The Barista and the Recluse

Jim was a bit closed off from everyone, and he liked it that way, thank you very much.

He was 31 years old, living alone in New York City, in his small apartment, and he truly loved his own space.

He didn’t have any friends(by choice) and his quirky and talented mother had passed away a year ago due to late stage terminal cancer—-a fact that broke his father’s heart.

His father slipped into a deep depression. Seeing his once happy go lucky, charming dad slip into a sadness unlike anything he’d ever seen before, it set off something deep inside of Jim.

It made him feel like relationships—as wonderful as his parents made it seem—were going to only end in heartbreak no matter what. He decided that they were off limits for someone as boring and closed off like himself, and he was to be alone forever.

It made things even easier for Jim to be able to be alone when the unfortunate coronavirus pandemic started in 2019, and still in the beginning of the year 2021, everyone was still social distancing.

Jim spent all of his free time going to the coffee shop near his house, watching films, TV and reading. He worked remotely from home, for a telecommunications company, as tech support.

He loved going into the coffee shop every morning, though. It was small, cozy, and it was local. He only supported local businesses and he was very specific about what he liked and didn’t like.

Especially with TV and movies.

And the coffee shop was the only time he had any social interaction.

Well, he also tried to see his father often as well, but the pandemic made that difficult. But, he still made time to call him.

But, the only time during the day Jim really enjoyed was the visit to the coffee shop.

He walked there and back, and got the same thing every time.

The barista that always made his order, and knew him by name, was Colin.

Jim liked Colin, but he didn’t dare show it. Too much, anyway.

He met Colin at the coffee shop over six months ago, and the two gentleman had gotten to have a nice rapport, and a back and forth that bordered on flirtatious.

But it wasn’t Jim’s fault.

Colin just talked like that to everyone, Jim justified, and it didn’t mean anything.

“One small latte, extra foam, coming up Jim!” Colin said as soon as Jim walked through the door.

They were all wearing masks, thankfully, and Jim could hide his smile.

Colin’s eyes were so damn green and bright though, it wasn’t hard to tell when he was smiling.

Because to Jim, Colin’s eyes smiled.

And that stupid blue beanie hat that Colin wore all the time.

Jim wanted to reach out and adjust it.

It always looked like was going to slip off.

Annoying, Jim thought. But, he actually was thinking it was something opposite of annoying. And he wanted to do something about it.

Like, give him a really good hug. Jim sighed. ‘Not in this life!’ Jim thought.

There wasn’t many customers this morning, and Colin made Jim’s order immediately.

“So...” Colin started, frothing the milk for his latte. “Whatcha watchin’ tonight?”

It was a routine question.

Once, when they first met, Colin had asked what Jim’s plans were for the weekend. It was a Friday morning, and Colin asked everyone the same question. But Colin made it a point to further the conversation beyond how he did with his other customers, as he seemed to have an affinity with the slightly older gentleman Jim.

With them, it was a lot of this then that—-Jim would tell him of a movie or show he was going to watch, and then Colin would say something that would compliment or match that media.

“Deep Impact,” Jim replied. “But I have seen it before.” He sighed.

“Is it your favorite?” Colin asked.

“Yeah. As far as disaster movies go. The scene towards the end when the reporter finally reconciles with her dad... it’s great,” Jim says softly.

“That’s very sweet, Jim. And that movie is very good,” Colin said excitedly. “Hmm... I think you should try... Ah, you kinda got me stuck on a more gritty suggestion... but Chernobyl is very good. Man made disasters over natural disasters, Hah. I wonder which is worse. I think that man-made is worse, because it can be prevented.” He handed Jim his latte. “I personally like Twister over Deep Impact as far as disaster films go. But... the feeling of it makes me wanna watch both back to back. They both have charm. And I love the scene in Twister with the steak and eggs.” Colin said with a twirl, his arms in the air. “I’m hungry now.”

Jim chuckled. “Yes, I’ve seen Twister. That scene is good. Deep impact is more of family favorite movie for me, though. I will check out Chernobyl.”

