Ella had her nose in a book she had just taken to read for the evening. Typically she was always cycling through some sort of series. Always the greatest perks of working at a book store. With a voice breaking through her dream world in her head she smiled softly. Looking up to catch the face of Jack. “Well, I was starting to think you just didn’t go outside unless it was to and from the bar.” She teased softly, looking down at her feet for a small second. Maybe that wasn’t as funny as it sounded in her own head. “Coffee?” She asked with a growing smile. “I would love to go get some coffee.” 

“You wouldn’t be far off, if I’m being honest.” Jack couldn’t help but chuckle at her teasing tone, a bit surprised by it, but it wasn’t unwelcome. As soon as she was smiling again, he nodded. “Yeah, coffee. I mean, you don’t drink and I’m kind of tired of being in a bar, so I figured coffee was as good as anything.” He stared at her for a moment before tilting his head toward the coffee shop down the street. “Shall we? You can tell me all about whatever book you’re reading.”

Jack had been working doubles after doubles, with a few regular, long shifts stuck in between. He had joked a few times that he hadn’t seen daylight in weeks, which probably wasn’t far from the truth. On his first day off, he figured he should take advantage of the nice weather and head into town, which was when he spotted the familiar head of blonde hair. He had leaned against the wall as she continued to walk toward him. “Long time no see, Ella,” he said as she came closer to him. A slight smirk pulled up one corner of his mouth and he pushed away from the wall. “And the first time not in the bar. How about I take you to get coffee?”

Jack’s eyes widened and he grinned. “Ohhhh, you’re right. Wait, can you take advantage of that while bartending? I’d never thought about this.” He shrugged. “Nah, I wanna keep doing my art, but I also know a lot of artists don’t have a lasting career so…” His father certainly never failed to remind him of this.

“Of course,” he said with a chuckle. “People always want chilled glasses and frozen drinks, so it comes in handy.” Jack turned to look at him, his head tilting just a bit. “People only say that so there isn’t much competition--I say fuck it and keep doing it.”

Jack giggled, shaking his head. “Ooor we could have a show in that bar and save up so much money with our twin hands that we bought a bar of our own. And an art gallery.” He suggested dreamily. “And an ice cream factory, because who doesn’t want that.”

He eventually cracked a smile and chuckled and held his own hands up. “Hey, we don’t need an ice cream factory when we’ve got these bad boys.” Jack chuckled again before resting his arms on the back of the bench. “Is that really whatever you’d want to do? Own an ice cream factory?”

“I doubt that’s going to be the last time you go about teasing me for something.” Not that she minded one bit. It was nice and different to be around someone so upbeat as Jack. Ella didn’t walk around with a rain cloud over head but with the fear of her step siblings everywhere she kept to herself - most of the time. “We are moving on with our lives and I like to think we’ve made great choices. It’s tragic what can happen sometimes … I just mean drinking and drugs and such. Not that drinking is bad!” Ella just left it at that. The poor girl didn’t want to go about saying something that made her sound like she sat above everyone else and looked down . Ella’s eyes wondered to the spot on her arm that was once occupied with Jacks hand. A soft smile on her lips as it was a feeling she knew she’d remember hours later. “Maybe something fun like one of your famous pranks? Thought I would prefer it be small … and innocent ! Nothing like the large scale ones you do. I need beginner level , please. And for the record I see nothing wrong with how you are tonight . It’s … this was a really nice talk.”

Jack noticed the familiar blond guy seating further down the Pier and moved to join him, grinning. “You know what would’ve been cooler than being name twins?” He asked with a giggle. “Being identical hand twins! It’s a million dollar idea!”  

@jacksfrxst

He was enjoying his day off, trying not to overheat in the sun--but hey, it was better than staying home. Jack didn’t react much when his friend joined him since it was something he did often. “A million dollars,” he asked with a deadpan expression. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner, I wouldn’t have to work in a bar.”

