The holiday of love arrived as everyone flocked to buy more of Wonka's and Miss Vicky's Valentine's Day collection. On his way home from school, Charlie Bucket could not help but notice every couple on every corner had Wonka's and Miss Vicky's treats and were kissing and embracing after every bite. Something about their creations led the town into an affectionate frenzy. Perhaps the candy-makers' mood when developing the treats became quite the special ingredient.
Arriving at his cottage, he saw his mother was humming to herself as she placed a dozen red roses from his father into a vase. The grandparents were sat in the living room watching an old romantic film on the television set. Walking quietly over to the kitchen and hoping no one would not notice, Charlie placed his book bag upright on the table. However, to his horror, it fell over and about a dozen pink and red cards came spilling out. Before his mother and grandparents could see, he quickly shoved them all back in but it was too late.
"Awww, Charlie! You got Valentines!" Mrs. Bucket cooed. "Everyone, look!"
"Mum! Stop it!" He turned scarlet and huffed in disgust. "It's these girls from my class. They give them out every year." Everyone in the room were laughing and teasing little Charlie. He pouted, quickly shoving all the cards back in his bag.
"I'm sorry, my darling." Mrs. Bucket smiled, kissing his cheek. "Alright, Mr. Wonka told me he wanted to see you as soon as you got home. We are going to set up the most romantic dinner for him and Vicky so hurry back!"
Finally, it something Charlie was looking forward to that day as he sprinted out the door, heading toward Mr. Wonka's tower. When he got to his room, he saw that the great chocolatier was almost ready, looking quite sharp with his black slacks and a dark burgundy dress shirt. However, he began to laugh at his mentor when he found he had a black tie wrapped around his forehead.
"Mr. Wonka! That's not where that thing goes! Here." He pulled up a chair to stand on it so he can reach to fix the tie.
The sharp dressing chocolatier pouted. "I can't believe my father gave me a tie when he never taught me how to wear it. I could never figure it out."
"There." Charlie grinned as he finished, stepping down from the chair. He took the jacket hanging from the wardrobe and handed it to him.
"I feel ridiculous…" Mr. Wonka looked at himself in the mirror as he put it on. The suit was made of the highest quality cashmere his father could find. It was a very sharp ensemble indeed. However, Mr. Wonka felt quite bare not wearing his gloves and hat. He began fussing with the lapel, feeling the silky texture of the fabric.
Charlie rolled his eyes. "Leave it alone, Mr. Wonka. You'll wrinkle it."
Mr. Wonka turned to the side to find anything out of place. However, the more he looked at himself, he had to admit he did not look bad at all. He smirked, nodding at his reflection. He definitely did not look bad at all.
"You look great." Charlie grinned. "And don't forget…" He began to make more kissing noises in mockery.
Mr. Wonka glared at the boy as he shoved him out the door. "Alright, Charlie! Out!"
Moments later, all dressed up and ready for the evening, Mr. Wonka went over to Miss Vicky's door, knocking on it. He took a deep breath as he had never felt so nervous in his life. While he searched for any signs of lint on his suit, the door opened.
"Good evening, Willy. Happy Valentine's Day!" Miss Vicky greeted. He finally looked up and gaped at who stood before him. She was quite a sight, wearing an elegant and tempting maroon cocktail dress.
"Vicky… You look, great!" Mr. Wonka gulped hard and was absolutely speechless, staring at her with a huge grin.
"So do you!" She smiled back at him and could not help but stare as well. She bit her lip, looking him over. Oh, how handsome and rather even more tasty he looked wearing a suit.
Clearing his throat yet again, he held out his arm, grinning. "Shall we?"
"Why, thank you kind sir." Miss Vicky snickered as she wrapped her arm around his. They stared and smiled widely at each other while walking quickly toward the glass elevator until… SMACK! The candy-makers found themselves on the ground.
"You really need to remember where you park that thing." Miss Vicky held her forehead as she saw Mr. Wonka getting up before holding out his hand. She looked up at him taking it.
