Chapter Text
I'm not abandoning My Salvatore/ My God, i'm still here, my love for Moonberry is not going anywhere, if anything, it deepened. I was just busy😭
Happy Tet Binh Ngo everyone!
Here's a late Valentine fic. It sets in Modern Au.
...
February 14th, Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love, a day when couples cling a little closer, speak a little softer, and make time for each other so their affection can grow warmer and deeper. It is the one day people gather their courage to confess the feelings they have kept hidden, to show tenderness to the ones they cherish, and to finally reach out to someone they have been quietly watching from afar.
The streets are filled with roses, laughter, and promises that feel almost sacred in the cold air, and everywhere you look, there is a sense of intimacy, of belonging, of hearts finding their way toward one another.
It is such a special and meaningful occasion that, surely, Astro and Sprout would definitely participate in...right?
.
.
.
Absolutely not. Not a chance.
One of them was in his final year at university, buried beneath assignments, deadlines, and the looming pressure of graduation. The other had already stepped into a demanding job with a respected position, his days filled with meetings, documents, and responsibilities that seemed to multiply without end. Where would either of them find the time to indulge in something as trivial as a romantic holiday?
Astro had to finish the reports he’d been assigned, follow his boss around to meet foreign partners, and keep up a professional image at all times. Meanwhile, Sprout was drowning in preparations for his graduation exams, so busy that even finding a moment to make a simple phone call felt like a luxury he couldn’t afford.
But that was only what Sprout thought. Astro, on the other hand, would never allow his beloved to glance out a window, see couples laughing together in the fading light of Valentine’s evening, and feel even for a second that he had been forgotten.
The idea alone made his chest tighten, there was no way he would let the day pass without at least reaching out. ( In truth, Sprout was so absorbed in studying that he barely had the time to look outside at all.)
So, after shamelessly leaving a few colleagues waiting on him with flimsy excuses, Astro slipped away and hid himself in a quiet corner where no one would think to look.
From there, he pulled out his phone, the screen lighting up softly in his hands. Astro opened his favorites list without hesitation, there were only three numbers saved there, and two of them were old numbers that used to belong to Sprout.
Just recently, Sprout had smashed yet another phone, and Astro had been the one to replace it without complaint, as he always did. Now, staring at that familiar name on the screen, Astro showed a small, private smile tug on his lips before he pressed the call button.
"Sweetheart, tonight maybe we could-"
“FOR GOD’S SAKE. I TOLD YOU TO STOP DISTURBING ME, DIDN’T I?!”
Astro didn’t even get to finish his sentence before Sprout’s voice cut him off, sharp, impatient, and rough around the edges in a way that would have startled anyone else. On the other end of the line came the sound of heavy breathing, as though Sprout had just been forced to sprint fifteen laps around a field. There was the faint, frantic rhythm of someone who had been pulled out of intense concentration and did not appreciate it in the slightest.
To clarify, his Sprout wasn’t usually like this, not soft-spoken all the time, no, but never truly harsh. This version of him only appeared when stress pressed down too hard on his shoulders or when he was so deeply focused on something that the world outside blurred into background noise.
Graduation exams had turned him into a tightly wound bundle of nerves, all sharp edges and fragile patience. Astro knew that, he understood it better than anyone.
If it had been anyone else on the receiving end of that outburst, they might have felt offended, hurt, or at least a little embarrassed, but Astro simply lowered the phone slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips instead of irritation. Even like this, especially like this, he loved Sprout, every impatient breath, every grumpy syllable, every unfiltered reaction that only came out when Sprout forgot to guard himself.
In fact, Astro found it almost endearing, if one day, years from now, Sprout were to carry their kid and snapping at Astro over the smallest things, he would already be well-trained for it. Consider this early practice, he thought fondly, consider this proof that love meant staying even when the tone was sharp and the timing was wrong.
“Just say what you need to say already.”
Sprout’s voice came through the phone in a low, irritable growl, still edged with the remnants of his earlier frustration. Yet beneath that roughness, there was something else now, a faint trace of guilt, subtle but unmistakable. He sounded less like he was lashing out and more like someone who had snapped without meaning to, now trying to cover it up with a stubborn tone.
The sound of his breathing had slowed, no longer frantic, just uneven, as if he were still surrounded by scattered papers and unfinished notes, his mind struggling to stay locked onto what he had been studying.
Cute. Unbelievably cute.
Astro found himself smiling without realizing it, the kind of smile that softened his whole expression. He could almost picture Sprout on the other end, brows drawn tight, lips pressed into a thin line, one hand tangled in his hair as he stared down at his books, annoyed at the interruption but unable to hang up.
Astro let the silence linger for a second before bringing the phone closer, his voice lowering into something warm and steady, like a quiet place to rest.
