Mark looked up at him. After a brief moment, he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Looking at him hurt, knowing what he'd had the chance for and lost so quickly. "Dan," he said softly.
He put a hand on his side and sat up carefully. "I'm... fine," he said. "It's just a little painful." He grimaced slightly. "Come in. Have a seat. Make yourself comfortable. This could take a while." He lowered his eyes, trying not to think too much about what was going to happen. He owed Dan this explanation, even if it meant he would never see him again. He didn't expect to win him over. He didn't deserve anything like that.