No Matter What It Takes (repost)

Jeffrey woke up the following morning feeling nauseous. He looked at his surroundings and he realized that he is in their bedroom, in Mark’s apartment. “H- how did I get here?” he asked himself. He knew that he was at Nelson and Greg’s place and they had a drinking session. The door opened and Mark came in.

“So, you had fun last night?” Mark asked upon entering. Jeffrey could tell from the sound of Mark’s voice that he doesn’t sound happy..

“M- Mark….” Then everything dawned to him. He was not able to tell Mark where he went. And the phone call… Mark had been calling him and he hung up on him because he was dead drunk. “I- I’m sorry….” He uttered. He knew what he did was wrong, so he gave Mark one of his childish pouts.

“Sorry? Don’t give me one of those looks, Jeffrey! Do you even realize how worried I was last night?! I thought something bad had happened to you on your way from school! Only to find our later that you spent the practically the whole evening drinking with Nelson and Greg, and who knows who else! You realize how immature you are?!” That was the first time Mark got that mad.

“Mark…. I miss my friends… I miss….” Jeffrey tried to explain.

“You were dead drunk last night! And you were with a bunch of other horny irresponsible people! What if someone took advantage of you last night?! Would you even know?!” Mark’s voice is getting louder.

“Mark?! You’re impossible! Greg and Nelson were also there! We were just having fun! I tried calling you but you’re not answering your phone!” Jeffrey started to shout to. He knew he did something wrong, but he just can’t allow Mark to call his friends irresponsible!

“Fun?! That was your idea of fun?! Young man… you still need to know a lot of things in this world….”

“Yeah, maybe! And how about you? Why don’t you tell me why you are just so ashamed for the whole world to know that we are a couple?”

“Jeffrey…” Mark was not able to react with this. He did not expect for Jeffrey to think like that.

“The other night, why do I have to hide in the bedroom while your so-called business partner Carlos is around? You don’t want him to find out that you are having an affair with a college, immature, irresponsible boy?!”

“You don’t understand…” Mark replied.

“Yeah, so why don’t you explain to me now?! Don’t I also have the right to know? Or…Or maybe, this relationship is really messed up from the beginning… and maybe… maybe Carlos is not just a business partner!”Jeffrey said without thinking. He is just so mad at Mark right now.

“Jeffrey?! Stop acting like a child, okay?! I didn’t mean it that way! Don’t threaten me with your tantrums! You agreed to this relationship and you know that unlike Greg and Nelson, you just can’t be just carefree as before!” Mark explained. “Now I’m gonna leave you for some time and we are so going to talk about this when I get back from work. If you still think you want to be out of this relationship by tonight, then you are free to go!” Mark said before closing the door. He knew they both needed some space. Jeffrey needs to think about his actions and he also wants to control his temper. Yeah, this is what he gets in falling in love with someone five years his junior.

Jeffrey stayed in bed all morning. He was contemplating on calling Greg or Nelson. He badly needed somebody to talk to right now. But he does not want his friends to get involved in his problems. This is between Mark and him. And the last thing he needed right now is a confrontation between Mark and his best friends. Well, he was admittedly dead drunk last night and didn’t even know if world war III already happened between Mark and his friends.

It was already noontime when Jeffrey decided to go downstairs. He is beginning to get hungry. Mark didn’t text him the whole morning. ‘So, he is really serious’. Jeffrey thought. Jeffrey started to feel lonely. He hated this. He is just in love with him. Now he is starting to realize that he just can’t live without Mark. He is surely going to miss him, and no amount of fun with his friends could equal that. He is new to relationships, he is younger…. And yeah… immature. He knew he was wrong from the very beginning and he never really meant what he said to Mark earlier.

Evening came and still not a word from Mark. Jeffrey is begging to get worried. What if Mark already decided to call it quits? Will he be ready for that? How will he cope? He had no classes today and he did not report for work because of the hang over from last night. So he is starting to get anxious, not to mention bored, waiting for Mark.

Jeffrey was watching tv, or should he say, pretending to watch tv in the living room when Mark arrived. The moment the front door opened, Jeffrey rushed to his lover crying.

“I- I’m sorry….. I didn’t mean what I said this morning…” Jeffrey said. He hugged Mark tightly.

Mark was happy to hear that from his boyfriend. He is no longer mad at him. He’s been counting the hours earlier so that he could come home to his lover. And the last thing he wanted was to see his apartment empty. He admitted to himself that he was harsh to him earlier and what if Jeffrey decided to call it quits, took all his clothes and went back to his friends?

