Turning off the engine of his truck, Mark let out a weary sigh as he simply sat there for a moment, mentally preparing himself to go into the house. He did not know what to expect, and was, truthfully, nervous of the idea of what he was about to walk into. As he got out of the vehicle, he winced at the sharp pain which went through his side from his movements, and paused a moment before heading into the house. His luggage could wait, all he wanted to do was get settled and rest for a moment after a long day of traveling.

Slowly, he trudged through the house, and carefully settled down onto the sectional in his living room. Grabbing his cellphone from his pocket, he began to read through his unread text messages, when a quiet voice suddenly stated, "You're home." His head jerked up in the direction of where it came from, and immediately grimaced at the pain in his neck from this motion. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Brandy added as she walked further into the room.

"You don't need to apologize, it's okay. What…why are you here?"

She was brought back by his question. "Excuse me? Is this no longer allowed to be my home?"

"No, no, that's not what I meant. I'm just surprised, that's all." He hesitated, before adding in a quieter tone, "I didn't think you were going to be here."

"I don't exactly have anywhere else to go, Mark." Unsure of what to say, he remained silent, and after a moment she added, "Are you hungry?"

"Why?"

"Because I was about to make myself something to eat,. If you want something I'll make you some as well."

"I would really appreciate that, thank you."

She simply nodded, and when she saw he was starting to try and get up she protested, "Don't, whatever you need I'll get it."

"I still need to bring my bags in."

"I said I'll get it," she repeated. "Is it okay if I make us food first?"

Temporarily last for words he nodded, and as she went to walk away he finally got out, "Why are you doing this for me?"

She turned back around. "I'm not a heartless bitch, Mark. I still care about you…and I still love you," she replied, and before another word could be said she walked away, leaving him taken back.

) ) ) )

Mark gave a quiet curse as he gingerly tried to remove his shirt, each movement feeling like he were being repeatedly stabbed in the side. 'Once was enough, thanks,' he thought dryly to himself. This was by far the worse pain he had ever endured, and given his profession that was saying something.

Just as Brandy was walking past the bedroom, she could sense how badly Mark was hurting as he attempted to undress. It broke her heart to see how battered and bruised he was, and without thinking made her way towards him. "May I help?" she asked, making him turn to face her. "You look like you're having trouble."

"I'll be fine, you don't have to worry about me," he replied, still attempting to remove his shirt, when she gently grabbed his arm.

"I am worried, though," she stated quietly, taking him by surprise, and cautiously she helped him slip the article of clothing up and over his head. "Mark…" she added, unable to find words when she finally saw the dark bruises, and mass of bandaging over his bared torso. "I had no idea it was this bad."

"It's not that bad," he commented, stifling a noise of disapproval when he moved wrong.

"Oh no?" she lightly teased, earning a small smirk from him. "Lay down."

"Why?"

"Just do it, stubborn ass," she insisted, and giving in he gingerly eased down onto the bed. "Does your bandage need to be changed?"

"Probably," he replied, and stepping into the bathroom she grabbed what was needed before going back into the bedroom. As she carefully assisted with tending to his injuries, he watched her, wanting to say something but unable to find the proper words.

When Brandy noticed he was staring at her, she asked, "What?"

"Just admiring," he stated, her face flushing a light pink at his words. "Brandy…" he started to say, but was still unable to figure out where to start. "I…I'm…"

"Don't," she interrupted. "Please don't."

"We need to talk."

"No, we don't."

"Brandy, come on-"

"Mark, I'm not ready, okay?" she again interrupted. "I can't do this right now. It's hard even being in the same room as you right now."

His heart hurt at her words. "I understand."

"No, you don't." Mark was taken back by the harshness of her tone. "You don't understand how hard this has been on me. You don't understand the impact your actions have had on me. You just…I don't think I can do this again. Twice now, you've cheated on me. Twice now, I've seen an ugly side to you I initially never thought I would see."

"You need to cut me at least a little slack."

"I do understand why you felt the way you did, but it doesn't condone how you treated me. I don't care how mad I would get, I could not imagine ever even thinking about doing the things you did."

Unsure of what to say, Mark remained silent. When she stood up and began to make her way out of the room, he called out, "Brandy, please-"

"Stop," she protested, looking back at him. As tears came to her eyes, she added in a voice which cracked with emotion, "I can't do this."

Watching her leave the room, Mark noted to himself his worst nightmare was unfolding before him, which was that he actually lost her for good this time.