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Valentines day was usually just another boring day for Exer.
Sure, he always made sure to make his friends feel appareciated, usually with small gifts or candy.
But generally he was more worried about whatever classwork he’d have to do, or trying to get away from the extra unwanted attention that came with being the king of the school (alongside David) during a holiday such as Valentine’s day.
Him and David had made it a point to joke about how many girls would give them valentine’s cards and such, every year.
But at the end of the day, Febuary 14th was just another day.
This year, though. Exer was actually excited for this day to arrive (he laughed to himself because how absurd it sounded. Him? Excited for Valentine’s day?)
In reality, it was all thanks to David Miller, his best friend. His boyfriend.
He felt giddy whenever he thought about it. David was his boyfriend!
He’d always given him a card and some sweets, his favorite kind, but that was about as far as either of them would go for Valentine’s day, after all, they were just best friends at the time, nothing more.
But now they WERE more, and Exer couldn’t be happier.
He was going to ask him out on a date.
They’ve been on dates before, it’s nothing new, but this was their first Valentine’s day as a couple, and Exer wanted to make it special, especially after everything that David had gone through.
As he wiped down the counter, making sure not to leave any stains from the latte he just spilled, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder.
“Oh! Marco, sorry, I was just thinking and i got distracted- i’ll make a new one right now,”
Marco just chuckled.
“David hasn’t dropped by today, is that why you’re worried?”
Oh. Right, David usually dropped by, and would wait until Exer’s shift ended, usually catching up with homework and whatnot.
He got off work in about an hour, so he wasn’t really suprised he hadn’t walked in yet.
“Oh, no it’s not that” he smiled
“But it IS about him” he said raising his eyebrow.
Exer couldn’t even deny it. Marco was very good at reading him. Before he could even reply, Marco once again spoke; “worried ‘bout Valentine’s day?” He said. He could practically hear the smirk on his face
Exer almost dropped the replacement latte he was working on.
Marco was TOO good at reading him.
“Well yes- but… no? I mean yes?” Exer couldn’t even collect his thoughts as he placed the latte carefully on the front counter, watching as Bailey picked it up ready for the customer that had ordered it.
He turned around to face Marco, who carefully placed the freshly washed mugs on the counter.
“Are you guys already going out on a date? Or are you distracted because you’re too busy trying to figure out what to do?”
“Marcoooo-“ Exer whined in annoyance which resulted in more laughter from the older guy.
Exer was grateful to be able to talk about this so freely with his coworkers, Marco and Bailey had even offered to be his wingmen before they found out they were already dating.
Unfortunately this acceptance did come with its fair share of teasing (mostly from Marco’s part)
The Café was almost empty, it was a monday afternoon after all, usually their slowest day, so Exer took the opportunity to ask Marco, because he was right. He had no idea what to do for Valentine’s day, which was rapidly approaching.
“What do you suggest i do?”
“Well, first you could ask Sea for the day of. It is a wednesday, so.”
“You sure? Wouldn’t the café be a bit, y’know, busy?”
He patted Exer on the back “dont worry about that, dude! Its valentine’s! Go out with your guy!” He said, and Exer couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ll cover for you. Anyways, best advice i can give you- if you can figure out a way to have a date at your place, that’s ideal, trust me. Everyone is gonna be out, so have fun trying to find a free park, café or restaurant” he chuckled. “You also save money,” he winked.
Exer thought for a moment, taking Marco’s advice into consideration. Not only was the money part important, but but its not like they were publicly out either.
The 14th landed on a Wednesday, which he knew was one of his dad’s longest work days.
He quickly got an idea, but he’d have to get some things tomorrow after school without David finding out.
He thanked Marco and got back to cleaning tables, as the last few customers of the night started to leave.
About twenty minutes before closing, David walked into the café, looking tired.
Exer smiled as he saw his boyfriend approach the counter.
“Hey Day”
“Hi Ex, sorry for not showing up earlier, but brenda was adamant that I helped her pick out an outfit for wednesday, y’know, she’s going to the ice rink with Jolie” he sighed
“Dont worry about it man,” he chuckled at the thought of David having to become his sisters fashion advisor.
“Actually, speaking on wednesday,” he continued. He looked around to see that there were in fact no customers. “Are you free?” He smiled softly.
“Why? Asking me out on a date? Sorry i got a boyfriend.” David said rolling his eyes. “Of course i am”
Exer laughed, as he walked around the counter.
“You know… i was never a big fan of Valentine’s day, but i still want to spend it with you.” He held Davids hand.
David didn’t reply, he just grinned and squeezed Exer’s hand.
“Your place?”
“My place. My dad works late on wednesdays”
“Don’t you have work too though?” He tilted his head when asking.
“I can ask for the day off, Marco offered to cover for me”
***
Wednesday afternoon had arrived a lot faster than anticipated.
Exer was home making sure he had everything he needed.
Sugar, Butter, Flour…
Lucy sat on the sofa in the living room, on top of the blankets and pillows Exer had placed there. His plan was simple: Bake some cookies, and then enjoy said cookies while cuddling and watching a movie.
He and David used to bake together with Harry a lot when they were kids, and Exer always looked back at those memories fondly.
They haven’t baked in a long while, so he felt like this was the perfect opportunity.
At half past six, he heard a knock at the door.
“Day! You’re here early”
“What can i say? I like seeing you” he said, leaning in to kiss Exer on the cheek.
He lead them both into the kitchen, where Lucyfurr now stood on the counter.
“So, suprise!” He said nervously.
“I thought we could bake some cookies and watch a movie, y’know, like how we used to when we were younger”
He looked to David, a little embarrassed to say the least.
David on the other hand, had to hold his face in his hands, trying to hide the blush that had suddenly taken over.
He turned to Exer, and embraced him in a tight hug “you’re amazing you know that?” He said into his shoulder.
“Look who’s talking” he replied, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend’s waist.
They decided they would follow a recepie for chocolate chip cookies from one of Harry’s favorite recipe books.
The kitchen at the campbell’s household was full of laughter interrupted by occasional meows from Lucy.
Stolen kisses and hugs. Taking a moment to dance and sing along to the records they played while the cookies baked in the oven.
Lucy helped as much as a magical cat could. Locating the oven mitts and alerting the boys that the cookies were done.
Serving them in a small bowl. And saving a few for Exer’s dad in a separate plate. They settled in the living room and proceeded to half pay attention to the movie they put on.
The rest of the night went by incredibly fast. And towards the end of the film, Exer noticed David was getting progressively more tired, as he laid his head on his shoulder.
“You wanna stay the night?” He offered
“yeah, i’d like that” he nodded. “I have to call my mom though”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ll call, but we should go to sleep, i mean we have class tomorrow” he said.
“Hey Ex?”
He hummed in response
“Thank you.” He said. He sat up and held Exer’s face in his hands, looking at every little detail. His eyes, his dimples.
“Happy valentine’s day” he whispered as he leaned in to press a soft kiss onto his lips.
They stayed like that for a while, foreheads together, holding each other close.
“Hey Day?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you”
David pulled away, now holding on to Exer’s hands. He smiled.
That smile Exer loved so much.
The smile that brightened up the room.
The smile that Exer would to anything to see.
“I love you, too” he replied, kissing him again, and again.
They chuckled, as Lucy climbed up onto the couch, settling between the two.
The front door opened, and Mr. Harry walked in, visibly exhausted. But glad to see both boys so happy.
For the first time, Exer enjoyed Valentine’s day. And he would continue to look forward to it. He knew it was just another marketing ploy by big companies to sell sweets and stuff. But he didn’t care, he would make this day special for David for as long as he could.