Side Story (4) - Chapter 6
As Solace stepped into the flower shop, a gentle bell chimed above her, signaling her entrance. The air was fresh and earthy, filled with the delicate scents of roses, eucalyptus, and lavender. It was a calming contrast to the winter chill outside, and she let the warmth of the shop settle over her like a cozy blanket. She took a slow look around, her gaze wandering over the shelves lined with plants, small pots, and packets of seeds.
She hadn't expected to see anyone she knew here. She'd just been drawn in by the vibrant colors and the promise of adding something new to her small collection. But then she heard it—a voice calling from the back room.
"Coming!" Fayne's voice echoed softly from behind a curtain, and Solace's eyes widened slightly as she processed the familiar tone. Moments later, Fayne emerged, adjusting her work apron as she stepped into the storefront, giving her hair a quick pat, her fingers absentmindedly touching the small hairpins holding her bangs back, her focus still on securing the apron's knot.
Fayne looked up and froze briefly, her surprise flashing in her blue eyes as they met Solace's. For a moment, the quiet atmosphere of the flower shop held them in a stillness, both of them equally taken aback by the unexpected encounter. Solace offered a small smile, one that carried a hint of intrigue.
"Hello, Fayne," she began, her tone smooth but curious. "I didn't know that you worked here."
Fayne's expression shifted, the initial surprise fading into a guarded but polite demeanor. She offered a nod, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her apron. "Yeah, my mom owns the shop. I help out whenever I can."
Solace's gaze lingered over the flowers arranged on a nearby display, her fingers reaching out to gently touch the petals of a small bouquet of chrysanthemums. "It suits you," she remarked, her voice thoughtful. "It's peaceful here."
Fayne's lips curved into a faint smile, a touch of pride in her eyes as she glanced around the shop. "I guess so. It's nice to get away from… everything else," she said, her words trailing off as she looked back at Solace.
Solace continued to browse, pausing in front of a display of small potted succulents. "I can imagine," she replied, picking up a tiny jade plant and turning it in her hands. "Plants have a way of grounding you, don't they? There's something about caring for them… watching them grow."
Fayne watched her with a newfound appreciation, a small smile forming as she took in Solace's words. She had always sensed a calm, grounded energy in Solace, but hearing her speak about plants with such reverence made that impression even stronger. "Yeah," Fayne agreed softly, her own voice mirroring Solace's warmth. "It really is… rewarding, isn't it? There's something special about nurturing life, watching it grow and thrive under your care."
Solace glanced back at her, her gaze calm but inquisitive. "Do you have a favorite?"
The question seemed to catch Fayne off guard, but she considered it, her fingers tracing over a small pot of forget-me-nots. "Maybe these," she admitted, nodding to the delicate blue flowers. "They're resilient, even though they look fragile. They remind me that… well, sometimes it's the smallest things that hold on the longest."
Solace's expression softened, as though she'd found a connection in that answer. She set down the jade plant, giving Fayne her full attention. "I didn't expect that," she said quietly, almost as if to herself. "I always thought you'd be more drawn to something bolder."
Fayne raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "What, like a rose with thorns?" She chuckled lightly, though there was a hint of self-awareness in her tone.
"Maybe," Solace replied with a playful tilt of her head.
Fayne's smirk grew, her eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief. "Thornblossom, right? You really leaned into the theme with Zyra as your main. Guess it suits you, all that graceful blooming… and the whole 'don't get too close' vibe."
Solace laughed, her shoulders relaxing as she matched Fayne's teasing tone. "What can I say? Sometimes you've got to keep a few thorns up for self-defense. Besides, it's not just about keeping people away—Zyra's blooms are part of her charm."
"Oh, I get it," Fayne replied with a smirk, crossing her arms. "You're saying you're the perfect mix of beauty and danger. A garden with some attitude."
Solace shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "Or maybe just someone who knows how to thrive under a little pressure."
Fayne chuckled, giving her a nod of approval. "Well, guess that explains why we get along. A rose with thorns meets a… prickly support?" she joked, referencing her own tendency to put up walls.
