Millions

Still

2009-12-29T03:10:27Z

Author: Kikinini7

Title: Still
Rating: PG
Pairing: Mark & Sabrina

Summary: Mark still misses Sabrina
Disclaimer: Yes…No…Or do I? (Just kidding, I own NO ONE!)
Warnings/Comments: This is kind of a sequel to one I wrote a while ago called Angel (http://community.livejournal.com/dwtsfiction/241965.html#cutid1), but I would definitely not call this a series. It’s just a couple of fics that go together in the same story. This one is also inspired by a Matt Nathanson song called Still. There will hopefully be two more parts that go with these when I have time. Comments are welcome and appreciated!

Mark’s smile in the family picture was forced that year. Everyone around him was laughing and joking, but he just smiled feebly, hoping he could convince them all that he was enjoying himself too. The last time they had all been together in London Sabrina had been there with them. His grandparents adored her, his cousin’s had fun exchanging stories with her, his cousin’s kids had a blast playing games with her, and he loved just being there to share it all with her.

This year was different. He had no one sitting beside him and holding his hand tightly with nervousness as he pulled up in front of his mom’s house. No one sat beside him at dinner glancing over at him happily. No one curled into his side on the couch when the whole family sat down to watch a movie Christmas Eve. This year he drove to his mom’s house alone in a silent car, the glances at supper were all of pitty and when the movie was put on on Christmas Eve he sat alone in a chair that was much too big for one person.

He tried to make it through the entire movie, but eventually it was too much. Making the excuse of being tired he left his family staring after him as he hurried upstairs to his room. He sat down on his bed and hung his head in his hands. So many emotions were overwhelming him and the best way he knew to release them was to write a song. He got out his guitar and then went to the closet where he knew there were several notebooks. When he opened the door he found something he wasn’t expecting.

Sitting on top of the extra blankets was a smaller fleece one with a picture of rocky on it. Starr had had it made for Sabrina the year before she’d been to London with him and it was her favourite blanket. She’d lost it though and they’d never been able to find it. Mark picked it up and held it to his face. As he did so he was overwhelmed by a smell he’d been so used to and now missed so much. Even after a year at his mom’s house the blanket still smelt like her.

He couldn’t hold it in anymore. Silent tears fell down Mark’s cheeks and stained the blanket. He sat down on the floor against his bed and leaned his head back.

“I’m sorry, Mark.” He hadn’t heard his mom come into the room so the sound of her voice startled him.

“For what?” Mark wiped his eyes quickly and then looked at her face, “It’s not your fault she’s not here.” He surrendered to his mothers knowing look and hung his head again.

“I know, but I forgot the blanket was in here. I should’ve taken it out.” She sat down on the edge of his bed and rested her hand on his shoulder.

“No, I’m glad it was here.” Mark twisted the blanket between his fingers.

“I’ll take it back home with me and give it to someone to give to her. It’s her favourite blanket.”

“Do you want me to wash it? It’s been in that closet for a year.”

“No, that’s ok. I might forget it again.” Mark lied. “I think I’m going to go to bed.” He stood up and tossed the blanket on top of his suit case, pretending it wasn’t a big deal, but fooling neither himself nor his mom.

“Alright, darling.” Shirley embraced him in a comforting hug and then left his room.

When she was gone Mark pulled a notebook from his closet, picked up the blanket, crawled into bed, and began to write; but it wasn’t a song that filled the pages. It was another letter.

I’ve never wanted Christmas to be over as much as I do this year. Everyone keeps looking at me like I’m about to fall apart and as much as I’ve tried to convince them that I’m fine I don’t think anyone believes me. I can’t even fool myself anymore.

I thought being back home in London would bring back memories from when I was little and that I would maybe forget about missing you. It hasn’t worked out that way though. Everything I’ve done so far has reminded me of you in some way. When mom and I went Christmas shopping I found myself looking for things for you instead of the people I was supposed to be. Mom finally gave up on me and we went home. We decorated the tree in silence that night. I don’t think she knows what to say to me.

To be honest, I don’t know what to say to her either. It’s like every thought that runs through my head starts with “Sabrina always…” or “When Sabrina and I…” or “Remember when Sabrina…” and I stop myself before I can say it. I think mom knows, and I think she’s thinking the same things. She truly adored you. My whole family did. My cousin’s little girl Kaylie asked me where you were right after they got here. I didn’t know what to tell her so I just said you weren’t coming this year. She looked disappointed and I couldn’t stand it. I sat alone in my room for an hour before I could get the brave face back on and pretend everything was ok. Kaylie kept looking at me sadly after that. I’m sure someone told her as much as a five year old would understand.

I hope this all ends soon because I can’t stand this feeling. Like half of me is missing.

Enjoy your Christmas, baby.

Daddy's Girl- Chapter 23

2009-11-11T17:18:13Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: What If
Part: 23/?
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Jaslynn and Sabrina talk about something Mark saw a while ago

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: This chapter is more between Jaslynn and Sabrina, but if you look closely Mark is still important. Jaslynn is 15, Madelyn is 12, and Bryan is 7. Hope you enjoy it! Comments are still greatly appreciated!

“Can I talk to you, mom?” Jaslynn walked into her parent’s room and sat down on the bed where Sabrina was folding laundry.

“Of course. What’s wrong?” Sabrina asked, sensing the tone in Jaslynn’s voice.

“Nothing really.” Jaslynn assured her while playing with the blanket she was sitting on. “Do you think Carson likes me?” She finally asked.

“You don’t just mean as his dance partner, do you?” Sabrina put down the shirt she was folding and moved to sit at the top of the bed beside her daughter. Jaslynn shook her head and Sabrina continued. “I think he does.”

“You do?” Jaslynn’s eyes finally met her moms.

“Yeah. Is that good or bad?”

“I don’t know.” Jaslynn admitted, “We’ve been friends since before I can remember, but dancing with him as much as I have been has changed things.”

“How so?” Sabrina encouraged.

“Well, like, he seems to be hanging out with me more after rehearsals than he used to and he doesn’t invite his friends as much anymore.”

“He’s growing up.” Sabrina smiled, “And so are you. How do you feel about him?”

“I like him.” Jaslynn whispered, fidgeting with the blanket again.

“Do you think he knows that?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t know if I want him to.” She admitted.

“Why not? I don’t think he’d be mad.” Sabrina watched her daughters cheeks flush.

“What if he doesn’t like me that way though?” She looked at her mom again. “I don’t want things to be weird between us because he knows I like him but doesn’t feel the same way. And even if he did, what if we broke up? We wouldn’t be able to dance together anymore.” Jaslynn sighed.

“I think you need to let him know you like him.” Sabrina tried to catch Jaslynn’s eye, but she was too focused on her fingers.

“What if it screws things up?” Jaslynn raised her voice a bit and her eyes were glazed. Sabrina moved closer to her and wrapped her in her arms.

“But what if he feels the same way and just doesn’t know how to tell you? What if it makes your dancing partnership stronger?” Jaslynn was breathing deeply now trying to fight back sobs. “Sweetie, I wouldn’t lie to you. I see the way he looks at you and how he takes care of you at competitions when you get nervous. I think his reaction will be the opposite of what you’re expecting.” Sabrina kissed the top of her head.

“I’ll think about it.” Jaslynn sat up and started walking to the door.

“He feels the same way.” Sabrina said one more time before she was out of the room.

Sabrina pulled up in front of the dance studio to find Jaslynn and Carson sitting on the big front steps. Bryan’s doctor appointment had gone a little later than anticipated and she was 15 minutes late for picking up Jaslynn from her dance rehearsal. When they saw her mom pull up, Jaslynn and Carson both stood up and walked to the van.

“Can we give Carson a ride home?” She asked.

“Of course.” Sabrina smiled. Carson opened the back door and sat in the seat beside Bryan while Jaslynn sat down in the front.

“Guess what I got at the doctor!” Bryan said excitedly to his sister.

“What?” She asked.

“Banana medicine!” He exclaimed.

“Is it going to make you feel better?” Jaslynn asked, catering to his excitement.

“The doctor said it would. He gave me a sticker too!” Bryan continued to talk until they got to Carson’s house.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Jaslynn asked.

“Bright and early!” He smiled, and then shut the door. The short ride home was quiet and when they got in the house Bryan curled up on the couch and fell asleep. Mark had taken Madelyn to her piano lesson and so Jaslynn and Sabrina were alone.

“Carson and I talked while we were waiting for you.” Jaslynn said shyly. She was sitting on a barstool having a snack while Sabrina started to get supper ready.

“Did you?” Sabrina tried to hide the excitement in her voice and continued making supper.

“Yeah, and I didn’t even have to start it. He asked if I wanted to go out to a movie, just me and him, on Friday. We’ve never done that before. When he suggested it I jokingly asked if it was like a date but then I realized that that was exactly what it was.”

“So are you going?” Sabrina couldn’t hide her excitement and smiled.

“Yeah. We didn’t talk about much else, but I think he knows I like him and he likes me.” Jaslynn’s cheeks turned pink as she admitted this.

“You two will have fun.” Sabrina encouraged.

“What do you think daddy will say?”

“Are you worried?” Sabrina asked.

“A little.” Jaslynn admitted.

“I think of all the boys you could bring home, Carson is the best option.”

“Really?”

“I’ve never told you this, but you know Carson is the reason we had you when we did.”

“What do you mean? He’s only 10 months older than me.”

“Exactly. After he was born we went to go visit and being around a baby made us both realize that we wanted one of our own. I don’t think you’ve noticed, but your dad treats Carson like he’s already part of the family.”

“Yeah, but I just thought he was being nice.”

“He doesn’t treat your other friends like that though.”

“I guess not.” Jaslynn agreed.

“Your dad will be fine with it.” Sabrina said. Before Jaslynn could say anything the door opened and Madelyn came in followed by Mark.

“How was piano?” Sabrina asked.

“It was good.” Madelyn set her bag down, sat down next to Jaslynn and took a bite of a cookie.

Mark kissed Sabrina and then went to the sink to wash his hands “Mom wants us to come for supper either Thursday or Friday this week.” He told her.

“It’ll have to be Thursday because Carson is taking Jaslynn to a movie on Friday night.” Sabrina stopped stirring the pot of pasta and looked at Mark.

“Carson’s taking you on a date?” Madelyn teased her sister.

“Maybe.” Jaslynn’s cheeks turned bright red and she avoided eye contact with everyone.

“Is he really?” Mark asked her, smiling.

“Yeah.” She whispered.

“You two will have fun.” He encouraged.

“You don’t sound surprised.” Sabrina pointed out.

“I see the way he takes care of her just as much as you do. Reminds me of the first time we were on Dancing with the Stars. I didn’t know I was doing it at first, but that instinct just kind of takes over when you’re in love.” He smiled.

“Daddy!” Jaslynn cut in. “He’s not in love with me.”

“Ok.” Mark laughed, “Not in love, but when a guy really, really likes a girl that’s what they do.”

“Yeah, well we’re just going to a movie.” Jaslynn said. “Nothing to get excited over.”

“It will be.” Mark smiled at her, and then grabbed a pitcher to start making juice.

Angel

2009-10-28T01:50:49Z

Author: Kikinini7

Title: Angel
Part: 1/1
Rating: PG
Pairing: Mark & Sabrina

Summary: A call makes Mark think
Disclaimer: Yes…No…Or do I? (Just kidding, I own NO ONE!)
Warnings/Comments: This was inspired by a song called Angel by Matt Nathanson. I would strongly recommend listening to the song while you read. I love it! I might write a second or third part to this because a couple of his other songs have given me ideas. I hope you all enjoy this! Comments are wonderful!!

“You want something to drink while I’m up?” Emily asked Mark as she got up and started walking towards her kitchen.

“I wouldn’t mind a Pepsi if you have one.” He said. As she disappeared into the kitchen the phone on her coffee table started to ring.

“Would you answer that?” She called, “It’s probably Harry saying he’ll be late.” “Probably.” Mark laughed “Hello?”

“Hello?” The voice on the other end asked, confused.

“Sabrina?” Mark asked.

“Yeah, who is this?” She laughed nervously.

“It’s Mark.” He said quietly and the other end was quiet for a few seconds.

“Is Emily there?” Sabrina finally asked.

“Yeah, she’s just getting popcorn and drinks ready.”

“Ok, can you get her to call me back when she has a minute? It won’t take long.”

“Of course.” Mark agreed a hint of longing in his voice.

“Kay, thanks.” There was no emotion in her voice. Not the joy she’d had when he picked up the phone, but there was also no anger. It was a conversation you would expect from complete strangers.

“Bye.” Mark said and there was a click on the other end.

“Who was that?” Emily asked, returning to the living room with a bowl of popcorn and two cans of Pepsi in hand.

“Sabrina.” Mark’s voice was still quiet and less cheerful than it had been earlier. “She wants you to call her back.”

“I’ll wait until after the movie.” Emily said, sensing the change in Mark’s mood.

“No, call her now.” He told her, “She said it won’t take long.”

“Ok, I’ll be right back.” She agreed hesitantly, picking up her phone. She walked into her bedroom and dialled Sabrina’s number. Mark decided to take the opportunity to go to the bathroom while she was on the phone, but as he walked down the hallway he heard Emily talking and stopped to listen for a moment.

“Are you really?!” Emily was saying excitedly and then there was a pause while she listened to Sabrina. Mark could hear her excited voice talking loudly but couldn’t make out the words.

“I knew they wouldn’t ask you and then change their minds! I don’t know why you were so worried in the first place.” Emily said and there was another pause. Mark felt a tiny grin breaking his face as he heard Sabrina say something and then let out a squeal over the phone and Emily’s responding laugh.

“I hate to do this, but I should really go.” Emily finally said, “I’m watching a movie with the guys tonight.” Mark took this as his cue to stop eavesdropping and went into the bathroom.

For the rest of the night he was quieter than they had all expected him to be. He made very little fun of the movie, as was his habit, and didn’t laugh as hard as usual. They could all tell that he was thinking about other things and left him alone for the most part. When the movie was over he made up a lame excuse about being tired and having stuff to do the next day. They didn’t argue with him and let him leave.

It wasn’t until he was alone in his car and driving home that he finally let a tear roll down his face. Hearing Sabrina’s voice had made him both happy and sad. When he’d first heard her his heart skipped a beat with excitement, but when she realized it was him her cheerful tone went away and so did his initial excitement. She’d really moved on and he was stuck longing for her. He pushed the gas pedal a little harder, just wanting to be home so he could go to sleep and forget the pain he was feeling.

When he reached his apartment building he turned off his car and hurried up to his apartment, not bothering to even lock the car door. He went straight into the bathroom and turned on a hot shower to help himself relax. He stood under the cascading water for several minutes before he finally gave up and turned the water off.

Pulling on some boxers, he crawled into his big empty bed and turned off the light. Why had her voice lost all emotion when she realized who was on the other end? Why hadn’t he had the courage to say something else to her? How come Emily got to celebrate all her achievements with her while he was left eavesdropping in the hallway? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

He couldn’t push these questions from his mind and sleep never came. He tossed and turned in his bed for several hours before finally surrendering and getting up. Before he left his bedroom he pulled his notebook from his bedside table and headed for the living room. He sat down on a cold, hard kitchen table and began to write.

I got to hear your voice today for the first time in months, besides on TV. I could hear the joy in your voice when you first spoke, but when you found out it was me that joy seemed to disappear. You’ve moved on….

I know you just got asked to make a solo CD and I’m going to be the first in line to buy it. I don’t think I ever told you but I think your voice is the most beautiful one I’ve ever heard. That’s why I always called you angel. The first time I did it in rehearsal you looked at me like I was nuts. I made up some weird excuse but that’s the reason. You’d told me a story and I can’t even remember what it was about, but I remember being completely captivated by your voice. After that I asked you to sing with me every chance I got. The memory of your voice was starting to fade, but hearing it again today brought everything back.

I wish I didn’t feel this way about you. I really thought I was over you at first. I was finally in the music business, I was still dancing, and I had a girlfriend I thought I loved. Turns out all of that doesn’t matter when the one person who inspires you is no longer in your life.

My girlfriend was just that: a girlfriend. Not my best friend, not my inspiration, not my future. I thought she was for a while, but I started to realize that she wasn’t the person I wanted to see when I was upset, or lonely, or even bored and when I finally realized that I stopped seeing her.

Dancing also looses it’s sparkle when there’s no story behind it. I tried to put myself into a false state of love for the Waltz’s and Rumba’s but they never looked romantic. I tried to get excited and party for the Mambo’s and Samba’s but it was all forced. I didn’t realize how big of an effect all this would have on my dancing, but it’s been huge.

Music is what’s been the worst part for me though. You can only write so many sad songs. Even after we broke up and had been apart for a while I realized that I was still drawing on emotions I had felt with you to write new songs; not emotions I was feeling as I wrote them. After I noticed that it became even harder to bring those back up because I wanted to forget about the past and move on. That’s when all my songs became sad and people keep pointing it out to me but I’m not sure how to change it. I write what I feel.

When I’d dreamed about writing and performing music as a child I always thought that I would have someone special to share it with, but I’ve realized now that I gave that up to have the career part and it’s not worth it. You have no idea how much I regret the things I’ve said and the distance that’s grown between us and I wish there was some way to get it all back.

Hearing your voice today was the best and worst part of my day. I miss my angel.

Mark set his pen down, feeling much better after letting his feelings out, and crawled back into bed.

Sabrina crawled into bed and grabbed her journal from the bedside table.

I talked to you today, but there was more I would’ve liked to have said, I just didn’t know how. I miss you.

Daddy's Girl- Chapter 22

2009-10-15T21:33:24Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Nerves
Part: 22/?
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Jaslynn gets nervous before their first dance competition

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: In this chapter Jaslynn is almost 13, Madelyn is 7 ½ , and Bryan is 3. Just a warning the next chapter is probably going to take a leap by a couple of years unless I come up with another idea. Sorry I’m taking so long between chapters, but school is taking up time and writing doesn’t always come easy when I do have time. I hope you enjoy it! Comments are appreciated as always!

“Jaslynn!” Carson called through the sea of people. She stood on her tippy toes to see his head among the many between them. When she spotted him she started to make her way through the crowd, her parents close behind her.

“Hey!” She said, finally reaching his side.

“Your dressing room is this way.” He told her, “Just down the hall from mine.”

“Ok, great. I’ll go get dressed and then we can go run through our dances.” She told him.

“Sure. I’m going to go find my parents quickly and I’ll meet you in the ballroom.” Jaslynn nodded and Carson turned to make his way through the crowd.

“I can take my bags daddy,” Mark lifted her big black bag off his shoulder and handed it to her along with her costume bag. “I’m going to get changed and then I’ll find you before we start practicing.”

“Alright. You’re grandma was going to try and get front row seats so we’ll go find her.”

“Ok.” Jaslynn turned and went to the girl’s dressing room to change.

Sabrina and Mark went into the ballroom and quickly saw Shirley sitting in the second row with Madelyn and Bryan.

“Hi Shirley.”

“Hello darlings.” Shirley hugged Sabrina and then Mark. Sabrina sat down at the end of the row beside Bryan and Madelyn moved over one seat so that Mark could sit by Shirley.

“Are they nervous?” Shirley asked him.

“I think so. Jaslynn didn’t say much this morning which isn’t like her.” He didn’t look at his mom when he answered her question; he was scanning the floor for Carson instead.

“Well it’s their first competition. I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

Mark finally saw him waiting on the edge of the dance floor. He already had their number pinned to the back of his shirt and was moving around impatiently. A few minutes later Jaslynn broke through the crowd and went over to him. They stood at the edge of the dance floor talking for a moment before disappearing back out of the ballroom.

“Something’s wrong with Jaslynn.” He said, standing up and leaving. He made his way through the foyer which was now less crowded and found his daughter and Carson sitting on a bench in one of the hallways. Carson had his arm around her and she had her face in her hands.

“What’s wrong princess?” Mark knelt down in front of her.

“I can’t do it daddy.” She said through her hands.

“Why not?” Mark asked her as he looked up just a bit to see Carson rubbing her back soothingly. He was tempted to tell him to get his hands off of his daughter, but decided to focus his attention on Jaslynn for the time being.

“There are so many people out there daddy.” Her voice cracked as she said this and Mark moved onto the bench beside her, pulling her into his side with his hands on her shoulder and head protectively. Carson moved his arm but kept his face glued to hers.

“There are also a lot of dancers out there. Not all those people will be watching us, so don’t worry about it.” Carson told her.

“I guess not. What if we screw up though?” Jaslynn had taken her face out of her hands and was wiping the tears from her eyes.

“I won’t let us.” Carson smiled at her and she let out a little laugh. Mark’s eyebrows scrunched together with jealousy. He was the one who usually made her laugh when no one else could. He shook off the jealousy for a second time and sat up to look at Jaslynn’s face.

“You guys will do just fine. You know your dances so well and we’re proud of you no matter where you place.” He hugged her close again.

“Are you ready to go run through the dance a couple times?” Carson asked as Jaslynn wiped her eyes one more time.

“Yeah.” She answered standing up, “Maybe I’ll feel better once we’ve done them once or twice.”

“Lets go try.” Carson smiled at her and then followed her back out to the ballroom.

Mark sat alone in a small, unused dressing room holding Bryan who was sleeping soundly. He’d been getting cranky and so when the competition was over and the placing’s had been announced Mark took him and found a quiet room to put him to sleep. He wanted to congratulate Jaslynn and Carson on winning third place in both of their , but he knew a lot of people would be doing that same and he could talk to them later.

The sound of voices was starting to fade when the door to the dressing room opened and Jaslynn walked in with her trophy in hand.

“Congratulations, Princess.” Mark smiled and put her arms around her shoulders for a hug as she sat down beside him.

“Thanks daddy.” Jaslynn smiled proudly. “I was so nervous right before we started the tango, but once we started dancing I kind of forgot about the crowd. I wasn’t as nervous for the quickstep.”

“The quickstep was the dance your mom got the most nervous about.” Mark told her.

“Really?” Jaslynn asked.

“Yeah, but I think she likes it now. You guys did so good in both of them. We’re very proud of you.” Mark kissed the top of her head.

“Look at our trophy!” Jaslynn handed her dad the trophy and he looked at it carefully.

“That is very cool!” He told her.

“Mom said we’re going to put a new bookshelf in my room to put trophies and pictures on.”

“That’s a good idea.” Mark smiled. “We can do that together tomorrow if you want.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah. We can go pick it out and then you can help me put it together.”

“Ok!”

“Are you and your mom ready to go?” He asked, standing up and moving towards the door.

“I think so. Grandma and Grandpa Hinojos were just leaving when I came to find you.” Jaslynn told him.

“Alright, then let’s go find her.”

kikinini7 @ 2009-09-23T15:16:00

2009-09-23T21:20:09Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Questions and Answers
Part: 1/1
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Mark answers Sabrina’s questions
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)

Warnings/comments: I started this a LONG time ago, like last winter, and totally forgot about it until a couple weeks ago. Sorry if it seems kind of choppy, but it was written over quite a long period of time. Comments are very much appreciated!

As she walked off the set for the millionth time that day, Mark could tell that Sabrina was exhausted. He had been on set with her all day while she filmed her music video with The Cheetah Girls, rehearsing their foxtrot every chance they got, but he knew this time he had to draw the line.

"What part are we working on now?" Sabrina yawned, standing in front of him.

"Nothing right now Bri," Mark said softly, pulling her down to join him on the small couch he was sitting on, "Just relax for a while." He didn't have to say anymore before she lay down beside him, her head in his lap. Her hand reached across her body and Mark laced his fingers with hers, resting their hands on her stomach.

"I'm so tired." She yawned again. Her eyes closed slowly and then opened again reluctantly.

"So close your eyes for a few minutes. I'll tell you when they need you." Mark brushed the hair from her forehead watching her eyes slowly close.

"Alright. Five minutes." It was a matter of seconds before her breathing became slow and rhythmic. Mark sat contently watching her sleep. He had known this week would be tough for her and he was determined to make their dance as good as it could be, but he recognized that in order for that to happen she had to be allowed time to rest.

"Sabrina, they're rea.." Kiely's loud call was cut off by the sharp movement of Mark's free hand to his lips.

"Sorry." Kiely said in a barely audible whisper, her shoulders slightly hunched..

"Is there any way she can sleep for a little while?" Mark whispered back, looking at Kiely pleadingly.

"Is she ok?" Kiely asked, looking at Sabrina worriedly.

"She's exhausted. I don't think she's sat down all day."

"I'll see if we can shoot our individuals so she can rest for a while."

"Thanks." Mark smiled. Just ask Kiely turned to leave the director came around the corner looking for the girls.

"Is there any way we could do the individual shots next?" Kiely asked sweetly, "Sabrina needs some sleep."

"Ummm, sure. Give me a few minutes to let everyone know." The director turned and left, shouting out orders to the camera crew.

"If I move her to your guys’ dressing room will you and Adrienne stay out for a bit?" Mark asked before she left.

"Sure. I'll make sure Adrienne knows."

