LAST MINUTE PREPARATIONS

[fox_shuuichi]

WHO: Kurama, and whoever still might want fresh flowers for the ball (also, Hakkai, maybe?).
WHAT: Kurama gets dressed for the ball and waits on some people who might want fresh flowers
WHERE: Paradise Blossoms
WHEN: The day of the ball, early morning and afternoon.

Comments

[causticguy]

It wasn't really an afterthought, this morning trip to the flower shop. It wasn't like he'd been able to plan for this ahead of time, after all. But since finding out that he was going to spend the evening with the queen, House had begun to plan things more pragmatically. People said you caught more flies with honey, after all.

Well, House might not ever actually manage to be sweet, but he could manage a certain degree of charm when he set his mind to it. He knew, at least, that he wasn't going to be able to demand answers from Her Royal Pollyannaishness. This was a game he'd have to play...differently.

Rolling up to the shop and leaving his wheelchair just outside, House limped in, cane in hand, and scanned the interior, his eyes settling on the red-headed shop keeper and the black roses on the counter--not the kind of thing he was looking for, but striking nonetheless. "Good morning," he said, managing (just barely) not to be instantly abrasive.

[fox_shuuichi]

Kurama glanced up, noting the customer's limp and cane, absently filing the information away in the back of his mind. For now, it was irrelevant, but it might have some bearing later. You never really knew, after all.

"Good morning," he replied. "Looking for something for the ball tonight?"

[causticguy]

House regarded the displays of flowers as he answered, looking at them more like they were puzzle pieces than like they were actual items of beauty which anyone might simply enjoy.

"I need something for my," he paused as though the next word was unsettled for him, "date. A corsage, maybe?" He tossed a glance towards the shop keeper and added, "Don't really know what she likes."

[fox_shuuichi]

Kurama recognized the cool calculation in the man's eyes as he glanced at the flowers, heard the hesitation before the word 'date', and his eyes widened as the knowledge clicked into place.

This was the man, Gregory House, who was to meet with the queen. Immediately, he schooled his expression. That was a little too intuitive a leap for Minamino Shuuichi.

"I see. Well, roses are generally viewed as quite beautiful flowers, if a little commonplace. Or would you be interested in something a little more exotic?"

[de_novo_xiii]

He had followed the crudely drawn map Kaoru Hitachiin had given him, and it had served its purpose well. His eyes lit up, delighted he had found the florist he had been directed to.

Popping his head in the doorway, he gave a little wave.
"Hello? I'm here to pick up some flowers for tonight. I'm Kuja and I spoke to you through your journal...-?"

[fox_shuuichi]

Kurama smiled and returned the wave.

"Of course. Please, come in - I've taken the liberty of pulling the roses for you already."

He gestured to the counter in front of him, where the dark blossoms sat in a large vase.

[de_novo_xiii]

He cooed over the roses, touching their petals with a giggle.
"They're gorgeous. I didn't think we'd have black roses here." Now it'd be just a matter of assembling them to the accessories he had at home. Kuja scooped up the flowers, minding the thorns carefully.

"Thank you so much sweetheart." He smiled, leaning forward and kissing his cheek. "Shall I see you at the ball?"

[fox_shuuichi]

Kurama took it in stride, smiling.

"Naturally. I wouldn't dress up for just any occasion. Are you certain you wouldn't like me to assemble the flowers for you? I'd be more than happy to."

[sh_hereisgone]

Daisya approached the flower shop a bit nervously and peered around at the vast array of choices.

Okay, okay, girls like flowers, so just... pick somethin' nice!

And yet they all looked nice, and on top of that they all smelled nice... and he put his palm to his forehead in confusion.

What kind of flowers do girls like?!

[de_novo_xiii]

Kuja blinked at the newcomer and tilted his head. He giggled.

"What kind of girl is your date hm? You can't just pick any flower for a girl. It has to be the right flower."

[sh_hereisgone]

Daisya jumped and looked at the newcomer, then smiled sheepishly and lifted his hands in a shrug. "That's the problem... I dunno! She's... well, she's pretty, an' she's nice... I'm not bein' real helpful, am I?"

[de_novo_xiii]

Kuja laughed but not unkindly. Men, he sighed with a shake of his head.

"Pretty and nice? That's a start. Is she kind? Is she bubbly and cheery? Or quiet and elegant?" He poked the man's nose playfully. "Help me out here sweetie, or I can't help you."