I need a drunk and emotional marcus from season 3 after his breakdown
Marcus is a character I both relate to and see people through, which sometimes make it difficult to write for him. Especially darker subjects. But it's also what I love about writing for him
Note: I have not watched season 3 yet. Just clips on youtube and tiktok
Warnings: mention of depression, mention of alcohol abuse, mention of death (Bridge),
—
On the night of Brody’s party, you were held back at Blue Farm. The girl who had the night shift called in sick and Joe asked you to stay a few hours longer. You felt bad for leaving him in charge of the kitchen and the tables when a group of women — a book club meeting — came in and filled four tables.
‘’Thank you for tonight,’’ Joe said for the fifth time as you prepared to leave. ‘’I assumed it would be quiet since it was Friday night.’’ He shook his head. ‘’I would not have managed without your help.’’
‘’Rachel was probably at Brody’s party, not sick,’’ you informed your boss, taking your car keys out of your bag. ‘’Do with that information as you will.’’
You wished him good night and walked out.
Before starting your car, you checked your phone and saw missed calls and texts from Max saying Marcus got drunk at the party and she needed to take him home. She asked if you could pick them up, but that was over an hour ago. Her messages continued, explaining that Marcus then had a breakdown in their living room, crying and telling their parents that he hated himself.
To Max: I just finished working. How is he doing?
From Max: Dad put him to bed
From Max: It was bad. I don’t know what to do… Can you come over?
Your plans for the night was to go home, shower, and finish the book you were currently reading. You only had a few chapters left. But instead, you drove to the Bakers. For Max.
She had been taking so much on her shoulders these past months. She meant to help by shielding her parents from Marcus’ addiction and his depression, but was it really a good idea?
‘’I just stood there and watched,’’ Max said, emotions thick in her voice. She had been crying. ‘’I…I feel like a bad sister for not being able to help him.’’
You looked at her, your eyes soft as you reached out to touch her arm, offering her a small sense of comfort and reassurance. ‘’You're not,’’ you corrected. ‘’There's only so much you can do. You're his sister, not a therapist.’’
You felt her helplessness. Watching someone you love struggle with mental health was difficult. There were so many days you wanted to cry, and so many days you did cry. Never in front of him though. You didn’t want Marcus to mistake it for pity.
She looked at you, the tears still in her eyes. ‘’I know.’’ She sniffled. ‘’It hurts to watch him dig himself deeper into addiction. I want to help him. I want to fix him.’’
Max leaned her head against your shoulder, taking in a shaky breath before continuing. ‘’I feel like I'm constantly walking on eggshells around him and our parents. It's like they're not seeing what's happening right in front of them.’’ She sniffled once more, the tears still threatening to fall from her eyes. ‘I'm tired of trying to be strong for him and putting on a face for mom and dad. I'm tired of being the one who has to hold everything together.’’
You put an arm around her, pulling her into a hug.
After comforting Max, you went down the hallway to check on Marcus. Surprisingly, he was not asleep.
‘’Hey…hi,’’ he slurred, sitting up.
His hair was messy from his pillow, and his eyes half lidded. He was clearly still drunk. Drinking while taking medication was not a good idea. Alcohol amplifies your feelings, which caused him to spiral into his sadness.
‘’Are you okay?’’
‘’Yeah.’’ Marcus gave you a smile, but it was clear something was wrong. ‘’Come here.’’
You sat down on his bed and he looked at you, eyes barely staying open. He was completely wasted. How much did he drink to get into this state? Alcohol addiction was often sugar coated, but it was very dangerous. Alcohol poisoning is a real thing.
‘’You’re really drunk,’’ you pointed with seriousness and caring eyes.
Marcus didn’t answer your question. He just smiled down at you. ‘’You’re so beautiful.’’ He reached out and touched the lapel of your jacket gently, his touch softer than usual.
You lifted his chin, making him look at you. ‘’Why did you drink so much?’’
‘’You were not there.’’
‘’You drank because I was not there?’’
He shook his head, then looked down again. ‘’I’m a loser. I…I failed this year.’’
You sighed, seeing how vulnerable he was at the moment.
Although he was smart, Marcus already repeated a year before. When Bridge died, it had a deep impact on him and, in part, caused him to fall behind academically. He didn’t mind being older than everyone in his classes. Failing a second time was different.
