( open )

[hoasen]

Who: YOU, MY FRIEND & The friendly staff of Thistle Do Nicely, a humble flower shop.
When: IC: 29th January to February 14th (OOC: Starts 3rd July, full month log.)
Where: Thistle Do Nicely, Shopping District.
What: It's nearly Valentine's Day, so there's sales and events! Want to learn how to make chocolate? Look here! Cashing in your coupon for the upcoming Blind Date player event? That's here too! This is a mingle log, so everyone come mingle to your hearts content, and come in anytime, there's no such thing as late.
Rating/Warning: Nothing so far. There might be some future nightmares.

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NOTE: There are some forward-dated prompts/part of prompts in this log. This is to coincide with the Blind Date Player Plot this month! More links and updates will be posted here once they come up.

Also if you wanna know how this works, it's just a mingle! An example here, our previous open mingle log. Treat it however you like, open and closed options welcome.

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Welcome to Thistle Do Nicely! Make yourself comfortable and browse the grand selection. In spirit of upcoming Valentine's Day, the store is decorated in pink and red, hearts scattered here and there. Sweet soft toys are on display, and there are bargains to be found. The tea shop is also decked out, but there seems to be something extra special happening on that side too.


A: ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE DISCOUNTED

[Are you here for the flowers? Sure you are, it's a grand tradition that all Valentines must share: the giving of flowers to loved ones. Roses are a definite favourite, but maybe you're after something more unique? Then look no further! Ask one of your friendly staff about it. Or maybe they're coming to you! But if they do, some may have the misfortunate of being told by the mysterious NPC boss to repeat the following: "What can Cupid's assistant do for you today?" Yeah, it's pretty embarrassing.

Or maybe you've bumped into a friend! In that case, buying flowers for Valentine's Day? Are you proud of this, or are you so embarrassed you must hide all evidence.

Alternatively, time has passed and you're now here because you have coupons for an additional price cut on your flowers if you are taking part in the Blind Date event. Blind dates can be particularly nerve-wracking, so let this store make things a little easier for you. You'll thank them for it.]


B: ANYONE WHO HATES CHOCOLATE IS A MONSTER (no we're kidding we still love you)

B.1: KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

[In all walks of life, chocolate is a very popular gift for Valentine's Day. And in some places, even more importance is placed on whether it's homemade or not. A section of the tea shop has been cleared just for this: earthy tables now have small stoves on them and ingredients set out. It's time to learn how to make chocolate. These classes are lead by head chef Shokudaikiri Mitsutada and his (reluctant) chef's assistant Ookurikara, but you can be sure that all the other reliable staff of Thistle Do Nicely are getting in on the action to help out (or learn themselves) too! Maybe Mitsutada and a handful of staff will make this great. The other half...

Everyone interested in these classes will gather round each of these tables, and together you will learn how to make chocolate. It's a team effort, so discuss with each other and work together to perfect it! In the end, you will be given cute little boxes or bags to put your chocolate in so you can give it to those intended. Or yourself, you can eat them too. Alternatively, you were forced into this mess, or have no idea why you're here but you're going to roll with it because it's chocolate.

The classes are free, happening a couple hours a day, but the ingredients require a small donation to keep the classes going. These classes are ongoing, so by the time you've gotten your Blind Date, you don't have to donate if you show them your coupon.]


B.2 CHOCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

[Or maybe you're not here for the classes, you're spending time on the other half of the tea shop where it's still set for customers. The tea shop half of the entire store is not actually that big, so you might be finding it a bit cramped.

That being said, a treats bar has been set out as a complimentary offer. There's a chocolate fountain in the middle of this bar, and you know you wanna dip some heart shaped marshmallows or fruits in that sucker. There's also these flower shaped gummies. No one actually knows how they got there, but maybe for the sake of science, you want to coat it with chocolate and eat it.

Do it.]


C: WILDCARD.

[Because there's so much more to explore! Or maybe you're just here to visit and laugh at them. Or maybe you wanna use the tea space as a PLACE FOR A DATE, AYYYYYY in which the scene from Lady and the Tramp could happen and there will be a cute musical number (look, I'll have it arranged, I'm not even kidding. Too bad I can't get an Okiayu character to do it though, you might have to make do with a loser girl). Or maybe you've MESSED UP THIS ENTIRE PLACE Vietnam will kill you with her bare hands (unless she likes you, then you will live).]

Comments

open!

[senseandcecilbility]

a

[This new Blind Date "tradition" is nothing but scandalous. As a proper priest and angel of the Lord, Kevin would very much like to advise every single costumer about the need of a guardian's consent and a chaperone. Too pity that would be bad for business.]

"What can Cupid's assistant do for you today?"

