Make You Smile

London Calling

Mark's P.O.V

May 3rd

Tom had changed his number. He wasn't at home. I hadn't heard from him in a month. He was making it difficult for anyone to track him down and he intended it that way. The media circus was crazy. All of the shit they were printing about Tom. About me. About our band. Well...there was no band anymore. And it hurt way too much to think about still. Everything hurt. Everything had fallen apart. Including me. And I had no idea what to do.

Taylor's fingers ruffled through my unkempt hair and she pressed her lips against my stubbly cheek. I leant into her touch. Taylor had been my rock through all of this. And I could never ever show how much her support over these past few weeks had meant to me. I was pathetic and she was still here. Right by my side through it all.

"I think we should get out of here. It'll clear your head babe." She said softly.

I nodded.

"Yeah. But I just don't want to deal with more press statements and stuff. Everything is still way too...raw."

Taylor squeezed my hand.

"I know. So let's leave LA."

I frowned.

"Like a vacation? I'm not really in the mood for one of those." I replied with a sad smile.

I felt like shit for being so down and bringing Taylor down like this. But I couldn't help it.

Taylor shook her head.

"No. A relocation."

I drew back and watched her carefully.

"I think we should leave all this behind...for a while. It isn't good for you. You aren't happy here and maybe you won't be happy somewhere else either but I think it'll help. A fresh start."

I shook my head.

"Taylor we live here. This is our home. You have a great job here. Your whole family-"

"I'll get a transfer. I'll fly back. They can fly out. I think there are too many memories...for you here right now. You told me that home was anywhere we could be together...do you still mean that?" 

I hesitated. What she was saying did make a lot of sense. Getting away for a while sounded really nice. Away from this place. The memories this house held. Everything reminded me that Tom and I were strangers now and everything we'd built together had been destroyed.

Taylor tilted my chin up gently when I didn't answer. I saw the worry deep in her eyes. She was worrying about me and I felt like shit because of it. She'd seen me like this way too many times.

"Lizzie...she's letting out her flat near London right now. It's beautiful. Quiet. You liked England when you visited me didn't you? Lizzie's actually moving here with her work. She could take care of this place until we get back. And I mean we could check out her place if you wanted? I mean...only if you want. No pressure."

I smiled weakly. She was amazing. She'd clearly organised all of this for me because I was in no fit state to do it. And that meant a lot.

"It's good to see you smile again. I haven't seen that in a while." She said with a smile of her own as she brushed her fingertips across my lips.

I nodded and kissed her fingertips tenderly.

"That sounds really great." I said honestly.

Taylor's eyes widened.

"Really? You're sure?"

I nodded.

Taylor kissed me softly.