When a Lynx Meets a Leopard [Ash Lynx x fem reader]

Chapter 99: Purple Bouquet

Song: Apocalypse
By: Cigarettes After Sex

(Y/n)'s POV

The drive to the airport wasn't that long, but it felt like hours. My brother, Blanca (or Sergei), hadn't spoken a word the entire time and it was slightly offputting. My forehead rested against the glass of the window as the radio played quietly in the background.  Truth be told, I didn't want to leave America. I didn't want to leave New York, and I didn't want to leave Ash, but everything was moving so fast the I hadn't gotten much choice. However, there was one place I wanted to visit before I left for who-knows how long.

"Can we make a stop please?" I asked Sergei, lifting my head from the window and looking into the rear view mirror to meet his eyes. "Sure. Where do you wanna go?"
"Well, first off... a florist." He nodded, changing route to go to the nearest florist. 

We stopped, and Blanca helped me out of the car and into a wheelchair. The air smelt strongly of various different flowers, all mixed together in a scent that could give you a headache. As we went inside, a sweet old man greeted us from behind the counter. He finished fanning out the bouquet in his hands before wandering over to us, leaning on a walking stick with a wooden handle carved into a rabbit head. "Can I help you with anything? Looking for something in particular?" He asked in a soft voice, a smile gracing his aged feautures as he looked around at the flowers surrounding him. "No, not really... Do you have any purple bouquets?" I answered, glancing at the old man as his brow furrowed before his face lit up again. "Yes, I do! Come, this way. Take a look." 

The old man hobbled away towards a backroom. Me and Sergei waited by the counter for him to return, and when he did, he was pushing a small cart with various purple and pink flowers on. Some were loose, others tied together with ribbons or wrapped in protective plastic. I smiled softly, my fingers brushing carefully over the brightly coloured petals. "These are all very beautiful... do you think you could make a bouquet out of a mixture of these? Perhaps throw in some yellows?" Once again, the man nodded with a huge grin on his face. "Certainly! How much money do you want it to be worth?" 
"It doesn't matter, just make it however you want, with as many flowers as you wish." I answered, making him smile even more. "Wonderful! It'll take a little while to get ready, why don't you come back here in an hour? It will be ready by then." I nodded and thanked the kind man, waving a little as Sergei pushed me out of the florist shop and to a nearby cafe.

Once we were at a table, a waiter came over and took out orders before walking off again. "So, why the florist?" Sergei asked, resting his head in the plam of his hand. I ignored the question, picking at my nails a little under the table. "Nevermind, let me guess instead. Next we're going to where cemetary?" Still, I ignored him and looked away. He sighed, a small, sad smile on his lips. After that, he didn't say another word. In silence, we finished our drinks and then went back to the florist. The old man had just finished the bouquet, and it was beautiful. A mixture of big and small blooms in every shade of purple imaginable, with vibrant yellows mixed in, as well as a few green ferns and some dainty white baby's breath. (Yes, that is a real flower.) 

The old man grinned at the expression on my face. He didn't even need to ask if I liked it, he already knew the answer to that. I gently took the bundle of flowers into my lap, fingers brushing against the silver bow that held them all together. I was so busy gazing at the flowers, that I forgot I had to pay. My brother chuckled, stepping forwards and paying for the bouquet as I snapped out of the little trance. "Thank you, sir. These are nothing short of perfect." I smiled at him, and he did the same back, placing a hand gently atop my shoulder. "It was my pleasure, really. Be sure to come back soon." His kind eyes glittered from their sunken sockets as he waved us out his shop. I hummed in response, waving back. "I'm afraid I won't be returning anytime soon." I muttered under my breath once we were outside. Sergei heard me and placed a hand on my shoulder, making me jump. "You don't want to come with me, do you? You'd rather stay here in New York." He stated nonchalantly, not a hint of saddness in his voice.

"Look, anyone who saw you and Ash together would know it's just cruel to separete the pair of you. So, I never actually bought you a plane ticket. You're staying here in Manhatten with Ash, although, he doesn't know that yet..." Sergei laughed, pushing the wheelcahir forwards a little faster. "And I know those flowers are for Shorter's grave, which is this way." I hung my head, tears starting to brim on the waterlin of my eyes. I wasn't leaving after all. Now, I just needed to find Ash, after I had visited Shorter.

~~~
Im sorry it took so long to update... homework and school has been taking up so much of my time that by the time I was finished, I didn't have the energy to write BUT! Here we are! 

Although I hate to say it, this book will be finishing soon. 

However, a sequal may be on the cards... if you wonderful people want it?

Anyways,
Have an amazing day/night,
Look after yourselves,
~Author-Chan♥️