Tempus Fugit {Who Killed Markiplier}

~Tea Time~

Inside we found Mark and Celine sitting in the foyer. A man whom I didn't recognise walked in holding a silver tea tray. "Here you are sir, and for you madam." he said, handing my sister and brother in law two teacups. Mark nodded in thanks, then pointed him in my direction. "Benjamin! Meet my sister in law, Iris. Iris, this is my butler Benjamin." I smiled at the tall curly haired man in front of me. "Hullo." I said quietly. Benjamin strode over to me with a wide smile. "Hullo miss! Here, take a cup of tea. Hibiscus, best for during any kind of conversation in you ask me." he said with a wink. His voice was deep and gruff, but at the same time pleasant to listen to. I took the cup and smiled. "Thank you." He gave a quick nod, then turned on his heel and left.

"Well now that we're all settled," Mark started as the Colonel entered and joined me across from the other two, "my first question is. Iris! Where have you been these past five years?"

"I was still at University. I unintentionally cut myself off. Seems I missed quite a bit in my absence."

"Including your sister's wedding to one of your good friends."

I laughed nervously as I felt the Colonel tense up next me. "Er.. seems I did."

"I'm sure you've seen Damien since you've been back."

"I have. In fact I work for him now."

"Interesting. I'm sure he told you how worried he was."

".. worried, no, but sad yes."

"He wouldn't stop talking about you after we all moved back here. He seemed convinced you were dead. Even I thought so for a while. It was only when he was elected mayor that all the talk of your supposed disappearance stopped. It almost seemed like he forgot about you."

"Mark!!"

He shrugged at my sister, who had just spoken. "She deserves to know what happened in her absence, does she not?"

I was quiet. I didn't know how to respond. The Colonel placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." I didn't look up from my lap.

"Mark you overstepped." Colonel said, his voice again turning poisonous.

"She said she's fine!"

"She's hurt you ass!"

"Colonel please-"

"No Celine, let me-"

"Enough!!"

All eyes turned to me, the room now deadly silent. I exhaled heavily as I repeated myself, "Enough." I looked to the boys, then my sister.

(cue cheesy monologue :,))) )
"I've been here for nearly two weeks. So much has changed since we were all together last. My sister is married, and to one of my good friends nonetheless. My best friend is the goddamn mayor of the city and has found himself a girlfriend. My sister's moving out, one of my oldest friends is a detective, not to mention my parents are fucking dead and apparently everyone thought I was too. It's so hard adjusting to all these changes, and the fighting sure as hell isn't going to help that.

"I knew I wasn't going to come back to everything being perfect. In fact I half expected to never see Damien or you two again. But I never imagined that hate had blossomed. All I want is to be with the people I love again. I missed all of you so much, and this conflict breaks my heart. I don't care if you hate each other because I can't change that. Just.. at least try to be civil about it. Please."
   
I looked at my watch. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm already late for work as it is." Then I turned on my heel and stormed towards the door. I pushed back the tears that burned behind my mind. It was early in the morning, I was overwhelmed, I was saddened and scared, shocked, angry, and hurt.. It was all too much. My head and heart were aching. I hated leaving them like that but I couldn't stay.
   
"Iris wait, please."

I turned around. Mark was walking sheepishly toward me. I sighed and slumped my shoulders. "What, Mark?" I asked breathily. "I.. I'm sorry. The Colonel was right, I overstepped. I've been overwhelmed recently and my anger and stress got the best of me. I had no right saying what I did. After all, we're family now and I have to keep that in mind. I hope I didn't hurt you." he apologised sincerely, running a hand through his wild black hair. I nodded, understanding his struggle. "It's alright. I understand. But it's not just me you need to apologise to. You should apologise to the Colonel and Celine too. Explain to them what you just told me." I said, already emotionally exhausted. "I will." he agreed, "Oh, and tell Damien hello for me will you? I haven't seen him in quite a while."
   
A tired smile tugged at my lips. "I will. I'll see you around Mark." Without another word, I left the house to head to city hall.

a/n: hullo hullo! i'm not too proud of this chapter since it's pretty basic, but hey, what can you do

love you all! byeee

~jsfp