Promise of Spring

Poppy Nysion. 27. Owner of Poppy's Stems. Lover of nature, life and everything wild. << Persephone Ω Goddess of Spring >>

[alisonbrieistoodamnadorable]

[untrustyou]

Ashley Cozzetto 

[untitledroberteggersproject]

[nothingreallymakesmehappy]

[hellanne]

You are flowers in my stomach. Cutting me open nightly, blooming through the cracks of the ribs. I only want to be the sun for you.

Elke River. (via meltycum)

[kcirtapatrick]

[poppysstems]

when you work with flowers to make your living, it only makes sense you would incorporate the leftovers into your halloween costume. being a limoniad is totally up a florist's alley.

[secretscutsliespain]

Visit Original Link

[feliicitysmoaks]

[theblackenterprise-deactivated2]

Visit Original Link

[cytoplasm11-deactivated20130613]

[screencappingladies]

[poppysstems]

With Hammers and Nails | Heather, Poppy & Heath

[heathcelton]

Heath was glad to be rid of the flowers when Poppy took them from his hands. Not because he regretted buying them or anything, but simply because it felt strange for him to be carrying around such a delicate thing. On the way over he kept checking them to make sure they hadn’t died just by being in proximity to him. As Poppy filled a vase with water, Heath kept casting quick glances in Heather’s direction, watching her out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t know a thing about her when it came down to it. The only reason he was even vaguely aware of her was because she was a friend of Poppy’s. But honestly, what did he know about her? Was she likely to tell everyone about Poppy and his relationship? Could he really trust her to keep a secret?

What was he saying? It sounded like he was plotting to murder her over a simple relationship, which was ridiculous. Heath, despite all his bravado, probably couldn’t kill anybody. Maybe he could hire that Thane fellow though, Heath mused to himself with a small chuckle. No, it looked like this thing with himself and Poppy was destined to come out, one way or another. And maybe that was a good thing. Maybe he should just let it. It would certainly make his life a hell of a lot easier. Just getting those damn flowers up here without being seen had been a nightmare.

He broke his gaze away from Heather as Poppy leaned up towards him to whisper something in his ear. “Coffee..?” It took Heath a moment to realise what it was exactly that she was proposing, but when it did his puzzled look soon vanished, only to be replaced by a wide smile. “Why, Miss Nysion…” He moved a hand across her body, placing it on the counter just behind her. Moving himself up close to her, Heath let his lips hover just inches away from hers and grinned. “I never knew you had it in you.” If not for Heather stepping into the kitchen and announcing her presence, Heath probably would have done a lot more than just kiss Poppy then. 

Tearing himself away, Heath retreated slowly across the kitchen, putting a bit of a gap between him and Poppy. “Don’t be silly.” Heath said. “I should be the one who’s going, but I don’t think our gracious host would allow that either.” He cast a cheeky smile at Poppy. “You two just get on with your night or whatever. Pretend I’m not even here. I’ll just find a corner and sit in it quietly. I’m quite good at that.”

[poppysstems]

“Why Miss Nysion… I never knew you had it in you.” Poppy shivered at Heath’s close proximity, his breath on her skin. More than anything, she just wanted to kiss him in that moment. Even though it had only been a week since their last kiss at Julia’s birthday party, her feelings for him had done nothing but grow in their time apart. Rising on her toes, she smirked at him and tried her best to give him a seductive sort of gaze, though she didn’t have much practice and imagined she looked stupid. Forgoing that, she teasingly let her lips press against his, only for a moment before pulling back. “Well, Mr. Celton,” she drawled, setting a hand on his stomach and letting her fingers drag down suggestively before skirting them away, leaning back in for another kiss. “I am full of surprises...”

