A/N From Fae (from Erik and Fae): WOW! That's all I have to say. You guys are FUCKIN' awesome! (sorry pulled a Mark there). When PinkElphaba and I first started this story, we didn't think it would get this big of response. At least, I thought it wasn't. I mean, WOW. This story means a lot to us, to me personally because I'm so close to Mark's character, but could never find a way to capture him. And I never really understood Maureen until PinkElphaba really dug deep within her soul. I have to say this has been a learning experience for me, I mean collaborating with such a devoted author. This has been one hell of a roller coaster ride.
Thank you guys! We appreciate your reviews greatly! I'd like to dedicate the odd chapters (Mark's chapters) every person who's ever said, "Aw, poor Marky." I hope you see now that he's more than that. As the story closes (which won't be too soon, don't worry) I'd like to see a change in trend. Perhaps a, "Oh yeah, Marky!" ?
Chapter Seventeen
"Are you going to the club? To see Maureen's show?" asked Roger slipping on his jacket. Night had fallen, and Mark was observing Cindy's video camera. She had left it. It seemed there was a lot of forgetting in their family. And yet they can never forgive and forget family relations. He was fascinated with it. This was the type of camera he wanted to buy, but he knew he couldn't afford it.
"Are you kidding?" asked Mark. "I'd rather eat gefilte fish."
"I almost died because of you!" Roger laughed at his own reaction, probably remembering the flavor of that disgusting dish. He opened the door. "I'll save you a seat, okay?"
"I'm not going, Roger," said Mark plainly. After what happened at the club earlier that day, he didn't even want to face her. All he was trying to do was help and all she kept doing was yell at him. She couldn't even just let him do his job. She had to make things difficult, as always. He tried to figure out why their paths continued to cross, after they swore that they never wanted to see each other again. He was over her. After all this time, he was finally over her, and he was happy. Well, generally, he was happier than he was before. Actually, now that he thought of it, this day alone was not his day at all. It was the worst day of his life. Now he knew he wanted to stay home.
"I'll save a seat... just in case you change your mind," said Roger, and he left him. Mark put down the camera for a while. This day couldn't get any worse.
First he had this uncomfortable feeling when Michelle accused Roger of giving Mimi AIDS. Actually that made him kind of mad. How could she accuse him of such a thing? Then Collins called telling him he had to go to Maureen. Go to Maureen. That was bad enough. Then she gave him a hard time while he was there... then if that wasn't bad enough, his parents showed up in his apartment! And then Michelle unvieled a new face and sided with them! It didn't even end well... He was so frustrated and confused that he was starting to get a headache. He decided that he was not going to go to Maureen's show and add on to the worst day of his life.
A ringing sounded in his ear. Headache, headache, headache, thought Mark painfully. Then he realized that it was the phone ringing. Gah, thought Mark. He didn't feel like screening, so he picked it up.
"Hello?" asked Mark.
"Mark? You picked up the phone? Gee, you've been doing that lately. Did someone lift your answering machine?"
"Hi Collins..." he said dryly. Great, what does he want?
"Hello, sweetie pie. I need a favor."
"Oh no..." he breathed. He wouldn't dare ask him to go to Purple Sky.
"I need you to come down here to Purple Sky."
Why, why, why? "Collins, it was bad enough you asked me down there to help Maureen. I am not going to go down there again and support the woman who almost killed me with a chair."
"Killed, or tried to end your suffering?"
"No philosophical nonsense, Collins."
"Philosophy is not nonsense. It makes some sense. It's business, Mark."
"Business? How about you stay out of mine? Stop getting us back together! I'm on to your game, Tom Collins."
"You have the most atrocious segways Mark. What if her equipment breaks down in the middle of her performance? This is her first gig in a long time, have a heart. And it's my favorite club. I don't want it to burn down because of faulty wiring. Besides, they'll be hunting you down when they found out who screwed around with it."
"You asked me to fix it! Maureen made it worse!"
"That's not the way I saw it..."
"You suck Collins."
"But...?"
Mark sighed. He couldn't say no to the man who's done so much for him. "But I'll go. But only for her performance. Then I'm leaving. No drinks. No hellos."
"Fine, fine, no drinks, no hellos. Be here as soon as you can. The show starts in forty-five minutes," said Collins. "Take a cab."