“I know National Geographic has more educational shows about natural disasters. Like about what happened in Pompeii,” Colin mentioned offhandedly, getting out a muffin. “Here’s a blueberry muffin, Jim, on the house! The secret is sour cream. It gives it a tang!”

Jim nodded, grinning under his mask, taking the wrapped pastry from Colin. “Thanks, Colin. And I’ve watched a lot of National Geographic in my day.”

“I bet! Me too. Ah! Especially the ones about penguins. I love those guys.” Colin squeaked and Jim felt his cheeks turn warm.

“Penguins have charm, I’d say.” Jim said simply.

Colin winked, and gave him a thumbs up. “They sure do! Watch Happy Feet and you’ll see that is true!”

Jim laughed, but stopped himself a bit, clearing his throat. He took a sip of his latte, feeling like his whole face was hot now. “And a show for that?”

“Pingu!” Colin said happily. “But that’s for kids. My little niece Mara loves that show!”

“That’s sweet.” Jim said, and they said goodbye.

“See ya tomorrow!” Colin says as Jim leaves.

Jim just nods, but pictures Colin without a mask on the way home, and being able to be close to him, too.

He then decided he had a bit of time to call his father before work, eating the muffin in his living room.

He remembered his mother for a moment.

A really happy collection of memories of all three of them.

All of them watching cartoons on Saturday mornings early, and then they’d always watch Deep Impact.

It was his mother’s favorite movie, and she loved disaster films. Mainly, because of the way the enduring human spirit shown in some of the scenes. Especially the one with the reporter and her father.

It made her cry every time she watched it.

He felt a small pang of loss like a wave of sadness hit his stomach, and it felt sour as it traveled up to his chest.

He dialed his dad’s number.

“Hey, son,” His dad said.

Jim noticed a slightly different tone in his father’s voice. It sounded a bit more cheerful. Not much, but better.

“Hey, dad. How are you?”

“Fine. You?”

The feeling of hopelessness dawned on Jim’s mind, as they went on to discuss the everyday doldrums of their lives.

Jim’s work, retirement for his dad Gus, and just in general, the most boring stuff.

“My garbage disposal is out again, and I called maintenance but they haven’t come yet. I’ll just fix it myself. I guess. I think I put too much rice in there. Damn. I shouldn’t have done that,” His dad said, but it sounded more like he was talking to himself.

Jim decided that today he’d be a bit different.

The conversation he had with Colin made him feel whimsical in a way, and he decided to talk to his dad about him.

He didn’t know why—-but he felt like he should. He’d known Colin for a while, even as they never had seen or talked to each other outside of the coffee shop.

“Dad, this guy I know from the coffee shop was talking about a show. It’s called Chernobyl. Ever heard of it?”

“Wait... a guy? Who is it?” His dad instantly caught on.

He had come out to his Dad six months ago. His mother had known years before that.

They were both very loving toward their only child, and knowing that their son Jim was bisexual didn’t change anything.

Jim sighed. “Just... this barista.”

“Hmm. Name?”

“Colin.”

“Age?”

“He looks about... twenty five, twenty six years old.”

His dad made a questioning noise, “Do you like him, son?”

Jim scoffed. “He’s... a very nice person. He makes my order everyday. We... talk. About movies and TV. So, I don’t know. Why?”

“Oh, son, you are so cute!” His dad said happily. “You love him!”

“No, I don’t!” But the “revelation” his dad had proposed to Jim had the desired effect. His dad definitely sounded better now, due to the small bit of sharing.

“Aw, Jim, you are sweet on him.”

Jim said nothing, his cheeks feeling hot again.

“Well, anyway, Dad, nice talking to you. I gotta get to work. Talk to you later.”

“Bye! Say hi to Colin for me!”

He sighed, and they hung up. He was glad his dad sounded more cheerful today.

The next day he decided he would watch The Seventh Seal, by Ingmar Bergman.

He thought he had stumped Colin. Finally.

“Okay, Jim... then you will like Dead Like Me and Death Note,” Colin said immediately. “Both are very good, very different from Bergman, yes, but good in their own way. About the embodiment of Death.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “Oh.. okay, thanks for those recommendations.”

“If I had to play chess with Death, I’d lose!” Colin said with a chortle. “I would lose so bad.”

