[ Diluc and Ori may have had a quieter start to their romance, but it is just as singular and precious to her. Her love for him was built over earnest curiosity about his life, and his world. It was built over injuries healed and comforting meals had together, over tangled stands of hair combed through and stories of their past shared in moments of darkness. And that's perfect— he's perfect.

She smiles as he tucks a flower into her hair, and she moves one of her hands to lace her fingers with his. ]

Gladiolus are also known as a "sword flower..." They stand for honor... strength of character... loyalty... deep admiration...

[ Her voice is quiet, but sweet when she explains the flower's many symbolisms, and with every note of what the gladiolus means, she presses a kiss to each knuckle on his hand before she takes it and presses his palm to her chest, where her heart beats loudly for him. ]

And giving someone a gladiolus says, "you've pierced my heart."