Sylvi stopped at the red light and started to search the surrounding area. The majority of the people on the street were human, regular, normal humans who were going about their daily lives. There were a few immortals but nothing Sylvi thought was a threat. There was a few shape shifter types, a nymph or two but nothing that was out of the ordinary for day time in the city.
Dakota started to shake. The tears finally stopped but her shaking got worse and her eyes were bloodshot. Dakota tried to wrap her arms around her stomach to stop the shaking but it only made her worse.
Sylvi was watching the streets again, but didn't seem to notice anything too out of the ordinary. There were a few more prostitutes than usual but it was nearing the weekend.
"Dakota, you need to talk to me." Sylvi started to drive again, this time making her way down side streets as best as she could. "Tell me what's going on, tell me how you're feeling. Just start talking."
"I-I feel hot...but cold. I can feel eyes on my neck b-but also everywhere else. It feels like someone is touching me...My...My legs and chest. I want it to stop...please make it stop. I don't want this!"
Sylvi stopped the car at a stop sign and took Dakota by the arms. After a quick assessment she hugged her. It was less than a hug and more like she was smothering Dakota into her body. The angle was uncomfortable because Dakota's shoulder was digging into her breast.
"W-what are you doing," Dakota whispered, her voice was deeper for once, making her sound boyish.
"Two things," Sylvi mimicked Dakota's whisper after a few short moments. "First, I'm attempting to keep you steady by holding you against me. Second, I'm trying to see if I can sense the creature harassing you."
"Is it working?"
"Yes and no, if I am correct you have calmed down just enough to talking properly. But I can't seem to find where the source of your fear is from." She continued to hold Dakota. "I was watching the streets and I didn't see anything odd. No one was acting weird."
"...So basically you have no idea what's going on."
Sylvi sighed, still clutching Dakota. "No, I'm sorry."
Car started honking behind them, humans yelling for her to move her ass. She coughed and let go of Dakota.
The rest of the ride to the flower shop was silent.
*
The bell of the shop chimed as they walked in. The first thing that Sylvi noticed was the sheer amount of greenery in the small front room. She could barely see the street out the window. There were cacti amongst flowering stalks of green. She was amazed. Despite the differences in plants it was almost as green as her home was. Not her little apartment in this city, but her home. The place she grew up in.
She took a deep breath and held the humid air in her body as long as she could. As she let the air out again she laughed.
"This place is amazing." She walked to a big leafed bush and gently touched the limbs. "You grew all these?"
Dakota turned and beamed at Sylvi. It was so bright that Sylvi's breath hitched, which confused her deeply for many reasons and none she was willing to think about. She was working and couldn't afford to distract herself.
"I grew them. Some of the bigger ones I've had for a long time. I usually sell the offshoots, the plant babies, to the public. I don't think I could ever sell everyone." Dakota walked to the back of the shop and Sylvi slowly made her way.
The back of the shop was more of a prep area. There was a backdoor that led to a small backyard. There seemed to be more plants and a few chairs. The room itself had plastic wrappings and shiny string. There were some fridges that held fresh cut roses and other flowers. There were even a few vases on the counter and the small table.
Dakota was walking up the stairs that were hidden behind the door separating the two rooms. The wood stairs were worn, however they seemed well taken care of.
Actually, most of this place is worn but well loved
.
"How long have you lived here?" Sylvi asked, stomping up the steps. Dakota seemed to be as light as air.
"I have always been here," Dakota held her hand to help Sylvi up the last of the steep narrow stairs. "I was born here, so I have always stayed. So that must be...sixty years? At least sixty."
"How have the humans not noticed?" Sylvi was surveying the apartment and its weaknesses. The biggest weakness was actually the store below. The apartment had very small windows. She could see the bathroom and the bedroom from the kitchen/ living room. In fact this place was even smaller than Sylvi's own place.
"Humans are really more concerned about humans and rarely ever pay attention to anyone outside their circle. Besides, if we keep up with their trends and technology we blend in even more."
Sylvi turned and looked at Dakota, who was sitting so prettily on the couch. "Sixty years old? You look barely over 23. I didn't know fae aged so slowly."
"Well, Sylvi, how old are you? Think about it. Just this morning you didn't know that fae existed. How would you know?" Dakota patted the seat next to her. "Please have a seat. I hope you don't mind but this is where you will be sleeping."
Sylvi put her backpack on the floor beside the couch and took her seat. The couch was small, but it probably fit Dakota perfectly. She was so small she probably fit everything.
"I'm well over a hundred. But I stopped aging at 32. Where I am from I never had to hid who I was." Sylvi looked at Dakota. "I have been here for a year but I still have a hard time remembering that I am different from everyone else here."
"I'm sorry that you're alone, Sylvi." Dakota took Sylvi's hand in one of her own. "But you don't need to be."
Why does my heart feel like that? Like I'm scared?
Sylvi let go of Dakota's hand and quickly stood.
