Archive of Our Own

Pressed flat against a wall, U1146 holds his breath. His receptor hasn’t picked up on any enemy activity. Thankfully his radio has been quiet today. Still, he keeps quiet in the smaller vein. Red blood cells pass by him unwittingly, ignoring him in favor of chatting along with each other. No one notices him.

Good.

Slipping down the alley, 1146 glances around, trying to find his target. His gift of stealth works to his advantage. His friends had insisted on him taking the day off, but he wanted to take advantage of his free time. As soon as he spots a particular red hat, he migrates through the grate down in the floor.

Capillary 079, the red blood cell above him sighs. Undoubtedly, she’s lost, looking for the capillary to deliver her package of oxygen. He smiles hidden just beneath the blood vessel.

W-wait! the red blood cell halts. Her cart squeaks as it’s dragged mercilessly in a circle. Are these numbers counting up? Or counting down?!

In her panic, she doesn’t hear the cell approaching from the vent in the wall behind her. The neutrophil takes a few steps back before deciding to make his presence known. He makes sure his steps are audible as he pretends to have just turned the corner.

Are you lost, fellow red blood cell? 1146 calls down the hallway.

Huh? Glancing over her shoulder, the curious cell soon breaks out into a wide smile. But despite the smile, her eyes start to water as she barrels straight for his chest.

White blood cell! I can’t believe I ran into you!

Quite the coincidence he humors himself, thinking of how often they do run into each other by chance. Though this time wasn’t just chance.

Well, he sighs, trying to think of a good excuse.

Wait, there aren’t any bacteria around here, are there?! she shrieks again, glancing back towards her precious delivery. Blinking, the white blood cell gestures for her to quiet down. It’s still a residential area for regular cells, it would be no good to start an unnecessary panic.

I was just patrolling the area, he shrugs instead. Shoving his hand in his pocket, his fingers bump into a box that’s not usually part of his gear. He clears his throat despite knowing it won’t stop a blush rising to his cheeks.

Oh! Well, thank goodness! You, uh… the red blood cell glances away as she scratches the back of her head. You wouldn’t happen to have passed Capillary 079 would you?

Glancing around, he tries to quickly evaluate his surroundings. The road sign at the intersection behind him reads 134. They aren’t too far. As long as he can find another cross street, he should be able to lead her there.

With a small nod, he gestures back to where he came from. The cart squeals as it catches up to his heels. Hiding another small smile, he slows his step just enough to walk beside the nervous cell.

Seriously, I can’t thank you enough, white blood cell, she beams up at him. It catches him off guard, so he adjusts his hat before looking for another sign. Shit! They passed it. Well, they should be able to turn here. He points towards the right, and the cell leads the cart into the turn.

The red blood cell starts regaling him with a story about her most recent trip to the intestines for nutrients. He listens attentively with small hums or nods to encourage her. Somehow he finds himself casually smiling as he listens. Maybe he isn’t quite hearing the details, but he likes listening to her voice.

Anyway, it made me realize that I really don’t want to travel lower if I can help it! Her laugh bubbles down the hall as she shutters at the memory. He chuckles fittingly along her.

Oh, and one of your friends had a message for you, she chimes, digging into her pocket. She flips through her notebook, hopeful, before becoming increasingly worried. Her cart rolls to a stop as she flips more urgently through her notes.

Oh no! I can’t remember where I wrote it down! Maybe it’s on my map?

The notepad is thrust into his hands as the red blood cell dives into her bag. She flattens her map on her box, furrowed brows running over all her scribbled notes. It’s a wonder she gets lost - it’s a miracle if she can even read the map under her notes.

Curiosity nags at him, flipping open the first page of the notebook. It seems to be from when she first started working as a mature red blood cell. Her notes were marginally more organized on the first few pages. The more he flips, the more chaotic and vague her notes become.

I’m sure you’ll remember it, he reassures, passing her back her notes and patting her head. She blinks up at him for a moment as her cheeks already turn red, and he can’t quite tell what she’s thinking.

