Jack didn't really know what to expect when the bell above the door dinged for the eighteenth time that day, signaling another customer. Well, he knew to expect a person, specifically a gay male, because he worked at Lustrous, (a clothing boutique for gay men). But he didn't know that said gay male would be the very definition of attractive. The guy strode in awkwardly, as if he was truly embarrassed to be there. He ducked between rows as he made his way around, but Jack kept watch from his stool at the register. He propped his elbow up on the counter and rested his chin in his palm, staring dreamily at Mr. Attractive. He wore tight black jeans, a black shirt that stated boldly 'home is where the pants aren't', and a black beanie. His black eyes were framed by black rimmed glasses, and his hair, too, was black. The man practically screamed mystery and allure.

Unfortunately, Jack's moment of infatuation was instantly noticed by Felix, his coworker and the floor manager. "Good view there, eh, Jack?" He nudged him.

"Yeah," he sighed, but then sat straight up. "I mean uh, what view?" It was no secret that Jack was gay, practically everyone who worked at Lustrous was gay, but Jack still got nervous whenever someone caught his eye.

"Come on," Felix leaned on the counter beside him, fluttering his eyelashes in mock flirtation. "He's the only good view that's come in this month."

"Yeah, well," Jack rubbed the back of his neck, a prominent blush spreading across his face. "Go see if he needs help."

"Hm," Felix stood, eyeing the waves of black hair that peeked up over a silver rack of shirts. "I don't think I will."

"What?!" Jack shouted, but instantly lowered his voice when he realized that he'd made Mr. Attractive jump. "It's your job!" He hissed, facing his friend adamantly.

"Yeah," he shrugged, "but I want you to do it."

"Why?!" Jack hissed again, his teeth clenching together.

"Because you're the only single dude on the whole staff. This guy's your chance."

"N-no!" Jack whispered, his embarrassment turning into rage.

"Do it or I'll get the boss to fire you."

Jack's jaw dropped, and without further urging from Felix, he started away from the register, mumbling to himself. "... Can't get the boss to fire The Boss; that's just illogical..." He paused only for a moment in front of a full-length mirror, straightening his hair and putting on his best 'customer pleasing' smile. "Good afternoon, sir," he said, coming into view of the devilishly handsome man, who quickly put back the shirt he'd been holding. "Is there anything I can help you with today?"

"Uh, no, thank you," he looked down, his face already a bright cherry-color.

Ready to give up, Jack threw a glare over his shoulder at Felix, who only waved him on. "Are you sure? I think I know just the thing for you," Jack pressed anyway.

After a moment, the mysterious man caved, and nodded. "I guess...You should know what looks best anyway." Jack started to lead him to a different rack- but the guy suddenly stopped, a look of terror on his face. "N- not because you're gay- I'm not saying that, uh..."

Jack's laugh echoed throughout the store, making Felix roll his eyes. He assumed Jack was just playing it up- but that was exactly the opposite of what he was doing. Jack was trying to play it down. His boisterous personality and overly energetic demeanor tended to scare people away, which is why Felix got the job of floor manager and Jack was placed at the register. Felix drew them in with his chiseled features and sandy blond hair, while Jack sent them off with a boost of energy and a charming smile.

When he realized just how echoey the store was, Jack quickly covered his mouth with a finely manicured hand. He'd never been one for spas- but, much like near everything else in his life, Felix's urging got the best of him. "Excuse me," he said, struggling to keep his voice low.

"No problem, it was ador-" Mr. Attractive cut himself off and glanced at his phone. "Oh Christ, is it really this late? I gotta go."

"O- oh..." Jack frowned. He could tell when someone was lying, and any spark of hope that'd been struck in his chest by this man almost calling him adorable was extinguished just as quickly as it had arrived. "Well, let me show you this anyway, it won't take but a minute." Jack brought him to the rack that he'd specifically designed himself. The personal rack was also Felix's idea- but whenever someone started toward it, Felix was quick to escort them to a section 'more suiting' if he felt they weren't right for Jack. This happened often, and the merchandise Jack had chosen rarely got attention. Though he didn't mind, it was all his favorite brands and styles. Needless to say, the rack was mostly comical tees and purposely-too-large jackets. There were a few exceptions of course, and it was one of these exceptions that Jack knew would be perfect for this seemingly skittish man.

"Here," Jack faked a smile as he thrust the red and black flannel against Mr. Attractive's chest. It was difficult to hide his disappointment that yet another someone was about to run off after the first meeting, but he did his best. "A little color should brighten your eyes right up," he continued. Completely speechless, Mr. Attractive clutched the shirt to him, just hoping it was the right size as he made his way to the register. Speechless as well at how suddenly Jack's mood had turned foul, Felix rang the man up and offered a polite wave. He waited just a second after the door swung shut to rush over to Jack, who hadn't moved from where he stood.

"What," Felix barked, "was that? Were you even trying?"

"He said he had to go, so I kept it brief," Jack shrugged, and sighed his way over to his stool once more, where he remained for the rest of the day.

The following week, Felix had all but forgotten about the man. Jack would roll his eyes whenever Felix brought up looking for a date, but there was a hint of loneliness in it. Felix saw it, and was nearly conspiring with the staff in attempt to find Jack a good guy. It wasn't until one Thursday afternoon, though, that an opportunity arose.

