Marc has had enough.
He's had enough of watching Steven carry every burden to exist on his shoulders.
He's had enough of Steven looking stressed and sad all the damn time.
He's had enough of the world being cruel to Steven.
And he's most definitely had enough of Steven being stuck inside his head.
Marc worries. Of course he does.
He doesn't like to watch his fiancé so upset all the time.
He never was a talker but Steven is and it hurts that Steven isn't talking about what's bothering him.
So, Marc decided that he needs a different approach to coach Steven out of his head. Even if it's for a little while.
Marc quietly makes his way to their living room.
He finds Steven tucked in a corner of the couch. His eyes are glued to a book resting in his lap, but Marc knows he's not reading.
The tense line of his shoulders says as much.
Steven doesn't even notice Marc until he's right beside him, gently carding his fingers through Steven's hair.
His alter blinks up slowly at him, eyes heavy with unspoken pain.
''I'm going to bed.'' Marc whispers, going for the soft approach at first. ''Care to join me?''
His heart clenches when Steven looks away.
Marc already knows his answer before it's spoken out loud.
''I'll be with you in a second, love.''
Normally Marc would let it go.
But not today.
He's had fucking enough of this.
''Steven.'' His fingers grab a fist full of Steven's soft hair, yanking his head back so his lover is forced to look at him. ''Get ready for me. In the bedroom.''
Hesitation flickers through Steven's eyes which is worrisome.
Nonetheless Steven sighs softly and Marc lets go of his hair so he can stand.
Granting Steven a few moments of privacy, Marc tidies the living room as quick and thoroughly as he can by folding Steven's favourite blanket, putting his book on the table and scooting their shoes underneath the coffee-table.
When he enters the open space that represents their bedroom, Steven immediately catches his eyes.
Because how could he not.
Worry rushes through his blood at seeing Steven kneeling next to the bed with his shirt off, his hands clasped behind his back and head bend.
That was not what Marc meant, at all.
He never intended on making Steven believe he's getting punished tonight.
At times Steven does need to be punished, even wants to, but today is not one of those days and it hurts Marc that Steven believes he did something wrong.
He walks to his fiancé and carefully reaches out, gliding a warm hand over Steven's shoulders.
''Stand up, sweetheart.''
Steven does, standing up so quickly his knees crack. Marc winces in sympathy.
Marc makes Steven look at him by gently tapping his chin.
''You're not being punished, baby.''
''Oh.''
Steven seems confused, maybe a bit disappointed, but he doesn't protest. He never questions Marc's decisions when it comes to this.
Always trusting Marc to know what is best.
''Why did you believe you needed punishment, baby?''
Steven averts his eyes and shrugs weakly, but Marc can see that he has an answer.
He doesn't push. No matter how badly he wants to look inside Steven's head.
''I want you to get comfortable on your stomach. Can you do that for me?''
His alter nods.
Marc tuts softly and taps his chin up again, waiting until Steven looks back at him.
''Use your words, Steven.''
''Yes.''
''Good boy.'' Marc caresses his cheek in praise before tapping his hip, quietly telling Steven to lay down on the bed.
Steven crawls on their bed and lays down as instructed. He wraps his arms around the pillow underneath his head, pulling it closer until he's comfortable.
Marc bends down, pressing a kiss against Steven's temple.
''I'll be right back.''
After Steven's nod of approval he scurries off to the bathroom. He takes everything he needs such as candles (lavender scented, Steven's favourite), massage oil and an extra bottle of lube.
The bottle inside their nightstand always empties quickly.
Steven is in the same place where Marc left him when he returns. His eyes look dull and tired when they look up at Marc, not even lighting up when they land on the candles.
Marc needs to supress the need to cry when he notices.
Tonight is not about him. It's about Steven letting go.
After lighting the candles Marc carefully crawls on their bed as well, silently celebrating when Steven's eyes flicker around the room to take in the soft glow of the yellow flames.
Marc swings one leg over Steven's hips and carefully sits down. He bends forwards to whisper in Steven's ear, hands skimming over Steven's ribs.
