Work Text:
The amount of symbolism that could be found in nature was something that you always thought to be intriguing. Lush green shrubbery and foliage would have one thinking of life and vitality, mountain ranges represent strength and foundation; hundreds of messages that the earth could teach if only one was willing to listen.
And perhaps it was this thought that drawn you to flowers in the first place. Flowers, by definition, are simply just the seed-bearing part of a plant. Even so, each variation of its petals, each different color, different shape, all hold their own special meaning.
A red rose may symbolize love and romance, yet a yellow rose symbolizes friendship. A white carnation wishes someone luck, but a pink carnation will show someone gratitude.
You could spend your whole life studying flowers; their origins, biology, cultural significance, and you will always discover something new.
It was this very idea that drove you to open up your very own flower shop. Your days were spent practicing different arrangements, nitpicking different flowers and herbs to convey different message.
Red roses, red chrysanthemums, white clover ; I love you, I hope you’re thinking of me
White hyacinth, sweet basil, bells of ireland ; I’m sending you prayers and strength
Standing behind your counter, you were starting to close up your shop and reading through your orders for the following day when you heard the bell above your door ring, signaling the arrival of a customer.
In quickly walks a tall man with messy black hair and thick eyebrows, fairly big in build, and sporting a slightly panicked expression as he approached your counter.
“W-welcome,” you stuttered out, “how can I help you?”
“Hi, I’m Matsukawa Issei, I’m the director at the funeral home across the street,” he introduced himself, and slowly his face began to spark some recognition.
“Ah yes, Matsukawa-san,” you greeted, setting down the floral tape and scissors you were holding, “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?”
He slowly rubbed the back of his neck, fidgeting nervously in his spot before he spoke. “I’m sorry, I know you’re about to close but I didn’t know where else to go. My usual contractor flaked on me last minute and I was hoping to pick up some flower arrangements for a funeral.”
You wiped your hands on your apron, pulling out a notepad and pen from your pocket. “When did you need these by?”
Matsukawa visibly grimaced. “Tomorrow morning.”
Your hands stilled, looking up to give him a pointed look.
He quickly raised up his hands. “Look, I know, I’m sorry. It’s just really important to me that this family gets a proper arrangement,” he sighed out, running a tired hand through his hair, “I’ll pay double.”
You crossed your arms, tapping a finger against your elbow as you scrutinized the funeral director. He looked tired, dark circles under his eyes, shirt wrinkled and shoulders tensed.
“I’m desperate,” he pleaded with his eyes, setting two hands down on your counter and meeting your gaze.
“Alright,” you slowly conceded, “I’ll do my best, but you’ll have to make do with whatever flowers I have in-house.”
You didn’t miss the little fist pump of victory he did at your agreement, but you turn your attention back to the notepad laying on the counter.
“Can you tell me more about the deceased?”
You were shocked at the level of detail Matsukawa was able to tell you about the dearly departed. He was an old man who finally passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. He had three children, and seven grandchildren who spent every Sunday having dinner together with him and his wife. He often liked to fish and his biggest catch was an eighty-pound albacore tuna. He was a serious man who appreciated anyone that was able to make him laugh with a good pun.
“Did you know this family personally, Matsukawa-san?” You asked, jotting down the last bit of information.
“No,” he answered, smiling sadly, “But I always like to meet with the families beforehand. You know, offer counsel and give them a chance to tell stories about their loved ones.”
You felt a pang in your heart at the thought. “That’s actually very thoughtful, Matsukawa-san.”
“Just call me Issei, miss…?”
“Y/N.”
“Y/N-san,” he reiterated, “And I can’t thank you enough. I really appreciate you doing this for me. You sure your boss won’t mind you keeping the shop open late?”
“I don’t think so,” you replied, walking over to the fridge to check on your supply of Lilies, “Considering I’m the owner of the shop.”
Matsukawa raised one thick eyebrow. “Oh? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to assume. You just seem a bit young to own your own flower shop.”
You laughed, shrugging a little as you replied, “I know, I get that that a lot.”
“So do I,” he chuckled lowly, taking his hands off the counter and putting them in his pocket.
“True, you don’t see many fit young men choose to be in your profession,” you commented, mentally slapping yourself for calling him fit. The smirk on his face tells you he didn’t mind it, so you continue, “What made you choose this career?”
His expression softened, looking off to the side as if he were wondering the answer to the question himself. Still, he replied, “I just want to make sure that every family that walks into my funeral home is able to have one last, proper goodbye to their loved ones.”
His answer made you smile, the simplistic nature of it making you slightly admire the messy-haired young man.
“How about you?” He asked, “It’s not very often a fit young woman like yourself would choose to be in this profession.”
You blushed at his repetition of your words, choosing to ignore it and maintain some semblance of dignity.
“Flowers have the ability to deliver messages that some people are unable to say out loud,” you try to explain, “They’re like a physical manifestation of our feelings. You could spend all day and night playing with different flowers and herbs and colors and species, and come up with a different message every time. Each bouquet is personal, whether they’re given or received. I just want to spend my days helping people express themselves in ways they can’t on their own…”
You looked up after your tangent to Matsukawa’s mouth hanging slightly agape, giving you a curious look and you’re left worried that you might have said too much.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to blabber on like that, I just -“
“No, it’s fine,” he interrupted, offering you a soft smile, “I think that’s beautiful, y/n-san.”
You blushed, gathering up a bundle of Gladiolus for remembrance, “Thank you, Issei-san.”
A silent beat passes between the two of you, Matsukawa looking as if he wanted to say something.
“Thank you, again,” he finally said, though something tells you that’s not what was on his mind, “You’re a lifesaver.”
You offered him a smile. “The arrangements will be ready tomorrow morning.”
He nodded, offering a small wave goodbye as he made his way out the store. The smile didn’t leave your face the rest of the night, your encounter with Matsukawa Issei replaying over and over as you gingerly reached for the bundle of thyme, hoping it will give the mourning family strength.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
(Issei comes to pick up the arrangements, exchanging the grand bouquet with a lavender Rose.
Love at first sight.
A knowing smile spread across your lips, teasingly remarking, “Buying from my competitors?”
He smirks and shakes his head, “No, I plucked it from my neighbor’s garden.”)