Giving a stretch the blonde sighed softly, lying in bed for a few moments before finally willing herself to get up from the warmth of her bed and begin getting ready. Making her bed the stellar mage then made her way to her bathroom for a hot shower, scrubbing herself clean. Once finished she dried and dressed, placing her keys and fleuve in their respective places, before slipping on her bots and making her way out of her apartment.
As she walked the streets of Magnolia the blonde couldn't help but notice the amount of pink and red décor, the excessive hearts everywhere and the sinking feeling that a certain holiday was around the corner. Lucy paused in her walk to the guild recalling that she had briefly looked at the calendar on her way out the door, wincing as she realized today was the thirteenth of February –the day before the worst holiday of the year.
Suppressing the urge to groan as she slowly continued her walk to the guild the blonde, caught the sight of a couple walking hand in hand, briefly catching their talk of Valentine's Day plans and Lucy bit her lip as she turned and continued her journey once more.
In truth she had no reason to hate the holiday anymore. The annoyance and hatred toward the day was mostly due to break-ups that occurred on said day or the years she had spent alone, disgusted with the sight of all the lovey-dovey couples. However this year was different. This year she wasn't alone and she was pretty sure he had no intention of breaking up with her; they had only been dating for a month and a half after all.
Sighing softly the celestial spirit mage pulled the door to the Fairy Tail guild open, making her way to the bar to order her strawberry smoothie. Sitting at the bar drinking the wonderful concoction that Mira made for her on a daily basis she glanced around the guild taking note of the couples in the guild and she couldn't help the involuntary way her nose scrunched up.
"What's that face for?" Blinking the blonde turned toward the barmaid. "Is something wrong with your smoothie?" Lucy flushed in embarrassment, realizing what she had done.
"N-No, there's nothing wrong with it. It's as delicious as always." She assured the elder woman, however received a concerned look in response.
"Are you sure?" Lucy nodded smiling at her, placing the glass on the bar top she, shifted in her seat.
"I'm sure, Mira. I was just thinking about something and it made me frown." She informed the white-haired woman, who titled her head in response before smiling.
"Thinking about what to get for a certain someone?" Lucy laughed awkwardly.
"Yep, you caught me Mira." Mira let out a laugh in return.
"You're a terrible liar Lucy, but I'll buy it." Wincing, the blonde smiled at her apologetically.
"I think it's an involuntary reaction." She began. "To Valentine's Day." Mira nodded her head in understanding, having been part of the women of the guild who had comforted the girl after a bad break up.
"Well this year you're not alone." Lucy smiled softly nodding her head.
"I know." She shifted in her seat, taking a drink of her smoothie. "And I actually do need to figure out what to get him for Valentine's Day."
Mira hummed in thought. "Well it is customary to give chocolates – handmade – but maybe you could also do something else?"
Lucy bit her lip before smiling. "Maybe we could go out on a date?"
"Who's going out on a date?" Lucy smiled at the sound of her drunken friend, plopping herself onto the barstool next to her.
"I am."
"Ah! That's right; you've got a boyfriend this year." Lucy giggled, nodding her head.
"Yeah, Mira and I were just discussing a Valentine's Day gift for him. I figured I could give him chocolate and take him out on a date."
Cana nodded her head as she took a swig of her alcohol. "Not a bad idea –"She suddenly leaned close to the blonde. "But you could always give yourself as his gift, cover yourself in chocolate." Lucy's face flushed at the idea, and Cana burst out in laughter. "I'm kidding, don't take it so seriously."
Lucy huffed in frustration at her friend. She wanted serious recommendations for her Valentine's gift, not to be teased. It was the first year she could actually give her boyfriend a gift and know he'd actually accept it.
"Cheer up Lucy; I'm sure you'll be able to think of something. I personally think that the date would be nice. I'm sure you could set up reservations and –"
"I wouldn't recommend a restaurant." The sound of her best friend made the blonde smile. The solid script mage took a seat on the other side of her, giving her a warm smile. "All of the restaurants are booked with reservations for Valentine's Day. If you do find one it'd be incredibly lucky. Most people call weeks or a month in advance."
Lucy sighed, feeling down. "What do you think I should do?"