''Tonight is all about you, Steven. You understand?''
His alter hums softly in understanding.
''Do you trust me?''
''Yeah. Always.'' Steven turns his head a bit more so he can catch a glimpse of Marc.
He rewards him by pressing a kiss against his cheek.
''Good.'' Another kiss. ''I'm going to take care of you, baby.''
Steven hums weakly and doesn't protest.
Marc does make sure that Steven isn't actually uncomfortable before he sits up again and grabs the bottle of massage oil. He drops a fair amount in his palm and warms it up between his hands to make sure it's not too cold for Steven.
The muscles in Steven's shoulders jump in surprise when Marc touches him, but he doesn't actually move away.
He makes sure to work thoroughly. Steven's muscles are strung with stress and Marc cringes in sympathy every time his fingers catch on a knot.
The longer he works, the more Steven's body responds.
After he deems Steven's shoulders loose enough, Marc dribbles a bit more oil on his lover's back.
It's satisfying to see and feel Steven melt beneath his hands. The candles cast a warm glow over his form, shadows lingering in all the right places.
Steven has his eyes closed but Marc knows he isn't actually asleep.
He feels happy to know that Steven is relaxing, even if it's a little bit.
His back is next.
Marc massages down slowly while making sure he catches every muscle his fingers find. Sometimes he uses more strength by lifting himself so he can press down, Steven's body moulding beautifully beneath him.
Scooting down a bit for better access, Marc kisses the dimples decorating Steven's lower back. They are one of his favourite things about Steven's body among many other things.
He presses his thumbs in the dips of Steven's back, massaging them gently before moving towards his waist.
Something about this whole routine is utterly erotic to Marc.
There's something about touching Steven like this and seeing him relax as a result. About tracing the most beautiful parts of his lover, feeling muscles shift underneath him.
He's not embarrassed to admit that taking care of Steven gets him going.
Marc pats Steven's hip to ask for his attention, smiling when Steven opens his eyes.
''I'm going to take your bottoms off, okay?''
Steven hums again in agreement, eyelids fluttering close.
He hooks his fingers in the waistband of Steven's joggers and pulls them down, murmuring encouragement when Steven lifts his hips to make the process easier.
An embarrassing sound tries to climb out of his throat when Marc's eyes only find bare skin beneath instead of another layer. Steven's preference to go commando when he's at home is as much as a curse as a blessing.
Marc can't resist reaching out to brush his fingertips over the soft skin just beneath Steven's ass.
''Tell me your colour, sweetheart.''
''Green.'' A shift of Steven's hips as he tries to push back against Marc's hands.
He smiles, rewarding Steven by cupping his ass and firmly kneading the flesh.
His fiancé sighs happily and his body sags that tiny bit more into the mattress.
Just like his back, Marc makes sure to loosen up every tight knot he finds at Steven's lower half.
He shifts and starts down at Steven's ankles, slowly working his way upwards. Luckily the muscles in his calves are not too bad but Marc still makes sure to give them the attention they deserve.
The higher his hands go, the more restless Steven becomes.
He can see it in the flush that rests high on Steven's cheekbones. He can see it in the small shifts of Steven's hips. He can see it in the clench of Steven's fingers where he holds his pillow.
Marc shifts closer again, resting his weight on Steven's thighs so he can reach his ass properly.
Steven's breathing becomes shallower the longer Marc goes on by digging his thumbs and knuckles in the firm muscle.
The thing is; Marc never intended to keep things PG 13.
A massage will get things going and will help his lover relax, but there's more needed to help Steven out of his head completely.
Marc doesn't mind. He will do anything to make sure Steven is cared for and happy.
Satisfied with his work, Marc carefully clambers off Steven to swap the massage oil for the lube.
He knee-walks back to his fiancé and brushes a hand over his hair, a fond smile pulling at his mouth with the way Steven blinks up at him. Steven looks so incredibly soft and cuddly, there are no words to describe what it does to him.
''Lift your hips for me.''
Steven does, tilting them high enough for Marc to slip a pillow underneath.
Marc kisses the shell of his ear before scooting back down, making himself comfortable on his stomach between Steven's legs.
