I'm Just Septic-Eyed

Chapter 35: Hey There, Jack

It had been a couple of weeks. Neither Mark nor Sean told the other about the secrets they held from someone they despised. There were several times where Mark considered it but decided that a vague text wasn't worth worrying Sean. Sean had not once thought about showing Mark that note. Part of him was afraid that if Mark knew, then whatever Sam had in mind would take action. Perhaps that would be their downfall in the end. Fear and anxiety are strong motives, aren't they?

It was an oddly normal day for the four friends. Felix's nose was doing just fine and Cry was finally able to use both hands. Mark and Sean decided to visit Mr. Morrison (who had been out of the hospital for a while but had to rest at home). He was doing just fine and Mrs. Morrison was as cheerful as always. The four friends eventually met up at the pet shop. Mark always took Sean to work with him nowadays. That vague text from Mr. Ash caused him to be a bit paranoid. Sean didn't mind much. He loved talking with Suzy and Marzia.

But Cry and Felix had a plan.

The couple knew about the ship sailing at Fran's Garden. Sean acted as if it was a fairytale come true, while Mark was a bashful mess. What upset the shippers the most, was the fact that Sean and Mark were completely nonchalant about it after. They acted as if it was something friends do on a normal basis. Felix was practically pulling his hair out when Mark said he wasn't going steady with Sean. Cry, being the devious mastermind that he is, set up a plan. Felix more than willingly agreed to it.

Suzy and Marzia were in on it as well. So with all the shippers on one team, they would certainly get things done. It was only the matter if the ones being shipped would play along.

"Oh, hey, guys," Mark greeted cheerfully. Felix and Cry walked in. Felix gave a wide grin while Cry just waved. "What're you doing here? Last time I checked you weren't planning to adopt." Mark smirked and leaned against the counter.

"We just wanted to stop by," Felix said. Cry nodded in agreement. "Can't we know how our precious little cinnamon buns are doing?" He said that part as if he was talking to a baby. To emphasize, he made kissy faces at Mark.

Mark rolled his eyes.

Cry decided to join in the conversation. He made sure to not move his hands too fast for Mark. Mark spoke for Cry so Sean could know, "In all honesty, we just came to ask how you guys are holding up. We also wanted to know if you'd want to come over later to hang out."

Mark looked at Sean as if he was waiting for him to answer. "I wouldn't mind that," Sean smiled as he spoke. "It's been a while since we all hung out. Normally, at least."

"Sean, dear?" Suzy called out from the back of the store. "Can you help me out? I need your opinion on something."

Sean sat there in shock. "Y-yeah," he called back. He slid off the stool and grabbed Chica. Marzia practically skipped over to him and said she would help him. She turned around and shot a wink at Cry and Felix behind Mark's back. The plan was in motion.

Mark didn't even get the chance to react. Felix grabbed fistfuls of his shirt and dragged him toward the door. Cry stood up on a stool to hold the door's bell while Felix opened it. Cry slipped it off the little hook and joined the two outside. He beamed at Felix. Felix couldn't help but smile back. Mark wasn't very amused, though. He had just been dragged outside without any explanation, could you blame him? "What the hell is going on here?" Mark exclaimed rather loudly.

Felix shushed him. The pet shop didn't exactly have soundproof walls and Sean had whatever the equivalent of eagle eyes are to ears. The point being, he could hear super well. "We're here to help you get your shit together." Felix put his hands on his hips. "Because we know it was hardly together to begin with."