"Silly elevator… heh!" He grasped her hand as he help her up. Realizing they both were without their gloves, their eyes went wide for a moment. Mr. Wonka gulped hard feeling her soft hand for the first time. He noticed she was stroking her thumb against his palm. He felt equally soft and it was a wonder how much they could feel without their gloves.
Trying to be the perfect gentleman, Mr. Wonka placed his hand at the small of her back leading her to the elevator. His hand seemed to have a mind of its own as it began feeling the soft curves of her backside. He flinched and stepped away from her as his face grew hot. "I'm… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"
"It's… alright, Willy." Miss Vicky let out small chuckle. "It's quite different without having our work clothes, isn't it?" He gulped, nodding nervously. He was never going to get used to all the gloveless touching nonsense. It was going to be a long night indeed.
When they reached the Chocolate Room they headed toward the beautiful view of the chocolate waterfall. They found a table was set up beautifully with two red candles and a centerpiece vase full of candy roses and heart lollipops. To the sides of the table, the little oompa-loompas were lined up, dressed in adorable, red waiter outfits.
"Willy, this is wonderful!" Miss Vicky smiled. "You planned all this?"
Mr. Wonka nodded. "Charlie and I did, so yah!"
Once they were seated, an oompa-loompa clapped his hands twice and the Chocolate Room lights began to dim. Another oompa-loompa lit up the candles. Burning brightly, the candles emitted heart shaped flames.
Mr. Wonka began to fidget again, growing more nervous that there was no turning back. They both kept avoiding eye contact with each other, glancing around the Chocolate Room. They remained in an awkward silence as dinner was served. Thankfully a few oompa-loompas came over to play soft, romantic music for the candy-makers to break the silence. As both have never been on a date before, they had no idea how to behave. It was nothing like they saw in the movies. They never spoke of anything else outside of work. However, Miss Vicky was still in shock with all the work Mr. Wonka put into their first night off together.
She glanced at him and finally spoke. "I must say, Willy, this is the first time I celebrated Valentine's Day with someone."
"Not even your family?" Mr. Wonka asked, thankful for her starting a conversation at last.
"No, they were always busy working and you know I never had any friends."
"I didn't either and I know exactly what you mean." He nodded. "Hey, did you know legend has it that Valentine's Day began with Saint Valentine who performed secret marriages when it was banned by the Roman Emperor?"
Miss Vicky grinned. "Yes! And another legend says that he was imprisoned and wrote love letters signed, 'Your Valentine'. Hmph! The only Valentine's Day cards I ever got said 'Be My Valentine, we're perfect for each other' signed by 'An Elephant' and 'It's Valentine's Day. Don't eat all the candy'. Horribly cruel, I say..."
They both frowned as they went silent for another moment. Miss Vicky glanced at him, chewing her lip. "Willy... I'm really sorry for making fun of you when we were children."
"All is forgiven." Mr. Wonka sighed. "I'm sorry for calling you Fat Lard and Chunky Vicky. I've seen fatter kids. You should have seen that Agustus Gloop child that came to the factory." They both began snickering. However, he had to ask her. "But why did you insist on competing with me all the time? I know it feels good to win, but why always with me?"
Her face turned pink, snickering to herself. "You're going to laugh but believe it or not, I just wanted to get your attention. I was always invisible in other schools and I guess getting you mad would make you notice me."
"Hah! I sure did notice you… I HATED you!" He chuckled.
She grinned. "I know I can't believe after hating and competing with each other all these years, we're now making candy together and celebrating with a beautiful Valentine's Day dinner. Who'd have thought of that?!"
"Charlie did." Mr. Wonka nodded. "I thought he was going crazy when he mentioned the idea."
Suddenly, he noticed dinner was ending soon and began to remember something he had to do as he called for one of the oompa-loompas. One of them came to his side as Mr. Wonka requested. "I want you to bring us the dessert I especially made for tonight, kay?!"
The oompa-loompa crossed his arms over his chest and bowed as the chocolatier did the same. Miss Vicky's eyes widened hearing the word. "Dessert?! You mean... sweets after dinner?!"
