Author's Note

This is just a little something random to get my creative juices pumping again. Just a simple and cute addition to the Valentine's Day story rush. Happy Reading!

Sketches from the Heart

How? That's all Sketch Pad wondered as he sat in his usual math class at Crystal Prep. How did it come to this? Coco was one of his oldest childhood friends. They've known each other since they were in Kindergarten. They spent all of their time together. Nothing could truly separate them. All throughout their childhood, he never considered Coco anything more than his best friend.

So how is it that now, during their junior year at Crystal Prep, he has started seeing her in an entirely different light? Before, everything was perfectly normal between the two. Now, every time she smiled, his heart would skip a beat. When she looked at him with her deep, hazel eyes, he was lost within them in a second. Coco had evolved into a beautiful young lady, and Sketch had finally started to notice just a few weeks ago. It had him completely boggled. Was this...love? Was he in love with his best friend? Sketch glanced down at his desk. The paper in front of him that was now filled with doodles of Coco seemed to answer his question. Sketch stared at the drawings and started to zone out completely. He imagined the drawings looking at him and smiling sweetly. One giggled in that cute way she always giggled. Another waved to him happily. Another started saying his name. "Sketch. Sketch." Her voice was so soft and sweet, like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. As she repeated his name, her voice got louder and louder, almost like she was right in front of him.

"Sketch!"

Sketch immediately snapped out of his trance and looked back up. The teacher was staring at him with his arms folded and an annoyed look on his face. The rest of his class was staring at him as well.

"Y-yes sir?" Sketch said, trying to look focused.

"That's twice this week I had to bring you back to reality!" the teacher snapped. Some of the students chuckled. "One more time, and I'll have to send you down to Principal Cinch."

"Sorry, sir," Sketch replied. He sighed softly and turned his paper back around to the worksheet he was supposed to be working on. As he turned his attention back to the teacher, Coco's face still faintly lingered in his mind. There really was no denying it anymore. He had fallen in love with his best friend.

At lunch, Sketch had gotten his food and went to sit at a partially empty table where he and Coco would always sit. He knew Coco was not far behind him and would soon sit down across from him as she always did. Sketch could feel his heart beating faster as he waited. Why did falling in love have to be so stressful? It didn't take long after he sat down for him to see Coco come out of the line with her food. She really did look simply radiant. Her hair was smooth, her eyes were enchanting, and she was rocking her Crystal Prep uniform. Sketch shook his head furiously as he felt himself fading out once again. When he turned his attention back to her, Coco had started walking over to the table. She smiled at him, making Sketch's heart, once again, skip a beat. As she got closer, he started going over what he was going to say. Pretty soon, he was having an argument with himself.

Just say hi as always.

But is that enough? Maybe you should compliment her. Tell her she looks pretty today.

Or would that be too much? What if she gets freaked out?

Why am I thinking about this so much? I have said hi to her countless times. Just play it cool. Be yourse-

"Hi-ho, Sketchy!"

Sketch almost jumped out of his skin as he felt an arm suddenly grab his shoulder and lean him into another being sitting beside him. Sketch sighed annoyingly as he realized immediately who it was.

"Fashion Plate!" he snapped. "Do you have to do that every single time?!" Fashion Plate was another longtime friend of Sketch's, though not as long as Coco. The two met in fifth grade, where Sketch stood up for Fashion from some bullies. They had been friends ever since.

"Sorry, buddy," Fashion said, snickering to himself, "I just saw the opportunity. You were quite zoned, weren't you? What were you looking at?"

Before Sketch could answer, Coco had reached the table and sat down, making him jump again.

"Hi, boys," Coco happily greeted.

"Hi-ho, Coco!" Fashion responded. "Oh. My. Gosh. You look as delicious as a strawberry shortcake today!"

Coco giggled. "Thank you, Fashion. You're so sweet." She then turned to Sketch. "How're you doing, Sketch?"

"Oh," Sketch stumbled. "F-fine. You look good. I mean...not more than usual." Sketch soon found himself rambling. "Not that you don't look good always. You do. I mean from one friend to another. I mean..." he sighed, defeated by his own awkwardness. "Fine."