Without any warning he pulls Steven's cheeks apart, revealing his core that instantly makes his mouth water.
''So gorgeous.'' Marc praises, gently brushing his index-finger over the tight muscle. ''My beautiful boy.''
Steven whimpers above him and turns his head so he can press his face in the pillow. Marc decides not to comment on it, allowing Steven to feel what he wants to.
Instead, he bends closer to press a kiss against Steven's rim, smiling in satisfaction when his alter whimpers again.
''I know, baby.'' Marc soothes, smoothing a warm hand over the swell of his ass.
Marc wastes no more time, instead going straight for it. He flattens his tongue over Steven's rim, licking a broad strip over the muscle.
His alter moans softly and pushes his hips back in search for more.
He gives easily. Marc wraps his hands around Steven's lower back to hold him into place, licking enthusiastically over Steven's hole.
The muscle and skin grow wet underneath Marc's tongue, drool slowly dripping down towards his balls.
Another proof that Steven is more tense than usual is that it takes longer than usual for Marc to press his tongue inside.
Normally Steven grows very pliant quickly whenever Marc rims him but today it takes more time.
Steven is enjoying himself, that much is clear, but the tension inside his body lingers.
Marc pulls back for a moment, a small string of saliva connecting his lips to Steven's core. He presses soft kisses upwards, over Steven's ass, to the small of his back, following his spine.
There's something painful to see Steven so wound up inside his head that he can't properly enjoy himself. He starts to think that maybe this was a mistake.
''Baby,'' Marc brushes his hand over Steven's head. ''do you want to stop?''
Steven blinks his eyes open and a small frown pulls his eyebrows together.
''No, please-'' His fingers clench in the pillow. ''Did I do something wrong?''
''Of course not. Why would you think that?''
Marc frowns with worry, smoothing his hand over his partner's back in comfort.
''I want to be good for you.'' Steven whispers.
''You are, baby. You are always my good boy. Look at you, you're beautiful like this.''
It's worrisome that Steven is feeling like this.
He's always a tad nervous and insecure, that's simply in his nature, but today is worse than usual. Another hint that something is bothering him.
''I was just asking if you want to continue because I can feel that you are quite tense. I won't be disappointed if you decide to stop, Steven. Your wellbeing is more important to me than anything else.''
Steven falls quiet, his eyes nervously skimming over his hand. Marc reaches out to entwine their fingers and smiles when Steven kisses his knuckles.
''Would you mind fingering me?'' Steven's voice is soft. ''I just- I don't know.''
Marc hums in understanding.
''You want to be full, baby? Is that it?''
His alter nods, red bleeding into his cheeks in shame. Marc is quick to soothe him by kissing his nape, fingers brushing over Steven's bare hip.
''Thank you for telling me what you need.''
He crawls back down and takes the bottle of lube, squirting a generous amount on his fingers.
Steven's hole flutters eagerly when Marc presses his index finger inside up to the first knuckle. His walls are soft around his digit, flexing as if they try to pull him in deeper.
Marc carefully pushes his finger inside, smiling when Steven sighs happily.
Bingo.
He pumps his finger in and out a few times to help Steven get used to the feeling. There's not much needed seeing that Steven loves to bottom.
A second fingers follows quickly, this time earning a beautiful moan ripping from Steven's chest.
He presses in deeper where he scissors his fingers. Steven is tight and hot around him, causing heat to slowly pool inside his tummy.
Fingering Steven will never leave him unaffected.
A fire is slowly spreading through his veins the longer they continue. Steven is also growing more relaxed, obviously focussing on the pleasure instead of whatever is going on inside his head.
He fingers Steven nice and slow for a while without any intention. Marc knows that fingering brings Steven pleasure but also comfort.
After a while Marc turns his hand so he can press inside deeper and he grins when he finds what he is looking for.
His fingertips brush over Steven's prostate, causing him to choke on a moan. Steven's body shakes and his hole clenches around Marc's fingers, desperately trying to pull him inside deeper.
He feels dizzy with arousal.
''That feels good, yeah?''
