Kai \ Adi. - Tumblr Posts
kai stands in the doorway, hands stuffed into the pockets of his over-worn, over-sized jacket. it wasn't exactly in his plan to pop into the shop, but on his way home from working a double shift at the arcade, he'd struck with the notion to. a familiar exhaustion already set in deep. " some might call that perfect timing then, huh ? " his tone comes out dry, but there's a playful glint behind his gaze. the thing about kai is, he doesn't ask for help, or care to ever admit when there's a problem. but it's gotten to the point he has to try something. conceals a sigh beneath his breath as he walks inside, has a quick glance around before his eyes settle on her familiar features. " i can't sleep, " he admits, his voice carrying a trace of vulnerability he seldom shows. " figured you might have some kind of concoction for that. " insomnia has plagued him on and off for years, seems to have come back lately with some kind of vengeance. weed had worked wonders at one point, but he fears he's built up such an intolerance it would take more than anyone should smoke to help with that now. " and if not, " adds with a wry smile, shrug of his shoulders, " then i guess i'm fucked. "
( open starter @ tide & thyme : a herbalist shop . )
as the sun dipped lower over the horizon , casting a golden glow over the quaint beach town , adi carefully arranged her wares at the small herbal shop she managed with her aunts . the scent of dried lavender and chamomile filled the air , mingling with the salty breeze that drifted in from the ocean . it was one of those perfectly peaceful evenings , the kind that felt like a bonus level in her otherwise busy life .
with a sigh of contentment, she turned to the door, ready to hang the “ CLOSED ” sign. just then , a gentle knock sounded . she looked up to see them standing on the doorstep — adi's eyebrows raised in surprise . “ oh hey ! we’re just about to close , but if you want something from the store i can help you out real quick ! ” she motioned for them to come in , curiosity twinkling in her eyes.
@palmviewstarters
there's something about the beach that's always called to kai. for as long as he can remember, it's been the one place he always finds himself returning to. spends most nights out of his week here, mostly when it's dark and all the other noise has faded away, leaving only the sound of gentle waves crashing. a sense of comfort found in the way all looks calm, but beneath the surface chaos could brew at any given moment. it was unpredictable, much like life he supposed. " that's me, " he shrugs, slight hint of sarcasm that always seems to be present, as a hint of a smile tugs at his lips " a regular mood setter. " kai rests his chin on his shoulder, lets his gaze drift towards the familiar face. " what are you doing down here so late ? "
she brushes a few loose strands of hair away from her face as she watches him , the faint scent of the sea mingling with the smoke . she lets a small smile tug at the corner of her lips , accepting the joint with a quiet nod . " don’t mind if i do , " she says softly , sinking down beside him in the sand , her gaze flickering between the fading horizon and kai's calm demeanor . she takes a slow drag , letting the smoke swirl in her lungs before exhaling into the salty air . " you always know how to set the mood , huh ? " her voice carries a playful edge, though there's a quiet appreciation beneath it .
" the one and only, " he mockingly chimes, as if he's talking about some old friend. and in a way, it feels like he is. insomnia has been a looming shadow for so long it feels like his longest companion. one he never really invites in, yet it always shows up. like some kind of clingy ex who can't take a hint. kai watches her work, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, slouched posture, tired eyes trailing the movements of her hands as she gathers the herbs. it’s kind of impressive, the way she seems to know exactly what he needs with little explanation. " sooner ? ah, come on, where's the fun in that ? relief doesn't feel as good if you don't suffer first, " he responds, typical sardonic humour paired with a half-smile. he notes the soft expression, and it almost threatens to lower his defences, but he isn't so sure how to fully do that anymore. then she mentions talking and he almost laughs. kai isn't known for talking, not about the deep shit anyway. that comes out in his music, in lyrics often so easy to dissect no one ever really does. a talent of his, apparently. to be so obvious it's not obvious at all. " yeah, talking . . . not exactly something i'm known for, is it ? " chuckle is low, huffed out as he reaches to take hold of her concoction. doesn't voice how much he's going to be relying on it. if it brings him even one night of decent sleep, it'll be worth this small moment of vulnerability. " thanks, " adds, genuine curve of his lips as he slips the item into his pocket. " how much ? " card is already being pulled out, gaze diverting slightly. he takes not of how dark it seems to be outside now. " you heading home now ? i can walk you, if you want. 'm already heading that way. " he can mask with sarcasm, a cool exterior. but behind it all there is still some semblance of a good guy. just a lost one.
she pauses once she reaches the cash register , a knowing look crossing her face as she listens to him . the shop smells of lavender and sage , the air calm in contrast to the tension she senses radiating off him . she straightens , giving him a warm but slightly concerned smile as he admits his struggle . " insomnia , huh ? " she echoes softly, wiping her hands on a cloth before walking the isles quickly and grabbing just what she needed to help him and putting them in the basket she picked up along the way . “ you know , you really should've come to me sooner , ” she teases lightly , but there’s no real reproach behind her words . she studies him , her eyes sharper than her usual playful self , catching the fatigue etched into his features .
with a hum , she heads behind the counter , starting to pull out jars of dried herbs and tinctures from the basket . " lucky for you , i do have something for that . no smoking required . " her hands move swiftly, mixing a blend of valerian root , passionflower , and chamomile , setting it down on the counter in front of him . “ this should help you get some decent sleep without knocking you out too hard . ” she glances back up at him, her expression softening as she adds , " but maybe... you should talk to someone about whatever’s keeping you up . " her tone is gentle, giving him the space to deflect if he needs to . " but for now, this will help . take it with some tea before bed , and if it doesn’t work , i’ll come up with something else . i promise you’re not fucked , not with me around . " she offers a small , reassuring smile .