AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey there! Got an update, finally! It's been since Summer time, I believe… *begins dodging the rotten tomatoes many of you are probably mentally throwing at me* IBUKI WORKED HARD TO GROW THOSE! YA BASTARDS!

I kid, of course. (As I sit here chortling to myself at almost twelve in the morning.) Any who, hope you guys enjoy. From this point out the story is going up in tempo so be prepared for that. Happy reading! Thank your sticking around!

Xxxxx

Raeger

Ibuki, he was beautiful. Such a beautiful person. He was such a sweet, thoughtful person.

No matter how much I insisted he not worry over paying me back for his seat at my table, he still found his own ways to pay me back. He was so adorably thoughtful about it, too.

"There's some fresh yams and spinach in here, the harvest came out pretty good. I picked the better ones for you. You shouldn't cook with low quality ingredients, right?"

Held in Ibuki's arms was a basket woven of dried corn husks from Summer. It was impressive, honestly. Basket weaving didn't seem like an easy task, but he could apparently do it well. He was talented and with an eye for detail.

He decorated the handle with a red ribbon, yellow gift paper lining the bottom of the basket. Mixed in with the fresh vegetables were some mushrooms and eggs, a few pints of milk along with it. To my surprise, there were even some chili peppers. Ibuki had gotten his hands on seeds we hadn't seen around the market for years.

"...Are these chili peppers?"

"Yeah! Spicy food is popular this time of year, isn't it? Figured you could use them. They're a little expensive in the market right now."

"Don't I know it."

I accepted the basket from him, more infatuated than grateful. Of course, I was grateful for the fresh products, but I didn't need any reimbursement. Still, the thought that was put in to it completely moved me.

Normally, it would be polite to turn down such an unneeded offering. I didn't want to turn it down. It was a gift from Ibuki. A greed I'd never known before overcame me.

" This is fantastic, thank you so much."

"Oh, you're welcome Raeger." He assured me with contentment. "Hanako supplied the milk in there. Make sure you let her know if you like it!"

"I'll be sure to come by."

Milk wasn't a fancy of mine to drink on its own, but I'd fine use for it in a recipe. If it had been possible, I would have never used anything in the basket Ibuki gifted me. I would have kept it all forever. But, being it was all perishable, I set it down in the kitchen with intent to cook something with the produce at a later time.

Maybe a nice soup with the vegetables and peppers? Some omelets with the eggs, milk and mushrooms? Time would tell, but I had no use for the ingredients yet because before Ibuki had arrived, I had just placed potatoes in the oven and seasoned a swordfish.

"For now, go make yourself comfortable, the food shouldn't take long."

Ibuki went to sit at the counter as I prepared a pan for the fish. I oiled the pan and nodded my head towards the stairs leading up to my room.

"I meant upstairs. How are you supposed to get comfortable on that old bar stool?"

"I don't want to go upstairs. You're down here."

I smiled, placing the swordfish in the oiled pan. Peeking my eyes up from the task at hand, I stared at Ibuki and chuckled. It didn't quite sound as innocently amused as it should have. I slipped, letting my inner voice come to light.

"You're adorable." I chuckled almost sensually, voice dropping a notch. "You should be careful who you say stuff like that to, you know."

Ibuki was embarrassed, going quiet. The way his eyes widened, it was like the poor thing had been struck with de ja vu. He was so innocent, I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd messed up like that before. Of course, if he did, it'd probably be best that I not know...

Ignoring the rolling boil forming in my stomach at just the thought of it, I shook it off. Poking fun at him, I carried on and fed off his embarrassment. It was too easy.

"Now, what if you said that to the wrong person, Ibuki?"

"It's hard to tell who the wrong people are sometimes...I'm starting to understand that."

"Nothing you have to worry about here, so long as it's just us."

I winked at him and he laughed nervously and rested his head down on the counter, eyes on me. My grandfather wouldn't have approved, but I had no qualms. Ibuki could rest his head down on the countertop.

