IT STARTED OUT WITH A KISS {TRISTAN}

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Money, n. ; Something that the world revolves around and college students severely lack (typically). See also dinero.

Virginia Baker was in desperate need of money. Med school had taken a greedy bite out of her bank account and life savings. Needless to say, with six older brothers Virginia would never dare to ask her mother for money. She could do this on her own, no problem. In no time at all, Virginia would be a doctor and she'd have oodles of money to solve all of her problems.

Of course, Virginia didn't realize how quickly money seems to run away when you're in college.

So, the job hunt had begun, and it first it seemed that Virginia would never find work. There were no good waitress jobs open, local hospitals already had plenty of orderlies (and anything else she could do at a hospital wouldn't pay), and despite the offer, Virginia had no intention of stripping-or even setting foot-in Sahara.

Then, she found The Last Petal.

Flowers weren't Virginia's thing. Yes, she loved when guys brought her flowers (hibiscus were her favorite because they reminded her of Florida, but she also really liked orchids and lilies); however, Virginia wasn't particularly good at caring for them. She believed that all it took was a vase full of water, a little sun, and they good and fine. Of course, Virginia didn't understand that flowers also needed food and grooming. The dead parts were supposed to be cut off. Virginia never knew that.

Surprisingly enough, Virginia had nailed the interview, and she found herself walking into The Last Petal with a job under her belt. The boutique was gorgeous; beautiful flowers filled the shelves, arrangements for various occasions everywhere. Virginia took a deep breath. The beauty was just astounding! One bouquet caught her eye, and Virginia quickly walked over. Pink lilies and white orchids spilled out of a large vase, a cream ribbon tied around its center. "Wow, it's beautiful." Virginia gasped. She had a strong desire to reach out and stroke one of the soft white petals, but she held it in. Didn't want to get in trouble on her first day.

Over by the counter was another employee, a handsome guy around her age. Virginia stared at him for a moment...something felt strangely familiar about him, like she had known him before. With this feeling came another strange one of affection. A blush slowly creept into Virginia's cheeks. How embarrassing! A guy she didn't know and she felt something for him out of the blue. With a timid smile, because for some reason Virginia felt shy, she walked up to him.

"Uh, hi. I'm Virginia, I'm supposed to start working here today. Mind showing me the ropes?" Smiling, Virginia waited for his reply.

[/blockquote]

notes: ohmygod its so short im so sorry
words:yer mom
outfit: www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=32922630 /sucks at polyvore
music:
tag:Tristan/Lumiere
credit:

• rawr!itsdes of Caution 2.0
  
• Lyrics: Tonight, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae

[/blockquote]

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan was so bored out of his mind. He couldn’t think of anything to do. This shop was desperately in need of some customers. He felt pretty useless sitting around and doing nothing. Where were the loving husbands coming to get some roses for their wives? Where was the old widow coming to get a boquet of her husband’s favorite flowers to place on his resting place? He only got four calls today for flower orders. Four! Did New York not have a romantic bone in its body? Tristan had never felt so disappointed in his entire life. This job was definitely not what he thought it would be. He couldn’t help answer questions or learn of people’s romances. He couldn’t even talk to employees because there weren’t any around at the moment.

Letting a frown set upon his face he got to work spraying the flowers with water and pulling out the dying ones. The one thing he did enjoy about his job was the smell. The store was filled with an aroma of fresh flowers that neer got old. Even when he got home, his clothes would smell of flowers. Though his friends gave him pretty strange looks when he’d see them after work; even after he explained it was his work and not perfume. Like Tristan would wear flowerly perfume. His friends were so silly.

Tristan began to hum a little tune as he swept the floor. If the customers weren’t going to come in, at least he could make the shop look good for Mr. Beare. He found a trashcan behind the counter and tossed the dirt in there. Right when he stood back up the door of the Last Petal opened. Tristan went into salesmen mode instantly. He planned on letting the customer browse for a few minutes and then ask them if they needed anything but when he saw the lady that walked through the door his mind instantly went blank.