"A cab?" whined Mark, "Roger didn't-" but before he could finish his complaint, a dial tone was heard on the other end. Roger didn't have to take a cab! He didn't think so anyway. Mark looked at the clock. Whoa. I must have been daydreaming a bit, thought Mark. It had been a while since Roger left. He didn't think he should change, but just go. He grabbed his coat, along with Cindy's camera. Might as well film something since there was nothing else better to do at that club. Plus, he hoped he hadn't lost his touch. A great time had passed since he held a video camera. He really missed it.
Riding in the cab, Mark got a chance to think about some things. Thankfully, they weren't of Michelle, or Maureen, or his parents. They were about his work. Something that he couldn't think about for a while because of all the things that were happening. He had gotten the Johansen's photo done right away, and it turned out glorious. The lighting was perfect; they were like an ideal family. He sent it over personally, and they couldn't stop grinning. That made him really happy. The intricacy of actually developing the photo, and seeing his finished product really gave him some pride because it was something he was good at. The faces of his clients boosted up his ego even more. They hooked it onto the wall right away, and Mark grinned for the rest of the day. He was so proud of himself. If only Michelle could be happy for him with his type of work. Maureen had always supported him through his career. If it was a career... Maureen... Michelle... oh no, Mark thought, here we go again. He told himself he wasn't going to think about them. Aw, everything was going so well, too... until...
He stepped out of the cab, and paid the fare. There went flowers and candy for Michelle's next date. He approached the club which glittered the letters Purple Sky. He sighed. He remembered that place. Why didn't I see it earlier? he asked himself, why didn't I remember it before? It was all so clear now. This was the place where he and Maureen first met. He sighed again, regretting every step that got him deeper into the club. The place was packed, the smell of alcohol stirring in the air, loud music blasting through the speakers. Well, at least the speakers were fine. Collins ran to him. Boy, he works fast, thought Mark.
"Glad you're here! Why don't you take a seat-"
"Collins, no. Remember, no hellos, no nothing," reminded Mark. "And don't tell Roger I'm here. Not a word."
Collins stared at him, then let out an exhale. "Okay. Well Maureen should be on after the next band. They've got a few songs."
"Alright. I'll just be in the back." Collins nodded and left, looking back at him with hopeful eyes. But Mark tried all he can to shut him out. He moved towards the back, behind all the tables, hiding in the dark corners of the club. He hid within the shadows that draped over like a curtain. At least if no one could see him, then he wouldn't have to mingle around, or speak up. I'm just the engineer, he kept telling himself.
A pressing thought entered his mind though. He tried to whisk it away, but couldn't. He just couldn't help thinking about this club...
The first place they met. He tried, but it's kept replaying in his mind. The first time they went out together...
They were walking down the street. Maureen looked beautiful. Mark couldn't help but goggle the first few minutes when she had opened the door from her place, and revealed herself. She was gorgeous. She was wearing a short black skirt that showed off her long, slender legs, a jeans jacket wrapped around a black tanktop. He hoped that she didn't notice him drooling all over her high heels. Knock out.
He pushed his hands into his coat pockets. Oh why would a girl like that go out with a guy like me, he thought desperately. Was someone up there trying to tease him, tempt him, humiliate him? He began to look down. He couldn't help but feel like a complete dork standing beside a beauty like her.
"I hope you don't mind walking. It's not far," he said trying to make an excuse. He was planning to save his money for the restaurant they were going to. He already had to nag Roger for an extra twenty, which he refused to give, but gave it to him in the end.
She smiled. Mark's heart melted. "No that's okay, I love walking. And it's beautiful weather out tonight." Suddenly she snaked her hand along Mark's arm, and into his pocket, flashing an apologetic smile. "You don't mind, do you? My hands are freezing."
Oh God, oh God, oh God, she's touching my hand! He tried not to squeal. He pulled away a bit at first by her soft touch. He resisted holding her hand. "No I don't mind," he managed to squeak out. "You look very pretty, by the way." He giggled foolishly, and almost slapped himself for doing so.
She smiled. "Thanks. So... where are we going?"
