Pitch was waiting patiently in front of the shop at five o'clock when Jack came out. He looked up and smiled. "Hi."

Jack smiled back. The bundle of nerves in his stomach jumbled around. "Hi."

"Do you still want to go out tonight?"

"I do. I promised I'd be here, after all."

"I know, but I would understand if you'd changed your mind about us."

"I won't lie to you; I'm nervous as hell. I also really want this to work out, so I'm determined to give you a second chance."

"Me too." Pitch pulled him close and kissed him. "I want you to smile again. Like you used to."

"I hope we get there soon." As much as he loved the man's hugs, he pulled away not long after. "Shall we go bowling?"

"We shall." Pitch opened the door for Jack before walking around and getting into the driver's seat, heading to the alley. "So how was your day?"

"It was busy. I'm back to being just a clerk with a chance of being a designer on very rare occasions. Jamie was gone most of the day delivering for a wedding, and I was stuck with the Mother's Day rush by myself."

"How do you like working there?"

"I don't want to say I hate it…," he trailed off.

"But you don't like it?"

"I like certain aspects."

"Such as?"

"The customers are great, it's nice to work with Mr. Bennett again, and the flowers he buys are amazing."

"So what's the problem?"

"Almost everything else. I was used to being a manager and designer, and now I just sell, stock, and design something when everyone else is too busy to. With the downgrade, I also don't make as much as I used to. Mr. Bennet is really nice, but he was also the one who gave me my first job at a flower shop. I think he still sees that nineteen year old kid who doesn't know anything about the business yet. Then there's Jamie." Jack gave a big sigh. "Love the guy; he's been my friend since I first got the job there. But he didn't even want to go into the floral business. He went to school for friggin' computer science, after graduation figured out he wasn't good enough to get a decent job in it, and just gets to inherit the store from his daddy so why not take it. It grates my nerves." He glanced over at Kozmotis with an apologetic blush. "Sorry. That's probably not what you wanted to hear when you asked my feelings on the job."

"Isn't that what a boyfriend does? Listen to the cares and concerns of his boyfriend?"

"Yes, but we aren't boyfriends yet, remember?"

"Sorry. Does that mean I should ask you to hurry your story along?"

"No," he chuckled softly. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't."

"Then I won't. Although I may have a suggestion. A solution of sorts to your problem."

"What's your magical solution?"

"I may have purchased a little spot that would make a lovely florist's shop. I am, however, without a manager or a designer."

Jack stared at him. "You didn't…"

"We can be partners. You can pay me back as much as you want, but you'll have full control of the place."

"I swear I told you on our second date that I wanted to buy a shop on my own."

"I can sell it again."

"No, don't." Jack chewed on his bottom lip in thought. "I...can we make a deal?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"I want to pay you back for the whole thing. And as soon as I do, I want it to be under my name."

"Deal."

"Really?"

"Of course. I bought the place for you after all."

"And what happens if this second chance for us doesn't work out?"

"Then I'll be a silent partner until you buy me out."

"You're really okay with that?"

"Consider it my apology present as well as an investment in our future."

"Thank you," Jack whispered and reached over to take his hand.

Pitch smiled and squeezed Jack's hand. "I love you."

"Pretty sure I still love you too."

"But you doubt me."

"A little," he admitted. "Give me just a little more time. I want to give this a second chance, but I also can't bounce back like nothing happened."

"I understand. I also won't give up until your heart is mine again."

Jack bit his lip. "Would you be upset if I changed my mind about bowling?"

"I wouldn't be upset. Where would you like to go instead?"

"Maybe a walk in the park? I don't think I have the energy for bowling right now. It was a draining day."

"A walk in the park sounds perfect."

"There's a nice one just a few blocks away."

Pitch nodded and drove to the park. He parked on the street and held the passenger door open for Jack. "Well, we're here."

Jack gave him a nod and stepped out, leaving his bag in the passenger seat. He took Kozmotis' hand and started walking down one of the paths. "I'm sorry for being so back and forth today."

"Is there something wrong?"

"Just the stress of work and my feelings for you all mixed up."

