seven

The last day - the last show

Ethan danced across the stage to California Gurls by Katy Perry. The song changed to A Whole New World from Aladdin, quing Mark to start dancing. Ethan dance towards Mark, looping their arms, and pulling him across the stage when the next song, Dancing Queen by Abba started to play. Ethan then turned to face Mark, pushing him across the stage. Mark pretended to shield himself as Ethan danced up against him. 

This is where Mark's genius plan took affect. Ethan thought Mark was just going to turn around, and walk out to the center of stage, but what Mark was actually going to do was a little different.

The song changed once again to To Sexy For My Shirt by Right said Fred. Mark turned quickly, pushing himself against Ethan. Ethan stumbled and fell backwards. He pulled himself backwards as Mark walked towards him. Ethan did his best to regain his composure, but his hand slipped, causing him to fall backwards. He lay flat on stage, Mark over him. 

"Stay down," Mark mouthed. He put one foot on either side of Ethan's body, and thrusted into the air a few times before stepping away. Ethan took a breath, before standing up to continue with his next dance, and the rest of the show. It was the last show, so it had to be perfect. 

Maybe Mark was just trying to spice things up?

In celebration of their last show, the group decided to go out for drinks. Given the events that happened at the show, Ethan needed a drink. 

The friends sat at a private booth at some club. Seán, who had flown in from Ireland to see the show, joined them. 

Mark ended up not drinking because he physically couldn't, but he also had to drive Ethan home. While everyone was dancing and having fun, Ethan was drinking his problems away at the bar, and Mark was seated at the booth. 

"Hey buddy, had a rough night?" Seán asked, sliding into the seat next to Ethan. Ethan nodded.

"You ever go on a tour for a month and have to share a bed with the man you love the entire time, but you know he doesn't feel the same way?" Ethan slurred. Seán looked at him concerned. 

"Have you tried talking to him?" he asked. Ethan shook his head. 

"He won't like me back," he said. Seán sighed. 

"Maybe he does. Try talking to him," he smiled. Ethan thought for a moment. 

"You know what, I think I will! Where's Mark?" he said, standing up and stumbling a bit. Seán helped him stable himself. 

"At the booth. Maybe don't talk to him tonight. You're sort of hammered-" Seán said, trying to get Ethan to sit back down, but Ethan kept fighting through the crowd, and ended up losing Seán somewhere in the chaos. 

Mark saw Ethan stumbling through the crowd and up to the booth. Ethan slipped into the seat next to Mark. 

"Hey Ethan, you okay?" Mark asked the drunken man. Ethan took a breath as he realized what he was about to do. 

"Mark I wanted to talk to you about that little stunt you pulled on stage today," Ethan said. Mark smiled. 

"Okay? How many drinks have you had?" he asked. Ethan shook his head. 

"Invalid. Anyway, I just want to know why," he said. Mark sighed, amused. 

"Ethan can we talk about this when you aren't drunk?" Mark asked, playfully. 

"Mark, I'm not drunk. I only had a few drinks. I want to know now," Ethan said. Mark sighed. He knew Ethan was drunk, and he just hoped Ethan wouldn't remember this by tomorrow. 

"Ethan, I did it because I think it's really cute when you get flustered," Mark said. Ethan's face reddened. 

"Y-You think I'm cute?" he said in shock. Mark nodded.

"Yeah. In fact, I'm in love with you. I have been for a while," Mark said, looking dreamily at the younger man.  

"Wow, Mark, I love you too. I've loved you ever since I met you. You're videos are so inspiring, and I thought I just wanted to be you, but it turned out I was falling for you," Ethan said. He leaned on Mark's shoulder. Mark smiled. 

"Let's get you home," Mark said, helping the younger male up. 

"Mark, I'm not drunk! This is all real!" Ethan said as they made their way across the dance floor. Ethan stopped, and gave Mark's hand a tug. Mark turned and looked at him. 

"Ethan-" Mark yelled over the music. 

"Dance with me. Just one song," Ethan said. Mark sighed. 

"One dance, then we go home, got it?" Mark said. Ethan nodded and pulled Mark towards him. The next song started up. Ethan closed his eyes, and let the music take over his body. Mark watched him, awkwardly standing there, not really doing anything. Ethan opened his eyes and looked at Mark. He smiled, and grabbed Mark's hands, pulling him towards him. 

"Dance Mark!" Ethan smiled happily. Mark smiled, and started to move along with the music. He kept his eyes on Ethan. 

