Chapter Text
Jack shivered uncomfortably, wrapping his coat tighter around his skinny body as he shifted from foot to foot; eyes darting from stranger to stranger with no luck. Where the fuck was he? Did he accidentally go to the wrong Starbucks or something?
Of course, Jack couldn't exactly blame him if that were the case. New York seemed to be the breeding ground for coffee shops, something that the dark haired man was usually grateful for, but obviously today was an exception.
Snow drifted lazily from the sky and landed on his escaping dark tufts of hair, his massive coat and his stupid grey beanie that he probably should've left at home. His breath was misting in front of his eyes and he could feel the curious stares of the Starbucks customers fixed on his back as he checked the time for the fifth time in the last two minutes.
His date was 30 minutes late and he'd been standing out here in cold searching through the crowds for almost all that time. It really hadn't been one of his smartest ideas, to be all romantic and meet him at the door, but he most likely should've given up on it as soon as the snowflakes started to fall. Jesus, what the fuck was taking him so long anyway?
Jack sighed, digging his icy hands into his pockets. He really shouldn't have raised his hopes so high. It was stupid to think a guy like that would go out with a guy like him.
His name was Ryan. A tall man with tanned skin and cute brown eyes framed by a pair of glasses that made Jack's heart melt every time they so much as glanced in his direction. It was idiotic of him, he knew that. He was acting like a teenage girl with her first crush on the popular guy. But he really couldn't help himself. Especially when Ryan turned out to one of the nicest men he'd ever met. He'd ticked all the boxes.
They'd met in the library. Cliché, right? Well at the time all Jack could think of was how romantic it would be if it became their little thing to meet up in the library every so often, just to echo back to the moment they met if they dated.
Holy fuck that was sappy. He really needed to stop reading all those fucking romance novels, they were starting to mess with his head.
Anyway, he couldn't gather enough courage to do anything more than stare at the other man in a way that he thought was discreet; so of course Ryan made the first move. He'd been so confident, striding over to where Jack sat reading his book and plucking the novel straight out of his hands with a good natured smile, quickly reading the title before handing it back.
Jack remembered how his face had lit up like a traffic light as Ryan had laughed gently, commenting how he couldn't stand to see such a pretty face being covered up by that book anymore. Jack had been praying for a hole to open in the ground beneath him and just swallow him whole as he stuttered and stumbled over his words like an idiot.
Still, one thing had lead to another and now Jack was here, standing on his own outside Starbucks, shivering like he were naked in the North Pole. It was so pathetic.
Jack clenched his jaw, anger running through his veins. That fucking bastard. How dare he stand him up?! Did he think he was being funny or witty by well and truly ruining Jack's night? Because if that were the case he was very much mistaken.
The dark haired man turned on his heel and strode into the shop, ordering himself a coffee whilst accidently scaring the shit out of the poor boy behind the counter with the rage that was rolling off him in waves. Finally realising just how hard he was glaring at the other boy, Jack smiled apologetically, making sure to hand the barista a hefty tip before wandering towards an empty table by the window and throwing himself down in a chair.
Good god was he really going to sort out his boyfriend issues by drowning his sorrows in Starbucks coffee and moodily glaring at everyone around him?
Yup.
His coffee arrived around the time he had the genius idea to take his phone out and give Ryan a piece of his fucking mind. He'd been here for nearly 40 minutes waiting on the smug bastard, but he was done. It was time to tell him exactly what he thought of him.
You're such a fucking asshole, you know that? I honestly can't believe you turned out to be such an inconsiderate bastard.
Jack sat back in his chair and let out a sigh, this time of relief. Wow, that felt amazing to say.
Maybe Ryan would feel guilty and turn up after all. Jack would have the pleasure of humiliating him in front of the entire café just like Ryan had done to him. The dark haired boy blinked in surprise. Good god, that made him sound like an absolute prick.
Suddenly he heard his phone buzzing against the hard wood of the table and he couldn't help but jump for it. He'd replied? What did he have to say for himself? How could he justify this?
Well, to be fair you're not wrong. Sometimes I can come off as a bit of a dick, but in all honesty at this moment I think you're the asshole here.
The dark haired man's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What the hell was he on about? Ryan knew perfectly well why he was the asshole between them. Jack was absolutely justified in what he said and-
Oh fuck what if Ryan gave him a fake number?
Jack gasped in shock gaining a few disapproving glances as he began to furiously type on his phone.
Oh my God, I'm so sorry! I've got the wrong number, that wasn't meant for you.
Setting his phone aside, Jack found himself drumming his fingers furiously on the table in front of him, unable to keep still as he waited impatiently for the anticipated text that would hopefully hold forgiveness. It seemed like forever before the phone buzzed again.
Don't worry about it, it happens all the time. What's got you so pissed anyway?
Jack resisted the temptation to type out all his problems, for nothing more than to vent his frustration. Thankfully he held himself back. This was a stranger. What the hell was he thinking? Why was he even still talking to them? This was a complete waste of time he could be spending moping over his lost date.
No offence, but I'm really not in the mood to complain about my problems to a complete stranger, so if you don't mind, I'll be on my way now.
He let out a muffled groan and finally took a deep sip of his coffee. It was lukewarm by now, but thankfully not scalding hot like he'd been expecting. To his surprise, his phone buzzed again.
No wait! Please don't leave! Talk to me for a little while. Please?
Uh...why?
Because you're having a bad day and so am I. I promise I won't hold you back forever, I only want someone to talk to for a bit.
Jack blinked at the reply, contemplating his answer. It's not like he was the most adventurous person in the world, this person, whoever they were, would probably get bored of him soon. So what did he really have to lose?
