Jason and You Makes Two

Chapter 21

Simon jumped up from his spot on the mat, grumbling at being interrupted while he tugged his shorts back up. Mark planned to head home soon to hit the books and Simon wasn’t sure if he’d see his lover again over the weekend. For that reason alone, he wasn’t thrilled over having company right now. He should’ve just told the guys he was busy instead of leaving it up in the air and assuming they wouldn’t show up.

Still grumbling, he grabbed his shirt from the chair near his weight bench and quickly dashed into the bathroom to splash some water on his face. Then he pulled his t-shirt over his head as he ran up the steps and hurried to answer the door. If it weren’t for the cars sitting in the driveway, he’d have been tempted to play dead and act like he wasn’t home. From now on, they’d have to use the garage for what it was intended.

The dingle-lingle-ling of the doorbell being rang repeatedly left little doubt in his mind that whoever was out there wasn’t about to give up. Simon couldn’t help but snort at the sound of that damn thing. He absolutely hated it and had cursed himself a million times for letting his sister pick that up for him. Knowing her, she’d picked it out as a cruel joke because it was girly as hell. If Mark ever noticed it, he’d probably drag Simon up to the Goodwill and hook him up with a tutu and some tights to match it.

With a sigh, he reached the door and quickly jerked it open with a, “Hold on a sec. I’m coming!” as he tucked his shirt into his shorts. Then he came face to face with his mom and the ability to speak left him as he looked past her and met his father’s accusing eyes. Something close to fear swelled in his chest at the sight. Regardless of what Mark had said the night before, the man had never given Simon the tiniest hint that he was ‘okay’ with Simon’s sexuality.

“Mom. Dad. Ummm…Hi?” Simon squeaked as his eyes shot between the two of them again. There was no way out of this. The gig was up, and he knew that Mark would have a cow when he saw Nathan. His mind started spinning, trying to think of ways to break the news to his dad before Mark made it downstairs. “What are you two doing here?”

His mom gave him an odd look and glanced over her shoulder at his dad. His dad didn’t notice. He was too busy staring Simon down like he was trying to read his damn mind. Finally his mom laughed, although it was a bit of an uncomfortable one, and pushed past Simon into the house. “Oh, pooh, silly boy. Since when do we need a reason to visit you? Have you had lunch yet? I’d be more than happy to…”

Suddenly she stopped, crossing her arms across her ample chest and scowling as she realized that Simon and Nathan were still eyeing each other warily at the door. “What’s wrong with you two? Nathan, did you and Simon have a tiff at work again?”

Nathan shook his head, the man’s signature bright smile immediately slipping into place, although it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nothing like that, love. Just thought I saw an extra car in the driveway and wondered if Simon had company. Should we come back another time, son?” Nathan asked, that probing look still firmly in place. “We’d hate to put you or your guest on the spot or interfere with your plans.”

Simon wasn’t sure how he should take that comment because his normally transparent dad was proving very hard to read at the moment. “You’re not interfering,” Simon replied cautiously as he gave them both a half-hearted smile and stepped aside to let his dad pass. “As a matter of fact, there’s someone here I’d like for you both to meet. We were just about to have some lunch ourselves, so now’s as good a time as any.” There. He’d done it. One step at a time. Now, to break the news.

Before he could get the words out, Nathan clapped his hands together and announced, “Excellent,” as he made his way into the house, looking around boldly as if expecting someone to appear around the corner at any second.

When he started toward the hallway, like he was heading for the dining room, Simon’s mom let out an exasperated breath. “Nathan, just where do you think you’re going?”

“I was going to see about lunch,” Nathan grumbled defensively. Then his wounded gaze came back to Simon. It wasn’t exactly damning. Maybe disappointed or hurt was a better description. Simon had dreaded this day, the day his father would be forced to face the fact that he was gay instead of ignoring it. That he seemed less than pleased told Simon that perhaps Mark had overestimated his father’s willingness to see them come together as a couple. Again, the man was hard to read. If he disapproved, then why had he been breaking his neck looking around as if in search of Simon’s guest? Why not just leave or…?

Suddenly his dad’s comment about the extra car outside popped into his mind and Simon’s eyes widened slightly. He’d only known one person who drove a yellow Chevette in his entire life and that was Mark. His dad had to know that that was Mark’s car parked outside. Mark had been working for Nathan far too long for the man not to know. Simon suddenly felt like squirming, but immediately gave himself a mental shake. He was an adult damnit! And this was his house. He didn’t owe his father an explanation. Of course, it would’ve been better if Simon had had the chance to ease the man into the idea of Mark being here, like he’d planned, but it was too late for that now. Nathan already knew. Now, how to broach the subject without pissing the man off?

