A Flower a Day Keeps the Bees at Play

[lightthedarkness]

Who: Usagi Tsukino (Serena Lapin) and customers
What: It’s Usagi’s real first day of work after all her training… wish her luck
When: All Day
Where: The flower store Usagi works at
Warnings: Just the cheerful klutz that is Usagi?
Notes: I’m more than happy to match styles!




A: Early Morning

Luna (and Mamoru) had learned long ago, that the way to get Usagi anywhere on time was to set her alarm clock an hour ahead. While Usagi knew the trick, she never bothered commenting on it because, well, it worked! She got up early, she got to things on time, and everyone was happy that she wasn’t late. Still, even if Usagi knew the trick, considering the situation she was currently in? She completely forgot to do it. After all, she liked sleeping in as much as the next person (probably more than the next person, actually)!

Which was why, running through the streets was the blonde bunny, in a bright white and blue dress, crying in dismay: "I’M LAAAAAATE! I’M LATE I’M LAAAATE!" with a bag on her shoulder and a lunch-box in hand. The rabbit was late and had no time to say hello or goodbye to those she was living with, she was late she was late she was late!

So frantic to get to work on time, she didn’t pay attention as she turned the corner...

And promptly smacked into someone, falling backwards and straight to the ground.

"OOOOOOOW!" she cringed and whimpered only a little. She rubbed her back, she paused to catch her breath, and then quickly popped right back up as if she hadn’t just fallen. She was so used to falling, honestly that it wasn’t something she couldn't handle. She didn’t have time to be upset, though, because not only was she late, and more importantly, she possibly just hurt someone!

"I’m so so so so so sorry! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" she had to go but she didn’t want to abandon the person she just ran into. She bowed deeply. "Really, I’m so sorry!"



B: Throughout the Day

Usagi let out a sigh of relief as she had made it on time. The flower shop owner, Ophelia, merely chuckled to herself and commented about how nice it was to have such an energetic girl around the shop.

The older woman was actually incredibly kind to hire her on. Usagi explained that she had just moved in with all of her cousins after an accident involving their parents. Serena Lapin was doing everything she could to support her family, five girls and one boy! Ophelia was an older woman, bent over and needing a cane to walk, and her son and his best friend worked for her as it got harder for her to work by herself, but at seeing "Serena’s" eagerness and willingness to work, her friendly and open nature, well Ophelia commented that it would be nice to have another girl around, hiring the very day Usagi applied.

And, on top of Usagi’s paycheck, she got to take home flowers that were too old to sale or were damaged in such a way that they couldn’t be given to their customers. She had already taken a few damaged roses, plucked off the ruined petals and leaves and stuck them in her hair. But Usagi was also thinking that flower bouquets would be a great way to keep the house smelling lovely and feeling warm.

Usagi, or rather Serena Lapin was ready to work! With her pastel pink apron and the name badge with a little thistle at the end of it, she could face anything. She looked up when she heard the door chime and greeted the guest with a bright smile.

"Welcome to Thistle Do Nicely: A Flower for Every Occasion! My name is Serena, how can I help you today?"

Comments

A

[twoscompany]

And when Usagi looked up to see the person she ran into, she'd have to really look up. Garnet was a pretty tall person, after all; even brought down to normal, she was over six feet tall. And built pretty solidly, at that; while Usagi fell backwards. she simply swayed a bit from the impact. Her glasses nearly fell off her face, though, and she quickly shoved them back up.

Turning to look at Usagi, she adjusted her hat, also tousled by the hit. She didn't seem to be a fan looking to beg for an autograph, which was fine by her.

"No problem. I've had worse."

[lightthedarkness]

She was so tall! She was even taller than Makoto and Haruka! Usagi was pretty short, being all of 4'11" compared to all of her friends. And she never got any taller as she aged either. So that Garnet stood over her so? She really did have to look up.

"Are you sure you're alright miss? I should have paid more attention to where I was going!"

B

[hearted]

Of course, no day would be complete without a visit by Serena's 'cousin', Diana at the local greasy dine-in. Her name tag merely read 'Di' with the I dotted with a heart, and her basic black uniform was clean, if slightly disheveled from a day's work.

She made a beeline for her cousin. "Wow, Serena, you're doing great! It's really pretty here."

[lightthedarkness]

At the sight of "Diana" Usagi gave a squeal of delight before essentially hopping over to her and hugging onto her cousin.

"Thank you Di! Ah here," Usagi took one of the flowers from her hair and put it behind Minako's ear. "It matches your bow." She offered with a smile. "How are things at Brad's Diner?"