He could do whatever he wanted in my house. I thought about it as I'd gotten the fish in the oven alongside the potatoes before I washed up the counter and my hands.

"So, what will we be doing while the food cooks?" Ibuki piped up, curiously. "Watching T.V like usual? Will that soap opera be on again?"

Thinking for a moment, I carefully second guessed my response before just not caring how I came across.

"If T.V's boring you I could get you drunk again. That could be fun."

"If I'm the one drunk how is that fun for you?"

"You're quite the character once you've got a little booze in you. The possibilities are endless."

Ibuki hopped off the stool and carefully pushed it in as I went looked through the wine rack for a bottle. I pulled out a bottle of apple wine, showing it to Ibuki. My offering was answered with a halfhearted shrug of his shoulders.

"The apple wine is delicious." I promised him, trying to persuade him with a teasing tone. "It's the perfect season for it. How could you refuse?"

"Wine is expensive... we always go through the whole bottle when you open it."

"And we'll be going through plenty more bottles, I promise you that. Cheers."

Half an hour later Ibuki was the cute, glassy-eyed little mouse I loved. He tipsily finished off one of multiple glasses I'd poured him. I'd been sitting up by the headboard, long legs stretched out casually while watching the T.V with Ibuki.

That soap opera he grew to like was on again. Seated next to me, he had his legs crisscrossed and situated near my legs in order to see the T.V.

"Do you want more?" I offered him.

"Uh-uh. I've had enough..."

Ibuki paused for a moment then hiccupped with a pop of his diaphragm. He giggled and reached over my legs, draping his torso across my lap. He stretched one arm out and set his glass on the bedside table.

Coming down to relax where he'd been crawling, Ibuki rested his head on my stomach. He blinked heavily like he was sleepy, eyes still on the television. It was like watching a child immersed in their Saturday morning cartoon, almost. The way he laid flat on his stomach to watch was so very similar to it.

Stomach to the sheets, his plump ass was sticking out. His fitted jeans hugged the curves of his round, swollen cheeks. From such a position, there wasn't much left to the imagination-especially not the visible split between said cheeks. I'd never wanted to touch him so badly.

Without asking, I put my hand on him. To play it safe, I touched his back where I knew he'd be fine with. Softly rubbing him, I looked over his body. Meanwhile, Ibuki was completely consumed in the drama playing out over the screen.

The female protagonist stood at a window, overlooking grassy land. Dressed in a simple white night gown, her long blonde hair blew lightly with the evening breeze. She stared at the trees rustling to nature's soft breath, the moon shining off her large shimmering eyes. Slowly, she looked down to a small engagement ring held in her hand with uncertainty.

"What I've left behind for this life..." She sighed, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth. "What I've risked..."

She touched the windowsill, curtains billowing with a gust of air. My hand on Ibuki crept up towards the back of his neck, carefully touching the downy golden hairs. He flinched at the initial contact and my heart seized, but to my relief Ibuki just shivered, signifying he'd been ticklish and not offended.

"Nng." He mumbled, twitching his neck for a second.

Smirking, I purposely trailed the tip of one finger up his neck and brushed the baby hairs there again. But this time, I knew very well what I was doing. Ibuki brought one shoulder up, scrunching his neck to thwart my fingers.

He laughed lightly, inebriated and playful. Chuckling, I resorted to running my fingers through his hair as he whined that he was ticklish.

My touch grew softer and Ibuki's lids threatened to flutter shut. He tried with earnest effort to stay awake, invested in the soap opera. Although I wasn't as invested as he was, the soap opera wasn't bad at all. My main problem with it was it sucked up drunken Ibuki's attention far more effectively than I did.

Seeing there wasn't much that could be done, I used it to my advantage. If he was drunk, and distracted on top of it, I was willing to test how far I could encroach his personal space.

The fingers in his hair swept back down his slender neck and over the plain brown choker wrapped around it. I barely touched it, skimming right over it so softly Ibuki didn't notice. Moving over his shirt, I raked down his back and smoothed my palm along his sides repeatedly.