[As usual, he is standing right in front of the store in all his bishouneness, exactly where Miss Vietnam enjoys displaying him for reasons unknown. Today, the flower print suit is purple and so matches his eyes. A perfect gentleman who knows very well that calling cards must precede any bouquet or - God forbid! - any chocolate box. With a sincere prayer of forgiveness for the powers beyond (they do not know what they are doing), Kevin forces himself to smile warmly and bow to the lunacy of youth and paganism...which just happens to be so terribly lucrative.]

open!

[notsolomon]

[He's been staring from a distance and watching Kevin utterly debase himself. William is so glad he stuck himself in the library where his job doesn't rely on his own unique charms.

After a moment or two, William decides to approach.]

You know, it really is a shame you were not a student back home. Otherwise I could have used you in that maid cafe.

[Not that Camio and Sitri hadn't more than pulled their weight.]

[senseandcecilbility]

[As much as he is extremely glad to have William paying him a visit, the idea of crossdressing sends shivers down his spine.]

S-sir, I would never pass for a student.

[Dantalion only thinks he can. Besides, no respectable archangel would wear fishnet stockings.]

[notsolomon]

[Imagine how much money William could have made though? Granted, he likes Kevin enough that he would probably would have just had him dress as a his regular self instead. Show the other boys at school how much better his servant was than theirs.]

I would hope you wouldn't. No one would be able to take you seriously otherwise.

[And William suspects he wouldn't want to ruffle Kevin's hair too much.]

What is this cupid nonsense?

[senseandcecilbility]

[Truth be told, they probably already know. After all, nobody else's servant writes them a brick of letters. Yes, those poor children might have wealth, fame and prospects, but who is the most beloved young master?

No matter whether William is praising or criticizing him, Kevin knows quite well there is always more than a hint of affection behind his words. He'd be foolish to think otherwise, not after the Jack the Ripper incident. Trust me too, wasn't it?

Besides, after being taken seriously for billions of years, he is nothing but happy about the change.]

Management's orders, sir. It is rather horrid, isn't it? However, they seem to believe that helps us attune to the Valentine's spirit!

[notsolomon]

[Well the letters are more embarrassing than not. People who don't know any better assume he has an overbearing mother or even a lover somewhere. The last thought is pretty laughable honestly.]

Attune to the Valentine's spirit? What are you going to be made to deliver a bunch of cards on the day?

[It was how most had celebrated the day back home, sending and receiving cards from their suitors and lovers, some of them rather ridiculous. William was glad he didn't have to deal with that nonsense. Not from lack of appeal of course. He is sure that if wanted to, he could have his share of female admirers.]

[souredsweet]

[It's that squirrely photographer from earlier!! What a blessed occasion. Kaoru is immediately glad for caving to curiosity and coming in for a peek just because this stranger is hilarious and this interaction could promise even more laughs...

But a pleasant smile is given - just as friendly as the ones before - and Kaoru's head dips a little in a polite bow.]

Good afternoon, sir. I was simply curious... We don't have this holiday where I come from, but everyone seems to be talking about it, so I wanted to see for myself.

[senseandcecilbility]

[Jesus Christ, it is the demon and it is smiling. What should he doooo? Smile back, obviously. Only professional angels here.

Except that he is clutching those poor lilies to his chest as if they could stop his open wound of shame.]

I-I...It is Lupercalia, really. An improper pagan festival reborn chaste and pure by the healing powers of the Holy Church.

[Spoilers: the chaste and pure part? We failed.]

[souredsweet]

[That bouquet-clutching is definitely noted. But hey! At least he can fake a smile like the best of them...!]

I haven't heard of that, either. [But if this is the church's idea of a chaste and pure holiday, someone needs to help them...] What a fascinating concept... It seems to be drawing quite a crowd, either way. The point is... showering one's precious people in gifts, correct?

[senseandcecilbility]

[He can totally fake a smile. It is just not following anyone.]

That is...quite correct. [And - he must concede - a much better interpretation of the holiday than the unsuitable things he has had the misfortune to overhear in the last couple of hours.]Please, forgive me for being bold, madam, but do you have anyone in mind? Red roses seem to be much in vogue and they are not terribly expensive.

[If he must put up with a demon, the least he can do is try to squeeze some cash out of her.]

[souredsweet]

[What an entrepreneur... But tragically, Kaoru doesn't seem keen on buying anything! Or at least not the red roses, but after a few seconds of thought:]

Is it acceptable to gift things to friends on this holiday?

[espersions]

[ He's in his fireman's uniform today, complete with shiny yellow helmet and a clipboard tucked under his arm. He looks up and down at the purple suit and it doesn't escape him that it matches Penguin-san's eyes. He's like something out of a shojo manga, particularly given the shop backdrop of flowers. ]

Cupid's assistant? Pfff! Well, I suppose that's apt, considering.

