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Mark

digitally colored pen sketch of Mark with a pleasant smile and rosy cheeks.
Age: 30s - 40s
Sexuality: gay!
Gender: lives as a cis man, has a troubled relationship with manhood, nonbinary but does not realise it
Ethnicty: white american
Height: 5'5" (165cm)
Build: stocky, fat and strong

My main character along with Lazaro, with whom he is always paired. Mark is kind hearted, sensitive, and timid.

Personality

A conflict avoidant people pleaser. Inadvertently grins in uncomfortable social senarios, and will give a little nervous laugh when he doesn't know what to say or how to challenge something he disagrees with, unfortunately encouraging more of the same situations. Loses his ability to form cohearent sentances during an argument. He can't stand up for himself, or even those he cares about. A coward really. All he wants is for people to like him, and feels like he's going to throw up when he thinks hes upset someone.

Because of this, he's nervous around new people, preoccupied with appealing to them, this is especially true with interviewers and authority.

He's very generous and compassionate, willing to give and do things that inconvience him in order to help others, whether he knows them or not. Always assumes the best intentions, and hates when others assume the worst. A bit naive despite his age, and while he knows some people do have bad intentions, he genuinely wants to believe people are good at heart and will always give the benefit of the doubt, as well as second chances. As such, he's very easy to forgive. He would forgive his father in a heartbeat if he were to ever verbally apologize.

Effeminate in mannerisms, but not flamboyant. He's tried very hard to hide this, especially as a teenager and young adult, but has never managed to do so successfully, always clockable by homophobes and fellow gays alike. He's generally quiet about his sexuality but no longer trying to work against it. Despite becoming comfortable enough to wear more femine clothes, he still has repressed conflicting feelings about his gender, which he writes off as just being gay, not realizing or wanting to consider the idea that he may be nonbinary.

His voice is soft and gentle, but not high, coming deeper within his chest, but often rising in inflection at the end of his sentances, giving a feminine and unconfident air. Likewise, he tends towards tentative phrases such as "I think maybe...", "just", "I'm not sure but..." even when he is sure, and unintentionally lowers the volume of his voice or mumbles when he actually is unsure.

Physical Traits

full body digital art of Mark in his underwear, looking a little sheepish.

See some outfits for Mark in my Mark and Lazaro dress up game, which is where this full body reference is from.

Story Roles

In much of my art Mark is just a regular human in modern day with his personality as described above, but some art will depict him in the following settings:

Magic Apocalypse Story

Mark is a werewolf living with his human friend, Opal, in an abandoned house they found. During full moons he has found a few abandoned werewolf children and takes care of them until they are able to contact their families. He desprately wants children, and this instinct carries over to his wolf form, which is very protective of the pups. He secretly hopes the families never find the kids so that they can be his, but feels intense guilt over this desire and does not act on it. He grows and makes food for both his family and the nearby community, occasionally helping out with manual labor as needed, having high strength and stamina. His trusting and genrous nature lead him to take in two strangers who show up at his house late at night looking for shelter, despite Opal's reluctance.

Star Trek AU

In my Star Trek AU he's the ships doctor, but he's orginally from our era, having accidentally entered the future via a space-time anomoly he encountered during a walk in the woods as a young adult. Is this just an excuse to give him internalized homophobia and repressed gender feelings in an otherwise progressive setting? Why, how observant. He's been in the future for 20 years now and has largely gotten over these hung ups, but he can't fully shake off the scars of his upbringing, having spent his first 20 years deeply entrenched there.

Being fascinated by the opportunity of space travel available to relatively normal people, Mark signed up for Starfleet shortly after finding himself in the future, choosing a medical path, to which he is most suited. By the story's date, having been in the future for 20 years and a doctor, Mark is more confident than he is in other settings, having gained expertice in his career, though he can still be shy and nervous.

Mark's life is objectively way better than it would have been in our current day, and he recognizes this, yet he can't help but feel homesick, missing the mundane things of a life he will never experience again. The culture in the future is simply different, often more progressive, which often leaves him feeling out of touch and embarassed.

Relationships

Lazaro

Portrait of Lazaro.

