Flowershop

Chapter Two

Kiku sighed, then moved the chrysanthemums to the right side of his windowsill. He was having trouble finding a place for this pot, and he was thinking hard. The loud American, or Alfred F. Jones, asked him on yet another one of their infamous "not-dates." He usually always went over the course of the past few months, not wanting to be rude and decline a friendly invitation, but for some reason, he was feeling pretty iffy today. I mean, he was still a little pissed. He sighed for seemed like the thousandth time that day and recalled the memory.
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Kiku was out in the front of the shop, watering the flowers and slightly humming to himself. He genuinely enjoyed working there, and it usually calmed him down for the most part and helped him find peace. He was just standing there, tending to his flowers, when he heard heavy, messy footsteps approaching rapidly. The man slightly froze, looking down at the daisies he was watering. He closed his eyes and sighed. It's too early in the day to deal with him, he thought miserably.
He was met with a big hug from behind, and almost fell over, but the American, no other than Alfred F. Jones himself was supporting him. he finally released him, straightening up and flashing him that blinding smile. Japan offered a polite bow and managed a "Good morning, Mr. Alfred." Alfreds smile wavered a bit.
"Oh, cmon, dude, we're friends, no need to be so formal!" He whined.

The American seemed to recover at lightning speed as something came to mind.
"Oh! Kiku! I wanted to ask you something important!" He half-shouted, something the Japanese man was very much used to by now.
"Yes? What is it, Mr. Alfred?" He queried, wincing a little. Alfred literally crushed him with the hug. Another 'not-date'? He sighed in frustration slightly, Alfred always took him out practically every week. And Kiku just always went along with it. How, he honestly didn't know.

"I was thinking we could go to the park or something, and then go crash at my place for the night! How does that sound?" He asked triumphantly. How could Kiku refuse? He knew the man well enough to at least know he enjoyed strolling around in parks. Alfred didn't really see the point of wasting time at parks, but he just wanted to see Kiku enjoying himself. At first, he assumed that the older man didn't like playing video games. He didn't seem the type to just stay in his room all day, cursing at his television. But oh, was he wrong. On one of Kiku and Alfred's first not-dates, he invited him over to play one of his video games. An unknown side of Kiku came out quickly, and he kept beating Alfreds sorry ass and winning everytime. It was really fun for Alfred, and he smiled fondly at the memory, thinking of the look on Kiku's face. He looked like he had fun, too.

"Uh, I don't know Mr. Alfred. Maybe another time? I will be busy tonight."

Alfreds mouth fell open slightly in shock. He thought he wouldn't refuse, he loved parks! Loved them! He couldn't think of a single reason he would refuse. It was very obvious that Kiku was lying, too. It was as obvious as Alfreds crush on Kiku. He had to think, fast.

"Aw, really?" He sadly stated, with mock sadness in his voice that Kiku unfortunately didn't catch. "You know, you're one of my only friends, and I don't really want to go with anyone else, or go by myself. It wouldn't be the same without you there, dude. Please?" He asked seriously, a faked tear glistening in his eye, not falling.
Kiku eyed that damned little tear,(which he still sadly didn't notice was forced) as well as the sad look on his "best friends" face. He sighed in dignation and slight guilt.
"Uh, ok Mr. Alfred, if it means that much to you, I will go." He muttered determinedly.
"Really?" Alfred gasped. He didn't really expect it to work, he thought Kiku would call him out on his bluff, he's not stupid. He grinned his signature hero smile at him as he pulled him into another bone crushing embrace.
"I just knew you say yes Kiku, I'll call you later! See ya later, bro!" He called out as he ran away, laughing.
"I-uh-hey!" He called out to the blond, upset that he had faked that whole ordeal when Kiku was over here actually feeling bad for him. He sighed angrily as he watered his bush daisies, as a customer approached. He took a calming breath and greeted the woman.
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Kiku sighed in frustration and moved the chrysanthemums to a whole different windowsill. Fine, he would go, just to humor the American. He moved his hand to the bridge of his nose and rubbed it. He is such an idiot! He didn't even tell him a set time! He was lucky he finally gave the other his number. It was very obvious from an early point in time that Alfred really liked Kiku. He would always annoyingly pester him to have him number. He finally gave it to him very recently. He shook his head at that memory. Alfred really was irresponsible, and noisy, and always asking if he was okay, and always goddamn smiling! How could one person smile so much! It was impossible! He had to stop sometime. But, at the same time, he guessed that was what he liked about him. A soft, true smile slowly replaced the scowl adorning his face, and he set the pot of chrysanthemums on its set spot. He stretched and sat on the couch, enjoying the bustling sounds of the city.