wings flecked in color

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Rosebloom. Rosebloom was a holiday that seemed to be a niche celebration between friends and family. This was because most couples found reason to celebrate, especially as the traditional rose exchange grew past that into other gifts of chocolate, stuffed toys, jewelry, and other such gestures of romance and affection.

Still...the rose exchange still held value to those that opted to participate. Colors of the roses held special meaning to those who wished to gift them to people close to them. Sure, one could gift their loved ones the red rose that so many have come to cherish as being one of the ultimate flowers denoting love.

... But there were others.

White, for example, shared often between those of elder standing who have been in their relationships for years and years. White, indicating their pure and unyielding love for one another after so long.

Orange expressing respect and admiration. Green for familial love. Pink for expressing sweet and tender love. Purple for those who wished to say 'I loved you from the start'.

Then there was yellow. Yellow for friendship and expressing to those friends that you were glad to have them in your life. That you love and cherish the bonds you have made with one another that you may continue being friends for years to come.

...

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Melancholy. That was the word that Prompto finally settled on: melancholy. That was the expression that he often saw on Primam's face whenever he saw her. Whenever she let her mind wander long enough — whenever silence became their companion. It was the reason he usually found ways to keep conversation going — found things to talk about, no matter how silly, childish, or dumb they were.

But now…he understood.

Well, a part of him always understood.

After the revelations that were thrust upon him, however, Prompto understood better what it was like to be in her shoes. He understood the source of that melancholy more intimately. The pain she carried; the way she kept it locked away; the way she shouldered the burden of others so she did not have to shoulder her own.

"… Prim?" Prompto called out, his voice softer than he intended.

Primam turned from what she was doing, an inquisitive expression on her face. Her voice was just as soft; "Yes? What is it, Prompto?"

"… I…" Prompto began, taking a step toward her. Tentatively, he reached out and took hold of her hand.

Looking down, Primam pursed her lips before she looked back at Prompto, her brow knitting together with confusion.

"… It's just… I…" Prompto closed his eyes, sighing. "I've been thinking a lot. And I…"

Why was this so hard?

"I…want…to apologize…" Prompto finally managed to get out.

"For…For what?" Primam asked, her eyes trying to search his expression.

"… Not understanding your pain. All of it, I mean…" Prompto continued quietly. He looked down at their hands, running his thumb over the tattoo on the back of her wrist. "But…I kind of get it now. And…I'm sorry…"

Primam watched Prompto, uncertain on whether or not she should say anything.

"… I'm…" Prompto's breath shuddered, and he tilted his head down to hide his face behind a curtain of flaxen locks. His grip on her hand tightened. "… I-I'm not a weapon. We're not weapons…"

-----

The crunch of coarsely ground pavement salt was a simple backdrop to both Pierce and Prudence walking past the Apple Belle Ranch property. It was practically their own little path – ever since they were kids. Cut through the back trail just outside the eastern part of town, and cross over the creek until one found the fence line.

Oh, the trouble Pierce would often get Prudence into; playing in the dirt and catching bugs. Such things were below a noble girl. Usually. But Prudence always found herself having fun, and that was what always ended up mattering more than whatever stuffy private lessons or 'hobbies' she was encouraged to take up.

As for Pierce... He just liked having a friend who liked having fun with him. If trouble was part of it, then that was fine by him. Even if he barely registered that he was often the one who was a big part of that trouble.

prince feathers: also known as amaranthus, the prince's feather flower represents immortality due to its longevity. over time, it has developed into also representing unfading affection and everlasting love.

red salvia: also known as red sage; a flower that represents wisdom, protection, and healing. i chose this flower for fluo's character specifically, as she is a combat medic!

allium: a flower that sometimes represents courage, strength, and perseverance. i chose allium to help represent cor, as he exudes a lot of these qualities!

carnation (white): these carnations represent purity and good luck.

carnation (red): like many red flowers in particular, these carnations represent love!

alyssum: these flowers mean 'worth beyond physical beauty'. they convey hidden meanings -- things that are often left unspoken within one's emotional balance.

rose (white): white roses signify grace and new beginnings. they are also commonly associated with innocence and purity like many other kinds of white flowers.