Mark and Lazaro are opposites, initially more likely to irritate one another than inspire fondness. Lazaro is bitter, judgemental, and cold, which intimidates Mark, making him act very nervous, and frustrating Mark when Lazaro gives him very little grace. Mark, however, remains kind and forgiving, trying to excuse Lazaros asshole behavior as him having a bad day (everyday...). Eventually Lazaro softens slightly, and lets his hard brittle guard down a little around Mark, slowly growing more and more comfortable around him.

Lazaro is very frustrated by Mark's uh. Lack of spine, but as they get closer, he encourages Mark to stand up for himself and to not take shit. In turn, Mark encourages Lazaro to be less hard on himself (which also leads to him being less hard on others). They are ultimately a good influence on each other, even though they dislike each other at first.

They end up as lovers/husbands/boyfriends in every rendition and will grow old together.

This is all rather vague since the specifics can very from setting to setting. In my previous magic apocalypse story, Lazaro is a mage who absolutely sucks at controlling his magic, though it is very strong. Mark tries to tell him its okay to not be good at something and to be gentler on himself. Lazaro is not as hostile to Mark at first in this setting, having came with Gabrielle to Marks house in a desperate journy for shelter. Mark, being trusting and always willing to help, lets them in despite Opal's reluctance. He's closed off and secretive, but not outright rude since they are providing shelter.

In my Star Trek AU Lazaro is a Vulcan, and you guessed it, he can't controll his emotions, yes real orginal, I know. He's on a primarily human ship and particularly cold and standoffish. Mark being from our current day, not growing up with stereotypes about Vulcans, is one of the few who treats Lazaro as a person. They bond over being outsiders to the culture on the ship, feeling like outcasts from their orginal cultures, and yet longing for the homes they can never return to.

Opal

Portrait of Opal.

Opal and Mark are good friends, they met in college if they went to college in that setting. Opal can always make Mark genuinely laugh and she takes pride in that. They don't have a whole lot in common, but they enjoy each others company and just chilling together. Being more "up to date" if you will, she enjoys showing him internet culture things that confuse him. Mark is not much older than Opal, but is simply not online much. In modern human settings, they often share a shitty appartment together as young adults.

Mark appreciates Opals non judgemental acceptance, and may confide in her or ask things he would normally be to embarrassed of to bring up. She taught him what cis and nonbinary mean.

In the magic apocalypse story they share a house, so sometimes they are mistaken as a couple, especially considering they share a room and even bed. They are close and comfortable around each other, but it is entirely nonsexual and nonromantic. They are both rather messy and disorganized, leading to a cluttered home, and a bedroom floor covered in clothes.

Opal does not like Lazaro very much, and Mark is sometimes left feeling like he has to choose either Lazaro or Opal, which he hates because he can't stand conflict and wants both of them to like each other, wanting to spend time with both of them together.

Joe (dad)

Mark was never masculine enough for his dads standards, no matter how hard he tried. He was often berated which would make him cry, which would get him yelled at more. Despite the consequences, he never could shut down his sensitive nature. This paired with bulling at school, led him to become a very reserved and quiet teen, reluctant to say or do anything incase it attracted criticism or ridicule.

Given his dad's homophobic sentiments, Mark was always terrified his dad would find out, not knowing how he would react, only that it would be bad.

Love languages

Giving

Mark's primary love language is acts of service, such as making food for somone or helping them move heavy things; he likes to feel needed, feeling useless if he can't help in anyway. Of course he also likes to spend quality time with his loved ones and showing them physical affection. He's not very good at giving gifts, as he's afraid he would be getting something the person won't like.

Receiving

He likes receiving words of affirmation the most, they mean a lot to him and work up strong sappy emotions. He saves cards and messages, often riding a confidence boost after getting heartfelt words. Receiving quality time and physical affection is also highly appreciated. He doesn't like receiving acts of service, much prefering to do them instead, feeling bad/uncomfortable when others return the favor, and usually rejecting offers to help him. He can similarly be a little uncomfortable with gifts of expensive nature and the obligation of giving a gift in return, but a well thought out gift can strike up sentimental feelings in him like words of affirmation can.

Gallery

Theres one image of real nudity in this gallery, a pen sketch that does show genitalia, though it is not sexual, just a reference. Theres also some suggestive art in Mark and Lazaro's shared gallery, but it is suggestive at most.

