Mark didn't stop running until he was at his street, a block away from his house. It was well into the night, and being in a suburban area, it was fairly quiet. He had objected to a house inside the city when they first moved, but Felix insisted. They agreed on one that was still within city limits but far enough from the centre that he wouldn't be constantly bothered by the noises and atmosphere that accompanied city life. It was nights like these though, as he slowly walked back to his house, that he missed the country. Even with his enhanced sight, he couldn't filter out the immense amount of light that shone from the city, hiding the shining stars he knew were above.

The stars always brought back memories of him and his brother, back on his family farm, how they would climb atop of their home, lying beneath the stars, finding the pictures in the sky and creating stories. Whenever the weather was warm enough for it, they could be found up on that roof, often staying there into the morning unless their parents caught them first. Mark looked up at the sky, trying to find the stars he used to gaze at with Johan that shone as clear in his memory as his brothers smile did.

He sighed, shoulders sagging as he closed his eyes, head still tilted upwards and stood there, letting his mind dwell on times long since gone, over a family never once forgotten. He stayed in his thought for just a few moments, before he started to run over the information he had gathered tonight, pushing those memories back in his mind to a place where they didn’t hurt.

The vampires that had been wreaking havoc in this area were more than just newborns fucking around. They had been set up and tasked to it, by he assumed Cole, one of Esma’s lackeys, to keep him distracted while they got set up for… something. For some kind of experiments? Experiments on vampires. It sounded like they would be turning more humans for this, making him think that these were going to be trials, otherwise why not use themselves? There must be some sort of danger to it. He made a mental note to keep an eye out on missing person’s reports. They might lead him to the other locations they had mentioned, the hotel and the hospital. He would have to research those a bit, surely there couldn’t be that many abandoned one in the city, and it seemed like they picked places that were somewhat remote.

Then there was this guy Esma’s been watching. Cole said they would be grabbing him once the trials are done. Was this guy pertinent to whatever the hell they were doing?

Was it Sean?

That was Mark's biggest fear. The last thing he wanted was for Sean to be dragged into this mess, but as time passed, the more it seemed like all these coincidences were more than that. Between this incarnation of Jack being practically identical to the original, and Esma being here at the same time, Mark couldn't ignore the possibility that everything was tied to whatever they have planned. He needed more information.

He thought about going back, to investigate more but he wasn't sure about how intelligent that was, as it would most likely be crawling with vamps. Maybe Felix had more information for him now that he’s gone?

Mark huffed a quiet laugh as he continued walking. More than likely, Felix knew something more but if he hadn't told him yet then he wouldn't now. Mark understood the importance of keeping some future events secret, and the consequences that came with knowing and trying to affect the future. He had never had firsthand experience but he knew Felix did, and he had paid dearly for it.

But with the idea of Sean being involved, he couldn't help the urge to dig deeper, to see what exactly Felix knew. He’ll do what he needed to keep Sean out of this completely, consequences be damned.

His mind drifted more into the topic of Sean, and bittersweet thoughts churned about. Here he was doing everything he could think to make sure Sean was safe, while at the same time still doing all he could to stay as far away as possible, also for his own safety and the safety of Mark's heart. He did his best to ignore the voice that kept whispering encouragement to forget this distance, that he couldn't hide forever. He squashed those thoughts as far down as he could and locked them away. He was doing the right thing, the best thing, for everyone, especially if Sean was tied to Esma’s plan. He needed to keep him as far away from this as possible. Sean may never understand that, and if everything went accordingly, he never will.

He didn't think his heart would ever stop breaking.

Mark reached his house, noting the front light was still on. He smiled to himself. Even though he had no need for lights to see at night, Felix always left the porch light on when he was going to be home at some point in the night. He walked in the door, locking it as he toed off his shoes, addressing Chica and Edgar as they ran up to greet him.

“Aha, hey there puppers.” Mark crouched down allowing Chica to lavish his face with wet dog kisses as he stroked Edgar who waddled off, content with the quick hello. Mark let Chica steal his attention for a few more moments before standing back up and making his way to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. He wasn’t really hungry, but due to living with someone who needed to eat every day, he had acquired a bit of a sweet tooth and often found himself munching on whatever snacks Felix had stashed away. He was just opening the cupboard when felt a hand on his shoulder. His own hand shot up to grab the one on his shoulder, pulling it forward feeling the body slam against his back as he whipped around, twisting the wrist upwards and jabbing for the throat, catching himself at the last second as Felix yelled.

