Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman Fan Fiction ❯ Bruise of the Week ❯ Chapter 5

She took refuge in Mark's office, hiding herself in a corner of the comfortable armchair; the same chair where he had first kissed her. The same chair where they had discussed the rest of their lives together, where they had once made love.

 

And then she cried, cried until she felt she had no tears left. All the stress of the past month, hiding Mark's injury from the rest of the team and from the doctors, of having to deal with her own - and Mark's fears. The tiny trickle that had started with Jason's comfort became a flood, and she felt unable to stem the tide.

 

Her sobs had subsided to hiccups when she felt his arms around her, lifting her and drawing her onto his lap. “I'm sorry, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I've been a bastard, and you're the one I've taken it all out on. I'm so sorry.” He hugged her harder, and then used one hand to push back her hair from her hot face before pressing kisses onto her swollen eyelids.

 

She sniffed and burrowed into that warm embrace. “What did the doctors say?”

 

“They want me to stay around for a few days so that they can run some tests. Anderson's really angry though. I don't blame him. I shouldn't have tried to hide it.”

 

She didn't state the obvious; he was obviously in enough torment without her adding to it. “Can I… Do you want me to stay too?”

 

He had been looking down and now he looked directly at her. “Would you? Please? I… I'm so frightened, Princess. What if there really is something wrong? What if I had to leave the team? I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't part of G-Force.”

 

It was her turn now to offer comfort to him. “When have I ever not been at your side, Mark? All we can do is to take it one day at a time. One test at a time. As for leaving G-Force - we wouldn't let you.” Her voice was fierce now, and she hugged him fiercely. “Jason talks about wanting to be the commander, but he doesn't want it really. You're needed, Mark. We won't let them sideline you.” She bent her head and kissed him and then snuggled closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

 

He sighed and enjoyed the feel of her in his arms, on his lap. He felt her breathing against him, long even breaths that told him she was falling asleep, worn out by the force of her emotions. He didn't care; he was feeling the same tiredness. He rested his head against the back of the chair, moving her into a better position.

 

For the last two months, ever since they had become lovers, he had felt his life was complete. His initial astonishment at just how sensual she was had turned to joy when he discovered that their compatibility extended to their mutual sexual enjoyment - and curiosity. He couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of Jason's face as they seduced him earlier that day - and then the surge of excitement at the thought of their next intentions towards their friend.

 

“You're thinking naughty thoughts, Mark,” she said softly.

 

“The look on Jason's face.”

 

“That was rather priceless, wasn't it?” She laughed softly and then snuggled closer. “After the docs have done with you, shall we continue our exploration of his reputation?”

 

He shifted position slightly. “Sounds a good idea to me. But let me have you to myself for a while first.”

 

She raised her head and gazed at him. “First, last, always. But Jason was worried we were only using him as a plaything, Mark.”

 

Mark frowned. “You told him we weren't, I hope.” She nodded. “He was OK?”

 

“Bemused, but I think he's as eager as we are.”

 

“Good. I never thought I'd want anybody else after you, let alone another guy, but Jason's different.”

 

“I know. Jason's the other third of us. But not for always. Not every day. Not like us.”

 

“No. Not like us. For treats.”

 

She nodded against his shoulder, yawning. “Good treats,” she murmured. “L've you,” she said sleepily.

 

“Love you too, Princess. Today, tomorrow and always.” He rested his cheek on the top of her head, her steady breathing telling him she was asleep. “Always in my heart, dear one.” His own eyes closed and he slept, fears quietened by the knowledge that whatever he had to face, they'd face it together.

 

Like always.