It was just as Poppy was about to prove her words that Heather entered the kitchen, Heath scooting away in embarrassment and Poppy’s eyes widening with chagrin. “Oh God, no, don’t go, Heather,” Poppy assured, feeling a sudden pang of guilt for basically having forgot that her best friend was just on the other side of the room all because Heath had come over. “But don’t you go either, Heath,” she turned to say, waving a finger at him in command. Hadn’t this been what she’d been desperate to figure out at that wedding she’d seen Alana at– balancing her life? Heather was her best friend and Heath was her boyfriend? romantic interest? fling? Whatever, and she was determined that things could work, that she could have both. “You don’t have to sit in the corner, and Heather, you don’t have to go. Come on, let’s watch the movie, alright?”

Does that make me selfish that I want both of them? She wondered idly, grabbing both Heath and Heather’s hands and dragging the two over to the sofa, pushing them onto the piece of furniture and plopping between them unceremoniously. “What did you end up picking, Heather?” she asked, just as Penelope decided to take that opportunity to jump into Heath’s lap. Poppy grimaced, reaching out with a stutter to swat the rabbit away. “Penelope, wait, hey, stop–” She couldn’t imagine Heath was the type to like pets, let alone a bunny, and her skin heated to an almost unbearable degree as she tried to shoo the unmoving rabbit. “Penelope,” she said, clicking her teeth. “Heath, I’m sorry, um…she’s kind of stubborn, ha, just ask Heather…”

[elbenalana]

Post-nuptial Alcoholism || Poppy & Alana

[elbenalana]

Who names their kid after a drug? Probably the most and inappropriate thought she’d had in the evening thus far, and still Alana couldn’t muster up the remorse she should feel for it. But the lack of remorse turned into a sort of annoyed fascination as a number of looks passed across Poppy’s face while she started at Alana. That might have been the weirdest part of the evening, but she ignored it but impaling the cake on her fork and taking as big as a bite as she could and still remain ladylike in the public eye. Had she been at home alone where she wanted to be, Alana would be wrapped up in a t shirt she had lying around in her drawers, under a cozy blanket with some cake. She liked cake, so sue the girl. She’d probably also be watching The Notebook, but there was no shame in that, was there?

“You were at all of them?” Yeah, she might have been surprised. Her career required her to attend more of the flashier weddings around town for coverage, but it also wasn’t that hard to stop someone in the street the next day and ask for minute details should Alana wind up a little too intoxicated the evening of the wedding. Again, she couldn’t help if the bride had picked exceptionally tasty wine, and when Alana had a few drinks in her, she was a wine connoisseur. “That’s a lot of weddings.” What else was she supposed to say? Sorry your job sucks? 

But when those words came out of little Poppy’s mouth, all of whatever rage had left Alana came rushing back. “I’m working, what do you think I’m doing?” In all actuality, she hated these weddings. Hated setting the bride and groom up for a lifetime of happiness and hated watching them drink away what she could never have herself. “I know most everyone here. Most of them are married, if they aren’t they’re dating, if they aren’t, they need to talk to me about setting them up with someone,” she muttered as she scoped out the crowd. She hadn’t meant to say it but it wasn’t like it was a lie. Alana Elben helped people in Tartarus fall in love, whether they liked to admit it or not.

Why stay when you look so sad? It was a good question, but if Alana really wanted to answer it honestly, she’d say that she was here because it was better than falling into Ace’s arms at a moment’s notice. Being at that shitty wedding was better than letting Henry dote on her endlessly while she shut her eyes and ignored the fact that it was Henry kissing along her neck. Sitting next to the florist was better than going to a detective who was also supposed to be the best man in a wedding that Alana once dreamed she’d have one day. Alana couldn’t leave, not really. Because when she left she knew exactly how it would end up and with the muddled thoughts bouncing around in her head. Her personal phone would leave the safety of her clutch bag in the coat check. Perhaps she’d find a handful of texts (this was likely, since any number of personal friends could be trying to get in touch with her at this very moment), maybe a voicemail or two. And who would she call? Whoever would fill her with more booze and let her forget—at least for an evening—that there was no such thing as falling in love for Alana.