Why did I just do that? Pat her head? Will she think I was being condescending? She was just cute pouting looking at her map and-

Instinct pulls his gaze up towards the air vent at the ceiling. He glares for a moment longer, ignoring the red blood cell as she returns to muttering about her notes. Something's not right.

It isn’t until he notices the movement behind the grate. He gasps. Unknowingly he had been staring at his friends, who were stalking him up until they decided to pull back.

White blood cell? a quiet voice snaps him back, her hand resting gently on his forearm.

His eyes snap back down to her hand, then up to her. She flinches at his lingering scowl and curls her body closer to him.

Is there an enemy? she whimpers again.

He shakes his head, pointing towards his receptor on the back of his hat.

It would’ve pinged. I thought I saw something, but apparently it was nothing important, he huffs, making sure his voice carries down the hall. The red blood cell follows his stern gaze down the hall. She doesn’t find anything herself, so she returns to pushing her cart.

With a gentle hand at her shoulder, the white blood cell points her down to the left, and that the numbers should descend from there. She beams a bright smile as she salutes to him.

Thank you so much for your help, white blood cell!

I should ask. I have to! I mean, I really should. She’s leaving, it would be the perfect time to ask. Right now.

Indeed, his fingers find the small box of chocolates in his pocket, as if the voice just reminded him of it.

Uh, wait, you know, white blood cell reaches out, and she pulls the cart to a halt in the intersection. She perks up, listening attentively, and he can most certainly feel the blush up to his ears at this point.

Just ask her!

Um, he swallows the lump of nerves in his throat. He takes a deep breath.

You can call me U1146, you know, he fumbles, abandoning ship. His hand slips out of his pocket to adjust his hat.

The red blood cell blinks, then smiles so bright that her eyes shut.

S-sure! I’m AE3803!

Kicking off, she hurries down the hall with her shipment of oxygen.

The neutrophil stands in the middle of the hallway. He sighs, letting his shoulders relax and letting himself enjoy the warm smile on his face. It feels good. Last time he tried to enjoy a peaceful moment, Killer T had punched it out of him.

Well, try and see anyone take away his happy smile now!

His receptor pings just before he’s tackled from behind.

Several bodies collapse on top of him, all laughing and jeering. He struggles against the grip, but he’s completely pinned to the floor. Helpless. And he can only bother to be annoyed.

Dude! We got ‘im good! a voice over his head cackles. Look, look! Even his receptor went off!

Think we’re a threat now? a cooler voice quips.

His fingers curl into fists against the floor. He’s so close, so tempted to whip out his knife, just to give them a good little scare.

I’m just more surprised he hasn’t slashed ‘89 to shreds, the last one comments, and 1146 can see the white boots in front of his face.

C’mon, he can slash me all he wants. I bet he still didn’t ask her out! 4989 chuckles.

The pressure on his back finally lifts as his other two friends stand. 1146 sits up, scowling at them as he leaps to his feet. They didn’t see him pull out his knife until the blade was pressed against 4989’s throat.

Two sets of hands grab him, each holding an arm back. They had all trained together, and yet still they struggle to take his knife away from 4989’s neck. The cheeky bastard that he is, he only tosses his short messy hair, brushing back his bangs from his beady eyes.

I’m right, aren’t I? he gloats.

Do you want me to destroy you? I know the fastest way to the spleen! 1146 lashes out with his tongue.

Alright, alright, back off ‘89, 2048’s cooler voice of reason cuts between them. His own straight-cut hair falls asymmetrically as he nods towards his friend.

Reluctantly, the tension in 1146’s arms fades and his friends release him.

Seriously, we just wanted to help out, 2626 shrugs, his expression masked with the bangs that cover his eyes. Still, he leans his elbow casually on 4989. The shorter neutrophil tries to shrug him off but decides it isn’t worth the effort.

Well, she’s going to be coming back probably with some CO2. It’s not like I won’t have a chance, 1146 glances away from his friends as they taunt him.

