Chapter 28

Yasmin's POV

"Yasmin! Yasmin!" Loudly Robbie shouts from the hallway which is followed by thumping against the wooden flooring- a fist maybe? The hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I quickly run to the direction of the hallway closing the kitchen door behind me.
"Rob what are-" Suddenly i come to a holt seeing two figures lying on the floor surrounded by blood droplets. "Oh..m...my...g...g.." Cupping my face i realise that Mark has been badly injured. Robbie looks up at me with a ghost like look on his face.
"We need to get him to the hospital. Quick my keys!" Still in shock i watch Robbie slide from underneath Mark's lifeless body. "Yasmin! Keys. Now!" He looks at me with panic filled eyes whilst trying to get Mark to open his eyes. With a shaky hand i give him the car keys. "...He's breathing... just... right... get Eleanor and strap her in the passenger seat... you'll have to sit in the back with Mark... just keep talking to him, ok?"
"We can't... what about Gary? Oh god... Gary! We need to ring him!" Stumbling around i take hold to the house phone.
"No!" Robbie pulls the phone away from my ear dripping some of Mark's blood onto my blouse by mistake. "...You can't ring him..."

Taking a step backwards with the phone still in my hand containing Gary's partly dialled number i look at Robbie feeling amazed. "Why not?! It's his Fiancé! He has a right to know Robbie whether you like Gary or not you don't have the say in this-"
"He did it!" Pressing the back of his hand against his forehead Robbie inhales a deep breath. "Gary was the one... who did this to Mark."
Shaking my head refusing to believe Robbie i glance down at Mark who's chest faintly begins to rise and drop slowly. "...Get him to the hospital."
"Didn't you hear what i just said?! Gary did this! Mark told me before he collapsed! Come on... we've got to go." Tightly he grabs my wrist dragging me to the direction of the door.
"I'm not going!"
"Excuse me? He needs to go to the hospital?! Look at him! He's barely breathing stop pissing around and get Eleanor!" Robbie shakes his head in frustration before carefully lifting Mark from the floor.
"You are going to take Mark to the hospital whilst i drop Eleanor off at my Mum's, so i can go over to Gary's." Staring at my face Robbie's jaw drops open a little.
"Are you for real?! Gary has done this to Mark! You're fucking pregnant Yasmin what on earth is going off in that head of yours?"
"I don't believe it until i hear it from Gary...Answers are needed..."
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Taking a deep breath i stand outside Gary's front door. Surly it can't be true... i mean Gary wouldn't do that to Mark they're far too in love at the minute to hurt one another, but then again Gary has skipped a few classes of his anger management... Releasing a deep sigh i finally knock on the front door which surprisingly creaks open automatically. My knees buckle by the thought of what Robbie said being true. No. Gary wouldn't... and he wouldn't hurt me either that's not the man i know. "Gary? Gary are you in here?" I call whilst walking into the abandoned house. Glancing into the living room something catches my eye. Very slowly i creep over to the dark stain in the middle of the carpet. Dipping my fingers into the centre it soon becomes clear what exactly it is- blood. In horror i flee from the living room. "GARY?! Gary?! Where are you?!" The whole of my body freezes when i hear a plastic bottle fall from within the kitchen. After a few seconds i decide to go and investigate. "Gary...are you in here....?" Peering around the door i spot Gary crawled up in a corner of the kitchen quietly crying. "Gary? Oh god Gary...what's happened?" Instantly i comfort him tightly wrapping my arms around the back of his neck. At first he refuses my touch until he uncontrollably bursts into tears.

"What's happened Gary? Mark needs you he's in a terrible state..." Using the sleeve of my cardigan i wipe away Gary's tears whilst looking into his lost reddened eyes.
"I...I...I know..."
"What do you mean you know? Come on you've got to go to him... it's serious...he needs you."
"I...It... it was...me..." Swallowing hard he takes a deep breath avoiding eye contact. "I did it..." Gary's words make me speechless. Did i just hear that right? Did he actually just admit to beating Mark up?
"W...why...why would you do that? Is it your anger? Because you've missed classes? Oh god Gary..." The palms of his hands clench to the side of his head.
"Questions...Questions... so many questions! Why did you even come here? Do you really think i give two shits about the state he's in?! I don't even care if he's lying on his death bed. That man is nothing to me." Gary hisses before standing to his feet.
"Where the hell is this coming from Gary?"
"He's broken my heart... slept with that slag Robbie's been playing around with...You know what... i'd rather be in your position... all Robbie did was sleep with her. You got off lucky." He swirls around the wine glass which is half filled with red wine knocking back in one. Feeling stunned and slightly hurt by his recent comments i slowly walk over to him.
"Lucky?! You call being cheated on lucky?! How dare you say such a thing! It's probably not even true about Mark you've just got the end of the stick. I for one know Robbie's was true... he told me!" Gary quietly laughs whilst topping up his glass.
"...And Mark told me... they both did... him and that lovely...lovely... woman... the mother of his child. I don't mean to be rude, but you're cramping my party Yasmin."
"Woah....back up... Mother of his child?! Since when?!"
"Since he fucked her in the toilets..." Suddenly Gary cups his face and whimpers. "....the night of your wedding!"

