9:15 - piper g

- Yo (n/n) 🗣️

- Where do i park

- On the street or what

9:16 - you

- hey don't text and drive man

- yes on the street

9:16 - piper g

- Sorry i like to live on the edge 🤘😎 the law fears me

- But

- No special parking spot for your new favorite employee/former bane of your existence?

9:16 - you

- no 😍

9:18 - piper g

- Damn im really hurt im really torn up about this 😐

- I'm sure youll make it up to me with a raise!

You chuckled against your will at Piper's teasing texts before pocketing your phone and making eye contact with Oakley, who was observing you curiously as he leaned against the counter in Francesca's.

It'd been about a week since you had made the potentially disastrous decision to hire the two men, and today was their first shift and 'orientation' of sorts. You hadn't really wanted to schedule them together- at least not on their first shifts, but no one else seemed to be too keen to work with the newbies (excluding Eloise, but she and Tony were at their high school orientations and now officially unable to work weekdays).

You told the two men that they started at 9 AM sharp, and while Oakley had arrived five minutes early looking put together and ready, Piper was trying to find parking fifteen minutes late.

"Who's earning your laughter that isn't me?" Oakley inquired with his sly grin. "I should be the only one hearing that pretty sound."

You shook your head distastefully and chided him. "You've seriously gotta cool it with the flirtation. I already told you we're only gonna be friends. I'm still your boss, y'know? If you don't stop then I'm gonna have to let you go, probably..."

"You little liar- you won't fire me when you've had such a hard time finding good applicants! Besides, maybe I'm just this flirty with everyone," he fired back.

He made an infuriatingly solid first point, but you weren't sold on that last statement.

"I don't buy it," a new voice taunted the man- Piper's voice- startling you as you turned to see him standing by the front doors. "You've never flirted with me. I'm starting to feel jealous..."

"How'd you get in without setting the bell off?" you asked the grinning man dubiously.

"Among my many other talents, I'm a master of stealth." His eyes trailed to Oakley, and he nodded his head in approval as his eyes quickly roamed the other man's form. "Damn, you sure dressed up for the first day, pal. Real dapper. Now I'm feeling jealous and insecure- you bring so many feelings out of me, babe."

You snorted at his flirting and eyed Oakley's outfit again- he wore a white button-down and slacks. The look suited his sleek features, but it was maybe a bit fancier than necessary to sell plants. You then glanced at Piper's outfit- it was a new loose, black band tee and a baggy pair of jeans. It was a bit adolescent-looking, but it fit his vibe well enough and was probably more appropriate attire for the job.

Oakley wasn't as amused by Piper's antics as you were, nose wrinkling up in disgust. "I'll ask you to not try to win my affections, brat- I don't swing that way."

"Not into guys? How will I ever move on?" Piper deadpanned, though the corners of his eyes were crinkled in secret mirth.

"No, I'm just not into juvenile fools like you. I mean, you're dressed like you just missed your Battle of the Bands performance in 2008- so distasteful," Oakley sneered as he turned back to you, smile returning as he caught you chuckling quietly at their interaction.

"I'm sensing the beginning of a really beautiful 'enemies to lovers' situation here," you kidded, amusedly watching Oakley's smile fall as Piper's grew. Still, you had a work day to begin, so you cut their buffoonery short. "Let's get you two ready to work, hmm?"

You patiently led them through the steps of keeping the store running- explaining the floor plan, demonstrating how to take care of the plants, and training them both at the register with a few customers. With efficiency in mind, you primarily took care of crafting arrangements by yourself when the place was busier, but as things slowed down you decided to pull one of them for the next order.

"Which one of you wants to learn how to arrange bouquets?"

"Obviously it should be me first since I have an eye for beauty- why else would I be so interested in you?" Oakley drawled, sending a flirtatious wink.

You grimaced. "You're still doing this?"

"Y'know, Oakley, I can actually think of multiple other reasons to be interested in someone- reasons that don't solely pertain to physical appearance too!" Piper pointed out sardonically.

