Marcus watched his boyfriend closely. He felt helpless in all of this, unable to do much of anything in their situation. He didn't like it much.
"Alright… if you need anything please tell me." He opted to say, smiling weakly. He grabbed his own plate and waited patiently for the syrup. "Are you still as sore?"
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"Oh. Well, yeah. I've kind of tuned it out, but yeah. It'll probably take a little longer for that to fade away," Cyrus replied softly, "It's only mildly annoying compared to my actual injuries."
He let out a sigh.
"It could be a lot worse, honestly. I'll probably take some more medicine in a bit."
“Yeah, that would be good.” He hummed softly, bringing a forkful of waffle to his lips with a soft sigh. It was nice having breakfast for once.
“Medicine helps. Even if I’m bad at taking it.” He admitted, laughing softly. “I had an Opioid problem a bit back. Drugs scare me sometimes.”
"Oh… I'm sorry to hear that. Makes sense you would feel that way," Cyrus replied, "I'm lucky that's not an issue for me. I have other vices… if it's fair to call them that."
He smiled a bit.
"I could seriously be doing a lot worse, though."
“It’s fair, I think.” Marcus replied with a warm smile. “And I think you’re doing really good, my love, you’ve even helped me. I appreciate that a lot and I’ll say it a bunch of times because you’ve done a lot to save me.”
He turned his head out to the street, his smile wide and true. Cyrus really had done a lot for Marcus. In a way it made Cyrus his idol, the one he looked up to the most.
Cyrus let out a relieved sigh. At least Marcus thought he was doing alright. Hopefully that would take some worries away in the meantime.
"That's a bit generous, don't you think? I'm sure anyone who wasn't a piece of shit could've saved you. I'm not special. But of course, I'm happy that I've been able to help."
“I don’t think it’s generous, Cyrus. You’ve done a lot. Not everyone would have cared for me so deeply. Others would think I’m in too deep or not care about me personally.” Marcus replied softly. “It means a lot to me that you’ve taken the time to get to know me. You’re not just helping out of this situation and then leaving. So I think you’re special.”
"It's kind of reassuring to hear, though," Cyrus said, "After all, I'd just met you and I thought I was being to clingy or baring my heart to another wrong person. But you're great. You're worth helping, and you're worth being friends with. And more than friends for me but- I dunno. I just think you're wonderful."
He shook his head.
"And despite everything, you love me anyway. I don't think I'm as amazing as you say, but I do firmly believe we're good for each other."
Marcus couldn’t help the stupid grin that fell on his face. He giggled softly and looked down at his plate, blushing lightly. Cyrus was too sweet.
“God, do I love you so much, Cyrus. I’m glad you think that way about me. I think you’re worth every moment, every little thing. You’re so perfect for me. Thank you, my love.”
Cyrus exhaled softly, taking in Marcus' love and warmth. It was probably for the best that Marcus was here. If he even walked out for a moment, Cyrus could just feel the terror welling up inside him all over again.
"Of course," Cyrus replied, "It's the truth."
What would he do when Marcus had to leave? He couldn't possibly put him in danger by begging him to stay. That was far too selfish…
The truth was, he didn't have much of anyone else to rely on, so he would have to get over himself and hang on as well as he could.
(Poor Cyrus he needs so many hugs)
“I love you.” Marcus murmured softly. He himself had anxieties about leaving though he didn’t know the full extent of Cyrus’s. He knew the other was anxious, and would probably worry the whole time he was gone, but he didn’t understand the full extent of it.
“I have a few days left, would you want to go on a small date? Even if it’s just sitting out here again for dinner? Or something relaxing before everything?”
(I knowww ugh)
Cyrus' eyes brightened at the suggestion.
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," he agreed, "Hopefully I can maybe start feeling a bit better in the next couple of days."
He hummed thoughtfully.
"If we have to stay in, we can make dinner together or something."
“Hopefully you’ll feel better. If not we can always stay here. I know it’s not a place you like but I’ll try and make it good for you.” Marcus promised firmly, letting himself relax back into the chair he was sitting in. The air of the neighborhood felt good on his skin.