"The Italian's Secret, I hope you're up for pasta and such." He just realized that he never asked her if she liked Italian. What if she hated it? He loved Italian, but he didn't even ask her... damnit! He tried to recover himself. "If... if not we can go somewhere else. We don't have to go there."
She stopped in her footsteps, and looked at him curiously, seriously. "Am I making you nervous?"
Nervous? I'm a wreck! He shook his head violently. "No, no, I just thought if you didn't like Italian..." he stopped. He was babbling. Stop yourself, Cohen, he scolded. She suddenly pulled her hand out of his pocket and felt her gentle fingers touch his lips.
"I love Italian. Don't you worry about it. But... how about we go somewhere else?"
He knew it! She was just trying to be nice! "Mexican?"
She laughed, and shook her head. "How about your place?"
Uh-oh... so soon? "Um, well we don't have anything to eat..." He looked around nervously.
"That's okay, I'm not very hungry anyway," she said as her lips curled sexily. Mark gulped, and hesitated. She seemed to have noticed. "Hey, we don't have to go there if you don't want to, it's just... I thought we could spend more time alone together... to, umm... get to know each other."
If he was wearing rubber pants, he would have peed in them. But he wasn't wearing any, so he tried to be brave. "If... if you'd like. I mean if you really want to..." He looks at her inquisitively. He was so bashful, he couldn't help it. "Do you really want to?"
She nodded slowly. She moved toward him. "The question is Mark..." She was so close that he could smell her fragrance. "...do YOU want to?"
His reaction was sort of blurry. He could have been doing one of three things. He could have been drowning in her scent and beauty, moments away from fainting. His mouth could have been wide open as a fly casually flies in and out without the slightest notice. Or he could have been blethering like a big bafoon. Or all of the above.
"Umm…" a frog caught in his throat. Oh yeah, great time for an amphibian to jump inside his pharynx. "Su-sure... I mean, if you want to." DORK, you already said that! Oh man, he tried not to quiver in her presence. God, if I'm not already in love with her... And if matters weren't bad, or good, enough, she pressed her body against his, and he could feel the thin layer that separated their lips. Don't kiss her, don't kiss her, stay as far back as you can... Madness...
"I do," she replied softly. Mark nodded, and she slowly pulled away.
"Oh-oh-okay," he stuttered, as they continued walking. "We could go to my place." It wasn't too far from where they were.
"Okay," she said. "So how long have you been filming?" Oh thank goodness. A calm conversation.
"For a bit," he said and it suddenly dawned to him. He had bought a disposable camera before he picked her up. He took it out from his pocket, wound it up, and brought it to her face before she could react. "Smile!" Flash.
"Whoa!" The light blinded her for a minute, and she stepped back. She laughed. "Hey, that's not fair, I wasn't ready!"
"Sorry. I hate it when people pose unless I tell them what to do. Otherwise, I can't capture them naturally, the way I want. You'll turn out beautiful."
She smiled, flattered it seemed, and he was happy to make her smile. She moved back a bit. "Okay, do your thing."
He steadied the camera, trying to get the angle he wanted. But something didn't feel right to him. She wasn't natural enough. She was beautiful, but still... her knowing that the flash was coming didn't feel right. He peered behind the camera, then looked up to the sky. "Wow... look at that." Please let this work. He pointed to the sky where the moon glowed.
She glanced up but before he could take the picture she dismissed it and said, "So are you going to tell me what to do or are you just gonna take pictures of the moon? Because it'll still be there tomorrow, honey, but you don't know if I will."
Mark tried not to frown. Okay, that didn't work. It looked like it was going to be a wonderful shot for a split second. Ah well. He grinned and rolled his eyes. "Thank you for ruining the mood. I was going to take a picture of you looking up at the moon, then tell you how the light reflected your eyes... but too late now." He laughed a bit then put the camera away. She was so... spirited.
She laughed. "Sorry. I just thought... I don't know what I thought..."
"No it's all right," said Mark quickly. "I'll never forget this day. You're... unforgettable."
"So I was told." She smiled. "So tell me something about yourself."
I'm a nerd, he thought frowning. He wasn't very interesting. But he could listen to her all day long. She must lead a great life. "Er... well I'm Jewish, and I love to film..." He paused. Was that it? God, what a life. "That's not much, isn't it? Gee, I'm pathetic."
