[s2e11] Santa -

"Jess, stop running," he said, his voice quiet. He didn't look angry; he looked exhausted. "I don't want to play games. I want to be with you. For real."

"One night, guys! Seven parties!" Jess announced, adjusting her reindeer antlers. "It’s a holiday blitz. We are going to spread joy until it hurts." [S2E11] Santa

As the gang piled into the car, the tension wasn't just coming from Schmidt. Jess was feeling the weight of her own complicated romantic life. Her ex, Sam, had been blowing up her phone. He wanted to talk, but Jess, fearful of getting her heart broken again, was determined to hide behind a mask of festive franticness. "Jess, stop running," he said, his voice quiet

"If I stay moving, he can't catch me," she whispered to a skeptical Nick as they entered the first party. I want to be with you

She took a breath, the smell of pine and expensive cologne filling the air. "Okay," she said softly. "No more running."

Schmidt, naturally, was more concerned with the logistics of his own social standing. He was currently trying to navigate the delicate social waters of seeing Cece at these parties, especially since she was bringing her new, very handsome boyfriend, Robby. Schmidt’s plan for the night was a mix of calculated indifference and occasional, desperate lunges for attention.