Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.

A big thank you to everyone who reviewed! Yes, I just couldn't help throwing in that intimate scene of Sid with Jeff. Sid's a nice guy, so he deserves to know what Jeff tastes like. I could so let Sid have him, but I'm keeping Jeff's ass strictly for Mark. Let's get on with the story.

-ooo-

Chapter 37

"Please hurry up," Jeff tugged on Sid's shirt as he stood waiting anxiously. The snow had let up and he was eager to set off to look for Mark and Glenn. It was about six in the morning.

Sid turned back to him after settling the room charges. "All done! Lead the way!" He smiled amusingly as Jeff brightened up and started tugging him towards the door. But once they stepped outside, they wanted to retreat back in, it was freezing outdoors!

"We're so not dressed for this weather," Sid said as he hugged Jeff protectively towards him and led the way quickly to his car. He cursed under his breath when he saw they had some work to do, the vehicle was half buried in snow. "We need to borrow some shovels …" he started saying and Jeff took off in a flash, running back to the motel to borrow the tools.

He came back shortly with a flushed face and handed a shovel to Sid, "I'll work on this side while you work on the other," and began enthusiastically to shovel snow. Sid shook his head and chuckled. The boy's enthusiasm rubbed off on him and he began shoveling with equal zeal. It took them under half an hour to clear the snow off the vehicle. While Jeff returned the shovels, Sid climbed in and started the car, it took a few tries but it finally caught and the engine burst into live. He let it idle, waiting for Jeff to get back. Five minutes later, they were on the road. As promised, Sid was heading forward to see if they could catch up with the fearsome brothers. He drove cautiously, wondering if there was a nearby place where they could get some hot coffee and a quick bite. He was freezing and he knew Jeff was as well.

"You're alright?" he enquired, checking on his precious passenger. The lines at the motel were still down. A lot of people were worried about the boy and he hoped to find a phone that worked to let them know that he had found Jeff and that he was safe. Jeff nodded but his teeth were chattering. He had his knees drawn up and was hugging them to keep warm.

"Come and sit closer to me, we can keep each other warm." Sid lifted one hand off the steering wheel to hug him as Jeff huddled at his side. He remarked with a chuckle, "If 'Taker sees us like this, he'll chop off my head and stake it up as a warning to those who even dare to contemplate on getting fresh with you."

Jeff giggled, glowing with pleasure at the thought that Mark still loved him. He remained quiet for a few minutes, pondering over the possibility … what if Sid was wrong? He had never been high on self-esteem.

"Do you really think he still loves me, are you sure he will take me back?" he blurted out his anxiety, needing to hear his words of assurance again. After everything Sid had done for him, Jeff had officially looked up to him as his confidante.

"There's no doubt in my mind that he loves you. He will take you back within a blink of an eye, you can be sure of that," Sid assured him. His words put a smile on Jeff's face. They cleared his doubts and made him feel that his world was becoming right again. Now, all he had to do was to find Mark and convince him that he loved him.

They stopped at a gas station to refuel and managed to get some hot coffee and cocoa, and even hotdog buns over the counter. While Jeff ate, he tried to put through a call but the lines were still down. There was nothing he could do. He ate quickly, eager to set off just as well. "How's the road condition up ahead?" he asked the man behind the counter in between bites.

"Not too good, but still passable. It should clear up by noon, just don't speed," he advised with a smile. Sid thanked him and they got back on the road again.

"Do you think they are alright?" Jeff asked anxiously.

"Relax. We're talking 'Taker and Glenn here, they can take care of themselves," Sid gave him a reassuring smile.

Jeff breathed in deeply and let it out slowly, nodding. Half an hour later, he asked, "Why isn't there anyone else on the road?" It did not escape his attention that they were the only ones.

"It's still early, and I guess people are waiting for the snow to be cleared before they get back on the road again."

Jeff shifted closer towards Sid who wrapped one arm around him. "Thank you for doing this for me, by helping me look for them," he smiled gratefully up at him.

Sid quirked a smile, but his eyes stayed on the road, "You're welcome," he responded. "Why don't you get some shut-eye? I'll wake you if I spot them." Jeff nodded his agreement and making himself more comfortable, he finally dozed off, cushioned against Sid's side.

