Work Text:
“All the things I did
Just so I could call you mine
All the things you did
Well, I hope I was your favorite crime.”
“Favorite Crime”, Olivia Rodrigo
Taking another sip from your hot drink, you peered out into the night, content to watch the traffic rush by below you, the trees lining the street glittering with moonlight. It was a clear night, even the stars making their appearance over your head. DC was not a quiet city, or particularly gorgeous like the parks hours from where you lived... But it was home.
A buzz at your side caught your attention, and you lifted it to see who was calling.
“That’s weird,” you said out loud, setting your drink aside and planting your bare feet on the ground.
“Marcus?” You answered hesitantly.
“Hey, sweetheart,” his voice, as gentle and kind as ever. But you could hear the pain you knew he never hid well. Above all else, Marcus Pike was not a good lier.
You hadn’t seen him in weeks, at least not since he had arrived in DC for his new position. You had been good friends in high school, kept in touch during college, but you had rarely seen him since he had taken the position with the FBI. It was tough work, and by far no easy task, but you knew Marcus. He had a good balance of compassion and bravery, and you knew the job had suited him well.
But being promoted to a new position in DC, where you had lived for several years, had changed things. You hadn’t seen him in person in... A while, at least. How did he look? Had he grown a beard, or kept it clean shaven like in college? Did his brown eyes still sparkle when he smiled at you?
Having him back in DC had changed things because even though you lived in the same city, you had yet to see him. You had texted but nothing else. Moving into a new apartment and adjusting to the job had kept him busy, and you wanted to leave it up to him as to when he would contact you. Maybe, you thought- and it tore at you- he just didn’t want to see you. To leave things in the past.
But hearing his voice over the phone made your heart flutter, made your crush from all those years ago swell back up again.
“Hi, how are you?” You asked, swallowing the butterflies in your throat. “It’s really good to hear your voice.”
He laughed on the other end, a sound that had your face going warm, smiling to yourself on the outside patio.
“I’m alright, still settling in. Didn’t realize I had so much to unpack.”
“Well, if you need any help, I’m always free on the weekends. Just let me know, okay?” You said, grinning.
“Thanks... How are you doing? Everything going okay?”
You leaned back, breathing deeply. “For the most part, yeah. The job’s keeping me busy, and I have good people there, so it’s worth it... But it’s nice knowing there's a familiar face in town again.”
Marcus sighed on the other end, and you could imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose. “Hey, I’m really sorry I haven’t tried to see you or-”
“Hey,” you cut in gently, not wanting him to feel bad. “Don’t worry about it, seriously. I understand how busy this thing can keep you. I mean, aren’t you running a part of the system or something?”
Marcus laughed again. “Something like that.”
The silence drifted in, just for a moment, before you took a step, feeling brave. “Hey. If you’re free, you could always stop by for dinner one night. Or we could order something, you know, like old times...”
“Old times,” Marcus sighed, and something about the way he said it made you blush. “Take-out and everything?”
You nodded, even though you were by yourself. “Yeah. Sushi rolls and everything.”
“I’d... I’d like that.”
Seeing Marcus in your doorway three nights later had tears springing to your eyes, and he was quick to notice, hugging you gently around the shoulders before you finally latched onto him. He had gained a bit of weight since you had last seen him, but it suited him perfectly. Even when you pulled away, you noticed the light stubble growing on his face, but his soulful brown eyes were just the same.
“Marcus,” you said softly, a bit in disbelief.
He smiled warmly, rubbing your shoulder. “You gonna let me in?”
You took a step back, shaking yourself from your love-struck haze and laughing. “Oh, yeah- sorry! Come in.” You stepped aside, letting him inside and watching as his gaze fell on your apartment. You watched him curiously, seeing the same Marcus Pike from your childhood, your college years... But he had grown. There was a certain ruggedness to him you could only guess had come from working in the FBI, and the weight he had gained seemed to be from the muscle he had formed over the years. And there was a certain hardness to his expression, maybe the disguising of pain or something else, written across his features. It made your heart sink a little. Nevertheless, it was still your Marcus Pike glancing ever so curiously around your apartment.