Jim laughed. “So would I.”

“The Queens Gambit is also a good show for chess!” Colin said, handing Jim his drink.

Colin handed him a piece of paper as well. “You on any social media?”

Jim shook his head.

“I thought so. If you ever wanna discuss movies or TV, or whatever, you can text me. There’s my number.”

Jim nodded, feeling his heart thrashing in his chest. He took the paper.

“Also, I like how you spiked your hair today. Very awesome!” Colin said.

He had spiked his hair, but only because he had recently gotten a hair cut.

He had sandy brown hair, and dark brown eyes, and unfortunately his hair grew like a weed. He had to cut it once every other month.

He decided to ask Colin a question for once. “Thank you. I usually don’t spike it. Just wanted to try something different. Um... what kind of TV shows interest you?”

Colin sighed wistfully. “I like Bojack Horseman.”

“That’s a satirical comedy show, right?” Jim asked. It suited Colin’s extremely outgoing personality.

“Yes. But... it’s deeper than that. It looks like it’s a comedy. But it really delves into really dark subject matter after a certain catastrophic event occurs... and, it gets superbly dark, but insightful into the human condition and mental illness.” He shrugged. “I have to think about a good pairing for that show. I’ll get back to you on that.”

“I’ll look forward to that suggestion. And I’ll have to watch that show, too.”

“Ohh! I just thought of one. Eraserhead! But that one is pretty dark. I’ll have to think of a better idea. Something that blends comedy with the dark subject matter.”

“Hmm. I didn’t like Eraserhead. Too... off-putting for me.”

Colin nodded. “It was weird, I’ll just say that.”

They said goodbye and Jim opened up the folded paper.

It had a note on it.

Jim, you and I should get together! I know Covid makes it tough, but Call me! We can social distance!

And it had his number on it.

Jim grinned, but then chastised himself.

No, he thought.

‘This can’t be a good idea!’ Jim thought. Alarm bells went off in his brain. He couldn’t do it. He just kept picturing his father, lying in bed day and night, crying his eyes out—-barely eating or doing anything.

But, still, he put the piece of paper in his pocket.

He didn’t call Colin.

But the next day, he saw Colin again, and of course they had their regular conversation.

“Reservoir Dogs, huh?” Colin said thoughtfully. “Money Heist is a good show for it.”

He heard Colin sigh.

It made Jim feel bad. Colin usually said tons more to say than that.

“Do you like Reservoir Dogs?” Jim asked carefully.

Colin nodded enthusiastically. “Yes. That Keitel character, whoosh! Wham! I loved him. So handsome. And Roth...” He pretended to fan his face. “I can’t keep my eyes off him.”

Jim laughed, and a few other customers laughed too.

That sounded more like Colin.

But, Jim reasoned, just because Colin joked about finding male celebrities attractive in garish way didn’t mean he actually liked men... he was just being funny.

“I’m, uh... I like Roth too.” Jim said quietly.

Colin winked again. “He’s cute.”

Jim blushed. “Ye-yeah.”

“Here, take a cookie from me.” Colin handed him a chocolate chip cookie. “Homemade. Like the muffins. Did you like that blueberry muffin?”

Jim nodded. “Yes. Thanks.”

They waved goodbye, but not before Colin said, “And call me when you’re free!”

Jim nodded, feeling a bit put on the spot.

And he didn’t call.

Though, back at his house, he realized couldn’t stand it anymore.

He knew he was trying so hard to hide it for so long—-but, it was true, he had the biggest crush on Colin.

And he didn’t say but every single thing that Colin had referred to, recommended, and talked about—-he watched it. He agreed with the recommendations, too. He found Colin to be insightful, smart, quick and funny, and really appreciated how much he cared about his job and his niece and family, whom he talked about a lot. He wanted to try and be more open, too.

He decided he would go into the coffee shop and just ask him out. It was Saturday morning and he got ready to go to the coffee shop.

He thought of a romantic movie he could watch.

“So... I’m watching Edward Scissorhands,” Jim said to Colin, looking down. He felt a little embarrassed. He was a little old to be talking about that movie.