“Whoa, whoa! Chill out man, it’s me!”

Mark let out the breath he was holding and released his grip on Felix. “Jesus Christ Felix, you know better than to sneak up on me.” How he can pick out a voice from a mile away, but the man could always manage to get the drop on him, he’ll never know. He turned back to grab the bag of crispers he had originally been going for and side stepping Felix to sit at the counter.

“Usually you just get spooked and jumpy, not fucking attack me. What the hell was that about?” Felix grabbed a beer from the fridge and joined Mark at the island. Mark raised an eyebrow at his drink of choice given the time to which he just waved him off.

“Sorry, for a second I thought maybe one of the guys from the warehouse had spotted me and followed me back.” Mark shoved some crispers in his mouth before continuing. “Speaking of the warehouse, how much about that setup did you actually know about?” Mark waiting expectantly as he munched on his snack, resting his chin on his hand. God, these were delicious.

Felix popped the cap off his beer and took a sip before resting his elbows on the counter. “I knew about the location, and that they have other similar outposts already set up, but it wasn’t until just before I called that I did. I knew they would be in the process of setting up that one and I knew you’d probably be able to get some information from that.” Felix took another swig before finishing. “As for what those plans are, I don’t know.”

Mark stared at him for a few moments, reading his face and eyes as he spoke. He knew he was hiding something, and the urge to call him out on it was high, but he has always trusted Felix’s judgement in the past, and he didn’t see why he should start now. Mark sighed, his shoulders slumping, chin dropping to his chest as he stared at his hands now in his lap.

“They’re setting up some kind of containment unit to run some kind of tests on other vampires. They were loading in crates of stuff, but I couldn’t see any insignias or logos to identify them. Those newborns that have been causing me all kind of shit? That was their way to keep me out of their hair while they got set up.” Mark put a few more crispers in his mouth. “And it sounds like they will be turning more for these tests they will be running.” Mark paused, looking up at Felix who seemed to be processing all the information Mark just gave.

“Esma is back.”

Felix’s head snapped up to Mark, his eyes widening a little before spitting out various questions.

“She’s here? Did you see her at the warehouse, is she part of the plans? Oh shit, things just got a lot more real.”

Mark was comforted by the response Felix gave. I’m glad he wasn’t hiding that from me. I wouldn’t have handled that well, safety of the future be damned. “The guys there were talking about her, said her by name. She seems to be running the show here.” Mark paused again before continuing. “One of the vamps, Cole, he said something about how she’s been watching a human, one who is part of her plans and when the time comes, she’ll be going to pick him up.” Mark trailed off as understanding dawned on Felix’s face.

“And you think this person is Jack?”

“Should I think that?”

Felix looked hard at Mark, his eyes sharpening at the accusation in his tone. “You know me better than that Mark. If I knew he was in danger I wouldn’t hide that from you.”

Mark held his gaze for a moment, before breaking eye contact and looking away.

“Sorry, I know. I’m just really rattled with everything that's been happening.” He offered Felix a sheepish smile, and was glad to see that his eyes change back to their usual soft and welcoming look. Sometimes Mark forgot just who Felix was. He huffed and ran a hand through his hair, realizing too late he just tracked crumbs all through it. Sighing again, he dropped his hand to the table and let his eyes unfocus a bit as he spoke. “I can’t see who else it could be. Yea, sure, technically it could literally be anyone, but with all the things happening at once, it can’t just be coincidence.”

“All the more reason to spend more time with Jack, keep an eye out for Esma and keep him safe, if you're worried about that. These can’t all be coincidences.”

Mark looked up sharply at Felix and his stupid knowing look in his face as he stared at Mark, hand cupping his chin as he took another swig.

“I told you Felix, there’s no way I’m doing that. Staying away is the best, all that getting close to him would do is get him killed. If he is the one Esma is watching, it probably has to do with me anyways, so maybe by staying away, it could deter her.” Felix scoffed at Mark's explanation, vocalizing the same belief he had in his own words. “Look Fe, I can’t be near him. The feelings, the connection, we haven’t even touched and it’s as strong as it was that first time. I know I’ll break if I am. And like I told you before, this is for both our sakes. There's something happening here, and if I can ride this out, maybe it means it's really over.”