"Thanks." Mark said again as he gently lifted Sabrina's head and stood up. Carefully picking her up, he headed to the dressing room and laid her down on the couch. He knew he had made the right decision in letting her sleep because she didn't wake up when he put her down like usual. He sat down with her feet in his lap and rested his head the back of the couch, closing his eyes.

As he sat in silence he thought of the things that had been coming up in his conversations with Sabrina. He didn't know why, but he kept running her small questions with apparently simple answers through his head; things like "Do you think you'll do the tour?" or "What's your family like?". He thought carefully about the questions this time and realized that he hadn't picked up on their importance when she had asked them. She wasn't wondering if he'd do the tour, she was wondering if he wanted to spend more time with her after the competition was over and she didn't just want to know the personalities of each member of his family, she wanted to know if she would get along with them.

As he thought about it everything made sense. He knew her heart had been broken in the past and he realized that this was her way of carefully testing the ground to make sure it didn't happen again.

Mark opened his eyes and lifted his head from the back of the couch. He looked at Sabrina who was still sound asleep beside him. His realization made his heart yearn to tell her exactly how he felt, to let her know that he had no intention of ever leaving her. Although his first instinct was to wake her up and tell her, he knew now was not the time. He decided that instead, he would listen closer to the questions behind her questions and answer in a way that let her know exactly how he felt.

As Mark sat looking at her, Sabrina finally opened her eyes.

"Why are we in here?" She asked, rubbing her eyes and sitting up slowly. She looked at the clock and stood up quickly seeing that an hour had passed. "Mark!?" She exclaimed, "I was supposed to be back on set over an hour ago!"

"Calm down." Mark stood up and wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her back soothingly. "They started the individual shots so you could rest for a while." Sabrina relaxed at his words and returned his hug.

“You asked them to do that, didn’t you?” She smiled up at him, knowing the answer but asking anyway.

“You would’ve fallen asleep standing up,” Mark pointed out, “and I’d like to have you awake when we perform on Monday so you have to get some rest.”

“Thank you.” Sabrina whispered, smiling sweetly at him and reaching up for a kiss. Mark moved his lips gently against hers, taking her bottom lip between his and sucking lightly.

“Mark…” Sabrina broke the kiss before they forgot where they were, “I have to get back out there.” She whispered in his ear as he hugged her close.

“I know, but can’t I keep you for just a little bit longer?” He kissed her ear, her jaw, her cheek and finally her lips and she sighed.

“Will you still be here when we finish?” She asked, and he took a moment before answering.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He whispered, his forehead resting against hers. She kissed him one more time and then pulled herself away and went back onto the set.

“That’s a wrap.” The director called. It was 2:00 in the morning and filming for the music video had just ended. Mark stood up from his chair and walked over to Sabrina who was talking to Kiely and Adrienne. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.

“You ready to go rehearse?” She asked, pressing her cheek against his as he rocked slowly back and forth. Kiely and Adrienne took this as their cue to leave and headed for their dressing room.

“We’re not going to rehearse.” He replied and she turned in his arms, a puzzled look on her face. “Believe it or not you do need sleep to be able to function.” This comment got a tiny laugh from Sabrina and she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes.

“I’m soooo tired.” She finally admitted with a sigh.

Mark kissed the top of her head. “I know baby. Let’s go back to your place and get some sleep.” He didn’t have to say anymore to get Sabrina to take his hand and follow him to her dressing room. She gathered her things sleepily and then led him out to her car.

“I’m driving.” He said as she dropped her things into the back seat.

“I’m perfectly fine to drive Mark. It’s not that far.” She argued.

“I’d like to get there alive and you’re about to fall asleep.” He didn’t have to say anymore for her to hand over the keys and get in the passenger seat.

As he pulled out of the parking lot Sabrina took his hand in hers and rested them in her lap. It didn’t take long before she turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. Mark smiled and brushed his thumb gently up and down the side of her hand. She didn’t stir until he turned her car off in front of her apartment building. She sat up, her eyes heavy with sleep and yawned.

“I’ve got your stuff.” Mark pulled her bags from the back seat and locked the car. He wrapped his arms around her waist as they entered the building and opted to take the elevator to the third floor.

“Just set that stuff down on the floor and let’s go to bed.” Sabrina ordered as she pulled him towards the bedroom. She managed to get into her pajamas before crawling under the covers while Mark took of his shirt and pants, leaving only his boxers on. When he crawled into bed Sabrina already had her half of the blanket wrapped around her like a cocoon. He curled up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, placing a soft kiss on her temple.

“Good night, Marky.” She sighed.

“Good night, baby.” He kissed her neck this time and then closed his eyes.

Mark pushed the door to his apartment open and let Sabrina go in before him. She turned on the kitchen light and started boiling some water in the tea kettle while Mark went to his room and came out with a big fuzzy blanket. He then went into the kitchen and took over the tea while Sabrina plugged her iPod into his stereo system and set a relaxing playlist to play quietly. She’d just turned around when Mark stepped out of the kitchen with two cups of tea in hand. He set them down on the coffee table and then sat down on the couch. Sabrina was quick to sit down next to him with her legs over his and covered them both with the blanket. Mark wrapped one arm around her then reached for his cup, took a sip, and replaced it on the table. Sabrina did the same and then relaxed against his chest.

“Are you disappointed?” She asked, not looking up at him.

Mark took a moment to think before answering her and found the question hidden within the question. Yes he was disappointed that the judge’s reactions to their foxtrot weren’t better, but that wasn’t what she was asking. Even though their dance wasn’t perfect he was in no way disappointed in her. They had worked so hard throughout the week but it just wasn’t their night.

“Not at all.” Mark finally smiled down at her and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead. “I’m so proud of you, Bri.” He continued, “There is not one other star on this show that could’ve worked through your week and pulled off a dance like you. You were amazing, baby.”

Sabrina smiled up at him softly and then rested her cheek against his chest. They sat quietly for a moment before the song on the stereo changed.

“I love this song.” Sabrina sighed as the sound of a guitar filled the room. Mark grabbed the remote and turned the volume up a bit.

“I don’t think I know it.” He admitted.

“It’s Kris Allen’s version of Falling Slowly.” She told him. They sat quietly through the first lines of the first verse before Mark stood up and took Sabrina’s hand, pulling her off the couch. He took one of her hands in his and wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her close. He rested their hands between them and began swaying back and forth slowly letting nothing but the music guide them.

“You’re amazing, Bri.” Mark told her again, hoping that she realized that he wasn’t just talking about her dancing. Sabrina lifted her head from his chest and touched his lips with hers in a soft kiss.

“Ready for bed?” Mark asked when her head returned to his shoulder.

“Yes please.” Sabrina smiled.

“You almost ready to head to the set?” Mark asked Sabrina who was in his bathroom brushing her teeth and she nodded. It was only 11:30 but they always went to the set early to chill out in her trailer before the craziness of hair, make up, and dressing started.

“Ready.” She smiled a minute later and they headed for the door.

“Are you worried about tonight?” Sabrina asked as they drove.

“Yeah, I’m not gonna lie.” Mark admitted, “But I’m nervous every week, even if we get a perfect score.” He winked at her.

“I’m scared.” Sabrina whispered, sounding embarrassed.

“It’s ok to be scared, Sabrina.” Mark comforted, taking her hand in his. They rode in silence the rest of the way enjoying the silence before they were surrounded by crowds of people.

Mark parked his car and he and Sabrina walked hand in hand to her trailer. They spent the rest of the morning in Sabrina’s trailer listening to music and talking quietly. At 1:00 Sabrina was called to get her hair done and that’s when her nerves started really started to escalate.

“Will you come find me after you’re dressed?” She asked Mark before then went to separate rooms to get ready.

“Of course. Give me 20 minutes.” He replied. As soon as Sabrina was out of site Mark picked up his phone and dialed his mom’s number.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Hi mom, could you do me a favor?”

Exactly 23 minutes later Mark pushed the hair and make up room door open and saw Sabrina sitting on the other side with a woman busily working on her makeup. He walked over to her and sat down in the chair beside her, covering her hand with his. Her eyes were closed as the make up artist put on her eye shadow, but when she felt his hand over hers she took a deep, relaxing breath and then turned her hand to hold his. They sat in silence while the make up artist worked, only making eye contact through the mirror.

“Michelle will be over to do your hair in a few minutes.” The lady told her when her make up was done.

“Ok.” Sabrina answered and then turned her head to look at Mark.

“You look beautiful.” Mark leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“I don’t even have makeup on, Mark.” Sabrina protested.

“Yeah, so?” He smiled before kissing her lips this time, causing a smile to finally cross her face.

“I got you something.” He leaned down and lifted a small vase with a bouquet of purplish pink gladiolus and white calla lilies from the floor.

“Mark, they’re beautiful.” Sabrina took the vase from him and smelled the flowers.

“The Gladiolus symbolizes preparedness, because we were as ready as we could’ve been for that dance; strength, because I know no matter what happens tonight you’ll be able to get through it; and love at first sight.” He winked at her, she smiled, and he continued, “The calla lilies symbolize magnificent beauty, because of all the women that will be in that ballroom tonight, you’ll be the one I can’t take my eyes off of.” Sabrina leaned over her chair and kissed him again, deeper than the first one.

“Thank you, Marky.” She finally whispered

“I hate to interrupt,” A woman who Mark assumed to be Michelle approached them, “but we need to get a start on your hair.”

“No problem.” Mark told her, “I’m going to go get dressed and I’ll meet you back in your trailer.” Sabrina nodded and he leaned down to kiss her one more time before leaving.

As the camera cut to a commercial Sabrina turned around in Marks arm and buried her face in the crook of his neck and let a few tears fall. Mark held her close, kissing the top of her head.

She pulled away after a couple minutes and looked him in the eye.

“There’s just one thing about what you said earlier that I have a problem with.”

“When?” Mark looked confused.

“The only way I’ll have the strength to get through whatever happens tonight is if you’re there with me the whole time.” Her voice cracked as she said the words and fresh tears formed in her eyes, though she refused to let them fall.

“I’m not going anywhere. Promise.” Mark wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her cheek before pressing her body impossibly close to his.

“Everyone ready?” The director called and Sabrina turned around to face the crowd again as the red light came back on.

“I’m so ready for bed.” Sabrina sighed as she unlocked her apartment.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep.” Mark admitted, setting their bags on the floor as he walked through the door.

“What are these?” Sabrina walked over to her kitchen table and picked up the note that was lying in front of a vase of blue Forget-Me-Not’s. “It’s from your mom.”

Mark took a step towards Sabrina so he could see the note over Sabrina’s shoulder.

My Darlings,

Things didn’t turn out the way you hoped tonight, but I want you to focus on the good that’s come of the whole experience, not the fact that it’s over.

When you started the show neither of you knew what to expect. I don’t think you realized how fast you would become friends, how well you would work together, or how easily you would fall in love. I got you Forget-Me-Not’s to remind you of all that. They symbolize true love, which I believe you two have found together, and memories that I know you will cherish all your life.

I know you are both there for each other and you will get through this together, so don’t focus on the bad. Enjoy the next few days, as busy as they will be, and don’t forget that we will all be here for you when you come back home.

I love you both! Good luck in New York!

Mom

“You’re mom is the best.” Sabrina smiled back at Mark.

“She really is.” He returned the smile. “Ready to crawl into bed?”

“Yeah. Will you play guitar for me for a little while?” Sabrina asked.

“Of course.” Mark answered. They went into Sabrina’s bedroom and got ready for bed before Mark took his guitar out of the case. Sabrina curled up under the covers while Mark carefully tuned and then started playing chords. She loved listening to him play songs, but she also loved listening to him play with chords for new songs. She snuggled even deeper under the covers as Mark continued to play until the first few notes of her favorite song filled the room.

“You learned this?!” She sat up quickly and stared at Mark who smiled widely at her as he nodded.

“You said you love this song.” He answered. Sabrina lay back down and closed her eyes as music washed over her. When it came to an end she sat up again and crawled to the end of the bed where Mark was sitting and wrapped her arms around him. He set his guitar down and pulled her into his lap.

“What’s going to happen when we’re done with press in New York?” She asked.

“We’ll come back home and I’ll teach you the tango and mambo.” He answered.

“Won’t you have to work your music or learning group dances for the show?”

“I may, but that’s nothing you can’t be around for and they can’t have all my time.” He smiled at her and kissed her temple. She sighed and relaxed against his chest.

“I love you.” She whispered.

“I love you too.” He answered.

Traveling Teddies

2009-09-10T23:40:15Z

This summer Alexa (Alexa1401) came to Canada all the way from Germany to visit me! We had such a good time together and one of the funnest things we did was go on a road trip to the mountains with my mom and one sister. Our first stop was Edmonton, Alberta where we stayed with my uncle and aunt for 2 days. While we were there we went to West Edmonton Mall, which at one time was the biggest mall in the world, but I'm not sure if it is anymore, but it's up there! Alexa and I decided that we needed to get something for Kristan, Jaqui and Sophie since they couldn't come on the trip with us. I came up with the idea to build each of us an identical bear at a Build-A-Bear shop and Alexa loved it. So we built 5 identical bears with a cheetah print outfit, cheetah print shoes, and a pink microphone. They sat in their boxes for the first few hours of driving when we left Edmonton, but I soon got bored and took them all out, lined them up in the back seat, and took a picture. When my mom saw what I was doing she suggested that we take pictures of the bears everywhere we went so that we could send the girls pictures with them. It would be like we all traveled together! They each have their bear now, along with a mini scrapbook with all of these same pictures in it (I'll try to post those at some point too).

The first picture I took. On our way from Edmonton to Jasper. The order the bears are in (in this and every other picture) is Kristan, Me, Alexa, Sophie, and Jaqui.

Mount Robson (this was just a quick stop)

Bed time in Jasper

Morning in Jasper...I believe it was 7 or 7:30 in the morning

Jasper the Bear. The city of Jasper's "mascot"

Columbia Ice Fields. We didn't actually go onto the glacier because we had to get to Banff.

Lake Louise

Sleepy Time in Banff

We needed a different morning picture...hahaha

We didn't take them up the Tramway in Jasper, but they got to go up the mountain in the Banff Gondola's

At the top of the mountain. While we were taking this picture some random guy got out his camera thinking the bears were permanently there. He put his camera away and walked away pretty quickly when he realized they were ours, hahaha.

A sign saying "Don't feed the bears" would've been funnier, but this sufficed!

Bed time in Airdrie

This morning wasn't that early, but we still didn't want to get up!

Alberta Badlands (Just outside of Drumheller). A random lady took a picture of our bears here...hahaha

Drumheller (A place where dinosaur bones have been found)

Bed time in Drumheller

Ready to go home!

Chapter 21- Change

2009-08-19T16:10:52Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Change
Part: 21/?
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Jaslynn decides she’s just taking ballroom this year

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: In this chapter Jaslynn is almost 12, Madelyn is 7 ½ , and Bryan is 3. These last few chapters might start taking bigger leaps in time, but I’ll try not to hurry through them. Comments are awesome! Hope you enjoy it!

“Jaslynn?” Mark called up the stairs, “Are you almost ready to go?”

“Yeah, I just need to find my shoes.” She answered.

“What’s she looking for?” Sabrina asked Mark.

“Her dance shoes.”

“Oh, I think she left them in our room after I helped her clean them.” Sabrina went up the stairs to help her look for them.

“Daddy, Bryan’s up.” It was Madelyn’s voice as she slowly came down the stairs holding Bryan’s hand. His cheeks were rosy red and his eyes still half closed.

“Did you have a nice nap buddy?” Mark asked, picking him up before he could reach the bottom step. Bryan didn’t answer; instead he rested his head on Marks shoulder.

“He was lying in his bed calling mom.” Madelyn told Mark, “When I asked if he wanted to get up he said yes.”

“Thank you angel.” Mark ran his free hand down the back of her head, through her light brown curls. “Do you have all your stuff ready for dance?”

“Yeah, it’s all in my bag.” She told him.

“Then go put your shoes on and wait outside. We’ll be out in a minute.” Madelyn nodded and went to the door to get ready as Sabrina and Jaslynn came down the stairs.

“Find your shoes?” Mark asked.

“Yeah, I left them in your room last night.” Jaslynn told him and went to go get her shoes on.

“Hey buddy.” Sabrina said quietly, rubbing Bryan’s back and leaning around Mark to see his face. He smiled and stretched his arms out to her. “You ready to go?” She asked Mark.

“Yep.” He answered, and they headed for the door.

When they arrived at the dance studio both of the girls were excited.

“I get to start learning hip hop this year mom!” Madelyn told her excitedly.

“And I get to help teach one of the younger classes!” Jaslynn added.

“You’re going to have lots of fun.” Sabrina smiled.

They walked into the dance studio and saw a bunch of other kids and their parents wandering around. Jaslynn smiled at a little girl wearing a tutu who looked kind of shy. She guessed that it was probably her first year and remembered how scared she was on her first day. The girls followed Sabrina to the front desk to find out which rooms they needed to be in while Mark sat down with Bryan.

“Jaslynn and Madelyn Ballas.” Sabrina told the woman behind the desk. She looked at her computer screen and found the names.

“Jaslynn will be in studio four and Madelyn in studio three.” She told them.

“Thank you.” Sabrina smiled. “I’ll take Maddie if you want to take Jaslynn.” She said to Mark.

“Ok, Bryan can come with us.” Mark stood up and followed Jaslynn down the hallway to the left while Sabrina took Madelyn to the right.

Jaslynn opened the big wooden door to her studio and walked in to find most of her friends already there.

“Jaslynn!” Her friend Payton called as she ran over to greet her. The girls hugged and started talking happily. It wasn’t long before they were interrupted by their teacher, Mrs. Klein.

“Jaslynn!” She greeted her, “How was your summer?”

“It was good.” Jaslynn replied.

“I hear you want to help teach one of the younger classes, is that right?”

“I’d love to!”

“Would you like to help teach the eight to nine age group ballroom?” Mrs. Klein asked her.

“That would be great!” Jaslynn’s eyes were wide with excitement. Ballroom had always been her favourite dance style, although she’d always taken something else along with it every year since she was 9.

“Ok, I was also wondering if you’d like to just focus on ballroom this year. I know we talked about it a bit at the end of last year.”

“I actually thought about that a bit over summer and I think I will, but can I let you know for sure next week?”

“Of course.” Mrs. Klein smiled, and left the girls to get back to their conversation.

“Have you thought about the dance thing anymore?” Mark asked Jaslynn after supper that night. She was helping him clear the table and hadn’t said much at supper.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to do it. I kind of feel bad because I love hip hop and Latin too, but ballroom is still my favourite.”

“I think that’s a good decision, and not just because I’m a ballroom dancer.” Mark winked at her and Jaslynn giggled. “I love other styles of dance as well, but sometimes if you try to focus on more than one you can’t reach your best in either. If you just take ballroom this year that doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the others, you’re just not doing them in class. And if you don’t like doing only ballroom you can always get back into the other ones next year.”

Jaslynn smiled and nodded at Mark. “Payton already decided that she’s going to take only Jazz this year so we won’t be in the same classes anyway.”

“Oh has she? Good for her.” Mark washed the last dish and drained the sink.

“Yeah.” Jaslynn agreed, hanging up the dish towel.

“And you know,” Mark smiled at her, “if you just take ballroom you get a permanent partner.”

“Daddy!” Jaslynn’s cheeks turned bright red and she walked into the living room.

“Hello?” Sabrina answered the phone. Mark had taken the kids to the park a while ago and so she was at home alone, reading her book.

“Hi Sabrina” It was Cheryl’s voice on the other end.

“Oh hi Cheryl! How are you?”

“I’m great! I just found out something exciting!”

“What?!”

“I’m expecting another baby!”

“Are you serious!? Congratulations!” Sabrina exclaimed.

“Thank you.” Cheryl answered; Sabrina could hear the huge smile in her voice. “It wasn’t exactly planned, but we’re really excited. Maybe we’ll get our little girl. Fourth times a charm, right?”

“You never know.” Sabrina laughed lightly, “I’m so happy for you guys! When are you due?”

“March 14. Exactly six months!”

“That’s so exciting!” Sabrina had poured herself another cup of coffee and was repositioning herself on the couch.

“I found out another secret as well.”

“What’s that?” Sabrina asked, intrigued.

“Well it’s not really a secret, but the kids don’t know yet.”

“Ok…”

“Haven’t you been curious about who Jaslynn’s dance partner is going to be?” Cheryl knew just how to tease Sabrina: No straight out answers.

“Well a little. She just told Mrs. Klein yesterday that she’s only taking ballroom this year so we didn’t think it had been decided yet.” There was a tiny crease between Sabrina’s eyebrows as she tried to figure out where Cheryl was headed with this.

“Well apparently her partners been decided since the idea of “just ballroom” came up last year. Mrs. Klein didn’t tell you?”

“Obviously not, Cheryl! Who is it?”

“Carson! I thought you’d have figured it out by now.” Cheryl chuckled.

“Is it really? Well that does seem kind of obvious but it hadn’t even crossed my mind.”

“Yeah, I just found out today. Carson’s been most nervous about that part of this whole thing so I told him I’d find out to give him some advanced notice. I haven’t told him yet because Curt took the kids out for ice cream after the doctors appointment.”

“Mark is at the park with our kids right now, but I’ll tell Jaslynn when they get home.”

“Ok. Oh, they’re all back so I better go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, for sure. Bye.”

“Bye.” There was a click on the other end and Sabrina hung up the phone. She tried to go back to reading her book but she was too excited to tell her family all the exciting news, so she decided to take her coffee out onto the deck and wait for them to get home.

She hadn’t been sitting on the front steps long before Mark and the kids turned the corner. Jaslynn was pulling Bryan in his plastic red wagon while Madelyn skipped happily holding Mark’s hand. It took her family a few seconds to realize that she was sitting on the steps waiting for them, but when they did they all waved. Bryan managed to get out of the wagon and ran down the sidewalk and gave his mom a hug.

“Did you have fun at the park buddy?” Sabrina lifted him onto her lap and kissed the top of his head.

“Yeah, Jazzy and Maddie took me on the slide, and daddy gave me a under duck and, and he pushed us on the merry-go-round!” Bryan smiled widely at Sabrina and she couldn’t help but return it.

“Bryan loves the slide mom.” Jaslynn said as the other three came up to the house.

“He said you and Maddie went down it with him.” Jaslynn sat down beside her mom and Sabrina wrapped her arm around her.

“Yeah, he was scared at first so I went down with him and then Maddie did and he loved it!” She explained.

“That’s good.” Sabrina smiled.

“How was your afternoon?” Mark sat down on Sabrina’s other side with Maddie beside him.

“It was good. I got a phone call from Auntie Cheryl and guess what.”

“What?” Jaslynn and Maddie asked.

“She’s going to have another baby!”

“Really?” Jaslynn asked excitedly.

“I thought three was all they wanted.” Mark stated.

“Well this one wasn’t planned, but she said they’re really excited.”

“I hope it’s a girl.” Jaslynn said.

“Yeah, me too.” Madelyn agreed.

“Why don’t you two take Bryan and go wash your hands while daddy and I get stuff ready for a weiner roast.” Sabrina said to the girls.

“Ok!” They both agreed excitedly. They stood up and each took Bryan by the hand to take him upstairs.

Mark followed Sabrina into the kitchen and started to unwrap hotdogs and put them in a container to take outside.

“Cheryl told me something else.” Sabrina smiled at Mark as she stirred a pitcher of juice.

“What’s that?” Mark asked, not looking up from what he was doing.

“I know who Jaslynn’s dance partner is going to be.” She giggled when Mark looked up at her, a serious and somewhat concerned look on his face.

“Who?” He asked.

“It’s Carson.” Sabrina couldn’t hold in the laugh when she saw relief wash over his face.

“What?” He asked.

“Were you really that worried about it?”

“Well you never know. I don’t like some of those kids she takes dance with.”

“Like?” Sabrina raised an eyebrow at him.

“Well there’s that one kid who comes to class with his hair gelled and spiked just so. There’s the boy who I don’t think has had a hair cut since he was born and the one boys mom comes and sits at every practice and tells him what he’s doing wrong.”

“Do you realize you just described yourself at a few different stages of your life?” Sabrina smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Well I don’t know what kinds of fathers were letting their daughters dance with me.” Mark smiled at her. “What did your dad say when you told him who you were going to be dancing with on Dancing With The Stars?”

Sabrina was quiet for a minute. They’d never talked about this before, but she remembered her dad’s reaction perfectly.

“I found out who my partner is going to be!” Sabrina told her family soon after arriving at her parent’s house for supper.

“Did you?” Her mom was a huge Dancing With the Stars fan and had many favourite male pros. “Is it Maks? Johnathan? Do you get to dance with Tony?”

Sabrina laughed at her mom’s excitement then pulled the picture out of her purse. “It’s one of the new pros. His name is Mark Ballas.” She handed the picture to her mom who commented on his good looks and probable dancing skills, but Sabrina watched her dad’s reaction. He was perched on the arm of the chair looking over her moms shoulder at the picture, his face void of emotion.

“He’s handsome, isn’t he Fred?” Kathy looked up at him and he forced a small smile.