Alright fine, it's not like I've anything better to do. How's it going?
Really? You're gonna start with that question as your conversation starter?
Jack's face was going to end up stuck in a permeant state of confusion at this rate. Who the fuck was this person?
Uh...yeah? Is there something wrong with that?
Not really, it's just so boring . I thought we could start with something a little more interesting.
Oh really? Like what?
This answer took longer than the others and Jack felt the time like he was actually watching the clock ticking by. That was probably because he was. He was staring at the clock on the opposite wall, leg jumping up and down like there was an earthquake beneath his feet. Finally his phone buzzed again.
Like...what was your favourite Disney movie as a kid?
Jack blinked and read the message again. And again. And one more time just to be sure.
This was just weird.
Are you serious?
Deadly. Your answer will determine whether or not you're worthy of being my friend.
Well, I guess in that case I'd better go with The Lion King.
Oh yeah? Why's that?
Probably because it's the only one I've seen.
The reply came so quickly Jack nearly jumped.
WHAT!? Wtf do you mean you've only seen The Lion King?? WHAT KIND OF MESSED UP CHILDHOOD DID YOU HAVE!?
Jesus calm down. I just never wanted to watch those movies much as a child. Am I talking to a two year old or something?
24 year old man talking, you?
Jack took a second to think about his answer. They could be lying, whoever 'they' were and Jack probably shouldn't give them any information about himself. But god it felt good to have a conversation with someone who wasn't A) his Ma or B) someone so insanely hot they made him feel bad for looking the way he did.
To be fair, they could still be insanely hot, but at least he didn't have to see it.
Still, better to be cautious.
Before I answer your question, may I ask why a 24 year old man would be curious about my taste in Disney movies?
The answer came almost immediately.
Oi! I can feel you judging me through the phone. I'm just passionate about good movies, alright? Now, your turn to answer my question.
Jack contemplated lying, but what was the point really? Chances were they wouldn't talk to each other for more than a week so he was probably safe telling this dude his age at least.
Fine. I'm a 23 year old man. Happy?
Very.
While we're getting to know each other, what's your name?
Jack knew it was a risky question, especially with his reluctance to reveal much personal information himself. But he had to know, he was so fascinated by this complete weirdo of a stranger. Curiosity killed the cat, his brain reminded him unhelpfully.
Shhhhhhhhhh! I can't tell you!
What?
Dude, I've been talking to you for like 10 minutes and you expect me to divulge such sensitive information as my name ?! Are you crazy!?
I'd say that between us you're definitely the crazy one. And really? You're really gonna do this right now?
Really, really.
Jack glared at his phone in frustration. Jesus just tell me your fucking name goddammit. It actually got to the point where he had to force his features into a more acceptable expression otherwise the barista who was shooting him worried looks might just walk over here and that was the last thing Jack wanted.
Keeping his face calm while his insides boiled he turned back to his phone, typing with vigour.
Good god, are you sure you're 24? I'll tell you what, would it make you feel better if I told you mine first?
Sure I am, and only tell me if you wanna.
Might as well. What harm could it really do? Jack thought with a shrug.
Fine. I'm Jack. And you are?
Sorry that's still confidential.
Well fuck you.
Ok, now who's being the asshole here?
Hey, you don't hear me arguing with you. I even warned you at the very start of this conversation that I was a bit of a dick.
You know what? Fine, if that's the way you're gonna play it you still have to answer something. What hobbies do you do?
If I told you my hobby I'd have to kill you, which just so happens to be my hobby ;)
Jack's hand came down on the table, making a clanging noise much louder than he'd first anticipated. Both staff and customers whipped their heads towards him so quickly Jack suspected a few must've sustained whiplash from the movement; a mixture of alarm and irritation in their eyes.
There were a few beats of silence in the cafe in which Jack was surprised none could hear his thundering heartbeat through his chest. He felt a blush spread across his cheeks as he muttered an inaudible apology, shrinking himself into his seat until the conversation had regained and the attention had been diverted from his bright red face. He turned back to the phone with anger, finding no one else to blame for his action other than the mystery man who made him so pissed in the first place.
Oh my god could you be serious for two fucking seconds and answer the goddamned question?!
Why so serious, Jackaboy?
For fuck's sake, why am I still talking to you? I don't have time to deal with your petty, immature bullshit. Grow the fuck up.
Jack let out a breath, setting his phone to the side and taking a few long sips of his now borderline ice-cold coffee. Maybe he was a little harsh. Just a little bit. Perhaps he should apologize for what he said, but he knew his pride simply wouldn't allow him.
So, when his phone buzzed again and he was determined to ignore it. And he did too.
For about 20 seconds.
Hold up! Jack, please don't go! I'm just fucking around, seriously. I'll stop.
Jack bit his lip, thinking. Outside it was already getting dark, city lights glittering against the inky skyline. He watched as a pair of teenagers passed by his window, dressed in their woolly winter clothes and take-away coffee cups clasped tightly in the hand that wasn't intertwined with the other's fingers.
Good god Jack had never felt more lonely in his life. It felt like he'd been cheated of something tonight, a date, a boyfriend, a half decent relationship were all still distant dreams to him. But honestly, this guy, whoever he was, had at least attempted to make things better.
That had to count for something, right?
Hesitantly Jack reached for his phone once more, acting like it were an aggressive dog that might just bite his hand off if he moved too quickly.
If you want me to stay then you're gonna have to follow the rules of a conversation and actually answer shit, am I clear?
Crystal. Now, what do you wanna know, Jackaboy? I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Ask away. I am an open book. Shoot.
Jack couldn't help but let a small smile break out across his face.
Maybe this guy wasn't so bad after all.