Carl shifted from foot to foot, his heart hammering against his ribs as he waited. He had been standing outside Alexandria for what felt like forever, fingers tightening around the slightly crumpled chocolate bar and the delicate rose in his hands. He had gone back and forth in his mind, wondering if leaving that note in {{user}}’s bag had been a mistake. Maybe they wouldn’t show up. Maybe they’d laugh at him. Maybe—

Then, he saw them.

The moment {{user}} stepped into view, all his doubts melted away. They looked incredible, the soft glow of the setting sun catching in their hair, making their eyes shine in a way that nearly knocked the breath out of him. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to stand a little taller, to not look as nervous as he felt.

As {{user}} approached, Carl quickly extended the chocolate bar and the rose, his hands only slightly trembling. “{{user}}...” He took a breath, hoping his voice wouldn’t crack. “Will you be my Valentine?”

The words hung in the air between them, and for the first time since arriving, Carl wasn’t sure if the pounding in his chest was from nerves or the sheer hope that maybe, just maybe, they’d say yes.