I'm terribly sorry for the late update on this final chapter. I personally didn't think it would take this long, but a lot of things have came up and I just recovered from the stomach flu (Yuck). I hope this chapter still makes up for the long wait.
Inspiration: The inspiration for this one-shot came to mind after some hard thinking. I had a bunch of ideas for this one, but it basically came down to one. I also added a small twist at the end. Another inspiration came from listening to the song "I'm Gonna Love You," by Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Enjoy Part III.
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Perfection of a Rose
By Babygurl278
"The love we give away is the only love we keep."
-Elbert Hubbard
"Cheer up, Samus. It's not going to that bad spending time with your family."
Samus folded her arms across her chest as she leaned against the windowsill focused on the world outside her bedroom. Krystal's encouraging words ran through her mind over and over again. She tried to tell herself the same, but found it impossible to admit.
"That bad?" Samus repeated taking the time to look away from the window. Krystal sat on the edge of Samus's bed with her legs crossed, and both arms stretched out behind her supporting herself up. She wore a white sweatshirt and a pair of jeans with black boots. The nineteen year old vixen grinned in response. "It's not that I don't love my family, but I would rather spend time with him."
"I understand perfectly," Krystal sat upright resting her elbows on her legs. "My parents wanted me to go out to dinner with them and my little sister, but luckily I was able to snatch a date with Fox."
Samus sighed watching her neighbor drive down the street in a black Sedan. It the first Valentine's Day that her and her boyfriend Marth were together. She had been anticipating this day for months, until Marth had explained he would be out of town with his father. Now Samus was stuck without her Valentine, and spending the night at a family dinner.
"There will be other day's you both can go out," Krystal explained.
"I know, but not other days like this," Samus replied turning back to her close friend. "It's not just Valentine's Day, but also…"
Krystal nodded interrupting as she caught the drift. "Oh yeah…I completely forgot."
Samus frowned. "You see now?"
"You'll see him tomorrow," Krystal reassured smiling, hoping to try and cheer the depressed blonde.
A sudden knock came to the door causing Samus and Krystal to both react looking in that direction. Mrs. Aran, Samus's mother, spoke on the other end before opening the door. She stuck her head into the room revealing her bright blue eyes, and long wavy blonde hair. "Samus, you should probably get ready soon. It's almost time to go. Also, you might want to dress nicely tonight."
"Why?" Samus questioned in response. "It's just us."
"Yes, I understand but there is nothing wrong with being classy," Mrs. Aran politely smiled at Krystal before slipping out of the room.
Krystal raised an eyebrow perplexed looking back at Samus who shared the same expression. The eighteen year old shrugged as she removed herself from the windowsill stepping over to her closest following her mother's commands.
Krystal stood to her feet pulling out her keys. "I wonder what that's about."
"Who knows?"
"Well, I'm going to head out. I got to get ready for my date," Krystal grinned ecstatically.
Samus laughed as she pulled out one of her dresses. "Have fun tonight."
"Thanks," Krystal replied walking over to the door. She grabbed the doorknob giving Samus a thumbs up. "You have fun too. It's always nice to spend some time with your family."
Samus reluctantly agreed. "I know," she sighed. "Thanks."
Krystal turned, and opened the door waving before she left.
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It didn't take long for Samus to get dressed for the night. She wasn't fond of dresses, but found a way to get by them during certain occasions. She stepped to her floor mirror examining herself before leaving. She wore a black spaghetti strap dress that feel just below her knees, and matching heels. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail with two long strands loose on the sides. She sighed at her reflection feeling like she had overdone it. She was dressed more for a date, and not a family outing. Though she couldn't help but listen to Krystal's words, and just enjoy the night. Her parents weren't bad to spend time with, and since Marth was out of town she thought, "what the hey?"
Samus walked over to her bed and grabbed the thin black jacket that came with the outfit. It was thanks to Zelda who helped her pick it out at the store one day on their shopping spree together. She tossed the jacket around her shoulders stuffing her arms into the sleeves. Her thin silver cell that was revealed after being hidden under the coat. She sat down, and picked it up dialing Marth's number hoping for an answer.
