Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First.
Cedric scoffed from his window, at the oversized heart-shaped rose bushes that now adorned the castle's gardens. One of the many displays set up for this year's Sweetheart's Day festivities.
The sorcerer himself had never held any fondness for the holiday; with it's guady decorations... overly gushy atmosphere... and couples openly displaying affection to one another in ways that were perhaps better kept private...
Of course, the fact that he himself had never had a sweetheart to share it with, certainly had nothing to do with his dislike for the holiday...
...Well... maybe just a little...
But he had no time for such trivial notions as romance, or love, far more important matters occupying his attention. Such as his impending, albeit repeatedly delayed, conquering of the kingdom.
As he reminisced on his usual go to cure for loneliness, he heard a knock on his door. Cringing when he recognized it's rhythm.
"Come in," he chimed, as pleasantly as he could through gritted teeth.
Scarcely had he answered, when the door flew open. Revealing a small purple princess, carrying a basket of Sweetheart's Day goodies on her arm.
"Happy Sweetheart's Day Mr. Ceedric!" she sang.
"It's Cedric," he corrected for the umpteenth time, before putting on a not very convincing show of amiability. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit on this...fine day?"
"Here," reaching into her basket, and pulling out a card. "I wanted to give you yours before I headed off to school." Handing it to him as he raised a brow at her.
"And this too," now giving him a small box, which he recieved with his free hand.
"Princess Sofia!"
"Oh! That sounds like Baileywick!" he smiled, "You'd best run off then." Standing up to usher her out, all too happy to soon be rid of her.
"Okay, Bye Mr. Ceedric! I hope you like your Sweetheart's Day gifts," she waved, before descending from his tower with a skip in her step.
"Oh, I'm sure I will," his voice oozing with fake cheer. Swiftly closing his door again before she was out of his line of sight.
"Hmph," he sneered. Staring for a moment at the two presents still in his hands, before tossing them uncaringly onto his cluttered table...
That evening, Cedric practically had to drag is feet to make it to the comfort of his chair, before unceremoniously plopping his forehead on the table.
"Yet another wretched day Wormy!" he lamented with a groan. The bird crooning sympathetically.
As he brooded miserably, his gaze caught sight of the card and gift Sofia had given him earlier. Their heart decorated and lavender colored packaging standing out amid the clutter of books and papers.
He rolled his eyes, and reached for the card. A surprised yet thoughtful expression crossing his features as he examined it more closely. He had expected some generic trinket, like the mass produced cards Amber issued out to all the servants every year (well, all except him apparently). But instead he found a completely unique, and clearly handmade, creation.
Opening it up, he saw Sofia's handwriting. Recognizing it from the gold star she'd given him almost a year ago. The message inside reading:
Dear, Mr. Cedric (amusing that she could spell his name, but not pronounce it)
Thank you so much for all your help this past year. Especially with my sorcery class. It's been really fun helping in your workshop and practicing spells together. You're a great sorcerer and a super friend, and I can't wait to learn more magic with you.
Happy Sweetheart's Day! Love, Sofia
ps. I hope you enjoy your Sweetheart's Day treat. I made it myself.
Cedric read it a few more times, his mouth gaping open slightly. Of course, the incidents of him helping her that she'd mention had all been ploys to steal her amulet. But he still couldn't help but feel touched by the sincerely written note.
Setting it down, his gaze then traveled to the small gift still lying askew on his table. Reaching over he opened it up to reveal a large cookie. It's purple frosting and other decorations smudged unrecognizable.
He frowned, recalling the way he'd callously handled it earlier. Pulling out his wand he whispered, "Restorato!" The pastry returning the design Sofia had initially bestowed on it. Cute, but still showing it's amateur's touch.
Picking it up, he examined it further. A small laugh escaping him when he recognized what the red candies arranged in a heart pattern resembled. Taking a bite, he chewed a moment and winced. A baker the child was not! But...chewing some more... it wasn't too terrible. A bit burnt, yes, and she could probably stand to mix in her ingedients a little more thoroughly. But he could tell there was a great amount of care she put into it, which made it seem better.
Perhaps that was the love, so many chefs talked about.
He finished all of it, and gently tucked the card away along with the real rubies the candies had attempted to emluate. Then buckled down for some late night work. Feeling much lighter than he'd had the rest of the day.
The following Sweetheart's Days proceeded in much the same way, with Sofia presenting him each year with a card and sweet edible gift; and Cedric found himself looking forward more and more to the saccharine holiday each year. Especially as her baking improved. Why, he'd even started getting some of those generic mass produced cards from Amber, as well as a few trinkets from James on occasion. Which surprisingly, made him happier than he thought they would.
