AN: Happy (early) Valentine's Day!
Lucy felt better than she had in months. In this last week, Schroeder had been keeping track of her eating habits. He never pressured her, but she didn't want to disappoint him. It went little by little, from little snacks to one full meal. Schroeder had taken her to a diner the night before Halloween, skipping the football game. Something about the place made Lucy think about her grandmother. There was a woman who loved to eat and didn't let anything about weight bother her.
They talked and laughed all Friday night, slowly picking at their food. Schroeder told her jokes and stories. She returned the favor, speaking about baseball in the summer. Lucy never had the time to pay attention to her plate. She just remembered reaching for another fry, and it was clean. Her eyes widened, and her hands darted to her stomach. She wasn't bloated, not even an inch. For once she had felt...good and full. Surprised, she met Schroeder's smiling eyes. She was proud of herself.
When he dropped her off that night, they were silent in the dark cab of his car. "Thank you," she told him. "For paying."
"My pleasure," Schroeder admitted.
"I shouldn't let you spoil me like that," she shook her head. Her mother had taught her better than that.
Schroeder shrugged as he fiddled with his jacket. "I'm simply glad I could help."
"Why do you?" she asked.
"Help?" he queried.
"Mhm," she encouraged.
"I don't know," he admitted, pointing his chin to her. He focused on her hand in her lap. "I suppose I've become attached to you after all of this time."
"Really?" It was practically a gasp that echoed from her mouth. Her cheek instantly reddened.
"You don't spend over ten years with someone and not at least like them a little bit," he smirked. She laughed, not knowing what else to do. She felt positively giddy. She felt like she was ten years old again, leaning on that tiny red piano, staring aimlessly at that blonde boy. Her heart skipped a beat at the memory. She hadn't felt like this in a long time. She felt so alive with him.
"I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," Lucy said dishonestly. He had said many sweeter things, but at this moment, it simply felt right. He chuckled at that, making her cheeks turn a deeper shade of crimson.
"You look nice tonight," he suddenly stated. Now that was the one thing Lucy had ever heard from Schroeder. Or any boy for that matter. She never thought of herself as beautiful. She never received compliments as Patricia and Violet had for so many years. It had made Lucy so jealous and bitter. No boy would ever care to tell her of her beauty, and here was the man of her dreams telling her just that.
"Now you're just playing with me," she shook her head.
"I'm not," Schroeder insisted.
Lucy huffed, "I've probably got ketchup on my face." She began to wipe her cheeks impulsively, making sure that wasn't the real case.
"Lucy," he tried calling, but she continued to wipe her face. "Lucy." He grabbed her wrists, making her instantly freeze. "I'm not lying. You look healthy, happy, and refreshed. Your cheeks are practically glowing."
"Schroeder..." Lucy was speechless.
"I'm proud of you," his hold went from her wrists to her hands. He squeezed her palms. "Thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun."
Lucy didn't know what she was doing until her lips touched his cheek. She didn't recall the moment she thought she would lean in, but she had. His skin tasted like the salt on the fries, or maybe that was left over on her lips. She lingered by his face, realizing what she had just done. Slowly pulling back, she was petrified. Her shock only grew when she saw the look on his face. His composure hadn't changed, his smile might've gotten wider, his breath radiating on her skin.
Schroeder closed the gap between their mouths. Lucy had never been kissed before, she wasn't entirely sure what to do. Trying not to be completely overwhelmed, she replayed any kiss she had watched on television. They all became fuzzy when she felt his lips slip between her own. Then she understood and was completely swept into the moment. She tilted her head, deepening the kiss. He let go of one of her hands, tucking her hair behind her ear, and caressing her cheek. If she wasn't so content, surely her heart would've exploded.
She barely caught a breath of air before he planted a short second kiss. Her eyes fluttered open, blurred at first before he came into focus. He appeared as frazzled as she was. Schroeder cleared his throat, and she pretended to sniff. Their hands were still connected as they each ran their fingers through their hair, fixed their coats, and stole sheepish glances at each other. "I guess I'll pick you up at six," Schroeder finally said.
