Intertwining Fates

Ross raised his head at the chimes and smiled upon seeing Leone who placed the bag of treats atop the counter and took a seat on the high stool.

"I really wonder why you're still open at night when there seem to be no customers anymore."

"We are exactly open for people like you."

"People like me? Do enlighten me on what kind of person I am."

"I would not tell. But it's not so bad to have a little bit of relaxation over a cup of tea after a tiring day, isn't it?"

"That depends on who I spend with this time of relaxation you're speaking of."

"Don't be too uptight when you already came over with a bag of treats. I can see you also invited yourself in already. Then, I'll prepare tea."

"I shall accept the offer as long as you don't put anything in it."

"You think I would?"

"You look like you will."

"Interesting."

Ross chuckled and took the bag. He placed the cake on a plate and then brew some tea.

"I assume you're here to return the umbrella?"

"I am, as well as to extend my apologies as I have to replace your umbrella. Is it perhaps something sentimental for you?"

"Not at all. If it's something of great value then I wouldn't lend it to you in the first place. And speaking of, this umbrella is more important since it's from you."

"What are you talking about? It's a cheap umbrella from the sidewalk vendors."

Ross placed a cup of tea in front of Leone then sliced a portion of cake, placing it on a saucer and offering it to the lady.

The aroma of the tea was relaxing. Leone lifted it up to her lips, blowing slightly before taking a sip.

She managed to calm herself down but she could admit her mood is rather sour. She and Gael parted ways that afternoon. They did not part on bad terms but she could still feel a little bit of disappointment about herself.

"Is there something bothering you?"

Leone raised her face, smiling as she shook her head before placing down the teacup.

"Is it alright?"

"What is?"

"For me to know about this? The Ross the public knows and the person I'm talking with now seem like two different people."

"They are indeed different. What I am that the public knows is the ideal person they want me to be. In fact, I'm just an average person with an ordinary dream."

"Is that the reason why you work here at night?"

"Yes, and it also became my refuge from the stress of the society I was somehow thrust into."

"It still doesn't mean you could completely escape from the public's eyes. One or another, there would be people who would recognize you."

"Only a select few know that I work here."

Ross watched as Leone surveyed each pot of flowers.

"How do you run your business if your situation is like this?"

"I have several other shops that operate normally. This shop literally is just to indulge my hobby and to unwind."

"I see. You seem to be really enjoying yourself, aren't you?"

"I am. Now, how about you tell me about yourself?"

"There's nothing interesting about me but if we're just talking about hobbies then I also have one I could immerse myself into. I also have a refuge I could call my own but instead of flowers I am surrounded by books."

"You like to read?"

"I do."

"No wonder I feel like we'd get along. I have a friend who's into books and an important person that's very much like a sister to me who shares the same interest."

"I am somehow skeptical about meeting them knowing your affiliation. I don't really want to be involved in that world."

"Well, if you're okay with knowing just me and having you all to me, then that would be much better."

"If you're expecting me to swoon over you after hearing that then you're greatly mistaken."

"That's the reason why I don't hesitate to say so since I knew you won't fall for it. It had been so long since I could comfortably talk like this. It made me wonder why you only appear now. If we had just met you earlier..."

Ross's voice was getting smaller until he stopped midway, lost in his memory as he saw a familiar scenery of Leone embracing the pot of red roses, only that the girl he is seeing is someone else.

He shook his head and cleared his thoughts as Leone approached.

"I'd like to have another bouquet, please. I'm sorry I took the liberty of picking them, they won't be damaged, right?"

"No. You're handling them with proper care."

Ross accepted the pot and placed it atop the counter.

"Would you like to trim them yourself?"

"I can?"

"Of course. Come, I'll teach you."

Hours passed as the two comfortably chatted. Leone then raised her head upon hearing the eight o'clock bell of the Campanile.

"It has gotten this late already? I'm afraid I have to go back now."

"Time really flies fast. Sure, I understand. I'll wrap the flowers for you."

Ross wrapped the roses while Leone put on her coat.

"Thanks for the flowers, sir Ross." Leone accepted the bouquet with a smile.

"You're always welcome. I hope to see you soon."

"Only if I get free flowers again."

Ross laughed. "I'll be going under because of you."

"I thought you were prepared for that the moment you offered it free the first time we met."

"Sighs. So much for creating an impression; it came back to bite me. Very well then, you'll have a free bouquet the next time we meet."

"Don't be so stingy. Anyway, it's a promise then. May I also ask if your shop has a kitchen?"

"Yes, it has. Why?"

"I suddenly want to eat homemade food so I plan to cook the next time we meet."

Ross was a bit surprised at Leone's words that he only noticed the latter opening the door after the bell chimed.

"Not that I'm declining but are you sure about that?"

"Yes, but I could not guarantee the taste. You better look forward to it and be prepared for the worse."

"I already can't wait."

Leone smiled and waved. "Bye."

Ross also raised his hand as a gesture of goodbye but froze upon seeing a familiar cloaked figure approaching the doorstep.

Leone also noticed the latter and made way as the person entered the shop. She glanced back to Ross and smiled again. She gave a small bow before closing the door behind her.

The shop was silent. Only the occasional clinking from the teacup and saucer is heard as Ross cleaned them up.

"Won't you even pour me a cup of tea?"

A deep voice broke the silence. He reached out for the hood of his cloak, dragging it backward.

Dark violet hair occasionally mixed with some strands of black is emphasized against his pale complexion. A pair of slanted and cold dark violet eyes roam the shop, his tall nose is as proud as his posture and built.

A frown creased his forehead, noticing that the pot of roses has decreased but made no comment on it. He pursed his thin lips to avoid blurting words that may create hostility between them. He crossed the floor and sat at the stool where Leone used to sit.

Ross sighed and placed another clean teacup and poured tea in it.

"I thought I advised you not to show yourself here, for the time being, Vince."