Mark was lying on his bed, watching as Nick stepped in from the shower. He was wearing only a pair of blue track pants and Mark smiled at the beauty of his bare torso.
Nick looked over at him. "What are you smiling at?" he asked.
"You," he said as Nick perched himself on the edge of the bed, hovering over Mark.
"Me?" he said with a smirk.
"You sound surprised," Mark said "You shouldn't be."
Nick had already leaned down to capture Mark's lips, kissing him deeply. Mark cast his left arm up, resting his hand on the back of Nick's head, fingers tunneling through his dampened hair. A tiny whimper escaped Mark's mouth as his hand now traveled down the skin of Nick's back.
Nick leaned down closer, embrace deepening as there was a loud knock at the door. "Boys!" Shannon called through the closed door. "Somebody in there needs to come make breakfast!"
Mark laughed, shaking his head. "I'll do it," he said to Nick. "You gotta go anyway, right?"
"Yeah," Nick sighed. "I'll just see you after the game."
"Yeah, I'll see you later," Mark kissed him quickly and then headed down to the kitchen.
"It's about time, we're starving," Shannon said.
"Oh you poor child," Mark teased. He looked around. "Where's Marcie?"
"Somebody didn't come home last night Hudson said.
"Oh shut up," Jen smiled. "She's with Michael. She's going to meet us at the game."
"Enough said," Mark laughed. "I get the picture.. now... breakfast..."
>>>>>>
Marcie stretched, letting out a tiny moan as she opened her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light. She reached over, feeling the empty space in the bed beside her.
"Michael?" she said softly. "Mich... Michael?" Marcie sat up slowly, clutching the bedsheet around her.
Michael was sitting by the window, gazing outside. He turned as Marcie approached him. "Morning," he said softly. Marcie pulled up a chair and sat.
"What's wrong?" she asked him. "Michael..." Michael simply shook his head. "Something's wrong." Marcie said. "For weeks now, Michael. Please tell me."
I can't." Michael said.
"You don't trust me?" Marcie asked.
"Sweetie," Michael looked at her now, took her hands. "That's not true. You know I trust you."
"Then talk to me," Marcie squeezed Michael's hand gently. "Trust me enough to tell me what's bothering you."
"I', afraid to," Michael admitted. "I'm afraid that... if I tell you I'll lose you."
"You won't lose me," Marcie said. "Michael... you won't lose me. I love you."
"Marcie if I tell you I..." Michael paused. "You can't tell anyone. Marcie, you can't, OK?" Marcie nodded. "OK... OK, I'll tell you."