"No, you just need to work on your self esteem a little." She inched a bit closer. "Why aren't you in college or something?"
"I finished college. But decided that this is what I needed to do. Live out here." They reached his apartment building, and he opened the door for her. "After you."
"Thanks." They walked into the building and as they walked up the stairs, she asked what he majored in while he was in college. Was she really interested, or just trying to fill the air with words?
"Filming." He smiled. "Surprise, surprise. My dad hated it, but I had to do it. And I excelled." He was proud of himself for that. She laughed.
"I've never thought of you as the rebellious kind. I wanted to major in music but my parents hated it. I started college actually. I took English Literature, but I dropped it couple of months ago and moved here."
He smiled, admiring her. They approached the door, and Mark unlocked it. He still had that cockamamy smile on as he opened the door. Then it quickly disappeared as he found Roger, April, Collins, Alex, and Gina playing cards.
"Hey guys..." Mark said slowly. "What are you doing?"
Roger looked at him a bit surprised. "Hey Mark, you're home early."
"We decided to come here. Roger I thought you said you were going out tonight, just in case. Oh everyone, this is Maureen." Everyone acknowledged her, but were too focused on their game to give her a proper hello. Mark rolled his eyes.
Suddenly Benny appeared from the hallway, looking like he was in a hurry. "See ya guys later! Roger, don't drink more than you can swallow. And pretend that made sense." He walked toward Mark, then stopped in from of Maureen. His eyes trailed from her legs to her face. "Well, well... who's this?"
"Where are you going?" asked Mark.
"I've got a date with Janet Derricks," he answered proudly.
"Then go on your date, and leave me with mine!" said Mark. Benny grinned at him and stepped outside.
"Don't worry Mark, I wouldn't want to embarrass you," said Benny smiling. He leaned toward Maureen before leaving. "He stopped wetting the bed a week ago." Mark slammed the door on his face. He turned back to Roger, and gave him a curious look.
"Don't look at me that way," said Roger. "Well, I never figured you'd have someone home on the first night... uhh, we can leave...I guess.."
"Leave?" asked Alex. "No I wanna stay! I'm practically winning here Rog!"
"Well I'm tired of taking shots," said Collins, dropping his cards. "I can quit."
"Ohh...but I've got a great hand too!" whined Roger. "Come on Mark, join us."
"Join?" asked Mark. That didn't seem very romantic on a first date. He looked at Maureen sheepishly. "I don't know..."
"Why not? Come on, let's play," said Maureen tugging his arm a bit. She took off her jacket, and placed it on the couch. Mark's eyes widened. Without the jacket, her figure showed a bit more, her delicate curves lingering along her breasts down to her waistline and hips. She was like the David...only a woman...Davidina. "What are we playing?"
"Poker... for shots!" answered Roger, pulling out a bottle of alcohol, and drawing a chair for her.
"I don't drink," said Mark stubbornly. This was not the romantic evening he had planned. Gina gave him a look.
"Poor Marky. Come on, you have to play," said Gina, a long curly haired blonde, who was curvy and lumpy all over the place. Alex placed an arm around her.
"I've got a better idea," said Maureen huskily. "How about Poker... for clothes?"
Everyone looked up at her in surprise. April grinned slowly. "What, like, strip Poker?"
"I'm SOOOO in!" Alex said leaning forward, and throwing in his hards.
"There's an idea," said Roger, putting an arm around April, who nodded in agreement. "Collins, you in?"
He shrugged. "Why not?"
"Mark?" asked Roger. Mark answered hesitantly, "I don't know." STRIP Poker! Even for Phys. Ed he hated changing in the locker rooms. He was not built like an athlete. He was like the David's younger brother no one paid attention to. He was albino white, scraggy, and wimpy. Plus he wasn't good at Poker, so he knew how fast his clothes were to going to come off... faster than a horny jackrabbit on a date. Maureen slowly slipped her hand in his. Her soft skin was like lotion, and he couldn't help but melt.
"Come on, it's gonna be fun!" she said.
"Marky... Marky... Marky..." a low chant was brewing from the table. Roger and Collins started it, of course, the rest joining in, louder, pounding the table with their fists.
