Flowers and a Fling! [Marc Dalhmaine]

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The concierge had directed him to this florist. Had waggled his eyebrows in a rather unflattering manner, as well. Even though the sky was overcast, he optioned to walk. More was noticed that way rather than being ferried everywhere by cab.



The walk was scenic, and he didn't mind. He had a new, more weather appropriate trenchcoat, and gloves. And a new sweater in a shade of green he'd had a good eye to pick for him. That was the real reason he was headed for flowers. For gratitude.



Crossing the threshold of one 'Gotham Florist.' He paused when the bawdy commentary hit his ears. Perhaps, it was something in passing. Hands thrust into his pockets he started to meander about the shop. Mentally he was taking note of colors, varieties, textures, so he could give her a gift of one-of-a-kind.

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Rowdy Yates entered the flower shop a few minutes after Marc Dahlmaine had, looking a bit anxious and flustered.  In fact, it was obvious by the lopsided grin on his face that he wasn't comfortable at all in this environment.  As he started perusing the store, he caught Marc's eye and smiled at him.

"I'm so glad I'm not the only guy in here," he sighed with relief, offering his hand to Marc in friendship.  "I'm Rowdy -- Rowdy Yates.  Normally, I grace the presence of a flower shop only once a year -- on Valentine's Day -- but I met someone today that I really like.  We have a date tonight, and I wanted to get her something to tell her how much I like her.  I'm taking her out for a fancy dinner.  I'm hoping she'll provide dessert, if you know what I mean," he added with a jab of his elbow and a wink of his eye.

What Rowdy didn't say was that he was going out with a pastry chef, because he was trying to sound like a stud.  Still, he was hoping to play his cards right and get lucky.

As he spoke, Rowdy studied Marc.  Marc had an aura about him that reeked power, prestige, and sophistication.  Heck, Rowdy was straight, but even HE was attracted to Marc, and entertained thoughts of doing him!  At that moment, Rowdy wanted so badly to use his telepathy to discover the reason why Marc was in the store -- the juicy details, hopefully dirty, too -- but he stopped himself.

No, you've got to stop doing that to people, he scolded himself mentally.  It's an invasion of their privacy.  You wouldn't want somebody doing that to you . . . .

So Rowdy decided to reach out and read Marc with his empathy instead.  Of course, the initial scan revealed feelings of joy and contentment, just as Rowdy had expected, and he ceased at that.  He was truly happy for Marc and wished that same bliss for himself later that evening.

"I'm not very good at picking flowers," Rowdy sighed bashfully.  "Is there anything you can recommend?  I don't want to come on to her too strong, y'know?  I just want to tell her I like her."

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He was unperturbed when another patron entered the building. It was clear that this place was under good management and well recommended if there were more than one patron at this time of the day. More peculiar was that this other man decided to introduce himself. Marc extended his hand as well. "Marc. Good to meet you." He listened as Rowdy frenetically explained his ordeal.

Nodding he took care to avoid the sexual connotation that most Gothamites seemed to hint at, and a sidestep to avoid the elbow jab.

"Perhaps carnations? Daisies are also something to contemplate. Perhaps in her favorite color? I'm looking for irises and yellow roses for today." Was all he said, his mood relaxed and calm. He had a goal and was intent on meeting it.

"Any flowers or gift would show a woman you have interest. Otherwise there would be no planning for the date, no show of appreciation?" He nodded to that as he knew it as truth.

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Dinah was chatting with her mother when a man entered the shop, not long after another one had entered. Both me were very handsome and they began to chat. Her mother then nudged her and said under her breath "Omg, they are hot!" Dinah now chuckling to herself then made her way to the customers. "Hello gentlemen, welcome to Gotham Florist, established in 1984. My name is Dinah and this is DiDi, my mother." As DiDi passed by the group, making her way to the window to put stage some Easter decorations in the window display. "Hey, boys..." DiDi smiling big. With a small smirk Dinah asked. "So... how mad is she?" Dinah then chuckled. "Sorry guys, just a little florist humor... anyway so how can I help today? What's her personality?" Dinah then fixing her hair.  Or his? We don't judge..."

Dinah just couldn't stop smiling, these guys were just so cute, beautiful eyes but most likely taken, I mean most of the men that came in here are taken. Dinah then have a chance, whatever, keep it professional Dinah. No body just buys flowers for a compliment anymore, anyway.

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When Rowdy saw Dinah approaching fast, he put on his best smile.  He was definitely a man who appreciated the female form.  “You have a pretty smile, Dinah,” he complimented after she introduced herself.  “I just knew your name had to be as beautiful as the rest of you!”  He stopped to notice her reaction.  “What?  You don’t like a charmer?  I can stop being charming, if you’d like.”  His smile broadened as he waved hello to DiDi.

