𝖓𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖊

Standing at the bar holding a glass of tequila and sliding the lime wedge around the rim, Thea let out an annoyed sigh. “God damn, I know this place is near the water and all but does anywhere in this town serve tacos that don’t contain any fuckin’ fish?” She asked to no one in particular, the annoyance clear in her voice as she took a sip from the glass before setting it down. Leaning forward, trying to get the bartender’s attention, Thea posed the question. “The shrimp tacos… should I bother? Or is there a food truck near by I should be giving my money to? And be honest! I know you work here but if the tacos are shit…” 

@wilmingtonstarters​

Markus chuckled, amused at her annoyance. She wasn’t wrong. Seafood was a common menu item around Wilmington, it being so near the water. “After a while, it grows on you.” He jokes, taking a sip from his drink and pointing down at the plate of food, the culprit of the entire conversation. Truthfully, he loved it. He didn’t use to, but his tastes had changed tremendously as he’s grown older. “Oh yeah,” Markus realizes his clothing looking suspiciously like the workers. It was a coincidence, honestly, “No, I don’t work here. Just a regular.”

“Give them a try.” He suggests, “They’re not all bad.” Markus always tried to make sure to give everything and everyone a chance. 

   If Markus had proposed a wedding, right then and there, Grayson wasn’t entirely sure he would’ve said no - in fact, he knew he’d have gone for it, but luckily, they both had just enough common sense to know that could be a fatal mistake for their relationship. At least that lesson had been learned through Gray’s thick skull, and he nodded as he pulled away from the kiss. “Yeah, obviously, yeah, I know,” He nodded, still finding just the action of talking and making sense difficult. If you’d told him this would happen at the beginning of the year - which felt so far away now - Grayson would’ve laughed. “And I love you. I love you, too.” Now, he nuzzled into Markus neck, pulling his long limbs in close to cozy in with his boyfriend, mind and heart still buzzing with the confession. Would it truly happen? Who knew, but Grayson now realized something - he’d never let go of his hope, or his love, for Markus. And just like a fairy-tale, he came back, and now things could almost be considered perfect. 

   If Markus couldn’t hear Gray’s racing heartbeat, thundering away in his chest, it would be a miracle. And if Gray wasn’t so scared of what this could all mean, and how it may impact their possible future, he may have started crying already. He was careful to remind himself silently that this was not a proposal - plenty of couples said these things in passing, don’t leap ahead, don’t get your hopes too high, don’t-

   “Me, too. I m-mean, I just-” Words. Grayson had never learned how to really master them. Instead, they tumbled from his lips in a stop and start fashion. That little stutter always shone through when he found his anxiety spiking, but it didn’t always mean it was a bad reaction. His eyes had been locked on Markus, but now they dropped slightly, though that delicate smile remained. “As long as we can for me, too, I meant,” It was hard, holding back. If given the chance, Grayson would throw more love at Markus that he could handle, but it was fear largely that held him back. Fear of moving too fast, fear of fucking it up again - hell, they had just had a fight that nearly ended catastrophically, though the fight itself felt light years away now. “I don’t ever- I don’t… I can’t lose you again. Like, whatever happens, you know?” Now, Grayson’s vulnerability was obvious, palpable, and he came to sit down on the couch once more, pulling his legs up and turning so he faced Markus. 

   This probably wasn’t the best time for this confession - but somehow, before Grayson could stop it, he was talking with earnest once more. His heart had taken over. “I lost my dad in- in a… in a car accident,” Gray told Markus softly, but by some stroke of luck, he wasn’t crying. “I kept thi-thinking… I could have lost you, too, and.. and- and I don’t think I can. So, you saying- saying that, it- I-” 

   Gray ran out of words, and instead pushed forward and kissed Markus before any response could even be give. It was a physical way of saying thank you, but also… me too.

Markus almost choked up as Grayson confessed about his dad. He had never known much about him, mostly because Grayson refused to talk about him, but now, he understood. It made sense now, the overwhelming concern Grayson had when he found out about the accident. The increasing look of fear in his eyes as the frantically worked over Markus’ body in the hospital. He could have lost him, there was always that chance, but he was still here. Grayson was the reminder that second chances do exist and good things can happen to people. As Grayson moved closed, Markus lifted his hand to gently rub Grayson’s cheek, thumb drifting over his cheekbone. He smiled, realizing how quickly Grayson was letting his own words stumble over each other.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized, “I didn’t mean to scare you the way I did.” Markus couldn’t imagine hurting Grayson again. “Obviously I’m not saying we should get married right now, but I love you--I’m not leaving this time.” Markus had grown since then, he wanted all the things that adults did, for the long-term. He wanted a life with Grayson. He returns the kiss with just as much sentiment, knowing that no more words needed to be said.