My touch on him grew firmer for a bit until my eyes were drawn to his ass, again...I wanted to touch it. I tried telling myself "no", but it sounded fake to even me. My conscience was corrupted, I couldn't stop myself.

If Fritz and Mistel touched and hugged Ibuki so openly, I could only imagine what they'd tried on their own time. There was no reason I couldn't get a piece of the pie. But, as I looked Ibuki over again it struck me just how much I absolutely did not want to share him. Any of him.

Assuming never did much good. My grandfather had taught me that. Still, I had some assumptions brewing about Ibuki.

He never outright displayed any interest in men, but his comfort had to count for something. It wasn't anything to bet money on, but I could hope. There had to be a way to know.

Even if he didn't like men, I don't think it would have deterred me. I didn't like men either, not that I'd known. I liked Ibuki. They didn't have to be mutually exclusive... that's what I told myself, anyways.

Against better judgment, I reached for his ass, inching towards it slowly in hopes he wouldn't catch on to what I was doing. If he were to catch on, fine. It would only serve me poorly if he didn't like it. Focus darting between Ibuki's diverted attention, and my burning temptation, I carefully felt over the dip of his spine.

For safe measure, I nudged the hem of his shirt up for a reaction. As I traced idle shapes in to his skin he adjusted his cheek against my stomach. Heart racing, I took the reaction with utmost satisfaction, going as far to boldly reach my entire hand under the hem of his shirt. Laying it along his skin, I could have salivated.

So warm and soft to the touch...and completely at ease. To make sure he wasn't just nodding off, I peered down towards his head. He was still awake, and still watching the television.

Deciding I had nothing to stop me, I went for the kill.

"Raeger?"

Ibuki's voice stopped me in my tracks. To my relief, he hadn't caught on to what I'd been about to do. Instead, to his disappointment, he was watching the credits roll. Ibuki sighed as the episode ended. He picked up the remote and began clicking through channels.

"Is there anything else good on? The soap opera ended."

"...why don't we turn the T.V off for now?"

Not understanding why I'd suggested such, Ibuki looked at me with almost puppy dog eyes.

"Why?"

"Thought we could talk."

Ibuki seemed fine with the suggestion, letting me take the remote from him. I shut the television off and helped him to his knees. Positioned before me, he watched me with his booze-laden stare.

"Why don't you come a little closer?"

"Closer?

"Mhm. I won't bite..."

Ibuki placed his palms down towards the sheets to move forward but I snatched him up in my arms. Bringing him in close, I perched him on my lap. I prepared to say something, but Ibuki cuddled up to me before I could muster up my voice.

"You're the best, Raeger." His little blonde head laid between my pecs, his small torso hugging me.

He looked up at me with those large eyes of his. Discretion thrown aside, I leaned down kissed Ibuki on the mouth. He giggled and kissed me back, chastely with a gentle peck. The kitchen timer went off downstairs and I couldn't bring myself to care just yet.

I was in. And, there was nothing anyone could do to stop me. Just like that, I'd worked my way in to his life. How perfect, because I wasn't going anywhere.

Xxxxx

Klaus

The clock sounded louder than usual that evening. I tolled nine, Ibuki nowhere in sight. I'd anticipated the young farmer was too busy for me, or perhaps something had happened. He'd come for tea earlier that day.

Despite his promise to visit that evening while I worked away at the perfumes he was so intrigued by, he hadn't appeared. How unusual. Maybe the lad had come to his senses and chosen to keep his distance.

A pace across the floor to soothe my unease was interrupted as I stopped at the window, the curtains open and offering clear view of the neighboring houses. Namely, the Antique Shop. Mistel's piano couldn't be heard playing how it often did in the evening.

What could he possibly be doing that he'd abandoned his precious instrument?

My knuckles met the door to the shop minutes later, bag of tea leaves nestled safely in hand. Iris opened the door, surprised to see me. Her features lit up, but her eyes held a bewilderment.

How peculiar I must have looked, arriving unannounced at such an hour. Horribly out of character on my part. What had become of me? Damned Ibuki.

