"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.