“He is. A heartbreaker I’d say.” And with that he got up and went to the kitchen to finish supper.

After that nothing else was said specifically about her partner, just the show in general. Fred warmed up to the idea and seemed to be getting a little excited about seeing his daughter dance. She didn’t bring it up, but Sabrina could still see the worry deep in his eyes and vowed to prove him wrong. Just because her dance partner was young, attractive, and presumably talented didn’t mean that they would fall for each other and end up breaking the other’s heart…

“He saw it all coming…” Sabrina answered quietly. Her face sobered and she looked away from Mark as she realized just how much a father can know. “Do you think having a permanent partner is a good thing for Jaslynn right now?”

Mark laughed; he hadn’t meant to worry Sabrina and now he had to reassure her.

“She’ll be fine. Carson is a good kid and if anything starts to happen between them I know where he lives.” Mark joked and Sabrina slapped his shoulder gently then leaned in for a kiss.

“They’ve known each other all of their lives.” Sabrina sounded as though she was trying to convince Mark, but he knew she was trying to convince herself more than anyone. “They’re just friends.”

As she said this the kids came down the stairs.

“Can I take something outside?” Jaslynn asked and Mark handed her a stack of paper plates.

When all of the kids had their hotdogs and were sitting in their lawn chairs, Sabrina moved hers to sit beside Jaslynn.

“Do you want to know who your dance partner is going to be?” Sabrina asked her.

“It’s Carson.” She said, taking a bite of her hotdog and Sabrina looked at her, shocked.

“How did you know?”

“Mrs. Klein asked me if I wanted to focus on ballroom at the end of last year and I had asked who my partner would be. She told me it would likely be Carson since we’re friends and he was thinking about doing the same thing.”

“Oh, you didn’t tell me that.”

“I didn’t think you’d care.” Jaslynn finished her hotdog and grabbed the bag of marshmellows.

“Of course I care.” Sabrina told her, “Do you realize how much time you’re going to be spending with him? To rehearse and get ready for competitions?”

“Yeah, I know mom. That’s why it’s a good thing we’re already friends. What if I’d been stuck with one of the other boys in my class? Like the one with way too much gel in his hair or the one who’s mom is at every practice yelling at him. I don’t think I’d be able to handle it.”

Sabrina couldn’t help but laugh at her daughters comments. She was even more like Mark than she had really realized and it made her smile.

Chapter 20- Love

2009-07-23T05:35:03Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Love
Part: 20/?
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: The newest Ballas family member comes home.

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: I think this is one of my favourite chapters so far, but I can’t say for sure. Krissieli gets the credit for the baby’s gender (Keeping it a secret until you read), because I almost changed it but she convinced me to keep it and I’m glad I did. This one’s dedicated to her because she loves the baby chapters so much! Comments are welcomed and appreciated!

“Daddy!” Jaslynn ran to Mark as soon as he walked in the door and Madelyn was close behind her. Mark wrapped his arms around both girls and gave them each a kiss.

“Can we go see the baby?” Jaslynn asked before Mark could even say a word and he laughed.

“She woke us up at six this morning asking if mommy had had the baby.” Kathy chuckled and Mark laughed again.

“We knew she would be.” Mark stood up to give her a hug.

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks. We’ll go see him in a little bit. Mommy wants me to get some things from home first.” Mark told the girls.

“Where is mommy?” Madelyn looked a little confused.

“She’s in the hospital with the baby.” Jaslynn explained to her, “We get to go visit her there.”

“Ohhh.” Madelyn said.

“Come girls.” Fred called from down the hallway, “Lets get your bags.” Jaslynn took Madelyn’s hand and followed him down the hall.

“How are they?” Kathy asked Mark eagerly.

“They’re wonderful.” Mark smiled proudly. “Sabrina’s tired, but she’s excited to see the girls. I told her to try and get some sleep while I pick them up so that she’d be awake when they get there.”

“Awww, well I hope she does.” Kathy smiled.

“Ok, can we go now daddy?” Jaslynn asked, dragging her suitcase across the floor behind her. Fred was following her, holding Madelyn’s hand and carrying another suitcase.

“If you have all of your stuff.”

“I have it all and I made sure Maddie has everything too.”

“Alright, then say goodbye to grandma and grandpa.”

The girls took turns hugging and kissing Fred and Kathy and then started carrying their bags to the van.

“Tell Sabrina we’ll come after lunch to see her.” Kathy smiled as Mark gave her a hug.

“I will.” Mark agreed, now hugging Fred. “We’ll see you later.”

“Look who I found on the side of the road.” Mark teased as he walked into Sabrina’s hospital room with the girls holding his hands.

“Daddy.” Jaslynn giggled

“Hi girls!” Sabrina sat up in her bed and the girls crawled up beside her, each giving her a hug and a kiss.

“Ok, so I didn’t find them on the side of the road.” Mark admitted, leaning over the girls to give her a short kiss.

“Do you want to meet your baby brother?” Sabrina asked.

“Yeah!” Both girls answered and she laughed.

“He’s in the nursery so you’ll have to ask daddy if he’ll go get him.”

“Will you go get the baby?” Madelyn asked before Jaslynn had a chance.

“I don’t know,” Mark teased again, “You don’t really want to see him, do you?”

“Yes we do.” Jaslynn giggled.

“Oh alright. I’ll be right back then.”

“Did you girls have fun at grandma and grandpa’s?” Sabrina asked as Mark left the room.

“We got to bake cookies with grandma.” Madelyn told her.

“And grandpa set up a little golf course and taught me how to play.” Jaslynn explained.

“Wow, sounds like you guys had fun.” Sabrina smiled. Just then the door opened and Mark came in pushing a little basinet with a sleeping baby wrapped in blue lying inside it.

“Come sit in this chair Jaslynn.” Mark instructed her and she did as she was told. Mark set the sleeping baby in her arms and then sat on the edge of the bed watching her.

“Baby Bryan.” Jaslynn’s words were filled with adoration as she gently stroked the baby’s soft cheek. “He’s so cute.”

“I think he loves you.” Sabrina smiled, “He’s so comfortable he didn’t even bother to wake up.”

Jaslynn smiled down at the baby again and gently brushed her hand across his soft hair.

“Can I hold him?” Madelyn asked, stepping closer to her sister and looking at Bryan.

“Of course angel.” Mark answered and he took the baby from Jaslynn who moved from the chair to let Madelyn sit down. Mark carefully set the baby in her arms and then knelt on the ground in front of her.

“What do you think?” He asked her.

“He’s little.” She answered, still looking at him.

“You were that little too.” Jaslynn told her, sitting down on the small table beside the window. As they sat quietly admiring their brother he slowly opened his eyes.

“He’s looking at me.” Madelyn looked up at Mark, smiling widely.

“He loves you too.” Sabrina told her. Jaslynn leaned in a gently kissed his forehead and then Madelyn copied her.

“I love him too.” Madelyn said.

“Me too.” Jaslynn agreed, and Mark and Sabrina smiled at each other.

“Is he crying again?” Sabrina mumbled her face half buried in her pillow.

“I’ll get him baby, you sleep.” Mark leaned over and kissed her cheek before getting up to get Bryan from his bed.

“What’s wrong buddy?” Mark walked over to his crib and looked down and Bryan who’s crying was now softer. “Should we change your diaper?”

Mark changed his diaper, but when Bryan continued to cry he decided to bring him back to bed with him so that Sabrina could try feeding him.

“Bri, I think he might be hungry again.” Mark whispered.

“Oh.” Sabrina sat up, rubbed her eyes, and then took the baby from Mark. “Would you pass me the nursing pillow please?” She asked, shifting her position again.

“Hey buddy.” Sabrina cooed as she tried to get him to nurse, “You’re having a tough night baby.” Sabrina sat with him for about ten minutes but he didn’t seem to be hungry.

“I don’t think he’s hungry.” She finally said, moving him up to her shoulder and patting his back. Bryan continued to fuss as Sabrina tried burping him and bouncing him. Mark had taken him and was walking around the bedroom rocking him when their bedroom door creaked open.

“What are you doing up sweetie?” Sabrina asked as Jaslynn walked into their room.

“I heard Bryan crying.” Jaslynn answered. She walked into their room and climbed up on the bed. Mark sat down beside Sabrina and Jaslynn moved to sit across from him.

“It’s ok Bryan.” She said, rubbing his back soothingly. “Can I hold him daddy?”

“Of course.” Mark laid the baby in her arms and she started to sway back and forth, not at all fazed by his crying. She sat with him for a little bit before Madelyn appeared at the door.

“You’re up too?” Sabrina asked, opening her arms so that Madelyn came to her. Sabrina lifted her onto her lap and she looked at Bryan carefully.

“What’s wrong?” She finally asked.

“He’s having trouble sleeping.” Sabrina explained to her.

“Daddy should sing.” She stated, looking over at Mark.

“Yeah, you should sing him to sleep daddy.” Jaslynn agreed. “Can you get your guitar?” Mark nodded and stood up to get his guitar from the corner then sat back down on the bed and played some soft chords; it was the song that he’d started humming a few months ago.

Jaslynn continued to sway back and forth with Bryan in her arms and hummed along gently with the guitar. Madelyn moved closer to her sister and put her finger in her brother’s hand so he could hold it. Sabrina smiled and rested her head against the back of the bed, closing her eyes to listen to the gentle music.

It wasn’t long before Bryan’s crying stopped. Mark stopped playing and looked over to find Sabrina fast asleep.

“Time to go back to bed.” He whispered to the girls, taking Bryan from Jaslynn. They both got up carefully and left the bed room, going to their own rooms.

“I’ll come tuck you both in when I put Bryan in his crib.” He told the girls. He carried Bryan into his room and kissed his soft cheek before laying him in his crib. He then went into Madelyn’s room and pulled her blankets up to her chin.

“Good night angel. Love you.” He said, kissing her forehead.

“Love you too daddy.” She said, rolling over and going to sleep.

Finally he moved into Jaslynn’s room and tucked the blankets tight around her little body, just the way she liked it.

“Good night princess. Love you.” He kissed her forehead and stood up to leave.

“Love you too daddy. Thank you for playing your guitar.”

“You’re welcome. Sweet dreams.” Mark closed her door part way and then returned to bed.

Mark crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around Sabrina. “I love you.” He said soft enough to not wake her up, and then he went to sleep.

Almost Lover

2009-07-22T19:47:58Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Almost Lover
Part: 1/1
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: “I can’t do this anymore.”
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)

Warnings: This is SAD. It’s the first one I’ve written without a happy ending and it was hard. Mark is kind of the “bad guy” in this, but just for the record, I’m still a big Mark fan (At least of his music and dancing). I hope you all enjoy! Comments are welcome and appreciated as always.

Your fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind
Images
You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick

I stood there staring after him as he walked away. Just like that.

“I can’t do this anymore.” Was all he’d said to me. I can’t do this. What did he mean? I can’t be your friend anymore?...I can’t be with you anymore?...I can’t love you anymore?

My head was spinning. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. The man I’d been in love with for the past several months had just walked away, walked out of my life, and left me to wonder why.

All I could hear was the ocean pounding against the beach and the wind screaming through the trees. They had been peaceful sounds a minute ago and now they were just noise that seemed to be making all my thoughts fuzzy.

Images flashed through my mind faster than I could comprehend them.

Walking silently, hand in hand, down a busy street.

“I’ll miss you.” I said, our foreheads pressed together.

His strong arms wrapped around me, lying in bed.

Cuddled on the couch, laughing hysterically.

“I love you.” He said as we stood in the middle of a dance studio.

His soft lips were moving gently against mine.

I snapped back to reality and saw the people all around me, oblivious to what was now my reality. I was alone. Completely alone, and I had no idea why.

I couldn’t take it anymore. The floodgates opened and tears started streaming down my face at an uncontrollable rate. I ran for my car, trying to dodge people. My vision was blurred from both the tears and the pain. It was as if my body was shutting down, trying to block out all the hurt before it hit. I felt like it does when you hit your funny bone; at first it doesn’t hurt, but you know the pain will come and that moment of waiting is agony.

It was all starting to sink in now, and I felt as though my heart was being ripped from my chest, its beat slowly fading. I fumbled with my keys for a minute before I finally managed to get the car door open. Getting in I put my hands on the steering wheel and rested my forehead against them. I let myself cry for a while and then tried to block him out of my thoughts so that I could drive, but the words kept repeating in my head.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

Well, I never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me

What had I done wrong? I couldn’t figure it out. He had to have a reason for leaving me, but I simply couldn’t see it. I was more in love with him than ever and I thought he felt the same, but 5 simple words and it was over.

[Chorus]
Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

I decided driving wasn’t a safe idea, as the tears were still streaming down my face and my entire body was now shaking. Grabbing my sweater and purse from the back seat I locked my car and started to walk. I didn’t know where I was going, but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.

The breeze on my face was warm, but I felt cold…empty. I wrapped my arms around myself and walked, keeping my tear filled eyes on the ground, watching it as though it was going to disappear from beneath me. Nothing in my life felt solid anymore, and I didn’t feel complete.

I’d had my heart broken before, but I didn’t know it was possible to feel as though it had been torn out completely.

“I can’t do this anymore.” Who knew that those five words could do this much damage to one being?

I tried to block him out of my mind again, attempting to ease some of the pain, but every time I thought I’d succeeded I’d see his face, hear his laugh, feel his hand in mine, and my chest would throb again, longing for what was missing to return.

We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me
Images
And when you left, you kissed my lips
You told me you would never, never forget
These images

How could this all go wrong? Everything had seemed perfect. It was like a fairytale. Falling in love with your dance partner, becoming even closer through disappointment, spending every minute of the following months together, separating and falling even deeper in love…or so I thought. My mind was racing again.

“Sabrina and Mark.” The crowd booing, interviews, his hands never leaving mine.

“My beautiful Sabrina.” My heart skipping a beat.

Dancing in the middle of my living room, thunder crashing, the power out.

“Stay with me.” His eyes tear filled, staring into mine

All the memories were burned into my memory, treasured possessions. How could he forget them all so easily? How could he walk away from it all?

My steps slowed as I realized that the path I was on led down to the beach which was even more crowded. I turned around and started walking back towards my car.

Well, I'd never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me

Suddenly all I wanted to do was lay in bed with the blankets wrapped tightly around me. I felt tired, but I knew sleep would not come easily. My racing mind was slowing, but there were so many unanswered questions left.

I prayed with everything I had that this was all dream, and that I would wake up soon to find him lying in bed beside me. I was clinging to anything that could bring him back, that could take away the hurt.

I finally reached my car and drove to the house I was renting.

I crawled into my bed with out even getting undressed and pulled the blankets up to my chin. I buried my face in the pillow and let myself cry again. I felt as though the tears would never stop. I’d gotten so used to having him with me almost every night, so lying in the king sized bed all alone made me feel even more empty and alone than I had before.

No matter how tightly I wrapped myself up I never felt anymore comforted. Everything was empty and cold. I wasn’t even aware of how much time was passing, but I finally got to the point where no more tears would fall.

Sitting up, I looked out the window and saw a butterfly clinging to the ledge outside, fighting the thundering wind and pounding rain. Feeling pity for the poor thing I walked over to the window and opened it slightly and gently pulled it in with my finger. I wasn’t sure if it would live, but at least it didn’t have to suffer in the cold anymore.

“If only someone would save me.” I said quietly, walking towards the bathroom.

I knew as soon as they found out my friends and family would be there for me, but I also knew they would only be able to mend a small part of my heart. The person who could put it back together was gone and I was pretty sure he wasn’t coming back.

I cannot go to the ocean
I cannot drive the streets at night
I cannot wake up in the morning
Without you on my mind
So you're gone and I'm haunted
And I bet you are just fine

In the bathroom I looked in the mirror and saw someone I’d only seen one other time in my entire life. It wasn’t my reflection in the mirror, or at least the reflection I was used to. The person I saw in the mirror was broken, hurt and suffering. Her eyes were red and puffy and dried of all of their tears. You couldn’t tell what it was, but just by looking at her you could see that something was missing. Something that made her whole and happy was gone.

I’d only ever seen my reflection like that once, in a hotel in India. I thought the night before that had been the worst in my life, that I’d felt as alone as I possibly could, but I’d just proven myself wrong.

In India I knew I’d see him again, I knew that I would go back home and he’d still be waiting for me. That was missing this time. It seemed that this hole was here for good.

Did I make it that
Easy to walk right in and out
Of my life?

After brushing my teeth and fixing my hair I went down to the living room and sat in a chair by the window, watching the rain create puddles on the street.

I couldn’t help but start to ask myself why again. Why couldn’t he do this anymore? Had I done something wrong? Where his memories not as wonderful as mine? Had I been living in a fantasy world and not seen what was really happening?

He hadn’t given me a real reason for leaving, and I blamed myself.

[Chorus]
Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should have known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

Daddy's Girl- Chapter 19

2009-07-14T04:40:30Z

SAuthor: Kikinini7
Title: Music
Part: 19/?
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Jaslynn helps paint the new baby’s room and then Mark plays his guitar for her.
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: Sorry, this took longer than I thought to get up. I started it right after I posted the last one but then I started a couple other one shots (that will eventually be posted) and kind of forgot about this one. Hope you all enjoy it! Comments are very much appreciated.

“Mark?” Sabrina called down the stairs. “Can you bring up that other roll of tape when you come up?”

“Got it.” Mark replied. He finished filling the paint tray, grabbed the tape, and headed upstairs. He set the stuff down on the plastic that was spread over the floor and grabbed a clean paintbrush.

“What are you doing daddy?” The tiny voice came from the door and he turned around to see Madelyn standing in the door frame, one of her stuffed horses in her hands.

“We’re painting the baby’s room.” He explained.

“Ohhh.” She walked further into the room and admired all the animals Mark had drawn on the walls.

“I’m hungry.” She announced, looking from the wall to Sabrina.

“Oh, I forgot to get a snack before, didn’t I? I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She said to Mark and then took Madelyn’s hand and led her downstairs.

Just as Mark started painting a bright red parrot Jaslynn came into the room.

“Can I help you daddy?”

“Well,” He looked around for something low and easy enough for her, “do you think you could paint the stripes on the tiger?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok, let’s go find some old clothes so that you don’t ruin your good ones.” He took her hand and led her back to her room. They found a t-shirt and pair of shorts and then she joined him in the baby’s room with a paint brush. They were silent as each one concentrated on what they were doing.

“Is the baby a boy or a girl?” Jaslynn finally asked, taking a break from painting.

“We don’t know. It’s going to be a surprise.” Mark explained, smiling at her.

“I hope it like animals.” Jaslynn turned back to the wall.

“It’ll love them because its big sister helped paint them.” Mark smiled.

“Alright, what do you want me to do?” Sabrina asked, returning to the room.

“Pick an animal.” Mark laughed. The three of them continued to paint while Madelyn sat on the floor eating her apple slices.

“Can I stop now?” Jaslynn asked having finished all the stripes on the tiger.

“Of course sweetie. Why don’t you go play in your bedroom with Maddie?” Sabrina suggested.

“Ok.” Jaslynn answered. “Come Maddie. Lets go play.”

“Put your other clothes back on first though please.” Mark called as she led Madelyn by the hand.

“Are you excited about adding another one to that?” Sabrina asked Mark, watching the girls leave the room hand in hand.

“Very.” Mark answered, a smile spreading across his face.

“Can you play your guitar for me daddy?” Jaslynn asked, crossing the living room and standing in front of Mark with her hands on his knees.

“Of course princess.” He stood up and got his guitar from it’s stand in the corner. Jaslynn sat on the floor in front of him while Madelyn sat on Sabrina’s lap on the couch. They were all quiet, waiting for the music to start. Mark started with Jaslynn’s favourite, causing her to smile widely.

After that he started playing a new combination of cords and Jaslynn sat quietly, listening carefully to each note.

“This is what you were humming.” She commented. Mark looked at Sabrina and they smiled at each other.

“It is. Do you like it?”

“Yeah.” Jaslynn answered, and then she started humming the melody, adding a new part as well. Mark listened closely and played the tune she was adding on the guitar and a wide smile crossed her face when she heard it. She was then quite for a while, listening to the gentle music Mark was playing.

“Come dance with me Maddie.” She took her sisters hand and led her into the kitchen where there was more room. She showed Madelyn where to put her arms and then started to teach her the simple steps of a waltz. They moved slowly to the music, Maddie’s feet moving in strange patterns trying to learn from her sister. Jaslynn was patient and showed her the steps several times. It took a while, but Maddie finally got the simple steps down and then Jaslynn lifted her arm and spun Madelyn once, causing her sister to giggle.

“Alright girls,” Sabrina smiled, “time to get ready for bed.”

“Can daddy play Daddy’s Little Princess one more time for me please mommy?” Jaslynn asked.

“Ok, but go get your pajamas on first. Daddy will bring his guitar to your room.”

“Ok. Come Maddie.” Jaslynn took Madelyn’s hand and led her upstairs.

“I think that was the cutest thing I’ve seen.” Sabrina said as she and Mark came down the stairs from tucking in the girls.

“It was. Jaslynn’s very patient with Madelyn.” Mark sat down on one end of the couch and Sabrina lay down beside him with her head in his lap. Mark rested his hand on her growing stomach and felt a tiny kick from the baby.

“It’s been kicking all day.” Sabrina chuckled.

“Just making sure we know it’s there.” Mark teased.

“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Sabrina asked, looking up at him.

“Haven’t really thought about it.” Mark answered, a small crease forming between his eyebrows as he thought. “I think another girl would be great because Jaslynn and Maddie get along so well, and I’m sure they’d love another sister, but I also think a boy would be fun.”

Sabrina thought about his words for a while and rubbed her hand back and forth across her belly affectionately.

“I’m not sure what I want either. Whatever it is I’m sure the girls will love it.”

“I can hardly wait.” Mark admitted.

“A few more months.” Sabrina smiled up at him.

Chapter 18- Something New

2009-07-07T05:01:02Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Something New
Part: 18/?
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Jaslynn helps Mark with supper and then Jaslynn and Maddie get a surprise!
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: I have plans for 7 more chapters after this, but that may change. I had fun writing this chapter and I hope everyone enjoys it. This one’s for krissieli because she loves these ones so much! Comments are appreciated as always!

“Can I help you with supper daddy?” Jaslynn trotted across the kitchen to where Mark was peeling potatoes in the sink.

“Sure princess. Do you think you can do this?”

“Yeah.” Mark got Jaslynn a chair from the table and she set to work while he started cutting up chicken, celery, carrots, and onions. Mark absent mindedly started humming a new tune and it didn’t go unnoticed by his daughter.

“Is that a new song?” she didn’t even look up from her potato as she asked the question.

“What? Oh...I guess it is.” He smiled at her. There were only two people in the world who ever payed really close attention to the tunes he was humming: his mother and Jaslynn. He wasn’t sure if Sabrina did too, but she never said anything if she did.

“You should play it on your guitar later.” She said sweetly, returning to the small potato in her hand.

“You think so?” He smiled at her and she looked at him with a big grin. They continued to prepare the food in silence until Sabrina walked in the door with Madelyn close behind her. When she heard the door shut, Jaslynn washed the potato off her hands and went to greet her mom and sister.

“Maddie! Did you get new shoes?” She asked enthusiastically. Madelyn was carrying a small white box in her hands and opened the top to show her sister.

“They’re princess shoes.” She said proudly, pulling out a small white runner with Belle, Cinderella, and Ariel on the side.

“Ohhhh, those are pretty!” Jaslynn took one shoe from her sister and admired it.

“Jaslynn was helping me with supper.” Mark told Sabrina from the kitchen.

“You were?!” She said, smiling at Jaslynn, “I bet you were having fun.”

“Yep! Daddy was making up a new song.” She explained.

“Was he?” Sabrina softly and then carried her other bags to table.

Jaslynn returned to her potato peeling until she’d finished what was in the sink.

“Can I go play with Maddie now?” She asked.

“Of course.” Mark smiled at her.

The girls grabbed their jackets and ran into the back yard to play. Sabrina unpacked the few things she’d bought and then joined Mark in the kitchen, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.

“Hello.” Mark was pleasantly surprised, and also kind of confused by her actions.

“Hi.” She smiled up at him. He leaned down and gave her a short kiss, letting her see the puzzled look on his face.

“What?” She giggled, “Can’t I give you a hug?”

“Yeah, but there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“No there’s not. I just wanted a hug.” She smiled and he decided to let it go. He finished putting the casserole together and got it in the over just as Jaslynn came back inside.

“Mom, dad, come look at Maddie!” She laughed and ran back out the door. Sabrina and Mark followed her and found Madelyn buried in a big pile of leaves with only her face sticking out. They both laughed and Madelyn broke out of her blanket and ran towards them.

“Your cheeks are cold.” Sabrina bent down and touched Madelyn’s rosy cheek with the back of her hand.

“Yeah. We’re going inside now.”

After the girls got their jackets off and the leaves out of their hair the four of them sat down in the living room and played Go Fish until supper was ready. When they were finished eating Mark read the girls some stories and then they were tucked into bed. Sabrina was just finishing up the dishes when Mark came down the stairs and they decided to watch a movie.

