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AN – Oh my gosh, this drabble turned into a river! My bad!

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February : Be My Valentine

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"So, Robert, ol'boy…" Beltzer clapped his hands onto Rabbit's shoulder; quite a feat since the cartographer was a good head taller than him, though the fact that Rabbit was leaning over studying an ancient map helped.

Rabbit fell forward and caught himself, "What, Beltzer?" He turned his attention back to the map, taking care to keep the magnifying glass off the map while still hovering close enough to observe the minute details. His eyes darted to the clock; it was half past three and he had thirty minutes until his last class of the day.

The computer wiz slid next to his companion, leaning against the table with his arms crossed. A smug smile tugging at his lips, "Got any plans this weekend?"

Rabbit's brow knit, wondering why he was being bothered with such an unimportant question. The map was scheduled to be returned next Tuesday to D.C. and he only had a few days to study it; every minute counted and Beltzer's game of 20 questions was not a good use of his time.

Beltzer chuckled, "Specifically, Sunday…" He hinted.

Frustration took hold and Rabbit stood up, roughly pulled his fingers back through his hair, "I'll probably sleep in, then meet Aunt Meg and the girls for the last service, like every Sunday. What is it you want, Beltzer? I have a lot to get done today."

"Robert, my dear chap, what month is it?"

With still narrowed eyes, Rabbit answered as he turned back to his work, "February."

"And Sunday is the…"

"Today's the 12th, so…the 14th." He replied, tutting a huff before jotting down some quick notes.

Beltzer let his head fall to the side. He watched, quite amused, as the pieces slowly came together and recognition dawned across Rabbit's face.

"So…taking that as a no for having any plans then?"

Rabbit shot up, his hands pressed against his head. His eyes widened as they flit back and forth in thought, a curse slipping out his lips.

"A bunch of us are going to the drive in; but it is more of a singles thing, I'm not sure it's the sort of thing a couple would enjoy on the big day."

"Valentine's Day…how…how did I miss that…what am I going to do? I—I need a plan…" He mumbled, his map completely forgotten.

"You've never had a girlfriend before, have you?" Beltzer smirked, looking off as he thought, "Really, how have you gotten out of 40 years of Valentine's Days? It just isn't fair."

"39." Rabbit corrected, beginning to pace.

"Well, all I'm saying is…" Beltzer turned to face his colleague, waiting for him to look up before he continued, "It's your first February 14th as a couple, sort of an important milestone if you think about it. You really didn't plan anything?"

Rabbit stopped and just looked to him; an almost terrified expression on his face, "She didn't say anything!" He dropped his head into his hands, rubbing his eyes.

Beltzer burst out laughing, "Was she supposed to?" He clapped his friend on the shoulder, "All I know is this: if I had a girl like Oz on my arm, I wouldn't be hurrying to mess it up any time soon."

Rabbit fell back into his desk, ruffling his already tousled hair as he thought.

"Good luck." Chuckling, Beltzer started out the door before peeking his head back in, "Oh, and, when is your anniversary?"

Rabbit looked up, clearly exhausted. His brow knitted in thought; May 2nd of last year was their anniversary, wasn't it? Or was it July 1st, the day they met the year before, or even July 2nd when she went home and asked him to wait for her? His eyes widened, he hadn't ever really asked her to be his girlfriend; it had always just been an unspoken arrangement they came too. Who had even used the title first? His eyes widened, where they even technically together?

"Well, figure that out too and make a note, or a few." Beltzer clicked his tongue before tapping the door and taking his leave. Rabbit dropped his head once more into his hands.

XxX

"So, do you and Rabbit have any plans for Valentine's Day?" Haynes asked, pushing the grocery cart down the store aisle. The guys and Jo were at a seminar for the day which left Haynes and Hermione with a girl's day to themselves; which basically meant catching up on all the household chores they had let slide during the week.

Hermione grabbed a few things here and there, checking it off their list, "Not that I know of, what about you?"

