Valentine’s Day

“Another year, another Valentine's day spent single. What a drag.”

“Tell me about it. Fucking Logan. Why's he got better game than us?”

“Might not after tonight. I hope they stay together, anyway.”

“Yeah. But damn, I swear this holiday exists just to taunt us. Where's my sexy girlfriend or boyfriend?”

“Or boyfriend, Heath?”

“He likes both. Didn't you know?”

“No, I didn't. Interesting.”

“What's interesting about it?”

“It means there's twice as many people to reject you.”

“Hahaha!”

“Oh, go to hell, Stanley.”

“I don't get it. Valentine's day. It's just a load of commercialised crap. Suckers like you spend money on tacky shite in some vain attempt to prove you love whichever arsehole you're currently with.”

“You're a ray of sunshine today.”

“Even if I wanted to date people, I wouldn't be bothering with any of this.”

“Aria's right. Why don't we all get together tonight?”

“No offence, but I'm not up for a foursome with you lot.”

“I meant to watch a film or something, you idiot.”

“Something violent. I think it'd be fitting.”

“Violent's always fitting for you.”

“Damn right.”

---

“Thank God Vincent's finally in bed. Not really my idea of a romantic night in. Edward owes me.”

“Where is he, anyway? Does he have a hot date or something?”

“Ha. No, he's apparently down the Old Horse Pub, commiserating the single life with friends.”

“I think going to the Old Horse Pub in itself is enough reason to commiserate.”

“True. God, I'm exhausted. Toddlers are demanding! But they are worth it.”

“You've always liked kids, haven't you?”

“Oh, yeah. Even if they're a pain in the butt like Tristan. I know it's a role that's kinda been forced on me, but I do like it.”

“Guess that means you might want them some day.”

“You don't? It's okay if the answer's no.”

“No, no, I do want them. I just... there's something I need to tell you.”

“Yeah?”

“I...well. You see... Actually, forget it, it's not important.”

“It sounded important. Hey, you know you can tell me anything, right? Wouldn't be much of a relationship if you couldn't.”

“No, really.”

“Okay. I'd just like to think our communication's improved since we were awkward school kids. Not all that long ago, but y'know.”

“Hey, it was me dropping all the hints!”

“I got them. I just wasn't ready to believe it. Y'know, you've really helped my self-esteem.”

“I'm glad.”

“Which is why I now need to help myself. Enough dwelling on the past. I'm going to move on and not let it drag me down. Ellis and Aria... I love them, but they've both got unresolved issues. So it's up to me to be the strongest I can, so I can support anyone who needs me.”

“You do all that already. It's one of the reasons I love you.”

“Aww. Well, I love you too.”

“You mean a lot to me...”