Secrets revealed {MARCUS}

[skymole]

"I like cats, and rats," Marcus said still smiling, "and I would just need a little shed in case I needed to care for an animal overnight. And with all the space the animals wouldn't mind because they wouldn't feel trapped with you. I actually kind of prefer more free, roaming animals so it all works out."

Marcus had already thought about this so he wasn't concerned at all about Seth's vampirism getting in the way of Marcus's love for animals. He'd already found charms and potions that cleared away scents so that for work he wouldn't have Seth's smell on him and scare everything in the shop.

"Don't worry Seth," Marcus said gently rubbing Seth's hand, "I'm sure it will work. I'm good at problem solving you know. And I know that books are no substitute for experience, but they do provide an edge." Marcus said this half talking about the current topic and half refering to their earlier conversation. "I know what I'm doing."

[merlin]

Seth smiled back at Marcus as he felt himself start to relax. As silly as it was he had forgotten how good of a problem solver Marcus was. Seth always had a hard time stopping and thinking things through yet it was okay since he now had Marcus who seemed to be able to think everything through.

"Have I told you just how fantastic you are?" Seth asked softly. It would take the rest of Seths life to prove to the world that he was worthy of Marcus' love and devotion. He may have only been dating the other for six months but six months was enough for Seth to know that Marcus was the only person for Seth. Marcus may only be human but Seth didn't care. Seth planned on enjoying every single day he had with Marcus as best as he could!

"So you like the idea of moving into foxwood trails? It would be a little more spendy but I've been saving up so we should be able to manage it," Seth said. Though they wouldn't be able to move in any time soon. Seth would need more time then the summer days gave him if he were to help work on the house and make it safe for him to live in. That meant only waiting about a month or two since it was almost August now and by the time September came the days should be getting shorter once more. Seth used to love the summer but now he couldn't wait for the long dark days of winter to come.

[skymole]

"I like the idea of being able to live with someone like you." Marcus said smiling as he saw Seth relaxing. The waitress came by and asked for their order. Marcus ordered a pot of tea instead of a cup so that she assume that they'd share it and therefor spare Seth from making up some reason why he wasn't having any.

After she'd left Marcus looked back at Seth. "What is it that you want to do tonight? It's been six months, aren't couples supposed to do something special at times like these?" Marcus's tone was casual but in truth he honestly didn't know. He knew that things like anniversaries were celebrated but didn't really know how or when they did it.

[merlin]

Seth was grateful when Marcus ordered the pot of tea. As it turned out most vampires could eat human food but got no nutrition from it and only ate the food for the taste. However Seth had learned that he was not like other vampires in this way as eating food made him horribly sick.

"Well besides getting you to agree to move in with me I didn't have any big plans," Seth said honestly. They could do anything they wanted so long as Marcus was happy. Seth had figured they'd stay in the cafe until it closed and then go watch a movie. But now that Seth was thinking about it he realized how normal and boring that had become. Perhaps he'd get Marcus to go on a walk with him and they could just see where their feet took them.

"I owe you a gift for Graduation so do you have any ideas of what you would like?" Seth asked.

[skymole]

"Oh... a new quill would be nice," Marcus said vaguely. Seth's nature made him want to spoil Marcus to no end. Made him want to buy things for him like new robes, books, ...houses... Marcus didn't really like all the money Seth spent on him, he never really liked anyone spending it on him. He didn't really need much so he felt that the money would be spent elsewhere.

[merlin]

Seth rolled his eyes at the vague answer. It was extremely hard to pamper Marcus when the other didn't give him direct answers. Seth felt a need to pamper and buy new things for Marcus as a way of showing his love. It was how he had been raised and had done with all of his other siblings. If one of his siblings lost a tooth or did some new kind of magic then Seth got them a gift. However trying to give gifts to Marcus in such a fashion was proving to be somewhat of a challenge. Marcus didn't seem to like the gifts Seth gave him leaving Seth feeling uncertain about if he was getting the right things or not. Perhaps Marcus wanted something else and Seth just wasn't able to think about of it?

