A/N1: This wasn't me celebrating Valentine's Day. This is me and my International Fanworks Day tribute. The subject is definitely an over-explored one, but still it's been fun to write. And lookie, there are dialogs too! XD
Please enjoy this overgrown drabble, no matter which holiday you'd been celebrating and how :)
Cassian stretches out on the mattress with a sigh. Old injuries are giving him fits again and he winces at the sound of all those joints cracking. Yet, he stretches again, to finally settle comfortable against pillows. It's so unusual to have such a peaceful day, he feels kind of compelled to enjoy it. It's not a completely forced set of mind though. It's been very lazy day so far; the kantina meal was pretty good; and he really enjoyed the noisy company of their teammates. Or, the family, as Jyn tends to call the guys.
Speaking of which, he does wonder where Jyn currently might be. When they left the kantina and parted with Guardians, Jyn insisted that she has to take care of something first, and has run off after snickering Bodhi. She forcefully urged Cassian to go back to their quarters and have some rest without her. Idle waiting is not his idea of rest, but he agreed - out of curiosity, mostly; but also to not spoil surprisingly cheerful mood of his partner.
Jyn is back, eventually. She enters the room slowly, quietly, like if sneaking in. She seems so tiny standing there by the door - shrunken into herself, fragile and so very sad. Cassian's heart sink, but he knows better than to ask immediately what could've happened. They've worked together through many of each other's insecurities and fears, so he just knows. There are other ways than asking directly, to learn why out of sudden Jyn seems so terribly down.
Cassian lightly nods towards the space beside him and pats the mattress. The woman hesitates for a moment, then shrugs and at crawling speed joins him at the bunk. She mimics his position with her back against the pillows, then stills. Cassian knows well that stubborn stare into the distance. Jyn will talk only when ready, so he simply makes her aware of his steady presence by covering her hand with his. No crowding, no interrogation, just patience and support.
It doesn't take long for Jyn to sink deeper into pillows and start to talk, in that low raspy voice meaning something wrong has happened and she's dead serious about it.
"You've heard about that funny holiday everybody is talking about? Lovers' Day? It's celebrated with sweets and flowers and silly stuffed animals. It's today, apparently"
Sure he'd heard of the yearly event; and it happens to be today, indeed. It's the reason for the whole base buzzing with excitement for past couple of days. Although, knowing Jyn, he wouldn't suspect she'd ever care for this kind of festivities. And yet? Was she expecting to receive something from him for the occasion?...
"So... wanted to get you a gift for this... Found someone who could get some real Festian spices for your cooking... But turns out the person is still off the base..."
That woman! She's on the verge of tears just because of not being able to get a gift for him? It surprises Cassian over and over again, how selfless Jyn can be. No matter if her life has been mostly teaching her to be as egoistic as possible, for the sake of lone survival, she still cares deeply for the little family they've found. She cares deeply for him too and sometimes Cassian can't quite believe this is real - the trust, the care, the closeness. This is almost unreal as well: a carefully planned, thoughtful gift for an irrelevant holiday. A gift which would be a pure joy to receive, be it for an actual holiday or a totally made up one.
Jyn must've mistaken his silence for disappointment. She obviously feels hurt, because continues in much quieter voice.
"I thought you'd be happy. I wanted to make you happy. You deserve a gift today. And I failed"
"Oh no, you didn't. You already made me happier. You always do"
Jyn flashes a bitter smile, then sighs heavily. Yet, still stares ahead.
"Jyn, the spices were a great idea and you know it. But, do you know what makes the best gift today? You, here with me"
Cassian snuggles against Jyn and pecks her cheek.
"Come on, we've been through this already, just the other way round. Can we agree again that no gifts are ever necessary, and keep the promise this time?"
Cassian rubs his nose against Jyn's cheek, then gently puffs warm air just below her ear. His antics get rewarded with Jyn huffing something between a snort and a laugh. The man smiles, as he knows that this truly unnecessary worry about his feelings is finally dissipating. It's been unnecessary, but heart-melting all the same, the actual gift he got from her today.
"We'll do the cooking some other time. We've had our meal already and there are no duties for today. Let's just enjoy this gift of a peaceful afternoon, shall we?"
There's a genuine laughter in her voice when Jyn replies with a question of her own.
"I gather you do have an idea already for making the best use of our free time?"
That he does.
This is the best gift any of them could get in their chaotic lives, for any and all holidays. Both of them are in the exact same place. They are safe. They are allowed to be themselves for several hours more. For several hours more they can be with each other, for each other. Cassian smiles when Jyn draws closer for a kiss. They will enjoy the gift for sure, together.
A/N2: For some people the show-off is all that matters. Not for my OTP :3 Now please continue to Chapter 2, to see the event from Jyn's point of view :)