You chuckled at his words. It was nice to be on the opposite side of Piper's teasing for once, and you appreciated that he was sorta backing you up in a way.

Oakley wasn't so amused, glaring at the man before sending you an apologetic frown. "You know that's not what I meant, right, sweetheart?"

"Yeah, yeah, it's whatever. Let's just get to bouquet-making. Piper- you're in charge of the floor while we're gone. Please don't fuck anything up."

"Me? Fuck up? Impossible."

"Right," you agreed sarcastically. "I'm still counting the till when I come back."

He rolled his eyes light-heartedly before shooting you a lazy thumbs-up. You made your way to the back room to pull up your laptop and look at the next order, Oakley standing next to you dutifully.

"Okay, so if you look here it'll say the customer's name which is..." Your eyes scanned the screen- "Eliza! And it says she's picking up tomorrow. Next to that is always gonna be the note if the customer leaves one, see?" You pointed at the note and glanced at Oakley to see if he was following along, only to find his eyes on you. "Don't look at me, look at the screen. I'm trying to train you here."

"I'm sorry, you're just so captivating to-"

"Stop. I'm not the person you should be focusing on, Eliza is."

"I don't care about Eliza. I don't care about other people in general. I don't like other people. I like you."

Your face scrunched up in discomfort. Maybe you shouldn't have hired this guy, because you did not like those words or their implications at all. He sounded entirely void of empathy, and that was energy you refused to have around you multiple days every week.

Still, you'd promised to give him a second chance. You'd decided to be extra patient with him too, remembering how he'd confessed that he, like Angel, lacked a lot of friendship-making and people skills. You'd helped Angel grow, so maybe you could help Oakley grow too. Besides, how could it ever hurt to see the good in someone and try to foster that goodness?

"Why don't you like or care about other people?" you asked, turning to face him.

He brightened under your attention as he answered you enthusiastically. "Isn't it obvious? People are so weak yet so self-serving and so self-righteous. It makes no real sense and is both arrogant and ignorant. They're vile, and frankly, they're beneath me."

Your brows furrowed "That's, um...that's a really pessimistic outlook, Oakley. I mean, is that how you see me?"

"No!" He shook his finger at you coyly. "Of course not, sweetheart. You're different from them all! Practically perfect. That's why I like you."

Dear God- were you getting 'manic pixie dream girl'-ed by this man? Your goal to help him better himself aside, you could not let that slide.

"Woah there, buddy. What makes you think I'm different? Because if it has to do with my morality, then you'll find every person close to me feels pretty much the same as me concerning the big things. And if it's a physical thing, there are countless lookalikes I'm sure. I'm not some one-in-a-million person, and also I'm far from perfect. I don't understand why you think so highly of me."

He faltered for a second as he mulled over your words as if trying to comprehend something insane like astrophysics. "No. You are different. Who else would give a man like me a second chance after my first impression? You have cared and continue to care for me when most would just let me rot. Your humility only makes me like you more though, so you can keep on resisting my praises- it's just adorable! You're so good it's just addicting!"

You deflated in your seat- you were getting nowhere with this guy. "Isn't it a bit dramatic to say people would let you rot?"

"It may be an... exaggeration, but the sentiment stands- people can be, and often are, utterly ruthless."

"Right. Well since you seem to value me so much, then I hope you value my opinion too, which is that people deserve to be cared for and respected no matter what. And I value kindness and empathy in others, so if you really want to become an important person to me, then you need to work on that."

He looked away and scoffed dismissively, looking back at you when you remained stubbornly silent. "You're serious?" Your face remained impassive, and he gaped at you. "You're serious. God, the things I'll do for you.... Fine. How can I start?"

You chuckled at his question, pleasantly surprised by his quick change of heart. He pouted at your amusement, but you couldn't help it- not many people needed a step-by-step 101 course on basic human decency. You wanted to ask why he was so unfamiliar with being 'good,' but moved past it out of respect for his privacy. You didn't think you two weren't quite close enough to get that personal just yet.