“That’d be so fun, making dinner together! I’d love that!” He replied, brightening up as well and grinning even wider. “What would we make? What’s your favorite food?”
"Oh, hell, I don't know that I have a favorite," Cyrus laughed, "We could always try something a little on the 'fancy' side."
He placed his hand over Marcus' on the table.
"In all seriousness, don't worry about me staying here longer. If it keeps you safer, it ultimately doesn't matter."
“Fancy?” Marcus bit his lip as he thought over the options for a ‘fancier’ dinner. All he could think of was spaghetti. That wasn’t very fancy.
His thoughts broke apart the second he felt Cyrus’s hand over his. He never would get used to the way Cyrus touched him; it was so gentle and loving.
“But your health matters too. I know it puts me at risk at the moment but I want to be near you… I can’t though. It puts you at risk too and I can’t stand that. I hate all of this. I want to just be with you without any risk or hatred or fear.” He turned his hand palm up and intertwined their fingers, his lips turns up in a sad pout.
“I’ll miss you even just for the moment I’ll be gone. But once it’s all sorted out we can go back to the apartment and start our life together.”
"Yeah, exactly, " Cyrus replied with a smile, "Being here is temporary. And, well… we don't have the old man to worry about here. Only memories of him."
He put a little more gentle pressure on his boyfriend's hand.
"I'll miss you too, but it's all going to be okay. "
“Memories… yeah. Only memories.” He echoed, though he didn’t sound fully convinced. Memories could be just as bad.
Marcus focused on their hands to distract himself from his own racing thoughts, smiling softly at Cyrus’s words.
“I hope so…”
(Oh geez, it's been over a week, I'm so sorry :/ It's finals week coming up, and I had to move home. I promise I'm not ignoring this.)
Cyrus murmured a little, "Mhm."
He wasn't certain that he'd convinced his boyfriend completely, but even if he didn't, as long as the job was done, and the other wasn't distracted by his worry, it would be fine.
"I love you a lot, and I just want you to be safe more than anything in the world."
(You’re okay!! I understand!! I’m serious when I say take all the time you need. Life is stressful and things come up and it’s especially tough with Covid out there. I hope you’ve moved back alright! Good luck on your finals!)
“I love you a lot too, Cyrus. I’ve been in love with you since the beginning. I’ll do everything I can to be safe for you. But only if you promise you’ll do the same.” Marcus’s hand tightened around the other’s.
“Remember that you can come to me with anything. Even if you don’t want to talk about any of it I’ll still be here to hold and love you.”
(Thanks! And everything went pretty smoothly. I've been back home for about 4 days now. And now it's time to do work I don't want to do lmao. I've got a solid start on some of my work, though. I have a major deadline tomorrow at midnight, and the rest is pretty spread out.)
"I know that," Cyrus replied softly, "And trust me, I'll talk to you about what I need. But right now, I don't really know that I need anything in particular. Other than like, healing physically, anyway. It's a big relief to hear you say all that, though."
He squeezed Marcus' hand back gently.
"What do you think the next few days are going to look like?"
(That’s good you got a start to it! I’ve been ignoring my own so I’m impressed. I hope you do good on everything!!)
Satisfied with the reply, Marcus settled back down into a more relaxed position, sighing gently at the last question.
“I don’t know. Lots of rest for you, lots of preparing for me. Though I want to spend as much time together as we can before all of this happens. Just in case… you know…?”
"I-I don't think it will," Cyrus replied, his voice wavering, "but yeah, I get it."
He shook his head a bit, trying to shake the thought of either dying.
"So, um- Xio… she seems nice. I wish I could've met her in a more, uh, normal circumstance. She seems nice, and I really appreciate her helping us out. Could you let her know?"
His gaze shifted.
"What's your story there? How'd the two of you meet?"
Marcus turned his gaze downwards. The words had to be said. If he didn’t say them then, he didn’t know he would ever get the chance to again.