“It’s really nice in here,” he said. “I like the plants.”
You grinned. “Thanks. I try to keep them alive most of the time. And it seems to be working.”
His eyebrows shot up. Amused. “That’s good... And you look good, sweetheart. It’s been a long time.”
You nodded, inhaling deeply and squeezing your hands tight so your heart didn’t burst from your chest like a teenager.
“Thanks... And- and you do, too! It’s really good to see you again, you have no idea.” You were babbling, you knew it, but Marcus was smiling back at you with those big doe eyes, and you knew he didn’t mind.
After you had both had your share of takeout, you sat beside him on the couch, feet curled under your thighs. Marcus had removed his shoes, socked-feet extended to rest on the coffee table as you talked softly, swapping stories of high school and college days.
“You know, I have a lot of good friends at my job,” you started. “But it’s different with you. It’s different when it’s someone from home. Someone that knew you growing up, when you were at your worst...”
Marcus hung his head, looking the other way. “I kind of feel that way right now.”
Brows creasing in genuine concern, you leaned forward, placing your hand on his arm, but he was quick to sit up, shaking his head.
“Sorry- didn’t mean to bring down the mood.”
“No, really, it’s okay. We can’t be chipper all the time, can we?”
His eyes melted into yours, soft, gentle. Pained.
“Yeah. Guess not.”
The sushi take-out nights became regular, in so that every Friday night, you and Marcus swapped hosting and would spend the evening together. Evenings spent at Marcus’ consisted of eating said sushi, helping him unpack, and eventually ending up sprawled on the floor surrounded by old pictures and yearbooks. Hours and hours spent painstakingly inspecting each one, each old classmate, laughing about old stories and jokes and failed relationships. You loved it, both having your childhood best friend back, reminiscing about old times, and also building a new friendship together. No doubt, your feelings still lay strong for him, but you could sense some pain behind the smiles he gave you, like there was something in Texas he had yet to speak about. You never pressured him, or lingered too long when he did go silent on some obscure topic... Instead, you tried to make him smile again, even if it meant embarrassing yourself in the process.
Since you were young middle schoolers, Marcus Pike had been the kindest man you had ever met, always wanting to serve others, always making sure they were okay. And it didn’t change just because you had come back into his life. And it didn’t help that fluttering in the depth of your heart, either.
One Sunday night, your phone buzzed unexpectedly. You had changed into your pajama pants already, face devoid of makeup, ready to read a good book or finish a tv show before bed. But when Marcus’ name appeared on the screen, you wasted no time in answering it.
“Hello?”
“Hey.” Marcus’ voice was oddly quiet, sounding broken, and it made your stomach sink. “Um, this is kind of awkward, I-I don’t really know why I’m doing this. You’re really my only friend in the neighborhood and I...”
“Marcus?” You said gently, starting to pace. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
“I’m standing outside your apartment.”
Your eyes nearly popped from your head, and your mouth went dry before you could respond. “Wh... What?”
Keeping the phone to your ear, you practically stomped to the front door, despite wearing half of your pajamas, not looking as presentable as you wanted... But the tone of Marcus Pike’s voice frightened you.
And when you threw the door open, he was standing there with his own phone in his hand, his arm slowly dropping as your gaze fell over him, a bit stunned. He was wearing loose pants and a plain shirt, and his hair was more ragged than you had ever seen it, and his eyes... They were creased, slightly wet at the edges, like he had been crying and forced it away. But Marcus never hid things well, even when he finally shoved his phone away and looked you in the eyes.
“Hi,” you said, a bit flustered.
He breathed out heavily. “I know this is a really big inconvenience to you- you have work in the morning and I do, too-”
“You wanna come in?” You asked.
When Marcus finally sat down next to you on the couch, you sat as close to him as felt reasonable, wanting him to know you were there for him, and that you wouldn’t leave. Whatever had happened had affected him tremendously, and you were just seeing it at this level for the first time. He didn’t say anything for a long time, content to drink the steaming tea you prepared for him.