It was ten minutes from closing when Mr. Attractive returned. He was alone again, but walked in with a shred more confidence than before. Unfortunately for Jack, his shift had already ended, and so he was in his apartment playing video games, unable to see the masterpiece that went directly to the rack he'd gotten his lucky flannel from. He happened to be wearing that same flannel as well, but if anyone (Felix), had asked him if he wore it on purpose that day, he would have denied it vehemently.

Ken was working the register then, and he'd heard all about this guy. He'd heard so much, actually, that it was all he could do not to yank his bear hat even further down over his ears whenever Felix opened his mouth. Having emerged from the back room at the sound of the bell, Felix gasped.

"Kenny!" He squeaked, excitement sparkling in his eyes. "That's the guy!"

"I figured," Ken exhaled. "And I told you to stop calling me that."

"Oh, I have to do something!" Felix went on, ignoring the obviously bored man at the register. "Should I get his number? Do you think Jack would text him?"

Ken snorted, partly at the guy who was darting between racks to reach a specific one, and partially at Felix's inquiry. "Jack wouldn't do shit. He's told you multiple times that the only way he'll ever find a guy is through a blind date. And even then he claims he'll be single again within minutes."

"Aha!" Felix's finger sprung up, shaking slightly with all the anticipation. "That's it!"

"... What's it?" Ken wanted to bang his head on the counter, Felix never ceased to be vague at all the wrong moments. "Jack being single?"

"No! A blind date! It'd be just the thing." Before Ken could stop him, Felix approached his victim. "Excuse me sir," he began, eyeing the multiple flannels draped over his arm. "You do know we're closing in a few minutes?"

"Oh, uh, y-yes. I just... Came back for these."

Felix smirked, and steered him to the register with his palm flat on his back. "Well the one you bought last time looks divine on you, so I'm sure these will as well. By the way, I'm Felix. What's your name?"

"I'm Mark," the guy mumbled as he delicately placed the shirts on the counter for Ken to ring up.

"Mark, eh?" Felix grinned. "What are you doing tonight around seven? I have a friend I'd like you to meet."

"Uh..." Mark hesitated. "Meet?"

"Like on a blind date. Don't worry, he won't bite."

"Uh..."

"Here's your shirts," Ken handed Mark his bag. "That'll be $75."

Fumbling with his wallet, Mr. Attractive, aka Mark, fished out the money and gave it to Ken, being careful to avoid touching his hand. Upon opening his wallet, Felix noticed that Mark had a Starbucks gift card, and suddenly formulated what seemed like, in his mind, a brilliant plan.

"So what do ya say?" He didn't wait for a reply, "I'll tell you what, you don't even need to answer. Just be at The Writer's Block Cafe at seven. I'll have my friend waiting for you in a red shirt."

"Um..." Mark scratched at the back of his neck, hoping to appear calm and collected. "Where exactly is this cafe?"

~~~

"Felix, what in the absolute fuck did you do?!" Jack cried out in anger after being told that he was set up on a blind date, though he was secretly happy.

"Just trust me on this one, bro. He's great."

"Ugh... Felix..." Jack pinched the bridge of his nose with the hand that wasn't holding his phone.

"Don't forget to wear that red shirt!" Felix chuckled and hung up, feeling mildly accomplished.

Within an hour, Jack had finished off another level of Super Mario, gotten ready, and made his way down to the cafe Felix mentioned. There was hardly anyone there, and those who were seemed pretty occupied, so Jack ordered a black coffee and sat in one of the few open tables. The atmosphere was very chill, very indie feeling, and Jack wondered how he'd never heard of this place. The lights were dimmed, the music was just loud enough to be a background for your thoughts, the entire front wall was a window that looked out onto the city street... It was all too perfect. But then the sky, already dimming with the setting sun, grew dark. And from the evil clouds poured liquid that spattered against the window like the cafe's spatulas slammed against pans in the kitchen.

He sipped his coffee and glanced up every now and then, wondering who'd walk through the doors and sit across from him with a politely embarrassed 'first date' grin. After several minutes of listening to the bustling kitchen sounds and the newest track from Cage The Elephant, Jack sighed. It was only 7:03, but he just wanted to go home. Felix should have known better- blind dates never worked. Unless, of course, the date themselves was blind.

He was just about to leave when someone walked passed him. It wasn't just anyone though, no, of course not. He choked on his coffee as he watched Mr. Attractive glide in front of him like a king approaching his throne. Only, Mr. Attractive didn't take a seat anywhere. At the sound of Jack's coughing, he turned slowly around. His eyes flickered for a moment, took in Jack's red shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and Mark took a hesitant step toward him, his hand outstretched. "Felix's friend, I assume?"

He took Jack by surprise, for in here he seemed to own the place. He stood tall and held his head high, as if a crown were being smoothed over his floppy curls. "I'm... Yes. Hi," Jack shook his hand. "I'm Jack. Or Sean. Whichever you prefer. Um..."

Mark sat, already cursing himself for showing up. He was always so awkward. "I'm Mark. The guy who bought that flannel the other day."

"I remember," Jack nodded. "And I was right, it really does brighten your eyes."

"Aw, thank you," Mark blushed, loving Jack's responding smile.

END OF PART ONE