ten

A few years later

Mark and Ethan lay, cuddling on the couch. Life was perfect. This was all Mark had ever wanted. This was all Ethan had ever wanted. The two were simply happy. Nothing could make their lives any better. Or so they thought. 

"Hey, do you want to go out for dinner?" Mark said suddenly. Ethan looked at him. 

"Tonight?" he asked in return. 

"No, tonight is movie night! How about your birthday? It's on Saturday, right?" Mark smiled.

"Yeah. I'm surprised you remembered," Ethan giggled. Mark frowned, then laughed. 

"I'm not that bad, am I?" he laughed. The two cuddle closer, and finished their movie.

On Saturday, Ethan stared at himself in the mirror. Mark told him it was a fancy date, but Ethan couldn't tell if he was over dressed. He wore a simple black turtleneck with a suit jacket over it, and some simple black pants, with Converse. He sighed, slipping his glasses on. He always felt his glasses made him look more classy, and serious. He looked back in the mirror. He smiled. The glasses really tied the look together.

He nodded to himself, and stepped out of the room.

Mark said he needed to hit to store before they went on their date, so Ethan was left alone at home. He couldn't help but feel like Mark had a plan and he had no idea what the crazed man could be thinking. Seconds later, there was a knock at the door. Ethan rose a brow, slightly confused. who would be knocking on the door? He opened the door.

Mark stood holding a bouquet, a grin plastered across his lips. He looked at Ethan with satisfaction.

"Ready, babe?" he asked. Ethan smiled.

"Yeah, where are we going?" he asked, taking the flowers.

"It's a surprise," Mark replied, linking his arm around Ethan's. The two walked to the car. Mark opened the door for Ethan, then strutted to the driver's side. Each step purposeful. This was a day Mark had been looking forward to for years now.

The drive was filled with sweet compliments, and excited giggles.

Eventually, they arrived at the restaurant. They were seated, and suddenly, being in public made Mark nervous.

The dinner went smoothly, everything was going great. Mark could feel his hands sweating as he patted his pocket, just to be sure that the small box was still there. He took a deep breath as the waiter took there dishes.

"Did you enjoy dinner?" Mark asked. Ethan nodded.

"I loved it. You want to know what else I love?" he asked.

"What?" Mark replied, smiling. Ethan stared into his eyes, leaning forward.

"You~" he answered. Mark laughed. It was time.

"Ethan, you... I love you so much. I've always felt the need to be close to you, and to be able to call you my boyfriend is more than enough... however," Mark paused to get out of his chair, and kneel in front of his lover, pulling the small box from his pocket. Ethan practically slapped a hand over his mouth, feeling tears well up in his eyes.

"Mark-" he stared before Mark interrupted.

"However," he repeated, "it would be so much nicer to call you my husband. So, Ethan Mark Nestor-Darling, will you make me the happiest man alive by becoming my husband?" he finished, opening the small box to reveal a silver ring. It was a gear with a small blue dimond in the middle. Tears ran down Ethan's face.

"Yes... Yes, yes, yes!" he cried happily. Mark's stomach was doing flips. He slipped the ring onto Ethan's finger. A perfect fit. The entire restaurant applauded. Ethan through his arms around Mark.

"I love you so fucking much-!" he cried. Mark laughed, and lifted Ethan's face to look at him, pressing their lips together. They stayed there for a moment before they became painfully aware of the amount of people watching them.

~FIN~