Colin jumped, “Wow, Jim, I love it! Great choice.”

“Yeah.” He smiled, glad that Colin liked it.

“I get a Stranger Things vibe from that film, slightly. That’s not my best suggestion.”

“Hmm. Okay.” Jim was feeling incredibly nervous, and sputtered out, “Wanna watch it with... with me?”

Colin nodded. “Which one?”

“Edward... whichever one you want.”

Colin chuckled softly. “Hmm. Maybe... Edward Scissorhands.”

“I’m, uh... um, do you want to... come over?”

“Your place?” Colin asked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay. I can.”

“Tonight?” Jim asked quietly, feeling flustered and like a fool.

“Yeah. That’s fine. Text me the time and address.” Colin gave him a thumbs up, giving him the latte. “Also, a good TV series that has a good doomed romance through a fantasy lens would be Princess Tutu.”

Jim nodded. “Hmm, I have never heard of it.”

“It’s a magical girl anime.”

Jim couldn’t help but chuckle. “Oh.”

“It’s not that girly! Uh... well, it is.” Colin laughed. “My twin sis Tara got into that phase—-Sailor Moon, Princess Tutu, you know... all that magical girl stuff.” He said sarcastically, but Jim could tell Colin liked it. “She made me watch it with her!”

“Well, that’s certainly a very interesting choice.”

“Well, it’s okay. I mean, I actually ended up liking it.” Colin said, and Jim noticed he was blushing.

“You know, it’s gutsy to admit that. Most people would try and pretend they didn’t like it. You know, so they wouldn’t be embarrassed. And now that I think about it, it’s cool that you like it, and you are so open about it.”

Colin winked. “Thanks.”

“I respect that,” Jim added. “I respect the frankness. In this society, it’s all about niceties. And being normal. No one really says what they feel. It is inhibiting.”

“Well, America is better, I think. Everyone can kinda be what they wanna be now.”

“Yeah. My mom used to do street art. Like paint in front of people. And she..” he laughed. “Even worked as a living statue. So I guess she could attest to that.”

Colin’s eyes widened. “She sounds like quite a woman.”

Jim sighed. “Yes. She was. My dad fell in love with her performance art. He went by the street corner where she worked and watched her. Until one day... she went up to him. And... boy she gave him hell!”

Colin laughed. “What do you mean? Hey, let’s go outside, I got a break.”

They both went outside, standing against the brick of the coffee shop, side by side. They still had their masks on.

“So... what happened with your parents?”

Jim laughed. “She said she’d punch him if he kept stalking her. But he just said he liked her art. She softened a bit, but she still was very rambunctious. According to my dad.”

Colin chuckled. “What did your dad do?”

“After that?”

“Yeah.”

“He ... asked her on a date. And after about twenty times of him asking... they went out. Fell madly in love. You know.”

“That’s very sweet!” He said with a soft laugh. “I’m a fool for a good romance story.”

“Was that a good one?”

Colin looked over at Jim, and they both looked at each other.

“Yes. I think I’d like to have a story similar to that.”

“Oh yeah? Don’t you... uh.... have someone?” Jim asked softly.

“Nope!”

They were quiet for awhile.

“Do you want to eat dinner over as well? I was watching this show called Binging with Babish, and they have all these recipes from movies and shows and I want to try one of them.”

“Oh, that sounds awesome! I’d love to come to dinner. What’s the recipe?”

“Pasta Aglio e Olio,” Jim said simply.

“Oh! And that makes sense because it’s from that movie Chef with Jon Favreau! I love that film. Those two match perfectly together. And Favreau guest starred in Binging with Babish.”

“Have you always liked pairing TV shows with movies? You seem to know a lot about movies and shows.”

Colin sighed. “Uh, my sister and I used to do that a lot together. We didn’t really have a lot growing up.” He looked down, and then at Jim. “So... we made up games. We didn’t get toys or real games, or anything really. My mom raised us by herself, since our dad left us. We always had what we needed. And really, we all really needed was each other.” He shrugged.

Jim nodded. “Sometimes all you need is your family to get by,” He said softly. “My parents were all I had. My mother passed away last year. Then my dad... he lost it. He got super depressed.”