"I thought we agreed on quarter to seven," Lucy snapped back into focus. The dance started at eight, and they were going to get dinner with the gang beforehand at seven. "We'll have plenty of time for dinner."
"For dinner, yes," he offered. "But it might take a bit longer to get to the restaurant."
"It's two miles," Lucy shrugged, not understanding what he was playing at. He bit his lip. She reached up to play with her necklace, but it was missing. She wondered if she had left it in the piano room.
"So then we'll have some extra time," Schroeder shrugged. It was only then she knew what he meant. She blushed, not being able to find any clever words to retort.
"Goodnight, Schroeder," she finally said, giving his hand a quick kiss before she opened the car door. The chilly October night air swept over her as she stepped out. She glanced back at him once before finally going into the house, relieved she had held her composure. She put a hand over her mouth, smiling like an idiot underneath as she heard him pull away from the curb.
She heard a lamp click as she put herself upright again. Linus came from the living room dressed in his pajamas. "You're home late."
"And you're home early," Lucy took off her coat, hoping she had gone back to her pale complexion. "Did we win?"
"Of course we did," Linus shrugged. "We left as soon as it was over. Mrs. Brown dropped me off a half-hour ago."
"I suppose she does drive a little fast," Lucy hung up her coat and scarf.
"Where were you?" Linus asked finally. She knew he knew the answer. Schroeder had picked her up not long before Linus had left.
"I was with Schroeder," Lucy said simply.
"I didn't see you at the game."
"We didn't go to the game," Lucy admitted.
Linus folded his arms, waiting for more. She kept her mouth shut. "Well, I guess I can go to bed now. Goodnight, Lucy." He moved on without another word.
"Goodnight," she whispered as he went up the stairs. She would follow him shortly, but first, she headed for the kitchen. Grabbing a small snack, she made her way upstairs and into bed, where she would fall asleep to the thought of Schroeder's kiss.
Schroeder buttoned his black suit jacket over his white collared shirt as he walked up the steps to Lucy's house right at six. He had already checked his blonde hair three times in the car, but he checked it once more in the reflection in the window. He held the little corsage he had bought for Lucy. His mom had already pinned his own to his jacket. A red rose.
Bouncing on his heels, he hummed the Beethoven piece he had been practicing earlier as he rang the doorbell. He didn't see who had come to the door, but Rerun swung it open. "Hey, Schroeder," Rerun looked rather confused. "What brings you by?"
"I'm here for Lucy," Schroeder stated suspiciously. He thought Lucy would've spread the news of her date, but judging by the look on her youngest brother's face, he knew he thought wrong.
"If you say so," Rerun held the door open for Schroeder. He stepped inside, unsure of what to do. Rerun went back into the living room. Schroeder stood and listened for any commotion. He heard the voices in the kitchen.
"Rerun?" Mrs. van Pelt hollared. "Who was at the door?" Schroeder poked his head in. She put a hand to her heart in surprise. "Schroeder. You scared me. Lucy will be down in just a minute. She had to fix one last thing." He felt more comfort from her words. He was supposed to be here.
"What exactly I don't know," Linus added, clicking his belt into place. His thick dark hair was combed back, his suit was black, and his undershirt red. Linus had told Schroeder last week that tonight was the night he and Sally would make themselves known. Schroeder had forgotten about it until now when Linus took a corsage out of the fridge.
"Linus was so sweet in asking little Sally Brown to the dance," Mrs. van Pelt clapped her hands together.
"What would possess him I don't know," Lucy said as she came into the room. She stopped as soon as she saw Schroeder. His jaw practically dropped at the sight of her. She was in a soft light blue dress, one that was cut just above the knee and sat nicely around her figure. Around her stomach was a larger dark blue ribbon, which matched the tie in her hand. Her raven hair was in ringlets, and her eyes lined. "Hey," she finally said.
"Hey," he snapped out of his daze. "Is that for me?" He pointed at the tie.
"Yes," she nodded, handing it to him. "That way we'll match." He slung the tie over his neck.
"This is for you," he held out the small corsage. "So we'll match."
"Red roses," Lucy whispered as she took it from his palm. "Thank you."
