Hello everyone! I am back! I've had writer's block with my previous story, but I will say that Im over halfway finished with the next chapter of it. Im not abandoning it and haven't forgotten about it. But! I had a new idea and wanted to go ahead and write it down. I LOVE the idea of Bloom and Valtor, but I would be lying if I tried to say that FloraXHelia are not my next favorite. So I wanted to start a story about this couple, as well. Helia is such a sweetheart, and Flora is an actual angel.

Let me know if you'd like to see more of this story.

Much like my original story, this one will be a bit different than what you're used to from the series. Personalities will likely differ from the original Winx Club show, and in this fanfict, our characters will have no magic! Isn't that the fun of fanficts? So many things can be changed, unexpected outcomes...You never know what you'll get!

I'm going to go ahead and place a TRIGGER warning here.

To put it bluntly, death and addiction will be talked about in this chapter. So if those things may trigger upset feelings for you, I apologize, and please take caution if you decide to read.

Here goes! ^ยท^

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Flora swiftly walked the halls of the university, heading to her first class of the day: Anatomy and Physiology.

She glanced at her watch and began to pick up the pace of her walking.

9:20a.m.

Class started an hour and 20 minutes ago!

She had spent far too long getting ready this morning. It really was all she could do just to get out of bed today. Her outfit surely showed it, too. She was rocking a mint green t-shirt with dark grey yoga pants. Sneakers, but her socks didn't even match. A blue one for her right foot and purple one for the left. She cared not, nobody would see them. She hadn't even brushed her hair this morning, let alone do her make up. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail.

Stress will do that to a person. Although, when stress is accompanied by anxiety and depression, it certainly begins to take a much bigger toll.

Her mind was very clouded as she focused on just trying to get to the classroom.

Her petite body suddenly crashed into a solid, masculine figure, nearly causing her to fall but she was able to steady herself.

"I- I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going and-" she started.

A strong hand gently placed itself onto her shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay, don't worry."

Your voice is so soft, you're so beautiful.

He thought as he finally came in contact with this beautiful woman.

Helia's blue-grey eyes locked with Flora's bright green ones. He couldn't find any more words to say, so he simply offered her a soft smile. Slowly, he removed his hand from her shoulder. He found himself captivated by her beauty, as always. He had never spoken to her before, let alone , ever gotten this close to her. He was close enough to smell her. The season was Autumn, but Flora smelled very much like flowers in the spring time.

He couldn't help but get lost in the sight of her. The way her golden brown hair compliments her perfectly tanned skin and how both of those features contrast so elegantly with her emerald eyes. He could tell she was wearing no make up but she doesn't need it, she looks even better without it. And her comfortable attire, she needs no fancy clothes. Although, she usually always dresses nicely and fixes herself up for school, Helia was fully enjoying this raw, real version of Flora. As much as he loved taking in this sight of her, he knew this wasn't like her.

Flora wasn't quiet feeling the same as Helia was in this moment, though.

And it showed.

She noticed his fair skin and long, raven colored hair, but that's about the extent of what she really took note of. And of course, how tall he was compared to her. All she could truly think about was the events that had led up to her feeling such dismay. She wasn't sure why she even came to school today to start with. Perhaps, to try to take her mind off of things.

She did know for certain that standing around in a hallway , staring at a stranger would do nothing but make her even more late.

Something was wrong. Helia could sense her troubled energy. Just then, he found Flora backing away from him.

"I better get going. Again, I'm so sorry for bumping you!" Flora said quickly as she stepped back a few more steps and turned away from him, instantly snapping Helia back to reality.

"But wait- please-" Helia tried.

"I really need to go!" Flora said as she continued away from Helia's proximity.

He felt his heart drop slightly at the sight of her walking away from him.

Her sweet scent lingered, and he appreciated that very much. It made him feel like she was still there.

How could he be so stupid? Helia has had his eyes on Flora, literally, for quite some time but he never had the nerve to actually speak to her. This was the perfect opportunity and he froze. Talking to girls never really was his forte. Something stood out about her. She is perfection, but she never paid much mind to him. He was certain she never even noticed him before today , and that was only because she had to.

