Archive of Our Own ^beta

Siluka cuts a striking figure as she drifts over, waves of long magenta hair swaying in the breeze. Some of the flowers weaved in between her braids come from Lisette’s shop. The sight sends a surge of warmth through Lisette’s chest, rising to her cheeks.

(It must be her pride as a florist to see something so beautiful be enhanced by the clever placement of a well-chosen blossom.)

The fields in Southern Westown are one of the places they come to get away from the daily grind. It’s too bad the grasslands are bare of any Moondrop flowers. Lisette thinks it would’ve been great to add another bud to Siluka’s hair, but alas, Holly was once again seen dumping a whole bouquet into the lake. For what reason, Lisette may never know, but–

“Aloha,” Siluka says, sitting down, her petal-soft voice and soft warmth breaking through Lisette’s reverie. 

There is so much space around them, but Siluka always chooses to stay close, practically pressed up against Lisette. Granted, it makes it easier to hand over gifts, but the twinkle in those purplish red eyes tell Lisette it’s more than that.

(But maybe people from Lulukoko have their own traditions? Perhaps it’s Lisette’s own wishful thinking…)

Regardless, Siluka waits with that gentle, patient smile as she holds out a bouquet of flowers. “I got these for your bookmarks.”

“M-Mahalo.” Lisette trips over the words, startled by the softness of the other woman’s skin as their fingers brush. “I can’t wait to use these! Oh, here. I’ve got a gift for you too.”

Siluka gingerly inspects the comb made out of shells like precious treasure. “The construction and aura of this is lovely. Are you sure I can have it?”

Lisette nods, a hand splayed over her lips in delight. “It’d work great for wavy hair like yours!” She tugs at her own artificial locks with a sigh. “Mine needs rollers overnight for any kind of volume.”

“I think it's pretty.” Siluka has her fingers twined around a blond curl, smile tender and almost reverent. 

Lisette nearly forgets to breathe. “Th-thank you.”

Fuschia eyes twinkle with fond mirth. “Could I ask you to brush my hair then? Ludus and Iluka help with the tangles because I…” Siluka trails off in a wide yawn. “...usually fall asleep.”

How could Lisette say no to that?

It is, after all, the sort of things gal pals do for each other, isn’t it? Lisette had already put flowers in the other woman’s hair before, so this must be the next logical step.

“Of course.” She gingerly takes the brush in one hand and gathers long, silky strands in the other. Lisette gets into a flow state of untangling knots, looping tiny braids and rearranging the occasional flower (not unlike her own floral creations, really.)

Lisette is so caught up in her work that she nearly jumps when Siluka’s head rests on her lap. 

“S-Siluka?!” Lisette is burning up in a way that has nothing to do with the overhead sun. Radiant beams shine onto those half-lidded eyes, gleaming like gemstones and that sopor-laden simper that makes her stomach twist into knots she could never untangle with any comb.

“Yes?” Her smile widens, like a cat that got the cream. “Would you mind reading for me, Lisette? I’d love to know if the flowers I got you match the picture books.”

It’s not an unusual request. Lisette has been reading more and more with (and to!) her friends ever since Holly shared her interest in romance picture books, letting her shed the embarrassment off like a heavy coat.

In particular, Siluka has been an avid listener… even if she’s fallen asleep multiple times. Oddly enough, she’s never missed a single detail or gotten the titles mixed up. It must be nice having supernatural powers.

Charm must be part of the priestess’ abilities because with Siluka’s voice growing velvety sweet and her hand playing with Lisette’s hair? It’s a wonder Lisette can function at all.

Lisette’s only saving grace is that she knows this tale by heart. She launches into her favorite princess and knight story, tense muscles relaxing as she paints a picture of grand romance.

She isn’t even halfway through when Siluka starts snoring.

Lisette gently boops her nose. 

Siluka opens an eye inquisitively. “Hmm?”

“I’m not boring you to sleep, am I?” The words are meant to be teasing, but a hint of insecurity creeps in her tone.

Sikuka shakes her head. “Your voice is so soothing like the ocean waves. It makes me feel… at peace.”

“O-oh. I’m… glad to hear it.” Lisette is taking those words and wrapping them up with a metal ribbon to unpack later in the safe confines of her room.

“Could I ask you to keep going? I need to know if… ahh… the knight will defeat the witch and save the princess." 

Lisette does not want to say no to that.

She describes the scenes in detail, relying on the images in the book that do go well with the newly pressed flowers. Conveys the warm fluttery feeling of hope and giddiness that makes its way home in her chest when the princess and knight have their happily ever after.

At the end, Siluka is fast asleep, but with that serene, almost angelic expression on her face, Lisette herself feels at ease. Comfortable under the sun with the gentle breeze caressing her face, she feels a little sleepy herself.

Besides, Siluka is soft, warm, and oh-so-content in her lap. Maybe she won’t mind if Lisette’s eyes start to slide shut…

(She’s far too gone to feel a slender hand lacing their fingers together like perfect puzzle pieces, to hear a whispered thank you carried by the winds.)

In Lisette’s dreams, the stalwart figure of a knight shifts from into a willowy woman with soft magenta locks, carrying the scent of the sea.

I could wait a thousand hours

Stay the same, in sun and showers

Pick apart a hundred flowers

Just to be quiet

Tell me when you feel ready

I'm the one, there's not too many

Hold my hand to keep me steady

Just to be quiet with you…