Three miles away from their last stop, Sid suddenly took in a sharp intake of breath. The two men in the distance on foot ….

"Jeff! Wake up!" he called out urgently as he pressed down on the accelerator slightly, picking up speed. He was sure it was them! And they looked to be struggling to stay on their feet.

Jeff roused himself, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What is it?" he mumbled sleepily.

"It's them!" Sid informed him, his eyes glued to the figures. Jeff snapped awake instantly. Looking out the window, he gasped when he saw them. As soon as the car pulled to a stop, he threw the door open and jumped out.

"Mark! Glenny!" he ran towards them, slipping a few times on the icy surface to reach them. Sid followed him closely behind. There was a look of shock on Mark's face and then, relief washed over his face. Jeff flung himself into his waiting arms.

"Thank God you're alright," Mark muttered as he hugged Jeff tightly to him. His love was alive, that was all that mattered.

Sid studied their condition with a critical eye. Both men looked dead on their feet. "Let's get you guys into the car," he said, moving forward to help Glenn who rasped out, "I can walk on my own, thank you."

Jeff helped Mark into the backseat, climbing in after him, while Glenn took the front passenger seat. Glenn stole a quick glance at the back and grinned, his brother and Jeff were wrapped around each other, finding solace in each other's arms. Neither said a word, they were content to lay quietly.

"I thought you said you were going to spank him once you found him," he said cheekily.

Mark brushed his lips lightly against Jeff before replying, "In my own time, without you nosey posies around," he gazed fondly down at his love, his heart warming to the look of adoration in his eyes.

"What are you guys doing on foot and in your under-dressed state? What happened to your vehicle?" Sid asked inquisitively.

"Damn thing rolled into a ditch and we got snowed in for several hours. We couldn't get it out so we had to ditch it. Where did you find Jeff?" Glenn asked, burning for answers. He stole a quick glance behind and was relieved that Mark didn't seem too bothered by the fact that Jeff was found in Sid's company.

"I took a wrong turn and found him trudging in the snow like you guys. He was in pretty bad shape when I found him," Sid informed them.

"I swear if Mark doesn't spank you, I will! What were you thinking? Do you know how worried we all were? And your brother must be frantic by now!" Glenn scolded, but he was so relieved that Sid found Jeff before something terrible happened to him.

To his unexpected but pleasant surprise, the boy leaned forward and hugged him from behind before kissing him fondly on the cheek. "You can punish me all you want later, Glenny. I'm really sorry for running away and creating problems for everyone. Forgive me?"

Mark pulled him back into his arms, breathing his scent deeply before saying, "You are forgiven, but I'm still going to punish you. How could you run off? Do you know how dangerous it is if you meet the wrong people?"

Jeff nodded, "I know," and he proceeded to tell them how a lecher tried to get his hands on him, how he escaped from him by running into the forests where he was subsequently chased by a grizzly bear, and then the group of poachers who came upon him and brought him back to the road where Sid found him several hours later.

"If your brother hears about this, he's going to chain you to him for the rest of your life!" Glenn shook his head in disbelief at what he had just heard.

"I'm really sorry for all the trouble I've caused," Jeff said woefully. He could imagine Matt's anxiety. If he was in Matt's shoes, he would be hysterical by now. He would have to face his brother's wrath when he got back, but in the meantime, he had things to say to Mark. Looking up at him, he spoke his heartfelt words, "I have doubts about myself, but Sid cleared them up for me. Mark, please believe me when I say I love you. I admit that I like Sid but he's my friend, my best friend in fact, after everything he did for me. I love him as a friend, but I love you with every breath I take!"

"You're not the one who needs to apologize," Glenn gave him a disapproving look. "It's not your fault, boy. If there's going to be any apologizing to be done, my hard-headed, stubborn mule of a brother has his work cut out for him." He sent a smirk in Mark's direction.

Mark glared at him but decided he would deal with Glenn later. Without any warning, he grabbed Jeff and kissed him passionately. By the time he released him, the boy was feeling faint with lack of oxygen. "Now you know how much you mean to me. I'm sorry for walking away from you and making you upset," he apologized.