Levy smiled. "Well having a date is still possible but instead of a restaurant wouldn't it be more romantic if you had dinner at your place? Just the two of you, you could cook for him then sit and cuddle together afterward. Give him your homemade chocolate…" Levy trailed off sighing as she slipped into her imagination.
Lucy giggled at her friend. While the idea sounded nice she wondered if Bickslow would even like it. Biting her lip the blonde thought on it for a moment before an idea came to her. Why she hadn't thought of it before was a wonder. Standing up she paid for her smoothie giving the three girls a smile.
"Thank you for the ideas, I do like them but I think I want to go ask for ideas from a particular duo who I think would be able to give me something more solid." Mira nodded, giving the blonde a smile.
Turning the stellar mage made her way to the second floor, giving it a quick sweep and sighing in relief when she saw no sign of the seith mage. Making her way over to the table with the remaining Raijinshu and their leader, she sat down beside Evergreen, as she greeted the three of them.
"Lucy, it's good to see you." Evergreen greeted.
"What brings you to our table blondie?" Upon Laxus's greeting she smiled having figured he'd overheard her conversation.
She smiled. "Well, as you know, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and w-well I wanted to, you know, get Bickslow a gift. I was running ideas with Mira and a couple other girls and wanted to ask what your opinion on the matter since you know him best."
"Of course Lucy." Freed smiled at her.
"Cana's idea was best." Laxus informed her causing the stellar spirit mage to flush crimson.
"N-No!" She squeaked out. "I couldn't I-I uhm – I don't think I- I –"Laxus burst out in laughter. "Laxus!" She whined, giving a pout, of course Laxus would tease her too.
"Ignore him." Evergreen spoke. "What idea did you come up with?" Evergreen inquired.
"W-Well I was thinking about having a date at my place. Cook him dinner and we could spend some time together and I could give him some handmade chocolate."
Evergreen's smile faltered slightly, worrying the blonde. Had she chosen wrong? Would Bickslow not like that kind of Valentine gift? She opened her mouth to express her worry when Evergreen spoke.
"Well, the date idea is good." She assured the blonde. "But I don't think Bickslow has told you yet, but he, ah, he hates chocolate."
Lucy blinked in response. "Really?" Evergreen nodded. "Oh." She bit her lip. "He actually hasn't said anything in regards to that."
Evergreen gave her a gentle smile. "It's okay. He probably forgot about it. He doesn't really think much of the holiday so it's probably not something he thinks about mentioning."
Lucy nodded, now unsure what to get him as a gift for the day. While cooking for him was nice it just wasn't enough. She wanted something a little more tangible than just a meal. Not that chocolates were but the little confections held something significant on the day.
"Don't look so disheartened Lucy." Glancing over toward Freed, he gave her a soft smile. "I'm sure you'll think of something. Maybe something you know he'll like."
Lucy tilted her head in curiosity when she recalled Bickslow mentioning something, a smile lighting her face. "Thanks Freed." She quickly stood up, startling the trio who watched curiously as she left the second floor before laughing and continuing the conversation they had begun before the blonde came up.
Quickly descending the steps Lucy made her way out of the guild, startled when Bickslow had called out for her. "B-Bickslow, uh, hi." She greeted, giving him a smile.
"You alright cheerleader?" She nodded her head enthusiastically.
"Yep!" She chirped. "I've got some errands to run so I'll see you later." She leaned up and gave the man a peck on the cheek, leaving her boyfriend staring after her before he chuckled, shaking his head and heading in.
-x-
Lucy hummed happily as she walked along the edge of the canal, pausing in thought she wondered if she would be able to buy the right thing. She didn't want to buy him something that wouldn't last. He said that they had lasted five years so far so she wanted something similar.
Closing her eyes she tried to remember what the tools had looked like, despite only seen them a couple times while not in use she was sure she could remember. After a few moments she opened her eyes, brows furrowing only able to really recall wooden handles. Sighing in frustration she decided she'd just try her best, maybe she'd be able to recognize them if she saw them in the shop.
