Chapter Nineteen
Jack bought a necklace for Lock, quickly hiding it in his jacket pocket, and then went to get the cotton candy. He couldn't help but laugh a little as he ate some, Lock was right: this was freaking awesome. He stuck his hand in his pocket, pulling out the necklace, and looked at it.
Man, I hope she likes this. . .he thought, staring at the silver key with the heart cut out if it.
He stuffed it back into his pocket, then moved over to Lock. She turned around into him, jumping a little, and laughed. He pulled some cotton candy off and put it to her lips, smiling. She smirked and allowed him to feed it to her, pulling some off and feeding it to him as well.
"Good?" he grinned, licking his fingers.
"Mmmm," she smiled, grabbing more of it.
He laughed and wrapped his arm over her shoulders, pulling her close, and started walking toward the car. She looped an arm around his waist, her hand toying with his wallet chain, and her other hand carefully took more of the cotton candy. She ate some of it but fed him the rest, resting her head on his shoulder, completely relaxed with him.
"Lock," he snickered, "the night's only half over. Don't get too relaxed and fall asleep."
"I'm fine, Jackie boy," she laughed. "Just comfortable and enjoying my night."
"Well, that makes me feel good," he hugged her close. "I'm glad."
"Me too," she sighed, eating more of the cotton candy.
Oh god. . .this is phenomenal! It feels so right to have her with me. . .
They ate the cotton candy, turning their lips and mouths blue, and she tasted sweeter than ever when he kissed her. They got into the car, Jack opening her door for her, and she was still utterly relaxed. He was the total opposite, as they got closer and closer to the Velvet Noose, his heart raced in his ribs and he felt anxious.
"Jackie, are we going to the Noose?" Lock gave him a curious look. "Mac's closed it for the holidays. . ."
"Well, I made a call. . ." he smirked. "He's all right with this, I promise."
"All right. . ." she smiled and laced her hand in his.
"When we get there, let me lead you inside. . .that means eyes closed and no peeking. . ."
She looked out the window, hand tightening on his, and he could tell that what he had just said made her uncomfortable.
"But I guess you don't have to if it'll bug you, Lock," he gently squeezed her hand.
"No, it's all right. . .I'll be fine. . Why ruin the surprise?" she turned and looked at him, still a little nervous.
"OK, we're here. . ." he parked and looked her in the eyes. "Let me know if you want to open your eyes beforehand."
"Don't expect a word," she smiled shyly.
"All right," he kissed her cheek, then got out and opened the door. "Eyes closed."
She nodded and her silver eyes slipped shut. He put a traced her face briefly, walking around her, and gently covered her eyes with one hand. She tensed up, but stayed quiet and didn't move to stop him.
"Walk forward," he breathed, hand on her waist.
She snickered and moved forward confidently, Jack's body guiding her along. His heart pounded and his stomach was fluttering like mad the closer they got to the door. He stopped and reached out to open it, holding it open and slowly guiding Lock inside.
"Don't move, I can't even see," he whispered. "Just one second. . .Stay here."
"All right, Jackie," she murmured, some nervousness evident.
He pulled the door shut and slipped from behind her, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out his Zippo, flicking the wheel and lighting it.
Yes, he pulled through! he grinned, seeing that Mac had set up the table how he asked.
He lit the candles quickly, giving him enough light to see properly, and moved to the counter. Mac had put a stereo out, with the stuff so he could attach his MP3 player to it, and he was quick to hook it up. He exhaled slowly, trying to calm his nerves, and went back to the table. Mac had put out two glasses, with a bottle of wine, but there was only enough of the sweet liquid for a couple glasses (so the kids wouldn't get trashed). There was food set out and Jack realized just how hungry he was, all they'd had was carnival food, not very filling.
I best hurry up then, he smiled. Lock's prolly hungry too. . .
"Here I am, Lock," he breathed, slipping back behind her.
"Finally," she whispered as he slid an arm around her waist and the other lightly covered her eyes.
