Hey everyone!

Sorry about the long break I took, I just really couldn't focus on my writing.

Thank you all for being there, and still being here as we finish this up!

Best regards,

BellemueCat93

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Cont. Marks POV

I excuse myself and go back to my room, checking to make sure everything was set up for the trip. I shut off the desktop and stuff my laptop in a carrying case, scanning the room for anything I missed.

I step out of my room, closing the door behind me, and see (f/n) walk out of the bathroom, nearly out of breath. I instinctively reach out and catch her hand, to which she turns and looks at me, catching her breath.

"We've got plenty of time, you don't have to rush," I smile at her, enjoying the feeling of her hand in mine.

She heaves a sigh, but returns a smile, "I know..."

Her hand leaves mine and she turns, forcing herself to walk slower.

Your POV

"Anything you think you'll need, just pack it," you say, placing the toiletries in the front compartment of the suitcase.

"This isn't my first flight, you know," he says, sitting on the floor next to the bag, crossing his legs.

You feel his hand caress yours once again. You look down at it and bite your lip, then look to him.

"Hey," he says softly, "I want to talk about Christmas Eve..."

You try pulling your hand from his, feeling embarrassment, "...We have to pack, we can talk after we land, right?"

He ignores you and pulls you down to sit next to him, still holding onto your hand. He turns towards you, intently staring down at your now intertwined hands.

"I meant what I said," he states, looking up at you, "I do love you. I know that you want to get everything fixed, but it's killing me to just keep it bottled up."

You blush, no longer trying to pull away, but look away. He turns your face to him, giving you a quick peck on the lips, a soft expression on his face.

"I've heard you say it before, but I want to hear it again."

You bite at your lip again, feeling your face heat up, "I... I love you, too, Mark."

He sighs in relief and smiles, pulling you in for kiss. Taken aback, you place a hand on his shoulder, but soon melt into the kiss. You can't tell whether your mind was racing or went blank, whether it had been a few seconds or a few minutes.

Marks POV

I pull back a few moments later, watching her eyes slowly open, her face flushed. I feel the edge of my lip curl into a smirk as I tousle her hair and help her up.

"Sorry, I... you are just adorable," I say, letting a slight chuckle out.

She begins to say something, but soon closes her mouth at the sound of my cell phone ringing in the other room. I wait a few moments before I go to retrieve it and answer.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Fischbach, this is the cab service. We are outside," a female voice lazily says.

"We'll be right down," I say before I hang up, pocketing the cell phone and returning to the living room, "Hey, the cab is here. You ready?"

"Yeah," she says, nodding, "I'll go get my bags, meet you outside."

I grab my luggage as she walks out the door. I look around, making sure I got everything before I grab the handle and step out.

I would be lying if I didn't feel uneasy.

---------------On The Plane----------------

Your POV

You shove your carry-on into the overhead area and sit next to Mark, leaning back in your seat. You look over to him, his eyes struggling to stay open.

You feel the heaviness on your eyelids as well, feeling a nap coming on. You feel his hand grip yours, his fingers intertwining with yours. You smile and drift off.

--------------Landing---------------------

You awake to the flight attendant lightly shaking you, "Miss, we've landed."

You stretch and yawn, thanking her and getting up. You wake Mark, grabbing your bags and exiting the plane.

You both exit the tram doors, surprised as you feel someone rush you, making you stumble back a bit. You gasp for air as the embrace tightens, then releases.

You look to your assaulter, "Damnit, Elena..." you breath.

She ignores you and turns her attention to Mark, sticking her hand out, "H-Hello, I'm Elena, (f/n)'s friend..." she says shakily.

He smiles and takes her hand, shaking it, "Nice to meet you."

You shake your head and turn your attention to your mother waiting past the line with a security guard.

"Good job, Elle," you mumble, heading out.

You all decide to stop at a cafe before heading out. Sipping your coffee, you look to between your mother and Mark, wondering what they both were thinking.

"So, I was thinking," your mother begins, "It would be nice if you both hung over at Elena's instead of heading straight out for the lab."

Elena smiles and nods, "It been pretty stressful for you both lately..."

You look over to Mark, waiting for his input. He returns you gaze and sighs, setting down his coffee.

"I'm in your guys' care right now, so I suppose if it's okay," he finishes, leaving the subject open as he brings his coffee back up to his lips.

"It's settled, then," you say, smiling at Elena.