Marc presses a wet kiss against the inside of Steven's thigh, grazing his teeth over the soft skin.
His fiancé moans again in agreement when Marc repeats the motion, brushing over his prostate with every curl of his fingers.
The arousal pooling low in his belly spikes when he notices Steven shift his hips down, obviously shifting his cock over the soft pillow.
Without removing his fingers Marc crawls closer to Steven's head where he licks over the shell of his ear.
Steven shivers and Marc grins, crooking his fingers again to shoot another burst of pleasure through him.
''D'you want to finish like this?'' Marc whispers, momentarily grinding his own hard cock against Steven's thigh. ''Or do you want me to fuck you?''
His alter whines, the muscles in his shoulders trembling. Steven's voice is hoarse with emotions.
''I don't know. It feels so bloody good.''
Marc carefully removes his fingers only to place both hands on the dip of Steven's waist, just above his hips.
''I know it does.'' He cooes, ''Can you hump the pillow for me, baby? Make yourself feel good.''
Steven cries out in pleasure and clenches his eyes shut, allowing Marc to help guide his movements.
He pushes Steven's hips forward into the pillow and allows him to slide back a moment later, possessively gripping his waist.
His alter spreads his legs wider for better access and they both moan, Steven with pleasure and Marc due to what he sees.
Steven looks fucking sexy like this; using the pillow underneath his hips to get off, dragging his hard cock over the soft material over and over again, probably dripping precum as he goes.
Suddenly Steven moves by pushing his body upwards on shaky hands and knees. Marc immediately helps him until he's mounting the pillow with his back pressed tightly against Marc's front.
Marc wraps his arms around Steven and presses a hot kiss in his neck, lowering one hand to Steven's tummy where he pulls him closer.
Taking care of Steven makes something primal unleash inside of him. Steven is his fiancé and making sure he's okay is instinct to Marc.
Steven's hips start moving again, desperately humping the pillow beneath in search of endless pleasure. Marc hooks his chin over Steven's shoulder to watch, groaning in satisfaction when he sees Steven's cock.
''That's it, baby.'' He whispers, gently pressing down on his belly. ''Does that feel good?''
''Yeah.'' Steven chokes out, whimpering and throwing his head back over Marc's shoulder.
Marc hums softly and uses his other hand to play with Steven's nipples. He brushes the pad of his thumb over it until it's hard before rolling the nub between his fingers.
He grinds his own cock between Steven's cheeks, grinning sharply against his neck when Steven's hips stutter.
''God, I'm going to fuck you so good after this.'' Steven moans loudly and reaches one hand back so he can curl his fingers in Marc's hair.
''That's what you want? For me to slide right in after you finish?''
Steven nods, breath coming out in short puffs. His cock dribbles another spurt of precum before Steven grinds down again, his balls dragging over the pillow as well.
Marc lets go of Steven's nipple in favour of gently wrapping his hand around his throat. Not too tight to do any serious damage but tight enough for Steven's liking.
''C'mon then. First you need to come, baby. I know you want to.''
His lover moans again and his movements speed up, signalling Marc that he is close.
''Come for me. Make a fucking mess like the good boy you are.''
Steven comes so hard and unexpected that he almost topples over. Luckily Marc's hands keep him steady, whispering encouragement inside his ear as he comes.
His cock shoots load after load over the pillow as Steven humps it through the aftershock, whining high in his throat.
Marc reaches around his body to wrap his free hand around Steven's cock, milking him dry until there's nothing left.
He lets go of his spend cock when Steven whimpers and taps his hand, obviously growing sensitive. Yet he gently pats his belly before letting go of him, kissing his shoulder as they go.
''You did so good, sweetheart.'' Marc praises, ''Falling apart so gorgeous for me.''
Steven keens softly and turns his head so Marc can kiss him.
He does, using his tongue to map out Steven's mouth. His body is soft against Marc's and every so often a small tremor runs over his spine.
Their kiss slows down until their simply trading small pecks. Steven's heartbeat flutters where Marc rests his hand over his chest.
