[ A basket stuffed with roses is in hand, today. The petals smell of fine wine: They are, unsurprisingly, sweets. She leaves it on the bar counter, whipping towards Emily with a wide smile.
It's a turn of phrase, but Emily doesn't have to beg Aerith for anything. (Well, not at work, at least.) ]
Sounds really important to you when you put it that way. What's up?
[and as she says it, she's painfully aware that it might not be as important as she's making it sound, but it feels a certain way. it feels necessary, something to help this little apartment she's trying to breathe life into.]
But there are so many options that I'm frankly lost as to where to start. Of course, I wouldn't ask this of you without being willing to offer a favor in return.
[ A favor's a favor. She thinks that, with all her experience with plants and life at large, this is a hugely unfair deal. Maybe there's more to it? With a thoughtful hum, she plucks a mint from the cannister at the end of the bar, and pops it into her mouth. ]
That depends on a lot... like your schedule, why you want one, how much time you can spend with it... What your place is like, too.
[ They can be as demanding a pet, really, so making sure to give her the right advice is important. ]
So, let's start with this one. What do you want to get a houseplant for? No wrong answers!
Because I think it would be nice to have something living with me. Something that might bring a little more color into the space. My apartment is fairly small - the same as the rest of us - but if I'm to live there, I'd like it to be comfortable instead of bleak.
[looking at all the Shuten men who don't think they deserve even tatami to sleep on. you are the issue here.]
[ While Emily berates the men in her life for thinking little of themselves (something Aerith would, admittedly, join in on), the florist considers her words. She pictures her own apartment; a dingy, forgotten looking place that is still entirely her own. Aerith gets little to no light, the sunlight obscured by signs and buildings. In the future, she hopes that this will be of little concern to her, but in the moment, she considers this:
Emily wants something lively enough to feel like a roommate, but low maintenance enough to survive in an urban area. A pop of color won't hurt, either. Two plants come to mind immediately. ]
[the eagerness in her voice can't be concealed even if she tried. without any other obligations today, she's ready to fly off at a moment's notice if needed. and seeing the both of them, she might feel drawn to one or the other, and know that way - besides, she could solicit the other opinion that matters in this equation, if they'll behave.]
[ The pair break from the establishment to mingle in the streets for a short walk. The plant shop Aerith knows is hidden but not far, it's outside wrapped in vines and leaves as if the Earth itself has it's palm wrapped around it. Inside, there is a counter, simplistic but useful, with a register atop it. It is overflowing with plants. One inconsiderate step could introduce a leaf to your foot, and Aerith hops in with a big, wide grin. ]
Right here, Emily. [ Bending down, Aerith gestures to a small plant. It has waxy, pink petals blooming from it's center, amidst long, forest green leaves. ] This is an anthurium. You water it once a week or every two weeks, depending on the soil. It needs direct, bright sunlight.
[ But then she stands and breaks for another corner of the shop, a little further in. Her fingers barely grace the tall, stiff leaves of a plant slightly larger than the last. It's plant-fingers are a lighter green— less forest leaves, and more spring grass. Inside, buds are opening. They are white like treated bones, and the leaves are ribbed. ] This one is a peace lily. They bloom like flowers in the spring, and it'll droop when it needs water. As for sunlight, bright's what it wants, but you can get away with it being indirect.
[ It really is nice to be surrounded by plants like this; it's her element. Aerith makes her way across again, this time to a plant with unusual markings, and long, oblong leaves. ] This is a Calathea Rattlesnake. I know the name's a little scary, but it's really nice! You water it weekly, it doesn't need a whole lot of sunlight, and it wiggles through out the day.
[ Finally, she points to the ceiling, where rows and rows of a drooping plant dips from the vine leaves, mixing in seamlessly. ]
And that child there is the Marble Queen Pothos. They grow up really fast, and you only need to water them when the soil is dry.
[it's a lot, but Emily's taking it in stride, observing the plants and very clearly listening with intent - there's options! there's a lot to keep in mind! and she couldn't be more glad for it. with all of these, it's going to be difficult to narrow it down to which one gets to come home with her. her eyes are bright, and she studies different sorts intently - obviously, there are other lovely ones, but they can't all suit the starter apartment of a woman who will be the first to admit her inexpert hand.]
I'm getting the feeling that whomever I choose, it will no longer be which plant I'd like, but which one I'd like to start with.
[because there's possibility, and an unconscious feeling of joy to be here. subtle, but it's enough to mean her smile is more of a real thing than just polite.]