No one said anything at first, but after a few seconds, Fashion broke the silence. "So, tomorrow's Valentine's Day! I don't know 'bout you guys, but the only date I have is with a bowl of mint chip ice cream with nuts, my couch, and Desperate Housewives. What 'bout you two?"

Sketch and Coco looked at each other, and Sketch instantly felt his face growing hotter. Coco's cheeks blushed a little as well as the two looked away. If Fashion was trying to break the tension, he wasn't doing a very good job.

"Nothing for me," Sketch said quickly. "Uh..." he turned back to Coco, his eyes meeting hers again, "what about you?"

"Me?" Coco's blush deepened. "No." Sketch's insides cheered. No one had asked her. Another minute of awkward silence passed over them before Coco looked at her watch and gasped.

"Oh no," she said as she stood. "Sorry, guys. I promised Suri that I would be at the Sewing Club meeting today." She then quickly took a bit of her sandwich, gulped her milk, and headed for the door, waving to the two. "I'll see you after school, Sketch!"

"Ok!" he shouted back. "See...yong." Sketch instantly winced. He had started to say "See you," but messed up and ended up finishing with "So long." He groaned and banged his head on the table.

"See yong?" Fashion snickered. "What is up with you, buddy? Why are-" Fashion suddenly stopped and a smiled curled across his face as he put two and two together.

"You like her, don't you?"

Sketch instantly sat back up, his eyes wide. "What? N-no! You crazy? She's my oldest friend! Why would I be romantically attracted to that...smooth, silky hair, or that cute smile, or those deep, hazel eyes that-" Realizing what he was saying, he looked at Fashion, whose smile had widened. Defeated by his words once again, Sketch just sighed and hung his head. "Is it that obvious?"

Fashion squealed slightly. "I knew it! I knew it! I knew you two would be perfect for one another! So, when did it start?"

"Well," Sketch sat back up and rubbed the back of his head, "I guess it was when we went to the movies a few weeks ago. She had gotten really tired and fell asleep. When she rested her head on my shoulder, it took me by surprised. But, strangely enough, I didn't mind. Then when I looked at her, I started to fully notice how, well, adorable she was. Her scent was intoxicating, and her skin was so soft. I saw her, not as a friend, but as a..."

"Love?" Fashion asked.

"Well, yeah," Sketch nodded. "Then, at the end of the night, when I looked into her eyes to say goodnight, something happened. It was like a quick, sharp pain zipped through my heart. I haven't been the same since."

"Then it's true!" Fashion smiled. "Cupid's arrow does exist! Oooooo, this is so exciting! It's sounding like the plot to one of those romantic comedies I love so much!"

"You mean the cheesy, easy to predict ones?" Sketch asked snarkily.

"Hey, don't you badmouth Runaway Bride!" Fashion responded. "I cried like a baby at the end of that. But I digress! You gotta take the next step! You two would be so cute together The seamstress and artist; a match made in Heaven! Tell her how you feel!"

"That's...kinda the plan," Sketch said, looking down at his untouched food. "Remember when I said I didn't have anything planned for Valentine's Day? That...wasn't entirely true."

"WHAT?" Fashion squeed as his eyes widened. "You better tell me!"

"Well," Sketch then reached behind him and grabbed his backpack. "I had been planning this for a few days now. I've decided on Valentine's Day, I'm gonna tell Coco how I feel about her, and..." he unzipped the bag and, reaching in, grabbed a small, rectangular box, "give her this." He then opened it to reveal a silver necklace with small, turquoise gems around it and an embroidered letter C in the middle. Fashion gasped heavily.

"Sketchy, you devil!" he said, "your charm is making me feel faint right now!"

"Do you think she'll like it?" Sketch asked nervously.

"Like it?" Fashion smiled. "Buddy, she'll adore it! This is by far-"

"The stupidest thing I've ever seen."

Sketch and Fashion's smiled disappeared immediately at the sound of that voice. Standing beside them was Jet Set, one of the snootiest, most conceited boys in all the school. Every time he was around Sketch and Fashion, or anyone for that matter, all he did was brag about his accomplishments and money and how much better he was than most. It was clear to see that the two were not a fan of him. Annoyed, Sketch turned to face Jet, who was leaning on the table, looking at the necklace with a cocky smile.