"Oh, Klaus! What brings you here at this hour?"

"I've found myself in possession of some tea I thought you'd fancy. I felt perhaps it would do you well in the morning with your breakfast..." I fabled, clearing my throat. "I do hope I haven't disturbed either you or your brother. I can't help but notice the piano has gone mute this evening."

"Don't you worry a thing, he isn't asleep. You aren't bothering us. You could never."

The laugh I could have given, had the higher powers granted me such carelessness...

"Mistel has gone to see Ibuki, he left shy of an hour ago I believe." Iris revealed to me, none the wiser to my roused attention. "Hopefully he's coming home soon. It's getting too dark to go walking along at night alone. Would you like to come in, Klaus?"

"How kind, but I have an errand to run promptly."

Iris laughed high in her chest, bidding me goodnight.

"Oh!" She called out in an afterthought before shutting the door. "If you run in to Mistel could you send him home for me? I know he's grown but he worries me senseless when he's wandering off to Ibuki's as this hour."

So Mistel made a habit of visiting Ibuki in the evening, did he?

The moon was out as I walked to Ibuki's farm, trees rustling with the passing breeze. Autumn's presence brought a wistful voice to the breeze, I soon realized it was my own. My thoughts wandered years back to my youth. My mother, my dear mother... she had loved Autumn.

Passing Ibuki's field of grains left me to think of my mother, memories of her baking. How mother would have loved to have fresh grain milled for the kitchen. There was nothing Father loved more than fresh bread with his coffee. No matter how the chef fretted, Mother always had to find herself to the kitchen.

Mother lingered in my thoughts as the entrance to Ibuki's land came to sight. A rabbit hopped along the path in the far distance, seeming to be going the same direction I was. It froze suddenly as my shoes hit the gravel, then ran quickly in to the forest.

I watched it go. I wondered in Mother's rabbits fared these days. They never did like me.

"Don't you go prowling with the wolves, Klaus."

A voice came from the entrance to the farm, Mistel walking down the dirt path with arms so casually laid at his sides. The feathery wisps of his hair fluttered with the wind, his lavender eyes too pleased. It was atrocious, what had he done? Such satisfaction... like the cat who had finally eaten the canary.

"Prowling... funny, I'd presume one master of such art would recognize it first-hand."

"So, you're just out for a walk this far up the mountains? At this hour?"

"Speaking of the hours, Iris wants you home. Perhaps had you been home already, where little boys belong, we wouldn't have crossed paths on my stroll."

The patronizing bit Mistel well. His eyes went sharply narrow and he fed right in to my bait. Only, he played a fair draw.

"Best be careful how you throw that around, Klaus. Wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea about you."

Returning Mistel's stare, I countered.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll best mind your own affairs."

"I certainly am, can't say that you are." Mistel dismissed me, walking past. "Goodbye, Klaus. Best put that old body to bed before it wears out."

Ibuki's lights were still on as I approached the door, his home undoubtfully larger and retouched. New paint was applied, and the little cottage looked more like a home now. He'd done his remodeling, per usual Gunther had done splendidly. I'd be sure to let him know upon next visit.

"Mistel? Did you forget something-oh!" Ibuki answered the door with confusion, having assumed I was Mistel.

He quickly realized his error and apologized.

"Sorry, Klaus. Mistel was just here. "

"Now what would Mistel be doing here at such an hour? I have never known him to wander out at this time." I replied, fishing with hopes for information. "Is all well?"

Sometimes he just visits me after work. His birthday is coming up soon. He came over to make sure I had time set aside for him that day."

Another birthday, just what Mistel needed. The parasite.

"Ibuki, may I come in? Autumn has left a chill out here."

Stepping aside to let me in, Ibuki apologized for his carelessness. He shut the door behind me as I surveyed the home. Just as expected of Gunther, he repaired and restored the old farmer's cottage.

Ibuki's house now looked more like an actual house. Although still small, he had more room for furniture now along the open floor. His old sofa and recliner looked less crammed in now. I took a seat along the sofa as Ibuki fetched a glass of water from the kitchen.

