``. . . Bloom Where I Roam . . .``
𓆩✦𓆪 Wanderer x Flowerist! Reader
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔
Monday — 2 Weeks Before The Festival
.. The soft ringing of bells caught your attention as a familiar customer walks in once again this past week. Everyday, as if following a ritual, he walks over to the Gaze lilies that sat in perfect sequence. He never buys any, nor does he even spare you a word. Twice, his eyes find you—brief but deliberate—before he turns on his heel and walks out of the store, causing the bells above the door to chime. Yet today.. was a different story
He walks in like usual, heading over to the Gaze lily flowers. This time, he spares you a glance before pivoting slowly to walk in the direction of the counter in which you stood at.
You gave him a soft nod as a greeting before he awkwardly cleared his throat.
`` How much for those. `` He said in a flat, blunt tone while crossing his arms
`` For ..? `` You tilt your head to the side, confusion etched on your face . His blunt tone and that same cryptic air he’s had all week didn’t go unnoticed by you.
He clears his throat again while pushing his hat down in an attempt to hide his face to avoid having his flustered expression seen.
`` … Those. `` He points to the Gaze lilies he was just idly watching moments before. His embarrassment over buying flowers was unmistakable.
`` Ah .. `` A small smile of realization forms as you step out from behind the counter, making your way to the wooden shelf lined with said lilies.
`` Bouquet or singular? ``
`` .. Err … Bouquet `` He says uncertainly.
You begin arranging the flowers into a beautiful bouquet, adding a few sprigs of lavender and lilies for balance. Across from you, Wanderer stands with his arms crossed, impatience flickering in his eyes, though he makes no move to rush you.
`` There you go, a Gaze lily Bouquet! `` You say with the same practiced smile you offer every customer as you hand him the bouquet. Your fingers brush his ever so slightly before he hastily takes the flowers from your grasp, a faint panic in his movements betraying him. Your hand lingers midair for a moment, then slowly falls to your side.
`` Ahem.. follow me to the counter, please. `` You shuffle behind the counter, speaking in an awkward tone. After pressing the buttons in the correct order, you hear a cheerful ding! as the register pops open.
`` That’ll be 50,000 mora. ``
Sheesh, inflation, huh? Reluctantly, the Wanderer handed over a pouch full of mora. Normally, you would open it to make sure the amount was correct, but for some reason, you couldn’t help but trust him. Sure, he was weird and blunt during the few times you’d interacted, but beneath that, you were certain there was a softer side hiding somewhere. That aside, you quickly took the mora and dropped it into the register without hesitation. The Wanderer raised an eyebrow at your action but chose to say nothing.
``Thank you for your purchase!`` Not bothering to reply, he takes the flowers and walks out of the store. You stand there, speechless. “What an interesting individual…”
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔
Tuesday — The Following Day
It was sunset when you started closing up the store. The orange light filtering through the windows as you swept the floor dust away. Of course, the peaceful silence was interrupted by the sound of soft bells ringing. A customer, none other than the Wanderer himself!
`` Gaze lilies again? `` You say in an amused tone. You had known his order by heart.
He shrugs, walking over to the Silk Flowers for a change, though he didn’t seem too interested in them.
`` Do you get these straight from Liyue? `` Although he asked this question, it was evident that he wasn’t really curious about that. In reality, he just wanted an excuse to talk to you.
`` Mhm! It’s quite hard to grow them over here as they require specific soil and whatnot. That’s why they’re priced at a higher value compared to the other flowers for sale. Would you like some? I think they’d be a perfect pair with the Gaze Lilies you bought yesterday. Perhaps a bouquet mix of both? `` You ramble off, obviously wanting a profit from him. He lets out an amused scoff before crossing his arms and shaking his head.
`` I should take my leave. You seem to be closing for the day. `` He said in an uncharacteristically soft tone. He quickly turned so his back faced you before walking towards the store’s front door and stepping outside. You watch him leave with a blank expression before looking down at the broom in between your hands. Why enter in the first place?
You eventually finish closing up the store and make your way home by navigating through the busy streets and markets of Sumeru city. While pushing past a few pedestrians, you bump into an old friend- the traveler!
`` Y/N, `` he said in a relieved tone.
`` I finally found you.. `` looked like he was searching desperately for you.
`` Look, I’d love to catch up but I’m in a slight hurry, `` he began
`` There’s a huge Sabzeruz Festival happening tonight, better be there. See ya! ``
With that, he left. You didn’t even get to say hi! After all, it’s been ages since you last two conversed, let alone seen each other. That aside, you were curious about the upcoming Sabzeruz Festival. You never participated yourself, but it wouldn’t hurt to go this time, right?
