chapter 22

Gary's POV

I back away a little. Why the fuck did i do that?! "Erm...i..er..i Rob.. s...sorry... i" My words start to blubber out.
"Erm... i better get off Gaz... it's late." Robbie picks up his coat from the waiting area.
Great he's pissed off now. I didn't mean to i was just happy. "Rob wait..." As i walk after Robbie a doctor calls us over.
"Gents. Mr Owen's awake and he's asking for you Gary." The doctor smiles at us.
Oh god... did i hear that right?! My eyes start to fill with tears. "Send my love to Markie Gaz... will come over and see you both soon... look after each other." We both go to hug, but instead Robbie holds his hand in front of me were we exchange a friendly hand shake instead.
"Thanks for everything Rob... i really do appreciate it all..." I feel a little embarrassed about kissing him. He's one of my best friends it was wrong of me to do that i don't blame him for being annoyed.
"No problem mate... let me know how it all goes...good luck." He smiles then leaves. Softly i sigh. After all this Rob's done then i stupidly ruin it.
"Gary? Are you coming?" The doctor asks still looking at me outside of Mark's door. Quickly i shake my head from the thoughts of Robbie i can't tell Mark what i did... well not now anyway. I head to Mark's room. "Calm down Mr Owen... Gary's coming." A nurse holds Mark's arm.
I take a deep breathe before entering the room. Mark is laying in the bed repeating my name his eyes half closed holding on the oxygen mask which is half on his mouth. "G...Gary...i...i need my Gary..."
"M...Mark?" Nervously i look at him. Tears burn in my eyes. Still in shock from this whole incident.
Mark opens his sleepy eyes the best he could. "G...Gaz? Gary???" He tries to sit up. "Owww...."
"Mr Owen you need to keep rested your stitches are still fresh we don't want them opening up." The young nurse lays him back down.
"I... need Gary... I need him..." Mark closes his eyes whilst moaning from the pain in his stomach.
"Babe i'm here...i'm not going no where..." Gently i take his hand in mine and plant a little kiss on top.

Mark looks at me squinting his eyes at me like he can't hardly see. "Gaz?"
"Yes... i'm here Mark..." I sit beside him still holding his hand gently stroking my thumb against it.
A soft smile appears on his face. "Mmmm...Gary....." His eyes get heavy and his head falls into his pillow.
"Huh? Mark??" Panic hits me. Shit!
"Gary... shush it's ok... he's taken some painkillers... they made him tired and now he's asleep... he's ok..." Dr Carter smiles lifting up Mark's sheet to check his stitches. "Oh...s...sorry..." I swallow hard still stroking Mark's hand. It's killing me seeing him like this.
"You best get some rest too it's been a long night. Things will be better by the morning."
I look at Mark who's fast asleep whilst nodding my head agreeing of getting some sleep of my own.