If she remembers how to get back here, 4989 sputters out into a new round of laughter. 2048’s bob tosses as he shakes his head, and 2626’s smirk grows a little too coy. 1146 has time just to glare at him before he starts into song.

’46 and erythrocyte, sittin’ in a dendrite. M-I-T-O-S-I-S! 2626 sings.

Shut up, 1146 groans, covering his eyes as if to escape the shame. It helps block his blush anyway.

First comes love, 4989 smirks, which causes 2048 to jump in, then comes marriage!

Please! Seriously, keep your voices down, 1146 insists, glancing around at the rooms around them. Any of these cells could be listening right now. Not that they would know who to relay the embarrassment too. It just eats at him that anyone could be watching.

THEN COMES THE STEM CELL IN THE BABY CARRIAGE!

White blood cell? the red blood cell turns the corner. She seems confused, but she isn’t blushing.

Good, maybe if he can shake these pests of neutrophils, then maybe-

Well, if it isn’t the red blood cell of the day! 2626 flaunts, flashing her a gleaming smile. She smiles back and waves warily.

Uh, yup! That’s me! Good ol’ red blood cell!

You must be, because you take the oxygen right out my lungs and straight to my heart, he winks. 2048 elbows him in the side with a pointed glare as 4989 slaps him hard on the back.

What kind of line was that, dude? he laughs in his face. He wipes a tear from his eye before stepping up to AE3803. Don’t listen to him. Besides, I find you sweeter than glucose.

Thoroughly blushing at this point, the clueless red blood cell clings onto her cart. 1146 fumes behind his friends. He knows exactly their ploy. If they try to show off in front of her, then he’ll have to step up to the plate!

Some friends.

Seriously? 2048 pinches the overly friendly neutrophil, yanking him back to stumble into 2626’s arms. If you’re going to flirt, do it right.

F-flirt?! AE3803 yelps. She desperately tries to find white blood- U1146, but she can’t see over the white blood cells in front of her.

Are you part of the appendix?

Appendix? I don’t even know-

Because I don’t understand how you work, but this feeling in my stomach makes me want to take you out, the cool 2048 stands there, letting the joke sink in.

Her wide eyes seem more confused than anything. But he has to keep trying! Glancing over his shoulder, he watches as 1146 slumps defeated as the other two try to concoct better pick up lines. He’s gotta kick it up a notch for 1146 to step in.

With a sweeping bow, 2048 takes the red blood cell’s gloved hand, making a show of almost kissing her knuckles.

The skittish cell shrieks, yanking her hand back and stumbling away from her cart.

What- what is going on? What are you doing? Her frightened tone itches the back of 1146’s head, but he still can’t do it. He can’t really fight his friends, and if he did, he would have to explain to her why they were doing all of this!

Don’t you know what day it is? 4989 pokes his head over 2048’s shoulder.

She furiously shakes her head. Tiny sparkles fly from her eyes as they realize she’s close to breaking down in tears from confusion. Trying to sate her worry, 2626 kneels down as to stop towering over her.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and we were wondering if you had any plans today, he offers, also reaching for her hand. Unfortunately she has learned to keep her hands close to her chest.

Valentine’s Day? she seems to marginally relax. That makes more sense, but…

Her gaze goes distant again over their shoulders. If there was ever a time that 2048 wanted to snatch 1146’s receptor and slap it across his face, he would try it right now to see if he would even get the message. Too bad his receptor doesn’t acknowledge the very obvious signs of attraction. The poor girl, she’s looking for their idiotic friend, trying to hide her blush but with determination in her gaze.

Well, I can’t be all of your dates! she shrugs with a nervous laugh. Her hands clench tight around her cart, using it to shover her way through the white blood cells. I’m sorry! But I have my own plans! I have to meet up with someone now, bye!

And with a hurried skip, she’s back off down the hall on her way to the lungs. Hopefully.

That could have gone better, 4989 sighs, pulling his messy bangs out of the way. It’s all for naught as 2048 snatches him by his jacket and shakes him.