"No one asked for your opinion, Jet," Sketch grumbled as he closed the box and put it back in his bag.

"All I'm saying is that a cheap trinket like that is not going to woo Coco," Jet replied nastily. "Besides, why would Coco want to go out with you anyway?"

"What do you mean by that?" Fashion asked angrily.

"Sketch is a peasant," Jet answered. "He's got a below average body, no muscles at all, and his lack of funds are pathetic." He then glanced at Sketch and scoffed. "Not to mention his useless skills. Art? Really? Not the biggest money maker, you know." Sketch growled softly as Jet backed up a bit to stare at both of them. "Why would she want a mangy, hippie art-freak like you when she could have a sophisticated, rich, soon-to-be entrepreneur, like me?" He then snorted with snooty laughter.

"Why don't you make yourself like a garbage truck," Sketch snapped, pointing to the door, "and haul yourself out of here!"

Jet upturned his nose in disgust. "Very well. Just don't get your hopes too high. You don't have a chance, Pauper." Then, with another snort of laughter, he was gone.

"Don't listen to him, buddy," Fashion said, returning to his original, happy setting. "Coco's gonna love the necklace, and you two will live happily ever after!" Sketch smiled softly and went back to his food. Jet's words faded from his mind as he started thinking optimistically. Tomorrow, things were gonna change for the better.

He hoped.

Principal Cinch never was the one to decorate the school for holidays, but ever since a certain petition was brought to Dean Cadence, things were a bit different. Hearts of red, pink, and white were hung from the ceiling, and sashes were draped across doorways. It definitely helped set the mood. As Sketch walked through the halls toward his locker, couples everywhere were handing out cards and flowers to one another. The teachers were patrolling around, trying to minimize the amount of PDA that was going on, but with little success. Sketch watched as several couples traveled to their classes holding hands, and couldn't help but wonder if he would soon be one of those students. He imagined himself holding Coco's soft hand, playfully bumping her at lunch, wrapping his arm around her as they would walk home from school. The thoughts began to make him more anxious, but also more optimistic. No more waiting. He was ready!

After some very slow-moving classes, as well as prying a kissing couple away from his locker, it was finally lunchtime. Sketch's heart raced a mile a minute as he sat down at his table, the necklace box sitting in his pocket. Fashion had already taken his seat and was anxiously waiting for Coco to come out of the line. By the way he was acting, you would think that Fashion was the one asking her out. He was breathing so heavily, Sketch thought he was going to hyperventilate.

"Do you want a paper bag?" Sketch asked.

"I'm fine!" Fashion responded. "But what about you? I thought you would be the nervous one here!"

"I am nervous," Sketch replied. "But we can't all be as...showy as you, F.P.."

Just then, Coco emerged from the line and started over to the table. She was wearing a pair of heart earrings, and her usual paper flower in her hair had a pink heart attached to it. She looked so cute. Sketch's heart was so loud, he felt like it was gonna blow out of his chest.

"Go for it!" Fashion said. I'll be right here!"

Sketch nodded and stood up. As he walked over to Coco, his mind raced with last minute thoughts, some excited, some anxious, but nonetheless, there was no turning back now. It was time.

"Hello, Sketch!" Coco greeted happily.

"Hi, Coco," Sketch replied. "I just...w-wanted to wish you a happy Valentine's Day."

"Aw, thanks, Sketch," Coco smiled. "You too."

"And...well..." Sketch's hands were shaking as he reached down to his pocket, "speaking of Valentine's Day, I wanted to talk to you about-"

Sketch suddenly felt himself pushed slightly aside as another person took his spot. It was Jet Set, smiling smugly at Coco.

"Hello, Coco," he greeted. "My you look absolutely stunning today. The sun itself pales in comparison!"

Coco smiled softly. "Thanks, Jet."

"I came over here to wish you a happy Valentine's Day, and," Jet then reached into his pocket and pulled out a long box, "to give you something." He then opened the box, and Sketch's heart didn't just drop, it fell right out his body.

It was a gold necklace with rubies chained around it and an embroidered letter C was hanging in the middle.

