Soon.

lisianthus

the boy sighed as he stared out his window.

"do you even know how to take care of a family?!"

"listen to me woman, you have been nothing but a bitch to our children since they were born! val and rhys don't deserve this!"

"it's not my fault i got married to a scumbag like you!"

"i'm not the one who said yes when i proposed!"

the boy scrunched up his nose as he looked over at his brother. he was glad that he could sleep so soundly during this. a kid as sweet as him doesn't deserve to hear this. he needs his sleep. he heard footsteps and closed the window, knowing if it was his mom we would get yelled at.

the door creaked open, and a soft sigh was heard.

"hey kiddo, not asleep yet?"

he looked over at his father, shaking his head. his dad walked over and sat next to him. "i'm sorry you heard all that. i need to talk to you about something..."

he nodded to show he was listening, running a hand through his hair.

"your mom is making me move out. and i think the police are going to get me. either way i'm turning myself in. i'm ashamed but i had to. it was the only way i could've kept our family alive. but i want you to promise me something, okay?"

he nodded, turning to his dad.

"stay strong for me. i know that leaving you with her is a horrible decision but if i don't do this you'll suffer here longer. i'm leaving you for as little as i can. take care of rhys. i'm so sorry i put you into this mess. you're a kid. you shouldn't be growing up like this. you should be playing video games or basketball and getting yelled at by teachers for making silly jokes. you shouldn't have to take care of your brother and deal with your mother. i'm sorry i didn't leave her and take you two with me when i had the chance. it's okay to be mad at me. i know i could've prevented this. i just want you to hear what i want to say."

the boy was quiet for a second before engulfing his father in a hug. he whispered softly into his shoulder.

"make sure you come back for us."

••••••••

val sighed as he walked into school, a stinging pain in his knees from when he tripped while he was getting ready. he walked to his locker, looking through his books and grabbing his things for his first class.

"valen!"

a teen bubbled next to him, their dyed hair bouncing his each word.

"lei," he acknowledged, looking at the other.

"so what's the flower of the day?"

"acacia blossom. it means concealed love."

lei giggled.

"looks beautiful."

"look who the fags dragged in~"

"hey pretty boy, who's wedding is it?"

"ohhh maybe it's a tranny."

"that explains all the flowers all the time."

the boys cackled as lei glared.

"awww- such a pretty girl like you shouldn't be hanging out with a traggot like this."

"fuck off, leo!"

"fine fine. only because you're a chick. otherwise i wouldn't hesitate to beat you into a pulp."

there was a pause.

"you don't have to do that for me every time, y'know..."

"i know. and i know you can take care of yourself, but they just anger me. anyway, let's head to class?"

he nodded as he closed his locker, joining them on their trek.

••••••••

"and that's all for today?"

quiet footsteps and the rustle or leaves rang throughout the small shop. val was crouching among the flowers, organising them as he wiped off a smear of dirt off his cheek.

"excuse me,"

val stood up, turning to the voice as he wiped his dirty hands on his apron.

"can you tell me how to say 'get well soon' in flower language?"

val nodded.

"of course. want me to arrange the bouquet for you?"

the male happily nodded as val led him to the counter, setting up his station quickly.

"bright and long lasting flowers would work best. alsotroemeria lilies, some daises, carnations, or even lisianthus. i recommend lilies, chrysanthemums, and lisianthus. They're not very well known among the general public and plus they're bright and have a spring aura to them. what colour scheme would you like?"

"uh- doesn't matter. as long as it stands out."

val nodded as he cut the bottom of the flowers, wrapping them up and tying a small bow.

"keeping them in a vase helps them last longer. would you like to add a card?"

the male shook his head.

"no thank you."

"okay- that will be 55.75."

he punched in the flowers and the money, giving him his change as he fixed the flower in his hair.

"have a nice day."

"you too- uh..." the male paused to read his faded name tag. "valentin."