Mark pushed away from his desk with a groan, chair sliding across the room to the back wall with a thunk . He scrubbed at his face and hair vigorously before dropping his arms to his side, his head falling against the wall with a huff. It had been three days and he was barely anywhere with finding Esmas other hideouts. Mark knew it would take a bit of research to find the locations of abandoned hotels and hospitals in the city, but so far all his efforts had been for moot. Each time he found a location and staked it out, he came up with zilch. At this point, he had visited pretty much everyone in the city and surrounding areas and there was not even a trace of vampire activity. He was at a loss. He checked the time on his phone, displeased to find it was only a little after midnight. It was times like these he hated that he didnt need the same amount of sleep as humans did. He often spent many nights when he didn't have any hunts or research to do bored out of his mind, waiting for Felix to wake up, or for it to be a respectable time to go out into public.

He closed his eyes with a dejected sigh. He knows what he has to do and he hated it. He hated relying on them for any help, knowing it will bite him in the ass later. But at this point, he didnt know what the next step would be, and he needed to find these locations.

He groaned as he unlocked his phone and dialed the number.

Hello.

Hey, its Mark.

Ah, Markell, what can I do for you?

Mark cringed at his given name. You know I hate hearing that name. He sighed. I need some help.

Oh? The great Mark Fischbach, vampire hunter extraordinaire needs our help? What an honour.

Cut the shit Brian. Is Barry around?

Laughter traveled through the speaker. Ah come on, lighten up Mark. Its all in good fun. Mark grunted as Brian continued. You do realize what time it is, dont you? Unlike us, Barry actually goes home and sleeps each night. What do you need to speak to him about?

Mark berated himself, forgetting that Barry wouldnt be in the office in the middle of the night. He really didnt feel like discussing this with Brian.

Nothing that cant wait till morning. Ill call when hes in.

Brian tsked. Nonsense, tell me what you need and I can forward the information on to Barry first thing. Maybe its even something I can help with.

Mark shook his head, more to himself seeing as Brian couldnt see him. No, really its fine. It can wait till morning.

Mark. If it wasnt important, you wouldnt have called.

He had him there. Brian knew just how much Mark liked to work alone, liked to keep his distance from the organization. He wouldnt have called if he didnt need the help.

I need help locating a couple hideouts for a nest Im hunting.

Is that it? Hardly seems like something youd need help with.

Ive been looking for a few days now and turned up nothing. I dont have a lot to go on, and I figured Barry would have better luck, maybe even get me some info on a couple vamps.

Brian hummed before answering. Send me all the information you have so far.

Alright, one sec. Mark rested the phone between his cheek and shoulder, moving himself and his chair back to the computer. All I know is that these hideouts are in an old hospital and hotel. They have to be fairly secluded, not a lot of traffic. Theyre moving some big equipment in, probably have a large truck or semi even. Im figuring they are abandoned. The first one I found was in an old abandoned warehouse. Im including the areas I have searched already, along with the names and descriptions of two vamps that were at the location. He paused, debating on whether to tell him, and decided it would be easier if they knew. Theyre with Esma.

There was a distinct pause on the other end, the sound of Marks keyboard echoing through the room.

Ah, so she has emerged once again. This explains the urgency. Mark hummed in agreement. It was quiet for a moment as Mark waited for the offer.

I could send down some people to help Mark, they would be there within the next few days-

Thank you, Brian, for the offer, but Ive got this, He finished the email and sent it off. I sent the email.

He heard Brian sigh. Yes, I have it. Do you have any other information to give?

Thats all I know right now. Mark didnt want Brain to know about the supposed experiments yet. It would peak his interest and next thing hed know, hed have people from the organization here, fucking everything up and probably scaring Esma off. He needed more time to figure out how Sean was involved first.

Is there anything else you need?

No, thats everything.

Alright, we will call you if we find anything.

Thank- The phone clicked, signalling the calls end. -you. Mark sighed. Nice talking. He griped as he drops his phone in his lap, letting his head thunk back against the wall when he heard Felix yell for him.