When he finally spoke, his gaze lingered on the floor, his voice far-off and pained. He explained the whole situation with the art robbery, and meeting Teresa Lisbon, the FBI agent whom he had ended up falling in love with and actually getting engaged to her, only to have her call it off right before she was supposed to meet him in DC. To start their life together, to never even say goodbye or wave him off...
Part of you felt hurt, knowing he had been with another woman, but you couldn’t blame him. Shoving your jealousy away, you focused instead on comforting him, touching his shoulder gently so as to not overstep any boundaries. He had trusted you enough to come to you late at night, with tears in his eyes, and relay everything that had happened and how broken he felt. How confused she would choose someone else... And break it off so quickly.
“I’m so sorry, Marcus,” you whispered. “I really wish that hadn’t happened to you.”
“Trust me, I don’t either,” he admitted.
“Promise me you won’t beat yourself up about it, though? To me, it sounded like it was her decision. It wasn’t because of you... You’re a fantastic guy, Marcus, and you deserve someone who can love you that same way.”
His eyes focused on your face, blinking softly before they suddenly creased again, and tears started building in his eyes.
“Hey, hey, hey,” you whispered, scooting closer to him and placing your hands on his cheeks, cradling his face. It was an intimate action, but you only wanted to comfort him, and he didn’t pull away.
“It’s alright,” you said softly. “You can cry as much as you want. Let it all out, okay? It’s good to do that. And I’ll stay by your side the whole time... You hear me, Marcus? I’ll stay as long as you need me. To hell with work tomorrow.”
The comment made him snicker, but his face resumed its weary expression as he suddenly set his mug aside, coming up to take your hands. But instead of removing them, he pressed them harder to his face, making you shudder.
“Can I be honest?” He asked.
“Yeah. Always.”
“... I’m really glad you’re here.”
Smiling softly, you gathered him in your arms, wrapping yourself around his neck and digging your chin into his shoulder. You could feel his hands press to your back, warm, secure, making you melt into him. You held him like that for a long time, content to comfort him as long as he needed. You could feel wetness gather on the collar of your shirt where Marcus had nuzzled into you, and you knew he had been crying.
“I-I should go,” he said eventually, pulling away and rising from the couch.
“Okay... Just call or stop by if you need anything, okay?” You said, walking him to the door. “I’m here.”
Marcus smiled sadly, and before you could move, he had leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on the curve of your cheek. There was nothing sensual or pleading in it, maybe as more of just a thank you. But it still made you blush bright red, and there was no hiding it even in the dim light.
You cleared your throat, running a hand through your hair. “Well, um... I guess I’ll see you soon, right?”
But his eyes were kind, despite the tears that still lingered there. “Yeah... Goodnight, sweetheart.”
“Goodnight, Marcus.”
It was a typical Friday night, leaned against the couch sifting through an old yearbook with Marcus beside you, laughing over your junior year photos. It had been three weeks since he had told you what had happened with Lisbon, three weeks and he had grown immensely. His smile was brighter, his eyes glittering, and you could literally see the weight come off your shoulders. You admiration and pride only grew for him as you continued your weekly take-out sessions.
“Oh, gosh, why did I ever think that was a good way to style my hair?” You exclaimed, slapping a hand over your mouth.
Marcus chuckled beside you. “I don’t have much room to talk either. I could barely grow facial hair in junior high... I mean, what the hell is that?”
He pointed to his sorry excuse for a mustache and it had both of you laughing deeply. He kept making jokes about it, having you laugh so hard you doubled-over, tears pricking at your eyes. WHen you finally sat upright, you wiped at your eyes, laughing dryly as you peered over at Marcus. He was watching you intently, brown eyes as large and soulful as ever, and it made you still.
His hand came up, thumb rubbing any scattered tears away, and he held you like that for only a moment before tugging you forward. Goosebumps skittered across you skin and you were sure you were blushing as he tugged you closer, his second hand rising to your face. He was so close now you could feel his warmth breath on your face.
“This alright?” He asked, and you nodded, more than eager to kiss him for the first time. He seemed to be feeling the same way, tilting your chin up so he could gingerly press his lips to yours for the very first time. They were soft, softer than you had imagined, and his arched nose pressed into the flesh of your cheek until he pulled away gently, taking your breath away with him.