“Do I look sad?” She inquired, finishing off her slice of cake. “Hm. Interesting. Why wouldn’t you bring a date, Poppy? Surely you can’t work, work, work, and not have a social life?” 

[poppysstems]

"That's a lot of weddings." Poppy shrugged, crossed her legs at the ankle and almost tipped out of her chair. She blinked, grabbing the edge of the bar, trying to play the movement off as turning to face the shelves of booze lining the back wall of the room.

I'm a little more tipsy than I thought.

She tried to keep the giggle of drunken realization down and instead watched as Alana glared at her for her last comment, making Poppy's insides turn. People didn't look at Poppy like that, not that she'd ever encountered directly. It made her brows knit together, mind leap out of its liquored-up stupor so she could purse her lips and ask what was wrong, before thinking better of it because of the malice in Alana's expression.

Alana seemed angered by Poppy's simple question of why the woman was here alone, passing it off as that this was her job, that she knew the rest of the guests unlike Poppy. Lovers, lovers and future lovers that Alana had made sure had happened, as she seemed to allude to. It wasn't a secret around town of Alana's talent for matchmaking. Yet, Alana seemed too lonely a woman for the ability to extend to her own love life, and Poppy felt a pang of sadness for her.

As if sensing Poppy's sudden sympathy, Alana kept persisting in a snippy tone, asking Poppy why she was here without a date, wondering about Poppy's own social life. I have none, not anymore, Poppy thought to say, but luckily kept her drunken mouth shut. Since meeting Heath, she'd all but ignored her friends for his attentions, her lunches with Izabel and friendly encounters with Zach and chats with Willow Grey. She'd even skipped over Heather-- how could she skip over her sweet, sweet friend Heather?-- because she was afraid the secret would leak out.

In that moment, she felt a sudden urge to tell Alana the real reason as to why she hadn't brought a date, that the only guy she wanted to go out with didn't want to be seen in public with her. The news would spread like wildfire on Alana's lips, and then Poppy could see if Heath would still want her, not just as a secret tryst but a girlfriend, one he wasn't ashamed to be with.

That's just the vodka talking, she quickly chastised herself, shaking her head. "I usually bring my friend Heather," Poppy told Alana instead of everything else she wanted to say. (And I'm going to explain everything to Heather soon, she silently vowed to herself.) "She had work tonight though... You know the Hamiltons, right? Heather nannies for Julia, and Daniel and Brent have date-night, so..." I shall not mention Heath, I shall not mention Heath. "I'm here alone, I guess."

[high-fructose-lesbianism]

[poppysstems]

With Hammers and Nails | Heather, Poppy & Heath

[heathcelton]

“I know I probably should have called or something. Are the flowers overkill..? I feel like they’r—” Heath didn’t have time to finish his thought. Poppy had practically jumped at him and for a moment he feared he’d lose his balance completely and fall back against the wall behind him. But something kept him upright and he was all too happy to return Poppy’s sudden outburst of affection. He held the flowers well out of reach, hoping to God he didn’t accidentally crush or drop them. His other arm was quick to slip around her supple waist, lifting her just a little bit. “I missed you too.” And God was it true. Every time they parted, the ability to stay away from her for too long became just that little bit harder.

As she indicated the flowers he’d bought, Heath’s cheeks became a little red and he lowered his gaze, smiling sheepishly at the floor. “I don’t know what made me buy them. I guess I just saw it in a film one time… well a hundred times actually. Have I mentioned how unoriginal I am?” Between Poppy tackling him in the hallway and trying to explain away his gift, Heath had scarcely had chance to even look in Poppy’s apartment. A decision he soon came to regret when he heard someone clear their throat. The colour drained immediately from Heath’s face as someone else came to the door, her hand extended out towards him. 