"I understand."

He nodded in thanks. "What have you been up to since your drastic life decision?"

"I spent last night looking into professorships at the local universities."

"And? Any hits?"

"A few. I have some interviews lined up."

"That's good. Are you really ready for such a different job?"

"It'll be hard at first. Most of my students will probably be more focused on my reputation than on the merits of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice."

"That's true. If I was a fan of movies, I'm sure I would have been freaking out talking to you too," he laughed.

"I doubt you'd have given me the time of day. Your sense of morality would have been greatly offended by me and my habits."

"Good point. Buuuut it's also not every day that you meet a movie star."

"I understand that. I can't help that with my future students, but I wanted one person to look at me and not see Pitch Black."

"And you just happened to find that one person when you were buying a bouquet of roses."

"Serendipity."

"It didn't bother you that I didn't know who you were?"

"Not at all. It was actually quite...freeing."

"I'm kind of surprised you were able to keep your secret for so long. You're such a big star that there should have been people asking for your autograph at every date."

"I'm a movie star; well, I was one. I prepared for that."

"How? You can't exactly ban all fans from everywhere you want to go."

"No?"

"Can you?" He looked up at the man with an eyebrow up in piqued curiosity.

"If you're famous enough, safeguards can be put in place."

"And did you do that?"

"Of course I did. I didn't want anyone to disturb us."

"You were that desperate to keep your identity secret?"

"From you, yes."

"That's kinda both sad and romantic at the same time."

"I wanted you, and I wanted you to want Kozmotis Pitchner. Learning my name would have either sent you running, or you would have behaved like everyone else. I didn't want you to do either one."

"Why did you want me of all people? You clearly could have, and did have, anybody else you wanted. Was it just because I told you no?"

"You were beautiful, and I am a man who can appreciate beautiful people. But I think it was your pure innocence that drew me in. I began wanting to defile it, and then I wanted nothing more than to protect it."

"That's what so hard for me to grasp. It's hard to think that you were so sweet to me with such intentions in secret."

"I was a cad. I know that."

"But you weren't to me. I wasn't expecting it from you at all."

"And...are you now?"

"There's a part of my brain that's worried about it." Jack looked down at his feet as they walked.

"I've lost your trust. Now you're torn between your love for me and your practicality which tells you I'm no good."

"I told you I've had some pretty shitty relationships in the past. None of them I liked enough to be willing to give them a second chance."

Pitch pulled Jack to a stop and brushed his thumb across his cheek. "You told me that your past boyfriends had not been good people. Did they ever hurt you?"

"Physically or emotionally?"

"Either. Both."

"Yes," he answered simply.

Pitch sighed and pulled Jack into his arms for a hug. "My flower child."

"So please forgive me if I'm not used to actually having to face my feelings and the person I liked at the same time." His arms slid around his waist with a sigh.

"Hush, flower child. You can face all of that later. For now, just let me hold you."

"This is nice," Jack whispered into his shoulder.

"If it helps you, you can pretend I'm someone else," Pitch whispered as he ran his fingers through Jack's hair.

"I don't want to pretend. I like that it's you."

"I like holding you."

"Thank you for being patient."

"It's the least I can do for you."

"You're the only one I've even thought about taking a second chance on. I love you too much to not risk it."

"I love you too." Pitch tipped Jack's head back and kissed him. "I love you."

Jack's breath shuddered with emotion. "I love you too."

"I won't ever hurt you again, and I will spend the rest of my life proving it to you."

"I believe you," he whispered against warm lips.

Pitch sighed and claimed Jack's mouth in another soft kiss. Long fingers tangled in Jack's hair. "I love you."

Jack pulled away so he could look up into amber eyes. "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

Pitch shook his head. "I'm yours."

"Do you think we could grab some food and go to your place?"

"Right now?"

"We could walk some more if you'd like?"

"No, no. I'd like that."

"I'm not breaking your probation yet or anything."

"I know. I do have one request."

"Yes?"

"I would like to sleep with you. You can be as dressed as you'd like, but I would like to lie beside you."

"That's why I asked if you're busy tomorrow."

