Redemption's Overrated

16. So Do You Have A Florist, And Can I Have Their Number?

long chapter title, short chapter, what else is new-
tw: slight blood mention, very mild body horror

_____________________

"Have I ever heard of an execution- who the hell did he think he was talking to?" I gripe, glaring at the floor of the bakery's kitchen like it had just signed my death sentence.

"Well, Niki always says he's not very smart. He probably just forgot." Blight is currently floating lazily on her back, being absolutely zero help in terms of emotional support. I mean, I probably shouldn't have expected much, given she's a ghost, but still! It's a tad disappointing!

After deciding that I could trust her with this info- a very well thought out decision, don't give me crap about it- I had come to the bakery, and given Niki actually let me in to see the ghost before leaving, it seems Blight hasn't told her anything we've talked about.

"Schlatt's plenty smart. He won the election, didn't he?"

"Yeah, by stealing someone else's votes."

"It was a BUSINESS MANEUVER, Blight!"

"That's not what the other bakery customers said, though..."

"And we've established that they're all dirty liars who hate me, Big Q, and Schlatt for no reason. I'm trying to have an important morality moment, here."

She rolls over midair, now on her stomach, her chin resting in her hands as she absentmindedly kicks her legs behind her. "So are you gonna stop the execution?"

I snort at the question. " 'Course not. He's committed treason, Blight."

"But you hated getting executed!"

"Yeah, cuz I was unfairly ganged up on. Tubbo's going to get exactly what's coming to him. Besides, he has two lives left, he'll be fine."

A worried look crosses Blight's face before returning to it's usual vacant look of pleasure. "... do you think I'll be able to go to the festival?"

I sigh, worried this question would come up, despite the relief at changing topics. "Blight, I hate to break it to you, but you don't exactly blend in. Everyone would recognize you instantly, or at least freak out because there's a f*cking floating girl in front of them with flowers growing out of her gut." I glance at the mentioned florals, the petals still stained with dried blood despite the long time frame she has seemingly been around. "What's the deal with those anyway?"

The ghost girl, being the amazing help and provider of answers she is, shrugs. "Dunno. Spawned with 'em."

"Well, yeah, I figured that much. But why? Are they, like, attached to you? Could I pluck a bouquet or would it hurt you?"

"Touch my flowers and you will join me in the Living Garden Club." She smiles, indicating a joke, but her tone was slightly dark, making me wonder if she would actually follow up on her threat. Why is she scary-

"You're literally a ghost, I'm not sure you could even punch me."

"I'd find a way."

"Suuuuure you would."

"Underestimate me at your own peril, you're the one that will become a corpse."

I think I've been rubbing off on her, as her gallows humor has become much more prominent. Hopefully Niki hasn't noticed, or at least has chocked it up to being a ghost thing. I can't have her knowing my span of influence over Blight, after all. That would just ruin everything I've been building up.

Speak of the devil, as soon as I have that thought, the door to the kitchen swings open, and in walks Niki. "Hey Blight!" She cheerfully greets, a big smile on her face. She nods in my direction as well, her expression becoming more strained. "Y/N, good to see you."

"It really is, isn't it?" I joke. I stretch my arms behind my head, deciding now would be the perfect time to leave, because awkward small talk will literally kill me. "Schlatt needs be back at the office now. Same time tomorrow, Blight?" I make a point to address the ghost instead of Niki, much to the blonde's chagrin.

"Yep!" Blight hops up from her horizontal position, giving me a hug. "Have a good day!"

I fight the horrid shiver that runs up my back. "You too." Eventually she lets go, waving even as I walk out of the kitchen and the bakery, taking to the open streets.

Good to know all my talk was working. Blight and Niki were both none the wiser, and I intend to keep it that way until it's too late for anyone to do anything about it.

I'll have the ghost girl completely and utterly under my thumb in no time.

___________________

i wrote this during a long car ride, so sorry for any typos!

I hope you enjoyed, have a lovely day!