Flora's heart began to beat a bit harder as she approached the door to her classroom.

She gently touched the doorknob and began to turn it.

I'm sure nobody will even notice. If I'm quiet enough... And slow enough...

She thought to herself. Yet, as she opened the door, heads started to turn her way, which she absolutely hated. She couldn't stand being the center of everyones attention.

It's okay. They're just looking. I just have to make it to my seat without drawing any extra attention and it'll all be just fi-

Her thought was interrupted by her medical instructor.

"Ah, Miss Flora. Fashionably late. Very out of character for you, yes. Surely you have a good explanation..." Mr Nolan said.

Flora carefully took her seat in between Stella and Musa.

What grade are we in? I thought we were at a University. Not high school...

It was evident that whatever the issue, Flora was not willing to speak on it in front of the class.

Mr. Nolan made his way over to Flora's seat.

"After class." He said quietly as he handed her a worksheet that the rest of the class had. Flora simply nodded. He is very understanding and easy to talk to. All of her students trusted in him and loved him very much because of how compassionate he is. Flora knew he would understand.

"Now, where were we? Right. The body's bladder can hold 200 milliliters of urine before it needs to be expelled..." Mr Nolan continued his lesson on the body's organs and functions.

"Hey, Flo... You alright?" Musa whispered to her friend.

Tears began to fill Flora's eyes as she slowly shook her head and looked down at her notebook, not allowing any more tears to fall.

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Helia was coming back to his Computer Engineering class, from his restroom break. He couldn't help but momentarily beat himself up for passing up the opportunity to at least try to connect with Flora.

He took his seat next to Brandon and saw that new notes had been written on the board. He wasted no time in jotting down the new information.

"That was a long bathroom break, bro. I don't blame you. I'm about to be next! Anything to get out of this dull lesson." Brandon joked.

"Right? I'm so done with today. It's not even noon." Sky commented.

35 more minutes until first class is over.

"35 minutes... Seems like an eternity." Helia quietly said and he rubbed his forehead with his fingertips.

"You aren't kidding." Said Timmy.

"It's all good. It'll be over with soon. And man, I can't wait. I finally scored a date with a cutie." Riven bragged.

"You what?" Helia wondered.

He couldn't possibly be talking about Flora! Flora seemed clearly troubled, Helia couldn't have Riven comforting her.

"That's right. None of these chicks on campus really seemed to be worth my time, except this one." Riven continued.

"Who?" Helia asked as his eyebrows furrowed closer together.

"Oh, you know. Just the hottest one on campus. And, she takes medical classes." Riven gave a satisfied smile.

Damnit! He did get a date with Flora! But why would she ever go for someone like Riven?

Frustration and annoyance became slowly evident on Helia's face.

"What's that look for, bro? Don't tell me you also have the hots for Musa. She's mine, find your own hottie." Riven finally said.

A wave of relief rushed through Helia's veins.

"Oh." Helia released a relaxed sigh as he leaned back in his seat.

"You must have your eyes on someone. I know that look." Timmy teased.

"Better not be Bloom. I've got my sights set on her..." Sky told them.

"I don't even know who she is." Helia admitted.

"You'd know her if you saw her, she's the redhead. She always hangs out with that blonde girl." Sky explained.

"That blonde girl has a name, Stella, and please don't tell me you want her, bro. If so, I hate to burst your bubble but I've been talking to her for a while now and I think she's finally close to going out with me sometime soon." Brandon warned.

"Trust me, man, I don't want her." Helia started.

"Obviously, Layla is spoken for. I just have to get together with her out of school sometime. Slowly, but surely, though!" Nabu smiled and pointed a finger to the ceiling.

"Ah, and Tecna is taken too. Well... Not quite yet. It'll help once I actually have a conversation with her, but you've gotta start somewhere, right?" Timmy's face turned super red as he made his statement.

