#like. peony could give you the sweetest dream ever and you wake up feeling like you're gonna throw up. in tears.

[moe-broey]

Concept: Peony bestowing a gentle dream so sweet that isn't reflective of your reality At All, so that when you wake you're like. Feeling even worse actually. Why did you make me dream of closure that's not at all feasible in my reality.

LIKE. LIKE. It was Just Grounded Enough in the circumstances of the situation, that in another world maybe it all DID play out this way. Maybe it truly could have played out like that. And you're going through all these very real motions about it. It's deeply emotional, but has to be done, and on the horizon you know things are rough now but soon. Everything will be okay soon.

But that's. Not at all reflective of your situation. So you just wake up like. You found every little thing in my heart that I longed for. Treated it, with all the care and kindness in the world. But then I woke up and honestly I feel like that was kind of fucked up of you tbh LMFAOOOO

[onedayiwillflyfree]

When the Sun Begins to Fall Chapter 3

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21255530/chapters/50816953

For the previous two chapters, check it out on AO3

Chapter 3

Gilbert had loved train rides for as long as he could remember. When he was a boy, he always marvelled at their speed and how the scenery looked as they passed by. Now when he boarded one, his mind filled with happy memories of his father and their many adventures in his last few months of life. It had never failed to bring a smile to his face until today.

Today, the train seemed to be trudging along far too slowly and, despite the changing leaves and the cerulean water crashing against the outer edges of the island, the scenery looked dull. Gilbert’s foot bounced as anxiety coursed through his body, his eyes glued out the window.

You haven’t seen her yet, you don’t know that it is consumption. You need to see her. Stop jumping to conclusions.

Bash nudged Gilbert’s twitching foot gently with his own. His attention shot to the man across from him, who in turn gestured towards Gilberts hands and passed him a handkerchief. Gilbert glanced down to notice he had unconsciously tore off the skin surrounding his thumb nail and blood was dripping down the back of his hand. He accepted the rag, pressed it firmly against the ripped skin and turned his attention back to the window. His eyes were starting to burn with exhaustion. Looking down at his watch, he deduced that he had been up for close to fifteen hours already, waking up early to study before he went in to care for back to back patients for twelve hours. Now that he thought about it, he was pretty sure he hadn’t eaten yet either.

“Blythe,” Gilbert lazily rolled his eyes in Bash’s direction. “Get some sleep, worrying won’t make the time go any faster.” Gilbert opened his mouth in protest but Bash lifted his hand. “You and I both know how you are when you don’t sleep. You won’t be any good for her if you’re like this.”

He felt the need to argue but Bash turned his head out the window, indicating the discussion was over. Gilbert rubbed his eyes while quietly deciding that his obnoxious brother was correct. When he was exhausted, he could barely add two and two together, let alone take care of someone. He adjusted himself so that his back was facing the window, resting his head on the cool pane of glass that separates him from the passing world. As he drifted off to sleep, he swore he could hear the trees whispering good night to him.

-------

“So, when do you suppose you will be back?” Anne questioned sorrowfully, wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Gilbert hated when she looked this upset. He never quite knew the right thing to say to her. 

He took a deep breath as he walked over to a dying tree at the end of the orchard. “It’s only a semester, but Winnie’s father has set up for me to stay through the summer to attend lectures and expos. So roughly the end of August, give or take.”�� He took out spool of twine, wrapping it around the trunk of the tree. Bash would need to cut it before next season to make room for a new tree. 

“And you’re leaving the day after Christmas?” Anne mumbled.

He turned to face her and nodded. “Yes, I am meeting Winnie up in Charlottetown and we will be leaving two days before the new year.” 

“Oh,” she mumbled as she brushed a stray curl behind her ear. Gilbert had always found Anne to be beautiful but recently she had begun to wear her hair up in the most intricate styles, each one complementing her face perfectly. He hated to admit it but everyday, when she met him at the end of the Blythe-Lacroix orchard, his heart skipped a beat. 

They stood in silence for a moment, staring at each other. Anne broke the silence as she turned to face the far end of the orchard. “Perhaps we should keep walking. It’s getting late and if you want to finish tonight, then we should move on.” 

He stepped toward her and instantly they fell back into stride with one another. Over the last four months, since their graduation, each day they would meet on the path where the orchard met the woods and they would walk. Some days they would share ideals and discuss poetry, other days Anne would rant about the pranks some student (whose name began with an M and ended with an innie May) had played on her.

And some days they would get into such a disagreement that Anne would storm off in a rage, claiming she would never speak to him again. But he didn’t worry because he knew the next day, right on time, she would walk up the bend carrying a peace offering. It had become a routine and the most treasured part of his day.

They continued walking the length of the orchard in silence, making Gilbert feel incredibly uncomfortable. They used to be able to silently study with one another, casting occasional glances up at one another. But this silence was different, it wasn’t routine.

