FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 10: Valentine's Day

There was no alarm this morning as Sage Heart opened his eyes. He smiled at Life Heart lying across from him under the bed covers in the guest room. Sage Heart reached across to Life Heart and ran his hand under her head.

Life Heart stirred at his touch, opened her eyes and smiled, "Good morning, my love." Life Heart snuggled up closer to Sage Heart and they shared an intimate kiss.

"Do we have to get up today?" Sage Heart whispered.

Life Heart closed her eyes and sunk into her mate's embrace, "No."

"Good," Sage Heart kissed her on the cheek then traced a finger down her front. Life Heart shuddered the kissed him back.

OoOoO

"So what are you all doing for Valentine's Day?" Terrence asked the assembled group at brunch.

"What's Valentine's Day?" Sweet Heart asked, looking up from a plate full of waffles.

Sarah smiled, "It's a day where you spend your time with the one you love."

"Granted it's mostly an excuse to sell a ton of chocolate that people give to their partners," Terrence took a drink of coffee.

"Love Heart and I are going to see a movie," Cassandra spoke through a mouth half-full of food.

"Can I come?" Sweet Heart asked.

"Sure." "Of course Sweet." Love Heart and Confidence responded simultaneously.

"What about you two?" Adrian turned to look at Sage Heart and Life Heart.

"Oh, well I don't know..." Life Heart blushed somewhat.

Sage Heart set his fork down, "We've always slept through this time of year but I guess we could try something?"

Life Heart shrugged, "I guess we'll think of something. What about you?"

"Sorry, that's a secret," Sarah winked as she took her empty plate from the table.

"I've got a date today," Terrence said as he drained his coffee mug.

OoOoO

"Confidence, can we borrow your laptop today? We want to find something to do tonight." Life Heart stood in front of Confidence Heart as she dressed to head out to their movie.

"Sure. There's no password just shut it down when you're done," Confidence finished pulling her gloves on, "Gotta go, Love and Sweet Heart are waiting for me." She darted out the door. Life Heart shivered at the blast of cold air before Confidence shut the door behind her. She sighed then headed to the stairs and up to Confidence Heart's room.

The internet was still a new experience for Life Heart as she stared at the search engine home page. "OK, let's try, 'Valentine's day activities'" Life Heart typed the words into the search engine and hit enter.

Sage Heart had flushed the toilet and was washing his hands in the bathroom when he heard his mate gasp. "Life Heart?" he dried his hands and he had to restrain himself from running out the door into Confidence's room.

Life Heart was staring at the screen having clicked onto a site without checking what it was first and she turned as Sage Heart entered, "Oh, h-hello."

"Are you alright?" Sage Heart put a hand on Life Heart's shoulder then looked over her shoulder at the screen. "Oh... I see. Why do humans make a big deal out of this?"

"I don't know, but it still feels odd," Life Heart admitted, "Do you know what we should do today?"

"Well let's take a look. How do I do this?" Sage Heart gave the screen a funny look.

"I think you need to go back first," Life Heart navigated the mouse cursor to the back arrow in the top left corner.

"Would you like to do some things like that tonight?" Life Heart looked up at Sage Heart.

Sage Heart chuckled and blushed slightly, "Maybe... do you?"

"Maybe..." Life Heart chuckled back then looked at the screen, "Oh what's that? Karaoke bar?"

"Let's see..." Sage Heart clicked on the link, "looks like a place where you sing along to songs for each other."

Life Heart smiled, "Sounds like fun. What else can we do?"

OoOoO

Life Heart shivered as she and Sage Heart stepped outside. The winter took getting used to and the fact that she was wearing a dress and had to make do with leggings while leaving her hooves exposed didn't help. She leaned up against Sage Heart as they walked down the street from the Avalon's house.

"Are you OK, Life Heart?" Sage Heart put an arm around her.

"I'm just a little cold, I'll be fine." Life Heart leaned her head against Sage Heart's shoulder, accidentally poking his cheek with her horn.

"OW!"

"Oh sorry!" Life Heart pulled her head away, blushing.

"It's alright." Sage Heart turned to Life Heart and gave her a kiss. "Too bad everything's booked."

"That's alright, as long as we can be together." Life Heart put an arm around Sage Heart's middle.

OoOoO

Love Heart and Confidence Heart emerged, hand-in-hand, from the movie theatre with Sweet Heart skipping ahead of them.

Sweet Heart stopped "So now what?"

"I'm hungry. Lunch?" Confidence suggested.

"Sure... hey look," Love Heart pointed then waved with his free hand, "HI DAD! HI MOM!"

"OOH OOH HI!" Sweet Heart jumped up and tried to hover, only to forget that her wings were under her coat. She slipped after her hooves hit the ground and fell on her rear.

