“You got a bouquet…?” Minaz snorted.

“Yes,” Jurao replied, setting it at the end of the serving counter, “I wanted to help advertise the new shop.”

“I’m surprised Kloy went in so soon,” Vajur remarked.

“His cousin is married to the proprietor’s brother,” Jurao replied, adjusting the position of the vase until he was satisfied. He’d suggested Braelin make business cards, so he could put them with the vase, and the man had thanked him for the advice.

“The famous actor?” Minaz arched her left brows.

“Yes,” Jurao nodded, “They also stopped by – Malson, his wife, and their child. They went to see Kloy’s clinic since they had not been before, and Gavven went back to eir store.”

“… I’m going to get so many questions about this,” Minaz mused, looking over the vase, “Hujur went back to work as well.”

“Questions are good,” Jurao replied, “Then it will be effective.”

“What will be effective?” Feyl, Jurao’s best friend, asked as he walked into the coffee shop – then arched his left brows, “A bouquet?”

“From the new shop across the street,” Jurao replied.

“Oh, advertising,” Feyl snorted, examining the arrangement, “I’ll have to take a look myself – it is a pretty arrangement.”

Feyl was an independent fashion blogger – while his vokes ran an upscale fashion magazine, Feyl disliked working there. He also focused more on the ‘local scene’, as he called it – already taking pictures of the arrangement on his phone. And Feyl was popular in the area – though he would also visit local establishments in other areas, which was starting to gain him more general popularity online. Or so he’d explained to Jurao.

“So what was he like?” Minaz asked, “The owner?”

“Quiet,” Jurao replied, then tilted his head, “He’s a very gentle man.”

“Gentle?” Vajur scoffed, “He’s running a demon flower shop.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t harm the plants,” Jurao said, smiling, “He takes care of them, so they willingly shed leaves and flowers for him when he asks.”

Feyl checked the time on his phone and said, “If Dad gets in before I get back, tell him I went to get an interview – that I have to see for myself.” 

Jurao hummed an agreement before his best friend jogged across the street, ducking into the Flower Shop. Ierge was one of Feyl’s other fathers, and the two often met at the coffee shop since it was near both of them. 

“Guess this Braelin guy will get plenty of local advertising at this rate,” Minaz laughed, taking off her apron, “I’m out for the night, and Demarri’s shift ended while you were out.” 

“Have a good night, Minaz,” Jurao replied, headed to the back for his own apron – he spent the first part of his day on paperwork and the latter part running the front of the store. Vajur left with Minaz, as they usually did, so Jurao was alone until Ierge arrived. 

“He running late?” the man asked, crutches clicking in counter-point to the hoof of his full-sized leg as he approached the counter. 

Jurao poured him a black coffee, his usual drink, as he replied, “He went to interview the new store owner, Braelin, across the street.” 

“Right, the human trying to run a demon flower shop,” Ierge snorted and nodded toward the bouquet, “That from there?” 

“It is,” Jurao agreed. 

“I’m sure my kid’s blog-thing will get him more attention,” Ierge sighed, “But I’ll something for my place too – Hope Street Shops stick together, eh?” 

Jurao nodded his agreement, then blinked, “Oh, they’re both coming.” 

Ierge looked over as well, both of them marking Feyl and Braelin crossing the street while conversing. Feyl was wearing a crown of flowers and, from Jurao’s experience, seemed to be in a flirtatious mood – probably from the risque accessory. 

“And here we are,” Feyl snorted, holding open the door for the human. 

“Feyl offered to buy me a drink as thanks for the interview,” Braelin explained, “And the flower crown.” 

“Did you know humans give these as symbols of friendship?” Feyl grinned, patting the item. 

Ierge made a disgruntled noise, “Friendship?” 

“I’m not usually interested in sexual or romantic relationships,” Braelin chuckled, “But Feyl mentioned being a fashion blogger, so I thought it was an appropriate thanks on my part for featuring the shop.” 

“Usually sounds promising,” Feyl teased, tail swishing, “Though I’m also not interested in romantic relationships.” 

“I’m Ierge,” the older man introduced, holding out a hand, “I run Odds and Ends next door.” 

“Gavven mentioned that,” Braelin nodded, shaking, “Nice to meet you.” 

“He’s also my dad,” Feyl snorted, leaning on the counter, “Which is why he’s uncomfortable.” 

“You just!” Ierge huffed, “It’s fine to wear whatever you like, but that doesn’t mean I want to see my kid wearing something… ugh, it’s just a bit fucking much for me, you know!?” 

Feyl rolled his eyes, “It’s not that bad.” 

Jurao handed his best friend a hot anise tea, “I think it looks nice.” 