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔
Monday — 1 Week Before The Sabzeruz Festival
You were in your little flower shop as usual, nurturing your flowers with water to ensure their healthy growth and vibrant beauty. The peaceful silence was interrupted by the soft chime of bells fill the space as the door swings open. Thankfully, it wasn’t him, but another customer. They browsed the store, marveling at the unique and diverse arrangement of flowers perched upon rich wooden shelves.
`` Anything I can help you with, ma’am?`` You say with a polite smile.
`` Oh yes! I’m looking for a bouquet that would be suitable for asking my boyfriend to join me at the Sabzeruz Festival, which happens to be on the day of our anniversary. `` She says in a desperate, hopeful tone. You nod gently at her request. You have done this many times before to know exactly what she wanted. So with that you proceeded with arranging the perfect bouquet she asked for. You begin by weaving golden glaze lilies and cheerful windwheel asters with elegant cecilia, soft qingxin, and hints of violetgrass, finishing with glowing small lamp grass. The final product is made up to be exactly what she hoped for. As you rang her up at the counter, the soft bells chimed again. A familiar figure stepped in. You give him a quick polite smile before going back to finalizing the woman’s purchase out, quickly punching in her total and handing her change, before seeing her out the store. He watched as the woman left before glancing at you.
`` Did she take all the Glaze lilies.. `` He replied in a somewhat annoyed tone. It would be a huge inconvenience if she did.
`` Lucky for you, she didn’t! Would you like to buy some? `` You ask, hoping he’d agree. To be honest, you were declining in sale.
`` Whatever.. `` he mumbled before speaking up again.
`` .. Uhm.. are you going to the.. Sabzeruz Festival next weekend.. `` He mumbled, silently wishing you would say yes, otherwise he’d have to ask you to go with him and that’s definitely not his thing. Seriously? Him asking you out?
`` I’m not so sure yet, but I doubt I will. I.. don’t have anyone to.. go with. `` You say honestly, your voice dipping. It’s clear you were a little bummed out that no one asked you out to the festival. He wouldn’t let that remain true, but today, his courage falters, and he can’t bring himself to ask you out. He wasn’t even supposed to like you, much less grow fond you. He was meant to stay distant, admiring you from afar. Perhaps.. for you.. it would be alright.
He let out a scoff at your response, doing his best to maintain the bitter act. You barely reacted, not even catching the small hint of amusement in his scoff.
`` Are you? `` You throw the question back at him in an attempt to keep the conversation alive and going.
`` I don’t bother with festivals like that.`` He shook his head while crossing his arms. It was evident that he wasn’t too keen on the idea of festivals and holidays in general. Although, he would go if you did..
`` So are you buying anything ..? `` you asked in a probing tone, wanting to close the shop early for today out of pure exhaustion. Wanderer cleared his throat.
`` I should get going .. `` He mumbled before quickly heading out of the shop like last time.
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔
Sunday — Five Days Before The festival
Because it was Sunday, you had the day off. After being bored out of your mind, trapped in your house, you decided to go out for a stroll and a breath of fresh air. That is until you encounter quite a strange and surprising sight you never expected. It was the traveler talking to someone none other than Wanderer himself. Before you could slip away to avoid conversation with those two, the traveler had took notice of your presence and called you over
`` Hey, you! Sorry I didn’t get a chance to talk last time. I was in quite a hurry as you’ve seen. `` The traveler quickly apologized as Wanderer crossed his arms at the sight of you. Of course you knew each other— he thought. You shake your head the traveler’s apology.
`` Don’t bother apologizing! I totally get it. ``
You two go on to talk about the upcoming Sabzeruz Festival that he forcefully invited you to. As you two were busy conversing, Wanderer couldn’t help but glance towards you every few seconds. He hated to admit it but there was something about your presence that drew him towards you. He hated whatever this new enigmatic feeling was. It made his heart ache painfully, yet he willingly pursued this feeling.
`` — Wanderer! `` The traveler’s repeated attempts to bring him back to reality were unsuccessful until the last time, when Wanderer snapped his head toward the traveler in irritated confusion.
`` … What? `` He crossed his arms like usual and frowned.
`` You’re coming to the festival— right..?`` The traveler asked in quiet optimism.