Heath was all too quick to disentangle himself from Poppy, taking a subconscious step away from her. “Oh, er… hi. You Poppy’s friend, right? And you’re at Poppy’s place because… well, why wouldn’t you be?” I knew I should have called. “I was just— just, delivering these flowers. They must have been sent to me by mistake, when they were clearly meant for Miss, um… Nysion.” Even Heath could tell this wasn’t going to fly. A child could probably call his bluff at this point. With a resigned sigh, his body seemed to relax a little and he reluctantly took Heather’s hand, shaking it. “This is quickly becoming the worst kept secret in Tartarus,” he mumbled as he released Heather’s hand. 

He stepped into the apartment just behind Poppy, placing a hand on her lower back, whilst pressing his lips against the top of her head. “Should I come back later?” He whispered to her. Just one glance around the apartment confirmed to Heath that this was supposed to be a girl’s night. The two of them probably didn’t want him there about as much as he did.  Somehow he doubted they’d all be drinking wine and playing Twister by the end of the night. 

[poppysstems]

Poppy looked back and forth between Heath and Heather with an anxious gaze as Heath tried to fib his way out of why he was here, Heather's brow quirking in amusement more and more with each false statement that slipped past Heath's lips. Finally the man seemed to understand that the effort was useless, shaking Heather's hand with a sigh of how he and Poppy's relationship was the worst kept secret in Tartarus.

"Heather nannies for Julia," Poppy snickered at Heath's scowl, trying to stave off the amused sound with a hand over her mouth. "Even if the little munchkin hadn't of told her, I would have eventually..." The admittance made her glance down, hoping Heath wouldn't be mad at her for it. "She's my best friend and could sense there was something I wasn't telling her. But, no worries," shifting, Poppy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and shook her head, "our secret's safe with Heather. She's cool like that."

Poppy was ready to prattle on about how loyal and good Heather truly was just to distill the sudden discomfort that had once more settled over her apartment, but Heath stepping into the apartment behind her and setting his hand on her lower back had her stiff as a flower stem in winter. "Should I come back later?" he asked her, and she blinked, glanced once at Heather and then tipped her head back to Heath, his warm eyes and familiar face.

"No," she said emphatically, making Penelope jump across the room. "No," she said, a little more quietly. "I mean, Heather and I were just about to watch a movie. You should join us and..." And what? Have a little chitchat about how their weeks had been and try to ignore the awkwardness between the three of them? Yeah, sure. But Poppy really didn't want Heath to leave, not at all. "You like action movies, right? I did invite you over for a movie the other day, so why not tonight?"

She grinned at him as soothingly as she could, ushering him and Heather towards the couch, shutting the door behind Heath in attempt to say 'you're staying and that's final' because in her opinion it should've been. "Heather, you pick, I don't know what to choose." And as Heather gave a shrug and turned back for the stack of DVDs by the television, Poppy grabbed Heath's hand and dragged him over to the sink, taking a vase from one of the cabinets and filling it with water.

"I really do love the flowers," she said, setting them in the vase tenderly as she bit her lip and looked up at him shyly. "And I--" she broke off, blushing, glancing over to make sure Heather wasn't paying attention as she rose up on her toes to whisper to Heath softly, "I do remembering promising to make you coffee, after the movie, in the morning..."

[thanelovell]

Poppy & Thane // See the world in a grain of sand | Closed

[thanelovell]

There were people, at the bar, that often complained about their bosses. They’d wine and bitch about getting their ass beat with paperwork and hating their job. As Thane got on with Poppy, he found himself smiling as she described the job. There was something comforting about knowing he was going to be working with the earth. Getting dirty and roughing it up, but in the end, producing a beautiful product. And he could never see himself hating her. Poppy had this…Thane couldn’t even describe it. There was an ease about her, her mannerisms, the way she talked. He felt comfortable. Trusted. Which was wrong and horrible, but Thane hadn’t known how much he craved that feeling until he had it. 