"I'm glad to see you're well, Ibuki. Truly."

"Of-course I'm well, Klaus. Why wouldn't I be?"

What first came to mind was Mistel.

"You gave me a bit of a fright this evening. I'd been expecting your visit hours ago."

Ibuki near sputtered on his drink, eyes flying open wide. Realization struck him with unforgiving force. Quickly, he apologized for our missed visit, recalling I'd invited him to come keep me company while I worked away at the fragrances before I put it all away for the next morning.

"I felt like I was forgetting something..." He scolded himself, raising blue-gray eyes to look at me with regret. "I am so sorry, Klaus. I'll make this up to you, I promise."

"I'm positive you will."

I moved in closer to Ibuki without warning, intent on closing in on him. He near dropped his glass. I deftly caught it before it could hit the floor and shatter.

Cold water spilled on Ibuki and he sputtered, face going red now. He stood promptly to change his shirt, walking across the floor to his closet. I made no effort to tear my eyes off him as he stood nervously with his back to me, rifling through the few things he had to wear.

"I'm so clumsy..." He removed a simple blue shirt from its hanger and peeled off the one he was wearing.

His skin still held faint remnants of his Summer's tan. His color a notch darker than his natural pale complexion. He would fade soon enough as his skin was starved of the sun.

The rosy pink patches of velvet on his chest matched the lovely shade of his lips... just as the blush that spread from his cheeks to the bridge of his nose. I'd flustered the poor thing. Excellent.

I clenched the arm of the sofa as Ibuki's chest budded with the chill, the raised peeks surely brushing the fabric of his shirt as he pulled it down over his skin. When the lad returned to me, he was still full of color. He had difficulty meeting my eyes and I knew it went past sheer embarrassment.

Ibuki, he was frightened. Throwing caution to the wind where someone else could give a damn, I came in close to Ibuki and cornered him. Caged between my body and the arm of the sofa pressed against his back, Ibuki's body stiffened.

"K-Klaus?"

"Yes, Ibuki?"

"What a-are you doing?"

Blinking amber eyes at him, I contemplated my answer. What was I doing? Losing both my patience and my composure, it seemed.

How was it I always seemed to get the left overs? Even with time set aside for Ibuki, he slipped through my fingers. I was no longer content being served last, no lest to those beneath me.

I had no taste for left overs. Elders should have first pick.

Lingering close for a moment, I let the smell of Ibuki hit me. Whatever soap he used was an average quality, there was no oil or essence to it. Nothing of value that I could smell. Still, his smell... Oh, his smell. How my body warmed at our proximity.

"Never mind me, Ibuki." I assured him as he nervously eyed me. "I simply want to get a look at you."

"O-Okay."

The way he cowered away, unconsciously looking for an escape route reminded me so vividly of a rabbit. I'd never seen a point to rabbits unless they'd been set before me as roast or stew. Unsurprisingly, as I looked at Ibuki my mouth watered.

How much longer could I go without a taste of him?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ibuki asked meekly, shrinking in by the shoulders under my stare. "Klaus-"

"It scares you, doesn't it?"

Ibuki didn't answer. Touching the end of his small chin, I leaned in closer. His body language was terrified.

Coming to a halt before I lost hold of myself, I focused on his face. It was a moment of silence before Ibuki slowly relaxed. He stared up at me, eyes returning to a more relaxed state. There was a level of trust of some sorts. Submission in the early phases, I predicted.

"You don't scare me, Klaus."

"Are you certain?"

He nodded.

"Don't lie to me. I can see it in your eyes."

"…"

Ibuki eyes resumed their fear.

"You just-you remind me someone." he explained. "You don't scare me, It's just they-"

"Never mind who they once were. It would do you better to trust me."

"I do trust you, Klaus..."

The blonde swallowed shallowly and carefully tried sitting up. I didn't move from my position. Ibuki raised up high enough to place his hands on my chest and gain leverage. He hesitated, but he wrapped his arms around me as much as he could manage around my wide built.

