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acermp100 · 27 days

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WAWA WEEK 5: DAWN OF THE WAWA

29/3 – Spring/nature: HOUSE PLANTS

Oh hey there's a nature prompt and I have a fav side character and love researching and taking care of plants *THROWS MINEGISHI AT YOU*

Serizawa wants to buy some house plants

General Audiences. Mild cursing. Minegishi and plants and some slight bouts of retail inspired nihilism. AND MORE SERI/REI SILLIES AT THE END. GEE.

~2200 words

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The day had gone slow. Well, actually the entire week. No more school socials or holidays on either side of the calendar left only a few wandering by and even less deciding to come in. They’d look, they’d chat, they didn’t buy anything, they’d leave. Minegishi never really saw the point to it all but it did give him plenty of time to catch up on his reading. How interesting that the morel mushroom, famous for its taste and rarity, could grow in such a way it poisoned those who eat it. And we don’t even understand how it happens. Or maybe people had misidentified in their foraging.

The little bell over the door broke him out of his day dreaming. Oh joy, another bored employee ambling in during lunch for some vapid small talk. Wait, is that-

“Oh, hello!” A little bow punctuated the greeting. “I had heard you were working here but never had time to stop by.”

“Serizawa?” Minegishi set his book down. It was him, just with a suit and tie, a little brief case, and a new hair cut. And way more under the surface. “You look- a bit different since we last spoke.”

“Yeah- It’s been a while.” His voice trailed off as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Everything out here doesn’t even come close to Claw.” He jerked, standing up straight again. “I mean- that doesn’t mean I miss it! Just things changed. For the better though!”

“Don’t worry.” Minegishi almost cracked a grin, standing there with his dirt stained apron and classic retail worker expression. “I get it.”

Serizawa began looking around with wide eyes at the assortment of plants, flowers, and succulents. Minegishi had organized the small space over the past few days: fragile and colorful arrangements filled the shelves at his back with the opposite wall starting with little holders for individual flowers leading to small house plants. At the end was a refrigerator containing finished orders to be picked up surrounded by a large variety of more mature potted plants, some reaching to the ceiling.

Still so innocent. Minegishi wished he could feel such joy again, experience things for the first time with an open mind unstained by nihilism. At least Claw hadn’t taking that from Serizawa as it had him. Though another look at those cheerful eyes made him wonder if it was all just a mask.

“So, what brings you in?” Minegishi got up from his stool, actually interested in some small talk for once. “Have something in mind?”

“Oh! Um.” Serizawa shook his head, still trying to take everything in. “I was thinking a house plant. Something small for my apartment.” He gestured at the several on the shelves. “Maybe two?”

Walking over from behind the counter, Minegishi went over all the species in his head, organizing them in terms of ease of care, size, and light requirements. He ended with a turn of his head, looking up at his ex-coworker.

“Do you have any pets?”

“No.” Serizawa frowned. “Well, not yet. I wanted to get a cat but a few weeks ago I took care of Shou’s hamsters while he went on a trip with his mom.” And back to the unassuming smile. “That alone was too much! What with my job and taking night classes.”

“Mmm. I see.” Minegishi adjusted some of the pots. “Plants are easier to care for, however, that doesn’t mean you can just leave them alone and they’ll be fine.” Taking one of ferns he began to prune some of the dead leaves off the bottom. “Some need more light in the winter, or less water, most want food when developing flowers. You need to be aware of their needs or they will wilt and die.”

Serizawa nodded along, a serious look on his face. “I, well- I did a bit of research online. There’s a few spots where the windows let in light.” He glanced around the store a bit confused. “What do you mean food? Do I need to get like bags of fertilizer?”

Minegishi blinked once before crossing his arms, resisting the urge to bring a hand up to his face. “Serizawa.” He watched the man stand to attention. “Is your only experience with plants watching me in the greenhouse back at Claw?”

“I guess so?” Embarrassed fingers went through Serizawa’s hair. “I didn’t really have much time to properly learn about this. Just-“ He let out a sigh. “My boss, you know, Reigen Arataka? He’s stayed at my place a few times and made a comment how I should liven up the apartment. That it helps with morale and such. And he mentioned plants and something about air purification? We have a few plants at the office, so I thought I’d start small.”

Minegishi listened to the full vent, leaving a pause in case there happened to be more. “Alright. I understand now.” He turned and walked toward the back of the store. “Follow me.”

He lead Serizawa through a door to the closed off area even further into the shop. The taller man had to duck a bit under the shorter overhang. Light shone in though a crude set up of glass windows and tarps- Half of the back wall had been sacrificed to form a resemblance of a green house. Most of the sun failed to enter and so grow lamps were required, each hanging down off of wires over wooden planters all filled with an assortment of budding leaves and flowers. In the corner sat a darker patch filled with covered pots lined up in a row. All around lay buckets and bags of dirt along with hand shovels and twine.

Serizawa nearly hit his head on one of the lamps. He decided staying still was the best option now, nervously fidgeting with his fingers.

“Relax. Nature is supposed to be soothing.”Minegishi caught a look from Serizawa and shrugged his shoulders. “Ok. Point taken. I don’t do that anymore.”

“Right.” Serizawa took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, growing far calmer. “So, is this where you grow the plants?”

“Some of them.” Minegishi paced, scanning each pot making sure all was in line. “Most flowers are shipped in from larger green houses and farms.” He stopped in front of a dozen or so pots separated from the others. “But I’ve been growing most of the houseplants here from cuttings and seeds.”