Pitch smiled. "I'm not. Does that mean we could sleep in?"

"I don't work for the next few days, so we can definitely do that."

"I'd like to...I'd like to spend tomorrow just looking at you. Really looking at you."

"I already know you're going to make me blush like crazy."

"Highly likely. It's also likely I'll cover those blushes in kisses."

"We'll see about that." Jack pulled away with a small smile and started walking again.

"Are you going to tease me now with the thought of your blushing?" Pitch followed behind. "I remember the taste of them. Sweet, like fresh strawberries."

"Yet again I feel the need to remind you that blushes don't taste like anything," he chuckled.

"They do. Your blushes are the sweetest I've ever tasted." Pitch smiled and reached out, grasping a tiny piece of Jack's shirt. "Your taste is addictive."

"You're exaggerating." He rolled his eyes and slowed down to walk next to him.

"Am I?" Pitch slipped his arm around Jack's waist. "I gave up everything for the chance to be with you."

"That doesn't mean you're not exaggerating about tasting blushes."

"How many blushes have you tasted?"

"Enough to know it's bullshit."

"I'll have to prove you wrong."

"I don't think you can."

"Will you let me try?"

"Perhaps. We'll see how the rest of the night goes." Jack smiled, glancing out of the corner of his eye.

"It doesn't have to happen tonight. All I want to do is hold you."

"Well, of course I'll let you try eventually."

"I know. If I recall correctly, you loved it when I would kiss your blushes."

"It was a pleasant feeling."

"It made you blush even more."

"Of course it did."

"And you would smile." Pitch sighed and ran his fingers up Jack's arm. "I miss that smile."

"You'll see it again soon."

"I hope so. I do love that smile."

"Just give it time. It's a little shy to come out now."

"Oh?" Pitch smiled and kissed Jack's cheek. "You're adorable."

"Thank you. I suppose it's a good thing if it caught your attention."

"Everything about you catches my attention."

"Hopefully I can keep it. I know I'm hardly as interesting as the life of the rich and famous."

"I find you to be very interesting. I want to know you, and I want you to know me."

"I want that too."

"It might get messy."

"I'm sure it will. It's been my experience that anything worth having isn't easy to get and keep."

"Do you want to keep me? Honestly?"

"It's definitely something I hope for."

Pitch hummed. "And what does my hopeful flower child want for dinner?"

"Burgers still sound good to me."

"Eat in or take out?"

"I'd be okay with either. Maybe eat in since we'll be spending the rest of the night at your place?"

"Perfect. We won't be distracted with stuffing our faces."

"Exactly." Jack smiled.

"You're really good looking but not when you're stuffing your face with fries and a burger," Pitch teased.

"Thaaaaaanks." He rolled his eyes.

"I'm just being honest. You really do like your burgers and fries."

"I can appreciate the simple things in life. A good burger is one of them."

"I'm assuming that means a shake is a must?"

"Of course."

"Should we get extra fries?"

"I think that would be wise."

"I can be pretty wise."

"Sometimes."

"Not frequently, I admit."

"Especially around me."

"Especially around you." Pitch nodded in agreement.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing that you don't think well around me?"

"A combination of both, I think."

"I think so too," he laughed.

"My mind just becomes completely tongue-tied around you."

Jack turned them back towards the car. "It's kinda cute sometimes."

"Does it make you feel better knowing you're not the only one?"

"A little bit."

"Only a little? It doesn't ease your mind knowing that, while I may have a cool exterior, I'm as nervous around you as you are around me?"

"It does." He nodded. "At the same time, I'm thinking it serves you right for always trying to make me nervous."

"A suitable punishment then?"

"I think so."

"Will it make you feel better to know that while we're apart, my mind is being torn to pieces at the mere thought of you?"

"I feel like you're just fishing for kisses now."

"I'm searching for a smile, but a kiss will do."

Jack chuckled. "You'll have to settle for a smile."

"A smile will do just fine for me." Jack gave him just the smile he wanted and even let him hold the car door open.

Progress towards healing has been made. Will they continue on this road?

5 more reviews to find out!