“Oh,” was all that Olivia could muster at first. While she was genuinely curious about what Markus meant — Olivia was trying her best not to pry. Although, in the process something had clicked inside her mind. The first night Olivia met Grayson, they’d gotten on the topic of whether or not people could change. Grayson mentioned mistakes he and others have made in his past and right now, Liv gathered that at the time.. Gray was probably talking about Markus, as well as himself. Even back then, Gray had nothing but nice things to say about Markus. Which, just went to show how genuine their relationship was. It filled Olivia with the slightest trace of hope in her own love life. Which, arguably – wasn’t the greatest if she was being honest. But, that was neither here nor there right now. And the last thing Olivia wanted to do was get into her own head about stuff that hasn’t come to fruition yet. This visit was about Markus anyway and she really wanted it to stay that way. He needed the support and the reassurance right now more than ever. And that much, Liv would argue he deserved. Everybody deserved that. Whether they were an asshole or not. Believe her, she knew assholes well. Having dated the biggest one for a little over two years. 

“I believe you,” Olivia reassured Markus with a smile. If her own experiences were any indication, Markus was sweet. He was kind. If he was an asshole, she’d never seen it for herself and therefore she wouldn’t paint him that way. “Besides–” Amidst her shrug, Liv leaned partly against the outskirts of Markus’ hospital bed, “—I don’t judge a book by its cover. Never have. Everyone has layers, pages. Some are prettier than others but you never really know if you’re gonna like them unless you give them a shot. You’ve always been nice to me. Therefore, you are nice. So, I don’t know? Maybe my opinion doesn’t matter but, I’m sure there are others out there – people like Grayson, who know you best and feel the same. So, that should tell you something.” Realizing how deep she’d just gotten, Olivia tried to lighten the mood with yet another smile. This one was more delicate than the last. “It’s settled then. The four of us will get together. There’ll be no stress, no tension, just fun. After the night we’ve all had, I think we deserve it.”

“Maybe we can share stories one day.” Markus jokes. If anyone heard about his past relationship with Grayson, they would probably view him as a monster. It wasn’t the he treated Grayson badly, but he wasn’t the best person in the world either. “Besides, this probably isn’t the best setting to talk about all of my shitty life choices.” Markus laughs slightly, careful not to irritate the pain radiating from his chest. Even breathing still hurt. It was going to take a while for him to recover. 

“Sounds like a plan.” Markus agreed. Olivia was the first person in months that had even showed a slight bit of effort toward a friendship with him. It was a nice change. He appreciates that she stays for a while longer, just until Grayson can get another break to come check on him. She leaves quietly, a smile on her face. Markus can’t be any more grateful than he is right now.

   To Grayson, it felt like the world stopped spinning for a second. The plastic container of tea in his hand fell from his fingers, hitting the ground with a muffled thunk - a miracle it didn’t break open at the impact. A few years ago, Gray’s proposal had been born from more of a sense of what was right, but it had been from the heart, too. He could even remember the first time he, too, had that feeling - the surge of love for one person, and that little yes moment when you realize that was who you wanted to be with.

  Forever. 

  But a long, long time had passed by since Grayson had felt that way for Markus. No one else had come close, even Alana, though his feelings for her had been true. “Really?” Gray finally spoke up, realizing his thoughts had created a silence for too long. He returned to the living room empty handed, not even bothering to pick up the discarded tea he’d dropped. Instead, Gray circled in front of the couch to look at Markus face-to-face, because he wanted to see if that look was in his eyes. Gray had seen it in his own as he got ready the night of the proposal, but after Markus said no, the nurse genuinely never thought he’d hear those words. “R-really? Like, you really do?”

It isn’t a surprise that Grayson is surprised by the sudden revelation from Markus. It was odd, talking about it now, considering how things were in the past. Markus thought he would always be terrified of marriage and loving someone, allowing someone to love him back. His tainted since of love and care was always a work in progress, but with Grayson, he knew it was right. It always had been. He stared Grayson with adoration, watching as he approached him, clearly examining to see if his feelings were true. They were, he didn’t need to say anything.

