[Comm] Diligence: Chap 1 - Makoto

Diligence: Chap 1 - Makoto
words: 1,237

It had been a year now since the cherubuns had made their way into Burrogatory. With them came a plethora of mysteries and questions, controversies and opinions. Makoto couldn't say that he didn't understand the appeal of it all. At the end of the day this was an entirely new experience for everyone involved, cherubun and succubun alike. Learning to live together in peace and harmony was easy enough to dream about on the surface but the reality of it was that each side was dancing around each other in a cautious manner. Everyone had questions and everyone had answers, whether they were the great questions to ask or the wrong ways to answer, no one could tell. 

Makoto had passed by the Embassy numerous times at this point. The building was a shiny example of what those in Burrowgatory had never seen. While it had been adapted to the ways of Burrogatory in some areas, the Embassy itself stood as a constant reminder that there was more out there that they had ever experienced and Melangle’s words and actions were to be believed, it was something they never would.

Passing by was one thing, walking up to the doors and entering was another. The Embassy was quiet for the most part, a few buns here and there with some roaming about doing their volunteer work but for the most part it was anything but a bustling hub of communication and intrigue like it felt like from the outside. Most of those inside were just sitting and chatting, not blinking an eye at the newcomer as he made his way through. It had purely been out of curiosity that he had decided to come here that day. Makoto had weighed the pros and cons back-and-forth over the past few weeks before finally deciding that now seem to be the best time, especially with the holiday of Cherubmas this being celebrated around them. 

He was actually surprised that he saw the bun in charge of the Embassy, Primrose, standing at a counter with only a book and a pencil in hand. He’d have thought that cherubuns would be busy making arrangements for the holiday but perhaps those have long since been completed if the decorations about town were to be seen. “Excuse me?” His voice was raised only slightly to catch the attention of the cherubun who looked up with an annoyed glance. 

“Can I help you?”

“U-uhm…I heard that you were looking for volunteers” Primrose purses his lips for a moment before nodding, seemingly contemplating the presence of a new bun before shutting the book and looking at Makoto with more attention.

“We are. In fact we need assistance with some gardening duties with the new season. I don't suppose that's what you'd be interested in doing?” Primrose seemed like he was expecting the other bun to say no, but to the contrary, he was more than happy to volunteer his services wherever they were needed. It was an opportunity to learn more about the cherubuns and the Embassy. Maybe he would even  have a chance to ask a few questions along the way, though Primrose didn’t seem to open to smalltalk. 

Upon the nod of affirmation and smile given his way Primrose seemed to relax, even if it was only through a slight huff of acknowledgment. He didn't exactly look like he wanted Makoto there but he wasn't opposed to it either. “Fine but you'll need to listen carefully and follow my directions if you're going to be assisting us today. We've had more than one person coming here with unsteady hands and a lack of care for our seeds and I will not lose even a single one to newcomers who think they know everything.”

The thought of it made Makoto furrow his brow but he nodded along and followed Primrose into the garden. There were different patches in various stages of growth but all neatly separated and cared for. Primrose showed him where the seeds and tools were stored and began to explain the process. Honestly the instructions were fairly simple and the idea that anyone had been able to create a mess out of the instructions was surprising, though maybe that was due to his own upbringing. When your whole life is being taught to listen and serve, it makes it kind of hard to believe that some people would ignore basic instructions. 

“Do you understand all of that?” Primrose asked with crossed arms.

“Y-yes!” Primrose didn't seem to quite believe that but nodded and handed over the tools while watching as he began to plant the seeds one after another. At first the work was done with the utmost seriousness, treating every seed as if it were sacred, but he soon found a rhythm to the process and began to let himself relax. These seeds were sacred, but without ease mistakes would be made. After the first few dozen, the task came far more easily and the seeds were planted with not a single complaint from Primrose. 

The cherubun in question looked as though he was on the edge of his seat the entire time, waiting to call out or find faults in what he was doing but nothing aside from further instructions left the lips. With the pace Makoto took it was only an hour before the new lines of seeds had been planted in the ground. Primrose hummed in approval. “I suppose that will do. What did you say your name was again?”

“It's Makoto” Makoto began dusting off his hands and placing the seeds back in their designated area.

“I don't suppose you'll be coming here again anytime soon.” Though it was phrased like an accusation, he couldn't help but hear an invitation in the other’s voice. Though still wary it did seem like his presence wasn’t entirely unpleasant to the cherubun. His labor was most likely the cause of it. Given the state of the garden and the way Primrose's eyes seemed to glance over it approvingly he wouldn't be surprised if his labor hadn't become something the other bun had hoped to utilize going forward. 

“I'd like to return if that's all right.”

“The embassy is open to all so you'll be welcomed nonetheless, but I will acknowledge your work here today was adequate.” For some reason Makoto felt as though that was more of a compliment than the other let on but he was smart enough not to say anything. 

“I have some time tomorrow if that’s alright with you. But would you mind if I asked you a few questions when I come back? I've been wondering about this place for quite some time.”

Primrose hums for a moment, seemingly weighing his options before nodding. “Fine, I'll allow you that. Though I don't quite see why you feel the need to ask permission, the others rarely do.” Makoto assumed Primrose meant the other buns that came to volunteer and he smiles and knots. 

“Then I'll come by tomorrow.” Primrose hums and walks him to the door. The other bun may have been prickly, but Makoto had a feeling it was out of a place of caution rather than anything else. As he saw Makoto out and the latter gave a small bow in thanks he couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe Primrose would warm up to him overtime. One could only hope.