Could’ve gone better?! That was awful! You made it so much worse. If you had only stuck to the plan, she wouldn’t be running off!

I think it was going pretty well, 2626 shrugs trying hard to hide his smirk. But not hard enough.

Both 4989 and 2048 grab him and shake him to his senses. Once thoroughly wrung out, they drop 2626 on the floor, looking around for their friend.

Hey, where’s ‘46? I thought he was still around? Scratching under his hat curiously, 4989 peeks through the nearby vents to see if he escaped.

Great, so you scared off the erythrocyte and 1146? Color me impressed! 2048 huffs, folding his arms as he storms down the hall. Hey ‘46? 1146! Where’d you go?

What if he left to go catch up with her? 2626 offers, straightening his hat as he stands. The straight-haired neutrophil shakes his head.

We would’ve heard her explosive excitement by now, even if she’s far away.

I swear, it’s like his receptor goes off just for her.

4989 sputters at his words, causing it to sink in just a little further. At the implication, 2626 chokes on his own laughter, leaning on 4989 for support. They bust out into laughter until 2048 stomps back over to slap them both across the face.

He doesn’t say anything against their whining complaints. Instead, he points down a thin alley. They all crowd around, casting even darker shadows into the crack. 1146 wedged himself into the dark alley, hardly comfortable to rest but clearly not stuck. His knees are tucked towards his chest and he wraps his arms around his knees.

The other three neutrophils lean away from the crevice for his privacy.

Is he crying? 4989 frowns.

A flying box of chocolate nails him in the side of the head.

Go away! 1146 grunts after his assault.

They all take a cautious step back. Sharing concerned glances, they slowly nod in agreement, leaving their friend to deal with his pain.

I guess it was kinda 2626’s fault, 4989 mutters as they make their way back towards the main artery.

A solid thwap resounds as the taller neutrophil slaps the back of his head.

Ow! he groans, I’m just saying, it was your plan!

The whining continues down the hall until 1146 can’t hear their bickering anymore.

He stares at the box of chocolates sitting in the middle of the hallway. He should grab those, at the very least. There’s bound to be another red blood cell in need of a glucose boost. He might as well make someone’s day on Valentine’s.

There are more footsteps down the hall, and he has half a mind to ignore them before he sees the cells approach the chocolate.

Oh hey! the random civilian spots the chocolate. Look at this!

Do you think it’s for someone here? a second cell asks the first.

I don’t know. It doesn’t seem likely that someone would just drop it in the middle of the hallway. Maybe they lost it.

Well, finder’s keeper’s right? the second cell prods.

Knife in hand, the white blood cell leaps from the crevice in the wall. The two cells jump back, dropping the box of chocolates as they try to stay out of his way. The knife glints in the air. He shoves it quickly back in its sheath before snatching the chocolate, glaring at the cells who almost stole it, before darting down the hallway.

He has to find AE3803.

What’s his deal? the cell blinks at the intimidating interaction.

Who knows.

-

Wiping the sweat from her head, AE fits her hat back on her head after dropping off the last carbon dioxide waste for the day. A full day of work completed! She can hardly believe it, but it was just a regular uneventful day.

Although, whatever was up with white blood cell’s friends wasn’t uneventful.

She thinks back to the encounter. They were certainly acting all strange. It makes sense if it was Valentine’s Day, but she still doesn’t know them that well. While they’re white blood cell’s friends, there are still a lot of white blood cells, so she doesn’t know them well enough to spend the day.

Exhausted, the red blood cell gives herself a moment to relax on a bench overlooking a beautiful canal. She huffs out a sigh, leaning back and kicking up her feet. What a day!

It was nice walking with white blood cell, however. He’s always so helpful in showing her around when she needs help. The thought brings a bright smile to her face. She’s only a red blood cell just trying to make her deliveries. But white blood cell goes out of his way all the time to make sure everyone is safe.

Even if he’s not hunting down deadly viruses or annoying bacteria, she seems to run into that particular cell a lot. Not that she would ever complain! But she knows that he’s only really just doing his job to help out the body.

