Valentine's Day ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Disclaimer: Suikoden and its characters are owned by KCE, not me. And if my fics resemble any other author's works, it's purely coincidental, since I'm sure there are millions of Suikoden fics out there, and I haven't read all of them yet.

Author's Note: The name I used for the hero in Suikoden 2 is Riou, and the castle is Genkaku Castle (as well as the library). This one's just a scene... kinda short. Hope you like it ^_^

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 4: Cupid's Arrow

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ayda closed her eyes as the refreshing, cool February breeze blew. She sat on the grassy mound beside the Genkaku Library, quietly enjoying her peaceful solitude. She smiled to herself as she basked in the warm sunlight, appreciating the perfect weather.

"That's her over there, Shiro. She's beautiful, isn't she?"

"Awwoooh!"

Ayda's curiosity, and ears, perked up. She knew Kinnison was talking to Shiro just a few meters away, behind the east wall of the library building. The acute sense of hearing she acquired from living in the forest told her so.

"Gorgeous, just gorgeous..."

"Awwoooh!"

Ayda felt herself turning red. She knew Kinnison had feelings for her and was quite shy about them, but she didn't expect to hear him say such things about her. She always told herself that she didn't have time for feelings like these, but perhaps it was the perfect day that made her think otherwise.

"...An exquisite creation of nature..."

"Awwoooh!"

Her smile widened. Aww, c'mon, she wanted to say. She was starting to feel quite embarrassed now, but still... hearing all those compliments made her feel every bit of the woman she was. She knew Kinnison never had the courage to say to her directly what he felt, so she continued to listen.

"...Just watching her makes my heart soar...it's so inspiring! It makes me wish I were back in the forest."

"Awwoooh!"

Ayda felt her heart melt a little. That did it. Both of them were devoted protectors of the forest, and just knowing that she inspired him, even just a little, and renewed his dedication made her happy. She stood up and walked over to the side of the library, seeing Kinnison and Shiro sitting on the ground and leaning against the wall, facing the other direction.

"Kinnison," she bent down and tapped the young archer on the shoulder. He jumped in surprise, looking at her with flushed cheeks.

"Oh, A...A-Ayda!"

"I think it's great that you want to return to the forest," she smiled, sitting down next to him. "I think of it sometimes, too."

"I, er... I didn't think you could h-hear me..." Kinnison uttered nervously.

"Nevermind that," she shook her head, feeling the heat creep back into her cheeks. "How would you like to accompany me to the forests near Radat? There are some interesting places I want to show you," she asked.

"S-sure! D-definitely!" he stuttered in reply.

"Great," Ayda grinned. Somehow she already felt closer to him. She hesitated for just a split-second, then leaned close and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. She stood up just as quickly, preventing any awkward moments or reactions. "I'll see you tomorrow, then!" she waved cheerfully and walked away. The two stared at each other in stunned silence.

"Did that just happen?" Kinnison asked his dog in disbelief.

"Awooh..."

"Wow..." he breathed. He shook his head and loudly exhaled his bewilderment. "Anyway, what were we talking about again? Oh yeah, the red-crested silver eagle..."