It was early afternoon when they pulled into the driveway. The three of them entered the house, Chica and Edgar both eagerly greeting Sean who met them with the same enthusiasm. Mark laughed softly as Sean scratched Chicas ears, her tail wagging furiously as he cooed at her.

She remembers you from last time.

Sean smiled up at Mark. Shes such a sweet pup. Ive always wanted a dog.

These guys are always happy to have new people to shower them with affection. Felix toed his shoes off walking past them down the hall. Im going to go have a shower, Mark can show you around the place more. Felix jogged upstairs before Mark could protest. He didnt know what else to expect to be honest. Mark turned back to Sean.

Well, time for the grand tour. Sean took an extra few seconds to continue to pet Chica and Edgar before standing to follow Mark, the dogs close behind.

Mark by passed the ground floor, as Sean had already seen it. He showed him upstairs quickly, as there wasn't much up there aside from their rooms, his office and a bathroom. He considered showing him his room and the balcony attached but quickly rejected the idea. It was a little too intimate.

They moved to the basement which was a large open room mainly used as storage but also had a similar setup to the living room - TV, consoles, couches, etc. - along with a mini bar that was mainly used to store many of Felixs various whiskeys and other liquors.

Felix likes his hard alcohol. Mark commented when he saw Sean eyes up the multiple half-filled bottles.

If he ever needs help polishing those off, give me a call.

Sean wandered, eyeing up the consoles, most of them older models and classics while the new ones resided upstairs. He moved through to the other end of the room that had a stool and guitar on a stand sitting off to the side along with a music stand that had an array of sheet music on it.

Sean pointed at the guitar. That yours?

Yea, it is. Wade, you met him and his fiancée Molly the other night, they asked me to play a couple songs for their first dances at the wedding. Majority of the night will have a DJ, but they wanted something more personal for their first dance, father/daughter dance, etc.

Are you singing too? Mark nodded his head. Thats awesome! I remember you saying you played guitar but I didnt know you sang too. Sean walked to the guitar, running his hands over the strings. He looked back at Mark, a sly look on his face. What would I have to do to get ya to play something for me?

Mark hesitated at the question. His mind had already offered up exactly the song to play for Sean, one he had been sitting on for a long time. It had taken forever to write. He had finished it when he was with Joel, the day before he had found him. Mark put a stop on his train of thought, fighting back the image of Joel in the bathtub.

Uh, sure. Yea. Mark grabbed his guitar, sitting on the stool beside it while Sean settled into the love seat across from him. He could easily play Sean any song - he knew a vast array of them - but the only one that kept coming back to him was that one. Mark fiddled with his pick, chewing on his lip before looking up at Sean through his fringe. Theres actually this one song, an original. Uhm. He fidgeted in his seat. Was he really going to go through with this? Its not like Sean would figure anything out from it, but theres no way he wouldnt pick up on the emotion from it. Its about him after all. About them all.

Oh really? Yea man, go for it. Sean smiled encouragingly at Mark which helped him settle a bit. He took a deep breath, looking at his hands and began strumming the beginning chords. As he began to sing, he was brought back to last time he had played for Sean.

It had been the 1930s. Mark had been placed in a forced labour camp in Russia, after he had let his accent slip into his natural German. During this time, if you were not native to the country you were placed into these camps along with criminals and prisoners or war. It had been one of the worst experiences of Mark's life. He had spent many months there before he had finally escaped, though not because he had been physically unable. He could have easily broken out of his cell and snuck away at any point. But his cellmate, he couldnt leave him there alone.

Jasha had been placed in there the same time as Mark, had been caught stealing food for his family. He was young, only nineteen, one of the youngest iteration he had come across. And he was weak. Malnourished and sick from living on the streets, he wouldnt have lasted more than a few weeks. Not without Mark. So Mark stayed. He watched over for Jasha, protected him, took over his workload when he could, and took his punishment when possible. At night, he would sing for him, to help lull him to sleep in the dark and dank cells, drowning out the moans and screams surrounding them. Eventually one of the guards - who were not much better off than the prisoners - heard him singing, and brought him a guitar. He would spend his evenings playing for the guards and prisoners entertainment. In return, they would sneak extra meals that he would give to Jasha.

During his time there, Mark hadnt bothered to keep his distance. Jashas future here was bleak, and he knew the odds of any human escaping were slim to none. So he did his best to try and make them as comfortable for him as possible. It was the longest time he had ever spent with his love. After several months, Mark escaped the camp when he no longer had anything keeping him there.

Mark let the nostalgia wash over him as he played, letting the painful and cherished memories flow through him to the strings as he played, his voice filled with emotion, his eyes seeing the small and crowded cell that he spent many months in, Jasha across from him intently watching him as he played and hummed, slowly shifting his body and creeping his way over beside Mark, so hesitant. Mark continued to play, as nothing had changed, and keeping him in his peripheral. Jasha watched Mark as he moved again, placing himself right next to him as he slowly rested his head against Mark's shoulder. Mark couldn't help the smile that graced his lips as he moved from humming to a soft lullaby as he felt Jashas heart beat steady before slowing down farther as he fell to sleep to the sound of Mark's voice.