It only feels like i've been asleep for 10 minutes, but a loud scream wakes me up. My eyes instantly open to be greeted by Mark sat up in bed with blood stained sheets. "G...Ga...Gary..." He looks at me his eyes roll like he's about to pass out.
I freeze from shock looking at the amount of blood. "Fuc...fucking hell! HELP! CAN SOMEONE HELP!!" I shout as loud as i possibly can.
"Ga.....Gary.......H...Help...m....me..." Mark tries to keep his eyes focused.
Quickly i pull back his covers to see where the bloods coming from. His stitches have come undone causing him to bleed. A few doctors come running into the room. "What happened??" One asks me whilst the other two take Mark away.
"I...I...I don't... i was... asleep...Mark...was...s..screamed...i..." My breathing starts to increase i feel sick... i'm going to faint. Please let him be ok!! "Where is he??? I need to know if he's going to be ok!"
"We can't let you go in there Mr Barlow." The doctor holds me back stopping me from going into the same room as Mark.
"Please! You've got to let me see him! I'm begging you! I can't loose him i just can't!" Tears stream down my face. It feels like it's the second... no third time of loosing Mark.
"Sorry sir." He calls security over to try and control me. No chance i'm not going to let Mark slip away from me like this. I kick the doctor in the shin causing him to release his grip on me. Quickly i run into the new room which Mark's been taken into.
"MARK! MARK I'M HERE BABY!" I run over to his bed. He's asleep. The oxygen tube hanging out his mouth whilst a doctor pumps his chest. They all turn to look at me. A buzzing in the background sounds high pitch. No. Please don't tell me.
"We're sorry Mr Barlow... we did everything we could." A nurse places her hand on my shoulder whilst another turns off the high pitch monitor which Mark's wired to.
"N..No... You're lying... this isn't happening... Mark... Mark wake up please..." Softly i stroke his cheek. No response he just lays there. "Mark.. baby... please... please stop sleeping... i love you... Mark... please..." I tap his cheek a little harder. He's not breathing.
"Gary... we're sorry.... he's gone... gone to a better place..."
My eyes widen no this is all a joke. He's going to wake up i know it! "Mark! Please wake up! P...please wake... up. pl....plea....ple........" I break down on his bare chest.
"Gaz? Gary are you ok?" Wait... he's alive!! I knew it!!!
"Mark??? Mark you're alive!!!" I lift my head, but Mark's eyes still remain closed and still he's not breathing. I've gone mad? Gone completely mad!
"Gary? Gary are you ok? It's Mark?" Mark's mouth doesn't move. Huh? I rub my eyes.
"No... no...what's happening??"
I feel a hand on my arm and someone take a grip to my hand. "Open your eyes Gary!" The voice repeats.
Doing as the voice tells me i open my eyes. "MARK??!"
"Gary? I'm here? What's wrong?" I look over to a bed beside me to find Mark holding my hand and shaking my arm.
What the hell is going on?! I'm back in Mark's hospital room again. "B...Bl...blood? You... You... You're alive???! OH MARK!!" I wrap my arms around him tightly hugging him crying into his neck.
"Ouch...Gaz? What's wrong? Did you have a bad dream?" Mark hugs me stroking my back a little.
I nod softly. Loosening my grip on him a little, so i don't hurt him. That was the worst nightmare i've ever had.

Chapter 21

Gary's POV

"Gaz? Gary? Are you still there?" The shaken voice speaks on the other end of the phone. My jaw feels tight making it harder to talk whilst i just stand in the middle of the road in a daze. "Gary seriously you need to get down here... you've got to be with him... mate this is serious..."
"Y..Yeah..i...i'm on...my way..." Softly i mutter bending down to pick up the blood stained hat.
"Right...good..see you soon.."
"B...Bye." I hang up. I've got to get to the hospital... i'm about 10 minutes away from my house, so there's no chance of getting there to my car. I'm going to have to run.

After 20 minutes of the fastest running i've ever done in my life i finally arrive at the hospital. I feel sick from all the running, but most of all because of Mark. Please don't let me be too late. Quickly i make my way to the hospital's entrance noticing Robbie's car parked on way. It still hasn't sunk in all i can think of is why? "GAZ!" A voice calls causing me to look up out of my trance. Robbie comes running towards me pulling me into a tight hug.
"Erm..R..Rob..I...Er..Hi.." I swallow hard keeping my tears in afraid to ask.
"Oh...Mate... thank god you're here..." He wraps his arm around my shoulder guiding me down a corridor. My legs feel like jelly i can barely walk. "He's in here..."

Slowly i lift my head to look through the small window. Inside Mark is laying on a bed with an iv in his right arm and an oxygen pipe hanging out his mouth. "O....oh...god..." I instantly turn white backing away a little. Seeing him like that just throws me. He looks half dead i can't do this. "I..." Trying my best to keep my tears in i fail miserably as they come flooding out.
"Gaz....come here..." I feel two strong arms wrap around me whilst i just break down. "We'll look after him... our little Markie is a fighter..."

"Mr Williams?" A voice interrupts.
Robbie lets go of me. "Y...yeah?" Quickly i wipe my eyes to see a doctor holding a clip board about to enter Mark's room. "This is...er... Mark's... this is Mark's partner... Gary."
"Nice to meet you Gary. I'm Dr Carter Mark's doctor for this evening." He shakes my hand.
Softly i breathe a little faster. "Is...Is he going... to be ok?"
"For now it's early to tell. He hit his head pretty hard on the pavement which has caused a little bit of swelling on the brain, and lost a good amount of blood from the knife injury." My eyes widen whilst listening to him. I hide my hands in my pockets to hide the shaking. "Now... the reason i came back here is i need to know your blood type Gary."
For a second my mind goes blank. "Erm..A...A i think..."
The doctor makes some notes on his clipboard then looks over to Robbie's direction. "And yours Mr Williams?"
"B? Yeah think i'm a B if that one exists?" Robbie raises his eyebrow.
Again he makes some notes. "Perfect." He smiles softly.
"W...why?" Nervously i ask glancing my eyes through the window at Mark.
"Well Mark needs a blood transfusion, and seeing as Mark's the same blood type as your friend then we can start straight away." He looks over at Robbie.
"Huh? Me?" Robbie points to himself. The doctor nods, and hands Robbie a wristband. "But i..."
"As soon as Mr Owen has this transfusion then we can fully deal with the swelling on his brain. The transfusion can even make the swelling go straight away after a few hours. We've already dealt with the wound on his stomach."
Robbie doesn't like the sound of blood being taken and i know he's not always been keen of blood being taken from him. "Please Rob... please... help Mark... i'm begging you." I take Robbie's hand in mine. My eyes almost pleading him to do this. "You've had tattoos and they're by needles... just help Mark... please..."
Robbie looks down at our hands. "Of course...anything for Mark..." He smiles softly and goes with the doctor.

