AN: Here's the bonus chapter. Like I said, Marlas fans only. It's not heavy on it, but it is still Marlas xxx (It was sp difficult to keep the last chapter neutral, you have NO idea)

Bonus Chapter

As they walked back to GERT-I, Douglas did not let go of Martin. If it changed position, it would only be to move from holding Martin's hand, to resting on his shoulder, or around his waist. It felt like if he let go, Martin could crumble. And perhaps he could too. He needed Martin, he knew that. He didn't deny it. However, he didn't voice it, and he usually hid it.

Today he couldn't hide it. It was impossible to hide how important Martin was to him, when the young man had suffered such a bombardment of hate and horror. He wanted Martin to know he was wanted… Needed.

They sat in the flight deck in silence for well over half an hour, the only communication between them being the pre and post take-off checks. Martin was quiet, numb now from the overdose of emotion. Douglas was quiet; he didn't know what to say.

When they had been in the air for about ten minutes, Martin finally turned to Douglas, a small frown on his face. Douglas saw him out of the corner of his eye. When Martin said nothing, Douglas turned to him sharply.

"What is it. Martin? You obviously have something on your mind." It must have come out harsher than he had intended, because Martin flinched. "Sorry…"

Martin looked down.

"I was just… w-wondering… Why did you… Defend me?"

"What?"

"When Gordon…"

"Martin, we've been through this. I didn't like that he was upsetting you." Douglas said, a little annoyed. He turned back to the console.

"But… You've never cared before."

That made him stop. His eyes widened, and he turned back to stare at Martin.

"What?"

"You've never cared if I was upset before…"

"It's never been that serious, Martin."

"Yes it has. I just…"

Martin paused, a blush creeping its way into his cheeks. Douglas just waited for him to finish.

"I just hid it better." He finally said. Douglas felt his heart shatter at those words. The fact he had never noticed how upset Martin had been made him hang his head in shame.

"Martin… I- I didn't know." Was all he could say in apology.

"It's okay."

"You know, you can talk to me. If you ever need someone… Someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on. Anything. You can come to me." Douglas said softly, pouring his feelings into the words. Feelings he had held back for a long, long time. So long that even if he wanted to, he could not stop them overflowing. Martin finally looked up at him, a hope lighting up his eyes brighter than Douglas had ever seen them. Had he never had a friend?

"R-really Douglas?" he stuttered.

"Of course. I lo-… Well we're friends, right?" Douglas said, with a smile. He hoped he'd smoothed that one over well enough that Martin wouldn't see through it.

"Well… Yes… I guess."

"You guess?"

"Well, I always thought you saw me as a bit of a nuisance, not a friend…" Martin muttered, looking away again.

Douglas' heart nearly stopped. Was he really that mean to Martin?

"Y-you do know I never mean what I say when I'm cruel? Right? I'm only joking…"

"I…"

"Oh Martin, is your self-confidence really that low?"

All Martin could do in response was nod.

"Oh god. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you, Martin. I do care about you, you know…"

"Huh?"

Shit… Too much!

"You know what I m-mean…" he looked away. He could feel the blush rising in his cheeks. He knew it would give him away. Curse natural reactions!

"Douglas…? What's wrong?"

"Oh that's ironic…" he muttered.

"Hm? What's ironic?" He has super-sonic hearing! I practically though that!

"Just that now you're asking me what is wrong…"

"Oh."

A moment of silence rang between them. Douglas could feel the tension in the air, as Martin fiddled with his hat, hands, the cuffs of his sleeves… Anything to keep his fingers busy and his mind relatively distracted.

"Douglas." Martin suddenly said, although if it hadn't been completely silent Douglas would never have heard him…

"Yes?" he whispered in reply.

"Thank you."

"What?" he turned to look at Martin.

"For… standing up for me, and- and for being there for me… I really do appreciate it. I never thought you'd actually…" a pause. "Care."