“Yeah. I guess I probably shouldn’t have blurted it out like that.” Markus says, suddenly shaming himself for being so open. They were both incredibly vulnerable, especially after what had happened to Markus. “I want to be with you Gray, for as long as I can, okay?” The idea of starting a family still scared the hell out of him, but with Grayson, it almost seemed possible.

   Not even an eyelash was batted as Grayson began the task of cleaning the wound, checking for infection and signs of healthy healing. He wore gloves through the process, but didn’t have to keep his eyes constantly on his hands. By now, this all felt like second nature. Doctors handled surgery, stitches, and procedures, but it was up to him to keep up with the work that went in prior and after the big stuff. Medications, doses, monitoring, and cleanliness were just four things a nurse has entire responsibility over, and Grayson had never taken that responsibility lightly. “It’ll heal faster than you think… but it’ll still feel like forever,” Gray commented, glancing up to give a reassuring smile to Markus before continuing. 

   He tried to work fast, to get it over with. Even though Markus remained quiet and strong, Gray knew this couldn’t be fun. Clueless to the thoughts actually circulating Markus mind at the moment, Gray assumed the silence was due to the pain of having the wound irritated with ointment and gauze, so when Gray finally finished and secured the last large medical bandage in place, he leaned in to give Markus a deep kiss before straightening and leaving the room once more to dispose of the gloves and old guaze. “Want anythin’ while I’m up? Soda, not beer, you’re on medication, but we got mountain dew, and I think a sweet tea left.”

Markus shakes his head, his head cloudy. When Grayson finally leans in to kiss him, he regains his ability to think and it all becomes clear. Grayson, being as oblivious as he always is, caring about Markus’ well being constantly, only strengthens the feelings Markus has been having. At first, he figures it’s because of the accident--it is, partly. But, he always knew that he wanted things to begin and end with Grayson, and even if he couldn’t act on his feelings now, he needed them to be known. Markus couldn’t spend the rest of his life hiding how he felt anymore, the guilt of keeping that from Grayson was finally starting to eat away at him.

“I want to marry you.” Markus says suddenly, ignore the original question that Gray had asked. “Not like, right now or anything, but I want to.” He sighs, feeling the weight lift from his chest. “You just need to know that. I can’t keep that from you.” It was a tricky subject. It would either bring up bad memories or help them make new, happier ones. “If--If you even want to.”

   “I know,” Gray answered softly, relieved that was all that would be said on the matter. He’d been on the day shift before, years ago - back when he and Markus had first began dating, and he hadn’t minded it. Alix, and Jonas, were often on days, and though he’d miss the routine and the excitement of nights… this would be good. He knew that, and so it made it acceptable. “I- I mean, I might… like, pick up a shift here ‘n there. Once a month, maybe,” Grayson continued, not wanting it to surprise Markus down the line when he’d be gone for a night. “But I do that already, anyway, so…” 

  The bruises scattered over Markus’ body and face were something Grayson had to get used to - usually his boyfriend was the image of health, perfection, at least as far as the nurse was concerned. “Yeah…” Gray sighed, leaving to head to the kitchen to grab his supplies real quick, and stopping to take a good look at his boyfriend when he returned. “You know, you never got to see me with my bruises,’ Grayson teased, but it was true - not that it had happened many times, of course. “You look some hot warrior right now. I kind of dig it.”

Hot warrior was definitely not how Markus would begin to describe himself and his physical state currently. “You just enjoy seeing my shirtless.” Markus says, laughing softly. “I just hope this doesn’t take ages to heal.” He adds, looking down at his chest where he started to pull back the bandages. They were still fresh and not for the faint of heart. Luckily, Grayson dealt with this stuff on the daily, so it didn’t bother him at all. With Grayson sat beside him, tending to his wounds like he had for the past few days, Markus felt more in love with him than he ever had. 

Sure, they had a past. But, that love had been fleeting. It was quick and intense. The love they shared know was real, raw, and built upon. Before, Markus couldn’t seem himself marrying anyone, let alone Grayson. But as he stared at him know, watching his eyebrows scrunch together as he worked on Markus’ chest, he couldn’t help but think--why am I not asking him to spend the rest of his life with me? In his head, he knows it sounds dramatic. But, the car crash had made him realize how quickly your life can be pulled out from under you. He hesitates to say anything, doesn’t want to ruin the peace they suddenly establish. So he smiles and pushes the thoughts aside, as much as it pains him to keep it all to himself.

