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Iruma stepped into the grand store 'Cards and Curiosities' after being driven by Opera, who was waiting outside.
Lady Amarillis was hosting a yearly celebration to celebrate the phenomenon that is ‘love’ in a week and Iruma was hoping to buy a gift for two very special demons. It was to be a netherwide event like the past century, as so many demons had heard of it over the past millennia (she definitely wasn’t the first Asmodeus to host one of these events and certainly wouldn’t be the last), and Iruma found himself somewhat comfortable with the idea of love? It wasn’t hard to explain but at the same time it was impossible.
Iruma scanned the racks and shelves of cards for something, anything that would suit how he felt for the two. Brightly coloured and flamboyant? Subtle yet heartwarming? He still had little idea.
“Iruma? It’s nice seeing a familiar face here, how are you?” A loud voice greeted him.
Iruma turned to the direction of the sound and had to look quite far up to make eye contact with the yellow-haired demon. Sabnock Sabro.
“I’m doing great, how about you! I’m guessing you’re here to find something for a lucky someone?” Iruma replied happily.
Sabnock sighed. “I am here because Sylvia brought me. She’s getting something for Chima Crocell. I must admit, the whole ‘Love’ topic is something I need to learn more about. You look like you’re here more willingly, who are you getting a gift for, dearest rival?”
“Love? I know what you mean. You’ve not decided on the type of love, right. I’m just here buying some gifts for grandpa and Opera.”
Sabnocks eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Types of love? Is love not supposed to only be romantic?”
“Love is growth, Sabnock. Romantic love helps produce offspring, parental love helps raise offspring, the love between family helps keep said family healthy and strong, and the love between friends allows them to help each other grow and become stronger, individually and as a group. Our rivalry is a form of love, for example. It wasn’t created out of hate, it was created to help each other grow, right?”
“...Right?”
“Allocer and Jazz help each other grow in knowledge and schemes, sharing with each other what they know to better help the other, much like Asmodeus and Clara help each other grow as demons, Az stabilising Clara when it’s needed much like Clara helps Az with more energy and expression of emotion. Do you have people who have helped you grow? Have you helped someone else grow, in any way?”
“Yes…”
“Then that’s a bond you can celebrate together for the event. Get something for that person and explain how they’ve helped you grow.”
“That was extremely helpful, Iruma. And to think I previously struggled. As expected of you, friend.”
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The sun was starting to set, and a warm breeze lovingly ruffled Iruma’s hair as he stepped outside into the golden glow. The bags hanging from his elbows glimmered as they moved, the flashy logo the only matte part of the shiny grey bags.
A head of blond hair was coming back into view.
“Iruma, I am certain I am not the only demon who feels like this towards you, but after your speech earlier, I came to realise that what I truly wish to celebrate is our growth. Please, will you accept this gift?”
Gently held in huge calloused hands was a single yellow rose in white paper, and it was being lowered for Iruma to take.
“I actually have something for you too. I planned to give it to you at a later date, but here feels more fitting, to be honest.”
Iruma put his own bags on the floor and pulled something out of one of them. Another smaller bag with yellow gladioli seeds.
“Where I come from, the flower these seeds are from represents growth, healing and overcoming obstacles. I have some seeds for everyone in the class to grow together, because slowly watching plants grow is a satisfying experience. Everyone has different seeds as well, but these ones are yours.”
They exchanged gifts and parted ways with a smile, Sabnock deeply moved by the seeds and their meaning, and Iruma thrilled by the beautiful golden rose and the fact it was the first time he’d ever received flowers (or a flower, rather.)
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The next morning before breakfast, Iruma gave Opera and Sullivan their gifts, despite it being early. Not only did they get flower seeds, they got matching bracelets that had been engraved with tiny engravings of the three of them as a small family.
Iruma wouldn’t realise it, but after he left to go to school, Sullivan would produce a river of tears Opera had to clean up, though in the end it was worth it and behind closed doors Opera would secretly join the water works as well (NOT that they’d admit it of course).
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Months later, the Royal One private greenhouse would have an abundance of colourful blossoms that were so thoroughly cared for that even professor Suzy would be jealous of. Sure, her plants thrived, but it was clear who’s plants were better. Consequently, the Misfits were permanently given harder homework for diabotany, yet with Iruma’s help (and a whole lot of love) the homework was a breeze.
During a conversation in the greenhouse Iruma learned that Sabnock actually celebrated the 'Celebration of Love' with his sister, sparring and sharing tips. Incidentally, this conversation took place next to some dazzling bright yellow gladiolus flowers.