“Thank you, Jurao,” Feyl chuckled dryly. 

Ierge huffed again, then said, “I’m going back to my shop!” 

Feyl rolled his eyes again, “If you must.” 

“Look, I don’t care, I just don’t-” Ierge started. 

“Dad,” Feyl interrupted, “I know, it’s fine; go ahead – we’ll see each other tomorrow when I’m not dressed like I’m looking for a hookup.” 

Ierge growled uncertainly, then sighed and finished his drink in one go. He hesitated, then reached out to punch his son’s shoulder before saying, “Stay safe, kid.” 

“Yes, yes, thank you,” Feyl shook his head, “I am an adult now, you know.” 

“You’re still my kid,” Ierge huffed before heading out with a wave. 

“You seem to have a good relationship,” Braelin smiled. 

“We do,” Feyl agreed loftily, “Now, your drink?” 

“Right,” Braelin hummed, looking up at the menu behind the counter, “A… bergamot and lavender tea latte, please.” 

“Do you not like coffee,” Jurao asked, moving to make the drink. 

“Not really,” the human chuckled, “But most coffee shops have more than coffee these days, don’t they?” 

“That’s true,” Feyl mused, “But you knew he was asking a question? Most people struggle with his tone.” 

“It seemed obvious to me,” Braelin shrugged. 

“Well, you are an odd person yourself,” Feyl snorted, “No offense.” 

“None taken,” the human smiled, “I am well aware I am unusual.” 

“A human running a demon flower shop where the flowers are all free certainly speaks to that,” Feyl snorted, then asked slyly, “Do you have any Stranglehold Vines?” 

“At home,” Braelin replied, “Most people wouldn’t give them the attention they need for them to want to engage in sexual activities.” 

Feyl laughed, “I wasn’t expecting you to call it out so plainly!” 

“I’ve been asked about it before,” Braelin chuckled, “But if you’re looking to get some and think you’d be able to care for them, I could arrange something.” 

“I won’t say I’m not intrigued,” Feyl snorted, “What do you think, Jurao?” 

“We have space for them,” Jurao replied, handing over the finished latte. 

“Oh, you live together?” Braelin asked, smiling as he tried the drink, “This is good, thank you.” 

“You’re welcome,” Jurao said, always pleased when people like their drinks. 

“We’re roommates,” Feyl explained, “Have been since college – neither of us meant to continue so long, but the arrangement suits us.” 

“When I was still an athlete, it was nice to have someone else at home,” Jurao confirmed. 

“And I wasn’t exactly making bank when I first started blogging,” Feyl snorted, “So cleaning and cooking seemed fair for having a place to crash rent-free. Not that Jurao actually asked me to.” 

“You’re my best friend, of course you can always stay with me,” Jurao said. 

“Do you want to set something up, then?” Braelin smiled, “I have an almost full-grown vine I’ve been looking to rehome, as it happens – I have the space but not the time to give it the attention it deserves with all my other plants.” 

“Not the usual reason I invite attractive men over, but yes, let’s,” Feyl laughed, getting out his phone to pull up his calendar. 

After setting up a time for Braelin to bring over the vine later that night, the human bid them farewell to return to his shop – just in time before the evening rush when most everyone else stopped by after work. Several people asked after the bouquet, and many went to see the Flower Shop after Jurao explained. 

When he closed up shop and returned home, he noticed an unfamiliar car parked in front of the house – he assumed it was Braelin’s, but it was an hour or so past when he’d intended to bring the plant over. 

They must be getting along, then, Jurao thought, Or Braelin is still giving Feyl instructions… 

He found a meal left on the counter for him, as was Feyl’s usual way, and headed for his room to change before heating it up. He was nearly done eating while watching a documentary on the history of blacksmithing featuring his vaokis’s family before Feyl and Braelin appeared from the direction of his best friend’s bedroom. 

“Did it take a long time to get the plant set up,” Jurao asked. 

“Not particularly,” Feyl replied, “It just got delightfully handsy with our new friend here, and I offered to help.” 

Braelin sighed, smiling, “Well, I have been curious, and it was a fun time.”

So they are getting along, Jurao thought. 

“Let me know if you ever want to go again,” Feyl winked, laying himself across the settee, “I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of each other either way.” 

“I might take you up on that if the mood strikes,” Braelin chuckled, “For now, I should get home – text me if you have any issues with the vines.” 

“Good night,” Jurao said. 

“Good night,” Braelin replied, waving as he left. 

“I really wasn’t expecting the vines to be affectionate,” Feyl snorted, “I knew the rumors, but seeing it in person was something else.” 

“I’m glad you’re having fun,” Jurao said – now also curious about the… affectionate vines.