A Trio Of Valentine’s Day Vignettes

HAHAHA! You thought I would leave y'all without a Valentine's Day special? Well, here I am with one at last! <3
The first one is for Lucas ( https://toyhou.se/11664234.lucas ) and Norman ( https://toyhou.se/13594264.norman ); the second is for Gris & Dwayne ( https://aryion.com/g4/view/586121 ) and the last is for Sloth ( https://toyhou.se/14037907.sloth ) and Wrath ( https://toyhou.se/14037968.wrath ) of The 7 Devourly Sins ( https://aryion.com/g4/view/758852 ).
I also threw together some valentines for each of The 7 Devourly Sins, which I will be posting shortly (there’ll be a link here when that’s up).  Update: Here are the Valentines: https://twitter.com/ace_tasty/status/1494101031889866756
To those who are wondering, “TastyAce, why haven’t you been posting regularly?” well, I’m sorry to inform you that I’ve been experiencing a major medical emergency that has severely impacted my ability to work normally. You can read more about it at these links: https://www.patreon.com/posts/61869863 ; https://www.patreon.com/posts/62042189 (I will be updating this one with some new developments later today).
Hope y’all had a great Valentine’s Day! Stay safe out there, and be well. <3

P.S: Go vote in this week's story poll!  It closes tonight and there's a tie atm! https://www.patreon.com/posts/62450557 If there is still a tie tomorrow, I will choose the winner.

_____STORY BREAK, FIRST VINGETTE BELOW_____

Lucas & Norman: An Unforgettable Valentine's Day:
[Context: Lucas & Norman have been dating for less than a year.]
"Happy Valentine's Day, babe!" Norman exclaimed cheerfully, letting Lucas come inside of their apartment.  The mutant owltaur smiled and added, "I've been looking forward to our first February 14th as a couple. . . I'm excited!"
"Thanks," Lucas replied shyly.  "I'm a little nervous about it, if I'm being honest.  I know I shouldn't be, but. . ."
Norman nodded, and asked, "Want to talk about it in my room?"
"Yeah.  That sounds good."
The two relocated to the owltaur's bedroom.  Norman flopped down on the end of the bed, and Lucas sat next to them.  The owltaur reached up, petting the green dragon's hair, helping him relax.  "Talk to me, babe," they said soothingly.  "You said you're 'a little nervous'?"
Lucas nodded.  "My mind just keeps going to worst-case-scenarios.  It's stupid," he explained.  "And I /know/ it's stupid and it's not going to happen, but. . ."
" It's not stupid.  What are you thinking?"
He sighed, then the words burst out of him.  "M-My brain keeps telling me I'm going to say the wrong thing and ruin everything today; that I'm just one fuckup away from a breakup; and you'll cut me off and just. . .!"
"Take some deep breaths," Norman said.  They continued petting their boyfriend, and switched between doing that and rubbing the dragon's back in gentle circles.  "Calm yourself.  Find your center."
Lucas did so, and as he relaxed, the owltaur continued to speak.  "Your brain is wrong," Norman told him.  "Your mind keeps going to the worst situation that could happen.  I know that it's difficult when your brain is trained to fear the worst.
"But I want you to know that if something ever happened between us, I would /never/ just drop you like a dead weight.  I would communicate with you, seek a solution.  Because I care about you.  And I care about /us/."
Hearing those words, and breathing to calm his mind, helped to ward off Lucas's growing anxiety.  He took one last deep breath, and then turned to Norman.  "Thanks.  I needed to hear that.  I know I'm needy like this sometimes. . ."
"Bullshit," the owltaur said, firmly but gently.  "You needing help doesn't make you 'needy'.  And besides, I help you because I care about your well-being.  You're not a burden or a problem.  You're my boyfriend, and I want what's best for you too."
The dragon smiled.  "Thank you."
"Of course."  Norman nuzzled gently against Lucas's cheek, and then gave him a kiss on his forehead.  "How are you feeling now?"
"Better," Lucas replied.  "A lot better."
"Good."  The owltaur smiled.  "Because if you're up for it, I have something special to start us off today . . . that maaaaaay involve sucking your cock."
The dragon blushed.  "I would like that," he said shyly.
"Then shall I please you?" Norman purred.
"Gladly."
"Good."
And so, the sexy Valentine's Day shenanigans began.