 He stopped by one of the final rows of tree and plucked a perfect green apple. He smirked, noticing Anne deep in thought as she continued walking. “Hey, Carrots,” Anne spun around. Her hair caught loosely on a stay branch, pulling her hair pins out of their designated spot as she turned, causing fiery curls to fall over her shoulders. Gilbert’s smirk grew mischievously as a flush crept up her cheeks. “Catch.” He threw the apple, which she caught with ease. She was preparing to throw it back when he turned on his heels and sprinted towards the woods.

“Gilbert Blythe!” he heard her yell as she began to take off after him. “You get back here!” He ran, dodging the trees, occasionally throwing a look over his shoulder to make sure she was still there. She was trying to maintain a serious face as she ran, but every time she yelled at him to stop, he heard laughter in her voice. It was the sweetest sound he had ever heard.

He slowed his stride as they closed in on the lake that Anne had beautifully dubbed The Lake of Shining Waters. Once she closed in, she took aim at his back and threw the apple as hard as she could. It landed on the ground beside him with a soft thud. 

“You’re gonna have to do better than that, Carrots!” he shot a look over his shoulder only to notice she wasn’t running after him any longer. Instead, she stood about ten feet away, panting, her face pink as a peony. He slowed to a stop, meeting her eyes with his own. “Awe Anne,” he ran his fingers through his hair as he started taking steps back towards her. “I was just messin…”

“You promise you will come back, right? To Avonlea, I mean.” Anne asked, stopping him dead in his tracks. He stared at her with wide eyes. “Because when you last left...you promised me that you would come home someday. And you did. And back then...we didn’t even have what we have now.” She looked into his eyes, stepping closer to him slowly.

Gilbert felt as if his heart was going to pound out of his chest. “What do you mean by what we have now?” She continued to step closer to him and he didn’t dare move. Once she was not more than two feet away, she stopped and took a deep breath.

“I just mean this,” she gestured her hands between the two of them as if he was supposed to understand what she meant. He cocked an eyebrow and she rolled her eyes. “Happiness...when we are together. Don’t you feel it too?”

*More than you will ever know*, Gilbert thought to himself. He dared to take a step forward and when she didn’t break his gaze, he closed the remaining foot that separated them.

They continued to hold each other's gaze, Anne not shying away as she used to so often. Something had changed within her since Matthew had passed and she began at Queens. She exuded confidence and strength, becoming the woman she always dreamed she would be as a girl. 

Gilbert wasn’t sure how long they stared at one another for, frankly he didn’t care. He could have stayed there, staring at this beautiful fire queen for the rest of his life if it was allowed. And it was within that moment that he realized the truth. He didn’t want Paris. He didn’t want Sorbonne or even Winifred. He wanted Anne Shirley Cuthbert, the girl who had broken a slate across his face and competed with him so fiercely all these years. Deep down, he had always wanted Anne. 

“Ask me to stay,” he told her, breaking the silence. Anne looked taken aback by the sudden declaration and tears to form in her eyes. They looked on the verge of pooling over when she quickly swept them away. Before she could put her hand back down at her side, he grabbed it in his own. Her skin felt smooth against his calloused palms but her hand fit perfectly within his. It felt right, “I will stay if you ask me to.”

Anne looked at their joined hands and began to contemplate the choice she had been presented with. After a moment, she bit her lip and lifted her free hand up to Gilberts face. She gingerly touched a stray curl before she moving it down to caress his cheek. He held his breath in fear she would pull away if he exhaled.

Sadness flashed across her face and swiftly she pulled away from him, stepping back until they had a few feet between them. Tears fell over her eyelids but she didn’t seem to care. Her voice cracked when she spoke. “I can’t Gil… I’m so sorry…” With that, she turned and ran back up the hill. He wanted to reach out, he wanted to catch her and wrap her up in his arms and never let go. But he knew now that he couldn’t. She had made her choice. 

And it wasn’t him.

------- 

“Gilbert,” he opened his eyes to see Bash standing over him, gently shaking his shoulder. Gilbert straightened and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He peered out the window to the small train platform with a faded sign that read WELCOME TO AVONLEA. Bash patted his shoulder. “Welcome home, brother.”

-------

“Mr. Lacroix, over here!” a voice called from a wagon just down the road. Gilbert smiled, immediately recognizing the wagon and its driver. Jerry Baynard climbed down, tying Belle’s reigns against the hitching post before turning towards the pair. “Gilbert! Welcome home!” Jerry held out his hand that Gilbert accepted, feeling slightly ashamed of how soft his hands had become in the last nine months.

“Jerry, good to see you,” Gilbert replied curtly, throwing his bag onto the back of the wagon and pulling himself up. He wasn’t intentionally trying to be rude, he was excited to be home and to see his old friend, but he wasn’t exactly in the mood for small talk. Jerry, seeming to understand Gilberts attitude, swiftly unknotted Belle’s reins and handed them up to Sebastian, who had taken his place in the driver's seat. Bash reached out a hand and pulled Jerry up next to him before giving the reins a sharp flick.