After spending majority of the day searching the stellar mage had come up with nothing, well not absolutely nothing. She did find something for the babies, but for Bickslow she had yet to find it. Lucy sighed, brushing her hand against Horologium's key, another sigh leaving her as it was getting late, but she didn't want to head back to the guild just yet.
Determined to continue her search a little longer the celestial spirit mage moved on to the next shop, panicked when she saw him closing up. Running as quick as possible she called out to the man. "Wait!" She shouted, quickly crossing over to the shop. "Wait, please." She stood before the man, his key in hand, ready to lock up. "Please, don't close just yet I –"
"Miss, it's late, I don't have time for you to just 'look around'. If you want something that badly there are plenty of shops open late. I'm tired and I want to go home." He replied annoyed before moving to lock up
"Please." She pleaded, placing her arm on his to stop him. "My boyfriend whittles wood as a hobby and I really wanted to get him new tools for Valentine's Day. You're the last shop I know of here in town, please."
The man eyes her before sighing heavily. "Come on." Lucy lit up, watching him open the door and flicking on the light switch. "Be quick about it."
Lucy nodded and began to look around, chewing her lip as none looked familiar but she still wanted to get him a set. Turning she looked at him apologetically. "I'm sorry. I don't know which would be idea to buy."
"How long has been whittling?"
"Years, since he was a kid I believe." The shop owner hummed in thought before making his way over to a part of the store. He motioned for her to follow and she quickly made her way to his side.
"These are tools for professionals. I would recommend –"His eyes skimmed it before pointing to the set. "Those. They're a nice quality. 15 different chisels all made from a high quality stainless steel. There are three files with it and it comes with a nice carrying case."
Lucy smiled at it nodding her head. "I'll take that one."
The man nodded and reached for it, picking the set up carefully. He made his way to the front of the store, pausing to pick up a couple things. He held it up for her to see. "These will be useful. They're cowhide leather finger guards. I'm sure he's worn his down or maybe he hasn't used 'em at all. Either way, I'll give these to you at a discount, they'll help him from hurting himself while he's whittling."
Lucy grinned brightly at the man's as he made his way around the counter. "Thank you. I really appreciate this." The shop owner simply grunted in response before ringing her up.
"8,714.30 jewel." He stated and Lucy smiled pulling out the money, waiting for him to bag everything after handing her, her change.
"Thank you, again." She said as she took the bag. "Hope you have a happy Valentine's Day." She smiled warmly before leaving the shop, feeling giddy. She had a gift for Bickslow and now all she had to do was head home and figure out what to make the seith mage.
Shifting in his stance, his eyes roamed the guild, looking for a head of blonde hair, wondering what had been keeping her. She said she only had a few errands to run; it wasn't like it was going to take the whole day but it seemed to be going that way. Sighing to himself he returned to his table where his teammates sat, listening in to the conversation when he heard Evergreen mention Valentine's Day plans for the next evening.
Bickslow stilled having forgotten the shitty little holiday was tomorrow. Suppressing the urge to groan he soon realized that it was a possibility Lucy was making plans for them. His eyes widened in horror. What if she planned on making him chocolate? He cursed himself as he couldn't recall ever telling his girlfriend that he hated chocolate.
She was likely at home baking him some heart-felt chocolates with full hopes of him accepting the disgusting confection. Of course he wouldn't refuse them, it would break her heart and he didn't want things to start heading down hill, they'd only been dating for barely over a month. Sighing to himself he was just going to have to figure out what to do with the chocolate. He refused to eat the things.
"Evening everyone!" The sound of a cheerful voice distracted him from his thoughts and he smiled when she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Evening Bickslow."
"Hey cosplay queen." She rolled her eyes at him before taking the seat between him and Evergreen, turning to the fairy to talk to her.
"You reek of chocolate." Laxus stated and Lucy frowned.
"Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I was baking. Of course I reek of it." Laxus half smile as Lucy turned back to Evergreen to talk about the Fairy's plan for the holiday.
Bickslow cringed internally as his fear was confirmed. Perhaps he should tell her now? He frowned as the image of her disappointed face crossed his mind's eye. After all of her hard work and he tells her just before the special holiday? Biting his tongue to prevent himself from groaning he ordered a drink from Mira when she came around for refills.
