(Happy Holidays, dear! I’m not sure if anyone is still celebrating, but just in case!)
Tyki Mikk pushed open the door to the little shop, instantly getting hit with the strong, mingling scents of the floral inhabitants. The bell overhead jingled as he entered and closed the door behind him. He removed his top hat and ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back, as he cast his gaze across the artistically cluttered area. It was very bright and warm and damp in here. Still, it was not the flowers he was looking for.
He strode up to the back counter and peered around before leaning slightly over the granite surface to squint into the back room. It was dark back there and partially covered by a red curtain, so he couldn’t make out what was back there. He stood up straight once again and tapped the bell on the counter once. He heard shuffling, followed by a muffled, “Just a minute!” He smiled fondly at the voice and set his cane and hat upon the counter. The curtain moved aside to reveal his beloved Y/N, looking a little frazzled and embarrassed. The look quickly turned to shock, and then happiness.
“Tyki!” You sang, hurrying over to the counter. “What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighborhood and thought that I might stop by,” he informed, his eyes falling to the counter as a gloved finger traced circles on the smooth surface. “I apologize for not having brought a gift. I would have brought flowers, but, ah,” He leaned back from the counter to gesture around the room. You smiled and shook your head slightly.
“It’s alright, Tyki, your presence alone is gift enough.” He chuckled at that.
“So I have been told,” he mused. You turned and began tying together lovely bouquets that had been ordered over the phone earlier that day. Tyki watched you work fondly. “What is a man to get for someone who works with flowers all day?”
“Mm, well flowers are a plenty fine gift,” you said, not turning around. “I like them just fine, or else I wouldn’t have opened this shop. However,” you stopped for a moment to think, tapping your bottom lip thoughtfully. “I suppose a snack would work, too. I’m quite hungry.”
“Of course, my love,” he chuckled. “I’ll go to the mark down the block to get you something to make up for my lack of a gift, how does that sound?”
“Heavenly,” you replied, and your stomach decided to agree loudly at that moment. You flushed in embarrassment and put your hand over your stomach, glaring at it. Tyki laughed and when you turned around, he reached over the counter to grab your hand and raise it to his lips, pressing a quick kiss to it.
“I’ll be back before you know it. Do try not to wither away while I’m gone, okay?” You laughed and waved as he left. You pressed your hand to your chest and smiled fondly, watching him through the window as he disappeared from your view.
Toad's Cave 