candlewax & polaroids on the hardwood floor
Flora’s grin tilts as Niki speaks, her tone turning bright and sing-song as she waggles a finger toward him. "Orrrr you could just stay here longer, and the spirits will remind you," she says lightly, the teasing threaded with real warmth. Of course she knows he’ll go home—he belongs in the Greatwood, as much as the trees and the ghosts that follow him—but she’d be remiss not to offer, even if they both know the answer.
"Still," she adds, laughter bubbling up again as she nudges his elbow, "no matter how you try to spin it, I only kidnapped you for one season." The sound that escapes her is a quiet snort, though it softens when she glances over and sees the fondness behind his words. Her chest aches in the best way, warmth swelling until she can’t hold it still. Setting her mug aside, she slides an arm behind his back and leans gently against him, tucking herself close in a side hug that smells faintly of sea salt and coffee. "Mmmm," she hums, voice low and fond, "I’ll miss you too."
Straightening just enough to meet his eyes, her smile returns, wide and luminous. "I’ll even miss the pyramids of fruit you leave in the hallway. Or finding my books on top of the statues like hats. Honestly, I don't know what the spirits will do without your nighttime redecorating."
When he congratulates her, she can’t help the proud little sigh that escapes, excitement trembling beneath it like a string pulled taut. "I think you’ll like Enzo," she says, voice hushed but full of something hopeful. Then, with a sly flicker of mischief, she adds, s[ay]"You might even like him," pressing her lips together to stifle the grin threatening to give her away.
"Still," she adds, laughter bubbling up again as she nudges his elbow, "no matter how you try to spin it, I only kidnapped you for one season." The sound that escapes her is a quiet snort, though it softens when she glances over and sees the fondness behind his words. Her chest aches in the best way, warmth swelling until she can’t hold it still. Setting her mug aside, she slides an arm behind his back and leans gently against him, tucking herself close in a side hug that smells faintly of sea salt and coffee. "Mmmm," she hums, voice low and fond, "I’ll miss you too."
Straightening just enough to meet his eyes, her smile returns, wide and luminous. "I’ll even miss the pyramids of fruit you leave in the hallway. Or finding my books on top of the statues like hats. Honestly, I don't know what the spirits will do without your nighttime redecorating."
When he congratulates her, she can’t help the proud little sigh that escapes, excitement trembling beneath it like a string pulled taut. "I think you’ll like Enzo," she says, voice hushed but full of something hopeful. Then, with a sly flicker of mischief, she adds, s[ay]"You might even like him," pressing her lips together to stifle the grin threatening to give her away.