“They are so tiny. Cute.” Serizawa hovered behind Minegishi.

“I suppose so.”

Holding out a hand, Minegishi closed his eyes and tried to focus. It wasn’t out of the need to actually manipulate the plants but to temper his powers so he wouldn’t cause harm.

“Woah.”

Each vascular sheath, every drop of water, every cell he could feel from the tip of the leaves down along the roots. Just a nudge and they harmonized with his aura. Little seedlings doubled in size, unfurling new leaves with some branching out as they grew taller. In the end the once near empty pots now hosted a variety of foliage from green to the dappled red and purple mixed with nearly emerging flowers.

Serizawa gasped. “That’s amazing!” Walking right up, he reached out to touch one of the plants but held back, still admiring the change and explosion of colors. “I’ve never seen leaves like this before.”

“That’s Codiaeum variegatum.” Minegishi didn’t wait for the expected confused silence. “Common name would be Croton. They come in several colors but I prefer the strong green with the red and yellow outlines.” He picked up a small watering can and started to tend to each pot. “You can put that one in front the window you mentioned and it will be fine.”

“Wait, you’re giving me this?” A pause, Serizawa still distracted. “I mean, I’m buying it?”

Without looking up from his work, Minegishi stopped at another pot. “Yes. It should be easy for you.” He flicked his gaze over his shoulder. “Just don’t over water: make sure the soil is dry before doing anything.”

At this point, Serizawa had taken out a note pad and was scribbling down details.

“And you will get this one as well.” The watering can was set down. Minegishi stood over sprawling plant with wide but long leaves. “It’s a Peace Lilly. Very comfortable in shade and tolerant of most indoor areas.” He set the pot off to side with the other. “See if you can keep it happy enough for it to flower.” In the end he was leaning against one of the planters, wiping dirt from his hands onto his apron. “Then you can come back and I can see what else would be suitable for you.”

“Th- thank you!” Serizawa took one of Minegishi’s hands and less gave it a shake and more pulled at it for an awkward hug. “Um- I wrote down everything you said so I promise I will do my best.”

“Right.” Minegishi stood frozen, almost forgetting how personal his ex-coworker could be. “Let’s get these to the front and I’ll get your order processed.”

A few dings and a receipt print later and Serizawa was now a proud plant owner.

“What’s your address?” Minegishi looked up from the counter still writing down details. “I need it for the delivery.”

“Delivery?” Serizawa waved a hand. “You don’t have to do that, it’s fine.”

“Yeah. And you are gonna have a hard time carrying two pots filled with dirt and plants down to the train stop then home.”

“Oh.” Serizawa thought for a moment, having not even considered this. “I am returning to the office first. I guess you’re right.”

They finished getting all the information ready. Minegishi placed the pots in the corner for delivery after closing. He returned with a brilliant selection of flowers tied into a bouquet: white lilies mixed with roses both pink and red, opting out of the over used baby’s breath for the more enticing filler of dried lavender.

“Here.” He handed it over. “This is on the house.”

Serizawa took the delicate bundle in reverence. “They are so lovely. I don’t know where I’ll put these though.”

“Well, I thought you might need them.”

“For what?” Serizawa looked back with genuine confusion.

A long sigh. Why did he expect such blatant signs to even be read? Minegishi put his elbows onto the counter and leaned down, resting his head in a hand.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Well, the office could use come color.” Serizawa beamed. “So thank you! For everything.”

“Sure thing.”

Minegishi waved after the man, sincerely hoping things went well. The store returned to its empty state and he wandered into the back to start his research into fungus.

-----

Lunch break had long passed. Reigen Arataka sat at his desk, fingers steepled and eyes staring ahead, their focus avoiding what they truly wanted to look at. In front of him sat a cheap vase he had found in one of the drawers that now contained a vibrant mixture of sweet smelling flowers.

Serizawa sat happily working away at his desk.

What did this mean. How could he act so nonchalant. Bringing such an expensive bouquet like it was any other day of the week.

‘These will help bring color to the office!’

Yeah. Ok. Sure. He is just SITTING THERE what do I even do. Should I get him something back? Maybe chocolates? Or is that too brash. I mean it’s still less brash than ROSES. Is this because of the last movie night, us sitting on his couch together sharing popcorn.

Ugh. No. Stop thinking so much into this. Just get up and walk over there. Say some things. Don’t know what yet.

“Reigen-san, are you alright?”

Reigen jolted up, his back now straight. “FINE! Perfectly fine. Just lost in thought is all.” He waved a hand at his desk. “Coming up with new advertisement ideas for the business.”

“Oh. Alright.” HOW DID HE HAVE SUCH A CUTE SMILE. “Well you missed two phone calls. I thought maybe something had happened.”

“Ah, worry not!” Reigen fumbled, leaning back in his chair as it squeaked. “They were just spam calls.”

Serizawa gave a nod and returned to his papers. Taking an inhale and holding it, Reigen stared at the flowers. Maybe sleep on it. Take some time to understand the meaning behind it all. Too late. He rose to unsteady legs, mouth opening before his brain could catch up.

“Say, wanna hang out at the end of the week? Maybe I can come over again and watch movies.”

Serizawa beamed back. “Sure! I only have one class Friday night so I will be home probably around 6pm. How does that sound?”

Fuck fuck fuck. “Perfect.”

“Good! I can show you my new plants!”

Reigen blinked a few times and his train of thought never managed to get back on the rails for the rest of the work day.