patientxpetals:

   ”I guess th’ fact they they c’n self-seed and their speed in growth makes ‘em seem a little pest-like, especially when they start t’ smother other plants. I think they’re cute.” She would have been more than happy to plant a few in her garden, but taking time away from home meant she would likely return to nothing but Morning Glories.

   Something that felt a little like pride swelled in her chest when he decided to contribute to the conversation. It felt nice to be listened to, but it was even better knowing the person she spoke to had something to say — not to mention he was handsome, and his laugh was incredibly adorable.

   ”Hmm?” Focus, “Oh! Uh, I’ve only been workin’ with flowers for about three years. I practically begged fer th’ job after I moved t’ California by m’self. Ma was never…
                                               She thought it wasn’t a good job.”

   Madison shook her head and urged the smile to return to her face, “What about you? You’re a detective! I know ya said it’s a lot of paper work, but I’ve always wondered what it would be like. I mean, it’s probably nothin’ like what they show on TV, right?”

“I suppose the morning glories are best left on abandoned castles, hm? There’s a manor in Lyon that I visit from time to time; crumbling walls, rotting wood, climbing ivy… and god, so many morning glories. They’re beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.”

He rocked back and forth on his heels as he considered a segue, pulling himself from the day dream. “Good job or not,” he looked at her again with a reassuring smile. “I think it’s wonderful that you’re doing what you’re passionate about. That’s far more important than money or social stigma, anyway. It’s the way to find true joy, or so I’m told.

"Really, rather like detective work. Sometimes it’s as the telly shows, yes… There are chases, exciting criminal cases, injuries, time spent in laboratories, speaking to blood splatter experts… But most really is paperwork. Alas, anything we detectives do must be documented if we’re to use it in court. It’d be far too easy to fake otherwise. But, fortunately…”

Hakuba leaned in closer to her then, raising a brow with mischievous interest, smirk going crooked on his face. “I’m rather fond of the smell and texture of paper, and love to examine ink and typed writing for mistakes… cross-referencing data, determining legitimacy. You can learn so much about people that way, and since paperwork isn’t as standard across the board as one might think, there are plenty of rooms for error, all of which lead to… well, curious things. Which I love.”

patientxpetals:

   ”Most people get that really bored look on their faces whenever I start talkin’ about flowers. I mean, I know they’re not th’ most interestin’ things t’ hear about.” She lifted her shoulders in a small, sheepish shrug but quietly appreciated his charm and understanding.

   He hadn’t asked her to stop or forced another subject onto her, but she still felt a sliver of guilt knowing she had almost tumbled into a nearly endless speech about flowers and their medical benefits. Besides, she was only a simple florist — she wasn’t supposed to know more than their meanings and that they were ‘really, super pretty.’

   ”I never thought of ‘em that way, but yer right. I can’t wait fer mine t’ bloom,” she tried not to sigh at how poetic he sounded, “They take a few years t’ grow an’ bloom, but I know it’ll be worth it. Just gotta pay attention an’ make sure they’re gettin’ th’ right amount of light and water.”

   Madison shifted slightly beside him and cleared her throat, “Do ya happen t’ have a favorite?”

For his part, Hakuba seemed completely content to listen to the ramblings. It was refreshing to hear of another’s life and adventures without having to cater to the whims of the interrogation of fame, and the subject matter was calming. That the woman he spoke to was a beautiful girl and clearly passionate was a definite perk, and the detective was very pleased with his choice in bus stop for the day.

“I prefer Morning Glories, after all, though I suppose many think of them as a pest…” he offered, smile crooked. “Lilies, also. And Carnations… especially the ones with stripes." 

He laughed, then, just a small, rolling chuckle in the back of his throat before turning his attention back to the sign post. "How long have you been working with flowers? Is this a family trade, or is it something you’ve pioneered on your own?”