I'll come by tonight. Hisui reread the message, heart fluttering. It had been a couple weeks since their first date. They had gone out together several times now, and Laxus still stopped by on his way to work. Sometimes after work he'd stay to help her clean the shop after a long day. She hesitated, rereading the text again. And then responded. Do you want to go out for dinner? ❤️

She set her phone aside as the little bell on the door handle jangled and a customer walked in. She recognized him as he stepped into the shop, his green hair tied back in a loose bun, his cheeks flushed bright red. He was in uniform, with a red coat overtop his blue shirt and badge.

"Good… morning…" he said, trying to compose himself.

"Good morning, Officer Justine!" Hisui beamed.

"How many times do I have to tell you," Freed said, smiling a little. "It's just Freed."

"Okay, Freed. What can I do for you today? I don't suppose you're looking to buy some flowers?" She laughed.

"Actually… uhh…" Freed flushed bright red again, taking an awkward step towards the counter. "I was hoping you could help me with something… you seem to know Mirajane really well."

"Mira and I are good friends!" Hisui nodded.

"I was wondering if you knew what her favorite flower is… I… wanted to get her some." Hisui recognized that flush on Freed's face almost instantly. She was sure it was the same one she herself wore every time she thought about Laxus. Oh! Finally. Someone I can tease Mira about.

"Yes, actually, I know exactly which flower she likes best." Hisui beamed. She came around the counter and led Freed to one corner of the shop, where yellow Zinnias were displayed on a little table. She lifted the little pot. "Zinnias aren't often cut… in bouquets or anything. Though, I can if you'd like—"

"These will last longer though, right?" Freed asked, gesturing to the little plant. Hisui nodded.

"Yes. Mira has a couple plants, but she always told me that someday she wants a whole garden full."

"I'll get this for her then," Freed said.

"Great!" Hisui beamed, "I know she'll love it." She led him back to the counter where he paid for the flowers. He paused at the door, eyeing the little yellow buds, just blooming.

"Why does she like these ones so much?"

"They remind her of her sister…" Hisui whispered. "They remind her of Lisanna."

Freed paused, his expression softening. "Lisanna…. Of course."

"Don't keep her waiting, Officer," Hisui beamed. Freed's face turned bright red and he jumped as if being yanked out of thought, before dashing back out across the street. Hisui shook her head, laughing a little, grabbing her phone. She'd wait until she saw Freed leave the shop and then she'd text Mira. She unlocked her phone and a message popped up: Detective Dreyar ❤️ Her heart skipped a beat. She tapped the little notification.

Dinner? If you want. I just want to see you.

She dropped her head into her hands, her cheeks so hot. This man…. This feeling…

⁂

Mira leaned back against the counter with a deep sigh. Things were finally slowing down. Just as she was about to mention the slow down to Lucy the bell at the door rung as the old door swung open. I spoke too soon. She turned putting on her smile-for-customers, only for it to drop away. She let out a breath at the sight of that familiar green hair, and blue uniform.

"Freed!" She beamed, feeling her cheeks go warm. She saw Lucy offer her a knowing smile out of the corner of her eye.

"If you need me I'll be in the back… I've got some stuff to… uh… restock?" She slipped away and Mira was left alone with the detective who saved her sister. His face was red as a tomato as he crossed the room, and clumsily set a little pot on the counter in front of her.

"I uh…"

"Zinnias…?" Mira whispered, her heart skipping a beat.

"H-Hisui said they're your favorite, so… naturally… I had to…"

She touched the leaves of the little plant, tears filling her eyes. "F-Freed… you… you didn't have to."

"I knew it!" Freed gasped, "Y-you hate them—"

"N-no! It's nothing like that," Mirajane laughed a little through her tears. "I love Zinnias… and… and I'm so happy!"

"You… you like them…" he let out a sigh of relief. Mira wiped away a tear and reached out to gently take his collar, leaning across the counter to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

The police officer's jaw dropped. "I…"

"Do you want to go out?" Mira asked, "M…Maybe after work?" That blush. She offered him a smirk, hand still tight on his collar. "Yeah?"

He offered her a mischievous grin, leaning close, "Yes."

"Good," she said, letting out a sigh, leaning close just as the door swung open. A customer now?!

Freed smiled, his eyes teasing… tempting… "I'll see you tonight."

"You better."

Only a little while after he left Mira's phone dinged: Hisui? Of course it was Hisui… Looks like you've got an admirer. 😉

They're just flowers. Mira texted back, but her heart was bubbling with happiness. "I hope they're not just flowers," she whispered.

Lucy stepped out from the back, grin wide, "Trust me. They aren't."

⁂

The sound of her bell ringing right at closing made her smile. She knew exactly who it was. She spun around, practically doing a happy dance. "You're late." She teased. The slight flush that dusted Laxus's cheeks was satisfying.

"Sorry," He sighed. "Got held up at the station."

"That's okay, I'm just really happy you're here." She came around the counter to take his hand, and he leaned over and pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek.

"I can help tidy up if you want to go out to eat," he offered, pressing another tender kiss to her temple. She beamed, leaning against him, feeling her cheeks go hot.

"Thank you! Would you help me bring in the buckets from outside?"

They worked together, tidying up the shop and putting the flowers away for morning. While they worked they talked. Laxus asked her about flower language and she told him some of what she knew.

"Each flower means something?"

"Yeah, like…" she blushed a little, "The bouquet you had me make… the carnation I gave you… each of those flowers means different things."

"What does this one mean?" He asked, gesturing to some yellow flowers in a bucket.

"Yellow hyacinth? Jealousy."

"So not a very good one." He frowned, eyes tracing the room, and then pointed to some white flowers. "What about those? What do those mean?"

"White gardenias…" she flushed under his intense gaze. "When you give someone a white gardenia, you're telling them that they're lovely."

Laxus paused, setting aside his mop, and picking a flower from the set, before walking over to the counter. Hisui frowned, sitting up from wiping down the counter. "What are you doing?"

"I'd like to buy this flower."

"W…what?"

"I'd like to buy this flower," he said again. She was dumbfounded, but she rang him up, and he paid with card. He slipped his wallet back into his back pocket before letting out a breath and gently holding the flower across the counter to her.

"Laxus…" she breathed, reaching out, their fingers brushing.

"You're the loveliest thing in my life…" he whispered. Their eyes met, gold and green, and Hisui didn't hesitate. She leaned across the counter, closing the distance between them and kissing him on the mouth. He reached up to cup her cheek, fingers tangling in her short hair. The kiss didn't last long enough. The moment he pulled away she already missed his warmth, missed the taste of him on her lips.

"I could…. Kiss you again…" she whispered.

He let out a deep breath, his cheeks flushed, scar more visible against the blush. "Kiss me whenever you want," He murmured.

"You might regret that," she said.

"Regret kisses from you? I seriously doubt that—"

Before he could finish she pressed another kiss to his lips, and he melted against her touch. She pulled him closer by his collar. Dinner out was completely forgotten.