"Gary? Mr Barlow? Wakey wakey." I feel a hand on my back making me jump.
"Huh? What? Where am i??" My eyes open making me go a little light headed. I must of fallen asleep.
A nurse sits beside me. "You're at the hospital... remember? Mr Owen's accident."
"Is he ok??? Please tell me he's ok!?"
"sssh... calm down Mr Barlow..." She smiles a little as she does Robbie walks back around the corner pulling down his sleeve.
"Rob! Are you ok?" I walk over to him.
"Yes... yes i'm fine." He grins.
Why's he grinning for? He's going to tell me this is all a bad dream and Mark was never involved in this...right? "What? Why are you grinning like that??"
"aahh... well... got some good news..." He winks. Why is he being so secretive?
"Rob tell me! Please is it about Mark?"
Robbie places both of his hands onto my shoulders whilst looking into my eyes. "Markie is going to be ok. Thanks to my blood!"
I freeze for a few seconds. Did i just hear right?! Mark's going to be ok?!! I don't know whether to scream or cry. My heart pounds in my chest due to excitement. Mark is going to be ok! My Mark is going to be ok i repeat in my head. "YES!! THANK GOD!!!" Tightly i hug Robbie jumping in his arms.
Robbie laughs. "Good old Markie ay?"
"God this is the best news i've ever heard. I could scream mate! I can't thank you enough!! God i love you Robbie Williams!!" Excitement takes over causing me to kiss him on the lips.

Chapter 20

Robbie's POV

I can't believe the lads didn't tell me. I mean i know i'm not the best at keeping secrets, but still i don't like being the last one to know all the time. Softly i sigh glancing my eyes over at the newspaper which lays beside me in the car with Mark and Gary on the front cover kissing. I decided to pay the pair a visit and to let them know that they have my support whether they want it or not. Maybe we should make a night of it like a boys night in a few drinks and DVDs? I park my car in the supermarket's car park whilst i head inside to pick up a few things.

A few drinks wont hurt seeing as me and Mark are no longer allowed to drink tonight would make an exception. I place the bags in my car where my mind begins to drift off. What happened to Emma and the kids? Wonder if she knew straight away... jeez if she didn't then this newspaper will be hard to take in. Her husband gay with his best friend. I take a cigarette from my coat pocket and places it into my mouth whilst i have a stroll around the car park to stretch my legs. Maybe it's a good idea if i ring Mark to let him know that i'm coming round i don't want to make things worse if they want time alone. I reach into my jeans pocket for my mobile where i scroll for Mark's number. Here goes nothing. It rings a few times then goes to voice mail. Again i ring his number whilst i continue my walk. Strangely i hear a ringtone rather close not too loud but it could be heard. "Mark? Mark mate is that you?" I ask a little nervous. Listening to the sound of the ringtone i decided to follow it and hopefully find Mark. What's he doing out at this time of night? The ringtone gets louder meaning i'm getting closer. "Mark??" I call. Once i turn a corner i notice something in the middle of the road. At first i think it's maybe a some bags, but at a second glance it looks like a person. A drunk maybe?

Whoever it is i should help them anything could happen to them out here alone and drunk. As i make my way up the road my whole body begins to turn into shock. Blood. The person has a small puddle of blood beside them. "Mate are you o-" My speech gets cut off when i realise. No. No it can't be. My stomach churns by the sight. It's Mark.