[ With the arm not holding the clipboard he makes a little wing-flapping movement. ]

[senseandcecilbility]

[This is supposed to be a helpful clerk smile, but it really comes across as expletives, expletives, what are you doing here, you nosy bastard.]

My apologies, sir. I did not catch your name last time. Is there anything wrong with your wrist?

[Without much ado, he attempts to grab it and drag Mister Firefighter for a private chat behind a particularly large petunia vase.]

[espersions]

[ He's well acquainted with that sort of smile, as he tends to inspire it on a regular basis. He beams in response — until Kevin grabs him. ]

Haha! What an eager salesman.

[ The petunia vase is large indeed, but it offers only the most rudimentary sort of privacy. He's past the point of being shocked by anything that happens in this depraved city, but the fact that of all people, this guy is trying to hustle him for a quickie in the corner is at the very least, something he wouldn't have expected. ]

It's Hyoubu Kyousuke,

[senseandcecilbility]

[If only he knew what Hyoubu was thinking, there would be so many feathers they would be covered up to their ears in them. Fortunately, that is not the case. So the smile disappears immediately, giving place to a mighty scold as Kevin leans forward and hisses: ]

Mister Hyoubu...sir...As much as I appreciate your interest [No, he doesn't.] Some secrets ought to be kept from the masses. I beseech you to be more discreet about certain matters! My charge depends on me and hence I cannot lose this job!

[espersions]

Oh. I get it.

[ He'd been smirking in a smugly self-satisfied way, until the import of Kevin's words gets through to him. The smirk fades. ]

You're worried about losing your position... because of your powers.

[sjokolade]

[At the same time, Anna wasn't too sure why she decided to go to the flower shop once more. For some odd reason, she felt like visiting the store to see what new flowers this place had to offer.

With a sigh, she mumbled to herself thinking if it was a good idea to even get flowers herself.

However, just before she could get to the store?]

Hey, Kevin! I didn't know you worked here! [Giggle] Don't you look pretty good today?

[senseandcecilbility]

Indeed. Though, honestly, y-ou are too kind, madam! [Now his face is red and that doesn't match his suit at all.

[But most importantly, this is the lady who wishes to be his friend, and who had something bothering her but wanted to look strong all the same. With a polite bow, Kevin offers her a complimentary white clover.]]

Thank you for visiting us today.

[sjokolade]

Of course not! I wouldn't have said anything if you weren't!

[As she gave a giggle, she also raised an eyebrow at him. When she blinked at the sudden white clover before her, a smirk appeared on her face]

It's not a problem! I just thought it would be a good idea to promote a certain holiday around the corner! I don't know about you but you seem like you're ready for it!

[Why no, she's not distracting herself, what are you talking about?]

[senseandcecilbility]

[She does look like she is distracting herself. Mm, he could help and make some money while he is at it.]

Me? Oh my, I most certainly hope not. [That would probably be a sin. Besides, heaven might explode in a supernova of glitter if Uriel, of all angels, starts dating.] However, I could say the same about you, madam. Would you care for a cup of tea or coffee? I'd wager you will find good company at our humble tea house.

[sjokolade]

Oh? And mind if I ask why not? Because with the way you're dressed, I think you most definitely are!

[Although, at this point, she was wondering if she was being a tad bit pushy. Still, that didn’t erase the smile that was forced on her face]

Sure, I wouldn't mind! I think I could use some tea right now, maybe something to just get my mind off of work and a bunch of other stuff! Just lead the way, Kevin!

[makigumo]

[ She's not here for flowers, she's here to troll people, just like she is around to troll people any given time because this nearly nude woman just is like that.

And now, how can she resist sidling up to him with a goody grin on her face? ]

Oh granny could use assistance with a lo~t of things~

[senseandcecilbility]

[THAT IS NOT HOW YOU DRESS IN VICTORIAN ENGLAND.

Forgive his temporary lack of professionalism as he blushes like a ripe tomato at granny.]

M-madam, how...[He clears his throat, gloved hands shaking.] How may I help you?

[ Flowers, he thinks. Lots of flowers. Big flowers to cover all that exposed flesh. Isn't she cold?]

[makigumo]

[ Not many does in Japan either.

She laughs at his reaction, because it's always so funny to see reactions like it. ]

Weeeell, first you can stop calling me madam and call me granny instead.

[senseandcecilbility]

[ The scandal is too much.

He vaguely wonders if the madam in question is a demoness, since they tend to be economical about their garments too.]

Mada---[Oh yeah, the costumer is always right.] Granny, please forgive me for asking, but aren't you a little too young for that?

[It is a clash of generations, really. Metatron, who is billions years younger than Kevin, enjoys calling God "grandpa". Kevin, however, believes himself too old for that.]