a bouquet
Neither of us were really fans of flowers, were we, Ai?
I'm allergic, you know that, and you... Just didn't care, I suppose. Flowers weren't a big thing for either of us, but I guess now...
Anyway, I brought you some! They're all really nice, if you ask me. Did you know flowers have their own language, and meanings? It's actually really interesting. Shall I tell you about them? You'll like them, I promise.
These ones here, the blue ones? These are bell flowers. They're sweet, aren't they? Small and cute, like you. They mean two things – well, two things that I want to tell you. They mean "gratitude", firstly. I'm thankful to you, you know! I'm thankful that we met, and I'm thankful that you... Are my friend. I'm glad we could do all the things we did together, and I'm just so, so grateful we met. So thank you Ai.
Secondly, they mean "thinking of you", which I am. I guess I don't really have to explain that one, do I?
This one here, the purple ones, they're called "phlox". Bit of a mouthful, isn't it? But they're nice flowers, I guess. Shame we... I can't smell them. These are kind of sappy, but... They mean "our souls are united". Sweet, isn't it? I like to think our souls are united. So we'll always be together, in a way. … Actually, that sounds a little creepy, but you know what I mean! I've never been good with words, you know that.
M-moving on! These white ones are carnations. Did you know that different colours of carnation mean different things? White ones mean "innocence" and... Never mind! I'll tell you some other time. But they remind me of you, since you're such a naïve kid. Haha, you know it's true! But that's why I love you, so don't worry about it. It's good to be innocent, silly.
Ah... Now these are herbs, rather than flowers. Rosemary. Remember, Hitomiko sometimes used them for cooking? I did some research, and they mean "remembrance". It's self explanatory, isn't it? I... I'll always remember you, Ai. No matter what. You know that.
Forget-me-nots, next. They actually mean "true love", did you know that? Both of those things might come as a shock to you. Sorry I didn't tell you before. I hope you can forgive me for that.
Lastly... poppies. They look like cheerful flowers, but actually... They're not. They mean "eternal sleep". They also mean "oblivion", but I think the first one sounds better, don't you?
… Sleep well, Ai. I love you.
With tears in her eyes, An lays down the mismatched bouquet before the cold, hard stone. She takes a moment to trace the name engraved on it, takes a moment to close her eyes and remember. Then, she takes a deep breath, swallows back her tears, and stands. She glances over her shoulder, where Burn and the others are waiting, all looking solemn. She gives them a weak smile, and she thinks maybe Bonitona is crying.
She turns back to the grave, and whispers 'good night' once more.
An walks back to her friends – her remaining friends – and tries to pretend she isn't empty inside.
A/N: sometimes, I get serious feelings over minor characters and decide to kill some off because I can. Just a piece a cooked up in half an hour.