Jean and Ororo: Friendship in Bloom

[x-jeangrey.livejournal.com]

Jean and Ororo go to a flower show in search of a rare orchid.
'


The orchid show at the New York Botanical Gardens was a big draw every year, and no one was more excited about it than Ororo. She visited every year, keen to see the new varieties and bring home one or two of the most beautiful for herself. The delicate flowers cost as much as a vintage bottle of wine but brought a far more lasting enjoyment and as such she considered them a worthy investment.

This year she had the benefit of a second opinion in the form of Jean, who had seemed intrigued by Ororo's description of the thousands of brightly-coloured flowers that the exhibitors flooded the greenhouses with and had agreed to come along.

"Well," Ororo said with no small amount of schoolgirl glee, pausing just before the door of the largest pavilion, "are you ready?"

Jean laughed, tickled by Ororo's enthusiasm as she gave her a nod. "Absolutely," she said. The greenery was a nice reprieve from the harsh winter that had plagued the East Coast for the better part of a few months. To be able to see that some life still existed underneath all of that snow was a pleasant reward.

"I don't think I've ever been to one of these," she added.

"I'm intrigued."

"It's quite an experience," Ororo told her, pushing open the door to let them into the humid interior of the glasshouse, which buzzed with quiet conversation from the throngs of people making their way around the concrete paths. "People come from out of state and sometimes even further abroad just to visit - and buy, of course. The orchid trade is a very lucrative market."

The hot, sticky moisture in the air was immediately noticeable, and Jean was reminded of New Orleans, or New York in the height of August when the sun blazed across the sky.

"So are you just browsing, or do you have a particular type in mind?" she said, glancing over the crowd. The patrons were varied, though the majority seemed to be dressed nicely.

"I have been on the lookout for a Masdevallia veitchiana for some time - it's a very striking specimen. Though really, just like shoes, it's best to be open to anything that catches your eye."

"Except this has to be taken care of and cultivated...so also just like shoes," Jean mused. "I think I'd prefer the flowers too, though."

She dressed for practicality, even if she did have a few pieces she adored.

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like a flame," Ororo told her friend with a smile. "Tri-pointed, with a rich orange and pink colouration. In its native home it is known as the rooster plant - I suppose they believe it is reminiscent of a cock's comb, though I think it is somewhat more attractive than that."

Jean quirked a brow of interest at the description. "Sounds lovely," she said, grinning, then tilted her head. "Though I suppose I'm a bit biased when it comes to liking something that resembles fire."

"Maybe we'll have to buy two, then, and send one home with you."

"Hopefully I can keep it alive," Jean said, laughing. "That would be ironic...keeping humans alive but not plants. I've never had a plant, though. Since my husband requires a lot of sun as well I'll just be sure to keep the curtains open and give them both plenty of water."

"Husbands and plants really are identical in terms of care," Ororo said, smirking. "Sun, water, don't accidentally lop off any limbs with gardening shears..."

"You come home drunk and mistake the garden shed for the mansion one time...." Jean said, glancing over the tables for their intended specimen. She was good at spotting something if she knew what she was looking for. It got her good grades when she was a student in med school.

It was a virtual jungle of plants; the two women strolled for some time around the stalls and tables, taking in the exotic blossoms and glossy leaves of the specimens on display. Ororo was busy enthusing over a small purple and white flower when Jean glanced across the room and spotted what could only be their Masdevallia veitchiana, perched on a table in a small ceramic pot.

The discovery felt somewhat like a scene in a movie, as Jean first caught a small glimpse of orange through a sea of people. As they passed, the true richness of the flower became apparent, and she could tell right away what Ororo was talking about.

"Eureka," Jean said with a smile. Gently touching Ororo on the shoulder, she nodded to the flower. "I believe we found our prize."

The other woman's eyes widened and she turned to look where Jean was directing her gaze, her expression lighting up as she set eyes on the flower. "Well spotted, Jean, that is precisely it," she murmured, and then slid her hand to grasp her friend's, tugging her across the floor towards the stand.

"Let us go introduce ourselves..." It was difficult to know with Ororo whether she was joking or not, given her history of talking to plants.

It was indeed times like these that made Jean wonder if Ororo had a secondary mutation similar to Callie's. Her experience in nurturing plants was quite impressive.

"If you could please put in a good word on my behalf that would be wonderful," Jean mused. "Especially if I'm going to be taking care of one of its kind."

"I am sure it will be the beginning of a long and happy friendship," Ororo told her, glancing over and giving Jean a smile. "Just like ours."