The Septiplier Affair

Part 6

The entire panel had gone on like it always did.  It was like all the pain from the morning had never happened.  Sean was replaced by the Jack, Mark knew and loved.  After the panel though... Jack faded back into Sean.  Mark watched Sean exit the stage, heading right for an awaiting Signe.  They embraced and Mark had to turn away.  His heart couldn't handle the smile on Sean's face... not when it was meant for her.  He got his share of smiles from Jack during the panel.  Climbing down the steps, he tried to sneak by them without being detected, but Signe grabbed his arm.  She flashed him a bright smile, asking happily.  "Mark! We are still on for dinner, right"?  Mark genuinely smiled back at her, replying cheerfully.  "You bet. My treat".  Signe gently tugged on Sean's wrists, when she bounced out her reply to Mark.  "Great! I heard about this little pizza place across from an ice rink.  What do you say? You wanna go"?  Mark chuckled, adding a little uneasily.  "Pizza, sure... but Ice rinks aren't really for me".  Signe playfully pouted, before piping in.  "Join us anyway!  You can watch Sean fall on his ass"! 

Mark risked a glance up at Sean, who blushed and turned away with an embarrassed smile.  Mark merely shrugged his shoulders and Signe took the moment to happily hug him.  It was clear why Sean loved her.  She was fun and sweet.  She would be good for him.  When she broke away, he vaguely heard her say something about visiting one of the booths and picking up something Sean wanted.  It didn't matter to Mark.  He was headed for a quiet room to relax, before the signings started.  He had brought dinner on himself... but the ice rink... he really hoped he could come up with an excuse to avoid it.  He didn't feel like ruining their make-up date by being a sour third wheel.  In one of the waiting rooms, Mark dropped across a small hard couch.  He felt so exhausted.  Of course, the lack of sleep last night didn't help him.  Resting his head across his arms, he thought about drifting off for a bit.  When the heavy door squeaked open and he heard Sean's unusually soft voice ask.  "Mark?  You awake"? 

Mark didn't know if Sean could see him, but he nodded.  Mark heard him move closer, before continuing on tentatively.  "I don't like how things played out this morning between us.  I feel like... like I should have done something differently. I've thought a lot about this and... I don't want to cheat on Signe. You're like a close brother to me, Mark.... I love you, but I love her more".  Mark opened his eyes to stare up at a nervous Sean.  Mark had felt later in the morning that this would happen.  He had prepared for it... and he couldn't believe his own dark intentions, when he confidently told Sean.  "Is it really cheating if it's with a guy?  I think she'd be a little happier that you cheated on her with a guy rather than a girl.  Less of a rivalry when you don't have the same parts".  Sean's voice rose a little in volume as he snapped back.  "It's still cheating, Mark! It means that she wasn't enough and that I planned to have a life with you! She could take it badly and think that she scared me into losing interest in all woman! Mark, I can't risk that. I could marry this woman one day... I don't want to screw that up on what 'YOU' feel isn't cheating"! 

Mark swung his legs off the couch in order to stand up and face Sean, saying back just as snappy.  "You already cheated on her! Or do you do that with all your close friends? You already have a life with me. I just want-".  Mark halted mid-sentence when his brain stalled.  What did he want from Sean?  Sean stood in silence, staring at Mark patiently.  Mark ran his hand through his red hair, turning his gaze to the floor as he struggled to make sense of it himself.  "I don't see us getting married, or adopting kids together.... I just... I... I want you to be apart of my life too".  Sean blinked a little confused, before he hesitantly slipped in.  "You want me to be your booty call"?  Mark jerked his head up to shoot down that phrase with disgust, retorting.  "NO! I just want to keep whatever we have going. I guess it could be seen as 'friends with benefits' or permanently stuck in the boyfriend zone... call it whatever you like... I love you and I'm not ready to let go... not yet... and I don't think you are either". 

Sean chuckled nervously, turning away from Mark as he answered.  "Even if I could follow what you're trying to tell me. I think it's you that can't let me go".  Mark moved in close to Sean's back, softly touching Sean's hands, and pressing his lips against Sean's ear.  Letting his warm breath tickle Sean's ear, Mark lightly cupped his hands around his slender wrists, moving his hands slowly up Sean's arms.  While keeping his voice smooth and deep.  "I don't recall you putting up much of a fight last night. So, whether you admit it to yourself or not... on some level... you wanted it just as much as me".  Sean shivered involuntary, and Mark smirked watching Sean's arms break out in goosebumps. 

Sean shifted a little to look over his shoulder at Mark, his voice going back to that unusually low  and shy tone of voice as he said.  "It's a fanboy crush".  Mark quickly cupped Sean's cheek, whispering as he leaned in to kiss him.  "Then let's keep this affair between us".  Sean resisted the kiss a little at first, but just as he was settling into it, the door squeaked open.  Mark straightened casually to face the door, and Sean bowed out for the couch hiding his face.  A random comic-con intern pointed to her wrist watch, informing them bluntly.  "The signing starts in a few minutes. You two should start heading over there now".   To Be Continued...