"A bunch of us are going to the drive in." Haynes stopped, "But back to my question, you mean Rabbit hasn't planned anything for you two?"

Hermione shook her head no.

"It's your first Valentine's day together!" Haynes grabbed a gallon of water and lugged it into the cart.

"Well, it is quite literally a played-up holiday; someone, somewhere thought it was a good idea to pervert a saint's feast and make a couple pounds." Her bookworm tone was out in full force, "Besides, why should it all be on Rabbit to plan something? I am just as capable to arrange a romantic evening." Hermione checked the water off their list and moved to look through the tea options, "Rabbit treats me like a princess the rest of the year; I never want for sweet gestures or reminders of his affection. Remember my birthday last year? Or when he surprised me with flowers my first day of work? Jo was right; he has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and I don't need some greeting card holiday to remind me of that."

"Guessing the 14th isn't a big deal in the magical realm then?"

"I mean, yes and no. People acknowledge it, and a few go all out – love potion sales go through the roof – so, in that sense, it is the same as the muggle world but, I don't know, it has never been that big of a deal to me personally." Hermione finally found a tea she liked and grabbed a tin.

"Is this your first Valentine's being with someone?" Haynes asked tentatively as her friend put her tea tin in the cart.

Hermione hesitated to answer and then just nodded her head, "First time being in a relationship at all, to be honest." Haynes smiled gently, and the pair continued on their way.

"Are you sure you aren't just saying it isn't important because you don't want to be disappointed?" Haynes suggested after a while.

"Honestly, I would be happy just going to the movie with you all." Hermione smiled sheepishly, her eyes girlish, "As long as I get to spend the day with Rabbit, I'll be happy."

"Well…there are…." Haynes cleared her throat, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "Other things you could do."

Hermione's laugh was practically a sneer, "No comment." She grabbed the cart and lead them towards the check out.

"What? I'm just saying!" Haynes jested, helping to unload the cart. Hermione just rolled her eyes in response; content to let the conversation die.

The pair checked out and were soon on their way back home. The drive was short and they filled their arms to make it inside in just one trip.

"There's a message!" Haynes called, her arms so full Hermione couldn't see her face. Hermione, who had gone in first, set her load on the counter and squeezed around her roommate to hit the flashing red button.

The machine clicked a couple times and then came alive, "H-hey Hermione, it's me…um, Rabbit…"

Hermione and Haynes exchanged a smile, the latter shook her head as she started putting things away, "Speak of the devil…"

"So, um…" Rabbit's voice continued to echo around the quiet house, "I…I was wondering if you would like to go to lunch after church on Sunday and then maybe we can join the group at the drive in that night, or…ya know, do our own thing. Maybe a movie or such." The line got quiet for a second before he continued, "Oh, and, eh, I feel stupid asking this but…when…when is our anniversary?" The girls chuckled as they heard his mumblings and light cursing as he held the phone away from him, "Guess that is something I should have asked in person and not on a message Haynes might get to first…well, ya, call me back. Love ya, bye."

"He has got it bad." Haynes shook his head, "Can't always execute, but he sure tries his darnedest."

Hermione just shook her head, feeling her natural defense of Rabbit coming forth, "He does a lot right."

"Oh ya, when is your guys' anniversary?"

Hermione started to answer and stopped. Haynes looked to her.

"I…" Her eyes widened and she couldn't suppress her laugh, "I haven't the foggiest idea!"

XxX

Sunday came, and Hermione sat in one of the old church pews beside Aunt Meg, Jo and Bill, her leg constantly bouncing. Her teeth worried her lower lip as her eyes kept darting to the door. The small, dedicated congregation had packed the small church, with the exception of one lone seat beside Hermione, waiting to be filled.

Just as the choir was finishing their final verse, the door to the side quietly opened and in slide a very guilty looking Rabbit. Hermione instantly relaxed and worked to catch his eye before motioning him over. He made his way quietly up the aisle, fiddling with his tie as he ignored the tuts from the older congregates, and folded himself into the saved seat.