The image faded as Mark finished the song. His vision came back to focus on his hands as he played the last chords. The music faded and there was a heavy silence. It took Mark a few moments before he looked up at Sean, his breath catching as he met his eyes.

Seans eyes were wide and wet, mouth slightly agape. Tears ran down both his cheeks and he broke the contact to hastily wipe at his eyes, sniffing.

Sorry, I dont know what's got into me. He huffed, scrubbing his face and looking back at Mark. That was beautiful. I cant believe you wrote that. And your voice, it's awesome. Seans eyes filled again and before he could wipe the tears that fell, Mark leaned over, catching the tear with his knuckle as he gently brush it against Seans cheek. His eyes flicked up to Seans, holding his gaze for a few moments in silence, before they flicked down to his hand and he pulled back, feeling a blush creep up his neck. Mark cleared his throat as Sean shook himself, wiping his eyes again.

They sat in silence before Sean broke it. So, is that the song youre singing at Wades wedding?

Hmm? Oh, no not this one. That was just something I wrote awhile back. Mark put his guitar back on the stand. Im planning on playing Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus for their first dance.

Sean perked up a bit. Oh man thats a great song. I learnt that on drums at one point, its a lot of fun. Do you have a band playing backup for you?

No, Ill just be by my lonesome at the moment. Mark paused, an idea formulating in his mind, half of which was rebelling it with a passion. Did... I mean, would you want to play it, with me at the wedding?

Sean looked taken aback at the request. Me? Play with you?

Mark looked off to the side, shifting in embarrassment. I mean, you dont have to obviously-

Id love to! Sean practically lunged forwards before reeling back. I mean, Mark could see the barely contained excitement in Seans eyes, very similar to when he first asked him to the pub last week. Im honoured to be asked. Would Wade and Molly be okay with that? I am a stranger to them after all.

Mark waved off his concern. Theyll be fine with it. Most likely.

Okay cool. Sean smiled before frowning again. Wait, I dont have a drum set though, and I doubt you have one hiding around here.

I had already been looking at the possibility of hiring someone to play drums for me anyways so Wade has a set rented for the night. Mark was going to be googling the shit out of drum sets tonight and where to buy them. I can get them delivered here.

Alright, sounds like a plan! They smiled at each other when Seans phone dinged. He checked it, tapped off a reply then locked it. Im just gonna run to the washroom, be right back. Mark nodded, and he got up, leaving his phone on the stool. Mark set to tidying up the sheet music when he heard Seans phone go off again. He looked over and noticed he had a text message, seeing Ethans name flash before the screen locked again. He thought it was odd he left his phone here. The phone dinged again and Mark caught part of the message without meaning too, and his interest peaked. Looking over to the stairs, listening for Sean. Hearing nothing, he moved to the phone and pressed the home button, illuminating the screen, reading the message from Ethan.

Cant wait to see you tomorrow night :)

Mark locked the phone right away, moving to sit back on the stool, hands gripping the sides. Ethan and Sean are hanging out tomorrow night. So what? They work together. Theyre gonna hang out. Though that message wasn't exactly what youd send a friend when youre meeting up. Was it a date? Mark tried to think back to if Ethan had mentioned being in a relationship but he couldnt recall it being brought up.

Mark shook his head. So what if it is? Its not like he was going to be dating him. Hes been spending this whole time trying to make sure that Sean didnt think he was available. This is good if they are. Basically solves half the problem.

The wooden stool beneath Mark splintered under his grip. He let go of it, groaning. He looked back at Seans phone. Maybe if he checked

Mark scoffed, berated himself for even considering invading Seans privacy like that. He was being childish. He had no claim over Sean. He could just ask him, when he came back, like an adult.

He heard Sean coming down the stairs. He shifted the stool to hide the damage he inflicted on it as Sean bounded back into the room.

Felix is out of the shower, said we should come back upstairs and wed game a bit. And also to grab a bottle for him Sean grabbed his phone waiting for Mark to lead the way.

Yea, for sure. Let's go. They walked up the stairs into the living room. He heard Felix puttering in the kitchen. Hey, what are you up to tomorrow night? I think some of the guys are coming over if you want to join.

Such an adult.

Ah, Im busy tomorrow night. Thanks for the invite though. He opened his phone up, clearly trying to hold back a smile as he typed on it. Mark felt a rush of irritation that he tamped down on.

Anything exciting? He tried to ask casually. Sean eyed him over his phone.

Not really. Just some errands and such. Mark hummed in response. Felix entered the room with food and drinks and they booted up the PS4 and distributed the snacks. The next few hours were spent gaming, drinking and munching, with Mark doing his very best not to act like a jealous boyfriend.

He wasnt sure how successful he was.

It was still fairly early in the evening when Mark's phone went off. He checked the caller ID, and excused himself up to his office, closing the door behind him before answering the phone.

Hello?

Hey, Mark, long time no talk.

Mark heaved a sigh of relief. Barry, hey man, yea its been a while. How are you?