My eyes widen and my hands begin to shake. What do i do??! This is my best mate lying lifeless on the floor. "M...Mark...?" Slowly i crouch beside him trying to see if he's breathing and hopefully talking. "Mark? It's Robbie... can you hear me?" I move my head to the direction of his chest. Very softly i can hear breathing, but only slightly i breathe a sigh of relief. I've got to get him to the hospital and fast there's no chance they would get here quick enough with all the blood he's lost. "Mark... i need to get you in my car ok... you'll be fine mate... just keep breathing slowly?" Fuck i'm useless i can't loose him! Very gently i put one hand under the back of his neck and the other under his legs. He literally weighs nothing which is probably a good thing making the task easier.

Once i reach my car again very gently i place him lying down on the backseats. "ur....." He moans softly.
"Mark can you hear me??" Nervously i ask. Still no reply. Right we have to go and fast. Making sure he's safe in the back i quickly get back into the drivers seat where i head to the hospital as quick as possible. I can't believe this has happened. What even has happened?! Who the fuck would do such an awful thing! Mark would be the last person on earth to ever have this happen to him. I put my foot down driving a little over the limit.

"CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME?!" I shout once i reach the car park jumping out of my car. Two doctors and a nurse come running into my direction.
"Yes sir?" The nurse asks.
I open the car door to where Mark's lying. "M...My friend... he's... he's been stabbed i think."
The doctors check for Mark's pulse. "Right... we need to get him inside right now! His pulse is dropping he needs oxygen." They lift him onto a stretcher.
"W...where are they taking him?!! Is he going to be ok???" I start to panic whilst Mark gets taken inside.
The nurse places her hand onto my back to try and calm me. "You need to come with us sir.... is there anyone you want to call?"
I think for a second. "I need...I need to ring Gary."

Gary's POV

"Mark can you please ring me back i'm very worried about you. Please. I love you." I sigh that's the 9th voice mail i've left. Where the hell is he?! And what's happened. I look around the kitchen i can't just sit back and wait around here if anythings happened i need to go and find him. Quickly i turn off the oven and move the pans from the stove just incase anything gets burnt.

It's getting darker i don't even know where he is! I jog down the street looking for him. "Mark??" I call whilst jogging up and down streets. This is useless i'm never going to find him at this rate. Maybe i should trace his steps first of all by going to the supermarket where he went in the first place someone can help me out.

On the way to the supermarket i notice something in the road down one the streets. Is that..? No it can't he's never without one. As i get further down the street it becomes clear that i was right. Mark's hat lying in the middle of the road. Instantly i know something not right. What if he's got beaten up?!! Quickly i go into the road to pick up his hat. It's wet... but... it hasn't been raining? I shake my head confused. "Mark?? Where are you?" Still holding his hat i wonder how it even got wet. I look at my hands and notice something. Oh god.... I drop the hat in horror looking at my hands in complete shock. Blood! Surly no this can't be his blood??! I rub my hands together trying to get rid of it feeling incredibly sick. Just before i physically am sick my phone starts to ring. Yes please be Mark! Without looking i answer it straight away. "Mark?! Where are you?? I've been so worried are you ok??"
"Erm...Gaz? Erm...it's Rob..." A shaken voice speaks.
I sigh a little. "Robbie... now isn't the time." I go to hang up.
"No no! Gaz wait......it's about Mark."
Hearing his name makes my eyes widen. "Mark?? What? Where is he? Is he with you? Is he ok?!"
Robbie pauses for a second or two. "He's...with me...er...we're at the... hospital."
"Hospital?!" My knees start to shake and now i feel even more sick. "W...what...?"
"I found him... i was on my way to see you both... someone....someone stabbed him... you need to get down here Gaz."
Mine and Mark's happy dream together had now turned into a nightmare.

