Nice Guys Finish Last (Pm First)

[TheRPGuru]

Jake struggled his entire life, dealt a bad hand from right out of the gate. His parents died when he was young and he grew up going from foster hone to foster home. He was always a nice guy, but constantly switching locations had him become very introverted. He stopped trying to make friends because he always ended up losing them. By the time he finished college Jake was friendless, girlfriend less and alone. No longer a burden of the foster system he became forced to try and make his way alone. He got a job at a local comic book shop and with some savy business ideas he turned the shop from a barely profitable store into an incredibly profitable business. The store took over the neighboring building to become a massive haven for geekdom.

The best part was that Jake did it all without having to break out of his shell much, it made him comfortable. After running the business into a great success, the owner offered Jake a raise and a partnership in the business, giving Jake 30% of the profits as a reward for his work that made the shop run so well that they even had to expand.

After 27 years of hardship, Jake finally felt like he had his place in the world. It wasn't glamorous, but it made him happy. He loved talking comics with people, or board games, video games, anything in the world of fantasy. Probably because he had grown up in a grim reality, that he felt at home in a different world.

Little did he know that on a slow Monday morning in August that someone was going to walk into his store that would change his life for the better. The void in his life of not having anyone, was about to be filled. Of course happiness, comes without a little drama and struggle.....

Jake: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/91/f7/1a/91f71a6edd070f53057323ba473e14a1.jpg

 

[TheRPGuru]

(Bumping bump )

 

[Bexyboo2090]

http://cdn.paper4pc.com/images/hot-b...allpaper-3.jpg

Bex felt a small smile creep on to her tired lips as she found the store. She had been dying to visit this place for months having heard through some of her online friends that it was the best place in town to get your hands on some decent comics.

For Bex Comics were her escape, they allowed her to forget the shit that belonged to the real world and allowed her to imagine herself in a world where she was the hero for a change, instead of the lonely comic book nerd she was in reality.

It wasn’t that she didn’t have the looks because she did and she had certainly had her fair share of boyfriends. Though they all turned out to be complete and utter jerks only with her because of her body and none of the guys she had any similar interest with where appealing to her. That only made her feel worse about herself.

Her parents had abandoned her in a public alley way, they were drug addicts and used her to get there gear but then one night it turned sour and she was left beaten and bloody. Until a kind police officer took her in and accepted her as part of the family and for that she was ever grateful, she had been lucky when so many hadn’t.

With a smile she pushed open the door and entered the store, her heart began to race with excitement as she drink in her surroundings she was very much a marvel girl and they seemed to have everything her marvel heart desired.

Walking up to the counter she wasn’t really paying attention to the guy working behind but spoke anyway. “Excuse me, I was wondering if you stocked in marvel first additions as I’ve been looking for a couple for months and can’t seem to find them.” She asked softly but loud enough to attract his attention.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake had expected a slow day, Monday typically was the slowest day for business as new comics came out on Tuesday so people who wanted the weeks comics already had them long before Monday rolled around. So Jake had time to catch up reading all his favorite books while working by himself at the store.

His eyes were all for his X-Men comic and he didn't notice the super model walk into the store until she spoke at the counter. Jake looked up and his breath caught in his throat as he saw her. A beautiful brunette with a stunning pair of eyes. He thought for a moment that he was dreaming because the girl before him couldn't possibly be real.

Yet she looked at him expectantly, waiting for the answer to her question. Jake blinked, "Uh....First editions. Yes. Right. We have those." He got off his stool and shifted around the counter. "We keep them In a case over here. Just follow me."

He lead her to the display case where they had a small collection of first edition comics. Some of them books cost a small fortune, but others were very affordable first prints of more recent issues.

