Valentine's on Halpha
She was going to kill them…that's all she knew. Aina, Manon, Jane, Fae…everyone! Even Glen, Naderah and Meri had the nerve to tease her about the upcoming holidays! Maria sighed as she sat in the chair in the suite she shared with Aina and Manon…those two were as bad as Dozer and Ran, both who were constantly telling her the type of chocolate Crawford liked. Maria didn't know why they were nudging her in that direction…and it didn't help that Crawford was identical to Julian. It was quite obvious to Maria that there was some relation between the two. Julian was Crawford's Ancestor, the looks were a dead giveaway. The shared family name of Isekai; Julian Crawford Isekai, Crawford Isekai…they were obviously from the same family tree and they were both Newman's.
The only difference…the centuries in which they were born.
With her Mag recording her memories that came in the form of dreams, Maria came to learn a lot…and kept much more a secret as a result. She didn't know too much but she knew she was far from the past…she had been in a cryogenic sleep too. She wasn't the only one though, a few Meteron's had been in cryogenic sleep before they descended to Halpha. Maria was one of the last ones that Descended…and one of the oldest as well. She had been in a cryogenic sleep for centuries…which was odd to her because her last memories before coming to Halpha was running through a corridor. Maria shook her head, trying to focus on the present…but it was hard. With every meeting with Crawford, she was reminded more and more of Julian…if she didn't know better, she would've thought they were the same person.
Maria had almost asked if his middle name was Julian or if he had a father or grandfather called Julian. She never did though, unable to understand if she would be able to bare the truth. Groaning, Maria ran a hand down her face, scowling at her Mag. "I regret asking you to record my memories." The Mag merely gave a few beeps, before Maria banged her head against the table. "Why did I think that was smart?" She asked herself, the Deuman completely flabbergasted by what she thought was a smart idea. "Maria, you here?" The voice of Aina asked as the door opened, revealing the dark skinned teen, making Maria look up. Aina was still so young but wise beyond her years since Garoa's death…something Maria believed was her fault.
She doesn't know why…but Maria felt that Garoa's blood was on her hands.
"Aina, what's up?" Maria asked the human, wondering what Aina needed. "Ah, there you are." Aina said as she came into the kitchen that was attached to the living room. "I was wondering if you were busy." Aina commented as she got closer, smiling at Maria who hummed, rubbing her chin. "I'm not busy at the moment. You need something?" Maria asked and Aina nodded. "Yep!" Aina replied, grabbing her hands. "Valentine's Day is next week and I was thinking of going shopping to get some chocolate to make something. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me." Maria hummed, tilting her head a bit. True, with the holiday closing in, people were going out to gather items to make chocolate and the Rappies were carrying cocoa beans that were used in the process.
There wasn't any harm in accompanying Aina to get the stuff…plus…it wasn't as if anyone was wrong in where Maria's attraction lay. After all, Julian was her past, a relationship that never had the chance to blossom. Now was her present and her future and, if Maria was brave enough, Crawford would be part of that future. "Alright, let's go." Maria said with a soft smile and Aina giggled, glad that Maria would accompany her to get the cocoa needed. The Rappies were sweet, surely they would give it to them without much problem? At least…that's what Aina was hoping for.
XXX
Why can't she be right for once?
Aina and Maria were covered in a few bruises and definite marks from sticks, though it wasn't too bad. The Rappies had NOT wanted to let the cocoa beans go but after a few tugs and puppy-eyes from Aina…as well as a fight when Emperor Rappy appeared, they had enough cocoa to make at least five boxes, literal boxes, of chocolate. Yes they could've simply bought some, the supply units always went out to gather what was needed but the two wanted to gather it themselves. After all, doing the gathering yourself was always more fun.
"I think this is more than enough, Aina." Maria said as she looked at the preserved cocoa beans they had. They were given special bags to help keep the beans fresh that the supply unit gave them, allowing them to gather and keep it safe and secured. "Yeah, I just wanted the extra for who all I'm making the chocolate for." Aina replied as they entered the kitchen of their suite, where Aina already had molds for the chocolate shapes. Maria perked at what Aina said. "Oh, that reminds me, who are you making the chocolate for?" Maria asked, she didn't know if Aina was doing it for the holiday spirit or if she was actually interested in someone. After all, this was WAY more cocoa beans than was needed for a single person. They already had enough of the other ingredients needed for the chocolate.
