[SFW] Valentine's hangouts


                                            "Aria?"

                                            >"Sup loser?"

                                            "What are you doing here?"

                                            >"What stupid question is that? This is our home."

                                            "No, I meant "here". Don't you go out with your sisters all the time?"

                                            >She groans

                                            >"Not today. Is Hearts and... Valentine's Day. I don't like it."

                                            "Why not? Chocolates, roses, pink drinks..."

                                            >"Ugh, too much sugar. I stick with beer."

                                            "Ok, but if you are here, where are your sisters?"

                                            >"Adagio got a gig, so she is seducing pervs and simps for coins, and Sonata just eats the food they leave."

                                            "And you didn't went? You never turn down candy."

                                            >"Is SIMP candy. They probably jizzed all over the glaze."

                                            "Good point."

                                            >"And what about you? Where's your fuckdate?"

                                            "What fuckdate?"

                                            >"It's February 14. Didn't you catched a girl to bang today?"

                                            "Love isn't just sex."

                                            >"And that kind of mentality makes you a loser."

                                            "Says the girl drinking beer alone on the sofa. You aren't even watching TV."

                                            >"Everything is sappy romance stuff today, even on the internet. I'll just get hammered and lose this day."

                                            "Sounds cheap, but whatever. Can I join?"

                                            >"This is my last bottle."

                                            "I have cans of soda."

                                            >"Wimp."

                                            "Whatever grump, just move your ass and let me sit on the couch. Maybe there's something good on TV."

                                            >"Sure, go ahead. Try to find something, I stopped a long time ago."


                                            >You are Anonymous.

                                            >Today is another February 14th that you spend alone because no girl to date, but with a twist.

                                            >Turns out miss grump fish doesn't have a date either. She hates this holiday.

                                            >Granted. This day is only an excuse for shops to paint their trash pink and overprice it.

                                            >You don't care, you only want the chocolate discounts that will happen tomorrow.

                                            >In the mean time, you are sitting on your couch next to Aria, zapping channels for something interesting.

                                            >No luck so far.

                                            >"Told you it was useless."

                                            "Thelma and Louise was neat at least."

                                            >"Maybe, but you catch it around the end."

                                            "Should've tried a bit harder searching, Aria."

                                            >"Whatever, I already saw it."

                                            "Ok then... pass me a cola."

                                            >"You finished the last can."

                                            "Really? I just drink one."

                                            >"I needed to wash up the booze taste."

                                            "Alright, want to accompany to the store?"

                                            >"Meh, I'm cozy."

                                            "Suit yourself."

                                            >You stand up, and grab your wallet and keys.

                                            >You leave your little apartment, and walk down the road to the corner store.

                                            >A ring comes from your phone. It's Adagio.

                                            "Hello?"

                                            >"Hiiii~~~. Enjoying Valentines anon?"

                                            "Could be better."

                                            >"Good, that means you are in the spirit for some adventuring!"

                                            "What are you getting at, Adagio?"

                                            >"Look. While I love my sister, she is a pain in the ass when she gets drunk. So how about you take her on a date for today?"

                                            "You set me up on a date with your sister? But you said-"

                                            >"I know what I said, and I know that I want to sleep without miss purple fatass crying about not having a boyfriend while drunk. Trust me, today makes her very concious about her love life."

                                            "I can't promise I will be able to get her out of the sofa."

                                            >"Try, you overestimated chimp. Your species thrived by trying, you can do that."

                                            "Trying AND succeding. The ones who fuck up are forgotten.... What the Hell? I'll do it."

                                            >"Thanks Anonymous, I'll make sure Sonata doesn't eat all the glazed donuts."

                                            "Pass, she can get those. See you soon."

                                            >You hang up, and pay for the beers.


                                            "I'm home."

                                            >"About time, I don't like to nap until I'm drunk."

                                            "Yeah, about that..."

                                            >"Hmm?"

                                            "Is this all you want to do? I mean, the day will pass faster if you do something."

                                            >"Nyeeeeehhh..."

                                            "And what if I take you out somewhere? I don't have anything better to do anyway."

                                            >Aria changes from laying to sitting on the couch.

                                            >"Really anon? Are you asking me on a date?"

                                            "If you want to call it like that. I just want to hang out."

                                            >"Which beer you bough?"

                                            "Stout."

                                            >"Well, you maybe aren't as squared as I though. Alright anon, let's "hang out", and see what happens."

                                            >You wait while Aria changes her clothes. Some time later, she comes out with green jeans and a purple sweater.

                                            "You look adorable."

                                            >"Keep talking like that and I will just stay here getting drunk."