After several mugs of alcohol the seith mage had come to the realization the he was just going to have to suffer through, bite the bullet and eat her chocolate. Suppressing the urge to shudder at the thought of eating the sweet he took another swig of his drink; this was going to be the worst Valentine's Day ever.
The seith mage stilled, his mug at his lips, startled at his current train of thought. Did he hate chocolate so much that he would dub this year to be the worst? It wasn't Lucy's fault he hadn't told her and it wasn't her fault that he continued to remain silent on the matter for fear of upsetting her. He wanted her to be happy, especially since it was their first Valentine's Day together.
It shouldn't matter that she made him something he hated. He should be happy that she took the time to make him something special. Glancing to the stellar mage he smiled softly as she talked animatedly with Evergreen, taking a drink from his mug. Tomorrow was going to be special and he'd have to make sure he got her something amazing next month when his turn came around.
Lucy sighed softly as she finished up the chocolates for her friends. Packaging them in their little colorful boxes. She smiled as she placed them in a bag before cleaning up and readying for bed. Tomorrow after she passed out her chocolates she would invite Bickslow over to her place for dinner and then everything would be set for their date.
Taking a deep breath the blonde made her way to the bathroom to shower before dressing in her night clothes. After writing her nightly letter to her parents she slipped into bed, excited and nervous for tomorrow.
-x-
When she woke the next day Lucy began preparations for her date with Bickslow, a bright smile on her face as she finished everything accordingly before getting ready. Grabbing the bag full of chocolates she left her apartment and made her way to the guild, a skip in her step excited to see everyone.
Arriving at the guild the stellar mage made her way to the bar first; greeting the two barmaids cheerfully before handing them their Valentine's chocolate, receiving two in response. Lucy continued passing out her chocolate to her guild mates, receiving any from the girls with a warm smile and a hug. Once finished with passing them out she looked in her bag, smiling at the three remaining.
Skipping her way over to the steps she quickly climbed them, greeting Laxus and his Raijin with a cheerful smile. She gave Laxus his chocolate first, followed by Freed and finally Evergreen, thanking her when she received a box from the fairy. Making her way towards Bickslow she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Your gift is at my place. Come over tonight at 7 for it." She whispered softly. "I can't stay. I've got some things to do, but I hope you all have a happy Valentine's Day." She smiled at the group before heading down to the first floor and out of the guild, happy that she delivered the chocolates to her friends and inviting Bickslow over.
Now all she had to do was clean up her apartment and begin the final preparations to their date night.
Sighing he made his way to the blonde's apartment, hating the holiday even more than before. He had thought about accepting her chocolate and while the idea was nice, it wouldn't be honest. If he pretended to eat it, feigned praise to her then she would want to do it next year and the idea of lying to her constantly was something he just couldn't do to her.
Reaching her apartment building he looked up, chest aching at the thought of telling her the truth and the disappointed look on her face. Would she be heartbroken about it, that he'd basically end up refusing her gift, her affection for him? Cringing at the thought the seith mage made his way inside, heading to her unit he lifted his hand and knocked on the door.
It was only moments before the blonde opened the door, giving him a warm smile and welcoming him in. He entered the place and slid off his boots, watching her head to the kitchen he quickly followed her, grabbing her arm to stop her.
"Cheerleader, wait I –"He cut himself off at the sight of her table set up for dinner. He looked at her and she smiled.
"This is the first part of your gift." She informed him. His had released its hold on her arm and she giggled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Take a seat. It's almost done."
He looked at her, watching as she left, his attention turning to the table, noticing the candles lit in the center. A dinner date. His lips curled in a smile. She had cooked dinner for him. Moving to take his seat he hesitated, he still needed to tell her about the chocolate thing. He had a feeling that she had made him some too and it just wouldn't be right for her to not know.
"What are you doing?" She inquired and he looked down at the blonde. "Take a seat already." She giggled out and he obliged, taking the seat across from her, smiling at the dinner set in front of him.
"Looks delicious cheerleader." She smiled and took her seat.
"Feel free to begin eating." He lifted his fork and began to eat, eating a few bites before speaking.
