Jade West hates a lot of things. The word 'panties,' the color yellow, ducks (man, she really hates these), the list just goes on. But, hugs? Those are not on the list.
Jade loves hugs. Something about having her friends' arms around her just makes her feel so safe (loved) and happy (people want to be around her). Hugs are special things, for they speak a language all their own. Hugs can welcome you, or hugs can bid you farewell. Hugs can ask you for comfort, or they can tell you that everything will be ok. Hugs, in Jade's eyes, at least, are the secret languages of friendship.
Cat's morning hugs aren't just a greeting. They Jade the night was bad, but now we're here together again. Her hugs throughout the day aren't just because she's a tactile person. They tell Jade a range of things, from thank you for being my friend to I love you so much to I just need to know that this is real. Cat's goodbye hugs don't just tell Jade goodbye. They beg her please don't change and please don't leave me for good. Cat says a lot of things (most of which don't make sense), but, Jade thinks, Cat's hugs say infinitely more.
Jade doesn't hug André and Robbie a lot. It's not that she doesn't like them (secretly, they're her closest friends after Cat); it's just that it would hurt her reputation to publicly show them affection. When she does hug the two boys, though, she gets an earful. André's strong hugs don't just tell her that he cares for her. They tell her I see right through your act, but don't worry, I'll keep your secret and I'll always be here when you need me. Robbie's energetic hugs don't just thank Jade for being his friend. They tell her yeah, I know you really do like me, and I actually find it kinda funny that you mock me, so go for it. Jade thinks that maybe it should bother her that she's started responding to their hugs by being nicer to both guys; but, honestly, she just can't bring herself to care.
Beck's hugs, Jade thinks, tell her the best things in the world. Beck's hugs don't just welcome her home (because when he puts his arms around her, she is home). They tell her I love you, I love you, I love you, and I don't ever want to let you go. I won't ever let go of your heart, and I hope that you never let go of mine. Jade loves Beck's hugs, because they always tell her the truth, and they always make her feel like she rules the world.
Jade West hates a lot of things. But, hugs? Hugs aren't one of them.
So first things first: I don't own Victorious, or any of it's characters, or any of the songs sung by the cast. Nor do I own the song that inspired me to write this (Arms by Christina Perri). Second: I wrote this on a train ride to Boston from New York, so forgive me if there are any mistakes in here. Anyway, I hope that you all enjoy this! I'm submitting it as part of the SAFARI SLAM bade weekend movement going on. Oh, and you all should go read my sister's stories. She's LoveWithAGirl, and she is a far better writer than I am. So, yeah. Hope you're all having a great end of the summer!
