Osmophobia. Chapter 5. Blind. Jade woke up before
her alarm. She lay there staring at the ceiling,
tail curled tight around her legs. The sun hadn't
even fully risen yet, casting a beautiful copper
glow on the clouds. She groaned softly and rolled
onto her side. It's just breakfast, she muttered.
Bread, coffee, totally normal. Very chill. Her
tail flicked in betrayal. Her mind wandered.
She wouldn't even be able to step inside without
clearing the whole building. What was Cedric
planning? She eventually forced herself up, brushing
her teeth, put on something cute but not too
adorable, and spritzed herself with a vanilla
fragrance. Comfort scent. Casual. Nice. After
leaving her apartment, the sky was turning a
stunning warm gold. Jade took a deep breath,
checked her phone. and started walking. By the
time she got near the bridge, the city was already
awake. Footsteps echoed. Traffic hummed and raced.
The air was alive again, carrying with it the
promise of an active day. Jade slowed her pace
so her excitement was a little less obvious.
And then, there he was. Cedric stood near the
base of the bridge, hands tucked into the pockets
of blue -washed jeans, casually looking over
the water. When he saw her, his entire posture
changed. He smiled like he hadn't seen her in
weeks. Hey, he said brightly. Jade felt it again.
That pause. That strange sense of being seen.
Hey, she replied, hoping her voice sounded normal
and not like she'd practiced it in her head three
to four times. He gestured down the street. Ready?
She nodded. Yeah, totally. Wonderful. You'll
love this. They walked side by side, not quite
touching, but close enough that Jade was acutely
aware of every step. She noticed how Cedric adjusted
his pace to match hers without saying anything.
The bakery appeared halfway down the block, seven
or so people hanging out outside or on their
way in. Her steps slowed. Cedric noticed. Don't
worry, he said gently. Everything will be okay.
Jade's tail swayed once, then twice. I... yeah,
it's just... She gave a small, awkward laugh.
I... just... I... you know I can't go inside,
right? Cedric nodded. You mean I know people
can be jerks? Yeah, but you look like you'd love
a sweet cappuccino. He was right. Jade smiled,
trying to hide it. Cedric slowed to a stop across
the street from the bakery. Wait here for a second,
he asked. I promise I'll be right back. Confused,
but curious, Jade nodded. Sure. Perfect. Don't
go anywhere, he smiled. He turned, crossed the
street with haste, and approached the bakery
door. A panther barista opened the door to meet
Cedric. They were holding a to -go bag and a
tray of coffees, scanned something with his phone,
took everything with a thank you, and dashed
carefully back across the street. Jade giggled
as he approached. What are you doing? Cedric
smiled warmly. My lady, the bakery has come to
you this morning. Follow me. Jade laughed as
they walked back into the park. A lovely sight
was waiting for her. A fountain in the middle
of a beautiful round cobblestone walk with cozy
picnic tables on the outskirts. She took a breath.
You... you're such a dork and I love it. Jade
yelled happily. Cedric laughed to himself. Well,
a princess has coffee where she wishes, and this
place seems perfect for royalty. Jade blushed.
Oh, so I'm a princess now. I thought I was a
superhero, she giggled. Can't you be both? He
said with a smile, as he pulled out the metal
picnic seat for her. My lady. Jade grinned and
took a seat at the picnic table. Cedric placed
the bag and coffee between them as he sat opposite
to her. The warm, sweet smells were calling to
Jade. He started to open the bag. Warm cinnamon
muffins were waiting in their pure, fluffy perfection.
Jade's ears perked up and nose started sniffing.
Yes, they look perfect, right? Careful, he said.
It's hot. She wrapped her paws around a cappuccino
he was offering her, letting the warmth seep
in. Smells amazing. Wait till you taste it, he
said. Jade smiled and took a sip. Her eyes grew
wide. It was a warm cookie blast of vanilla and
a hint of chocolate chip. Jade's jaw dropped
and she locked eyes with Cedric. Cedric burst
out laughing. See, he said, knew you'd love it.
How did you know? She asked in excitement. You
are royalty. This coffee is fit for royalty.
Perfect match. Jade's face flushed rose. You
are adorable. She said naturally. Her eyes grew
wide. That was flirty. He seemed fine, though.
He smiled and drank his coffee. The energy between
them settled. Not fireworks. Not sparks. Just
warmth. Steady and real. So, Cedric said after
a moment. You know I'm a designer. So what do
you do? Jade perked up. I'm an author. E -books,
mostly. I get to work from my apartment, writing
and editing manuscripts. No way! How? I just...
That's so cool! Her ears warmed. Really? I see
it more as a nerd job. No, no, you get to be
cozy at home with a hot drink and just... create.
I do the same. Just, well, you know, art stuff.
He smiled awkwardly. She laughed shyly. Was she...
cool? They sat there longer than either of them
expected, talking about small things that somehow
felt important. Morning walks, creative blocks,
cozy socks. So, he asked, how long have you been
in Diamond City? Jade was stuffing her mouth
with muffin and spoke to the deliciousness. Two
years, she said through the fluffiness. You?
she asked. Born and raised here. He smiled and
held back a laugh from Jade's muffin -filled
mouth. I grew up with tons of other city wolves,
but with my anosmia, I never really fit in a
pack. It was always kind of weird. Wolves see
the world through smell, so I always felt kind
of, well, blind, I guess. Jade glanced at him.
A moment of silence passed. You... you see me?
Jade let out. Cedric looked up at her. No one
in this city sees me, and you freaking walked
up to me out of nowhere just to be nice. You're
not blind. You're kind. You're different. Cedric
paused and cleared his throat, clearly thinking
through his next words. Anyone who doesn't see
you for all your beauty is missing the world.
They both locked eyes. You deserve to be seen,
Jade. She blinked. Your royalty. The rest of
the world is just, just blind, she finished.
He smiled. The muffins were finished. The coffees
were done ages ago. They were just being for
a moment. Hey, he said. I know this bookshop
in the city that is incredible. Plus, it's super
quiet so you can browse to your heart's content.
Plus, I would love to have an author's professional
opinion on the place. Are you free tomorrow?
Say, around three? Jade didn't hesitate. Yeah,
she said, smiling. I'd love that. They both stood.
He gathered everything up in their to -go bag.
He tossed it in a nearby trash can, and they
turned to face each other. Thank you, she said,
for the coffee and for seeing me. Cedric almost
blushed. You're very welcome, and you make it
easy. They both stood very red. See you at the
bridge, three o 'clock tomorrow? Till then. As
they parted ways, pastry warmth still lingering
and vanilla trailing softly behind her, Jade
took a breath to process a quiet, profound thought.
A simple thought, but still strong. I like him.
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