“Oh wow, elle est belle.” he thought after a few seconds of nothing crossing his mind. He could do nothing but gawk as an unfamiliar feeling slowly started settling in his chest. It felt like something was pulling him towards the stranger. Something that could only be what he thought was love. Sure he had this feeling with other girls but not immediately or this strong. He was a firm believer of love at first sight but never thought it would happen to him. And now what was he supposed to do? If he couldn’t even think properly how was he supposed to make this work?

"Uh, hi. I'm Virginia, I'm supposed to start working here today. Mind showing me the ropes?"

Tristan almost jumped. “Bon- I mean Hi. I am Tristan. Did Mr. Beare tell you what you would be doing?” He asked struggling with his English.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Last week when she went to her interview, Virginia will admit that she was quite intimidated by Mr. Beare. After all that, Virginia wasn't sure she wanted to work at The Last Petal. However, when she caught sight of her coworker, Virginia became insanely happy she chose to work there.

His French accent made her stomach flutter the most. There was just something about him that made her feel full of butterflies and completely joyful. It was like...love.

On principal, Virginia wasn't a big believer in love at first sight. She tended to escape as soon as feelings entered the equation. It bothered her, because she wished she would stay for once. But...Virginia got nervous when she felt something. She didn't want to get hurt.

After Tristan talked to her, Virginia decided that she had been wrong her whole life.

Of course, her feelings took her by surprise. She'd never felt this way before, what was she supposed to do? “Bon- I mean Hi. I am Tristan. Did Mr. Beare tell you what you would be doing?” Virginia grinned sweetly, leaning on the counter. How cute; luckily for him, Virginia knew some French and she didn't mind showing off a little bit.

"Mr. Beare m'a dit que j'étais d'aider de toute façon je pouvais. That was correct, right?" It had taken her a minute to work it out in her mind, but Virginia was confident she had gotten it correct. "Also, je dois dire que vous êtes vraiment mignon. Just wanted to let you know." Smiling sweetly, Virginia was quite pleased with herself for being so bold.

[/blockquote]

notes: aww
words:yer mom
outfit: www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=32922630 /sucks at polyvore
music:
tag:Tristan/Lumiere
credit:

• rawr!itsdes of Caution 2.0
  
• Lyrics: Tonight, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae

[/blockquote]

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan had to think about blinking. If he didn’t, he was sure that his mind wouldn’t register the need to. His heart was racing and he wondered how long it had been since he’d actually taken a breath. He probably looked like a fool but even more so when she spoke.

"Mr. Beare m'a dit que j'étais d'aider de toute façon je pouvais. That was correct, right?"

She knew French and spoke it so well! Even with her American accent, the language still sounded wonderful coming from her. He looked up at her and nodded. He knew his eyes probably gave away everything going on in his head. He never could keep secrets with his eyes. “I have done all the work for today but I can still show you. We do not have many customers,” he admitted. “But the job pays well and the smell is merveilleuse.” He let himself take a big breath for dramatic effect and to make up for how little he was breathing the past five minutes. He felt his thoughts come back and the intial shock was over but he was definitely not his old self. Not that he really wanted to go back to his lonely life.

"Also, je dois dire que vous êtes vraiment mignon. Just wanted to let you know."

He smiled dumbly for about a second before his mind gave him words to say. “So is your French. Une belle langue convient à une belle femme.” He flashed one of his winning smiles and walked out from behind the counter. “We have new flowers in the back. I think they are daffodils. Mr. Beare wants me-I mean us- to put these out in a few hours. We get a few customers during the rush hour and he says they need to be…” he stopped and smiled. “Fresh, they must be perfect for the customers or I’ll send you back to where ever you came from!” he said attempting to mimick Mr. Beare. He wasn’t much of a comic genius but everyone got a snicker from his imitations of Mr. Beare and the Brit guy. Hopefully Virginia would too.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Virginia loved it when a guy didn't completely try to hide his emotions. It was so annoying! Virginia didn't think hiding your emotions was super tough; she actually found it to be weak. If you're brave, then you'll show how you feel.