"Umm.. okay, sure." Mark gave in. Everyone cheered, and wooed, and Maureen smiled at him. They took their seats around the table, the arrangement being Roger, Maureen, Collins, Alex, Gina, Mark, and April.
"Collins, you're our dealer, I guess?" asked Maureen, as she settled herself.
"I've never dealt for strip Poker, but it shouldn't be any difference than Vegas, right?"
"Haha, just deal, Mr. Einstein," said Roger.
"All right," said Collins shuffling the cards. "Five-card Poker, nothing fancy, nothing queer... well, except for me... we play for clothing, that includes socks and shoes, not accessories or jewelry." He passed the cards, which flew to their player. "Good luck."
They began to play. Mark gripped his cards, and bit his lip. A nine, a seven, a queen, a three of hearts, and two of hearts. He threw away three cards, and got three back. Nothing. Damnit, maybe he wasn't doing this right. For goodness sake's, he never played Poker! Only once or twice with Roger and Collins, but not for anything with such high stakes. Everyone folded except for Roger and Maureen. He looked at her attentively, slyly. She looked concentrated, frozen. Roger laid three queens down, and waited for Maureen.
"Damn it," she cursed softly.
Roger grinned. "YES!" He looked at everyone excitedly. "Off with the clothing!" Maureen took off a shoe and set it in the middle of the table. Everyone did the same: April took off her pink cardigan, Gina took off one of her knee-highs, Mark did the same as Maureen, and Collins with his beanie. Alex pulled off his belt.
"NO accessories Alex!" warned Collins laughing.
"Oh fuck you Collins," said Alex, blushing a bit, and kicking off a shoe. April exchanged looks with Mark as if to say "huh doesn't he wish that," and Mark just smiled and rolled his eyes.
"Hey, I'm the designated dealer here. I don't make the rules, I just call them."
The game continued and Mark didn't have any luck at all. Fortunately for him he had a nice layer of clothing, so he prolonged the misery. Everyone seemed to be having fun though, and Maureen was having a good time. He, on the other hand kept feeling this humiliation creeping up, as every piece of clothing came off. There was a breeze coming in from an open window. Only time could tell how this would all end. Mark shivered. Please, let me win at least one hand. He didn't want to look like a total loser in front of Maureen. For this round, Gina and April folded. The rest called.
"I've got two pairs," said Alex. Roger sniggered, and murmured mockingly, "Two pairs..." Alex shot him a look and asked Mark. "Marky?"
Mark sighed, finally, a proper hand. "Three kings."
Roger sniggered again. "Three kings..."
Mark shot him an evil glare, "STOP that! It's YOUR call. What do you have anyway?"
"FLU-SHHHH." He laid five beautiful cards in diamonds on the table. He stretched his arms slickly, basking in his greatness.
Maureen looked up at him thoughtfully, "Hmm.. Nice try Roger." She laid her own cards down. Full House.
"Whoa!" said Alex choking on his beer. "She beat you Roger! She actually beat you!"
"No fucking way!" Roger looked aghasted. Horrified. Mark grinned.
"Strip it off Roger!" squealed Gina.
"But no one beats me!" said Roger. Mark shook his head, and looked at Maureen. She turned him on even more. Collins got ready for the next hand.
"WAIT, Collins you didn't call!" said Gina. Collins tried to excuse himself, but they wouldn't let him have it. Mark started to enjoy the environment. They were nearly in their pants now, everyone taking off their shirt, as Maureen sat there watchfully. They were still bugging Collins, though.
"I got a pair," he mumbled.
"What was that James?" asked Roger in a phony accent.
"A PAIR!" Everyone laughed. Mark straightened out his checkered yellow and blue long sleeved shirt which he wore under his dark blue t-shirt. He took the first shirt off. Roger glanced at him, then did a double take.
"NOT fair, you have TWO shirts on!" pointed out Roger.
"One article, I don't make the rules!" said Mark. They began another hand, trying not to giggle at Mark's circumstances. He was often the target of jokes, but he didn't mind too much. He was use to it, and was use to making fun of himself sometimes too.
"Mark, where have you been hiding her?" asked Alex, gesturing Maureen with his eyes.
Mark smiled. "I just met her yesterday," he answered.