“Oh, Jim, that sounds so hard to watch your father go through that. I would’ve sunk down... I don’t know how I would handle it. But, you sounded like you tried to carry a big load on your shoulders.”

“Yeah... I felt like I had to. And with this virus going on, I can’t even see my dad as much as I want to now.”

“Yeah, I really hate this crap. I wish it was over already.”

Jim nodded. “It really wears you down, emotionally.”

“It does, like I feel shitty all the time.” Colin looked at his wrist watch and sighed. “Hey, I gotta go back to work. I’ll see you tonight!”

Jim waved at him. “Great! See ya!”

Once he got home, he was extremely happy.

He knew this wasn’t a sure thing at all, but he really hoped that something would come from this... because darn it...

He was starting to fall in love with Colin.

But, it actually made him think about Colin the way he always wanted to—-to hold him. To hold him really close, and never let go.

He really hoped they could take off their masks tonight too.

And Colin’s blue beanie hat, too.

Colin’s beanie hat along with his black hair sticking out reminded him of his childhood crush—-of a cartoon character he had liked from a show called Ed, Edd, and Eddy.

And as young kid, he knew he liked guys, because he really liked the dorky and smart Double D.

And Colin really reminded him of Double D, too.

He was smart, kind of dorky, and funny in his own way. And... one day at the coffee shop...

He had actually seen Colin without the mask for a brief moment.

And Colin had a tiny gap in the front of his teeth, and to Jim, that was effin’ adorable.

By the time it was close to when he told Colin to come over, he called his dad while preparing dinner.

“Hey, Jim!”

“Hey, dad, how are you?” He was chopping garlic and parsley as he held the phone to his ear.

“Fine, and you? How is work?”

“It’s good. Same old, same old. How is everything for you? Anything new?”

“Ah, not much. I have been thinking of getting back into my writing again.”

Jim smiled. “Really?”

“Yeah. I was thinking of writing a poetry book. Dedicated to your mom.”

“That sounds really good, dad. I’d love to read that!”

“I’m working on it. I’ll let you see it first before anyone else when I am done. So, what’re you doing this weekend?”

“Uh... dad, that guy I told you about? The barista... uh... crap, he’s coming over for dinner and a movie tonight.”

“No way, dude!”

“Dad... please, don’t call me dude!”

His dad laughed happily. “Dude!”

“Oh, dad....”

“So... is he dreamy?”

“No!”

“Is he perfect?”

“Ah... I got to go.”

“Jim, my heart, my beautiful son, you must tell me all the details!”

Jim sighed. “Fine. Later.”

“I love you. Have a wonderful night!”

“I love you, too. Good night.”

They said goodbye and Jim laughed. Dad was starting to get better. Little bit by little bit.

Day by day.

He texted Colin: When you come over, if you’re okay with it, you don’t have to wear a mask.

Colin texted back: Okay! I won’t bring it.

When Colin came over, he wasn’t wearing the beanie or the mask.

He had this wispy black hair down to his ears, and yes... that effin’ adorable little gap in his top front teeth.

And those bright green eyes.

Jim felt like he was going to faint right then and there.

“Come on in,” Jim said as he opened the door all the way.

“Nice place! I like the way you decorate.” Colin said as he came in. There were movie posters and Margaret Keane paintings on the walls.

“I love those paintings. Keane is one of my favorites,” Colin said.

They both sat down in the living room on the couch.

“Me too. Those paintings mean a lot to me. My mom gave them to me.”

“Aww. That’s sweet. She must’ve loved art. Most people don’t know of Keane... except in that movie Big Eyes.”

“I actually never saw that film. You know, I was wondering, Colin, out of curiosity, have you ever studied movies?” Jim asked.

“Yes. I did, a few years ago. It was my major. I also studied art.”

“That makes sense. You are so knowledgeable. I thought I stumped you that one day with Bergman.”

Colin scoffed dramatically. “No! Hah, I definitely studied him a lot when I was younger. I’m just... I like art and movies. It’s my thing to read about.”

“Well, you are smart. I think you are.” Jim said with a direct look, smiling at Colin.