"Hey! Don't let him off so easily, Jeff, make him grovel for your forgiveness," Glenn just grinned at the warning look Mark threw him.

Sid couldn't help but grinned as well when he caught sight of Jeff in the mirror, pulling Mark's face down towards him and giving him a reassuring kiss. "I forgive you if you forgive me," he whispered.

Mark nuzzled against him and muttered, "All is forgiven."

"I love you Mark, I miss you so much!" Jeff sighed blissfully, pillowing his head on Mark's chest.

"Me too," Mark kissed the top of his head. He was glad that all was right between them again.

Glenn decided to leave the lovebirds alone. He spoke with a longing sigh, "I could sure use some hot coffee right now." He was cold inside out. Mark had Jeff to keep him warm. His thoughts involuntarily went to Matt. What was he doing right now? He knew Matt would be worrying about Jeff but was he concerned about him as well? He left without saying anything to him. His thoughts were interrupted by Sid.

"We can get hot coffee from the gas station up ahead. It won't take long," Sid said.

After a while, Mark and Glenn dozed off, exhausted from their long walk. Jeff remained in Mark's arms, content to be where he was. When they reached the gas station, Sid got down to get the coffee and hotdog buns, leaving the two men to sleep while Jeff stayed with them. He tried the phone at the gas station again, but the lines were still out. Heading back to the car, he roused Glenn while Jeff woke Mark up. While both men tucked in heartily into the simple meal, Sid asked, "You want to head on back, or, do you want to stop at a motel to rest for a few hours? There's one not too far away from here."

"I think its best we head back," Mark decided. "Matt and the others are anxiously waiting for news of Jeff. Let's not worry them more than necessary. We can sleep in the car."

On that note, Sid continued his journey while the others snoozed. Jeff popped his head between the seats after making sure Mark was fast asleep. "Are you too tired to drive all the way back? I would offer to help, but I'm never good driving in this kind of road condition."

"I'm fine. I can manage on my own." Sid sensed that Jeff had something to say to him from his hesitant look. "Is there something you want to tell me?" he enquired.

Jeff nodded, "Yes … this," and he kissed him on the cheek before saying, "I can't thank you enough, for everything you've done for me, and for Mark and Glenny as well."

"You already thanked me last night," Sid gave him a wide smile.

Mark, who had awakened when Jeff moved away from him, had been listening in on the conversation. He stiffened immediately. What did Sid mean by that? Did Jeff … no … but the tiny doubt planted in his head nagged at him, Jeff didn't sleep with Sid … or, did he?

"It wasn't enough, you deserve much, much more," Jeff said gratefully, not realizing that Mark had his fists clenched upon hearing his words.

Sid chuckled softly, "I'm not going to argue with you on that. You can continue to shower me with your appreciation," he said tongue-in-cheek and the very next moment, Mark roared, "Stop the damn car!"

Glenn jumped, startled awake by his shouting. "What's going on?" he asked as Sid pulled to the side. Mark flung his door open and started striding purposefully away from the car.

"Mark?" Jeff recovered from his shock and scrambled out the door to go after him, "Mark! What's wrong?" he called after him as he chased after him. Sid sat there, a perturbed look on his face and then, it hit him!

"Damn it!" he cursed out loud. He realized what Mark was thinking. Opening his door, he climbed out, intending to speak to him and clear up the misunderstanding.

Glenn got out as well. "Will someone tell me what's going on?" he asked in a vexed tone, cursing inwardly as the freezing air hit him like a blast. Why were they exposing themselves to the extreme temperature when they could bloody well stay warm inside the car? He felt like kicking everyone's asses for getting him outside.

"Your brother thinks I slept with Jeff last night!" Sid informed him in a brusque tone as he tried to catch up with Jeff and Mark ahead of him. He could see that Jeff was clueless as to why Mark was behaving irrationally. Mark continued to march away, ignoring Jeff's pleas to stop and explain what was wrong.

Glenn pulled him to a stop by the shoulder, "Did you?" he asked in a dangerously quiet tone.