"Well, Manon obviously." Maria nodded, knowing Aina would make chocolate for Manon. "I'm also making some for Fae, I don't know if CASTs can even have chocolate but considering Jane is a mix of CAST and human biology, I'm making some for her as well." Right, Jane was one of the earliest CASTs made of her time, she was a mix of biological and mechanical components. Plus, the other CASTs they've met could eat…but sweets weren't something they've seen other CASTs consume. "I'm making some for Naderah as well, we know she likes things like this." Aina said with a wink, making Maria giggle. Aina had revealed that Naderah was more of a girly-girl than she let on but Maria found it an adorable trait.
"I'm also making some for Meri and her siblings, I think they'd like that. I also thought it'd be nice to make some for Glen and Kanui." Aina commented, before she put the bag of cocoa beans on the counter. "And obviously…" Arms were around Maria was Aina hugged her. "I'm making some for you as well, silly." Maria smiled at Aina softly, patting her back in thanks as she then returned the hug. "Thanks Aina. Let's get started!" Maria said energetically and Aina nodded, grabbing aprons since the two women often cooked.
A few hours later, as well as a few spills and slight panic when a batch went wrong, there was several red boxes full of chocolate. Each one was labeled. Aina had made sure to have the ones for Crawford though placed in a heart shaped box. Maria had gone to bed after the chocolate was ready and Aina said she'd package it all up, so Maria left her to it. Aina was glad she thought ahead to get the heart shaped box last and that Maria went to bed, otherwise Maria might've gotten angry. Maria didn't really show her feelings often lately and Aina wanted her to be happy and, when she was with Crawford, there was that light of happiness in her eyes. Aina wanted it to stay there! "Am I making the right decision, dad?" Aina asked herself as she put all the chocolate boxes in the fridge, before she attached a note to the one for Crawford, a message to Maria to hand the box over, before Aina retired to bed as well.
Next week was bound to be interesting.
XXX
Maria was flustered, a blushing mess as Aina, Fae, Manon and even Jane laughed at the flustered state Maria was in. It didn't help that Ran, Oranje, Rossa, Lui Lin and Dozer were COMPLETELY on board with Aina's plan to have Maria present her chocolate to Crawford. They had made sure to keep Crawford's fan club from finding out, as well as preventing any chocolate from reaching Crawford by other means. Crawford was, in all actuality, relieved he wasn't bombarded with chocolate this year. After all, he never finished all the chocolate he was given and, sadly, had to throw some of it away because there was always just too much. "I hate each and every single one of you." Maria muttered defeatedly, not at all amused by their laughs getting louder as they knew she was merely trying to stall.
The sun was already setting, she needed to hand it to him now! "Come on Maria," Fae urged, pushing the black haired Deuman closer to the doors to the Command Center. "You need to give it to him now, before it's too late." Fae commented and Maria flushed wildly, before pinching the bridge between her eyes and giving a growling sigh. "Fine…but I want you all to leave. No audience!" Maria hissed, glaring at them all with mismatched eyes and they all yelped, before leaving and Maria groaned. 'What have I gotten myself into?' Maria thought, looking at the heart-shaped box. Aina had, deliberately, left a note on the box before she left with the other boxes so Maria couldn't scold her at the time. 'Rather this goes well or not, I'm scolding her afterwards.' Maria thought, walking into the transporter to take her to the Command Center.
Even now, Crawford still worked.
As she reached the room, she was surprised that it had a slightly red tint to the room…probably because of some of the decorations in the room. "Hm? Maria?" Crawford turned to her, surprised to see her. He wasn't wearing his cape, she noticed. He thought she would've been elsewhere, anywhere but…here. It was another reason Crawford was happy he didn't get chocolate…and why he was working. Crawford thought she would've been with someone else for the holiday, it was Valentine's Day after all. He had seen Aina hand out chocolates today as it was, even gave everyone in the room a small box consisting of three small chocolates.