Colin blushed a little. “Thank you. I think you are, too.”

Jim grinned. “Thanks. Do you want anything to drink? Dinner is almost ready.”

“I’ll take water. Thanks.” Colin grinned. “I brought us a special drink for dinner!”

Jim looked at him amused as he got the drink in the kitchen, “Is it coffee?” He asked.

Colin laughed. “Just because I work at a coffee shop... doesn’t mean I’m obsessed with coffee!” He chortled. “It’s a surprise anyway!” He had a large black bag with him. Jim looked at it and tried to peek inside, giving him the glass.

“Hey!” Colin said suspiciously, closing the bag with the zipper. “Don’t look!”

Jim laughed. “It’s either coffee or strong moonshine!”

Colin shrugged innocently. “You might be right!”

Jim shook his head. “You want to get me drunk huh?”

Colin grinned. “That’s me. I’m evil!”

“Well... I might be too!” Jim said a bit flatly, and Colin gave him a thoughtful look, half smiling as their eyes locked.

“Sure you are!” Colin chuckled. “So... I was watching this really good film last night,” Colin started to say as Jim sat back down.

“Oh? What is it called?”

“Ikiru. By Akira Kurosawa.”

“What’s that about?”

“A man learns he has terminal stomach cancer. And he decides to find meaning, as he only has a year left to live.”

Jim felt a pang of a familiar pain in his chest hit him. “Huh, interesting,” He said flatly, but he felt like he still needed to ask Colin anyway, “What shows go well with it?”

Colin did pick up on the charge in Jim’s demeanor, but decided to answer the question first. “Alexa and Katie has a modern spin on the whole cancer thing. Not letting it bring you down. You know... still living life to the fullest. Another show that takes a much darker turn to that train of thought would be Breaking Bad. Really good, but super realistic, dark and sort of depressing. I mean, have you seen it?”

Jim shook his head. “No.”

“Jim, I’m sorry if I brought up a sore subject.”

“It’s just... my mom died from cancer.”

Colin sighed, and scooted closer to Jim.

“I’m sorry. If I had known... I wouldn’t have even brought up that subject.”

“It’s not your fault. I never told you exactly what happened to my mom.”

“Well, we can change the subject. If you want.”

Jim shook his head. “Colin, I just realized that I... I almost never let my feelings out. I try to hold it in... so much that I can’t even feel anything sometimes. I try to not let myself feel... because of my dad. He was so out of it for so long, I didn’t know what to do,” Jim put his hands on his head, “Ugh. I really have no friends. I almost never dated anyone. Maybe a bit in high school. But... I just close myself off to everyone.” He laughed with an ironic tone. “And you are the first person in years I’ve actually hung out with other than my dad.”

Suddenly, Colin took Jim’s hand.

They looked at each other, and Colin said, “If you want, you can let it out now.”

Jim sighed. “I think I feel like crap all the time. And I just hide it. I feel sad.”

Colin squeezed Jim’s hand a bit.

“The cure for that is... in my opinion, listening to music with a good friend,” Colin looked at Jim directly. “I like how you just asked me to come over here. You always seemed so shy. But I feel this connection with you. Not just because we both love movies and TV shows. But... hmmm!” Colin covered his mouth with hands, feeling self conscious, his cheeks red. “Jim, at the risk of sounding... weird... after dinner... I’d like to.. I mean... I would love to watch the movie with you... Holding hands?” Colin looked embarrassed, letting go of his Jim’s hand, and he put his hands over his eyes. “Shit! I’m sorry. I always get ahead of myself.”

Jim laughed. “Colin, I liked holding your hand.”

Colin grinned. “Oh! Okay...” he laughed nervously. “I thought I was being too forward.”

“No, you weren’t. And I’d love to do that. I feel... a strong connection to you as well.”

Colin said with a more self assured smile, “You know, ever since I first saw you at the shop, I felt like I wanted to hang out with you. You always acted cool, calm and in control. I wanted to make you laugh. And you kind of act like an old man!” He whispered loudly, laughing. “You have the same routine everyday. I found that... cute. And I just... wanted to find any reason to talk to you. The whole movies and TV show pairing thing... yes, I did that with my sis, but, it became our thing, too.”

