I gotta give her credit. Shes got a handle on the long game.

Mark gave Felix a withering look over his shoulder before turning his attention back on the computer. The two of them had been going over the information Brian had sent them. Both the hospital and hotel were fronts. While they still operate normally, Esmas lackeys operated in the background. They weren't able to get a lot - apparently the security system in place was very complex and they could only get so much while still avoiding detection. But one of the things they did get was an extensive list of people who had been declared dead by the hospital, along with sub divisions of those who were actually deceased and those who were being used for further experimentation.

The same was being done at the hotel it seemed. Brian had the guest roster pulled up and ran the names against LAPDs missing persons list. At first there was only a few that lined up but Barry got access to security feeds from street cameras and ran facial rec on people entering and exiting the hotel over the last six months. Turns out Esma had been snatching people who used aliases, some being sex workers or drug traffickers. People that wouldnt be missed.

Harrell was also able to glean a few things on the mysterious experiments they have been conducting. There was a few mentions of a serum, along with what looked like a list of symptoms or side effects, ranging from things like nausea and vomiting, to paralysis, brain damage, and death. Though the symptoms were starting to lessen with each new trail.

So they're creating some kind of drug, but looks like they haven't perfected it yet. Theres some stuff about further experimentation, but theyre getting close to the next phase, whatever that is.

Is Brian gonna send in some kind of attack group? Felix questioned.

Mark shook his head. No, not yet at least. He wants to gather more information first. He seems to think this isnt just contained to L.A. and is sending feelers out to other branches to see if anything similar is happening in their areas. While Mark hated that nothing was being done, he understood the need of more information. If this does extend past L.A., then by attacking the two locations they are aware of right now would only be an annoyance to Esma and they would lose whatever element of surprise they had.

It also meant that Mark had to stand down as well. Brian had been very adamant about it, and although he didnt say it, Mark knew he didnt trust him to ruin everything in order to fulfill his own vengeance against Esma. Mark didnt really blame him but he was still peeved.

I hate not knowing. Almost as much as I hate not doing anything. Mark closed his laptop and the two of them left his office and headed for their separate rooms.

Tomorrow is a new day my dude. Felix yawned. Im going to get some shut eye. Are you going to actually sleep or?

Mark leaned against his door frame watching Felix. Maybe. I dont know, probably lay in bed pondering on what my life even is.

Ah, Felix tipped his head back, smiling. My favourite pastime. Right up there with my continuous existential crisis and remembering all past mistakes. Felix opened his door, waving as he disappeared into his room. Toodaloo.

Mark snorted, shaking his head as he stood and entered his own room, closing the door behind him.

His room wasnt anything special; a queen bed with a night stand beside it to his left, a dresser with a mirror across from him and a closet and window to his right. The walls were a soft beige and almost completely bare save the odd sticky note he put up with various reminders.

True to what he said to Felix he found his thoughts sifting through his life and where he was right now. He walked over to his dresser avoiding his own gaze in the mirror as he removed it from the wall, a small compartment with a dial lock behind it. He opened it up, revealing an assortment of items, from wads of cash, to various passports and IDs with different aliases. He reached passed them and grabbed a wooden box sitting tucked in the back. Putting everything back in place, he took the box with him to his bed, settling down and leaning against the headboard.

He pulled the lid off the box and ran his hand over the contents. He pulled out his mother's wedding ring and slipped it on his pinky with practised ease before looking back at the box.

As much as he wished he could forget many aspects of his life, he never really could let go of his past. The box contained the few items he had kept through his life. Along with his mothers wedding ring, he had the other items he had taken with him the day he had left everything behind. He twirled another ring in his hands, Friedrichs family ring - the first reincarnation of Felix he had met. Placing it back down he pulled out a pile of photographs. They were all in various state of disrepair and quality.

He remembered when photography first erupted. Most were unsure, even fearful of it, not being able to understand, but Mark had been intrigued. After being alive for over two hundred years at that point, innovation and inventions were something he learned to stop fearing. During the time when photography and portraits were on the rise he worked as a photographer in the U.S., and, of course, was how he met Jesse.

Holding the black and white photo in his hand Mark could easily picture Jesse, sitting in the chair as the photo was taken, his blue eyes staring just off to the right where Mark had been standing.

He smiled, remembering the way had he spluttered and flushed when he told Jesse to keep his position and line of sight steady on something that could hold his attention long and he chose Mark as his object of interest. He remember returning home for the day to Friedrich and regaling him about the event while he fed him his food. Seeing as he couldnt move without Mark's assistance he was stuck listening to him prattle.