They exchanged a grin, sharing the kind of mutual understanding only gamers and allies could. The playful exchange made the flower shop feel lighter, like they were sharing more than just a joke—they were sharing a glimpse of who they were beyond the game.
"So, what brings you in today?" Fayne asked, changing the subject with a casualness that felt almost too deliberate.
Solace's eyes drifted over the shelves, settling on a small packet of wildflower seeds. She reached for it, running her thumb over the delicate paper. "I wanted something simple," she replied. "Something to remind me that things can grow… even in unexpected places."
Fayne's gaze lingered on Solace for a moment, taking in the weight of her words. She nodded, reaching behind the counter to grab a small pot. "In that case, try these," she said, handing it to Solace. "They're resilient. Easy to care for, but they bloom beautifully."
Solace accepted the pot with a quiet smile. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice softer than before. There was a pause as they stood there, each woman holding something they hadn't expected to find today—a connection, however tentative, and an understanding they hadn't sought.
Just as Solace turned to leave, she paused, glancing back at Fayne. "You're good at this," she said simply. "Maybe there's more to you than meets the eye."
Fayne's gaze softened, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. "Same goes for you," she replied.
As Solace left the shop, the quiet stillness returned, but something unspoken lingered between them—a new, subtle respect that hadn't been there before. And in the quiet corners of the flower shop, where the air was filled with the scent of blossoms and freshly watered soil, Fayne felt a sense of peace she hadn't realized she was missing.
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Solace pulled her coat tighter around her as she stepped out from her little hideout, the chilly winter air nipping at her cheeks. She had just left the flower pot safely nestled in a spot where it would get enough light, a small sanctuary in the middle of the urban sprawl. With a soft smile, she turned and headed toward the library, a quiet space to unwind and lose herself in something comforting. She already had a particular book in mind—a newly released guide on plant care, filled with techniques she was eager to learn and apply.
Halfway down the street, she paused at a vending machine, fishing out some change. She selected a hot canned tea, letting the warmth seep into her hands as she held it. The heat cut through the biting cold, and she savored the sensation as she sipped, gazing up at the overcast sky. It was winter, and everything around her seemed painted in cool, muted tones, with occasional snow dusting the sidewalks and rooftops. She appreciated the stillness, the way the season seemed to slow down the city's usual hustle.
Arriving at the library, Solace slipped inside, relishing the warmth that enveloped her. The quiet hum of pages turning and whispers shared between shelves was an immediate balm to her senses. She made her way to a corner she'd claimed as her own on previous visits, a cozy nook tucked near the back, away from the central aisles.
As she settled down and set her tea on the side table, Solace's gaze wandered across the room out of habit, always curious about her surroundings. But then she froze, her eyes catching on a familiar face. Sable was sitting just a few tables away, her attention fully absorbed by a book in front of her. Solace blinked, taken aback. She had never expected to see Sable here, especially alone.
Curiosity piqued, she scanned the area, wondering if someone had accompanied Sable. That's when her eyes landed on the man standing a little way off, his attention on a bookshelf. He looked to be in his early forties, with a rugged appearance that conveyed quiet strength rather than polished refinement. He wore a simple, dark jacket that had clearly seen some years, with a small patch on the shoulder that seemed hand-mended. There was a practical, no-nonsense quality to him, as if he didn't care much about outward appearances but focused instead on things that held real value.
Something about him struck Solace as familiar, though she couldn't quite place why. As he moved, he would glance occasionally at Sable, who sat calmly, her usual guardedness softened. It became clear that he wasn't just an acquaintance; there was a silent connection between them, an unspoken bond that suggested he was someone important in her life. Solace realized this had to be Sable's father.
Turning her attention back to Sable, Solace noted how different she looked compared to the last time they'd crossed paths. Sable's hair had started to change—a streak of vibrant blue threaded through her dark locks, catching the light in an almost defiant way. Her outfit was different too, a marked shift from her previously reserved style. She wore a dark, oversized jacket layered over a simple top, paired with worn jeans that looked like they could withstand anything. It was practical but had an edge, almost as if she were armoring herself against the world, but with a distinct personal flair.
