Valentine's morning brought a piercing chill, as Karmi got off the train and spotted Hiro waiting for her with a bunch of flowers. Once again, they were at San Fransokyo Central Train Station. It was starting to become a regular occurrence now. Each time having more meaning than the last. They last stood here on Boxing Day, on what felt like the worst day of their lives, when they were forced to part ways. Today was the total opposite. It felt like life was just beginning. They started walking towards each other, getting faster and faster as they got closer, until they broke out in a little run. It wasn't too long until they were in each other's arms. Hiro swayed Karmi around and lifted her off her feet slightly. There truly wasn't anything that compared to moments like this and it made all the anguish of being apart, evaporate in seconds. Hiro put Karmi down and gave her a bouquet of daisies.
'Happy Valentine's! I wasn't sure what flowers you'd like, but I thought these would compliment you pretty well.'
'Oh, Hiro. They're perfect. Thank you.' She buried her nose in them and smelt them.
'I have a few things for you in my bag, but I'll give them to you later. For now, you can have this…' Karmi put the flowers down and pulled Hiro towards her by his coat collars and kissed him.
'Happy Valentine's to you too.' Karmi giggled cutely. Hiro grinned goofily as he always did after a kiss with Karmi.
'Mmm, that will do just fine.' Karmi stuck her tongue out playfully. She picked up the flowers and took Hiro's hand.
'Come on, Genius Boy. Take me back to yours. I need a nice hot cocoa to warm me up…'
'Sure, you're the boss.'
'Oh and there's more of that where that came from.' She winked at him.
'Damn.'
Hiro followed her like a dumbstruck puppy. Was this love? The "L word" was yet to be spoken, but they were both falling dangerously quickly. Everything about their relationship was unconventional and it felt like they were fighting against the odds at times. Yet it still felt right. So very right.
For the first time, Hiro and Karmi walked hand-in-hand down the street and they were actually starting to feel like a proper couple. And why couldn't they be one? They were taking everything in their relationship step by step and learning as they went along. There was no manual for it after all. Especially not for two awkward science students. But today felt like a massive step forwards, as they openly went out in public as boyfriend and girlfriend for the first time. Hiro even saw a few familiar faces along the way, who certainly weren't expecting to see him holding hands with a girl. It was a little weird at first, but it meant everything was becoming more real. After a few more curious looks from Hiro's neighbours, they finally reached the Lucky Cat.
'Welcome back, Karmi,' said Hiro as he held the door open for her.
'Thanks, babe.'
They stepped inside into what felt like a cozy little love cave. The cafe was just as well decorated as last time, with several valentine's decorations sprayed across the ceiling and walls. And the atmosphere seemed to be full of love and pleasant vibes. It was full of happy couples or just people that were close to one another. Karmi was in awe of the place again, as if it was her first time there once more. Then, as Karmi was just starting to see what special Valentine's treats were on offer, she heard a shriek from behind her.
'Ah! Karmi! You're back! It's so nice to see you again!' Karmi turned around.
'Oh, Cass! Nice to see you again too!' Cass pulled her into a crunching hug. She was over the moon to see her again.
'How are you? How've you been since Christmas? God, that feels like such a long time ago now!' said Cass.
'I've been good, thanks! Just been swamped with work. This year is a pretty important one for me. How about you?'
'Ah, well! Hiro tells me you're a real whizz like him. So, I'm sure you'll be just fine! And I'm good too, thanks. Business is good as you can see. Can I get you anything?'
'Oh, well I did like the look of the love heart cookies. And I've been dying for some hot cocoa!'
'Oooh, good choice! That one's selling like hot cakes! What about you, Hiro?'
'Hmm? Oh, I'll just have a cupcake please.'
'Alright, coming right up. Make yourselves comfortable. I'll bring it all over in a jiffy!'
'Thanks, Aunt Cass.'
Hiro and Karmi found a table by the window and waited for their orders. Karmi hadn't stopped smiling since she came in. Hiro raised his eyebrows inquisitively.
'What's got you so happy then, eh?'
'Oh, nothing…' Karmi smiled even wider. 'It's just this place. Just being back here reminds me of Christmas and everything. And now I'm back again, I want nothing more than to stay here with you. I mean, obviously I can't. But I'm loving every minute of it.' Hiro nodded understandingly.
'Yeah. It's reminding me about it too, now you're back here. And that's kinda the only missing piece of the puzzle isn't it? Us. In the same town. Together. Making more memories like Christmas. Like today…'
'Hmm. Well that's just the thing. You know I'd come back in a heartbeat if I could. But I just can't, can I.'
Hiro was about to interject when Cass came over with their orders. These big conversations were never easy to have, but if their relationship was going to survive, they would have to be addressed at some point.