Dinah’s questions humored Rowdy.  The woman certainly had personality!  He could tell by the way she was looking back and forth between him and Marc that she was enjoying the eye candy.

With a smirk, Rowdy leaned into Dinah and whispered sarcastically into her ear.  “I know!" he agreed with a smirk.  "Isn’t Marc hot?  Love that accent!  Holeee!  I’m straight and I want him!”  He winked at Dinah as he turned and smiled at Marc.  “Are your ears burning?” he said to Marc in full voice.

Rowdy appreciated Marc’s suggestions when he offered them.  “Carnations, eh?  I agree with you, Marc.  Any flowers or gift would relay to a woman that I like her.  I was thinking about giving her a cactus.  What kind of impression do you think that would make?”

Rowdy happened to like blooming cactuses.  He thought they were pretty.

“Yellow roses are beautiful, too,” Rowdy said.  “Great choice!  I have a friend who loves them.  In fact, I think you and she would be perfect for one another.”  He stopped himself.  “I’m sorry.  Are you involved with somebody already?  Of course, you are.  What the hell was I thinking?  You're a hotiie!  Um, I mean . . .  . He began back-peddling.  "So . . . are you here shopping for your mother?  Someone in the hospital?  A significant other?  What’s her name?”

He stopped, realizing he was digging his grave with his own words.  He considered Dinah’s comment about gender.

“Or . . . what’s his name?” he added sheepishly.

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As he was greeted he nodded to both women as they clearly identified as mother, and daughter. Not only in name, but in looks. Blonde. Bright smiles. But he had eyes for only one. He had wanted to show his appreciation, and thanks to Vicki. For not only saving him that day, but for opening his eyes.

As Rowdy and Dinah bantered, Marc had found a vase and picked it up, rather plainly ignoring DiDi and her machinations in the window. He knew what he wanted and was quite sure of how to arrange it.

Yellow roses were plucked from a cooler, along with several white roses and some lilies. He furrowed his brow as he tried to think of what else she liked. Carnations? One couldn't go wrong with those, now could they?" Bringing the bundles of flowers to the counter, he also went back to pick out fronds, and some greenage. "Depends on the woman. Some like cacti. Some may be insulted. Some may appreciate the low-maintenance gesture." He shrugged, turning back to the counter and pulling out his wallet.

He'd ignored the comment of Rowdy being attracted to him. In France and Europe sexuality was not an issue. If Mr. Yates wanted to grab a drink he would indulge the man. Business was around every corner, always.

But to his selection of flower he nodded. "I am involved with some. Not serious, but I would like to pursue it. She is something else." He offered, rolling his shoulders. "Just a her. But if I were to send roses to a him."

What would he send to his closest friend? He turned and scanned the room. "I also need two dozen tulips. White and purple. Two orders, if I could, Dinah."

Cost was no question.

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These two men had such different styles of dress, one in a expensive looking suit and the other in comfortable casual wear. The casual dresser greeted Dinah first and the other male just nodded. This man was very flirtatious and charismatic, he had the gift of gab from an early impression. He then complimented her smile and her name, how sweet... he obviously wears his heart on his sleeve. “What? You don’t like a charmer? I can stop being charming, if you’d like?” Dinah then smiled. "Be as charming as you like, it's pleasant..." Dina trying to pick the right words to be professional, even though she wanted to say that she loved the attention.  The man must have noticed Dinah was attracted to both of them cause he then leaned over to her and whispered in her ear. “I know!" He then made a short pause. "Isn’t Marc hot? Love that accent! Holeee! I’m straight and I want him!” Dinah then started busting out laughing trying to contain herself. "Wow! You are something else... Mr... you name, please?" Dinah still chuckling and turned a little red. The jokester then began talking to the other man and making suggestions about what to get and questioning him who were he getting them for... This guy isn't shy, not the very least. The sharped dressed man then made his way to a vase picked it up and began picking out flowers and accents for an arrangement. Dinah then kind of confused, but intrigued then approached the man, being some what sarcastic. "Umm... sure... help yourself... I guess." Dinah said not wanting to be too controlling, I mean the man is paying for it so might as well let him pick what he wanted, but usually customers would ask for recommendations or opinions. Not this guy, he was straight forward and knew what he wanted.