Mark was up and out of the office in an instant, and almost took Felixs bedroom door off its hinges as he barged in, looking for a threat. What he found was Felix, struggling to free himself from his blankets, and only managing to tangle himself more. Mark calmed his frantic heart as Felix let out a string of swears, both in English and Swedish along with a few other languages as he finally managed to get off his bed in one piece.

Fuck you. He flipped off his bed, looking a little better after telling it off and quickly moved to throw on a pair of sweats that were on the ground and then into his drawer for a shirt.

Felix, what the hell. I thought you were being murdered. Whats going on? Mark relaxed his posture, though he was still a little tense.

Felix tugged a shirt on over his head, his hair sticking up in all directions. Ken just called, Mary just went into labour. Told him we would head over and meet him at the hospital.

Felix slipped past him, with Mark right on his heels.

Oh shit really? Holy crap. Okay, yea, lets go. Ill drive.

They got into Mark's car and made their way to the hospital. Felix said Kens friend Ryan would meet them in the waiting room and let them know what was happening. Most of Ken and Marys family lived out of state, and neither had too many friends. Mark had met Ryan a few times over the years. He was a chill guy, had the voice of a storyteller that he enjoyed listening too. If he was honest, Mark had considered getting to know him more intimately, but Ryan wasnt into guys like that. They parked and hurried into the hospital, quickly navigating to the delivery unit. The waiting room was fairly generic; seats lined against the walls, muted T.V.s playing, fake plants littering the area. There was a young couple sitting in the room, a man and woman. He was dozing lighting on her shoulder, as she ran her fingers through his hair. The man had tear tracks on his face and the womans face was flushed, eyes red. Mark fleetingly wondered what had happened before Felix redirected his attention as he greeted Ryan.

Hey man, how are things going?

Okay as far as I know. Ken came out here a bit ago. Marys still having contractions, about fifteen minutes or so apart. Ryan sat down in one of the chairs, Felix and Mark following suit.

When did she go into labour?

Ryan pulled out his phone at Mark's question. He was on the phone with me when Marys water broke. That was at about, He paused, scrolling through his phone. Elevenish? So its coming up on two hours now. He pocketed his phone again. They sat in the waiting room, making idle talk. Mark kept glancing at the couple sitting with them in the waiting room. He couldnt help but be curious as to what had happened to put them in this state. He often liked to contemplate the lives around him, how every person he met, saw, passed, had an entire life and journey he knew nothing about. It was fascinating and gave him a headache if he focused on it too long.

Ken came out of the delivery room a few times through the early hours, keeping them apprised. During the night the couple met with another man who seemed in rough shape himself. They talked quietly and Mark did his best not to eavesdrop but they may as well have been right beside him. As the group left, Marks heart felt heavy. From what he heard, a mother had a difficult delivery and didn't make it, and the child was struggling as well. He tried his best not to think about it as he waited on further news of Marys own delivery.

By seven in the morning, they hadnt heard anything in a couple hours, and they were all getting a little antsy. Mark was glad none of them had to go to work - Ryan worked from home - as they all wanted to be close by incase there were any complications. Mark had gotten up to grab some snacks for them at the vending machine down the hall. He put in some change when he heard a grunt of frustration to his left, and saw Ken, dressed in scrubs, tapping furiously on his phone.

Ken? Dude, whats wrong? Is Mary okay? Mark wandered over to Ken. He sighed and rubbed his eyes.

Marys fine, shes almost fully dilated. I need to get back in there but I realized that while I did all this prep for the guys at the shop for when this happened, I never made sure Sean or Ethan had a goddamn key to open, and I cant get a hold of the other guys. Ken looked exhausted and stressed. Obviously Im not going to leave, but there are two big clients in today, and itll cost me big time if theyre missed.

Do you have your shop keys here?

I left them at the house, theyre sitting on the counter.

Mark tilted his head, giving Ken a small smile. Well then, problem solved. I grab your keys and meet the boys at the shop. I can give them the four-one-one while Im at it. Still leave a key under the porch?

Ken deflated immediately, his face relaxing. Youre a lifesaver man. I owe you big time. I havent even had a chance to let either know what was happening. Yes sir, same place. Theyre sitting on the counter by the fridge, they have a keychain with a little boxing glove on it. Ken grabbed Mark in a quick embrace.