Just when he wants to ask if Steven is okay, his alter turns around so they are face to face. Marc smiles fondly at him and cups his face, brushing his thumbs over Steven's cheeks.
''How are you feeling?''
Steven nuzzles his face against his hand.
''Better.'' He gently kisses Marc's palm. ''Thank you, darling.''
''No need to thank me, baby. I'll always be here to help you.''
He smiles when Steven hums in agreement and kisses him again, keeping it short and sweet.
Marc's breath catches in his throat when Steven's hand wanders, clever fingers wrapping around his arousal through the material of his joggers.
Only now he realises how turned on he is himself. Steven palms him over his joggers as they kiss, sighing happily when Marc groans inside his mouth.
''I want to ride you.'' Steven whispers, sticking his hand inside Marc's underwear to touch his cock. ''Can I? Please?''
Marc pulls Steven closer by the back of his neck and moans softly as Steven jerks him off.
'''Course you can, sweetheart.''
Steven smiles and suddenly Marc feels like he can't breathe.
The smile is so genuine and so Steven. It seems like he hasn't seen that smile is weeks. He missed that smile.
He missed seeing his fiancé happy.
Marc pulls him closer for another kiss, pouring every single emotion in it that he's not sure how to express out loud.
When they pull apart Marc wastes no time in guiding them both to the head of their bed.
He makes himself comfortable against the headboard and grins when Steven crawls closer, suddenly seeming so much more relaxed and soft.
Steven pulls Marc's joggers and underwear down to his knees, granting them enough room for what they are about to do.
His cock springs free and nestles in the crook of his hip, the tip an angry red after being neglected for quite some time.
The candles flicker a soft glow over Steven's face when he settles on his lap, looming over him with a soft smile on his face. He looks absolutely stunning and Marc can't help but reach out to touch him.
''You're so beautiful.'' He kisses Steven's forehead. ''I love you.''
Steven takes his hand and presses them against his chest.
''And I love you back.''
He smiles down at Marc, a small dimple popping in his cheek.
''I can't wait until you're my husband.''
Marc smiles so big his cheeks hurt.
''I'm going to marry the fuck out of you.''
His alter laugh in delight, looking a tad more relaxed than a few hours ago. Later Marc will ask why he felt upset over the last few weeks but for now he has other plans.
''Pass me the lube, baby.''
Steven does as asked, handing Marc the bottle while staying seated on his lap.
Marc lubes up his fingers and pulls Steven closer with his other arm, moaning softly against Steven's lips when their cocks brush together.
His lover is still loose from before so Marc can easily slip two fingers inside. There isn't much resistant but he always likes to make sure to be thoroughly when Steven bottoms. Causing him discomfort is unacceptable to him.
Luckily Steven doesn't seem to mind the extra attention. He presses back in search of more which Marc happily gives him.
His dick is slowly filling again the more Marc fingers him and after a while he can't seem to chose between grinding forward and pressing back.
When Marc deems him ready he pulls his fingers out and smooths his hand over Steven's ass.
Steven shifts closer and reaches back to get a hold of Marc's cock. He lifts his weight on his knees, high enough to sink down on Marc's cock.
It takes little time before he's seated, legs bend next to Marc's hips and foreheads pressed together. Marc rubs his thighs as his alter settles.
''Like this?'' Marc whispers, even though the answer is obvious.
Nonetheless Steven nods with his eyes closed, squeezing Marc's hands when their fingers entwine.
This position is more intimate than before, quietly betraying Steven's need for comfort. He likes to get physically close whenever he feels upset or emotionally unsteady. Marc makes sure to give him that if that is what he needs.
There is nothing in the world Marc will deny his fiancé.
They fall into a nice rhythm.
Steven gently grinds down on Marc, moving his hips forwards and back to get a feel for what he wants. Marc has no trouble letting him.
Even without a lot of friction arousal zips over Marc's spine.
He can't take his eyes of Steven either.
Steven is nothing but perfect. His face scrunched up in pleasure with his eyes closed and a blush dusted over his cheeks. The muscles in his stomach clenching with every roll of his hips. Curls sticking to his forehead with sweat.
