Valentine's Day. For some this day brings romance, for some it's heartache and for others it's loneliness. We've all been there; the warmth and excitement of sharing the day with your special someone, or the pain of missing the love you had, or the feeling of isolation that comes when everybody around you has someone and you're alone. Yes, everyone has felt all three on Valentine's Day at one point or another. And if you haven't, you will… Everyone loves, everyone hurts and everyone feels lonely…

Jasmine laid out a blanket on the carpet in the living room, she then went into the kitchen and grabbed a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling white grape juice. As she was setting the tray and bottle on the blanket, there was a knock at the door. Jasmine checked her hair and make up in the mirror in the hallway, adjusted her clothes, then answered the door. She smiled at him when she saw he was holding a bouquet of jasmine flowers.

"Roses on Valentine's Day is kind of cliche," Aladdin said as he handed the flowers to Jasmine.

"So you bought me jasmine flowers?"

Aladdin shrugged. "I thought it would be unique and different."

Jasmine kissed Aladdin's cheek as he walked in. "I'm pretty sure you're the cutest thing ever."

Aladdin smiled at her. Jasmine put the flowers in a vase and set them on the blanket in the living room, and they both sat down. Aladdin picked up the bottle of sparkling white grape juice and laughed.

"You party animal," he said.

"Hey, I get a very big allowance that I would lose if I drank any alcohol," Jasmine explained.

Aladdin nodded. "What do your parents do, anyway?"

"Well, my mom died when I was six. But, my dad is an actor." Jasmine pointed at the various movie posters hanging in the living room.

Aladdin's eyes grew wide as he looked at the posters. "Your dad is the Sultan of Hollywood?"

Jasmine nodded. She was actually glad Aladdin hadn't known that ahead of time. At least she knew he wasn't dating her to try to get to her dad.

Aladdin leaned back against the couch. Jasmine shifted so she was sitting in front of him and she laid back against him. Aladdin put his arms around her.

"My mom died when I was little, too," Aladdin said. "My dad left a few months after I was born and I never saw him of heard from him. Until my mom died. He got custody of me and we moved here. He's still not around much, though. He leaves for weeks at a time. I have no idea what he does for work or where he goes when he leaves. I had to get a job in order to buy food."

Jasmine didn't know what to say. Sometimes she forgot that other people weren't as well off as she was.

"Thank you for the flowers," Jasmine said.

Aladdin smiled at her. "You're welcome."

"Jasmine is actually my favorite flower," Jasmine continued. "They were mom's favorite as well, that's how I got my name. She always kept fresh jasmine in my room. They remind me of her." Jasmine traced her finger over Aladdin's hand. "No one has ever bought me jasmine flowers before because they think it'd be cheesy. But you're different."

Aladdin ran his hand through Jasmine's hair. "I like you a lot, Jasmine."

"Yeah, I really like you, too."

Aladdin leaned forward and picked up a strawberry. He leaned back and held out the strawberry for Jasmine. She took a bite and then he took a bite. He discarded the stem on the tray, then wrapped his arms tightly back around Jasmine. She reached over and grabbed a remote off the end table and turned on the fireplace. They really didn't need a fire, but it definitely added to the romance. Jasmine snuggled up closer to him and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe how much she liked Aladdin, and how safe she felt with him. Jasmine really hoped she would be with him for a long time.

Everyone loves…

XXX

Meg washed her face, then looked at herself in the mirror. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about Hercules since the ball and it was driving her nuts. She couldn't believe she was starting to have feelings for him again. Well, actually, part of her could believe it. Hercules was good-looking, charming and sweet. And a jerk! Meg told herself. Ugh!

"Do you remember what he did to you?" Meg asked her reflection. "Do you remember how you felt when you saw him with Helga in the backseat of his car? Helga who, by the way, is still his girlfriend. If he likes you so much, why hasn't he broken up with her, yet?"

Meg gripped the edge of the sink. She needed to get out of the house and distract herself. She put on some makeup and decided to go for a walk. She slipped on her black leather jacket and headed out the door.

Recently, Meg always wanted to be left alone. But thinking back on the times she had with Hercules, made her miss him and now she actually felt alone.

Meg made her way down Main Street to Mickey's. Meg reached for the door just as Vanessa and Gaston were coming out.

"Hey, Meg," Gaston greeted. "Happy Valentine's Day."

Meg looked at him like he was joking. "Thanks. You too."

Vanessa glared at Meg, but didn't say anything.

"How have you been?" Gaston asked her.

Meg narrowed her eyes at him. "How do you think I've been?"

"Oh. Right. Sorry," Gaston said.

"Can we go now?" Vanessa asked.

Gaston nodded. "Take care, Meg. Oh, and, Hercules is in there with Helga."

Meg watched Gaston and Vanessa walk away. She missed them, as well. She probably missed Vanessa more than Hercules. Meg debated whether or not to go into Mickey's, but in the end went in anyway. She ordered a chocolate and peanut butter shake at the register and leaned against the counter while she waited. Hercules walked up to the register with his arm around Helga. When he saw Meg he let go of Helga. Helga was texting and didn't seem to notice Meg. Hercules smiled and winked at Meg. Butterflies filled Meg's stomach, but she scowled at Hercules. Skeaze. The cashier handed Meg her milkshake and she walked out of the diner.

When Meg was far enough away from the diner, she relaxed. The truth was she wasn't mad at Hercules. What he did and how he was acting now hurt her more than anything. She thought they had been good together, but he was different now. Or maybe this is who he really is, and who he had been with her was an act. Meg didn't know, but either way she missed her Hercules.

Everyone hurts and everyone feels lonely…