*and he pulled her closer to him, his arms still wrapped around her, wishing her shaking would stop. was he helping anything? was he ruining this wonderful friendship he’d made? if she only wanted to be his friend, if that was all she really wanted then he’d be fine with that… enough. his heart may break, he may suffer another rejection that would push him deep into his work again but… if it meant staying close to her, to still watch movie and go to cafes and walk Roxy out in the street with he he’d do it. he’d do anything*
y-yes. i am…
*but then the self doubt returned. like a tsunami wave crashing around him. he pulled back, only just, so he could see her face even if it was tear streaked*
…b-but a… are you all right w-with me like that? i’m… i’m not a genius. i’m not confident. i’m not rich. i’m… i’m almost thirty and the closest i’ve gotten with a girl is what i’m doing now, just holding you and.. you deserve so much better than me but… all i’ve got is to give you what i am.
that’s all.
Her eyes widened, realizing how selfish she was being. She hadn’t even considered his feelings. She brought both of her hands up to cup his cheeks, her thumbs stroking his skin and goatee.
“Jack…I’ve already told you how amazing you are…I don’t expect riches..or experience..I actually don’t have any myself..you might be more experienced than I am having seem all those romance movies…” And she smiles through her tears to show she’s joking a bit.
*he shuts his eyes as she touches his face, and shudders. how her thumbs touch his goatee, that’s new. that’s new and wonderful and he hoped she would do this again for him if anything is to come of this. it feels like it is? he chews at his bottom lip before he opens his eyes and looks at her, his face tinted purple all over again. almost mister grape, but not quite*
s-so… we could take this… just one day at a time…? to.. together?
Jack Maple 