Two headshots of Mark, one where he has long curly hair and a soft contented smile, and one where he has short hair, stubble, and an uneasy expression. He also looks younger with the short hair. Two portraits of Mark, one where he is looking down, mulling over something he can't understand. The other shows him looking to the side, still with a furrowed brow, saying something as he holds his own shoulder. Profile of Mark looking down with a soft smile. His hair is medium length, and he has some stubbles. A soft blue pen sketch of a teenage Mark looking down, and uncomfortable, his cheeks flushed. A young adult Mark looking up optimistally with bright eyes. He has short hair and is clean shaven.
Digital lineart of Mark holding his hands up, saying something with a concerned epxression. He is wearing a tank top with a little bow in the center of the low neckline. His hands are meaty with claws, and he has tufts of hair on his elbows and chest. Softly colored drawing of Mark wearing a flowy pink off the shoulder top, showing his fuzzy shoulders and ruddy chest. Mark with his hands clasped infront of him, his head held high with his eyes closed, looking content. He is bare chested and has short hair. Teenage Mark sitting with his hands on his knees. He's wearing jeans and a long sleave shirt with stipes. Mark standing, holding his arms uneasily, as he is naked, showing his heavyset frame and body hair. Mark standing in leggings and a flannel. Mark standing with his hands inside the pokets of a jean jacket. He is also wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. Mark leaned back against a counter, talking to someone at home. He's wearing a sweater and a knee length flowy skirt. An older Mark holding a potted plant, dirt on his fingers. It is a flat colored digital drawing, where Mark is wearing a warm yellow tank top tucked into dark blue jeans. He has no shoes on and is wearing a small sunhat. Pen sketch of Mark in a long flowy strawberry patterned dress, holding out one side of the skirt with his hand. MArker colored drawing of Mark watering a plant on a shelf. He is wearing a purple sweater and brown leggings. Side view of MArk in his underwear, one leg lifted up and one arm held out, so that arrows can point at his werewolf features, including hair tufts and claws.

With Lazaro

Full color, vibrantly colored illustration of Lazaro climbing onto Mark, kissing his neck as Mark grips onto him, laughing. They're both naked. Lazaro tenderly hugging Mark from behind, as Mark reaches behind his head to pull LAzaro's face closer. Shaded and colored illustration of Mark lifting Lazaro up infront of a sunset. Mark is wearing a white sleavless blouse and black pants, while Lazaro is wearing a burgandy suit. Both are wearing sandals. Star Trek AU Lazaro with his fingers on Marks temples, tears streaming down his face. Digitally shaded and colored illustration of Lazaro helping Mark shave his face. Mark is shiny, as if he just came out the shower, and Lazaro has a white tank top on. Mark hugging Lazaro tightly.

Conception Gallery!

No, no, not that kind of conception, but how this character was first dreamt up, and how they evolved. Select below to reveal old art of them paired with captions!

Archived Mark art!

Mark and Lazaro were conceived as a pair, so much of the art for both of them will include the other.

For a very long time it was incredibly difficult for me to look at my old art, much less show it to other people. I can't emphasize how signifigant it is that I am now willingly sharing these on my website.

Large Portraits

For a little while I drew large portraits of Mark and Lazaro in my 11 by 14 in sketchbooks, I have not done this in a long time however. Some of these portraits have a matching Lazaro version in his gallery.

pencil sketch portrait of a scruffy man with light hair and a nervous smile.

One of the very first Marks. His hair was rather. Pointy. His and Lazaro's chins looked like That because of the non human characters I used to draw before them. January 21, 2015

another faded pencil sketch portrait of the same man, but he has more overgrown stubble and a redder face.

Lots of overgrown stubble here. Current Mark would hate that. But conceiving of him as a werewolf, how could I not? February 3, 2015

faded pencil sketch portrait of two men kissing, one has dark slick hair, and the other has light shaggy hair, blush, and scruffy facial hair. Both have pointy ears.

Here he is with Luther. Opposites in gay love since the beginning. Feburary 5, 2015

colored pencil portrait of Luther standing behind Mark, looking down at him with a small smile, while Mark looks up nervously. Luther has very pale skin and black hair, and is wearing a maroon and black striped dress shirt. Mark has ruddy cheeks, grown out stubble, and is wearing a red henly with yellow stripes.

With Luther again. Starting to get pointy. March 2015

yet another faded pencil sketch portrait the same man, but drawn extra angular and a little bit of curl to his hair. He looks more calm this time and has a closed smile.