'One cupcake for Hiro…' Cass placed it down on the table in front of him. 'And two special love heart cookies and a cup of piping hot cocoa for the lovely Karmi,' said Cass.
'Thank you,' they both said. Cass pulled up a chair and sat with them.
'Uh… Sorry, Aunt Cass. But we were kinda having a private moment here,' said Hiro.
'Oh, don't worry! I'll go in a minute. I just wanted to quickly check up on you two! You are still together, right?' Hiro sighed in embarrassment.
'Yes, of course we are! We're actually going on our first date tonight. Hiro's been keeping it a surprise for me all week, so I'm really excited!' replied Karmi.
'Oh, that sounds so good! It's just that Hiro hasn't really said much since you left. You know, Hiro. Never really has done much girl talk with me! Bless him.' Karmi laughed.
'Hey! I'm right here!'
'Sorry, honey. I'm just trying to get used to my little man having a girlfriend, that's all.'
Hiro wished he could just melt away right now. If this went on much longer, he might actually turn into Globby at this rate. He groaned. Karmi was just grinning the whole time.
'Okay, well I won't embarrass you anymore. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay, but it looks like everything's just fine! And you two do make an adorable couple, I have to say! I just know Tadashi would have loved to meet you, Karmi.'
Karmi was immediately taken aback by that statement. It was completely unexpected, but in a way, the ultimate seal of approval from Cass.
'Oh, you think so? That's very kind of you to say. Thank you. I wish I could have met him too.'
'Yeah. He would have definitely liked you, Karmi. He'd probably be embarrassing me too right now as well.'
They all laughed a little and then there was silence for a while. The cafe doorbell rang to end the quiet moment of thought.
'Oh, customers!' said Cass. She got up but then looked a little disappointed. 'It's Fred, Hiro.' She went back to the counter.
'Oh, hey Fred!' Hiro got up and hugged him. Fred said hello back, then turned to Karmi.
'Hey, Fred! Long time no see,' said Karmi.
'Yes, it has been a while! So nice to see you again! Hiro tells me yous two are still going strong. How's the latest member of the family doing? We've all missed you, you know.' Fred sat down.
Karmi beamed with pride, remembering she was actually part of the Big Hero 6 family now. A truly amazing group of people - and Baymax of course. She wished she could tell people, but she was true to her word and hadn't told a soul.
'I've been good. Thanks, Fred. How are the rest of the guys?'
'They're just fine and dandy! Although, there was this new supervillain we faced last year, that left us a little shaken up. But I think we've seen the last of him now and there hasn't been much trouble lately.'
'Oh, yes. Hiro did mention something like that the last time we saw each other. But he never told me much about him…'
'I'll tell you later, Karmi. Like Fred said, he's history anyway,' said Hiro.
'Okay, that's good to know.'
'Sooooo! Are yous two ready for our double date later?'
'Huh? Double date?' asked Karmi.
'Oh, did Hiro not say?'
'No, he didn't…' Karmi turned to Hiro.
'Uh, well. I thought as it's our first date, Fred and Olivia could come along to help ease us into dating life, you know? I mean if you'd prefer, we could just go without them?'
'Oh, no. It's okay. Truth be told, I was actually quite nervous about it. So, maybe they could help calm a few nerves.' Karmi laughed nervously. Hiro put a hand around her.
'Oh, I was totally just as nervous too, babe. But I'm really looking forward to it!'
'Me too.' They smiled at each other.
'Aw, you two are precious!' said Fred. 'So, Hiro. When are we doing the thing?' Fred whispered a little too loudly.
'What thing?' asked Karmi. She was in the dark with everything.
'Sorry, I can't say. It'll spoil the surprise,' said Hiro.
'Huh, okay then.' Karmi pouted, but assumed Hiro had something good planned so didn't question it further.
'Sorry, babe. I promise It'll be worth the wait!' Hiro then turned to Fred to answer his question. 'We've still gotta give each other our valentine's stuff, so would you mind waiting a bit down here?'
'Sure! Just make sure you don't lose track of the time. Remember we got reservations for six o'clock on the dot!'
'Yeah, thanks for reminding me. We shouldn't be too long. Come on, Karmi.'
It was 3 o'clock now, so Hiro and Fred only had a couple hours to do the thing. Hiro grabbed Karmi's hand and led her up to his room.
'Okay, make yourself comfortable, I'm just gonna get a vase for your flowers.'
'Alright.'
Karmi sat down on Hiro's bed and was instantly flooded with even more memories. It was right here that they were made official on Christmas morning. Karmi would never forget it. Then she noticed Baymax in his charging pod and wondered if he missed her too. The last time they saw each other, he was too depleted to even string a sentence together. Hiro came back and placed a vase on his bedside table, next to the robot Karmi got him for Christmas. Karmi handed him the daisies and Hiro proceeded to put them in the vase. Then he sat down next to Karmi and gave her a playful look.
