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A flower crown of white lilies.
That was the first element he noticed on the prince’s figure.
One that was seated comfortably on his luminous aurelian locks. White flowers were usually a symbolism to represent the essence of purity and innocence. Faith. The pristine petals appeared to proclaim their unwavering commitment to light and virtue.
Ivan was curious. Luka was always spotted with the identical flower crown every single time, even when the flowers seemed to slowly rot progressively.
Luka was a particular angel.
When he’d read a thick book as thick as an encyclopedia, Children of God would sneak under his legs, before startling him with the same question.
“Do you think God appreciates me?”
While others would respond with over-sugar coated words, Luka answered always the same, no matter who asked.
“God is too disgusted by your filth to notice you.”
And he’d resume his reading while he tilted another child slightly at the path of despair purposely, as if nothing bad happened.
Seeing how much people Luka had affected around him, Ivan wonders who would’ve made such a delicately-crafted flower crown for the angel.
Sometimes, Ivan ponders.
Other times, Ivan stops thinking.
Perhaps it explained why he tried to undress Luka while he was sleeping without a single thought, as if his body was moving on its own– a mindless puppet.
Luka woke up at the sensation and inflicted a painful slap on Ivan’s face, the sensation stinging.
“If chastity is a virtue…” He trails off, his yellow eyes facing Ivan’s black ones.
“Lust is a sin– yes, I’m aware. I was out of my mind, I apologise” Ivan speaks before Luka could finish his sentence, the latter smiling for no reason.
“Then go away before I inform others of your behavior. Scram.” And Ivan did just that.
That was the first time Ivan saw Luka without his flower crown around him like a halo.
Though that was the least of Ivan’s concern.
Bruises and wounds clinged all over Luka’s skin, and none seemed to be healing the slightest. There was even a small splotch of blood probably caused by a blood clot. His thighs were also slightly swelling.
—------------------------------------------------------
The flowers started to rot without a doubt.
So was Luka.
His health was going everything but healing. Ivan was sure he would sense Luka’s health deteriorating at a worrying speed.
Luka laid on his bed, the same flower crown hanging on his head, while he played with his rubix cube.
“When these flowers perish completely, then so will I.” Luka declared, a sign that he acknowledged Ivan’s presence.
Ivan raised his eyebrow, though not a word escaped his lips.
The monitor next to Luka showed his heartbeat that was gradually getting slower.
“I never knew angels could die.” Ivan stated. Luka chuckles.
“Angels cannot die from things from the mortal world, only. I have a particular disease that is hereditary, and one that I cannot flee from.” Luka replies.
“What disease do you even have?”
“Well, it’s just that my blood has a restricted blood flow. However, this soon evolves into a heart disease. And into more stuff…I’d rather not talk about, yes.” Luka informs him duly and dryly.
Ivan just nods each time.
“Come over here.” Luka demands, and Ivan complies without a thought. He shivers when he feels Luka’s cold, purplish-blue fingers touching his chin. Was this another consequence of how restricted Luka’s blood flow was?
“If I die, please place a flower with an even amount of petals on my grave. Don't even try to pluck out one as a cheat.”
—---------
The flowers decomposed completely.
So was Luka, buried. His illnesses got him, and squeezed his life out of him.
Ivan stared at the tombstone, trying to see something through it. Nothing. He sighs, before tossing a bouquet of white flowers, tsking as he walks away.
A bouquet of white lilies.