Here I was trying to draw angular; it did not last. March 25, 2015

pencil sketch portrait of a the man but his face is much rounder, his hair fluffier, and his nose much larger and upturned.

Yep my style is rounded again. His hair is also getting a little curl and fluff to it! His nose also became huge and it has never recovered. June 2015

Pencil sketch of Luther kissing Marks cheek as Mark grins.

With Luther again, their chins are normal shaped now. November 2015

pencil portrait of Mark facing forward, his hair very fluffy, and his lips more detailed. His stubble is shorter too.

Okay now he's in full fluff mode! We're really not very far off anymore. November 25, 2015

Portrait of Mark in full color, showing his ruddy skin, yellowish eyes, and peanut butter colored hair.

Colored in color pencil! I used to make a Lot of large colored pencil drawings before drawing my OCs, but those have been hand shredded by yours truly ♥ January 17, 2016

A more detailed pencil portrait of Mark, his cheeks and lips very rosy. The angle of his nose also no longer contradicts that of his face.

This one somehow didn't get smudged into oblivion. A pretty cute Mark even now. He is slowly aquiring lips. October 7, 2016

Usual Size

full body pencil sketch of Mark standing nervously, with his hands held up to his chest and his eyes looking to the side. He has short spikey hair, a white dress shirt tucked into slacks, and a bow tie. He is a little chubby, but my style at the time does not show it well. Upper body pencil sketch of Mark smiling nervously. His hair is still spikey, but he is wearing a long sleave shirt with a three button collar. He also looks a little more visibly chubby.

Some of the very first few Marks. Conceptualized as a shy chubby werewolf. Look at that little bow tie in the first one, whats going on there? I think he was very initially a "scientist", but all I really cared about was drawing them being gay so I quickly abandoned that (by the second drawing apparently). Stubby legs and long torso due to the non human characters I used to draw before my OCs. Early January 2015, possibly late Decemeber 2014 for the first.

Pencil sketch of Luther holding Marks outstreached hand. Mark is hunched nervously in all three images in this figure group. Luther leaning down over Mark to kiss his cheek. Mark and Luther dancing.

Just a little later. I really didn't need to include all of these, I think you get the idea. Mark is a shy werewolf and Luther is a charming vampire, etc. Again, I was 15. I think the wobbly lines were intentional. Oh wait Mark is wearing a dress shirt with a bow tie in a few of these... perhaps his fromal wear then. April 2015

Colored reference of Mark and Luther. Mark is again hunched nerviously, wearing blue jeans and a red shirt with yellow stripes. Luther has his hands clasped together infront of him and is looking at Mark fondly. He is wearing a pale green dress shirt, black dress pants, dress shoes, and a dark green vest. The coloring is rough and smudged.

The same damn thing but colored! April 21, 2015

Cartoony drawing of Luther and Mark sitting on a couch. They are holding hands, but Luther has fallen asleep while Mark reads a book. Luther still has short hair, pale skin, and is wearing a light blue dress shirt. Mark is wearing blue jeans and a red shirt. He has no shoes or socks on, while Luther has socks on.

I was trying out a more simplified style for my smaller drawings. I was also trying out coloring with marker, but I had gotten water based markers which were unforgiving. I still think this is cute, maybe a redraw is in order... June-ish 2015

Luther hugging Mark from behind, both drawn in a different style and colored with alcohol markers. Luther is wearing a light blue dress shirt and Mark a light green dress shirt.

Not my art! Made by my dear Buddie as a gift to me on deviantArt. I printed it out as soon as I could, wrote the date and its title on deviantArt on the back, and put it in a plastic sleeve I stole from my dad ♥ August 11, 2015

Luther leaning over the side of Mark, who has his arm reached up so he can hold the back of Luther's head as they kiss. Colored with water based markers, Luther in a pale lavender dress shirt, and Mark in a dark blue long sleave shirt.

More simple style art colored in water based markers. I don't think that Mark looks good in that dark blue shirt. October 2015

Pencil sketch of Mark and Luther cuddling on the couch under a blanket. Pencil sketch of Mark holding Luther up while standing.

Pencil sketches in the simple style, though it is slowly gaining more detail. January 2016

A bunch of Mark heads sketched in pencil, showing him with various expressions. His hair is fluffy and his nose is very upturned.