The man then explained who he was getting the florals for and that it wasn't anything serious but wanted it to be more. Ahh... a crush? Or trying to get out of the dreaded friend zone? "What a lucky girl... make her happy, okay!" DiDi then made her way to the gentleman and then began to speak. "Let me fix that for you sir, you seem like a man that would have nothing but perfection, no?... I mean what you picked out will look beautiful together, let me just give it that Gotham Florist touch!" DiDi now smiling and winking at the guy. She then lead the man to the counter and began arranging it and asking his opinion of how he liked it. The man also added that he would like two dozen of tulips, in white and purple, two orders of it. "Wow!" Dinah said with a smile. "Coming right up! Will that be cash or credit and would you like us to deliver?" Looks like Gotham Florist has found their customer of the month, hope he is a return customer. Dinah then looked up to the other customer. "Sorry... browse a little and then I can help you find what you like... unless you already know like our friend here..." Dinah said with a smile and a wink. Did she just do that? She loved this man's personality, but got to keep it professional girl! Anyway, hopefully this guy was more spontaneous and pitched things to expand the shop's creativity, but you can't blame a man for knowing what he wants...

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Dinah’s smile and cute laughter made Rowdy smile.  “I’m Rowdy.  Rowdy Yates,” he told her, disguising his voice and trying to sound like James Bond.  He took her hand and kissed it.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dinah.  So, you’re a florist with rosy cheeks, eh?” he beamed.  “If that’s a gimmick to get me to consider buying roses, it’s working!”  He watched her reaction.  “Aw, c’mon!” he whined playfully.  “You’ve gotta give me that one!  ’Fess up.  You know you love the attention!”

As Rowdy chuckled and continued flirting with Dinah, he watched Marc pick out a vase and a variety of flowers.  Rowdy could tell by the way Marc was dressed -- and by the way he was conducting himself -- that he definitely had impeccable taste in everything from fashion to flowers.  Rowdy could only imagine what the special, incredible woman in Marc's life was like.

Rowdy was impressed that Marc was waiting on himself.  Marc seemed to know exactly what he wanted and was going for it.  Rowdy liked that type of person.  He often wondered if people like that were successful at everything they attempted.  Rowdy knew that sometimes self-confidence was mistaken for arrogance, but Marc didn’t seem to be conceited at all.  Marc was just focused, determined, and proactive.  To Rowdy, those qualities were characteristics of a true winner.

Rowdy assumed that Marc was going to arrange the flowers in the vase by himself.  Wow!  This dude had an artistic eye, as well?  The more Rowdy thought about it, the more he thought Marc would be perfect for his friend, Vicki Vale.  It was too bad Marc was already involved with somebody else.

“Don’t forget the baby’s breath,” Rowdy reminded him.  “Those tiny white flowers make great fillers, and provide a lightness and airiness to the arrangement.  Chicks dig it.”

Rowdy agreed with Marc’s comments concerning the choice of a cactus, considering its low-maintenance factor.  Rowdy liked Marc’s wording, too.  He certainly knew how to turn a phrase, and the French accent made Rowdy smile.

Rowdy’s eyebrows rose when Marc mentioned needing a dozen each of purple and white tulips.  The way Dinah was standing at the counter trying to be all professional with that confused look on her face amused Rowdy.  He liked the way Marc addressed Dinah by using her first name.  That was always a nice, personable touch.

“Are you going to leave any flowers for me, Marc?” Rowdy jested, trying to get Dinah to relax.  “I’m sure DiDi and Dinah appreciate the big purchase.  They’ll probably close up shop after you leave!”

With a sarcastic eye roll, Rowdy turned to DiDi and winked.  He wanted to make her feel like she was included in the conversation.  He noticed that she had a nice smile, just like Dinah did. 

As if on cue, DiDi walked over to the counter and tried to help Marc.  Rowdy wondered if Marc would allow that, though.  Marc acted like he had a plan and knew what he was doing.  It was as if he was in control and wanted to keep it that way.  Rowdy hoped he wasn’t a control-freak.  That would be such a turn-off for someone who appeared to be so charming and good-looking.

When Dinah told him to browse and threw him a wink, Rowdy realized he needed to pick out something, too.  He decided to go with one of the beautiful arrangements already made up in the cooler.  It had red and white carnations, fern, and baby’s breath.  It looked like something innocent that his date would enjoy receiving.

As Rowdy waited patiently in line to pay for his arrangement, he reflected on DiDi’s comment concerning Marc.  Marc did come across as a man who wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfection. 

Oh, well.  That ruled out Vicki . . . .

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He took the blonde in and nodded, ignoring her sarcasm. "Please do." He offered, stepping aside from the bundles of yellow, white and purple he'd picked. She could assemble it for him. Work her magic.