"Oh dear!" Life Heart ran ahead to her daughter with Sage Heart right behind her as Love Heart and Confidence were helping her stand. "Are you alright," Life Heart took Sweet Heart's face in her hands.

"I'm fine mom," Sweet Heart grinned.

"So why are you here?" Confidence Heart asked.

"We thought we'd see a movie, then go out for dinner and whatever else we want for Valentine's Day," Sage Heart also checked Sweet Heart to make sure she was alright.

"Good luck, the theater's packed," Love Heart looked back over his shoulder at the crowded entrance.

"You'll be fine as long as you're not trying to see a superhero movie," Confidence said.

"Alright. So where are you three going?" Sage Heart asked.

"Late lunch, have fun dad, you too mom," Love Heart took Confidence's hand and they headed off.

Life Heart smiled, "They make such a sweet couple."

Sage Heart nodded, "I just hope they don't do anything reckless."

"I trust them." Life Heart took her mate's hand, "Now let's go. Today's about us."

OoOoO

Pop was too sweet for Life Heart so after one sip she gave the rest to Sage Heart who took a drink then tossed it into the garbage before running back to get cups of water for both of them. The popcorn proved to be a more appealing snack as they sat in the mostly empty theater, waiting for the movie to start. They had passed two massive lineups of people waiting to see the superhero movie Confidence had mentioned but neither of them paid it much mind.

The movie was funny and Life Heart and Sage Heart were still laughing as they left the theater. Instead of trying to go somewhere that would probably be full, they detoured to a restaurant nearby called "Smitty's". It had more of a diner feel to it as Life Heart and Sage Heart sat in the glass covered section of the restaurant and looked up at the snow falling on the glass.

"This isn't as romantic as I would have liked," Sage Heart looked over the menu.

"I know, but it's still nice," Life Heart set her menu down. "Are you alright?"

Sage Heart set his menu aside, "I am, it just feels weird doing this 'dating' thing."

Life Heart nodded, "I know, living in the human world is so confusing. I still can't get used to being stared at," she looked over at a child who was pointing at her while tugging on their mother's sleeve, then turned back and smiled at Sage Heart, "But this is nice. It hasn't been just the two of us since Love Heart was born."

Sage Heart reached over and squeezed her hand, "I know. It's nice to just have some alone time." They both giggled only to be interrupted by a young male server.

He had a smile plastered on his face that faded with a slight start as he saw who he was serving but quickly regained his composure, "Are you ready to order?"

Life Heart scrambled to pick up her menu, "Oh yes, I'll have a large tossed salad and some of the soup. What is it?"

"Cream of potato and mushroom."

"That's good then."

"And you sir?"

"Hmm?" Sage Heart pondered the menu for a moment, "I'd like to give the fish and chips a try."

"Alright, that's and all you can eat special. Just ask for more fillets when you're done." The server took their menus, "Anything to drink."

"Just water," they replied together.

"Alright, that will be a few minutes." The server took their menus and left, only to return a moment later with a water pitcher and fill their empty glasses with ice water.

"So what are we going to do after this?" Sage Heart asked before he took a drink.

"I'd like to try that karaoke bar we read about, it sounds like fun," Life Heart smiled. "Is there anything you want to do?"

"Well..." Sage Heart got a sly grin, "I honestly want to spend some alone time again tonight, just the two of us," his voice dropped to a husky whisper.

Life Heart giggled and blushed, "Oh my! I supposed it's been a while hasn't it."

Sage Heart nodded, "Can't be helped. We've been busy for over a decade, and now with work we're too tired most nights."

"And neither of us have been in the mood either." Life Heart sighed then sat back in her seat.

When their food arrived Life Heart dug in instantly, made a funny face but ultimately found it satisfying. Sage Heart stared at the fried shell of his fish fillets. "Am I supposed to take the shell off or just eat it?"

Life Heart swallowed the soup in her mouth. "I think you're just supposed to eat it as is."

Sage Heart sniffed then grimaced slightly, "Smells like it's been deep fried. Oh well." Sage Heart cut about a quarter of the fillet off, blew to cool it off, then tentatively put it in his mouth. The crunch and grease was too much for him and Sage Heart let the piece all onto his plate. "Yeech! I can't stand this deep fried stuff. Hmm?" He looked inside the remaining fillet and stuck his fork in the white fish, pulling out a chunk. He took a careful bite and sighed, "Not bad cooked I guess." He proceeded to dig the fish out of each fried shell and eat just the contents, leaving the deep fried batter on his plate. He tried eating the French fries but found them equally fried and unappealing.

"You can share mine," Life Heart offered, pushing her salad towards Sage Heart.

"Thank you," Sage Heart gratefully took a forkful of salad and chomped on it, relishing the taste of vegetables. Life Heart took another spoonful of soup then pushed her bowl towards Sage Heart, who accepted it gratefully.