A bunch of Mark expressions from January 19, 2016

Mark and Luther holding hands while standing. Upper body shot of Mark and Luther in each others arms, both without a shirt on, as they look tenderly at each other. Mark and Lazaro kissing, wearing clothes this time. Luther noticable has hatched shading on his skin, making it darker than Mark's.

Very small pencil sketches, of my boys. They are so small that their heads are proportionally large compared to their bodies. I started drawing Mark in sweaters instead of the long sleave stripped shirt that had a few buttons. Jan - May 2016.

Pencil sketch of Mark holding his hands infront of himself and looking down shyly. He is wearing blue jeans and a sweater.

Apparently I really liked drawing Mark in this pose. May 2016

Luther hugging Mark from behind, both drawn in my style and colored with goauche. Luther has tan skin this time. He still has a blue dress shirt, and Mark is wearing a green dress shirt, though much yellower than the last time.

Almost a year later, I redrew my Buddie's gift! Colored with goauche and featuring Luther's updated skin tone. I don't think either of those greens suit Mark. June 3, 2016

Luther talking to Mark from behind, holding his shoulders. He has dark tan skin and long black hair, wearing a dark purple flowing robe with a fancy yellow vest over it. Mark is wearing his usual red shirt and blue jeans, but with a sturdy brown coat overtop.

Another goauche colored drawing of my boys, now with Luther's long hair and mage robes. I don't think that would be Mark's prefered coat. August 2016

Red and black pen sketch of Mark and Lazaro kissing. Lazaro has long hair and is wearing a white dress shirt, while Mark is wearing a red sweater.

More kissing, you know the drill, but this time they're in pen! January 28, 2017

Red and black pen drawing of Mark and Lazaro walking arm in arm. Lazaro is wearing a red dress shirt and black dress pants. Mark is wearing light jeans and a flowy blouse, as he looks to the side at Lazaro while talking to him.

Yay, Mark in a feminine shirt! It also looks like he's wearing a cross here. Nah. Give it to Lazaro. I was experiementing with angles here, trying to draw them walking together from a slightly underside viewpoint. March 5, 2017

Red and black pen sketch of Mark hugging Lazaro from behind.

I think Lazaro is wearing a night gown here. May 2, 2017

Colored drawing of Mark in a red sweater and blue jeans, looking to the side and holding his hands together infront og himself.

I tried to color in a pen sketch with marker. May 14, 2017

Red pen sketch of seven Mark heads and one Lazaro head.

A bunch of Mark heads in various angles and one (1) Lazaro. Its a lot easier to draw the chin of a head from an underside view if you're not afraid to draw double chins by the way ;) June 10, 2017

Red pen drawing of Mark excitedly talking, wearing a white sweater with little flowers on it. His torso is drawn as plainly fat by now, not just chubby.

Okay this one is still pretty cute. I like his sweater with little flowers, even if the clothing folds are very round. July 8, 2017

Red and black pen sketch of Mark and Lazaro looking tenderly at each other, Lazaro with his hand cupping Mark's cheek, and Mark with his hand resting on Lazaro's waist.

Thier lips and noses are getting larger. July 26, 2017

Red sketch portrait of Mark looking into the camera with a soft smile, wearing a medium toned blouse.

I meant it to look like hes talking a selfie here. His nose and lips are quite big, but fear not, they will eventually return to normal size. November 26, 2017

Pen drawing of Mark lifting his arms up in suprise and looking behind himself. He is wearing a medium toned dress shirt with little flowers on it, its sleaves rolled up over Marks elbows. The first few buttons are also undone.

Ooh Mark wearing a button up with little flowers, very cute :3 December 15, 2017

Pen line sketch of Mark standing in a sweater and jeans. He's holding his hands infront of himself and looking to the side again.

January 13, 2018

Mark casually resting his arm against something as he stands with a pleasant smile. He is wearing a little crop top with frilled edges, and cuffed jean shorts. His arms, chest, and stomach are very hairy.

He wouldn't wear that but doesn't mean I can't draw him in things like it >:) Still the large lips. January 15, 2018

Red and black pen drawing of Lazaro flirting with Mark who is blushing. Lazaro has one arm on Marks shoulder and is leaning over him subtly. He is wearing white leggings with gold accents, high black laced up boots, a low cut white top showing his chest, and a dark sports jacket like coat, with gold accents on the lapels. Mark is wearing a medium oned top with long sleaves and a deep v neck bordered with ruffles.