   A lot of damage occurred in the wake of the hurricane - Gray saw friends hurt, his family ill, Markus’ car totaled, and a few damages to the beach house, as well as other friends displaced from the rain and too many small injuries to count. But the bright side of it all had been this quality time, though a bit restricted, of just him and Markus. It was what Grayson imagined Heaven to be like - inside, at home, mostly in bed, with his favorite person all day. 

   What more could he ask for? Eventually life would return to normal, especially with Gray returning to work soon. “Um…” He hesitated before answering. How easy it would be to lie, tell Markus there was more of a demand for the day shift (which was an obvious falsehood), but he never had gotten good at telling fibs. “Well, sort of, I guess. I mean, it’s easier, right? For us? And… everything,” Gray could feel his ears burning hot with anxiety. His job seemed to be the biggest problem between them, and he hoped the solution he’d decided on wouldn’t create a worse divide. “It’s fine, seriously,” He added quietly, as he helped Markus get to the living room. The biggest concern right now was the wound getting infected or breaking open again. Both could be handled at this point, so Markus was far from in fatal danger, but for his healing process, it was key to be careful. “Comfortable?” Gray asked as he helped Markus ease down, already pulling painkillers from his pocket. 

“Yeah, I guess?” Markus answers, not entirely sure what response Grayson is expecting. It’s a pleasant surprise, since he knows they will have more time together now and evenings will be spent relaxing together, which Markus had wanted the most, originally. Sue him, he missed his boyfriend. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. I just don’t want you feeling like you need to do anything.” Markus wasn’t going to let the slight feeling of guilt weigh him down. He smiled, knowing that it was Grayson’s choice, he hadn’t pushed for it. He was doing it for himself and for the better of their relationship.

When he’s finally settled on the couch, he looks up at Grayson with a disgruntled face, like a sad puppy almost. “No, but I’ll suck it up.” He says, feeling the ache in his chest as he took a breath. “Isn’t it time to change the dressings?” Markus asked, pulling gently at the copious amount of gauze taped to his chest. His head had healed quicker, only requiring a few bandages, but still littered with a lot of dark bruises. They hadn’t started to turn yellow yet, but they were getting there.

  It was nice for Grayson to get to feel as if being a nurse in this relationship had some pros, finally, opposed to all of the cons. Markus knew all too well what it meant to date someone with a schedule as demanding as Gray’s, but now he got to have a little taste as to why that was - why Grayson was always working, it seemed, and why he’d come home so tired he all but collapses into bed. Ever since Markus had gotten home, Grayson was 100% on top of everything - meds organized, routine and regular checks for healing, infection, and redressing the wounds. This did, of course, include a full workup on Markus’ vitals each morning, from temperature to blood pressure to neuro-checks. There was no concern spared as far as Gray was concerned, and Markus had been a good sport, mostly. 

  He was organizing the bottles and setting up little packs for each day when Markus spoke up, and Grayson was relieved secretly. “Actually…” He started carefully, abandoning his project to come and sit on the bed next to Markus. “I go back soon. Tomorrow. Switched to days, but not full ones, not yet. You’ll get 5 hours free of me,” He told him loosely, not going into more detail than needed. His schedule had been a source of conflict before, and though no science backed this belief, Gray didn’t think another argument would be good for his boyfriend’s health or recovery. “If you want to go to the living room, I won’t stop you, but no moving without me. Got it?”

“I can’t complain, though.” Markus shrugs, at least to the best of his abilities. “Having a cute nurse tend to me all day? It’s not all bad.” Markus flashes a smile, a real one. It had been hard for him to find the positiveness in each day since the accident, but having Grayson helped out a lot more than Markus expected. Markus allows himself to be assisted as he sat up, maneuvering himself off of his bed and onto his own two feet. The soreness radiated through his entire body and hadn’t let up since he left the hospital. He knew it would take time, but it sucked immensely.

“Switched to days?” Markus asks, confused on why Grayson had switched up so suddenly. “But you liked working nights. This--it isn’t because of our fight, right?” Markus asks. He wasn’t trying to instigate another fight, but he was curious. It didn’t seem like a choice Grayson would have made without some prompting. “Oh, I’m not moving without you, trust me.” Markus added, holding up his arm for Grayson to assist him.