It seemed that both Virginia and Tristan were a bit awe-struck. Looking back, Virginia was surprised she didn't giggle at the extreme sweetness/awkwardness/dorkiness of it all. However, Virginia wasn't much of a giggler, so no such noises passed through her lips.

“So is your French. Une belle langue convient à une belle femme.” A blush even deeper then what was already resting in her cheeks crept onto her face. Virginia let out a little laugh, a bit embarrassed by her now red face. No guy had ever made her feel so...she didn't know what. Virginia couldn't think of any words to describe how she felt, because she'd never felt like it before. To her, it was a bit like ecstasy, but she knew there was something else to it.

Tristan's impression of Mr. Beare was quite humorous. Virginia couldn't help but laugh at it, because he was imitating Mr. Beare perfectly! Virginia was totally terrified of her boss, but he was the kind of guy you feared but laughed at equally. At least, in Virginia's eyes he was. "That'd be great! Is there a lot to do here?" Virginia really didn't care about being shown what to do, or if there was going to be a lot of work. She just wanted to know who Tristan was. Scratch that. She wanted to know if he had a girlfriend. Then she'd get to know him. Otherwise, Virginia would get way too attached, and she'd just hate to be homewrecker.

[/blockquote]

notes: aww
words:yer mom
outfit: www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=32922630 /sucks at polyvore
music:
tag:Tristan/Lumiere
credit:

• rawr!itsdes of Caution 2.0
  
• Lyrics: Tonight, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae

[/blockquote]

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan was fairly certain he would never stop smiling as long as he saw Virginia smiling. She had that sort of essence of happiness around her that made everthing seem brighter. The first question in his mind was if she had a boyfriend. There was no possible way this gorgeous woman didn’t have guys following her around. He would be the luckiest man alive if she was single. Though he’d have to have more than luck to be hers.

The second question was if this was it. Was he finally experiencing love at first sight? It felt more amazing than he ever imagined. It felt like the world had stopped spinning and—

She was blushing at his compliment! Tristan wondered if she liked him too. Or she could just be the type to blush a lot. Tristan had dated a girl like that. He always wondered if her face would get stuck that flaming red color. Virginia’s blush was perfect. Almost to perfect for him to deserve.

Have faith, mon ami! Look she thinks you are funny!
Tristan at first wondered where that voice came from but was soon overcome by Virginia’s laughter. He brought himself back to the present just in time for her to ask a question that reminded Tristan they were still in the empty flowershop and not Heaven.

"That'd be great! Is there a lot to do here?"

“In truth, not really. Business is very slow. I am thinking of ways to help Mr. Beare get customers. Maybe you could help me?” he asked hoping Virginia would be okay with slow business. It was surprising that Mr. Beare hired any more employees. He must not know that his business is falling.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Yes, Virginia was a bit of a maneater.

In the past, she had always drew men in, messed with them, flirted a lot, and then left them. No, she wouldn't take your husband or try to turn a gay man straight. Virginia wasn't mean about it, per say. She just liked to flirt with men, it was something she had always been good at. Not that Virginia was a slut or anything, the exact opposite actually. She was always up for flirting but she drew a very noticable line early on.

In short, Virginia was notorious for messing with people.

However, just after a few minutes in the presence of Tristan, Virginia wanted to leave that behind. She wanted to flirt with Tristan, she wanted to be with Tristan. Only Tristan. It was enough to make the little girl inside her blush and giggle with excitement. Virginia herself wanted to blush and giggle, and that was saying something.

The only negative side was Virginia's fear of love and commitment. Sure, she thought love was beautiful, but she was terrified of it. One could say that her father's death caused this, because she would be afraid of the same fate befalling her future husband. Virginia would agree. And gosh she did not want to break Tristan's heart because she knew her own heart wouldn't be able to take it.

On the flip side of all that depressing psycho-babble, Virginia was here for work, and if work included a very attractive guy who she was possibly falling for already, then Virginia would go along with that. First, though, she needed to take a deep breath, because she realized she'd been holding it far too long.