He... he embraced me.

"I don't want to upset you..." He confessed meekly. "Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry I forgot. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"You truly wish to make it up to me?"

His breath hitched as I pulled his body flush to mine, clothing separating us. Heat... it pressed in to Ibuki. I allowed it without shame. The blonde lad swallowed as I stared him down, watching for his reaction to my body. When he posed no objection, I smirked in satisfaction.

"Very well, you will make it up to me." I assured him, bringing my face down to his. "If only to remain friendly, Ibuki. Hm?"

The lad's chin in my fingers, I allowed myself a taste of him. My first taste. Lips upon his for a moment, I basked in the victory I'd acquired. Such splendid victory.

He was mine. It was time he began to understand that.

Xxxxx

Raeger

"Veronica, how are you?"

It was late morning when I'd gone to find Ibuki, correctly assuming he was toiling away at a guild field. Not only was he tending to the sweet potatoes right where I expected him to be, he was working with Fritz. Well, more Ibuki was working his field and Fritz was just there.

Of course, since Ibuki was working, and he had company, I had to wait to tell him what I'd come over for. I had planned to invite Ibuki on a picnic since it was sunny that day… but it seemed Fritz had no intentions to leave. If looks could kill I would have glared down the back of Fritz's head until he fucking asphyxiated. There was plenty of dirt around to bury him…

Veronica being there was more a surprise since she handled the guild field registrations, not the field themselves. So, when she randomly showed up, I was fucking confused. Maybe she was on a walk?

The older woman was known for being cooped up at the guild for long work days. Everyone needed some fresh air.

"Oh, I'm well. Thank you for asking, Raeger."

My next question was cut short when I saw someone had followed in behind her. He was tall man. His skin stood out in great contrast to many of the pale Oak Tree residents.

Whatever far off land he came from evident in the exotic complexion. His dark skin was the polar-opposite of his silvery, white hair that was long and tied back in a silky pony tail. Where had he come from? And what was he doing in Oak Tree?

With him the mystery newcomer carried a sack on his back with a combination of what could have been both farming and gardening tools. He hoisted it up high on his shoulder, expression almost indifferent as he came to stand behind Veronica. He wasn't a friendly type, clearly.

"Ibuki." She called to get the blonde's attention. "Ibuki? May have a word with you?"

The blonde perked up. He looked over at Veronica, seeing the large man standing behind her. He went over, and Veronica took a step aside to properly introduce the newcomer.

"Ibuki, we have a new resident. This is Nadi." She introduced. "Nadi offers landscaping services."

Veronica then turned her attention to Nadi.

"Nadi, this here is our rising farmer, Ibuki. He does just fine on his own but do keep him in mind for possible business. He's an optimistic one, he may bite off more than he can one of these days."

"I probably will…" Ibuki chortled, agreeing but with good humor. "Fritz might need your help too."

The redhead heard his name and puffed his chest out proudly.

"I don't need anyone's help!" He boasted. "I'm going to be the best farmer ever, one day!"

"I hope you're right." Ibuki laughed. "Anyways, it's nice to meet you, Nadi. If you're ever around feel free to come say hi and drop by. Maybe you can look at my property and tell me what you think you could do with it. I'm sure you'd do great."

Nadi's stoic face shifted for a second, his stare becoming intrigued as he took in the little blonde farmer with grey-blue eyes glimmering up at him in the sunlight. Ibuki up at the unfriendly looking man. So genuinely happy to make his acquaintance.

I'm sure Ibuki hadn't meant to, but he came across so naively eager and chipper. The poor thing, he didn't know how important it was not to give people the time of day like that. I made a note to myself to explain that later when in private. I was sure Nadi would brush him off. But, instead, the man nodded.

"'m sure we could arrange something soon."

Ibuki turned around to return to his sweet potatoes, dragging a bag of fertilizer over. As he opened it, Nadi came over with gardening gloves donned. He sidled right up next to Ibuki then squatted, patting the little farmer on his hip to come closer.