As directed, her line of sight followed the moderate gesture of his hand. Not that either of them needed the reminder but, there it was again. “I think they would understand if you decided you needed a little vacation.” Although, Olivia was simply making the suggestion, she understood and empathized with Markus’ desire to get back to work. Sometimes, work offered a nice distraction. And in his line of it, he’d probably benefit from helping others. Plus, it helped with the whole – not going stir crazy bit. 

“Oh, I didn’t realize you two were.. working on things.” It was news to her that Markus and Emmy didn’t get along. But, for some reason it wasn’t that surprising? “Should I even ask?” Taking into account it was a long story, she presumed probably not. Therefore, carried on– “Guess, that means we’re going to be neighbors now too. Lucky me.” With the hand still holding onto his, Liv gave it another reassuring squeeze. “Let me know when you two talk about it. I’ll probably be around. I’m staying with a friend until the storm blows over. But, soon as we’re all clear to return home, the four of us will get together and celebrate the fact that we’re still here. Preferably with something strong. Not sure about everyone else but I definitely need it.” 

“Grayson tries to avoid mentioning it but--we had some stuff happen in the past. Emmy has hated me for a while, but I think we’re finally trying to work through things.” Markus sighs, looking thoughtfully down at his hands rested in his lap. Despite his current situation, things were good. Resolving things, making friends, having Grayson in his life--it was everything to him. “I was an asshole back then. But, I swear I’m a changed person.” Markus laughs, he’d let the bitterness he held toward his past go. He wasn’t the type of person to hold grudges now, not after everything.

“Grayson probably wouldn’t mind you coming to visit anyways.” He adds, glaring up as the nurses walked up and down the halls in a rush. He hadn’t realized how hectic things were until he was fully coherent. “That sounds great, actually. It’ll be good for me, I hope. Though, it would probably do Gray some good too--help him get his mind off of things.”

It was as if holding hands now had become an effective way for them to communicate, to convey what words couldn’t. Whatever gratitude Markus felt, Olivia could see it in his eyes. That’s how she knew right away that it was genuine. That Markus didn’t have to feign it because it was the polite thing to do. Deep down, he was grateful for the role she played in rescuing him from the trenches of a less than stellar fate. Likewise, Olivia was thrilled she could offer Markus peace. If there was one good thing to come out of this whole traumatic experience, it was the fact that this unfortunate accident had somehow brought them closer together, as friends. It let Markus in on Olivia’s profound loyalty and it helped Olivia realize how kind and sweet Markus actually was. It was no wonder Grayson adored him. A fact Olivia has known and picked up on without ever having to be told. 

Which is why Markus namedropping Grayson as his boyfriend didn’t come as any surprise. If anything, it had made Olivia smile, guiltily. “Full disclosure, I kinda already knew that. At least, I picked up on it. We’ve talked about you a few times,” although to be fair – Grayson had never said Markus’ name. The fact was just simply obvious after seeing them together at Grayson’s party last February and little clues here and there that Olivia was smart and in tune enough with to pick up on. “All good things, of course. I can tell he really cares about you. Hence, those watchful eyes.” Her laugh was gentle, almost mute. Not quite fully there but she was trying. “You don’t have to thank me, you know. We’re friends. And friends look out for each other. I’m sure, if the roles were reversed you would’ve done the same thing for me. And look, I know you may be stuck in here for awhile so if you need anything at all… Maybe some snacks, or some movies, or some books to entertain yourself, just let me know. I’ll be happy to help. And of course, when you’re all healed, we’ll catch up. Maybe do something fun. You, me, Grayson, and Emmy?”

“It’s fine.” Markus laughs weakly. “I might have Gray bring up my laptop so I can work through a couple cases I didn’t get through. I promised I’d have them done before the end of the month but--” Markus stopped abruptly, motioning to his injuries. He knew that it shouldn’t be his priority, but Markus did care about his job and the people he helped, if he was able to work, he was going to. 

“I just started to smooth things over with Emmy--long story, by the way.” Markus begins, not sure who to explain their relationship to Olivia. It was rocky, they were working through it. “But yeah, that would be nice. Gray told me about you living near him and since I’m going to stay with him for a while after this, it would be nice.” Markus smiles, liking the idea of having friends who cared. “I’ll talk to him about it when I get the chance.”

After running into Grayson outside in the hallway, Olivia was in much better spirits when finally visiting Markus. Hearing that he was okay, or at least in recovery, took one of the many heavy weights off her shoulders and ankles. She didn’t realize just how badly she needed some good news until Grayson delivered. And considering it came from him, and not someone else – that only made Olivia’s relief even more surmount. 