For you? Pretty much! [ No one ever gets a single houseplant in her experience. They turn into a gaggle of pets to take care of, but Emily in particular? She loves taking care of others. She'll take on more responsibilities and more. As much as she can handle, Aerith imagines. ]
Let me guess... the peace lily, right?
[ It droops when thirsty: A communicative pop of color is exactly what Emily wants. ]
That one, yes, but at the same time, the pothos plant seems a lovely addition to any space.
[the mottling on the leaves is charming, and she finds herself torn - both seem simple enough to care for, if it's a matter of watering when dry and ensuring they have at least some light.]
[ Tough choice. With a hum, she looks ceiling-ward to the pothos in question. ]
Yeah. They grow and grow, so they really can add a lot to your life... Not to mention, they don't need a lot of sunlight or watering, so you can place them almost anywhere you like, and not worry too much. They're really hardy. [ Looking back at Emily, she already knows the answer. ] So, both? Why not?
[ Aerith has no doubt in her mind that Emily is capable of taking care of two, really. Especially with that reaction. ]
A pothos can go without water and sunlight for a while, so they're pretty forgiving, and a peace lily tells you when it's soil is dry, so... yeah, why not?
[ All that wonder on Emily's face is cute. ] Besides! I think you've juggled way more than a watering schedule, and... [ Aerith runs her fingers along the soft, waxy leaves of the peace lily. ] I think they'd be really happy to go home with you, Emily.
When you put it just like that, how could I refuse them?
[they'd be happy to have a home, certainly, and like this one could carry the metaphor. they'll have company, it feels like, and where she might have been a little embarrassed to personify a plant of all things, Aerith did it first, so she doesn't need to be shy.]
Here I was thinking you'd tell me some names and send me on my way, but actually getting to meet them...
[ Surprise falls over her like a tidal wave, and Aerith's expression slips, melting into easy to read surprise. Part of it, she thinks, is the relief she feels whenever someone wants to stay around her. It's quickly replaced by a smile again, this one more heartfelt than the last. She nods. ]
Sure! Whaddya wanna know?
[ A short tour is in order, then. Either she's helped at this shop before, or spent some time here, because Aerith knows it like the back of her hand. Her palm slides along a glass counter, and inside are decorative pots. Atop it are succulents of all sizes, and even a cactus. ]
[the returning question comes easy, inspired by that smile and Aerith's own comfort here. how often does she get to show off her own knowledge and expertise? perhaps not enough.]
[ Well, if Emily's really leaving it up to her, then... ]
The flowers... have something to say to us. Whether it's about ourselves or themselves, it's just as important. So, always makes sure to listen to them... and talk to them.
[ Takes two to hold a conversation. ]
Sorry. Anyway, you should remember that pothos grow a lot, so you'll need to repot it eventually. Are you planning to get any pets?
No, I couldn't devote the time necessary to one. Plants are about the extent of what I trust myself to handle.
[a pet needs love, attention, care that she could give, but she doesn't want to neglect any aspect. to get too involved in her work and leave them behind. better that she only visit with a living creature who needs more than light, water, and a little conversation.]
But really, Aerith...there's nothing to apologize for.
[ Her tone is far to chipper for such a statement. But she makes no attempt to respond to Emily's reassurance: She wouldn't understand if Aerith explained it. She knows it— or maybe she's just adjusting, still, and falling back on what's comfortable and easy for her. ]
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It's a turn of phrase, but Emily doesn't have to beg Aerith for anything. (Well, not at work, at least.) ]
Sounds really important to you when you put it that way. What's up?
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[and as she says it, she's painfully aware that it might not be as important as she's making it sound, but it feels a certain way. it feels necessary, something to help this little apartment she's trying to breathe life into.]
But there are so many options that I'm frankly lost as to where to start. Of course, I wouldn't ask this of you without being willing to offer a favor in return.
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That depends on a lot... like your schedule, why you want one, how much time you can spend with it... What your place is like, too.
[ They can be as demanding a pet, really, so making sure to give her the right advice is important. ]
So, let's start with this one. What do you want to get a houseplant for? No wrong answers!
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[looking at all the Shuten men who don't think they deserve even tatami to sleep on. you are the issue here.]
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Emily wants something lively enough to feel like a roommate, but low maintenance enough to survive in an urban area. A pop of color won't hurt, either. Two plants come to mind immediately. ]
Hmm... should I show you?
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[the eagerness in her voice can't be concealed even if she tried. without any other obligations today, she's ready to fly off at a moment's notice if needed. and seeing the both of them, she might feel drawn to one or the other, and know that way - besides, she could solicit the other opinion that matters in this equation, if they'll behave.]
