Jared loves Valentine's Day. He thinks it's wonderfully romantic, and even if one doesn't have someone to court, it's lovely just to think of it. He likes to make up cards for all his friends and relations, because it's nice to be recognized.

Not all of his friends and relations agree. Jeffrey is clearly touched, but Jim seems confused. Chad, too, doesn't seem entirely sure what to make of it, and Sandy and the girls at school all titter and blush when he passes theirs out.

Jensen Ackles glances over when he distributes them, and Jared gives his best haughty expression and walks past. As if he'd ever give Jensen Ackles any token of friendship.

"You shouldn't have given them to all the girls," Chad says, coming up next to him as he goes to find his lunch pail. "You're supposed to just pick the one you like."

"I like all of them," says Jared. "That's why I gave out so many."

Chad sighs. "I just gave one to Sophia, because I like her best."

"I don't have anyone like that yet, Chad," Jared points out patiently. "And when I do, I hope she'll understand that I like to give gifts to my friends as well."

Chad shrugs. "I think she'll be jealous. Girls always are."

"I wouldn't be."

"You're not a girl," Chad points out. "Girls are different."

Jared shakes his head. "I don't think you're as wise in these matters as you think you are, Chad."

He turns to go back to his desk with his lunch and is surprised to see an envelope there, one that certainly hadn't been there when he left. He goes back over and picks it up, carefully opening the flap and taking out the card. It's simple--no lace or frills--but very striking. A handsome card, he thinks. There's no inscription, just a pattern of hearts. He turns it over to look for a signature, but there's nothing.

"Probably Sandy," says Chad. "She's gone on you. She should have given you chocolate, you'd be hers."

"I would not," Jared protests, but he smiles down at the card, feeling his chest fill with warmth. A secret admirer! It's all very romantic. He glances around the room, but all the girls are busy with other things, and only Jensen is watching him. As soon as he sees Jared's eyes on him, he looks away, and Jared turns back to the card, smiling. It's really a lovely little thing, and he tucks it away in his bag.

Certainly one of his favorite days of the year.