The auburnette felt a pang of unease, her shoulders shifting slightly when she realized that he was staring at her far more closely than most strangers did. She habitually pushed a lock of her hair from her face, but used the motion to hide the color that came to her cheeks as well.
”I—It’s all right, ask whatever ya want.” She couldn’t begin to imagine what he wanted to ask her and why it called for a warning, but she was an open book. There was very little she was willing to share, especially if it were as simple as admitting what her favorite flower.
Madison remained silent for a second, then burst into a fit of giggles into both of her hands.
”Oh, gosh. That ain’t forward at all! I’m fond of peonies, and they are fun t’ work with. ‘Fact, I got a bush or two back home that I’m takin’ care of.” She sighed softly.
”They’re just so cute an’ soft, and they got th’ best smell. Well, most of ‘em do. There are some that smell like fish, but I ain’t ever smelled those before. The ones in my garden smell like roses an’ citrus. Oh, did ya know the roots are used fer medicine? I——
Oh, shoot. M’sorry, m’ ramblin’…”
Now that was charming. The detective chuckled, lifting a hand to cover his mouth as he did so, amused at her reaction. “Oh, please, no, it’s wonderful. There’s nothing more enchanting than listening to a passionate person speak of what they love most.”
Hakuba offered what he hoped was a warm and reassuring smile, no longer giving off the analytical feeling, which he’d only intended to be humorous, anyway. Absently tugging at the collar of his milfold coat, he broke his gaze to give her a moment of reprieve and glanced up at the bus stop sign, instead.
“They’re beautiful, though. Peonies. I’ve always been fond of how they look like living watercolor. Delicate petals in various strokes and washes of paint. Very fine choice. Are they difficult to care for?”