Red and Blue: A Crankiplier Story

Chapter 40

Forty is a big number, isn't it?

Mark's world spun around him slightly. It wasn't bad and he knew that he hadn't lost much blood considering that there wasn't a puddle of blood on the ground below him. Mark had his head resting on Ethan's lap, who had his eye closed and was breathing slowly as if meditating. He had his hand brushing through Mark's hair in a soft, loving motion. It felt nice. The wooziness and shock cleared within another ten minutes but he knew that he had to take the day slow if he wanted to perform in the Talent Quest with Ethan.

"I'm okay." Mark muttered. He sort of liked it in the sun, it was warm and cozy, like Ethan's arms. He opened his eyes and met Ethan's, smiling. Ethans eyes softened and seemed to release some of the stress that was locked up inside.

Oh Ethan... I didn't want you to be stressed out about me. I'm fine. Mark thought.

"We can go find Joey and Daniel?" Dan asked. As Mark sat up, he could see that he had his head on Phil's shoulder.

"Yep." Robert sighed. It sounded as though he wanted to stay here too.

Mark pushed a little bit of Ethan's blue hair away from his face.

Phil got up and helped Dan, then he turned to Mark and held out his hand. Mark accepted and got up from the soft ground. His world spun a little but quickly stopped. Ethan got up and stepped a little closer to Mark than usual. He remembered what Kyan had told them. They didn't know the full extent of what Tyler was going to do but they knew that he was going to hurt them. Raven was apparently going to meet them in the real world so maybe they could get answers from her.

Ethan wrapped Mark's arm around his shoulder. "Just in case." He said.

Mark shook his head and pulled Ethan into a side hug. The walk was short and soon Mark saw the glistening lake once more.

"You shouldn't go into the lake, Mark." Dan advised.

"I agree." Mark agreed, touching the bandaid on his head. This was going to leave a serious bruise but it was worth it. Mark would be able to remember this all so much better. The cut wasn't deep at all and didn't bleed much after five minutes and the scar should heal up within a month or so.

"I'll stay with you Markie." Ethan smiled.

"You don't have to." Mark said.

"You stayed with me, I'm going to return the favour whether you like it or not." Ethan said stubbornly.

"If it makes you happy, Eth." Mark said as the others pulled off their shirts and ran into the water. Mark sat down on the grass, checking for ant nests before he fully got comfortable. Ethan wrapped his arms around him. Mark nuzzled his head into Ethan's neck and sighed, wrapping his arms around his boyfriends waist.

"M-Mark that tickles..." Ethan giggled.

Mark placed a few soft kisses on Ethan's neck who started giggling.

"Why does that feel so good?" Ethan asked.

"I don't know." Mark replied nuzzling his head back into Ethan's neck. He heard splashing and Joey's voice screeching with laughter.

"You're turn, Mark." Ethan whispered slyly, poking Mark in the side. Mark started giggling instantly.

"I knew it! I accidentally touched your ribs when you were asleep and you giggled." Ethan stated as he continued to poke Mark's sides. Mark erupted into laughter but he retaliated by getting on top of Ethan and tickling him. The two were laughing and screeching hysterically but Mark ended up winning the tickle-fest. Mark looking into Ethan's eyes who was still under him.