Jake shifted behind the counter and spread his hands over the display. "Are you looking for something specific?" He asked her, his eyes unable to stop looking at her. Jesus she was perfect, her body fit, her breasts seemed perky behind her top. She was the kind of girl that had to beat guys away with baseball bats.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

Bex felt a small blush creep on to her cheeks at the way the clerk was checking her out, it was in more of an innocent kind of way than what she was used to, though she had to admit that the guy helping her wasn’t so bad himself.
Tall, lean with the kind of broad shoulders that made Bex drool and the most adorable glasses she’d ever seen. If she was being honest she loved a guy in glasses, he looked handsome while at the same time kind of mysterious.

“Ah erm yeah I’ve been looking for a Iron Man and Captain America first addition it was part of the original series. I’ve been looking on line and they’re ridiculous prices. So my friend told me to come here and see if you could help.” She smiled softly.

“I’m Bex” she introduced offering out her slender hand to him.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake smiled at her as she extended her hand. "Bex? Hi Bex I am Jake. It is nice to meet you. I'm glad you came in today." He told her. Then looked down at his cases so he wouldn't be caught staring at her again. He bit his lip and looked through but shook his head in sympanthy.

"I do have those issues but...I don't know how much cheaper I have them for. We price all our comics based on collector's encyclopedia pricing. And those issues run a little under 150 bucks each." He explained, reaching into the case to pull out the two books she asked for and set them very gently on the counter.

He shrugged, "Even if I snuck you my personal 'Most Beautiful Girl I've ever Seen' discount, you still be looking at 110 each." He said blushing as he had never hit on a girl before. He might have been really cheesy about it but he had never tried it before. I made his heart raced and he wondered if she would slap him for it.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

"That's a hell of a lot cheaper than I've seen online and your pretty handsome and sweet yourself." She smiled softly as she carefully took the comics from his hands. "Would you like some company?" She offered as they made their way to the counter so she could pay.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake had expected her to be disappointed with the prices or even be offended by his comment about her beauty...Instead she seemed faltered and pleased with not only the prices but also his comment. Jake blushed and nodded, "Uh sure. Okay I'll uh...take you up to the counter." He said, lockibg the case and leading her back to the counter.

As he rang the books up he looked at her, "So are you buying these for a gift for someone?" He asked, surely a beautiful woman like her wouldn't be into comics. Right?

 

[Bexyboo2090]

She smiled softly at him and handed over the money. "No. They're for me. They're an escape plus they get me hooked." She chuckled softly as she drank in his appearance again.

"So how long have you worked here?" She asked softly trying her best to make conversation. Normally she was confident and comfortable around men but for some reason Jake made her nervous.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake couldn't believe this beauty was into comics. Not only that but she was actually hanging around to talk to him. He must have been dreaming, perhaps it was so slow that he had fallen asleep and was dreaming about her. Though she seemed very very real, he could even smell her perfume.

He blinked and realized that she had asked him a question. "Oh I uh....I guess I've been here three years now. I am basically the owner now, I expanded the business so well that the original owner gave me management and part ownership of the place." He told her proudly. "You should check us out on Friday nights. We hold card tournaments and the place just fills up." He suggested.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

“I might have to bare that in mind.” Bex smiled warmly, as she slipped her new acquisitions carefully into her bag before turning her sole attention back on to Jake a genuine smile creeping on to her face. “I’ve never really been into the card games, if I’m honest.”

It was true the card games never really held any appeal for her but if it meant she got to spend time with this guy then she was more than willing to look in to it. “What time does everything start?” she asked softly as she rested her arms against the counter.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake smiled at her interest. It would be great to have someone so beautiful here at the shop. It would give him a chance to look at her and talk to her more. He realized that his thoughts were getting really creepy and he shook his head.

"Errr seven o'clock. But by the time packs get passed out it is closer to seven thirty." He explained. "Also depends on the game. Friday we run Magic the Gathering and the Pokémon card game. Saturday it is Yu-Gi-Oh. Sunday is Heroclix. Then I am bored the rest of the week. Though new comics come put Tuesday as you probably know." He blushed as he realized he gave her way more information than she had asked for.

