[video]

[woofdad]

[The feed turns on to Grant Abaroa, huddled in bed and looking like utter garbage. ...And, when he speaks up, also sounding like utter garbage, the man sounds like his throat’s lined with sandpaper. Evidently, he’s not escaping flu season unscathed.]

Alright, I’m not allowed to do much of anything today, so, here’s a question for everyone else. What’s the best, or worst, Valentine's Day you’ve ever had? You know, good dates, bad ones, years where you didn’t have a date at all but were… notable, somehow. Any of that. [He cracks a brief, wry smile.] For example, seeing as how this is gonna be the first year in ages that I’ve actually been in a relationship, it could go either way depending on if I’m still sick in eight days.

Anyway. Just, y’know, bear in mind that there are kids on here while answering.

Comments

[ Video ]

[fortuna_tenax]

Last year, a classmate showed up outside my door. With a guitar he couldn't play. I didn't even know his name, or even what year he was in.

[ Just.... just gonna take a moment to breathe in because GOD. ... Is she still in bed? Probably. Allium should probably get off her neck too. Oh well. ]

His singing was also off-key. Also, like, he was goin' on about 'forever'? And we're in high school, I don't know you and you definitely don't know me as well as you think--

[ Video ]

[woofdad]

Oooh, no... god, I'm sorry, that sounds like a nightmare. [The kind of nightmare that's sort of amusing when it's not happening to you, though.] Don't think I've heard of anyone actually trying that before; just seemed like a bad movie thing that nobody would... actually expect to work, y'know?

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[schachmeister]

This is only the first year I have someone to celebrate with. I've got a few plans, so I just hope it all works out.

[And yes, he's a bit nervous about it all! First, valentine's day is big, right?]

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[woofdad]

[Despite everything, he visibly brightens at that.] Oh, really! Well, congratulations and best of luck, then.

I know I can only say so much, given that I'd assume those plans are secret-- [Oh, too much talking at a stretch. Give him a sec to cough before finishing that thought:] But it seems like you've got a good head on your shoulders, so I'd guess you've got this.

text;

[shiro2hero]

Cold got you too, huh?

text;

[woofdad]

[Y'know what, yes, as much as he might lean toward talking over video, he'll take this chance to save his voice for this one conversation.]

Or flu, or something. Saw that first video, you feeling any better since then?

video;

[tokenelfcharacter]

[The angle of this video is terrible. Because he didn't mean to hit record. But Runaan's pokemon want him to make friends - and this guy has a kid! So clearly there's common ground here!!]

[Rowlet definitely hit "record" and "send". So Runaan's head is turned sideways to talk to the pokemon - pointy ears, facial marking and homemade horns in profile.]

... why is everyone speaking of this valentine day?

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[woofdad]

[Okay, so, on one hand: It kind of looks like this guy might not have intended to send a video at all. On the other hand, the combination of a topic he's excited about and his impulse control more busted than usual from fever is way too much for him not to answer.]

It's a holiday that's coming up-- it's kind of... I mean, it's to sell candy, but it's also for celebrating your loved ones. 'S mostly focused on romantic relationships, but it's a good excuse to get presents and stuff for friends and family, too.

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[zukeini]

Meh, probably my first one after a big break up in college.

[He was talking while sitting on the floor of his room, rolling a ball around for May the Toxel.]

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[woofdad]

Uugh, that does stink. Post-break up holidays are the worst. Somehow sadder than just... th' ones where you've been single and you're still single.

Text (private):

[bestswordmaster]

[Felix replies in private because this is not the sort of shit he feels like talking about over the network thank you very much. But he's not at the inn to just go talk to Grant, and he wouldn't really want to talk about this face to face anyway, so he just texts the man.]

obviously we don't have this holiday but.
at the academy we had a ball associated with a dance contest.
the white heron cup.
sylvain competed for our house because
it's sylvain.
he won of course.
so at the ball half the monastery wanted to dance with him.
you can figure out how that went.
I hate parties to begin with but our professor made me attend.
it was terrible.
people kept bugging me to dance
and then that was just
the last straw.
so I left.