Despite the expense, Sage Heart decided to order an extra meal identical to Life Heart's, which he also shared with her. Both of them decided they could afford to splurge tonight, after being frugal most of their lives.

Life Heart had her arm around Sage Heart as they left the restaurant, "That was better than I thought. Now on to karaoke!" She picked up her pace and started to drag Sage Heart along until he caught up to her pace.

The karaoke bar wasn't nearly as packed as most of the places they had passed along the way. Most of the people inside were young single adults though there were a few couples. A woman was on stage singing a song about fireworks when Life Heart and Sage Heart walked in. A few stared at the unusual couple but neither Life Heart nor Sage Heart paid it any mind; they were used to such reactions.

The bartender gave them a curious look then asked, "So what will it be?"

"Just water for me," Sage Heart said.

Life Heart picked up the drink menu, "Let me see... I'd like to try the blueberry beer if there's any left, no ice." She reached into one of the pockets of her dress (something Confidence Heart had added for her) and pulled out her wallet.

"Of course." The bartender accepted Life Heart's money and poured her drink.

Sage Heart just stared at his mate, mouth agape, "You drink?"

Life Heart nodded "I have in the past. Humans had to drink beer in the past, it was safer than water before they figured out how to pasteurize." Life Heart thanked the bartender as her drink was placed in front of her and took a sip. She shivered but smiled, "It's good. Do you want some?"

"Maybe later," Sage Heart turned to look at the stage as the current singer finished warbling something he was unfamiliar with.

"What's something good I can sing?" Life Heart had already drank half the glass as she looked up at the bartender.

"Hmm, well for you I'd stick to the Disney catalogue," the bartender pulled a binder out from behind the bar and set it on the table then flipped to a page full of songs. Life Heart grinned as she browsed the song list, taking more mouthfuls of the blueberry beer as she did so.

Eventually, Life Heart chose a song and got up as the current singer gave up the stage. Life Heart stumbled slightly as she walked up to the karaoke machine. Life Heart grinned and waved to the bar, "Hiiii! I'm Life Heart Unicorn and I'm going to sing umm..." she turned to the machine, "Oh right, 'I just can't wait to be king!'" She hit the right button and picked up the microphone.

"I'm gonna be a mighty king

So enemies beware

Well, I've never seen a king of beasts

With quite so little hair, heeheeheehee!" Life Heart giggled as she tried to keep up with the lyrics on the screen.

Sage Heart watched and couldn't help but snicker as Life Heart kept forgetting to read the lyrics and devolved into giggling fits a few times during the song.

"I'm not surprised someone so skinny is such a lightweight," the bartender had leaned over the counter to watch Life Heart. "She your girlfriend?"

"She's my wife," Sage Heart held up his right hand with the simple golden band on his ring finger.

"You're lucky."

When Sarah and Adrian were helping them settle in, they had suggested that Sage Heart and Life Heart get married. Neither of them considered the idea a big deal, as they didn't put much stock in the human traditions when they were already mates and still used the term to refer to each other. Sarah had explained that them being legally married would make a lot of things much smoother for them, following the laws of society at least. So they had gone to city hall and filled out the paperwork to be recognized as a legal married couple. It had ben a bit of a struggle, as had the whole registry process for being considered legitimate citizens but they had done it. To seal the deal, they had gone out and bought a pair of wedding rings, just two cheap simple gold bands but that was all they needed.

Life Heart finally gave up towards the end of the song, too giddy to sing properly as she stumbled off stage to several laughs and some applause at her antics. Life Heart stumbled back to her seat, still giggling, "That was fun!" she whooped and spun around on her seat to face Sage Heart, "How was I?"

Sage Heart couldn't suppress a laugh, "A spectacle. I thought unicorns didn't like drawing attention to themselves."

Life Heart blushed and giggled then leaned towards Sage Heart, "Not this unicorn anymore. So are you gonna sing?" Life Heart had leaned forwards with her nose practically under Sage Heart's chin.

"I don't know," Sage Heart helped Life Heart to steady herself before she fell off the stool, "I don't think I could top that performance."

"Oh come oooon! I wanna hear you sing!" Life Heart begged.

Sage Heart smiled then glanced at the still open binder on the counter, "If you insist, Life Heart," he gave her a quick kiss, making her giggle, then stood up and headed to the stage. It didn't take long for Sage Heart to find the song he wanted to sing and he picked up the microphone where Life Heart had dropped it. He fixed his mate with a sensual look as the music started to play.