"Well if your that uncertain it doesn't need to be some object," Seth pointed out in an attempt at being helpful. "There any where you've been wanting to go to recently that we could go together?" Seth asked hopefully. Knew date locations were always a good thing!

[skymole]

"Well, actually there is a place I'd like to show you." Marcus said quietly as their tea arrived. Once the waitress left he continued. "It's a special place to me and I wanted to share it with you..." Marcus suddenly became very intent with pouring and making his tea. He was trying hard not to blush. He didn't even really know why, it just always seemed to happen around Seth. Particularly when he was talking about his past or his inner thoughts and feelings. Since he didn't do those things very often he found it difficult.

[merlin]

Now moments like this was what Seth strives to achieve! He could see the color turning Marcus' cheeks pink and could practically smell the blood as it rush to his face. Marcus was being serious and honest with Seth in this moment and it made Seth so happy to see. Sure Marcus was an honest person but not when it came to his emotions really. It was like Marcus was still learning all of his emotions and how to express them. Seth was just proud to be able to help Marcus do this.

"I would be honored if you showed me this place," Seth said just as seriously. Seth normally found being serious to be a boring task that he had to work at but at times like these Seth knew that he had to be serious or risk ruining the moment. Joking around wasn't good all the time. Marcus needed Seth not be focused right now and so that was what Seth was. He gave the other a reassuring smile as he tried to resist the urge to watch the others every move intently.

[skymole]

"Alright then, after I finish my tea we'll go." Marcus finished the tea (the whole pot) and after a quick trip to the bathroom led the way out of the shop. It actually wasn't that far from where they were so Marcus suggested walking.

The air was warm and the night was dark. It was a nice, quiet evening. Marcus was quite happy to be out in it. Especially going where they were going. The place he was leading them to was a place he'd spent all his spare time in as a kid. It was a place he felt safe and happy. Where he could think and clear his mind of whatever was troubling him.

"Here we are," Marcus said stopping in front of a building. It was of course, a library. It had been his home away from home. He'd found friends in the novels and solice in times of need. Whenever he needed a place to go for a little pick me up.

[merlin]

Seth followed closely behind Marcus as they started to walk down the street. Seth was not sure what he was expecting but when they stopped in front of a muggle library Seth could not help but feel a little confused. This was Marcus' prized place? That one spot that Marcus treasured over all else? Seth was not sure he could understand the draw the other felt towards such a dull building. This was one of the older libraries built from red brick with stairs leading up to two large doors. Seth could tell it was still open despite the late hour because of the lights that he could see were on through the windows. Glancing over to Marcus Seth could understand why the other enjoyed this location. Marcus loved books and seemed to constantly be thirsting for new knowledge but still, it was a muggle library...

"It open to the public?" Seth asked figuring that they might be able to get in. It would seem sad to only be able to look on this library from the outside. Seth hoped that if he could get in and take a look around perhaps that would help him better understand Marcus' draw to this building.

[skymole]

"This late, not really. But I know the owner and he always lets me in no matter what time it is." Marcus was practically glowing as he hurried up the stairs. "Come on," he urged Seth going back down, taking him by the hand, and leading him to the door.

"We're closed..." grunted the man behind the counter without looking up. He was very old, gray, and thin, wearing a button-up shirt and suspenders keeping up his pants. When he did not hear the door again he looked up and his wrinkled face split into a wide grin when he saw who it was. "Young Mister Flinn, how wonderfull it is to see you! It's been ages." The old man shook Marcus's hand vigorously before looking to Seth. "And who is this? A fellow student from that school of yours?" "No," Marcus said smiling, "This is Seth, he's a doctor. We met when I was volunteering at the hospital. He's my... boyfriend." Marcus only barely stumbled over the word but there, he'd said it. "Is that right?" said the man with only a slight raise of an eyebrow, "Well I do hope you're taking good care of the young Marcus." He held out his hand to shake, "Name's Mr. Harrison, I've known Marcus most of his life."

