Divisions

Epilogue - Part 1

One month later.

As Mark tiptoed out of the bed, he was careful to ensure the boy beside him was still asleep, although he knew he did not have to worry. Ricardo was always a heavy sleeper, and it warmed Mark's heart to realize that this was something he knew about him, as he began to learn more and more about Ricardo's everyday habits. The little things about him were always what made Mark fall in love with him more. The gentle snuffle Ricardo made when we was beginning to wake up, how he always kissed Mark's forehead first, and then his right cheek. The familiarity, which Mark had feared would separate them eventually, suddenly was something that kept the two together.

Mark quietly made his way to the kitchen, anxious to make as little noise as possible. If there was one area of the house Ricardo seemed to be protective over, it would always be the kitchen. It had surprised Mark at first, how a man as muscular as he was, would find such solace in the kitchen, but now, it was more normal than ever for him to cook in the mornings. His food was amazing, and always tasted better the more he cooked.

Mark grabbed the ingredients for the only "dish" he knew how to prepare: scrambled eggs. As the eggs were frying, Mark winced, hoping Ricardo could not hear him. If he could hear him, however, Ricardo was not making it obvious. While the food cooked, Mark dashed over to the living room, where he retrieved the card he had hidden from Ricardo in an envelope within one of the drawers. The card was already signed, best wishes inscribed by Jarred, Nat, Gia, Camilla and Carmen.

Mark smiled slightly, as he read the messages to myself. Although the two had only known each other for a few months, it felt like Mark already knew how Ricardo would react.

Mark rushed back to the kitchen, smelling something odd, and was startled to see the eggs browning slightly. He quickly shut off the heat, praying there was enough egg salvageable for  Ricardo's breakfast.

After toasting a few toast slices and retrieving the flowers he had bought the previous evening, Mark was ready, a warm feeling he had been accustomed to rising in his heart as he walked towards the room, a tray in his hand and a rose in his mouth.

Ricardo was already awake, and he smiled surprise as Mark walked in.

"Happy Birthday, Ricardo," Mark said, the words muffled under the rose between his lips.

Ricardo gladly took the tray and then the rose, as Mark explained that he had tried to make them breakfast. Ricardo took a bite.

"Oh Marcus..." he chuckled slightly, and Mark knew he had done a terrible job of making the eggs.

"I'm sorry Ricardo, I suck at cooking," Mark smiled.

"You really didn't have to," Ricardo grinned, pulling Mark closer to him. "I love that you tried,"

"Wait, wait," Mark said, just before he could get into the kiss.

"I have something for you; it's not large..."

"Listen, Marcus," Ricardo said, a smile Mark had gotten used to forming on his lips. "Just being with you is enough for me,"

"Aww," Mark said, pecking him on the cheek. "But I managed to get the everyone together to make you this..."

Mark handed Ricardo the card, and Mark's heart burst with warmth as he watched Ricardo read its contents and smile.

"I love you, Marcus, thank you so much for this," he smiled.

"Oh, I have more news," Mark said, slowly, taking a deep breath.

"Yeah?" Ricardo asked.

"Remember when I went to fetch some supplies form my parent's house last weekend?"

Ricardo nodded.

"Well, I came out," Mark said, half-smiling.

Mark remembered the moment, the blank looks on his parents' face when he broke the news. Once his father had registered the news he asked him to leave, and honestly, Mark was glad to go.

"Was it rough?" Ricardo  asked, concerned.

Mark nodded.

"Marcus..." he said, rising slowly and pulling me into a hug.

Mark loved how Ricardo  called me by my full name when he was serious, how he always called out his name with a slight accent, one that made Mark's heart flutter slightly.

"It's okay," Mark said, looking up at him. "I'm happy I told them, and that I'm with you," he looked into Ricardo's hazel eyes his features softened.

"Speaking of being with you..." Ricardo began, placing the tray on the bedside table and focusing on Mark.

"Wait, I need to tell you, I've got us tickets to East Island next month!" Mark said quickly, so he wouldn't forget.

"I can't wait to  see everyone, and to take you surfing," Ricardo grinned, looking Mark up and down, in a way that made Mark's heart sing.

"You know what would be the best birthday gift, though?" he asked, cupping Mark's head in his hands.

"Yeah?" Mark asked, as Ricardo kept staring at him, a sly grin on his face.

Ricardo did not even have to answer that question, didn't even have time to try answer, as Mark pulled Ricardo closer towards him.