He moved on to avoid further, less pleasant memories from resurfacing, and continued through the stack of images. As he progressed there were more images of various versions of Jack along with versions of Felix, the quality slowly improving. After digital cameras were invented, he didnt have as many physical copies but he printed off a few that he felt were important to have copies of. He got to the last of the pile, the most recent photo he had made a physical copy of and his heart constricted in his chest.

The photo was of Joel, curled up on the couch with a blanket around him and writing pad and pencil in hand, and his corgi, Winston, nestled at his feet. His face was focused on the paper in front of him and whatever he had been currently working on. Black hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, with a few strands having fallen loose and hung in front of his face. It was taken two days before Joel had killed himself.

Mark stared at the image unable to look away. It had been almost thirty years but he was still haunted by Joel. He blamed himself, like he always did for their deaths, but with Joel it was different. While the others were killed because of Mark, Joel killed himself, because of Mark. Joel had already been struggling for years before Mark ever entered his life, but if Mark hadnt been around

He placed the images back down in the box. There was no point in indulging in these thoughts.

Letting the box rest in his lap he fiddled with the ring on his finger, his thoughts wandering to Sean, where they always ended up sooner or later.

He still wasnt sure what Seans place in all of this was. He had been sure he was part of Esmas plans, but after seeing what an extensive reach she had, she could easily send someone to nab Sean while he slept. He shuddered, pushing away the metal image the thought conjured up. Maybe it was a coincidence that this was all happening at once. It was obvious Esma had been working on this for a long time, the end game was going to happen sooner or later. Maybe Sean really did have nothing to do with it. Unless Esma was waiting for something.

Mark let his head thunk against the headboard. He was just going to run himself in circles. Besides, even if Sean wasnt involved, hes still in danger. Nothing had really changed.

He placed the box on his night stand, leaving the ring on his finger and laying on his back. Staring up at the ceiling, his gaze unfocused and just let himself drift off, letting the photos act as fuel for his dreams.

Mark and Felix arrived at Seans apartment just before ten to see Sean already loading things into a moving truck. They parked in visitor parking and made their way over to Sean.

Hey guys! Thanks again for coming. Sean greeted, holding a few boxes.

No worries. Has the truck been here long? Mark and Felix watched as he placed the boxes in the truck.

No, this was my first load. Sean grunted. He turned to face them. Come on, Ill show ya the way.

The three of them rode the elevator to the seventh floor and entered his apartment. It was pretty bare at this point, stacks of boxes in what was probably once the living room. There was some furniture still scattered about that Sean had been waiting for help to take down. They started with the big pieces - couch, drawing table, bed - before moving onto the boxes. It took the three of them about an hour and a half to get everything down to the truck. While moving everything they had asked where his new apartment was.

Its jus down the road from the shop. I was lucky enough to stumble upon it right as a place opened up in the building. And my only neighbour is an elderly couple so no need to worry about overly loud sex.

Hey, you dont know what that couple could get up to. Felix remarked as they exited the elevator.

Sean shuddered a bit as they walked through his door. Dude. Come on. Mark snorted as Felix waggled his eyebrows. I dont think I ever want a peek inside your head.

You don't, trust me. Mark cut in before Felix could counter.

Though today theyve been quiet. Haven't heard anything from them. Usually theyre on their third round by now. Sean commented as they loaded their arms back up.

Probably out for the day.

Pretty rare they arent home at this time. Sean shrugged it off and they continued packing up. Once they finished, Sean hoped in the truck with the driver, with Mark and Felix following behind to his new place. It was a pretty lucky find, Mark could see the sign of the shop from his car as they pulled into the back parking lot. It was easier to unload as Sean was on the first floor, taking half the time. When they had the last load off, Sean paid the driver and the three took the last boxes into the apartment.

It was smaller than his other place, but much, much nicer. It had a small kitchen but large living area along with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It also had a small patio area out to the back side, the wall being entirely made of windows.

Ill ave to get curtains for those but Im excited about all the natural light Ill get in here. Its so much nicer to work in.

Do you want some help unpacking? Mark offered. Everything had pretty much been placed in the living room besides his bed and dresser which they put in the larger of the two rooms.

You guys have already helped so much already. I can handle the rest.

Are you sure? It wouldn't be a hassle. We don't have any other plans for the day.

Well, Sean looked around the place, face pensive. I mean, I guess it be nice to have some help moving some of the bigger pieces.

Well alright then. Lets get started.

Actually, I have to get going. Felix piped up. Im going to meet Marzia in a bit and I need to at least shower.

Mark narrowed his eyes at Felix, calling bullshit. He had told him the other day Marzia was out of state this weekend. He went to say as much when Felix cut him off.