“Mark, come on, I know you think that this means it's over, but if Jack really is tied to Esma’s plans in some way, do you really want to risk his life over it?” Felix was getting a little exasperated and Mark couldn’t really blame him. He could hear how it sounded, but he was scared.

“I’m scared Felix. I’m scared about getting to know him, to know Sean and have him be just like my Jack, to love him and feel him and then watch him die again. I can’t do it. It may actually be the end for me. I’ll still protect him, I’m going to hunt Esma down and end her once and for all, and I’m going to let Sean go. Right now, this hope, that Sean, that Jack, can finally be free? It’s all I have.” He chocked a bit on the last words, covering his face with his hands as he leaned on the counter. There was a silence for a bit while Mark composed himself and peaked up at Felix through his fingers, who was looking at the counter in front of him. “What are you doing up anyways? It’s well past your bedtime.” Mark needed a change of subject. There was too much information to process right now.

Felix perked up at the question, changing gears immediately. “Oh, yea, I wanted to ask you if you were free Saturday morning to come for breakfast with Marzia and I. I really want you to meet her, and she wants to meet you too.”

Mark smiled at the excitement on his face, feeling his nerves calm a bit at his enthusiasm. “And this couldn’t have waited till tomorrow?”

“I was excited, kill me. Plus she asked me today, and I didn’t want to bother you tonight, and I wouldn’t have been able to talk to you till tomorrow night, since I quit my job and if I don’t have to be up in the morning I sure as hell won’t be-”

“Whoa there, hold up.” Mark cut him up shaking his head and waving his arms. “Back up there boyo, you quit your job? Why?” It’s not like Felix loved his job, which was the glorious position of being a supervisor at Wendy’s, but as much as he may complain, he wouldn’t be able to sit around all day just as much as Mark could.

“It’s not like I need it, between the money you have saved and the amount I’ve left willed to you over the years neither of us need to work for God knows how long. With everything going on, Jack, Marzia, the wedding and now Esma, it made sense to take the time off and stay focused on this. You start holidays next week anyhow. Plus that place was garbage. I won’t miss it that's for sure.” Felix took one last swig, finishing off his drink, wiping his mouth and tossing the bottle in the recycling, Mark cringing as the shattered glass echoed through the house, sending Felix a withering gaze.

“Why you even applied there I’ll never know.” Mark never understood why he had worked there, knowing Felix could literally get pretty much any job he wanted.

“Eh.” Felix waved the comment off. “Who knows, maybe I affected someone’s life with my fresh, never frozen good.” He winked at Mark before standing. “I think I’ll be off to bed. Big day of nothing tomorrow, can’t wait. You should probably try and get some rest, when did you sleep last?” Mark stayed seated, still munching on his crispers.

“I got a couple hours Sunday night. I’ll get a few in tonight mom.” Mark laughed and shook his head. Felix never failed to mother him, in his own way, especially in situations where he had a lot going on as he tended to forget about the basic necessities that he still needed to some capacity.

“You better there sonny, don’t make me grab the ole spoon and spank you silly on the willy!” Felix put on a crotchety voice while waggling a finger at Mark as he made his way out of the kitchen. “Don’t forget about Saturday.” He shouted over his shoulder.

Mark choked on the food in his mouth, wheezing through his nose before shouting back, “I’m sure you’ll make sure I won't.” Then went back to eating his crispers. If he was human, Mark knew he would have to actually keep up some kind of exercise regime because damn had food evolved over the centuries.

“Dude, relax. People are going to think there's an earthquake the way you’re shaking.” Mark placed a hand on Felix’s leg under the table, hoping to halt the excessive bouncing, shooting smiles at the couple that kept sending them glares since the shaking was also affecting their table. They were sitting in a booth at a small cafe Marzia had recommended, waiting for her to arrive. It was a small shop, not too overly busy but it was pretty cozy. It had a classic cafe theme with some modern twists to it, and a warm colour scheme. They planned to meet at quarter past nine, and it was now twenty after, and Felix’s excited nerves had started showing through his extremities about two minutes ago.