“How was shopping?” Mark asked as Sabrina curled into his side, resting her head on his chest.

“It was fun. She’s definitely a shoe girl.” She explained and they both chuckled. They sat quietly watching the movie for quite a while before Sabrina spoke again, this time in a whisper.

“I think I’m pregnant.”

“What?!” Mark practically jumped out of his seat when he heard the words, a huge smile on his face.

“Shhhhh.” Sabrina scolded, laughing at his reaction.

“Do you really?!” Sabrina nodded, tears falling from her eyes as she smiled at him. “I assume you bought a pregnancy test while you were out then?”

“I did, I just wanted the girls to be asleep when I told you.”

“Well what are you waiting for?” Mark jumped out of his seat again and Sabrina couldn’t hold in the laughter. She stood up and they went up to their bedroom, their movie completely forgotten.

Sabrina grabbed the pregnancy test and went into their bathroom while Mark sat on the bed, waiting impatiently.

“Wow, déjà vu.” She laughed when she opened the bathroom door to see Mark sitting on the bed facing her.

“Are you excited?” Mark stood up and held her hands.

“I am.” She smiled at him. Neither one was even attempting to disguise their excitement.

“How much longer do we have to wait?”

Sabrina looked at the clock. “Two minutes.”

They stood in the same spot both staring at the clock until two minutes had passed at which point they both headed back to the bathroom.

“Ready?” Sabrina was shaking with excitement as she picked up the small white stick.

“Of course.” Mark smiled and she looked at the test.

A smile spread across her face and she looked back up at him. “We’re going to have a baby!” She fought to keep her voice down, but it was still louder than intended. Mark scooped her up and kissed her.

A few weeks later Sabrina’s first ultrasound was scheduled and they decided that that would be a good time to tell Jaslynn and Madelyn about the baby. When the girls got up Mark got them dressed telling them that they were going out for a surprise and then icecream. Both of them were excited and Jaslynn tried desperately to guess what the surprise was..

“Is it…the zoo?” Jaslynn was walking around her room, trying to get her dress.

“Nope.” Mark said, helping her find the hole for her head.

“Is it grandma and grandpa’s house?”

“Nope.

“Come on daddy, give me a hint.” She begged.

“You’ll see when we get there.” He laughed.

By the time they got out the door Jaslynn had run out of possibilities and was quietly watching out the window for a hint as to where they were going. When they got to the doctors office her face became long.

“The surprise is the doctor?” She asked and her parents laughed.

“Not for you. You’ll see right away.” Sabrina explained. They went inside, Sabrina checked in, and then they waited a few minutes in the waiting room. Madelyn was curious as to where they were, but she found a book that was more exciting. Jaslynn however sat on Mark’s lap looking around trying to find something that might be a surprise.

It wasn’t until they were in the small, dark room, with Sabrina laying on the table that she finally realized where they were.

“This is where we saw Madelyn when she was still in mommy’s tummy.” She said.

“It is.” Mark smiled. “Do you know what that means?”

Jaslynn smiled shyly, as though she knew the answer but was too shy to say it.

“I’m having another baby.” Sabrina smiled at her.

“Yay!” Jaslynn’s smile became even wider, “I get to be a big sister again!”

“Do I get to be a big sister?” Madelyn asked, not really understanding what Sabrina had said, but wanting to be just like her big sister.

“Yes you do.” Sabrina told her, “Doctors going to show us a picture of the baby.”

“Ohhh.” Madelyn’s eyes became wider and then she sat quietly again.

When the appointment was over the doctor printed out a couple of pictures of the baby, and Jaslynn held onto them the whole way home.

“That doesn’t look like a baby.” Madelyn was still confused about what was going on.

“It will when it’s born. You looked like this too.” Jaslynn explained patiently.

“Do you remember what I called her?” Sabrina smiled back at her.

“Yeah, you said she looked like an alien.” Jaslynn laughed.

“But she turned out very cute, didn’t she.” Mark looked at Madelyn through the rear view mirror.

“Yeah.” Jaslynn giggled, “Don’t worry Maddie. It’ll look like a baby when it’s born. And then you get to be a big sister just like me!”

kikinini7 @ 2009-07-04T18:58:00

2009-07-05T01:01:01Z

Author: kikinini7
Title: I Can’t Stop Loving You
Part: 1/1
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina and Mark
Summary: Neither wants to say goodbye
Disclaimer: Yes…No…Or do I?? (Just kidding, I own NO ONE)
Warnings/Comments: I listened to this song for the first time a long time ago but haven’t had time to write the fic. I hope you all enjoy! Comments are very much appreciated!!

So you're leaving in the morning on the early train
I could say everything's alright
And I could pretend to say goodbye

“Mark? Do you know where I put my pink shirt?” Sabrina called from her bedroom. There was no answer and so she walked over to her dresser again to search for it. She’d just opened the second drawer and started digging when Mark’s arms wrapped around her waist and his lips touched her neck again and again. She rested her hands on top of his and leaned back into him.

“I’ll miss you.” Mark whispered in her ear.

“You’re making this extremely hard.” Sabrina answered, her voice quavering slightly. She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tight.

“Don’t go.” Mark’s voice cracked as he pulled her even closer to his body.

“Mark…” Sabrina started.

“I know, I know. You have to, and I understand, but I’d be crazy if I didn’t at least ask you to stay.”

“You know I would.” She whispered, resting her forehead against his and closing her eyes. Mark nodded but didn’t say anything more. Instead he took one of Sabrina’s hands in his and rested it between their hearts and rocked gently back and forth.

You got your ticket, got your suitcase
You got your leaving smile
I could say that's the way it goes
I could pretend and you won't know
That I was lying

Leaning against the kitchen cupboards Mark watched Sabrina drag the last of her three big bags to the door. With out saying a word she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. They stood silently in the kitchen, tears streaming down each of their faces.

“We’ll be ok.” Sabrina sniffed, pulling away a tiny bit so she could see his tear filled eyes.

“I love you.” Mark told her.

“I love you too.” Sabrina whispered back, new tears forming.

“We’re pathetic.” Mark chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.

“You know Adrienne and Rob are doing the same though.” Sabrina let out a little laugh and Mark wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“Oh yeah.” He agreed.

Sabrina pressed her forehead to Mark’s. “We’ll be fine.” She repeated, smiling encouragingly at him.

“I know. Why don’t we try to get some sleep.” Mark suggested, “You’re gonna need it for tomorrow.”

“Ok.” She agreed and he led her back to her bedroom. Sabrina fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, but for Mark sleep was not as quick. He wrapped his arms around her and held her as close as humanly possible. As he felt her breathing even out, the tears returned.

He really hadn’t expected it to be this hard. He’d known that after spending the last 5 months glued to each other, being separated for almost 3 months would be difficult, but he hadn’t imagined it being this painful.

He was trying his hardest to put on a brave face for Sabrina’s sake, but it wasn’t going quite as planned.

Every time he saw her smile, heard her laugh, or felt her touch he couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like not to be with her every day. These thoughts saddened him as she had brought so much joy into his life.

Sleep didn’t seem to be coming any time soon, so he carefully got up and started to write her a letter.

Cause I can't stop loving you
I can't stop loving you
No, I can't stop loving you
Though I try

My beautiful Sabrina,

About five months ago I met the most amazing woman. She’s confident, beautiful, kind, selfless, and did I mention beautiful?

When she smiles you can’t help but smile yourself, even on a bad day. The joy emanating from her spreads like nothing I’ve ever witnessed. When you’re with her you can’t help but be in love with life.

Her laugh is the most pleasant sound I’ve ever heard, and something I never want to be with out. Like her smile, when you hear it you can’t help but join in. Even from across a room full of people I can hear the tiniest giggle and no matter what I’m doing I want to be by her side just to hear it again.

This woman is beautiful on the inside and out. She is an example to many and never forgets it. She does all she can to be a good role model for all that look up to her, and handles every situation with class. I only hope that I can learn from her and perhaps become an example to others as well.

Yes, Sabrina, this beautiful woman is you. When I first saw your smile then heard your laugh I was captivated. I could see and hear the true joy you felt in the first few minutes we met. As I got to know you at dinner that night I found out what a good person you are. Your family and friends are the most important thing to you, and you do all you can to protect them, as they do for you. As I learned these things about you I started to fall in love, although I told no one. How is it possible to fall in love with someone after knowing them for just one day? I’m not even sure I believed it myself at first.

As time passed I learned even more about you. You’re kind to each one of your fans, and don’t take them for granted. You appreciate all they do for you, and it truly shows. It was eye opening to watch from the sidelines, but then you started inviting me in and experiencing it with you was indescribable. It was almost as if every fan that wanted a picture or an autograph was completely unexpected. I’ve never met someone so humble. By this time I knew I was falling in love with you, and I got the feeling that your feelings were much the same.

When we were eliminated I expected angry tears and frustration from you, and looking back now I know how stupid that was. Seeing the way you handled your disappointment was astounding to me and I couldn’t help but tell you how I was feeling. Sometimes I regret that the first time I told you I loved you was on tv but it was nothing but the truth. Later that night you told me how much you loved me and you’ll never how happy you made me.

You’ve changed my life and made it better, even when I thought I already had it all. Every day I fall more in love with you and more in love with life. You make every day fun and exciting.

Tomorrow you leave me for three months and even though you’ll already be gone by the time you read this, I needed you to know how much you mean to me. The next few months will be hard, but I know that we’ll make it through. They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and that’s one of the greatest things that will come out of this, although I don’t know how it’s possible.

I’ll miss you and I love you.

Mark

We took a taxi to the station, not a word was said
No, I saw you walk across the road
It may be the last time I don't know feeling humble
Heard a rumble on the railway tracks
And when I hear that whistle blow
I walked away and you won't know
That I was crying

“Sabrina. Baby, it’s time to get up.” Sabrina groaned as Mark kissed her forehead. She opened her eyes and saw Mark’s sad face looking at her. Tears formed in her eyes as she sat up and instantly embraced him.

“We’ll be ok.” He said strongly. He wanted to cry with her, but he knew that she needed him to be strong. He gave her a reassuring kiss and then went to the kitchen to get her something to eat while she changed. When she came out he had yogurt, granola, and fruit ready for her. He sat silently at the table with her while she ate and then helped her carry her bags down to his car.

The drive to the airport was silent. Their hands remained linked, Mark rubbing his thumb back and forth. He stood quietly beside her as she checked in, and then they went and got a coffee.

“I’ll miss you.” Sabrina was crying again near the security check. Kiely and Adrienne had already gone through and we waiting for her on the other side.

“I love you.” Mark said, kissing her.

“I love you too.” Hearing her say these words Mark didn’t know how he was going to let go of her, but somehow he managed to loosen his grip.

“Call me when you land.” He whispered kissing her one more time and then she walked through the door to security. He wanted to stay and watch her plane take off, but he could feel the tears coming so he walked back out to his car. After shutting the door he rested his head on the steering wheel and the tears came freely.

Cause I can't stop loving you
I can't stop loving you
No, I can't stop loving you
Though I try, I just can't stop loving you
No, I can't stop loving you
I just can't stop loving you
Why do I try, why do I try
Yeah

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.” Sabrina had been on the phone with Mark for an hour and a half and Kiely and Adrienne were getting slightly annoyed.

“I’ll be waiting for you call.” She could hear the smile in Mark’s voice as he said this.

“Love you.”

“Love you too. Talk to you soon.”

With that Sabrina hung up the phone.

“Finally!” Kiely said, “Even Adrienne didn’t talk to Rob as long as you talked to Mark.”

Sabrina chuckled and then grabbed her bag. “I’m tired, I think I’m going to go to bed.”

“Party pooper.” Kiely pouted.

“We can party tomorrow. Promise.” Sabrina smiled and then went into her room.

She fought tears as she unpacked her clothes looking for her pajamas. Hearing Mark’s voice had been the best part of her day and she couldn’t bare to think that she still had at least two more months away from him.

When she finally found her pajamas pulled them out and as she did so a paper fell from between the folds. She picked it up, sat down on her bed and opened it.

“My beautiful Sabrina…” She read this and could no longer hold back the tears. By the time she was done reading the crisp paper was tear stained and Sabrina’s eyes were red. She folded it back up and walked out of her room. Thankful that Kiely was in the bathroom, she grabbed the phone and took it back to her room. She quickly dialed his cell number and waited impatiently for him to answer.

“Sabrina?” His voice sounded confused as he answered the phone.

“I love you.” She said, and he could hear that she was crying.

“I love you too.” He smiled, knowing that she’d found his letter. “Sweet dreams.” He whispered.

Daddy's Girl- Chapter 17

2009-07-03T01:01:28Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Favourite Things
Part: 17/?
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Mark helps Jaslynn with a project and then the power goes out

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: FINALLY updating this one. I’ve felt guilty for a while because I hate when fics don’t finish but I finally figured out what to do with this one. We’re gonna skip ahead a bit now because I was feeling like they were all too similar before. In this one Jaslynn is 7 and Madelyn is 3. I’m going to try to finish this series up in the next couple of weeks.

“Will you help me with this daddy?” Jaslynn asked as Mark came down the stairs from putting Maddie down for a nap.

“What are you working on?” He asked, resting his knee on the chair beside her.

“I have to make a poster of my favourite things to do.” She explained.

“That sounds like fun. How are you going to make it?”

“I don’t know.” Jaslynn’s voice became slightly pouty as she rested her chin on her hands and stared at the blank piece of paper in front of her.

“How about you tell me what some of your favourite things are.” Mark encouraged.

“Dancing.” Jaslynn said instantly and Mark smiled.

“Swinging, barbies, playing with Rocky and Buddy, playing with Maddie, watching you play guitar.”

“Which song’s your favourite?” Mark asked, though he knew the answer.

“Daddy’s Little Princess!” Jaslynn cried and Mark laughed. Daddy’s Little Princess was a song he’d written for her for her 7^th birthday and she made him play it at least 3 times every day.

“It’s not all going to fit on this paper is it?” Mark smiled at her, pointing to the small paper.

“No. Do we have bigger paper?” Jaslynn asked.

“I think mommy has some poster board that we could use. Do you want to take pictures of all of your favourite things and glue them on?” Mark suggested.

“Yeah!”

Mark found a big piece of pink poster board and grabbed the camera from the counter. He took pictures of Jaslynn on the swing, with the dogs, in her dance shoes, playing with her barbies, and playing with Madelyn. Jaslynn then got Sabrina to take a picture of her watching Mark play his guitar. She also took a picture of Jaslynn holding the music for Daddy’s Little Princess that Mark had written out and then had framed.

When all the pictures were printed out Jaslynn cut around them with fancy scissors and glued them to the paper. She then wrote the names of her favourite books, movies, and other favourite songs around the pictures.

“Wow.” Sabrina said, looking over Jaslynn’s shoulder as she finished writing the last word on her poster. “That looks really good pumpkin.”

“Thanks mom, daddy helped me.”

“Well it looks really good. Why don’t I put it on top of the fridge until tomorrow so that it doesn’t get wrecked.”

“Ok.” Just as Sabrina laid the poster on top of the fridge the power went out.

“Mommy?!” Jaslynn cried instantly from the table.

“It’s ok sweetie.” Sabrina comforted as she returned to Jaslynn’s side. “Mark, where did you put the flashlight?”

“It’s in the closet by the door.” He answered, carrying Madelyn to the table. “You’re not scared of the dark are you?”

“Yeah.” Jaslynn answered him shyly.

“You can have lots of fun in the dark though.”

“Like what?” Jaslynn was curious.

“Well, we could have a camp out in the living room.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, really.” Mark answered her and he took her hand to lead her upstairs. They found all the blankets they could brought them back down to the living room. Jaslynn started draping the blankets over the couch while Mark got the heaviest books he could find. By the time they were done the living room was a sea of blankets.

“Maddie, come in here with me.” Jaslynn called her sister as she crawled through the small hole they’d left as an entrance. Mark and Sabrina followed their girls and joined them in the middle of the canopy.

Mark took the flashlight and made shadow puppets against the blankets, Sabrina taught Jaslynn how to make up stories one word at a time, and when it was almost time for bed Mark got his guitar and played Daddy’s Little Princess for the girls and they both fell asleep.

“You know what?” Sabrina whispered as they crawled out of the tent to go to bed.

“What?”

“That is one of my favourite things.” She smiled.

“Mine too.” Mark agreed.

Pictures I took in Italy that go with "Finally" (Part 1)

2009-05-19T03:49:47Z

The Church they meet in front of. This thing is HUGE!!

The well in San Gimignano

The place with the best gelato we had (At 9:00 in the morning, hahaha)

The quieter street they walk down.

Trevi Fountain!! We did see this on our night tour, but we didn't get to go on a double decker bus so the rest of the pictures from that didn't turn out. Shucks.

We couldn't take pictures in the Sistine chapel but here is the entrance to Vatican City.

Coming into Capri

Walking around Capri.

(Part 2)

2009-05-19T03:18:53Z

Author: kikinini7
Title: Finally (Part 2)
Rating: PG
Pairing: Mark and Sabrina (Lots of Derek as well)
Summary: Derek thinks it's obvious
Disclaimer: Yes...No...Or do I??? (Hahaha, jk. I own NO ONE)
Comments: This has taken about 3 weeks to write, but I really like the way it turned out. Krissieli gets the credit for coming up with the idea of writing a fic in Italy. She gave me the idea right before I left! The places they see and the things they do (even some of the things that are said) are things that happened to me while I was there. I hope you all enjoy! Comments are welcome and appreciated as always!!!

“You can’t take pictures in here Derek.” Sabrina said, pointing to a sign.

“Dangit! Guess I’ll just have to print them off the internet and tell people I took them.” Derek joked.

“You two need to shut it while we’re in there.” Mark scolded softly causing Sabrina and Derek to laugh.

It wasn’t long before they were finally at the entrance to the Sistine Chapel and Sabrina and Derek did as they were told and stopped talking. The three of them walked into the large room and their eyes immediately went to the ceiling.

“Wow.” Sabrina whispered. Neither Mark nor Derek answered, they were too busy admiring the massive painting.

“How did that guy manage to paint all that?” Derek asked after several seconds of silence, “My neck’s getting sore and I’ve only been looking at it for 30 seconds.”

Sabrina giggled at his question but didn’t have time to answer before a loud “Shhhhhh” was heard from seemingly nowhere.

“God’s telling you to shut up Derek.” Mark teased and Sabrina laughed as softly as she could.

“Whatever.” Derek chuckled, shaking his head, before he started walking towards the other end of the room.

“This is incredible.” Mark said to Sabrina.

“It is. I’ve seen pictures but they make it seem a lot smaller.”

“Yeah, this is huge.” As he said this, Mark absent-mindedly wrapped his arm around her waist and Sabrina did the same with out even noticing. They continued on their way to the other end of the room where the exit was, looking at the ceiling the entire way. When they got to the end Derek was waiting for them.

“That was pretty cool.” He said as they fought through the crowd to get to the door.

“It was.” Sabrina agreed with a yawn.

“Tired?” Mark asked, smiling at her. They no longer had their arms wrapped around each other, the crowd had separated them, but they were standing side by side again.

“Yeah. It’s been a long day.”

“Let’s go back to your hotel and get something to eat then. Derek and I have a surprise for you afterwards.” Mark smiled at her again. He knew how impatient she could be and he knew telling her there was a surprise waiting would drive her nuts.

“That is so not fair you guys. I have to wait until after supper?”

“Damn girl, that woke you up fast.” Derek laughed, “And yes you have to wait.”

“Ugh, you guys are ridiculous.” Sabrina pouted and they both laughed.

After they’d eaten supper and were waiting for dessert, Mark finally brought the surprise up.

“You have the next 3 days off, right?” Mark asked her.

“Yeah…”

“Anything you wanna see?” Derek tested, smiling.

“Ummm, I thought we were just hanging out in Rome. There’s still a lot to see here.”

“Ok, we can do that instead of going to Capri.” Derek said casually, taking a drink of water.

“CAPRI?!” Sabrina exclaimed. Derek laughed at her reaction and he noticed Mark smile wider than he’d seen in a while. “Are we seriously going to Capri?!”

“If you want to.” Mark answered.

“If I want to? Mark...” Sabrina’s voice was quieter now.

“I know.” He cut her off before she had to bring up her list in front of Derek. Sabrina’s cheeks flushed slightly and looked at her hands. It was rare when someone knew what she was going to say before she said it, especially when it came to things she kept mostly to herself; things like her list.

“We have ferry tickets for 10:00 tomorrow morning.” Derek told her.

“Awesome!” Sabrina beamed at him.

“We spend tomorrow night on the island, and then the next evening we’ve booked a private boat to take us around the island and then back to the mainland and then we’re spending the night in this hotel that’s right by the beach. It’s supposed to be really beautiful there too.” Mark explained to her. Sabrina’s face lit up more and more as he told her their schedule and it made him happy. There were very few people he’d be able to plan their dream vacation for but Sabrina was one of them.

The next morning Derek and Mark picked Sabrina up at her hotel and they drove to Sorrento where they would catch their ferry.

Derek sat quietly in the backseat the whole way listening to Sabrina’s excited chatter and watching Mark. When Sabrina would talk, the way he kept looking over at her and smiling made Derek sure that something was going on between them, even if they didn’t know it themselves.

As he thought about it, he started to wonder if his presence was what was stopping them from realizing it. He wished he’d thought of that when their holiday had begun because they only had four days left in Italy and now the three of them were all by themselves heading for an island. He didn’t have the other guys to hang out with while giving Sabrina and Mark time alone. Oh well, he thought. He was just going to have to figure something else out.

They were lucky to have a clear day when they got on the ferry. It was warm outside so they sat on top for most of the ride, enjoying the cool sea breeze. When the island came into view they stood by the railing and admired the scenery. The trees were bright green and the water was a brighter and clearer blue than anything any of them had ever seen.

As he was looking around, Derek glanced in Mark’s direction and he wasn’t surprised to see him watching Sabrina’s reaction to everything.

“What do you want to do first?” Mark asked after getting off the ferry.

“Why don’t we go up to the top?” Sabrina suggested, “I bet you get an even better view from up there.”

“Sounds good.” Mark agreed and they turned to go get their tickets for the train to the top.

“I’ll meet you guys up there.” Derek said, seeing his chance to leave them alone, “There’s a place I want to go down here.” He lied.

“We can come with you and then go up together.” Sabrina turned to follow Derek.

“Nah, you guys go on ahead.” He argued, “I’m just going to look for something my dad wants. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Alright.” Mark watched as Derek walked away, curious about what he was up to.

“That’s weird.” Sabrina stated.

“Yeah.” Mark agreed, “Oh well. We’ll find him again later. Let’s go.”

Sabrina and Mark spent the rest of their morning wandering through shops buying souvenirs for their friends and family.

“I want to take you somewhere.” Mark told her as he paid for their lunch.

“Okay.” Sabrina agreed easily and Mark smiled at her.

As they walked out of the tiny restaurant Mark held out his arm and Sabrina wound hers through it. They walked in silence most of the way, admiring the gardens.

“Almost there.” Mark smiled at Sabrina as the path started to go uphill.

“Oh my god.” Sabrina gasped as they reached the top. Mark smiled and led her to an open spot on the railing. They were standing at the top of a cliff that had a perfect view of the ocean and cliffs below.

“Mark, this is beautiful.” She said as she leaned against the railing.

“I knew you would.” Mark answered.

They stood at the top for a while and then decided they better find Derek; they hadn’t seen him all day. They hadn’t walked very far down the path before they saw him coming their direction.

“Derek!” Sabrina called and he waved at her.

“Where have you been all day?” Mark asked.

“It took longer than I thought down there,” Derek lied.

“You’ve been down there this whole time?” Sabrina questioned.

“Most of it, I had lunch at a pizza place too.” Derek answered.

“Wow. Good thing we didn’t wait for you I guess.” Mark stated.

“Yeah, did you guys have fun?”

“We did. It’s gorgeous here.” Sabrina told him. Really, he’d seen a lot of the island during the day too, being careful not to run into Sabrina and Mark, but he had to act like he hadn’t.

“You have to come see this though.” Sabrina insisted, grabbing his hand and pulling him back up the hill.

The next day flew by. Derek couldn’t think of an excuse to leave them on their own, so the three of them spent the day shopping and site seeing. When it was finally time to get on the boat for the tour around the island and then back to the main land they were all exhausted.

They managed to stay awake while the boat circled the island, seeing it from the boat was as beautiful as the view from on top had been. When they started heading back to the mainland Sabrina couldn’t fight it any longer and fell asleep with her head on Mark’s shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and rested his cheek on her head. It wasn’t long before he was asleep as well.

Derek shook his head. He couldn’t believe that they still didn’t see what was going on between them. It was so obvious to him.

When the mainland came into view Derek shook Mark’s arm gently to wake him up.

“Might wanna wake up Sleeping Beauty. We’re almost there.”

“Oh, thanks.” Mark said, rubbing his eyes. “Bri, we’re almost there.” He whispered. Sabrina didn’t move so he rubbed her cheek gently and tried again.