"Yeah... That's about where I'm at." Helia sighed.

"Wait, so you never told us which of our girls you're after..." Nabu pointed out.

"Oh don't worry, guys. I don't want any of those girls. I've had my eyes on Flora for quite some time. And I blew it." Helia told them.

"Blew it?" Sky asked.

"She bumped into me when I was coming back here from the restroom. It was the perfect chance for me to actually speak to her and not look like a typical college dude, trying to get in her pants. She kept apologizing for bumping into me and so I told her it was okay. That's about all I could say. She stood there with me for a minute, but then she rushed off to class. She probably thinks I'm an incompetent idiot..." Helia criticized himself.

"Hey, don't be like that, man. I spilled cherry coke all over Stella the first time I talked to her. Oh man, and she wearing a white top, too! She made sure I knew that it was the first time she ever wore It. It got ruined. She still talks to me! So just try again." Brandon laughed to himself as he told the brief story.

"He's right. And at least you know you didn't say the wrong thing. It's not like she won't talk to you ever again because you were too quiet, or something." Timmy encouraged.

"Dudes probably try to come at her all the time. She doesn't want to hear it..." Helia looked away.

"Stop throwing a pity party, dude. Look, class is over in about 15 minutes. If you need me to come with, I will. When class is over, you are going to go and talk to that girl." Riven demanded.

"The girls all seem to stick together, just like us. Maybe we can go out together as a group. It is Friday, after all. It'll give all of us a good chance to break the ice with the ladies." Sky suggested.

"That's a great idea! No stress!" Timmy high-fived Sky.

This idea pleased Helia very much. Just a bunch of friends going out together. Now he doesn't have to feel pressured to get Flora on a date, alone. But she did seem pretty upset earlier, so Helia was slightly doubting that she would join.

"Alright. It's worth a shot." Helia smiled.

"That's the spirit." Nabu said.

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"Okay, so, the pockets of air that are in the lungs. Those are what help with gas exchange, transferring oxygen into carbon dioxide. Who remembers what those are called?" Mr. Nolan asked the class.

There was a moment of silence, and some confused looks. It was clear that many classmates didn't remember.

"Aveoli..." Flora answered.

"One more time?" Mr. Nolan encouraged.

"The aveoli." Flora repeated, a bit louder than the first time.

"Very good, Miss Flora. And what else can you tell me about the aveoli?"

"Well... The lungs only contain a certain amount of them. Once they are damaged by smoking, etc, they are gone. They don't re-develop. Obviously, this can lead to pulmonary complications."

Some oooo's and "good job" comments came from her classmates, earning a slight smile from Flora.

"I'm proud of you, Miss Flora. On that note, we can go ahead and cut class early today. Enjoy your weekend, ladies." Mr Nolan announced.

Many of the ladies quickly grabbed their things and rushed out of the room. Flora waited for the crowd to clear out.

"We can wait outside for you, if you like." Stella smiled at Flora.

"Oh, you girls go ahead. I'm fine, really." Flora replied.

"Are you sure?" Bloom asked.

"Yeah, totally! Thank you though. I'll catch you girls later." Flora responded.

And with that, Stella, Bloom, Layla, Tecna, and Musa all headed out of the classroom and then it was just Flora and Mr. Nolan, who swiftly made his way over to the door and closed it, but not all the way. He left it open about an inch or two, to give privacy but not make his pupil feel uncomfortable.

"So. Something's been troubling you, sweet Flora." Mr. Nolan started.

"Well... Yes... It's been really hard for me to talk about. But you, and Mrs Rodgers really are about the only ones I feel I can talk to about this. So I'm actually glad you asked me to stay behind today." Flora started. She took a few breaths and then continued.

"There's really no other way to say it. I-I lost my mother." Flora said through choked sobs.

"The day b-b-before yesterday. My cousin called to tell me." She finished.

"Oh, Flora. Please... My deepest condolences-" Mr Nolan was cut off by Flora rushing into his arms. He hugged her back.