The room fills with silence all that can be heard is the heartbroken sobs coming from Gary's cupped face, as he leans against the sink. "I...I...I don't know...what to say Gary..."
"Then don't say anything! There's nothing to say! He's ripped my heart out... he's torn this family apart before it's even started." I notice that his engagement ring has vanished whilst his hands rest against his tear dripping face.
"Gary..." Sympathetically i place a hand onto his back showing my support which he just shrugs off.
"Just go... i don't need anyone... i just want to be alone right now... got it?!"
"B...but... i can't leave you...not like this..."
"Do you not listen?! I said i don't need anyone... i'm speaking English aren't i? Go on get out!" Gary pushes me towards the hallway- not hard, but enough to make me move.
"Gary i-"
"Go! Get out! I don't want you i don't want anyone!" Continuing his actions Gary pushes me out of the front door before loudly slamming it behind me. That isn't the Gary Barlow i use to know.

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Gary's POV

Swirling my finger around the partly empty wine glass i walk around the living room. My head aches, but not from the two bottles of wine i've just guzzled down my neck. It even hurts to breathe feeling my cracked heart slowly beat. I place the wine glass onto the marble fireplace whilst reaching for a photo frame. Inside the rectangular frame is a photo of me and Mark from our recent holiday. The pair of us wearing Santa hats whilst sitting beside the Christmas tree. My mind casts back to the day it was taken {"Come on Mark take it already my back's aching in this position." Resting on my knees i smile for the billionth time as Mark takes the photo again. 
"Hmph... it's still not right... it looks too forced..." Mark flicks through the photos on his phone whilst biting his bottom lip. "I want it to be something different... a cute one." 
"Well can we hurry up? It'll be New Year by the time you've finished posing!" 
"Ok...ok... one more... and now this time a big cheesy smile, because it's Christmas day, ok?" Mark looks over to me grinning as he raises his arm in front of us again setting his phone in the right position. "1...2...3..." As the photo is taken Mark places his lips onto my cheek causing my mouth to slightly open and my eyes to close. "Perfect..."}
Tears begin to flood down my cheeks thinking about our Christmas holiday we spent away together. Perfect. Now look at us... look what he's done... I wasn't good enough for him... and i never will be. Feeling the anger build in the pit of my stomach again it causes me to angrily throw the picture frame against the enormous mirror which sits above the fireplace. With a loud smash the pieces fall to the floor shooting off into all direction. Heavily i breath before falling to my knees uncontrollable. The photo falls under pieces of the mirror creasing it slightly on my half. Searching through the pile of broken mirror it slices my fingers along the way. Not that i care about the pain not what i'm feeling right now. Taking hold of the now frame less photograph i decide to tear it up just how Mark's done with our future. Once the photograph how turned into a pile of ripped squares i reach for a large piece of broken mirror. The blood from my fingers drip onto the photograph and my reflection shines in the mirror. Am i even alive? I know i'm painfully breathing, but i don't feel life... he's drained me. Studying my wrist i gently stroke the sharp end of the mirror against the visible veins in my wrist. Biting my lip pressing it further on my skin i abruptly pull it away dropping it beside me. I can't do it. "M....M...Ma...r...rk...." Panting heavier i look around the empty room seeing the blood stain. "O....O...oh....M....M....MAAARRRKKK!" Loudly i cry whilst crawling up in the middle of the room seeing the blood drip from my cut fingers. I feel crushed. Devastated. I can't do this any longer. I can't live my life like this.

chapter 27

As soon as I hear the front door close I walk towards the living room's door way seeing Mark with his back pressed against the wall behind him in the hallway. Releasing a deep sigh he firmly closes his eyes whilst pinching the bridge of his nose. Suddenly my heart feels like a lead weight I can't stand this. Not wanting to stand around watching him break my heart any longer I angrily march upstairs hearing Mark call after me noticing my movement. "Gaz?!" Its not long before he decides to follow me upstairs. "Gary!" I slam open our bedroom door diving into the Chester draws pulling out fist fulls of clothes, and stuffing them into a small gym bag. "Gary! What are you doing?!" Mark comes running into the bedroom taking hold of my wrist preventing me from filling the bag. "You're not going anywhere!"
"Me?" I laugh at the weakened man standing in front of me whom I barely recognise anymore. "This is my house, and I believe these are your clothes." Without giving it another moments thought I zip up the partly full bag before throwing it into Mark's face.