Chapter 19

Gary's POV

"Gaaaz!" Mark calls from the bottom of the stairs causing me to wake up. Jeez it's 5:30 in the afternoon! Quickly i get of bed putting some jeans on.
"Babe? Are you ok?" I walk down the stairs buttoning up my shirt. "Babe??"
Once i reach the bottom of the stairs Mark appears holding a newspaper. "We made front page..." He holds the paper in front of me. On the front cover it shows me and Mark kissing in and airport. "Love rat Mark Owen cheats on wife with bestfriend." I shake my head angrily. "What a load of fucking bull! Who the hell do they think they are saying shit which isn't true!"
Mark looks down. "I deserve this..."
"No Mark no you don't! It's not true! You didn't cheat and so what if we're in love! It has fuck all to do with anybody stupid money grabbers i'm gonna sue!" I go to walk up stairs gripping to the paper.
"Gaz.. don't... the whole world would of seen this already... what's the point ay..." He sighs and walks to the kitchen.
Instantly i feel bad seeing Mark like this. He's such a nice man he'd never hurt anyone yet he's been made to look bad. "Babe... come on... i'm sorry... i shouldn't of kissed you..."
"Don't be silly..." He runs his hand through his hair. "Gaz...?"
I walk to him in the kitchen. "Yes?"
"Can...can i have a hug? Please?" Mark's eyes start to get a little red from the tears burning in his eyes.
My arms stretch out around him. "Hey you... you don't need to ask for a hug..." I kiss his forehead pulling him closer against my chest.
"I know... i just.. i don't know..."
"Sssh.. it's ok...i'll cook us dinner tonight... make it special just the two of us, yeah?" I pull away a little moving his fringe from his eyes.
"Sounds good... maybe we could have a bit of wine with it..." Gently he kisses me on the lips.
I answer his kiss and raise my eyebrow a little. "Erm... maybe you shouldn't be drinking mate..."
"Only a glass... i've been good for the past year.. plus i wont be alone... right..." He kisses me more into my neck which causes me to let out a moan.
"Er...o...ok..." It felt like he was hypnotising me with his kisses.

Mark's hands run down my back and up under my shirt stroking my bare back with his finger tips. It starts to feel hot. Very hot. The kisses against my neck turn into soft bites and sucks slowly driving me mad. "Like that babe...?" He whispers against the spot where he sucked feeling his hot breath make contact with my slightly wet neck.
"Uh huh..." My voice sounds hoarse feeling his hand tug at the button of my jeans, and his hand searching down them like he's looking for something... i know exactly what for.
"God...the things you do to me Gary Barlow..." Mark groans a little whilst stroking inside my boxers.
My breathing starts to increase whilst his hand does wonders on my length. "Let's...g..go..up..."
"No... i want to do you here...... and now....." He rips open my shirt. I wasn't expecting that, but it sure was fucking hot!

A soft smirk forms at the corners of his mouth whilst he guides me to the living room to the sofa where it's comfier. Softly he pushes me backwards, so i sit onto it. He crawls onto my lap kissing my bare chest. "Oooh...Mark...."
"You're....gorgeous...so...gorgeous..." He speaks during kisses. Without wasting anymore time he pulls down my jeans and boxers allowing my hardened self to spring free. "Fuck..."
"Lay flat Gaz...." Mark partly grunts whilst he starts to remove his trousers. I do as he says making myself comfy watching him sort himself out before getting back on top of me. Slowly he undoes a condom from his wallet and rolls it onto his rock hard self his eyes not leaving mine.
"I want you..." My arms wrap around the back of his neck pulling him down to my lips for a deep kiss.
The kiss deepens, as he finally pushes inside of me making me bite down onto his lip i'm sure i fetched blood.

"Yes....oh yes Mark!" I stratch my nails into his back feeling his thrusts starting increase. My legs wrap around his waist allowing him more entrance to completely drive me inside. He's so talented at many things including sex.
"Mmmm...you feel so good Gaz...come for me..." He bites against my neck instantly speeding up pushing deeper into me. I feel like i'm going to explode any second. I try and hold it in as much as possible squeezing his back and sofa.
"Good god..." I mutter grunting louder. "I...I'm..." I frown my eyebrows feeling Mark partly pull out then slam back into me. "FUCK! Mark....." It was impossible to hold back much longer. Finally i let go calling out his name. "MAAARKKK!!"
It wasn't long until Mark finally reached his limit too. "Fuck... GAAAZZ!" He shouts collapsing against my sweating chest.

An hour later i start to prepare dinner for tonight. "I'll go to the shop babe you do the vegetables?" I go into the fridge getting out some fresh vegetables.
"Nah it's fine i'll go. You've only got your boxers on you'll get arrested." Mark winks at me.
I roll my eyes playfully. "Obviously i'll get changed you daft sod."
Mark laughs. "Yeah yeah... no it's fine honest i've got some things to fetch anyways. What wine should i get? Red?"
I still don't like the idea of Mark going to bring wine which he'll be drinking too. "Erh...yeah sure."
"See you later babe." He kisses my cheek and leaves.