Simon raised his hands defensively while Nathan glowered. “Dad, I can explain. We just sort of…”

“Explain what?” his mom asked as she studied them both, confusion showing in her expression. “Are you two sure that nothing’s going on?”

“I don’t know,” Nathan murmured as his eyebrow rose in question. “Is there something going on, Simon? I’d really like to know that myself.”

“Yes. I mean, no. I mean…” Simons stopped, frustration taking over as he shook his head to clear it. His mom’s hand landed on his arm and he nearly jumped out of his skin at the unexpected touch. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this on edge. He felt like a teenager who’d been caught in his bedroom with his pants around his ankles and a crusty, old sweat sock in his hand. “Nothing’s going on. Everything’s cool.”

“My, my. You’re jumpy today. Are you sure you’re alright?” his mom asked before glancing at his father as if to say ‘What’s gotten into this kid?’

Simon’s only response to that was a nervous laugh of his own and a weak, “Yeah, I’m great.” She wasn’t buying it, so Simon forced a bright smile like all was right with the world.

“Well, if you say so, but you’re acting a bit strange. I thought you’d be happy to see me since it’s been a few weeks,” his mom replied with a wounded look in her eyes. Guilt trip anyone?

“No, that’s not it at all,” Simon rushed to reassure her as he fought back the urge to groan out loud. “I’m always happy to see you, mom.” It was true, too. He was. It was more his father’s presence that was freaking him out. Even more so now that he knew that his dad knew that… Fucking hell!

“You’re sure? I mean, we could always come back another time.” she asked with a worried look at Nathan before taking a step toward the door. “I know we should have called first but…”

“No!” Simon spouted, holding up a hand in front of her like he was trying to keep her from bolting. Then he forced himself to step back. He was overreacting. It was so painfully obvious. His mom paused at the gesture and his cheeks started to feel a little too warm. “Nobody’s going anywhere, and you shouldn’t have to call before stopping by. I’m just…acting like an idiot, aren’t I?” he finally admitted with a sigh, his hands falling uselessly to his sides.

That drew an amused chuckle from his father. “You could say that. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you lose your cool like this before, son.”

“Oh, Nathan! Just hush. Can’t you see that you’re not helping?” his mom hissed, glaring at her husband. Then she turned back to study Simon closely for a moment before shaking her head. Seconds later, understanding lit up in her eyes and she gave Simon a sympathetic smile. “Is it because you’re not ready for me to meet your…what do they call it these days? Boyfriend? Significant other? Partner?”

“It’s not that,” Simon said with a touch of confidence. That much was true at least. His mom had been okay with his being gay for years. He’d always kept her up-to-date when he was seeing somebody on a regular basis.

“Then what is it, sweetheart?” his mom crooned, as if talking to a small, frightened child. “Are you afraid that we won’t like him? Because we’re surely going to love him as much as you do.”

“How did you…?” Simon didn’t know what to say to that. Was the woman psychic?

When his mom saw Simon’s confusion, she gave him a knowing smile. “Oh, it’s not hard to tell. You wouldn’t be so worried if you weren’t head over heels for this mystery man. Besides, your father and I have been in your shoes a time or two. We know all about those meet the parent jitters.”

Simon looked over at his father to find that his eyes had softened just a little. He still looked a little wounded and a lot pissed, but he didn’t contradict what Simon’s mom had said either. What was left of Simon’s anxiety quickly melted away. His mom was right. He had absolutely nothing to worry about. “Thank you, mom. That means a lot.”

“No thanks needed. Now, stop worrying about it so much and tell me how you’ve been. What have you been up to?” his mom murmured as an understanding smile spread across her lips and her eyes strayed around the room, probably looking for his missing ‘guest’.

Simon let out another breath, this one of relief. Then a warm laugh escaped him as he let himself relax completely. “We’ve talked on the phone several times, Mom, so it’s not like you don’t know what’s going on in my life. Besides, I’ve been busy since I got back to town.”

“Oh, Simon,” his mom scolded good-naturedly as she waved her hand as if to brush his excuses aside, “that was months ago. Besides, I’m beginning to believe I don’t know as much about your life as I thought I did, especially if you have a young man hidden away that I know nothing about.”

“You’re not alone on that one, honey,” his father grumbled, his mood darkening again as he glanced up the stairway. Simon’s stomach turned and he visibly flinched. “Just when you think you know a guy…”

His mom raised an eyebrow at that and looked back and forth between them again, clearly fed up. “Something’s going on here, and I want to know what it is this instant. Are you sure that the two of you aren’t fighting over business again?” she asked Nathan.

