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A light breeze swept across Eden University’s campus as the clock tower rang, announcing the beginning of classes. Usually around this time, a certain scion would be sitting attentively at his desk, writing down the details of some theory his professor taught in the most overpriced leather notebook known to man. However, class was not so simple this time around, his mind occupied elsewhere.
Today proved an immense struggle for the young imperial scholar. It was Valentine’s Day and love was thick in the air, literally speaking, as it was one of the rare times that PDA was actually allowed in Eden. Surprisingly, Damian didn’t necessarily have any resentment towards the holiday itself or anything of the sort. In fact, he thought it refreshing to see the happy smiles of couples sprawled around campus. The only thing about today was that he had to take a variable into special account…
A certain pink-haired variable.
Even after witnessing her many stupidities as a child, Damian knew that quite a handful of the student body thought her pretty and kindhearted. It then came as no surprise when he stumbled upon the mountain of gifts that had been left on her usual seat as he entered the lecture hall early that morning. Of course he wished for Forger to enjoy the many presents intended for her, but he simply preferred for them to remain anonymous so no one could receive any extra attention from Anya’s thanks. In a matter of minutes, he sifted through the heap and swiped the gift tags off each present, otherwise leaving the pile of goods unharmed.
At 20-years-old, Damian had finally matured enough to acknowledge the feelings he’s unconsciously harbored for Anya over the course of the past 14 years. He had yet to mention them to anyone of course, not even having said anything to his two sidekicks whom he considered his closest friends. In his mind, his pride as a Desmond simply wouldn’t allow the idea of dating the Forger girl quite yet. Before making his own feelings public, Damian first wanted to wait for Anya to finish her double major in classical languages and physics (which in itself was a surprise to everyone, but Anya claimed that “mastering physics was important for world peace”… or something along those lines).
However bizarre her study plans may have seemed, the Desmond boy saw this as a stellar opportunity. If Anya could successfully complete both degrees with high markings, his parents might overlook the nature of her commoner background and permit him to have a future with her. As such, Damian took it upon himself to pick up a physics minor in addition to his political studies to ensure Anya’s educational success and, in turn, his own chance at happiness. Considering all the time and effort he’s exhausted to get this far in their “friendship”, he would not allow a box of chocolates or some oversized teddy bear jeopardize the progress he’s made up til now.
And that is how we come to find Damian Desmond sitting at the back of Intro to Quantum Mechanics 1, uncharacteristically paying absolutely no attention to the the professor. Instead of committing the various electron orbitals drawn haphazardly on the chalk board to memory, the scion is quietly tearing apart the gift tags into bite-sized shreds. While his fingers were occupied in creating what now looked a mountain of pink and white confetti at his desk, his gaze is dead focused on the Forger girl sitting at the front of the room.
‘How am I going to keep her away from all the pesky students?’ he thinks, dark eyebrows furrowed in frustration. ‘Should I check all the classrooms, just in case there’s anymore presents?’
And like clockwork, at that very same moment (at that very same thought, if you will) the pink-haired esper whips her head back to give an inquisitive stare at Damian, her large green eyes taking him in.
Damian could feel his cheeks getting hotter. ‘How can someone be so stunning yet so confusing?’ Although Anya’s starring was nearly a daily occurrence that he should honestly expect at this point, the Desmond boy would always get flustered, his heart beating a thousand miles a minute. However, today he swore that her eyes lingered on him for far longer than usual. ‘Wait a second, is Anya blushing… at me? Arghhhhh, nonono you’re just imagining things Damian, get your mind out the gutter.’ He quickly snaps his gaze elsewhere, the tips of his ears turning a bright red.
As the gears in his head continued churning, pondering on what he could realistically do to better his dilemma at hand, he notices a student 7 seats left of Forger drop a pen to the floor. He traces up the arm picking up the writing utensil, finding a certain Bill Watkins putting the finishing touches on what seemed to be a Valentines card.
Damian knew with the upmost certainty that this card was likely intended for Anya. As far as he was aware, poor Bill had also been harboring feelings for the pink-haired esper ever since the dodgeball game. Anya, being the oblivious person she was, never paid him the kind of attention he desired. She had only ever really thought of him as a friend and sparing partner, but nothing more (much to Damian’s delight).
