[Comm] Diligence Chap 3 - Makoto

Words: 1,007

There were many things that Makoto had come to wonder about the Heavenly Meadow and the cherubuns that lived there. While on the surface the place seemed beautiful, the more that he had grown to know about it, the more questions he had come to wonder. How had an angel come and taken the buns from Burrowgatory? How had they survived all this time without the modern marvels that they had here, both medicine and otherwise. How did such changes to the cherubuns get enacted so quickly as to make a whole new subspecies. 

When at the Embassy he got a taste of what the Heavenly Meadow must have been. After all, it was a reminder of home to the cherubuns. It was bright and colorful and it had a certain air about it that was surprisingly fulfilling and warm but at the same time everything felt a bit too perfect. It was all still confusing and Makoto still was trying to piece together how he felt about all of it. 

What he did know however was that working in the Embassy gardens alongside Primrose had been a wonderful experience and now he was able to see the fruits of his labor come to fruition.  It was a privilege to see how the flowers for the ambrosia were grown, something divine for the cherubuns. Their lifeblood. 

Primrose stood at his place at the front of the Embassy, working away once again as Makoto walked in. Makoto spared a wave to the other before heading towards the gardens but was surprised when he heard the quick footsteps follow behind him. “Wait just a moment.” The voice called from behind. Makoto looked over to see primrose jogging to catch up to him, looking once again disapproving, though this time it seemed to be aimed at his own efforts in running than anything else. “I need to walk you through what you'll be doing at the garden today. As you know the seeds finally sprouted but today we will be watering them. That being said, the water that is used for the flowers isn't simple tap water from down here in Burrowgatory. It

is dew made from the heavenly clouds that were left behind to us. Just like the seeds, this water is precious and shouldn't be wasted on any old area of the soil. It can be tricky to get so we need to be respectful of the process and make sure that we're taking our time in watering each blossom and sprout. We don't want to waste and we don't want the flowers to wither.” 

Makoto listened carefully as the other bun spoke, nodding along and making sure to watch as Primrose showed him where to get the water, carrying his own watering can alongside the other as they filled up and made their way back to the garden. “It's simple enough, just as you would expect. Run the water over the plants and make sure that the soil is at least damp before moving on to the next. You will have to make multiple trips to fill up and keep everything moist.” Makoto nodded to affirm his understanding and soon enough the two of them were at work. 

It took a moment for Makoto to catch on to something he hadn’t noticed. For once Primrose wasn't simply observing him, he was following along and working alongside him. For someone like Primrose, of course he took time and care into making sure that all of the plants were taken care of, but for him to actively participate in a way that was akin to companionship was a bit surprising. Maybe Makoto’s latest ventures for the Embassy had made Primrose feel a bit more comfortable with him and the gesture was very much noticed. It felt like a sense of care and dare he say something akin to friendship was in the air. 

Makoto had gone a few rows before looking over to Primrose, glancing at the other bun occasionally as he worked. “Do you enjoy it? Working in the gardens that is.” Promise paused and seemed a little surprised by the small talk but huffed and nodded. 

“It's good work, something to take pride in. These are our memories of home and I'm going to do my best to make sure that they are honored.”

“How do you feel about it here in Burrowgatory. At the Embassy. I mean I know it must be hard to have made such a large transition but do you think it was worth it.” Primrose seems like he wants to scoff at the question but after a moment he seems to think it over. 

“I like to think it was worth it. After all, someone has to be down here to help take care of all these poor souls and help keep them on the right track. Burrowgatory is going to be confusing for a lot of people and they need not only a piece of home but some guidance along the way.”

“And you are the person to give it to them.”

Primrose turns and opens his mouth with an offended look on his face, seemingly taking the other’s words as sarcastic before pausing at the look of understanding on Makoto's face. Makoto was sure that the ‘oh you're serious’ moment of it had hit Primrose only a moment later and Primrose flushed and turned back to his watering. “Yes, well. If I don't, who will?” 

Makoto smiles and nods, carrying on and refilling their watering cans after another few rows. Primrose may be stuck up but he truly did care deep down. Honestly how much he cared wasn't even that deeply hidden, you just had to look right below the surface to see it. It was nice knowing him in these moments. He liked to think that at some point Primrose would consider him a friend, just as he had come to consider him one. Maybe in the future they could have more conversations like this. He could only hope.