[The typing indicator doesn't go away, though, and a minute later the rest comes.]

but
then he came looking for me.
sylvain.
it was ethereal moon.
what they call december here.
so it was cold and the outfit the dancer wears is
not good for cold weather.
but he came to find me anyway
freezing and risking getting sick like the idiot he is.
because he knew I hated parties and knew where I'd go.
so
it wasn't so bad after all.

Text (private):

[woofdad]

[That is completely valid, and Grant cannot complain. It's kind of seeming like he and Felix communicate best over text, anyway.]

That sounds like Sylvain, alright. Especially when it comes to you.
I'm glad he could make the night better for you, getting dragged to parties you don't want to be at is the worst even without all those other factors.

[forsaintcecilia]

I've... Never had a date on Valentines. I've gotten a lot of giri-choco over the years, but that's it.

[woofdad]

Ah, man, that's too bad. Maybe your luck will change here, eventually?

What's-- giri-choco? [His pronunciation's a little off, but not terrible, at least.]

Video

[a_sin_for_him]

I only learned about Valentines here, so I've only had so many of them...but last year's was certainly noteable.

My husband and I weren't married yet, but we lived together. And at the time he had...let's say a rival. Who thought to ruin our night by delivering one of those sabotaged packages, the ones that look like a gift but when opened erupt in all manner of glitter and tiny sparkly things. Which of course got all over us and everything in the immediate vicinity.

But that's when we discovered that with a few glasses of wine and some candlelight, spending an evening cleaning and being silly with glitter is actually a very pleasant way to spend the evening.

Video

[woofdad]

[He snorts quietly, raising his eyebrows.] Sounds memorable, alright. Christ, I don't think I've heard of anyone actually glitterbombing someone in real life before, always seemed like the kinda thing that only happened in cheesy movies.

I'm glad you guys could turn it around, though! Just a nice night in with some unexpected flavor at that point, right?

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[nastyboy]

[Dimitri is, technically, not far off. He is still in the building. However, he is also still On The Clock, having taken up some jobs from the owners of the inn.]

[And that is why his Pokegear is carefully propped up on some spare boards, turning on to the sight of Dimitri's self designated "working" tee, black with a traditional sort of Dragonite print on it. Dimitri soon pulls back, revealing Gremlin on his shoulder, and a Gardevoir waiting patiently, who smiles down at the camera with a nod. Hello, she is here.]

[She's also waiting to get Dimitri's attention again, as he turns to a workbench where there's some small pieces of carved wood and paint.]

You know, I just sent off a letter to Jane in Goldenrod where I told her that we don't have Valentine's Day in Fodlan, and not too recently, Jinx and I got into a discussion where we were talking about the year.

You see, in Fodlan, we call the months something entirely different, and we also start the new year on an entirely different month. For us, it doesn't start in the winter. Instead, our new year starts sometime during the spring, during a month we call "Great Tree Moon". I believe it is called April, here?

[Nose scrunched up, he carefully starts to pain what look like... sideways hearts? There's a few of them...]

This month would be called Pegasus Moon, and it is a month where some of the coldest winds sweep from Faerghus through the rest of Fodlan. It is a very treacherous time of month, where you have to take care.

The nearest holiday I can think of would be... [Dimitri pauses, having to pull his paintbrush away from the wood.]

[...Actually, you know what, heck Adrestia-]

I suppose it would be three months from now, for Saint Macuil and all the other saints born in that month. It is a very musical time, and a lot of planting is done, even in Faerghus.

Although... If there is any similar holiday to this Valentine's Day, then I suppose it would be in Garland Moon, which is a month after. During that time, it's common for people - often young women, although I have heard of men doing it as well - to weave garlands of white roses.

I thought you would be interested in hearing about all of that. [He starts to paint again, smiling slightly.]

[He knows you're a nerd, Grant, and he does love you for it.]

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[woofdad]

[Grant brightens slightly at seeing Dimitri, even though he was texting him just moments ago, and gives the Gardevoir a nod in return. Then he settles in to listen... and, he'll admit, watch Dimitri work and try to figure out what he's working on now.]

Is it called that because it's about as dangerous as a pegasus? [Not his best joke, but who can blame him right now.]

Four months... around June, then. [He may or may not just... keep that in mind for later. Might ask the others about it, too.] That does sound like a really nice tradition... and I am interested in hearing this stuff, thank you.