But now, much to Damian’s dismay, it seemed that Bill planned to outwardly and blatantly present his feelings to Anya with the help of some dingy card. The scion began ripping through the stolen gifts tags at a faster rate, frustrated that he can’t do anything more at that very second. He would never dare cause a scene during class and besmirch the Desmond name. Damian decides instead to use this time to think how he will approach Bill about the situation.
By the end of lecture Damian still hadn’t come up with any creative or impressive plan. His eyes flicker over to his professor erasing the writing on the chalkboard. ‘I’ll definitely have to ask someone for their notes’ he sighs as he shifts his gaze around the room. Nearly everyone had left the lecture hall, everyone that is except Bill Watkins who was currently licking the seal of his envelope closed. Damian is not one to waste an opportunity, so he steps down to the first row to interrogate the student.
“Whatcha got there Bill?” he politely asks as he walks up behind Watkins. “It’s a nice looking card. It definitely feels…. homemade. You planning on giving that to someone today?” He inquires as he leans over Bill’s right shoulder, interlocking his fingers behind his back.
“Why thank you son of chairman Desmond!” Bill responds back in a chipper voice as he writes “from: Bill” on the back of the envelope in dark blue ink. “I just thought it best to communicate my feelings through the art of poetry rather than giving out sweets or some plushie. There’s nothing better than being direct with someone, you know.” He states with conviction.
‘If only that were actually possible’ Damian rolls his eyes at the statement. “Yeah…, definitely. So who’s the lucky lady?” He asks with a smirk.
A dark blush appears on Bill’s cheeks as he fiddles the envelope in his hands. “I’m not going to mention any names, but … you must already know. I’m aware that she’s is always at the café after physics, so I was planning on finding her then.” He says as he readjusts his glasses in an attempt to hide his reddening face.
‘Shit, shit, shit- this is bad!’ It seemed that Damian hit the nail straight on the head. You see, to help with the cost of her college tuition, Anya took up a job as a barista at the local café on campus. Although her drinks weren’t actually all that great, people kept coming back thanks to her charming personality and the tasty pre-made baked goods. ‘Why didn’t I even consider that! People are sure to be flocking to her at this very second’ he groans to himself.
Damian’s eyes pace back and forth, debating on what to say next. “…if it’s who I think it is… she’s known to (unknowingly) turn down every advance. So… why don’t you save yourself the heartache? Maybe you could just leave the card on her desk and wait for her to get back to you?”
Bill slowly turns his head towards Damian. If looks could kill, Damian would already be in need of a coffin. “I am a Watkins, not a coward. I can handle rejection should that be my fate” he snaps back. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be off”.
And so, Bill takes his things (and his stupid card) and saunters out of the lecture hall, leaving Damian in a state of distress. Left with virtually no other option, the young Scion did the only thing he thought possible: find Anya before Bill could confess to her.
Damian thanks himself for his background in soccer as he sprints to the café at full speed, his long strides carrying him swiftly to the shop’s entrance. A small bell chimes as he pushes open the large wooden door, taking in the bitter scent of premium roasted coffee beans.
Luckily for him the store was relatively empty, only a few students studying at some nearby tables with pastries in hand. Behind the counter stood, not to his surprise, Anya in her dark green apron taking the order of their fellow classmate Sarah Fischer. ‘Looks like I came just in time’ Damian beams as he waits in line, shooting a grin. ‘Everything is all going according to plan.’
Anya quickly finishes ringing up the order and looks to attend to the next person in line. Upon seeing that it was Damian, she gives a warm smile.
“Sy-on boy! What can I get for you?” she chirps.
At that moment another chime rang from the bell, a determined Bill Watkins walking into the café. He takes a quick scan of the room. Seemingly unsatisfied, he makes his way to the counter, standing in line behind the scion. Damian’s heart starts beating a little faster, feeling a sudden surge of pressure. He knew he had to stall Bill for as long as possible.
“You know Anya, I can’t really see the menu on the wall behind you” grunts out Damian. “Do you think you read out the names of all your drinks?”
