Belladonna was reorganising her dresser. It was the third time today. 

"What's bothering you?" Oisin asked from the doorway. 

Belladonna didn't respond, only stared at the empty vase on top of the dresser. 

"I see," Oisin said, taking her small hands into his. "How about we go out? Get some flowers for your room. It looks awfully empty without them."

Belladonna's face lit up, she nodded quickly, before standing up and running to get her shoes. 

Oisin smiled, following her and putting his own shoes on, as she bounced on her heels, waiting for him to finish tying them. 

"Alright, let's go," Oisin said as he grabbed his keys and led them out the door. 

"Where are we going?" Belladonna asked. 

"The florist, but you already knew that, didn't you," Oisin said, petting her head. 

"Yes, it's like you can read mind," she said, giggling. But she knew the truth, he simply cared for her. Oisin let out a chuckle as he continued to walk. 

When they were almost at the gates of the cannibal district, someone nearby shouted. "Well, aren't you a sweet little thing. Bet you'd be great in bed!"

Belladonna flinched, smile disappearing, as Oisin turned around, lantern flames flaring around him. Everything went quiet. The guy's smile faltered, right before he ran. 

"Are you alright, dear?" Oisin asked, noticing the tears forming in Belladonna's eyes. 

"Sorry," she said, wiping her eyes, but her body shook. 

"No, don't apologise, that was incredibly rude. Let's get to a safer area and we can talk there," Oisin said, guiding Belladonna into the cannibal district, and to a secluded bench. He clenched his hands into fists for a moment, glaring at where the man stood earlier. 

After sitting down, Belladonna began to full on cry, apologising alongside her sobs. 

"No, no, we don't apologise for appropriate emotions. Would a hug help you?" Oisin asked, opening his arms for her as his jaw locked. Belladonna quickly leaned into him, before slinging her arms around him. 

"It's alright, nobody here will judge you. You're safe," Oisin said as he slowly stroked Belladonna's hair and upper back. 

"I shouldn't have reacted," she said. 

"Shh, no need to apologise dear, I'm here for you," he said, his smile almost faltering. 

"But I'm being bad, I drew attention," Belladonna whispered. For a moment, he wondered who had taught her that attention was dangerous. The thought passed quickly.

"You're not, you're doing so well," Oisin said, smile widening ever so slightly. "Exactly as you should." He kept his grip loose, despite how tense his hands were. He had to breathe deeply to keep himself from creating a spectacle. The ground beneath his feet cracked. 

Something small and delicate bloomed from the fracture. 

They stayed like this for a few minutes, until Belladonna calmed down. 

When she broke the hug, Oisin smiled at her with the soft smile he usually put on for her. 

"Thank you," Belladonna said, wiping the last few tears from her cheeks. 

"Don't thank me. Any gentleman would've comforted a young lady in peril like you," Oisin commented, before ripping a flower from the ground beneath them. "Here, it's only a daisy, but, I hope that will get you through until the flower shop. And if not, we can always stop."

Belladonna smiled into the flower. 

Oisin stood up, holding out his hand to help Belladonna stand up as well, before the two started to walk towards the florist. 

People on the streets greeted them with smiles and waves. Belladonna skipped the last of the way there, waving back at the cannibals. 

"Have you decided which flowers you want?" Oisin asked, opening the door for her. 

"Roses," she answered. 

Inside the shop, the two walked towards the back, where the roses were kept. 

Belladonna picked out a large bouquet of white roses, which Oisin took to the counter and paid for. 

"Pleasure making business with you two again," the owner said, before bidding the two goodbye with a toothy smile. 

"I love these," Belladonna said, as she was handed the flowers again. Oisin put his hand on her shoulder, giving her a light, approving squeeze. 

The walk home went by without problems and once Belladonna was back inside her room, she put the flowers into a vase, then began to clean up the floor, where some clothing items still lay from her earlier reorganisation. 

She giggled at her finished work with a wide smile that wouldn't leave her face. 

From the doorway, Oisin watched her laugh at the neatness of her room. The roses looked blinding against the ash-grey walls. He adjusted the ward on the door with a flick of his fingers. 

No one would disturb her again. Not without his permission.