It’s not like helping her is anything special.

Her happy glow deflates a little. It’s super sweet, and actually quite adorable, when white blood cell helps out the cute little platelets. But after hearing an explanation from others, it turns out that it’s just another one of a white blood cell’s duties. They can transmigrate so they can help move platelets around.

She tries to reign in her thoughts. If it is Valentine’s Day, should she go out and find something for white blood cell? What would he even like? Would he get her anything? Would it be imposing if she got him something and he didn’t get her anything? She wouldn’t care! She just wants to show how much she appreciates him! Right?

With a groan, she flops her head over her legs, trying to sort it out. What are the odds of running into him again anyway? She should just drop it and pretend today isn’t some special day to tell someone special how you feel about them.

Uh, hey. Can I sit next to you?

Sitting straight up, the red blood cell’s face is hot with blush as she recognizes the voice.

Oh no. Is her hat on straight? Is her hair a mess? What about her clothes, is her shirt and jacket straight? Inwardly, she panics, while on the outside she tries to hide it all with her big smile.

Oh! White blood cell! I didn’t think I would run into you again today!

So soon, too.

I really ran more into you, he shrugs. Then he frowns, his blush growing deeper as he steps around the bench to take a seat. I mean; yeah, we’ve run into each other a lot today.

Yeah, she smiles. And your friends.

Yeah, my friends, he growls, glancing away.

Frowning, the red blood cell begins to worry about his reaction until she spots what he’s holding. Large hands resting in his lap hold a tiny beat up box of chocolates. Subconsciously, she licks her lips. She’s starving, and nothing in the world sounds better than glucose.

So it’s Valentine’s Day, huh? she plays off, crossing her legs and crossing her arms behind her head.

Yup.

She frowns at his flat response. Lowering her arms, she lets them rest casually in her lap. She waits until the white blood cell glances over before gesturing towards the box.

So did you, uh. Well, it looks like a Valentine, but it looks a little beat up, she frowns up at him.

Why does she have to do that? Look and sound so concerned like that? It’s like she’s more concerned about how he feels about it than her own feelings. Why is she so sympathetic and compassionate? Avoiding staring too long, he looks out at the canal.

Oh yeah. It… he trails off, unsure of how to explain himself. He could go on about how he tried to give it to her before his friends made it worse. Or he could even pretend that it was for someone else. But she is a red blood cell after all, so maybe…

I’m not a red blood cell like you, so I’m no good at deliveries, he shrugs, rubbing the back of his neck.

For a moment, her eyes gleam. There. It’s that determined glint in her eyes that makes his insides swirl and his nucleus turn inside out. Like the hammering gong that keeps the heart pumping, this red blood cell inspires him on a daily basis. It brings a warm smile back to his face.

That is, until the glint fades. Her smile remains, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. It causes him to deflate a little. He turns to face her, worried that somehow he said the wrong thing. Or maybe it’s his friends and their little episode. They’ll be sorry later.

I could deliver it for you! she still tries to sound cheerful, opening her hand. I mean, it is my job to make sure nutrients get to where they are needed!

This is it. What he should have done before. Now is the perfect moment!

Uh, sure-

He leaps to his feet when his receptor pings, and this time he knows it’s worse than the threat of his friends ambushing him.

Oh, is it your friends again? the red blood cell glances around, chuckling nervously.

No, he grunts, the ping echoing around him to multiple neutrophils in the area. Gotta go!

Baring his knife and teeth, he leaps over the back of the bench, already tearing down the street.

Be safe! the red blood cell waves after him.

He glances over his shoulder. She smiles bright enough to light up the world. Damn it.

Despite better judgement, he trots back.

I’m sorry about my friends earlier. They’re the ones who busted up the package. I really hope the receiver doesn’t mind. Tipping his hat, the white blood cell quickly backpedals.

Oh, no problem! I’ll explain it all! she calls cheerfully after him again.

And like that, all the white blood cells in the area are gone. The rest of the red blood cells carry on chatting, pushing carts, and carrying nutrients. She sighs, turning back on the bench to face the canal.

