Autumn Deluge [closed]

Each drop bequeathed itself onto the cooling air, pattering against the perfectly arranged bonsai trees and daffodils. Scented by an orchestra of greenery, the flower bed wound up and down the narrow pathways, filling the sun-kissed conservatory in all the colors of the rainbow. A pinkish blush and gentle hum serenaded through gentle waves, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, dusting her muted flesh in a healthier hue. The brim of her giant sunhat cast a shadow over her smiling face. Ranging from the petite green leaves of thyme to the violet sickles of rosemaries to the short stub of mints vying toward the sunlight -, Adeline streamed the ambient rain, the soil darkening on impact.

A black ball of fuzz waved its paw at a stalk of basil, its sapphire raindrops for eyes gazing curiously at the rounded leaves. Fluffy ears perking up, the kitten snaked his tail through the air, prodding at his owner with sheathed claws. "What is it, Chat?" Footsteps registered from behind her, the conservatory door clicking as another person entered. The words spilled out of her mouth like a panicked mouse, begging for mercy to the ones that suddenly entered its path. "I-I'm sorry, the conservatory is unavailable to students right now. It should be locked, so that's my bad, but could you please leave until then?"

Old habits died hard, didn't they?

Hurriedly rushing to turn off the faucet, her hands pulled down on the brim of her hat, the heat crawling up to her ears as she lowered her head. Honey amber eyes inflected a stammer, failing to give her the answer that the person who walked in was - in fact - not a student.

After all these years, the school was still so very much the same. The technological revolution had given them much, but it hadn't changed the way the place felt, nor the memories all the former students had of it. On a stroll through the school, he came upon the Conservatory. 'I wonder if it's changed any.' Heron moved to the door, feeling the air grow warmer and more humid even as it still stood perfectly closed. He wasn't sure if anyone was inside, so he peeked his head in just a bit.

He felt his hair begin to react to the moisture, leaving him feeling mildly sticky in the hot air. Some familiar voice spoke from within and he moved closer inside until he could see them. 'Is that Adeline?' His face broke into a small smile. "Is it open to parents or teachers though?" The young man took a few steps inside, dark eyes trailing to the plants adorning every shelf, box, and hanger. Even if he wasn't too into plants, as previous experience had taught him, this room was still undeniably beautiful. The air was certainly better smelling than some other parts of the school.

"Nice hat."

She blinked once, twice.

...

. . .

.  .  .

Ah, her mind shuttered and did a double-take. With eyes as rich as the earth's soil surrounding them, stained with the warmth of hot chocolate on a lonely winter night, was a nostalgic voice and face from the olden days of school where she could sit down and enjoy the summer fireworks sparking into the sky through a glassy window, on a well-celebrated holiday but on an isolated silent birthday in the dark. Raising her head with a warm smile, Adeline giggled, as sweet as a bell, "Technically no, but I think an exception once in awhile would be fine." Her hands came up to muffle the sound as a fair proper lady would. "And thank you."

Taking a seat on one of the benches, she motioned to Heron to follow, patting the place beside her. "Have you finished planning out your lesson for tomorrow yet? I'm surprised that you're wandering around during break."