Solace took in the details, sensing that Sable was going through her own transformation, one that was both internal and external. The dyed streaks in her hair, the slight change in her style—they all seemed like small acts of rebellion or self-expression, little glimpses into a part of Sable that hadn't been visible before. It was as if she was reclaiming her identity, one piece at a time.
For a moment, Solace hesitated. She didn't want to intrude, but something compelled her to approach. Perhaps it was the way Sable seemed softer, her usual defenses lowered in the presence of her father. Or maybe it was the connection she felt, knowing they both shared a quiet appreciation for solitude and introspection.
Gathering her courage, Solace stood, holding her book in one hand and her tea in the other, and slowly made her way over. She gave a polite nod to Sable's father as she approached, her gaze settling on Sable.
"Hey, Sable," she greeted softly, careful not to disrupt the peaceful ambiance of the library. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Sable looked up, her initial surprise quickly replaced with a faint smile. "Hey, Solace. Yeah… just catching up on some reading." Her eyes flicked briefly to her father, who gave her a small nod, as if reassuring her. He seemed content to let her handle the interaction, returning his attention to the shelves.
Solace glanced down at the book in Sable's hands. "Anything interesting?"
Sable lifted the cover slightly, revealing a title on mindfulness and resilience—a subject that, somehow, seemed fitting. "Just… trying to get some perspective," she said quietly, as if sharing a bit of herself without saying too much.
Solace smiled, lifting her own book in response. "Same here, though I've got something a bit more hands-on." She held up the guide on plant care, the cover adorned with illustrations of green leaves and blossoming flowers.
Sable's eyes softened, a faint spark of interest lighting up her gaze. "Of course… you'd be reading about plants."
Solace chuckled, finding comfort in their shared moment. "Yeah, can't help myself. It's nice… you know, nurturing something and watching it grow. It gives me a sense of peace."
For a moment, they stood in a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts but finding a rare connection in the shared quiet. Solace glanced at Sable's father, who was now engrossed in a book of his own, a faint hint of a smile playing on his lips as he sensed their exchange. Solace couldn't shake the feeling that, despite their differences, she and Sable were more alike than they realized—both carrying their own battles, each finding solace in small ways.
"Mind if I sit here for a bit?" Solace asked, gesturing to the empty chair beside Sable.
Sable nodded, her expression softening. "Sure. It's… nice to have company."
They both settled into their reading, side by side yet in their own worlds, finding comfort in the quiet companionship. The world outside was cold and chaotic, but here, within the warm library walls, they found a moment of peace.
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Solace lingered by the window after Sable and her father exited the library, her thoughts still on the unexpected encounter. Sable's mention of mindfulness, the quiet determination in her eyes as she spoke about finding perspective—it all lingered with Solace like the faint warmth of a candle in the winter chill. Sable was still a puzzle, pieces scattered, some sharp-edged, others softened by recent pain. But there was a quiet strength forming in her, a resilience Solace could sense even without fully understanding. She hoped Sable would find the peace she deserved, and for a moment, a feeling of empathy bloomed within her chest. The world wasn't always fair, but maybe, just maybe, healing was possible for Sable too.
As Solace stared out at the snow-dusted streets, a familiar buzz pulled her from her thoughts. Her phone screen lit up with a message from Raze. She opened it, a small smile forming as she read his words.
Raze: Hey, you interested in watching a Christmas movie at the cinema sometime?
A Christmas movie. Solace chuckled softly, amused by the unexpected invitation. Christmas had never held much significance for her—Sable wasn't the only one who had a complicated relationship with the holiday season. The idea of holiday spirit, bright lights, and festive cheer often felt foreign, even hollow, given her past. But with Raze… maybe it could be different.
After a moment's thought, she typed her response.
Solace: A Christmas movie, huh? Sure. Could be fun with the right company.
She hit send, a faint warmth spreading in her chest as she imagined what the outing might be like. Perhaps the holiday season could be something new—a chance for small moments of happiness, even if it was just for an evening. And maybe, just maybe, she could make some memories that felt genuine, something far from the shadows of her past.
Solace tucked her phone away, the library's quiet warmth settling around her as she returned to her book. The winter outside was harsh and unyielding, but in these quiet moments, she found a sense of stillness, a rare transparency that seemed to coat everything in fragile, crystalline clarity.