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[ The pair break from the establishment to mingle in the streets for a short walk. The plant shop Aerith knows is hidden but not far, it's outside wrapped in vines and leaves as if the Earth itself has it's palm wrapped around it. Inside, there is a counter, simplistic but useful, with a register atop it. It is overflowing with plants. One inconsiderate step could introduce a leaf to your foot, and Aerith hops in with a big, wide grin. ]
Right here, Emily. [ Bending down, Aerith gestures to a small plant. It has waxy, pink petals blooming from it's center, amidst long, forest green leaves. ] This is an anthurium. You water it once a week or every two weeks, depending on the soil. It needs direct, bright sunlight.
[ But then she stands and breaks for another corner of the shop, a little further in. Her fingers barely grace the tall, stiff leaves of a plant slightly larger than the last. It's plant-fingers are a lighter green— less forest leaves, and more spring grass. Inside, buds are opening. They are white like treated bones, and the leaves are ribbed. ] This one is a peace lily. They bloom like flowers in the spring, and it'll droop when it needs water. As for sunlight, bright's what it wants, but you can get away with it being indirect.
[ It really is nice to be surrounded by plants like this; it's her element. Aerith makes her way across again, this time to a plant with unusual markings, and long, oblong leaves. ] This is a Calathea Rattlesnake. I know the name's a little scary, but it's really nice! You water it weekly, it doesn't need a whole lot of sunlight, and it wiggles through out the day.
[ Finally, she points to the ceiling, where rows and rows of a drooping plant dips from the vine leaves, mixing in seamlessly. ]
And that child there is the Marble Queen Pothos. They grow up really fast, and you only need to water them when the soil is dry.
[ ....Too much at once? ]
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I'm getting the feeling that whomever I choose, it will no longer be which plant I'd like, but which one I'd like to start with.
[because there's possibility, and an unconscious feeling of joy to be here. subtle, but it's enough to mean her smile is more of a real thing than just polite.]
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Let me guess... the peace lily, right?
[ It droops when thirsty: A communicative pop of color is exactly what Emily wants. ]
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[the mottling on the leaves is charming, and she finds herself torn - both seem simple enough to care for, if it's a matter of watering when dry and ensuring they have at least some light.]
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Yeah. They grow and grow, so they really can add a lot to your life... Not to mention, they don't need a lot of sunlight or watering, so you can place them almost anywhere you like, and not worry too much. They're really hardy. [ Looking back at Emily, she already knows the answer. ] So, both? Why not?
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Both? Is that really the responsible choice to make?
[don't you have to start with one, and then slowly expand?]
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A pothos can go without water and sunlight for a while, so they're pretty forgiving, and a peace lily tells you when it's soil is dry, so... yeah, why not?
[ All that wonder on Emily's face is cute. ] Besides! I think you've juggled way more than a watering schedule, and... [ Aerith runs her fingers along the soft, waxy leaves of the peace lily. ] I think they'd be really happy to go home with you, Emily.
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[they'd be happy to have a home, certainly, and like this one could carry the metaphor. they'll have company, it feels like, and where she might have been a little embarrassed to personify a plant of all things, Aerith did it first, so she doesn't need to be shy.]
Here I was thinking you'd tell me some names and send me on my way, but actually getting to meet them...
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[ The way she talks, they might as well be living to her. (Of course, they are.) ]
You want me to call the owner, or do you want to look around more?
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[it's calming here, even in the depths of the city, and she's not in a haste to depart from that.]
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Sure! Whaddya wanna know?
[ A short tour is in order, then. Either she's helped at this shop before, or spent some time here, because Aerith knows it like the back of her hand. Her palm slides along a glass counter, and inside are decorative pots. Atop it are succulents of all sizes, and even a cactus. ]
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[the returning question comes easy, inspired by that smile and Aerith's own comfort here. how often does she get to show off her own knowledge and expertise? perhaps not enough.]
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[ Well, if Emily's really leaving it up to her, then... ]
The flowers... have something to say to us. Whether it's about ourselves or themselves, it's just as important. So, always makes sure to listen to them... and talk to them.
[ Takes two to hold a conversation. ]
Sorry. Anyway, you should remember that pothos grow a lot, so you'll need to repot it eventually. Are you planning to get any pets?
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[a pet needs love, attention, care that she could give, but she doesn't want to neglect any aspect. to get too involved in her work and leave them behind. better that she only visit with a living creature who needs more than light, water, and a little conversation.]
But really, Aerith...there's nothing to apologize for.
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[ Her tone is far to chipper for such a statement. But she makes no attempt to respond to Emily's reassurance: She wouldn't understand if Aerith explained it. She knows it— or maybe she's just adjusting, still, and falling back on what's comfortable and easy for her. ]