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It's not a silly question if you don't know the answer. Usually people spend the time with someone they like and maybe go out to dinner or exchange chocolate or flowers, that kind of thing.

It was definitely not February before I showed up here -but I'm guessing it's coming up soon?

Yes it is. The bookstore has been getting new books about it since last month.

Though....are exchanging of gifts and dinner dates expected?

Mm, sometimes. I mean some couples don't really buy into it but some people really do.

But if you don't know what it is, are your sure the person you like is from somewhere that celebrates?

I think he knows, since there are a few books about the historical facets of the holiday and the different cultures that celebrate that.

Although I think for him there's another holiday called White Day, where it's like Valentine's day but it's the girls who get white chocolate instead.

I think that's a Japanese thing back home. I mean, ultimately, you should do what makes you happy. Its fun if you're into it, but if you aren't then don't worry too much about it.

Ah, that seems to really vary from ~~book to book~~ person to person. Some people like to stay at home and be together - order in food, or cook one another things - and others go out on dates. Dinner at a fancy restaurant, exchange gifts, romantic walks, or a movie, or a show, or something else that they like doing together. It's supposed to be a time to show your significant other how much you like them and care about them.

But there are an awful lot of options.

But...we do that all the time. At least I think we do.

The question's still the same: what to do...

Any suggestions?

Ah... that does make it more difficult. It's so personal... If I may ask, um, are you... Are you dating Mr. Koizumi?

Yes, I am.

Are you a friend of his?

Yes! Yes. I beg your pardon, my name is Sheska - I'm a friend and colleague of Koizumi's. I thought I saw you two at the dance in November, but I wanted to make sure.

Sheska, it's nice to meet another friend of Itsuki's.

It's good to meet you too, Miss... Aqua, isn't it? I'm glad you two are so close. I take it that you're looking to do something special for him for Valentine's Day?

Yes, it's Aqua.

Mmhmm, and that's where the trouble lies. I'm not sure if I should do something simple or if I should do more. I know Itsuki would like anything I give him, but I'm not sure exactly what to get or to do.

Well, you're definitely right that he would love whatever you do for him... but it doesn't really help in making a decision, does it? Hmm.

He likes making other people happy. Making them happy makes him happy. But that means he doesn't tend to do a lot for himself. I know he enjoys going out for ice cream. You could do that... Or maybe set up a sort of create-your-own-sundae bar and have a night in? He always seems really appreciative when someone else cooks for him. I could find you some recipes, if you thought you might like to do that. Ah...

Well, my cooking isn't terrible so I could go for that...

Thank you so much, you've really given me a better idea of what I can do for Itsuki.

How long have you two been friends?

You're very welcome! It's always so nice to see him really happy.

Hm, since he came to work at the police station, certainly... Let me think. That would have been about the end of February last year, actually.

Wow, so about a year? How much has changed at the station? Or..here in general?

He's gotten to be quite close with Chief Beifong, which has mostly made it calmer at the station. He's really helped me keep everything on track, too, and I suspect he was taking on more work than he was supposed to, though we tried to keep him from doing that. Everything tends to run smoother with him around. With so many fictional officers being released, though, we've been down to a skeletal group for a long time now, and even with the Avengers working with us, it's tough to get people in the places we need them anymore.

The city itself... I think has changed surprisingly little. There've been some building projects completed, and public sentiment about fictionals has soured a bit, but despite all the weird things happening, afterward people just take it in stride and move on. The status quo resumes. It's only when something really big and really painful happens that people seem to remember that this place is more cruel than kind half the time.

Ahh... [The mention of Beifong just makes Aqua nod her head. She knows of the other woman, but not to the extent of her relationship with Koizumi. It wasn't her business to know nor would she ask about it unless it had something to do with her current relationship with Koizumi.]

Well..if you need more people to help with the police force...I suppose I could lend my services. I'm good with paperwork or be an extra set of helping hands.

Ah! We could really use another receptionist, actually, if you'd be at all interested. I can handle the weekdays, but I do need to sleep, and the Chief won't let me work the weekends as well. Right now we have an officer running the desk during those times, but if we could put even one more person on the streets, that would really help. Is that something you think you'd be interested in?

Ah, yes you do need sleep. It's not best to keep your body running wihtout it. I could be a receptionist and cut back my hours at the bookstore. That shouldn't be a problem, not many people go there anyway. Would I speak to Chief Beifong about this?

Oh, you work at a bookstore... Ah, I'm a little jealous. It must be wonderful to be surrounded by books all the time like that. But it's better for me to be in another environment, I think. I would spend too much time reading.

You should do what makes you happy, but if you'd like to apply, you can always come down to the station and I can get you the paperwork. Chief Beifong will review it and set up an interview, but you should have an answer in a few days.

It's not too bad. I do enjoy books, so I thought the bookstore would be a nice form of employment. A nice change of pace from other things. You're more than welcome to stop by at any time.

I'll think it over, but thank you for the information. Maybe we'll be co-workers in the future.

I may do that. I haven't gotten myself any new material in a while and I've re-read most of my collection again recently. I could really use some new books.

You're very welcome. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer what I can. And Koizumi has been a great help, so he might be able to give you some insight as well.

I hope you two have a good holiday. If there's any way I can help - a grocery run, preparing ingredients, distracting him while you put the finishing touches on things - let me know.

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