“How about taking a break from studying tonight?” He said gently, the words flowing slow and careful, he were coaxing rather than asking. “I already made a reservation at a restaurant. It’s still early, so just lie down for a bit, let your head clear. I’ll come pick you up later, alright?”
For a moment, there was only silence, then came a faint scoff, followed by the sound of Sprout shifting, perhaps leaning back in his chair, perhaps crossing his arms as he spoke.
“Do you even realize how precious time is right now?” He muttered, colder, much more defensive. “What makes you think I have time to go chasing after some Valentine’s trend like those clingy couples? Don’t be ridiculous. Cancel it.”
The refusal came fast, blunt, and sharp, yet Astro didn’t react at all, his expression remained calm, and his smile even deepening just a little, because he knew Sprout. He knew the way he pushed things away first before letting himself want them, he knew the pride hiding behind those curt words, the exhaustion that made him act tougher than he really felt.
And right on cue, a few seconds later, the line crackled softly again.
“…What time are we going?”
This time the question came out much quieter, the sharpness was gone, replaced by something softer, something that sounded suspiciously like curiosity trying to pretend it wasn’t there. Astro could practically imagine him looking away from his notes, pretending to stay uninterested while secretly waiting for the answer.
Astro let out a quiet breath, warmth pooling in his chest, his voice turning even gentler as he replied, “Six o’clock.” He paused, just briefly, before adding in that same fond, steady tone, “Wait for me at home.”
"Okay…”
From the other end of the line came another soft sigh, long and tired, carried all the weight of a restless mind and hours of studying. When Sprout spoke again, his voice was noticeably warmer, the earlier irritation worn down into something gentler, more fragile.
“…I’m sorry. I was a little too hasty just now.”
The apology came out a bit rushed, here was a small pause after, no more than a heartbeat, like he might have wanted to add something else, and then the call abruptly ended. The screen dimmed, the line cut cleanly, leaving Astro alone with the faint echo of that softened voice still lingers.
He didn’t move right away, for a moment, Astro simply stood there, holding the phone in his hand, staring at the now-dark screen with a quiet, fond smile that he didn’t even try to hide. The apology had been short, almost clumsy, and very much like Sprout, never one to linger on vulnerability, never one to draw out tender moments longer than necessary.
But that was exactly what made it feel real, Astro could picture him perfectly: rubbing the back of his neck, glancing away from his notes, muttering the words quickly before hanging up out of embarrassment. Just imagining it made warmth bloom in his chest, steady and familiar.
When Astro finally returned, the atmosphere in the room had already settled into that post-lunch calm. Most of the food was gone, plates pushed aside, and conversations had softened into lazy murmurs. A few coworkers were already leaning back in their chairs, scrolling through their phones or wiping their hands clean.
Vee glanced up the moment Astro stepped in, lifting his eyes with an expression that looked both bored and mildly exasperated.
"Astro sure took his time,” Vee said flatly, resting her chin against her hand. “Everyone’s already finished eating. We thought you weren’t coming at all.”
“Ah, sorry, sorry,” Astro replied easily, raising both hands in a small gesture of apology as he slipped into an empty seat. There was no real guilt in his voice, only a light, casual warmth.
“You all should’ve just eaten comfortably. I’ve got dinner plans tonight with my fiancé anyway, so I’m saving my appetite. I’ll just have some fruit to keep me going.”
He reached over to pick up a few slices from what little remained, completely at ease, the faintest trace of pride slipping into his tone when he mentioned his fiancé. It wasn’t boastful, just the quiet satisfaction of someone who cherished what he had.
“Even with a schedule like that, you still manage to make time for your partner…” Bassie spoke up from nearby, her voice soft and thoughtful, her hand toyed with the edge of her sleeve as she spoke, eyes drifting down as she was afraid someone might notice how serious she sounded.
“I’m kind of jealous…” She hesitated, then added in an even smaller voice, almost mumbling the words to herself, “If only I could ask Ms. Bobette to be my Valentine…”
Her voice faded at the end, growing quieter and quieter until it nearly disappeared, that thought alone made her shy. The table fell into a brief, gentle silence after that.
...
By around five thirty in the evening, Astro was already grinning like a boy who couldn’t sit still any longer. He hurriedly said his goodbyes to his coworkers, grabbing his things with an energy that made it obvious his mind had long since left the office.
Even as he stepped outside and got into the car, the roads were as congested as ever, a long, unmoving river of vehicles stretching endlessly ahead. It was like this every day, and every day it irritated him, but today, the impatience felt sharper. His fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel as he waited for the traffic to inch forward, his thoughts already miles ahead, back at the one person he wanted to see.
