Love and Deepspace x Reader

Chapter 41: Philo

Jeremiah's P.O.V

The locals have already forgotten when Philo, a flower shop, first appeared on a street corner. Tiny, blue, star-like flowers cascade from the third-floor balcony and envelop nearby buildings.

The owner seems to have mysterious friends. On nights with little moonlight, one can often see starlight surrounding the backyard like fireflies. At midnight, Jeremiah locks the front gate. He carries a withered laurel. He enters the backyard, and with some effort, squeezes past the glass door of a greenhouse. Out of nowhere, a beam of light bursts through the door behind him, landing next to a cluster of wavyleaf sea lavenders.

Jeremiah:
           You-Xavier! You nearly scared me to death... Didn't you promise to use the door like a normal person?!

As soon as the words leave his lips, a girl peeks out from behind Xavier. She has an apologetic look on her face.

Jeremiah:
          What in the...

He sees the other person's face, and he freezes like a wind-up doll whose batteries just died.

Y/N:
           I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.

The florist, Jeremiah, looks to be around Xavier's age. When he saw you, he only showed two emotions: surprise and bewilderment.

Y/N's P.O.V.

Y/N:
          Xavier, your friend is freaking out...

Holding a small spray bottle, Xavier waters the dying laurel.

Xavier:
          He's not young anymore, so he's a bit slow on the uptake now.

You look at Xavier in the most confused way.

Jeremiah:
          Ah! Long time no... I mean, welcome to Philo.

Jeremiah was all over the place. He offers his hands to you then quickly put it away. He's hesitating whether to shake your hands or not. You just give him an awkward smile.

Jeremiah:
          Right, Xavier mentioned you before. You're colleagues, I'm pretty sure. It's a pleasure to meet you.

The awkward greeting ends under Xavier's watchful gaze. Jeremiah looks at the glass wall. It flickers briefly, then returns to normal.

Jeremiah:
           Now that we're out of sight, you can talk.

He stand before you two, crossed his arms.

Jeremiah:
           Did something happen in the no-hunt zone?

Xavier shakes his head. With how he casually brings up the no-hunt zone, his expression unfazed.

Y/N:
            (He's not just a florist.)

Xavier:
           Are there any unused identities left in the vault? She needs to get into the N109 Zone but lacks a disguise.

Shock, you look at Xavier.

Y/N:
           Wait, you're actually going to help me?

Xavier:
           Didn't you say you still need to think of an escape plan?

He looks at you and smile then return talking to Jeremiah.

Xavier:
          Laws don't exist in the N109 Zone, but knowing the right people can come in handy. If your reputation is good enough, even the ones who want to mess with you will think twice.