“We’re almost to the mainland baby.” He called her baby before he could stop himself and cringed inside. He hadn’t called her that in over three years, but it just slipped.

“Oh.” Sabrina sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. “Hey.” She smiled softly at Mark.

“Hey.” He answered back, returning the gentle smile. “We’re almost to the mainland. Our hotel isn’t that far away from the dock.”

“Ok.” She answered, resting her head against his shoulder again, this time keeping her eyes open. “How long was I out for?”

“You and Mark have both been asleep for almost an hour.” Derek told her.

“Wow. Doesn’t feel like that long.” Sabrina chuckled.

When they got to their hotel Mark checked them in.

“Meet down here in five minutes?” Mark asked Sabrina and Derek.

“Sure.” Sabrina answered.

“I actually think I’m gonna go straight to bed.” Derek lied, seeing the perfect opportunity to leave them alone, “You guys slept on the boat, I didn’t.”

“You sure?” Sabrina looked disappointed, “You don’t want to come down to the beach for just a little while?”

“Nah, I’ll go down tomorrow morning. I’m exhausted.” He assured her.

“Ok. See you in the morning then.” Sabrina hugged Derek and then carried her suitcase up the stairs.

Five minutes later she came back down to the lobby to find Mark already there waiting. They walked down the narrow sidewalk side by side, Sabrina’s arm wound through his again.

“Wow, that’s beautiful.” Sabrina said. The light from the street lamps was reflecting off the water and the sound of the crashing waves was peaceful.

“It is.” Mark agreed.

Nothing else was said until they reached the waters edge.

“Want to get your feet wet?” Mark smiled.

“Of course.” They took off their shoes, leaving them by the small barge, and walked in the cool water. They hadn’t gotten very far before Mark slipped his hand around hers, sending a small shiver through her body. They remained silent, listening to the water until Mark playfully kicked a bit of water towards Sabrina.

She gasped and splashed him back, laughing at his reaction. Guessing that he was going to get her back, she let go of his hand and ran down the beach. Mark didn’t wait long before following. It didn’t take him long to catch up to her and when he wrapped his arms around her waist she screamed and then laughed. He picked her up and spun her around before setting her back down. With her feet back on the ground she turned around to scold him but before she could say anything his head was moving towards hers. Before she could even comprehend what was going on she moved her head forward as well and their lips met. Mark rested his hands on the small of her back and her arms wrapped around his neck. Their kiss was soft, but meaningful. It felt like the most natural thing for both of them.

When Mark finally realized what he was doing he pulled away and looked at Sabrina. He hadn’t been planning on kissing her, it had just happened.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“Don’t be.” Sabrina’s voice was serious. Mark looked up at her. She didn’t seem mad at him like he’d expected.

“I really don’t know why I did that.”

“Seriously Mark, stop apologizing.” Sabrina caught his eye and her lips touched his again, shorter this time, but reassuring.

“You’re..you’re not mad?” Mark asked, surprised. Sabrina’s eyes were starting to fill with tears and she shook her head.

“What’s wrong?” He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

“I missed you.” Her voice cracked as she spoke.

“I missed you too.” Mark’s voice still sounded surprised, and he hugged her tighter. Nothing was said for a few moments while Sabrina cried silently into Mark’s shirt. When she finally pulled away, she wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at him again.

“I didn’t realize how much until just now.” She whispered.

“We’ve been together for over three weeks …”

“I’ve missed us.” Sabrina cut him off to clarify.

“I’ve missed us too.” Mark leaned in to kiss her again.

Derek opened the door to his balcony to let some air into his room and as he turned to go back inside something caught his eye. He looked out onto the beach and saw Sabrina and Mark standing by the water, kissing.

“Finally.” He whispered with a smile, and went back inside.

Mark finally broke the kiss, smiled, and took Sabrina’s hand in hers. They walked down the beach until they came back to the small barge and sat down. Sabrina hugged his arm and rested her head on his shoulder while he rested his hand on her thigh.

“How long are you in England for?” Sabrina asked, bringing up what they both wanted so badly to ignore.

“A month.” Mark answered, his voice sad.

“And after that?”

“We have some time off. We’re hoping that we can record another CD but it’ll be some time before that happens. How long are you here for?”

“We have another 5 months here.” Sabrina hugged his arm tighter.

“Then I’m coming back when ever I can.” Mark said strongly.

“Mark..” Sabrina started, but he cut her off.

“I am. I didn’t make an effort when you were in India and that’s what started everything. I’m not going to let it happen again.” Mark moved his hand to rest on Sabrina’s cheek as he kissed her, letting her know how serious he was. She didn’t fight him, but let his lips move against hers.

“I am not losing you.” He said convincingly, looking deep into her eyes.

“Ok.” Sabrina whispered as a tear fell down her cheek. Mark kissed her softly one more time and then stood up, holding out his hands to help Sabrina up.

“How many coins?” Mark asked Sabrina as they walked towards their hotel.

“What?” Sabrina looked confused.

“How many coins did you throw? At the Trevi fountain.”

Sabrina blushed and looked down.

“Two.” She finally answered.

Mark smiled at her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her sweetly.

“You?” Sabrina looked at him expectantly.

“Three.” He answered.

“Really? Why three?”

“Because I know what it’s like to be in love and then lose it. I wanted to make sure that the next time it happens it sticks.”

“And do you think it will?” Sabrina smiled.

“I know it will. You wished to fall in love and it happened, even if it is the second time around, and if yours came true why won’t mine?”

Sabrina smiled again, “To tell the truth, I never fell out of love.”

“I didn’t either.” Mark told her, “It was just hiding itself.”

Sabrina giggled and Mark leaned down kiss her again.

(Part 1)

2009-05-19T03:17:29Z

Author: kikinini7
Title: Finally (Part 1)
Rating: PG
Pairing: Mark and Sabrina (Lots of Derek as well)
Part: 1/1
Summary: Derek thinks it's obvious
Disclaimer: Yes...No...Or do I??? (Hahaha, jk. I own NO ONE)
Comments: This has taken about 3 weeks to write, but I really like the way it turned out. Krissieli gets the credit for coming up with the idea of writing a fic in Italy. She gave me the idea right before I left! The places they see and the things they do (even some of the things that are said) are things that happened to me while I was there. I hope you all enjoy! Comments are welcome and appreciated as always!!!

Hey Derek!

How are you?! It’s been so long since I’ve emailed you and I feel kind of bad. I’ve been crazy busy lately. I’m shooting a new movie, and guess where it’s set! IN ITALY!! Isn’t that cool? We’ve been here for 2 weeks now and so far it’s just been rehearsal (the movie’s all about dancing!) It’s so different from the other movies I’ve done and I’m enjoying it a lot!

I heard you guys were going on tour! That’s so cool! Is it just in the U.S? I had heard something about you possibly going somewhere in Europe and I assume it was England. I hope that goes well for you (or is going well for you, I forget when it starts. I’m such a horrible friend :p)

Let me know what’s going on with you!

Sabrina

Derek stopped short as he read the 5^th sentence in Sabrina’s email. She was in Italy?? The same place they were? He couldn’t believe it.

He and Sabrina had kept in touch over the past three years, emailing back and forth every so often. He hadn’t heard from her in a while but he’d been so busy getting ready for the tour that he hadn’t had time to email her either. Seeing that she was in the same country as him, half way around the world, excited him. They hadn’t seen each other for about a year and he figured now would be as good a time as ever to visit her.

Hey Sabrina!

You’re never gonna believe me but guess where we are right now too! IN ITALY!! (I told you you wouldn’t believe me). You heard right about us going on tour in Europe but it’s not just England. We had a short stop in Germany, we’re in Italy for 3 and a half more weeks (We’re having our vacation time here when we’re done performances), and then we go to England for a month. We’ve got some pretty big gigs lined up but most of them are just small. It’s mostly a promotional tour right now. Hopefully we can come back for a bigger one!

If you have a day off let me know, I’d love to meet you somewhere. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other and how cool would it be to hang out in Italy?! Let me know if you can manage that.

Derek

A couple hours later Derek checked his email again and Sabrina had already answered him.

No way! How cool is it that we’re in the same country half way around the world at the same time! Crazy! We’re in Florence right now and we’ll be moving towards Rome in the next couple of weeks when shooting starts. I have this weekend off so hopefully you’re somewhere close enough to come visit. I’d love to see you! Let me know.

Sabrina

A smile broke Derek’s face when he read that she was in Florence, he was only about an hour drive from there, staying in Bologna. He sent her one more quick email telling her when and where to meet him and then shut his computer down. He wasn’t sure whether or not to tell Mark that she was in Italy with them, but he had 2 days to figure it out so he pushed it from his mind.

The following Saturday Derek woke up early and got ready for his trip to Florence. He’d decided not to tell Mark where he was going. He wasn’t sure how things were between him and Sabrina, and he wanted to be able to enjoy his time with her without feeling guilty about it. He’d barely gotten dressed when someone knocked on his hotel room door. It was Mark.

“Great. Just my luck.” Derek thought as he answered the door.

“Hey man. What are you doing up so early? I thought I was gonna have to break down the door to get you up.” Mark joked.

“I’m actually not here for long.” Derek hesitated.

“Going somewhere?” Mark was confused. They usually hung out together on days off and Derek hadn’t told him he was going somewhere.

“Well, kind of.” Derek said carefully. He really didn’t want to upset Mark.

“Kind of?” Mark questioned.

“Ok. Sabrina sent me an email yesterday and she’s in Italy too. She had no idea we were here as well and so we made plans to meet in Florence for the day.” Derek said quickly.

“She’s here?” Derek tried to hide the shocked look on his face. Mark had sounded excited.

“Umm, yeah.” He answered, still surprised by Mark’s reaction.

“You’re going to see her now?” Mark asked, trying to sound more casual than he had the first time.

“Yeah. We’re meeting in Florence by some big church. The Santa Maria something.”

“Mind if I come?”

“Doesn’t matter to me. You sure you want to see her?”

“Yeah, what happened before is forgotten. I think we’ve both moved on and it’d be cool to catch up.”

“Alright, if you want. Twenty minutes enough time for you to get ready?”

“Yeah, I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

Even after Mark had left Derek stood in the same spot, staring. Mark’s reaction had not been what he was expecting and he wasn’t sure what to think about it. He knew that Mark had moved on and wasn’t bitter towards Sabrina for all the things that had happened between them, but he was surprised at Mark’s confidence that Sabrina felt the same way. It didn’t bother him that Mark was coming along, as long as things were comfortable between him and Sabrina. He didn’t want to sit through awkward conversations between the two of them or end up playing the referee.

“Derek!” Sabrina shouted over the noisy crowed as she made her way towards him. Derek picked her up and spun her around a couple times before setting her back on her feet.

“Hey Sabrina! You look great!”

“Thanks. You don’t look to bad yourself.” They both laughed and then Sabrina realized who was standing beside Derek.

“Mark! What are you doing here?” Derek tried to wipe the shock from his face as Sabrina let go of his hand and wrapped her arms around Mark. Where things going to be this easy between them for the entire day?

“I came to wake Derek up this morning and found him dressed and when he told me he was coming to see you I asked if I could come.”

“I’m glad you did. It’s been forever since we’ve seen each other.”

“It has. Why don’t we go find a quieter place to sit? There are too many people around here. You coming Derek?”

“Yeah.” Derek shook his head a tiny bit and walked with Mark and Sabrina as the talked happily and comfortably.

They found a quiet little restaurant in a quieter part of the city and sat down. They three of them sat and talked for hours. Sabrina told them all about the movie she was working on and a few other smaller projects she had coming up. Mark and Derek told her about they’re tour and other plans they had for the band. They stayed at the restaurant until just after lunch then decided to do some exploring. They stayed off of the main roads and on smaller, quieter streets looking in small shops and taking goofy pictures.

After they had supper Mark and Derek had to head back to Bologna.

“Do you guys have a show tonight?” Sabrina asked as they walked back to where their cars were parked.

“No. We get three nights off a week and today was one of them.” Derek explained.

“So you have a show tomorrow?” Sabrina asked eagerly.

“Yeah. Just in a club in Bologna.” Mark answered.

“Mind if I come?”

“You really want to?” Mark sounded slightly surprised by her question.

“Of course. It’s been so long since I’ve heard you guys play. I need to catch up on your new songs!”

“Ok, well we play at 7:30 but I forget the name of the club. I’ll email you the name and address tonight.” Derek told her.

“Sounds great. See you there then!” Sabrina hugged both of them and then got in her car.

Derek drove in silence until they reached the highway, then he spoke.

“What just happened?” He asked, looking at Mark seriously.

“Huh?” Mark was caught off guard by Derek’s question.

“You and Sabrina. How was that not the most awkward situation ever?”

“Why would it be awkward?”

“Well, considering you were inseparable for how many months then you both ended up broken hearted and you haven’t spoken to each other in like three years, how was that not awkward?” Derek looked exasperated by the time he finished his question for the second time.

“I don’t know.” Mark shrugged, “I guess we both just got over it. I don’t feel like any explanations are needed and I guess she doesn’t either. We can just be friends now.”

“Wow. That takes guts man. I didn’t think things like that were possible.”

“It’s not a big deal. The past is forgotten and now we get to be friends.”

“Glad to hear it. I was worried I’d have to be the referee or something today.” Mark laughed at Derek’s last comment and then their conversation switched topics.

Mark and Derek spent the majority of the next day rehearsing and setting up with the rest of the band. Derek took advantage of Mark’s first absence to tell the other three about what the previous day and they were as shocked as he had been but they were all looking forward to seeing Sabrina that evening. When Mark returned from his break the atmosphere in the room seemed more upbeat and excited. By the looks on Sam, Harry, and Emily’s faces he could tell that Derek had told them where they’d been the day before and he still didn’t understand why everyone was so surprised by it. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world to be friends with Sabrina now that all the hurt had faded. They were so much alike that it only made sense for them to be friends.

The rest of the day flew by and before he knew it they were backstage getting ready to perform. They all did their pre-performance rituals and then went out on stage. About halfway through their first song, after his eyes adjusted to the bright lights, Mark noticed Sabrina standing front and center dancing to the music just like she always had. Derek saw her there too and winked.

Mark could tell that she didn’t know they’re newer songs, but she could sing along with the ones that had been on their first and second CD’s and it made him smile. She’d obviously listened to them several times before. It felt good to have their number one groupie back in the front row supporting them and they held nothing back just for her.

When the show was over the band made they’re way around the club, taking pictures with fans and signing a few autographs. Derek finally got to the table Sabrina was sitting at and she stood up to hug him.

“You guys are just as amazing as you used to be!” She told him.

“Thanks! It was nice to see a familiar face in the audience.” Just then Mark joined them and Sabrina gave him a hug.

“That performance was sick!” She shouted over the music.

“Glad you enjoyed yourself! I saw you singing along; you have both of our CD’s don’t you?” Sabrina blushed and nodded. The three of them sat down at the table and talked about music for a while. Sabrina told them what she thought of all of their new songs and they accepted her compliments.

After a bit Derek got tired of sitting and took off to the dance floor leaving Sabrina and Mark alone to talk more about music. Sabrina was going to be making another CD when the movie was done being filmed and Mark was constantly writing new songs so they tossed ideas around between the two of them.

“Wanna go out for one dance?” Mark asked when their conversation finally died down.

“Sure!” Sabrina answered. They stood up and he led her to an opening on the dance floor. The song that was playing was upbeat and so he spun her into a series of fast movements. It surprised him how well she still reacted to his subtle cues. It wasn’t long before more people were watching them spin around the dance floor than were actually dancing themselves and it felt exhilarating to Mark. He hadn’t had a partner to dance like this with in a while. When the song ended they stopped to catch their breath.

“I resent not having the first dance with you tonight.” Derek said with an over exaggerated pout on his face.

“Oops, sorry.” Sabrina giggled, “Next time?”

“I’ll hold you to that. I get to take you out for a spin tonight though right?”

“Of course!”

With that Derek spun her back into the crowd that had reassembled on the dance floor.

When the club was almost empty and the music had become softer Sabrina finally decided it was time to leave.

“Where are you guys going to be next week?” Sabrina asked as she unlocked her car door.

“We’re heading to Assisi on Tuesday. Are you staying in Florence?” Derek asked.

“No. We were there just for rehearsing. Tomorrow we leave for this ancient city called San Gimignano.” Sabrina stumbled over the name and all three of them laughed.

“We might be able to make a little side trip on the way to Assisi. It’d be cool to see the movie set.” Mark said.

“Could you really?” Sabrina sounded excited at the thought of her two friends coming to visit her again.

“Yeah. We have the car and our big bus so the rest of the guys don’t have to be dragged along if they don’t want to.” Mark explained.

“I think it’s only about a half hour drive from Florence so why don’t we meet you around 10:00 Tuesday morning. Do you know a good meeting place?”

“Well the crew will be set up outside the old city walls but if you go in and get to the main square there’s a big well and I can meet you guys there.”

“Ok, sounds like a plan.” Derek said, leaning in for a hug. After she gave Mark a hug as well she got in her car and left.

“It was nice having a familiar face in the audience tonight.” Mark said as they walked back to the club to pack up their stuff.

“Yeah. It’s great to have our number one groupie back!” They both laughed and went inside.

“Where did she say to meet her?” Mark asked as they walked down the narrow street entering San Gimignano.

“At some well I think.” They rounded a corner and walked into a big open square. “Yep and there it is.” Derek pointed to where Sabrina was sitting on the edge of a large stone well.

“Hey guys!” Sabrina called as she rushed over to them.

“Hey!” Derek wrapped his arm around her shoulders and looked around. “This is a pretty cool place.”

“Yeah, they managed to basically shut the city down for almost a week so we can film. How cool is that?”

“Very.” Mark answered. “Want to show us around?”

“Of course! First things first though, that is the best gelato place around.” She said pointing to a little shop.

“Sabrina?” Someone called from the other side of the square.

“Oh, this’ll just take a second. Why don’t you guys go get yours and I’ll meet you back over here.” Mark and Derek agreed and walked over to the gelateria.

“I’ll have two scoops of the Mint Chocolate chip.” Derek said.

“And I’ll have two scoops of Lemon.” Mark added. When they had their gelato and had paid they walked back over to the well and sat down. A few minutes later they saw Sabrina go in and come out with her own cone.

“You guys both got Lemon.” Derek pointed out when she rejoined them.

“Haha, so we did.” Sabrina laughed, “Kay, lets go this way.” She said leading them away from the square.

“How long are you shooting here for?” Mark asked as they walked down a quieter street.

“Only 5 more days and then we head to Rome where most of it’s going to be shot. When we’re done in Rome we go to Assisi for a while and then we’re done.” Sabrina explained, “How much longer are you guys here for?”

“We spend the next two days in Assisi and then we’re done and we have two weeks off. I think the plan is to stay in Italy and do some touring.” Mark told her.

“Oh cool! What are you guys planning on seeing?”

“Haven’t thought much about it.” Mark admitted.

“Maybe we’ll just hang around Rome with you. There’s a lot to see there and I know a few places that aren’t far that we could go to on your days off.” Derek suggested.

“You don’t have to stay in one place for me you guys.” Sabrina objected, “You could see so much more of the country.”

“How often do you meet up with a friend that you haven’t seen in a year in Italy?” Derek argued back, “And besides, if we’re lucky we’ll be coming back for a bigger tour at some point. We can see more then.”

Sabrina laughed and finally agreed. Mark and Derek smiled widely at her and she laughed again.

“Let’s go in here.” Derek said as he turned off the street and walked into a little jewellery store, “I want to look at rings for my mom.” Mark and Derek were wandering the streets of Rome while they waited for Sabrina to be done filming for the day. They had plans for a night tour later that evening.

“Do you think my mom would like that one?” Derek pointed to a gold ring under the counter.

“I don’t know. It’s as big as her other rings so why not?” Mark teased.

“Thanks. You’re a big help.” Derek laughed.

“That one looks like Sabrina’s ring.” Mark stated, pointing to a smaller, simpler ring.

“She wears a ring?” Derek asked, slightly surprised.

“Yeah. Have you never noticed?”

“I’m not usually looking at her hands.” Derek told him. He wasn’t sure if it was completely normal for a guy to notice a girls ring, but he knew that Mark had always been an observant person so he brushed it off.

“She uses her hands enough when she talks,” Mark defended himself, “you’d think you’d notice it.”

“Guess I’m always just too busy laughing.” Derek laughed and they both returned to looking at rings.

“Wow! Look at that!” Sabrina exclaimed as they drove past the Colosseum.

“Very cool!” Mark agreed and Derek snapped a picture.

“Smile guys.” Derek directed as he pointed his camera in their direction. He snapped a picture and managed to get both of them with the Coloseum in the background.

“How awesome is this?” Mark asked as they continued to look around from their seats. They were sitting on the top level of an open top, double decker bus where they had the perfect view for their night tour of Rome.

“Very awesome.” Sabrina smiled.

As the tour continued and it got later their excitement and conversation died down and they sat quietly enjoying the sites of the city.

“There’s the Spanish steps.” Mark quietly pointed out.

“Oh! We should go there tomorrow.” Sabrina suggested sleepily.

“That’d be fun.” Derek agreed.

Derek lifted his camera to take a picture and when he brought it back down he noticed Sabrina’s eyes getting heavy. He got Mark’s attention and gestured towards Sabrina. Mark looked down and saw how sleepy she was getting. He lifted his arm and rested it on the seat behind her. Feeling his arm move around her Sabrina willingly rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Derek watched, intrigued, as Mark continued to gaze at the sleeping Sabrina. Mark had insisted that they were just friends, but there were times he wondered. He couldn’t help but notice that they were slowly slipping back into old habits. The way they always stood beside each other, the way she’d laugh and touch his arm, the way he’d listen when she spoke, and how he’d hear her laugh and instantly smile. It all reminded him of the first few weeks after they’d first met and even though Mark had been so sure that nothing was going to happen between them Derek couldn’t help but wonder.

“Wake up sleepy head.” Mark whispered softly in Sabrina’s ear when they reached their final stop for the night.

“Is the tour over?” Sabrina asked as she opened her eyes, “Did I miss the Trevi Fountain?!” Sabrina shot up beside Mark, worried that she’d missed what she wanted to see most.

“No.” Mark chuckled, “I wouldn’t have let you miss this.”

“Thanks.” Sabrina blushed slightly.

“Let’s go see this thing.” Derek stepped in front of them and headed for the stairs.

“Look at it!” Sabrina exclaimed as they came around a corner and the fountain came into view. Mark saw her excitement and smiled.

“Let’s go down there.” Sabrina led the way down a few steps and stopped right in front of the fountain. “This is so cool!”

“It’s bigger than I thought.” Mark pointed out.

“Yeah.” Derek agreed, “I thought this was like one of those fountains in the middle of a square that shoots water up and it lands in a round pool. Didn’t know it was this big.”

Sabrina turned around to look at them and shook her head at their ignorance then returned her attention to the fountain.

“You gonna make a wish?” Mark asked, stepping up beside her.

“Of course! You guys have to too, but there are rules.”

“Rules to making a wish? Man, this fountain’s a picky one.” Derek joked and Sabrina laughed and then explained.

“If you throw one coin you’ll return to Rome, throw two coins and you’ll fall in love, and if you throw three coins you’ll get married.”

“What if I wanted to throw four coins?” Derek teased.

“Then you’ll get divorced.” Sabrina said seriously, but she burst out laughing as soon as she looked at Derek.

“Alright, I guess I’ll just stick to three coins then.” Derek said, digging in his pocket for change.

“How many are you throwing?” Mark asked Sabrina.

“It’s a secret.” She smiled at him.

“Not fair!” Derek protested, “I told you how many I’m throwing.”

“No one made you.” Sabrina laughed, turning her back to the fountain. “Ok, put your coins in your right hand, close your eyes, and throw them over your left shoulder.”

“Damn, remind me to make a wish in a fountain with fewer rules next time.” Derek said as he turned his back on the fountain.

“On the count of three.” Sabrina instructed, ignoring Derek’s comment, “One, two, three.” They heard several small splashes as their coins hit the water.

“Ok, I’m done here. I’ll meet you guys at the bus.” Derek said and walked back up the stairs.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Mark sat down on the edge of the fountain and watched Sabrina admire the fountain.

“I’ve wanted to come here since I heard about it.” Sabrina told him.

“Well, that’s one thing to take off your list.”

“My list? I told you about that?” Sabrina was surprised. She couldn’t remember showing Mark her list of all the things she wanted to see.

“Yeah.” Mark chuckled, “Right after you got back from India. You said you could take the Taj Mahal off your list and I asked you about it.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.” Sabrina smiled, remembering. They sat quietly for a few minutes before Derek came back down the stairs with his camera in hand.

“Figured I needed at least one picture of the pickiest fountain in the world.” Sabrina and Mark both laughed.

