This wasn’t the best place to say goodbye. But let’s face it, when it comes to saying goodbye to your long dead wife, is there really any such thing as a best place.

Clarice stood there, in her radiant elegance, with the world crumbling around her. Despite this world being no more than a dream, it truly felt like the end of everything for Jack. He had already witnessed her leave once before, unintentionally by his own hands, and now it was happening again. Only this time it was intentional. She smiled at him, the same smile that caught his attention all those years ago, and spoke. 

“Jack,” she started, her accent messing up her pronunciation as always but it was okay, Jack loved hearing her call his name, “I’m sorry we couldn’t have met under better circumstances.”

Jack let out a chuckle, or was it a sob? Perhaps a love child of the two,

“It's okay. I’m always happy to see you.”

She approached him, graceful as ever and knelt down. He leaned into her and was caught by her warm embrace. A strong man would cry, Jack was strong. 

“It’s okay, Jack.” She cooed, stroking his hair, “I forgive you. I have forgiven you.”

Between gasps and sobs Jack was able to speak,

“How? How could you forgive a beast like me?”

He clung to her clothes like a child clinging to their blanket for comfort. 

“Because you’ve always been such a gentle soul. You care about others despite your front of being a tough guy. That’s why I fell in love with you.”

Jack gasped and sobbed once more, unable to speak this time.

“Jack, they need you out there. And I need you to forgive yourself so that I may move on.”

“So that thing I’ve been seeing…the thing with the…with the eyes that looks like you when you—“

“It is a part of me. But not what you think. It's held on this plain by your own guilt, shackled between life and death because you yourself can’t let go.”

“Oh god, Clarice, I’m so sorry have I been—“

She shushes him gently, placing a finger on his lips.

“It’s not your fault.”

She embraces him once more, tighter.

“I need you to move on. I need you to live. I need you to be happy. When everything is said and done go explore the world with Mary, like you promised her and—“

“W-with Mary?”

“Now Jack its rude to interrupt a woman,” Clarice said with a playful smile, “but yes, with Mary, the woman you love.”

Jack sat up, his face red, his voice trembling. Was now the time for this?

“Clarice! Mary was just a friend! Mary is just a friend I-I don’t—“

Clarice’s smile grew sad,

“Remember spring break? You and Jake took us all to the beach?”

As Jack nodded he noticed the ground beneath them crack.

“Afterwards, I had grabbed your coat. A picture fell out. It was you and Mary at the beach. She had your t shirt on—“

“That wasn’t—!”

“Oh my dear, I know. I know it wasn’t that. I know you would never. But, I saw your faces. I’ve never seen you two look so happy. That’s when I knew. But I chose to ignore that.”

Chunks of the ground started to give way, revealing a black abyss.

“Jack, I’m so sorry. About a lot of things.”

“You? You’re sorry? That’s…”

“Ironic.”

They spoke the word at the same time and laughed, a hint of sadness.

“I shouldn’t have ignored it.”

“For what it’s worth, Clarice, I loved you. I was happy.”

“I know. And now, I want you to be happy with her.”

As the last few bits of the floor vanished Clarice spoke,

“Aside from forgiving yourself, do me one last favor.”

“Anything.”

“Bring my ashes to France. And let the wind carry me away.”

“Of course.”

He embraced her for one final time.

“I wish we could’ve spent more time together.”

Silence.

And then,

“I do too.”

And just like that, Jack was awake. What greeted him was a hospital ceiling but not the one he was in before. Had they escaped the confines of his dad’s lab? He felt warm but was too delirious to realize that warmth was from Mary hugging him. She was in tears. Her crying suddenly stopped when she felt him shift slightly, she sat up.

Her eyes looked red from tears and what little make up she wore was smudge. Her blonde hair was a mess, strands stuck to her face from her tears. She sniffled as she stared at him, processing that he was awake.

“Jack?” She said quietly.

“Is that what they call me?” He said with a slight smile, he was still delirious but hoped he could brighten the mood.

Mary sobbed loudly and embraced him, however soon she started beating his chest with her fists, causing him to cough occasionally but nothing else,

“Idiot!! You idiot! You know how worried I—we all were about you!! Jake woke up way before you and Vince and I thought you weren’t going to come back and I—and I—“

Her sobbing slowed. She grabbed his hospital gown.