Walking out of the bedroom again I head back downstairs until a tight grip grabs my bicep. "We need to talk Gary! Please I'm begging you!" Gritting my teeth I spin on my heels.
"You. You are nothing to me." I spit in Mark's face feeling my blood begin to boil just by the sight of him. I head back down into the living room slumping down onto the sofa. Again Mark follows me holding the gym bag packed with his clothes inside, as he walks into the living room after me.
"You believe her?! You actually believe her over your own boyfriend?!" Tears continue to roll down Mark's cheeks.
"Stop lying! Just give it up Mark...for your own sake...don't you think you've hurt me enough over this? You've....che-." Taking a deep breath I swallow hard hiding away the sickness I keep feeling. "...cheated on me...not only with a kiss...but sex...and now you have a child...all these days, months and past year you've lied to me. You could at least give me the truth before you walk out of my life."
"Gary...p...please." His hands cup my face wiping away my escaped tears.
"Don't touch me!" Loudly i hiss slapping away Mark's hands from my face. "I knew you wanted a baby, but to go off and sleep with another woman to get one isn't right! You're not right in the head!"
"I have waited years to be with you why would i do something like this just to ruin us?! You have to believe me when i say i don't remember a thing!"

Sitting back against the sofa i shake my head. "You can't tell me what to do anymore. For the sake of our child i hope they chose my sperm as the healthiest, so we don't need to have anything to do with you." Mark's jaw drops my comment and tears begin to flood from his eyes.
"N...n...no...no you can't.... you can't take our child away from me... i'm begging you... Gary please i can't lose either of you...that will be the end of me!" His hands cup my face again.
"GET OFF ME!" Swinging my fist backwards then crashing it against Mark's jaw he  falls onto the hard wooden floor dragging me on top of him. "You have broken my heart! You've broken this family, you bastard!" Continuing to swing my fist several times turning my fist red from his blood he yelps trying to cover his face helplessly.
"G...G...Gary...!"
"I never want to see your face around here again!" With the final punch it slams against Mark's ribs causing a loud snap.
"AAAHHHHH!" Mark screams loudly gripping to the right hand side of his body. Slowly i crawl off from Mark's lifeless body rubbing my face with my blood stained hands.
"....P...please....just... just go..." Carefully i remove my engagement ring tossing it beside him.
"G...G....G..." Mark murmurs trying to keep his eyes focused on me, but fails. Quickly i run into the kitchen feeling my stomach churn until i finally throw up seeing Mark's body covered in blood. Blood drips into the sink from my cheeks, as my tears begin to wash Mark's blood from my face.

Heavy breathing sounds in the hall along with quiet cries and winces. The whole of my body freezes feeling Mark's presence. Within about 10 minutes the front door finally closes. He's gone and my happy life has ended.

Robbie's POV

"Wow... look at you." I look up as Yasmin walks into the kitchen wearing a white blouse showing off a bit of her cleavage. Ignoring me she walks over to the coffee maker. I continue to feed Eleanor her breakfast at the kitchen table.
"Hello princess." She places a kiss onto Eleanor's forehead stroking her pig tails. "Make sure the food is actually in her mouth instead of turning her into a human collage. Yasmin mumbles whilst pouring the coffee into her mug.
"Where are you off to then?" Using a napkin i clean up Eleanor's face.
"Got a hot date." She joins us at the table taking a big gulp of her coffee.
Looking surprised at her i'm almost lost for words. "You...er....what?"
"Joking." She rolls her eyes. "Job interview... i need to find a way to keep this place, don't i?"
Quietly i breathe a sigh of relief. "You know i'm going to help you out..."
"...And i told you we don't need your money. You're only round here for your daughter that's all, so don't start to try and worm your way back in. It's not going to work."
"But i-" Knocking on the front door interrupts us. Looking over to Yasmin she doesn't move instead she continues to sip her coffee whilst flicking through a newspaper. "Erm... i better get the door then. Back in a sec sweetie." I place Eleanor's pink plastic spoon onto the table before walking into the hallway.

A hand is pressed against the glass of the front door followed by another knock. Something doesn't feel right never mind look it. "H...Hello?" Carefully i walk over to the door to unlock it, but not opening it- just yet. There's no voice just another weak pat on the glass- zombie like. Nervously i open the door only enough for my eyes to peer through a small gap in the door. "Hel-" A figure turns around slouched against the wall. It looks like something out of a horror film their face is full of blood. Blinking my eyes a few times i refuse to believe what i'm seeing. No. It can't be. Is it? "M...M...Mark??!" His head raises by the sound of my voice almost losing his balance. "Fucking hell! Mark what's happened to you?! Who's done this to you?!"
"G....G...G..." His pupils roll to the back of his head again, as he collapses onto me causing us both to fall into a heap on the doorstep.

chapter 26

{After a Christmas break alone Mark and Gary return safely back to their London home. From celebrating Christmas to becoming engaged they can finally start to plan their lives together. Today is the 2nd of January, so it's a new start of a new year full of surprises... hopefully good.}

