space | fairy tail

36 | vivi

The next day, the others split up to explore the town. The group had decided to leave Galatea alone for the day, as it her was her day of mourning. While she had appreciated it, part of her wished one of them stayed with her.

Pushing those thoughts away, her eyes flickered between the two florist shops, trying to decide which one would be more likely to carry what she needed. Deciding to the check out the closer one, out of convenience, she entered the small shop. The florist took notice of her almost immediately, smiling at her.

"Hi, how can I help you?" The elderly florist asked.

"Do you have any blue dahlias?" Galatea asked, taking in the scents of the shop, being instantly reminded of Evergreen's apartment.

"Yes." The florist said, looking at her in surprise. "That's a very specific request."

Galatea gave the florist a small smile.

"They're for a good friend." She said.

The florist paused for a moment, before giving the dragonslayer another kind smile.

"Bouquet or potted?"

"Bouquet."

As the florist moved to their workspace, Galatea wandered around the shop, admiring the various floral displays. She leaned forward and sniffed some marigolds, being reminded of Asuka. She smiled slightly, remembering the little girl who she was fond of.

"Miss?"

Galatea turned around at the florist's voice. A nicely wrapped bouquet of blue dahlias sat on the counter.

"Your order is ready." The florist said, "Could I help you with anything else?"

Galatea looked back at the marigolds, before turning to the florist.

"Are you open tomorrow as well?" Galatea asked.

"Yes. Would you like to put in a pre-order?" The florist said.

Galatea nodded

"Could I get a potted marigold and a bouquet of assorted chrysanthemums?" She asked, "If you have any in stock since it is a little early for the season."

"Not all. Stop by the shop tomorrow and i'll have those ready." The florist said.

Galatea thanked the florist, paying for the bouquet of dahlias before exiting the shop. Holding the bouquet to her chest, she wandered to the edge of town, lost in her thoughts.

"So you're the new member? It's so nice to finally meet you, I'm Vivi!"

Galatea blinked up at the beaming mage in front of her. Quickly remembering the proper response, she stuck her hand out to the other girl.

"I'm Galatea. Nice to meet you, Vivi."

Vivi took Galatea's outstretched hand, shaking it with energy.

"Do you go by a short name at all?"

"No?" Galatea asked in confusion, "I've only been around my dragon mostly, and she didn't often call me by name."

Vivi beamed.

"Well then, can I call you Tea?"

Galatea looked at Vivi for a moment, before giving her a small smile.

"I'd like that."

Galatea smiled fondly at the thought of her old friend. She stopped as she reached her destination, resting her hand on the iron gate. Taking a breath, she pushed the gate open and walked through the silent graveyard. Following the rough path, she wandered up to the gravekeeper's building. She reached the door, pushing the heavy door open.