"Hmm, well I'm in school to be an OB/GYN and work under my professor as one at Sacred Heart, so I bet we could do something with that. Pregnant women and flowers are always a good mix!" Smiling, Virginia bit her tongue so she wouldn't add "do you have a girlfriend?", because someone as handsome and sweet (from what she could see) as Tristan had to have one.

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan has never felt this… weird in his entire life. His heart was racing so fast he was fairly certain he’d have to run to the hospital before he dropped dead. What was this feeling? He’d never felt it in his life. He was so uncertain of his words and his actions. He was acting so shy and not like himself. By now, he should have already has a number from her and been making her blush and giggle. But no, he’d decided to turn into a nervous fool. That’s what he was! Nervous. He’d never been nervous by Love in his life. By Mr. Beare and his mother, yes. But not by Love. He always embraced it as it appeared to him and mourned it when it disappeared.

But now here he was cowering in it’s presence. This feeling was so much stronger than the others. It was such a glorious, wonderful feeling that he didn’t want to lose it. Ever. And this made him turn into a heep of nerves.

"Hmm, well I'm in school to be an OB/GYN and work under my professor as one at Sacred Heart, so I bet we could do something with that. Pregnant women and flowers are always a good mix!"

“Yes, that would be wonderful. You are going to be an OB/GYN? Those people are amazing. They help bring new life into the world. I am studying to be a cook. So I can bring good food to the world,” he said with a smile. He picked up a business card from behind the desk and handed it to Virginia. “For your Sacred Heart—I mean professor. Should we look at those daffodils now?” He was slightly worried he was boring her. She did come here to work after all.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Virginia's will power was being eaten alive by one question. One question sitting on the tip of her tongue, clamoring to come out.

She really wanted to know if he had a girlfriend.

Because, well...Virginia just wanted to know. Yeah, that was it. She wouldn't be heartbroken; her soul would live to see another day. As soon as she got off work she wouldn't slink off to lick her wounds and find a way to get rid of said girlfriend.

No, it really didn't matter at all, but Virginia Baker wanted to know.

The flower shop was incredible. All the flowers had bloomed to perfection like the mega-crush that was blossoming in her heart, and the aroma was heavenly. And honestly, in Virginia's humble opinion, all she really wanted to do was sit there and talk to Tristan. Or, more like stare into his gorgeous eyes.

Gosh, Virginia thought, what's wrong with me?

“Yes, that would be wonderful. You are going to be an OB/GYN? Those people are amazing. They help bring new life into the world. I am studying to be a cook. So I can bring good food to the world."

Oh, so he was a cook? No, Virginia's heart did not just swoon. Well, only because it already had swooned and was incapable of swooning anymore. But don't tell Virginia that. "Wow, that's amazing, Tristan. The only reason why I can cook is because I had six older brothers and had to help my mom with dinner." Oh, wow. Virginia's smile faltered as the pain hit her deep inside her gut. She didn't know why she felt overcome by grief all of sudden. Her father had passed away when she was six. There had been plenty of times when she had brought up her family and didn't feel bad at all. Realizing that Tristan might pick up on her hesitation--and Virginia did NOT want to talk about her father at the moment--, Virginia smiled and offered a joke, but in French. Nothing like a little flirtation to take the mind off of something, right? "Je ne suis pas très bon à couper les légumes, bien." Grinning, Virginia lifted up her left hand to show a bandage wrapped around her finger. She had sliced it pretty deep a few days ago when chopping up carrots. It still throbbed.

Slipping the card into her pocket, Virginia looked down for a moment, mentally preparing herself for his response, because she was sure it wasn't going to be what she hoped. "Tristan...do you have a girlfriend?" And if he did, which Virginia prayed he didn't, it'd be good to know, right? That way she wouldn't flirt with a taken man. ...Right?

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan had himself wondering if Virginia liked him. He felt like she was flirting with him but maybe she was like Tristan, naturally flirtatious. Tristan flirted with many ladies. More than he’d like to admit. He very rarily found himself thinking about the words that he said. Usually the just came out of his mouth. But when he did have to scramble for words and second guess himself, he was eithr having an off day or an angel had appeared in front of him.