Alex looked at Maureen in the eye. "Well, she's something else. I'd keep her, if I were you. And I know you... wimp..."
Mark picked up his new cards. "Alex, don't make me start talking about your past relationships..." Alex, he knew, screwed around a lot. He was surprised he kept Gina for so long. Gina raised an eyebrow at him. "Past relationships?"
"Mark, would you stop analyzing everything? Collins, deal me in two cards," said Roger bitterly. He must really hate losing because it seemed that he wanted revenge. However, things did not go his way. For the next few rounds, Maureen started to win everything. She was on fire, and brushed everyone away with her flame. It wasn't long until everyone was nude, and there was never ending laughter and teases about that. Everyone was clothes-free except for Mark and Maureen that is. Everyone anticipated for the outcome. Fortunately, Mark had extra clothing, but now he was down to his boxers. Maureen was in her bra and panties, and Mark tried not to look at her for too long. He did, however, steal a few glances along her neckline. Her garments were red wine-colored, soaked into the light fabric, and blending well with her smooth skin. Her bra pushed up her breasts beautifully, and for the longest time Mark couldn't help but stare hopelessly for a minute. It wasn't until Alex's piercing whistle sounded the air, and he snapped back into reality.
"THIS is it!" said Roger excitedly. Maureen looked up at Mark.
"Okay... you got it?" This was the game. It was getting close.
Mark looked up at Maureen. He grinned. He had been getting great hands. He put down four nines. "Four of a kind."
"Go Mark!" cheered Roger from a chair nearby. The rest had assembled themselves from the side, as an audience. They were all in towels, although Alex didn't mind being nude and free, but Gina insisted or he'd poke an eye out. They were all watching intensely. Even Collins had to step out. Mark took over as dealer.
"I kinda want Mark to lose," said Gina thoughtfully. "Come on Maureen!" Maureen called. She had four fives, and apologized to Gina. "DAMN. It's all right girl. You're still in the game."
Roger grinned widely. "So what say, Maureen? Gonna take off your undy or your bra? Either one is good!" He got a playful smack from April for that one. He pouted. "Sorry."
"I still have my other shoe," she said smiling sneakily. She looked at Mark devilishly. "I kept it on for just this type of occasion."
"WHAT?" exclaimed Roger. "This is an outrage! Collins!"
But Collins didn't have any of it, "What? It's perfectly legit."
"Thank you," said Maureen sweetly. "Last round. Ready?"
Mark paused and looked at her. She had a curl upon her lips that drove him mad, and a gleam in between her eyes that felt like she was undressing him... although he wouldn't know why she would. "Ready."
"Go for it then." Mark looked at her for a second, then realized that he was suppose to deal. He passed her five cards, and took up five cards himself. He picked it up slowly. Jack, Jack, Jack, a ten, and a four. Three Jacks. THREE JACKS. YES. He peered over at Maureen.
"How many?" asked Mark. She looked up at him, in deep assiduity.
"Two," she answered softly. Mark dealt her two cards, and dealt two for himself. He looked at them. A two. No help... and a Jack. Four Jacks. FOUR JACKS. PLEASE let me win this one! Mark tried not to grin. She couldn't have possibly have a better hand than him. Four Jacks. Okay, maybe somone does like him up there. He pursed his lips, restraining himself from showing any form of amusement. He narrowed his eyes, but he couldn't help but stare at Maureen. He was going to win.
"Mark's got something good. He has that stupid look on his face," said Roger.
"I think he's trying to make a Poker face," said Gina.
Mark threw them a look, but tried not to laugh. "Do you guys MIND?"
"I bet he'll totally win this one," said Alex elated. Mark kept switching his cards playfully. Four Jacks.
"Well? Tell us if they're right," said Maureen temptingly.
"Yeah TELL US," demanded Roger.
"Come on Marky!" squeaked April.
"SHHHH," said Collins. He was leaning toward Mark, trying to peek at his cards, but Mark wouldn't let him. They were wise enough to stay as far as they could, but their curiousity was unbearable. They were dying to know who the winner would be. If Mark won... oh, he didn't even want to hope for it. But he wanted it badly.
"WAIT." Roger interrupted his train of hope.
"Roger, shut UP!" said Collins.
