Ballad of Flowers

Chapter 33

Quiet. It's been too quiet here without him. Did he run away? Did he finally snap? I shouldn't've been so harsh on him... I don't care about that stupid collar... it's too quiet now...

Apple paces around the living room, wiping tears. He didn't think Copper would leave him, he just thought he would be quiet again. Now the apartment was still and silent, the emptiness aching in Apple's heart. He did this for a reason, he was just too afraid that he would leave him... He truly loved the little otter, he really did, he just didn't want to be alone again. His eyes shimmer a mournful blue, reminiscing on the spiteful green they were so familiar with.

He wanted to be angry at the world for taking everything he loved, but it only came out on the few that cared about him. He only knew hate and anger. Even his parents cared more about his stupid sister more than him. He just needed someone to fill this void in his soul where Copper used to be...

Maybe I could try Tinder? He thought, tapping his foot impatiently. Part of him didn't trust himself to treat the next person better. He hated opening up to people, confiding his trust in them. Look where that got him...

Maybe I could go out? I'm sure there are some nice guys at a café or something... He blushes slightly at the thought, masked by his cherry red feathers. He didn't want to look weird in public either... He was also too afraid of being rejected.

Giving up for the night, he retreats to his bed and phone, scrolling Twitter. People wouldn't shut up about these Synths. He didn't want to hear about how much more successful people were than him. As hours pass, he starts to think a bit less negatively about the idea. He wouldn't complain about having one of his own, and they didn't seem too expensive... He shrugs and starts to get ready to leave...

Orchid wakes up with Alex, something quite unusual. He's normally up before her, making breakfast or leaving for work. Looks like he's sleeping in, clutching Orchid tightly and preventing escape. She lightly rests her snout in his neck fluff, purring at the warmth of it. Her scales drift to a happy pink and yellow, absently flowing on their own accord.

Something was different this morning, something about Alex had changed. He seemed a bit less secure and as he slept, he felt tense, an occasional whimper escaping him quietly. His troubled sleep is what woke Orchid, the husky stirring and shifting in bed.

Later that morning, Alex had woken up and decided not to talk about his nightmares. This was definitely new, Orchid's lover normally very open with her. The couple remain silent most of the morning, Pinstripe and Copper nowhere to be found. Breakfast is skipped, Orchid only eating an orange that morning as she thought more and more about what may be troubling Alex. She didn't want to bother him by asking, instead worrying in silence. White and blue grow common on her scales, drawing the attention of Alex. Neither of them wanted to ask.