"We can begin with making this arrangement," you beamed, clicking on your laptop again and quickly entering your password.

"I don't see the connection..."

"The connection is right here, like I was saying earlier." You pointed to Eliza's order note on your screen. "It says that she's getting the flowers for her best friend whose spouse passed away. You don't know this because you just started working here, but Eliza is a regular. She's literally like me and the kids' auntie, oh! And she just had the cutest baby boy-"

"Sweetheart, why does this matter?" Oakley cut you off, eyebrows knitting together in genuine confusion. "I don't need to know her life story."

"You're not getting it," you frowned as you closed your laptop, having read enough of the note to be able to craft a suitable bouquet, and you turned to face him again. "This is how you learn about fostering human connection and caring for others- or it's at least one way to do it. By caring for people like Eliza."

"Sure... so I care for her... how?"

You withheld a pout, struggling to discern if Oakley genuinely cared to understand you or not. At least he was trying, you supposed, so you tried to remain optimistic as you continued your explanation.

"It starts with you learning about her- learning about all our patrons, really, whether they're regulars or only shop here once. It is a bit harder these days to stay invested, since all the press the store has received brings in more assholes than we're used to, but you still try to be kind." Wanting to check if he was following what you were saying so far, you threw out a question to him. "Do you have any ideas as to how we as a shop can show kindness and care to Eliza as we prepare her order?"

"Testing me now, hmm?" he smirked. "I always get one hundred percent! I suppose we could... smile at her when she picks it up!"

You blinked at the overly confident man's lackluster answer before sighing disappointedly. "Well, yeah- I mean, we smile at everyone."

Now he blinked at you. "We do?"

"Yes, Oakley, did you miss me and Piper both doing that today to every customer? Were you not smiling then?"

His face remained perfectly confused, and you buried your head in your hands as you tried to curb your frustration. With the way he dressed and spoke, you wouldn't have been surprised if the man hadn't ever needed to work a service industry type of job- but this extent of obliviousness was next level. Had he ever even spoken to a service industry worker before? Seen one? Even if only on television?

"I just..." You met his gaze again with a strained smile. "Yes. You should definitely smile. At every customer, to be clear. I'm asking how to specifically come alongside Eliza, our regular patron who buys from us at least once a week, in her order request of flowers for her recently deceased friend. Any ideas there?"

"Oh, I already forgot, as the details were insignificant-" he paused uncertainly when you sent him a look "... seeming at the time... but now I know they were very... important?" You nodded reluctantly in partial approval, and he continued. "I suppose we could- I'm not sure- write a card? With condolences?"

You clapped in delight at his answer and he smiled proudly at your praise. "Amazing. Yes- we will write her a card and since she's a regular who spends money here often the bouquet will be on us. It's okay that you didn't suggest that because technically only I can make the call on giving things away, but um, oh! Okay, now is my favorite part: making the arrangement."

Giddy at the prospect of sharing your passion with another, you stood up and made your way out of the backroom to collect flowers, Oakley following behind dutifully. You noticed Piper charismatically assisting a few customers who were purchasing some premade arrangements, and you smiled to yourself. A sinking disheartenment had hung over your head concerning your training skills these past few minutes, but Piper's quickness in picking up the job as well as his exemplary customer service skills helped quell your self-doubt a bit. And soon enough, Oakley was gonna be like that too- if you had anything to do with it.

"So we just grab the flowers that look nice, then?" he asked, bringing your attention back to the task at hand. "Why would this be your favorite part, it seems so tedious..."

"It's a bit more than that, I think" you chuckled excitedly before stopping in front of a few floral bins. "One of the things that people love about Francesca's is that we make our bouquets with a wide array of imports and local blooms all while utilizing the language of flowers. A small percentage of our customers, mostly first-timers, don't always care all that much about the meanings behind their arrangements, but we always do! That special touch is what draws a lot of people to our business and results in great client retention too."