"Let him pin it on you, Lucy," Mrs. van Pelt told her. Schroeder shrugged, taking the corsage back. He didn't quite know how this worked, but he did his best. Lucy took the hint and tied his tie, delicately slipping the knot firmly around his neck. He let her tuck it into his collar, watching her eyes study her handy work.
"There, all handsome now," Lucy mumbled with a grin.
"All right, kids, let me get a picture," Mrs. van pelt had already taken one of Linus. "Just my babies first."
"Uh, mom," Lucy grumbled, strolling over to Linus. The siblings posed with the brightest of smiles. As soon as the flash went off they dropped the expressions instantly. Schroeder hid his smile as Lucy turned to him. "Your turn." He stepped in with them, allowing Lucy to take his arm. Linus stepped out of the next picture, allowing the two to have their own.
"My cheeks will hurt if I smile anymore," Schroeder said as they left the house.
"Then stop," Lucy nudged him.
"I can't," Schroeder admitted. He really couldn't. He glanced at Linus, who was still at the door. "Do you need a ride?" he asked.
"No, I'm walking to Sally's," Linus answered, tucking the corsage under his arm.
"I really don't know why he would ask her," Lucy said as she got in the car. Schroeder shut her door, exchanging looks with Linus one last time. He gave the boy a thumbs up before getting in the driver's side. "I mean, I thought he hated her."
"They have been getting along better lately," Schroeder shrugged. That much was true, Linus and Sally had been sitting together at every football game. He wouldn't be shocked if more people picked up on their secret romance.
"It just doesn't make sense," Lucy shook her head and folded her arms.
"Are you going to obsess about it the whole night?"
"No," Lucy muttered. "It's just strange. That's all."
"People's feelings change," Schroeder shrugged, thinking about himself. "Whether we like it or not," he added so quietly she didn't hear. He turned on the engine, and they were on their way.
When they pulled up to the restaurant, they were a half hour early. "So," Lucy sighed as he turned off the car. "How do you plan to kill this much time?"
"I wouldn't say killing, really," he admitted. "More like simply good spending."
"Is that so?" Lucy raised a brow.
"I've never kissed anyone before," Schroeder suddenly said. He didn't know why he had said it, it practically fell from his lips. "Until last night."
"Neither have I," Lucy shrugged. "I thought it was good."
He was relieved at her words. "Me too," he nodded. "If there's anything that piano has taught me, practice makes perfect."
Lucy laughed at that. He felt on top of the world when he heard her laugh. "You're too much."
"Unless you've got a better idea," he teased.
"For once...I don't think I do," she put her purse on the car floor and touched her lips once. "This shouldn't smear."
"Lucky for me," Schroeder had to say before he leaned closer. She met him halfway, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. His hands came up to her face, holding her there. He could never put into words how this felt, it was too indescribable. She scooted closer, grabbing at the collar of his jacket as their kisses deepened. His hand moved her back, bringing her just a bit closer. He was about to yank her over to his side of the car when there was a knock on the window.
They both froze instantly, opening their eye before pulling away from each other. Schroeder turned his head slowly, somehow relieved it was only Peppermint Patty with a smug grin. She pointed for the window to be lowered Lucy sat way back from him, making Schroeder annoyed as he cranked the window down. "Hey, guys," Patty rested her elbows in the car, making Schroeder shy back into his seat. "Whatcha doing?"
"We were running a little early," Lucy muttered, fixing her hair.
"I would say a little late, actually," Patty eyed Schroeder when she said this.
"And what are you doing here?" he asked.
"I thought I would get us a table and snack on some appetizers." She adjusted her dress, muttering, "I should've just worn jeans."
"Where's Marcie?" Lucy carried on as if nothing had happened.
"She's going on some other date," Patty shrugged. "She couldn't tell me who."
"Good for Marcie," Schroeder nodded. "So, are you going in?"
"Well, I was...but now I feel like I should invite you two to join me." She smiled proudly. Schroeder could've practically groaned. Of course, she knew what she was doing. There was no denying that.
"You're too kind," Lucy filled the silence. "Just give us a minute, yeah?"
"Right," Patty nodded, "I'll just wait outside the restaurant."
"Okay," Schroeder cranked up the window before she could move her elbows. She simply laughed as she went through the parking lot. "She doesn't know when to quit, does she?"