"I wonder what she'll give me this year," he mused aloud to himself, a habit he'd developed since Wormwood's departure. Busily adding ingredients to his latest potion.
He knew the young woman and her family would be celebrating in Tangu that evening. But he fully expected her to stop by before then, as she always did.
As he thought pleasantly on the subject, he frowned as he finally recognized something.
That in all these years he had never got something for her.
"Merlin's Mushrooms!" he cried. After all she had done for him, and not just for Sweetheart's Day.
"I...I've got to find a way to make it up to her!" he fumbled. But how?
Looking down he noticed a small stone upon his desk; and, after briefly wondering how it got there, recalled a first magic lesson long ago.
And that gave him an idea.
"Mutato Rubio!"
Sofia finished placing the final touch on Cedric's gift. Admiring her handiwork a moment, and checking for anything amiss, before carefully wrapping it.
She held it up, heart pounding as she recalled the note she'd hid inside. Before clutching it to her chest as her sister's call of "Sofia!" nearly startled her into dropping it.
Sighing in relief, she answered back, "Yeah, Amber?"
The older princess poked her head in. "Are you about ready to go? The coach is waiting for us."
"Yeah, I just need to give my gift to Cedric first."
"Oh, that's right," the blonde sighed. "Here," pulling out a card from her dress. "Do you think you can give him mine as well?"
Sofia let out a wry smile, "Sure Amber."
After promising her family she'd meet them at the coach in just a few minutes, she began the trek to the sorcerer's workshop. Though she didn't have to travel far this time. Bumping into him as she turned the corner; both of them giving an "Oof!"
"P..princess Sofia!" he cried, checking her over. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine," relieved she hadn't dropped the package in their collision. "I was just coming to give you your gift."
"I see," Cedric said as he picked up the small card on the ground. The tiniest flash of disappointment crossing his features.
She caught his expression and stifled a laugh. "That one's from Amber."
"Ah, I see," mood shifting. "Well, be sure to offer her my thanks."
She nodded. Then clutched the package one last time before handing it to him. "This one is from me."
Eyes lighting up he took it reverently, and undid the ribbon. Gasping softly when he lifted the lid.
Arranged neatly in a heart shape in the box was an array of decadent looking chocolates. The likes of which he'd never seen before.
"Sofia...you made these?"
"They..they're not as good as the ones I get from Elena," she added modestly. "Though she did give me the recipe... I just need to practice more..."
"I'm sure they're wonderful," he assured with a smile. "And look! Here's a card." noticing it tucked in under the purple silk the candies rested on. Strange... she usually had it at the top...
"Oh! uh..." she cried stopping him, her cheeks blushing bright. "You can read that later."
He quirked a brow at her, "Okay.." tucking it back in. "But I can have some of my candy now right?"
She giggled, "Of course." Watching as he selected one and took a bite.
Cedric closed his eyes, humming in delight at the rich dark chocolate flavor. Tasting something fruity along with it. Strawberry? or maybe raspberry.
"These are absolutely fantastic Sofia!" he complimented.
"You think so?" her eyes wide and hopeful.
"Of course," he nodded. Taking in her expression affectionately before recalling why he had been in such a hurry himself.
"Um I..I have a gift for you as well."
She blinked, surprised "You do?"
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a small box, handing it to her. She unwrapped it, letting out a soft gasp.
"C..Consider it my return gift for all the wonderful gifts you've given me all these years..." he explained, rubbing the back of his head. "Although, I'm sure I still owe you much more than that..."
Laying on a silk bed was an ornate comb, with roses fashioned from magically crafted rubies.
"It's beautiful!" she sighed.
"If I may?" he offered, holding his hand out.
She gave it to him, and he proceeded to fix it in her hair. "There! it looks much better on you."
Her rosy cheeks blushed further as she looked up at him with those bright blue eyes; and Cedric felt his heart skip a beat.
"Well, um..." clearing his throat. "You better get going. Wouldn't want to miss your party."
She nodded, starting to leave. But not before standing up on her toes to plant a kiss on his cheek. His eyes widening.
"Thank you Mr. Cedric," she whispered. "Happy Sweetheart's Day." Swiftly heading off to join the rest of her family.
Cedric stood there dumbfounded, his heart pounding excitedly. Slowly reaching up a hand to touch the spot where she'd kissed him. A goofy grin spreading on his face.
"Happy Sweetheart's Day, Sofia."
A/N: And Happy Sweetheart's Day to you as well, dear reader. I hope this story gave you warm fuzzies. :)