“No, mom,” Simon answered for him with a sad little sigh. He couldn’t stand the thought that he’d disappointed Nathan, even if it hadn’t been intentionally. “It’s just that…”

Before he could explain that the man upstairs worked for his dad and that Nathan knew it and was pissed, Nathan cut in with a, “No dear. Simon and I haven’t fought over business since his last out-of-state job.” The look he passed to Simon said he still wasn’t happy about that incident. “I kept trying to tell him that it comes with the territory, but he just wouldn’t listen.” The reason Simon hadn’t wanted to listen was because he’d just become friends with Mark and had wanted to stick close to home in case Mark needed him. He hadn’t been able to tell his father that, so the man had just assumed that he was getting ‘too big for his britches’.

“Now, you can hush that talk right now, you old goat,” Simon’s mom scolded again, shaking an accusing finger at Nathan before turning back to Simon with a sympathetic smile. “You don’t owe us any explanations, sweetheart. You’re a grown man. We just worry about you.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” Simon murmured. God he loved this woman. She always knew just when to push and when to back off. That was something his dad would probably never learn. “This is a very recent thing, but…I swear I was planning to tell you about it soon.”

“You’re telling us now,” she announced with a firm nod of her head, like the matter was settled. “That’s good enough for me.”

“Speak for yourself,” Nathan grumbled under his breath, his eyes searching the room and the hallway leading off of it again.

“Oh, hush before I make you go sit in the car, Nathan,” his mom admonished with a frown for her husband. “If you can’t behave then I’ll just leave you at home next time.”

His dad made a weird noise, something between a snort and a chuckle, and rolled his eyes as if to say, ‘Yeah, right.’ Then he finally backed off a little. Of course, by back off, Simon meant that his dad ambled his way closer to the hallway again and then cocked his ear as if expecting to hear a noise. He was surprised the man hadn’t just gone down it to jerk the basement door open and inspect it for hidden Marks. Simon had to smother a laugh with a fake cough when his mom gave his dad another threatening look. Nobody could bring his father to a screeching halt like his mother could. She just had too much experience in dealing with his bullheadedness. The woman would’ve been a wicked crosswalk monitor.

After clearing his throat, Simon turned his attention back to his mother and smiled, a genuine one this time. “How’re things going for you?”

“Just fabulous, honey,” she declared with a dramatic flutter of her hands, her entire face lighting up and her eyes widening as if she’d just remembered something. “Amazing in fact.”

Her sudden change in demeanor caught him off guard and he literally blinked at her in surprise. “Tell me,” Simon insisted. He knew something had to be up just by the look on her face.

Her eyes were practically dancing with excitement now. “I actually came by to surprise you with a bit of good news. I’m going to be a grandmother soon, which means you’re going to be an uncle! Marie found out just yesterday. She’s six weeks along with twins. We’ll have two little bundles of joy to spoil come next summer!”

“Oh my…! You… They…” Simon exclaimed, his own worries slipping away instantly as his face lit up with excitement and he rushed over to hug his mom. “Oh, wow! That’s awesome!” His sister, Marie, had been trying to get pregnant for over eight years. She and her husband had nearly given up on it ever happening after trying artificial insemination so many times. Simon hadn’t even known they’d tried again.

“I knew you’d be thrilled!” Nathan announced as he made his way back over, a proud sparkle in his eyes and his chest puffed out like the cock of the walk. Apparently he’d finally given up poking around in favor of rejoining their conversation. “I told Marie to get ready because those babies are going to be so spoiled between their two uncles.”

“Oh, no doubt,” Simon agreed while his mind went into a frenzy, planning for all the things he was going to buy them. He couldn’t wait. “Does Brian know yet?”

His mom giggled, a tinkling, joyous sound, as she patted him on the shoulder and smiled up at him. “Not yet. We’re going to tell him as soon as he gets back to town.”

The next question that popped into Simon’s head was, “Boys? Girls? One of each? What about names?”

“We have no idea what the babies will be yet. It’s too early for that, and there’s still plenty of time to think of names,” his mom explained in a flourish of excitement. Simon was right there with her. He just couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea that it had finally happened. He reached over to hug her again, unable to contain his own excitement. She hugged him back before pulling away with a startled, “Oh! I nearly forgot about lunch. You never did say whether you’d started on it or…”

“I was beginning to wonder when you’d show up,” Nathan announced rather loudly, his voice a mixture of irritation and smugness. “You’ve got some nerve, kid.” Simon’s eyes immediately snapped to his father to find him staring at a startled Mark where he stood at the top of the stairway.

The redhead turned at least four shades whiter as his eyes widened in shock. “Nathan?” Mark murmured as if in a daze before shooting a look over to Simon. It was pretty clear that he hadn’t figured out that Nathan was here before he came down.