Since Tristan’s day wasn’t as bad as he internally ranted early, he was pretty sure it was the latter. Virginia was gorgeous. But there was still the matter of whether or not the angel liked him. The thought of her just being flirtatious and friendly but nothing more made him feel like he’d just swallowed a boulder. He really had feelings for this girl and he barely knew her. What was going to happen if she just wanted to be friends? Could he just be friends?

"Wow, that's amazing, Tristan. The only reason why I can cook is because I had six older brothers and had to help my mom with dinner."

“Oh wow, six brothers? You and your mother must be very strong women,” Tristan said smiling. His mother would like Virginia. She was all about being independent and staying strong even through rough times. Wait, why was he thinking about his mother and Virginia? Tristan bit his lip and snapped out of it.

"Je ne suis pas très bon à couper les légumes, bien."

Tristan winced when she held up her finger. He’d done that several times when he was first cooking. “I have done that before when I was learning how to cook. My mother told me after about the third time to use my knuckles and not my fingers. And I am now without injury!” He said holding up his fist. “You might do that next time so you don’t hurt those lovely hands of yours,” Tristan advised. He felt like he was babbling so he looked down at the silent phone. It had only rung twice today and one was a wrong number.

"Tristan...do you have a girlfriend?"

“No, belle. Do you?” He closed his mouth. At that moment he was fairly certain he didn’t say those words. At least he didn’t mean to. Maybe his heart did. Good for it having more courage than he did.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Virginia felt like she must be in a dream, because surely someone as great as Tristan wasn't real. And if he was real, Virginia felt completely unworthy of such an amazing guy. She was too flirtatious, could at times be manipulative towards other people. Especially men. No, Virginia wasn't good enough.

But.

Virginia also knew that her mind and heart were working together to think of a way to ensure that Virginia wouldn't try to go after him. So she wouldn't have to let him down, because to do that would kill her, she could tell already. The human body is an amazing thing; the way it will do anything for the sake of self-preservation is shocking. Virginia knew that she was too afraid of love to let it happen, and her heart was trying to save itsself. Maybe, though, if she was lucky....No. Would Tristan be one to chase after her? Would he be the guy that could actually convince Virginia to admit that she loved someone?

Once again, her brain put on the brakes. Why was she thinking about that anyways? Sheesh, she had just met Tristan for goodness sakes! Returning to the flower shop, Virginia smiled. Yes, Tristan was right. Her mother had been an incredibly strong woman to hold up the household of seven children after her father died. Tristan didn't know the half of it.

"I'll have to keep that in mind," Virginia smiled, rubbing the bandage on her sore finger. She had never thought to use her knuckles...of course, Virginia would probably end up finding a way to cut herself. Wandering over to a display of pink roses, Virginia stopped mid-sniff. Did...did he just say that he didn't have a girlfriend? Was that possible? Virginia could hardly believe her luck. Then again, she was terrified that she would end up falling in love with this man. Her mind was split in two: One, go after Tristan whole-heartedly, or two, run away as fast as you can.

Most likely stupidly, and with a dash of impulsiveness, Virginia decided to go after Tristan.

Spinning around, Virginia put a charming smile on her face. "No, I'm afraid I'm without a boyfriend at the moment." Her blue eyes said it all: "go ahead, ask me out somewhere, I don't bite." And once more, the flirtatious, bold Virginia was back, leaving the timid, confused Virginia in the dust.

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan felt hope bubbling in his chest. She must be single if she was asking him that question! Tristan watched as she walked towards the pink roses. The roses’ color always reminded him of a girl’s blush. It was one of those odd things that if he said it aloud people would look at him funny. He tried to keep himself behind the counter but found his feet moving towards the front near Virginia. It’s like he couldn’t keep away from her. His mind went to what he would do when she left today and the knot in his stomach seemed to only get bigger.

