Denial of Fate

Chapter Two - Dreams

I woke up after a brief nap, and sighed, looking at the clock. It was too early to go for breakfast, and too late to go back to sleep. My dreams were erratic and bothered my sleep schedule, waking me up much to early and making me try to go back to sleep.

I sighed, climbing out of bed, and grabbing an old shirt from the laundry pile beside my bed, before grabbing some jogging pants as well.

Doubling checking my hair in the mirror, I quickly ran a comb through my long hair, and then grabbed the rest of my stuff and headed out.

I decided to take the longer route, going through a small streetmarket that was happening, to grab Cassady a gift.

"You don't belong here," A smaller, older woman said. A tattered kimono clung to her body, and small fangs protruded from her mouth. She grinned, holding a stone in her hand. "Swallow this to return home."

"Yeahhh, okay lady..." I gave her an awkward smile, accepting the rock and continuing on my journey. As I looked behind to make sure she wasn't following behind me, I found she was nowhere to be seen.

The smell of flowers and baked goods filled the air soon, and I found myself surrounded by beauty.

I found some perfect flowers, and put together a bouquet for Cassady, with gardinas, aster, red roses, red, white and pink camillas and carnations, morning glory, some red chrysanthemums, and yarrow, then wrapped it in fern. I looked at the mess of flowers, frowing. Hopefully, she wouldn't look too much into it. Just a friendly gesture between... friends.

I picked out some sweets as well, remembering her favourites, and finally made my way to the restaurant. The bouquet was awkward because of the surplus of plants I used, but deep down, I hope it conveyed my feelings well enough.

Heading in, and sitting at my favourite booth, I gave a brief wave before taking a deep breath, placing the flowers and baked goods across from me.

"Oh? Hot date?" Cassady teased, sitting across from me. "Do I know him?"

"No." I looked down. "Its for you. All of it."

"Oh..." She said, looking over the flowers and sweets. "Oh!"

"What?" I asked, looking up at her, a light blush sprinkling her cheeks.

"Well I - I didn't realize..." She fumbled over her words, as I took a deep breath, patiently waiting for a rejection, or a statement that told me she didn't quite understand. "You know, just the roses would have worked." She finally said, giving me a smile.

"I had a hard time choosing." I admitted to her. "All of them were so beautiful and... I still don't think they compare to you."

"I'm glad you told me, however non-conventional it was." She placed a hand on mine, and I felt like someone let hundreds of butterflies free in my chest.

"I'm sorry, I know you don't..."

"Yes, I do." She rolled her eyes. "I care about you Amara. I'm literally in love with you. You really thought I just saw you as a friend? We literally kissed on new years."

"I thought that was just because of the tradition." I admitted, realizing how stupid I must look.

"To be honest, I thought we were already dating and you were just shy about it, or something..." Cassady scratched her neck with her free hand. "Now I'm embarrassed I never brought it up."

"Well, do you want to be dating me..?" I asked, giving her a half smile.

"Of course, you idiot!" She teased, and leaned over the table, pressing a light kiss on my lips. "I can't believe you sometimes."

"I mean, it wasn't that obvious, was it?"

"Am, my restaurant is called A and C's. Did you think I really liked air conditioning or something?"

"... Yeah..." I sighed, my head in my hands.

"Oh you poor thing."