“I thought you were never coming back to me. I was so scared, Jack. Don’t scare me like that again.”

She felt his arms gently wrap around her, he stroked her hair. He sighed. He smiled. 

“I would never leave you, Mary, you know that.”

“I know b-but…”

“It’s okay. I’m here now aren’t I?”

“I…I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“Aside from some bruising I’m probably fine.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Mary, it's fine. You know I’ve been through way worse.”

“I know.”

“I know.”

A silence was shared between the two, it was comforting, natural. They’ve been friends since they were five, moments of tranquility between the two of them were always welcomed. Mary listened to his heartbeat in his chest. Perhaps it was the melodic rhythm, her crying, or a mixture of the two but she caught herself starting to doze off. She was only stirred when she felt something. Was Jack crying? She sat up and sure enough there were tears streaming down his cheeks. She wiped them off gently and was surprised when Jack grabbed her hand and held it to his cheek. This wasn’t entirely unusual for him to do but something about it felt so different. Mary couldn’t help but blush.

“Hey now, Jack, is everything okay?”

Jack nodded burying his nose in her hand,

“I’m just really happy to see you.”

“You’ve never cried over it before.”

Mary had only seen Jack cry a few times in all their friendship. The first time was over a dead bird he couldn’t save. The second time was when Jake moved to university. The last time was the night of Clarice’s death. That last one was the worst. But, she knew when Jack cried, something happened. 

“What was the dream about?”

She asked, hoping to figure out why he was crying.

“Clarice.”

That was all Mary needed to know. She went to comfort him but the next words he spoke made her freeze,

“She wanted me to forgive myself. For what happened. But Mary, what if I can’t?”

Mary couldn’t help but smile, it was a sad yet comforting smile. 

“You’re the strongest guy I know. You can do anything, I wholly believe in that. Just like I believe in you.”

Jack really wanted to tell her how much he loved her right then and there. Oh god, Mary, I love you so much. But the words couldn’t leave his throat. How did he befriend someone so kind? 

“And for once,” she said, “Clarice and I are in agreement. Jack, I know that night wasn’t your fault hell I don’t even see it as Ace’s fault. I don’t mean to downplay the tragedy of course but I think it was one of those things that couldn’t be helped. I’ve read the police report. I’ve listened to you. You should forgive yourself.”

He nodded. 

“Hey uh.” He started, he wasn’t sure how to phrase this. Also the fact he was about to do this in a hospital room was noticed by him, not the best place for this. “I don’t know how long I’ll be in here—“

“I think maybe a day or two? Originally we weren’t sure as you wouldn’t wake up, you also might be injured but—“

“Mary.”

“Ah! Sorry! Please continue!”

“When I’m out, want to just…I don’t know…um.”

Mary’s eyes lit up.

“Want to just take the day off? Explore the city?”

Like a date? Mary paused for a second as if to analyze what he just said. Jack had already felt nervous but her green eyes piercing his soul didn’t help.

“Really? You? Take a day off?”

She said with a smirk.

“Hey, I mean it! I think after everything we deserve a day. I doubt the world will end that soon!”

Mary couldn’t contain her giggles much to Jack’s protests. 

“Fine! I’ll ask someone else!”

“No no! I’ll go! I’d love to spend some time with you!”

“It's a date then!”

Mary’s giggles stopped and her face turned red. She looked at Jack, then at the clock, then at the door. She couldn’t process it.

“U-um okay!! Haha! I have to go now! Let you rest!! Um yeah its a date!! Haha you. Me. On a date!! Yes!!”

She rambled as she gathered her stuff,

“Goodbye!! Goodbye!! See you then!! Haha!!”

She left.

How was Jack supposed to take that?