'So… before we left the station, you did say there would be more… you know…' Hiro leant towards Karmi and pushed his lips out. Karmi laughed and pushed him away.
'Hey! Presents first! Stop being so impatient!' Hiro sighed and moved away.
'Aw, okay. But I'm definitely getting a kiss after.'
'Hmm, depends what you got me.' Hiro smirked.
'Oh, you're gonna love it.'
He got up and took a large gift bag out of his cupboard. Karmi looked excited. She took it from Hiro and looked inside. The first thing she noticed was a big white bear, with a heart attached to it and a card. Underneath was a small box of chocolates and sweets.
'I've never had a valentine, so I didn't really know what to get. But Fred and Honey Lemon said these were the standard things to get your girlfriend for Valentine's. I hope you like it?'
'I've never had a valentine either, so just getting any kind of gift is a nice feeling to be honest. But yes! I love it! Especially the bear! I'm gonna have to name him something cute. Thanks, babe.' Karmi hugged him.
'I got your gifts in my bag. Hang on a moment.'
'Alright, this should be good.' Karmi unzipped her bag and pulled out another gift bag.
'Thanks,' said Hiro. He took the bag from Karmi and opened it.
The contents of this gift bag was very different. There was a packet of gummy bears, a gift card for the Robot Store, a Valentine's card and something that was turned on its side. Hiro was intrigued by it, so picked it up first and turned it around. It was a framed picture of one of the photos Hiro and Karmi took at the arcade photo booth.
'I thought you'd like a picture of us to look at when you miss me...'
Hiro was stunned into silence and just stared at it in awe. Then he turned to Karmi and his eyes crinkled affectionately.
'Th-thank you. It's perfect. I'll look at it everyday and think of you.'
'Aww, you better! I mean the picture was before we got together, but that day was still pretty special to me.'
'Yeah, it was exactly the same for me too.'
'And I'm sure tonight will be even better.'
'Oh, it will be. But first…'
Hiro put the picture down on his bedside table and grabbed Karmi's shoulders. Then he got his face as close to Karmi's as he could, without actually making any contact. Karmi wasn't expecting this, but certainly wasn't backing off, as they both studied each other intimately. Karmi waited in anticipation, while her breaths became shorter and sharper. It was only going to be a matter of seconds now. Hiro closed his eyes and parted his lips. Karmi followed his lead and let out an inadvertent moan, before Hiro finally made the final move and swooped over to Karmi's lips. Both pairs of hands went around each other and then Hiro slowly eased Karmi down onto his pillow. It was the reverse of their last proper kiss. Except this time, Hiro was in full control and he was loving it. Their hearts were pounding vigorously and it continued like that for a good five minutes, until their eyes opened and they caught their breath.
'Happy Valentine's Day,' whispered Hiro in Karmi's ear.
The words felt like a lullaby to Karmi. She whispered the symphony back and then they stayed as they were for another minute, with Hiro looking down at Karmi and breathing heavily. Then the sound of Fred shouting upstairs took them by surprise.
'Hey! Hiro! We've really gotta go now! Time's-a-ticking!' he shouted.
'Alright, be down in a minute!' shouted back Hiro. He looked at his watch. 'Unfortunately, he's right.' He got up and Karmi sat up too.
'Shame. We should really do that more often,' said Karmi, a little disappointed it was over.
'Oh, definitely!' Hiro grinned. 'But I really gotta go now. Oh and don't worry. I've got everything in hand, so just relax and wait here. Baymax'll keep you company and get you anything you need. I'll text you when I'm back and have a ride waiting for you.' Hiro put on his shoes and switched Baymax on.
'Catch you later, babe.'
'Okay, see you later.' Hiro gave her one last kiss, just as Baymax rose from his charging pod.
'Hello, I am- Oh. Hello, Hiro.' He turned to Karmi slowly and blinked. 'Hello, Karmi. Hiro's…' Baymax paused as he was still struggling to compute the next word. 'Girl-friend.' Hiro and Karmi chuckled.
'You'll get it one day. See ya, buddy. Take care of Karmi for me!' said Hiro.
'Okay. I will take care of her. Goodbye Hiro.'
Hiro rushed out. Baymax turned to Karmi again and tilted his head. He had not had much interaction with her before, so was unsure how best to care for her. But he figured now was the time to learn and thought a quick health scan would be a good start. Ten seconds later he got a diagnostics report.
'You are in perfect health, Karmi. However, your heart rate is a little higher than normal, but beginning to settle now. I have concluded that this is because Hiro has now left the room.' Karmi smiled at him sarcastically.
'Well, yeah. I suppose that's love, Baymax…' Karmi sighed, thinking about what Hiro had planned. 'But it looks like it's just you and me now, Marshmallow Man.'