Mark's POV

I can't wait to get home and crack open this wine i think to myself whilst looking into the shopping bag at it. It's almost calling my name! It's been too long and it'll help my stress anyway..softly i bite my lip looking at it. A small swing walking home wouldn't hurt right? My hand slowly snakes into the bag gripping the top of the wine bottle. I can already taste it. Before i pull it out i get stopped in my tracks by the sound of chatter behind me. Great. "Isn't that Mark Owen?" The voices whisper. "Ooooh the gay one??" They laugh. Who the fuck are they now?! "He goes on with the fat one."
No. Seriously no i'm not having that. "Excuse me?!" I turn around to find two younger males who were a lot taller and bigger than me. I don't care.
"S'up with you old man?" One of them laughs looking at me.
I shake my head a little. "Got something you want to say? Acting like childish pricks."
"Oh yeah... what's it got to do with you then?" They smirk at one another. I can't stand people like this starting on people for no reason fucking idiots.
"Ermm it has seeing as you've got nothing better to do with your lives, but make people's lives a misery, and so what me and Gary are gay it has nothing to do with anyone! So take your pathetic little lives so scurry back to which ever scummy little place you came from." I continue to walk home. Stupid twats who do they think they are? Trying to look hard. Hard?! Bet they can't even get an erection. I laugh to myself. Footsteps begin to sound behind me. I roll my eyes. "Will you two just fu-" My sentence doesn't get finished instead i feel myself make hard contact with the floor. A loud smash falls to the floor the same i do. "AAAh fuck!!" I hold my arm feeling a sicking pain shoot through my whole body.
"Get his wallet." The same voices speak feeling hands touch around my waist area.
I try the best i could to kick my legs trying to get them off me, but it doesn't work the pain in my arm over takes. "Get off! Get off me!!"
"Got it!" One of them laughs taking my wallet from my left trouser pocket. Anger powers inside my body whilst i climb to my feet.
"You fucking twats!" I pull my other arm back smashing my fist against one of the males jaw causing him to fall to the floor. "That's what you g-" A sharp pain in my stomach stops my speech. A sharp ripping pain in my stomach. My hand instantly grips my stomach whilst my eyes slowly look down to that area. A knife. The other one had used a knife on me. Unable to speak i fall to the floor in complete shock holding my wound.
"Oh shit! Mate come on!" He drags his mate from the floor and run away leaving me lying on the cold pavement. A few tears leave my eyes the pain overtakes my body. I've been stabbed...and mugged...now left for dead. I'm not going to survive this.... With the last remaining strength i get my phone from my pocket and press the button to ring the last person who i rang. Gary.

My head rest on the stoned road. My hand completely covered in blood. Dripping even. The phone rings a couple of times then i hear Gary's voice. It sounds like an angels... i guess that's what it'll be like in heaven... if i get there... "Hello Mark? Are you almost home? Dinners ready."
Still unable to speak i try and whisper, but no words come out. "G..." Is all i can manage. More pain in my stomach making my eyes begin to close. I'm dying. I know i am.
"Mark? Babe are you ok?" Gary asks concerned.
More tears leave my eyes whilst i just lay there my version starting to get blurred almost like i'm starting to fall asleep. "Mark??? Please answer me??"
"G...G...G...a...az..." It pains me to speak. I see blood beside me making me feel even more sick.
"Yes?? Mark i'm here what's wrong???" Gary's voice speaks in a worried tone.
My breathing starts to become slower. I need to tell him. I need to tell him before it's too late. "I...I..I...Lo...ve..y...o...you..." My eyes finally close too heavy to keep them open any longer.

Chapter 18

Gary's POV

No this isn't happening it's a dream right?! Quickly i grab my pile of clothes from the floor whilst i run downstairs to my car. He can't be gone! I get into my car and start the engine. I'm not even dressed yet! As i pull off the drive way and head to the airport using my free hand i slip on my shirt, but what if he's already half way to which ever country he's going to?! I've been asleep for a few hours... what if i've missed him... No. Gary stop it. Stop thinking negative get there and get your man back. Whilst i pull my trousers up i put my phone on loud speaker ringing Mark's number. It rings a few times one hand still on the wheel driving a little faster than i should. Shit!! He's rejected it! But... that means..... that means he hasn't left yet!

Once i reach the airport i search for a parking space. Seriously i'll park on the runway if i have to! Why is it so packed for?! I look at my watch i don't have the patience for this... After 5minutes of driving i give up i need to get in there. Without another seconds thought i get of the car and run inside leaving my car in the middle of the car park no chance for other cars to get to the entrance, but who cares Mark is more important. As fast as i can i run inside bumping into a gentleman who's standing in a queue with his wife and kids. "You want to be looking where you're going mate!!" Jeez he's fucking huge!
"Er..s..sorry... i..." Now is not the time to get into a fight. Nervously i look around trying to spot Mark through the crowded lines.
"Don't even think of cutting in line! I know who you are, but me and my family have been here since 9am this morning to hear that our flight has been cancelled!" He angrily throws his tickets on the floor.
"S...sorry.. i've got to... erm.." Quickly i leg it to another line. I'm not much of a fighter and if i can avoid fights then i will.