                                            "As long as we hang together."

                                            >You always like to tease her. Her blush makes it worth it.

                                            >*Punch*

                                            >The hits to your sides, not so much.

                                            >You two leave home, and walk a few feet away.

                                            >Step one is a success. Now comes step 2, probably the most hard one.

                                            "So, any idea of places to go?"

                                            >"Really? You invited me to hang out without any idea of somewhere to go?"

                                            "I gotta be honest, I wasn't expecting to come this far."

                                            >"Fantastic", she fumes with sarcasm.

                                            "Hey, don't cut me down so quickly, there must be something to do in town. Is Valentines after all."

                                            >"Hmmm... well, I heard there was a show in the park. Maybe we can go there."

                                            "Only if we mock the indie bands."

                                            >You two walk to the park.


                                            >The Mirror Pond Park is active this time of the year

                                            >The autumn scenery, the silly tale of the pond, and many couples wandering around would make it a nice postcard.

                                            >But now, there's only you, Aria, and a simple concert to crash.

                                            "Know the band that is playing?"

                                            >"At least it isn't the Rainbooms."

                                            "That's a point up. The point down?"

                                            >"It's a group of fancy girls from downtown. I think they had a MV with them before."

                                            "Oh, I heard about that. Adagio was mad at the TV for the whole month."

                                            >"It was fun. At least I could watch it for the first time. Either is Adagio's soap operas, or Sonata's cartoons."

                                            "I like cartoons."

                                            >"You and your weird hobbies. I can't understand why you like shows for little kids."

                                            "Nostalgia or escapism. Why do you like car or wrestling shows?"

                                            >"I like this world's competitions. Everyone trying to be the big one or the cool one."

                                            "There you go. I like cartoons because you like wrestling: it's something we like."

                                            >"Maybe you could watch a show about talking cars."

                                            "And you could watch fighting cartoons. Wait, that would be anime. You may dislike that."

                                            >"If it is about fighting, maybe I won't care."

                                            "I'll take your word for it."

                                            >You two reach the concert, and the group is already singing.

                                            >They were reapeating their best song: Dance Magic.

                                            >Obviously, is lacking since the other half isn't with them.

                                            >The show is boring, and the people aren't even hiding heir jeering at this point.

                                            >The group leaves quietly, and the mob disperses

                                            "Well, looks like we didn't missed much."

                                            >"Any ideas, Romeo?"

                                            "How about the swings over there?"

                                            >"Do you enjoy being so childish?"

                                            >You only shrug

                                            >"Well, you better push hard."

                                            >And like that, you spend some time on the swings with her.


                                            >Time has passed since the swings, playing in the small playground.

                                            >By the time you realize it, it was way pass the afternoon, ready for sunset.

                                            "Well, for some "childish games", you really had your fun."

                                            >"Shut up, I was just faking it."

                                            >Her smile doesn't bother to hide the lie.

                                            >Anyway, you just play along.

                                            "In any case, I had it. Say, now that is almost twilight, want something to eat?"

                                            >"We have food at home."

                                            "We are also already outside."

                                            >Aria gives herself some time before answering.

                                            >"I do want to eat, but most places may be filled with couples."

                                            >Hmm... good point.

                                            >You have an idea.

                                            "And how about we pick a grill from the park and make some burgers?"

                                            >"Sounds good."

                                            >You go to a small 24/7 while Aria searches for one park grill. Some time later, you have buns, patties, mayo, ketchup, mustard, cheese and greens.

                                            >Aria managed to light up the grill.

                                            "Got the food here."

                                            >"Great. Pass me some patties, is ready."

                                            >She puts some on the grill, the small grease grilling melting and sparking around.

                                            >"Got to admit it anon, so far this day has been pretty chill."

                                            "Valentine is still a day in the end, and any day hanging out with my friends is cool."

                                            >"Yeah... friends..."

                                            >The patties are done, and the burgers prepared.

                                            "Yo, before we chew down, let's have a small cheer."

                                            >You pull out two cans of beer.

                                            "Cheers."

                                            >"Haha, cheers."


                                            >A good time passes, with burgers and small talk.

                                            >Suddenly, your phone starts ringing. Is Sonata.

                                            "Hello?"

                                            >>"Hiya! Nonny, is Aria with you?"

                                            >"Here I am Taco Girl, what is happening?"

                                            >>"Hi, hope you two are having fun. Say, where are you? Adagio got invited to this fireworks display, and she wanted to know if you two are still at home."

                                            >"We are at Mirror Pond Park. Did you two finished with my van already?"

                                            >>"Coming to get ya. See you soon."