He waved Ken off. You owe me nothing. Go get back in there with your wife, Ill text you that everything's good later. Ken thanked him again before rushing back towards the delivery room. Mark finished grabbing the snacks, then went back to the waiting room and told Ryan and Felix what was going on. Felix promised to keep him updated, and Mark left to Kens place then to the shop.

It was about eight-thirty when he arrived at Cinnamon Ken and Mark could see Sean standing by the front door, talking with Ethan.

Mark's heart never failed to skip a beat when he saw Sean. He hadnt seen or spoken to him since Sunday at his apartment building, being preoccupied with his search and also just being a big baby about it. He parked on the street and steeled himself for a moment before exiting. Sean and Ethan looked over as he approached, a smile gracing Seans face.

Hey, Mark! What are you doing here? Sean moved his hand and gently brushed his fingers at his elbow. Mark repressed a shudder at the touch.

Im here to let you two into the shop. He dangled the keys in front of them, and moved to unlock the door. Mary went into labour late last night, still is, and Ken realized he didnt give either of you two keys to get into the shop. Mark stepped in and Sean moved to turn the alarm off.

Oh damn. Finally happened! Guess that means its just us for the day. Ethan put his hands on his neck, looking a little flustered. Sean moved over to clap him on the back.

Dont worry about it man, Ken prepped us for this. Well be fine, just gotta get everything set up quick for our first appointment. Ethan looked back at Sean, nodding at him with a smile.

Ken said you guys have two big clients today? Mark followed as they made their way to the front desk, turning on the computer and storing their bags. Ethan disappeared to the back rooms as Sean turned his attention to the desktop.

Yea, we have a minor celebrity coming in, Nathan Sharp. Hes a musician on youtube, but hes gotten a pretty big following. We also have a guy whos looking at investing in the shop, to expand the name and such. He paused, looking behind him before lowering his voice. Gotta be honest, Im kind of freaking out about that one, especially with Ken not being here. I mean, Ethan and I just started here so we arent going to be much help. Sean ducked behind the counter for a moment, and came back up with the till. The guys aware that Mary was due around now so he knows that Ken might not be here and if he likes what he sees he has no problem on making another appointment with Ken, but that's all relying on us not fucking it up.

I wouldnt worry about that. Before I even saw your work I knew you were good. Ken doesnt hire amateurs and wannabes. If youre working here, he thinks youre good. Great, even. He always tries to hire people on par with him or better. Hard to have a high end shop if all the artists arent at least on the same level. Mark watched as Sean puttered through the opening procedures, picking up the nervous ticks that he recognized easily; fidgeting hands, avoiding eye contact, the way he chewed on his lip. Longing gripped at Mark's heart, remembering clearly how he would take those hands, and force those blue eyes to look at him. He could almost feel the grass, hear the water, the birds. Mark resisted his urges and settled on placing his hand on Seans arm. Seans head snapped over to Mark, a little startled. He didnt initiate contact often.

Seriously Sean, itll be fine. He smiled at him, conviction in his voice.

Sean blew a raspberry at him, and gave him a side glance with his own smile. Thanks, I appreciate it.

Mark stuck around for awhile, just to make sure everything would be okay and to chat with the boys a bit. He hadnt had much of a chance to get to know Ethan when everyone had been over last, so he took the time to engage with him. He was very bubbly and it was infectious. He often had Mark bent over, roaring in laughter. He liked him, and his innocence. It had been a while since Mark had spent time with someone like Ethan, old enough to not be overly naive, but still retaining that child like innocence that he had lost so long ago.

He got a call from Felix just after lunch. Mary had given birth to a healthy baby girl. Mark forwarded the news to Sean and Ethan, who sent their congratulations.

Well, I had better go pick Felix up. Hes probably dead on his feet and annoying the hell out of the new parents. Ken said hes gonna call the shop in a bit. Tell Ethan bye for me when hes done.

Yea for sure, You gotta be pretty tired yourself. Sean moved from behind the counter and walked with Mark to the door.

Im not too bad. I dont need nearly as much sleep to function like Fe does. Pretty sure he was a cat in another life. Sean giggled.