Initially, when entering Markus’ room, Olivia’s plan was to get in and get out if he had been sleeping. She didn’t want to disrupt his slumber, knowing full well it would be difficult to fall back asleep. Everyone seemed to be walking around on eggshells or stuck on autopilot. They did their jobs because they had to, fighting exhaustion and hunger and their worry for loved ones who may or may not have been affected. “Hey,” Olivia’s voice came out shaky and a bit startled. She was in the process of setting down Markus’ flowers when he stirred in his hospital bed and practically choked out his words. Olivia didn’t want him to strain, which is why she took the liberty of wrapping her fingers affectionately around his knuckles. She held his hand in the same comforting manner she did along the side of the road where she found Markus’ half-conscious body. “Markus–” Olivia eventually whispered, while mulling over what to say or do. Claiming ‘you’re welcome’, would’ve only made her feel like she was accepting far too much credit. She never expected any gratitude from Grayson or Markus. Though, it was both; sweet and comforting to hear, she didn’t think she deserved it. Not entirely. Though, to be fair– her emotional and mental state were currently not the healthiest. Although, that wasn’t because of the accident. It was more so for personal reasons. “I’m so sorry,” Olivia finally choked out, and into the brittled air. Her eyes raked over Markus’ body underneath the knitted blankets only to wish they could trade places. Just so she wouldn’t have to see another person she knew, broken or in pain. 

Markus shook his head slowly, hating how much remorse she felt. This wasn’t her fault, it was Markus who was to blame. He drove up to Charlotte of his own free will, knowing the consequences. Albeit, he didn’t expect things to how they did, but he was aware of the danger. “Don’t be.” He tells her, drawing her in with his eyes. He was staring directly at her, making sure she felt the emotions behind his words. He would never blame her for any of this. She was the only person there in his desperate time of need, there was no way for him to ever repay her for that. He squeezed her hand back gently, finding an odd amount of comfort in the touch she offered. He’d never known such a sweet soul like Olivia, part of him wanted to protect her and the other part wanted to keep her close, knowing how good of a friend she would be to him. She was unlike anyone Markus had ever known.

“I’m in pretty bad shape, but I’ll survive.” He confesses, lighting the mood with his goofy smile. “I’m under watchful eyes, so don’t worry.” He laughs lightly, thinking of how much Grayson had hovered over him since he was admitted. “Grayson, my boyfriend, he’s a nurse here. I mean, he works with the kids but he’s been lingering, mostly to make sure I’m still breathing.” It was a badly timed joke, but Markus found it amusing, laughing at his own pain. “I’m glad you stopped by, Liv. I can’t thank you enough.” He hates to dwell on the fact that he probably wouldn’t have made it, had Olivia not been near him.

Grayson hadn’t left his side once. Markus felt guilty that he was the reason Grayson had taken the time of to care for him. It would look bad, having just got his job back and already finding a way to get time off--it was frustrating. “I know I look like I’m in bad shape, but you don’t have to take so much time off, Gray. I can manage. I promise I won’t escape while you’re gone. I don’t even have a car to do that.” Markus tells him, adding in the joke to help lighten the mood.

@grayfischer​

Emmy was struck first with the desire to run. She was uncomfortably close to vulnerability and as far as a list of people she’d allow to see her in such a state was concerned, Markus didn’t even make the cut. But something had led her here and something was keeping her here now. Why was she there? “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. Her eyes, which had been on the thin hospital-issued mattress, flicked up to him. Her voice was low, cracked, and exhausted. “I don’t know.” 

She lapsed into a moment of silence, her eyes traveling to the parts of him she could see, assessing the damage, imaging all the ways he might have gotten each cut and bruise. Her eyes stung with sudden, hot tears and she blinked down to her lap. It felt safer here, she could pretend she was talking to his sleeping form, pretend she wasn’t talking to him at all. “I don’t want to hate you anymore. It’s– it’s fucking exhausting. I don’t trust you. But I love Grayson.” Something about that love gave her the courage to look up at him. Her heart beat a little faster, feeling exposed like a wild animal backed into a corner. But the honesty felt so unburdening that she couldn’t stop even if she wanted to. “And he loves you.” Her gaze fell to her lap again, her courage spent. “And a fucking storm can show up tomorrow and take us all out– just sweep us away like dust. So what’s the point? What’s the point in being mad all the time? Of holding onto all this shit? And for what? Whatever this is–” She looked up again, her expression harder now than it was before. “–I’m done. Just… don’t take his love for granted. Hold onto him because he’s the best fucking thing in both our lives. Got it?”

