Submission (#2841) Approved

Gifts that were from the heart meant more than anything else. That was an undeniable fact, one Persephone held and dear for every holiday and major event. Valentines' Day, a day dedicated to specifically her and her beloved, Yuletide, was no exception to this moral code. Quite the opposite, getting a gift for this day was something she viewed as of utmost importance. Nothing expensive, really, just something heartfelt that she knew would come off as she intended it to.

The gift for this year had already been picked out in advance, as she hated leaving things to the last minute. That always caused an unnecessary rush that came with a bit of panic.

Yuletide had loved taking her out on dates during their courting, bringing her to an assorted variety of intimate and unique places that she had adored. However, one of the dates that had been the most memorable, at least for her, was one of their first. He had taken her out to a flower field on a simple picnic. While they hadn't done anything particularly thrilling, it had a lasting impact on her. Simply lying on the blanket with Yuletide, they shared deep thoughts and conversations. She had learned more about him than expected. One conversation that had stuck with her over the others was a silly conversation that had stemmed from the flowers.

They had discussed what flower the other resonated with deeply, with him going the rose path. She had assigned him a poppy, finding the features and characteristics she associated with it akin to him. The conversation had ended with her interlacing poppies into his fur affectionately, and they had spent a good time after silently cuddling.

That was why Persephone now stood eagerly at the door, holding the bundle of poppies in her hands as she awaited Yuletide to arrive home from work. The time he got home was imprinted in her head.

Almost as if on cue, the other terralien stepped through the door, stretching slightly as he placed down the backpack-akin bag he carried around with him. He turned to Persephone, surprised she wasn't in her art studio or the living room, and didn't have time to speak before the bouquet was thrust into his hands. She was simply too excited to contain herself.

Yuletide took a moment to observe the flowers, the pieces in his brain connecting.

Then her poppy lit up.