                                            >Sonata hangs up.

                                            "A fireworks display? Sounds fun."

                                            >"Meh, I bet it will be all heart shapes and red sparks."

                                            "Is a reunion, so there may be some sweet pastries. Ever had strawberry shortcakes?"

                                            >"More than the breads in your entire life. Alright, let's watch some lights."

                                            >You two finish up the burgers and wait for Adagio and Sonata.

                                            >Twenty minutes later, they arrive around the corner.

                                            AD: There we go. Come on, we are starting to run late.

                                            AB: We will arrive on time if I drive, move back.

                                            >Aria takes the wheel, and you go to the back with the girls.

                                            SD: So, what were you two doing?

                                            "We didn't had much to do. We were playing on the playground and had some burgers."

                                            SD: Really?! Burgers? Did you saved some from me?

                                            "Sorry Sonata, it was only for the both of us. We finished them before you two picked us up."

                                            SD: Aww...

                                            AD: I don't know why are you complaining. You ate a lot of sandwiches, cakes and hotdogs in the small gathering.

                                            SD: But I want burgers too...

                                            "Maybe there are burgers in the display."

                                            AB: Speaking of which, where is it?

                                            AD: Uptown, in the Stallion Building. Our boss has connections.

                                            AB: Sounds fun.

                                            >Aria accelerates.


                                            >Some time later, the group arrives to the Stallion Building, one of the most exclusive buildings in the city.

                                            "How did you get entrances for this place? We are just a bunch of roomies that barely scrap the end of month."

                                            AD: I haven't lost my voice yet Anonymous. Humans are still gullible after all.

                                            SD: But Autotune did most of the work.

                                            AD: Sonata, shut up.

                                            >Everyone laughts.

                                            >In front of the building, a vallet boy is waiting.

                                            AB: Where's the parking? I don't trust you guys with my car.

                                            AD: Just give them the keys Aria, I can pay them enough to not scratch the paint.

                                            >Aria gives the key to the boy with a serious look

                                            AB: They better.

                                            >"Ehh... yes miss."

                                            >The kid takes the wheels, and goes to the parking area.

                                            >The group goes and present in reception

                                            >"Miss Dazzle? Yes, you are on the list. And these are your guests?"

                                            AD: That's right. My band, and our personal friend.

                                            >"Understood. The reception is at the 25th floor: the open meeting room. Here's the card pass."

                                            >The lady gives Adagio a magnetic card.

                                            >"Enjoy your visit."

                                            AD: We will. Thanks.

                                            >Everybody goes to the elevator, and mark the 25th button.

                                            AB: So, mind telling us how we got here now?

                                            "Wait, didn't you say your boss invited you?"

                                            AB: You need to learn how to read Adagio's lies anon. Well?

                                            AD: We are singing. We are part of the entertainment.

                                            AB: I should've known.

                                            "Hey, don't be down. After the show, we get to see fireworks."

                                            SD: Yeah! And there will be lots of cool stuff! We may sing here again!

                                            "That's the spirit. Perhaps you finally get a chance to sign a record."

                                            AD: Romantic dreams anon, but life doesn't work that way.

                                            AB: Who knows? Today's Valentine's.


                                            >The elevator welcomes everyone with a *ding*, and opens to a small open sector.

                                            >You can see most of the city, and the area where the fireworks will come up.

                                            >A man in a very expensive suit comes close.

                                            >"Ah, Dazzlings, good you came. Just in time."

                                            AD: We never arrive late, sir. We are ready.

                                            >"And who is this... gentleman?"

                                            "Their errand boy. I just make sure they are fine."

                                            >"You girls have your clothes, but him may have to wait outside."

                                            AD: Just get him a monkey suit. I know you have lots to spare, and he is really useful.

                                            >"Well, we need another waiter. Please follow one to the back area."

                                            AD: Go get some tips, pretty boy.

                                            "Yes Mistress Dazzle."

                                            >You weren't expecting working overtime, but it will have to do.

                                            >You follow one of the service crew to the back, and get dressed. You are lucky you rock the suit outfit.

                                            "Well, what am I supposed to do?"

                                            >"Just go outside with a plate of appetizers and check on the guests. If they need a drink or a snack, you give it to them."

                                            "Simple, I like that."

                                            >You come out, and grab a plate with small sandwiches and some glasses of strawberry champagne.

                                            >While walking, you find the girls on top of a stage, wearing pink dresses. For someone purple, Aria has the largest red face you ever saw.

                                            >If you could only use your phone now.

                                            "Would you like a drink sir?"


                                            >The night moves on, with random requests, small gossiping, and the sirens' voices.