Her day was almost over! But, it’s a favor for white blood cell - U1146 - and a small favor at that.

Let’s see here… she hums as she grabs the heart-shaped tag on the package. She hesitates to read it, however.

If this is U1146’s Valentine, does she want to be the one delivering it?

Glancing around, she looks for someone she recognizes who would be willing to do the job. And lo and behold, she spots no one other than her sensei!

Senpai! she calls out, not attempting to leap the bench, but hurrying over all the same. The mature red blood cell rolls her eyes, but opens her arms to catch her friend.

Well, looks like someone is appreciated this Valentine’s Day, the brunette winks, crossing her arms with the basket of nutrients. Ya know, I think I even saw that white blood cell run past me. That one that you always seem to run into.

What? AE gasps, glancing down at her hands. She waves her hands desperately trying to erase the impression. No, no, no! Well, I mean-

So it is from him! the happy shriek catches passersby attention that the redhead tries to reign in.

It’s from him, but it’s not for me! He asked me a favor if I could deliver this since- well, you know, duty calls.

Not looking at her sensei, the red blood cell holds out the box of chocolates, trying to ignore everyone’s curious glances. Thankfully, Senpai gently takes the box from her hands to examine it herself.

You’re supposed to deliver this for him, then?

Yeah, AE sighs. Well, I was going to ask if you could, actually. I- I, uh, well, I still have a few chores to finish myself, and I saw that since you had nutrients that you could just put it in with your basket!

The look her sensei gives her leaves no room for excuses. It’s just a slight frown and slight raise of her eyebrow, but that’s all it takes. AE sighs, knowing that she can’t lie to her. Since when did sensei get that intense?

Okay! Throwing her hands up in the air, she walks in a little circle before turning to face the other cell. Look, I don’t know if I can handle delivering that to his Valentine. I mean, I would do anything else! But I don’t think it’s right if I’m the one delivering that.

You mean, because you like hi-?

Her hands slap over her sensei’s mouth belatedly. Her eyes are wide with fear of being caught. Who knows what cells are overhearing this and just blabbing it around? Word spreads fast through the bloodstream. She can’t let it reach U1146!

Shush! Maybe! she pouts, stomping her foot. Please, can you help me, Senpai? I just don’t think it’s right.

Alright, I’ll deliver it for you.

Really?! Wide eyes water again in appreciation for her sensei. She leaps into another hug, trying to mind the nutrients in the way. Oh thank you, senpai, thank you! You’re the best!

Of course! she chuckles. They spare a moment with the remnants of laughter.

Here you go!

AE blinks at her sensei trying to hand the box back to her.

Wait, I thought you said you could deliver it? she frowns, confused, refusing to take the package.

I am delivering it. To you. Here’s your Valentine’s Day delivery! Have a wonderful day! her sensei chimes professionally, as if she just dropped off a box of daily oxygen.

Blinking at the package, she can’t believe it. No, her sensei’s just pranking her. It must be. She snatches the package just to be sure, though. She finds the heart-shaped tag once more, and, stealing a breath, reads it.

To AE3- the numbers are scribbled out, as if remembered, then forgotten - Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s a simple little note, but knowing it’s addressed to her already sends her swooning. Her mouth falls open as she gapes at her sensei.

Se-senpai. Senpai! she yelps in disbelief. Her friend chuckles and nods. She gestures towards the box before stepping away with a wave.

You have one special Valentine, AE! Take care!

Thank you so much! You too! she waves after her sensei.

Floating on cloud nine, the red blood cell skips her way through the vein. Just as suddenly as she was elated, she halts in the middle of the path.

Wait, if he got her something, then she has to get him something too!

Oh no, what do white blood cells like?!

-

Hey ‘46! You got a package!

From the front door to their apartment, 4989 calls for his friend, but all three show up.

Since when did we get packages? 2048 frowns at the box. It’s a box labeled CO2, which is even stranger.

Who delivered them CO2 waste? Why did they send it to him? What are they going to do with waste?