[Video]

[rollstoseduce]

[Jaskier doesn't know what is being talked about but Grant mentions enough clues (dates, relationships, not kid safe) for him to be curious about it.]

I have many a story to share about notables dates, but pray tell, what's this day you're talking about? Do I need to be prepared for something happening in eight days?

[Video]

[woofdad]

It's a holiday! For celebrating your loved ones - romantically speaking, in particular, but it's a good day for doing things for friends or family too.

[Despite the state of Grant's health, he's audibly excited about it.]

[Video]

[cyan_maid]

[Winces...Jane herself seems a lot better on the outside since Grant last saw her, but like, still. Winces.]

First of all, do you want me to send over some medicine? And...citrus things?

[She can absolutely tuck some CyndaNyquil in the letter she's writing back to Dimitri if you need it.]

Second of all...um...I have actually not ever had a date on Valentine's Day myself? But I think something I would definitely want is time spent with that special someone. It needn't be fancy so long as they're putting the effort in.

[Meaning: do not kill yourself for your polycule if you are still sick by the 14th, Grant!]

[Video]

[woofdad]

[At least she's doing better at a glance - though he imagines she must still be working through what she experienced when she fell asleep.]

Thanks, but you don't need to; Dimitri's going shopping after work, he asked me for a list of stuff to pick up.

Really? That's too bad. [Everyone deserves Valentine's Day dates, especially Jane!!

He sighs, though, at that pointed comment, slumping back against his stacked pillows. This grown adult man is... definitely pouting, just a little.] I agree, for sure... but I hope I can at least get something set up, y'know?

» video

[spacebaloney]

[Lance is leaning on his elbow, a smile and a light blush on his face, and he looks happy. Satisfied. And in no way trolling for the first time in his life.]

The best one was when she said yes.

[So happy he is, he doesn't make a comment on how this guy sounds like he's been gargling chopped up soda cans.]

» video

[woofdad]

[Oh no that's adorable. Grant answers with a genuine grin.] Well, congratulations. Sounds like that'd be pretty hard to beat.

[Just that sentence, and the look on Lance's face, tell him that much.]

» video

[lordofthefries]

[Sasha shrugs, not entirely sure her answer would be any kind of helpful, but she's bored and craving some sort of social interaction right now.]

I never had one. [A beat.] You sound sick.

» video

[woofdad]

Oh, they not have Valentine's Day where you're from? Here's hoping you have a good day on this one, then.

[He laughs weakly, which sets off a couple coughs.] There's a reason for that! Think I picked up a flu.

video

[uncutetomboy]

[Akane's face is noticeably red for her reply.]

I guess I should start out by explaining that back home, my dad and his best friend decided they were going to arrange a marriage between their kids, in order to unite our two schools of martial arts. We're about the only people who practice Unrestricted Grappling? Um, my older sister translated it to 'Anything-Goes Martial Arts' for English.

Anyway. I was the one stuck with the engagement even though I don't like boys.

Last Valentine's Day was the first one since the whole engagement thing happened and I didn't make a lot of chocolate, because it just encourages boys. But this little girl asked me to deliver some chocolate to the boy at my school who rescued her doll and it turned out that was Ranma, my fiancee. So I kept trying to find ways to secretly give Ranma the chocolates, only we kept running into other people, and it was so stupid--and Ranma was being awful about my cooking ability again and saying they wouldn't eat any homemade chocolate of mine. I eventually got the chocolates to them and then I gave them my own little chocolate... but it was just kind of dumb and stressful.

[Thank you, Rumiko-sensei, for doing a canon manga chapter for Valentine's Day.]

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[woofdad]

[Well, right off the bat, Grant is a little concerned about all this. He knows that arranged marriages are like... a thing, that happens, but it's still a little odd to hear about so directly.

But he also sees how it's important framing for all this. Having to go through a bunch of nonsense just to deliver chocolate on a child's behalf is one thing, but having the recipient be someone she was engaged to without even having chosen to be just... adds so much.]

Jeez, that just... all piled up for you, didn't it? It sounds like you showed some real impressive persistence, though, getting the chocolate to them and all.