He nodded happily as he clapped his hands in anticipation for it. Alarmed, Miss Vicky began chewing on her nails, fidgeting uneasily. "I never had dessert in years, Willy…"
"Well it's darn about time you had some." Mr. Wonka beamed. "You're gonna love this!"
Moments later, the oompa-loompa returned with a silver dish and handed it to Mr. Wonka. He placed it on the table and removed the lid. And there it was. A small, luscious, fudge covered cake in a shape of heart that smelled absolutely heavenly. Miss Vicky grew accustomed to working with Mr. Wonka's chocolates and was often too busy to enjoy the aroma. However, this particular cake emitted the strongest, sweetest, and most hypnotizing scent, it was difficult for her to ignore.
She felt like she was going to faint. "Ohhhh no no no no no no, Willy! Not chocolate!"
Mr. Wonka insisted. "Oh come on, Vicky. I know you don't care too much for it but it won't hurt to give it a try. I promise it will be delicious! Here!" He did not bother worrying about his ungloved hand as he cut up a piece and held it up to her lips. However, she kept her mouth shut and shook her head, absolutely refusing it.
"Please!?" He rolled his eyes. "Oh go on, Vicky for crying out loud! Please?" He was offended that all his hard work in creating the dessert was being rejected. Finally, after all the begging, Miss Vicky finally decided to give in as she took a deep breath and had a taste.
She closed her eyes and sighed as she savored the smooth, light, succulent chocolaty goodness. "Mmmm... oh, Willy Wonka, you truly are evil."
He smiled proudly. "See? I told you so! Isn't chocolate just great?!"
Suddenly, Miss Vicky opened her eyes with a ravenous gaze at the confection. She began to devour its entirety. Forgetting her ladylike manners, she licked the small platter clean. Mr. Wonka stood petrified at her sudden reaction. Never has he seen her consume his chocolates before and the yearning in her eyes led him to believe she had been depraved for too long.
Finding the final trace of chocolate fudge on Mr. Wonka's fingers, Miss Vicky grabbed his hand and began licking and sucking them with pure desire for a last taste. With a loud gasp, Mr. Wonka's jaws dropped as he held his breath, feeling her warm mouth enveloped around his fingers. A peculiar burning sensation began filling in his chest and then finding its way down…way, way down. He could not help but stare at her when she began licking her lips quite seductively, caught in the moment of chocolaty ecstasy. He had no idea his chocolates would have such an affect on her!
After realizing what just happened, Miss Vicky snapped back into reality. Her face turning redder than her dress. She was mortified at her own behavior.
She took the napkin from the table, dabbing around her mouth and trying to regain composure. "I'm… I'm very sorry, Willy. I must have gotten a little carried away… I never wanted to tell you but I have a confession. I know I say I don't care for chocolate but the truth is; I'm absolutely addicted to it. I've always been. That's why I grew so fat that I had to stop it all together. I have terrible fear that if I got back to eating it, I'll be back being 'Chunky Vicky'."
"Don't be silly." He smiled, taking a napkin to wipe his hands. "Even if you became Chunky Vicky again, you'll always be beautiful no matter what!" Once he realized what he just said, he froze before cowering to hide his equally red face.
"Oh, stop that, Willy." She could not help but smile joyously at his compliment. "You know, I have to admit, I never bothered to make chocolates because yours are so unbelievably delectable. I can't ever compete!"
At this, Willy Wonka was lost for words as he grinned at her. "Why thank you, Vicky! As a matter of fact, I think they've gotten even better since we started working together." It was true, after all. They heard of that day's report of increased candy sales and the joy they brought to their customers. Their collaboration was simply magical. They celebrated the news finally consuming and enjoying their own creations. Miss Vicky was back to loving chocolate again.
The night had ended and the candy-makers retired to their rooms. When Mr. Wonka escorted Miss Vicky to her door, they stood staring at each other for a moment. After another silence hovered, she grinned. "Well, thank you for a wonderful night, Willy. I'm glad you asked me to dinner and I had an amazing time."
"Oh, good! So did I! Heh!" He smiled. "Uhh…goodnight!" Suddenly, he remembered what Charlie kept nagging him about what to do at the end of the night. He took a big gulp as he took a step closer to her, leaning in slowly. Once his lips were inches away from hers, he hesitated, giving her a quick kiss on her cheek. He took off running toward the stairs to hide his embarrassment.