“Mark,” Nathan shot back. Although he’d simply said Mark’s name, there was so much more implied in the tone of his voice and the demanding look in his eyes.

“Uh, dad…It’s not what you think,” Simon stammered as he crossed over to put a calming hand on his father’s back. “We just…”

“Exactly what am I supposed to think, Simon?” Nathan demanded as he made a random gesture in Mark’s direction. His poor, sweet lover was still standing there in shock with his mouth hanging open, and his mom was now eyeing Mark with interest. “You tell me.”

“I don’t know what you should think, Dad, but…” Simon searched for something to say, anything to placate the man beside him. His father usually had a good temper and was laidback, but his good mood of only moments ago had completely evaporated. “I know what this must look like, but…” Nathan raised a sandy-blonde eyebrow in question, clearly not amused, and Simon finally gave up with a muttered, “Shit!” before heading up the stairs to grab Mark’s hand and pull him down. It was better to clear the air now and avoid awkwardness later on.

“Maybe I should just go,” Mark murmured for Simon’s ears, his hands shaking slightly as his fearful eyes once again landed on Nathan. “This wasn’t how I wanted him to find out.”

Simon squeezed Mark’s hand in encouragement. “Just let me handle this,” he murmured back as they reached his father. His mother was now standing at Nathan’s side, her earlier interest apparently piqued by Nathan and Mark’s reactions to one another.

“Have we met?” she asked quietly, studying Mark carefully as if she should recognize him.

Mark, being the trooper that he is, shot Nathan an apologetic smile and quickly pulled himself back together as he held out a hand to her. “I don’t believe we have, but I did see you in passing once at Wyatt Construction. My name’s Mark. I work for Nathan.”

His mom’s eyes immediately widened and a pleased smile spread across her lips as she shook his hand with enthusiasm. “You’re ‘The Mark’? The Mark I’ve heard such wonderful things about?” Mark looked around nervously, a blush coloring his cheeks and her attention quickly shifted back to Simon’s dad. “Nathan! I can’t believe you’ve been holding out on me! I’ve been dying to meet him and see if he was as perfect for Simon as you believed, and the entire time…”

“This is news to me,” Nathan said gruffly, cutting her off midsentence as he waved a hand back and forth between Mark and Simon. “Is there something you want to tell me, son?” After hearing those words, Simon expected his father to turn to him. Instead he turned to Mark again with a stern expression and Simon’s mouth nearly hit the floor. Simon and his brother were the only ones he’d ever heard his father call son.

Mark didn’t blink an eyelash at that, telling Simon that it wasn’t the first time he’d been referred to that way. Instead, his adorable blush deepened under Nathan’s scrutiny as he stammered, “Well…I, uhh…” Then he started to squirm and his eyes dropped to his feet. It was a side of Mark that Simon had rarely seen. He didn’t like it. It reminded him too much of the way Mark had acted when he’d been with Jason. Simon immediately slid a comforting arm around his lover’s waist before drawing his dad’s attention back to himself.

“I don’t think we owe you an explanation, Dad,” Simon said in a brisk, no-nonsense tone as he met his father’s gaze head-on. “But since I know you won’t let this drop: I met Mark months ago, before he started working for you, and we started hanging out after that. He didn’t even know we worked for the same company until after you offered him that deal.”

Simon wasn’t sure why he felt the need to defend Mark to his dad. Maybe it was the gleam of suspicion that had sparked in Nathan’s blue eyes for a split second or the way his mother’s eyes shot to Simon’s face with a worried expression. Either way, he didn’t need this crap from them. He and Mark had just gotten to a place where they could work things out and start something. No way in hell was he going to let his parents ruin that.

After a few seconds, his father let out a sigh and some of the tension eased out of his body. Then he gave Mark a grudging smile and reached over to pat him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, Mark. It just shocked the hell out of me to see your car out front, especially after you shut me down a few weeks ago. I was just a little…” Simon’s dad paused for a second, at a loss for words. Then he shrugged, “Hell, let’s all just go have that lunch Teresa’s itching to make and we’ll get this sorted out later.”

Simon could tell Mark was still freaking out by the way his eyes darted from Simon’s father to Simon and back again. “You hungry?” Simon asked his lover with a gentle, encouraging smile. That his father hadn’t stormed out or tried to toss Mark out on his ear told Simon everything he needed to know for now. Nathan would get over it. He wasn’t the type to hold a grudge for very long without a good reason.

Mark shrugged, seeming to take a little strength from the fact that Simon was now more relaxed. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Then let’s go eat,” Simon suggested as he let him arm fall from his lover’s waist and nodded toward the hallway.