“Baby…. Stop crying… I’m not mad anymore…” Mark said as he lifted his lover’s chin. They looked at each other. “I’m sorry too for shouting at you earlier…”

“It was my fault… I should have called you…” Jeffrey admitted.

“It’s okay… just don’t do that again… I was really worried last night… I am not forbidding you to see your friends… but… just inform me, okay?”

Jeffrey nodded, feeling relieved.

“And… and about me being ashamed of you… No… Never…. I’m too goddamn proud of you, baby…. It’s just that… I don’t trust Carlos with you… He’s different… and I don’t want him to know you because… because he might do something… something bad… He’s just one spoiled brat who gets anything he wants. We have some issues… problems with each other and I don’t want him to know you yet….” Mark explained.

“B- but you didn’t tell me… I thought….”

“It’s my fault baby… I should have told you about him earlier. I just want to protect you… us… our relationship. I told you that I really love you… and I mean it. This is also hard for me… considering that this is the first time in four years that I entered into a relationship again. I want you to trust me, as I put my trust in you. I would never cheat on you, baby… Trust me, I knew the consequences. And I would never to you what my ex did four years ago… I did forget to mention that he cheated on me with Carlos…”

Jeffrey’s eyes widened. Mark failed to mention this. Now he understands fully why Mark is hesitant to introduce him to Carlos. “I- I’m sorry… I didn’t know…”

“It’s okay baby… It’s been four years ago… Carlos and I are okay, I guess… you know, I could not refuse the partnership because his dad was the one who supported my studies. I was working part time with their company and his dad found maybe found the son that he never had in me. So he helped me in many ways. I was an orphan… but I struggled to finish my course… While Carlos was busy in his social life, wasting his dad’s money in every possible way he could think of, I, on the other hand, have to work to make ends meet. Carlos has been jealous of his dad’s support on me… and he would always point that out to me. He would always tell me how much I owe his family… and that I should always put that in my mind.” Mark knew that he should have kept this from Jeffrey. He does not want him to pity him. He wants to keep his past buried nor does he want to make a big deal out of it. But the man he loves has every right to know. For his sake and for Jeffrey’s… he had to tell him everything.

The two ended up sorting things out in the bedroom. They had their long quiet talk. Jeffrey knew he still had much to learn with being in a relationship.

Greg and Nelson were just happy to see Jeffrey in school. They haven’t heard from him since the other night. They were contemplating on checking on him but they knew that they should be out of the picture for a while or they could end up complicating things more.

Greg and Nelson told him that Mark’s face was really indescribable when he saw Jeffrey on the bed unconscious. They told him how worried Mark was, and how he tried to control his temper. He was angry but he never shouted at them. He just took his unconscious boyfriend with him. Greg and Nelson were very guilty but Jeffrey assured them that everything was alright. He was really proud of his boyfriend. Mark really love him so much. The two asked if they could apologize to Mark personally but Jeffrey told them that there’s no need. That he will just tell Mark what they wanted to tell him.

After his classes, Jeffrey went directly to the restaurant where he worked. Mark told him that he will pick him up later and that they would spend dinner outside. He just can’t wait to see his boyfriend. He already miss him a lot. Everything is just perfect in his life. He is studying, he is working, and he has a loving boyfriend. He couldn’t ask for more.


Mark decided that he should also try to reach out to his boyfriend’s lifestyle. Not only Jeffrey should adjust to the relationship. He realized that in the previous months, when they became more serious with each other, Jeffrey never had much time with his friends anymore. So, to make up for him, he called Nelson and Greg, who were equally pleased, and asked them if they could join them hang out with them. Mark knew that he should start to love the people whom his boyfriend care about. He does not want Jeffrey to spend all time with him and spoil his youth with a serious relationship. He wants him to enjoy his life.

Jeffrey was very happy upon learning Mark’s plan. Mark had been very busy with work lately and he missed clubbing. Not that he is a sucker for that kind of places, but every once in a while, he, Nelson and Greg would go to places like that to relax. Most of those times, he would be contented to just sit in their table, or dance once in a while and watch his friends hook up with other guys on the floor. Greg and Nelson knew that their friend is gorgeous, and would always be another guy’s target. So they would just dance near him in case something happens or some sex craved drunk would be a danger to their friend. Jeffrey’s past really had a great impact in his life and he was just too afraid to try anything yet. So the guys were a bit happy when Mark came. He opened the doors to their friend. He gave Jeffrey the confidence he needed. Though it is annoying sometimes when Mark gets strict, they knew that Mark did more good than harm to their friend.

