#dcmvns

marley has no reason to be jealous and bitter about happy couples. he’s the one standing in his own way when it comes to ‘dating’ and ‘commitment’ and, for the most part, he prefers the solitary life he’s chosen. being single leaves him far more satisfied (sexually) than being in a relationship ever had. however, being at an event surrounded by red and pink decorations, hearts with streamers and snippets of conversations about dates leaves a sour taste in his mouth. that sourness turns to straight up revolt as marley spots theo. at first, it brings a flicker of a smile to his lips and he prepares to steal his sometimes-past sometimes-present lover away for a private conversation -- that may or may not end in its usual way for them. then, he sees who it is that’s occupying theo’s attention. emery. despite his brotherly (and selfish) warnings, emery wasn’t heeding marley’s advice. he wasn’t staying away from theo. worst of all, he looked happier for it. 

a smiley, giggly emery shouldn’t make jealousy and anger boil within his chest but it does; it can’t be helped. theo’s attentions had always been half his, practically from the beginning. maybe its the environment that’s amplifying his upset or maybe some part of him that was in denial has finally come around to admitting he has feelings for theo but, regardless of the reasoning, he feels the pinpricks of tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. adrenaline sparks in his veins -- fight or flight instincts triggered. he wants to leave but he can’t. the stupid dates for the stupid auction haven’t been announced. turning on a heel he hopes the humiliated flush on his cheeks isn’t as noticeable as it feels. he hopes no one sees him this close to crying. the bathroom is his choice of sanctuary and so he starts bee-lining for it but, along the way, his gaze is attracted to a dark, foreboding figure against one wall. damon. he’s no sanctuary but he’s always helped marley escape his mind for a while. their exchanges also make marley feel wanted, even if it’s just carnally, and right now, he feels anything but. his feet make the decision for him and put him in front of damon in only a few graceful strides, body quivering with bottled up emotions.