"Oh," Oakley replied flatly, his disinterest making you feel so foreignly deflated and almost embarrassed, for some reason. "Yes, well, being that I'm quite well-read, I am aware of that sappy flower language mumbo jumbo, though it seems a bit pointless to me."

It seemed he was attempting to impress you with his alleged high intellect, instead fucking up and doing the exact opposite, as insulting something incredibly dear to someone you aim to impress required a distinct lack of discernment, in your humble, exceptionally peeved opinion. You contained your annoyance the best you could for the sake of being a patient and caring boss, rubbing your temples and taking a deep breath before addressing him.

"You're being a dick again. Here's another lesson in kindness: don't shit talk about people's interests and passions right in front of them. Now as I was saying-"

"Oh, I'm sorry, sweet (Y/n)..." he interrupted, looking at you remorsefully. "Dismissing others' interests has never occurred to me as problematic, but you're my lovely little exception! If it hurts you then I'll be better. In fact- if you love something then I love it as well! Isn't that rather sweet and romantic?"

You stared at him blankly. The earlier disheartenment was rearing its ugly head again, worse than before. Maybe he wasn't understanding as well as you had thought he was, and maybe you weren't as good at helping others as you thought you were. Still, if he somehow found it in himself to care about you, then maybe he could still learn to care about others after time...?

You decided to try one more time, slowly considering your every word. "Oakley. You may be nice to me alone because you think I'm special or something, but that's the point I'm trying to make here: you should be kind and care about people anyways. Do you think I help you because I think you're different or better than everyone? No- I'm helping you and being kind to you in spite of your many faults- or even because of them, in a way... like, what I mean is that I'm kind to people because I can be and, well, what's the point of having love and warmth inside of me if I don't share it with everyone? I don't want you to only be nice to me, I want you to be nice to everyone." Your brows knit together doubtfully as you searched his expression for any hint of comprehension, never confident in your ability to articulate yourself all that well. "Um, do you kinda get what I'm trying to say here?"

He tilted his head sympathetically. "I'm trying to, sweetheart. But... where is there any value in any place you're not? I just don't see the appeal."

Your heart sank at his words, and you felt tears of intense frustration start to prick at your eyes. Maybe this wasn't going to work out, and maybe you really should let Oakley go. You couldn't keep someone around who was so apathetic purpoefully...

Turning away so you wouldn't have to explain your somewhat childish emotional response to him, you faced Piper who was already looking your way. He shot you a huge smile, grin faltering the slightest bit when he noted your expression. You looked away from him too, gaze fixing on the ground as you addressed the man behind you. "Um, okay, Oakley, you can actually switch with Piper for now and work the counter."

He hesitated a moment before responding. "I.. of course- I'm yours to command, after all!"

You hummed in response, turning back as he walked past you. Your fingers played anxiously with a few petals as you tried and failed to work back up your morale.

"You called for little ole me?" Piper's jubilant voice sounded beside you, startling you as brought your eyes to meet his. He was wearing his usual teasing grin, but you could see the slight concern etched around his eyes as they took you in. "I heard I get to make the bouquet with you now, which just so happens to be the most bomb part of the job, if you ask me. Or it was when I was little at least..."

You brightened a bit at his words, a tiny smile finding its way back to your lips. "That's my favorite part too."

"Well it may be your favorite, but I'm afraid you're probably terrible at it," he mused, shaking his head sadly. "I mean, when we were kids I remember you saying your ideal bouquet would be made with- what was it?"

You immediately knew what he was referring to, flushing in both embarrassment and amusement at your younger self's more particular tastes. "...limonium flowers..."

"And?"

"And a pineapple's leaves for filler..."

"Yikes. That would've looked and smelled like straight ass, (N/n)," he tsked.

"Hey!" you glared, smacking his arm playfully, "I was like six! And limionum's sorta pretty!"