She listened to the dreadful rings before the answering machine had picked it up. She was tempted a leave a message, but found herself closing her phone as another steady knock came to the door. Samus immediately stood and turned as her mother opened the door once more dressed in a similar fashion as her daughter.
"Are you ready, Samus?"
"Yes mother," Samus replied. "I'm ready."
The drive to the restaurant was a silent one. Samus sat in the back seat staring helplessly out the window. Lights shined in her face as her father carefully drove down the crowded lively streets. She looked out at the cars driving by feeling herself daze into her own world. She thought about Marth, and what he was doing at the moment. Was he thinking of her? Or enjoying his time with his father? It was a special day for both of them announcing their four month anniversary, but Marth had more to celebrate. She wish could be with him.
They drove passed the Outback, which caused Samus to smile trying to spot either Krystal or Fox's car in the parking lot. Krystal had told her earlier today that Fox had made reservations, which was the vixen's favorite place to eat. Samus could easily understand why Krystal didn't pass up the opportunity to go on a date wit him. Plus, Samus didn't forget the crush Krystal had on Fox since the beginning of tenth grade.
Her father turned onto a side street causing Samus to sit up looking in the direction they were heading. The only restaurant in the area was Olive Garden, which puzzled her somewhat. She knew this wasn't the place her parents had agreed upon, and they were the type of people who don't change their minds at the last minute.
"What are we doing here?" Samus questioned as her father pulled into the parking lot. Samus looked out the window as they drove up to the front entrance, where a group of people were seen standing outside.
"We're dropping you off," her mother replied.
Samus's eyes widened. "What?" She grabbed her mother's seat pushing herself closer to the front. "What do you mean? I thought this was a family outing."
Her father placed the car in park before turning back his daughter looking at her behind his glasses. "Just head inside. We were told to drop you off here."
"By who?" Samus squealed.
Her mother kindly laughed. "Have fun, dear."
Samus sighed aggravated knowing that her parents weren't going to say anything else. She unbuckled herself, and stepped outside feeling a little embarrassed that she was arriving alone. She nodded good-bye to her parents who waved and drove off heading to the destination their hearts were truly set on, leaving Samus to find her way alone.
Realizing standing outside in the cold wasn't going to do her any good she headed inside hoping to see a familiar face. Inside more people were seen waiting as they sat around the entrance. Samus walked up to the brunette behind the podium holding a pen and menu in her hands. She lifted her head to Samus, and smiled with a friendly greeting.
"Hi, welcome to Olive Garden may I help you?"
Samus bit her lip anxiously as she abruptly scanned the area for someone she recognized. Nothing but strangers surrounded her. "I believe I'm here for someone."
"Your Name?"
"Samus Aran."
The woman looked over Samus's appearance before looking at the names listed on the sheet. Samus lowered her eyes trying to follow her gaze at the names printed in messy handwriting, but found no luck before the employee responded.
"Ah yes, you must be with the Lowell party."
Samus felt her heart drop. Marth. He was here! "Lowell," She repeated. "Yeah…" she corrected herself. "Yes, that's me."
The woman smiled as she stepped to the side gesturing for Samus to follow. Samus clutched tightly to her belongings feeling her heart pound with excitement. Was this a surprise? Did Marth surprise her by heading home early, and get her parents involved? She found herself smiling once they took a corner. Her eyes scanned the booths ahead before spotting a blue hair male sitting alone at the end.
"Here we go, miss. Enjoy," the woman directed before turning to leave.
The male reacted to the woman's voice as he turned looking over his shoulder. Samus squealed as she hurried over toward Marth standing to his feet. He smiled holding his arms out as Samus abruptly embraced him.
"Marth! I can't believe it's you," she leaned her head against his chest inhaling his familiar scent causing her to fall in love all over again.
Marth chuckled as he stroked her back kissing her hair. "I guess the surprise worked after all."