"Watch the steps," he warned, leading her down them carefully.
She almost stumbled, but caught herself and they both laughed a little. So much for flowing smoothly. He sat her at the table and messed with the stereo.
"You can open your eyes now, Lock," he murmured, kissing her neck softly.
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Lock slowly opened her eyes and almost died.
"Jackie boy," she breathed. "You didn't have to do this. Go through all this trouble. . ."
"Are you kidding?" he snickered, sitting down across from her. "I 'sorta wanted to'."
"Jack," she looked at the things on the table. "I don't even know how to respond. How did you even know about the stuff I like?"
"Well, simple phone calls to friends took care of some of it," he pulled a black rose from under the table and handed it to her. "And some of my gothic romantic genius took care of the others."
She silently took the black rose, her absolute favorite, and Jack had somehow produced a blood-red one to accompany it. His hazel eyes sparkled in the flicker of the candles as he handed her that rose, she took it slowly, her mind trying desperately to comprehend what exactly he wanted. She felt herself want to shake and fought hard to stay still, to think this out first.
It's just Jackie boy. . .he's the sweet one, remember? But. . .so much trouble for what? To merely make me happyher heart whispered.
Or is it for his own selfish wants? her instinct countered. Think about it! Candles, wine, roses, and you're completely alone with him!
She looked away from his soft, hazel eyes, feeling herself start to cry. She wanted so badly to believe that this was something innocent, like his kisses, but she couldn't let that last wall down. Jack gently reached over and touched her hand.
"Lock," he whispered, "I think I know what's going through your head right now. . ." he moved and knelt beside her, she turned to look into his gentle eyes. "Please trust me when I say I'm not looking for anything in return for this. I'm doing this for you, not for me."
She searched his eyes for a long time, looking for a hidden glint that would suggest something else, but only saw truth in him. Jack had never lied to her before, never hurt her, always stopped when she wanted, he chased the nightmares and monsters away, and he never pushed her into doing things.
He's had slips though, Lock, instinct jumped in. Plenty of slips. . .too many of them!
But he's always sorry afterwards! she shot back. He's a teenager, what's new with having some slips now and then?
Jack slowly got up, turning the stereo off, and headed in the direction of the stage, briefly kissing her head before he left. Lock put her head in her arms on the table and cries, she felt like she'd destroyed this night, ruined something innocent. All because she couldn't trust him completely. She got herself together, wiping her eyes and lay her head on an arm, toying with the roses. She was aware that somewhere a light went on, but refused to look up, she felt bad enough without seeing Jackie.
Way to go, you paranoid freak, she scolded herself. Ruin everything as fuckin' usual. . .
A familiar sound caught her ear, but she still didn't look up. Then something else floated to her ears, and she closed her eyes, listening. His rich, velvety voice stopped the torment that raged on inside her.
"The strands in you eyes
That color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains
Thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth. . ."
Now, she dared to look up. Jack sat on the edge of the stage, he feet dangling over the edge, and his acoustic in hands. His eyes were closed and he was lost in the music, singing directly from his soul.
"Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows
Of heartache that hang from above. . ."
He looked up, holding her eyes, and she saw just how sincere he was.
"I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life. . .
Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival
You're my living proof
My love is alive and not dead. . .
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows
Of heartache that hang from above
I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
I've dropped out
Burned up
Fought my way back from the dead
Tuned in
Turned on
Remembered the things you said. . ."
She sat up in the chair, her previous fears vanishing, and sang with him.
"I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life. . .
I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life. . ."
They finished the song, Jack looking at her with his soft, caring, hazel eyes, and she felt the last wall tremble in its foundation. He slid off the stage, setting his guitar on an empty table, and walked to her, reaching into his jacket pocket. The youngest Mercer boy slowly knelt down before her, looking into her eyes, and without saying a single word, pulled a necklace from his pocket.