B

[rising_wing]

Riku walks in with a sub. "Someone order a sub from Jessie Jones?" He looks spiffy in his Jessie Jones Subs uniform. It's a navy button up with a JJS stitched in on his right breast pocket, his name tag on his left, khaki shorts that he hates because he's not a shorts guy, and a ball cap. His silver hair is pulled back in a pony tail, but some of it has escaped and he keeps having to tuck it behind his ear.

His bike, not a motorbike, a bicycle he got on the cheap because it looks like it's about to fall apart, is parked outside. He didn't bother to chain it up because he's half hoping someone will steal it, though he knows no one will. "Oh, hey Sere!" he lights up when he sees Usagi. "This yours?"

[lightthedarkness]

"Ricky!" she smiled. At the sight of the sub, her mouth watered but she shook her head. What with how tightly they were all watching how they spent things? No, no it most certainly wasn't something she ordered.

"Ah, it must be for Mrs. Ophelia or one of the boys. Is it already paid for or do you need me to get them? I can just put it in the fridge in back if so." Ahhhhh it smelled so goooood.

"How's work going?"

B

[faithfulflame]

The shop had a pleasant smell to it, the kind of place that you went into and just felt at home. Rei'd seen it while driving a few times, and today was the day she finally made the time to stop. Pulling into the lot in her little red coup and hopping out, she walked in and wasted no time in looking around. Some part of her hoped that the staff would just let her browse in peace, since she'd entered with another customer ahead of her and immediately skipped to one side.

She wasn't exactly wearing much of a disguise today, just sunglasses with her hair tied back in a long ponytail and a ballcap for Fukuoka Seahawks on over it but she could never be too careful. Ever. Couple the wariness of fans with her own general anxiety over being engaged by strangers and you had a veritable minefield of issues with overly excited salespersons. Like the one working at the side counter that she'd accidentally walked within line of sight of.

She jumps at the girl's happy chirp of greeting, stiffening and trying to smile pleasantly.

"Um...well...I'm just looking right now...but where are your roses?"

That wasn't awkward. Was it...?

[lightthedarkness]

It was a good thing she wasn't holding anything, because she would have dropped it. Her breath hitched and to see Rei and not sense... to not feel anything from that long connection?

She nearly wanted to cry. She wanted to clutch at her heart and sob out because Rei was here, and Rei was looking at her as if she was a stranger.

Because she was.

She thought she could do this. She thought she could handle this, but she didn't think she would be seeing Rei so quickly.

Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't run over and hug her tight and tell her everything would be okay because they were here now. She gripped onto the counter as she tight as she could, her face pale and her eyes burning. Don't cry.

Her lips pressed together and she felt like she might break the counter but her feet wanted to hurry over to Rei. She just wanted to hug her and she couldn't. She wanted to reach out and protect her, tell her that this was wrong! This was not what she was supposed to be like!

She swallowed and let out a shaky breath, feeling sick to her stomach that she couldn't just reveal herself right then and there. She could do this, for Rei. She could do anything for her senshi.

"I-I would be happy to show you, miss!" she offered sincerely but she found it hard to let go of the counter because she was sure her legs would urge her to Rei and just wrap the girl up in a hug. She finally let go and slowly, with a breath on each step, she made her way over to the roses.

"H-Here are our roses. We're having a s-sale on roses, actually!" please don't cry, don't cry, don't beg for her to remember. She would do that back at the house.

"Are roses your f-favorite?" please say no, white casablancas, those are your favorite, those have always been your favorite. Her hands were shaking so she clasped them tight behind her back to hide them.

[avidita]

The person who walked through the door was tall, of dusky skin, and had swept back curly black hair. Apparently a man, by conventional standards, who smiled and nodded to Serena at the greeting.

It was just Mammon, wearing an illusion snugly. It wouldn't do to lose their touch just because nothing was happening immediately.

When they spoke, their voice matched their look. "I think you can." Striding up to the counter, they tilted their head to the side with a faint smile. "I'm looking for plants that would suit a certain lady who likes being near the water." One hand reached out, set something down on the counter...

It was a frog. Fantasma, in fact, who looked up and gave a friendly croak towards the blonde. Hopefully that would be enough of a clue to who they really were.

[lightthedarkness]

She blinked, and then blinked again and then she saw Fantasma and her eyes widened and she practically yelled "OH MY GOSH!" but was quick to cover her mouth before anything more than a "OH!" escaped. She cleared her throat and then bounced on her heels, smiling brightly as she leaned forward.