About a week went by before Jack was finally discharged. He had sustained a bit more injury than first realized not to mention the mysterious bruises that appeared on his chest. His hospital bill would be covered by his father, much to his own dismay. But at least he had something to look forward to. Mary didn’t realize he would be home that day, otherwise she would’ve tried harder to look her best. Maybe even cook something? Then again Mary struggled to cook anything edible. No matter the case, when Jack walked in Mary was still in her pajamas, teddy bear themed and plush, watching some sort of cop drama. Did she even hear him come in? Mary did love her TV shows. Jack snuck up behind the couch and grabbed her.

“Boo!”

He exclaimed, Mary let out a squeak.

“Jack?! Don’t scare me like that! I had no idea you were coming home!”

“I don’t know. I think you deserve that for not properly greeting me.”

Jack sat next to her on the couch.

“What are we watching?”

“We?”

“We.”

“None of your business! Nosypants.”

Mary huffed.

“Would you rather watch “None of Your Business” then go on our date?”

Mary froze for a second as she had completely forgotten. She quickly turned off the TV and ran to their bedroom. Jack was at first expecting her to lock herself in there, especially since it took her forever to come back out. She of course did eventually. Her hair was tied into a big poofy braid and she wore her mint green fur lined coat. However, knowing her, she’d still wind up being too cold. Jack was just going to go out with what he’d already had on, the only thing he added was a red beanie. He was never really bothered by the cold nor the heat. 

Soon they found themselves on the streets of Seattle, in the winter. It was cold, of course, everyone was bundled up. Jack couldn’t believe he was on a date with Mary and neither could she. Usually these two would be bantering and teasing but they were strangely quiet. Nervous. Jack felt Mary gently entwine her hand into his, hoping he wouldn’t notice. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.

“Nervous?” He asked.

“How could you tell?” She responded.

“You aren’t as sneaky as you think, Mare Bear.” 

She giggled softly, Jack could only find her adorable. 

“Dang it. I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.”

“I notice everything.”

There was another silence. 

“It’s pretty cold huh?” Jack spoke.

“You’re cold?”

“A bit.”

“I don’t believe you. You could be in a t shirt in shorts in a blizzard deep in siberia and maybe complain about a slight chill.”

“Are you complaining about that?”

“Nope! I actually like it! Means I’m the one who usually gets to have your coats!”

“You always complain they smell bad!”

“They do! They smell like you though and I—“ her face blushed as she buried her face in her coat, “I kinda like it. It’s comforting. Especially when you aren’t home because your out doing one of your jobs. Um…sorry.”

“Aw. You’re welcome to any one of my coats then!”

“S-shut up!”

Jack laughed, “Anyway, want to get some hot chocolate and find some place to sit?”

“You had me at chocolate! I actually know this great place nearby! Best hot chocolate in the city! Come on, I'll take you there!”

Suddenly, Jack was being dragged around by his short compatriot. She spent the whole time talking this place up, Jack expected this warm wintery treat to outdo the finest ambrosia at this point.

The place strangely didn’t give him much hope. It was a small cafe that looked squashed between two other shops. Maybe in a previous life it was an old fashioned candy store that just never got renovated. Something like from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. However there was a wonderfully sweet aroma of baked goods and most of all hot chocolate. Mary ordered for the both of them, bantering with the lady at the counter.

“And who is this young man with you, miss Mary?”

“Oh this is Jack!”

“Oh my! He’s much more handsome in person. You talk about him all the time I’m glad I finally get to see him.”

She turns around to greet him, holding out her hand. He takes it and shakes it.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Mr. Jack! I don’t know if Mary has introduced me yet but my name is also Mary! That’s actually why we started talking so much in the first place. She loves to talk about you the most.”

Jack raises a brow and looks back at his date, “Oh she does does she?”

“Mary! The hot chocolate might uh…boil?”

The Mary at the counter laughed, “Aw, I wanted to share all the juicy gossip you’ve told me about him! But fine.” She turned back to her work.

“Huh. I didn’t really think you went out that much, Mary?”

“I do. Mostly when you’re at work. I actually know a lot of places to go to and eat. I’ve made a lot of friends, I suppose, especially since I work at the diner.”

“Hmm maybe you should pick the next spot for our second date.”

Mary blushed and laughed, “Not so fast, maybe I don’t want a second one, you never know.”

“I’ll carry you home.”

“Okay, I’ll plan our second date!”

