Someday? Never?

Waters Rising

*Mark's POV*

He played the solo to Fortress with a little more power and emotion and the energy was definitely felt. By the time Waters Rising was played, he was at the peak of his frustration.

"Now all of the fields are burning
It blocks out the sun
I see all the water rising to drown everyone
This is tomorrow's way to end our days
Watch as the clouds they gather now to wash us away," Mark sang with power.

He broke a string towards the end of the solo, but he was able to finish the song. That really capped it for him and he just wanted the night to be done already. They finished the set with Open Your Eyes and Mark couldn't get offstage fast enough.

'She's out there having the time of her life with that guy and I've had the worst show of my life,' he thought.

They were met with cheers and applause backstage and contrary to what Mark was thinking, they got compliments from everyone.

"Mark, you really killed it tonight man! Keep it up," one of the crew members complimented.

"Thanks man," Mark said with a close mouthed smile.

Myles shot Mark a knowing glance before heading to the dressing room. Oftentimes, Myles could communicate his thoughts to Mark without saying a word. Mark just rolled his eyes and continued to grumble to himself as he headed to the dressing room.

"Dude, you totally killed that solo," Flip said, "it sounded better than the record."

"Thanks," he sighed.

Brian just clapped him on the back in passing as he went to the restroom. Myles caught Mark's attention and was about to speak up, but Mark stopped him before he had the chance.

"Not tonight man, please," Mark said, dragging his hands down his face.

"Fine, but you need to talk about it," Myles said, "you're going downhill."

"Free falling if you will," Flip chirped, "head over heels, tumbling down a hill like a snowball."

Myles chuckled and Mark gave a look that could kill.

"All's I'm saying is that you're starting to lose yourself man," Flip said shaking his head, "you don't laugh too much anymore and it's kinda sad."

"Look if I told Myles not tonight, what makes you think I wanna make an exception for you? I don't wanna talk about it!"

"Well you're definitely gonna listen! We're just trying to help you and you're bitching about every little thing. Shit that didn't bother you before is constantly setting you off!"

"Sounds like Stapp," Brian said, exiting the bathroom, "we just don't want a repeat Mark, that's all. Leave him alone guys."

"No I don't... Do I?"

Mark, Flip and Brian exchanged looks before Brian decided to answer.

"The random blow ups, mood swings, us having to walk on eggshells? Yeah. You do," Brian said, "and frankly I'm getting pretty sick of it."

"Me too," Flip said, "but I'm giving you some wiggle room because of what's going on."

Mark cut his eyes to Myles who immediately threw his hands up in surrender.

"Hey, I haven't said a word, but they're not oblivious and they're not stupid," Myles shrugged.

"And the fact that you left Brian and me in the dark kind of hurt my feelings. I thought we were all brothers, man," Flip said.