Seventh Rose: Flower Competition [Backdated to last Sunday]

[formerabyssinian]

[The Flower Arrangement Contest has begun! Aya is filming the few contestants they have who are diligently working on an arrangement. Some look relaxed and confident, most look haggard and frustrated because it's harder than it seems! Prizes are on the line, along with Starfish Coins!]

[Aya sets the camera on top of the register, turning it so the lens is now facing him.]

We've officially started our contest, and even those who haven't signed up before today can still walk in and participate. Points will be given on two factors: meaning of arrangement and design. Good luck to anyone who participates. [At the end, he fumbles with getting the communicator to turn off, but manages to do so with some dignity left.]

[The rules are posted in a couple of places inside the flower shop, while a guide on flower arranging is handed out to anyone that wants one:

Rules
1. No magic may be used.
2. Real flowers will only be used.
3. Contestants may bring their own supplies, but will not be able to use their own flowers.
4. There will be a time limit of one hour two hours. No more, no less.
5. Contestants will work individually.

A Guide to the Basics of Flower Arrangement.]

Comments

[ladyinscarlet]

Good afternoon, Miss Selphie. I am glad not to have missed it. You did a wonderful job preparing everything.

[An follows Selphie to take her place at an empty work space.]

[booyaka_boom]

Oh! Well...actually, I didn't really do any of the preparation.

*And she does seem to look genuinely put out and slightly guilty about this*

I kinda...wasn't well for a while. So Aya did all of this. I'm kinda impressed, to be honest!

*Selphie laughs as she stops by a bench, gesturing to the various things around the room*

[ladyinscarlet]

Oh, I am sorry to hear you were unwell. I hope you are feeling better now.

[So Aya must be the man who recieved her.]

I am impressed as well, it has been a long time since I saw so many beautiful flowers together.

[booyaka_boom]

Oh...yeah. Thanks. It was just a bit of... a thing.

*She waves a hand in front of her face, grinning awkwardly as she thinks of her temporary blindness. But she smiled then in agreement*

Uh huh! Aya's really good at his job!

[ladyinscarlet]

[She won't press more details out of Selphie.]

Miss Selphie, please feel free to contact me if you are ever unwell again. I am a physician.

[An smiles back.]

Is he the owner of the shop?

[booyaka_boom]

Really?

*If Selphie had known that, she probably would. The whole experience was so horrible*

I was...blind, for a little while. Like maybe a week. Cause of some magic. If I can see again now...it'll be better now forever, right?

*Yes, she was there for the flower arranging, but Selphie couldn't help but ask. Still, she smiles and nods*

Uh huh. He is.

[ladyinscarlet]

[She nods.]

I work at the local clinic, but I do not mind home consultations.

[She is shocked about that!]

Blind? What happened? Was it a curse?

[She smiles at her.]

Well, he is very kind.

[booyaka_boom]

Oh...no. There was someone trying out some of their own magic, lightning, and it was pretty strong. Got me pretty much right between the eyes!

*She shrugs slightly, because while the whole thing was so horrible, she didn't want to make a big deal of it*

*Then she blinks but smiles widely*

Yeah, he really is!

[ladyinscarlet]

Oh, I see... I am sorry that happened to you. Was anyone else hurt? But nevermind, you do not have to talk about it now. Just remember I am always willing to lend you medical aid.

[Oh, that smile...]

Good friend of yours?

[booyaka_boom]

Oh! No! Just me... *Selphie smiles about now though and gently shakes her head* But thank you, I'll remember that.

*She could feel herself start to blush at the question - why was she asking that? But the colour soon drains from her face. If An likes Aya, Selphie figures that she won't stand a chance, not against someone so beautiful who can heal and knows how to flower arrange! Still, she manages a smile and nods*

Yeah.

[ladyinscarlet]

[She nods and smiles gently at Selphie.

Oh and don't worry, An has a steady relationship with someone else. She won't steal Aya.]

Awww, I see.

[She leans in and whispers.]

I think you'd make a cute couple...

[booyaka_boom]

Huh? What? Oh! No... I mean not no, but it's just... I don't think Aya...

*When she finally manages to swallow her babbling embarrassment, she looks at An with keen interest*

You really think so?

[ladyinscarlet]

[An was definitely right about this!]

Yes, I think you might. And it seems you already have some common interests. [Winks.]

[booyaka_boom]

*Selphie has found some ribbon in her pocket, and is currently winding it round and round her fingers, staring down at her hands*

Oh, well... I don't think... That's not...

*She's quite sure that Aya probably doesn't want that between them. So she shrugs slightly, apparently feeling quite uncomfortable*

[ladyinscarlet]

[Awww, Sephie, don't be nervous. Auntie An is just trying to help.]

That is fine, do not worry. If he is a bright man, he will notice how lovely you are.

[booyaka_boom]

*But the whole thing is just so terrifying! At least she recognises she does want to help, though with what she's not so sure*

Hmm...but what if he doesn't? I mean...

*Glancing around to make sure he's definitely not within ear shot*

Is there anything I can do to be...even more lovely? So that I know he'll definitely like me?

[ladyinscarlet]

[Well... An does know a few tricks...]

We could put some make up on your pretty face, and a very cute dress. But you must never forget to be yourself, my dear. And a smile is what makes a girl's face most lovely.

[booyaka_boom]

*Oh boy, Selphie couldn't look any more hopeful if she tried*

Really? I've tried that...but I dunno if it's working... Would you be able to do it so that it would definitely work?

*If only all of this was as simple as magic...*

[ladyinscarlet]

[An smiles and gently strokes Selphie's cheek.]

I shall certainly try, my dear.

[booyaka_boom]

*Selphie seems much happier about the idea and looks at An hopefully, her smile bright*

That would mean so much if you could help! And then...then he'll think I'm really pretty...?

[ladyinscarlet]

[An thinks Aya might indeed consider her pretty already. If he doesn't, he's truly an idiot.]

You are already very pretty, Selphie. And if he cannot see that after I am finished with you, then he is blind or an idiot.

Or it could also be he is shy.

[booyaka_boom]

*Hmm...Selphie is really considering this now - surely it's not that Aya's an idiot, but shy makes more sense*

Maybe - but we'll see what happens once you've prettied me up, right?

*Oh gosh, she's too excited about this*

[ladyinscarlet]

[An nods and then smirks.]

And the last thing we will need: an excuse for the both of you to meet somewhere outside the flower shop. Without him realizing it is a date. Then when he sees you all pretty, he shall forget all about being shy.

[booyaka_boom]

*Selphie smiles shyly herself at the suggestion, not sure if she'll be able to be as attractive to Aya as she wants to be*

Well, it's a deal! I can't wait! And if there's anything I can do in return...?

[ladyinscarlet]

Oh, do not worry about that now, dear. First we need to make sure this works.

[She winks. Honestly, An will just enjoy playing cupid.]