                                            >It would be better if you didn't have to work, but beggars can't choose.

                                            >Time later, people is starting to gather around, ready for the show.

                                            >You managed to sneak and reach Aria.

                                            "Show was awesome."

                                            >"For you maybe. I don't like to sing unprepared."

                                            "Still, you girls rocked. Where are Adagio and Sonata?"

                                            >"Adagio is still enjoying the views of her public. As for Sonata, she sneaked to the snacks table."

                                            "Hey, speaking about snacks..."

                                            >You pull out a strawberry shortcake.

                                            "Here, I managed to sneak one."

                                            >"Thanks... hey, Anonymous."

                                            "Yeah?"

                                            >"I wanted to thank you for hanging out with me. I mean, I bet Adagio set you up so she could sing here and get a few extra coins, but I liked it when we kept it simple, playing on the park and grilling burgers."

                                            "I know this day can be a little weary on us, but I'm happy we got to enjoy yourselves. Besides, I got to hear you sing, and the tips recovered all I spent today, so it was a good day all around."

                                            >"Well, I think it can be better."

                                            "Oh yeah? How?"

                                            >"Come so I tell ya."

                                            >You get closer.

                                            "Now tell- hmm!"

                                            >*BOOM!*

                                            >Fireworks light up the sky, people cheering in awe, except for two who were kissing.

                                            "..."

                                            >"If you tell to any of the girls about this, I'll kick your ass."

                                            >Aria joins the crowd, watching the spectacle.

                                            >You only remain frozen for a bit, before recovering your senses and dress up in your casual clothes.

                                            >The display ends, and people start leaving. The girls included.

                                            >The fancy man joins the group.

                                            "Amazing! I knew hiring you for tonight was going to be a great idea."

                                            AD: We always take the stage sir, without any problems. If you ever have any gigs like this, please let us know.

                                            >"Really? Well, if you give me your agent's number..."

                                            AD: We don't have an agent sir, but we are open for business.


                                            >The man smiles

                                            >"Really? No manager? Maybe we should talk a bit more. How about you follow me to my office? Is on the 1st floor."

                                            AD: Interesting proposal. Guys, go get the van, I'll join you when I'm done with our boss.

                                            >Back at the 1st floor, Adagio follows the rich guy. Meanwhile, everyone leaves the building, and Aria talks with the vallet boy.

                                            AB: Hey, park kid, you still have my keys?

                                            >"Yes miss, let me-"

                                            AB: Not necessary.

                                            >Aria takes the keys and gives them to Sonata.

                                            AB: Could you get the van? I need to rest now.

                                            SD: Really? Can I drive?

                                            AB: Well, we all got fun today, so let's enjoy it a bit more.

                                            >Sonata gives small enthusiastic jumps, and goes to the parking area.

                                            >Now is only you and grump girl

                                            "..."

                                            >"..."

                                            "..."

                                            >"..."

                                            "... Hum, Aria, I-"

                                            >"Anonymous, I know that I always act all bitchy or I go walking around, screeching between my teeth. But honestly, today I really had fun."

                                            "For real?"

                                            >"For real. It's hard for me to open up. Years of experience taught me to just keep people at a distance, but maybe I am willing to make an exception. What I'm trying to say anon, is that you are a good friend, and I really liked to be with you."

                                            >You are a bit surprised, but you are happy you got to know Aria a bit better.

                                            >Your only reply is a friendly smile. She responds the same.

                                            >A while later, Adagio returns.

                                            "So, how's it going?"

                                            AD: We may have a contract. We have to try out this Wednesday, but we got it.

                                            "Cool, I'm hoping I serve in more bigger buildings now."

                                            >Adagio laughs.

                                            AD: Oh, don't worry, you will have a promotion before that.


                                            >Sonata brings the van in mint condition.

                                            SD: Look girls! I managed to bring the van without a scratch!

                                            AB: Well done Sonata, want to try all the way home?

                                            SD: Really? You think I can do it?

                                            >Adagio looks a bit reluctant, but Aria only nods in approval.

                                            SD: Alright! I won't let you down!

                                            AB: I know you won't.

                                            >The girls go inside, but Aria stays on the door before going in.

                                            AB: Hey anon.

                                            "Yes?"

                                            AB: Let's hang out again sometime.

                                            >You only nod smiling, as she rides on the back of the van.

                                            "Hey Sonata, I get shotgun now. Don't worry, we are here to support you."

                                            >You get in the van, as Sonata slowly but progressively drives the van back home.

                                            >It sure was a good Valentine's Day for a couple of lonely people.