There’s a whoosh from beside him, and Grian tenses as a figure appears next to him. He stills, seeing the man from the corner of his eye. He recognizes the brown hair and green eyes, and his stomach drops. Though his outfit is different from last time, brown jacket replaced by a maroon tail coat as a green corset covers part of his shirt.
He wears that picture perfect smile again, and it sends shivers down Grian’s spine.
For some reason, his mind whispers for him to keep walking. So he does, keeping his stride normal. He wonders how long it’d take him to get to Mumbo from here.
“A fine day, isn’t it?”
Grian’s eyes narrow, “What do you want, Scar?” He questions, not in the mood for entertaining the man’s games. The circus is still a very fresh memory.
Scar pouts, “Aw, c’mon Grian, don’t be like that! Can’t a man pay a visit to an acquaintance? See how he’s doing?”
A harsh laugh escapes him like air leaving a balloon, “The last time you ran into me you kidnapped me and nearly killed me for your circus act! Forgive me for being hesitant to trust you.”
“Gosh, you humans and your grudges.” Scar grumbles in return, shoulders sagging slightly.
“I think I’ve earned a right to hold a grudge against you.” Grian huffs at him, and it’s only then that he becomes aware of just how his heart is beating nervously against his chest. “And you owe me the truth. It’s the least you could do after trying to kill me.” He says, glancing over at him. “It may be the middle of the day, but I can get Mumbo here if you’re going to threaten me again.”
Scar seems to pause at that, a million different emotions flickering across his face. Grian can hardly read any of them. Finally, finally, does that picture perfect smile of Scar’s drop just slightly. His lips twitch.
To Grian’s surprise, the man stops walking entirely, green eyes flickering around them. Grian freezes in place, watching him carefully. He narrows his eyes at the other.
“Right, one moment.” Scar hums casually, forcefully keeping a bright expression on his face. He looks around until he finds whatever it is he seems to be looking for, forest green eyes going bright. Grian follows his gaze and finds a flower bed.
His face scrunches up in confusion.
Scar walks over to the flower bed, reaching into it. His face goes soft, “Well hello darlings.” He murmurs to the flowers before his hand gingerly plucks two of them from the dirt. The flowers are pulled up, roots and all. A bit of dirt spills out of the bed. Scar grimaces before holding the two flowers in front of his face and using his nail to cut the roots away.
Looking pleased with the result, he turns back to Grian. Grian, for his part, watches Scar approach him feeling nervous. What did he want with those flowers? Is it another plot to kidnap him? Another murder attempt?
“Now just hold still.” Scar singsongs to him, reaching out with the flowers. Grian goes stiff, shoulders hunching up to his ears as Scar’s hand moves toward his face.
His eyes screw shut as he waits with baited breath for something to happen.
A beat passes.
His feels gentle fingers in his hair, carefully brushing the strands behind his ear. The gentleness surprises him, and as he feels a weight against his ear, his eyes open.
He finds Scar rather close to him, a serene smile on his face. It’s nothing like his previous smile, the one that was just a smidge too perfect. This one is gentle, soft. And this close, Grian can see the regret woven into his lips, the gentle upturn of his mouth that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
And his eyes, Grian can hardly believe it. In those emerald green depths he sees guilt. It causes Grian pause.
“Lilacs and poppies.” Scar says, speaking rather quietly. “Lilacs can represent a few things, like innocence, purity. Or they can represent spring, renewal.” He smiles, slowly pulling his hand away. “As for poppies, they’re the traditional flower for death. Though they may also mean remembrance and hope.”
Grian finds himself too stunned to speak, no longer afraid or nervous, oddly enough.
“The reason I’m here, songbird, is because I’d like to offer you an apology. I had no personal interest in killing you, though my employer thinks differently.” Scar hums.
“You?” The words are leaving Grian before he can think about them. “Where does your personal interest lie?”
Scar looks surprised, green eyes widening for a minute before softening, “Well, that’s a fine question that is!” He exclaims, some of that grandeur returning to his demeanor. Grian finds that Scar acts larger than life. “I suppose my own personal interest lies in getting to know you. You’ve caught my eye, little bird.” Scar winks, “Though that’s only if you’ll allow me.”
Scar is putting the choice in his hands, Grian realizes. He’s leaving the next move up to Grian, and is opening himself up to the chance of rejection.
The thought softens any kind of bad feeling in his chest.
He speaks his next words carefully, “I’m not going to forget what you did.” He watches Scar’s face, but doesn’t see any changes in his expression. Though he notices a hopeful glint in his eyes. “But I’m a believer of second chances, and Mumbo seems to know you so… alright. You’ll have to earn my trust though.”
Scar beams at him like he’s just hung the sun for him, and it catches Grian completely off guard. “That, I can certainly do.”