Jack and The Cuckoo Clock Heart Preferences

What's Next with Jack

Jack could hardly believe he was alive.

After running straight from Madeleine's house on the desolate hill to Y/N's doorstep in the center of the town, Jack realized that not once had his new heart made a single noise. Yes, he could feel the subtle ticking within the cavity of his pale chest, but he figured the lack of obnoxious ticking would be something he'd have to get used to. He had more pressing matters to handle.

The svelte redhead knocked on the darkened door, waiting with nothing but anticipation. The few butterflies that had made his stomach their home had turned it into a sanctuary, their wings fluttering inside him. He wanted nothing more than to see Y/N. To tell his beloved friend that he was well and alive, and that she'd have nothing to worry about. He was embarrassed for his shamelessness but he contemplated asking Y/N out again to make up for his botched outing.

The clicking and unlatching of the door's locks snapped Jack out of his thoughts. Y/N's father answered the door, eyes wide at the sight of Jack. "Good God", the older man uttered incredulously. "You're alive?"

That was a very awkward question to answer. Jack didn't know if he had even died to begin with. "It's just as much of a surprise to me, sir", Jack responded, a nervous albeit polite smile toying on his lips. "I'm so sorry for intruding and I know I could have no right to ask this of you, but may I speak to your daughter? It's very important, please."

Mr. L/N glanced at Jack's pleading eyes and let him in without a word. He accompanied him to the parlor where'd Jack and Y/N had spent many moments in. "Stay here, please", the older man instructed. "Y/N will be here shortly." He left promptly, leaving Jack alone in the suddenly cold parlor.

Jack's eyes scanned the parlor as if it were his first time in the room, even if it wasn't. There was nothing to do but look around. His presence in the home was risky but the realization of what Y/N would feel dawned on him. How would she react? Would she be upset? It would only be natural if she were seeing as Madeleine had kicked her out of her home in a fit of rage. Not only that, but it probably wouldn't help that Y/N had possibly blamed herself for Jack's accident. The anticipation that bubbled in his stomach turned into an overwhelming pit of anxiety. It was too much but he couldn't back out now.

"Jack?"

The young man in question looked up to see none other than his beloved Y/N. Puffy, E/C eyes looked at him in disbelief. Y/N stood in the doorway, afraid of being too close to him. "You're alive."

Jack stood up from where he sat and approached Y/N. "I can explain everything. I know I'm probably the last person you expected to see but I need to talk to you. There's so much I need to tell you." He hesitated as he saw Y/N take a few steps back but he gently took her hands in his own. "Please?"

Y/N forced herself to swallow the break in her voice before giving him a nod. "Yes", she whispered softly.

Grateful, Jack pulled out a chair for her before taking a seat himself, ready to explain everything to the best of his knowledge.

Some Time Afterwards

After getting permission from her parents, Jack and Y/N made their way outside into town.

They walked aimlessly, eventually making their way to the plaza as if it were second nature. Jack held Y/N's hand as they descended the stairs. He didn't let go even after finding a bench for them to sit on. They sat in mutual silence, the sound of a street musician in the background.

"So", Y/N broke the silence. "Madeleine replaced your heart, huh?" Y/N looked at the freckled fellow beside her and glanced at his chest. She could see the gold watch barely peeking out, evident that is was far less bulky and obvious than its predecessor.

Jack nodded. "I dunno how she did it but she did." He was grateful but he didn't want his heart to impede him from doing what he had come to do. "I'm sorry about what happened. I thought I could make it. I was so eager to tell you how I felt and I suppose my heart couldn't take it. I don't want you blaming yourself, do you understand?" His thumb caressed the top of her hand before he brought it to his lips for a subtle kiss.

"I felt selfish thinking about what you told me, even after Madeleine booted me out", Y/N confessed. She felt his soft lips on her hand and felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. "I want to say that I feel the same but I'm not sure if I want to put you at risk again. I do feel the same way, Jack, I do but I can't imagine seeing you get hurt."

Jack's heart beat faster but it wasn't painful. For the first time in his life, the increasing speed of mechanical heart didn't hurt. Yes, he made sure to be careful but he was overjoyed to know that his mood was something he'd no longer have to keep in check. "Just seeing you made my old heart burn and ache, and I mean that in the best of ways. This heart is safe. Had it not been, I would have died right there in your parlor. You have nothing to be afraid of."

Y/N scooted closer to him and rested her head against his shoulder. "This was a very unusual first date, Jack", she teased before giving him a kiss on his cheek. She smiled once he turned slightly to look at her, a content smile on his handsome face.

Jack laid a kiss on her forehead. "If you'll have me, I'd like to take you out on another. How does that sound?"

Y/N nodded. "Deal."