Jake cleared his throat nervously and asked, "So did you boyfriend get you into comics?" He asked fishing to know if she was single or not.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

Bex nodded as she listened to him explain the different games and what days they were being held on. She couldn’t help but admire how adorable he was, she could tell that he was nervous and she guessed he hadn’t had very much if any experience with women. Though she didn’t really have room to talk the only experience with a guy she had resulted in the bedroom, they never really wanted to spend time with her or get to know her beyond her beauty, yet Jake seemed to be the complete opposite.

She laughed a little. “I can safely say I’ve never played the Pokemon game though I have most of the cards. It was something I did as a kid though I’ll be sure to stop in on Friday.” She smiled, which soon faded at the mention of if it was her boyfriend that got her in to comics.

“No, every guy I’ve dated, well lets just say they were interested in only one thing and that wasn’t comics. I got into comics while I was in hospital it let me forget the real world for awhile.” She said with a tiny smile. “So no I don’t have a boyfriend.” She added.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake felt the pressure in his chest lighten and his hope swell as she confirmed being single and free. He didn't understand why he was so brazen with this girl, he had never found himself interested enough to try and get to know a girl before. Never bothered with relationships or any of that. He feared he would have to move away and the relationship would be meaningless.

Even after he grew up and became steady in one place, he never thought about women in that way. Sure he jerked off to porn at home so he had a sex drive, it just had never manifested in him around real people before.

This girl before him....triggered something inside of him. She was the kind of beautiful that made your heart beat all out of rhythm, as if the normal beat was something she would hear and be offended by.

Jake opened his mouth and words refused to work. His tongue couldn't move in the proper ways to make speech happen. He bit his lip and swallowed, "Well that is uh....good news then right? Being single is fun...I've been single my whole life." He closed his eyes and shook his head. "That was a stupid thing to say. Can you forget I said that and pretend I asked you out to dinner tonight?" He blushed.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

Bex let a small giggle fall from her lips as she listened to him. “It’s okay, I get like that sometimes and there is nothing wrong with never having had a girlfriend and I would love to go to dinner with you.” She answered with a shy edge to her own voice.

She wanted him to be comfortable in her company and granted she guessed it would take time, given he’d admitted to never having a girlfriend before but it was time she was willing to give him as she really liked Jake plus they shared a common interest in their love for comics.

 

[TheRPGuru]

He didn't expect her to say yes to a date. He wasn't even really sure he had asked properly, but there he stood with the most stunning woman he had ever seen and he had a date with her. He blinked and looked down at the counter trying to think quickly. "Great." He said also chuckling away how nervous he was. "Okay so ummm....I mean I close at six tonight....we can maybe grab a bite around sevenish?"

He grabbed a piece of paper and slid it towards her. "Maybe I can get your number and address and I'll pick you up?" He asked again, feeling like his face was beat red.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

Bex smiled reassuringly at him as she wrote down her details. “That sounds perfect. I have to go to the library so I can do some work for college but I should be done in plenty of time.” she smiled as she passed him back the paper and pen.

“How about instead of going out, you come over and I can cook us something? Give us a chance to properly get to know one another without public pressure.” She suggested, seeing how nervous and shy he was around her, she wanted him to feel comfortable enough that he would open up to her so she could get to know him.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake blinked at her suggestion. Him at her house.....alone? Wasn't that like second base or something? His eyes widened and he tried to play it off, "Sure if you want. I don't wanna put you out by making you cook though." He said, trying to be the gentleman about it.

"Should I bring something? Wine? Or....I don't know....chips?" He regretted that. It was a date not a party for fifth graders. Fucking chips? Was he serious? Bex was going to laugh him away like he was the most pathetic thing on Earth.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

Bex smiled and lightly brushed her fingers over his hand. “You’re not putting me out, I just thought it would help put you at ease a little bit and if you like you can bring the wine.” She smiled warmly at him, she could see his battle behind his eyes because she had been in his shoes.