[merlin]

Seth could see how happy the other was by just standing outside of this ancient looking building. Seth almost felt guilty for not liking the building as much as Marcus obviously did. Heck Seth wasn't even sure if he liked it half as much as Marcus. Seth could see no attraction to the building the other could possibly have, but at the same time Seth had yet to see the inside. Hopefully the inside would hold some captivation that the outside lacked.

Feeling the other take his hand made all uncertainties Seth may have had disappear. Seth felt confident as he followed Marcus into the building and was surprised by what he saw. This building was a lot like the Hogwarts library, filled from wall to wall with towering rows of shelves that looked like they might explode from the books they carried. Seth may not be much of a reader but even he was impressed by this mass collection of books and could definitely see the draw Marcus felt to this building.

Hearing the word 'boyfriend' spoken Seth turned his head sharply to stare at Marcus. Marcus had said it. Marcus had said that wonderful word. Seth had never thought that hearing one word would make him feel so emotional but hearing Marcus call him his 'boyfriend' out loud made Seth heart swell with emotion. Standing slightly taller with pride Seth shook the old mans hand without a second thought. Normally Seth tried to avoid shaking others hands because he knew just how cold he felt to others. Some had compared touching him to touching a corpse and Seth hated thinking of that. But in this situation Seth didn't care.

"Hello my name is Seth Harlington. I plan on knowing Marcus for the rest of his life," Seth said as way of introducing himself to the other. It was an honor to meet this librarian strangely enough. Seth still had yet to meet Marcus' parents or Uncle so meeting someone who had known Marcus as a child was nice.

[skymole]

Marcus beamed watching their exchange. "I wanted to show Seth where I spent most of my time, you don't mind do you?" "Of course not young Marcus, just uh don't misuse the place eh?" The old man gave a sly wink going back to the desk. Marcus smiled and blushed slightly leading Seth into the maze of books.

They walked passes rows and rows of dusty shelves winding to what seemed the farthest corner of the library. Back in the depts of the building, there was a small alcove off to the side that had a worn armchair surrounded by a couple stacks of books. Marcus went over to the dusty chair smiling fondly. "Mr. Harrison set this aside for me, because of how much time I spent here. This is where I went after school, when I needed a place to think, when I needed a friend. If I had a bad day at school, I could come here and collect my thoughts. This place... is very special to me." As he said the last part his voice trailed off softly, his gaze on the empty chair as if reliving all the hours he spent in it.

[merlin]

Seth was rather stunned by the old mans dirty comment. Seth had almost forgotten how open elderly people could be with their comments. Smiling weakly at Mr. Harison, Seth willingly followed Marcus through the maze of shelves. If not for Marcus Seth was positive he would get lost since only a few moments after leaving the front desk Seth felt rather disoriented.

After being lead into the permute triangle (Because that was the only other place as disorienting as this place) Seth was glad to finally come to the end of their little journey. It was a nice alcove though it did appear a little dusty and under used. With only a few organized stacks of books this little nook in the library was not as overwhelming as the rest of the building allowing Seth to relax. "This I can understand you attraction too," Seth said as he looked around the alcove. This place was important to Marcus so Seth tried to imprint this place into his memory so that he would never forget it.

"Would it be alright if I sat?" Seth asked.

[skymole]

"Sure," Marcus said brightly gesturing to the chair. While Seth did so Marcus started inspecting the stacks of books. He found books he'd read over and over, book he hadn't read yet, and a bunch of books he was stiil reading. He started sorting them into piles so he could take some of them home to finish. He glanced up at Seth in the chair. "Comfortable?" he asked with a grin. Marcus was feeling really relaxed and happy in his old haunt, he hoped that being out of school would make it so he could visit more often.