“So,” Jerry turned in his seat. “I have to ask…” He pointed up to Gilberts head. “What’s with the hair?” Bash let out a roar of laughter so loud that it frightened Belle, almost causing them to veer into a ditch. Gilbert rolled his eyes as a confused Jerry looked between the two men.

“See,” Bash, still chuckling as he steered Belle back to center. “Told you there was somethin’ wrong with it.” He cast a glance back at Gilbert, whose jaw tensed. Bash cleared his throat. “Jerry, how about you sing us one of those tunes you’re always hummin’.”

Despite confusion still overwhelming him, Jerry obliged and began to sing. 

------

Even though he was there under peculiar circumstances, it was nice to know that Green Gables stayed the same no matter the occasion. The green shingled room and starch white siding looked the same today as they did the first time he stepped foot on the property, which instantly calmed some worries he felt at the moment. 

“Woah,” Bash pulled Belle to a halt, allowing Jerry to slide down the side of the wagon and open the paddock gate. Once through the gate, Gilbert felt his fingers started to twitch once again. He hadn’t been to Green Gables in over nine months. Not since he had come to say goodbye to Anne, when he had secretly hoped she had reconsidered asking him to stay.

She didn’t.

But she did take him in her arms so tightly he felt as if he was going to burst. They held each other only for a moment, before she walked back into the house, closing the door behind her without another word.

The wagon came to a halt at the entrance of the barn and he threw himself off the back. “I’ll uh, put Belle up. You go on in,” he instructed, beginning to undo Belle’s harness.

He didn’t have to be told twice. In fact, he had to force himself not to bolt up the steps, past Marilla, and straight into Anne’s room. He stepped slow and steady, looking in every direction he could until he stopped just a few feet from the kitchen door, looking down at a cluster of dormant daylily cluster. 

“You know, Green Gables is exquisite as is. However,” Anne wiped her brow, not realizing her forehead was now streaked with soil. “With Matthew gone, the world needs a little more color all around.” She whispered to the plants more so than Gilbert. He didn’t mind, he understood grieving better than most. It had only been a week since Matthews heart had failed him and Anne had been trying her best to cope in any way she could. Two days ago, she baked sixteen apple pies, claiming none of them were perfect and she had to keep trying to get it right. And yesterday, she wrote ten pages on why the Bronte sisters should have never had to pen under a man’s name and discussed society's oppression of women. Gilbert had actually thought the paper to be quite good and wanted to publish it in the paper before she tore it up and threw it into the stove

And today’s method of coping was flowers. She finished patting down the last of the soil and dusted her hands together. “There you are, my dears. Welcome to your new home.” Gilbert looked on as she gently nuzzled her face against each bud, admiring her love for nature and all things good. 

After each bud had received the proper amount of affection, she attempted to stand, only to discover one of her feet had fallen asleep in the process of planting. “Oh no,” she stumbled as Gilbert reached out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her in the opposite direction of the fall. He accidentally pulled her too hard causing her to collide into his chest, sending them both crashing to the ground. Okay, that hurt he thought to himself as he rubbed the small bump that was beginning to form on his tail bone.

Beside him, Anne lay face down in the grass, her shoulders shaking. Gilbert quickly sat up, grabbing her arm. “Anne? Oh God, Anne, are you alright?!” 

She rolled over and he saw why her shoulders were shaking now: she was giggling. No, not just giggling. Laughing so hard that tears began to form in her eyes. “I..am...such...a clutz!” she yelled, barely able to form the sentence.

Gilbert smiled, it was the first time he had seen her smile in a week. Her laughter was uncontrollable and he couldn’t help but join in, her laugh was so sweet that it was contagious. Together, the two lay on the ground, laughing insanely until their stomachs began to ache. After at least two minutes, the laughter began to die down, Gilbert resting his hand on his sore abdomen. Anne stared at the clouds above them as Gilbert turned to look at her. Tears began streaming down her cheeks but she didn’t look upset, she looked hopeful. 

“Gilbert, do you think Marilla will like the flowers? She is so desperately sad.” 

He turned his gaze to join hers, watching the clouds slowly move overhead. “Yeah, Anne, I think she will like them very much.” 

Gilbert pulled his gaze from the flowers and the memories they held when suddenly the screen door crashed opened to reveal a little girl who looked much older than when he last left. Bash’s face lit up excitedly, bending down, ready to hug his little girl. “Hello my little lo…”

“UNSEL GILBUR!” Gilbert barely had time to place his bag on the ground before the toddler launched herself off of the porch. He caught her, wrapping his arms tightly around the girls tiny body as fastened her arms around his neck.

“My girl!” He began smothering his niece’s face with heaps of kisses as her bushy curls tickled his cheeks. He had missed his niece horribly in their time apart from one another, feeling a piece of his heart was missing. She grabbed hold of his face, giggling, and gingerly placed a sloppy kiss on the tip of his nose.

“Well then,” Bash mocked hurt but was unable to hide a jovial tone behind his words. Gilbert allowed a chuckle to escape his lips when the screen door flew open once more, only this time revealing the harrowing Marilla Cuthbert. Wiping her flour covered hands on her apron in frustration, she began to scold the young girl.

