Candy- Chapter 14
Flora X Riven Modern day AU
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A/N: Been having some writer's block PLUS mental health issues. Sorry for the late update, enjoy!
"Hi."
Flora picked up her phone. It was Monday night, she just had a long day of school, and she was choosing her clothes for tomorrow. She would have to meet Krystal at the mall after school, and she didn't want to look as thought she was a candy-addicted nature freak who barely could speak up for herself. A deep part of the girl knew she was just that, but she was also so much more. Some people just didn't take the time.
"I love your songs!", the brunette decided on replying, after staring at the screen for awhile. She then put down her phone, walking over to her dressing closet. Since their meeting was about nature, she would have opted for her flower-patterned chemisier, but it was dirty from last time she ventured out at midnight, and Flora just never got a hang of the washing machine.
The brunette chuckled at the thought. Since her mother was often away, she became very independent. She had to take care of not only herself, but also her sister, Miele. The girl learned to cook, learned to clean, learned everything she needed to manage a house, but she just never understood how washing machines worked, even after watching many YouTube tutorials. Most of the time, Flora would just ask her sister or go to her neighbors and beg them for help. She opted for the second option, seeing how it was only five thirty and Miele wasn't home yet.
The girl put on her beige jumper and a scarf, as the weather started getting chilly, and went out. She quietly walked over to Mrs. Morris's house, and knocked on the door. Flora hoped the woman was still here, for she heard she was about to move away.
There was a long silence, in which Flora looked at her surroundings. Something had changed, but she just couldn't determine what. Maybe the lady had a sudden preference for more austere designs? Maybe she just forgot to mow the lawn for awhile.
Then the door opened, revealing someone Flora never thought she would see there.
"Riven?", she exclaimed, her eyes wide.
What was he doing there?
The boy looked quite as shocked, if not more, but quickly hid it under a nonchalant demeanor.
"I live here.", he let out, looking down.
But…?
"Since when?", Flora asked.
"Yesterday."
So that was why he wasn't at school, the girl thought. He must have been settling in.
"So why are you here?"
Flora looked down, taken by her shyness again. What should she say? That she needed help with laundry? The girl never felt more ridiculous. Especially since their last fight in the coffee shop.
But Riven's gaze kept getting stronger, and after awhile, Flora knew nothing else to say but the truth.
"I needed-", she started, before being cut.
"Come in."
The girl froze.
"What?"
"Come in."
A thousand thoughts ran into Flora's mind but she shooed them away. This was just like in chemistry. There was no reason for her to be shy.
The brunette carefully walked into the house.
"Do you want some tea?" "Huh? I guess."
Riven nodded, before telling her to wait for him in the living room. After awhile, he came back with a cup of chamomile tea.
"So, why did you move over?", the girl decided on saying, sipping on the mixture.
Tea always helped her relax, and she felt more at ease now.
"Had some problems with my dad."
Riven shrugged. That was only half of the truth.
"Deal?"
"Deal."
A few days ago, face to the boy wasn't Flora, but Krystal.
"I'll help you.", she had said, after awhile.
"You're sure? Helia's not easy to deal with."
The girl chuckled.
"He will listen to me. But I need you to do something in return."
Riven looked up, waiting for her to continue.
"I'll make sure Musa's safe, and find you a house, if you date Flora."
Riven's eyes grew wide.
"What?", he let out, surprised.
"He's trying to manipulate her. Play with her feelings. I don't want her to get hurt. You know how Helia can be."
They both knew. All too well.
"But… why me? And why do you care anyways?"
Krystal looked away.
"You're the only guy she seems to like, except him. For what I saw, it's hard for her to open up. As for why I care, it's none of your business."
Riven thought about it. He cared about Musa, and, even if he didn't want to admit it, he did have a soft spot for Flora. If he agreed, he could save them both. Make sure they stay safe. So…
"Okay.", he replied.
"Deal?"
"Deal."
"Here are the keys."
"Oh. I'm sorry.", Flora replied, looking over.
"No, it's fine, I'd rather fight with him than see him twice a month, like when he was still doing drugs."
A small silence.
"That, I can relate to. My mom's never here either."
The girl looked down.
"I'm sorry.", Riven let out, looking away.
"I'm sorry for what happened at the cafe. I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm sorry, for…"
Suddenly, he stopped. He was used to saying sorry, but not actually feeling bad for what he did. Only, this was different. That look on the brunette's face, that look of fear, of disappointment, he never wanted to see it again.
"It's fine.", Flora smiled, "Though, it's getting late. I… have to go."
The girl got up, as Riven led her to the door.
"Thanks for the tea!"
And as fast as she came, she was gone.
On her way home, Flora felt many things. She felt happy for making up with Riven, surprised that he had moved over, and angry for she would have to find something else to wear than her chemisier. Still, a perpetual smile was like tattooed on her face.
As the girl got home, two notifications appeared, one from Helia, and one from Inbloom1510. She clicked on the latter, out of pure curiosity.
"Thanks. Do you like Nirvana too?", the message read.
"Yeah, a lot! What's your favorite song?"
"Guess~"
Flora rolled her eyes playfully.
"In bloom?"
"Yup."
"Same, along with "Something In the Way." Where did you get your inspiration from?"
"Life, I guess."
"Shitty parents?", Flora typed, chuckling.
"Shitty parents."
"You don't know how much I relate."
And they kept talking. Hours on hours. About themselves, about their lives, their passions. Flora noted that the boy strangely became defensive whenever the topic of school was brought up. Well, maybe he didn't get good grades.
She was so deep into this world of rock bands and daddy issues that she forgot all about Helia's messages.
Notifications: 10+.