"Well...that photo shoot wasn't too bad.." Mark cheekily grins whilst wrapping his arms tightly around my waist.
"Why did I ever let you talk me into that? I swear all my parts better be covered when that magazine goes on sale."
"Don't worry I had you 'covered' the photographer made sure of that."
Lifting a hand up I mess his hair causing his fringe to stick up slightly. "Only because he fancied you."
"Eh? Me? Did he 'eck. You've got to be kidding. Your shots took longer than mine! God knows what the pair of you were up to behind that curtain." Cheekily Mark grins up at me giving me a tight squeeze.
"Mate...he was old enough to be me Dad. No thanks. I've got my man right here...or should I say...husband to be. Wonder if the fans have worked out who's hand has the ring on." Looking at my hand i stroke the finger which contains the ring. We posted a photo on my twitter changing it to a black and white effect to tease them a little.
"Well your fingers are much longer than mine."
"...And fatter."
"Gary Barlow!" Mark gently taps my shoulder. "Enough. Or i'll have to punish you..."
"Ok... ok... i'm sorry. It was such a fantastic break away. I can't thank you enough for giving me the best Christmas ever."
"There's no need to thank me gorgeous, honest. I loved every second of it with you. Oh and do you want me to take anything upstairs Gaz?" Mark walks to the hallway which is filled with thick winter coats,bags,boots and suitcases.
"Erm...you can take my bag upstairs...the one with the pedals in that you bought me. I might go in the studio a little later to pencil a few things down if that's ok with you?"
Mark slings my bag over his shoulder whilst making his way upstairs. "Cause not. Won't be long." As soon as I hear him reach the top stairs I dart into the living room grabbing hold of the remote. With Mark out of the room it gives me the chance to catch the end of the footie match in peace and quiet. Just as I'm about to sit down with my cuppa the front door bell rings.
"Oh for fucks sake..." I mutter under my breath. If that's Howard and Jay I told them to give us a few hours before coming round. We've barely been off the plane 5 minutes!

Rolling my eyes I walk towards the front door to open it. "I told you to-" Surprisingly I'm not greeted by two friendly hugs from our closest friends or one of Howard's rude jokes about me leaving Mark after a quickie to open the front door, but not this time. The person at the door has left me speechless.
"Oh...hello Gary...long time no see?" The female speaks. I can't believe my eyes. Is it her? Is it really the woman who broke up a family? Who torn them apart with her wicked luring charm?
"L...Laura...what...what are you doing here?" Gripping to the inside door handle I wedge myself inbetween the gap of the wall and door incase Mark comes down.
"Well...if you let me in. I can tell you."
"I don't think that's wise...do you? Especially not what you did to Yasmin." The sound of shuffling on the stairs sound, as Mark makes his way back downstairs intrigued by who's at the door I'm guessing.
"Me? Takes two to tango sunshine. Are you going to let me in? Or don't you want me to beckon from the rooftops why I'm here?"
All of a sudden I feel a hand stroke up my back causing me to flinch slightly.
"Who is-" Mark's grinning smile soon fades into the same shocked face I pulled just moments ago. "What is she...doing here?" Just like the first night Mark met her his face drops into a worried look. For some reason she has that affect on him which frightens the days lights out of him. She's purely evil like a virus with a click of the fingers she can split up a relationship.
"Maybe I should of gone round to Yasmin's and told her what I have to say instead..." Turning of her heels she begins to walk slowly back down the path.
"Wait!" Unexpectedly Mark calls. Surprised by his own voice he looks at me. We can't let her go and cause more trouble between her and Robbie not now that she's getting more into the pregnancy we can't take no more risks with the stress.
"Ok... you can come in... but for 10 minutes only then i want you gone."
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"Here you go babe." I place a mug of coffee in front of Mark on the coffee table. "Are you sure you don't want anything?" Trying my best to be kind to her, she just sits there smiling calmly at the pair of us.
"No thank you."
"Boy... i could use something stronger." Mark mumbles whilst taking a gulp of the steaming coffee. Sitting beside him on the sofa i take his hand in my rubbing my thumb against his knuckles.
"Oh... when did that happen then?" Laura glares at my ring with a sour look on her face. Looking down at our hands i notice that her reaction was to my engagement ring which twinkles in the light.
"Christmas day... Mark proposed to me."
Sarcastically she bursts into laughter. "He proposed to you ?! Wow... who would of thought... Mark Owen... manly!"
"Excuse me?"
"Gaz... just leave it..." Quietly Mark sighs bowing his head a little looking embarrassed.
"No. I'm not going to let her talk to you like that in our house Mark."
"So... did he run before or after he got down on one knee?" She continues to smirk at us making me even more annoyed with her presence. "Least we'll know he will be the run away bride on the day."
"Right! That's enough!" Standing to my feet i angrily point my finger into her direction. "Say what you want to say and fucking go." Silence fills the room for a few seconds all that can be heard is Mark's hard swallows whilst hiding his face in his mug.