“Oh Xio! Xiomara. Yeah… she’s really nice. She dated Marx before I did though she got away from most of the abuse. He mostly just hit her… nothing like… the things he did to me. I met her after I joined the gang. She came by once in a while to give Marx and the gang things she made. Kinda like the mother figure. When she left Marx was starting to grow a little more violent with her. She got out cuz her dad’s training to be a nurse and knows a few people who made sure the gang couldn’t touch her. She liked me the best, or at least that’s what she tells me. Says I’m like some sort of puppy. Always tried to get me to leave the gang. I didn’t because I was young and dumb and honestly thought Marx was trying to help me. Once she learned Marx was showing more interest in me she tried really hard to get me to leave. Though even after I ignored her and got hurt she still helped me. She’s a little older than me by maybe a year or two but she’s nice… I lost contact with her when I went ‘steady’ with Marx. Marx used to monitor my phone. He still kinda does but not enough to catch our conversations. He just makes sure I don’t have numbers of people he doesn’t want me to talk to. Like Xio, or my brother, or anyone from the high school. Guess that’s most of the story, she just helped me after Marx was too rough or whatnot. Well, for as long as she could anyways.”
"That's good to know," Cyrus replied, a weak smile spreading over his face, "You think you two will reconnect a little more after it's all over? Sounds like she's played an important role in your life."
Cyrus almost started asking about Marcus' brother, but unsure if that might be a sore spot or otherwise not something he wanted to talk about, he pushed the thought aside. He would probably learn eventually.
Marcus nodded softly and smiled. “Xiomara’s really nice. Her dad is too… she used to invite me over and she’d patch me up and feed me the nights I didn’t dare go back home.”
He leaned a little closer to Cyrus, humming softly.
“I guess she’s really the only other one who was like you, kind and caring. I’m sad I kinda forgot about her… Marx doesn’t like it when I bring her up so I quit talking about her. I don’t want that to happen anymore.”
(:0 I forgot to say welcome back!!! How are you doing?)
(Thanks! I'm doing alright. Finished school, and all of that went well. Just working through the holidays though.)
"Well, it doesn't have to happen anymore," Cyrus reassured him, "I won't restrict who you see or talk to, especially not people who have genuinely played helpful roles in your life. I'd want the same for myself, I know. I've been through a lot of that same stuff, but with my dad. He always got upset when I would see certain people. Neither of us deserves that anymore."
Cyrus let out a soft sigh.
"If anything, I'm relieved you have more people to support you besides me. It's damn near impossible to play the role of one person's whole support system."
(That’s good to hear!! Working through the holidays can be stressful tho, make sure you take care of yourself okay? Let yourself rest when you need it. I hope you enjoy your holidays!)
Marcus hummed in delight. He found himself leaning more against the table between them, wishing he could snuggle up to or nuzzle or even just bump noses with Cyrus. He felt so affectionate towards his other, something he didn’t get to be with Marx.
“I wont restrict you either, Cyrus. I’d never even consider it. You’re your own person and deserve that right.” He fluttered his eyes at Cyrus, laughing softly at himself. It felt good to focus on his partner and not what he would have to do in a few days time.
“It’s too much to put on one person. I don’t want to put all the burden on you either. Xio helps a lot too. You both do.” Marcus’ eyes lit up suddenly. “I bet she’d love to meet you! Well, meet you under better circumstances. She’s like a mom, I bet she’ll invite us over once Marx is out of the picture! She makes really good lasagna. I love lasagna. I wish I could cook good like she does. I used to cook a lot for Marx but I was never any good.”
He tilted his head slightly, a sudden thought ruining his good mood.
“Do I mention him too much…? I feel like I do. He’s really been the only thing I’ve ever known…”
(Thanks! I get to work from home at least, and I get weekends off, so that's a plus)
"I don't think you do," Cyrus replied softly, "In fact, a lot of what you say about him helps me understand what you've been through better."
He laughed softly.
"I can definitely cook for you more if you'd like."
(Working from hone can be so nice. I had so many snack breaks when I worked from home 😂)
“If it gets too much, tell me. I don’t want to linger on the past.” He murmured, looking down at their hands. “I want to focus on us now. Do my part to keep our relationship healthy. Or at least as healthy as it can be.”
Marcus’s eyes snapped up to Cyrus’s at the offer, a smile replacing the frown he had spotted moments ago.
“I’d love that so much. I’m such a sucker for food.”