Ready

2009-04-06T22:27:29Z

Author: kikinini7
Title: Ready
Part: 1/1
Rating: PG 13
Pairing: Sabrina and Mark
Summary: Sabrina and Mark both come to an important decision.
Disclaimer: Yes…No…Or do I?? (Just kidding, I own NO ONE)
Warnings/Comments: I’ve realized that pictures are what inspire my writing. A few of my other fics have been written around pictures of my family, and that’s where this one came from. This was inspired by a picture of my cousin with my brother when he was a baby, and also one of Mark. This one’s for you krissieli and jaquipop!!!

“Would you take these to the dinning room for me?” Cheryl’s sister Melanie asked Mark as he walked by the kitchen on his way back to the living room.

“No problem.” He smiled taking the bowl of grape salad from her hands and carried it to the table where he set it down. He returned to the chair he’d been sitting in and listened intently, much like the other men in the room, to the soft conversation the women were having.

“He’s got his daddy’s eyes.” Sabrina said, looking up from the baby in her arms and smiling at Cheryl’s husband, Curtis.

“He does.” Karina agreed. She was sitting on the couch beside Sabrina, admiring the sleeping baby boy.

“He’ll be a dancer like his mommy though.” Maks pointed out, “He’s got lots of ‘uncles and aunts’ to make sure of that.” Everyone laughed softly at Maks’ comment, and the women soon turned all of their attention back to the baby.

“Everything’s on the table,” Melanie announced soon after, “So you guys can go fill up a plate and come back to eat in here.” Maks, Curtis, and Melanie’s husband Dan were the first ones to head for the dinning room followed closely by Karina and Melanie.

“I can take him, Sabrina. You can go eat if you want.” Cheryl offered, standing up in front of her.

“I’m fine. You go eat and I’ll get food after.” Sabrina smiled. Cheryl nodded and headed for the dinning room with the rest. Mark stood up and walked over to Sabrina.

“Want me to get you something?” He asked.

“I wouldn’t mind a glass of orange juice, but I’ll wait to eat until someone else is finished and wants to take Carson.”

“Alright, orange juice it is.” Mark smiled and went into the dinning room. He walked to the other side of the table and stood against the wall, waiting for some people to finish before he started dishing out his own food. He could see into the living room from where he was standing and had a perfect view of Sabrina and the baby.

He watched Sabrina carefully adjust herself, keeping her eyes on little Carson the whole time. He could tell that she was talking to him softly, rubbing her index finger gently across his soft cheek; it made him smile. He absolutely loved watching the way she was around kids, especially babies. So tender and loving no matter who’s they were. It always made him think that they were ready for a baby, but thinking of himself as a father always kept him from bringing it up to Sabrina. He wasn’t sure that he would be the kind of father that her children deserved, didn’t know if he could be all Sabrina would need him to be when that time came. And so whenever the topic came up he would smile and nod along quietly as Sabrina ran through the reasons she wanted to wait, but he could detect a hint of longing in her voice. He could tell that there was a part of her that knew they would never feel one hundred percent ready, but that they would step up to the plate when the time came, and he knew that she was right. All he had to do was tell her, but that was easier said than done for him.

Maks and Karina finally had full plates and left the dinning room. Mark stepped up to the table and filled a plate of food for himself then filled a glass with orange juice for Sabrina.

“Thanks.” Sabrina said as she took the glass from him. He sat down beside her on the couch and looked at Carson who now had his eyes open.

“Wow, he’s got big eyes.” Mark stated.

“He does, just like his dad.” Sabrina giggled.

“Sabrina…” Mark started.

“Hmm?” She looked at him questioningly and when her eyes reached his, Mark changed the question he was originally going to ask.

“You sure you don’t want food right now?” He asked, lowering his eyes to his plate.

“No, I’m alright. I’m sure someone will take him very soon.” She answered, bouncing the baby lightly in her arms. Mark ate the rest of his food in silence while Sabrina visited with the other women, pausing every once in a while to coo at Carson.

“I’ll take him so you can eat.” Karina finally said stretching her arms out for the baby. Sabrina passed him on and went to the dinning room to fill her plate.

She rejoined Mark with a full plate of food and sat cross legged beside him, her elbow resting on his knee. When her food was gone she set her plate on the coffee table and twisted her fingers between Marks.

They all visited for a while longer before Melanie and Dan, and Karina and Maks all had to leave.

“I’ll clean up the dishes.” Sabrina offered after they were all out the door.

“You’re not doing it all by yourself.” Cheryl argued, “Let me give Carson to Curt and I’ll help.” She turned and headed for the living room, “Curt?” She called.

“He went upstairs to change.” Mark explained.

“Oh, well could you take him so that I can help Sabrina?” She asked.

“Ahh, sure.” Mark agreed, somewhat hesitantly. She handed the baby to him and hurried back into the kitchen.

Mark looked down at the baby now sleeping in his arms and smiled; it had been so long since he’d held a baby. He moved to the couch and sat down, careful not to wake Carson.

“Shoot!” He heard Cheryl say as she came out of the kitchen, “Curtis?” She called up the stairs.

“Yeah?” His voice answered.

“We don’t have any garbage bags, could you run to the store and get some?”

“Sure.” He answered, descending the stairs.

“Thanks.” Cheryl said before disappearing to the kitchen again.

“You don’t mind keeping him for a bit?” Curt asked Mark as he grabbed the keys and his jacket.

“Not at all.” Mark answered, and with that Curt left the house.

“Your mom and dad are busy people today.” Mark said to Carson, who now had his eyes open and was yawning. When a little cry started to escape, Mark lifted him to his shoulder and gently patted his back.

Sabrina and Cheryl had both heard the fuss start and stuck there heads out of the kitchen, but when Carson stopped crying Cheryl quickly went back to work on the dishes. Sabrina didn’t move as quickly. She stood still, her head poking around the corner, and watched Mark comfort the baby. It surprised her how he didn’t shy away and immediately hand him off to his mom like the other men had. After a few more seconds of watching Mark move Carson down so he was lying against his chest, she moved back into the kitchen and continued drying the dishes, though her mind was now distracted.

She’d seen Mark with his cousin’s baby a couple years ago but there had been so many people around that day that he’d only held her for a few minutes and so she’d thought nothing of it. It surprised her how he was that much more irresistible to her now with a baby in his arms. The way he gently cradled Carson reminded her greatly of how he held her: gentle yet protective. When she thought of the baby in his arms being their baby, her knees became a bit wobbly. They’d talked of having kids before and she knew it was something they both wanted, but when she’d thought of having a baby she’d only ever pictured it wrapped up tight in a pink or blue blanket laying in a crib or a stroller. She’d never really thought of the way she and Mark would interact with it, especially not Mark.

Seeing him with a baby now brought those thoughts to her mind and with these thoughts came confidence. She listed all the reasons they had put off having a baby in her head, but none of them seemed important enough to put it off any longer. She knew it wouldn’t be easy and that they’d have obstacles to over come, but the images that were now imprinted in her mind comforted her. She was sure that they would be able to handle it.

Now she just had to tell Mark.

When the dishes were done Sabrina headed for the living room to see if Mark was ready to go home, but as she rounded the corner she came to and abrupt stop and a smile crossed her face. Mark was sitting with one leg stretched out on the couch and the other one still on the floor. Carson was lying on his stomach on Marks chest with Mark’s hand on his back, and they were both sleeping. Sabrina couldn’t take her eyes off of them, it was the sweetest thing.

“Mark.” Sabrina said softly as she crossed the living room. She rested one knee against the couch and placed her hand on top of his on Carson’s back. “Mark.” She whispered against his cheek before placing a soft kiss there.

“Hmm? Oh, are we going?” Mark asked, shifting the baby slightly so he could sit up.

“Yeah, it’s almost supper time.”

“Ok.” Mark moved Carson so that he was lying in his arms and stood up.

“Thanks for watching him.” Cheryl said as Mark passed him on to her, “I don’t know what happened to Curtis. He always ends up getting more than I ask.” Everyone laughed.

“Not a problem.” Mark answered, helping Sabrina put her coat on and then shrugging into his own.

“Thanks for having us over.” Sabrina hugged Cheryl.

“Not a problem, it was fun.” Cheryl answered returning the hug then moving to hug Mark as well. “Drive safe.”

“Carson’s absolutely adorable.” Sabrina said as she crawled under the covers on her side of the bed. She snuggled up to Mark with her head on his chest. Mark moved his hand slowly up and down her back.

“He is.” Mark agreed.

“He seemed to like you.” Sabrina said, looking up to smile at Mark.

“Did he? I didn’t have time to notice, we were too busy napping.” Mark and Sabrina both laughed softly.

“Do you…do you think that we might…” Sabrina hesitated, worried about Mark’s answer, “Do you think we might be ready for a baby?” She didn’t lift her head when she finally got her sentence out, she was too afraid of Mark’s reaction.

“You were thinking about that too, huh?” Now she sat up and looked at him; she hadn’t been expecting the “too”.

“Yes.” She answered carefully, just because he’d thought about it didn’t mean he’d had the same thoughts as her; maybe he’d decided they were right to wait. “What kind of thoughts were you having?”

“You look right holding a baby. Not that you look wrong other wise,” Mark quickly corrected himself, “but holding Carson…there’s just something more.” Sabrina closed her eyes as Mark softly kissed her forehead and then her temple.

“You know what I think?” Sabrina whispered, tilting her head slightly so he could place a kiss on her lips.

“What?” Mark said, kissing her again.

“I think…you look…sexy…holding…a baby.” Sabrina whispered between kisses. Neither one spoke for a few minutes, both of them unwilling to remove their lips from the others.

“You really think we’re ready?” Sabrina finally spoke, asking the question that they’d both indirectly answered.

“We will be, but I don’t want to wait any longer.” Mark whispered, taking her face in his hands and kissing her less softly this time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sabrina came down the stairs having just had a shower and the first thing she saw was Mark stretched out on the couch with their daughter lying on his chest, her soft tufts of hair brushing his chin. She smiled, remembering how just ten months ago it had been Cheryl’s son having a nap with him, and now it was their own baby. Mark’s hand was resting on her back and she didn’t know how to describe it, but somehow it looked softer, yet more protective than it had with Carson. She knew that he was sleeping, but something about the way his body was positioned told her that he was subconsciously aware of everything around him. Even in a deep sleep he was protective of his daughter. Sabrina laughed softly to herself, thinking of the poor boy who she would eventually have to bring home to meet her father.

Sabrina walked over to the arm chair and sat down to watch her husband and daughter sleep peacefully. Of all the places she’d ever gone and of all the people she’d ever met, none of them had brought her the amount of joy that she felt now watching her husband and daughter sleep and knowing that they were hers.

Not Enough Time

2009-04-05T03:27:55Z

Author: kikinini7
Title: Not enough Time
Part: 1/1
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina and Mark
Summary: Is Mark seeing things?
Disclaimer: Yes…No…Or do I?? (Just kidding, I own NO ONE)
Warnings/Comments: This is pure fluff, written on a day when I was EXTREMELY bored. Krissieli gets a HUGE credit for helping me. This is one of the last things I’ll be posting for a couple weeks because I leave for Italy at the end of the week. I’m hoping I can finish one more before I go. As always, comments are appreciated!

Mark stood just outside the door of the dance studio watching Sabrina’s car disappear into the sea of traffic. When her tail lights finally disappeared around a corner he opened the door and went back inside. Dropping down onto the couch in the foyer he closed his eyes, trying to clear his head from the battle that was going on inside it.

“You just spent eleven hours with her.” One side argued.

“But we could have gone for supper together.” The other argued back.

“One meal together is enough.”

“But she didn’t seem in a rush to leave.”

“She just didn’t want to be rude.”

“But I want to spend more time with her…”

When he subconsciously let these words float through his mind his eyes snapped open and he shook his head. He didn’t really want to spend more time with her, they were together at least eleven hours every day. How could that not be enough? He blamed his thoughts on just being tired and not thinking clearly.

Pushing them to the back of his mind he wandered back into the dimly lit studio to grab his stuff. He was bent over his bag stuffing things into it when something in the mirror caught his eye. He stood up and looked behind him out the window, but no one was there.

“Great, now I’m seeing things.” He muttered, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. He was almost to the door when he realized he’d forgotten his water bottle. As he walked back to the other end of the room he could’ve sworn he saw something move out of the corner of his eye. He changed his course and walked to the window, craning his neck in both directions to see if he could see someone, but again there was no one there.

“Am I so desperate to be with her that I’m imagining seeing her now?” he wondered. The thought almost disturbed him. He continued to walk slowly to his water bottle but kept his eye out the window; nothing was there. He shook his head, trying to convince him self that he wasn’t going insane. He walked back to the door and turned the few remaining lights off, trying to focus on choreography for their routine rather than his sanity.

“Oh, hey!” Mark jumped when he heard her quiet, slightly embarrassed voice as he walked out of the building.

“Hey!..” Mark replied, confused, but at the same time glad that he hadn’t been losing his mind inside. “What are you doing back here?”

“Well, I just…I was on my way home and realized that I don’t have much food there since we’ve been eating out everyday and I usually have supper at my parents but they aren’t home and I don’t want to go to a restaurant by myself and…” Sabrina rambled, trying to justify coming back to the studio after barely leaving.

“Sabrina,” Mark cut her off, “Would you like to have supper with me?” he asked.

“You don’t have other plans?” She asked sheepishly, her cheeks turning red.

“Nothing at all.” Mark smiled at her. He led her to his car, opened her door for her, threw his stuff in his trunk and got in the drivers seat. As he got in she smiled at him and he returned it. Maybe he had been thinking clearly before. Maybe he did enjoy spending time with her so much that even eleven hours a day wasn’t enough. The thought didn’t bother him as much this time, with her sitting in his car beside him and another hour and a half of conversation ahead of them.

Daddy's Girl- Chapter 16

2009-03-19T03:01:36Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Play Time
Part: 16/?
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Sabrina and Mark take the girls to the park

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: I FINALLY got my computer back (although it’s not fixed) and now FINALLY finished this chapter. Getting back into this series was harder than I thought. Just so people know where this is picking up again, Jaslynn is four months away from being 6 years old and Madelyn is 16 months old. As always, comments are appreciated!

Sabrina sighed as she felt Mark lean over his side of the bed and kissed her temple softly.

“Time to get up already?” She asked sleepily.

“It is. Maddie’s awake in her crib but I think Jaslynn’s still asleep. I figured you’d want to get up and shower before they’re both up.”

“Thanks.” Sabrina smiled. While she got up and went to their bathroom to shower Mark went to get Madelyn.

As he walked into her room Madelyn let out a high pitched squeal.

“What are you doing up so early angel?” Mark smiled widely at her causing her to squeal again. As he opened the top drawer in her dresser to get a clean diaper Jaslynn walked into the room holding her favourite stuffed dog.

“Hi Maddie.” She said sleepily, climbing up the side of the crib so she was face to face with her sister. Madelyn smiled at her sister and let out a string of words that no one understood. Mark came up behind Jaslynn and kissed the top her head.

“Good morning princess.” Jaslynn turned the top half of her body towards Mark and wrapped her arms around his neck. He picked her up off of her perch on Madelyn’s crib and kissed her forehead.

“Hi daddy.” She answered hugging him tightly around the neck again.

“Do you want to do something fun today?” Mark asked Jaslynn, setting her down and lowering the side of the crib to get Madelyn out.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know…I was thinking maybe…the park!?” Mark asked, smiling widely at Jaslynn. He knew that was one of her favorite ways to spend her summer days.

“YAY!” Jaslynn exclaimed before she took off down the hall to find Sabrina.

A few minutes later Mark carried Madelyn down the stairs and met Sabrina and Jaslynn in the kitchen. Sabrina was making sandwiches with Jaslynn watching and chattering excitedly to her about all the things she wanted to do from her perch on a barstool.

“Guess what daddy!” Jaslynn ran to the living room where Mark set Maddie down to play.

“What princess?”

“Mommy’s making lunch so we can have a picnic at the park!” Mark smiled at Jaslynn’s excitement as she knelt down on the floor beside her sister. “Do you want to go play at the park Maddie?” Jaslynn asked, taking her sisters hand and playing with it. Madelyn giggled and continued to play with the toys in front of her, unaware of the day ahead of her.

“Mark?” Sabrina called from the kitchen, “Would you go get the girls dressed while I finish getting this ready?”

“Sure.”

“Just make sure it’s nothing white.” Sabrina told him.

Jaslynn led the way up the stairs and into her room.

“Can I wear this daddy?” She asked, pulling a bright blue top with yellow flowers out of her drawer.

“If you want.” Mark agreed, “Let’s find the blue leggings that go with it.”

With Jaslynn’s clothes picked out Mark took Madelyn to find clothes for her. He picked out a light yellow sun dress purple butterflies on it and proceeded to dress her. Jaslynn came in with Sabrina minutes later, her wavy blonde hair pulled back in a neat pony tail.

“Look at how pretty you are!” Sabrina cooed, taking Madelyn into the bathroom to do her hair, Jaslynn following close behind.

“We’re gonna have so much fun Maddie!” Jaslynn told her sister while Sabrina pulled Madelyn’s light brown curls into pigtails. With her hair done, Sabrina set Madelyn on the ground and Jaslynn took her hand to lead her back to her bedroom.

The girls played happily on the floor while Sabrina packed an extra set of clothes for them and diapers for Madelyn and Mark found their kite and got the wagon out of the garage. When everything was finally gathered the four of them started the short walk to the park.

Mark pulled Madelyn in the wagon with the picnic basket while Jaslynn skipped happily between him and Sabrina, holding each of their hands. It wasn’t long before the park fence was visible and Jaslynn pulled her parents hands, urging them to move faster.

“Relax pumpkin.” Sabrina laughed, gripping Jaslynn’s hand tightly and checking to make sure it was safe to cross the street. When they reached the other side she let go and Jaslynn ran through the opening in the fence and went straight to the swings.

“Will you push me daddy?” She asked, climbing onto the shortest of the four swings. Mark nodded and stepped up behind her giving her a very light push hardly making her move. “Higher daddy.” She giggled trying to get the swing to move faster with no luck.

“Is this better?” Mark asked, pushing her only slightly higher.

“No!” Jaslynn shouted, laughing even harder now.

“Ok, hold on tight then.” Jaslynn’s fists tightened on the chain and Mark grabbed the sides pulling her back and then running underneath, pushing Jaslynn as high as he could.

“Make sure you hold on.” Sabrina instructed, watching Jaslynn enjoy herself as she pushed Madelyn in the baby swing. When Jaslynn’s swing finally slowed enough so that she could drag her feet on the ground she stopped herself and got off.

“Isn’t that fun Maddie?” She asked her sister as she gently pushed the swing. Madelyn smiled and giggled as Jaslynn gave her one final push then headed for the slide.

“Watch this daddy!” She exclaimed waiting at the top of the slide for Mark to get closer. When he got to the bottom of the slide Jaslynn sat down and propelled herself forward and down. A wide smile spread across her face as she sped towards the bottom, stopping before she could fly off the end.

“That doesn’t scare you?” Mark joked.

“No!” Jaslynn answered, already at the top ready to go down a second time. She played on the slide for several minutes before Sabrina led Madelyn slowly towards them.

“Maddie,” Jaslynn shouted as she came down the slide yet again, “Do you want to go down the slide?”

“Why don’t we take her down the small one? Mark suggested. Jaslynn ran to meet her mom and sister and took Madelyn’s hand to lead her to the smaller slide. Jaslynn quickly climbed the steps and waited while Sabrina stood behind Madelyn as she followed her sister. When she reached the top Jaslynn sat down and lifted Maddie onto her lap. Mark gave her a little push to help her get going and the two of them moved slowly towards the bottom. Madelyn let out a squeal of pleasure which caused Jaslynn to giggle.

“Wasn’t that fun?” She asked, leaning around her sister to see her face. Madelyn let out some unrecognizable words and Jaslynn kissed her chubby cheek before putting Madelyn down in the sand.

The girls ran around the park playing happily until Jaslynn finally announced that she was hungry. Sabrina spread out the blanket she had brought along and the four of them ate the sandwiches and fresh fruit that she had pack for them. When the food was gone Jaslynn went to go play on the slide and Madelyn curled up in Sabrina’s arms and fell asleep. It wasn’t long before Jaslynn wandered back over to the blanket, her eyes looking heavy.

“You tired princess?” Mark opened his arms and Jaslynn sat down, leaning her head against his chest.

“No.” She insisted but seconds later she closed her eyes.

“I think it’s time to go home.” Mark said. He picked Jaslynn up easily and helped Sabrina lay the blanket in the bottom of the wagon to make it more comfortable for Madelyn. Sabrina carried the picnic basket and pulled the wagon while Mark carried Jaslynn, her head resting on his shoulder.

“I think they had fun.” Sabrina said as they walked up the path.

“They did. Jaslynn played herself out. She hasn’t been tired enough to take a nap in a while; it’s quite a treat.” Mark answered, smiling mischievously at his wife. Sabrina smiled back and picked Madelyn up to go inside.

Reclaiming a Rose

2009-03-13T03:32:24Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Reclaiming A Rose
Part: 1/1
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: A letter leads him back to the person he wants most
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or Do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: I’m not even sure what inspired this. I just sat down and wrote and this is what came out, over a few day span. Special thanks to elimaru, chiknluver93, and Lexa for previewing it and an extra special thanks to krissieli and jaquipop for helping me get unstuck and then reminding me to actually write the letter, hahaha. What would I do with out you guys? Comments are appreciated, as always!

Mark sat on the couch in his apartment, boxes surrounding him like a protective wall from the world outside. His eyes were red from sleep deprivation and tears. Nothing in his life seemed together at the moment, but he was going to try to fix it.

He knew Joanna had a good reason to leave and he knew it was for the better. He knew who he wanted, needed, back in his life, but what he was getting ready to do had his head spinning with questions.

Was leaving Houston the right thing to do? What if she wouldn’t take him back? What if this was the wrong decision? Was he listening to his heart too much over his head? Had they made the right decision the first time?

As hard as he tried, these thoughts refused to be pushed from his mind. He sat in the silence and looked at the boxes, now filled with his belongings, all except the letter that had started it all.

He picked it up and looked at it, not reading the words he had written, just examining the details. He hadn’t noticed it at the time, but by looking at the creases on the paper he could tell that after folding it in half twice he had folded one edge in to make it square and then corner to corner forming a triangle; the same way Sabrina always had.

The first time he’d seen her fold something this way he’d asked her about it. Her cheeks had turned pink and she tried to hide it by looking at her feet. Remembering that made him smile, something he hadn’t done in a while.

Looking at the paper he also noticed that he’d drawn in the margins, something he’d only ever done when writing to Sabrina, when he was deep in thought. The drawings never had much significance at first glance, but they reflected his feelings. This one, however, seemed different, deeper, than the others. He’d drawn a single rose lying on and being reflected in a mirror. Looking at it for several seconds, he almost forgot he was the one who’d drawn it.

Mark finally tore his eyes away from the note and folded it back into a triangle. He carefully tucked it into his pocket and stood up to carry the first couple of small boxes out to his car; movers were coming for the bigger boxes and furniture.

After filling his car to the brim, Mark went back inside to make sure every thing had been packed. An unexpected smile crossed his face as he stood in the middle of his empty living room taking a final look around. It still hurt to think of everything that had happened over the last year and a half, but things seemed to be looking up. He knew the next part wouldn’t be easy, but he hoped it would lead him back to happiness, back to her.

Mark finally turned his back the apartment that was no long his, on the life he didn’t love, on the regrets he was determined to make right, and walked away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The drive to LA was long, especially alone. Mark tried to distract himself with music, but he couldn’t drive the thoughts of what came next from his mind. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say to her, but he knew he had to try. Absentmindedly he pulled the note from his pocket and unfolded it, laying it on the seat beside him.

Some how it brought him comfort, even if he couldn’t read it at the moment. Having it there and knowing that there was a reason for what he was doing relaxed him a bit.

He wasn’t sure what had prompted him to write something other than a song. Songs were his way of expressing himself with out being too direct, but something had stopped him from doing that this time. Instead, he had sat down with a piece of paper and a pen and wrote a letter to her. He told her all the things he loved and missed about her, and all the things he had done that he wished he could take back. He hadn’t made it overly long, just long enough to get his point across and let his feelings out.

He’d written the letter trying to find some kind of closure, trying to heal wounds in his heart that had been wide open for a year and a half, wounds that Joanna tried to pretend didn’t exist; and in a way the letter had provided that, but not how he’d expected.

Instead of putting it somewhere safe where no one would ever be able to find it and read it, he had folded it and tucked it in his wallet, not even thinking about what he was doing. He wasn’t sure if he regretted that now, but a couple days later he had. Joanna had found it while getting something else out of his wallet for him. He suspected the way he had folded it had intrigued her, prompting her to open and read it.

That night had been one of the hardest he’d ever experienced. Joanna hadn’t yelled, screamed, or gone into hysterics but Mark thought that those reactions would have been easier to handle. Instead she handed him the note with only a few silent tears falling as she asked if the things he had written were true. He’d stumbled over his words, not sure himself if he still truly meant them, but as he tried to convince her that they weren’t true, he came to the conclusion that they were.

The hurt he saw in her eyes when he admitted it stung his heart. He didn’t want to hurt her, he cared about her, but he knew that there was someone else he cared for on a much deeper level.