“Delphine Lacroix, I have told you a hundred times not to…” her demeanor changed when her gaze met Gilberts own. “Gilbert Blythe, well aren’t you a site for sore eyes.”

Gilbert slowly lowered Dellie to the ground next to him, taking her small hand within his own. “Hello Marilla.” Tears formed in the older woman’s eyes as she took gently strides towards him, stopping when she was an arms length away. “You look well.” he bent down to kiss her cheek softly. Stunned, she reached her hands and grasped his biceps, letting the tears dampen her cheeks. 

“Look at you,” she scanned the length of his body, still in shock of the man that stood before her. “You left for Paris a boy, and they sent us back a man.” 

“Yeah, they also sent him back with a haircut that makes him look like a moke,” Bash lifted his daughter, who seemingly just noticed that her father was there. Marilla whacked the towel that had sitting on her shoulder against Bash’s arm. Dellie giggled when her father jumped “Ow, its true!” Bash and Marilla stared at one another before they too began to laugh.

Gilberts eyes moistened, unable to fight the happiness he was feeling at that very moment. He was home, truly home. Surrounded by people who loved him for the man he was, never asking him to be anything else. It almost made the anxiety he was feeling at that moment fade into a distant memory. Almost.

The moment was interrupted all too quickly by an intense coughing fit coming from the upper level of the house. Everyone silenced immediately as Gilberts heart fell into his stomach. “How is she?” He whispered.

Marilla shot a glance to Bash, who nodded in silent understanding. “Hey sweet girl, why don’t you go show me what you and Miss Marilla were workin’ on in the kitchen, eh?” Dellie quickly whipped her head back and forth, pointing over to her Uncle.

“Don’t worry Del, I’m not leaving,” Gilbert took his bag in his hand and pointed upstairs. “I just need to go check on Auntie Anne, alright?” Dellie contemplated his response for a brief moment before accepting it and pointed to the kitchen. 

“Go Papa!” Bash obliged, flying her into the kitchen as if she were a bird, letting the door slam behind them. Marilla’s eyes met Gilbert’s, so much fear sat behind them that it sent a chill down his spine. 

“This was in her coat pocket when Bash brought her home.” She slid her hand into her apron pocket and pulled out a handkerchief with tiny purple and pink flowers embroidered along the edges. Something so intricate could only belong to one person. She gestured it towards him, which he swiftly began to unfold to reveal a crimson spot in the center. Before he could stop himself, he inhaled sharply. Marilla, trying to remain strong, let a single tear roll down her cheek. “Does she have it? Does she have what the Gillis girl had?”

“I need to see her,” his voice cracking as he put the handkerchief into his coat pocket. Marilla nodded as they made their way up and through the door.

----- ----

Gilbert rapped his knuckles against the door at the end of the upstairs hallway. “Come in,” a weak voice called from within the room. 

Taking a deep breath, Gilbert pushed gently against the door, eyes immediately shooting towards the bed. Much to his surprise, it was empty and panic began to set it. Quickly, he scanned the room, searching for the person he desired to see. He found her sitting near her window, wrapped in a thick quilt, staring out to the setting sun.

“I know that I need to stay in bed Marilla, but,” Anne let out a series of chesty cough that shook her entire body. Perfect flaming curls bounced against her back with each one. Gilberts stood silently, unable to find words for what he was feeling. “Sorry,” she whispered once the coughing had ceased. “But you know how I feel about sunsets.”

“I do,” he answered, somehow preventing his voice from cracking. Anne stiffened in her chair, holding her breath. Slowly, she rotated so that she was facing Gilbert head on. “Long time no see Carrots.

[murkrees]

it’s a date; moon taeil ft. ten

summary: “excuse me, but how do I passive-aggressively say fuck you in flower?” based on this post 

pairing: taeil x reader

genre: florist! au, sibling! au, fluff

“Hyung!” The chime of the bell that hung over the front door sounded, and Moon Taeil looked up from cutting the rose thorns to see a younger boy entering the flower shop, skidding to a stop in front of him.

“Don’t you have school, Jeno?” He wiped his hands on the white smock that was layered atop his casual clothes, ruffling the younger’s hair affectionately. Jeno smiled sheepishly, embarrassed to be caught ditching.

“I just dropped by to tell you that Jaemin and I won’t be taking over your shift later. There’s a big exam coming up and we need to study for it,” he mentioned. The wide group of high school and college-aged boys that he was part of ran a flower shop to rake in extra cash, taking shifts as they juggled school, uni and having a part-time job.

“All the more reason for you to be in school,” Taeil sighed, frowning, “What about the rest of the dream boys?”

“We’re all having exams this week.”

“And the rest?”

“Johnny and Ten hyung went to Chicago, Taeyong and Jaehyun hyung are working on their projects, Yuta hyung’s having a date tonight, Hansol hyung and Doyoung hyung’s cramming for their exams too,” Jeno answered simply, “Winwin hyung and Kun hyung have plans later.”