“Of course!” She responds without hesitation. “Starting with our ‘nutter menu we have a toasted almond latte, a peanut brittle latte….” Anya continues listing the 72 different drinks that the specialty coffee shop offered. Meanwhile, an in-line Watkins was growing impatient behind him, his right foot tapping a fast steady pace.
“… and a raspberry lemonade, but that’s more for babies who don’t drink coffee I guess” she finishes. “So, see anything you like?”
‘Oh yes, more than like’ Damian thinks, taking an extra second to register what she said. He swears he sees her cheeks gain a slight rosy hue at the thought.
“Hurry up Desmond, you’re holding up the line!” barks Bill, looking noticeably annoyed. “I need to talk to Anya.”
“Wait your turn, I was here first!” Damian grumbles back. He turns face Forger again.
“And what kind of milks do you offer?”
“Oh, well we have whole, 2%, almond-“
“For the love of Ostania, order something already dammit!” Bill’s patience was nearing its limit. The giant student pinched the bridge of his nose. “Look, I don’t even want anything, I just have a question for Anya. It’ll only take a second.”
Just as Damian was about to make another retort, Anya steps into their conversation. “Please wait your turn Billy, I promise I’ll be with you shortly. If you want, we can talk about whatever it is on my brea-“
”No you can’t!”
A dumbfounded Anya and Bill simply stare at Damian, surprised by his outburst.
“You can’t… because…” ‘he stutters. ‘Think Damian think! Use that brain of yours!’ “… because you already promised to spend your break with me, remember? I had something realllly important to talk to you about! It’s a matter of world peace!” He knows Anya could absolutely tell he was lying through his teeth. He could only pray that she takes the hint.
Luckily for him, Anya catches on and follows his lead. “Oh… you’re right Sy-on boy, I completely forgot! We have to discuss that thing!” She refocuses her gaze on Watkins. “Maybe we can talk another day then, ok Billy? When I’m not as busy. I’ll be able to listen to you with open ears then I promise!”
Bill doesn’t even say anything back. He gives a stern glare at Damian, acknowledging his own defeat, before storming out the café with fists balled at his side. Damian rejoiced at the reaction, a big smile plastered on his face, finally feeling that all was right with the world.
“You know what, I’ll have a grande black coffee.”
“Then why go asking me about our milk if you were just going to drink disgusting bean water!” rants the pink-haired barista.
“What can I say? It’s good to know your options. Plus, it's a pretty refined choice if I do say so myself” he nonchalantly shrugs back, throwing a 20 dalc bill on the counter. “Feel free to keep the change, I’m feeling generous today” he adds with a smirk.
“You must be in a good mood” she comments as she starts on his drink.
‘Oh you have no idea’
Damian spends the rest of the afternoon on a teal barstool at the counter’s far edge, staking out in the café in case any one else tries to approach the barista with their stupid romantic feelings. Thankfully, most of the customers who obviously had a crush on Anya were too shy and nervous to say anything. On the off chance that someone did actually try and attempt a confession Damian would send a menacing glare, quickly deterring any would-be Valentine romance from happening. After about 90 minutes in, mind finally somewhat at ease, Damian takes out a book from his backpack and spends the remaining 3 hours of Anya’s shift reading with a now cold cup of coffee.
He nearly finishes another chapter when Anya sits down at the counter next to him, propping her head up on her elbows. ‘She must have just finished with work’ he assumes and a quick look at his wristwatch confirms his suspicions. In fact, it was nearly closing time, the café only being inhabited by the two Eden students.
“Spill it Desmond” Anya interrogated, swinging her slender legs back and forth. “What was that all about? I can’t have you patronizing my valued customers”. Anya, as dimwitted as she was, was highly observant of the scion’s behavior during the afternoon rush. It had felt as though her usual small talk at the register was cut shorter than usual, likely thanks to the scion's ominous demeanor. “Let me guess, the ladies didn’t flock to your side in hoards this Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry tiger, you’ll get ‘em next time!” She emphasizes her statement with two thumbs up, a goofy grin adorning her face. “Do you want a second espresso as a pick me up? I’ve heard they do wonders.”
He simply facepalms in response. “What? No Anya, it’s not tha-“
“You’re jealous aren’t you, hmm~? I know I know! You didn’t get to confess to your Valentine! That’s why you were looking all mopey earlier this morning, isn’t it?”