He winced exaggeratedly when you hit him, and this time you failed to suppress your laugh at his humoring you. "Not a good look for the self-proclaimed flower expert. Luckily, I'm the actual flower expert, seeing that I can, you know, make them. So just tell me what we're making this arrangement for and I'll whip up the perfect bouquet- without your help, too. Gotta prove myself to get that raise, right?"

The grin on your lips and your poorly stifled giggles were all genuine, your sour mood a thing of the past when confronted with Piper's amusing dorkiness and lame jokes. If you didn't know any better, you would say that this was his way of trying to cheer you up from whatever had you looking so distraught at him, but you doubted it- this was still Piper Greene. He probably just saw another opportunity to tease you and took it, just like when you were kids.

"Fine, you can try it on your own- but don't get butthurt when I have to tweak it afterward up to Francessca's standards. The bouquet is for a regular- Eliza. Her best friend's partner just passed away if that helps your selection process, which it should. Anything is yours to use, so try your best. Oh, also- no powers."

You gestured to the shop and stepped aside from the plants to give him space, watching him as he began to peruse the floor thoughtfully. You peeked back over at Oakley after a minute, and to your pleasant surprise- he was looking at the customers and not you. He was helping a man and his young son at the counter, the adorable little boy reaching on his tiptoes to catch a peek of the smaller trinkets you sold there as the father paid for their actual purchase. Oakley was wearing a painfully obvious forced smile, grabbing the father's card from him and swiping it quickly.

While the card processed, he glanced down idly at the little boy, whose cute, chubby little fingers had seemingly found a small magnet to toy with. What happened next had your jaw dropping in terror- Oakley proceeded to scowl and snatch the item from the child's hands coldly, the boy's face going blank as he tried to process his newly empty hands. He then looked up and met Oakley's scathing glare, his little lip beginning to wobble guiltily as he clutched the fabric of his father's jeans. If you had to guess, you had approximately five seconds before the poor kid began wailing.

You rushed over to attempt salvaging the situation, pausing when Oakley met your eyes. His scowl faltered as he looked between you and the boy and he sighed, pushing the magnet back towards the customers. He voiced something to the father, who looked unwarrantedly embarrassed by his son's innocent actions, before the the man bowed his head slightly as though he was... profusely thanking Oakley?

Your employee looked back at you and winked before smiling again, albeit still forcedly, at the customers. The two excited Francesca's gaily, flowers in the father's and the magnet still in the little boy's. Extremely confused by what you had seen, you resumed your approach towards the Oakley curiously.

He set his now-authentic smile on you. "Did you see that, sweetheart? I was kind!"

"Were you?" You eyed him skeptically. "'Cause it looked to me a lot like you just ripped a product out of a young child's hand ruthlessly. I mean, what the hell, man?"

The corners of his mouth dipped down slightly. "No. Well, yes at first. But then, didn't you see, darling? I gave it back to him and said I would pay for it as an apology for my brashness! I'm practically a saint! This is what you wanted, yes?"

He leaned towards you, desperate for your approval. You took a moment to respond, trying to wrap your mind around what'd just occurred,

"Oh. Wow. Yeah, that's great, actually. I mean, I don't love that you fucked up like that in the first place, but we've all fucked up at some point, right? Wait, so what changed between then and our talk? I thought you didn't see value in other people, but what you just did contradicts that, y'know?"

You bit back a victorious smile as his lips parted in slight surprise at your words. Maybe you weren't a failure of a boss!

"I... I still don't see value in others," he argued, pausing in thought for a moment before continuing. "I suppose... well, he had the same eye color as you. I saw you looking at me, and then when I looked back at him it was like it was you I'd been so harsh with. He didn't matter, of course, but you did. It's nonsensical, but since it felt like I'd hurt you, I had to make amends. Now that's romantic, right?"

He smirked at you, but you were in too much shock to shoot this flirtation down. He didn't seem to understand the gravity of his words, but you certainly did.