This is a teacher who treats all of his students as family. Despite his young age of 32, he is definitely a "Papa Bear" and his students are his cubs.

"Flora, I am so sorry for making you talk about this. I know you, and I knew something very stressful had happened, although, I never expected this as the reason. What a difficult thing to have to go through. Please, take as much time as you need. I can send you the class work online through the website, we will get you through the course. You're an outstanding student. You won't fall behind, I promise you."

"I told her this would happen..." Flora said before pressing her face into her teacher's chest.

By this statement, he assumed either drugs or alcohol were likely the cause of her mother's passing.

Flora took a moment to collect herself, pulling away from her teacher.

"She-she wouldn't stop the pills. She just couldn't stay away. And she had taken far too many pain killers, with sleeping medication and-and-"

FLASHBACK; TWO DAYS PRIOR

Flora's Apartment

North Dakota

2:33a.m.

*Phone rings 4 times*

Flora: "Hello?"

On the other end is Flora's cousin, Paige, who lives in Arizona. Flora has not spoken to Paige in several months, due to distance and the schedules of everyday life.

Paige: "Flora? Oh I'm so glad you answered!"

Flora: "Is everything okay?! It's super late and I haven't heard from you in so long."

Paige: "I know, girl. I'm so sorry about that. And I'm sorry for what I'm about to tell you."

Flora's heart began pounding in her chest. "It's my mom, isn't it?" Flora asked as she braced herself for the answer.

Paige's momentary silence was actually answer enough, for Flora.

Paige: "...Yes."

Flora: "W-What happened? And when?"

Paige: "Well, your mom has had some financial trouble lately. So my mom agreed to let her stay there with her for a while. But... Gosh, it's so hard to find the words to say...'

Flora: "Pills...?" She could feel her chest getting tight as she pictured her mother overdosing. Flora's mother has abused prescription pills for several years and Flora had always tried to push her mother to get help, but of course, her mother never saw an issue with her actions.

Paige: "Yes...Yes Flora..."

Flora was trying so hard to compose herself so she could get the answers that she so desperately needed. She proceeded to take some deep breaths to remain calm.

Paige: "It was about two hours ago. Your mom had left her bedroom door open and the lamp was on. My mom passed your mom's room in order to get to the restroom and she glanced at the bedroom door and saw her. Laying on the floor. She ran in there to check on her and that's when she saw two empty pill bottles also on the floor. She immediately called E.M.S. and they rushed her to the hospital."

Paige could hear Flora sobbing on the other end.

Paige: "I know... I know. Damnit. I'm so sorry Flora! They tried to help her. They did all that They could but it was just too late and she had just taken too much..."

Flora: "I tried so hard to get her some help! I've even taken those things from her and thrown them out, she would just get more!"

The tears of sadness began turning into tears of rage and resentment. Flora did have a rollercoaster relationship with her mother and much of it had to do with her mother's addiction.

Paige had never heard such anger in Flora's voice. It was quite odd to hear Flora's soft and sweet voice boom with such anger. No matter, anyone would understand why.

Paige was now shedding some tears, hearing the emotion in her cousin's voice, in addition to losing her aunt this way."

Flora: "D-do you know... Know what she, took?"

Paige paused briefly. "Pain pills. And sleeping pills"

Flora took a deep breath in and placed her hand over her eyes.

Paige: "I'm so sorry, Flora! I wish I could be there with you right now. I feel so bad that you had to find out this way... But my mom just called me to tell me. I didn't want you to wait to find out..."

Flora: "You did the right thing, Paige. I really appreciate it... I just... I love you, but I'd like to get off of the phone, please."

Paige: "I understand... I love you, too."

Flora: "Thank you, for telling me..."

Paige : "Of course... I love you, I'll call you if anything else comes up, okay?"

Flora: "Okay..." She hung up the phone and tossed it on the bed next to her. Both of her hands covered her face. She hoped nothing more than for this to be a horrible dream. She couldn't fall back asleep, which signaled reality to continue telling her just how real this was.

