Firsts

Determining question: Who would you like Marcus to end up with?

Chapter Twenty-One: The Truth

Chase's P.O.V

I wince when I pass by the bathroom and hear retching coming from inside. Uncontrollable coughing follows suit and I can't help the cringe that escapes. I rub my swollen belly as the babies kick insistently. The gagging continues and I debate whether to knock, instead I push the door open ajar and find Marcus kneeling in front of the toilet heaving as he grasps his stomach.

"Marcus?" I call concerned.

Wide tear filled eyes turn to face me and I immediately kneel beside him and pull him into a warm embrace. He clings to me and cries with broken soft sobs. I bite my lip and try my best to comfort him but to no avail. Adam, Bree, and Sebastian are currently out on a mission to find Krane who has been in hiding ever since he escaped prison. Something doesn't sit well with me and feeling my distress, the babies kick more viciously.

I take a deep breath and stop a painful wince from escape knowing that it will only worry Marcus even more.

"I don't feel well," he whispers hoarse.

"I know," I reply in a small soothing voice.

"I want Sebastian," he sniffles.

I close my and take another breath, "They'll be home soon. They simply need to make sure it's safe for our children."

"Where's Leo?" He asks tearfully.

I sigh and shake my head. Marcus might never see Leo again. That boy has been avoiding our brother like the plague ever since Marcus' pregnancy was confirmed a month ago. Already at six months with twins makes me feel irritated and if Leo doesn't get his act together, he might have to face the wrath of a pregnant male.

"He's…somewhere," I answer rather awkwardly.

"He hates me," Marcus whimpers.

"No, no, no he doesn't," I assure pathetically.

He glares at me but even expressing his discontent seems to be too much for him. He sags in my arms and I try my best to hug him with one arm as my belly gets in the way. Marcus closes his eyes and takes a gulp of fresh air. I would offer help but since I'm currently sitting cross legged on the floor and heavily pregnant, I can't even think of moving.

"We'll be okay," I whisper.

"No, we won't, you don't know Krane like I do," he sighs exhausted.

A soft knock on the door interrupts us and I call a quick come in. The door opens hesitantly as Leo steps into view appearing sheepish and timid. Marcus attempts to straighten out, to confront Leo for his negligence but he's too tired to actually put in the effort. Instead I glare at him.

He avoids both of our eyes and grabs a cup from the cabinet to fill with water. Moments later he takes a seat in front of us. He hands the cup and a wet rag he quickly snatched to an unsuspecting Marcus. Marcus' eyes fill with tears that spill and roll down his flushed cheek. He takes the offered objects in trembling hands and gulps the water desperately. I grab the wash cloth from his loose hand and wipe at his forehead.

"I'm sorry," Leo begins.

Marcus places he empty cup on the floor in between him and Leo. Leo stares at it as if it holds the answers to all the questions.

"I…I…"

"It's okay," Marcus murmurs.

"No it's not! I acted… like a total jack ass," Leo sighs clearly exasperated at himself.

"Leo," I coo.

Leo shakes his head vehemently and turns to look away at the distant wall behind us.

"I acted like a jerk and I took it out on you Marcus," He continues.

Marcus sits straighter and places a gentle hand on Leo's arm.

"It's okay," he repeats sincerely.

"You don't understand," Leo grits growing frustrated.

"Leo please…please look at me," Marcus begs.

I look on with a soft glance and decide to leave them be. They have many things to discuss and it's for the best if I weren't present. It's time they put aside whatever differences they had and move on. Especially for Marcus' own good as well as the baby he carries.

I use the tub nearby as my crutch and slowly rise to my feet, my hand on the underside of my belly. After standing and gathering my bearings, I waddle to the opened door and walk out before closing it firmly behind me.

Marcus' P.O.V

"Leo what's wrong?" I ask concerned.

Leo looks at our hands; mine onto of his in a comforting manner. His free hand lands atop mine and he carefully removes it from his skin. I hold back and try to think that this is for the best. I need to give Leo time to think of his reply, to move on, to get through this. Awkwardly, and rejected, I place my hands on my lap.

"I know where Krane is," he finally admits.

I stare at him numbly, my body freezes, like a bucket of iced water was poured over me. Time momentarily stops while my heart seizes and clenches painfully in my chest making it hard to breath.

"I…know…it's what I've been doing this entire month," he explains.

I blink one, twice and snap out of my trance.

"You know?" I whisper almost as if spoken too loud that opportunity would disappear.

"Yeah…h-he has an army and I think Sebastian is a part of it," he continues.

"He was," I correct defensively.

"We don't know that," Leo whispers regretfully.

"I do!" I yell angry.

He looks up at me and nods solemnly.

"Of course you do," he retorts.

There's no anger, no lie and no truth. It's as if he's given up.

"Leo what the hell is going on?"

Leo shakes his head and pulls me into a tight hug. My eyes widen in utter surprise and my throat immediately clogs.

"I know you love him," he begins.

I gasp and grab hold of his Captain America t-shirt.

"I do," I concede honestly.

A wet laugh escapes him and I have to blink back my hormonal insistent tears.

"What if…"

"What if what?" I ask gently and slightly pull away from his embrace.

We're both staring directly into each other's eyes, nothing but the bare and pure truth now.

"What if I…"

"If you what?" I question impatiently.

"What if I said… what if I said that I loved you?"