Work Text:
I inhaled the lovely fresh air of this unremarkable small town and tuned into the conversation occuring right behind the open window behind me. Mr. Reaper has requested I learn more about our target, despite the fact that the information is certainly not needed for such a lowly residence, he petitioned me to listen in. Likely for the experience in eavesdropping in english.
“These are sunflowers. They're called that because they always face towards the sun. That's how I want to be like... someone who always sees the bright side of things.”
From the noise the target has about 6 others in the house with him. One should be his elderly grandmother, and the rest of his friends should be here for the night as well, from what I’ve gleaned from the conversation. I note to inform Mr. Reaper of this unaccounted for detail, although that won’t change anything about his plan. Nothing I say ever seems to.
An energetic young man's voice. “Wait wait wait… I thought you said that flowers have symbolic meanings?” Followed by light chuckling.
“Of course they do silly. Hey Basil, what are these?” A female voice,
“These flowers are called lily of the valley. It's said that they're able to ward off evil spirits and help people see a brighter future… I guess that's why they remind me of MARI. I can always count on her to help me stay positive.”
I push down a snicker at warding evil spirits part, It won’t stop Mr. Reaper!
“Oh Coollllll, Hey Basil what about these, who do they remind you of?” The Energetic voice from earlier.
“Roses come in many different colors and have their own unique meanings. Pink roses symbolize admiration... Orange roses symbolize passion... Yellow roses symbolize friendship... and the list goes on. HERO doesn't remind me of any rose in particular. I think HERO is like all roses, because he's versatile and universally loved.”
I find myself drawn into the meanings of these flowers, some kind of curious intrigue has me looking forwards to the next factoid. I haven’t felt this way towards anything other than the art of Assassination for a long time.
“Universally loved eh? Well I sure hope you don’t forget about me.” The female voice from before, ‘Mari’, now in a flirty tone… a rather unprofessional one at that, as far as I’m concerned. The comment is followed by brief sputtering from a guy in the group, So I guess the tone was good enough, or the flirting was real (Ew).
“Basil, Basil, do me next please!” A younger girl's voice, the 2nd most energetic of the group before the boy.
“O-ok” Footsteps travel across the room.
I strain my ears slightly.
“These are a type of flower called the gladiolus, also known as the “sword flower”. As you might guess, they represent strength of character. Someone who is honest, with strong moral values... Someone who stands by their convictions… The gladiolus reminds me of AUBREY, because she's always true to herself.”
I wonder if I asked if he would be able to assign something to me or Mr. Reaper… Maybe I’ll learn this skill… It might help one day, and It’ll be a nice decoration for our hotel rooms.
I feel a little bit excited to start, but first…
I hear the energetic boy's voice shouting about something or other, overhearing something about demanding to be next, and something from ‘Hero’ to be more polite. I listen in to hear the next flower.
“Cacti are very sturdy and resilient plants by nature. They don't need much care and can survive even in seemingly impossible conditions. I guess what I'm saying... is that even you could take care of a cactus, KEL…”
… Okay..? I don’t believe those are flowers per se. But what do I know? It also sounds like a thinly veiled insult, but that also aside the point. Oh! Here’s the next one!
”And these... These are white tulips. Tulips aren't very flashy plants. They're not too big or small, not too elaborate or flamboyant.If I could put it in another way... I guess I would say that... they're comfortable. Simple, modest, and perfect. Just like SUNNY.”
… How captivating!~
I overhear many more definitions, but no more are compared to people, and soon enough, to my misfortune, they stop, and I overhear snoring from ‘Kel’, and that’s my sign to return to Mr. Reaper’s Hotel.
So with one more look at that home (A shame what has been fated to occur there) I wander away…
The blood from his neck begins to seep into his bed. The Reaper’s blade sent blood splattering across the room, I heard a soft ‘drip’ sound of red dripping of a nearby Sunflowers leaf.
I still hear the light gargling of the target, ‘Basil’, attempting to breathe, yet not a soul awakens to view this picture. A shame really.
This art piece is even more perfect than usual!~
Glancing at the flowers, I understand why. So I swipe the Targets ‘Beginners Guide to Flower Language’ book that was on his bedside table. And turn back to follow The Reaper out of Faraway, only bring the target’s life with him, just like a spectre of blood.
… He doesn’t even give me any thanks for helping.
… He doesn’t even look at me at all, in fact, As we move to the next canvas.
I wonder what art we’ll make next!~