"Oh yes, we have all sorts of flowers for the water! We even have lotus blossoms and lily pads if you want?" she came out behind the counter, smiling.

"Right this way to our little indoor pond!"

B

[vivelarevolution]

Sabo smiles at the bubbly greeting, glad that someone is honestly enjoying their work--while secretly thinking that someone should be shot for that pun.

"I'm just looking." Wandering around. Taking things in. His security guards coming in behind him like dark clouds and scowling at everything including him. Hands in his pockets, he bends a little to inspect some tiny bell-like flowers in a pot.

"A flower for every occasion, though? Are you sure about that?"

[lightthedarkness]

That pun is adorable! That's part of what Usagi liked about it! That and the owner was incredibly kind.

Usagi watched Sabo come in and blinked at the sight of the security guards. She pressed her lips together. What if they found out she was here to rescue them? She swallowed as she looked at them but turned back to Sabo, offering a bright smile.

"Ah, well, we certainly try! Do you need an arrangement for something? We do weddings, birthdays, and everything else! If you need a consultation for a special event I would be happy to get the owner."

B

[scalpedsociety]

Some flowers have thorns and guess who's arrived at the shop with lotsa money and honest love for flowers? Miss Tamara Seward of Crown of Thorns. Sure she buys potted plants everytime they'res a sale at the local greenhouse, but she wants to send some flowers over to some people she knows and this just happens to be her favorite flower shop.

"Oh a new employee! You're so lovely..."

[lightthedarkness]

Usagi blushed and waved a dismissive hand.

"Ah! Thank you so much, that's really very kind of you ma'am!" she gave a little bow in thanks. "Yes, I'm brand new! Today is my first official day after training! Mrs. Ophelia was really kind to give this to me. Are you a regular customer? Would you be more comfortable with one of the boys helping you?" Usagi didn't want to get a regular's order wrong or to upset her. "Oh! I'm Serena," she gestured to her name tag. "It's nice to meet you!"

A

[woomy]

"Ow..." Agent 3 whines as she pushes herself back up to standing and adjusts her hat to make sure her tentacles are covered. "You have one heck of a knockback." Did she have some Run Speed abilities on her?

"Hey... aren't you...?" They didn't have a chance to talk much, but this girl's part of the rescue group, isn't she? "Um... part of the thing?"

They don't really have a way to secretly ask if they are a rescuer... Maybe they should do that.

[lightthedarkness]

It was- her eyes widened and she nearly panicked when the other girl sounded like- she was quick to cut in, waving a dismissive hand.

"Ah no! No, sorry you must have me confused for someone else! I just moved here! Mmhmm! With my cousins, we only just arrived a little bit ago." Still, she did want her to know that she was part of the group.

Seriously, it was hard enough for her to keep this all together, she didn't want to blow her cover as well.

"Are you sure you're alright? It seems like I must have run into you pretty hard since you got me confused for someone else."

A

[actsmagnificent]

Correction, Usagi: You do not bump into Haruka. Her reflexes are too good for that. Instead, she sidesteps - but her reflexes aren't quite good enough because the shopping bag she's got sticking out from under one arm is what sends the rabbit wiping out onto the pavement instead. Whoops.

"Headed to work?" she asks - they have to be calm and "normal" out on the streets where anyone could be watching. But on the bright side, no harm done?

[lightthedarkness]

She was lightly rubbing her back still when she saw the shopping bag, wondering what was inside.

"Ha-" she was about to say Haruka's name but then quickly remembered that she shouldn't. "Ha, that is yes, Alex. I'm heading there now. I slept in so I'm running late.... aaaah but what is that?" she asked, trying to peek inside.

B

[yellowcopycat]

"Hi!" Ryouta said with a big smile as he walked in. He's a tall, beautiful boy over six feet (6'2" to be exact), built solid, and dressed fashionably. "I'm looking for some flowers to really brighten up my apartment."

He paused, a little bashful, "And um... maybe a flower for my..." he makes a vague hand gesture looks a little confused at this. Mostly because they haven't talked about what their relationship is. "My... I don't know what he is."

[lightthedarkness]

"Oh! Then might I recommend our: 'Good Morning Sunshine!' bouquet?" Usagi offered, clapping her hands together. "It has sunflowers, daffodils, white tulips, and yellow and white daisies! Nothing more bright and cheerful than that bouquet!"

At the mention of his significant other, she giggled. "Well, then for your 'whatever he may be,' I recommend one single deep red rose. Nothing more romantic than a red rose, after all."