"You are in luck, you almost missed the sermon." Hermione chided, smoothing her skirt as he settled in.

Rabbit gave his half smile and leaned into her, his mouth practically brushing her ear so only she would hear him, "If you've heard one sermon on the Transfiguration, you've heard them all; and I have heard 39 to be exact."

Hermione turned to him, coyly looking over her shoulder, "I'm sure you have missed one or two in that time." She whispered back.

"I'll give you that." Rabbit swung his arm over the pew, his other hand rubbing his mouth, "But I have a good excuse this time."

"Oh?"

Aunt Meg looked to the pair and quietly shushed, a smile on her lips, as the Pastor stood to take the pulpit.

Rabbit bowed his head to the matriarch and leaned into Hermione once more, "I was working on a surprise for you, one I am pretty sure you are going to like."

Hermione looked up to him, her eyes repeating another oh.

Lightly, he moves his arm to just brush against her shoulders. Hermione leaned into him, her heart giddy.

Haynes quip from the previous day stirred in her thoughts, though, and her eyes widened, unable to focus on the booming words of the Pastor. Her face erupted into a brilliant blush and she stopped herself before she could sink into the pew; feeling like her thoughts were very misplaced for her surroundings.

The last year hadn't just been too busy for her to decide on a career path, but it also hadn't given much time to move her and Rabbit's relationship forward. Heck, she wasn't even sure what their anniversary was, and neither did he! If they hadn't had that talk, why would they have had the other.

Having never been in a real relationship, Hermione was treading on unfamiliar ground to say the least. Sure, they had snogged here and there, but it was always interrupted either by Sanders popping into the back of the camper or Haynes coming home. The thought teased her; what would have happened if they hadn't been interrupted?

She hadn't been with a boy let alone a man, what was expected of her as far as that went?

And, since Rabbit had never brought it up, what did that mean? That he wasn't interested?

Shyly, her eyes drifted to his face. He caught her and lightly squeezed her shoulder before turning back to the Pastor.

No, she was sure he loved her, and he was showing her how much even now. He was being patient and letting her take the lead when it came to them, just like he always had; it would be up to her when their relationship went forward and not a moment before she was ready.

"Amen!"

The congregation echoed the call and Hermione jumped, feeling caught. This time she allowed herself to slide shamefully into the pew.

Rabbit looked to her with a smirk, "Someone wasn't paying attention…" He winked as they stood to sing, Hermione's smile was timid. The rest of the service past by uneventfully and soon they were joining the line heading out.

"Pastor John, another great service." Aung Meg beamed as she shook the Reverend's hand.

Pastor John smiled back, his smile brilliant against his rich, dark skin, "Ahh, well I can't take the credit, ma'am." He replied, his accent that of a good ol' Southern boy. The two exchanged pleasantries while Jo and Bill left to pull the truck around. Beside Meg, Rabbit and Hermione waited, his arm wrapped loosely around her waist.

A pair of old biddies in their Sunday best walked by, arm in arm themselves as they steadied one another, and wrinkled their nose at the pair.

The less stooped one tutted, mumbling, "He's too old for her. It can't be legal, she is just a babe!"

The other answered, "Men, they never change." She sniffed, looking down her nose as the brim of her hat concealed her beady eyes, "She could do better."

Hermione could only gape at the pair as they shuffled past. Rabbit feigned a stretch and scratched the back of his neck before tucking both his hands into his respected pockets; Hermione was having none of that and took a firm hold of his arm, entwining hers with his, and stared the pair down as she leaned into his side. They huffed and muttered some more about youngsters not being so disrespectful in their day before leaving.

"Why don't you stick your tongue out? I don't think they got your message." Rabbit said through closed teeth, trying desperately not to be overheard.

Aunt Meg bid her goodbyes, having been half listening to the exchange, and made her way back to the pair, "You are going to find bad apples in every group; the point is to not let them spoil your fun. Keep being you, kids." She winked and gave them each a hug as Jo and Bill pulled up in the truck, "Enjoy the rest of the day you two!" The pair waved as the trio pulled out.