Mark couldn’t keep his eyes off his gorgeous boyfriend who was dancing with Nelson and Greg. Jeffrey was really lost in his moves. He doesn’t care. He is happily seducing his boyfriend and he is making a lot of progress. He wants Mark to join them but Mark told them he is really tired for work so Jeffrey tried another tactic.

Mark is smiling. His pants are getting tight. Damn his sexy boyfriend. ‘You’ll have to pay for this later, you tease.’ Mark signaled, making his intentions clear to Jeffrey.

Jeffrey is licking his lips, and swayed his hips some more. He was busy looking at Mark while Nelson and Greg danced with each other when he felt someone grab his waist. That person held his body close to him and tried to sway his hips with him. He could not see the person’s face because he had his back on him. “You are so hot…” The man whispered in his ears.

Jeffrey panicked and struggled to get lose. He also noticed that Mark is heading their way. “Stop! Let me go!”

“Hey… you are dancing here all alone…. I’m sure you won’t mind some company… basing on the way you move.” The man reeked of alcohol.

“No! I’m with my boyfriend!” Jeffrey said still trying to move away.

“He told you to let go!” Mark was ready to punch the man.

“Hey! Alright! I don’t mean any trouble! I thought he was begging for it! I’m sorry!” The man raised his hand and backed out and disappeared from the crowd.

Mark hugged his boyfriend. “Are you okay?” He asked.

“Y- yeah….” Jeffrey replied.

“What happened here?!” Greg asked upon seeing his friends.

“E- everything’s okay…. We’ll just go outside for a while….” Mark told the two and led Jeffrey out of the club.

They found an empty table outside of the bar and Mark took him to sit there. “You okay?” he asked with serious concern.

“I guess so… I was just surprised…” Jeffrey replied, now feeling a lot better.

“We can stay here for a while.” Mark suggested. He motioned Jeffrey to sit on his lap and the latter obliged. Jeffrey rested his head near Mark’s chest and Mark held him.

“Hey Mark! I knew it would be you….” Both turned to look who spoke.

“C- Carlos…” Mark did not expect to see him there. Carlos is with another guy. Probably one of his flings for the night.

“I thought I was just imagining when I saw you rush to the dance floor. Well, to be honest, I was checking on the young man here… you really are a teaser. If the other man didn’t came to you, I would have done the same thing….” Carlos was checking out on Jeffrey and Mark really hated the way he looks at his boyfriend.

Jeffrey blushed, he wanted to stand but Mark held him close. “Carlos, I want you to meet MY boyfriend, Jeffrey.” Mark said with a possessive voice. Clearly to indicate his point.

“Hello, gorgeous. A pity you are already taken by my good friend here. So this is the boy you’ve been hiding from me.” Mark looked a bit confused. “Of course I could have guessed, Mark. I know you’re hiding something from me. You are always bothered at work, and you are hurrying to get home early. So unlike you.” Carlos smiled. “Well, now I understand. I can’t blame you Mark… with that piece of ass….”

“Stop it, Carlos! You’ve gone to far already! Jeffrey is my boyfriend… not just my boy.” Mark said, getting a little bit irritated. He would not allow Jeffrey to be insulted just like that.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it that way…”

“I’ll see you tomorrow at work.” Mark stood and turned to leave with Jeffrey.

“Okay… See you…. And nice meeting you… Jeffrey….” Carlos said and winked at the pair.


“I’m sorry, baby…” Mark said as he drove the car. They are already on their way home. “Carlos is a total pain in the ass.”

“Don’t be… Now I know the reason why you don’t want for us to meet.” Jeffrey replied. “M- Mark…did I… did I do something wrong when I danced like that?...”

“Baby, of course not…”

“Did I look like I was begging for someone to come to me?” Jeffrey wanted to know.

“Of course you did… but you only wanted for me to come to you… If many people thinks that you were trying to attract their attention, then it’s not your problem. You’re beautiful…. Many people would notice you… but you were not doing anything wrong back there.” Mark wanted to console his boyfriend.

“Our evening was spoiled…” Jeffrey said. He wanted Jeffrey to enjoy. But the whole evening turned to be a total disaster.

“No…not yet….” Mark smiled his sweetest smile.

