It's nothing crazy, a ribbed black turtle neck, jeans that sit low on his hips with a smart belt, dress shoes. He looks the way you imagine dark academia men do. It suits him. The conversation dims around you as he takes the seat. His arm brushes against yours and your breath hitches. Heat blooms across your face and butterflies swarm against your skin.

"Weren't sure you'd make it." It's quiet, spoken under your breath. You're not even sure he's heard it. He turns towards you making direct eye contact. His eyes are consuming, you feel like he might swallow you whole the minute they're on you. It makes you squirm. "Wouldn't miss it." There's something under his voice - an invitation. No, you must be crazy. You turn back towards the boys, pulling Jack with you into the group conversation. The night continues on. The chef puts on a good show, attempting to shoot vegetables into Toby's mouth - who takes it so seriously that he sabotages himself. Brian catches one and the table cheers. Jane catches one between her teeth and Nina calls her mother. Jeff tries to do the same and chokes on the chunk of food. Nina still whispers 'daddy' under her breath and your caught between gagging and laughter. Jack's hand rubs against yours every so often and you'll turn to make eye contact, only to look away with a blush on your face. It's quiet, comfortable, homey. As the food comes in rounds you all eat your fill. Toby is the first to make a joke about unbuttoning his jeans and everyone follows suit, laughing about the fullness that follows the impressive show.

At a certain point in the night Jack leans over to whisper to you. "Thank you for inviting me. I'm glad I came, but I do have to go soon. Not that I don't want to be here (with you), but I really am busy." You look into his eyes searchingly and you can tell he's not lying. You notice his skin isn't as warm as it once was and the circles under his eyes have returned. Is it just those allergies again or sleepless nights? You wonder what he's busy with, but you don't pry. "If you have to leave… Can I walk you back to your car?" The ghost of a smile pulls at his face, he looks like a little kid hiding a grin, He remains composed. "I'd like that." You both stand. Jack gives some half-hearted excuse for why he has to go. He ears several groans and 'drive safe's. You smile and offer to the bustling table that you will be right back. You don't miss the knowing looks a few of them shoot you. Jane winks. *Lesbians*. You roll your eyes at the few who are catching on and run after Jack to catch up. It's not cold outside, but you shove your hands into your sweater pockets as if it is.

You leave the store, stepping into the night air and breathing deeply. "It's just over this way. Not far." You nod giddily. "So, did you have fun? I know we can be pretty tight knit, but I think the group's warming up to you." Jake smiles honestly, without any attempt to hide it. He ruffles your hair, a gesture that takes you by surprise. He stops in the middle of the sidewalk, turning to you. "Why are you trying so hard to involve me?" You blush and look towards your shoes. Thumbs fidget against your sweater as you attempt to cook up a response. "I… I know how hard it is to find an in sometimes. I always had a hard time making friends, but this group is really great. You work here now, your one of us. I guess I just want you to feel like your apart of the family." Jack nods, listening intently. "That's the only reason?" You begin walking again, nearing his car. Your voice drops in volume. Your afraid to be bold with him. "I suppose there could be one other.. thing." His car lights up as he unlocks it. He stops once more. "Mhm, and what could that be?" He's got a smug look on his face, but it's gentle. He knows what he's asking, yet he's not mean about it. You can tell he feels something too. "I could want you around for my own reasons."

Jack is standing right in front of you now, his closeness is paralyzing. He smells of earth, pine trees, and a hint of vanilla. His head dips down and yours tips up. You can feel his breath against your face as you stare at each other. "I suppose I could be showing up for my own reasons as well…" He says it low and breathy. Your breath freezes and your face grows hot. He leans in. The air you're breathing is recycled. The second it leaves your lips it's his. His mouth ghosts over yours. The sweater you have on is too hot, yet you're so, so cold. You're shivering where you stand. One of his hands wraps around your waist, the other comes to the side of your face. Your own hands grasp his shoulders out of instinct. You feel lost to the sea, it's as if he is the only thing that can keep you afloat. You grip tighter. "Jack.." He breathes your name back to you. He leans in further, you close your eyes in anticipation. Nothing ever comes. He pulls away — gently, not all at once. His hands leave your body and come to rest on your fingers which grip the shoulders of his coat. "We-" He stops himself. "I shouldn't. it's not.. We shouldn't-" You cut him off with a sad smile. "I know. You're right. It could mess everything up. The reason I keep inviting you is because I want you to feel like you have a home with us too. I won't jeopardize that." He looks like he has more to say, but only nods in response. You remove your hands from his shoulders and take a step back. "Get home safe Jack." He looks towards the pavement underneath his dress shoes. "You too. Goodnight."

───────────────

You stay at the grill with your coworkers awhile longer, but the melancholy of your interaction with Jack weighs you down. Nina notices something and asks what's up, but you brush it off with a smile and a laugh that you must've eaten something that disagrees with you. You decide to stick to that excuse and gather your things, asking Nina if she's ok to get a ride with Jane. She nods enthusiastically and walks you to your car. You keep the smile plastered onto your face until your in the car and at least a mile down the road before you let the overthinking consume you. When you pull into the apartment parking you sit there, hands patting against your head in frustration. "Stupid, stupid, stupid…" You need a bath to clear your mind. You step out of the car and a cold wind that shouldn't be there hits you. It nips at your still warm cheeks and pulls at your bag, almost pushing you up the stairs. You stumble, gripping your purse as you envision what herbs you might add into your bath tonight. Should you focus on clearing your mind or banishing the negative energy of the experience? What Is going to make you forget how awkward that was? A flashing light in the parking lot you just came from catches your attention. What are the police doing here? Sirens ring, the wind blows harder, the world feels off. A shiver of anticipation runs up your spine. The reason is unclear.

You creep further up the stairs, wanting to be out of sight and in your room if the cops going to be all over the place. As you fumble with your keys Kitty meows from the other side of the door. "I know, I know baby. Hold on." You can't seem to find the right key and the wind is blowing you even harder, pushing hair into your face and making it hard to say the key ring. The meow sounds again, but it's not coming from inside your apartment. You look behind you to see the neighbor cat, Lucy. What's she doing out here? She howls desperately, clearly lost and afraid of the wind. A groaning, creaking sound draws your vision. You look over to the sound, wondering if you've made it up. You're neighbors door is wide open. That's odd. "Come here Lucy baby, let's find your mamma."

You shove the keys in your pocket and scoop the cat up, inching towards the open door. The police you were hoping to avoid are milling about inside. Your next door neighbor is a middle aged woman, divorced - single. She keeps to herself and doesn't bother you much. you know she sees her kid every so often, shared custody. Aside from that she's as much of a cat mom as you. Lucy wouldn't be out here if she were ok. You slip into the apartment quietly. A woman in uniform notices you, nodding to you and gesturing to stay there. You plant your feet awkwardly, stroking the cat in what you hope is a calming reassurance. After a few moments the woman approaches you. "Ma'am I'm officer Cortez, what is your relationship to Diana Birch?" You frown at the mention of your neighbors full name. So something had happened to her. "Nothing really, I'm just her neighbor. I found her cat outside my door. Can I ask what happened?" The officer looks at her notepad, then back up to you warily. "I suppose we're going to be asking you some questions anyways.. Tonight someone broke in and operated on Ms. Birch in her sleep. One of her kidney's was harvested and taken. She has no recollection of the event." Your heart drops and your throat becomes tight. A sense of dread washes over you. "Do you know anything about this?"

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