"No," Lucy smiled as she reapplied lipstick. "Here," she gave him a small tissue. "I lied when I said it wouldn't smear." Schroeder looked at himself in the side mirror, groaning with the red marks on his lips. He rubbed his mouth vigorously to get it all off. Lucy tried her best to conceal her giggle.
"This isn't funny."
"Of course, it is," Lucy allowed herself to laugh. "You look like an idiot."
"Only because of you and your pretty red lips," he grumbled. "You don't need that stuff, you know."
"My lips aren't naturally red, Schroeder." She said this like it was an obvious fact. Schroeder began to rethink every time he had ever seen Lucy. Hadn't she always had red lips? He must've been wrong.
"Last night there was no mark."
"I wasn't wearing any last night."
"Well, then that proves my point," Schroeder shrugged. "You have no need for it."
"Whatever you say," Lucy clicked her purse back together and opened the door. Schroeder checked himself in the mirror again. He practically jumped when Lucy opened his door for him. She held out a hand. "Come on, princess. Patty's waiting."
Linus and Sally were dropped off at the restaurant right at seven. When Linus had gone to the Brown's house, Charlie had already left to pick up his date. Linus wasn't quite sure if he was relieved or disappointed that Charlie wasn't there. He figured they would've made up by now, but it simply was not the case. Sally believed him when he said that Charlie would come around, but Linus was starting to doubt himself. What more was he do when his best friend wouldn't even look at him anymore?
Inside, Peppermint Patty, Lucy, Schroeder, Franklin, and Pigpen were all waiting for them. "Am I crazy?" Sally asked as she sat. "I thought we had a group much bigger than this."
"You're crazy," Linus teased. "But you're right. Where is everyone?"
"Marcie's got a date," Peppermint Patty shrugged.
"Violet's going with Seth," Franklin put his arm around Pigpen. "And Patricia's waiting for him on the dance floor."
"Shut up," Pigpen pushed Franklin off him. "I couldn't let you go stag alone."
"Oh whatever," Franklin rolled his eyes.
"It's not so bad," Lucy shrugged. "Now our food won't take as long." Schroeder looked at her rather surprised. Linus was curious by this expression as Lucy gave him a reassuring nod. His attention, however, was diverted as the conversation went on as usual. The table was filled with laughter and chatter as they each cleaned their plates.
"Can we catch a ride with you?" Linus asked Lucy as they began to put their coats on.
Lucy was about to answer, but Peppermint Patty answered for her. "No. You wouldn't want to be trapped with those birds. You and Sally can ride with me." Lucy went red at the remark while Patty stood there with the smuggest of grins. Linus glanced between Lucy and Patty, then to Schroeder, who wasn't listening in on the conversation.
As the teens left the restaurant, Linus grabbed Sally's hand to help her down from the curb. "Thank you," she squeezed his hand as they strolled to Patty's car. "I could get used to this."
"You're about to," Linus reminded her, taking the time to watch Schroeder and Lucy get into his car. They were murmuring something to each other, sharing a laugh. The sight made Linus grin, and his suspicions rise.
At the dance, the gym had been decorated in streamers of orange. Sally immediately left his side, saying hello and giving compliments to every person she knew. Linus followed Patty and Pigpen to the tables, where they took a seat. "No dancing for you tonight?" Linus asked them.
"Maybe a little later," Pigpen fished playing cards out of his pocket. "I figured I would bring some real entertainment."
"Deal me in," Patty sipped from the punch Franklin brought her. "There's nothing better for me to do. I don't even see Chuck here. I was hoping he would save me a dance. Marcie's not here either."
"I think we saw her in the parking lot," Lucy said as she and Schroeder sipped on their own punch. "I didn't see who she was with. Did you?" She turned to Schroeder, who shook his head.
"Guys!" Sally bolted over to the table. Linus rose, seeing the separation on her face.
"What's wrong?" he asked as she caught her breath.
"Look at who Charlie brought."
"I could care less who Charlie brought," Linus shook his head, but Sally pointed. His eyes automatically followed as if on command. There they were in the center of the gym. Charlie Brown and Marcie.