Mark felt a hand traveling between his thighs. “I wonder what you were telling me back at the dance floor.”

“I… I can’t remember anything…. Will you help me remember?” Mark said seductively.
The evening is surely far from over.


Mark was humming when he entered his office. Despite what happened last night, they still had a lot of fun… in bed. His thoughts were cut short when he heard Carlos shouting on the phone.

“Y- you can’t do that to me, dad! I’m your son!” After that, Mark saw Carlos throwing his cell phone on the wall. “That bastard!” He cursed.

“Carlos… w- what’s wrong?” Mark asked.

“What’s wrong?! My said that he will take over this company because he found out that I am merely using all the funds of this company in my OTHER activities!” Carlos shouted. Mark wondered how Carlos’ father learned. He tried to keep quiet about this. Then maybe, no secrets remain undiscovered forever.

“He told me he would no longer be giving in to my caprices! He cut off all my credit cards and blocked my bank transactions! Now tell me how I am going to live?!” Carlos is beyond furious.

“Carlos… m- maybe he’s just trying to teach you a lesson… You are his only son. Of course he can’t get mad at you for so long…”

“You don’t know my dad that damn well, Mark… He meant every word he said! I only have my car and my unit left! He told me to work to earn a living! Tell me how am I supposed to do that?!”

“Carlos…” ‘Yeah right. You are already 26 years old and you still depend on your father for everything else’. Mark thought.

“Mark… you owe me a lot…Now that you will be left here…. I know you can find a way to get some money for me, right?...” Now this spells trouble with a capital T for Mark.

“Buddy… I need you right now… You’re the only one who could help me. After all the things that my father and I did for you… it’s about time I collect… right?”

Mark just nodded weakly. He had no other options but to say yes. “I’ll try what I can do for you…” He answered. Oh how he hated Carlos. He makes him think that he is actually the parasite!


It was already late when Mark arrived. He is just so damn glad to be home with Jeffrey. Mark is lying on top of Jeffrey. The are both naked and Mark is preparing his young lover when they both heard a loud banging on the door.


“Crap! It’s already 11 pm!” Mark said. He don’t want to get up. Not right now. “ Come back later!” He shouted.

“As if that person is going to hear you…. C’mon, love… it could be important.” Jeffrey whispered.

“Right…” Mark said as he rose from the bed and put his boxers on. “Stay here. I won’t be long.” Mark kissed Jeffrey and hurried to the main door.

Jeffrey did not bother to get dressed. He just took a blanket to cover his lower back and turned the tv on.

“Hey….”

“Carlos…”

“Can I come in?....”

“S- sure….” Mark knew he had no choice. He can smell alcohol from Carlos. “W- why are you here?”

“I… I have no other place to go… My father won’t speak to me… I’m lonely at my unit… I don’t have money… I just need some company… Can I sleep here?”

“Yeah… of course… hey… I’ll just get some coffee…. You look like you needed one…” Mark said as he went to the kitchen. “Stay in the living room while I prepare something…”

“You have a cozy place….Small but okay….” Carlos sized up. He looked around, and saw the bedroom. A smile formed on his face. ‘I wonder what you have here…’ Carlos slowly opened the door.

Jeffrey didn’t bother to look at the person on the door. He was busy on the tv.

‘Just what I wanted to find.’ Carlos said to himself.

“So who was it?” Jeffrey asked lifting the blanket completely.

‘So sexy…’ Carlos bit his bottom lip. “Uhnmm.”

When Jeffrey heard the voice, he began to look. He was so surprised to see another man.
“I- I’m sorry!” Carlos uttered, trying to look very innocent. “ I… I didn’t know Mark has some company…oh… I… yeah right… y- you’re his boyfriend… I totally forgot!”

Jeffrey quickly wrapped himself with the blanket.

“Carlos?!” Mark shouted realizing what happened. “Why did you not even bother to ask?! It’s MY BEDROOM! Don’t you even understand the word privacy?!”

“I- I’m really sorry! I thought you were all alone in here! Just you used to be! It’s not my fault you didn’t tell me!” Carlos explained. Of course it was a lie.

“I’m with somebody, okay?! Now get out of my room and stay in the couch!”

“Okay, I’m sorry… Really… I am…” Carlos sat on the couch. The whole evening, he jus could not forget what he saw. That boy really had a nice body despite the dim light. And it would not hurt so much if he gets to have a taste of it. He will find a way. He always does. He is not just Carlos Herrera for nothing.


TBC