“Shut up, you’re being ridiculous.” He sent a scowl across the table at Mark, breaking eye contact with the front door for a moment before refocusing on the entrance.

“You are literally shaking the table. Chill out, why are you so nervous anyways? You’ve met up with her multiple times now already.” Mark gestured to the table exuberantly to showcase his point as he watched his drink vibrate in front of him.

“At least I’m not sawing it.” He muttered, halting his leg for a solid five seconds before resuming again. He looked over at Mark, looking a little helpless. “I’m just nervous about you two meeting. That you’ll like her.” He flushed a little at the confession, glancing down at the table sipping at his coffee before returning back to the door. “I mean. I know she’s my soulmate, and I already love her. But you’re the one that’s been there with me, for me, for years, and for years to come and I love you too. I wouldn’t want to, like, choose between you or anything. I don’t know if I could to be honest.” He shook his head. “Ack, ignore me.”

Mark changed his grip on Felix’s knee from restraining to comfort, rubbing circles on his leg with his thumb. “First of all, you’d never have to choose. Even if I hated this chick, which I highly doubt is possible, the absolute worst case scenario is me fucking off until your next life, which is highly unlikely anyways. I would never make you choose between something like that. And honestly, anyone that would be able to put up with you is probably a saint anyhow, so I can’t see me not liking her.” Mark dodged the swipe at his head, but he had managed to get Felix to relax a little. “Seriously though, Fe, this is like, the last thing you’d have to worry about.”

“I know,” he looked back at Mark smiling. “Just ignore me, acting like a schoolboy with a crush. You’d think I wouldn’t worry about this shit given my age.” Mark went to speak before Felix cut him off. “And you know what I mean by that, smart ass.” Mark stuck his tongue out at him which was reciprocated.

They both looked at the door when the chime went off as a petite brunette walked through the door, with large sunglasses and a pink beret. She looked around the shop before her gaze landed on the booth they were at, a smile lighting up her face as she made her way over.

Felix stood up as she approached, welcoming her with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Mark stood as well, waiting to be introduced.

“Oh, sorry being late, my bus was delayed.” She pushed her sun glasses up, brown eyes accentuated with liner and colour watching Felix, a smile still plastered on her face.

“Don’t worry about it. Mark and I were just chilling, enjoying our drinks.” Felix waved her apology off, glancing sharply at Mark as he quietly scoffed into his hand. “I’m glad you could make it. Marzia, this is my friend and housemate Mark. Mark, this is the lovely Marzia.” Mark held out his hand in greeting to her, offering a bright smile.

“It’s wonderful to meet you. God knows Felix doesn’t stop going on about you.” She accepted the hand, her grip surprisingly firm. She flushed a little, looking down as Felix cleared his throat.

“Anyway, you two take a seat, I’m going to get you your drink. Mark, try not to scare her off will ya?” Felix stepped away, letting Marzia sit in the booth as Mark slid back in his spot.

“Me? Scare her off? Please, with a personality like mine you should be more concerned with her running off with me.” He puffed his chest out, holding his hand against it as held his chin up. Marzia giggled as Felix rolled his eyes at his antics.

“Yea, yea, Mr. steal your girl ladies and gentlemen. Marzia, don't be afraid to take a pot shot at him. His ego needs a little bruising sometimes.” He walked off to the counter leaving the two of them.

Mark put his hands flat on the table leaning forwards. “I’ll have you know that my ego needs bruising one hundred percent of the time.” Mark deadpanned after Felix was gone, Marzia giggling. Mark laughed as well, sitting back in the booth, taking a sip of his drink. “So, Felix told me you’re from Italy, but you’re traveling in America right now?” Marzia nodded. “He said you were here working on a book?” When Felix wasn’t gushing about how amazing she was, he actually managed to tell him some actual facts about her, like how after she finished college, she decided she wanted to write, something that had always been a passion of hers and wanted to travel to gain inspiration for it.

“Mhm, yes. After finishing school, and working for a couple years in the fashion industry, I found I wanted to try taking my love for writing and turn it into more than a hobby. I’ve been to a few places around Europe, but this is my first stop overseas. I’ve been here for almost a month.”

“How long do you plan to stay for?”

