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Josh was just finishing up his final card as he heard a soft knock at the door. He quickly placed it in his backpack and swung the bag over his shoulders before answering the door.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Joshie!” Mandy grinned, throwing her arms around the Inker, “Or do you prefer Palentine’s Day?”

“Either one works,” He chuckled, returning the hug, “Out to hug the masses?”

“Of course, but for you, I come bearing gifts!” She smiled, handing him a small red box with a heart-shaped card on it.

He quirked a brow as he opened the box, grinning as the scent of chocolate dipped cherries filled his nose. Not the store bought kind with chocolate shells full of sugar goop, but hand-dipped thickly with the stems still on.

“Thanks~ I’ve got something for you too, actually,” He smiled, taking off his backpack and taking out a small plastic container wrapped in green paper, with a beautiful card attached.

”Aww, Josh... thank you!” She smiled as she read the card.

“You haven’t even opened the box yet~” He added as he read her card. “Dammit, Mandy, do you have to be so cute?”

”Can’t help it~” She smiled as she eagerly tore off the paper, face splitting into a grin at the contents. “Chocolate covered strawberries!”

“Now you can thank me,” He chuckled, bracing himself for another hug as she threw her arms around him.

“Joshua Anders, you are too sweet~”

“Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone.”

“It’s hard not to like this,” She chuckled, “Thank you.”

“No problem~ So where are you heading?”

“Let’s see... I’ve still got Brad‘s bacon, Garrett’s muffins and Kill’s peppermint chocolate.“

“You made peppermint chocolate that made it to today? How’d you pull that off?”

“Let’s just say it took a lot of nom bribes and kitchen swaps,” She chuckled, “How about you?”

”I was heading to Sam’s first, but since it’s on the way I might as well come with you,” He smiled, slinging his backpack back on as he headed out with her.

“Sweet! I already gave Sam her brownies but I’ll stop by anyway for a second hug,” She grinned, walking side by side with him.

“From how much stuff you whipped up, anyone would think you had a hundred lovers,” Josh teased, “You must really love the holiday, huh?”

“I’m all for celebrating love. Who says it has to be exclusively romantic?”

“Amen to that.”

“After all, Palentine’s and Galentine’s were coined for a reason, I can’t be the only one who wants to celebrate platonic relationships.”

“Not to mention Single’s Awareness Day, for those who don’t like having the single status rubbed in their face by society.”

“It does seem a little harsh, doesn’t it? Plus it puts so much pressure on couples to get things right, too!”

“Yup, it sucks as a holiday if you don’t include platonic love in it.”

The two continued talking, not even noticing other couples waving at them as they passed.

“Anyway, it’s more fun sharing the day with friends~”

“Even the nommy ones?”

“Yes, even the nommy ones, that’s why you give edible gifts that- ack!”

Mandy stumbled over a crack in the pavement, though Josh was quick to catch her by hand and waist.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks. Guess I want paying enough attention to where I was walking.”

“No worries, I got you,” He nodded, keeping her hand in his without even quite realizing as they kept walking and talking.

“And who knew how hard it is to cook with pot? Though Marley seemed to appreciate his brownie batch.”

“You’re sure he didn’t get Sam’s batch, right?”

“Of course! Honestly!” She huffed.

“Just saying!”

“Well I’ll just say, if you don’t watch out!”

“Say what?”

“Say... that you’re adorable?” She grinned.

“I think you’ve already cornered that market.”

“Was that a compliment?”

“More like a statement of a curse.”

“How is being adorable a bad thing?”

“A cute face is like an ‘eat me’ sign for giants, as you should well know.”

“Really?” She asked innocently, “No wonder you get nommed so often!”

“You can’t talk! I’m amazed you’re not already letting someone dip you in chocolate for today,” He huffed, “Of course, you’ve still got Kill and Brad to go...”

“They won’t want me in place of their treats.”

“What if they argue the noms are their v-day treat for you?“

“Why would they do that?”

“Because we all know you’re not exactly against a little mouth time.”

“I could say the same thing about you, uvula lover.”

“At least my name doesn’t rhyme with my flavor.”

She quirked a brow briefly, having to think a moment for the answer. “Oh, very clever. Did you think that up yourself?”

“I’d like to say yes, but I actually overheard it.”

“Who called me Mandy Candy?!”

“A lot of people, actually.”

“Josh!” She pouted as he teasingly patted her head.

“You gotta admit, it’s a fitting nickname.”

“Oh yeah? Well then I’ll just have to find an equally fitting one for you!”

“Like what?”

“Like... Joshie-Pie!”

“Oh, come on, that doesn’t even rhyme!”

“Okay, so Josh doesn’t lend itself to nicknames... but still! Joshie-Pie is cute~”

“If you say so,” He groaned.

“Well you are cute, and no giant would disagree with me~”

“Only the damn nommers,” He sighed, “And they’d still take you before me.”

“Only because you’re so tsundere about noms and would offer me up!”

“Did you just call me tsundere?”

“Yeah, I did! What’cha gonna do about it?”

“I could take back the strawberries...”

“Only from my cold, lifeless fingers.”

“Well then...” He lifted a finger, then lightly bopped her nose. “Boop.”

“Boop? Don’t you mean beep?”

“Why beep?”

“A beep on the nose is a sign of great affection,” She grinned, lifting her finger to his nose. “Beep~”

Josh only chuckled in reply as they reached Sam’s door.

“Happy Valentine’s~” Josh smiled, handing Sam a card and box.

“Hey, Josh, Happy V-Day~” Sam smiled, hugging Josh before handing him a card and box in return. “Back again, Mandy?”

“Just on my way to Brad’s, thought I’d snag another huggle,” She grinned, throwing her arms around Sam.

“Of course,” Sam chuckled, “Be careful no one makes a treat out of you today.”

“Don’t worry, they won’t,” She chuckled. “I’d better get going, though, see you later!”

“Come on in, Josh! It’ll save you a trip, Darcy, Duke and Marley are in the living room,” Sam smiled.

“I’ll be right there,” Josh nodded as Sam went back inside, leaving the door open for him.

“Guess I’ll see you later then?” Mandy asked.

“If you’re not nommed by then, sure,” He smiled, “Thanks.”

“Well thank you, too~” She put a hand on Josh’s shoulder as she went on tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek, but at the same time Josh stooped and leaned towards her forehead. Instead of a peck on the cheek or head their lips and foreheads met briefly, followed by a cleared throat, a slight gasp and squeak, then nervous titters.

“Happy Palentine’s, Joshie...”

“Happy V-Day, Mandy...” This time he leaned slightly before planting the intended peck on the forehead, followed by her cheek kiss.

“Oh, by the way... why did Duke give me this?” Mandy asked, fishing a box of Magnums out of her pocket.

Josh’s cheeks instantly turned red as he grabbed the box. “I’ll see you later. Excuse me while I have a quiet word with my brother,” He smiled a decidedly unfriendly smile, disappearing into Sam’s living room.

“I’M SOOOOOORRYYYYYYYYYY!”

Mandy could only sigh at Duke’s screams, knowing she’d find out plenty when she checked out his injuries later.

All in all, it was still a perfect Valentine’s Day~