You moved closer and cupped his face gently. Marcus leaned into your touch, soft and vulnerable and…fragile. His face was inches away from yours. You could smell the alcohol from his breath, yet you didn't pull back. You knew he needed you.
‘’You’re not a loser,’’ you said, caressing his cheek.
Tears filled his eyes. His emotions were raw, and without his usual walls up, he didn't bother to hide the sadness that lingered within them.
‘’You’re—You need help, Marcus. You can’t keep living like this.’’
Without a word, he wrapped his arms around your waist and rested his head against your shoulder. Being close to you made him feel safe and comforted. Being drunk also made him more emotional and clingy.
He buried his face in the crook of your neck and inhaled deeply, taking in your scent. You were his safeplace. The one he could fall back on when going through hardships. The one who always answered his calls — even at 2am.
You swallowed your emotions and embraced him tight, trying to ignore how your heart was hurting.
Synopsis: Marcus didn’t do girlfriends. You knew it. Then why did it hurt so much when you found out about him and Ginny? You were just hooking up, after all.
Warning: Use of YN, angst, mentions of sex and weed.
A/N: First fic ever, hope this doesn’t entirely suck. Also, I’m sorry for eventual mistakes, English is not my native language, so I’m trying my best. Happy reading!
“So I’ll see you tonight?” I ask fixing my shirt.
“Yeah... at that horror of a play” Marcus groaned from the bed. I can’t help but look at him for a moment, spread out on the bed. Even with a concussion he manages to look cute.
Yeah, he’s cute. Hell, he’s hot. Jackpot.
“Oh come on, it can't be that bad! Maxine is so happy to play the lead, let’s try and be supportive”
“Yeah well, she’s happy about everything - when she’s not complaining - so I don’t see anything special in this.” he says dryly getting up to make himself a joint - healthy, I know.
“Okay Mr. serious. I’ll see you later, find me in the seats?” I lean towards him to peck his lips. He returns it nodding briefly.
And just like that he turns away from me busying himself with his joint. Nice, polite, cute... Yeah.
Shouldn’t bother me though, that’s how we work. Hook-ups, nothing more than that. Like... anything, ever.
At least not on his part. But that’s fine with me! I mean, I knew what I was getting myself into the first time it happened.
It doesn’t matter that I had a huge crush on him at the time (or now).
It doesn’t matter that I wish he could see me the way I see him.
It doesn’t matter that I hope that one day he’ll look at me and realize that he cares about me in the same way I care about him.
It doesn’t matter.
Marcus Baker doesn't do girlfriends, or attachment, or feelings. I know it.
But then why does it hurt so much?
I climb through the window and look at him one last time, just in time for his usual goodbye. I smile and leave.
I can't believe I’m about to say this, but I’m actually having fun.
When did I stop being cool?
School plays are not supposed to be fun for the students, right? That’s a parent thing. I was supposed to stay in my seat, sulking and yawning, wishing to be anywhere but here.
And here I am, actually pondering the idea of getting a part in the next play. What the - and I cannot stress this enough - hell?
I’m 100% sure it’s all Maxine’s influence. I mean, I heard about this play a lot in the last few months of my situationship with Marcus, it makes sense, right?
I glance around me and, as predicted, all the kids - Marcus included - are looking dead inside while looking at the stage. Yeah, I’m weird.
“Hey, are you having fun?” I ask Marcus from the seat right next to him.
“Yes. A lot of fun. I’m about three seconds from getting up and singing along with my sister” His smile is so fake that my cheeks are hurting for him.
“Yeah, I thought so, you definitely look like you’re enjoying yourself.” we both laugh and he nudges my arm with his “ Hey, do you wanna get out of here? I kind of want snacks” I pick up my bag while nodding and he quickly informs his parents.
We leave the auditorium right in time for the break between the first and the second act. I see Max running off stage with Ginny, both looking a little upset.
I wonder what that’s about.
But as soon as the thought crosses my head I completely forget about it. Marcus just put his arm around my shoulders.
Of course I’m not squealing inside my head, it is nothing. We have sex quite often, so an arm around my shoulder really it’s nothing. Doesn't matter that he never did it before, and it definitely doesn’t matter that he’s stroking it right now.