Oakley was finally beginning to grasp the basic facets of empathy. And while his mental process getting there was pretty unconventional, you knew that caring for others was easier when you were able to find redeemable, likable qualities in them. If for Oakley those qualities just happened to be yours, you wouldn't complain. You weren't all that different from many people he'd begin to encounter as your employee, and while this time it was a physical attribute of yours he'd sought out, with time he might also warm up to those who shared your internal values and traits. His scope of individuals to be kinder to would grow, and in turn, so would he.

He didn't have to think he was caring for others yet either. His actions would speak louder than his words, and eventually, you were sure he'd feel genuine care for people outside of where he saw you in them. Your hope was resurging quickly, and you felt better not just about hiring him, but also about allowing him in your life.

You were about to affirm his actions when your attention fell on Piper, who'd popped up next to him with a bouquet.- a stunning bouquet, crafted with flowers you deemed perfectly appropriate to give a grieving person. Judging by his smug expression, he was aware of the fact too.

Oakley was momentarily forgotten as you began to further examine Piper's creation. You crossed your arms and sighed with a fake bitterness. "It pains me to admit, but this looks really, really good. Explain your choices though, I wanna see if you know what it conveys or if it was just dumb luck. Heavy on the dumb."

He laughed drily at the jab, accepting your challenge. "Well, no lilies or that shit as you can see, because I'm not basic. I went with orchids as the main event, because you said it was the partner who parted, yeah?" You nodded. "Right, well there's no better sympathy flower for a romantic pair being separated. The flower is equal parts tragedy and beauty, to me, so I hope it conveys our concern and care well enough- and that's up to your discernment, of course. Then just some basic filler here and there, which you don't see often with orchids, but I actually think I configured it fine enough... so, uh, what're your thoughts?"

He glanced at you, and for the first time, you picked up on the tiniest hint of uncertainty in his visage as he aimed to please you, though it was quickly replaced with his cocky grin when he saw your awed expression.

"Piper, this is fantastic and so thoughtful," you gushed. "The kids never let me make orchid bouquets 'cause they say it can't be done, but I mean, c'mon! Oh, I need to send them a picture- one sec!"

You dashed to the back to grab your phone from the back table, a warmth blooming in your chest that you assumed must accompany feeling perfectly understood. This was the first time in years you'd gotten to work alongside someone who matched your eagerness and passion when it came to crafting arrangements, because as much as you loved your employees, none of them really got flowers like you did. James, Sarah, and Benny were similar, who had spent countless hours kindly hearing you rant about different meanings of different plants, but only really knew to smile and nod once you got going. Who would've thought that your childhood enemy would be the first person since Gran Gran to reignite such excitement within you?

Pulling up your camera app as you made your way back, you paused as you felt the tension that had festered between your employees in your short absence. The hard stares they were sending each other both eased up when they noticed you, though you could feel Oakley's pick back up as you snapped a picture of Piper's arrangement.

He had entirely moved on from their unspoken beef, beaming at you proudly as he held his creation. "I told you I'm the best. I'm fluent in English, flowers, and-"

"Taking up (Y/n)'s time?" Oakley cut in with a scoff.

"...getting laid," Piper finished slowly, pursing his lips as he fought back a laugh at Oakley's attempted interruption.

You laughed openly, both at Oakley's little pout and at Piper's horrendous joke, but before anyone could say anything else stupid, your phone vibrated in your hand. James' contact lit up your screen, conflicting emotions subsequently surfacing. You hadn't spoken to him much lately past quick check-in texts and hours-later responses as he was incredibly involved in investigating Rowan's death, which also meant you'd yet to resolve your hurt feelings post his late-night abandonment stint. All that being said, ignoring the man you loved so dearly was not in your DNA, so you answered on the third or fourth ring.

"Hey, hon..." he began, and you froze at the sound of his voice, realizing just then how much you missed him. "Hello? You there?"

"Um, yeah. Sorry. Hi," you finally replied, hating how meek you sounded.

You heard him sigh in what sounded like relief, maybe, before he continued. "No, you're good. I, uh, I miss you. A lot. The case pretty much closed today, and since you just got off I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner?"