END FLASHBACK

Oh, Poor girl..

"Say no more, sweet Flora. If there is anything I can do for you, or anything you need, please. Please let me know. As a matter of fact, here. I often give my phone number to students. I write it on the board. In case you don't have it, here" he wrote his number down on a sticky note and gave it to Flora.

"I don't care if it's three in the morning and you are feeling upset, please don't hesitate to call me. This wasn't your fault. I know you tried to help her. You can not help someone who isn't willing to accept it. Events like this are painful, tragic, scary, overwhelming. But it always happens for a reason. Okay? You did everything you could. This is not your fault. I am so sorry for your loss, Flora..." He stood a bit taller than her, his dark brown hair had accents of gray, giving it a salt-and-pepper vibe. He placed a hand on either of her shoulders and allowed his dark hazel eyes to meet her watery green ones as they stood in front of the classroom.

"I have, mixed feelings... Of course I'm devastated to have lost her. But now I don't have to fight to try to get her to be better, and do better. As hard and heartbreaking as this is, and I still haven't processed it... but at least she isn't hurting herself anymore, right?" Flora tried to be positive.

"That's absolutely right. She's finally at Peace..." Mr Nolan always knew what to say, except this time and he was trying so hard not to stick his foot in his mouth and upset this young woman even more.

"Thank you... Thank you so much for listening. I know it's gotta be hard to find the words to say to someone going through this. But just you listening to me and caring... Not judging or blaming me, that's really all I needed."

"I'm just so sorry I couldn't do more to help you. Im sorry I can't change things for you..."

"Please don't apologize. It isn't your fault. You've always treated me so Well and for that, I also thank you. But if it's okay, I should go ahead and go."

"Very well. Have a nice weekend, Flora. Do something you'll enjoy, this weekend! Take a break, from everything. You certainly deserve it."

"I do need out of the house. That's the only reason I've been coming to class."

"And you've been coming in like all has been wonderful. You are so strong. Enjoy your break. And if I don't see you on Monday, don't bother bringing an excuse. It's all fine!"

"Thank you... And will you do me one favor?"

"Anything you need."

"Please don't treat me any differently. I really don't want any extra attention or special treatment." She gave a genuine smile.

"Of course, Miss Flora. Now, out of my classroom." He teased, earning a giggle from Flora before she walked out of the classroom and started down the hallway.

In the near distance, Flora caught sight of Riven, Helia and Musa all standing together chatting.

Here she comes... Helia could feel his cheeks getting hot as Flora came closer.

"Hey! You came just in time!" Musa greeted Flora with a hug, to which she happily wrapped her arms around her friend in return.

Flora pulled away from Musa after a moment.

"Yeah, we were just talking. Musa and I are going out tonight. We wanted to know if you'd like to join." Riven offered.

"Oh! Oh, that's very nice of you. I don't want to be a third wheel or anything, awkward, you know?" Flora responded.

Helia took a deep breath. "You won't be."

"Oh?" Flora paused momentarily as she looked at him.

Helia nervously ran a hand against his scalp, through his long hair. Too soon. I should have just kept my big mouth shut.

"He's totally right! I was gonna try to get the rest of the girls together. Riven here has a couple of friends that could join. It'll be a good time!" Musa chimed in, much to Helia's relief.

"Well... I just don't know." Flora stated.

"There's a new restaurant downtown. Well, it's like a lounge, restaurant type place. Haven't been yet. Heard the food is really good and the atmosphere is chill." Riven explained.

"Right! It's called Taboo. Don't let the name fool you. It's nothing wild." Helia smiled.

"Yeah! I looked up some pictures online and it totally looks like it's worth checking out. Here, I'll shoot a text to Stella, and Bloom, and-" Musa stopped her sentence when she looked to her left.

"You might not need to do that, Muse." Riven teased.

Flora allowed her eyes to follow the stare of her friend and new aquaintances.

There was a small break room where three vending machines were, as well as a coffee pot and cups/creamers/sugar. A microwave for when students wanted to heat up their breakfasts/lunches.