As she arranged it he made only a few tweaks. A rose here instead of there. A carnation there. But he was pleased otherwise.

"If you take a card, I can do that. Or Cash. And I'd like the roses and one order of the tulips delivered. The second I'll take myself." He chose two cards, scrawling a sweet message for the roses, and a more ribald one for the tulips. He made sure each was slipped to an envelope and enclosed with the proper arrangement.

Glancing over his shoulder to Rowdy, he nodded. "There should be enough. There are probably some in the back as well Rowdy." He answered.

Taking a surplus slip of paper he made sure that both addresses were written down; one to Dini Plaza for the tulip arrangement, and one for the Gazette, for the roses.

"I appreciate the help, ladies." Marc would turn and address both mother and daughter with a lingering look and a smile.

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DiDi then made her way to the man and began to start arranging the flowers in her taste for his acceptance. Dinah closely watched for the man's reaction and if he would protest. I mean there was a huge difference between knowing what you want, how you wanted things and being a complete smartass. But, he was nothing but accepting and polite. Dinah had a refreshing feeling and gave out a quiet sigh of relief. Way to go redeeming yourself Mr. French, Dinah thought with a small smile on her face. DiDi then got the flowers to his liking and then Dinah proceeded further asking the man the usual cash or credit, would you like it delivered? He then pulled out his credit card, but also exclaimed that cash wouldn't be a problem. Fat pockets and handsome good looks, nice!

Dinah then took the card and began to check the name and expiration date. "Mr. Marc Dalhmaine, nice name..." Dinah smiled. "I just need to see a form of identification and we will be ready to deliver!" Dinah said in a cute and cheerful way. The roses and one order of the tulips were to be delivered and Marc would be taking the other tulip arrangement. As Marc went for his i.d. Dinah then noticed Rowdy took her suggestion and browsed a bit, it had looked like her found what he wanted and was patiently waiting in line with a smirk and looking gorgeous. She then gave him a wink and smile. Then her attention went back to Marc, she had just noticed how beautiful Marc's eyes were. Very deep and had a sparkle to them. Dinah then gave Marc and playful smile.

 Is it hot in here or is it just me? DiDi crack a window!

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Rowdy watched Marc help DiDi arrange the flowers in the vase.  The Frenchman had a great artistic eye, and the flowers looked absolutely beautiful after he had added his finishing touches.  Rowdy overheard Marc ask for the roses and some of the tulips to be delivered.  As Marc reached for his wallet to pay for the items, Rowdy assumed the gentleman would walk out the door -- and probably out of his life forever --  in a minute or two.  He didn't want that to happen.

When Marc glanced over his shoulder to respond to Rowdy's joke about buying up all the flowers, Rowdy grinned awkwardly, trying to figure out a plan of action.  He watched Marc turn back to face the counter, and scribble down the addresses for both deliveries, Rowdy shot Dinah a look, raising his eyebrows and nodding to Marc, as if to say, "Wow!  Isn't this guy something else?!?"

As Marc finished writing and thanked the ladies, Rowdy tensed.  "So, you wanna go out sometime?" he blurted out.

DiDi smiled.  "Isn't that cute, Dinah?" she commented.  "He's asking you out."

Rowdy did a double take.  "I was talking to Marc, not Dinah," he corrected.

As DiDi gawked at him, Rowdy shrugged his shoulders.  What?  Hadn't she ever heard of a "bromance" before?

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As the younger of the two women went to arranging his flowers in the vase he nodded here and there only once correcting the placement. He was nothing but polite in his corrections, even compensating above and beyond the bill considering she had accepted his selection with no fuss. "Thank you, Ms. Lance. I appreciate your flexibility in my arrangements." He stated before fishing his passport from his pocket and offering it to her. If he were to stay in Gotham longer; which was his plan, he'd need to look into an ID. Or a driver's licence, despite his loathing for driving when he could walk, or bike.

Returning her chipper smile, he leaned against the counter. Spotting the cards to 'Gotham Florist' he took several and slipped them to his wallet. If he needed more arrangements he would call if he were not in the general vicinity.

The third order he would be taking with him. Returning her smile while she processed his card he waited for the receipt to sign, he turned back to notice Rowdy behind him. He raised his brows, going to finally sign the piece of paper, ignoring the request from the man behind him.

Only until Rowdy clarified his request that it had been directed to him. Was he being asked on a date? Either way Marc finished his transaction with Dinah first, before gathering his tulips and turning to Rowdy.

