(Angst/Fluff) Mark encounters a rude man while on a date with Scott, Scott's there to comfort him
Trigger Warnings: racism
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"I'm going to go to the bathroom real quick," Mark tells Scott.
Scott looks up from the menu he'd been reading and smiles. "Okay. I'll miss you," he replies softly.
"Aw. You're so sweet. I'll miss you too," Mark leans over and gently kisses Scott before standing up and making his way towards the bathroom. He gasps when he accidentally bumps into someone else. "Sorry!"
"Watch where you're fucking going next time," the man snaps. He looks up and scoffs when he sees Mark. "God, I can't believe they actually let people like you into these places." He shakes his head.
"People like me?" Mark asks, frowning. "I'm sorry, I don't understand?"
"Of course you wouldn't, dumb Japanese-"
"I'm not Japanese. I'm Filipino. What are you implying?" Mark asks, trying not to get upset.
"No, I'm saying, you should go back to where you came from," the man snaps, harshly pushing past Mark and storming away without saying another word to Mark.
Mark gasps, and he can't help but allow his eyes to water up. It had been quite a long time since something like that happened to him. He forgot how cruel people can be. Mark shakes his head, and quickly heads into the bathroom. He leans against the wall and takes a deep breath.
Quite a while has passed since Mark left to go to the bathroom, and Scott's getting worried. He tried texting Mark already but he hasn't received an answer back from him yet.
Finally, Scott gets up from his seat and heads to the bathroom.
"Mark?" Scott gently knocks on the door and walks into the bathroom. He looks around, and frowns when he hears the sound of someone crying. He looks down and gasps when he sees Mark sitting on the floor. "Mark!" Scott sits down beside him, pulling him into a hug. "Baby, what happened?"
Mark lets out a sob. "I'm sorry. I-"
"Shh, you don't have to apologize. I was just worried about you. What happened?" Scott pulls away and gently wipes away the tears on Mark's cheek. "Are you okay?"
"I'm f-fine," Mark sniffs, and takes a deep breath. "I-I just... I f-forgot how cruel people can be these days."
Scott frowns. "I don't understand...? Did someone say something to you?"
"Yeah, someone said something..." Mark mumbles, looking down.
"Baby, what did they say?" Scott asks, gently rubbing Mark's arm to try and calm him down.
"I-I haven't experienced this since... high school, maybe? I just... someone saw that I was Filipino, and... they suggested that I go back to where I came from," Mark mumbles.
Scott gasps, and a flash of anger washes over him. "That bastard. Where is he? I'll kill him!" He goes to stand up but Mark quickly stops him. "Mark, they had no right-"
"It's over now. Just, don't Scott," Mark warns. "I just needed to have a little cry."
"Oh, baby. I'm so sorry. I'm so fucking sorry," Scott whispers before pulling Mark into a comforting hug. Scott comforts Mark for a few more moments before they finally stand up. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I'll be fine," Mark mumbles. "But, can we just go home, please?"
"You're going to let him win?" Scott asks. "We've been planning this date for ages..."
"I know, but... maybe we can reschedule?" Mark suggests.
"Babe, I'm going on tour in like a week. It'll be a long time before we can go on a proper date," he says. "Come on, talk to me. What's the real reason you want to leave?"
"What if I run into him again? Or... someone like him?" Mark asks, fiddling with his fingers nervously.
Scott reaches over and gently grabs his hands, smiling. "Then I'll punch their fucking face. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you like that again. You belong here just as much as I do. Okay? That's a fact."
Mark looks up at Scott as his lips quivers slightly, and throws his arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"Oh," Scott chuckles, and hugs Mark back. "I've got you. I'll protect you. I promise."