Taeil crinkled his nose in distaste, “Well, thanks for telling me. I’ll take the extra shift later. Make sure you study well, Jeno.”

Jeno nodded enthusiastically, already waving goodbye and running out the front door with an enunciated farewell. Taeil straightened his back, stretching before walking behind the counter to relax for a bit. He had a long day ahead of him, and he might as well do so.

He plopped down on the comfortable chair provided, suddenly feeling sleepy. A five-minute nap couldn’t hurt. His eyes were already fluttering shut, ready to doze off to dreamland. However, that was when the bell of the front door chimed once more. He didn’t bother to open his eyes before saying, “Did you forget something, Jeno?”

The only response he got was the sound of someone slapping something on the counter in a pissed manner. His eyes opened to see a 20,000 won bill in front of him, and the prettiest girl he’d ever seen standing on the other side. You had the sweetest, most poisonous smile on your face, fiery eyes and hair slightly messy in the most perfect manner. In an instant he stood up, clearing his throat as his cheeks flushed red in both embarrassment and awe.

“Excuse me,” you started, a melodic lilt to your voice that made Taeil do a nervous gulp, “But how do I passive-aggressively say fuck you in flower?”

He did a double take, a little bewildered, “Excuse me?”

“Please, just answer the question,” you ran a hand through your hair, sighing through your lips, “It’s just that- my brother’s an ass and he left me here while going on a vacation without telling me. I just want him to have a little welcome present when he gets back tomorrow morning.”

“O-Oh,” he pinched his hand lightly in order to control the onslaught of color on his cheeks and get a grip on himself, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Well,” you gave an elegant shrug, and Taeil’s completely forgot how to breathe. He stepped around the counter and walked around the shop, you trailing behind him and peering over his shoulder as he picked out the flowers.

“You’ll want wild tansies to represent that you declare war against him, along with dodders to say that there’s something lacking between you and your brother,” he murmured, gathering the flowers in his hand.

“There’s something certainly lacking in that head of his,” you snorted softly. Taeil cracked a smile.

“We can put in red balsams for impatience, cyclamen for separation and geraniums for stupidity,” he turned around to face you, sending you an assuring smile, “I’ll wrap these up for you.”

“Thanks,” the fire in your eyes had softened to something akin of curiosity, “It’s cool how you have them all memorized.”

“It’s easy if you put your heart to it. I have nothing better to do in this sodding shop anyways,” he noticed the easygoing twinkle in your eyes, and he pinched his arm once to control the flushing in his cheeks and neck. He probably looked like a tomato at this point. He diverted his eyes from you to focus on tying the bouquet, wrapping them delicately and switching their positions so they looked pleasing to the eye before handing them to you, “H-Here.”

“How much will it be?”

“No charge,” upon seeing the widening of your eyes, he rushed to continue, “I mean – I – you seem upset so you could probably use the twenty thousand won to buy some comfort food or-“

“You’re cute, Taeil-ssi,” your eyes darted to the nametag on his smock. You let out a small huff of laughter, amused, “Keep the twenty thousand won anyway. Will you still be here tomorrow?”

“Y-Yes,” he answered without thinking.

“Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow,” you were halfway out the door before he could say anything else, giving him a playful wave, “Have a nice evening, Taeil-ssi.”

“You too,” he answered weakly, plopping down his chair. Tomorrow was certainly going to be eventful.

Taeil didn’t want to admit it, but he was anticipating your presence ever since he walked in the shop. He had taken over Yuta’s shift because of his ridiculous slip-up, and he could only hope to not embarrass himself any further in front of you. Yuta already had enough suspicious with his sudden eagerness to work, but was grateful enough for it anyway. He distracted himself by rearranging the pansies and watering the flowers, making sure they all had his equal attention before sweeping the floors off of leaves and dust that had accumulated since morning.

The streets were empty, mostly due to the scalding weather outside. Even though fall was supposed to be on it’s way, it seemed that the skies decided to push the last of the season’s heat today. Anyone would be crazy to walk out in this kind of hot spell. This made for little to no customers coming in to buy flowers, which in turn made Taeil extremely bored. Taeyong and Johnny had pulled out the weeds and fertilized the flowers during their noon shift, so that left him with virtually nothing to do.  

The minutes ticked by. Taeil felt himself growing more restless as time passed, and eventually decided that you wouldn’t be coming. Not under this hot weather, anyway. He still had 45 minutes until his shift ended. He sat himself down and folded his hands on the counter, resting his head on them. Within seconds, he was already off into dreamland.

Taeil didn’t know how long he dozed off for. Twenty minutes, half an hour? He heard the bell chime and decided to ignore it, thinking that it was Doyoung coming in to take over his shift.

“Taeil-ssi?”