Jack laughed as they were handed their cocoa. They said their goodbyes before heading out. They found a bench nearby and sat down at it. To no one’s surprise, Mary found herself shivering. Jack playfully rolled his eyes and wrapped his coat around her.

“Blizzard in siberia.” Mary remarked.

“Shush.”

Jack took a sip of the cocoa. It was incredibly sweet but not overpowering. A nice taste of cream and of course a rich chocolate. It tasted like everything was homemade and grown. Huh, Mary was right.

“How is it?” She asked before taking a sip of hers.

“I think I found a new place to stop at when I’m out.”

Mary smiled and laughed, “Knew you’d love it! I know you aren’t a big sweets guy but I had a feeling this would be an exception.”

There was another silence between them. Mary had scooched closer to him and was now leaning against him. They sipped their drinks and watched the various people walk by. Some were in a rush, maybe going to work? Some stumbled about, probably day drinking. There were of course children, screaming and laughing, usually chasing something. And the occasional dog walker who’s small, or big, companion would stop to sniff the couple. Of course, Jack and Mary wouldn’t hesitate to pet the dog after asking the owner. 

Jack finally spoke,

“Mary, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for…god like years now.”

“Go on.”

“Mary I,” he paused, Jack wasn’t the best at figuring out his emotions and putting them into words. But he needed to tell her how much she really meant to him. How much he adored her. How much he hoped they’d spend their lives together. 

These thoughts made his face turn red, he felt guilty that a man like him had fallen for a girl like her. What if he hurt her? What if he wasn’t good enough? Mary was waiting though. Clarice was watching. It was now or never. He took that step and finally,

“Mary, you’ve always given my life some reason. You’ve always been the person to pull me out of bed, to help me be a better man. When I’m around you, my otherwise dark and chaotic world just feels…so peaceful. I feel whole with you. I feel like I’m truly myself. I just…god was too scared to tell you how I’ve felt for all these years.” Tears started to form in his eyes, he felt free and alive, “Mary Schafer, I love you.”

The world froze. Time froze. Everything was still. Mary’s eyes lit up like New Years. These were the words she longed to hear for many years, these were the words he longed to say. Even at this moment neither could believe it. Jack finally could say it. Mary could finally hear it. Something in the air changed.

“I—I said it? I actually was able to say it. Oh my god, Mary I love you. I love you so much. You mean everything to me.” He grabbed her hands and held them to his chest, his heart was fluttering, “I know I’m a pain to deal with sometimes. I know you don’t always understand me but you’ve stayed with me. I love you. I never want to stop letting you know that. I love you.”

Mary was silent as if she was taking the whole scene in. She had dreamt about this moment for years now. She never thought it would happen. Of course he had told her he’d love her before but this time was different. Before he could get another word out something overtook her and she pressed her lips to his. Wrapping her arms tightly around him, her heart was beating fast. She never wanted to let go. He wrapped his arms around her in return, embracing her and leaning into the kiss. He felt alive, not like how he felt with Sigrid, truly alive. Eventually the kiss broke and they both stared into each other's eyes. It didn’t feel real. Mary rubbed his cheek with her thumb, it made him melt like the marshmallows in their drinks.

“I love you too, Jack.” She said softly with a kind smile. “Also I must say, your fangs definitely add something to a kiss~”

Jack’s face reddened, “A-ah sorr—“

“I’m not complaining.” Mary said pressing her forehead to his.

“Th-thanks! Then!”

Mary sighed happily,

“I have to be honest. I originally thought this was all going to be some misunderstanding. That this wasn’t actually a date. I didn’t even believe you at first when you said you loved me. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long it just doesn’t feel real. Maybe I’m the one stuck in the dream world this time?”

The last words caused a smile on her face.

“Want me to pinch you to find out?”

“No! If it is a dream I don’t want to wake up yet!”

Soon they finished their drinks and were back on their way home, Jack of course carrying her. Finally things were looking up. Things were getting better. Maybe they really could take on Jack’s dad, together. Not just him and Mary but their whole band of misfits. Jack wasn’t sure of it before but now, something had changed. He finally felt strong enough to do anything.

He finally felt like his life truly began.