Nerium oleander

Roses

Red, the scarlet liquid was light, dancing with every slight move of his hand, enveloping the concave glass before falling back.

Red, like the lone rose standing on the table, like the bloody tie on Antonio's neck, like the tea Arthur had drank, why couldn't this wine have the same effect? He was tired of their silly talk, who cared about this town's architecture? Certainly not him, the only remarkable places were the church; which was falling apart, and the Vargas manor, pretentiously closed to a selected few.

Yao hummed as he took another sip of the wine, the morning breeze made the tablecloth flow slightly, if only his companions didn't smoke, he could have picked the table inside, not the balcony, today was not a good day for a breakfast outside.

Kiku's fidgeting with the silverware irked him and Carlos' laughter was a bit too loud, nevertheless he had to stay silent, nobody liked a whining friend.

Friend wasn't the appropriate term, they merely talked at lunch, Francis was the closest to a friend here and he still managed to irk him, though now he had a reason to; having a lost lover took a toll on anyone, Francis was silent, nodding slowly and sipping a bit too eagerly his wine, dark circles under his eyes.

"You have been awfully quiet. Are you missing your star patient?"

Yao's smile faltered as he received a harsh pat on the back. Sometimes he wished he could make his colleague disappear. The man was annoying, too observant for his own good, walking at an exasperatingly fast pace, making him look like a small child catching up with their dad. Actually, Yao despised him because the man reminded him of his father.

In a way, Carlos' attitude was very much like Mr. Wang's, the business-like stance was there, the clouds of smoke and the lingering smell of tobacco were there, the heavy hands and the half joked insults were there, what Carlos lacked, was the perpetual frown.

No, Carlos always wore a smile, that only made him more despicable. Yao folded his napkin, not meeting his gaze. "Why exactly are you asking me that?"

There was a pause from their chatting, followed by Francis coughing.

"Do not get mad, it's a silly joke." Carlos said, exhaling another puff of his cigarette and chuckling. "I just figured you had noticed Braginsky missing his appointment, he seems to like you."

The cloud of smoke dissipated in the air, Yao turned his face, making eye contact with Kiku, he sipped on his glass and shrugged. "He'll show up, eventually."

Kiku set his fork apart, the artifact clenching against the plate. "I would appreciate it if you do not talk about one of my coworkers, it's uncomfortable."

"Do not mind us, it's my fault for asking stupid questions." Carlos shook his head, putting out his cigarette on the ashtray. "Now that we speak of work, how has the department managed to keep the press at ease? I thought the news would be all over this town by now."

"That's very true, not everyday does the police find something so hideous, at the Vargas manor nonetheless" Yao chuckled, pouring more wine on his glass. "Of course, you don't have to tell us anything if you don't want to, or if you can't."

"Please," Francis whispered as he leaned on the table. "Tell me, is it him?"

"I shouldn't be disclosing said information." Kiku squirmed on his seat, fumbling with the napkin, he lowered his gaze. "No, it's not him. The press is quiet because Romano made a good deal, it wouldn't be good for them if people found out about it. Though, the mayor is urging us to investigate further."

"That's... good to hear." Francis sighed, downing his glass. "This whole thing has kept me awake at night, the worst part is that they're going to question me, as if I would ever do something to Arthur, we bickered sometimes but I love him, Gilbert knows that, why would he send them to me?"

"It is the routine," Kiku said. "You were the last one to see him, perhaps they can pick up a clue of where he might have gone to, it's not an accusation."

Carlos nodded, placing a hand on Francis' shoulder. "He's right, what you should do is take a break, I'm sure your restaurant can keep on going without you for a couple of days. Right, Yao?"

"Resting is indeed recommended, but if you ask me, I wouldn't do that, having too much free time would mean overthinking more, so, I'd say rest if you need to but keep yourself busy with a non stressful activity."

"I could take care of Arthur's roses, he'll kill me when he comes back and sees I didn't water them." Francis nodded, placing his glass on the table and standing up. "Now that you mention it, I should be going downstairs. I have a policeman waiting, wish me luck, Braginsky scares me a lot, how do you two do it?"

"He isn't any different than you, Arthur is meaner and you put up with him a lot. I should head back too," Carlos said as he stood up too, "Mathew's breakfast isn't getting any warmer."

Silence hung between Kiku and him after they left. Kiku took his coat but made no move to leave, burying his gaze on the lone flower at the center.

Practical, straight to the point, that's the usual Kiku, why was he doubting so much? Maybe he was unsettled, understandable, taking his work into account. Yao gave him a small smile as he took a hold of the rose. "Kiku, we haven't talked in a while, how have you been?"

"I'm doing good." He said, sending a wavering smile towards him, running his hand over the thick coat. He extended his hand, taking the bottle of wine on the table. "I'm sorry, I know I should know better but there's something bugging my mind." he said, showing him a handkerchief. "Red is certainly fitting but I wasn't sure if white would do better, I'm not keen on this choice."

"Francis suggested red because it calls for attention, your suit is quite plain so it would make it stand up more, it'll look nice. Though if you are uncomfortable, go with your choice. Red seems quite demanding, too romantic or too imposing, is that what you mean?"

"Yes, also because I do not wish to see any more red than I have to," Kiku smiled, folding the kerchief. "It'll be good to see you back in friday,"

"I am glad too, though you'll mostly see me and Francis wearing white," he chuckled, leaving the flower in its place again. "I hope Francis can make it."

"I hope so too," Kiku said, lowering his gaze before shaking his head. "Come, I want you to meet Alfred, let's hope he's the one Ludwig sent."

"You didn't tell me there was a new detective."

"He's rather new, quite naive," Kiku stood up, taking his coat. "A very refreshing change in this town, I think you'll like him."

As they made their way downstairs, the kitchen doors were moving, the place was a bit crowded unlike the balcony, a low chatting could be heard. Yao felt observed. He sighed, it seemed that Ludwig hadn't sent the new detective to speak with Francis.

Kiku waved, behind him, offering a small smile. Yao turned around, expecting to meet the prying almost purple gaze, but he found himself staring at blue eyes and a wide friendly smile.

Running a hand through his hair, Alfred approached, pausing his steps and keeping his stare. "Mind if I join you two? I'm quite lonely here and Francis asked me to wait for a while." he said, presenting his hand to shake.

"Nice to meet you, officer," Yao trailed off, offering a smile.

"Jones but you can call me Alfred." he said, patting Kiku on the shoulder and chuckling lightly. "A friend of Kiku is a friend of mine."

"Very well, Alfred. I'm Dr. Wang but I guess you can call me Yao." he said.

A cup of coffee and a small laugh at his silly jokes was all it took for the blonde to carry a conversation, neither he or Kiku were replying that much, but the silence was filled with his chatting.

Naive, Kiku was right, this new acquaintance would be refreshing indeed.