'A Rose by Any Other Name...' (Adam Valentine's Special) (Patreon)

Valentine’s Prompt: Roses

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“I just think it’s super romantic, is all,” Felix says with a shrug, barely listening to Mason’s arguments on the subject. It was difficult to fake my surprise when Mason revealed he didn’t think Valentine’s Day was worthwhile.

“It’s just an excuse to sell shit no one needs,” Mason continues, puffing out a stream of smoke. 

Nate shakes his head from where he’s sat on the window seat of the Warehouse’s living room. “How is an excuse to enjoy romance and celebrate love something terrible?”

Mason opens his mouth before Nate raises a hand. 

“I’m sorry, forgot who I was talking to,” Nate groans, to which Mason gives a deep chuckle.

“What about you?” Felix asks, gesturing with a nod to Adam, who has been silent throughout the whole debate. “What’s your thoughts on today?”

Adam arches a brow and lets out a long sigh. “I have no thoughts on the subject. None of us are participating in it, so why should we discuss it?”

“It’s like, I was expecting a boring answer, but that was even worse than your normal dullness,” Felix replies through a dry tone. 

Adam shoots him a glare. “I merely think there’s no point in having an opinion—”

“Wait,” I call, holding up my hands. “You not having an opinion?”

Felix breaks into a laugh and we high-five.

Adam ignores our amusement. “If I were to have an opinion, I believe something understated would mean more.”

“Understated how?” Nate asks.

He shrugs. “Something simple. A moment together, maybe. Or if that’s not possible, then something small to show your true feelings if they can’t be shared or spoken.”

“Like?” Felix prompts further. 

“I am unsure, but something subtle that said more than appeared.”

I almost fall off my chair in shock at the rather romantic notion he holds. “I think that would be perfect.”

His lips twitch at the corners in the faintest hint of a smile before he goes back to reading the tome balanced in his lap.

“Nah, you want something big like one of those massive teddy bears or a massive bouquet!” Felix counters.

Mason sneers. “Ugh…”

With the debate about to begin again, I stand from my place. “I better get going. It’s going to be busy out there tonight with dates and couples, so I want to get home before that.”

After the usual goodbyes, I head out into the chill air to head home.

And at home, I find one single rose on my doorstep with a card that simply reads ‘A simple thing can speak volumes.’

My heart stops for a long beat.