Other than being in the office on a Saturday, Im grand. Been working on finding the information you talked with Brian about.

Mark sat down at his desk, logging into his laptop. What did you find?

Im sending everything via email right now. Theres not much, but I found some possible locations. Brian said you had looked at all the abandoned locations within the city?

Yea, I spent days and found nothing.

How do you know that the locations are abandoned?

Mark leaned back in his chair. Well the first place was in an abandoned warehouse. And the one vamp - Trent was his name - had said the other locations were in an old hospital and hotel.

Old, yes. But not abandoned. Pull up the email I sent.

Mark opened his email and downloaded the files. He flicked through them, various photos of a hospital and hotel. They both appeared to be in operation, along with a beefed up security detail. What exactly am I looking at?

These are surveillance images of a hospital and hotel in L.A. They were established back in the early 1800s by Matias Cabello, a businessman who, at the time, owned much of the property, including the land where the warehouse was built.

So theyre connected by a man whos been dead for two hundred years. What does he have to do with this?

There's an image in there of Cabello and his family. I think youll find the wife of particular interest.

Mark clicked through the images until he found the right one. He swore under his breath. Esma.

Back then she went by Emilia Cabello. It had been believed that she was the real mastermind behind most of Matias business decisions. I went through the history of the property, and these three location have been passed through various owners that seem to have no connection, except one.

Mark moved through the images of each new owner, one thing sticking out. Shes in all of these. Each image there is a woman, in the background sometimes with a clipboard, sometimes behind a camera, all appearing to be a different woman but Mark knows better. He knows exactly who it is. The last picture was different, Esma standing front and centre, shaking hands with another man.

And as of six month ago, she is the current owner of all three.

Shes been planning this for a long time. Longer than I had even thought. What the hell is she up to? There were more images of her, entering and exiting the buildings, talking with various men. He saw one of her and Cole outside the hospital.

That I cant tell you. But whatever it is Mark, its big. Bigger than just you. You should re consider Brians offer about taking some help.

Its fine, I got this. Now that I know the locations I can finally get a move on shutting her down.

Mark seriously, whatever she is planning, its huge. I did more digging and over the past two years she has been slowly accumulating property in all major cities in the U.S. under various pseudonyms. The organization is already looking into this as a high priority threat. It would be better if you worked with us on this one.

Mark sighed. Fine, Ill talk with Brian. He conceded. Do you have anything else for me?

That's pretty much it. There's an employee roster for both places and there background information. Most of it checks out, but there's a few in the management positions that are full of holes. Ive marked them for you to check out. Be careful Mark, these places have a lot of security and a network that even I had a hard time hacking into. I wasnt even able to get any surveillance footage on the inside so who knows what you could be walking into.

I got it, thank you Barry.

Just call Brian. I mean it Mark. Youll want to be on our side if or when this goes nuclear.

Mark stiffened. What exactly is that supposed to mean?

There was a pause on the other end.

Barry?

Nothing, we just want to make sure everything goes smoothly, and having your help would be a great benefit. I got to go Mark, Im sure we will talk soon. The call ended.

Mark looked at his phone, cursing. What the fuck was going on? What was Esma planning? He figured something big was up but not to the scale Barry just revealed. He went back through the files paying more attention. The hospital was St. Germaine and the hotel was the Matron Suites. Along with the warehouse, the three locations were all located on outer edges of the city. Were the possibly more locations they didnt know about? Ones not under Esmas pseudonyms? There was still so much unknown.

Mark sighed, taking a step back, looking at what he knew.

There were three known locations, all under Esmas ownership. Of the three, two are still in operation as seemingly ordinary businesses. That helps keep a level of disguise up. To have this running she must have higher ups working for her. Mark pulled up the employee roster. There were various names highlighted, in positions of management, finance, security, up to positions of CEOs and VPs. This ran deep.

In these locations there are going to be some kind of testing or experiments. Hed been keeping a tab on missing persons reports and there hadnt been anything out of the ordinary as of yet, but he wasnt entirely sure what he was looking out for either. The only way to find out would be to go undercover, but knowing Esma, hed probably be spotted a mile away. He would have to cooperate with Brian on this one, let him assemble a team to go undercover. He really didnt want him meddling in his territory right now.

And then there was Sean.

He jumped at the knock on his door, Seans voice travelling through.

Hey Mark, everything okay?

He closed his laptop and moved to the door, Sean backing up as Mark stepped outside of the room into the hall.

Sorry, that was work. These was an issue with a program that they needed my help sorting. All good now.

Okay, I was just checking. Felix wanted more chips so he left to go to a convenience store. Walked, not drive. Sean assuaged his concern of a drunk Felix behind the wheel.

Hopefully he hadnt had too much more while I was up here, otherwise we may not see him again tonight. They started to make their way downstairs.

Sean giggled. He wasnt too bad. I give him an hour tops.

Mark laughed looking back at Sean, smiling softly. He watched Sean as they sat and picked up the controller's again, the corner of his lips twitching down.

And then there was Sean.