His partner starts riding him more in earnest by lifting himself on his knees before dropping down again.
They moan against each other's mouths. The room fills with gently slaps every time Steven drops down.
It's unbearably hot to see Steven move on top of him in search of pleasurable ecstasy.
Suddenly he moans brokenly and hides his face in Marc's neck, his hole clenching down om Marc like a vice.
Marc runs his hand over Steven's back.
''Found the spot?''
''Yeah.'' Steven breathes, breath warm against Marc's neck. ''Feels amazin'.''
He grinds his hips to repeat the motion now he found what he was looking for, pausing shortly every time he finds it.
Marc can feel his cock leaking with need inside Steven. His tight walls are soft but tight around him, rubbing in all the right places.
The coil inside his tummy grows tighter with every minute but he wants to stay like this forever. He fights it off for as long as he can, at least until Steven comes first.
Steven starts riding properly again as his moans grow louder against the skin in Marc's neck. He knows his alter is close.
His balls are drawn up, ready to fill Steven like he knows he craves. His fiancé's eyelids flutter against his neck before breath-taking eyes find his.
''I need you to come inside me.'' Steven whines, slapping his hips down again. ''Please.''
Marc sooths him by shushing him softly.
''I will. You're doing so good.'' He groans when Steven clenches down. ''Yeah, just like that, fuck.''
Steven whines again as his movements speed up. The band inside Marc's tummy grows impossibly tighter, ready to snap at any given moment.
''You're going to make me come, baby.'' He warns as his fingers grip Steven's hips tightly.
''Please,'' Steven begs, ''fill me up. Make me yours.''
His orgasm rips through him like lightning.
Marc's legs tremble with the force of his orgasm. His cock empties inside Steven's hole as his alter fucks him through it, moaning heavenly in Marc's ear.
Steven promptly stops moving as he comes too, shooting his cum all over Marc's chest and belly. He grinds down continuously, spilling more cum when Marc's cock nudges his prostate.
Hot walls milk Marc dry during Steven's orgasm, his hole fluttering around Marc's cock.
Steven's body trembles and Marc wraps his arms around him to pull them flush.
They both catch their breath while they come down from their high. Marc runs his fingers through Steven's curls and presses butterfly kisses over his temple.
''Are you okay?'' He asks.
''Yeah.'' Steven answers quietly, cuddling closer despite the drying cum between them and Marc's dick going soft inside him.
Marc leaves the decision to Steven when he wants Marc to pull out because he knows cockwarming is also a part of offering comfort to him.
After cuddling for a while Steven grows consistently more tired. Marc keeps his touches soft where he traces his fingers, from the back of his neck to the dip in his waist.
He knows that if there's a perfect opportunity to talk, it's right now.
''Steven?''
His lover hums in question, moving his legs so they're wrapped comfortably around Marc's waist. He stays seated on Marc's now completely soft cock and Marc lets him.
''Look at me, sweetheart.''
Steven does, carefully sitting up so he can look at Marc. He praises him by smiling at him and gently thumbing over his cheekbone.
''Please tell me what has been going on with you lately. I can't stand to see you so upset.''
He frowns in worry when Steven breaks their gaze to look down where he's wringing his fingers together.
Marc takes his hands to stop the movements and squeezes softly.
''You know you can tell me everything. You're my fiancé, it's my job to take care of you.''
Maybe such a serious conversation should be weird while they're still connected but it's not. It offers Steven a form of comfort and safety, something Marc always promised to provide him.
He's thinking about what to say to coax Steven out of his shell when his alter suddenly blurts out;
''I lost my job.''
Marc falls silent as disbelief fills his chest.
''What?''
Steven sniffs softly, clearly growing upset.
''I lost my job.'' He repeats, softer this time. ''Donna fired me.''
''Baby,'' Marc breathes, sympathy bubbling underneath his skin. ''why didn't you tell me?''
''Because I'm embarrassed.''
The tears boil over as everything seems to come to an end inside of Steven. He seems to realise that he isn't alone in this and that Marc is here for him.
Weeks of frustration and anxiety and tension bleed through the cracks.
