done // m.f. & s.m.

n i n e

I scurry back to my room after the last bit, simultaneously not wanting to hear any more and not wanting to get caught. I take a deep breath as a smile creeps onto my face. I can't believe Mark was asking Seán exactly what I was about to ask him. I decide I should still talk to Seán, however, as it would sell the idea that I know nothing a lot better. Plus, since he's my best friend, he'll be straight up with me about what I should do.

I take a deep breath and walk out of my room. I knock on Seán's door and hear his feet shuffling across his room. "Oh, hey, Jax! Come on in," he says, swinging open the door. I smile at him and hop into his room, skipping to his bed and collapsing onto it.

"What's up, buttercup?" he sings, plopping into his recording chair. He lounges back into it, folding his hands behind his head.

"I need some advice..." I sigh. Seán raises an eyebrow. I look down at my feet, suddenly feeling the embarrassment of the situation. "Mark and I, uh, well, we, uh," I stammer. Trying to find the right words to say is extremely difficult right now, which is almost never the case when talking to Seán. I take a deep breath. "Mark and I had sex last night."

He sits upright in his chair. "Oh?"

"We had sex last night after we left the bar and I woke up and bolted out of his room cause I didn't know what to do and I don't think he likes me but I really like him and I just don't know what I should do." I exhale. "I was just wondering if you could help me out here."

Seán nods slowly. "So, Mark told me you guys left because he didn't feel well, and I had to be alone in the bar until I made it home, just so you guys could have sex?" His tone was quizzical and pointed.

I look at him, puzzled. "Well, I mean, yeah, I guess that's what happened, but that's not what I'm asking about."

"No, I know, just wanna get all the facts straight," he says defensively, leaning back into his chair again. I adjust my position on his bed, sitting more upright. My stomach ties itself into knots and I fold my arms over my chest.

"Okay, well, I guess you do. Now, what should I do?"

He huffs. "Ask him if he likes you, Jax, it's not that hard."

"Why are you being a dick?" I spit. His eyes widen and he sits upright again.

"I'm being a dick? I'm being a dick. Right. So you guys running off and lying to me makes me the dick."

"Seán, I'm sorry we did that. I was just looking for some best friend advice, but I guess I shouldn't have." I stand up and start walking towards the door. Seán stands from his chair and stops me.

"Listen, I'm sorry. It's in the past and I guess I shouldn't dwell on it. We were all drunk, you guys especially. I don't mean to be cruel, it just hurt my feelings a little," he explains, running a hand through his hair.

I sigh. "I know, and I'm sorry too. Can you give me somethin' to work with now?" I return to his bed and he follows, sitting next to me. He grabs my hands.

"Jax, you are the most amazing person I've ever met. You've been there with me through all my shit and you have the biggest heart that cares for absolutely everything. Anyone would be lucky to call you their own, including Mark. I think you should lay your cards on the table. If he doesn't feel the same way, it's his loss. However, I've seen you guys together, and I think you have a good shot with him." His ocean blue eyes stare straight into mine. He squeezes my hand for emphasis.

"Thank you, Seán. I appreciate you," I smile. He nods.

"Go get em, tiger," he encourages, dragging me up with him as he stands.

"I will!" I chuckle, exiting his room. I take a deep breath and decide it's now or never.

I make my way to Mark's room and softly knock on the door. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears as the seconds go by like hours. Finally, the door creaks open and the pounding in my ears halts for a minute. I hold my breath, fearing if I let it out, the moment would end. Mark was truly beautiful; it was as if he was glowing in front of me. Like the heavens were his bedroom and he were an angel, only here on Earth to make people feel as if they were coming up for fresh air every time they saw him.

"Hi," he quietly says, breaking me from my daze. I feel my cheeks rise in temperature as I finally exhale.

"Hi," I respond, even softer than he had. I make the terrible mistake of getting caught in his eyes once again. In those earthy hues was his soul, and not in the way of those cheesy romance novels. They held the kind of beauty that expands a moment into a heaven you wish to be apart of. I wanted to be recognized by this angel, and all I had to do was tell him.

"I wanted to tell you something." My voice comes out breathy, like I just ran a marathon, as I break contact with his eyes to glance at his lips.

"Funny, I wanted to tell you something too," he responds, opening his door even further as to invite me inside. I happily enter and gingerly sit on the edge of his bed. He sat next to me after closing his door, making this moment that much more real to me.

"You go first," I insist, suddenly nervous as I feel my palms become clammy.

"Okay, well," he starts, nodding slightly. He clears his throat. "Jax, last night was uh, well, uh, last night was amazing. I couldn't believe you agreed to come with me, and it felt like I was on fire for the rest of the night. You make something come alive in me, Jaxlyn. I really like you." My heart stopped once more. If he didn't stop doing that, I think I might die. His demeanor was calm, but his hands were shaking and there were beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His eyes were full of hope and fear, waiting for my response. "Now you."

"Mark, last night was incredible. From the moment I saw you, I knew I was in trouble. I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same and that I'd make a fool of myself. When I'm with you, I have magic. I haven't felt like this about anyone in so long. I really like you too," I admitted. He beamed at me, and then there was silence. Not the kind of silence you want to bask in, per se, but the kind that makes all of your senses go into high gear. I stared stupidly at him, and him at me, neither of us knowing what to do with this information.

I habitually glanced at his lips, and to my surprise, he glanced back at mine. He started to lean in and I heard my heartbeat again. Time slowed, the world around me faded to black, and all I could focus on was the ravishing man coming closer to me. I closed my eyes as his soft lips touched mine. Electricity shot through my body and I melted. The kiss could have lasted for seconds or for hours, but I didn't care. I felt like I was floating and I never wanted to come down.

He pulled away slightly, our faces inches from each other. "So, we're doing this?" he breathed.

I grinned. "I guess we are."