You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

Just say yes

Liz's pov

Oh boy. Here we go.

Liz:welcome to where all your dreams and fantasies come true in anime heaven!

That's still the worst thing I've ever been paid to do in my life.

Nick:haha...I know. I was here yesterday.

Oh. Wait, yeah. This guys does look familiar.

Nick:you still work here?

Liz:I'm here and in my cosplay uniform, same as last time.

Nick:cool. Cool...

He seems to hover near the counter. He doesn't seem interested in look for anime merchandise. I hope he doesn't ask for Japanese candy. I haven't restocked the little shelves today, and. I don't know where the box cutter is. And I don't want to ask.

Nick:...you uh...you got a boyfriend?

Ah. I see. This is where this is going.

Liz:I-i uh...whatttttt do you mean?

Nick:you know. Like a boyfriend.

Hm. I don't know whether to be flattered this is happening. Or terrified this is happening. I'm going to go with terrified for now.

Liz:well. I mean. I uh...

Shit. Shit. What do I say? What am I supposed to do?

Jack:you can say yes, if you want to. I don't mind, you know...

The way he says it is almost like a whisper in my ear. Uncharastically of him, it's like the cherub-sweet voice of a devil on my shoulder.

Jack:think about it...what this could mean for us. Do you want to say yes? If you want to say yes, you can. It doesn't even have to be a lie. I'll be whatever you want me to be for you...I did promise I'd never leave you, right?

I can't even stop to look at jack. I can't acknowledge him without looking outwardly weird. But he's very much there, standing behind me...is this a leap I dare to take?...yeah. Yeah I think I will. I lean into my emotions, as small as this may seem.

Liz:yeah. Y-yeah, I do. Sorry.

Nick:awe man. That sucks.

He hangs his head a little and just. Walks off. I mean I don't know what he is expecting.

Jack:...I'm proud of you.

I feel a soft, firm hand rest around me.

Jack:hey. That was a lot. I understand. You did so good though...you know. Admitting your feelings is the first step. It's not always easy. But it's good for you...

Liz:the first step in what, though?

Jack:the first step in really staying with me. Forever. You do want that. Don't you?

Yeah. Yeah, I think I do.

Liz:...so what does this mean?

Jack:it means...well. I guess it means that we're really together now, hm?

He smiles innocently.

Liz:you mean...like...a couple?

Jack:if you really want it...we can be.

I feel so stupid and blushy, the way he cocks his head like a puppy at that sentiment. Oh wow. This is just. Really happening.

Jack:...can I ask you to do something for me?

Liz:y-yeah! Yeah, sure...

Jack:...can you say it? I'd like to hear you say it. Just so I know for real.

Liz:...I love you?

Jack:yeah. But. For me. If it's okay, you know?

He says it's okay to say it. So. I guess at this point I might as well. Right?

Liz:...I...love you...jack...?

He softens, to the point of looking like he's going to melt.

Jack:just like that...

Before I know what's what, he leans in and gives me a quick, but sweet kiss. It's almost bashful but. It's genuine. And it feels so real against my lips that even after he's pulled away I can still feel them. He looks away, a bit shy about it all I figure.

Jack:you know...maybe this is a bit silly to admit...but some part of me was hoping you felt that way. Nobody will understand what we have...but that's okay. All that matters is how I make your heart feel...it feels good right now, doesn't it?

Good is an understatement. I'm nervous and excited and...

DING-DING.

I don't have time to think anymore about it before another customer comes in. Shit.

Liz:welcome to where all your dreams and fantasies come true in anime heaven!

I get to doing my job, at that point. Out of the corner of my eyes, jack still lingers. There's nothing really left to say. Nothing that can be given the proper attention that it deserves like this, that is. The rest of the day goes by quietly. There's a silent anticipation to pick up the conversation in a more private environment later. I can't help but feel odd when I'm grounded in reality. The things I can see and hear and touch for myself. At that moment. Jack is all that I can see. He's the most real thing there is. But after that, when anything else has my attention, I can see utter ludicrousness of the situation. Is it intoxicating? Is that what this is? What is this dreamy haze that I find myself consumed by when it comes to him? ...and I still don't quite know what he is. No. No I really shouldn't be giving him this kind of power over me.

Jack's thoughts pov

Why not? If it feels good...then it must be good for you! So many people walk around, so sad and unhappy. You don't want to end up like them, do you? Someday you'll know why I'm doing this. But for now. Trust me when I say that it's all for you. I do it because I care about you. I never want you to be alone. And have I ever lied to you?