_____STORY BREAK, NEXT VINGETTE BELOW_____

Gris & Dwayne: Celebrating Valentine's Day Together:
[Context: These two have been dating for several years now.]
"Happy Valentine's Day, Gris!" Dwayne declared as he walked into the kitchen.  The grey wolf went up to his human boyfriend and gave him a big hug from behind (letting Gris know he was coming in by gently touching the human's shoulders, and then going further when he was not rejected).
"Happy Valentine's Day," Gris echoed, smiling.  He nuzzled against his boyfriend's soft fur, then kissed the wolf gently on the cheek.  Once Dwayne let go of him, the human sat down at the kitchen table with his tea and said shyly, "I, um, know we’re exchanging gifts like usual.  But I'm kinda nervous about it, so if you could go first?"
"Sure," the gray wolf replied.  He sat at the table too and picked up the gift he had hid underneath, holding it out to his boyfriend.  "Here you go!  I hope you like it, babe."
"Thanks," Gris replied.  He picked up the present--it was in nice cerulean wrapping paper, with a lilac-colored bow, two of his favorite colors--and gently opened it, removing the bow and wrapping in a methodical, careful way as to not overly tear the gift.  It revealed a square white box, and he removed the lid.
The human's eyes widened in delight, and a delighted noise left his mouth.  In the present was numerous tea blends, all in paper containers and based on characters from his favorite otomes--energetic Impey of /Code:Realize/ got apple blossom flowers and a hint of ginger; confident Limbo of /Bustafellows/ had caffeinated black tea with rosemary; lovely Il of /Cafe Enchante/ was paired with a silver needle white tea; and the mysteriously inquisitive Shiraishi of Collar x Malice got spicy cinnamon with caramel.
"This is so nice," Gris said softly, unable to contain his happy grin.  His heart was full of joy, and he couldn't leave that emotion off of his face; his fingers were also tapping excitedly due to his delight.  "Such a thoughtful gift. . ."
"I'm glad you like it!" Dwayne replied, his tail wagging happily.  "It took a while to think of the right blends, but it was totally worth it.  And each tea bag has a picture of the character with a quote from the game too."
"Thank you," Gris said, still smiling.  "Thank you so much."
"Of course," Dwayne said.  "I love you, babe."
"I love you too.  But. . ."  The human chuckled.  "I'm not sure my gift can top that. . ."
"Come on, this isn't a contest," the wolf reassured him.  "Plus, you've always been such a kind and thoughtful person--I'm sure whatever you have for me is amazing!"
"Ok. . ."  Gris reached under the table, then placed a rectangular item in front of Dwayne.  "Here.  I-I hope you find it alright. . ."
"I'm sure I will."
The wolf took the box with a smile--the navy blue wrapping paper and orange bow were both colors he loved, and it was nice that Gris had thought of those details, too.  He tore open the wrapping paper, being careful not to use his claws (he wouldn't want to accidently damage the gift!)--soon the present was revealed, and he gasped.
It was an elaborate painting, extraordinarily detailed and printed in a large canvas.  On it was his and Gris's /Dungeon & Dragons/ characters from their vorey “Group Grub” game nights: Dwayne’s orc barbarian, Ianus, and his boyfriend’s the human bard, Grayson.  The art showed a modern interpretation of the two, with the short bard (wearing an indie rock shirt and ripped jeans, along with plenty of queer flag pins) and the muscular barbarian (with a jean vest and ripped jeans, all covered in punk-styled patches) walking under an umbrella in an evening rain at the city, holding each other close.  A pink heart was around them, along a yellow glow of light, and the words, "When I'm with you, even the rainy days have sunshine."
Dwayne stared at the painting for a moment, stunned.  Gris fidgeted and awkwardly asked, "Um . . . d-do you like it?"
"Like it?  I fucking LOVE IT!" the wolf exclaimed with a big grin.  "Did you paint this, babe?  It's incredible!"
The human laughed, embarrassed and pleased.  "Yeah, I've been putting aside some time to work on this after I finish client stuff.  And I asked my art friend Bailey where a good place to make a print like this was; she hooked me up with a great company."
"It's beautiful," Dwayne told his boyfriend.  He reached out across the table, and when Gris took his hand, he gave a gentle squeeze.  "It's such a thoughtful gift.  Thank you so much."
The human smiled.  "I'm glad you like it."
"Of course I do."  The wolf let go and stood up from the chair.  "Can I share it with the rest of the D&D group?"
"Um, yeah, if you want to. . ." Gris replied shyly, standing too.
"I do.  But only if you're comfortable with that."
"I am."
"Great.  I'll post a pic as soon as possible."
Dwayne walked to the human and gave his boyfriend another hug from behind.  "Happy Valentine's Day, babe.  I love you.  Don't forget that."
Gris smiled.  "I love you too.  So much."
"Now, let's make some brunch together.  I need some food in my stomach," the wolf said.  He giggled.  "And maybe later today, /you/ can get in my stomach too, hmm?"
The human chuckled.  "I'd like that."
And so the two started making food together.  It was quite a happy Valentine's Day indeed, and the rest of the holiday was sure to be a special day.