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Jack knew that it wasn't the right time to be asking Lock out, she wasn't nearly as ready as he had hoped. Still, he was in no rush with her, she could have all the time in the universe that she wanted for all he cared. He had seen the battle that waged within her a while ago, but it seemed to be at a stalemate.
He undid the clasp on the necklace, moving slowly to put it on her. She moved her hair, allowing him to lean close in order to see the clasp to refasten it, and then she touched the key on her neck with careful hands. She looked at him, as he remained kneeling in front of her, and slowly began to trace his face. His heart raced as her fingers slowly touched his cheeks, his eyelashes, brushed his hair back, and then he shivered as she traced his jaw line and finally his lips. Neither of them spoke a word, it was one of those moments where one knew better than to fuck it up by opening their idiot mouths.
Carefully, slowly, he put his own hands to her face, memorizing her features. She closed her eyes, turning into his palm, trusting him, and he felt her kiss his hand. He traced her lips with his fingers, just as she did his, and felt something flash between them. Gently, he held her wrists and kissed her fingers, moving down to her palms and eventually her wrists themselves. He playfully nibbled the soft, sensitive skin there, hearing her make a tiny sound and went back to only lips. Something told him that this was enough for the moment and he stopped, just holding her hands.
"Jackie boy?" she murmured.
"Hmmm?" he looked at her.
"Thank you for all of this," she whispered, a small blush forming on her face.
"Oh, Lock," he smirked, letting her hands go and moving them into her hair. "You're so more than welcome. Merry Late Christmas."
She smiled weakly at him, pulling him into a hug, and he felt her nuzzle into his neck. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder, but still knew that one last door was locked up tight inside her. He had the time to wait until she unlocked it.
"Jack?"
"Mmmm?"
"Merry Late Christmas," she whispered, slowly pulling back.
He watched as she slowly put something on his neck, not even needing to look to clasp it. Her hands brushed the nape of his neck, making him shudder, and she smirked a little. Tentatively, he leaned forward and brushed his mouth to hers, surprised when she met him. It was pure, sweet, soft, and innocent, he didn't even want to deepen it. Slowly, she broke the contact, only to revive it for another brief kiss. Jack grinned at her and then examined the necklace she put on him.
It was a black, metal guitar pick on a silver chain. There was a Chinese symbol etched in silver on the front and he traced it carefully.
"What's this mean?" he asked, still running his finger over the symbol.
"It's the Chinese symbol for trust, Jackie boy," she whispered.
"Is this symbolic of something, Lock?"
"What do you mean?" she gave him a cute quizzical look.
"I don't know. . .just never mind. . ." he blushed.
"No, now you've got me all wondering," she laughed lightly. "You can tell me."
"Fine," he sighed. "Only to satisfy your curiosity. . .I thought maybe this was a symbol of you giving me your trust . . ." he muttered quickly.
"I guess on a subconscious level that is why I picked that particular necklace. . .So you're perfectly right, Jackie boy, quit being embarrassed," she briefly kissed his lips. "So. . .is my necklace a symbol too?"
"Yeah, actually. . " he blushed again, feeling stupid and childish--not romantic like when he had bought it.
"Of what? I can't figure it out for the life of me," she snickered, relaxing back into her previous state of the night.
"Well," he looked into her silver eyes, "Let's just say that maybe I feel like I've unlocked something inside of you. . ."
"Then. . .shouldn't you be wearing it? Seeing as how you hold the key. . ." she smiled at him, brushing his hair from his eyes.
"No. . .there's still one last thing locked up. . .but only you can unlock that and I've got all the time in the world to wait. . ."
"True. . .deep, Jackie boy," she murmured, looking at him.
"What do you think about finishing this evening?" he grinned, feeling better that she at least understood him.
"We better," she laughed. "I'm not letting you go through all of the trouble for nothing."
It would never be for nothing. . .he thought.
Shoe: Sorry it took so long! I had oodles and oodles of college work to do, and school comes first for me! Tell me what you think! I'll try my hardest to not take long getting the next chapter up! The song: Greatest Fan of your life--The Goo Goo Dolls!