Very small pen drawing. Lazaro has short hair now, but is still wearing weird mage clothes. March 4, 2018

Pen sketch of Lazaro learning down to kiss Mark who is leaning up. Mark has a hand on Lazaros cheek, and Lazaro has a hand on Marks' waist.

Yet more kissing, trying to be less stiff with my art, though I had made Lazaro absurdly tall here. Oops. At least I am drawing Mark more consistently in feminine tops. June 3, 2018

Colored drawing of Lazaro tenderly hugging Mark from behind, Mark looks pleasantly suprised. Mark is wearing a dark magenta top with sheer elbow length sleaves.

Finally some alcohol marker coloring! August 2018

Pen drawing of Mark and Lazaro laying, Lazaro laying perpendicularly to Mark, with his head resting on Mark's torso. Mark is wearing only boxers, and Lazaro has visible top surgery scars. Lazaro appears to be talking while Mark looks fondly at him, one hand behind his head, and the other on Lazaro's head.

In case you couldn't tell, I love tender domestic intimacy ♥ Lazaro wouldn't really have those kinds of top surgery scars, but peri areolar ones. September 16, 2018

Red line pen sketch portrait of Mark holding hands with someone cut out of frame. His expression is very soft as he looks up at his partner. He is wearing a blouse with a low neckline and rolled up sleaves. Small illegible notes surround him.

Lazaro is holding Marks hands here. This is set in the magic apocalypse world, and here Lazaro's magic is unknowingly growing little flowers on Marks hands. It was going to be a little animation with Lazaro realizing and pulling away, afraid he'd accidentally hurt Mark. Mark thinks the little flowers are cute of course. September 24, 2018

Red and black pen sketch of Mark and Lazaro cuddling on the couch, looking quite smitten as they hold hands and Mark tells Lazaro something. Mark is wearing cuffed jeans and a loose blouse while Lazaro is wearing white shorts and a black tank top with a diamond shaped hole exposing his chest.

Very small pen sketch. Lazaros clothes are still a little odd, a mage here, but more in character to how he likes to dress (a little fruity). Mark also has a cute top too! October 2018

Red and black drawings of Mark. One is a full body of him as a young kid with wide eyes, holding a stuffed animal and wearing a t shirt and shorts. The others are head shots of him as a teen. One he is a young teen with short hair looking discouraged. The last he is an older teen with acne and grown out hair that almost hides his eyes as he looks down. of Lazaro with a subtle undercut, the short sides a little grown out.

Mark as a child, young teen, and older teen. The long sleeve shirt with stripes and buttoned collar I used to draw him in got repurposed as his teenage and young adult default outfit. It represents the repression of his sexuality and gender expression. January 10, 2019

Black pen sketch of Mark and Lazaro running across the street infront of a car. Lazaro is ahead and looks back to yell: Fuck you asshole!. Mark is running behind, saying: I'm so sorry!

There was a drawing trend on Twitter in 2019 I came across despite not being on twitter, based on a post where a gay couple walking had cut infront of a car, and one of them apologized profusley while the other one called the driver an asshole. Of course this suited Mark and Lazaro very well so I drew it. Late 2019

Red pen sketch of Mark sitting on his bed, hunched over a tablet with wide eyes as he reads. He is wearing comfortable sleep shorts and a white camisole with a little ribbon bow in the center of the low neckline.

This is actually my Star Trek AU, Mark is just in his quarters on his bed, thus not in uniform. He's reading articles about transgenderism on a Starfleet Padd ♥ Oh he also now has shorter hair! I think its cute. November 2020

Other Tidbits

Songs

These are not necessarily songs that this particular OC would listen to, just ones from my own collection that I feel has their vibes. My collection is primarily rock, where as my characters tastes would be different character to character. Lyrics are copy pasted frmm those lyric sites, sorry for any inaccuracies. Each song as a whole will usually be applicable to the character, but extra pertinent lines will be italicized. Note that I may interpet the song very differently from what the band intended.