"Cosplay Queen." He called out, catching her attention.
"Yeah?" She looked up at him curiously and he bit his cheek. Did he really want to ruin dinner? Clearing his head he gave her a smile.
"Thank you, dinner is delicious." Lucy giggled in response, a light blush dusting her cheeks.
"Glad you think so." He smiled before focusing on dinner, the two of them talking about random things during the meal. Once finished she had him go sit down while she cleaned up and he knew he couldn't put it off any longer. Once she came in he needed to tell her. Nodding to himself he waited patiently, for her to finish up and join him.
She had come out, carrying a small bag in her hand and he instantly knew what she was planning to do. He watched her take a seat beside him, turning toward him she grinned. Chuckling he leaned toward her, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Cheerleader." He murmured and she hummed in response. "Listen, I need to talk to you about something."
She looked up, and despite his visor still being on, she still somehow met his eyes. "What's the matter?" He sighed softly.
"It's about today." He admitted. "I- I should have told you sooner but I just – I really shouldn't have let it slip my mind since it was so close." Lucy tilted her head curiously and he took a breath. "I'm sure you worked hard on everything today since it's our first Valentine and I don't want to spoil everything but I have to tell you that I – hate chocolate."
Lucy blinked before smiling, a light laugh leaving her and he stared at her worriedly. "I know." She informed him and he frowned, how could she know when he never said anything? "I wanted to make sure today went well and I asked Evergreen for some ideas. She told me you hated chocolate."
"Fucking hell." He sighed in relief, making a mental note to thank the fairy later. "You don't know how worried I was about telling you." He turned toward her taking in her confused expression. "I kept thinking about how disappointed you would be if I told you, had you made chocolate for me. How you would feel if I basically refused your gift. I half thought about pretending to like it so I wouldn't hurt you but –"He shook his head. "But then I thought about the future and I didn't want to keep lying to you like that."
Turning to look at the stellar mage he took in her blushing face and her smile. "I'm glad that you decided to tell me." She spoke softly, her brown eyes looking up at him. He smiled in return, leaning forward to kiss her when she stopped him. "I still have a gift I want to give you." He smiled nodding his head. "However, the babies are first." She informed him. He blinked, looking at his totems as they instantly moved between them, a smile coming to his face.
Lucy removed a small box from the bag, opening it, revealing heart shaped pins. His brow rose in curiosity. "Heart-shaped pins?" He asked and she nodded her head, calling Pappa over.
"I got them each one." She stuck the pin into the totem before pressing a kiss to it. "And yes, they are all exactly the same pin." She informed him sending him a glance, smiling before continuing with the next. "I'm sure you know but we have to be fair with the babies, Bickslow." She stated and he swallowed, feeling something unfamiliar jolt through him.
"Yeah we do." He managed as she finished up, watching his babies giggle and nuzzle her happily. Lucy giggled and he cleared his throat, calling for his babies and pulling her closer to him. He grinned as he wrapped his arm around her, leaning forward to kiss her.
"Ah." She gasped, pulling away from him, causing the seith mage to frown. "Not yet, there's still your gift." She reached into the bag, pulling it out and handing it to him.
Eyeing it curious he opened it, pulling the lid off the box, he noticed a bundle of something. Pulling it out he realized it was a case, opening the case he was surprised to see a tool set. He looked from it to the blushing stellar mage.
"Since you don't like chocolate I wanted to get you something else and I-I remember you having mentioned that your tools were wearing down." She mumbled out and he looked back to the set, picking up one of the chisels. "It comes with a total of fifteen different ones and there are three files." She informed him. He noticed two leather guards. Picking one up he took note there was one for a finger and the other a thumb. "Oh, the shop keep said that those would be useful so you don't have to worry about injuring yourself."
Placing them back where they were he closed it, before placing it on her little coffee table, ignoring her frowning face he pulled her into his lap, sighing as their lips finally met. He pulled away a smile on his face. "Thank you cheerleader." She giggled happily.
"Happy Valentine's Day Bickslow." She looked up. "And babies." He chuckled, holding her close, hoping she wouldn't mind just spending the rest of the day cuddling.
"Happy Valentine's Day cheerleader."