His head shot up in surprise, looking up to see your profile. You were holding a bouquet of flowers in your arms, a little hesitant in waking him up. He quickly wiped an arm across his mouth to hide any traces of drool and stood up so fast he almost knocked the chair over. It was apparent that his soul hadn’t returned to his body yet, because he banged his hip to the counter in his haste, the sound echoing in the store. His mouth opened an ‘o’ of shock and pain, a hand holding the most likely bruised area. In an instant, you were by his side, pressing your hand against his atop his hip as if to make it better.

“Oh my god, are you okay? That was a nasty hit,” you fretted over him, your voice holding concern. Taeil nodded, biting his lip to withstand the pain.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine,” he winced at the slight crack of his voice, clearing his throat. It was then that he suddenly noticed your hand on his and the proximity of your faces – he felt his cheeks warm to the point where he was convinced he looked like a lobster. You pulled away, worry evident in your eyes.

“Make sure you’re more careful of yourself next time.”

He then noticed what you were wearing – due to the hot weather outside, you donned a frilly, off-the-shoulder white top paired with light blue jeans. He felt like he could faint from the sight. Too late, Taeil thought. He was already too far in with this stupid crush of his.

It was then that embarrassment hit Taeil – his cheeks turned redder (if possible), all too aware of the pregnant silence in the air, “So what did your brother say about the flowers?”

“Oh,” you let out a light laugh that took his breath away, grabbing the bouquet of flowers you brought with you from the counter, “Well, he didn’t specifically say anything, since I’m giving him the silent treatment. He left these by my bed, though. I was going to ask you what they mean.”

You handed the flowers over to him, which Taeil grabbed and examined. Hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils – all meaning one thing.

“He’s asking you to forgive him,” his lips quirked up in a smile. Your brother sure had a way with the ladies, communicating with flowers and all. He seemed to be well versed in the language.

“You bet,” you huffed, “After that stunt he pulled, it’s a wonder I’ve even forgiven him at all. I still want to tell him he’s stupid, though. Have you got any flowers for that?”

“Y-Yeah,” he stepped away from the counter and began making his way around the shop, with you trailing behind him. Willing the blood away from his cheeks, he cleared his throat once more and started with the bouquet.

“Geraniums for stupidity, yellow carnations for disdain, black eyed susans for justice, peonies for anger, and finally, chrysanthemums for honesty,” he turned around, finding you already looking at him. He mustered up a small smile, flustered, “I’ll wrap these up for you.”

You snapped to attention, red dusting your cheeks at the embarrassment of being caught staring at him, “O-Oh, of course.”

You stepped out of the way and Taeil walked back to the counter, grabbing some wrapping paper and sorting the flowers out so the colors were pleasant to the eye.

“Hey, Taeil-ssi, isn’t it kind of unfair that I know your name and you don’t know mine?” He looked up at you and found you smiling at him, which did nothing to quell his fluttering heartbeat, “I’m (Y/N).”

“Well, (Y/N), these flowers are on the house then,” he mentioned. Your eyes widened, insisting that you pay for them, “R-Really. You can use the money for buying ice cream with the hot weather outside, or something…”

“Are you sure?” You weren’t convinced, ready to pull out your wallet at any time now.

“Positive,” he tied the bouquet and handed them to you, which you took gratefully.

“Will you still be here tomorrow then, Taeil-ssi?”

Automatically, he nodded. You gave him a beaming smile, which nearly turned him into a puddle. With a “See you tomorrow, Taeil-ssi!” and a wave, you turned around and left the shop.

Not five minutes later, the bell chimed once again. Doyoung strolled in, raising an eyebrow at the red-tinted cheeks of the elder.

“What’s up with you, hyung?”

“Do you think Johnny would let me take over his shift tomorrow?”

Taeil walked into the flower shop, greeting Ten behind the counter. He made his way to the back, putting his bag down in the staff room and grabbing one of the white smocks that hung on the wall. Ten walked in as he rummaged through his bag for his phone.

“Isn’t it Johnny’s shift today, hyung?” He asked, already untying his own smock and hanging it on the wall. Taeil’s fingers brushed the corner of his phone, and he dug his hand deeper before pulling it out triumphantly. He quickly shoved it in his pocket.

“I’m taking over for him today. He’s taking over mine for Monday.”

“Huh,” Ten remarked,  “I’ll chill here first, then, hyung. I have plans and I don’t want to arrive there too early.”

With a noise of agreement, Taeil walked out of the staff room to find that you was already there. The evening light illuminated the shop with an almost ethereal-like glow, and you gazed on each and every corner of the shop in a wonderlike state. He stood there, frozen, unsure of what to do. The staff room door swung closed behind him with a loud click, and you turned to look at him. A smile instantly blossomed on your face, and you greeted him with a wave.

“Hi, Taeil-ssi!”

He broke out of his reverie, raising his hand in a shy greeting, “H-Have you and your brother made up yet?”

“I haven’t gotten any flowers from him yet today, actually,” you shrugged, “But I do feel kinda bad for yesterday. I’m thinking I should stop messing with him. Can I get a bouquet saying that I forgive him?”