"…the plants will benefit more if you apply it like this." He instructed. "Here. Let me show you."

Fritz came over and squatted down next to Ibuki, watching the tutorial on how to use the fertilizer to its best ability. Veronica stood by with a grin plastered to her face, meanwhile I fumed. I'd waited enough time to get Ibuki's attention that day. Who did this newcomer think he was?

The demonstration stretched on for an hour, Nadi showing Ibuki how to weed for best presentation and how to trim the foliage down. Veronica had left beforehand, reminding Nadi of his room number at Maurice's Inn. He responded, but didn't seem the least bit interested.

Ibuki was a magnet for making friends, that he had made clear from the very get go. There was something about that cute little man that drew in what felt like crowds of admirers and friendly faces. I didn't like it at all.

He didn't need any more 'friends". He needed to spend time with me. Something needed to be done.

Xxxxx

Klaus

"Klaus! I'm sorry to drop in like this. May I come in?"

An abrupt knock came from the front door in the midst of my work. My supply was running low and flowers weren't the easiest to come by in town. If a supplier didn't arrive, I would need to take a trip. There was only so much time in the day.

I could hardly afford to let Ibuki out of my sight. How would I ensure he stay out of trouble if I were gone for hours at a time? Troublesome, to say the least. I fumed over it briefly before permitting Veronica entry to my home.

"Come in, Veronica." I called out. "By all means, enter."

Veronica entered with a guest. As I turned to greet her, I saw him. A blonde man who could near reach my eyes walked in alongside her, his purple attire awfully gaudy and tacky.

His honey-blonde hair lay tucked partially under the eyesore he called a cap. Large and well-built he was, that I could respect. But, such attire… absurd. Certainly not a proper gentleman's appearance.

"Klaus, good afternoon. I hope your day has been well." Veronica greeted, gesturing to her guest. "I have someone here for you to meet. Of course, introductions are important for everyone in town but I felt this one would benefit you."

I couldn't imagine in the least how this man could benefit me.

"This is Kamil, and he's going to be our new florist for now. Of course, he sells flowers and if anyone could benefit from that, surely it's you."

Kamil held his hand out to shake mine and I politely returned the gesture. It'd been ages since I last had a supplier within the town's perimeter. Perfumery, an underappreciated trade with resources growing scarcer every day it felt like.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise. I'm told you work with perfume?"

"Indeed."

Another knock at the door and Ibuki was walking in. He looked surprised at those who'd he stumbled upon in my home. Checking the time, I saw he'd showed up for our tea. There had to be a way to shoo the company without being outright rude…

"Hi, Veronica…" Ibuki greeted the woman, looking to Kamil unsurely. "…um... We haven't met before."

"Well, there's a first time for everything." Kamil retorted back, amused. "Funny how that works."

Kamil extended his large hand to Ibuki. Confidently, and with a focused stare. Ibuki reached small fingers to his, getting his hand swallowed. Kamil held firmly, but maintained eye contact without uttering a peep. He awaited Ibuki to introduce himself.

"… I'm Ibuki. Who are you?"

"Kamil." The man answered, suave and with emphasis. "To think we hadn't stopped to see him first, Veronica. Let me guess, were you planning to save this friendly face for last? I'm not sure whether I should be disappointed or flattered."

Veronica chortled.

"Ibuki's a farmer, I felt Klaus here was more priority. But, Ibuki is good company. I'm sure you two will get along well."

"I'm sure we will. By chance do you have an interest in flowers, Ibuki?"

Nodding, Ibuki pleased this newcomer.

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing you around. You're the farmer who lives up near the mountains, right?"

"Yeah, that's me."
"I'll remember that."

When Veronica and her guest left, I couldn't resist the urge to lock the door behind them as Ibuki took his seat on the sofa. It took me a moment to compose myself and erase the florist's undeniable flirtation from my immediate memory.

I'd fended off enough vermin. I needed no more encroaching, nor would I permit it to go any further. Ibuki… Oh, he soon learn where the boundaries lie.

xxxxxx