Nearly twenty minutes later, he finally pulled up in front of the apartment building, and there, just beneath the soft glow of the lobby lights, he saw Sprout already sitting and waiting. Astro’s heart softened instantly. Sprout looked… especially lovely today.
To be fair, Astro always thought he was beautiful no matter what he wore, even when he was in the most casual, worn-out clothes at home. But today was different, maybe it was the occasion, maybe it was the effort he’d put in after spending so many days stuck indoors studying, there was something extra gentle and bright about the way he looked.
Sprout had always liked clothes with red-and-white plaid patterns, or just simply vintages. Astro knew that well, and over time he had bought so many outfits in that style for him that Sprout could probably wear a different one every week.
Lately, he had barely stepped outside, buried under exam preparations, so today was one of the rare chances he got to dress up a little. The soft pattern suited him, making him look both adorable and warm in a way that made Astro’s chest tighten with affection.
The moment Sprout noticed the familiar car pulling up, he stood up almost immediately and walked over with quick, purposeful steps. He had never been one for formalities or drawn-out gestures, and he certainly wasn’t about to stand there waiting for Astro to circle around and open the door for him.
Without hesitation, he reached out, pulled the door open himself, and slipped into the seat beside him. Up close, Astro could see the faint tiredness in his eyes, the way his movements were just a little slower than usual.
“Let’s just eat and head back home to sleep, okay? You look exhausted,” Astro said softly, lifting a hand to gently ruffle Sprout’s hair, his touch careful and familiar.
Sprout gave a small, drowsy nod, his eyelids already drooping as if he had been running on willpower alone. He leaned back into the seat, the tension in his shoulders slowly melting away now that he was beside Astro.
Within minutes, the steady hum of the car and the quiet comfort of being there lulled him into sleep, his head tilting slightly to the side as he drifted off. And he stayed that way, breathing slow and even, until the car finally came to a stop in front of the restaurant.
By the time they arrived at the restaurant, the sky had already begun to dip into the soft gold of early evening. After Astro parked the car, a uniformed attendant quickly stepped forward and opened the door for them.
Astro offered a polite smile and a quiet thank you before turning his attention to the passenger seat. Sprout was still fast asleep, his head tilted slightly, breathing slow and steady like he had finally allowed himself to rest after days of constant strain.
Carefully, Astro leaned in and slid one arm beneath Sprout’s knees and the other behind his back, lifting him gently from the seat. He held him close, mindful not to wake him too abruptly.
But the moment Sprout felt the subtle shift, the warmth of being moved, his eyes fluttered open, he blinked in confusion at first, glancing around instinctively, his gaze slowly taking in his surroundings.
That was when he noticed it, the restaurant that was built in a traditional style, with bamboo walls, warm lantern light, and the soft, earthy atmosphere he had always loved. The familiar aesthetic seemed to chase away the last bit of sleep from his eyes. Sprout carefully set his feet down, steadying himself, and then without thinking, reached for Astro’s arm and wrapped his hand around it, clinging to him as they walked inside together.
Astro guided him toward the reception area, his pace unhurried, his hand ready at Sprout’s back in case he stumbled from lingering drowsiness. The receptionist looked up at once and offered a polite nod.
“Mr. Novalite, correct? A table for two. Please follow me.”
Astro had chosen a table on the second floor, from there, the view opened out over the street below, where people moved like a flowing river beneath the fading sunset. The city was still lively, the lights slowly coming on as evening settled in, Sprout stepped closer to the railing, his eyes scanning the view below.
Though his expression remained mostly calm, there was a quiet excitement in the way his tail swayed gently behind him, unable to hide how much he liked it.
He leaned slightly toward the open space, letting the cool breeze brush against his face, closing his eyes for just a moment. After being stuck inside a stuffy room for so many days, the fresh air felt almost like a reward, Astro noticed immediately, his arm sliding around Sprout’s waist as he gently pulled him back just a little, protective by instinct, careful of the height and the crowd below.
When the menu arrived, Astro barely needed more than a glance. One by one, he picked out the dishes he knew Sprout loved, foods that tasted like home, simple but carefully prepared, warm and comforting rather than overly fancy. It was the sort of food that filled the stomach and soothed the heart at the same time.
Sprout didn’t even realize at first that every choice had been made with him in mind, he just found himself slowly relaxing, shoulders loosening as the first few bites melted away the tight knot of stress that had been sitting in his chest for days.
For the first time in what felt like forever, he was able to eat without a pile of thick practice exams looming beside him, without the constant ticking of time pressing against his thoughts.
The food was rich, flavorful, and grounding, like something that meant to take care of you rather than just fill you up. Sprout let himself sink into that feeling, chewing slowly, savoring each bite, the tension in his body easing more and more with every passing minute.