Mark finally gave him a halfhearted smile. Then it disappeared as he turned one last earnest glance in Nathan’s direction. “I didn’t lie that time, you know? I mean, I’ll admit that I should’ve told you I already knew Simon but…” Mark paused, clearly frustrated, before taking a breath and letting it out again. “What I’m trying to say is, we really weren’t together then and I really was still involved with someone else. I was going to tell you as soon as we knew things between us were going to work out.”

Nathan sighed at that and studied Mark for a moment, his expression softening with each passing second. “Why didn’t you just say that before?”

A shrug was Mark’s initial reply. “I couldn’t get it out,” he explained as his eyes darted shyly away from Nathan’s questioning gaze. “You seemed so sincere about wanting me to meet Simon, and I didn’t want you to get your hopes up until I knew what was what.”

His dad raised an eyebrow at that and chuckled, his smile turning into something more genuine and happy. Then he patted Mark’s shoulder again before taking the lead and moving down the hallway that led to the dining room. “So, is it?” Nathan tossed over his shoulder after a few steps. Mark gave him a funny look, following behind Nathan like it was second nature. Simon supposed it probably was after Mark had worked closely with his father for a few months.

“Is it what?” Mark asked the back of Nathan’s head, latching onto Simon’s hand like a lifeline when Simon reached for his. He thought he heard a sappy cooing sound behind him and looked back to find his mother staring at their tangled fingers with doe eyes. Simon couldn’t stop the blush that spread across his cheeks, but refused to let go. He wasn’t used to being with someone in front of his parents. He’d always felt like his father disapproved. That’s why he’d never brought anyone home.

Just then, they stepped into the dining room and Nathan turned, his eyes dancing. “Is it going to work out? Between you and Simon? I mean, you haven’t seen fit to let me know yet, but the two of you seem to be on pretty friendly terms.” As those words slipped out, Simon saw his father’s gaze drop down to the huge, freaking love bite he’d left on Mark’s neck the night before and thought he might die of embarrassment. He’d been under the delusion that he was comfortable with his sexuality for years, but that clearly wasn’t the case where his parents were concerned. Then again, who would be? They were his parents. Hell, anybody would be embarrassed.

Desperate to hide the evidence, Simon draped his arm across Mark’s lean shoulders and let his hand dangle in front of the hickey to block his dad’s view. “I thought we were going to eat something? We’ll fill you in on all of the gory details later.”

His dad laughed outright at Simon’s blatant attempt to change the subject and took off toward the kitchen again. Once they were inside, the man went straight to the refrigerator and started digging through it like he was at home. Mark seemed shocked by that, but Simon wasn’t the least bit surprised by his father’s behavior. The man had always been that way, a little rough around the edges despite his financial success. “Let’s see what we have in here…” Nathan mumbled to himself as he shifted beer bottles and condiments around in search of food.

Simon knew what was coming next and decided to cut the man off at the pass. “There’s not much in there, Dad. I haven’t been to the store yet. I’m planning to make a trip tomorrow.” Mark watched the exchange, still a little on edge but finally beginning to loosen up now that he was no longer the center of attention.

As soon as the words were out, his mother started in on him. “Now, Simon. I taught you better than that. How are you supposed to stay healthy if you don’t eat balanced meals?” she asked as she rooted her way in beside his father and joined him in completely rearranging Simon’s refrigerator. “You don’t want to end up constipated like you used to when you were little, do you?”

Mark’s green eyes darted to Simon, a naughty grin spreading across his face as he settled onto one of the chairs at the breakfast nook. “I agree with your mom, Simon. You should take better care of yourself.” To which Simon’s mom stopped searching long enough to beam at Mark and nod her approval. “Oranges are great for constipation, by the way, among other things.”

Bastard. Now that the big boss man was off Mark’s back, the gorgeous redhead was going to give him a hard time and was clearly going to love every second of this. Simon stuck his tongue out at his lover as he reached over and pulled his mom into a bear hug. “You know I’m a regular Martha Stewart, Mom. But I put in some overtime last week and was busy yesterday, so I didn’t make it for my food run after work. I even made breakfast this morning. You can ask Mark.” As soon as the words were out, Simon realized what they implied, and his eyes shot to his dad’s face to gauge his reaction.

Nathan chuckled, still rifling through the refrigerator and clearly unconcerned with Mark having spent the night. “I’ll take your word for it, son. Lord knows, you spent enough time in the kitchen with Teresa while you were growing up. You should’ve become a chef.”

“Yeah, he makes amazing sausage gravy,” Mark offered as he smirked at Simon’s expense. “His sticky buns aren’t half bad either.”

