Vex was never going to forget this; the corny lines, beautiful teeth, the way he said 'I love you' without holding anything back. Mark gave him everything and he did it bold, beautiful and unashamed. When their lips met he briefly felt the touch of air, but warm flesh soon replaces that sputter of reality. He sank down against him and held him tight, the burn of tears in his eyes.

"I love you," he whispered against his lips, the echo of Mark's always in his ears. "Don't leave me," his plea was soft, almost caught up in the kiss and smothered. His next was more pathetic, the desperation growing as he clung to him- to nothing. "Please don't leave me. Please."