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“More cider?” Falcon asked, appearing next to Mark at an appropriate distance from the other man. The silver platter in hand contained one sole glass of the imported cider that Emma had ordered for the party. Fresh bubbles floating to the top and three singular ice cubes nestled in the flute.
Mark looked up at him with a small smile as he nodded his head. Falcon reached over to grasp the glass, handing it wordlessly to the shorter man.
Mark took it gratefully, their fingers brushing against one another and Falcon couldn’t help the way his eyelids fluttered close. The small allowance he allowed himself in the far corner of the ballroom away from prying eyes.
“Thanks.” Mark replied, lifting the rim to his beak, smiling up at him as he drank.
They were silent, their gazes anywhere but the other. And then.
“Don’t you hate this ?” Mark asked, the sound covering Falcon’s soul in soft whispers. His voice leaving a harsh imprint upon him; like footsteps on a sandy beach only to be washed away by unforgiving waves.
Falcon's gaze shifted across the room, eyeing the surrounding company, hopeful to find no onlookers to the quiet conversation between them. Wanting to speak, to say anything to soothe Mark’s anxiety.
“It’s what’s proper.” Falcon replied carefully, his spine straightening a tad more as Mark’s sister began to approach. “I will fetch you another drink, sir .” He replied, taking Mark’s now empty glass away from him before turning on his heel and walking to the kitchen doors.
“Trouble in paradise?” she asked, watching Mark as he watched Falcon leave. It was no secret to her what was going on between the two of them. And for, however brief a moment, Mark was glad that someone other than him and Falcon were aware of their relationship. If it could even be classified as such.
“Relationships suck, Michael.” Mark replied, hoping Falcon would return with a drink that was much stronger than the cider he had served him earlier. Michael nodded her head, wordlessly handing her half finished chardonnay to Mark. “Thanks.” He said taking it from her and downing the contents in one big sip.
“Anytime.” She replied, not bothering to take the glass back from him, her gaze shifting over to their mother who was currently no doubt, having a very heated argument with her assistant. Michael gave a deep sigh, “Let me go save Daisy.” she said, Mark waving her off as he knocked the drink back again hoping to lap up the few drops that remained at the bottom.
Fuck it all.