"Why don't you ask... him ?" She points behind me to Mark who just sits quiet on the sofa behind me.
"Ask...ask me what?"
Rolling her eyes she shakes her head at Mark. "Don't play innocent. Go on. Tell him. Tell him about your best mate's wedding night." A confused expression fills Mark's face as his eyes widen looking at me pleading to save him.
"I...I don't... really remember anything from that night... apart from i had too much to drink... and i passed out in the hotel?"
"Yeah... he did. Why'd you ask? You were there... wasn't you? You turned up on a his wedding day! You really are a cruel hearted cow aren't you?"
"Better than a cheating scumbag." She murmurs under her breath at me.
"What?" I hiss at her unable to bare it i can't even stand to be in the same room as her any longer i walk towards the kitchen.
"The night your boyfriend shagged me in the toilets." Finally she blurts out. The whole of my body freezes stopping me from making my journey to get an aspirin. Did she just say what i think she just said? No. No she's lying. She's doing this to split me and Mark up exactly like she did with Yasmin and Robbie.
"W....W...What...?" Mark almost chokes on his own tongue by her words.
"Yeah...that's right... you were all over me like a rash. I mean what sort of man follows a woman into the bathroom if they aren't after a bit."
"Nice try, but do you really expect me to believe that? You're evil that's all what you are."
"Well it fits the puzzle doesn't it? He disappears for a quickie with me whilst my mate kept Robbie company outside... but it didn't last long don't worry. He ran off of course. He's no man. Pathetic really the only thing he could say was "I'm sorry Gary.' During it." The words bring back the memory of that night. Of Mark stumbling out from the ladies toilets with his head cupped in his hands whilst sitting on the floor, and repeating sorry over and over again. Please no... there's got to be an explanation a more believable one, right? I feel sick. Sick with the thought of Mark with another person not only kissing, but having sex with them whilst i was going out of my mind searching high and low for Mark who was in a drunken state. Anything could of happened to him, but she lured him in. "Now do you believe me?" Not saying a word i take a deep breath pinching the bridge of my nose.
"G...G...Gaz? No. No you don't. Oh Gaz don't listen to that utter crap!"
"...Why were you in the ladies toilets Mark?" Breathing faster i turn back around to him feeling my heart about to explode.
"I....I..." Lost for words a white colour washes over Mark's face.
"You did... didn't you?" My mouth begins to tremble, but i chose to fight it. I'm not going to let my emotions go- not in front of her anyway she's only here for the show. The sound of clapping catches me off guard almost causing me to stumble over my own feet.
"Well that answers that... doesn't it? The truths out! Your boyfriend's a cheat. Well done. Bagged yourself a great one haven't you? You sure know how to chose them. Either cheating on their boyfriend or your own partner cheating on you. Some taste."
"....Get out..." Quietly i speak at first before yelling at the top of my lungs. "GET OUT!!"

"Don't worry. I'm going. Like i said i was only here to tell you the news, but i'm glad you enjoyed my 'notes' nice little build up wasn't it?"
"I swear to god if you don't get out of this house in a minute i will throw you out. Along with your venom too."
Laughing again Laura stands to her feet walking towards the front door glancing at Mark just as she's about to leave she stops. "Oh and before i forget." Opening her bag she pulls out a white piece of paper with a photo on. "Here." Mark rises his reddened eyes up to her lifting up his weak arms to retrieve the gift she's holding in front of him.
"W...w...what...is...t...this?" With a shaken breath he studies the photograph. Peering over her shoulder confusion fills my mind.
"...It was over a year ago.... meet your son Mark."

Chapter 25

Gary's POV

"Gary! Wake up! Wake up!" All of sudden someone jumps onto the bed straddling my lap which instantly causes me to snap my eyes open.
"Who?! What!?" Almost falling out of bed my eyes stretch widely looking at Mark with a huge grin spread across his face and his palms holding his weight against my chest.
"Get up Gaz! Its Christmas!"
"Bloody 'ell Mark..." Groaning in frustration I pull the duvet back up to my chest. "What time is it?"
"Erm 7:30...but we've got presents to unwrap, dinner to cook, games to play, Christmas songs to sing and... and...-"
Covering Mark's mouth with my hand i close my eyes again. "Calm down lad... you're giving me a sodding head ache."
"But Gaaaaz! You can't be a Grinch on Christmas!" Giving me the puppy dog eye look he knows that it always wins me over. Pushing my fists against the mattress i sit up looking at the beaming grin he's showing me.
"Ok ok... but... don't i get my present in bed...? You know how much i enjoy unwrapping things..." Trailing a finger behind Mark's dressing robe i stroke his bare chest running my finger against the light chest hair.
"Nah uh... not yet... we have to do our Christmas first...sex later...besides... i've got something planned for you later... involving that bed..." Mark cheekily winks at me whilst licking his lips slightly. Swallowing hard i pull the covers from me before grinning back softly.
"Well... in that case... lets unwrap!" Quickly i run out of the room running into the living room area almost stumbling over my own feet, as i stop myself from crashing into the Christmas tree.
"Gaz! You're such a cheat!" Seconds later in walks a frowning Mark who stands beside me in front of the tree.
"Oooh.... so you don't want a present from a cheat then?" Dropping to my knees i pick up a large rectangle neatly wrapped parcel. Mark's eyes light up again and the grin re appears whilst snatching the present from my hands.
"I never said that!" He quickly jumps to his side of the tree where his presents are stored.
"That's what i thought..."
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"Thank you so much for all my presents gorgeous." Mark's speech is muffled, as he pulls on the dark red coloured jumper which his Mum has bought him for Christmas. It's personally made with his name 'Mark' stitched on the front underneath Rudolph which rests in the middle. We both have matching ones, but mine says 'Gary' on the front- obviously. Slumping down beside me on the sofa Mark wraps his arms around my waist nuzzling his cheek happily against my chest. "My favourite time of year...with my favourite person in the entire world..."
"You little softie... the day's only just begun Marko... we've got plenty to do yet... especially on your list we do."
"Mmm... can't wait...."