Simon rolled his eyes at his lover just as Mark’s eyes locked on the front of Simon’s navy blue shorts and widened in disbelief. Then he glanced in Simon’s parents’ direction and turned a little pink before looking back at Simon with an amused snort and pointing at Simon’s crotch. Simon automatically looked down to see what the problem was and turned bright red when he noticed a wet spot on the front of his shorts. It was already drying and starting to look crusty around the edges. Hastily, he jerked his shirt from the waist of his shorts to cover it, praying to God his parents hadn’t noticed.

Completely unaware of Mark and Simon’s silent exchange, Nathan sighed and finally gave up on his search before nudging his wife out of the way and shutting the refrigerator door. “I vote we just call in a pizza or something. Otherwise, we’re shit out of luck in the food department.”

“Nonsense,” Simon’s mom grumbled as she started fumbling through the cabinets and shifting around boxes and cans. “The last thing you need is pizza with your cholesterol, Nathan. Besides, there’s always something hidden away that we can throw together.” Seconds later a self-satisfied, “Ah hah!” rang out and his mom pulled out two cans of chunked chicken breast, some cream of potato soup, and a quart sized jar of mixed vegetables she’d canned a few weeks before. “We can definitely make this work,” she announced before ordering Simon to grab a few eggs, the milk, and some flour.

~*~*~*~

Mark let out a contented sigh as he leaned back into his chair and set his fork down in his plate. Taking all things into account, things had gone pretty well so far. Nathan was over his shock, Simon was relaxing more with each passing second, and Teresa seemed to like him quite a bit. Not to mention, the pot pie Teresa had thrown together was pretty good considering what she’d had to work with.

“That was great, Teresa. Thank you,” he said with a pat to his belly. He’d eaten a little too much. Now he felt like a nap.

“You’re welcome, Mark. I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Teresa replied once she’d swallowed the bite in her mouth.

“Teresa’s a great cook,” Nathan chimed in, a happy glimmer in his eyes as he looked over at his wife lovingly. “When we first moved in together, she could barely make toast in the toaster. My mother kept sending over cookbooks with hints written in the margins. Drove her crazy. We figured it out together since I knew my way around a kitchen. I’d been cooking for Marie and Brian for several years by then.”

Mark grinned and nodded. He had no doubt about that. It was easy to tell that they’d cooked together more than once by how comfortable the trio had been working together. Things had never been like that in his family. His mom had been the master of her domain and his dad had been forbidden entrance outside of snacks or mealtimes. She hadn’t been thrilled with the idea of Mark helping out either, telling him it was women’s work and that he should go study or help his dad with the yard.

Watching the way Simon, Nathan, and his mom interacted had been kind of fun. Well, at least it had been after Nathan had stopped with the demanding questions and had gotten over the shock of Mark being there. He’d nearly had a heart attack earlier when he’d topped the stairs and found Nathan standing there staring at him. It’d crossed his mind more than once that he might eventually run into Simon’s dad outside of work, especially when he’d spent so much time at Simon’s house over the past few months, but he’d let himself be lulled into a false sense of security after a while.

Still, it’d all worked out by the way things looked now. Nathan had grilled them both over lunch, asking for details. The guy’d nearly choked on his pot pie laughing at the way Simon and Mark had met. They’d been pretty vague about what had happened between them since then, only letting it slip that Mark had been in a relationship at the time and that it hadn’t worked out. Nathan had looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but every time his boss started to pry too deeply Teresa would jump in and steer the conversation toward safer ground. Or Simon would. Either way, it worked for him.

“How’s school been going?” Nathan asked after a short lull in conversation. That reminded him that he had things to do. He needed to head out soon. Mark stretched a little before straightening up in his chair and looking over at the man.

“It’s been going pretty well. I failed a pop quiz my first week, but I think I mentioned that already. I’m back in the groove now, though, and it won’t happen again. I should be able to make up for that by the time mid-terms roll around.”

Nathan nodded approvingly as he shoved a fork full of food into his mouth. “It must have been hard at first,” Teresa cooed with a sympathetic frown. “From what Nathan told me, you’ve been out of school for several years now. I’m sure it’ll take some time to get used to it again.”

“You never told me you’d failed a quiz,” Simon chimed in with a worried look on his handsome face. “I may not be an architect, but I’ve been through college. If you need any help just ask me for it. You’re mostly taking gen-eds now, right?”

“Yeah, mostly,” Mark replied with a shrug. “The school I’m in now doesn’t require as much outside course work for the degree as my old one did, but there’s still quite a few. I did manage to get into an entry level architecture course this semester, but no drafting or anything like that yet. I think the intro course for that is next semester. It’s all pretty cut and dry there.”

