Marry Me | NatePat

Chapter Ten

"You're so beautiful, I could probably stare at you all day. Then again, if I was just looking at you I wouldn't be able to see all of your beauty. It goes so much deeper than that, you're such a good person. I love you, Matthew."

Matthew Patrick found it comforting that both he and his 'soulmate' knew that the tattoos didn't mean anything. At least they both weren't building their relationship on something that wasn't true.

Still, he loved Nathan. The teenager had offered so much love and emotional support in the short time that they'd known each other. He managed to make Matthew smile, no matter how awful the mood he was in was. God, and he was so pretty. Nathan Smith was absolutely perfect in his eyes, and he'd be damned if he didn't express that he thought Matthew was perfect too.

However their relationship had hit an awkward hilt because of Mark's feelings towards Matthew. Nathan was uncomfortable with it, but Matthew wasn't good with confrontation. They both just tried to figure out a way to stop Sean from constantly being sad.

"Green bean, what's got you down?" Nathan wrapped his arms around the smaller figure. Sean put his head down, resting his chin on his best friend's arm.

They were at lunch, and Matthew had joined them. He was quietly eating as his boyfriend comforted Sean, not feeling any jealousy. They were best friends and Sean was hurt, he didn't have a reason to be jealous.

"What do you think, Nathan? I miss him, and we barely even talk. He's a shitty person but I can't forget about him. I was practically obsessed with him since high school started," he fought back tears, "and he's so wrapped up on Matthew, that's what you should be worried about."

"Matthew can handle himself," Nathan pointed out, a small grin finding its way onto his face when the brunette looked up with a confused expression on his face.

"What can I do?"

"Don't worry about it, princess," the nickname slid off his tongue easily, it was one of the only things he ever called Matthew, "but Sean, he's hurting you. Whether or not he even comprehends that is beyond me, but you're always so sad and we want to help. So today we're confronting him, if you want to join us go ahead but if you don't, that's fine."

Sean moved away, stabbing at his mashed potatoes. He didn't give a verbal answer, but he did flash a glance at Nathan that couldn't have meant anything else but-

"Hey Nate? Could I see your sweatshirt, it's freezing in here," Matthew looked hesitant to ask for anything, but judging on how quickly his boyfriend took off his sweatshirt and got up to give it to him, it was fine.

"Of course," he leaned down, putting the clothing in Matthew's lap and kissing his forehead. After returning to his seat, he put his chin on his hand and sighed.

"Are you okay?" Sean poked his shoulder, raising an eyebrow. Nathan just looked at him for few moments before turning back to Matthew.

"My boyfriend is so pretty."

---

Sean McLoughlin was nervous about agreeing to confront his 'soulmate'. After all, Mark was in love with Matthew, who was in love with Nathan, who was in love with Matthew.

It was confusing, and he despised confrontation like the other two, but it had to be brought up. It really hurt Sean to even think about Mark, how much of his life he had investing into just thinking about him just for him to end up being the way he was.

He shoved his hands into his jean pockets, the dark blue fabric against his gray Berlin made him look smaller than usual. He didn't look confident, unlike Matthew and Nathan.

Matthew was standing taller than all of them, beside Nathan (who was holding his hand tightly with his jaw clenched). They looked so certain, knocking on the front door while Sean cowered behind him. What was he even scared of? He didn't matter in this!

"Hello?" Mark opened the door, his hand dropping when he saw Matthew, "H-hey, Matt. You guys come in," he got out of the way, almost shutting the door on Sean on his way in.

"Try not to break my friend's face," Nathan shot him a warning glance, grabbing Sean's hand and pulling him over to the living room. Matthew was sat down, followed by Sean whilst Nathan stood.

"Okay, what's with the looks? Did I do something?" Mark seemed genuinely confused.

"You're in love with my boyfriend," Nathan hummed, "and you broke my best friend's heart, and you pissed me off."

"At least you dropped that soulmate shit. If it doesn't mean anything, neither does me being in love with Matthew mean anything. Or me... Breaking green hair's heart."

"Sean," he tilted his head to the side, "his name is Sean and his emotions are valid. He's been practically in love with you since high school started, and just when he thought he'd be able to be with you, you hurt him! That pisses me off, Mark. As does you being in love with my boyfriend, but Matthew can handle himself."

"Not like he can control his feelings," Sean spoke up, eyes going to him, "he doesn't like me. So what? He doesn't know me. I wasted my time being obsessed with someone who doesn't know me, and now words of me being pathetic are going to be forever on his skin so just give him a break. He can't help loving Matthew, either. They've known each other longer than you've known him, Nathan."

"That doesn't matter. I don't reciprocate the feelings that Mark feels for me and it makes me uncomfortable that he doesn't accept that," Matthew cut in, "Mark's my best friend, Nathan is my boyfriend. Speak for yourself, Sean."

"Maybe we can just... Come to a compromise?" Mark offered.

"There's nothing to compromise," Nathan sighed, "I'm Matthew's boyfriend. He's my boyfriend. Don't hit on him, don't touch him in any way that's other than friendly."

"Okay," Mark nodded, holding out his hand.

"I hope that I don't have to shake your hand for you to stand by that," he grabbed Matthew's hand, gesturing for the door. Sean followed them, shutting the door behind them.