"What were you thinking? I'm seeing someone. I hope that doesn't put you off." He cared not to clarify that it was a woman. He was more used to flexible sexualities in Europe, rather than the rigid lines that Americans trended toward more often than not.

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"So, you wanna go out sometime?"

Dinah's eyes widen and her heart got heavy. Did she just get asked out? It's been the longest since Dinah had a date, anything more intimate and personal with a man since... since the break up with Oliver Queen. DiDi then commented on Rowdy's proposal saying that it was cute and insisting she accept. Until, a awkward moment happen that made Dinah very embarrassed. He was asking Marc out!!!? "Umm... Marc?" Dinah was lost at words and DiDi had a confused look on her face. Was Rowdy bisexual, perhaps? Dinah then started to do an awkward like chuckle. She kind of ignored Rowdy a little and then continued her business with Marc.

She would soon have to face Rowdy for his purchase and then who knows what will happen then. Marc then turned to Rowdy and questioned him of what he was thinking and that he was seeing someone, not offended by the invitational date but the fact and reason that he was dating. Is he bi too? Marc then took a bunch of the shop's business cards and gave Dinah a smile. Dinah then got her thoughts together. "Okay, Marc... you're florals will be on their way... thank you for the business! It's much appreciated! Let us know how she likes them, okay?" Dinah then gave him a smile. They say women are complicated, haha yea right!

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Rowdy gave Marc a pointed look.  "So what if you’re seeing someone?  Does that matter?” he fumed.  “Did I do or say something wrong?  Can’t two guys go somewhere, have a drink, and shoot the shit?  Jeezie Peezie!”

With an exasperated sigh, Rowdy felt his emotions flaring up as he approached the counter to pay for his arrangement.  He assumed Marc didn't want to go hang out.  Okay.  Whatever.  No pressure.  It was Marc's loss, though.  Rowdy decided to drop it.  He refused to beg.  He wasn’t THAT hard up to make a new friend.

Without saying a word, Rowdy handed Dinah his driver's license along with his debit card so she wouldn’t have to ask for it.  The silence was awkward for him, but he didn’t feel like talking.  He had said enough.  Although his face didn’t show it, he was embarrassed, frustrated, and mad with himself.  He’d be out the door in about a minute anyway.  Then Marc could forget all about him and concentrate on his significant other.

Once Dinah handed him the sales receipt to sign, Rowdy's mood did a 180, and he flashed her a huge smile.  “Want my autograph, eh?  Okay, beautiful, you got it!” he flirted.  With a charming grin, he grabbed a pen from the counter and scribbled his signature.  After handing her both the receipt and the pen, he pointed to the bottom of the slip to make sure she saw that his phone number was written on it as well.

Placing his thumb to his ear and his pinky to his mouth, Rowdy curled the remaining fingers to his open palm and mouthed the words “call me” to Dinah in an exaggerated way so DiDi would notice and could read his lips.  Then he blew a kiss to the older woman, picked up his arrangement, and scooted past Marc.

“It was nice meeting you, Marc,” he muttered in passing, keeping his composure.  “See you around sometime.  Maybe.”

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As Rowdy began signing the merchant's copy of the receipt, Dinah couldn't help but smirk. This guy is a trip. Rowdy then handed it back to her and signaled to the bottom it. His phone number? Am I his rebound from getting turned down from Marc? "Umm, is that my tip for great service?" Dinah said jokingly. Rowdy then gave Dinah that call me signal by cupping his ear and winking and then smiling towards DiDi. Does he want my Mom, now? Dinah then laughed and took out one of Gotham Florist's business cards. She then jotted down her number and gave it to Rowdy.

"How about you call me handsome... cause obviously you have some kind of hot date and I want to give her a chance! But! Who knows she might be a prude!" Giving him a smirk and licking her teeth in a flirtatious way and laughing. She then noticed another customer walked in. It was Mrs. Shirley, a long time elderly customer. "See ya later, Rowdy!" She then made her way to the lady and began greeting her and making small talk. "Mrs. Shirley! How are you doing? It's been a while, how's little Daniel doing? Getting big I bet!" Dinah now chuckling. "Of before I forget we have some fresh beautiful tulips that just came in, I spritz them this morning... come... come see! You are going to love them!"

DiDi now eyeing Rowdy up and down finding the situation amusing then made her way to Rowdy. "Have a nice day dear.." Patting him on the shoulder. She then whispered to him. "Call her... it's been a... well, a while since she dated..." Giving Rowdy a chuckle and a wink. The phone began to ring and she then listening to Mrs. Shirley talk about her grandson, Dinah then gave Rowdy a look and a smile and then turned her attention back to the lady...