“Daniel’s excited about that,” Nathan said as he leaned an elbow on the table and motioned in Mark’s general direction. “He was really impressed with your drafts. Hell, so was I, but he’s the expert. I just know enough to get by. He said that once you got through that course, he’s planning to pull you into his department and let you have a real taste of it all. Not that you’ll be allowed to do any serious planning, but maybe a suggestion here and there…He’ll also be able to answer questions you might have and give you pointers. That should put you well ahead of the game in the long run.”

Mark blushed as he looked down at his empty plate. He still had trouble believing all of this was real at times. “Thanks Nathan,” he murmured before looking back up to meet the man’s eyes. “I mean it. Thank you for everything.”

Nathan beamed at him and waved off Mark’s heartfelt words. “You don’t have to thank me, son. I should be thanking you. Daniel and I have been talking about hiring another architect in a few years anyway, and finding one that met Daniel’s standards wasn’t something I was looking forward to. This way, he’ll be able to train you from the ground up, and God knows you’ve got real talent. I’ve seen interns who couldn’t do what you’d done on your own.”

Teresa raised a sandy-brown eyebrow at that as if to say ‘Way to go Mark. Just look at you!’ Then smiled and reached across to pat Mark’s hand. “Enough office chit-chat, though. Tell me about yourself. Where did you grow up?”

Mark shot a look in Simon’s direction, not sure how much he wanted the woman to know. She obviously didn’t have an issue with him being gay like his parents had. Regardless, he wasn’t ready to get into those things just yet. Typical of Simon, he seemed to pick up on Mark’s discomfort right away and answered for him. “Mark grew up in a small town called Canton. It’s in Illinois.”

“Oh, yes,” Teresa replied as she set her fork down and took a sip of tea. “I remember Nathan mentioning that before. He said you’d moved here for college, but never finished.” Although she didn’t come straight out and ask, the question was implied as much by the curious look she gave him as by her tone.

“Some things just happen in their own time,” Mark murmured evasively before looking at his watch and sighing when he realized it was already close to two in the afternoon. Where had the day gone? “Speaking of school, I’m afraid I need to go. I have an English assignment due on Monday and it’ll take me several hours to finish it.”

Before the words were even out, Simon’s face fell at the news. Mark decided he’d have to make more time to spend with his lover. They really hadn’t seen each other very much lately and a few hours on the weekend and some stolen hours during the week just weren’t going to cut it. “Do you think you’ll have time to stop by tomorrow?” Simon asked, hope shining in his pretty, blue eyes.

Without thinking, Mark glanced at Teresa and Nathan to gauge their reactions to their son’s almost pleading tone. Nathan smiled at him and Teresa seemed to have a sudden, extreme interest in her napkin. The truth was, Mark had planned to spend Sunday studying for an exam and then looking through some of his drafts to find a few with some features Daniel might like. The man had promised Mark that, if he saw something he liked, he might incorporate some of Mark’s ideas into one of his buildings and give Mark a small commission. He could really use some extra money. The transmission on his car had started acting up a few days ago and his job at Wyatt Construction required that he have access to a working vehicle.

As if sensing Mark’s dilemma, Simon reached over to tangle his fingers with Mark’s. “Hey, no pressure, right? If you’re busy, say so. I was just planning to sit around and watch some television anyway. Maybe go grocery shopping.”

“God, you’re so sweet,” Mark replied with a smile. Knowing that Simon was willing to give him the space he needed to get things done made Mark’s heart feel a little too full. Jason would’ve just kept pushing until Mark gave in.

“No, I’m not.” The blush that colored Simon’s tanned cheeks as he glanced back and forth between his parents was adorable. Mark could definitely get used to this side of his lover.

“Yes you are,” Mark insisted, reaching a hand up to brush a thumb across Simon’s cheek. “Tell you what, I’ll try to work hard on it tomorrow morning and make it here by late afternoon. Then you can help me study if I haven’t managed to finish up. That work for you?”

“Only if you’re sure. I don’t want to interfere with your studies.”

“I’ll be sure to tell you if you do, okay?” Mark asked and his smile grew even bigger when Simon nodded that he understood. How in the world had he gotten so lucky? Suddenly the thought of Jason jumped into his head again and his smile faded just a little. Jason had tried so many times to get Mark to quit and go back, but Mark had always been too determined to do it on his own. Jason would be so happy for him, happy over what Mark had accomplished. Simon seemed to notice that Mark’s thoughts had turned dark and his hand tightened on Mark’s ever-so-slightly. Mark squeezed back for a second before rising from his seat. “Thanks again for the lunch, Teresa. It was so nice to finally meet you.”

