[Later in the day on February 14, there seems to be something left at the Pediatrics Department in Skye addressed to Daedalus Yumeno. It's a small light blue box tied with white ribbon with a letter slipped in. Written neatly on rabbit-print stationery is this:
"Dearest Doctor,
You have always been a great pleasure to work with. But at the same time, you've also been one of those people I've grown to truly care about. I hope this day is well for you. Happy Valentine's Day!
[That's...incredibly thoughtful, and not as uncomfortable as he's anticipated this holiday. She's really been quite sweet- and he's unsure how to reciprocate- or if he ought to.
He'll come down to the clinic on a break in order to try and run into her?]
[Alice laughs, she's simply standing behind the counter right now, on standby.]
Well, earlier I was. I'm taking just the slightest bit of breaks for now.
[To emphasize her point, she makes a gesture with her fingers to show how little of a break she's having. Then-- she notices the card in Daedalus' hand.]
Ah...I did, actually! [A bashful sort of grin] It was sweet of you.
I...feel unprepared, because I didn't really understand until all the valentines started coming out, that these things were meant as a casual gesture, and without so much serious romantic intent.
Otherwise...I'd have returned the favor, but instead I'm just a little caught off guard- The chocolate looks lovely, though.
It's alright! In Japan, the custom on Valentine's day is for girls to give chocolates to all the men in their lives, whether they're friends or love interests. A so-called "appreciation chocolate". You don't really have to return the favor.
But in Japan, White Day on March 14 is when boys return the favor for the girls they like.
In Canada, I suppose it all happens on the same day? Given all the 'treat your sweetheart' gifting-
[And he's still fairly perplexed about the bouquet from Vincent in his office, also. He squints]
So it's more of a sign of appreciation, than necessary romantic affection?
(In Romdeau we didn't have so many emotional holidays- so forgive me for all these questions about what's appropriate, which sound fairly foolish, I'm sure...)
Siren's Flowers and Funtom must be doing excellent business, today.
I think gifts are always better when they're hand-made-- whether they're packed lunches or chocolates. That's when you know that they're straight from the heart.
Back home... I think it's pretty common for girls to make their own chocolates for Valentines. So if you buy something pre-packaged, well... you're just a bit lazy. But I have nothing against it.
[He seems a bit sheepish, leaning up against the filing cabinet]
I see- you'll have to forgive the questions...it's just that I'm very curious about customs, and how I ought to receive these things gracefully, in accordance with the right expectations.
"Dearest Doctor,
You have always been a great pleasure to work with. But at the same time, you've also been one of those people I've grown to truly care about. I hope this day is well for you. Happy Valentine's Day!
♥ Alice"
And inside the box is a batch of handmade heart-shaped chocolates.]
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He'll come down to the clinic on a break in order to try and run into her?]
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...busy unhooking kids with braces?
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Well, earlier I was. I'm taking just the slightest bit of breaks for now.
[To emphasize her point, she makes a gesture with her fingers to show how little of a break she's having. Then-- she notices the card in Daedalus' hand.]
Ah! So you got my chocolates?
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I...feel unprepared, because I didn't really understand until all the valentines started coming out, that these things were meant as a casual gesture, and without so much serious romantic intent.
Otherwise...I'd have returned the favor, but instead I'm just a little caught off guard- The chocolate looks lovely, though.
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It's alright! In Japan, the custom on Valentine's day is for girls to give chocolates to all the men in their lives, whether they're friends or love interests. A so-called "appreciation chocolate". You don't really have to return the favor.
But in Japan, White Day on March 14 is when boys return the favor for the girls they like.
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[And he's still fairly perplexed about the bouquet from Vincent in his office, also. He squints]
So it's more of a sign of appreciation, than necessary romantic affection?
(In Romdeau we didn't have so many emotional holidays- so forgive me for all these questions about what's appropriate, which sound fairly foolish, I'm sure...)
Siren's Flowers and Funtom must be doing excellent business, today.
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[She giggles.]
I'm sure, too. Although I bought my chocolate at the grocery-- then I melted them and molded them again into hearts for Valentine's.
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....but you're lucky to be something of a hobbyist with food that way, aren't you? Most would just pick up the pre-packaged boxes.
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I think gifts are always better when they're hand-made-- whether they're packed lunches or chocolates. That's when you know that they're straight from the heart.
Back home... I think it's pretty common for girls to make their own chocolates for Valentines. So if you buy something pre-packaged, well... you're just a bit lazy. But I have nothing against it.
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I see- you'll have to forgive the questions...it's just that I'm very curious about customs, and how I ought to receive these things gracefully, in accordance with the right expectations.
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Did I ever tell you about my past job back home before I came here?
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Not very much- but you worked in nursing there too, yes?
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