Miss Vicky chuckled at the gesture. However, she suddenly felt her face starting to grow hot. She slowly lifted hand up to her cheek where Willy Wonka planted his luscious lips. She sighed and had that dreamy, far off gaze yet again as she began to realize she was truly falling for the amazing chocolatier.
Later that night, Charlie was lying awake on his bed. Everyone else was asleep in the house but he could not help but wonder how his mentor's evening went. Suddenly, he heard a small knock on the door. He got up and opened to find Mr. Wonka standing there with a large grin.
Charlie could not wait to hear all about his night as he went outside and closed the door behind him. "Mr. Wonka! So?! How did it go!?"
He kept giggling insanely and nodded. "Very well, thanks Charlie! So, I did what you to told me to do and gave Miss Vicky a great big kiss… on her cheek!"
Charlie began chuckling hysterically. "Mr. Wonka! When I told you to give her a kiss, I didn't mean on her cheek. Kisses on the cheek are for mothers and grandmothers. When you're in love with her, you have to kiss her on the lips!"
Mr. Wonka scrunched his face in slight disgust. "Huh?! Eww! I won't get mononucleosis will I?"
"Of course not! Well, my mum always told me grown ups kiss like that when they're in love. I'd never do it but maybe you can try it next time." Charlie shuddered at the thought.
"If you say so." Mr. Wonka nodded. "Yeah, I guess it won't hurt to try it out. Okie dokie. Good night, Charlie!"
He headed back to his room and once he was ready to go to bed, he heard a knock on his door. It must have been Charlie to ask him more questions about that night. He went to the door and answered it. "Charlie, I know you want to know more about tonight but go to b-… Miss Vicky!"
He gawked at her standing there silently, wearing a long, silk, lavender night robe which Mr. Wonka could make out that she may be wearing very little underneath it. He gulped hard and grinned nervously. "Is… um… everything okay?"
She did not say a word as she stepped inside. In a sudden, split second, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. Willy Wonka's eyes widened in shock but before he could protest, he found himself kissing her back as his hands gripped on her waist, pulling her against him.
Those were the lips he longed to taste and dear goodness! They tasted heavenly! Suddenly, the kiss grew deeper as he felt her tongue slip into his mouth. His eyes shot back open as he realized she was licking his tongue as if it were one of his chocolate lollipops. When he heard her let out a soft moan, a peculiar, yet exciting feeling began to fill him up. Perhaps she desired him as much as his chocolates after all. It did not take long for him to gladly returned the favor for she tasted even more delicious. He never knew he was capable of acting out any desire he had for her. He found himself ravaging her mouth, pulling her firmly against him. He felt the burning sensation build inside him once more. If it was because of the kiss, it was sweeter than any candy he imagined.
As things were beginning to heat up between the candy-makers, Miss Vicky pulled away and stepped back, leaving Mr. Wonka still puckering up. Oh, how he wanting more. Once he realized her kisses were no longer there, he opened his eyes, staring at Miss Vicky who was staring back at him, trying to catch her breath.
Once Mr. Wonka took a step toward her, she stepped back toward the door. She could not help but smirk at him as she uttered breathlessly. "Goodnight, Willy..."
Before he could say anything else, she was out the door and down the stairs. Willy Wonka stood in shock, gaping at the empty hallway before shutting the door. He could not explain what had just happened.
Moments later, he found his way back to Charlie's cottage and knocked on it again. The little boy yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Mr. Wonka, it's almost midnight. What happened?"
Mr. Wonka was in a daze, smiling widely and replied. "She tasted like strawberries and vanilla! Hehehe!"
"What are you talking about?" Charlie looked at him sleepily.
"I did it! We kissed!" Then he told him the rest of the story.
Charlie finally was awake as he chuckled. "So, did you like it?"
"Yeah! It was amazing. Better than any candy I've tasted! So that's what my cousin Wade was bragging about all this time… He was always such a cry baby. Heh!"