Filia awoke the next morning to the smell of roses. She stretched with a smile in the soft ray of sunshine that shone through her window. Another beautiful day. She sighed in contentment and rolled over, only to see...

“Roses? I wonder where those came from.” Getting out of bed, she reached over and picked one out of the vase. The vase itself was of excellent quality and was painted in a pattern of purple starbursts. The rose she held smelled fresh and sweet. It was pure white, and the thorns had been thoughtfully removed. Filia smiled dreamily, then prepared for the day and walked downstairs, carrying the vase full of roses and happily humming a nameless tune.

Jiras and Grabos were already opening up shop when Filia arrived. She set down the vase and greeted her assistants cheerfully. “Good morning, Jiras. Hello, Grabos. It’s a beautiful morning, don’t you agree?”

Grabos grinned and nodded to Filia, then went back to polishing a vase. Jiras, being the curious fox that he is, asked, “Big sis, where did those flowers come from?”

Filia frowned slightly. “Actually, I was hoping you could tell me. Do you know where these came from, Grabos?”

Grabos shook his head. “Never seen that vase before, Miss Filia.”

“Where did you find them?” questioned Jiras.

“On the table next to my bed,” Filia replied. “If neither of you knew about the roses, then how did they get into my room? I don’t remember seeing them last night....”

“Ah, that’s because they weren’t there last night!” proclaimed that voice we all know and love.

“Filia’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Xelloss. Why are you here, again? I told you never to come back.”

“So you did, so you did.” Xelloss shrugged nonchalantly, carefully not letting his emotions show. “Didn’t you like the flowers I sent you?” he asked abruptly.

Filia froze. Xelloss had sent those flowers?! “Wha-what?” she sputtered.

“The flowers,” Xelloss repeated. “You know, those thornless white roses in that purple vase over there. Do you know how hard it is to pick the thorns off a whole bouquet of roses? I don’t recommend you trying it. It’s quite painful; though, I’ll admit, I rather enjoyed the pain.” Xelloss smiled darkly, as if remembering the masochistic experience.

Filia shuddered involuntarily, bringing Xelloss back to the present. Xelloss glanced around and saw the shop’s customers, along with Jiras and Grabos, watching Filia and him banter. “Let’s go somewhere a bit more private, ne, Filia dear? Jiras, Grabos, be good boys and watch the shop for Filia.” With that, he gently took hold of Filia’s arm and teleported them away.