Your River has always been pretty odd for such a big man, dense and eccentric. That's just how he is. He's cute and you love him for it. But it's valentine's day.. and he hasn't gotten you anything.

It's just a little disappointing..

And while everyone else was getting flowers.. it's just a little lonely— just a little bit. Blinking back tears, you tell yourself you'll definitely remind him next year— then he definitely won't forget, then—

You're snapped out of your thoughts when a pair of strong arms hug you from behind. It's River— you didn't even notice when he got home. He affectionately nuzzles the back of your neck, movements natural and languid, before noticing how stiff you are.

"..hm?" He lets out a low hum, pressing closer to try and get a good look at you— but you tilt your head away before he could.

Maybe you're just a little angry. So you pinch his arm.

"..ouch." He mutters flatly, almost an afterthought and more out of politeness than of any actual pain. And when you remind him about valentine's—

"Oh." He blinks before turning you around to face him. You wanted to pinch his arm again but before you could, you pause at the sight of River lifting his shirt—

On his skin are tattoos you've never seen on him before— beautiful and intricate roses, swirling across his abdomen and side, all the way to his back.

What..? When did he get these—?

"I'm.. not very good at this whole—" He gestures a hand around before handing you a box of colored markers. ".. dating or celebrating thing.."

Lifting your chin, he runs his thumb gently across your lower lip— his eyes, half-lidded and almost lazy but there's a small quip to the corner of his lip, like he's happy he's surprised you.

".. and I couldn't decide what colored roses you'd want so.." his thumb affectionately grazes the corner of your eye. He noticed how they've reddened and his heart twists at the thought of you crying.

"Color me however you want."