“I’m glad it became our thing. I... watched everything you recommended.”

Colin’s eyes widened. “No way! Even Bojack?”

Jim nodded, looking at him with squinting eyes. “What a strange show.”

“But... did you end up liking it?”

“Hmm. I did. I had a crush on one of the characters.” Jim said cheekily.

“Really?! Who?! Diane?” Colin leaned forward in his seat. “Not Bojack, right?”

Jim smirked, saying nothing, leaning back in his seat.

“Oh, you are saucy! Please tell me!”

“Okay... Todd.”

Colin gasped. “No... not Todd!” He laughed.

“Why not?”

“That’s just... my crush!” Colin said with a sigh.

“Cute smile, huh?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

Jim grinned. “So... did you think of a movie for the show? For Bojack?”

“Yes. Trainspotting. It’s a comedy and a drama. It’s dark and strange. I think it pairs well!”

Jim nodded in agreement. “I can see that. The darker elements of the show meshed with the drama and comedy really make the show so much more than you ever thought you wanted. What you needed.”

“True. But, I like watching lighter things after watching things Trainspotting or Bojack. Like... Hugo?” Colin suggested.

Jim smiled a bit bemused. “Hmm. Hugo is kind of dark, but it has the best elements of romance and mystery. It’s lighter, and a much happier end than Bojack.”

Colin nodded in agreement. “I love Hugo! It’s so good. And it makes me feel nostalgic. It reaffirmed my love for film.”

Jim was still holding Colin’s hand as he said affectionately, “My cute little film critic, let’s go eat dinner!”

Colin grinned, “I’m yours?” But it came out more of as an agreement than a question.

Jim nodded with a grin and finally, he got to hold Colin.

“Only if you want to be,” Jim answered.

As they stood up, Colin gently leaned in close and wrapped his arms around Jim’s chest, his head resting on the other’s cheek.

Jim felt a bit flustered and surprised, but felt warm inside, his heart beating fast. He wrapped his arms around him and pulled Colin in closer.

Jim wanted to hold him tightly, and never let go.

But, after a minute of bliss, they let go.

They decided to listen to some music, and Colin put on a song from his playlist.

“Oh, I love this song!” Jim said as it started playing.

Colin started head banging (making Jim feel less self conscious as he joined in)and bumped into Jim, causing a two man mosh pit session.

Jim was a bit worried he might hurt Colin, but Colin was tougher than he looked. He bumped back hard—-and they ended laughing at how serious they got for a minute.

Then Colin put on a slower song, on a more conversation level volume.

They sat down for this song, but held hands again, talking about their jobs and their families more in depth. Having worked up an appetite, they both had dinner.

They had a wonderful rest of the evening, laughing and joking, and having dinner with a bright, delicious Merlot. Colin had brought it over especially for the occasion as a gift and for them to share.

“Red wine screams first date, after all!” Colin said with a cheeky grin, making Jim laugh and blush.

“Is white more for second dates then?” Jim asked.

“White wine is great for weddings...” Colin teased, winking at Jim. “Like at my sister’s wedding!”

They watched Edward Scissorhands, holding hands the whole time.

During the Ice Dance scene, they leaned closer, and it might’ve been Jim or Colin, but whoever it was who started it... it didn’t matter, because they had their first kiss. It was like the most beautiful dream come true. The kiss was soft, sweet and perfect.

They officially started dating after that. Jim’s dad loved Colin. His dad finally published a very beautiful and sweet poetry collection dedicated to his beloved wife Rosa and son Jim and it was sold at Colin’s coffee shop.

Colin’s family also loved Jim, and Tara embraced him as a brother. Colin’s mother thought of Jim as a very responsible young man with promise.

And within that first year, during their first official anniversary dinner, Jim proposed to Colin with a silver band. They kept the red Merlot wine that Colin had give Jim to have a celebratory glass at the ceremony—-commemorating their first date.

With coffee, dreams, their love of movies, music and TV, and a more of little this then that(they still did that game of pairing TV shows with films), they loved each other better than they could’ve ever imagined... and they shared a funny and quirky life together.