@lovelikeyoursfest Day 1 - Start of Something New
"I know we just met," he says, eye full of emotion, "but I feel like I've known you for years."
He's right, Arsenal thinks. Â It does feel that way. Â But why? Â Could he be from before I lost my memory? Â But then wouldn't he remember...?
(5 years ago)
He stumbles into the little shop, ducking too late and bumping his head on the doorframe.
"Ack! Â Erm...excuse me?"
"Oh, welcome."
He casts about for the source of the voice, and after his eyes adjust to the dim light, he finds it: a dark-haired person sitting behind the counter, a worn book propped open in their hands. Â They close the book and stand, affecting a well-practised smile.
"Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"Ah, well, I'm not sure exactly." Â He blushes when they tilt their head. Â "A...friend of mine recommended this shop as a place to find more...unusual ingredients."
They fold their arms, brows furrowed.
"Such as? Â I don't deal in illegal substances."
"Oh! Â No, no," he laughs. Â "I shouldn't think so. Â Besides, items of that sort can easily be procured elsewhere." Â They watch him as he fishes a crumpled note from his pocket and squints at the writing. Â "Knitbone, artemisia, verbena, bloodwort, parthenium...Basically any healing-type herbs. Â I'm a doctor, you see," he adds with a touch of pride.
To his surprise, the professional smile drops into one more natural and relaxed. "I see."
They step around the counter and motion for him to follow. Â He does, taking in the sight of floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with neat rows of colourful bottles, carefully-labeled jars, and enough books to fill a library. Â He watches them move between shelves, folding herbs into bits of paper according to his list and tying them deftly with labeled ribbons before placing them in what appears to be a handmade bag.
They chat a little at the counter as they wrap up his purchase and he pays.
"How long have you lived here?"
"Where is your clinic?"
"Will I see you again?" Â He doesn't know why he phrased it that way.
They let out a surprised huff and raise their eyebrows at him, lips just barely quirked.
"If you need more supplies. Â The shop isn't going anywhere."
He gives them a sheepish grin as he goes to make his exit.
"Right, of course.  Thank you for your help.  I'll definitely put these to good use.  If you're ever in the South End..."
"Watch the--"
He hits his head on the doorframe.