Teresa took the cue and immediately stood from the table to come around and hold out her hand. “It was nice to meet you too, Mark. I look forward to getting to know you better.” It was easy to see that she meant every word because there seemed to be pure joy shining in her eyes as she said them. That, or she was just happy to see Simon settle down with somebody.

Out of nowhere, Nathan’s big paw appeared in front of him, and Mark took it with a smile. “See you Monday, Mark,” Nathan said. It came out more as an order than a request.

“I’ll be there after my morning classes,” Mark replied without hesitation and Nathan reached over to pat him on the shoulder.

“Good deal, son. Welcome to the family.” Mark’s cheeks flamed at those words, but he simply nodded as Nathan wandered off, picking plates up from the table and heading for the kitchen. Teresa noticed what her husband was doing and, after one last, sweet smile for Mark and Simon, she followed after the man, scolding him for not letting her help.

Once Mark and Simon were alone, Simon smiled down at him and leaned in for a quick kiss. “You’re more than welcome to stay over tomorrow night. Just be sure to bring some clothes with you. It’ll save you some time in the morning, too, since my place is closer.”

Despite the way his heart leapt in his chest at the offer, Mark hesitated. His classes began at eight in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday. He’d never stayed over on a day when Simon had to work and didn’t want to be a bother. “Are you sure that’s okay? I have to get up at six-thirty.”

“Perfect,” Simon shot back with a big smile. “I’m up at six anyway and I can just reset the alarm for you.”

“Cool,” Mark announced, the matter settled in his mind. He knew for a fact that Simon’s alarm would wake him up, but Simon didn’t need to know that. Maybe they could eat breakfast together. Mark wasn’t much of a cook, but he could fix eggs when he had to. Not to mention, going to bed with Simon tomorrow night would significantly increase his chances of getting laid again this weekend. Nothing to complain about there. Suddenly Mark realized that he was still standing there, lost in his own thoughts, with a stupid grin on his face. After laughing at himself, he added, “I’ll probably be over tomorrow around four, if that’s good for you.”

“Like I said before, anytime is a good time for me,” Simon murmured with a teasing wink. “You know where the spare key is. Anytime you want to drop in and I’m not home just let yourself inside.”

Mark wasn’t quite sure what to say to that, so he just squeezed Simon’s hand again and started walking toward the door. He really couldn’t stall any longer, especially if there was any hope of getting everything done in time to come over tomorrow. Once they reached the door, he paused again to check for his keys and cell phone. They were in his pocket exactly where he’d put them earlier. Completely out of excuses now, he sighed and looked up at his lover.

“So, I guess I’ll see you later, huh? If it’s not too late, do you want me to call you tonight before I go to sleep?” Mark really didn’t want to go, and he could tell by Simon’s expression that he didn’t want him to leave either. The whole situation really bit big ones.

“Call me, Mark. It doesn’t matter what time it is.” That said, Simon glanced over his shoulder before leaning forward for a sweet kiss. Mark melted into his lover’s arms, letting every ounce of his longing flow into Simon’s mouth. It was gentle and slow, and seemed to go on and on although it couldn’t have lasted more than a few seconds. It made Mark feel treasured, even as his chest ached with their impending separation. Suddenly, that thought struck him as funny and he had to pull away as a giggle escaped. He was getting worse than a school girl with a crush. After all, he’d see Simon again the next day. It wasn’t like either one of them were on death’s door or leaving on a long voyage.

Simon raised an eyebrow at Mark’s silliness and gave him a look as if to ask, ‘What’s the joke?’ Then he grinned and shook his head before reaching over to brush his fingers through Mark’s hair. “I love you, Mark. Don’t forget to call me later, okay?”

“I won’t,” Mark whispered as he nuzzled into the caress. “I love you too, Simon. Guess I’d better go.”

Still he hesitated and Simon laughed knowingly at the torn expression on Mark’s face. Then he opened the front door and they both blinked at the bright light that hit their eyes. “See you tomorrow, sweetheart,” Simon murmured, dropping one last kiss on Mark’s lips.

Mark nodded as Simon pulled away. “Yeah, tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too,” Simon said for what was probably the hundredth time today and Mark finally bit the bullet and stepped away.

“Bye,” he threw over his shoulder as he made his way to the sidewalk. “Tell Teresa and Nathan I said thanks again for lunch.” Then, with one last, “Love you!” for Simon, Mark took off for his car at a fast walk before he could change his mind. He really did have a lot to do.


*~*~*~*

Hey there! In a huge hurry today but please don't forget to review! Later tators and look forward to hearing from you guys!

Also big thanx to Lisa for proofing, Madrachadevvi for suggestions on content, and to everybody who reviewed last time. I really appreciate it! *hugs*