Chapter Text
The world seemed to be crumbling around Micah. The pyramid has been shattered into a million pieces. The world that he knew and trusted has warped into an evil entity that haunts his conscience. Everything he thought to be for the greater good had been a lie. He felt empty, merely a husk of what he had been or what he had been conditioned to be. Now that he was free, he didn’t know what to make of himself. The bloodbond felt comfortable and safe. He did not need to think about morals or the consequences of his actions. He trusted people that he shouldn’t have. He hurt people who did not deserve to be hurt. And the worst thing of it all is the fact that he can’t remember anything.
Micah now finds himself wandering the streets of New Orleans. To him, it feels strange to be able to walk around without a jacket in February. Oxford would be freezing around this time. Never in his life had Micah thought that he would miss the city, but here he is, longing for the cold rainy days. He used to hold his mother's hand for warmth, but now, he would never be able to feel her warmth again. He wished he had savored the moments they had together more. He knew he had been a difficult child. He did not seem to care about family traditions or his studies. Instead, he would fill his time with plants and learn about their properties. His mother was a great teacher; he should have paid more attention to her for her sake.
Micah was snapped out of his thoughts when he bumped his shoulder into a stranger. He mumbled an apology before gathering himself again. He was so lost in his thoughts that he had not realized how far he had walked. A sign caught his attention. ‘Agatha’s Sunny Flower’, the sign spelled. It would be bordering on closing time, but perhaps it is not too late to pick up an old hobby.
He walked towards the small but cozy flower shop. A tiny bell announced his presence as he entered. He looked around at the various flowers that were displayed before a warm, friendly voice greeted him.
“I was not expecting any more customers at this hour,” a woman said with a radiant smile. Her hair was wrapped in a headband, and her earlobes were slightly sagging due to the heavy earrings.
“Need some flowers for your girlfriend? You must have really upset her to be looking for flowers at this hour,” she continued, but her only response was silence. “Boyfriend then-”
“I do not concern myself with such trivial things,” Micah answered coldly without making eye contact. He was carefully studying the health of a Scindapsus. The woman did not seem to be offended by his comment; instead, she laughed.
“Alright, sweetheart, I will be over at the checkout if you need anything.” She said before continuing her duties. She chuckles as she tends to some of the flowers at the other side of the shop.
“You youngsters are always in such a hurry, even though you still have all the time in the world.”
Micah’s eye twitches at the comment as he tries to ignore her. He tried to focus and continued to inspect the various plants again. After a moment, the woman spoke up again.
“Why don’t you look at those petunias, darling?” she said. Micah looked up at her in surprise this time.
“The Petunioideae? D'you know that they were associated with satanism?” Micah says, not expecting an answer. “Although they seem to have a more positive meaning these days. Hope and even a new beginning, if I am not incorrect. Why d’you think I would be interested in those?” he continued.
“Is that not what you need right now?” she said. Micah's perception of the woman seemed to shift in that very moment. He now sees her honey-brown eyes staring intensely at him. She is analyzing him and perhaps ever weary. Micah pauses before answering her back. He is starting to get suspicious of the lady. Perhaps a child of Malkav?
“I suppose I do.” He says as he picks out his preferred color and walks over to the register. He silently pays for the plants.
“Do you need the receipt, darling?” she says as the woman presses the buttons of the old machine.
“No, that won't be necessary, missus- uh-” he awkwardly waited for an answer.
“Oh, don’t worry about formalities, they make me feel so very old. Agatha is fine.” She answers with a smile as she extends her hand towards Micah.
“Micah,” he introduces himself as he shakes her hand in return. “You seem to know your audience.” Agatha hums in return.
“Comes with age, son. Been doin’ this for a long time now." She puts the plant in a simple plastic bag and hands it over to Micah. “I have seen people like you around. You’ve done something bad, haven’t you, kid? Guilt is written all over that face of yours. Micah stares at her and narrows his eyes before he accepts the plastic bag.
“That would be an understatement.” He admits. Agatha nods in understanding.
“We all do bad things, unfortunately. As long as we take responsibility. That is what makes us grow.” She says as she makes her way to the door of her shop. “Now, if you don’t mind, I need to put food on the table. And apologize to your girlfriend.”
“Ah, but of course, my apologies,” Micah says before walking towards the exit. “Lovely meeting you, Agatha.” He says as his parting words.
“The pleasure is all mine. See you soon, sweetheart.” She says before closing the door and locking it.