CS:/ep1/virgodenuo2
GB What did we say?
GB What - did - we - say!
The chewing stops, and the whimpering begins. But that's no answer.
GB Kerber.
GB What did we say about this?
A low, back-of-the-stem grumble.
GB What was that?
They're refusing to look at you.
GB Dionaea Muscipula Kerber.
GB “My job is to protect our domain, not to decide who gets to live or die.”
GB That’s right.
You point to the floor. Kerber places the customer down, though they manage to land on the side of their body rather than their feet. Luckily, Kerber hadn’t digested any part of them yet, so all you have to worry about cleaning is drool. So... nothing too out of the ordinary.
GB Good.
You look back up at their sad, pouting mouths.
> Scold Kerber.
> Comfort Kerber.
You give them a most disapproving look, tucking the flyswatter in an apron pocket. A part of you wonders if you should've gone easier on them, but you felt more compelled to put your foot down.
GB That could have been very dangerous.
GB You have to stop scaring people.
They whimper and lean into your hand. All the other heads try to do the same thing, surrounding you with an orchestra of growls and nuzzling. You do your best to keep your mouth firm and flat.
GB ...
GB I'm still upset with you.
GB And you'll never learn unless I show you some tough love.
GB Even when you're acting all cute.
All three heads droop. You have to bite your lip to keep up the act, though you're not sure if you'd burst into giggles or sympathetic sighs.
GB I feed you enough. No touching the customers.
GB Or you're not getting the meat treat.
GB I'm not afraid to take it away. Even if it makes your stem nice and strong.
?? ...
The customer seems shock-still on the floor.
GB Oh my goodness! I'm sorry, I...
GB ...
GB I apologize for the incident.
GB But please listen as the signs say.
GB This is for your safety, as well as the plants'.
You extend a hand, which they shakily accept. You help them stand, brushing off their nice business suit of anything they may have picked up while on the floor.
GB Is there anything I can help you with?
?? ...
?? No.
?? I'll take my notes... some other time.
GB Your... huh?
GB Are you a botanist?
You make sure your expression matches theirs. Neutral. Intellectual, even.
?? Not my field. (Note: A peripheral field)
?? And clearly one I'll have to prepare myself adequately for next time.
?? At least, to reach your level. {carnivorous fauna taming, training}
GB That's very kind of you. It's just a matter of understanding them.
GB No one likes being provoked. I don't blame Kerber for being agitated.
GB But it's unacceptable to attack people.
GB I hope they can take this lesson to heart one day.
They grimace and wring out some drool from their coiled hair.
?? So do I.
They turn to head to the exit. You feel a sudden pang of guilt, and something occurs to you.
GB Excuse me?
They turn back around. You show them your warmest smile.
GB Would you like a coupon?
They take the coupon.
> continue
You smile, tucking the flyswatter in an apron pocket. A part of you wonders if you should've kept up the disciplinary act, but you felt more compelled to return to a familiar affection.
GB Thank you for letting go.
GB Good plant.
Kerber smiles back with all three mouths, and you can't help but give her a little scratch on the back of the closest head - around where it meets the stem.
GB But you have to stop scaring people.
GB We want business, right?
Kerber purrs and leans into your hand. All their other heads try to do the same thing, surrounding you with an orchestra of growls and nuzzling.
GB Hee hee!
GB Lunch is almost coming. I got your favorite sirloin.
GB So make sure you stay good, okay?
GB I can only get you treats if we sell well.
?? ...
The customer seems shock-still on the floor.
GB Oh my goodness! I'm sorry, I...
GB ...
GB Are you alright?
GB Here. Let me help you.
You extend a hand, which they shakily accept. You help them stand, brushing off their nice business suit of anything they may have picked up while on the floor.
GB Is there anything I can help you with?
?? ...
?? No thank you.
GB Are you sure?
GB I could get you a towel. It should be easy to clean off -
They firmly shake their head.
?? The further I am from that, the better. {physical, mental, emotional health}
GB Oh, I'm sorry about Kerber.
GB They're sweet once you get to know them.
GB They're just hungry. It's almost lunchtime.
?? Note: Flytraps hunt by laying in wait.
GB Well, when people come up and touch them, they can't help themselves!
GB I'm sorry, but we have a sign for a reason.
GB Please extend patience and courtesy to those who are doing their best to learn.
?? ...
They silently turn and head to the exit. Feeling strange amidst the conversational lull, something occurs to you.
GB Excuse me?
They turn back around. You show them your warmest smile.
GB Would you like a coupon?
They do not take the coupon.
> continue