A soft crimson shade slipped over her cheeks as he teased her. “Of course were friends! You know what I meant , Jack.” She couldn’t help but let out the most effortless laugh. A laugh Ella had long forgotten - it took her back to playing with her father when she was younger. A memory that warmed her heart - even more that Jack could bring it out so quickly. Ella took note of this - of how light she felt with his company. The small silence that feel after her confession had her holding her breath. Clearly she had over shared far too much. But with a small touch she exhaled , her eyes looking up at him and her tension fading. His words meant a great deal too her and she couldn’t help but feel warm under his hand. Which just made her want to giggle given his power to freeze. “Thank you … I think they’d be pretty proud of me too. And whoever is a jerk to you in your family … I hope you know you’ve risen far above them. Your character speaks on that fact. Please know that.”

Ella couldn’t hide the frown on her face hearing his family treated him poorly . It was a feeling she knew all too well , something she wished no one else felt. Knowing Jack did , struck a new cord in her though. Something she couldn’t figure out not put into words in her head. “You deserve kindness . I’m sorry your family couldn’t be more than a practical stranger at a bar. Though - some family members just don’t understand the true meaning of a family.” She ranted slightly . Her fingers reaching out to poke at the ice on his glass - he didn’t seem to mind her fascination with it all. That and she needed a small distraction when it came to talking about family . “Green is a lovely color , also goes well with blue.” Laughing she shook her head. “I doubt anything you tell me or I share with you will top all this , Jack. Now I’m going to sound completely lame.” Nodding she chewed on her lip. Ella needed people like Jack around her , but would opening up too much too soon ruin it ? “I … lost my parents , both of them. Most assume my father is around with a step mom and siblings ..and before you say you’re sorry - I’ve made peace with it , and thank you. “ Ella added softly with a small smile towards him.

Noticing the shiver she looked up at him with wide eyes. Had she done something wrong? Or maybe he just wasnted used to someone’s touch. Which made her sad a bit than anyone could treat him with fear to something like this. Though , they were thoughts Ella tucked away for another day. “Oh… so summer probably isn’t your favorite? You’re sorta a walking AC though - certainly people have to admire having you around then. Not that! Someone should use you for this - that would just be awful. “ sighing Ella looked down at her hands under her legs and laughed a bit. “I’m not trying to be over whelming or treat you like a farm animal over it.. or just step over boundaries you may have with it.” She explained with a soft shrug. “It’s blue , sometimes a lovely shade of pink is nice too though. And you?” She asked with a wide smile on her face. Clearly he wasn’t asking but Ella would go with it . It was easy for her to be social and lively around him - it just came naturally. A voice she’d had repressed for awhile now.

Ella paused for a small second - enjoying the moment and the way he smiled back towards her. It was always a lovely moment to come across kinder souls then the ones she had to deal with. Watching his hand , her eyes grew wide again - “This is .. incredible…” she said softly. Ella’s hand moved quickly to touch the frost , but stopped herself. Jack wasn’t a goat in the petting zoo - this was a person and she needed to pull herself together. Slowly she let her finger tips touch the cold. Sending a shiver down her spine , but she didn’t jolt away. Instead her hand lightly traced the cold. “Oh.. that had to be terrifying . I’m glad you’re okay! And I guess more than okay if you came out with something like this! Well , this certainly is a way to get to know someone, huh?” Looking down at his hand again she gave herself one more moment before pulling her hand back. Moving to sit on them again. “Do you … ever feel warm? Or are you just in a constant state of chilly?”

“You’ve made me laugh plenty . I mean if I count on the friends list- we’ve hardly gotten to know one another. Not that it has to stay that way!” She piped in rather quickly with a grin upon her face. “Before you got them? So this wasn’t something you could always do?” She questioned softly. Looking down at his hand , her fingers wondered over to the new prints he left and she shivered slightly as goosebumps rose on her arms.” Ella’s attention went to his hands as she narrowed her eyes thinking about it . Holding her hand you she smiled up at him. “May I? I mean feel it? Is that weird?” She laughed a bit. “I just … never seen something like this before . “

“I think … personal sense of humor isn’t something that’s suppose to please others . As long as it makes you happy, and laugh. Though , a few extra laughs never hurt nobody. From the sounds of some of your pranks you seem to gather a good deal of giggles I’m sure.” Ella wiggled out a hand from under her and reach over to touch the frost on the outside of the glass. “I’ve … never seen something like this before. It certainly is magical . Does … are you always cold? Or do you even feel cold?” Shaking her head she laughed a little. “I’m sure you’re constantly being asked a variety of questions , I apologize.” Looking over at him she shook her head softly. “You’re welcome to any of my glitter - as long as there is no direct lead to me.”