"Hey...Mark?" Twirling a piece of his hair I can't help ,but to feel different about this year's Christmas.
"Mhm uh?"
"Do...do you think Rob and Yasmin will ever get back together?"
Mark sits up now removing his head from my chest looking serious. "Why do you ask babe?"
Shrugging my shoulders I release a sigh. "I don't know... I mean... We're becoming parents... And I couldn't dream about being a single parent...its not fair on the child...is it?"
"Well its not up to the child to decide really... Robbie cheated on her he needs to be punished I guess."
"...And Yasmin cheated on him too." Mumbling under my breath again guilt plays on my behalf. "Do you think he did it...to get back at her..?"
Mark gently places a hand onto my cheek. "Now don't go blaming yourself again Gaz. We don't know the real reason why he did it we just know it happened and now he's probably in a hotel somewhere regretting everyday being without his family. I know for sure that's what I would be doing. I don't think that its completely over between them seeing as Robbie still goes round to visit Eleanor...Who knows this time next year they could be getting back together... We just have to await the future. Anyway... Just think as soon as we're back home we can plan our future... Me, you and our baby. Only a month to go until we know the sex...and I can finally get you in white overalls painting the nursery blue or pink." Mark giggles whilst kissing my knuckles just brushing his lips against them lightly.
"You're perfect...you know that?"
"You make me this way babe."
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"Come and pull a cracker with me!" Mark skips towards the Christmas tree before standing on his tip toes reaching for a Christmas cracker.
Perching myself up against the piano i watch the boyish grin appear again.- Mark surprised me with the piano which had been hiding away in the spare room the whole time only to be used for our Christmas party.
"But i'm still stuffed from the dinner. Any sudden movement and i think i'll explode." Patting my stomach i slump back down onto the small leather piano stool.
"Don't be such a fuss pot! It's Christmas!" Holding the cracker out in front of me an excited look spreads over Mark's face. There's nothing more i love other than seeing Mark happy that's the present i most want for Christmas.
"Ok... ok... on three... one....two...three!" We both tug our end of the cracker until there's a loud crack almost causing Mark to fly across the room.
"I win! I win!" Happily Mark jumps up and down searching inside the broken cracker pulling out a yellow paper hat which he sits onto his head. "Ohhh! Look what i've got!" He holds up a small plastic bag showing a red whistle for the toy which he's just won.
"Ay... you'll be good at that... you're good at blowing things." Cheekily i wink whilst pressing a few keys on the piano.
"Cheeky sod..." Walking back over to me he rests his elbows on top of the piano, as i begin to softly sing All i want for Christmas is you.
"Don't care about those presents underneath the Christmas tree, i just want you for my own. More than you could ever know. Make my wish come true you know that all i want for Christmas... is you." Mark sighs happily at me watching my fingers continue to play before joining in.
"[...] Cause Santa he won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas day/ I just want you here tonight holding onto me so tight. 'Gaz', what can i do? You know that all i want for Christmas..." Gently he presses his lips against mine stopping me from playing the piano. "...Is you..." 
"Merry Christmas Mark..." My hand runs through his hair whilst we gaze into one another's eyes. "Tonight couldn't get anymore perfect. "
"Hold on a sec." Mark slides my hand from his hair before walking back to the Christmas tree to receive the final cracker. "One more go..." Playfully i roll my eyes at him whilst gripping once again to the end of the cracker. This time Mark hardly pulls on his side which quickly makes me the winner.
"You barely tried lad!" Excitedly i dip my fingers inside looking for the toy.
"...So... watcha win?"
"Erh... i can't fi-...oh wait..." Something clings onto my finger. Something cold and metal. With a confused look my eyes glance down towards my finger where a small silver ring rests. "What the-...?" Searching around the room for Mark i then notice that he's gotten much smaller in height than how he usually looks. Nerves build up in his face as a shaky hand takes hold of mine.
"G...Gary....Gary Barlow..." Clearing his throat tears fill in his eyes, as he takes the ring from my index finger and into his own palm. My stomach begins to do flips knowing exactly what he's about to do. "Will... Will you do the honour... in becoming my husband...? Will you marry me?" Unable to hold back the tears much longer they roll down his cheeks still with a smile on his face.
"O....Oh...Oh God...Mark..." Tears soak onto my trousers from my own eyes. This is the most perfect Christmas present i've ever received. "Y...Yes...oh god yes Mark! Of course i'll marry you!"