In the break room, Bloom, Sky, Stella, and Brandon were all sitting at a table chatting and smiling.

"Are those some of your friends?" Flora asked.

"That's right! Let's get with them and try to set something up." Riven suggested.

The trio walked to the break room together and Helia opened the door for everyone.

"Ladies first." Riven said, politely. Musa entered first.

"You can go ahead, next. It's okay." Flora said. Riven looked at Helia for a second and then proceeded to enter the break room. Since Helia now had a moment with Flora, away from the group, he decided it was a good opportunity to actually introduce himself.

"You know, I never even introduced myself. My name is Helia."

"A pleasure to officially meet you, Helia. I'm Flora."

Helia wanted to respond, but before he could, she was already in the break room.

She just moves so quickly... Maybe I'm just too slow...

"Oh, heyyyy!" Stella sang. "We were just talking about you guys!"

"Oh, were you?" Flora blushed. Helia slowly walked up to stand next to her, taking care not to stand too close. Flora took notice, but remained still.

"Yeah, we wanted to get with you guys and see if you wanted to go out tonight? Layla and Tecna too, of course." Bloom answered.

"Well, I -" Flora started.

"We wanted to ask you the same thing! It's like you overheard us or something." Musa answered before Flora could decline.

Helia was beginning to like having Musa around, not that he was attracted to her. But she is so straight-forward and honestly, she makes the mood more relaxed. She does all the talking, so Helia doesn't need to. Not yet. Musa has this under control. She comes in handy! She's going to be Helia's ticket to getting to know Flora.

Tecna and Layla entered the break room.

"Hey guys!" Layla said with a smile.

"Hey! We're all going out to eat tonight at that new Taboo place, downtown. Would you like to come with?" Musa asked.

"Duh! We don't do things like this unless we are all together." Layla joked.

"Sweet. All of us are going, and we have two other friends coming. Nabu, and Timmy will also join." Helia explained. Layla and Tecna exchanged a blushing smile.

"Sounds, great." Flora said, trying to sound enthused.

She wanted so badly to tell at least one of her friends the truth. She just didn't feel that now was the right time. Plus, she doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for her or give her extra attention. Her friends care very much for her, and that's exactly what they'd do.

It's probably a good idea for me to go out... Even Mr Nolan said so. I will talk to them. Just, sometime after tonight. I don't want to bring the mood down...

"Alright. It's a date! Can you ladies meet us there about, 6:30 this evening?" Brandon asked.

"6:30 sounds perfect.' Flora answered with a soft smile.

"Sweet! We'll see you ladies, then." Sky said.

"Break is almost over, we better get ready to head to our next class." Tecna informed.

"Of course. Thank you for inviting us out. See you guys later." Layla smiled. The girls stood together and left the break room.

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Brandon asked Helia.

"Only because you guys were here. I would have been screwed if I was by myself trying to get her to come out." Helia replied.

"Stop being so hard on yourself. I've gotten nosey. I've seen that poetry that you like to write. You could totally pick up chicks. And it's not like you're a bad-looking dude, either. Tons of girls would find interest in you, you've just gotta be more confident." Sky suggested.

"I am confident, I just... I've never seen a woman like her before. Her voice is so soft, so sweet. And well, you all know what she looks like. So, radiant." Helia said as he stared off into space.

"Radiant. Nice! I like that! Tonight, I just might tell Musa how radiant she is." A chuckle escaped from Riven's chest.

"Anyway! See? You totally know what to say. Tell her what you think about her and she's sure to be yours, bro." Brandon instructed.

"I will. I just need one good chance. And tonight might be it."

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I will go ahead and drop this chapter here. Like I said, this has just been a little idea I've had for a bit and wanted to throw it out there to see what you all thought! Again, I am so sorry for disappearing! As a friend of mine said, real life always comes first. I will make it a point to be more active on here, since I've noticed a number of you really do look forward to more. Thank you so much for that!

-StarletLove