`` No. `` Wanderer replied in a frank, deadpan tone. He hated festivals after all, and he hasn’t even asked you out yet! The traveler sighed and attempted to convince him but to no avail, the Wanderer kept refusing. Quite the stubborn one— you thought. You couldn’t help but crack a smile at the sight of the traveler almost begging Wanderer to attend. Reluctantly, after the stares of several passersby, and the annoying pleas of desperation coming from the traveler, the Wanderer agreed to take part with a sigh.
`` So I won’t be stuck alone at the festival after all `` You said with enthusiasm, causing the Wanderer’s cheeks to blush slightly in a fluster.
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔
Friday — Day Of The Festival
The next few days went by surprisingly fast, and with the festival approaching, sales have picked up considerably fast. You welcomed the last customer of the day before closing the register and getting ready to close up the shop. That is until he came in again.
`` You know.. you shouldn’t really barge in like that during closing time. `` You say in a half joking manner. He decided to refrain from humoring you and walked up to the counter.
`` Five more Gaze lilies. `` He demanded, crossing his arms as if you owed him those flowers.
With a sigh, you head over to the Gaze Lilies and pick out the best five for him before placing them in a small bouquet. You hand him the bouquet, although this time he seems to be trying his best to avoid grazing his hand against yours.
`` that’ll be 20,000. `` He handed you the mora, not bothering to follow you to the counter as he left the shop without a word, like always.
The streets were bustling with music and light, everyone cheering and dancing as the festival has began. You pushed your way through the loud crowd before bumping your chest with someone. Before you could take a look at the person’s face to figure out who it was, someone else pulled you away by the hand.
`` You made it! `` A green-haired girl exclaimed. It was your friend, Collei.
`` Couldn’t have missed it. `` You smiled at her excitement. She pulled you a long to a group of people who you presumed to be her friends. The festival unfolded with laughter, music, and dancing.
But as the night wore on, the crowd lessened due to how late it was getting. You find yourself alone in the crowd, watching as everyone left one by one. That is until you felt something— someone poke your shoulder. You turn your head trying to make out who it could be, but were met with a huge bouquet of flowers being forced your way. You let out a choked cough before pulling the bouquet away from your face. You look up to see.. Wanderer.
He didn’t say anything as you looked at him. You glance at the bouquet before speaking up.
`` Aren’t these the flowers you bought? `` You were confused. Why would he give you these?
`` I bought them for you. `` He said as if that was the most obvious thing in the world.
`` If you don’t like them then I’ll gladly take them back. `` He said with narrowed eyes as he crossed his arms out of habit.
`` No.. no.. uh.. I like them… but why? ``
`` You ask too many questions. `` He huffed and shook his head in annoyance. You let your eyes wander over the flowers. They were pretty.. totally not because you grew them yourself. You couldn’t help but feel warm inside. The thought of receiving flowers instead of giving them made you flustered.
`` Thank you.. `` You mumble, leaning in to inhale the scent of the flowers. Wanderer didn’t say anything. He wasn’t great at showing affection, or even at being kind, for that matter.
`` The fireworks are about to start soon.. `` He said as though silently inviting you to watch them with him. Maybe he wasn’t a jerk after all.
`` Hey, how can I be sure this isn’t a futile attempt at kidnapping? `` You say as you followed him through the forest of Mawtiyama.
`` If I were a kidnapper, you would be the last person I’d want as a ‘victim’ . `` He retorted. How rude!
You huffed and crossed your arms.
`` Where are we going anyway? My feet hurt! `` You’ve been walking for ages now.
`` We’re here. `` He says as he sits down on one of the larger trees in the forest. You sit down right beside him, placing the bouquet of flowers between you two.
`` I don’t see anythin— `` You were cut off by the sound of fireworks going off, making you jump a little. Wanderer shook his head, thinking of how stupid you were.
That aside, the view was gorgeous. Not you—the fireworks. As they lit up the night sky in an array of colors, you two sat side by side, a quiet closeness settling between you. You didn’t know each other well yet, but just being near you made his chest flutter in a way the fireworks couldn’t compete with.
`` Thank you— for that.. `` You awkwardly blurt out as you stood near your front door. After the fireworks had died down, Wanderer took it upon himself to be the gentleman he was and walk you home.. that is after forcing you to let him do so.
He hummed in response before turning around, getting ready to walk home himself. Before he could take a step off your porch, you stopped him.
`` Good night! `` You said with a slight hint of embarrassment. He stood still for a moment before looking back at you and giving you a curt nod, proceeding to walk down the street, seemingly to his own humble abode.
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔⏔
. . . To Be Continued ..? ⟡