Chapter 24

Gary's POV

"Work you bloody thing." Clattering sounds from the kitchen along with the smell of burning toast. My eyes spring open noticing the space beside me in bed is empty.
"B.....Babe....." Stretching my arms above my head i release a yawn. This has been one of the best sleeps i've had in a while. Much more comfier than our mattress back at home... probably, because we haven't 'tested' this one's springs out yet. All a sudden the sound of soft grunting followed by a struggling Mark carrying a tray opening the partly open door with his leg as he enters the bedroom. "What are-"
"Breakfast!" He grins in a boyish way lifting up the rectangular tray. The burning smell becomes much stronger even a small cloud of grey smoke follows Mark into the room, as he walks over to the bed. "But um... it kinda didn't work as planned..." He places the tray onto my lap which shows a couple pieces of toast and bacon which are burnt topped with beans and scrambled egg to disguise them. Even though it hasn't turned out the way he planned it still warms my heart knowing he went to the trouble of making me this.
"Aww thank you babe!" Quickly i give his cheek a soft peck before taking hold of my knife and fork ready to dig in.

"You don't have to eat it you know... i'll get you something else." He takes hold of the corner to the plate. Gently i tap his hand. "Ey get off. Get your own!" I grin tearing a piece of the black toast which makes a crunching sound when chewing it. Well they say burnt toast is good to strengthen your teeth..right? Mark watches me fight my way through the breakfast.
"Shall we do anything today?"
"It's completely up to you babe." Wiping my mouth on the napkin i stroke his bare leg giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Erm.... we could go and get a tree to decorate... four days to go..."
"Where has the time gone?! Sounds like a plan! Let me just finish this then we can go."
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Once i've finished my breakfast we get changed into some warm clothing topped with thermal padded coats and leather gloves before we go on search for our Christmas tree. "The snow's almost up to my knees! I'm never gonna make it to the forest." Mark pouts shuffling through the snow. I don't know why he's moaning i'm only a few inches taller than him and we've only been walking for 5 minutes... if that!
"Should of wore some of your high heels then." Teasingly i joke kicking some of the snow as we make our way into the forest area.
"Ha ha." Mark sarcastically laughs scooping some snow to throw at me. It hits against my chest and chin the coldness of it makes me shiver.
"OI!" Trying to be serious i frown my eyebrows at him. "Come on i'm frozen!"

We enter the forest area and after 15 minutes of fighting Mark's snowballs we finally decide on the perfect tree for Christmas. "How are we gonna carry this back?" Mark stares at the now cut down tree laying in front of us. It's just a little taller than what i am, but it sure does feel heavier!
"Drag it?" Taking the middle of the tree i take a tight grip to it Mark does the same as we both start to pull it.
"This... is...gonna...take...forever..." Mark all ready starts to pant. To be honest it's lighter than what i thought i could easily drag it by myself, but i'm not letting him off that lightly.
"Stop moaning and pull." All of a sudden the tree becomes much heavier than it did a few seconds ago. I start pulling harder almost causing me to fall into the snow. "What the...." As i turn around i notice what the problem is. Mark's sat on the bottom of the tree which has increased the weight.
"What?" He tries to keep a straight face sitting comfortably on it. "You look like you can handle it..."
"Not with you bloody sat on it. Get up."
"Please..." Mark tries to pull the puppy dog stunt on me. Sadly this time for him it's not going to work.
"If you get up and help... then once we're back to the apartment we can test the bed out before decorating..." Cheekily i wink at him, as his eyes stretch with excitement. Jumping to his feet Mark takes a strong grip to the tree, as we continue to drag it back to the apartment.

It took longer than expected with Mr 'i don't want to pull it' along side me. "Right...now for the fun part... you should be good at this Marko... you're into colourful things." Gently i tap his bum whilst i go on search for the bag of decorations. I pick up one of Mark's rucksacks looking for the various types of Christmas decorations until i stumble across something i didn't expect to find. "Erm.. Babe?"
Footsteps hit against the floor and the bedroom door swings opens. "Gaz don't go in my-....oh." After a few seconds a cheeky grin appears on his face as he places his hand under his chin.
"Why have you brought Twister on our holiday?"
Mark trails his finger against the door frame acting like a shy school girl trying to flirt. "I thought we could have... a bit of... fun..." He flutters his eyelashes at me.
"Fun? You know i hate these bloody games... i never win... everyone cheats."
"But..." Kneeling beside me on the floor now Mark takes my hands softly stroking his thumbs against my palms. "We could make it...more interesting...and fun..."
"How...?"
"Strip...Strip Twister..."
Blinking a few times i release a giggle expecting this all to be one of his jokes. Mark looks at me in a relax kind of way something tells me he's being serious. "Erm..."
"Come on... it'll be fun! Then we can decorate... if you can get up that is... Grandad.."
Trying my best i pull a shocked face holding back my giggles. "Right. You're on."