Across the table, Astro watched quietly, his expression soft and full of warmth, over the past few days, Sprout had barely eaten anything properly, surviving on whatever was quick and convenient while he buried himself in studying.
Seeing him now, actually enjoying his food, taking his time, looking a little more alive again filled Astro with a quiet, steady happiness. In that moment, he knew without a doubt that sneaking away, ignoring the rush, and making time for tonight had been the right choice, he didn’t regret it in the slightest.
Because Sprout was eating well and finally feeling at ease, his mood softened too. The sharpness that had clung to his voice earlier was gone, replaced with something gentler, almost shy. He looked up from his plate and spoke in a warm tone, “Thank you, love…”
The simple words were enough to make Astro’s heart melt all over again, then, as if that weren’t already too much, Sprout picked up a small piece of fish by the chopsticks and held it out to him, feeding him without making a big deal out of it. The gesture was quiet, natural, and unbelievably sweet, Astro accepted it with a small laugh, warmth spreading through his chest.
For the two of them, Valentine’s Day didn’t need grand gifts or dramatic plans. Sitting together like this, sharing a meal, sharing a moment of peace after days of exhaustion, that alone was more than enough.
After dinner, neither of them felt like ending the night just yet. The streets outside were still alive, washed in warm lights and the soft murmur of people lingering in pairs and small groups, reluctant to let Valentine’s Day slip away too quickly.
So they wandered into a nearby café and ice cream shop, the kind with large windows and gentle lighting, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with sweetness in the air. The two chose a quiet corner, sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed, the outside world reduced to a blur beyond the glass.
It was there, once they had settled and the moment felt right, that Sprout finally reached into his bag. His movements were careful, almost hesitant, as if he were handling something fragile. He pulled out a small transparent pouch tied with a pale blue ribbon.
Inside were five chocolates, some white, some brown, all shaped into hearts. They weren’t factory-perfect, but they were round and glossy, decorated neatly, clearly made with patience and care. Just looking at them, it was obvious they hadn’t come from a store shelf.
“I made these yesterday,” Sprout said slowly, his voice softer than it had been all evening. “I only took them out of the fridge this afternoon…” He hesitated, fingers tightening slightly around the ribbon before loosening again.
His eyes lifted to Astro’s, full of quiet affection. “I know I’ve been busy studying… but I still thought that at the very least, I should give you something.”
He held the pouch out, his expression calm but earnest, the tenderness in his gaze saying far more than his words ever could.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”
For a moment, Astro felt like his chest might actually burst, his mind went completely blank, overwhelmed by how thoughtful, how gentle, how impossibly sweet the person in front of him was.
All that stress, all that exhaustion Sprout had been carrying, and he had still taken the time to do this. Astro reached out and accepted the chocolates carefully, for him, they are something priceless. Then, without hesitation, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Sprout, pulling him close.
“If I love you once,” Astro murmured softly, his voice low and sincere, “Then I’ll love you a thousand times over. You know you’re the one I treasure the most.”
The reaction was instant, Sprout’s face burned red, warmth flooding his cheeks as he let out a small, flustered sound. He curled inward, pressing himself against Astro’s chest, half trying to hide and half wanting to stay exactly where he was.
His hands gripped the fabric of Astro’s clothes, and though he didn’t say anything, the happiness was written all over him. In the way he leaned in, in the way his body relaxed, in the quiet, contented way he stayed there.
In the end, despite all the talk about being too busy, too grown-up, too practical for silly holidays… the two of them were no different from any other lovestruck couple that night. Soft, affectionate, clinging to each other in a quiet corner of a café, proving that when it came to love, Valentine’s Day still had a way of winning.
...
Bonus:
By the time they got home, the night had grown quiet, the hallway lights dim and warm as the door clicked shut behind them. The apartment felt still, familiar, carrying that soft sense of relief that only came from finally being somewhere safe after a long day.
Sprout slipped off his shoes first, shoulders drooping now that the last of his energy had run out. He turned to say something, maybe a goodnight, maybe another love you, but the words never quite made it out. Astro was already close, one hand gently resting at his waist, the other brushing against Sprout's cheek just slightly but with tenderness.
For a brief moment, they just stood there, looking at each other in the quiet. Then Astro leaned in, slow and careful, giving Sprout enough time to pull away if he wanted to, but Sprout didn’t, he wouldn't. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, eyes soft, and closed the small distance between them.
The kiss was gentle, warm, and unhurried, carried all the affection they hadn’t had time to show throughout the day. No urgency, no heat, just something soft and steady, like a promise, Sprout’s fingers curled lightly into Astro’s shirt as he leaned closer, and Astro’s hand tightened just a little at his waist, holding him there.
When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together for a second, both smiling without saying anything.