Emmy had every reasonable right to judge him the way she did. He hadn’t been a good person in the past and he hadn’t made any effort to make nice with her then either. Markus was too focused on himself at the time, not even bothering to put the required amount of thought and effort in his previous relationship with Grayson. Emmy had always been good at reading people, him specifically. She didn’t trust him, he couldn’t trust himself either. But, she was making the effort to fix things now, and Markus was okay with that. Almost losing his life had helped him realize that if you want something, need something--you take it now, you don’t hesitate. Markus wanted things to be good with Emmy.

“Grayson and I have a lot to work through, trust me.” Markus said, almost a reminder to himself. Things weren’t perfect between the two, but they would get there. “And I know he loves me. I love him too.” He listens as best he can, focused entirely on Emmy. She’s hurting, he’s hurting--the storm had caused a lot of damage, but it had helped bring a lot of good, in some ways. “I never hated you. I need you to know that. I figured it was best to steer clear since you hated me so much, but I never hated you. I’m fine forgetting about all of this, we can’t keep this up forever, anyways.” It was exhausting. “I’m not letting him go this time. I can promise you that.”

   It was obvious that communication was a major problem the relationship; Grayson being the King of passive aggression, and Markus struggling with being open emotionally creating a rift. But Gray realized that deep down, under the problems, their bond and their love remained strong and true. Which was a relief, especially since Gray had wondered a couple of times since their fight if a mistake had been made trying to make this work again. 

   “Good,” Gray mumbled with a nod, happy with the new rule. Happy they were both alive, and together, and working things out. “Oh!” Gray jumped up, eager to help, but glancing down at Markus’ chart, he saw he was pending potential surgery, if infection or sepsis occurred. “I can get you some ice chips to suck on, but that’s it until you’re entirely in the clear. If you have to have surgery, you need an empty stomach, so…” Gray trailed off, realizing he’d put on his nurse voice by habit. A forced little laugh escaped. “Sorry. Work mode. I’ll get that and be right back.”

Markus pouts slightly, struggling to push the thought of food from his mind. “I guess the ice is fine.” He answers, finally settling with the fact that he wouldn’t be consuming food any time soon. “Hopefully they can discharge me quickly after the surgery--I mean, I love hospitals because the smell makes me think of you, but I hate being on the other side as a patient.” It was an unlucky situation, but it was his current reality and it would be for a while. Markus wasn’t sure how long it would take to recover, that would be explained to him later. “Don’t take too long.” Markus reminds playfully, watching as his boyfriend quickly retreated to get him a cup of ice.

He catches her putting flowers at his bedside that night, her blonde hair covering most of her face. Markus attempts to speak but no words come out, his throat feels raw and stripped. The only light in the room was on the bedside table, where she was carefully placing the flowers. He tried his hardest to reach for her, through the tangle of wires. “Olivia, hey.” He forces out, trying to find his voice. “Thank you.”

@oliviapcrter​

“No,” Olivia shook her head. Attempting to ward off Markus’ worries about Grayson. If Olivia knew Gray at all, she could say with the utmost certainty that he would be thrilled to see Markus again, alive and well. That whatever anger or frustration Markus suspected he’d have, wouldn’t matter. Because, truthfully it didn’t. Love, at least in Olivia’s mind, conquers all. Or it can. So long as it’s strong enough. And if she had to guess.. that was the case between Markus and Grayson. For both of their sakes, she hoped so, at least. 

“You hit it,” Olivia responded, while continuing to hold pressure to his chest. She was quickly realizing that his head looked more worse than she initially thought. Now that surrounding flashlights briefly hit it. Olivia didn’t have enough hands to tend to every one of Markus’ wounds. He was right. She needed to call for help. At this point, it was his only hope. She couldn’t save him alone. Thus, she turned her head and started screaming into the distance, focusing on making sure her voice was louder than the rain as it pelted against the asphalt and broken, battered vehicles. Finally, after what felt like so long – help arrived, urging Olivia to stand back while the paramedics did their job. She obliged of course, realizing that in that moment, she still had yet to find Emmy and Jaime. Now that Markus was safe and in the comfort of experienced hands, she felt comfortable leaving him in search of her friends. Promising, with tear-stricken eyes that she would check on him later.