“Beautiful,” Tristan said not really commenting on the flowers. With Virginia next to them they didn’t seem as grand. “Are these your favorite?” he asked slowly trying to say the word correctly. It’s not that he didn’t like his accent but it didn’t really help when trying to form English words. He was even more self-conscious with this gorgeous woman standing next to him. He waited patiently for her to answer his question and almost cheered when she said,
"No, I'm afraid I'm without a boyfriend at the moment."

Tristan returned her smile and saw the look in her eye. She liked him. He felt his whole body heat up with confidence. Without giving it a second thought, Tristan took Virginia’s hand, kissed it and said with his romantic French accent, “La beauté voudrait-elle sortir au diner avec moi?” His eyes shone when he let go of her hand and looked up at her blushing face. That fixed the problem of not seeing her when she left. They could stay out late together. It sounded like a perfect plan to Tristan. His heart ached waiting for her to reply. He didn’t want to be let down but anything was better than no answer at all.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

If you could bottle the feelings of an adolescent junior high girl about to go on her first date, you have a pretty good idea of what Virginia Baker was feeling. All the nervousness, excitedness, giddiness that was associated with your first date coursed through her vein's, threatening to make Virginia giggle obnoxiously like a preteen. She couldn't explain why Tristan was making her feel this way. She sure as hell wanted to know why (though, it was easy to see that part of it was his intoxicating good looks) she had fallen into such a state of innocence, like all the experience she had gained through years of observation and practice had been stripped away to reveal naive Virginia. A Virginia who didn't know how to respond without a slight stammer, a Virginia who was currently twirling her hair around her pointer finger in anxious energy. Virginia wanted her normal, slightly cocky, self back, because he had just asked her on a date!

And in French!!!

Eyes sparkling, Virginia tried to contain some of the excitement, but failed. "Of course!!" She blurted, then imediately covered her mouth. Wow. What a spaz. "I mean, er, I'd love to." Virginia said cooly, fluffing her hair as she tried to act calm, cool, and collected, even if it was a total lie. Virginia felt ecstatic; she wasn't going to have to go home and wonder if he had just been some player wanting to get some action; she wouldn't have to stare at the telephone for hours thinking "should I call him? Or should he call me?" while eating a tub of Ben and Jerry's to console herself. Suddenly, an idea popped into her head.

"You know, Tristan...I have a feeling that there won't be any more customers tonight." Virginia paused for a moment to look around, as if ensuring the fact that no one would be visiting The Last Petal that night. "Why don't we just go now?" Virginia smiled like a cocky athlete who had just won the Olympics, though her insides were a churning mess of anxiety.

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Tristan didn’t have to wait for a reply. She said yes. His heart wanted to leap out of his chest to meet hers.
She said she’d love to!
She even sounded as excited as he felt when she said it. The raw emotion of Love was coursing through him at full speed. He couldn’t wait for his shift to be over so that they could be together. He looked at the clock at the top of the wall and realized that would be an eternity.
”Have patience, mon ami. She is well worth waiting for.” said a voice in Tristan’s head.

He agreed whole-heartedly and looked back at his amor. Her lovely blue eyes looked filled to the brim with excitement. Her lips held a glorious smile that lit up the room. It made him almost breathless looking at it. He was careful not to look too long and found himself looking at the clock again. “Wonderful,” he said finally to her reply. A warm smile played on his face. His mood matched hers more than he knew.

"You know, Tristan...I have a feeling that there won't be any more customers tonight."

He turned his head to meet her eyes again. “Most likely not,” he sighed. He had to unpack daffodils and let then wilt because Mr. Beare wanted them out. It was rather wasteful if Tristan did say so himself. But of course, he didn’t have a say.

"Why don't we just go now?"

“Sure!” Tristan said. “We can go to Bleeding Hearts! I have a few friends there that can get us a nice table.” He spoke quickly not realizing how excited he was getting until he finished. “I mean, if that is what you want?” he asked in a calmer tone. He hadn’t meant to sound too eager but his excitement was overflowing almost. He didn’t care that Mr. Beare was most likely going to kill him for closing up early. He didn’t even care that he might lose his job, well probably not but still he didn’t care. He was in love!

What a wonderful feeling love is.