Bonbon Bonanza Prompt

Victoria stands in the chocolate aisle with a sour expression on her face, surveying the endless possibilities before her. There are chocolate boxes big and small with all sorts of varieties– standard chocolates, cream and fruit fillings, even speciality brand twists on the classic favorites. Yet none of them, she finds, seem suitable enough for Arizona. Her heart twists in her chest.

She and Arizona have been together for a considerable time, enough time that it feels foolish to worry so much about the gesture of chocolates during Matentines, but her devotion to her wife has always led her to scouring for the best of the best and not anything less. It isn't like Victoria to be waiting for the last minute either, but many long nights with her work have kept her from being as seasonally present as she would like. Arizona has not seemed to mind the absense, though it has been made clear that tonight is their night to celebrate all the things that Matentines is about, in their complete debauched entirety. It would be cruel to come home empty handed.

Victoria taps her hoof with a hint of frustration before turning away. Nothing store bought is deserving of Arizona. She is quick to search for something a bit more unique and curated, not something off a shelf that anyone can have.

It isn't long before Victoria finds her next stop at a professional chocolatier. Her eyes land on the numerous themed displays in the window showcasing traditional boxes, elaborate truffles, gourmet cupcakes, and other such creations befitting of anyone who perhaps wants a bit more for their loved one. Victoria strides in feeling content with her decision, purchases her perfectly curated selection, and returns home with her gift.

When Victoria arrives back to their apartment she is pleasantly overwhelmed with the smell of one of their candles, something sweet and sugary to Arizona's tastes, and the romantic dim lighting surrounding her. She knocks the door shut with her hip before twisting the lock and laying the gift box atop the grantite countertop of their kitchen.

"Arizona?" She calls into the apartment, picking up the tell-tale sound of humming deeper within. "I brought you a surprise."

There's a clattering and a quick click of hoofsteps from the direction of their bedroom.

"A surprise!" Arizona rounds the corner with a wide grin, throwing her arms around Victoria without further invitation. Victoria laughs and steadies herself as she rubs at Arizona's back with a small squeeze in return. "You can't surprise me when I'm trying to surprise you too!"

Arizona rubs her cheek into Victoria's collarbone as she recounts her day. She spent time tidying their apartment and preparing a few lunches for Victoria's work this week, then ran a few errands, and came back to set up the perfect atmosphere for them. The candle is only the tip of the iceberg for how Arizona prepared their date night.

"But enough about me," she drawls slyly. "You got me something?"

Victoria's heart twists with mirth at her beloved's cheekiness. 

"Go check the kitchen counter."

Arizona squeals with delight as she peels off behind Victoria, meeting her surprise with a loud gasp.

"Oh Victoria!" She draws her hands over her heart. "It looks too pretty to open! The ribbons, it's too much– I don't want to ruin it."

Victoria leans against the counter to watch as Arizona tentatively toys with the ribbons to try and avoid ripping them while admiring her gift.

"Don't worry about that, I promise."

Arizona worries her lower lip between her teeth but abides, slowly working at the box until the lid pops off and the walls fall open. Inside is an elaborate arrangement of treats surrounded with thematically colored paper filler. Two gourmet cupcakes, each with different frostings, fillings, and drizzles, make up the center and smaller chocolate truffles, clusters of peanut brittle and chocolate covered nuts, and other cake-pop treats fill in the space as one dazzling display.

"Oh! Victoria!" Arizona gasps and her cheeks redden. All at once she feels her empty stomach twist in excitement at the splay of treats. "I hope you know we have to share all of these! Fifty-fifty."

Victoria feels a warm smile twist on her lips, Arizona busies herself grabbing a knife from the drawer and Victoria moves to grab two plates.

"Of course– that's why I got mixed kinds. I figured you would insist on giving me a bite or two."

"Or three," comes the cheeky reply.

They share in their laughter as the air grows warm between them. Soon their plates are topped with half-chocolates and samples to share. Their eyes meet and the pounding of their hearts entertwined fills them both with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Matentines may be a favorite to many for its many indulgences, but for them, being able to express their love for each other is what keeps it their favorite time of year.

word count: 824