Ethan spun so his back was to Mark, and he leaned on him. Mark bit his lip. He placed a hand on Ethan's hip, pulling the shorter male towards him. 

Ethan pressed himself against the taller man. Their bodies moved together in unison. Mark turned Ethan around so they were facing each other. He placed his hands on Ethan's hips once again. Mark held him close to his body. The two moved in sync, their faces centimeters apart. Mark stared into Ethan's eyes, Ethan stared back. 

The song came to an end. Mark reluctantly pulled away. 

"Can we go home now?" Mark asked. Ethan nodded. Mark took Ethan's hand and lead him to the exit. Mark helped Ethan into the car, then climbed into the driverseat. He started the car, and started the drive home. 

"Mark, everything I said was true. I love you so much," Ethan slurred. Mark smiled.

"I love you, too," Mark said. 

Mark pulled into the driveway. Before Ethan could get out, Mark opened the door for him. He helped him get in the house, and to his room. 

"Mark, can I sleep in your room?" Ethan asked, looking up at Mark. Mark smiled.

"Of course," Mark smiled. Ethan smiled back.

Ethan dropped onto Marks bed, pulling Mark down with him. To keep himself from completely crushing the smaller male, Mark dropped his elbows on either side of Ethan's head. 

They stared into each other's eyes once again. As tempting as it was to make a move, Mark quickly pulled himself away. He refused to do anything while Ethan was sloshed. 

Mark pulled Ethan's shoes off, and put a blanket over him. Ethan was basically out cold at this point. Mark watched the younger male before turning to leave the room. Ethan quickly grabbed his hand. 

"Stay," Ethan said, not looking at Mark. Mark smiled, and climbed into bed next to him. Ethan snuggled up against Mark, and quickly drifted off into sleep.

"I love you," Mark whispered, placing a kiss on his forehead. 

Ethan woke with a pounding headache. He sat up and looked around. He wasn't in his room. He wasn't on the bus anymore.

There was someone sleeping next to him. Ethan looked over at the sleeping man. 

Mark?!

Ethan felt like he couldn't move. 

What the fuck did I do?

He was drunk. Mark would understand, right? 

Pain shot through Ethan's head. 

Mark's eyes fluttered open. He watched the younger male rub his forehead. 

"Hangover?" Mark said, causing Ethan to flinch, then look over at Mark. 

"Yeah, um... why am I... what happened?" Ethan stuttered out. Mark looked at him confused. 

"Last night we all went out to a club, and you got so drunk you told me you loved me, then refused to go home until I danced with you, so I danced with you, then we went home, and you wanted to sleep in my bed. I wasn't going to join you, but you insisted," Mark explained. Ethan's face turned a deep red. 

"I-I told you..? did we... do anything?" Ethan asked. Mark looked at him confused.

"Do anything..? Oh! No, no, just a little bit of cuddling," Mark smiled, leaning back and closing his eyes, trying to go back to sleep. Ethan was quiet for a moment. 

"Mark, can I tell you something?" Ethan said.

"Hm?" Mark hummed, opening an eye, and looking over at the younger male. 

"You know that saying, 'a drunken mind speaks a sober heart'?" Ethan said. Mark eyes widened. His heart started pounding, his stomach filled with butterflies. Meanwhile, Ethan's face was burning. His breathing was unsteady. 

"Ethan, I-" Mark started.

"You don't need to say anything. I just needed to get it off my chest... Mark, I love you," Ethan interrupted. Mark's smile was uncontrollable. 

"Ethan, you have no idea how long I've wanted to hear those words," he said. Ethan whipped his head around to look Mark in the eyes. Mark was sitting a lot closer than Ethan thought he was. 

The two locked eyes. Time seemed to stop. Ethan's headache was completely gone, and Mark was no longer tired. Their faces were only inches apart. Mark gently placed a hand on Ethan's cheek. They slowly moved closer, closing the gap between each other.

Ethan felt nothing but pure bliss. He was already in love with Mark, but his soft lips added to the experience. 

Mark had nothing on his mind but Ethan. Mark moved his hands to Ethan's hips, and pulled him closer. Ethan slipped onto Mark's lap. The two stayed there for a while, eventually pulling away for air. They stared into each other's eyes once again. 

"I've been wanting that for so long," Ethan said laughing a bit. Mark laughed too.

"I love you so fucking much," Mark said, quietly. Ethan smiled. 

"I love you too," he said happily.