"So…" Hermione rocked back and forth, rolling from her toe to her heel, "Do I get my surprise now?"

Rabbit looked to her with a childlike grin, "Yeah, come on." He pulled his hand out and gently placed it in the low of her back as they headed towards his truck. He popped open the door and helped her in before hopping into the driver's seat.

They drove for a while in comfortable silence, Rabbit's attention on the road and Hermione casually studying him. Finally, she spoke, "So, I've been thinking…"

"Uh-oh." Rabbit jested, his grin letting her know it was a joke.

She rolled her eyes but smiled just the same, "Well, I think our anniversary should be July 1st, the day we met."

"Why, was it love at first sight for you?" His smile was goofy.

"Somewhat, yes." Hermione dropped her head against the bench, smiling fondly as she remembered that day, "What about you?"

"When your eyes first met mine, that sealed the deal." He chanced a look at her before turning back to the road, "Your big, brown eyes stole my heart, the straw tangled in your hair was just a bonus!"

Hermione chuckled, tucking her knees under her and leaning her head against the window, "July 1st it is." The familiar roads clued her in and she wrinkled her brow, "Are we heading to your place?"

"It's a surprise." He whispered, his eyes playful as he pulled onto his road and into the driveway. He shifted into park and hopped out to get her door. Rabbit led her around to the side and stopped just before the gate, "Wait here for a second, and no peeking!" He held his hand up and Hermione dutifully closed her eyes as he slipped inside.

A couple minutes later he called out, "Alright, you can come back."

Hermione opened her eyes and snuggled into the collar of her jacket as the wind picked up. Slowly, she pulled the squeaky gate open and peered inside. Rabbit stood off to the side, his smile beaming and eyes hesitant as he awaited her reaction. Hermione stopped; in awe of the sight before her. The small gazebo, which he had slowly built over the years as a hobby, which lay in his back yard was decorated with thousands of white Christmas lights. On it was spread a picnic for two.

Rabbit bounced from foot to foot, waiting for her to speak, "So…what do you think?" He couldn't help but ask.

"I love it." Hermione smiled, walking towards the stairs. Never had she seen a more romantic setting; pillows and blankets were spread around the platform to create a warm, little nest of their own.

Rabbit met her and the pair ascended the stairs together, "I brought a couple heaters out too, just in case it was too chilly."

She smiled down at the cozy spread; not only had he selected her favorites for lunch but he also had a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers awaiting her at her place. She knelt and picked them up, letting the sweet aroma overwhelmed her.

"I would have gone for a picnic dinner, so the lights would be more useful, but I know it will just get colder and I wasn't sure if you wanted to join the gang at the movies tonight or not." Rabbit said, sitting across from her.

"This is perfect." She smiled up to him, not thinking she could love him any more than she already did right then.

He visibly relaxed, trusting her, "Good. So, I brought sparkling apple cider because you are underage, and I am…well, the son of an alcoholic." He popped open the bottle and poured them each a glass.

Hermione held hers up, "To us, and ignoring the busy bodies of Wakita!"

"To us." He toasted and they both took a sip before diving into lunch. After they had their fill, they lay down to watch the birds and squirrels enjoy their Sunday.

"Do you want to meet up with the others later? I figured we could play the rest of the day by ear." Rabbit asked, leaning his head against one of the pillows as they snuggled into their nest. He gently drew circles in the crook of her hand.

"Any place you are is good enough for me." She answered, snuggling into his side. She loved these sweet, simple moments they shared. They had been so busy since they'd got back that she couldn't remember the last time they were truly alone with no other interruptions.

Her nose twitched, her thoughts pushing her to take advantage of their rare alone time, "There is something I wanted to talk with you about."

"Hmm?" Rabbit sighed contently, looking to her.

Hermione sat up, her hand fidgeting with her coat sleeve and her eyes too shy to meet his, "Well, we've been going together for a while and I…well, we haven't discussed certain…things…"

His brow knit together, not sure what she was getting at.