Damian plays with the hair at the nape of his neck. ‘Was she really paying that close attention to me in class?’ “We’ll.. I mean… you’re not completely off I guess.” Who was he to deny it at this point.
“The feeling is mutual. Same thing happened to me today too you know” she reveals. Damian’s vision cracks.
‘Huh? D-Did I hear correctly? Does Forger have a… a crush!!! Since when!!??’ Small beads of sweat start forming at his temples. ‘Act cool Damian… don’t jump to conclusions. She’s always saying stupid things, she surely couldn’t mean-‘
“I’ve been trying to talk to this guy all day, but between Becky dragging me across campus to show off her hoard of Valentine’s gifts and the guy who practically proposed to me earlier this morning, I never got a chance to actually say anything.”
Damian’s inner monologue was in outright chaos. Angered at the fact that one student slipped through his watchful gaze, but also joyous at the fact that her attempts at a confession were thwarted (he’d have to remember to thank Blackbell for that one), his mind was a total wreck. Anya paid no visible attention to his reaction and continued.
“I just wish he could see what a great person he truly is. He’s one of the hardest working, most kindhearted people I know.” Her cheeks lightly flush as she expresses her feelings for the mystery man. Damian on the other hand wanted nothing more than to punch the living daylights out the guy.
To his surprise, Anya reaches out to grab his chin, slender fingers lightly squeezing his cheeks. She looks him dead in the eye, viridian meeting hazel. “He keeps saying he’s second in everything. In grades, sports, even within his own family, he thinks he’s always the second best, the second choice… but I want him to be my first. He was already the first boy to hold my hand, to defend me against some bullies. Heck he even tried to save my life a couple times!” She squeezes her hand a little harder on his face, taking a deep breath in before continuing.
“What I’m trying say is, I want all my firsts to be with him. I want him to be the first person I think about when I wake up, the first boy I date, my first Valentine, the first guy I bring home to meet papa, my first kiss...” Her blush darkens at her blunt honesty.
“… I want you to be all my firsts.”
Damian eyes widen in shock at her words. ‘Are my ears deceiving me? This has to be some kind of prank, right?’ he blinks repeatedly, desperately looking around the room for some kind of hidden camera. ‘There’s no way this is happening.’
“Well?” Asks an embarrassed Anya, biting the inside of her cheeks. “Aren’t you gonna say anything?”
The reality of the situation finally settles in and practically slaps him in the face. For the first time in his life, Damian was at a loss for words. He thinks long and hard before responding.
“Then, if it’s ok, could I give you one of those firsts right now?” he whispers as he leans in closer to her face.
Anya squeaks in return, nodding her head, allowing him permission. He rests his palm on her warm cheek, thumb playfully gliding over her plump lips. But Anya being as unpredictable as ever suddenly closed the gap between them, lips softly molding onto his.
Damian swore he was in heaven. He had absolutely no clue as to what he was doing, but he allowed his instinct to be his guide. The first couple kisses were chaste, little pecks at best, his long eyelashes tickling her face. She smiles against him as rests his other hand behind the back of her neck, tracing the little goosebumps on her skin. He tilts her head back ever so slightly, proving himself a better angle. She decides to tease him a little in return, nipping at his bottom lip. Damian lets out an arid breathe at the sensation.
Within seconds their movements become rougher, lips seeking to discover more. As his confidence grew, so did his curiosity. His tongue slides across her lips as he lowers his hand from her neck, down the length of her spine, eventually resting on the small of her back. His fingers having a mind of their own start playing with the hem of her shirt, fingertips playfully dancing across her skin every once in a while. She gasps in response to his touch, giving him an opening to slip into her mouth. She wrestles both her hands in his dark curls, pulling him in impossibly close as their tongues battled one other, each trying to assume dominance.
Quickly running out of breath due to her lack of experience, Anya reluctantly pulls away from Damian, her lips puffy and swollen.
“You taste like coffee” she murmurs against his chest, eyes taking in his smug grin.
“And why am I not surprised you taste like peanuts?”
“Well I want a second espresso shot” she giggles as she pulls on his collar.
“I suppose anything to please a loyal customer” he smirks as he leans down to meet her once again.