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Love was in the air at Night Raven College. Paper hearts and flowers decorated the dreary halls, and the patter of students that echoed throughout the halls was charged with excitement. Unlike many other holidays at Night Raven, there was no special event for Valentine’s Day, rather it was encouraged to spend time with those you care about.
It was on this very day, among the excited chattering of students, that you found a paper wedged in your locker. Neat and folded, as you pulled it out, you could already tell who it was from. You recognized Sebek’s handwriting immediately. Clean and orderly, with a sharpness at the end of each penstroke that you had not seen in anyone else’s. Unfolding the paper reveals more of the clean writing.
Human, I request your presence at the large tree behind campus a half-hour after classes end. There is something important that I would like to discuss with you. Do not be late.
-Sebek
This was… odd. Not entirely out of character, but odd. Nevertheless, all you could do is wait. The hours ticked by, and the energetic buzz that coursed through the school flowed through you now, too.
At lunch, your mind wandered, the echoing chatter of students muted by your thoughts. Your eyes drifted over to the Diasomnia table. Silver’s head leaned against Lilia’s shoulder, who in turn was intently watching Malleus, who was embroiled in some sort of debate with Leona. Very distinctly, you do not see Sebek. Curious, you approached the table. Silver stirs slightly at your footsteps, blinking away sleep as he sits up.
“Oh, hello. I take it you’re looking for Sebek?” He asked with a quiet yawn. You nodded. “He didn’t join us after class ended. It was strange, though given what day it is I’d assume he’s planning something for you.” He said, picking at his now cold risotto. “I hope you enjoy whatever he’s working on, I almost thought we wouldn’t hear the end of his apologizing to Malleus for his absence.”
You thank Silver, returning to your table and your lunch that Ace claims he didn’t touch.
The final bell rang through you like a lightning bolt, and you were the first out the door despite Professor Trein’s protests. Half an hour until Sebek’s surprise, and you wanted to look presentable. Of course, you also had to prepare his gift. You figured he probably had all of the Malleus-related memorabilia he could ever ask for, so you decided on a particularly rare book that you picked up at a vintage bookstore over the winter break. On a particularly late night spent chatting, he regaled you with a winning pitch of his absolute favourite book series as a child. It was for this reason that the particular title caught your eye, and you discovered that it happened to be a first edition. It didn’t take long to track down the author, and you made your way to the tree, ribbon-wrapped book in hand. The golden light of the setting sun cast a golden hue over the streets. The grass was lightly frosted with the winter air, but the sun radiated a warmness that comforted against the gnawing ice.
Entering the clearing, you saw what was laid out for you. A fancy quilt spread out over the grass, a large wicker basket laid open. As for Sebek himself, he sat on the quilt, wrapped in a rather thick blanket. His eyes lit up as your footsteps grew louder.
“Human, you’ve arrived! Right on time.” He said. He never really shook off calling you ‘Human’, but he refers to you in that manner with a kind of tenderness he does not with others. He took your hand, gently lowering you onto the quilt. “Happy Valentine’s day, darling..?” He said, almost with uncertainty.
“Darling? That’s new.” You giggled, watching his cheeks burn a brighter shade of red than the cold had already warmed them.
“M-My apologies. I asked Master Lilia if he had any advice for this evening. He recommended a term of endearment, but I must admit I’m not used to it.” He explained, the warmth on his cheeks burning a more vibrant red.
“No need to apologize, Sebek. It’s wonderful, and if you’re comfortable with using it, then I’d love to be your darling.” You said, snuggling up next to him.
“A-Alright then, darling it is.” He decided. His left arm wraps around and pulls you closer, while his right reached over for the basket. “I brought some desserts, as I know they’re your favourite. I also packed some books from the library. I thought that we could read them together.” He said, lifting a beautifully appetizing tartlet from the basket and handing it to you. You take it, taking a bite as flavours of cinnamon and apple burst across your tongue.
“This is amazing! Clearly, you didn’t get advice from Lilia for these.” You joked. Sebek smiled, letting out a small laugh.
“Goodness, of course not. I wanted to have a nice picnic with my partner, not send them to the hospital.” He said, “I requested the aid of Trey for these, actually. I’m not a particularly experienced baker, but with his guidance, I believe everything will be to your liking.”
“It really is wonderful. Thank you, Sebek.” You beamed. You reached into your bookbag, lifting out the small parcel that you wrapped Sebek’s gift in.
“I got you a little something, too. It’s nothing particularly special, but I think it’ll make you happy.” You said, handing him the package. He held in gently, pulling back the minty green ribbon the same colour as his hair, and slowly parted the parchment paper it was wrapped in. It took a moment before his eyes widened, turning to look at you.
“I- this is- w-where did you-” He sputters, a gaze of amazement on his face. “I wasn’t even aware that any of the original prints existed, considering how long ago the author published this; and to have it signed by the author himself? It’s extraordinary! I… I don’t know what to say, I-” He pauses, a deep blush spreading over his face once again. “M-May I kiss you? I believe it’s the only proper way I could express how I feel without making a fool of myself.” He asked. Your hand reached for his tie, pulling him in after a breath of “Of course.” Your lips melted together, an adoring warmth enveloping the two of you. You embraced for an eternal moment before separating, that warmth lingering in your chest.
“I love you, Sebek Zigvolt.” You whisper.
“I love you too, darling.” He returns.
The evening melts into the night as you talk and read and eat the time away. Besides all the gifts, the true gift for you was seeing Sebek like this. The golden light caused his hair to sparkle, and his words felt like honey. As darkness was cast upon the field, a more uncomfortable chill began to set in, and as such the two of you decide to pack up and move to Sebek’s room.
The warmth that sets in as you two slid under the plush blankets was welcoming. A euphoric sense of belonging grew in your chest and Sebek’s arms hold you tenderly. Your head rested on his chest as your eyelids grew heavy. Sebek’s slow, gentle breathing promoted this, as you slowly drifted off to sleep.