Bex watched him for a moment without saying anything else. He was definitely handsome and the fact he owned part of his own comic book store was like a dream come true. He seemed kind and gentle something she’d never really experienced before she just hoped that she would be able to help him overcome his nerves.

 

[TheRPGuru]

Jake smiled, she seemed to really want to make him comfortable. Which itself was strange because they didn't really know each other yet, but it did speak to her character to be so observant and willing to do whatever was needed to help.

"Great." He looked at the paper and then folded it into his pocket carefully. "I'll be there at seven then." He told her with a genuine smile.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

"I'll see you around." She smiled, giving his hand a small squeaze before making sure she had everything then left making her way straight to the library which wasn't too far from the comic book store.

--

After a long tedious afternoon in the library Bex busttled around her kitchen with an relaxed ease. She was actually lookin forward to spending time with Jake. She couldn't explain why she felt so comfortable around him but she did. Placing the dieced onions into the pan she allowed them to simmer while she tidied the living room.

It wasn't that the living room was a messy it was just that she had all her college work scattered all over the table from her countless hours of studying she'd been doing. She was in her second to final year and the pressure to keep on top of everything was emense though she knew in the long run it would be absolutely worth it if it meant she could help kids in the same boat as she had been in her younger years.

Once everything was away she made her way back in to the kitchen and placed the rest of the ingredients into a pan before placing the pasta on the hob. She just hoped he liked spagehti

 

[TheRPGuru]

The day went incredibly slowly after Bex left. JAke found himself more excited for something than he had ever been excited for anything else in his life. She said yes, to a date! With HIM! That beautiful girl somehow saw something in him that interested her. He couldn't believe it.

His excitement nearly drove him crazy as he waited for closing time. It was slow most of the day luckily and he was able to count down the drawers and closed the store quickly. He headed home as quickly as he could, showered, changed, and headed out the door again.

He showed up to Bex's apartment right on time, with a bottle of red wine in his hand. He was so nervous that he barely knocked on the door the first time. He waited just in case she heard it, but after a minute with no answer he took a deep breath and knocked harder.

God not only was he on his first date, but it was going to be inside her home. Alone! No people to see him fumble, no one to bother their privacy. He could smell something cooking on the other side of the door, something Italian, maybe pasta or a lasagna, whatever it was it smelt great.

So she was stunningly beautiful, AND she could cook. He made a mental note to check his ass for a four-leaf-clover because he couldn't possibly be this lucky.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

Bex heard the soft knock on her door and felt the butterflies fluttering around her stomach, no guy had ever made her feel this nervous. Taking a slow calming breath she went and opened the door a genuine smile creeping on to her face at the sight of Jake stood in front of her.

"Come on in." she said with a smile, opening the door wide enough for him to enter. He looked just as nervous as she no doubt did but at the same time he looked incredibly handsome. "Welcome to my little home." she giggled warmly. "I hope spagehti is alright?" she asked softly.

 

[TheRPGuru]

She looked even more beautiful than before as she opened the door. He smiled at her as he didn't trust his voice, she absolutely took his breath away. As he walked into the apartment he could smell the spaghetti and it made his stomach growl. "Sounds great. I brought a red wine too, it should go well with Italian. That is what the guy at the store told me."

He gave her the bottle of wine and looked around. She had set up a table but he didn't want to seem rude by going straight to sitting down. He couldn't believe he was alone in her place, it was exciting yet nerve racking.

"Can I help you with anything?" He offered, hoping to show that he was willing to help unlike other guys who would have sat down and just waited to be served. One of his foster mothers had taught him not to do that.

 

[Bexyboo2090]

She turned and smiled at him. "No feel free to go and relax everything is almost ready. Or if you like you can pour us both a couple of glasses of this delicious looking wine?" She suggested warmly.

She could safely say she was beyond nervous a feeling she hadn't felt with a guy for a very long time and in a strange way she couldn't explain why it made her feel excited. Maybe it was the fact she could genuinely see a future with him.