Maria blushed a little bit, before berating herself and telling her she could do this. If she could take down Command DOLLS after being fatally injured and even send Dark Falz packing whenever he showed up to stir up trouble, then she could do this! Taking a deep breath through her nose to calm herself, Maria took a few steps forward, before holding the heart-shaped box out to Crawford, surprise and a blush spreading across his face as he noticed what she was holding out to him. 'Oh…so…this is why…oh…' Crawford took notice of the bright blush on her own face.
Fuck, he's in deep…
"I, ah…" Maria averted her gaze, yet did her best to keep her voice steady and make sure she got her feelings across. "I…figured it was time…that I…well…that I confessed. I like you, Crawford, a lot." Crawford smiled gently, now realizing why she always got so flustered around him now. So…she was as attracted to him as he was her, was she? Taking mercy on her, he reached to take the box…when a mischievous thought came to him and he grabbed her wrist instead. With a yelp, Maria was yanked closer to Crawford, glancing up to him to see his smile.
"Wish I had known sooner." Crawford said softly, before pecking her lips and she flushed brightly. The box was slipped from her hands by Crawford, opening the lid and perking as he took notice that each chocolate had a different drizzle coating them alongside the chocolate. "Me and Aina made the chocolate by hand." Maria replied nervously, if just to fill the silence and Crawford gave a fond chuckle, lifting his navy blue eyes to look at her. "You didn't have to go out of your way for me." Crawford said softly, though he was deeply touched that she hand-made them.
Maria flushed, before puffing her cheeks a little. "Of course I did. You've done so much for Central City and for me and others that it only felt right to…" Maria flushed as she realized she was about to rant and Crawford smirked. Maria huffed, averting her gaze again. "Dammit, why am I slipping so much…?" She muttered to herself, before she felt a hand ghost across her cheek and she turned her head to Crawford, seeing his touched expression. "Thank you, Maria, truly." He kissed her forehead and Maria grumbled, frowning. "That's not…" She gave a sigh as he pulled away, raising a brow, before Maria cupped his cheeks.
"Idiot, here." She kissed him and Crawford almost groaned, wrapping an arm around her waist, placing the chocolates on the counter in the Command Room, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. Judging by the kiss, she had wanted to kiss him for some time and Crawford couldn't be happier for that, placing both hands on her waist and stepping closer. Maria wrapped her arms around Crawford's neck, gasping when he pressed closer and he took the chance to invade her mouth. Maria moaned, not having expected that but she was not against it either, instead tightening her arms before they separated to breathe, both panting lightly before smiling with flushed faces at one another.
"Had I picked up the signs, I probably would've asked you out sooner." Crawford muttered against her lips and Maria giggled, pecking his lips lightly. "I, sadly, am good at hiding my feelings." Maria muttered, even as Crawford raised a teasing brow. "You won't hide from me, will you?" He asked, half serious and half teasing. Maria snorted, kissing him again but pulling back before he could deepen it. "I think that answers it, don't you think?" Maria said softly, even as Crawford nodded. The kiss said it all, she won't hide her feelings from him…not anymore.
"I should probably let you leave before I do something I regret." Crawford whispered into her ear, making her flush brightly, before she nodded, knowing it was mostly a tease but also aware that there was a heated passion in the air around them. Giving Crawford one last lingering kiss, she turned to leave, waving bye shyly, before she was back in the main room. 'Julian is my past…Crawford is my future. You can rest Julian, I've found happiness.' Maria thought softly with a smile, before she left the tower, heading back to the suite. Her Mag beeped and she turned her head to see a message from Crawford, blushing with a joyful smile at what the message said.
"Be prepared for next month. I'm returning the gesture tenfold."
Seems some things never change.
Okay, so this is JUST a little bit late, I apologize for that.
Anyways, been wanting to do a Valentine's Story for awhile and finally got it done. (There is a Second Part for White Day but this will be labeled as complete until then.) This story has no correlation to my other short stories unless I say otherwise because I'm not sure how I'd actually have the confession between Crawford and Maria go because, truthfully, until we know the full story of PSO2ngs, I have no idea if they'd even be able to have a future with all the idea's I have.
I also have A LOT of AU ideas for Maria based on different outfits she has so, if any of you are interested in those, let me know and I'll get them posted. This is before Dark Falz Aegis appears, so its some time before the most recent update PSO2ngs came out with.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed it, this was purely made for fluff...but there might be something more on White Day~ We'll see~