B

[consocius]

[Sora's never bought flowers before, other than the time he got some from Flowers Over Bones' merchandise table to make flower crowns for them. He thinks that he's probably received them himself before too, especially since he used to act and stuff, but he can't recall a specific time. So, overall, really, he doesn't actually know much about flowers. All he knows going in is that he wants something that will help cheer his friend up, because Nariko's been through too much and deserves to be happy. He also knows that the name of this place is great and he'd laughed when he'd read the sign before entering, so that was a boded well for the place.

He smiles back at the girl who greets him, glad to have someone offering help since he doesn't really know what he's doing.]

Hey! Serena, huh? I'm Sora. And I think I want a bouquet with some flowers for a friend who's been kinda down lately. Somethin' cheerful?

[Suddenly there's something else he wants to get too though, now that he's in here and surrounded by all the beautiful flowers and the pretty scents. He really hadn't come here with the intention to get something for him, 'cause having only been together for not quite a month yet, it might be too much too soon, but... Sora's heart says to do it, that seeing the look on Jamie's face when he gives it to him will be awesome, and Sora generally listens to his heart.]

Also... Uhm, maybe like a single flower? [There is minor blushing happening, a smile still on his face though it's turned slightly bashful as he rubs the back of his neck with one hand.] Like, something romantic but not too much? It's for a different person.

[lightthedarkness]

[Usagi's eyes widened. Sora... as in... as in Riku's Sora!? She swallowed and tried not to panic as she thought of contacting her "cousin." No, they couldn't risk anything besides casual, entirely coincidental meet ups. She pressed her lips together. She took a deep breath and nodded.]

Well, if you want something cheerful, we have the 'Good Morning Sunshine' Bouquet! It has sunflowers, daffodils, white tulips, and yellow and white daisies! Nothing more bright and cheerful than that bouquet. We can even add extra sunflowers!

[At the romantic but not too romantic, she smiled brightly and leaned forward.]

Well, why don't you tell me their favorite color and we can go from there!

[linkthismemory]

[It's near the end of the day when the small girl wanders into the shop. She's got an apron slung over her bag, the same horrible patchwork bag she'd acquired when she'd arrived. She seems to have no idea that it's really rather terrible. She's very quiet and seems to take a very long time to make her way to the front of the store, pausing every few moments to look at one flower or another.

She's been coaxed into at least a little color, by now. Blue, though that's not much of a stretch, really. They'll have to keep working.

There's what appears to be paint on her sleeve and graphite up one arm, but she also doesn't seem to mind it.

When she finally sees Serena, she steps up to the counter.]

Hello. Are you almost done? [After a moment, she expands on that.] I thought we could walk home together.

[lightthedarkness]

[At seeing her little blonde "cousin," Usagi offered a little wave before turning back to her task.

Usagi was finishing up counting up the register and putting everything away in the office where Mrs. Ophelia would take care of the rest and lock up for the night. She pressed a hand to her lips as she took the bouquet that had been damaged by one of their customers on accident.

She hopped over to Namine and linked their arms.]

All done! You cam right on time Nora! Let's go! You can tell me all about your day!

B

[psyvampexperiment]

Sariel has been settling into life and work with his new bandmates, making a home of it. And that includes bringing home a few odds and ends to really make the atmosphere warm and welcoming. And so he's come into the shop looking for roses, browsing through the buckets of bouquets, pausing every so often to sniff at them, caress the petals with his long, delicate fingers.

[lightthedarkness]

"Good afternoon, sir," she offered from the counter, smiling warmly at the... incredibly tall man. Usagi was all of 4'11" and the gentleman had several feet on her.

"Is there anything I can help you find today? We're having special on our 'Good Morning Sunshine' bouquet, it's the perfect bouquet to help with winter gloom."

B

[snapcrackleburn]

One wouldn't expect a man from a heavy metal band to be enthusiastic about flowers but this particular one was and very much so. Roy's bodyguard from Pride agreed to stand outside while Roy stopped in at the floral shop. He had come to Thistle Do Nicely once before to get a bouquet thrown together for his band and Ophelia had been incredibly friendly and did excellent work. Of course he was going back again.

'Serena's' friendly greeting has him smiling at her as he walks in the door. He takes a breath, such a nice aroma. "Hello! I'm thinking of building a custom bouquet today. Can you show me the options that are in today?"

[lightthedarkness]

"Well, our bouquet that we're having a special on is the 'Good Morning Sunshine' bouquet to help with winter gloom. But if you are looking to make a custom one, why don't we start with what sort of message you want the flowers to mean and then we can figure out the perfect flowers and colors!"