This is impossible he's not anywhere!Out the corner of my eye i spot a small brown haired lady at an empty reception area maybe she can help...I continue looking around whilst i walk to the desk. "Yes sir...how can i help you today?"
"I'm looking for my mate...erm... he's just a little bit smaller than me... brown hair... never without a smile.. but i don't think he'll have one right now..." I play with my fingers which i always do when i'm nervous. Please say he's still here...
"Sorry sir... but we see a lot of people and your description is pretty basic it describes a few people i've seen today... any other details?" She picks up her handbag and places a sign on the desk 'sorry this desk is closed'.
"He's...erm... Mark...Mark Owen..." I swallow. Surly someones got to recognise him??
The woman just laughs. "Mark Owen?? Now that's one person i'd love to see! Who are you then Robbie or Gary?... Good luck with finding your friend." She winks and walks to the exit.
"Gary Barlow." I mutter under my breath laying my head on the empty desk. This is pointless. No one can even help.
Just as i was about to leave something catches my eye in the best possible way. A mic. A mic for the whole waiting area of the airport! This is my only chance of finding Mark. Quickly i look behind me seeing if there's anymore staff who will stop me before i start. Slowly i creep behind the desk wrapping my hands around the mic giving it a quick tap to see if it's on and i can be heard. Right this is my chance. My one and only chance. My heart almost pounds out my chest, as i let out a deep breath. "Mark...Mark Owen... Are you here??! It's...G...Gary... Please... please don't hide from me... Please don't run away and leave me... You mean everything to me Mark... I've never felt this way about anyone before... you're something special...someone special..." Nervously i take a couple more deep breathes. "I.... I... I love you Mark!! I love you so much Mark Owen!! Yes this is Gary Barlow and Mark Owen means the world to me!" Security starts to approach me. "I LOVE YOU MARK! Please... don't leave!!" I feel myself being pushed against the wall. Pressure against my chest. Two men holding my hands behind my back who start to guide me away from the desk. Guess i blew it. He's gone, and i've made a complete fool of myself.
"Come with us sir. You need to leave premises."
I nod and walk with them. My heart aches. I love him so much this is going to be the worst thing... living a life without the person you love and want to grow old with.

"WAIT! Let him go!!" A voice shouts from one side of the airport aisle.
My head instantly shoots up. "Ma...Mark???!!!"
"Gaz! I heard everything!! I was in the toilet.... i heard you... god... i can't even describe how beautiful it was!!" Mark runs over to me burying his head into my chest. I shake my hands away from security so i can embrace Mark into a tight hug planting kisses into his soft bouncy hair. People started forming a small crowd near us. I didn't care. They even started to take photos hearing 'that's Gary Barlow and Mark Owen??! Are they gay??' we didn't care what people thought of us we are in love and that is all that matters.

My chest started to feel a little damp from Mark's tears. "Come on babe.. lets go home..." I wrap my arm around his shoulder.
"Oi Barlow!" Someone shouts from within the crowd of people. I look over to see a tallish male looking and smirking at me and Mark. "You've got your shirt inside out. Fucking in toilets isn't very hygienic!"
Shit i didn't even notice i put my shirt on the wrong way... my mind wasn't focused i just had to get here. I'll wipe that smug grin off his face. I pull Mark close to me giving him a passionate kiss. The sound of gasps make me grin against Mark's lips. Once i pull away from a stunned Mark's lips we continue to walk as we do i stick my two fingers up a the idiot who tried to be funny. Dickhead. At least i can have Mark in my arms tonight.