Nu-uh, I’m cool. I’m zen.
God.
After getting snacks we start walking back to the auditorium - Yes, his arm is still around me and yes I’m over the moon right now - while casually talking about his newfound drive towards drawing.
We hear commotion from around the corner, a bunch of voices yelling over each other. Was that Hunter? And Ginny? I think I heard Marcus name.
“What’s going on?” I ask, Marcus just shrugs his shoulders.
Right as we round the corner alla eyes are on us. Okay, that’s weird. Marcus tenses and removes his arm from my shoulder.
Of course.
We are not for people to see.
“We were just going back to the show” He says carefully, slowly inching towards the door to the auditorium.
“We know about you and Ginny” Max angrily says. Marcus’ eyes briefly flick over to me.
What? Him and Ginny?
I’m speechless. I stare at him waiting for his eyes to meet mine but they don't. He’s looking at Max, not sorry in the slightest for what he did.
“Ah” he answers. Just that, Ah.
“That’s all you have to say? You’re not going to deny it?” Max continues, looking at me sadly for a moment.
I know that she cares about me, I know that she knows about my feelings for Marcus. That’s why her gaze on me feels horrible right now. I’m hurting, but I don't want her pity.
“No, I’m not going to deny it” he says. Great, glad he’s honest about it. Now, at least.
I scoff audibly and finally, finally, he looks at me. That’s when I see it, a sliver of guilt hiding in his usual glare.
He goes to say something but Maxine interrupts him.
“Well, what the ever-loving-freak-fest? I mean, seriously? You guys are just having sex now? I mean, are you dating? Is he your boyfriend?” I audibly scoff again, as if.
God how was I so stupid to blindly fall in love with a boy that clearly didn't love me back? This one’s on me, I admit it.
Fucking Marcus Baker.
“Are you guys in love?” Max finishes her speech.
Really? Has she forgotten about Hunter? About me?
I know that I wasn’t Marcus’ girlfriend but we clearly had something. I would hang out at her house practically everyday, we spent a lot of time together, with or without Marcus.
Has Ginny made everyone forget all about their friends? Is she really that special?
“No, it’s not like that, we’re not together. It was a mistake” He looks at me, leaning to take my hand.
What is he doing? He never did this, and now he thinks it’s the right time? The right thing to do?
“Don’t touch me Marcus. I mean it. You could’ve just told me about her, I didn’t need to find out about it like this. I would’ve taken myself out of the equation. I might be just a convenient hookup for you, but I respect myself, and I expected and trusted you to do the same thing” I start to walk away, tears brimming in my eyes.
He doesn't need to see them, I’m not embarrassing myself like that, not anymore.
“Y/N wait!” H grabs my arm, stopping me from moving further away “I’m sorry, I really am. I should’ve told you but I was scared that it-” he abruptly stops talking when Hunter’s fist meet his face.
Thank you Hunter, he deserves it.
“I have a concussion, asshole” Marcus says, while clutching his head.
I walk in the auditorium, ignoring his calls and Ginny’s words, going straight to the exit.
Thinking back to it, I don't need to be in the next play. I’ve already been played, haven't I?
And the worst part is I’m not sure who played me, Marcus or my heart.
******************
A/N: Thank you for reading!! Hope you enjoyed!
Leave a like or a comment if you feel like it. And feel free to leave a feedback or advice if you want to, I would really love that!
A/n: I haven't written about Marcus yet and he became one of my favorite characters from the show. I always seem to fall for the misunderstood characters. Does anyone else have that problem or is it just me.
TW: this does have the topic of depression in it, but I don't talk much about it. I thought I would just warn you guys in case.
-Samantha
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your POV
I haven't seen my best friend in over two weeks. He hasn't been at school which is making me worry a little because it's happened before. I tried calling him but he wasn't answering my calls. I sighed and left my room. " Hey mom, I'm gonna go across the street to the Bakers."
She just nodded since she was on the phone probably talking to our next door neighbor Georgia, which doesn't make sense to me cause she could just go over there. I left out the front door and I walked the short walk across the road to the Bakers. I knocked on the door, soon I saw Ellen open it.
