In The Language of Flowers

As Fatima’s relaxing on the couch with Frank and Robin, there’s a knock at her door. 

“I wasn’t expecting anyone today…” She says, standing up and making her way over, opening to find a mail succubun holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Good morning Ma’am! Is this the residence of one Fatima Fontaine?” The mailbun asks.

“Well yes but, I don’t remember ordering anything?” Fatima answers, brows furrowed in confusion. 

“I was told to deliver these flowers to you by a secret admirer. There should be a card in there for you too.” The mailbun says as Fatima takes the bouquet from them.

“Oh! Uhm, thank you very much. Would you like a tip?” Fatima asks, tilting her head curiously as she examines the bouquet.

“Oh there’s no need for that. I was already graciously tipped by the sender. Have a nice day Ma’am!” The succubun says, waving goodbye.

Fatima hummed as she took the bouquet into the house, reaching into the bag and taking out a purple card with blue filigree on the edge.

Inside the card was Velveteen’s signature and a message saying “Happy Matentines Day. I shall pick you up at eight.” 

Fatima giggled softly, setting the card back inside the bag before taking out another card and looking it over.

“Peony, Gardenia, and Pink Roses.” Fatima said, reading off the names of the flowers as she looked them over, tilting her head curiously.

“Bravery, secret love, trust, happiness, and confidence.” A soft pink dusted Fatima’s cheeks as she erupted into giggles.

“Awww, this is so sweet. Hmm, maybe I should send them a bouquet as well? Ah, but I’m so bad with flower languages…” She tilted her head from side to side in thought as she made her way towards the living room and grabbed a vase from the cabinet, filling it with water and placing the bouquet inside; heading to her room to change into more comfortable clothes.

“Good morning! Welcome to Floral Graces, how may I be of service today?” A succubun says, greeting Fatima as she enters the shop, tail lightly whipping behind her.

Fatima looks around curiously, taking in all of the beautiful flowers that were on display.

“Good morning. I was wondering if you could help me make a bouquet for someone very special to me.” Fatima says, tail swaying behind her as she continues to look around.
“Oh certainly! What kind of feelings are you trying to convey to this special someone? Are you able to describe them?” The succubun asks, sliding from behind the counter.

Fatima’s brows furrowed in thought. 

“Mmm well, when it comes to how I feel about them, I like them very, very much. They make me happy and they’ve become my best friend in a way.” She stops for a moment and tilts her head in thought. “They are also very relaxing to be around and I suppose I feel very special around them.”

The shopkeeper stares at Fatima for a moment, brows furrowing in thought before making their way towards the back of the shop. 

“I think I know the perfect flowers that can help with those feelings. Please give me a moment.” They say, grabbing a colored piece of paper; rolling it into a cone-shape before grabbing a bag and doing the same, slipping the paper inside.

The shopkeeper makes their way around the back of the shop, a pair of scissors in hand, clipping a few flower stems and sticking them into the bag as they hum softly, stopping a few times to contemplate their decision. 

Once they’re finished they return to the front of the shop and hand Fatima the bouquet, taking out a blank card and pen.

“Okay so, I’ve decided to make your bouquet out of Red Chrysanthemum, Magnolia, and Ivy. Each of them has a different meaning which is I love you, natural which basically means that you can, well, be yourself around them without having to hide it; and friendship.” The shopkeeper explained, jotting all this down on the blank card.

“Is that good? Does it sound like it’s getting your feelings across accurately enough?” The succubun asks.

Fatima’s brows furrow in thought as she taps her chin before nodding firmly.

“Yes, that sounds about right. Thank you very much.” She says, smiling widely as she holds the bouquet looking it over.

“Great! So, would you like a message card to be sent with your bouquet? If so, what would you like to say and may I have your name?” The shopkeeper says, grabbing another card.

“My name’s Fatima Fontaine. As for the message, I would like to say - thank you for loving me the way you do.” Fatima answers, a broad smile spreading across her face as her cheeks heat up.

The shopkeeper grins broadly as they write down the message. “Were you planning on having this delivered or are you planning to give it to the recipient yourself?”

“Oh! I’ll give it to them myself. We have plans tonight anyway.” Fatima replied, watching as the succubun placed the card into the bag; digging into her purse and taking out the correct payment of Carats and setting them gently on the counter with a tip.

“Thank you for stopping by Floral Graces. I hope you have a wonderful day!” The succubun says, waving goodbye to Fatima as she leaves the store.