Chapter 17

Gary's POV

I feel hurt... is he embarrassed? Ashamed of the way he is.... the way we both are? Maybe he felt sorry for me, but then again he was the one who made the first move. "Gary are you coming?" Mark calls from the car window.
By hearing his voice it brings me back to reality. "Erm... y..yeah coming." I make my way back inside the car buckling my seat belt back on. For a few seconds i look in the mirror above my head looking at myself. Maybe i wasn't the man Mark wanted me to be... what if he's having second thoughts?
"Gary are we going or not?! I don't want to be here much longer." I feel Mark's eyes staring at me burning in the side of my head. Gently i suck my lip. No Gary. No tears. The more i look at myself the more i begin to over think. "Gary! I'm talking to you!" He tugs my leg.
"Why didn't you tell her..." Softly i mumble surprised that i even managed to get words out feeling the way i do.
"What? Tell her what?"
I shake my head a little. "You know exactly what i'm talking about Mark... you're embarrassed aren't you?" I bit my tongue a little stopping my tears from falling.
"N...No? Of course i'm not." He raises his eyebrow at me. That sweet innocent face looking at me.
"Then...why haven't you told her...?"
Softly he sighs. "I didn't think it mattered just now... i've only just left her."
Those words. 'didn't think it mattered.' Causes a few tears to leave my eyes. "O..Ok..." I start the engine.
"Gaz? Are you crying?" Mark's hand touches my cheek, but i just move away not allowing his hand to make contact with my face.
"We need to get home.. i've got to do some work in the studio." I wipe my eyes on my arm as i pull out of the school's car park.

The car journey was completely silent. Neither of us spoke at all. It was a relief when i finally turned the corner to my house to park onto the drive. "Gaz..." Mark looks up at me once i remove the key from the car making it even more silent.
"I've got work to do... there's food in the fridge help yourself." I shut my car door. I didn't stick around to hear Mark's answer instead i made my way upstairs to my studio instantly locking the door behind me. My heart aches. Those words go around in my head again. 'Didn't think it mattered.' Causing more tears to leave my eyes slowly my back slides down the door until i'm making contact with the floor. Allowing my face to bury into my hands where i begin to cry. I love him so much he doesn't understand. I'm a 42 year old man and i feel like i'm 16. Maybe he used me for an excuse to leave Emma... like he just wanted to try me for an experiment to see what it's like to be gay...confused by his sexuality, and i didn't reach his standards i guess. Slowly i lay on the floor bringing my knees to my chest quietly crying myself to sleep.

Pain in my back causes my eyes to open. "Urgh." I open my eyes resting my hand on my back. How long was i asleep for? I best get to bed before my back is even more fucked up. The sky outside is pitch black, so i must of been asleep for at least a couple of hours. Slowly i make my way to the bedroom remembering why i was asleep on the floor in the first place. The hallway is quiet he must be asleep. "Mark..." I whisper making my way to the bedroom still holding my back stumbling around in the dark for a light switch. No answer came from the bedroom. He's either asleep or ignoring me. Once i reach the bedroom  i begin to take my clothes off in the complete darkness. The only thing which could make me feel better is to fall asleep in Mark's arms. I remove my shirt and trousers before getting into bed. "Mark..." I move over to the othersise feeling around for him. Wait. It's empty? The bed is empty??! Quickly i switch on the bedside light. He's not here? He never came to bed? Just as i was about to leave the room i notice something catch my eye. A note resting on his pillow. " Gaz... i just want to say how sorry i am. I've fucked up one relationship and now i've done the same with you. This has been a really hard time in my life and i don't want it affecting you. Seeing you cry today partly broke my heart. (Well what i have left of it anyway.) You was crying because of me. I should be there to make you happy the only time i should make you cry is when i'm making you laugh. I was wrong. I was also wrong for saying it didn't matter about telling Emma about us. I want to tell the whole world. The only reason i didn't was, because i just wanted to spend one day with my children knowing Emma as soon as  finds out it'll be too late to see them again... selfish of me i know. Sorry for not saying goodbye in person. I'm useless at saying goodbyes and especially if i was saying it to the only man i've ever loved. Promise me one just one thing Gary... promise me that you will find someone who could be a better boyfriend than what i was... who will love you without loving themselves first... someone to settle down...start a family with you... no baggage no problems... whether that love comes from a man or a woman... that's all i ask... sorry for everything from the bottom of my heart... no matter what i'll always love you... it pains me to leave, but it's for the best i don't stay in the country being without you seeing your hand in another person's hand...that person not being me... i love you Gary always and forever don't ever forget that babe... love always  your Marko xxx
Ps. I never ever had regrets us. I've loved you for a long time even before Emma... i just never had the guts to tell you. You're a very special man Gary... the night i kissed you was the best thing i've ever done... " Quickly i jump out of bed opening the wardrobe doors. His clothes are gone. Everything of Mark's has gone!! No this can't be happening! I've got to get him! Or is it too late...?