“Sure,” he stepped forward and walked around the store, grabbing what he needed, “Daffodils to represent new beginnings, hydrangeas for heartfelt emotions and gratitude for being understood, and finally, white clovers to represent that you still love him despite his actions.”

He looked at you from the corners of his eyes, catching you staring at him once more. Your cheeks held a rosy hue, and Taeil had to quell the blood rising to his own cheeks.

“T-That’s perfect,” you cleared your throat, and he walked over to the counter to wrap it up. You followed behind him, watching him work, “Are you always this passionate about flowers and their meanings?”

“I mean, it’s a hobby of mine. It’s certainly interesting to learn about,” he let out a small huff of laughter, “Why?”

“Well…” you bit your lip, averting your eyes in an almost shy way. The pink dusting your cheeks deepened in color, and Taeil had to withhold a squeak, “If you didn’t mind, I was about to ask you if we could meet up outside the shop so you could teach me about it?”

Taeil froze, all the blood rushing up to his cheeks, “I – uh –“

A loud click sounded. Both you and him turned to see Ten walking out of the staff door, jacket slung over his shoulder as he held his bag in hand. He also froze, eyes zeroing in on you before they narrowed.

“What are you doing here?”

“Me? What are you doing here?” You clapped back, crossing your arms over your chest in an annoyed manner. Taeil gazed between the two of you confusedly, no doubt wondering how you knew each other.

“I work here! I thought you knew that!” Ten scowled. You scowled right back.

“And I thought you knew I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago! “

Taeil cut in, a bewildered look on his face as his eyes flitted between you and Ten, “Wait, he’s your brother? You’re her sister, Ten?”

“As luck has it,” you answered, scowl disappearing in an instant as you turned to face him, “So what do you say, Taeil-ssi? The coffee shop down the street at five tomorrow?”

“I – yes, that’d be great?” The last statement came out as more of a question rather than an affirmative. Regardless, your whole face lit up.

“Don’t worry about the flowers – my brother’ll pay for them. Take them out of his salary or something,” you winked at Taeil, turning him into a blushing mess. You spun on your heel, walking out with a wave, “I’ll see you tomorrow, then, Taeil-ssi – it’s a date!”

Ten choked.

cr. gif not mine unless stated!

[bennet-darcy]

do all of the asks if your up for it !

I’m putting this under a read more because wow, it got long. 

Sunrises: What is something you are looking forward to?

I’m really, very excited to have my exams over with, and to have finished my first year of uni! My last exam is on the 30th, so I’ll be done soon, yay! 

Also, once I’m done with exams, I’m going to be going home to California for a bit to visit family, which I’m very excited about! Then after that, I’ll be going to Colorado to see my friends and family there, which I am also very excited about! 

Honeybees: What is something you have done recently that you are proud of? It can be anything at all, even just waking up every morning.

Since I’m getting ready to move back home to the US, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on my time here in the UK, and I feel really proud of myself for what I’ve accomplished in this amount of time. Moving to London, I had no connections. No friends or family here to make the transition easier. I was 5000 miles away from everyone I knew. The first few weeks living here were really rough, and I was constantly homesick, and fearful about the simplest things: going to get groceries, going to class, etc. 

After about 2 months, though, I made some really great friends and developed great connections with lots of people at my uni, and a few from outside uni, as well. I feel really comfortable with living in London, and being on my own, and taking care of myself, now. It’s been a huge learning experience and I’m really very proud of myself for developing sort of a life for myself here. 

Okay sorry for that novel, but yes. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve accomplished in the past 9 months, living in London. 

Roller skating: What are your hobbies?

Recently, I’ve been taking dance fitness classes that are really a lot of fun. I’ve been enjoying that, a lot. I sometimes take random walks throughout the city, and check out local landmarks. When I was living at home, I played the violin every once in a while, but I’ve been out of practice for so long at this point, I probably don’t know how to play anymore, tbh. I also enjoy reading and cooking/baking (but with cooking/baking, I have to be in the right Mood to enjoy it?) Yeah. 

Stars: What are your favorite blogs?

http://www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk/

http://www.thescienceofdeduction.co.uk/

Poppy flowers: What are your favorite flowers?

This…. I can’t.. Please don’t do this to me. I have way too many favorites, I cannot choose. Some of my favorites in no particular order are: roses, peonies, tulips, daisies, lavender, sunflowers, and carnations  

Lemonade: What is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for you?

!!!!!!!! warning: gay screaming ahead !!!!!!!!

Okay so. At this point, you all know that uh, I’m gay, and that Devan is incredible and so lovely and a very important person in my life. 