“Usually I’ve stayed in each place for a few months, but America is much larger of a country than the ones in Europe. And so far I have enjoyed it here.” He gaze slid over to the counter where Felix stood in line looking at his phone. Mark smiled at the open affection on her face. It was clear Felix wasn’t the only one lost in desire.

“What do you do for money while you travel? Do you have funds saved?” She returned her focus back to Mark before answering.

“I try to find odd jobs to do, whatever I can take. I also run a YouTube channel, videos on various makeup routines and fashion styles along with some other things like vlogs etc. make an alright income off of that as well.”

“I’ve heard of people actually doing YouTube as a career. It’s pretty fascinating, seeing people explore their creativity and talents on a platform like that. Felix and I joked about doing our own let's play series once, came up with screen names and everything.” Felix had been pretty drunk that night, and had set up his phone camera to record himself while playing Call of Duty, screaming the name “Pewdiepie” every time he killed someone. He didn’t know that Mark had a copy of that file saved.

“It’s a pretty great community, I really enjoy what I’ve done with it so far.”

They talked more about her videos and the book she was working on while waiting for Felix. Mark had to be honest, a small part of him was hoping he didn’t like her, that same part that was jealous of her connection to Felix but actually meeting Marzia squashed the already small voice into nothing. She was funny and sweet, but quiet and very unique. He honestly couldn’t think of a better match for Felix. Mark laughed at a story she was telling about her dog Maya from back home and he glanced out the store window, body going stiff.

Across the street, through the swarm of people rushing about along the sidewalks, he saw someone standing in the alley way, looking through the store window. A woman, just within the shadows stood there, sunglasses obscuring her face. But even as she moved her hand to her face, removing her shades, Mark already knew who it was. He didn’t need to see those piercing red eyes to recognize her.

Mark mumbled a rushed apology as he abruptly stood, side stepping around Felix who had just came back to the table with the drinks. He called after Mark as he bolted outside the door, into the crowd of pedestrians trailing through the sidewalks. He looked back over to the alleyway, now empty. He cursed, and started pushing his way through the crowd to try and make it across the street. He dashed in front of cars as they honked at him, drivers throwing curses as he made his way to the other side as fast as he could. He was approaching the alley, swerving through bodies, just about to reach the mouth of it-

Mark’s focus broke as he knocked into something solid, falling over, his own grunt mirrored by the yelp that came from the person he had ran into.

“Oye! Watch where the hell yer going there bud!”

If Mark didn't already know that the world hated him, this was just further proof as the Irish accent filled his ears, his body losing all motor controls as he sat there on his ass, gaping like a fish as Sean pushed himself up, turning around to face Mark.

“Oh, Mark, man I didn’t see you. Obviously, you probably didn’t see me either hence the run in. Um.” The irritation on his face slipped away as a series of emotions played out on his face, from surprise, joy, to sheepish. He scratched the back of his head as he huffed a laugh, standing there awkwardly while Mark continued to just sit on the sidewalk staring at him, people giving them odd looks as the passed by. Sean put down the box he was carrying, now slightly crushed due to its run in with Mark's body before offering his hand to Mark.

He looked at the hand offered to him, at first moving to take it then swiftly changing the motion to heft himself up from the ground, avoiding any touch. Guilt immediately flooded through him as he watch Sean slowly retract his hand, embarrassment and hurt flushing his face, but he couldn’t bring himself to make any kind of contact with him, scared of the reaction his body and mind would have due to it.

“Sorry about that, I wasn’t really paying attentions to my surroundings. I thought I had saw someone, someone I knew.” Mark scratched rubbed his face as his eyes darted behind Sean to the alley way, now deserted. “Was just seeing things though.” He looked back at Sean, staring at the bridge of his nose to avoid getting lost in his eyes. “So, uh, what are you doing? Don’t you live more near the west end?”

“Yea, I do but I’ve been trying to sell stuff online to make some extra cash, hence the box.” Sean bent down to grab the box he had been carrying as he spoke, checking the contents inside. “Lucky it was nothing breakable.” He looked up at Mark, a smile playing on his lips. He ran his hand through his hair, offering an apologetic smile.

“What's in the box?”

“Some old books an’ art work I’ve done. The woman who bought it lives in this area, told her I would drop it off at her house for an extra fee. She seems like a shut in and was more than happy ta pay me extra so she didn’t ‘ave to leave her apartment.” He offered the box to Mark to take a peek inside. “Most of the books were my ma’s, so don’t go judgin’ me.”