The two broke apart as they briefly locked lips rejoicing after days of being apart. Samus only wished they could savior the moment longer, but respected the fact they were in the middle of Olive Garden. She was the first to pull away as she stepped back to glimpse at his appearance. She had to admit he was incredibly handsome tonight certainly dressed for the occasion. He wore a dark blue buttoned up shirt tucked into his black dress pants with black shoes.
"Let's sit," Marth directed as he gently grabbed her arm guiding her to the booth.
Samus sat across from him setting her cell phone on the seat next to her. She looked at Marth sitting across from her staring into his deep blue eyes. She couldn't help but smile still finding it hard to believe that she was enjoying her Valentine's Day with him.
"How did you manage this?" Samus questioned eager to figure out the details.
"My father and I came home early so I quickly made some reservations and called your mother. With some secretive planning, we were able to make this possible," Marth answered.
Samus grinned. "I'm really glad. I'm actually surprised my mother had kept it a secret." She chuckled looking down at the table. "I was wondering why she told me to dress nice."
Marth smiled in response. "You look beautiful," he whispered.
Samus's eyes shot up to his own. She laughed anxiously at how affectionate Marth was staring at her. It had been three days since they saw each other. Samus had a feeling this night was going to make up for it all. "Thanks, Marth."
Marth reached across the table, and took his hands in hers. She smiled looking down at their hands intertwined before realizing she had left something important at home. If only she would have known sooner. She frowned lifting her head back to her boyfriend.
"Oh Marth, if I would have known I was going to see you today I would have brought both of your gifts."
Marth laughed shaking his head. "It's okay, there's no need."
"What do you mean there's no need?" Samus retorted. "Marth, it's our four month anniversary, and Valentine's Day not to mention--"
"Shh," Marth lifted his finger to her lips swiftly causing her to stop. "What I meant was that the only gift I need is you being with me."
He lowered his finger causing her smile contently. "Really?"
Marth nodded. "Really," he repeated softly.
Their waitress arrived obliviously to the fact that she had ruined their moment. The young and thin blonde grabbed her pad and pen exchanging glances between the couple with her usual greeting.
"Hello there, I hope you both are enjoying the lovely holiday my name is Melissa, and I'm going to be your waitress for the evening. Can I start you two off with a drink?"
"I'll have some water," Marth ordered.
Samus nodded. "I'll have the same."
Melissa smiled as she stuffed the pad into her apron. "Okay thanks. I'll be right back with those drinks."
"Although, speaking of gifts," Samus turned watching as Marth reached for something in his seat. Her eyes widened as Marth lifted up a long thin box. He reached it over the table handing it out to her. "I got this for you."
Samus gently grabbed the box with shaky hands already guessing what it could be. She opened the box to her amaze and found a fresh dark red rose. Marth smiled as Samus lifted it from within the box lowering it to her nose where she smelt its beauty and perfection.
"Marth, it's beautiful," Samus whispered softly. "Thank you so much."
"I know it's not much, but it's all I could at the last minute."
"It's perfect," Samus explained.
"I'm glad," Marth smiled. "Happy Valentine's Day, Sam."
Samus smiled. It was amazing how earlier today she was distraught for spending time with her family, but now her emotions completely turned around. It was truly the Valentine's Day that she wished for. She was out at dinner with the only person she wanted to be with. With the only man she deeply loved. Nothing else could make this moment more complete.
"You too," Samus added softly. "And happy birthday Marth."
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Author's Note:
This ends my Valentine's Day Collection. I enjoyed writing this final one. I don't know if Marth actually does have a birthday or not, but I just made his Valentine's Day (More reasons for us to love him). I didn't want to give out in the beginning that it was his birthday until the end so hopefully I did okay through out the one-shot.
Also, I know Krystal is not in SSB but am I the only one who noticed that they still lack females in Brawl? I was hoping Krystal would have made it or at least another girl, but oh well. I decided to put her as another friend with the girls because obviously Peach and Zelda both had other plans.
I hope everyone enjoyed. Again, I'm sorry for the mistakes.
Until Next Time!