(song: together forever)

"If there's anything you need

All you have to do is say

You know you satisfy everything in me

We shouldn't waste a single day

_ _

So don't stop me falling

It's destiny calling

A power I just can't deny

It's never changing

Can't you hear me, I'm saying

I want you for the rest of my life

_ _

Together forever and never to part

Together forever we two

And don't you know

I would move heaven and earth

To be together forever with you

_ _

If they ever get you down

There's always something I can do

Because I wouldn't ever wanna see you frown

I'll always do what's best for you

_ _

There ain't no mistaking

It's true love we're making

Something to last for all time

It's never changing

Can't you hear me, I'm saying

I want you for the rest of my life

_ _

Together forever and never to part

Together forever we two

And don't you know

I would move heaven and earth

To be together forever with you

_ _

So don't stop me falling

It's destiny calling

A power I just can't deny

It's never changing

Can't you hear me, I'm saying

I want you for the rest of my life

_ _

Together forever and never to part

Together forever we two

And don't you know

I would move heaven and earth

To be together forever with you"

As the song faded Sage Heart stepped off the stage and breathed hard, feeling as though steam were rising off him. There were a few cheers and clapping from the bar patrons, to them this was just another night of amateurs. He hadn't been perfect but it had felt sincere since it was a night for him and Life Heart.

Life Heart's drunkenness had settled as she watched and listened to her mate sing. She was staring lustily at Sage Heart as he approached her. Before he could say anything, Life Heart jumped out of her seat and pulled Sage Heart into a deep embrace and kiss.

There were a few "Oooohs!" from the bar patrons but the couple didn't notice.

"You were amazing," Life Heart cooed then kissed him again.

Sage Heart felt his heart beating faster as he kissed back, sweat starting to bead under his fur (a somewhat inconvenient feature of the fur covered care bear body). "Th-thank you." Sage Heart freed a hand and fanned his face, then found himself yanked along as Life Heart pulled him by the arm. Sage Heart barely had the time to grab their winter clothes before they were out the door.

The blast of February's winter air hit both of them and seemed to calm Life Heart down, but only a little as she pulled Sage Heart away from the bar's window. "You're such a sweet bear," Life Heart pressed another hot kiss to Sage Heart's face. "I love you soooo much!"

"I love you too," Sage Heart kissed Life Heart on the neck then nuzzled into her fur.

"Oh my!" Life Heart was literally steaming in the cold air. "No time!" She pulled Sage Heart into a deep embrace, there was a bright flash and they were gone.

OoOoO

Sage Heart and Life Heart reappeared in their room at the Avalon's house, still holding one another. Sage Heart felt a bit dizzy from the unexpected teleport.

Life Heart wasted no time, grabbing their winter clothes and throwing them aside before she pushed Sage Heart towards their bed. Sage Heart stumbled a bit, not used to his mate being so aggressive as he fell back onto the bed. Life Heart reached down and pulled her dress over her head then reached back and undid her bra. Sage Heart got the message and pulled his shirt off just in time as Life Heart descended upon him.

"I love you," Sage Heart kissed her as she pressed up against his chest.

Life Heart broke the kiss, "I love you, oohhmm..." Life Heart kissed him again, her tail swishing back and forth as she leaned in farther.

Sage Heart reached up to stroke Life Heart's ears, sending a shudder down her spine. "I didn't know you were sensitive there," his whispered.

"Oh yeeeees!" Life Heart sighed and wiggled her ears in his grasp then leaned down, trailing her slender fingers down his sides. Her look became hungry as she kissed him again, hooked her fingers into his pants and underwear as she pulled them down and off, her magic automatically reacting to remove his boots. Sage Heart responded in kind and removed her underwear.

"Don't stop."

OoOoO

Life Heart awoke in the middle of the night, still lying sideways across the bed. Life Heart had a mild headache and was shivering from the cold air passing through the sweat caught in her fur. She looked down at Sage Heart and smiled, then kissed him on the cheek. Sage Heart's eyes opened and he smiled up at her, "good morning."

"Not quite." Life Heart put a hand on her forehead, "now I remember why I don't drink." Life Heart pushed herself upright then rolled off him. "But I still loved what we did."

"Which part?" Sage Heart smirked.

"All of it, except my attempt at singing. But you were great up there," Life Heart smiled. "Don't know if I'd get a drink next time."

"I'd like it if you did," Sage Heart turned to face her.

Life Heart blushed, "Maybe... I don't know how I feel about letting my inhibitions go again. But if I ever get in the mood again..." Life Heart stood up from the bed. As she headed for the door she felt Sage Heart's arms wrap around her from behind and around her chest.

"Where are you going without any clothes on?" Sage Heart whispered huskily in her ear.

Life Heart giggled, "To shower. We stink." She smiled, "but I'd love it if you came with me."

"Though I doubt we'll get very clean if I do," Sage Heart chuckled.

"We will," Life Heart turned her head and they kissed again.