Middle of the Week Motivation

Happy Valentines Day!

The wind ruffled a few strands of Jack's green hair as he walked to a little cafe down the street. It was February 14th, a week after his birthday and the day most commonly known as Valentine's day. Jack had decided, that because it was such a special day, he'd go to the cafe and treat himself. It's not like he had anyone else to spend it with. The rush of heat from the cafe as Jack opened the door was satisfying on the cold winter day, and he was able to unbundle the jacket he was wrapped up in. The cafe was fairly empty, but he wasn't really all that surprised given the occasion. He walked up to the counter, only to be greeted by Mark.

"Hey Jack!" The other man smiled kindly, his chocolate brown eyes sparkling. Jack wasn't what you'd call a regular, but he came around often enough that he became friends with everyone who worked there.

"Hey there, Mark. How's today been?" Jack replied, returning the smile.

"Not too bad. Can't really complain. About what's to be expected." Jack nodded. "Anyway, what could I get you? Just your usual coffee?" Mark asked, turning back towards a more business like tone of voice.

"Yeah, but a bagel sandwich too. That'll probably end up being my dinner."

Mark nodded, typing that into the cash register as Jack surveyed his surroundings. There was a couple in the back corner, most likely here on a date, and an older lady sitting next to the window. Jack's attention was drawn back to the counter as he was told how much to pay. Jack swiped his card, still lingering at the counter even after Mark had busied himself with filling the order. While you were technically supposed to go sit down, Jack preferred to simply wait by the counter, it just seemed more practical to him. Jack watched Mark as he worked, his raven hair falling in front of his eyes, causing Mark to huff, and have to brush them to the side. Jack smiled softly. He wouldn't admit it, but he had a slight crush on the barista.

Mark wasn't the only person to work at the small cafe, though the staff only consisted of 6 or 7 people. It didn't take much to run the "Grump Cafe" as it was called, though almost ironically Jack often left the cafe happier than when he entered. The cafe was owned by Arin Hanson, and his wife Suzy, and they handled all the fancy business and accounting parts of the cafe. All the hired staff were Arin and Suzy's friends. If Mark wasn't working as the barista, then it was either Danny or Barry. Danny was a tall man, with a welcoming smile and warm laugh. Just like Mark, Jack couldn't really be sad with Danny around. His poofy black "Jew-fro" as he called it certainly drew attention to the brown eyed man, though he swears that he'll cut it one day. Barry was a quiet, calm soul and Jack's couldn't ever recall a time where he's seen Barry mad.

Brian worked there too, him and Kevin doing all the social media and advertising for the company. Brian was rarely ever seen, always staying locked up in the back room, knee deep in some sort of project or another. Even if Brian was out in the open, he kept quiet, the 40 year old seemed to like to keep to himself. Kevin was more shy than quiet, though he was probably the youngest of them all. Ross was the last worker, the only non-american of the bunch, having moved from Australia and joining the friend group a year or so before the cafe was opened. Ross was the one who often brought you your food, and was in charge of keeping the place looking tidy. Ross had quite the sense of humor, and was often teased by his friends for being sadistic.

Jack looked past the slightly open door into the back of the little cafe, seeing Barry and Ross standing there, talking to each other. Jack smiled, giving a little wave. They noticed him waving, pausing there conversation, Ross cut short as Barry waved back. Upon spotting Jack, he playfully glared at the green haired man, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief as usual and a smirk on his face. He advanced on the door, playfully grabbing the handle and slamming it shut. Jack laughed. He could hear Barry's playful long and drawn out "Ross..." from the other side of the shut door.

"Here you go." Mark said cheerfully, placing the food and drink in front of Jack, pulling the man's blue eyed gaze away from the shut door.

"Oh, thanks." Jack smiled.

"Happy Valentines Day." Mark wished warmly as Jack began to walk away.

Jack paused. "Oh yeah, I forgotten that was today."

"Don't have anyone to spend it with? No girlfriend or anything?" Mark asked curiously.

Jack shook his head. "Nope. Single and gay."

Mark nodded. "At least I'm not the only one."

Jack chuckled. "We're far from the only ones."

"True. Well, Happy Valentines Day anyway."

Jack smiled. "You too."

Jack chose a little 2 person table next to the wall, plopping down in the chair. He sighed, taking a drink of the coffee, preparing to take a bite of his food when he spotted something written on the side of his cup. He picked it up, and on closer investigation, he saw that Mark had written "You're Cute" with a little heart drawn next to it. Jack's gaze flickered over to the counter, where he saw Mark leaning against the countertop, his chin on his palm, staring at Jack. Mark blushed upon being caught, standing up straight, face bright red. Jack pointed at the writing on his cup, then at Mark and then at himself. Mark nodded, face still pink as he made a little heart with his hands. Jack smiled, making a heart back and motioning for Mark to "come here."

Mark stepped from behind the counter, going over and sitting with Jack. "Is that what you really think?" The green haired man questioned, staring inquiringly at Mark with his electric blue eyes.

"Yeah..." Mark admitted bashfully, avoiding eye contact.

Jack smiled. "I think so too."

Mark looked up, happy but mostly surprised. "Really? You... you like me back?"

"Have for a while now." Jack nodded in response.

Mark chuckled. "If I had known that I would've said something earlier."

"So would have I."

The two continued to talk, ending up splitting the bagel sandwich Jack had gotten, their form of a knock off first date. Danny had peaked his head out from behind the door Ross had shut earlier, looking for Mark only to see them sitting together. He smiled, and ducked his head back inside as the two of them stood up, Jack throwing the trash away. Danny popped his head back out, this time Ross and Barry were looking at the pair along with him.

Mark and Jack smiled at each other, to lost in the others beauty to notice their friends watching them from afar. They shyly kissed, Mark wrapping his arms around Jack's waist, and Jack wrapping his arms around Mark's neck. Ross smirked, Barry almost screamed and Danny looked like he was about to pass out. Only if Arin was here. They both pulled away blushing, but decided they liked it so much that they'd do it again.

"Well then." Mark mused as they pulled away again, fixing the glasses that sat slightly crooked on his face. "I guess now's a good time to ask if you wanna be my boyfriend."

Jack smiled, arms still around Mark's neck. "I can agree with that."

"Well, I guess it's settled then." Mark replied, returning the smile and hugging Jack tighter as they kissed one more time. "I really like not being single on Valentines Day."

"Yeah," Jack agreed. "Me too."