Mark accepted the box, very aware of Sean’s hands and looked inside. There were some old romance and western novels that varied from decent condition to well-read and loved. He laughed, looking back at Sean, “Yea, I’m sure they are just your mother's.” he quipped loving the way Sean’s ears tinged a little pink, but not refuting the point. He looked back in and dug around a bit looking at the art. He pulled out a framed piece to examine it. It was a coloured piece, a drawing he believed, of a woman who was in the water that just covered her breasts. It was a three quarter view, the woman looking up, mouth slightly agape. She had no hair, but there were various flowers covering her head, that ran down draping over her shoulders and back. The colours were vibrant but earthy, and Mark was blown away.

“Sean, this is amazing. It’s beautiful.” Mark placed it down carefully looking through more. There were various pieces, in different mediums, though the majority seemed to be more traditionally, with pencil and paints.

“Oh, uh thank ya, those are actually old ones I’ve done, back when I did more traditional work. I do a lot more digital now, along with my tattoo designs.” Sean responded humbly, smiling at the compliment.

Mark handed the box back to him before continuing his praise. “Seriously, those are amazing, you’re extremely talented.” Mark truly was amazed. He almost asked to see more, but that would mean seeing Sean again, and while his heart jumped at the idea of seeing him again, he remained resolute in his decision.

Jack accepted the box, shifting it into one arm by his side. “Well, if ya wanted, I could show you more of my work, more recent stuff. Maybe tonight, at the pub near Cinnamon Ken?” Sean’s voice was hesitant but hopeful, as he waited for Mark's response. Mark held his breath, two sides of him in turmoil. Everything in him wanted to say yes, jump at the chance to see him, be with him, but he had promised himself to stay away. He needed to stay strong, and to wipe out any thoughts from Sean’s mind of Mark being a potential partner, because he knew that he was interested, not even needing the past four hundred years as reason enough with the way Sean eagerly awaited for Mark to agree.

“Oh, uh. I don’t know about that, I told Felix I would be home tonight, and I have a lot to do today…” Mark trailed off, trying to do everything he could to ignore the fall of Sean’s face. He knew he was hurting him, and it tore him apart inside. But in the end, the small pain he may feel now would be worth it, if it meant he would never have to face the pain that would come to pass if he were to be with Mark. The ends justify the means and all that. Mark looked at Sean, making the mistake of latching onto his eyes. He could see within the depths of those ocean blues, memories of another life, of sitting by a pond, around a fire. Hearing the laughter of a time long since gone, and feeling the warmth of soft lips against his.

Mark felt his will shatter as he looked into those eyes, Jack’s eyes, Sean’s eyes, the disappointment in his voice as he backtracked on his offer and Mark broke.

“Actually, you know what, I think that would be fun. I haven’t been to that pub in a while and I’d love to see more of your work.” There couldn’t really be too much harm in meeting up once, to see his work, which he truly did want to see more of. And it was just friend, meeting up at the pub on a Saturday night, just themselves, not a date.

Yea.

Sean’s eyes lit up like a sun, as a grin blossomed on his face. “Oh awesome! Okay, cool. We can meet there around eight? I should get your number, just in case something comes up, ya know.” It all came out in a jumbled rush as he grabbed his phone out from his pocket, unlocking it and handing it to Mark to input his contact information.

“Uh, yea sure. Would kind of suck if one of us couldn’t make it and got left there. And yea, eight works. It’s been forever since I really hung out with friends outside my own home.” Mark emphasized the word friends, wanting to make sure that Sean wouldn’t misconstrue this as a date (it wasn’t a date) as his mind both cheered and screamed at him.

He easily picked up on the slight drop of Sean’s grin at the mention of friends, but it was still genuine. Mark put his number n and handed it back to Sean, who sent a quick text so Mark had his number as well. Mark barked out a laugh when he checked his phone.

“‘Hello Markimoo’? Really? Where the hell did that even come from?”

“Has a good ring to it, don’tchya think? Really rolls off the tongue.” He winked at Mark before giggling adorably. “I think I’ll make that your contact name.”

“Just for that, you’re going to be dubbed ‘The Irish Potato’.”