"Of course I care, Martin."

Douglas could see quite plainly that Martin wanted to say something else, but he wouldn't push him now. He had pushed him before, and made it worse. So he waited patiently, he even turned to the front again.

After what felt like an age of silence (it was only two minutes) Martin took a deep breath.

"How much…?" he squeaked, so quiet it nearly ghosted past Douglas' ear.

"How… much?" he didn't turn around this time. "What do you mean, Martin?" he had a pretty damn good idea what he meant, and his heartrate wasn't doing well for it. It felt like a Samba band had invaded his chest, and it made him feel sick.

"Y-yes…"

Come on Richardson. It's now or never. Just tell him. But if he doesn't feel the same what will you do? I'll just… I'll let him go. But can you? Oh god, I don't know! Can you really face the pain of rejection? You've never cared too much about it, but if he rejects you… I know I know, I'll be broken… Then you can't tell him. But can I keep hiding it? Live in regret? You may have to. Surely the pain is worth it to at least KNOW… Is it? Yes. I have to tell him.

"Quite a lot…"

"That's not greatly… specific." Martin had a lump in his throat, Douglas could hear it, could hear it clogging Martin's airways. Suddenly, they saw the airport on the horizon. "I- We'll talk about this later… Wait after we've landed, okay?"

"Of course… Sir." Douglas replied.

When they had at last landed, Douglas was wound up tighter than a spring. The whole landing process had been full of inner arguments and contradictions, and he had a small headache thanks to them.

Martin was similarly tense. It was clear he regretted saying anything, but he knew he can to follow through now.

Once the paper-work was filed, Martin left the porta-cabin to see Douglas waiting by his van.

"Douglas." He acknowledged.

"Martin."

The awkwardness was back with a vengeance.

"So… how specific did you want me to be?" Douglas had re-gained his composure, placing his usual mask of calmness back over his face. His words were harsher, but right now that didn't matter.

"Well… So I understand." Martin muttered.

"That's not greatly specific either, Sir. However, I will try." His conviction wavered for a moment, before he gently but firmly took Martin by the wrist, pulling him forward and crashing their lips together. The moment seemed to last forever, as time slowed. No going back now… I know. Well, are you pleased? You've probably ruined your friendship just after he actually acknowledged it. I don't care. Now I'll know. So be it…

When they broke apart, both were flushed, although Martin now matched his hair, while Douglas was a very light shade of pink…

"W-what was… that?" Martin stammered.

"Me. Showing you how much I care… And now, I shall take my leave." Douglas said, pushing off the van, and beginning to walk away.

"What… Wait!" Martin cried, grabbing Douglas' wrist. Douglas turned to look at him. "You can't just… leave that hanging there!"

"Really? What do you want me to do then?" Douglas snapped. "Sorry I…"

"Do it again…?" Martin whispered. This time, Douglas didn't hear.

"What did you say?"

"You could… do it again…" Martin said, a little louder. Douglas' eyes widened.

"Really?"

Martin nodded.

Douglas bent down and this time pressed his lips very gently to Martin's lips. Martin responded eagerly, and soon Douglas felt confident enough to run his tongue along Martin's bottom lip, asking permission. Martin's lips parted slightly in answer, and their tongues began to dance.

Each of them wrapped his arms around the other, pulling close together. Their flight-bags fell deftly to the ground, completely forgotten, as they spoke their love for each other without words.

"BRILLIANT!" came a sudden cry, and they broke apart suddenly to see Arthur staring at them, beaming ear to ear. Carolyn had her eyes closed, as though she was praying.

"Come on Arthur… Let's leave these two alone…" she muttered, embarrassed and annoyed. Douglas and Martin, meanwhile, exchanged a sheepish look.

"Come to mine?" Douglas asked. "We can continue in private…"

Martin just nodded.

And there you have it :3 If anyone has any ideas they want turning into fanfics, please do PM me I'll be happy to take requests :) x