You glanced at the shop's clock, confirming it was in fact 5 PM, and was therefore time to shut the shop down. Huh, time had flown faster today than you'd realized.

"I'll make your favorite, I just- I really, really miss you."

Your heart clenched at the sweetness layering his tone. The uncertainty of being around him was still intimidating, but just as ignoring him wasn't in your DNA, being near to him seemed to be coded into it. "Of course, Jamie. I miss you too. Lots. I didn't realize it was-"

"Jamie? Bartell? Can I talk to him, (N/n)?" Piper interrupted you enthusiastically, even when met with your disapproving glare.

"No," you shot him down. "Anyways, Jamie, I didn't realize it was closing, haha, so give me like-"

"(Y/n)," James interrupted you sternly. "Who was that calling you '(N/n')?"

You groaned, hunger hitting you suddenly and rendering you slightly irritable. "It's no one, sorry. I'll be over in thirty so the food better be ready by then."

Piper spoke up again. "Are you having dinner with him? Can I come?"

Oakley, who you'd almost entirely forgotten about still being with you, scoffed at his request- but after you thought about it for a beat, you weren't entirely opposed... You wouldn't have to face James alone if he came, and if things went well you could just kick him out after a bit for some one-on-one time with your best friend.

"Jamie, make enough for three people," you instructed, ignoring Piper's excited little 'whoop' as you continued. "If it's okay, I'm bringing an... uh, an old... friend?"

"Um, okay... wait, who are-"

"See you soon!" you said over him, hanging up before he could finish his question and addressing your employees. "Okay, sorry about that. Oakley, today you were-"

"Perfect," he tried hopefully.

"Let's go with okay, today. Better than I thought though, so keep that going! You can head home." You then addressed Piper. "As for you, I'm gonna change real quick, but you can wait outside then we'll go. We can drive together, too, if you're down."

...

Oakley's mood was somewhat soured as he drove home through your rather dingy neighborhood. He could move past the filth though, if it meant he would be able to become someone important to you- or, the most important person to you, actually. No, what had him feeling so annoyed was that little man-child who was taking up all your time and attention today.

Every single time he thought he was closer to gaining your favor, there the fool was. He didn't get it- the man relentlessly teased and challenged you (and was your childhood bully, too?) yet there you were, grinning and laughing at him? But every time Oakley said something remotely remiss, you were entirely unamused. What greatness did you think Piper possessed that he did not? It was infuriating.

That being said, he had a few moments with you he could treasure. As boring as flower talk was, seeing that passionate expression on your face was extremely pleasurable to him. Honestly, he wouldn't mind seeing even more of that earnest fire in your eyes as you advocated for other people like they were actually worth his regard. It meant that you knew his regard was something highly valuable.

And you were so full of conviction that he almost found himself believing you. Not quite, however... he didn't care anything for that snotty brat nor that other customer you'd insisted he cared about. 'Eliza,' was it? It didn't really matter, although... if it would continue prompting you to smile so sweetly at him in approval like you had today, he supposed he could stand to recall a few insignificant names besides yours.

He only wished he could win your smile entirely by his own merit, and that it would shine for him alone. Because despite there being many other men in your orbit so obviously vying for your affections, he knew that was the only one worthy of something so pure. For you to praise another the same as you would him was like an insult to his exceptionality, and it pained him to endure it.

The men themselves? They were hardly threats in his mind. Not Megistos, not his new sidekick, not his new 'Jamie' character, and not even Piper (who admittedly had denied having feelings for you today, though Oakley wasn't entirely convinced), because Oakley was so clearly the right one for you! The only real roadblock in his growing close to you had been your aversion to Rowan, but he'd taken care of it now.

He was confident now that with time, nature would take its righteous course and your heart would give itself to him gladly- but should you for any reason resist your calling, part of his confidence also rested in his ability to simply take what he wished with ease. No one- you and your little harem included- could stop him if they tried. The end of your story was concrete to Oakley, but the way things went down? Well, that was really up to you.