So. For Valentine’s Day, she made me a video thing? It was a compilation of clips from movies/tv shows that, all held some significance to either me or her, or both of us. She included clips from Love Actually (which is a fave for both of us), Ghostbusters (the first movie we had gone to see together), Pride and Prejudice (my favorite movie in the world), Moulin Rouge (another movie that we had watched together), The Office (a show that we both enjoy) and Sherlock (because sherlock and john are gay and in love and lovely, also Devan and I sort of began talking with each other because of Sherlock so :’) ) 

But yes, that was probably one of the sweetest things that anyone has done for me. It was just !!!! so customized, and each clip had special significance, and I can tell she put a lot of thought into it, and I cried so much when she sent it to me, and it still makes me tear up when I watch it. Wow. Literally just. Wow. Have I mentioned that she’s incredible? Oh my gosh.

Okay, gay screaming over. Sorry for being a sappy mess. 

Dogs: What do you look for in friends?

Usually it’s important to me that the other person and I have at least a few things in common with each other, such as a common interest. I think that’s what the majority of my friendships have been based on. 

Other than that, it’s really nice when I find someone that has the same sense of humor as me. 

Painting: If you could dye your hair any color, what would it be?

I’ve always thought pastel colored hair is soooo pretty and cool looking! Light purple and light pink hair, especially. But I feel like I really would Not be able to pull it off. So uh. I’ll stick with brown hair, thanks. 

Smiles: What is the greatest compliment you have ever received? What is a compliment you wish someone would give you?

Okay so I don’t know if this is the greatest compliment I’ve ever received, but this is the one that’s most current and fresh in my mind, so I’ll share this one: 

On Thursday, I went to my last class of the year, which was my “Counselling Psychology” class. My teacher for that class, Augusta, is my favorite teacher I’ve EVER had. I really admire her a lot, and she teaches really well, and just has a great personality. 

Anyway, I was a bit early to class on Thursday morning, and it was just her and I in the classroom. So during this time, she says, “Amber, I just wanted to tell you, I’ve just finished grading all of the coursework for this class, and your presentation as well as your reflective essay were incredible. You’re very good in this subject, and I can tell that you’re passionate about it. I hope you continue to study psychology because I know you would do well in this field. You’re a very bright young lady.” AND I LITERALLY JUST ABOUT DIED! (And I low-key cried a little bit.)

I just !?!??!??! Coming from her, that meant SO much to me, because I admire her so much, so to hear that was just so meaningful and great. 

Fairy lights: If someone wanted to get to know you, what should they read/watch/listen to?

Read Pride and Prejudice, watch Pride and Prejudice, and listen to the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack. jkgsjkghsjg. I’m (kind of) joking. Umm?? I don’t know. I think my “Top 25 Most Played” playlist on my itunes sums me up pretty well. It’s a mix of Classical music, Ed Sheeran, Phantom of the Opera, Enya, Christmas music, and Pride and Prejudice. 

Dancing: Describe your dream date.

Fun fact (or, a rather depressing fact): I’ve actually never been on a proper date, so this is all brand new to me, and I’m basing this answer on theory, rather than previous experience.

But um. I feel like I’m pretty low maintenance, in this regard. Cuddling and watching movies with someone sounds ideal, honestly. Or just like. Taking a nap. fjksdhgkj. Other than that, like if we’re actually GOING somewhere, maybe like? A museum or art gallery? The aquarium, maybe? I don’t know jdgksghk. My lack of experience with this is really showing, oops. 

Rainbows: What always makes you feel better when you’re sad?

I call my mom and tell her what’s going on, and she’s always able to help me feel better about basically anything. I love my momma. 

I also like watching comedy movies/tv shows when I’m feeling sad. I’ve been watching a lot of Brooklyn 99 lately. 

Beaches: If you could go anywhere in the world, right this moment, where would you go?

Right this moment? Nowhere. I’m comfortable in bed, and I don’t wanna move. 

Cats: What do you like to do on lazy days?

Sleep in as late as possible, stay in pajamas all day, bake cookies/cupcakes, watch a movie. Something along those lines. 

Sunflowers: What do you want other people to think of you?

Umm.. I hope others think of me as being a kind, trustworthy, caring person. That’s so cliche and cheesy, but that’s really what’s most important to me. 

Laughter: List 5 things that make you happy.

Watching my favorite movie

Sleeping in late

Spending time with people I love 

Eating my favorite food 

Petting cats and dogs 

Balloons: When do you feel most like yourself?

I really enjoy traveling. It’s a really exciting, fulfilling feeling to have the opportunity to travel to places I’ve not been before. I feel most like myself when I’m wandering around a new city/country, trying to understand the geography, the language, the culture, etc. 

Daisies: What is your favorite quote?

“You must know, surely you must know, it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I’d scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I would have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love… I love… I love you. And I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.” - Mr. Darcy 

Trees: Name one thing you have learned this past year that has made you a better person?

I have learned that my life and my decisions are not dependent on anyone else’s opinions or expectations. It’s up to me to create a life that I feel satisfied with, regardless of how it makes other people feel. 

Polaroids: What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I’m a very dedicated person, and a very hard worker. I’m confident in my abilities to achieve the things that I want. 

Sunsets: If you could paint the sky any colors, what would they be?

I love when the sky turns that pink/purple color during sunset! It’s so nice, and I wish it would stay that color forever.