Chapter 24

Gary's POV

As quiet as possible i put my shoes back on whilst sitting on the bedroom floor. "G...Gaz...mmm..." Mark gets a little restless in his sleep again.
"Shhh..." Gently i stroke his forehead to calm him. Instantly from my touch he calms down even a little smile appears on his face in his sleep. "Love you.." Softly i sigh placing a kiss on his forehead. I creep out of the bedroom closing the door slightly behind me. My stomach fills with guilt. Hopefully he stays asleep until i get back. I wont be that long... i hope...

I lock the front door before getting into my car to set off to Robbie's house. What if we end up fighting... that will just make Mark stress even more and he doesn't need any more stress...not after what he's been through. My eyes begin to get heavier i haven't slept good these past few weeks and driving at 10 o'clock at night doesn't help. God i need coffee. After a 20 minute drive i finally arrive at Robbie's. He's already at the window waiting for me. Softly i smile at him whilst turning off the engine. He replies with a friendly wave then disappears.

Slowly i walk up the path to his front door before i even get the chance to knock it already comes open. Robbie stands at the door grinning. "Gaz!" We give each other a friendly tight hug. Already i feel like i could just stand here and fall asleep in his arms.
"Alright Rob... how're you?" I yawn a little looking up from his arms. We still stand on the doorway hugging one another.
Robbie shines me with another one of his cheeky grins. "I'm good mate... how's you and Markie?"
"Erm... i'm just tired i guess... and Mark's asleep." A sigh leaves my lips. "Can we go inside? It's a bit chilly out here."
Robbie loosens me from the hug and greets me inside. "I don't want you take it the wrong way, but you look awful Gaz...go on get sat down i'll get you a coffee."
"You're a star Rob...cheers." Without hesitation i walk into the living room to sit on his sofa. He's got one of those brown leather corner sofas, but you don't just sit on it you almost sink  into it like a giant marshmallow. On the tv is the Liverpool match. I'm even too tired to pay attention to my favourite team playing. The smell of coffee comes from the kitchen. It's never smelt so good before. My eyes start to get heavy again whilst waiting, but before i go to give in Robbie walks back in carrying a white steaming mug.
"Here get this down you mate." He hands me the mug which i instantly sip. "How are you feeling Gaz? In yourself? You need to look after yourself too not only Mark." I feel Robbie place his hand onto my forehead. I hate it when people fuss around me.
"I'm fine honest... as soon as Mark's better again...it will put my mind at ease..." My eyes fix onto the mug watching the steam leave.
"Are the pair of you ok? Have you had an argument or something?" He raises his eyebrow at me whilst sitting beside me on the sofa.
"N...n..no? Why would you ask that? Has he said something to you?" Nervously i ask continuing to sip my coffee.
"No we haven't spoke in a while... i just thought because of what... well you know... the last time we saw each other it didn't exactly end as planned did it...?" Robbie clears his throat a little. He's talking about the kiss isn't he? My cheeks start to burn from embarrassment.
"Erh..n..no it didn't... and i'm sorry..." I can't even bring myself to look him in the eyes now. I kissed my best friend for god sake.
Robbie sighs a little. "Mark doesn't know i take it? Guess it was just a spare of the moment thing from excitement."
If i don't feel bad already i feel even worse now. "Rob.. i really am sorry... yes it was excitement...-" I pause from finishing my sentence as Robbie moves over to me a little more.
"Do you regret it?" He asks. Not expecting that as his reply i sit there for a few seconds. How do i answer that?!
"I'm with Mark... i love him more than anything... i could never cheat on him... especially not after almost losing him."
Feeling a hand make contact with my cheek. Robbie strokes the back of his hand against my stubble. "But...do you regret it... come on Captain..." He grins a little. Is he drunk? Moving even closer to me his face inches from mine.
"I...I...er...-" Before i get to finish what i'm about to say very gently Robbie pushes his lips against mine. Causing me to forget about everything what's happened. Just focusing on the kiss. His soft wet lips stroking against mine. They taste good. The kiss is good. Slowly after a few seconds he pulls away which brings me back to reality. It almost feels like i've forcefully fell onto hard ground realizing what's just happened for the second time. Mark. What about Mark?? What have i done??

"Well?" Robbie smiles. "How do you feel now?" A mixture of emotions run through my body mainly my mind. The main thing i can't get out of my head or should i say the main someone is Mark. Do i also like Robbie? We've had our bad times in the past, but now? Do i feel something for him?? A tear escapes my eye and falls onto Robbie's leg. "Gaz? Are you crying? Mate what's wrong?" Worry fills his face as he grabs my shoulder looking into my red eyes.
"I...I'm...I'm so tired Rob..." Tears begin to stream down my face. What's happening to me? I'm a mess a complete mess.
"Ay... it's ok Gaz..." Robbie pulls me against his chest as the tears fade into his shirt. "Everything will be ok... i promise." For the first time in weeks i feel safe. I feel protected in Robbie's arms. My eyes begin to forcefully shut as Robbie's gently rocks me whilst stroking my back...