10 minutes into the game of 'strip twister' we have no idea what we're doing all i know is that i'm winning seeing as i've only lost my socks. Where as Mark's lost his shirt and trousers all he's left in is his boxers and socks. "Oh no not red!!" He pouts whilst on all fours in front of me. Knowing what it means almost causes me to fall over laughing. It means that Mark has to remove his boxers, and if he doesn't i automatically win. "Come on babe... get your pants off!"
"Shut up Barlow. Who even made these stupid rules up anyway?!" Trying his best with his free hand he pulls down his boxers to his ankles.
"Um... you did?" It's hard to keep focus on the game now that Mark's completely naked... well apart from his socks, but i doubt they'll be left on much longer. "Mmm..." I grip tightly to the bottom of my lip trying to hold myself back from giving his backside a hard whack.
"What? It's your go." Mark mumbles hardly audible, but i chose to ignore his words i'm too focused on the view in front of me. "Come on Gaz... i'm cold..." My trousers grow to become tighter and something begins to twitch. Do i really risk losing the game for my own pleasure? "Ga-" Is all Mark manages as i take a tight grip onto his hips pulling him against the zip on my trousers. "Oh...er..."

Without wasting anymore time i unzip myself allowing my hardened self to bounce against Mark's skin. "Aaah...that's better..." Loudly i moan releasing a sigh pulling him even closer.
"Does this mean you've lost?" Mark happily grins tilting his head backwards looking smug. He's gonna get it now. He knows i hate losing games and having it rubbed in my face. "L o s e r!" Using his finger and thumb he makes a 'L' shape on his forehead.
"Oh you're laughing now..." After reaching for a condom out of my wallet and securing it onto my hardened self i squirt a cold liquid onto the palm of my hand rubbing it against Mark's entrance.
"Nnnnnggg.... Gaaaz..." He hisses through his teeth feeling the sharp coldness against him.
"Now... are you going to act like a grown up?" I ask whilst positioning myself onto him correctly, digging my fingers into his hips.
"Mmm...you're... you're... still a... lose- Arrrgh Gaz!" Mark yelps uncontrollable when i slam myself deep inside of him. Finding the right angle i start to increase my thrusts hitting the right places causing Mark to squirm underneath me, as he struggles to keep his position on all fours.

"I...I've...missed...this...feeling..." Loudly i pant holding myself inside him for a brief moment exploring him before abruptly pulling out again. Mark soon becomes hungry for more, as he starts to buck his hips backwards allowing me to fit deeply inside him again.
"M... More...please Gary.. more please...." Obeying Mark's wish i begin to pound inside him into a rhythmic pattern.
"Ohh...Mark..." Chattering my teeth i drag my nails down his back causing it to redden slightly. Not that he minds. The body in front of me begins to weaken, as Mark's knees start to tremble. He's close. He's so close.
"G...G...Gary...i..." Quickly Mark lays his head backwards whilst i run a hand through his hair tugging his head even more backwards enough for our lips to meet. One, two, three more thrusts causing Mark to clench around me giving that final push to knock us both over the edge. "GAAAAZZ...." Falling onto his bare stomach Mark lays flat on the cold plastic twister mat exploding all over it, followed by me crashing on top of him releasing myself.
"Fuck Markie!"

Our arms and legs become tangled as we use the Twister mat as a blanket to cover our naked bodies whilst we lay beside the fire. "So... this decorating?" Mark trails his finger up my stomach towards my chest.
"Tomorrow... it's a little late now... besides... i had to celebrate my winning..."
"Bloody liar Barlow! I clearly won that game!"
"Yeah yeah...." Taking in a deep breath i rest my head against his as we cuddle together looking at the Christmas tree laying in front of the sofa.
"Hmm... can't wait for our photo shoot after this..."
My head instantly lifts by surprise. "Photo shoot? What photo shoot?"
"Oh... didn't i tell you?" Mark laughs a little. Knowing that would be the reaction of mine he was hoping for.
"Um... no? Oooh is it for your radio tour?"
Mark shakes his head. "Nope.. that's not until next year sometime. This one is just the two of us... for charity."
"Oh nice. Which charity? Bit early for Children in need isn't it?"
"Not that one. This one's for Aids..."
Feeling confused i lift my head to get a better look at him. "Aids? As in the disease?"
Again Mark nods. "Yep... it's for a gay magazine and all profits go to charity... but there's a catch..." Now i understand what he's hinting at.
"We're...we're going to be naked...aren't we?"