An hour passed before Mark finally went downstairs to find David.
David was seated casually, sipping a drink while scrolling through something on his phone. The moment he noticed Mark, he set the glass aside and stood.
Mark approached him slowly, offering a small smile. "How was the trip? Everything went okay?"
David gave a tired nod. "Handled. Everything's fine now." His voice was calm.
Before Mark could ask more, David stepped closer and slipped a hand around his waist, pulling him in gently. I'm starving, David murmured, his voice low. I want to eat you.
Mark blinked, caught off guard. Huh. Shouldn't you eat something real first? You've been gone for days. You need proper food.
David leaned closer, the hunger in his eyes not about food. I said I'm hungry for you, Mark. Everything else can wait.
Mark placed a hand on his chest, stopping him with a nervous giggle. You should eat something first. Recharge, rest… then you can think about anything else.
David smirked, clearly amused but not entirely willing to back off. Fine. I'll eat something first, he said brushing his lips against Mark's forehead. Then later, I'll eat you.
Mark rolled his eyes, but his flushed cheeks betrayed his reaction. "Better," he mumbled, turning away quickly before David could see him smile.
David had gone to eat, finally letting Mark win the small battle of priorities. A modest spread was laid on the dining table, and he was halfway through his meal when Dnie entered, casually pulling out a chair to join him.
Moments later, Mark walked in and took the seat across from them. He didn't say much and barely touched his food. His eyes wandered, his fingers lightly tracing the edge of his plate.
Dnie, always quick to pick up on shifts in energy, glanced between them before speaking. Is everything okay? Mark, You're quiet. Not your usual self. She smiled, trying to ease the tension. David's back. You should be happy.
Mark didn't respond. His gaze was distant, locked on something far away in his thoughts.
David looked at him, a slight crease forming on his brow. He opened his mouth to say something when Mark's phone buzzed.
The sudden sound cut through the air like a blade.
Mark glanced at the screen, muttered a quick Excuse me, and stood. He walked away, heading toward the hallway with the phone to his ear.
David's eyes followed him, and the moment the door shut behind Mark, something in his expression darkened.
Dnie noticed it instantly.
Before she could steer the mood elsewhere, David's voice came, low and sharp. Don't even try to act like you didn't see what just happened.
She raised her hands slightly as if to calm the air. Come on, bro, it's probably just one of his old friends calling. It's not that deep.
David didn't say anything. His jaw was tight. His spoon hit the plate with a little too much force as he set it down, appetite passed over.
Dnie sighed under her breath. She could feel the tension pulling again like a noose.
Because she knew exactly who was on the other end of that call and so did David.
Mark returned to the dining room a few minutes later, his expression lighter, even carrying a faint smile like a switch had been flipped.
"Let's eat," he said quickly, sliding back into his seat and reaching for the serving spoon as if nothing had happened.
David didn't move. He just stared at Mark.
Mark avoided meeting his eyes, busying himself with his plate, and acting normal.
Dnie raised her brows slightly at David and gave him a quick, subtle look Let it go.
The room fell into a strange, fragile silence. Only the soft clinks of cutlery and plates filled the air.
The door closing behind them muffled the sounds of the rest of the house. David's room was quiet, Mark stood near the window, arms folded his back to David.
David leaned against the door for a second, watching him.
You've been acting strange, he said finally, voice low. Since I got back.
Mark didn't answer right away. His fingers gripped his arm tighter.
I'm just tired, he replied, still not turning around.
David took a few steps closer. No, you're not. You were tired before the phone rang. Then you lit up after.
Mark turned slowly, meeting his gaze. Why are you acting like I'm not allowed to talk to people?
I didn't say that, David said, jaw tightening. But I saw your face when she called.
Mark's silence said enough.
David stepped closer again, now inches away. Lainia, right?
Mark looked away, lips pressing into a thin line.
David exhaled sharply. I knew it.
Mark's voice was quiet but steady. She's just someone from the past, David. I didn't plan to see her, and I didn't plan for her to call me. But she did.
And you answered, David replied, his tone clipped.
"Because I wanted to." Mark turned back to face him fully now, his expression was indistinct but his voice firmer. Because for once, I wanted to feel like I had a choice.
David's gaze dulled. You think you don't have a choice with me.
I think… Mark hesitated, heart pounding. Sometimes, you forget I'm not just something you can protect or claim. I'm a person. I still have a heart. I still feel feelings, David.
David stepped back slightly as if the words stung more than a bullet.
And what are you feeling right now. he asked quietly.
Mark didn't answer. He dropped his gaze, biting his lower lip.
David reached for him slowly, gently his hand brushing Mark's cheek. Tell me the truth. If you want her… just say it.
Mark finally looked up. I don't want her. But I want to remember who I was before all this. Before you locked me up.
David's hand froze.
Mark's voice was softened. That doesn't mean I don't want you. It just means… I'm still finding myself. And she reminded me of a part of me I lost.
David dropped his hand and stepped away. His face was composed.
"I see," he said coldly.
But inside, something cracked.
Mark took a step toward him. David, please don't be silent on me.
I'm not, David replied, walking toward the balcony. I just need a moment to remember that you're not mine yet.
Mark stood frozen in place as the door to the balcony opened with a soft creak and closed again behind David.
And in the silence that followed, the air between them remained heavy with longing, with pain, and with everything they still hadn't said.
The room was dark, lit only by the pale silver glow of the moon through the curtains. The soft rustle of sheets broke the silence as David turned onto his side, facing Mark's back.
Mark has curled away from him, acting sleepy but not enough to convince David.
David reached out slowly, fingertips brushing against the curve of Mark's waist. He leaned in, lips barely grazing the back of his neck.
Mark, he whispered, voice thick with quiet longing.
No answer.
David let his hand slide further, stroking the skin beneath the thin fabric of Mark's shirt, just enough to feel the familiar warmth that always used to welcome him.
Still, Mark didn't move. He didn't flinch. He didn't lean in.
He just… stayed still.
David's hand stopped.
He exhaled slowly, forehead resting against Mark's shoulder.
I know you're not sleeping, he said softly. The real you would've already turned around by now.
Mark remained silent, his eyes open now but hidden in the darkness.
David's voice dropped lower, almost breaking. You don't even have to want me. But don't lie to me.
Mark still said nothing.
After a long pause, David pulled back, laying on his back and staring at the ceiling.
He could feel the wall between them.
And it wasn't just made of silence.
It was guilt.
It was fear.
It was every bruise their story had left behind.
He turned his head, looking at Mark's still form.
"I miss you," he whispered. Even when you're lying right next to me.
Mark closed his eyes tight, holding in the tears threatening to escape.
Because at that moment, he missed David too.
But his heart wasn't ready.