Coco gasped with amazement as she took the box. "Jet! It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome," Jet said, making a quick, smug glance at Sketch. "I went to the finest jewelry store around. Only the finest jewelry for the finest lady!" He then took Coco's hand, bent down, and kissed it. "Happy Valentine's Day, my sweet." Then, with one more smug glance towards Sketch, he walked off.

Hollow. That's how he felt. It was as if someone had taken a sledgehammer to all of his bones and shattered them. All blood had left his head. All thoughts completely disappeared. All Sketch could do was stand there, frozen.

"Isn't it lovely, Sketch?" Coco asked, holding the necklace out in front of her. "That was so sweet. Now what did you want to-" she immediately stopped when she saw Sketch's face. "Sketch? Are you alright? You've gone pale."

"Uh..." feeling had finally returned to Sketch, but none of it was pleasant. It almost felt like he was going to be sick. "...nothing. Nevermind." He then turned to leave. "I gotta go."

"Sketch! What's wrong?" Coco called out concerned.

"See ya later," Sketch called out before completely disappearing from the room.

Sketch had never felt such a flood of feelings before. He felt hurt and angry and lost all at the same time. As he stood outside the school, he didn't know what to feel anymore. All planning, all optimism, all hopes; completely gone. He felt like he could run back in and strangle Jet. What would that solve though? Sketched sighed as he took the box out of his pocket and looked at the necklace. He couldn't give it to her now when Jet's looked so much better. He walked over to the nearest trash can and threw it in. Too emotionally exhausted to move, he then just sat down on the ground, his head burrowing into his arms.

"Sketchy?"

Sketch's head shot up, expecting to see Coco, but it was Fashion, who was looking more tame than Sketch had ever seen him look. The two looked at each other for a second before Fashion took a seat next to him and, without saying a word, hugged his friend. Sketch didn't say a thing, but patted Fashion on the back. After breaking the hug, Fashion sighed and said, "If you want me to deck that snobby snake, you just need to say so."

Sketch chuckled softly. "F.P., we both know you're about as violent as a newborn puppy."

"Well, yeah," Fashion replied, "But I can make an exception." The two chuckled for a minute, and Sketch briefly forgot about his misery. It didn't last long though.

"So much for us living happily ever after, huh?" Sketch sighed.

"C'mon, buddy," Fashion said, placing a hand on Sketch's shoulder. "It's not too late. You can still get your fairy tale ending."

"Doubt it," Sketch replied sorrowfully. "Jet Set won. He got to her first. He had the gift, the charm, and the lines for it all."

"But there is one thing he didn't have," Fashion said sternly. Sketch looked at his friend, who pointed at his chest. "Heart." Sketch tilted his head slightly.

"Sketch, I've known for a long time that you and Coco were the cutest couple out there, even if you didn't know it yet. You know each other, you are comfortable with each other, nothing can separate you two, and I know in my gut that Coco cares about you too." Sketch raised an unconvinced eyebrow. "She lights up like a firefly when she sees you. She laughs at all your jokes and never has a bad thing to say about you. She likes you a lot. I've seen it. I can sense these things. And I know for a fact that inside, she's seen passed Jet's materialistic thinking. She looks to the heart, and when it comes to that, you're much more richer than Jet 'Jerk' Set!"

"Thanks," Sketch said softly. "How am I supposed to tell her how I feel then?"

"Just let it come from the heart!" Fashion responded. "You don't need flashy necklaces to impress her. Just be yourself. She'll love whatever you do."

Just then, a light clicked on in Sketch's head. He instantly sat up and looked at Fashion. "What did you just say?"

"Uh...she'll love whatever you do?" Fashion asked.

"Before that," Sketch responded.

"But there was one thing he didn't have?"

"Too far back,"

"You don't need flashy necklaces to impress her?"

"Getting warmer,"

"Just be yourself?"

"YES!" All sorrow seemed to leave Sketch immediately as he shot up, making Fashion flinch in the process. "Fashion, we still have study hall today, right?"

"Y-yeah," Fashion replied. "Why?"

Sketch reached down and pulled Fashion up. "I'm gonna need my drawing pencils, my sketchbook, and some red colored pencils," he said excitedly. "I have a new idea!" Then, without taking time to explain, he grabbed his backpack and hurried back into the school.