I can pick you up later though Mark. You wouldnt want to leave Sean alone with all this stuff He could hurt himself. He grabbed his jacket and waved to Sean. Enjoy your new place. Well have to come by once you are all settled in. See ya later Mark. He scurried out of the door before Mark could say anything. That little shit. He turned back to Sean, now very aware they were alone in this small apartment.

Fucking Felix.

Sean let out a breath, looking around at everything. Well, I guess we can start moving boxes into rooms. The boxes should all be labeled for their corresponding rooms. Anything that says Art Supplies can go in the second bedroom.

They spent the next hour moving everything around, and chatting casually. Mark got to hear more about Seans family and his life growing up. He soaked in the information like a sponge. They also talked about Wade's wedding, and the song they were performing. So far they had only met once at Mark's place to rehearse for Wades wedding, but it had gone really well. Sean obviously knew his way around the drums and he could site read like the best of them. They wouldnt need many practices before the wedding. Sean had commented that it felt like they had been playing together for years. Mark had just smiled. He wasnt really surprised. He had always been able to fall into easy rhythms and patterns with every Jack. Being soulmates, they were made for each other, as Felix put it.

Mark knew he was made for Jack, once upon a time, but he had been broken a long time ago, never to be fixed.

They were currently putting things away in the kitchen when Mark's curiosity finally got the best of him and he asked Sean something that had been in the back of his mind all morning.

Im surprised you didn't get Ethan to come help too. Seems like the more people for this the better. Mark made a point to studiously observe the utensils he was currently unpacking into a drawer.

I actually had asked him, but he has family in visiting from Maine. Sean replied from behind.

Ah. He paused a minute, turning to unpack another box. You guys get along well? Have you made any other friends here? He looked up at Sean who was putting plates in one of the cupboards.

Sean finished what he was doing and turned to face Mark as he answered. Yeah we do, hes been pretty awesome actually. He can sympathize with the stress and anxieties with moving so far away. Hes a cool guy. Sean grabbed another box of bowls and plates. As for other friends, besides you, Felix, and Ethan, Ive only really met your friends that one time. I guess theres Ken too, but hes my boss and hes been busy with the baby and such.

Sean turned back to the cupboard. Ethan and I have gone out a few times now. He lives near here actually, with his roommates. Amy and I think the other is Kathryn. Ive only met Amy so far.

Mark hums in acknowledgement, his mind grasping on Seans use of the words gone out. As in gone out on a date? Are they dating? The texts and the way they acted in the shop last time came back to him. He was trying really hard to keep it cool but his desire to know was killing him. He knew he had no claim on Sean but it doesnt change the fact that the idea of Sean being with anyone other than him

Are you and Ethan dating?

The question came out before Mark even registered he had said it. He immediately turned to the cupboard and started to put away the cups, flush crawling up his neck.

Sean halted whatever he had been doing behind Mark, but he refused to turn and look at Sean. He berated himself for his lack of self-control and he was drowning in embarrassment.

What makes you think that?

Mark couldnt read the tone of Seans voice, and he really didnt want to turn around and face him, knowing his face was still a stone's throw away from a resembling a tomato. He cleared his throat and kept on what he was doing. Well, uh, just the way Ive seen you two interact, last time I was at the shop and how he spoke about you. He paused, frantically trying to decide whether he was going to admit to seeing the texts.

Mark put the last glass away and reluctantly turned around to go to another box, purposely keeping his eyes on task. And when you were at our place last, after the fitting, I accidentally saw a text from Ethan pop up on your lock screen when you were in the bathroom? He phrased it like a question, looking up at Sean through his eyelashes and putting on his best Im an innocent baby please dont be mad face. I promise I didnt pry, it went off and I reflexively looked over. Okay that was a stretch but whatever.

Seans face was mostly impassive but he could see the humour in his eyes. Okay, so hes not mad. Good.

Why, are you jealous?

Mark almost dropped the glasses he was holding, turning right back around as his flush came back with a vengeance. No, of course not. Im just curious. He swallowed past a lump in his throat. I think you two make a nice couple.

There was a distinct and heavy pause that followed his comment. No longer wanting to talk about this, Mark changed the topic.

If I remember correctly there was a promise of pizza. Mark said over his shoulder.

Sean laughed. Yes, there was indeed. Once we finish the kitchen Ill order some.

Crisis averted, they went back to unpacking and light conversation but Mark couldnt help but notice that Sean never really confirmed or denied his question. Sneaking a peak at him while his back was facing Mark, the longing he often felt seized him and he had to look away or else be suffocated by his own desires. The air was thick, but only to him he was sure.

He was going to kill Felix when he got home.