I stomped around the deck, the cold and the closeness of a date finally getting to me. "I HATE TODAY!" I threw myself onto the deck, and sat, shivering slightly. "And why would that be?" Hadras tossed a blanket over, and I gratefully accepted it. "Because it's bloody cold, t'is why..."

I had started to adopt some of their ways of speech, and though I was mocked at school, it made me feel fuzzy inside. "Ye sure it's not 'cause of the nearness of a certain date?" Jimmy walked by. I paused in my shivering. Did he know? "...Dunno what you mean." "Oh, I think you do." He turned, and walked back towards me. "Because, today is February the Thirteenth, making tomorrow Valentine's Day." I shrugged, looking up at him with what I hoped was indifference. "Yeah?" He just smirked, shook his head, and walked away. I sighed. Whether I would admit it or not, he was right. I hated Valentine's Day.

Though, every year for the past few years, there had been the mandatory "Make for one, make for all" Valentine's rule, but once you were past 6th grade, that rule was void. So, therefore, no Valentine's for me. Though I did get chocolate from my best friends, it wasn't anything like a paper heart from a guy. And so I was bitter. And, with my luck, nothing would happen again this year. Yes, there would be the usual "Sledding for school day" and then coming back to the Dutchman to teach the boys how to make Hot Chocolate... but still. I really just wanted a card. Just one.

So, the rest of the day passed in it's usual bothering fashion, and I went to bed laughing at the plight of some unfortunate crewmember.

And then, I woke up, and had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

There, standing all about in my cabin, were about twenty Valentine's Day cards, and a bouquet or two of flowers. I sat up, bare-feet on cold damp wood notwithstanding, and read each and every single one. Here was one from Niko, and a short "Happy Valentine's Day" from Maccus, a smiley face and a heart from Penrod, and so many more... My heart was literally melting.
To top it off, there was even one from Davy. "Have a very Happy Valentine's Day, and don't bother me."

I smelled one of the flowers, a rose. I then flicked some of the thorns off and tucked it behind my ear. When had they done this? They hadn't been here last night... Oh god. Had they gone and raided town? No, because we don't have any roses in town... I stuck another rose in my hair, pulled on my bathrobe, and opened the door. There was no one in the hallway, so I went down to the galley, where something was wafting. There sat the whole crew, looking somewhat on edge. When my presence was totally recognized, I smiled. Not my usual "I'm so happy I could eat a sandwich!" smile, but a real one.
"You all just made my entire year." A voice that I recognized as Quitannce's spoke. "It was Jimmy's idea." I turned, somewhat shocked, to look at the surly bo'sun. He simply shrugged. "No woman should feel unhappy on Valentine's Day." I had to bite my lip to stop myself from beginning to cry. All I could choke out was "Thank you." But I'm sure that was enough.

Because, for the first time ever, he smiled back.

And it was the best Valentine's Day ever.

A/N Hey people! Yeah, a bit mushy, but, still… Anyway! I've got people checking this out from Hong Kong! WOOT.

So, as usual, Review if you want, because it motivates me, blah, blah-blah blah blah… The purple button calls... Thanks. :D