Your eyes fluttered open softly, overwhelmed to see how wide his pupils had grown, how deep he was even smiling. Feeling brave, you placed a hand on his chest, leaning forward to kiss him again. He lingered this time, and you let him pull you closer, one hand gently running through your hair. You wanted to pass out from happiness, from the pure joy exuding from your bones. All these years, all that heartache, and Marcus Pike was here, kissing you like he had been holding it in for decades too.
When you finally broke away, you were both blushing, both smiling wide with red lips. And when Marcus walked you back to your apartment, he kissed your cheek softly, smiling even as he walked off into the night.
The next morning, you were light on your feet, springing wide awake so you could take your weekend-morning walk through the park by your apartment. But as soon as you strolled into the park, you noticed a familiar figure walking towards you.
“Marcus?” You questioned, a bit in disbelief as he saw you, grinning widely.
“Hey!” He called, jogging over to you and giving you a quick hug. “What are you doing out here?”
You shrugged. “I try to come here every weekend. It’s nice, isn’t it?”
He nodded, taking a glance around at the glittering leaves overhead and sprinkles of sunshine on the concrete. “It is... I remember you told me about it one week. Mind if I walk with you?”
You beamed. “I’d love that.”
You talked about small things, like the different birds overhead or how work was going. He strayed close, keeping his hands in his pockets as you walked side by side, wanting to reach out and sling your arm through his. After your kiss last night, though, you wanted to take things easy and make sure he never felt as if you pressured him. The image of tears in his eyes from weeks ago still burned in your mind, still made your heart soften for him.
“Hey, can I talk to you about something?” He asked suddenly, pausing in his walk.
“Sure,” you said, stopping in front of him.
“So... I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened last night.”
“Okay.” Your eyebrows shot up. “... And?”
“I have a proposition for you... One I should have asked of you a long time ago.”
You knew exactly where this was going, and tears started building in your eyes. “Marcus...”
“You’ve been my friend for as long as I can remember. We’ve watched each other grow up... And you get more beautiful every year.”
You trembled, almost sobbing. “Oh gosh, Marcus. You’re too sweet to me.”
He smiled softly. “Because you deserve it. No one has been there for me like you have. Even if we don’t see each other for years, you always offer your support, and I really appreciate that... I know we’ve been friends all our lives, but I was hoping you wouldn’t be opposed to...” He breathed in deeply, swallowing.
“To being more than that. Officially.”
“Like... Like your girlfriend?” You asked, and when he nodded gingerly, you leaned forward, lips parted in an awed smile. “Yes.”
He looked a bit taken back, surprised by your quick reaction. “Wait... What?”
“Y-Yeah, I’d really like that. I’ll be your girlfriend.”
His eyebrows shot up. “R-really? You’re sure?”
You nodded, stepping closer. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to be your girlfriend, your partner... Just to be able to do life with you together, and not just as friends. I want to build a life with you, Marcus Pike, just you. As long as I know you’re with me, I want it, too.”
His smile grew, traveling to the sparkles in his deep eyes as he bent forward, hands on your neck as he kissed you sweetly, tenderly, as gently as he had always spoken to you. You melted into him, finding his arms and holding on, pulling yourself closer so when you finally did break away, you could press your forehead to his. The arch of his nose rubbed against yours, and you hummed, pleased.
“I know I’m not perfect,” Marcus started, thumbs rubbing into your hair. “B-But I’ll try, for you.”
“I’m always going to stay with you, Marcus,” you assured him, holding onto him around his shoulders as he pressed a soft kiss to your cheek. “From here on out. You’ll probably get so tired of me being so clingy, you’ll be begging me to leave.”
He huffed. “Impossible.”
You grinned, nuzzling into his neck. “Maybe... I don’t think so, though. I like you too much for that.”
“Oh, really?” He teased, eyes sparkling and lips in a smirk as he leaned back. “I like the sound of that.”
You smiled, heart bursting. “Me too... You’re mine, and I’m yours.”
“Yours.... Mine,” Marcus repeated, sounding dreamy.
Lovestruck.
Enraptured.