Her teeth worried her lower lip, "…intimate things…" She felt her face erupt and, after she stole a look at Rabbit, who was wide eyed in surprise, she wasn't sure which of them was redder.

"Um…yeah…" Rabbit cleared his throat and sat up, rubbing his face.

"It's actually quite funny we haven't talked about it before, but we have had other, more pressing things to think about. Between everything going on in my world and then coming back to play catch up in yours, we haven't had much time for us." Hermione blurted out, trying desperately to make the awkwardness less awkward and failing in the processes. She picked at nonexistent dust on her skirt, wishing she hadn't brought the topic up now, "I just…it's odd you haven't brought it up."

"Because I'm older?" He asked quietly, running his fingers back through his bangs.

Hermione turned to him softly, "Well, yes, somewhat. I would think someone who has more experience than me would expect certain things, but you know your age doesn't mean anything to me." She added, knowing he was thinking about the earlier encounter, "I don't care what people think because they are wrong, I wish that was enough for you too."

Rabbit nodded and reached for her hand, "You're right." He smiled, tracing shapes in her palm, "Like usually. And in answer to your question, it might matter to me if I had any experience in relationships, but I don't, so I'm not missing anything. I'm happy with how things are." He found his courage and finally met her eye.

Hermione nodded, taking in what he said, "And it…it doesn't have anything to do with me…"

"Hermione," Rabbit sat up, softly reaching out to tuck back a stray curl. He cupped her face and leaned towards her, resting his head against hers, "You are beautiful in every way. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with you."

He pulled back but held her face lovingly, "I might be older than you, but I have way less experience then you think I do. I have always chosen maps over people, I've practically spent my entire life hiding behind them. So, I have no idea how all of this is supposed to work, and it has absolutely nothing to do with you." His thumb gently caressed her jaw, "You are my first for everything. I'm learning right along with you, and I'm good with how things are going. I like doing things at our pace instead of everyone else's. I have waited 39 years for you, and, trust me, you are more than worth the wait. Call me old fashioned, but I'm just happy to have you as my Valentine. I'd take lounging around watching squirrels with you any day of the week."

Hermione laughed, bringing her hand up to cover his, "I like old fashioned." She opened her eyes to meet his, "I couldn't be happier with how things are too. And, can we just spend the rest of the day just the two of us? I like this." She squeezed his hand, "We don't get enough time like this."

"Of course." He quickly stole a kiss and smiled as he pulled back, "Why don't we clean all this up and head inside." He gestured to the picnic remnants, "There is a classic movies marathon on T.V. tonight and since we both like old things…."

She couldn't help but laugh, chastely kissing his cheek as they started the cleanup. They bantered back and forth as they put everything away and settled onto the couch for the night with a bowl of popcorn. As A Star Is Born began, the last sliver of the waning moon was at its peak and the stars had spread out across their sky blanket.

The clock's chime caught Hermione's attention and she looked over her shoulder, her eyes widening when she saw that it was officially the 15th.

"Oh, wow, I should be getting home!" Hermione stretched, looking to her companion, "I'm surprised Haynes hasn't called."

Rabbit sat up, rubbing his eyes, "Y-you know, if…if you want, you can stay over if you like. We can see how far we make it through the movie and then you can take my room and I can grab the couch."

Hermione leaned back against the couch, considering the offer. She was, after all, an adult; she didn't have a curfew anymore. Besides, she had spent the last two years adulting; she was old enough to decide if she wanted to stay over at her boyfriend's or not.

"Well, are you ok if the team finds out? Because you know they will…" Hermione thought about all of the times he had chided them for their crude jokes; her staying over would just add fuel to the fire whether they actually did anything or not.

"I thought we weren't caring what other people think?" He smirked, leaning back into the crook of the couch and holding his arm out in invitation.

Hermione just beamed and curled up to his side once more as he pulled a blanket up over the two of them.

"Happy day after Valentine's, Rabbit." Hermione sighed, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

He returned the gesture, quickly kissing the top of her head, and hugging her close.

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