That day has come again.
That over-hyped over-marketed over-rated holiday.
Valentines day.
You never really understood it.
It was just a day for couples to get all mushy and go on romantic dates and spend time with the one they loved.
Nothing to interest you.
It grossed you out.
All that lovelovelove.
Bleh.
But maybe, this year, there could be something to it.
You didn't see why things could be different, but there was something telling you otherwise. Something called hope. Something called (dare you say it?) love.
Why else would have you fought your way to the flower shop and spent all that money for the rose.
Okay, one rose didn't cost that much, but still, there were better things to spend it on. Like comics, or food, or something else you could enjoy. But a flower was just a waste.
Unless it works. Then it would be worth all the money in the world.
She walks in the room, a smile for all to see, but you know better. You know the memories racing through her mind, reminding her of her shattered heart. You know the hurt hidden in that gorgeous smile. You know the tears just behind those beautiful eyes. As much as she acts like nothing bothers her, you know...
And you want to be the one to mend that broken heart.
She glances over the room, and you swear you see her wince as her eyes glance over to Cody and Renia. She doesn't focus on that long though, and instead looks to the board, taking in the day's lesson, not willing to let the hurt out. You want to get up and wrap your arms around her, to tell her it will be alright, to hold her as she cries.
You don't.
Instead you keep your eyes on the adventures of Tim Drake and Damian Wayne contained in your comic book. It's safer then asking her how she is.
You hear her let out a small gasp, one so soft that only you could hear and you turn to her.
She saw it.
She picks up the red rose laying across her desk and slowly looks across the room. Her eyes first look to Cody, but her gaze quickly shifts to the floor after seeing the all too perfect cake on Renia's desk. She continues her scan of the room, slowly considering each possibility.
Her eyes land on you for a brief second and your heart swells with joy.
Your stares meet for the briefest of seconds and you see her let out the smallest chuckle before going on to the next person.
Of course, you should have known.
Nothing more than friends, that's all you'll ever be.
No matter how much you love her, no matter how many nights you comforted her after the break up, no matter how long you've been there for her.
All you'll ever be is her big goofy friend that she talks about all the guys with and will occasionally give a pity laugh too at one of many bad jokes.
You wanted this to be the day when you would tell her how you felt. But you now know there isn't any hope for someone like you getting a girl as beautiful and smart and perfect as her.
That's okay though. You would rather just keep being her friend, and maybe, someday, if you'll lucky, you'll work up the courage to ask her out, and then by some unfathomable miracle she might say yes.
But…you know that day isn't today.
Inspired by thebadwitch13's unique writing style and her Valentine's fic. The plot of the flower of Bailey's desk was originally hers (which she said I could use), but I wondered what the person who left it was thinking, and I've wanted to do a Woody/Bailey fic for a while. I know my second person narration isn't perfect, but I'm happy with how it turned out.