This Is Me

Part 8

Sean brushed past Mark, heading straight for the car as he took sips of his coffee. He wanted it to be bad, that way he could complain about it... but Mark knew just how he liked it. Mark jogged around the car and Sean slipped inside. Propping his feet up onto the dashboard, Sean grumbled out dryly. "So, where are we going?" Mark smirked at him, then turned his attention to the road as he pulled out. Sean rolled his eyes, slipping another cookie into his mouth as he mumbled under his breath. "Fine. Keep your secrets..." Mark picked up his coffee from the holder between them to sip it, putting it down between his legs as he drove. Sean couldn't help taking in Mark's appearance. He was dressed in a black tank top and loose fitting black shorts. If they weren't going to workout... He was poorly dressed for the weather. Mark's fingers traced around the lid of his coffee cup, his eyes focused on the road intently. 

Sean slumped farther in the passenger seat, telling him in a light stern voice. "You shouldn't be drinking and driving. Didn't they teach you that in L.A.?" A small smile broke across Mark's face as he softly answered. "I got my license in Ohio." Sean glared at him, bluntly growling out. "You missed the point." Mark didn't look at him as he replied sweetly. "I see you're just as charming in the morning as ever." Sean reached out to take Mark's coffee from between his legs. Mark glanced down for a split second, but didn't stop him. Sean put the cup back into the cup holder, then turned to look out the window. He had to do it. It made him uneasy. They continued on for a bit in silence, before the coffee finally kicked in. Feeling more awake, Sean softly broke the silence, telling Mark casually. "I saw the article they did about you... I'm sorry. They had no right to say those things about you."

Mark let out a heavy sigh, commenting seriously. "Yes they did. I fucked up. I have no one to blame except myself." Sean looked back toward Mark, retorting just as seriously. "Mark... I still think this is a bad idea... but it's you or retirement. And I don't want to retire yet." The car slowed into a curb side parking spot, before Mark finally looked at him to say sweetly. "So, you're going to let me coach you?" Sean now let out a heavy sigh, giving him a simple nod. Mark reached out to pat his chest a bit too hard, grinning as he stated out to him excitedly. "Good! Cause you're going to hate me in a few seconds." Sean sat up feeling suddenly worried. Mark exited the car and Sean's eyes fell on the building they were parted in front of. Sean's eyes widened in horror and he staggered from the car to get a better look. Walking to the sidewalk, Sean shot a glare at Mark.

Mark raised a hand to him, quickly informing him. "Now don't say anything just yet! Here me out. What's the big reason you never bring home gold?" Sean strolled closer to Mark, his body tensing up as he snapped out. "Why did you bring me here?! Do you have any idea what will happen to me if my family sees me here?! Take me to a gym!" Mark put a firm hand on his shoulder, looking him in the eyes as he continued on like Sean hadn't spoken. "Working out isn't your problem, Sean. Your routines are fine, but your confidence is lacking. You've never been able to draw in a crowd." Sean gestured to the building, sneering back through clenched teeth. "First off, Fuck you! You've never brought home a silver in your life. And second, this? Really, Mark? I don't think this is what they meant by drawing people in! It's figure skating! Not a striptease on ice!"

Mark cupped his face, staring him down stubbornly as he said. "Sean, you're not seeing the big picture here." Sean swatted Mark's hands off, starting to fall into a rant as he shot back. "God damn it, Mark. I'm not doing this. My Ma will have a heart attack and don't get me started on my Da. I can't be seen here. The people in this town know my parents! If this gets out, I'll never be able to show my face to anyone again! Then I'll REALLY blame you!" Mark grabbed Sean's shoulders, telling him over his endless rantings. "Sean. Sean! SEAN! Relax! No one is going to say anything. Now come on. You're being rude." Sean stayed frozen to his spot, growling out to Mark as he moved to the glass doors. "Mark... I'm not comfortable with this." Mark released the door handle, turning to him and crossing his arms over his chest. Sean couldn't read his expression. After a moment, Mark asked him bluntly. "You have a problem with strippers?"