Not a lot more had been said as Joanna grabbed her coat and turned to leave, but she stopped before opening the door.

“The picture you drew,” She said, tears falling from her eyes, “She’s the rose isn’t she?” All he could do was nod. “And the mirror?”

“I’m only as beautiful as her when I’m with her,” He’d explained, almost whispering, “With out her I’m empty.”

With that Joanna had left, closing the door a lot softer than he’d expected.

That was the night Mark had decided to go back to LA and face all the things he’d ran from. He knew leaving Houston would be hard, he was enjoying life here, but it wouldn’t help get her back and that was the most important thing right now.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mark glanced around his new apartment. It wasn’t as big as what he had been living in but he liked it. Most of his things had been put away and he was finally forced to think about the reasons he was here, about what came next.

He decided showing up out of no where and surprising her wasn’t a good idea. He didn’t want her to get mad and refuse to see him. Things had to move slow if he wanted to mend their broken hearts and he knew it. Although he wanted to see her and talk to her as soon as possible he decided that letting her hear that he was back in LA from people she trusted was the best way to go.

Cheryl was the first person he called. Hanging out with old friends from Dancing with the Stars was a perfectly innocent way to start letting her friends know that he was back, and he knew that she and Sabrina were still close. Cheryl was thrilled to hear that he’d returned to LA and instantly asked if they could go for supper. Mark agreed but insisted that it just be the two of them for now, using the excuse of having just travelled x number of hours. Really he wasn’t ready to see everyone all at once. He knew they’d be full of questions about why he was back and what had happened with Joanna and he wasn’t ready to answer them all at the same time. His heart still had a very large hole in it and he needed time to start closing it before he could answer them without making it worse. He hoped talking to Cheryl would give him an idea of how long, if ever, the process of healing would take.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dinner was pleasant, each one sharing what they had been doing since they’d seen each other last. The conversation was light but they both knew there was something more important to be talked about.

Cheryl waited until they were finished eating before asking him exactly why he’d come back to LA. Mark tried not to go into detail, saying that it just felt like the right thing to do, but Cheryl continued to ask questions. Again, as he tried to explain his feelings to someone else he ended up explaining them to himself as well.

He realized that his move to Houston had been necessary. He’d needed that time completely away from her, away from reminders of her, to realize that she was what he needed. He’d needed time to let the hurt he’d felt fade before he could try to fix his mistakes and he knew she had probably needed the time as well.

Cheryl assured him that he was not alone, that Sabrina was regretting some things too but that time had helped her hurt fade as well. Hearing this made him long to hold her, to apologize for anything he’d done that had caused her pain, and to reassure her that he was there to stay. He wanted to tell her he loved her and he knew that it wouldn’t be long before he could. He was closer to her than he had been in months and he was now positive that he’d made the right decision.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mark stopped his car as he pulled up to her house. It had been two weeks since he’d arrived in LA and he finally felt like it was time to go see her, to talk to her. He turned the car off and sat in the silence for a moment, calming himself. He opened the glove box and pulled out the letter he’d written one more time. Unfolding it he slowly read the words he’d written.

Bri,

I wish I could say all the things I’m about to write to you in person. If I had one wish though it would be that we had never drifted apart, that things had never changed in the first place.

We were so right together and it breaks my heart to think that somehow we lost that.

I’m still not over what happened you know, I still think about you when I don’t have something else distracting me. I feel guilty that it’s not Joanna that I day dream about, but I can’t help it. Her smile doesn’t light up a room, her laugh doesn’t make people want to listen to it all day (quite the opposite, actually), and her eyes don’t hold a passion for life. I miss all those things about you most.

I’ve never spent the whole day with someone and then not want to go to sleep because it just wasn’t enough time. That happened on a daily basis with you. Do you remember how inseparable we were? I think the shape of your hand has been permanently embedded in mine and it makes holing Joanna’s hand feel wrong, like there are gaps that aren’t being filled. My hand isn’t the only thing with gaps…

This letter was supposed to help me feel better, but I don’t think it’s helping much. It’s just bringing back all the feelings I’ve tried so desperately to forget. Actually, if I’m honest, they’re the feelings I’ve been trying to hide. I don’t want to forget the things I felt with you, everything was just…perfect.

I wonder if you feel the same as I do. I wonder if you ever think we made a mistake. I know I do. I hope your heart isn’t hurting as much as mine is right now. I can’t stand the thought of you in pain. That breaks my heart even more…

I miss you Bri, more than you may ever know, and I love you more than anything in the world, I hope you know that.

With that he folded the letter back into the delicate triangle and put it back in the glove box. Going to see her was definitely the right thing to do, he had no doubt in his mind.

He was going to do anything to find what they’d lost, mend what they’d broken, and fill the space they’d left empty.

He was going go reclaim his rose.

Sweater

2009-02-20T04:19:07Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Sweater
Part: 1/1
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Mark and Derek are rehearsing on Sabrina’s bus
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)

Warnings/Comments: I’ve been thinking about this for a while and finally wrote it down. It’s short and there isn’t much of a point…guess that would qualify it as pure fluff. Comments are appreciated!

As the buses pulled into a gas station for a quick break Mark rolled out of his bunk, tucked his notebook away, and got off the bus. He squinted stepping out into the sunlight from the depths of his bed and wandered into the gas station. As he stood in front of the cooler deciding on what he wanted to drink he felt two tiny arms snake around his waist and hug him tightly. He smiled as he felt Sabrina’s cheek rest against his back.

“I didn’t think you’d get up.” He said, turning around and returning her hug. Her eyes were still half closed and her hair had been thrown up in a quick pony tail.

“I came to see if you wanted to come join me.” She smiled softly at him.

“Sounds good to me.” He replied, leaning in for a kiss. As they broke apart and looked back at the cooler, Derek walked in.

“Hey, you wanna teach me that new song so we can play it tomorrow?” He asked.

“I’m actually going on Sabrina’s bus for a while.” Mark answered putting his arm around Sabrina’s waist.

“He can come too Mark,” Sabrina interrupted, “It’ll be easier to play in my bus anyway.”

“You sure?” Derek asked, “I don’t want to interrupt the cuddling I know you two had planned.” Sabrina blushed and looked at her feet.

“Thanks.” Mark said sarcastically, “We have time, it’s not a hard song.”

“Alright. I’ll meet you there.” Derek agreed and he walked away.

After paying for their drinks, Sabrina and Mark walked back outside.

“I just need to grab a few things and I’ll be right there.” Mark explained, heading back to the pro’s bus. He grabbed his note book, guitar, and a sweater and then walked to Sabrina’s bus. Mark put on his sweater before settling on the couch with his guitar. Sabrina sat down beside him with Derek on the couch opposite of them.

“Damn, it’s cold in here.” Derek stated not long after they pulled out of the gas station.

“She likes it cold.” Mark smiled at Sabrina.

“I can’t sleep if it’s too warm.” She answered defensively. “Mark learned that quickly.”

“Sweater.” Mark said seriously, raising his eyebrows and pointing to the stripped sweater he was wearing.

“You could have warned me.” Derek argued, “She’s not my girlfriend, how was I supposed to know?” Sabrina and Mark both laughed.

The guys continued to practice their new song while Sabrina sat and listened. They let her take pictures and when they all got giggly again she taped a video blog.

It was 12:30 when the buses pulled over again and they all decided that anymore practice would be useless.

“You coming back to our bus?” Derek asked as he stood up and walked towards the door. Mark was sitting on the couch with Sabrina beside him curled into his side.

“Think I’ll spend the night here.” Mark answered, smiling at Sabrina. “It’s...quieter, easier to sleep.”

“Whatever.” Derek shook his head and got off the bus. As the door closed Mark got up and locked it.

“You do realize no one’s gonna try to open that door while we drive.” Sabrina laughed as he walked back towards her.

“Well not while we’re driving, but I don’t want to be bothered if we stop again.” Mark explained, taking her hand to pull her up and leading her back to her bed.

Fences(Part 2)

2009-02-13T03:00:01Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Fences
Part: 1/1
Rating: R (Sexual situations)
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Listen to the song and read
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: Not quite sure how this thought came to me while listening to the song, but I kinda like it. It’s in two parts because it’s so long. Comments are appreciated!

Yeah, yeah you're asking for it
With every breath that you breathe in
Just breathe it in.
Yeah, yeah well you're just a mess
You do all this big talking
So now let's see you walk it.
I said let's see you walk it.

Shirley had been in the studio with them for about 4 hours now, and most days they would have taken 4 ten minute breaks already but they were not about to do that with his mom around. She had helped them with several parts of their dance and had given them every excuse for their faces to be less than an inch from each other. She knew they were together, Mark had taken Sabrina to many family dinners already, but he didn’t think she needed to know how often they liked to take breaks from dancing. They had managed to restrict it to 6 quick kisses and many tight hugs in the past four hours, but Mark was starting to lose his patience. He appreciated his moms help, but there was a line and she was approaching it quickly. He didn’t know how much longer he would be able to go with out taking a 20 minute break at least with Sabrina.

As Mark brought Sabrina back up for what felt like the millionth time and their faces met he couldn’t help but whisper to her.

“I need you.” Sabrina smiled mischievously at him, but managed to push the thoughts running through her mind away as Shirley approached them.

“Beautiful Darlings.” She said referring to the move they had just done. They both smiled at her, each hoping she would say that she was done with them. “Now do it one more time but don’t stop, I want to see how it leads into the next part.” Inside, Sabrina and Mark groaned, but they went to their starting position and went through the move again.

This time, as Mark brought her up, it was Sabrina’s turn to whisper. “I need you too” He just smiled and turned her away from him, extending his arms as she did the same. When they came face to face again Mark spoke.

“I’m calling a break.” He passed Sabrina to his other arm and extended them again.

“Okay.” Sabrina whispered as they passed each other into the next couple of steps.

Finally Shirley stopped them and Mark wasted no time in suggesting a break.

“Sure.” Shirley agreed, “I actually think I’ve helped all I can today.” Mark squeezed Sabrina’s hand after Shirley spoke these words. This meant they were going to get the break they so badly needed.

“You sure about that?” Sabrina asked to be polite even though she was very anxious to have the studio to themselves.

“I am. The choreography is perfect for you two, and your steps don’t need much more touching up. I’d say you’re ready for Monday’s show.” Shirley explained.

“That’s what you think.” Sabrina laughed, “Mark likes to drill steps over and over for the last two days of rehearsal.”

“I learned from the best.” Mark answered smiling at his mom.

“That does seem to be a family trait.” Shirley laughed. “You two enjoy the rest of your rehearsal. Don’t burn your poor girl out Mark.” Shirley said as she gathered her things.

After hugs were given, Sabrina and Mark finally had the studio to themselves. Mark picked Sabrina up instantly and carried her over to the couch. She let him lay her down and kiss her neck.

“I missed you today.” She said, sneaking her hands under his shirt so that she could feel his skin against hers. He didn’t answer her right away, his lips were too preoccupied with her body.

“Me too.” He answered, finally kissing her lips.

“Baby,” Sabrina moaned, “Are we gonna get any work done today?”

“I’d rather do this.” Mark said, moving his lips back to her neck.

“Why don’t we go to your place then?” She asked.

“Because that means I have to stop what I’m doing.” Mark answered as he reached around her to unzip her dress and she giggled.

“You really have no patience when you’ve had to wait all day.” Sabrina said, pulling Mark’s shirt over his head.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By the time Sabrina finally came back to reality Mark had her laying on the couch and her dress was being unzipped.

“You really have no patience this week.” She laughed as he kissed her shoulders.

“People keep making me wait too damn long.” He answered, never taking his lips from her skin.

“Can we please not do this here?” She asked, laughing at his last comment, “There are people everywhere, my place isn’t far.”

“Fine, but do we have to change?” He asked, although he wasn’t moving from on top of her.

“Mark! My dress is almost off, your half undressed. It’ll take 3 extra minutes to put sweats on.” She said, trying to stand up.

“Mmmm, sweat pants.” Mark smiled. “Fine, but you aren’t allowed to stop and talk to anyone on your way to the car.”

“Agreed.” Sabrina smiled and stood up to change.

Yeah, yeah well you're just a mess
You do all this big talking
So now let's see you walk it.
I said let's see you walk it.

The next Tuesday night Mark and Sabrina were standing under the red light. Sabrina had a sickening feeling that their Dancing with the Stars experience was over and felt like she was going to pass out; if it wasn’t for Mark. He had stood behind her the entire night, holding her hands, kissing her shoulders and whispering comforting things in her ear.

He felt responsible for them being in the bottom two. Sabrina had been shooting a music video with The Cheetah Girls that week which didn’t leave as much time for rehearsal and him as he wanted. He tried so hard to control himself, but had found not being able to hold her every minute of every day difficult. He couldn’t help but wonder if they wouldn’t be in this position if he hadn’t insisted on so many breaks.

“I’m so sorry baby.” He said as they stood in the hallway backstage during a commercial break.

“Mark, don’t blame yourself. Please don’t blame yourself.” Sabrina replied leaning her cheek against his chest as tears started to fall. Mark put his head down and caught her lips in his.

“It’ll be ok.” He said, kissing her hair this time. Sabrina released him from her grasp and wiped her tears away and nodded.

Not long after, they were wrapped in each others arms again, this time on the dance floor for their last dance. Sabrina was fighting back tears as Mark whispered gently to her.

After they were done with interviews on the set they walked slowly back to Sabrina’s trailer hand in hand. They opened the door, walked up the steps, and sat down on the couch. Sabrina draped her legs over Mark’s and they wrapped their arms around each other. Nothing was said for half an hour while Mark let her cry on his shoulder.

“Can we go back to your place?” Sabrina sniffed.

“You do realize we have to leave for New York in three hours right?”

“We can stop and my house on the way so I can grab some clothes. I just don’t want to stay there.”

“Sure baby. Change quickly and we can go.”

And it's obvious that you're dying, dying.
Just living proof that the camera's lying.
And oh oh open wide, yeah oh oh open wide.
Yeah, oh oh open wide,
'Cause you'll go out in style.
You'll go out in style.

Half an hour later they arrived at Mark’s place. He carried her bag in for her and they headed straight upstairs to his bedroom. They curled up under the covers and lay there for a while. Sabrina’s back was to Mark and he had his arms wrapped around her, their fingers laced together in front of her. Mark thought that she was going to sleep and so he closed his eyes to try and get some rest before they had to get up a short while later.

As he started to doze off, Mark felt Sabrina turn over in his arms, and assuming she was still sleeping he kept his eyes closed. All of a sudden her lips were on his in a sweet kiss. It surprised him, but didn’t take long for him to respond. He gently kissed her back and moved his hand to brush her hair from her face. As she licked his lips with her tongue he opened his mouth to allow her entrance. Her tongue danced with his as he slowly moved to lie on top of her. Before long she was pulling his Team Sabrina shirt up and over his head. He wasted no time in doing the same to her.

It wasn’t long before they were both stripped of all their clothes and moving slowly together.

“You won’t leave me, will you?” Sabrina whispered, as tears started to form in her eyes again.

“Why would I leave you?” Mark asked, confused.

“’Cause the shows over.” Sabrina explained, tears falling freely now.

“I’m not going anywhere baby.” Mark assured her as he put his lips back on hers. They spent the next hour together in bed before they had to get up and leave for New York.

Mark now knew why Sabrina had clung to him and insisted they go to his place and not hers: she was afraid he was going to leave her. Knowing this, he spent their whole time in New York trying to silently reassure her that he was in this for the long run. He just wanted her to be happy and it made his heart skip a beat to think that being with him was what made her the happiest.

Fences (part 1)

2009-02-13T02:47:01Z

I'm sitting in a room,

Made up of only big white walls and in the hall
There are people looking through
The window in the door
they know exactly what we're here for.

Sabrina was sitting on the couch in the corner of the room waiting for him when Mark walked in. They had been rehearsing their cha cha for over three weeks now and had picked up on their chemistry very quickly. Mark walked over and sat down beside her. He immediately took her face in his hands and started kissing her. She kissed him back, allowing his tongue to enter her mouth.

“Hello to you too.” Sabrina laughed when he finally let her tear her lips away. “Any particular reason for that kind of a greeting first thing in the morning?”

“I just don’t want you to be mad at me.” He answered, watching her face carefully.

“Why would I be mad.” She asked, somewhat worried.

“I think Derek might know about us.” He said leaning away and wincing slightly.

“WHAT?” Sabrina said rather loudly, her eyes widening. “How’d he find out? Did you tell him?”

“Not exactly.” Mark said, trying to calm Sabrina down. He took her hands in his and rubbed them gently with his thumbs. “When I got home last night the first thing he asked was if my lips enjoyed the company. I just pretended I didn’t know what he was talking about and went to my room.”

“Oh man. Mark, yesterday I thought I saw someone looking in the window while we were making out,” Sabrina mumbled as she looked down at their hands, “but I thought I was just paranoid and seeing things.”

“Well, I think it’s safe to say it was Derek. I just hope he can keep his big mouth shut. The show starts in a few days and I’d rather not have millions of people knowing.”

“Me too.” Sabrina smiled and leaned in for another kiss.

Don't look up
Just let them think
There's no place else
You'd rather be.

The next day Sabrina and Mark drilled the most difficult steps in their cha cha, meaning by the time 11:00 a.m. came they were very tired. They agreed that they wanted a nap before they went out to get something to eat. Mark took Sabrina in his arms and they stretched out on the couch.

Over an hour later, Sabrina heard whispering voices in the studio. Mark’s arms were still wrapped around her and she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. She decided to keep her eyes shut and listen to what they were saying.

“I told you.” She heard a male voice she recognized as Derek’s say, “but yesterday they weren’t just snuggling. They were all over each other.”

“They sure do look sweet together.” Sabrina hadn’t ever heard this voice before but she knew who it had to be. There was only one person who she knew of that had a British accent and that was Mark’s mother. Knowing Shirley was in the room and watching them “sleep” made Sabrina even more determined to keep her eyes shut and pretend she had no idea they had company. “Lets let them sleep, we can talk to Mark later.” Shirley continued. The studio door opened and closed but Sabrina waited a few minutes to make sure they were gone before opening her eyes and sitting up.

She looked behind her to see Mark still sound asleep, his mouth slightly open. She moved to kneel down beside the couch and let her lips cover his mouth in a sweet kiss. Mark opened his eyes to find Sabrina smiling at him.

“We are so busted.” She said.

“What makes you say that?” Mark asked as he sat up and wrapped his arms around Sabrina who had moved to sit beside him on the couch.

“Derek and your mom were here.” She answered simply.

“They were? Why didn’t I hear them?”

“I guess you were really tired. And Derek had to mention that we were all over each other yesterday.” She told him, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it baby. I’ll deal with them tonight.” Mark comforted, kissing the top of her head.

You're always on display
For everyone to watch and learn from,
Don't you know by now,
You can't turn back
Because this road is all you'll ever have.

As they got ready for their performance the first night, Sabrina started to get a little worried.

“What if I mess up?” She pouted to Mark as they sat together in her trailer.

“You’re not going to mess up.” Mark said soothingly, “You know this dance inside and out, and I know that’s not what’s really bothering you.” Sabrina looked at Mark and pouted.

“What if Derek’s right? What if everyone knows. I’m a role model for 10 year olds, they aren’t supposed to get the idea that I fool around with any guy I spend time with.” At this comment Mark burst out laughing. “Mark, why do you think this is so funny?” Sabrina couldn’t hold back the laugh that escaped as she said this.

“Are you expecting us to stop in the middle of the dance floor and make out?” He asked, still laughing.

“Well no..” Sabrina started, but Mark cut her off.

“Then why are you so worried?”

“Because even your mom said we have undeniable chemistry, and I just don’t want all of America to see it.” Sabrina pouted.

“Well it’s a little bit late to turn back now, the show starts in an hour. So can you stop worrying about it please?” Mark asked smiling gently and leaning in for a kiss. As his lips pressed against hers, he felt her relax. He started to pull away but Sabrina pulled him back, her tongue eagerly exploring his mouth.

“Baby, this isn’t gonna help cut down our chemistry tonight.” Mark managed to get out as Sabrina tried desperately to keep her lips pressed against his. She finally pulled away and answered.

“Maybe not, but it’s cutting down my nerves.” Mark smiled and let her kiss him again. He wasn’t going to argue with her if this was how she wanted to calm herself down.

And it's obvious that you're dying, dying.
Just living proof that the camera's lying.
And oh oh open wide, 'cause this is your night.
So smile, 'cause you'll go out in style.
You'll go out in style.

When their dance was over and they were getting their comments from the judges, Sabrina kept looking behind her to see Mark’s face. He had broken their ending pose and kissed her on her forehead and from that point on Sabrina could tell he wanted the show to be over and be back in her trailer. It made her laugh to see Mark trying to hide it and act as though he was actually hearing what the judges were saying, but the truth was she could hardly focus either. She wanted to listen to what the judges had to say so that they could improve next week, but that just wasn’t happening. Sabrina settled for looking intently at them, smiling, and nodding. She knew they could always watch the tape tomorrow and actually listen to their words.

As soon as the show was over Mark grabbed Sabrina’s hand and practically dragged her to her trailer as she complained about being in heels and being unable to run. He opened the door and held her hand as she walked up the stairs as he followed close behind. As soon as the door was shut he spun Sabrina around and covered her mouth with his. She wasn’t surprised by his actions, and returned the kiss with just as much desire.

“You…were…amazing.” Mark said as he kissed her mouth, moved to her jaw and eventually reached her neck. Sabrina smiled as she tilted her head slightly and rested her hands behind his head, playing with his soft hair.

“All thanks to you.” Sabrina answered as Mark’s mouth moved back to hers. He started backing her up towards the couch, but Sabrina stopped him.

“Mark! We haven’t even changed. These costumes can’t be wrecked.” She scolded, putting her hands on his shoulders and leaning back slightly.

“Who said we’re keeping them on?” Mark said, a teasing sparkle in his eye but his face completely serious. Sabrina couldn’t do anything but giggle at these words before Mark’s lips were planted back on hers. She returned the kiss until he started backing her up and then she stopped him again.

“Mark, this isn’t happening here. Let’s change and we can go back to my place.”

“Fine.” Mark pouted. He gave her one more quick kiss and then turned to leave.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Three hours later Sabrina woke up with Mark’s arms wrapped around her. She carefully rolled over so that she could kiss him.

“Did we fall asleep?” Mark asked groggily, opening his eyes.

“Yeah.” Sabrina replied leaning in for another kiss.

“Did I tell you that you did amazing tonight?” He continued when they broke apart.

“I think I remember hearing you say something like that in between kisses in my trailer, but it doesn’t hurt to hear them again.” Sabrina said, smiling at him.

“You were amazing.” He repeated, “I think we have this thing in the bag. Everybody loved you.”

“Everybody loved us.” Sabrina corrected, “And don’t jinx it. People in the studio might have enjoyed it, but if they don’t vote we could leave tomorrow.”

“Don’t remind me.” Mark groaned. Even the thought of elimination night stressed him out. “But I do remember Carrie Ann saying something about never, ever, ever seeing a cha cha like that on the first show.”

“You heard her say that?” Sabrina asked, “I didn’t think you were absorbing anything they were saying.” She laughed.

“Well that comment stuck. And she was right, no one’s ever come out with so much strength on the first night.”

“I think it has something to do with having the best professional dancer on the show as my teacher.” Sabrina smiled.

“We make a great team.” Mark said, kissing her forehead.

“We sure do.” Sabrina agreed.

If you let me I could,
I'd show you how to build your fences,
Set restrictions, separate from the world.
The constant battle that you hate to fight,
Just blame the limelight.

As they walked back stage after getting the judges comments on their jive Sabrina felt Mark’s grip on her hand tighten slightly as he slowed her down. When they got to the spot where they weren’t visible to the audience and just out of Samantha’s view Mark spun her around and kissed her. Sabrina was completely shocked. They had agreed to keep their relationship a secret from the general public as long as possible and kissing her, on the lips, was not helping accomplish that. He finally pulled away and started walking towards Samantha with out a single word. Sabrina entered the red room in front of him, turning around nervously to make sure Mark wasn’t giving anything away.

While they talked to Samantha and got their scores the only thing running through Sabrina’s mind was “WHY DID HE DO THAT?!” When they sat down on one of the couches to watch the rest of the dancers Sabrina shot a questioning and somewhat annoyed look at Mark. He just smiled and took her hand in his. He knew that she was worried, but he didn’t regret what he had done.

This time, when the show was over, it was Sabrina who was dragging Mark back towards her trailer. She pulled him up the steps and after shutting the door behind him he moved quickly towards her, kissing her fiercely. She tried to pull away at first, but when he refused to remove his lips from hers she gave in and kissed him back. Sabrina wasn’t really mad at Mark, but she couldn’t push the thoughts of having everyone know that they were a couple from her mind. Mark finally stopped kissing her but kept his forehead against hers so that he could stop her from yelling if the need arose.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“It’s ok, but what if someone saw?”

“So what if someone saw?”