"WHAT?" asked Maureen a bit agitated.
"Yeah Roger, come on!" said April pulling his arm back.
"No, I've got an idea!" he said, standing. He held his towel at his waist.
"Oh you and your brilliant ideas!" spat Gina.
"No really, can I just make a suggestion?" he asked pleadingly.
Alex groaned. "Let's hear it."
"Make it quick," said Maureen.
"All right..." Roger beamed. What did he have in store? "Since this is the last hand... which means winner takes it all... OFF, that is... let's make it interesting..."
Collins moaned. "Get to the point, Sherlock."
"Winner takes off the loser's underwear," he said clear as day.
There was a slight bit of silence as Mark's eyes bulged, and gawked at Roger. Was he KIDDING him?
"THAT'S a great idea!" cried Gina.
"What?" asked Mark in complete shock.
"OOOHHH," said Alex, grinning ear to ear. "Definitely!" Mark slumped down. Wait a minute... he had a great hand. This could easily be turned into his advantage. He thought taking off Maureen's garments could turn out really sexy.
"You're not scared are you Mark?" Maureen asked smiling. "I'll be gentle, promise."
He looked around at everyone, who were nodding their head vigorously. He then returned the smile. "I'm not scared... and I promise... that I'LL be gentle." Maureen raised an eyebrow.
"WHOA!" cheered Roger. Everyone was laughing. The anticipation was killing them.
"Okay. Moment of truth," stated Maureen.
"Ladies first," said Mark.
"If you insist." With a blank expression on her face she laid her cards on the table. Mark's jaw would have nearly fell to the floor if he didn't catch himself on time. Four of a kind. QUEENS. How on earth did she get that! There was NO way! "So?"
He continued to stare in terror, in stupor, in disbelief. I was so close, he thought deserately. He drew back in embarrassment. "Best two out of three?"
Instantly, there were a boom of cheers and utters of "YEAAAHH BABYY!". It almost hit the ceiling off, and shook the room. Alex and Roger couldn't stop stomping with laughter. Gina let out a loud whistle. He knew that they've all been waiting for a day for him to strip it all off. What could have been better entertainment for them? Maureen laughed along with them, as Mark threw down his cards.
"Oh no, honey, no WAY. I won, haven't I?"
"TAKE it off Marky!" said Roger.
"Wait, wait! I thought I was going to take it off?" Maureen put on a pout and looked at him with innocent puppy dog eyes. Roger slapped his forehead.
"RIGHT!" he exclaimed. "Do your thing Maureen!"
"Umm." Mark wanted to protest. It was embarrassing enough that he was going to be naked in front of everyone. But having Maureen do the honors? What if she... causes even more...? ARG! Everyone started to soften their voices, as Collins shushed them all.
A nervous feeling crept up Mark's neck as he stood there in the middle of the room with nothing but his boxers on. Everyone was watching intently as Maureen grinned mischievously. Gradually she came up to him, nothing but her scarlet brassiere, and panty. She placed her soft, cold hands on his waist. He shivered a bit as she slid her palms up and down his bare sides. She touched his boxers. Slowly, she started slipping them off. Mark couldn't help but blush. A squeal from April was heard behind Roger. Carefully, the article of clothing inched down his skin, becoming barer. He felt a whisp of cold air as she pulled them down... then...
"You know," she said softly, "this would be better if we did it alone." He was a bit confused, but didn't say anything. She gently took his hand and lead him down the hall, moving away from the protests of Roger and Alex.
"Thanks Maureen," he said blushing madly, as they strolled into the dark hallway.
She smiled. "No problem. You want to finish this in your bedroom though? It's kinda cold in here..."
He was so embarassed. He didn't think she would actually go through with it. For a moment, he thought that she would give him mercy, and save the ridicule. But he tried not to let her see it. "Yeah, sure."
They entered the bedroom, which was a bit dark. The moonlight shone from the window, and gave little light. But it did stream nicely on Maureen's eyes.
"So umm…" she laughed sort of nervously. "Are you sure about this? I mean, first date and all?" Of course I'm not sure! I'm bloody petrified!