Marc reaches up to brush away his tears. His heart hurts at seeing Steven like this.
''There's no need to be embarrassed, silly. It's not your fault you lost your job.'' He smooths the pad of his thumb over the corner of his mouth.
He doesn't even give a shit why Steven got fired because every cell of his being knows it wasn't his fault.
Realisation dawns on him.
''But- wait. When did Donna fire you?''
Steven's eyes flicker up at Marc momentarily before shying away again.
''Three weeks ago.'' He murmurs.
Horror crashes into Marc's chest, squeezing his heart.
''What? Where did you go all those days you told me you were going to work?''
Oh, God.
Please don't tell him that Steven has been wandering the streets. Filling his hours in the cold to make sure Marc didn't found out he'd been fired.
''Most days I went over to Jake. Sometimes I would go looking for something new.''
''Oh, Steven.''
It hurts to know that Steven felt like he couldn't tell Marc about what happened. There's also anger directed towards Donna, of course, and Jake because he kept it a secret instead of reaching out to Marc.
But he also knows that Jake didn't mean it like that.
His main priority was protecting Steven when he asked for it. Jake will always put Steven before Marc and if he's being honest, Marc wouldn't want it any other way.
Steven sniffles again and Marc takes notice of his body shivering.
''C'mere.''
Marc watches as Steven lifts himself so they part again, shifting closer until they can cuddle properly. After Steven made himself comfortable Marc drapes their soft fleece blanket over his shoulders to shield him from the cold.
''I'm sorry you lost your job.'' Marc whispers.
Steven laughs wetly.
''It wasn't my dream job anyway.''
''Maybe not. But I know you loved working at the museum.''
His alter hums instead of denying it.
He gives Steven a moment to simply cry it out. The tears are silent but they're wet against his skin nonetheless.
How he wishes he could take this away from Steven.
''I'm sorry for keeping this from you.'' Steven says, shame evident in his voice.
Marc squeezes him closer and kisses his head.
''Were you afraid I was going to get angry at you?''
''No.'' Steven immediately shakes his head and wipes the back of his hand under his nose, sitting up so they can look at each other.
He looks so young all of a sudden.
Despite visibly being upset he also seems more at ease than he has been in days. A burden has lifted from his shoulders now the truth is out in the open between them.
''I didn't want you to be disappointed in me.'' Steven admits.
Marc shakes his head in disbelief.
''I could never be disappointed in you, Steven. Especially not over something like this that is nowhere near being your fault.''
''But-'' Steven frowns and gnaws at his lip in thought. ''We're getting married in a few weeks. What kind of husband will I be if I don't bring money to the table?''
''Okay, stop.''
Steven presses his lips together, shoulders hunching inwardly as if he tries to make himself smaller. He's making himself smaller in more ways than one.
That just won't do.
Marc cups his face between his palms and forces himself to look at him, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. He needs Steven to understand.
''The amount of money you earn will never be one of the reasons I love you and why I'm going to marry you.''
Steven stays quiet.
''Aside from the fact that we have more than enough money to live a lifetime, I need you to understand that your happiness is my number one priority. If that means you never want to work again in your life, I'm more than okay with that.''
His alter frowns in disagreement, making Marc smile in understanding.
''But if you decide that you want to work as a tour-guide in a museum because that is what makes you happy, no matter how much it pays, then I'll always be here to be your number one supporter.''
Silent tears are dripping over Steven's cheeks but he's not sad.
Realisation is finally dawning on him after weeks of feeling like a failure.
''You are going to be my husband and I'm always going to take care of you. Momentarily being jobless isn't going to change that, baby.''
Steven's eyes are swimming in tears and he smiles so beautifully it takes Marc's breath away.
Life hasn't always been kind to him but he got repaid in the form of Steven Grant.
''I love you.'' Steven says, wrapping his arms around Marc to pull their bodies impossibly closer.
Marc kisses his forehead.
''I love you more.''
**
Marc kisses Steven breathless on their wedding day.
Just like he does two weeks later when Steven lands his dream-job as a tour guide.