Disclaimer: I don't own the show or characters depicted in this fanfiction. I haven't even watched 6teen in the longest time, so I'm hoping my characters are legit!
Hey, Jude
"Man," Jude sighed heavily. He looked side to side seeking sympathy from his friends, but no one was there – just him on a bench near the huge mall fountain and some guy dressed as an orange handing out flyers to a smoothie place.
Everyone around the mall was holding someone's hand, or looking dreamily into someone's eyes. Valentine's Day wasn't far off and the thought of being alone was pestering him.
"Hey Jude," said a voice from behind him. It was harsh, but definitely female. "Gosh, you look depressed."
"Hey Nikki," Jude replied, ignoring her conclusion about his demeanour. "What are you doing here?"
"I dropped Caitlin off at work, thought I'd walk around for a bit." She took the seat next to him and leaned her elbows on her knees, staring into the fountain. "Why are you sitting here by yourself?"
"Why does everything in the stores have to have stupid pink hearts on them?" He shook his head. "It sucks, man."
Nikki frowned mockingly and asked, "Oh no, are you going to be alone on Valentine's Day?"
"It's not about that; it's the fact that this whole day is stupid! If you love someone, you should show it all the time." There was a pause before he added as if it was an afterthought, "and yes, I'm going to be alone."
"Like you said, Jude, it's just a day, right?" Nikki shrugged. "I'm going to be alone on Valentine's; it is so not a big deal. I'd rather be with my friends than have some random jerk take me out for one night."
It didn't often happen, but a light bulb went off in Jude's head and he smiled at Nikki. She smiled hesitantly in return and backed up so her chin was pressed against her chest. "What?"
"You and I should go out for Valentine's Day!"
"Oh no, no, no..."
"What, why?"
"What happened? I thought we agreed it was just like any other day!"
Jude smirked. "Yeah, but you just said you'd rather be with a friend."
"I meant hanging out with my friends, loser!" Nikki laughed and playfully smacked the side of his head. "I don't want to go out with you!"
"Then don't think of it like that – think of it as a friendly date!" When Nikki didn't respond right away, he continued talking. Something coming out of his mouth had to convince her. "Come on, you just gotta show up. I'll do the rest."
She tilted her head and smiled. "Caitlin and Jenn are going out with the guys they met yesterday..." Then her smiled turned into a tooth-baring grin. "You're paying?"
"Of course!" Jude said, not having to think twice. "You think I'd let my Valentine's date pay for herself?"
"You're on." Nikki got up and began to walk away. Before she was fully out of sight, she spun on her heel and raised her eyebrows. "And it's not a date!" she pointed at him accusingly.
"Right, sorry!" Jude called after her, beaming. He didn't want a date; all he wanted was company – someone to go out with while everyone was out, and someone to shower with gifts like everyone else would be doing in just a few days. He wanted to take part in the holiday. And as far as Jude was concerned, taking a friend out for the occasion was as good as finding a date. No – it was going to be a lot better.