valentine's day. [part one]

synopsis: part one of a collection of very short drabbles surrounding the event of valentine's day.

A Devereux.

[A] finds Valentine's Day funny—until it isn't. It's not until they develop their first crush do they realize why people celebrate the day in the first place. To receive flowers or chocolates from someone they like, what a dream. Never mind that it's prompted by a date on a calendar, the fact that the other person thought of them is enough.

Which is why when they walk into IAOS on February 14th, they're anxious with anticipation. Not that they're expecting a card, but they sure do want one.

They'd spent days wondering if they should drop the hint and days more wondering if you received it, whether you would have felt compelled to give them something only because they were so obvious about it.

You're nowhere to be found in the main area, so [A] sighs and makes their way to their desk, hoping to drop off some papers before they head for the kitchen to get their much needed espresso shots for the day. They throw their papers unceremoniously onto the surface, barely missing the steaming cup set beside their keyboard.

They blink. It takes them a while to realize that even if they'd left their cup from yesterday, it wouldn't be hot. Nor would it have latte art on it because God forbid, [A] cannot do latte art to save their life.

The drink is accompanied by a small piece of paper, propped up against their mouse.

Happy Valentine's Day, Partner.

Even though they haven't drunk their latte yet, a warm feeling bursts in their chest. Oh. This is better than flowers or chocolate.

They take out their phone and snap a quick picture, sending it to you with a bunch of smiley faces and exclamation marks. It could very well be an appreciation latte for being partners, but if [A] decides to fantasize a little, no one is there to stop them. It's Valentine's Day, after all.

Blane Rekner.

The only reason Blane thinks Valentine's Day is useful is because of all the chocolate that goes on sale afterwards. They're not one to indulge in desserts, but once in a while, they'll get a craving for something sweet. Once in a while often happens when it's on sale.

Which is why when they pass by the aisle a couple of days before February 14th, they're confused by the small urge to buy a box. Buy a box and… give it to someone.

They wrinkle their nose at the intrusive thought.

The prices of the chocolates are ridiculous, let alone the fact that they have no one to give them to. No stupid butterflies when they see a certain someone or clammy hands when they realize they're about to cross paths with— No. There's no one.

Later, they'll try to justify their purchase. They'll tell themself that they were thinking of [N], knowing their partner deserved more than Blane offered. They'll say that [N] is the best partner they'll ever have and silently hope that [N] never leaves them, like they think [N] will do when they're most vulnerable and insecure.

And when they give the package of chocolates to [N] on that dreadful day, they're nearly convinced. The smile on their partner's face is worth it, a bright grin with even brighter eyes.

It's only when they hear your voice across the room, laughing about the valentine's card that [A] gave you will that confidence falter.

They truly didn't have a person in mind when they'd picked up the chocolates and placed it in their cart, but they realize now that some part of them had wanted to give it to you. For all the trouble they've caused you, for all the hurt and anguish they continue to bring about, for—

Nothing. No one.

N Alves.

[N] still remembers the first Valentine's Day card they received. It was in elementary school, another random card amongst all the others their classmate had handed out to everyone, but it still filled them with wonder. The chocolate taped to the card was so sweet. Their smile lasted so long, their parents asked them why they were so happy that day.

Years go by and [N] gets used to receiving cards. They learn that the ugly cards are given out to people the person doesn't like, and the pretty cards are given to people they do. They think they fall somewhere in-between. The cards go in a box at the back of their closet.

It's a tradition mainly meant for children, however, so when IAOS lays out a couple of boxes of cheap dollar store Valentine's Day cards, [N] is elated. They take a stack and bring it to their desk, using their favourite pen to write people's names. They try to pick out cards they think match the personality of the person they're giving it to.

To Blane, a snarky one-liner.

To [A], a cheesy joke that will be sure to get them laughing.

To—

They blink at the card suddenly blocking their vision, glancing up. You smile as your gazes meet, waving the flimsy paper like it's some sort of prize.

"Happy Valentine's Day," you greet.

[N] looks down at their card, covering it up with a hand. "You're quick. I haven't finished yours yet."

You shrug. "I got here early this morning. Don't worry, you can give it to me later."

Before [N] can say anything, you're skipping off, presumably to hand out the other cards. They can't help but smile at the sight of you, thumbing the card between their fingers as they break the sticker seal. It's the same card they were going to give you and though perhaps they should be, they can't bring themself to be mad.