“Mark, you can’t just go around doing what you want when all of America can see.” Sabrina explained. She was used to living a guarded life, keeping the media where it belonged, but this was such a new experience to her and Mark wasn’t as worried about cameras.

“But if I have to hold it in I might explode.” Mark pouted, taking her face in his hands and kissing her again, this time softer.

“Well then, just think of the rewards you’ll get if you wait.” Sabrina said sweetly. “I’m sorry that you can’t kiss me whenever you want,” She continued, leaning into him for a kiss. “but I know how these things go. As soon as people know you end up all over the tabloids and rumours start and it’s just not fun.

“I trust your judgment.” Mark told her, “But sometimes I just can’t hold it in.” He pouted again against her lips.

Don't look up
Just let them think
There's no place else
You'd rather be.

Later that evening, Sabrina and Mark were out at a club with the rest of the cast. They had done some more dancing and visited with other people, but had eventually ended up sitting alone at a table near the back of the room. Everyone else from the show knew that they were more than just dance partners, so Sabrina was a little more willing to snuggle up to Mark. They had started out in their own chairs, sitting close enough together so that they could still hold hands. As the night went on and they returned from the dance floor, Sabrina’s chair ended up even closer to Marks so that he could have his arm wrapped around her as they watched everyone enjoying themselves. Not long after they had returned to their seats, Sabrina moved onto Mark’s lap.

Julianne and Derek had been twirling around on the dance floor for most of the night and when they were finally feeling somewhat tired they decided to go find Mark and Sabrina. As they approached the table they had left their stuff at, they saw Sabrina sitting on Mark’s lap with her ear almost touching his mouth. Sabrina had a smile on her face and was giggling. As they approached the table Sabrina’s head turned and her mouth met Mark’s. Derek reached out and grabbed his sister’s arm to stop her.

“Let’s leave them alone.” He said over the loud music, and the two of them returned back to the dance floor.

And now you can't turn back
Because this road is all you'll ever have.

And it's obvious that you're dying, dying.
Just living proof that the camera's lying.
And oh oh open wide, 'cause this is your night.
So smile.

A couple weeks later, Sabrina and Mark were getting ready to perform their rumba. Mark knew that Sabrina was worried about performing this dance in front of millions of people so he had spent every minute he possibly could with her before the show.

They were now in the red room with the rest of the cast waiting for the show to start. Sabrina’s hand was tucked under Mark’s as he moved his thumb back and forth soothingly. She watched the screen nervously as the three couples before them performed. She found Marie and Jonathan’s samba entertaining and part of her wished she could be dancing that instead, but when Jane and Tony did the rumba she knew they were in trouble. Even she could tell that Mark and hers was far more sensual and she was sure she wasn’t the only one that would pick up on that.

After this thought crossed her mind she couldn’t focus on anything. She stared blankly at the screen as Mark and Kym danced, making everyone believe that she was actually seeing it. Walking onto the dance floor she decided that they only way she would be able to get through this dance would be to completely block out the audience. Usually she liked to allow herself to hear their cheering; it pumped her up and gave her a reason to hold nothing back. However, this week was going to have to be different.

As she and Mark took their spots, she allowed herself to focus solely on Mark. It surprised her how easy this was as Mark looked back at her and raised his hand to her cheek briefly. She didn’t take her eyes off of him in their opening steps and then the dance began.

As they danced, Sabrina realized that she didn’t need the audiences cheering to make her go all out, at least not with this dance. Every time she caught Mark’s eye she had a reason to not hold back.

The look she saw in his eyes was full of desire, and she decided to have fun with it. She danced as seductively as possible and gave him as many ‘come get me’ looks as she could manage. She knew she was driving him crazy, and as the dance went on she realized she was driving herself crazy as well. When the dance was over and they were face to face, a slight shudder ran through her body as she resisted planting her lips on his, but before she had time to pull away, Mark’s lips briefly touched hers and he smiled at her. She smiled back and then suddenly became aware of the audience that she had successfully blocked out.

She jumped up and down and turned to lead Mark to the judges table. Once again, she couldn’t focus on their comments, but this time it wasn’t because of excitement and thinking about what Mark was feeling. This time she was far too focused on what she would much rather be doing. She managed to make it look as though she was hearing what they were saying, but her mind was racing and her feet were ready to bolt back to her trailer.

After they got their scores they sat back down to try and control themselves through the next four dances. Every time the camera was off of them, Sabrina’s hand moved to his thigh and they whispered back and forth. The rest of the cast was too busy talking to notice how wrapped up they were in each other; all except Julianne. She watched them out of the corner of her eye for the rest of the show, and smiled at how sweet they were together.

Again, as soon as the show was over, they left the studio as quickly as possible and headed towards Sabrina’s trailer. This time neither of them was dragging the other. They walked side by side, their strides longer and quicker than usual. Mark held her hand as she climbed the steps and opened the door. He quickly followed and before the door was even shut she had spun around, seized his face in her hands and kissed him, wasting no time in getting her tongue in his mouth. As they desperately let their hands explore each other, Sabrina flashed back to their rehearsal the day that Shirley came to help them.

I Will, I Am, I Can, I Have, I Do

2009-02-10T01:32:39Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: I Will, I Am, I Can, I Have, I Do
Part: 1/1
Rating: G
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Mark’s writing something important
Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)

Warnings/Comments: Based on the chorus of I Do by Paul Brandt. I didn’t really want to write a fic to the entire song but I LOVE the chorus, so this is what I came up with. Comments are appreciated!

Will I promise to be your best friend
And am I here until the end
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you
And did I say my love is true
Baby I will, I am, I can, I have, I do

Mark sat on the couch, an empty piece of paper and pen in hand. There were so many things he wanted to write down, but nothing had come together yet. He wanted Sabrina to know how much he loved her and wanted to be with her, but it was hard to find words that described exactly what he was feeling.

As he sat pondering the words in his head, he looked over at the wall covered in picture frames. Sabrina and his mom had taken charge of decorating when the two of them had moved into the house a year ago, filling an entire wall with pictures. A long white frame at the top held six pictures of himself and Sabrina during each one of their dances on Dancing with the Stars; it had been a house warming present from Shirley. Four square frames held pictures of different dance competitions he and Julianne had won and the rest of the wall was covered with various sized frames, each containing a picture of him and Sabrina.

A small smile creased his face as he admired the wall, but his eyes quickly moved to his favorite picture. This one was placed in a black frame and sitting on an end table beside the couch. They were standing outside surrounded by fall trees with leaves of orange, yellow, and red; Sabrina had a knee length, white pea coat on and Mark was dressed all in black; their arms were wrapped around each other, her head resting on his chest, and they were smiling happily at the camera.

Mark smiled as he and Sabrina walked hand in hand down a leaf covered path through a canopy of red, orange and yellow. They had only been back in each others lives for two weeks, and things were still being figured out. Mark had realized that making it big was only worth it if he had someone he truly cared about to share his excitement with, and when he realized that that person was Sabrina he did everything he could to try and repair their relationship. Things hadn’t gone quickly and easily when he contacted her, but they were working slowly at putting the pieces back together.

They were now back to the point where they could have comfortable conversations and take each other’s hand with out thinking twice about what was happening. There were still things to talk about, but progress was being made.

“I’m glad you came with me.” Sabrina smiled up at Mark as they continued their walk.

“I’m glad I came too.”

Silence passed between them, each one trying to decide what potentially dangerous ground to tread on this time. Mark thought about what he wanted to tell her, and as they reached a gazebo near the park exit he sat her down ready to express his feelings.

“Sabrina, do you feel like we’re getting somewhere with this?”

“Slowly, yes. I’m scared to move any faster, I don’t want what happened before to start all over.” She rushed out, worried about what Mark was getting at.

“I’m not asking to move faster,” Mark assured her, “but there’s something I need you to know.” Sabrina tried to catch his eye as he looked down shyly at their linked hands.

“I want to be more than last time.” He said quickly, his head finally lifting and his eyes meeting hers.

“What do you mean more?” Sabrina asked, slightly confused.

“I feel like last time we were so caught up in each other and everything that was happening that we forgot about little things. I knew I loved you after only a few months, but I think I forgot to be more than just in love with you. I forgot to be your friend.” Mark paused, letting Sabrina absorb the words he was speaking.

“I think that’s about right,” She finally agreed with him, “but it goes both ways. We were both caught up in emotions.”

“Do you think we can change that this time around?” Mark asked, watching Sabrina’s expression carefully for any hesitation.

“I think we already have.” Sabrina smiled at Mark, “We’re taking it slow. I feel like I’ve learned to be your friend again and the relationship stuff is just coming naturally after that.”

“Good. I want this time to be different.”

“Me too.” Mark suddenly felt her lips, warm and soft, against his and he was surprised. He hadn’t wanted to move too quickly and scare her away, so for the past two weeks he had been fighting the urge to plant his lips on hers and enjoy what he missed so much. Sabrina removed her lips from his quicker than he hoped, but he hid his disappointment and smiled at her as Mel approached them.

As they reached the end of the path returning to the parking lot, Mel stopped in front of them and held her camera up. Sabrina reacted immediately and wrapped her arms around Mark. He smiled and returned the hug, gently rubbing his hand up and down her back.

Mark looked away from the picture and started making notes on the paper. After several minutes of writing and scratching out and rewriting he was finally happy with what he had, but still a long way from done.

As he looked from his paper he glanced at the platinum record that was framed and hanging on a different wall. He smiled, and started writing again.

Sabrina opened the door to find Mark on the side. He walked in, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her sweetly.

“You look beautiful.” He said stepping back a bit to admire the short red dress she had on.

“I hope this if fancy enough.” She laughed.

“It’s perfect.” Mark kissed her again, “You ready to go?” Sabrina nodded and the two of them left her apartment.

“So do I get to know why we’re out for supper?” Sabrina asked as they sat and waited for their food.

“I actually have some news.” Mark started.

“Is this a good or a bad thing?” Sabrina half laughed. She had assumed it was a good thing because of the fancy place, but the tone in Mark’s voice made her question that thought.

“It’s a good thing,” Mark hesitated, but Sabrina let out a sigh of relief, “It’s just kind of scary for our situation.”

“Ok, you’ve got me scared now.” The smile on Sabrina’s face was almost completely gone, so Mark didn’t keep her waiting.

“Hollywood Records wants us to make another album.” Mark explained.

“Mark! That’s great news!” Sabrina exclaimed, moving her hand to his arm and her smile returning.

“It is, but I keep remembering what happened last time…” They were quiet for a few moments, remembering how they had slowly drifted apart after the first record deal, but they both knew it hadn’t been the only reason.

“It’ll be ok Mark.” Sabrina reassured him, “This time’s different, remember?”

“I know, but I can’t help but let those memories come back.”

“Me neither, but I’m in it for the long run this time. How about you?”

Mark smiled at her and leaned in for a kiss. “Me too.” He replied right before their lips met. They both knew that what lie ahead wouldn’t be the easiest thing to over come, but the thought of having to live with out the other was enough motivation to make it work this time.

Mark lifted his head and glanced around the room; it seemed to be providing him with the inspiration he needed. His eyes came to rest on the rose bowl full of dried rose petals that was sitting on the table. There were bowls like this all over their house; Sabrina had dried a few petals from every bouquet Mark had ever brought her and it made him smile.

The Ballas Hough Band’s second tour had started just six days ago, and Mark was desperately missing Sabrina. He had to endure two and half more months of not being with her every day, and that thought was breaking his heart. He wanted to enjoy the tour while it lasted, but he also wanted Sabrina to know how much he loved and missed her. They were surviving on daily phone calls at the moment, but Mark had something else planned.

Sabrina was sitting on the couch in her apartment trying to decide what to do. She had the day off, but was spending it alone. Mark’s tour had just started and she was still adjusting to not having his almost constant company. She decided to turn on the TV and see if anything interesting was on. As she flipped through the channels there was a knock on her door.

She stared at it for a moment, wondering who had come to see her, and then stood up to go answer it. She opened the door and found a young boy, about 15 she guessed, holding a small white flower box in his hands.

“Sabrina Bryan?” He asked, looking at his clip board.

“That’s me.” she answered.

“This is for you.” He handed her the white box and then turned to walk away. She closed the door slowly and walked back to the couch. She took the lid off the box and found a single pink rose and a small card attached to it with a tiny white ribbon.

“Wish we could spend the day together. I miss you.

Lots of love, Mark”

Sabrina smiled as she read the card and then reached for her phone to text Mark.

“I miss you too. Have a good day! Xoxo”

A few seconds passed and then her phone vibrated in her hand. “xoxo” Was all that appeared and she smiled.

The next day, Sabrina was surprised by a knock on her door at 7:00 in the morning, and was even more surprised when she found the same young boy on the other side, holding another white box. He silently handed it to her, smiled, and then turned to leave.

Sabrina hurried to the table and opened the box. Inside was a single pink rose with another small card attached.

“Have fun today! Love you lots!

Mark”

Sabrina smiled, and placed the rose in the vase with the other one.

For the next two and a half months Sabrina received a pink rose every day. Most days they were delivered to her apartment, but it surprised her that even when she was staying in a hotel in another city Mark’s pink rose always found her.

Her favorite days were the few that she and Mark could manage to spend together. Those were the days Mark could wake her with a sweet kiss and hand her the rose personally.

Mark had always done things to surprise her and make her feel special, but since they got back together the things he did were different. This time he wasn’t just giving her a bunch of her favorite flowers, he was letting her know how much he loved her; he wasn’t just opening the door for her and pulling out her chair, he was taking care of her; he wasn’t just telling her he loved her, he was telling her what was in his heart.

Mark looked up again, thinking. He was now to the most important part of what he was writing but finding the right words was proving difficult. He looked back at the wall of pictures and something made him remember the first time he told her he loved her after they got back together.

It was December, and Sabrina and Mark had flown to London to visit his mom’s side of the family for Christmas. They had spent the entire day talking, eating, and enjoying themselves. Now it was evening and snow was gently falling. Mark knew Sabrina loved the snow and so decided to take her for Christmas Eve walk around London. They walked down the streets and Mark pointed out where his friends had lived, where they had built forts in snow drifts, and where they had set up lemonade stands in the summer. Sabrina loved seeing this part of Mark’s life. It was the part that she believed had made him the person she was now falling in love with all over again. As they walked back up the steps to Shirley’s house Mark stopped Sabrina and looked in her eyes.

“I love you.” He said simply. Sabrina smiled and looked down at her feet momentarily.

“I love you too.” She answered, lifting her head. Mark took her other hand in his and leaned down to kiss her. She moved her hands to around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. They stayed outside on the porch kissing until Sabrina let out a slight shiver. Mark took his lips off of hers and silently led her into the house.

Part of Mark wished that someone had taken a picture of that perfect moment in London, but he knew it wouldn’t have it justice. For him, that night on the porch hadn’t just been the first time he told her he loved her since getting back together. Sabrina hadn’t known it, but as they kissed outside with snow falling around them, Mark had made the decision that that was how he was going to propose.

Mark sat on the couch, a now full piece of paper and pen in hand. He smiled at the vows he had written, folded the paper carefully, and placed it in the envelope marked “Vows” that Sabrina had given him. As he got up and went to shower, the words he had written ran through his head, and he smiled.

Sabrina,

This day I take you as my wife, and I promise to be everything you’ll ever need. From this day forward I promise to be your protector, your lover, your comforter, and your best friend. I promise to stay by your side through the good and the bad, the hard and the easy, the joy and the sorrow. I promise to never take you for granted; to love, cherish and respect you always in all ways. I love you more than anyone I’ve never known, and it makes my heart skip a beat to think that I’m the one that you’ve chosen to spend eternity with. I love you with all my heart.

Daddy's Girl- Chapter 15

2009-02-07T17:43:54Z

Author: Kikinini7
Title: Shopping
Part: 15/?
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sabrina & Mark
Summary: Mark takes Jaslynn shopping before christmas

Disclaimer: Yes….No….Or do I?? (just kidding, I own NOBODY)
Warnings/Comments: My laptop is currently being fixed and will be gone for another two weeks and I didn’t get a chance to get my list of topics for this series off of it before my parents took it in. So this is the last chapter that I’ll be able to post for a while. I’ll hopefully be able to work on some one shots while my computer is away. And as always, comments are appreciated!

“I’ll see you later angel.” Mark tickled Madelyn’s tummy making the 9 month old giggle. Sabrina laughed and took her from Mark’s arms. “We should be back in a few hours.” He said, leaning in to give her a sweet kiss.

“Ok. Have fun sweetie.” Sabrina leaned down to give Jaslynn a kiss before she left with Mark. When they finally made it out the door Mark buckled Jaslynn into her car seat and they pulled out of the drive way. Mark was taking her with him to go Christmas shopping. He needed to pick something out for Sabrina, and Jaslynn wanted to get her little sister a present.

Mark decided that getting his shopping over with before Jaslynn got tired was the best idea. He pulled up in front of the Jewellery store and got Jaslynn out of the car. They walked in and Mark went to the counter.

“How may I help you sir?” The lady asked.

“I bought a ring just over a year ago and it has our family stones in it along with two diamonds, and now I need one of them replaced.” Mark explained. The lady smiled and pulled out a catalogue.

“Ok, I just need to know which ring it is so I can order the stone. When it comes in we need the ring for about 4 hours so that we can replace it.” Mark flipped through the ring section until he found the ring he had bought Sabrina for their anniversary.

“That’s the one.” He said pointing to the top right corner of the page.

“Ok.” The lady wrote down some information and then asked, “And what month will you be needing put in?”

“March!” Jaslynn exclaimed, the top of her head just visible over the counter. Mark picked her up.

“Who is this stone for?” The lady asked her.

“For Maddie.” She answered, now becoming a bit shy.

“Is Maddie your sister?” Jaslynn nodded her fingers moving up to her mouth and the lady smiled.

“I think I have everything I need. The stone should be here in about 2 weeks, but we’ll call to let you know when it comes.”

“My wife wears this ring everyday,” Mark explained, “So I think we’ll just bring it in after Christmas if that’s ok.”

“That’ll be fine. Do you want a certificate to give to her so she knows what’s she’s getting?” The lady asked.

“That would be great.” A few minutes later Mark had the certificate and he and Jaslynn we ready for the next stop. Along with the new stone for her ring, Mark wanted to get her two gift certificates to her favourite spa to give her a day off. He couldn’t believe how well she handled being a mother and a spokes person for the Healthy Kids Challenge and thought she deserved a break.

When he had both of her presents it was time to take Jaslynn to pick something out for Madelyn.

“Yay!” Jaslynn cried when she saw the brightly colored sign of the toy store.

“What do you want to get your sister?” Mark asked as they walked into the store. Jaslynn’s eyes got big and she looked around the store at all the toys.

“I don’t know.” Jaslynn said quietly, still looking around at all the toys.

“How about we go look at the stuffed animals?” Mark suggested, taking her hand and walking over the shelves and shelves of stuffed dogs, cats, horses and any other imaginable animal. Jaslynn immediately walked over to the dogs and gently touched each one to see how soft it was. Mark watched her then lifted a green and white frog from the shelf and bent down beside her.

“Ribbit. Ribbit.” He croaked, holding the frog in front of his face. Mark put the frog down and watched as Jaslynn burst out laughing.

“Daddy.” She giggled.
“What? Don’t I make a handsome frog?” He joked and she laughed again, then continued to look at the stuffed animals.

“Look at this one daddy.” She said, holding up a white pony with a rainbow mane and tail.

“That’s very pretty.” He said, “Do you think Maddie will like it?” Jaslynn nodded. “Is that what you want to get her then?”

“Yeah.” She answered. As Mark stood up he noticed a shelf full of stuffed animals with picture frames in their stomachs.

“Look at this princess.” He took Jaslynn over to the stuffed animals and lifted a dog off the shelf. “Do you want to get one for mom? We can put a picture of you and Madelyn in it.” He explained.

“Yes!” She agreed excitedly and picked out a cute black and white dog for her mom. After they paid for the animals, it was time to go home.

A few weeks later Sabrina was out doing a bit of Christmas shopping by herself and Mark was home with the girls. Madelyn had been put down for a nap, and he figured that now was a good time to help Jaslynn wrap her presents.

“Can we wrap Maddie’s first?” She asked.

“Sure. Lets put it in a box so it’s easier to wrap.” Mark found a small box in the garage and Jaslynn carefully put the pony in it. She chose red wrapping paper with reindeer on it to wrap the little box. Mark cut and folded the paper and Jaslynn put the tape on. When Madelyn’s present was done they moved onto Sabrina’s.

“What picture are we going to put in here?” Jaslynn asked.

“Why don’t we take one right now, I can print it off of the computer.”

“Ok, but Madelyn’s sleeping.” Jaslynn pointed out.

“I have an idea.” Mark said, and he and Jaslynn headed up stairs to Maddie’s room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On Christmas morning Jaslynn was the first one up which was no surprise to Sabrina and Mark. She crawled up onto their bed and Sabrina lifted the covers to let her crawl in with them.

“Good morning sweetie.” She said, kissing Jaslynn’s forehead.

“Hi mommy. Can we open presents now?” Jaslynn asked eagerly causing Sabrina and Mark to laugh.

“No, back to sleep until lunch time.” Mark sounded serious but Jaslynn knew he was joking.

“Daddy, we can’t sleep until lunch time.” She giggled, sitting up and moving the blanket that Mark had covered his head with.

“Are you sure?” He joked.

“Yes.” Jaslynn giggled again, “I want to open presents.”

“Ok, let’s get up then.” Sabrina said, moving the blanket from on top of her, “I think I heard you sister any way.” Jaslynn took Sabrina’s hand as they walked into Madelyn’s room. She was standing in her crib, her soother in her mouth, and looking at the door.

“Look at you.” Sabrina cooed and Madelyn smiled.

“Guess what Maddie,” Jaslynn said to her sister through the bars of the crib, “It’s Christmas!” Sabrina lifted her out of the crib and Jaslynn tickled her feet.

“Should we go see if Santa was here?” She asked, bouncing Madelyn on her hip.

“Yes!” Jaslynn cried. The three of them walked down the stairs to find Mark sitting on the couch beside two big boxes. “Whoa.” Jaslynn eyes got big as she looked at the boxes, “are those for us?”

“I don’t know. Let’s go see whose name is on the tag.” Jaslynn walked over to one of the boxes and read the tag. “To Madelyn, Love Santa. Mommy! This one’s from Santa!” She exclaimed.

“It is?!” Sabrina feigned shock as Jaslynn hurried to read the tag on the second box.

“This one’s for me!”

“Ok, let me grab my camera and then you can open them.” Sabrina set Madelyn down on the floor to crawl around on the floor then went to grab her camera.

“What do you think it is daddy?” Jaslynn asked curiously.

“I have no idea.” Mark watched as she examined the outside of the box carefully.

“Ok, I have the camera.” Sabrina announced, coming to sit down on the couch. “Jaslynn, you can open yours first and then daddy’ll help Madelyn with hers.”

“Ok.” Jaslynn eagerly pulled at the wrapping paper covering the box to reveal a picture of a white and pink pram. “It’s the stroller I wanted!” She exclaimed, pulling the rest of the paper from the box.

“It is?” Sabrina asked, pretending to be surprised, “Santa did a pretty good job then didn’t he?” Jaslynn nodded.

“Can I open it daddy?” She asked.

“I think I need to put some parts together first. So how about we open the rest of the presents and I’ll put it together after.”

“Ok. Maddie needs to open her present!”

“She does.” Sabrina agreed, picking Madelyn up and sitting in front of the box. “Here sweetie, pull on this.” She said pulling and edge loose for Madelyn to pull on. After a couple minutes of tugging at the paper Sabrina let Jaslynn help get the rest of the paper off of Madelyn’s box to reveal a picture of a giant lady bug chair.

“Whoa!” Jaslynn said, admiring the picture, “That’s a big stuffed animal.”

“It is!” Sabrina agreed. Mark opened the top of the box, pulled the huge chair out and Jaslynn immediately climbed up on it. Sabrina placed Madelyn on her lap and the two girls giggled and played on the chair while Sabrina snapped pictures.

A while later more presents were opened and with new toys spread around the living room Jaslynn decided it was time to give Madelyn her stuffed pony. She helped Maddie pull the paper off and take out the little horse out of the box. Madelyn immediately hugged the soft animal.

“Do you like it Maddie?” She asked and Madelyn smiled.

“I think that’s her favourite one so far.” Sabrina laughed, and she was right. Madelyn carried the pony around with her for the rest of the day.

Next it was time to give Sabrina the dog with the picture in it. Jaslynn handed her the box and Sabrina pulled off the paper. She pulled the dog out and found a black and white picture she hadn’t seen before inside the frame: Madelyn was lying on her back, fast asleep in her crib and all you could see of Jaslynn was her head looking down at her sleeping sister, her hands tucked under her chin and resting on the edge of the crib.

“Awww, when was this taken?” She asked Mark, small tears forming in her eyes.

“A few weeks ago when you were out Christmas shopping.” Mark explained.

“It’s adorable. Thank you pumpkin.” Sabrina said, giving Jaslynn a kiss and a hug.