"Well, if you don't want to..." As quickly as he could he headed for the door. She hurried after him and grabbed his hand. He turned around, feeling her soft touch weaken him, and he faced her. She pushed him gently against the door, running a hand down his chest. She traced her fingers up and down his stomach, and began to kiss him lightly on the neck. He felt so nervous. He's never done anything like this, or even thought about doing it on a first date.
"Maureen, I-" A knock. Saved.
"Are you naked yet?" Roger…
"Get away from that door, you wannabe rocker!" Collins' voice was heard on the other side. The noise ceased and Mark sighed. He flushed as he looked at her, that sexy sneer upon her face. "Sorry."
Maureen smiled weakly. "It's okay. Hey, nothing will happen if you don't want it to, okay? I won't take these off-" she touched his boxers slightly. "-unless you want me to. I promise. We can go put some clothes on and go out there as if nothing happened. It's up to you."
Although she promised, she had a conniving look in her eyes. He didn't know if he could believe her. He wondered if he wanted to do it. What was the harm? A LOT OF THINGS, he answered himself silently. Another annoying knock came at the door.
"Heard that Maureen, nice try!" Roger said from the other side. "We want some proof when you two get out from there!"
"DAVIS I'm going to launch you out the window, if you don't get away from that door!" There was struggling on the other side, and then silence. Mark shuddered.
"P-proof?" His lips quivered. "Look... you're the winner. You won fair and sqaure... it's up to you."
"If it's up to me, I say we stay here," she whispered seductively. "...and see what happens." She rose her voice slightly. "You better stay away from that door, Roger!"
His heart fluttered, and a nervous feeling ran up his spine. He listened, but there was no answer. "I think they killed him," he said. She laughed softly, and continud spreading light kisses on his neck. They tickled a bit, but he liked it. He placed his hand on her back, and he wanted to pull her closer for more... more...
"Tell me when to stop and I will," she whispered in between. She slowly raised her eyes to his. She looked at him earnestly. He nodded and slowly slid his hands to her waist, and she trailed her kissed on his chest, and up his collarbone. He didn't want to protest. He felt like puddy in her hands. He pulled her slightly closer, but not too close to let her know that he yearned for more. Her hands crept along his chest then he felt her loving hand run through his hair. She rubbed his face gently, smiling at him. She suddenly frowned. What was wrong? She took off his glasses and placed it on the nightstand. Uh-oh... Mark bit his lip, but she wouldn't let him go. He wanted to, but... he was so unsure. She smiled a bit, and gently wrapped her arms around his neck. She brought his head down a bit so his lips would meet hers halfway. She kissed him slowly, her lips caressing his, and Mark immediately kissed back. He liked the way that felt. He savored her sweet taste, each kiss being more urgent by the second.
He brought her waist closer to his body, feeling her heat, her warmth. He trailed a finger down her spine, and she arched up slightly by his touch. That caused her to press her body against his even more, her soft skin slowly moving up and down against his body. For a minute, Mark lost all thought. He slowly pulled away.
"Aren't we suppose to be doing something?" he asked softly.
She smiled. "Well, you can start by locking that door in case Roger decides to barge in... then we can move this party into a more comfortable place, like your bed for instance..." her whisper was so seductive. Mark swallowed. "...and then we can take these off..." She tugged at his boxers, and Mark felt an unbelievable sensation throughout his body. She pushed for more as she pressed her lips against his again, slowly tugging down...
"God, is she all right?" Mark snapped his head up. The music began to fill the air again, and Mark realized that he had dreamt off again. He looked at the stage. Maureen was standing onstage, the music playing, but she didn't do anything. No words came out. Mark turned on the video camera, pointing it towards Maureen. He couldn't help but preserve a last piece of her after that daydream he had. But she didn't do anything. She tried to sing, but the words kept coming out muffled, inaudible. She had a look of fright in her eyes. He steadied the camera. What was happening?
Then she did it. She ran offstage.
Mark wanted to go after her. In all the time he'd known her, she never ran away from a performance. Nothing ever frightened her enough to run away. But he held himself back. This was none of his business. And if he wanted to live life happily, he was just going to have to get use to it. He couldn't be her rescuer anymore. Sadly, but with some dignity, he left the club. Goodbye, love.
Note from Fae (Mark): This chapter is dedicated to every girl who's longed to be in Maureen's shoes... or undergarments...