"I did not!" Sid insisted vehemently and then, stopped. His demeanor told Glenn there was something he wasn't telling him.

"What are you keeping from us?" Glenn demanded to know.

Sid let out an exasperated sigh. "Look! I'll clear everything up. Just help me to calm your brother down long enough to listen to me. He has jumped to the wrong conclusion when he overheard my conversation with Jeff just now.

Glenn hesitated, but acting on his instincts, he believed he could trust Sid. Without another word, he increased his strides, intending to make Mark stop and listen. Both men caught up to them and Jeff was already on the verge of tears. He looked frightened and confused, not knowing what he did wrong to make Mark so upset.

"Mark!" Glenn caught him by the arm and pulled him to a stop. "You need to listen to Sid. He has something to tell you," he urged him.

Mark shook his hand off, "I know what's going on! I heard them talking!" he growled out angrily.

"You got the whole thing wrong," Sid explained quickly, coming to stand before him. "Look, I know how it sounds but it's not what you think. Contrary to what you believe, Jeff and I did not have sexual relations with each other. We had to share the bed last night but that was it. Nothing happened between us."

"Why don't you tell me this then, how did he thank you? How did he show his appreciation for all the help you have rendered him?" Mark spoke with a caustic tone.

Jeff, who had been listening, gasped. A look of hurt came over his face before he turned and started walking back to the car. His shoulders drooped dejectedly, his head hung low.

"He gave me a kiss on the cheek in gratitude, and he gave me another one just now," Sid spoke quietly before turning around and going after Jeff.

Glenn threw his brother an exasperated look. "You just got back together and you have to do this! I hate to tell you this, but you really blew it this time!"

Mark who was stunned by Sid's words, stood motionless. His eyes were trained on the retreating figure of Jeff. Sid had caught up to him and when Jeff turned to look up at him, he saw his tear-stricken face. He strode forward quickly, intending to make amends. What was wrong with him? He kept jumping to conclusions and hurting Jeff in the worst possible way.

Glenn followed behind, muttering, "Now, he really needs to grovel for forgiveness!"

Jeff had climbed back into the vehicle, but he sat in front, leaving the back seat to the two brothers. But, Mark was having none of that. He walked over to Jeff's door and pulling it open, squatted down so he could speak to him, face to face. "I'm sorry love. I shouldn't have said what I said. Please forgive me."

Jeff kept his face averted from him, his lips quivering with his emotions. How could Mark think that he would betray him? He actually thought he slept with Sid. He had no faith in him. Mark's words cut him to the core and it made him feel worse than ever. He felt the hot tears coursed down his face and he fought them back, crying silently.

"Please don't cry … I'm really sorry," Mark moved to take him in his arms but Jeff shrugged away from him.

"Don't! J...just leave me alone for the time being," he refused to meet Mark's eyes, knowing he would cave and forgive him if he did. He wanted to move into his arms, to be held by him, comforted by him, but he couldn't forget his words. They were burned into his mind.

Mark realized Jeff wasn't going to forgive him so readily this time. He decided to back off and give him time to calm down. With a sigh, he stood upright and closed the door before getting into the back. Sid exchanged looks with Glenn before climbing into the driver's seat, whilst Glenn joined Mark in the back. The journey was continued in awkward silence. No one spoke. They made it back by evening, stopping by only once to get something to eat in the car. Matt had been waiting and watching anxiously and when Jeff stepped in through the hotel door, he rushed towards him.

"Jeffro!" he pulled his brother into a tight embrace. "Thank God they found you!" He broke apart, prepared to follow up with a severe tongue-lashing but the wretched look on Jeff's face stopped him. "Are you alright?" he enquired gently.

Jeff nodded and whispered, "Can I rest in your room? I'm really tired."

Matt was surprised. They came back together so he thought Mark and Jeff had patched up their differences. It looked like he was wrong. He looked towards Mark and noticed he was brooding and silent. He gave Glenn a questioning look, who spoke reassuringly to him, "Take him up to the room to rest, I'll come by later. I need to talk to my brother."

Matt did as told. He didn't know what was going on but he was elated that his baby brother was safe. His dad would have hung him if anything had happened to Jeff. Once Jeff left with Matt, Sid excused himself, leaving the brothers to talk.