“All that matters is that my friends think I’m funny,” he said with a smile, thinking back to some of his favorite pranks. Jack’s eyes glanced down to her hand as she touched the frost-covered glass. “I feel the cold, but it doesn’t feel the same as before I got these powers.” He chuckled awkwardly, not sure if what he was saying even made sense. Reaching out, he touched the glass that she was still holding, leaving a thumbprint of ice behind. “Don’t apologize. I like that you’re curious...without looking scared of it all. People usually aren’t this open about their curiosity, so it just comes out in weird looks.”

Ella bit her lip and nodded softly. “Right of course . You tend to speak with humor , and with your pranks you have to understand jokes better than anyone else.” Putting on a small smile on her face she nodded softly. “Just a little , nothing to ruin your company though- but it’s noticeable.” As he sat up her eyes wondered to his hands and a small gasp left her. Ella covered her mouth and shook her head, pulling her hand back to sit on them so her curiosity wouldn’t lead to touching. “I … I’m sorry it’s rather rude of me to just be staring like this. It doesn’t hurt does it? Doing that?” She asked with a small frown upon her face. “Glitter!?” Laughing she shook her head. “They’re going to be finding that for months to come. Just a small dash can last around my room for months.”

“Hey, my humor isn’t for everyone, but it sure is fun.” Jack chuckled, his small smile becoming a little wider as she gasped. Since he’d come to Costa Serena, he wasn’t so worried about showing his powers, but he did worry about how people might react. “It’s not rude, and no. it just kind of...happens? Like...writing or talking, I just do it.” His head tilted as she talked about glitter, but then he remembered she designed clothes. “Maybe I’ll have to steal from collection of glitter next time, yeah?”

Ella took a soft breath and nodded. “So I’m just another customer?” She teased before peeking up a bit and lightly setting a hand on his shoulder. “That was a joke. I’ve heard jokes kinda ease a conversation along, like a bridge . At least that’s what a random documentary said. I’ve never been … great at jokes. Anyways.” She shook her head with a small scrunch of her nose. “Besides bar tending , what have you been up too? I’m sure you have adventures to share.”

“Someone could be looking just for that small perk on your resume. You’re welcome - I mean for pointing it out for you. And when it lands you the perfect job someday.” Laughing a little herself - she kept quite and listened to his suggestion. “Oh.. yum. Flavored lemonade is always a win, but I can’t say I’ve ever tried watermelon! I’m sure you could make that rather easily at home too. Little summer project. I’m sorry… I’m just off rambling. I would love to try that.”

He chuckled a bit, the heavy feeling on his shoulders lifting as she laughed. All of the sudden he wasn’t wallowing and drinking alone in a bar, he was spending time with a friend. Jack turned away for a moment before waving down the bartender and getting her the drink. “No need to apologize,” he said with another chuckle. “Believe it or not, my customers usually ramble a lot, so I’m used to it.”

“Jack, I wouldn’t go about calling yourself invisible. You’re anything but, if anything you’re the most important person at the bar. People have to get their drinks from someone right?” She asked with a small laugh. “That was a horrible joke, you’re more than that too, I promise. You were lovely company last I remember.” She stated with a soft shrug of her shoulders. Nodding she gave a smile. “I am! What do you recommend?” 

He was used to being invisible--it came with the job, and helped when he was playing pranks so he wouldn’t get caught. Hearing Ella say he wasn’t invisible was odd, so he ducked his head for a moment, chuckling. “A ringing endorsement--I’ll have to put that on my resume.” Jack looked back over at her, pretending to think. “Well, you liked the blueberry mojito last time, so how about some of the lemonade mixers? I mean, watermelon lemonade with flavored vodka is good, but it’s just as good without the alcohol.”