LaDS x Fruit Basket
Side Story #2: Owner of Philo the Flower Shop
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Masterlist LaDS x Fruit Basket
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*Trling*
"Welcome-"
"Hey. Here's some pastries for you and Bella. Gotta go. Duty calls."
The man at the counter waves with a blank face to the retreating figure.
"Who is it?" Bella walks up from the back room.
"Caleb gave these for both of us." Lifting brown bag, "Might as well close up for lunch break."
LATE AFTERNOON
*Trling*
"Welcome to Philo."
"Hey, Jeremiah."
"Rafayel? What are you-"
"I'll be your distant neighbour from now on. Do I get a free flower as a welcome gift?" He says cheekily.
Jeremiah rolls his eyes but prepares a simple bouquet for him regardless. The person is currently chatting with his girlfriend and seems to hand her something.
"It's done."
Rafayel retrieves the bouquet with a short compliment, giving a tip then a salute of "Adieu" before walking out, humming.
"What did he gives you?"
Bella shrugs with a hidden smile, "Nothing."
Jeremiah squints his eyes in suspicion but Bella is already walking away to get some work done.
CLOSING TIME
*Knock* *Knock*
Jeremiah skids backwards in surprise to the sound, Xavier not far from where he is tidying up for the day. He watches Xavier walking in through the door and gives him a white paper bag.
Still in shock, Jeremiah opens it to see a few packs of dried flowers in the shape and size of a golf ball. He looks at Xavier in question.
"Use a transparent teapot. It'll look nice."
"It's perfect, Xavier." Bella walks from the side and peaks inside the bag.
Xavier nods then walks out silently.
"What's with them today?"
Bella chuckles and brings the bag to the back.
AFTER CLOSING
"Bella, ready to go home?"
Jeremiah searches for her and sees the door to the inner garden is ajar. He steps out to see Bella standing behind a simple table with food and a small cake. The candle is lit up.
"Happy Birthday to you~"
Bella sings as she comes close to him with the cake. Jeremiah can't stop smiling even when the song ends. After blowing the candle, he is pull to the table.
Fancy foods. A teapot with beautiful flowers blooming in it. Scented candles.
"Thank you, Bella. When did you do all these?"
"The boys help out. The pastry from Caleb diverts your attention from the garden. Fancy meal coupon from Rafayel. Flower tea from Xavier. Scented candles from Zayne, he mailed it to me a few days ago. The cake from Tara and Jenna and..."
Flapping of feathers is heard from above. Both look up to see a black bird slowly descend near Bella. A small box in its beak. It gently places the box on Bella's hand.
"Thank you, Sylus. I'm glad Tara was able to ask for your help to get this for a clumsy me."
The bird, Sylus, nods once then flies to Jeremiah. There's a small pouch in his claw and he left it near Jeremiah's hand before flying into the night.
He opens it to see a few seeds inside the pouch. He chuckles.
"Looks like we're going to have a new flower in the store."
He turns to Bella. She is staring at him, chin on her hand, with a full smile then slides the box to him across the table.
The box reveals a pendant of a clover.
"You can make it a bracelet or a necklace. Up to you."
Jeremiah grins.
NEXT MORNING
*Yawn*
*Kching* *Kling*
A gleam of something new dangling together with Philo keys. Jeremiah smiles and begins his routine of opening the store.
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Masterlist LaDS x Fruit Basket
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A/N: Happy Birthday, Jeremiah 🏵️🌻🍀🪻🌺