“Let me know, next time you head out there. I’d love to start working as soon as possible.” He grinned as she scowled about thorns and widened it as she talked about organizing. It was something he’d gotten good at, while he was away. Keeping track of his stuff, keeping a neat and organized space. Everything was always where it was so as to make sure he still had everything that he was supposed to. The occasional cigarette box would go missing, in the beginning of his stay, but Thane lost the taste for it quickly and started trading with them. He usually traded a box for a week of immunity from the bigger and rougher prisoners that were making the most of their stay. 

Thane mouthed a quick ‘Thank you’ as she handed him the pen and glanced down at the sheet. He filled in the information he knew, looking up as she spoke. “I, uh, used to live here.” Thane clenched his jaw, fingers gripping at the form. “A long time ago.” He could hardly remember the reasons he’d come back. It would have been so easy to run away. No parole. They’d never have found him. It wasn’t like he’d been making any progress with…No. No, that was wrong. He was here. He was getting a job. This was Thane’s first step, and with Poppy at his reigns, it seemed like the best first step he could have made. “You live here long?” What else was he gonna ask her? Thane had been gone for so long he couldn’t have remembered who was here before he left and who was new to town. 

He considered lying, about having a place to live, but if he wrote it on the form and she sent the check there it would just be returned and Thane had already lied about enough. “No.” A forced ‘ha’, “I don’t, actually.” Thane clicked his tongue, heading falling slightly with his embarrassment. 

[poppysstems]

Poppy grinned at his reply to her whole secret garden admission. "I actually planned on heading up there tomorrow," she said, hair spilling over her shoulder. "We uh, kind of have to walk there though... I don't exactly own a car, and I don't know if you do, either...?" She huffed then, blush tinging her cheeks. The old pick-up her mother had given to her in high school had died a while ago, and the past two wedding seasons hadn't been as profitable for Poppy as usual, only giving her enough money to live contently, but not with the luxury of a new vehicle. "I usually have wedding and party planners pick up the flower arrangements and ride with them to the events, but everywhere else, I walk... I hope you're alright with that?"

As he filled out the application, Thane looked a bit tense. Finally, he relented that he used to live her a while ago, and Poppy knew not to pry any further. She understood; people's pasts were their own to keep. So when he moved the subject onto her, she gave him a chipper smile and launched into the whole bit-- it wasn't as if the rest of Tartarus didn't know her story already.

"Born and raised," she said, sitting on the lip of the table and crossing her legs at the ankle, skirt flowing out in waves. Once, her mother had told her she ought to wear something more than dresses, but Poppy just couldn't bring herself to wear pants every day like normal people. She'd never been normal in her life anyways-- too airy and empathetic and lost in her dreamland-- so why start now? "I used to live over on Nysa, by the elementary school with my mom. My dad left us when I was about eight, and my mom's a nurse at the hospital. Wanted me to be one too, but the flowers just called to me, y'know? I'm kind of a college dropout like that. Heather's my best friend, has been for a long time. She's brilliant. Her last name's Ulia, by the way, in case you ever wanted to look her up..."

Subtle, Poppy.

A nervous giggle suddenly bubbled out of her chest and she took the application form from Thane when he was finished with a small murmur of promise to log him into the system later before she went home. The passwords and keys to the shop would come later, when she reminded herself to write them down and make him a set for both the front door and the back room.

"No-- ha-- I don't, actually." Poppy stopped her mental-checklist then, gaze gone soft as Thane admitted he hadn't found a place to live yet. "You're welcome to stay here," she blurted before she could stop herself, then gave him an embarrassed smile with a little shrug. "I mean, it's not much, but the couch pulls out into a sofa bed-- thank cheap garage sales for that-- and it'd be somewhere for you to call your own until you get on your feet? There's a bathroom across the hall too. It's got this shower thing, which I usually keep plants in, but I'd be happy to clean it up for you, if you'd like...? You can stay here charge free, save up your money from work for an apartment or something."