_____STORY BREAK, FINAL VINGETTE BELOW_____

The Seven Devourly Sins: Valentine's Gifts From Wrath And Sloth:
[Context: Sloth sometimes helps out fellow Sin Demon Wrath with things in the mortal realm that are discussed below.  This is early in their relationship, before they grow into more than friends.]
"What's this?"
Sloth frowned as ze asked the question, and raised an eyebrow at Wrath, who was holding out some sort of large, wrapped present.  The Avatar of anger chuckled and replied cheerfully, "What, I can't give you a little something today?"
"You woke me up for this," Sloth complained, letting out a small poutty whine.  "I was having such nice dreams, too. . ."
"Come on, buddy," Wrath urged.  "I just wanted to give you a gift for Valentine's Day!"
"It's Valentine's Day?" the other Avatar asked.  "I didn't even realize."  Ze rubbed zir eyes, then titled zir head in confusion.  "So you're giving me something for that?  Don't tell me you like me or something. . . Is this some sort of lovestruck confession?"
"It's nothing like that."
"Then . . . why?"
Wrath cleared her throat.  "Well, I know you think that trying to help mortals is meaningless in the end, that because of your . . . struggles . . . you find no point in that act," she explained.  "But you've been willing to come down to the mortal realm with me to bring about justice once in a while anyway.  So I wanted to thank you."
Sloth was caught off guard--ze really hadn't been expecting that.  The last time somebody had shown such appreciation for zir actions was back in zir pre-demon days, with. . .
Ze sighed and shook zir head, refusing to linger on those memories.  Turning to Wrath, ze took the gift and said softly, "Well, that's very nice of you.  Thank you . . . for this."
"Aw, you're welcome!"  The Avatar giggled.  "I gotta thank my partner-in-crime.  Go on, open it!"
Sloth did so, lazily tearing the black wrapping paper that surrounded the present.  Inside was a plain paper box.  The Avatar removed the lid, and zir eyes widened once ze saw what was inside.
It was a large, decorated blanket, decorated with various shades of purple and covered with pictures of sleepy sheep .  Some of them had speech bubbles with cute phrases ("Can't sleep?  Can't relate," "No rest for the wicked; all rest for the wickedly cute," "Stay with me and catch some zzzzzs," "Nap time is the best time of day,") while others were just dozing away in cute poses, curled up under the covers, in bed, or in a flowery field.  As Sloth took out more of the blanket and studied it, ze realized that it really was quite big--in addition, it was even the size and thickness ze preferred most.  Thinking about it now, ze remembered discussing zir blanket preferences in an offhand chat with Wrath. . . The fact that the other Avatar remembered it, and had used that to bring such a wonderful gift, made zir smile.
"This is nice," Sloth said, looking up at Wrath.  "It's actually very thoughtful. . . Where did you get this?"
The Avatar of anger grinned happily.  "Oh, there's a fellow in the mortal realm named Franklin who specializes in this sort of thing.  I gave him the phrases and sketched out the sheep, specified other aspects of the design--he did the rest."
"Wait a minute. . ."  Sloth realized something, and zir eyes widened.  "I thought maybe somebody was selling something like this.  But you actually commissioned a custom item?  For . . . me?"
"Yep!" Wrath triumphantly declared.
The sleepy Avatar was once again stunned, and was speechless for a moment.  Once ze recovered, ze cleared zir throat and said, "That's . . . really sweet.  Thank you for . . . for getting me this."
Wrath smiled.  "Of course.  I appreciate you, you know.  Don't tforget that.
“Alright, I’ll let you go back to bed.”  With that, she left the room with a flamboyant wave, calling out, "Happy Valentine's Day!"
Once she was gone, Sloth took a moment to breathe.  Wrath's gift had truly shocked zim, and ze forced zimself not to relieve old memories, as thoughts of zir mortal days threatened to overtake zir tired mind.  The demon clutched zir chest, inhaling and exhaling, focusing on finding a place of calm.  It wasn't often that ze was like this--ze tried to forget zir past more than anything, burying zimself in sleep to pacify zir brain--but when ze was, it could get pretty difficult.
But being an immortal demon had its perks--ze had developed plenty of coping strategies by now, and soon, ze was relaxed again.  The Avatar yawned, and looked over zir new blanket.  Ze wanted to sleep in it and snuggle under the covers.  But first, ze wanted to do something else. . .
____
Wrath hummed to herself as she returned to her chambers.  She'd spent her Valentine's Day assisting mortals who had been slighted by their partners--it had been a fulfilling time.
She walked into her room, ready to relax over a punching bag or two, but immediately spotted something on the floor in front of her.  It was a hastily-wrapped present, covered in orange paper and decorated with a nice bow.  Who could it be from?
The Avatar picked up the gift and tore it open.  Inside, she found a note, written in sloppy and familiar handwriting:
"hey Wrath,
"thanks for the gift.  that was nice of you and i appreciate it.  so I got you something too.  enjoy.
your partner-in-crime,
Sloth."
Wrath smiled happily, filled with joy--that lazy demon cared after all!  She cared for zim so much, and to see the same given to her in this way was lovely.
She looking underneath the note, seeing the present--and immediately squealed with delight!  It was a pair of electric battle gloves, able to shock opponents with each blow; the object was decorated with spike knuckles and a metallic finish.  Quite a rare mortal item to find, never mind acquire--where had Sloth even gotten it?  The demoness made a mental note to ask when she saw zim next.
She put the gloves on with a smile, and then went to set up a punching bag.
This had been a great Valentine's Day for both of them, and she couldn't be happier.