As the final bell rang, Sketch hurried to the front doors. His hands were shaking again, but mostly of exhaustion, inside his bag, his pencils had shrunken tremendously, and faint grey marks had covered the side of his left hand. In his other hand, he carried a bunch of sketchbook papers stapled together so they looked like a book. His heart was beating loudly and faster than ever, but he didn't care. He was feeling more confident than he had felt in his life. When he opened the double doors to the outside, he instantly saw her from the crowd. Coco was standing by the flagpole, looking around and waving to several friends. It was really time now. Taking a deep breath, he walked up to her.

"Sketch," Coco said, rather taken aback. "You never came back to lunch. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Sketch replied. "Really." He smiled reassuringly, which made Coco smile back. Another skip from the heart.

"You never finished what you were going to say to me before," Coco said. "You were saying something about Valentine's Day."

"Y-yeah," Sketch responded. "I was gonna say something about...us." Coco tilted her head in confusion. "I mean, something good. I was going to just tell you, but," he then held out the stapled papers to Coco, "maybe this can help me along."

Curious, Coco took the booklet and looked at the cover. Her smile widened as she surveyed the sketch of her, smiling and waving to the reader. At the top was written To Coco, From Sketch. Coco looked up at Sketch. "You made this?"

"Yeah," Sketch smiled back. "Keep going." Coco looked back down and turned the page. There was another sketch of her, this time sitting on a hill and looking off somewhere. A caption was written at the top.

What is it about Coco Pommel?

Turning the page, another drawing of Coco, holding her dog, was to be seen with another caption.

Her personality?

Then came Coco sewing.

Her talents?

Coco was sitting with flowers all around her.

Her beauty?

Coco was sitting, this time with Sketchy, and her head was on his shoulder.

Nothing compares to the love I had grown for her.

Coco and Sketch were holding hands.

And I hope she feels the same way.

Coco and Sketch were facing each other, looking ready to kiss.

You're my friend, you're my partner, you're my love.

The final page was just another simple drawing of Coco smiling lovingly with her arms behind her back. And one simple sentence was written to the left.

Please be mine. Happy Valentine's Day.

Slowly, Coco closed the book, her hands trembling. Sketch stepped closer to her, just as her face rose to meet his. She was smiling and her eyes were glistening with tears. Silence passed over them as they looked at each other. Finally, Sketch spoke.

"I love you, Coco. I know we've been friends forever, but I'm ready to take the next step. That is, if you are." Coco remained silent, tears now running down her cheeks. "I'm willing to wait as long as it takes to-"

Sketch was suddenly interrupted by a pair of lips smashing against his. He felt Coco's arms wrap around the back of his neck as she pulled him in closer. With instincts taking over, Sketch wrapped his arms around her waist and closed his eyes. It was like sparks were shooting off in his head. He was seeing stars, constellations from different galaxies, and it almost sounded like "We Are the Champions" was playing in the distance. Nothing else mattered. His mind was blank, save for only one thought; Coco.

The two held that kiss for a good minute, but it felt quicker for Sketch. After they pulled away, Coco took a step back and wiped her eyes, a permanent smile stuck to her face. She was laughing and crying at the same time. Sketch had never been so happy to see that reaction. Nothing more needed to be said. All anxiety had left Sketch. He felt like jumping, dancing, anything that would turn heads in an instant. He looked at Coco again, and pulled her into a hug, which she happily returned. She hummed happily as she rested her head on his shoulder. It was even better than the first time. And as the two held each other like letting go would be the last thing they do, all Coco said was, "Finally."

Sketch just started laughing. Fashion was right; she really did care about him in that way. Nothing but happiness had filled every inch of his body. His childhood friend was officially, now and hopefully for the unseen future, his girlfriend. After finally breaking the hug, Coco wiped the rest of her tears away and beamed at Sketch.

"Now then," he said happily, extending his hand to her, "shall we?"

"We shall," Coco giggled as she grabbed his hand lovingly. Then, happy as a pair of turtle doves, the two walked off toward home, not a care in the world and with their relationship shining brighter than ever before.