"Let's take it at the bar," Glenn suggested and led the way. He would have preferred to grab a hot shower first, but Mark looked like he could use a drink or two. Once they had ordered and were served, he got down to business. "What's with you lately?"

"Hell, if I know!" Mark muttered angrily before tossing back his drink.

"You're in love and you're losing your head because of it," Glenn said philosophically.

Mark glared at him, "I'm not in the mood for this!" he snapped, before gesturing to the bartender for a refill.

"I know you're not in a good mood, but you need to listen, Mark, or you may end up losing Jeff."

That gave Mark something to think about, and for the first time in his life, he felt helpless. He didn't want to lose Jeff, he couldn't! He loved him.

"I really blew it," he said in a wretched tone before downing his drink. "Bring me the whole bottle," he spoke to the bartender but Glenn said firmly, "No more drinks! You need a clear head to set things right with Jeff."

"He doesn't want me back," Mark said miserably.

"You hurt him by accusing him of betraying you! I won't blame him if he does dump your sorry ass!" He was pissed that Mark would be so callous with Jeff's feelings.

At his crestfallen look, he relented and softened his tone, "Stop being so downright possessive and suspicious all the time. If you love him, you have to trust him. But, for now, just don't expect him to forgive you so easily after you blatantly accused him of sleeping with another man."

Mark let out a weary sigh. "I.. I don't know what I was thinking," he admitted grudgingly.

"Jealousy has befuddled your mind," Glenn said and Mark nodded, "It did, but I can't help it!" He gave Glenn a contemplative look. "So, what should I do now, Doctor Love?"

Glenn patted him on the shoulder, "I'm not making any promises, but I'll try to intercede on your behalf and ask him to forgive your sorry ass. If things work out, you owe me big time! Just you know I'm doing this because you're my brother and I want you to be happy. Now, let's go upstairs, I'm in dire need of a hot shower."

But Mark wasn't ready to go. "You go on ahead. I'll just have a couple more drinks." He needed to think and he wanted to be alone to do that. He was nursing his scotch, his mind going through every bad mistake he had made when Shawn and Hunter dropped into the seats on either side of him, wearing displeased looks on their faces.

Mark groaned out loud, "Please, whatever it is, not now! I can't deal with you guys right now."

"Well, you have to! We just came from seeing Jeff. You have a lot of explaining to do! What's wrong with you, saying those things to him? I'm really disappointed in you!" Shawn scolded.

Mark felt a severe headache coming on. He really didn't need any outside interference at this juncture, especially from the nosiest pair of the whole company. He would do anything to make it up to Jeff but with everyone poking their noses in their affair, he knew he was doomed to failure. Jeff was tight with Shawn and God knows what advice Shawn gave him. He was utterly screwed!

"Well… we're waiting for an explanation as to why you're behaving like an assclown!" Shawn said rudely.

Mark turned threateningly towards him and Hunter quickly intervened, "He didn't mean it, Mark, he's just upset."

"Of course I'm upset! First, you ignored him, causing him to run away and now, you broke his heart! He's crying his eyes out because of you!" Shawn gave Mark a disapproving look.

"He's crying now?" Mark spoke quietly, his heart wrenching at the thought of his beloved, hurt and weeping.

Shawn nodded forlornly, "Yes, he's crying right now as we speak. Nothing we say can comfort him. You really hurt his feelings this time."

Mark fidgeted uneasily. He wanted desperately to go upstairs and comfort Jeff, but he was afraid of being turned away, being rejected.

"You want to see him, don't you?" Shawn guessed as much from his countenance.

"I do want to see him but I don't think he wants to see me," Mark replied in a dejected tone.

To his surprise, Shawn got up and started pulling him out of his seat, "That shouldn't stop you from trying though. You're going to see him, go down on your knees and beg him to forgive you. But, first, we have to make several stops. Come on, haul your ass out of there and let's go!"

Mark thought he had nothing to lose. He was prepared to try anything and allowed himself to be pulled along. Maybe there was hope yet for him. He prayed for Glenn to come through for him.

-ooo-

Reviews are greatly appreciated.