" Hi Ellen" I said
" Y/n, hello...what can I do for you?" She asked
" I was just wondering if Marcus was okay?" I questioned
" Come in, you can go see him." She said moving out of the way so I could walk in. I walked in and signed 'Hi' to George and headed upstairs. I passed Max's room and heard her friends with her, but I just walked past to Marcus's room. I knocked on his door frame. He looked over seeing who was knocking. " Hey..." I softly said
He just gave me a half smile. " Want some company?" I questioned
He thought about it before nodding his head, so I slipped out of my shoes and joined him. " You okay?" I whispered, he didn't say anything so I let it go for right now and focused on the movie he had on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were on like our third movie and I moved to lie closer to him just out of habit. He didn't move a muscle, " Sorry..." I whispered and moved some
" It's fine" He whispered and moved so we both could share the same pillow. I settled on it and glanced at him. " You sure you're gonna be okay?" I whispered
He let out a soft sigh, but nodded. I was hesitant to ask... " You would tell me if something was wrong right."
" You know I would." He spoke and looked over at me
I stared back, we were super close where I could feel his breath hitting my face. " So there's nothing going on." I whispered just to see and I know it seems too much, but I worry too much. He gave me a half smile.
I smiled back, " Well I'm glad you let me stay." I whispered and rested one of my hands over his. He smiled for real this time and gave my hand a squeeze. We focused back on the movie and I casually ran my thumb over his knuckles.
Marcus's POV
Even though I'm going through my depression phase again I'm glad to have Y/n here. It's the little things she does that gets me. Like right now with her running her thumb over my knuckles sends like this calm energy into me. That I know when she's here everything will get better. I just wish I could tell her what's going through my head even though I don't even know what's happening most of the time. The third movie we put on was at the end credits, but I didn't make a move to find another one.
" Have you eaten yet today?" I heard her voice and glanced over at my favorite color of eyes. She was just sitting there patiently waiting for me to answer. I sighed and rubbed a hand down my face. I then shook my head and I waited for a lecture, but it never came. I just felt her get up from my bed. " Where are you going?" I questioned her not making much to get up from my bed.
" I'm gonna go get us something to eat." She said
" I'm not hun-" I started saying
She held her finger up. " Don't give me that bullshit, you're gonna eat. It doesn't even have to be a lot, but you're eating please for me." She said in that voice where she wasn't ordering me, but I knew she was serious.
So I just nodded knowing not to argue with her when she got like this. She gave me a smile before leaving my room. I just scrolled through my computer to find another movie.
Your POV
I was making some snacks for us and noticed Maxine. " Hey" I softly said
" Is he feeling okay?" Maxine immediately asked, which made me sigh, " He hasn't really told me much, but right now I'm trying to make him eat something." I told her
Maxine smiled a little " Thanks, Y/n/n. I'm glad he has you by his side right now."
I smiled some and focused back on the snacks I was making. I heard her footsteps leave so I quietly finished the snacks and carried them up to his room. " Okay so we have some trail mix, fruit and my personal favorite Oreos." I said while setting them on his bed and climbed back on. He let out a soft small chuckle..." Wow and here I thought it would be regular food."
I rolled my eyes, " It is... you got your protein from the nuts in the trail mix, along with some healthy fruit, and then just a good pick me up treat." I explained
He laughed a little bit more..." We'll thank you for bringing some." He softly said
I gently placed a hand on his shoulder. " Just don't let your body shut down. Even if you don't feel like life should go on, just remember you have people around that care about you." I softly spoke
He looked over me which I didn't mind until he pulled me into a hug. I hugged back and didn't let go until he did.
Marcus's POV
Being in her arms felt like home to me but I know I didn't want to get into something with her because I wasn't mentally ready for one.
" Thanks for sticking around." I whispered before I pulled away from the hug
She smiled and ruffled my hair. " I fear you are stuck with me." She said and I gave her a soft smile before clicking on the next movie while starting to eat for the first time today.
I felt her lean closer to me, but not right on top of me. Just enough to know she was still here, and that is when I knew it would all go away soon just by knowing she was here in my corner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I really hope you guys enjoyed it and if you guys ever want to talk know I'm here or go to your best friend or even a trusted adult. Just know you're not alone even though you feel like you are.