So uh, hey. I have this Saturday off, and was wondering if you and Felix wanted to chill? Maybe you can show me around a bit. Still dont know much that isnt on the route from my house to work. Sean was keeping his eyes focused on Mark's nose as he wrung his hands and chewed his lip.

Mark gave him a warm smile. Sure, sounds like a plan. Oh wait, He pulled out his phone to check his calender. Its the sixth this Saturday. Felix and I have some errands to run during the day, but afterwards we can pick you up from your place in the afternoon?

Sure, text me when youre done. Sean moves his arm up, and Mark thinks he is going to hug him and his brain short wires for a second. Moving on autopilot, he leans in too as Seans arm comes up and grabs the door to open it. Mark ends up colliding with the door as it opens. He lets out a yelp of pain, stumbling back a step and bringing his hand up to his face.

Sean snorted, holding back a laugh. Oh my, god, are you okay?? He moved to Mark's side quickly, checking him over.

Owww oh my, God. That just happened. Holy shit, that hurt. Mark groaned as he rubbed his nose and eye. Fuuuuuuck.

Let me see.

Mark moved his hand as he felt Seans hovering near his face. He stared at Sean, repressing the slight gasp at the light brush of his fingers, gliding along his cheek and nose.

Nothing seems bruised or cut. Does it hurt when I put pressure on it?

Not nearly as bad as my pride.

Sean laughed. I think youre okay. His hands stayed on his face as he made eye contact with Mark. Sean was very close to him right now, he could see his nostrils flare as he breathed, and Seans eyes flicking down his face and back up. How often did Mark end up in this position? Not enough, a voice whispered. Didnt seem to matter how many times, it was always just as powerful and intoxicating, having him this close. Mark forced himself to move back slightly, bringing his hand to up to rub his face and to act as a barrier between him and the look Sean was giving him.

Well that was fun and embarrassing. I need to go get Felix though, hes probably waiting on me. As if on cue his phone started ringing and Mark pulled it out to read Felixs name on the call display and showing it off to Sean.

Sean laughed, taking a step back and grabbed the door once again, holding it open. Off ya go then. Sean waved his hand forward to the door.

My, what a gentleman. He faked swooned, then laughed as he waved goodbye to Sean and left the shop.

Sean closed the door, turned around, letting his body fall against it and tried to calm his heart. What the fuck was that. He was sure Mark went in to hug him before running into the door like an idiot, which stunned him, given the mans avoidance of touch, but then pulled away when Sean was about two seconds from leaning in for a kiss, which he was pretty sure Mark wanted too from the look on his face. He was getting a million mixed signals here and it just made Mark seem all the more endearing if he were honest. He seemed interested but wasnt letting himself get close. Maybe he could steal a few moments with Felix this Saturday and ask him about it. He seemed to be on board with Mark and him, and he lives with the guy.

He felt a smile slip onto his face. He was going to get to see Mark again, and he was pretty sure Felix would leave them be at some point in the evening. Sean felt excitement and nerves bubble in his stomach. God he was like a love sick teenager.

You gonna stand there all day, day dreaming about Mark or are you going to get back to work?

Seans head snapped up at Ethan's voice, who was at the front of the shop, smirking at him. He felt warmth flood his face and neck as he pushed himself from the door and made his way to the front. Shut up, I am not.

He brushed past Ethan who made a sound of disbelief. Please, I was standing here for a full two minutes before Mark left and neither of you two doofuses even noticed. Ethan leaned back on the counter. So you gonna ask him out?

Sean looked incredulously back at him. What? No! We just met. Besides, He turned back to the desktop. Hes not interested.

Ethan barked a laugh. Yea right. I saw you two. Hes definitely interested.

Sean held back a smile. Well, maybe he is but nothing is going to happen whether I ask or not, I can guarantee that.

Well, you just gotta make it happen. Ethan spun around, his elbows resting on the counter. Seduce the man, like they do in those stupid romance movies. Jealousy seems to work the most in those. Use that potato brain of yours, Im sure youll think of something.

Sean angled a glare at the kid. Dont you have a client right now?

Ethans smile faltered as he swore, bolting back to the studio room. Sean giggled to himself before letting Ethan's words swim around in his head.

Jealousy, eh?