All four neutrophils surround the box. At first, 1146 was going to open it, before he’s elbowed in the side by 2626. He glances up to find the rest of them in defensive stances with their knives drawn.

Shit. They’re right. He told them about leading the Pneumococcus straight to the lungs hidden in a CO2 box. They can’t be too careful.

Plunging the knife straight through the tape, they rule out the box containing anything too big. He quickly swipes the knife down, the lid springing open of its own accord.

Immediately, the neutrophils begin to drool. The box is filled to the brim with waste alright. Bacteria waste. A perfect treat that he’s been missing in these times of relative peace. Sure, they had an immune response, but it was finished before he got there.

Dude! Dig in! 4989 reaches out for the box before a knife nearly misses his fingers. Meeting’s 1146’s one-eyed glare, he backs up, hands raised in the air.

Okay, okay! You made your point! It’s yours!

There’s a letter, 2626 pulls out the paper wedged between the panels. He glances at the top, a wide smirk breaking across his face like a warning.

What is it? 2048 tilts his head, his bob falling asymmetrically. 1146 snatches it from his hands, his gaze skimming the page and his face already flushing as red as an erythrocyte.

It’s from AE3803, 2626 purrs teasingly, leaning over his friend. Looks like she got you a Valentine too!

Shut up, or you’ll end up as diced as the bacteria in this box! he hisses warningly. He doesn’t offer anything else, dragging his box towards his share of shelf space beside the bunk beds. He snaps off a leg and chomps a large bite as he jumps up to his bed. In the privacy of his cove with the curtain fully drawn, he unfolds the letter.

Dear U1146,

Thank you so so so much for the box of chocolates! I really needed a boost of glucose. But besides that, I was beyond happy to see that the box of Valentine chocolate was for me!

Well, I didn't realize it right away. I gave it to my sensei to deliver with the last of her nutrients. When she gave it right back to me, I was so confused!

Pausing, 1146 shakes his head with a light scoff. The little red blood cell is really cute when she's confused.

I ate up the chocolate right away! I shouldn't have eaten it that fast, but I was hungry. Anyway, then I had to think of what to get you! I asked around for what would be a good gift for a white blood cell. I asked a few red blood cells, but all we could think of was chocolate, and I was pretty sure you didn't need glucose.

No, he didn't, but it would've been a sweet thought.

Then I ran into Killer T cell. He said I should do something that made your receptor ping. He said it really weird with a lot of emphasis on receptor. I didn't quite understand, but it must've been a funny joke since the other Killer Ts laughed.

Anger replaced the blush clear down his neck. The next time he sees the annoying cell, mid-combat or not, he's going to strangle him.

Then I came across a macrophage. She was carrying a bucket of debris from the immune response that you left to fight. When I asked her what a white blood cell would like, she said that she could give me the bacteria she had. So I rushed to grab an empty CO2 box and came running back, filled up the box with bacteria, and had it shipped off to you!

Oh no, I hope it gets to you alright! Please tell me if you don't get it. Well, if you don't get it, then you wouldn't be reading this.

Rolling his eyes, he catches himself smiling at the paper. It's as if he can hear her speaking right to him. Shaking his head, he returns to the letter.

If you do get this, then let me know next time you see me! And enjoy, of course! I hope you like it!

Happy Valentine's Day, U1146!

The neutrophil feels filled with warmth all over. He sighs, reading over some of her words again. Then he notices the signature. Whatever was written initially was heavily scribbled out beyond recognition. He frowns, wondering what could have been so terrible to sign. Regardless, she signed underneath;

Warm regards,

AE3803

P.S. Tell your friends that they were very sweet today, but that the box is for you and you only!

Openly laughing at the last line, he carefully tears off the post script. He licks the edge and sticks it to his box. Even though it's on his shelf, he knows his roommates won't mess with it if the red blood cell said not to. He settles back up on his bed, folding the letter to fit into his hat, before hanging it up on the hook. Finally, he can lay back and relax.

Overall, it was a great Valentine's Day.