The Unforgiven - Metallica
Lyrics for The Unforgiven

New blood joins this earth and quickly he's subdued
Through constant pained disgrace
The young boy learns their rules
With time, the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man struggles on and on, he's known
Ooh, a vow onto his own, that never from this day
His will they'll take away, yeah

What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be, never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free, never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

They dedicate their lives to running all of his
He tries to please them all, this bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same, he's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares to die regretfully
That old man here is me, yeah

What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be, never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free, never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be, never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free, never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

Never free, never me
So I dub thee unforgiven
You labeled me, I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven
Never free, never me
So I dub thee unforgiven
You labeled me, I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven
Never free, never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

a reflection of how Mark grew up, in a heavily homophobic environment, where he was never free to be his true self, and how this started from a very young age with consequences if he didn't stifle himself
if I could only choose one song for Mark, this would be it, considering nearly the whole song is italicised (technically, if we italicized repeated sections)
this is also sort of a look of how he would be if he never learned to accept himself and live his own life
Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lyrics for Simple Man

Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this, it'll help you some sunny day, ah yeah

Oh, take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman, yeah, and you'll find love
And don't forget, son, there is someone up above

And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can?

Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh, baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can?
Oh, yes, I will

Boy, don't you worry, you'll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh, baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can?

Baby, be a simple, be a simple man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man

Mark has always been kind hearted and more interested in a simple peaceful life (again hobbit like)
forgive me for the Lynyrd Skynyrd, but it is reflective of Mark's background after all
Somebody to Love - Queen
Lyrics for Somebody to Love

Can anybody? Find me Somebody to love?

Each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
Take a look at yourself in the mirror and cry
Take a look in the mirror and I cry
Lord, what you're doing to me?
I have spent all my years in believin' you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord

Somebody (Somebody)
Ooh, somebody (Somebody)
Can anybody find me
Somebody to love?

I work hard (He works hard) every day of my life
I work 'till I ache my bones
At the end (At the end of the day) I take home
My hard-earned pay all on my own
(Goes home, goes home on his own)
I get down (Down) on my knees (Knees) and I start to pray (Praise the Lord)
'Till the tears run down from my eyes, Lord

Somebody (Somebody)
Ooh, somebody (Please)
Can anybody find me
Somebody to love?

He works hard) everyday (Everyday)
I try and I try and I try
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm going crazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
I got no common sense
(He's got) I got nobody left to believe
(No, no, no, no)

Ooh, somebody
Ooh (Somebody)
Anybody find me
Somebody to love
Can anybody find me
Someone to love?

Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat (You just keep losing and losing)
I'm okay, I'm alright (He's alright, he's alright)
I ain't gonna face no defeat (Yeah, yeah)
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
(One day) Someday I'm gonna be free, Lord

(cut out outro because it was long and repetitive)

Mark longing for love, especially in a homophobic environment, bonus points for actual gay background behind the song
Cover Me - Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics for Cover Me

The times are tough now, just getting tougher
This old world is rough, it's just getting rougher
Cover me, come on baby, cover me

Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Promise me baby you won't let them find us
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Cover me, shut the door and cover me

Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more

This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough; I don't want to see any more
Cover me, come on and cover me

Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more

Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Mark wanting a romantic partner who will protect and comfort him, wanting to be safe, comfortable, and loved
Lazaro also has this song, particularly for the hiding from a harsh world vibes
Ain't Even Done With the Night - John Mellencamp
Lyrics for Ain't Even Done With the Night

Well our hearts, beat like thunder
I don't know why they don't explode
You got your hands, in my back pockets
And Sam Cooke's singin' on the radio

You say that I'm the boy
Who can make it all come true
Well I'm tellin' ya that I don't know
If I know what to do

You say that's all right, hold tight
Well I don't even know if I'm doin' this right
Well all right, hold tight
We can stay out all day, we can run around all night
Well all night, all night
Well it's time to go home
And I ain't even done with the night

Well I don't know, no good come-ons
And I don't know no cool lines
I feel the heat, of your frustration
I know it's burnin' you up deep down inside

You say that I'm the boy
Who can make it all come true
Well I'm tellin' ya that I don't know
If I know what to do

You say that's all right, hold tight
Well I don't even know if I'm doin' this right
Well all right, hold tight
We can stay out all day, we can run around all night
Well all night, all night
Well it's time to go home
And I ain't even done with the night

Ain't even done with the night, hold tight
Well I don't even know if I'm doin' this right
Well all right, hold tight
We can stay out all day, or we can run around all night
Well all night, all night
Well it's time to go home
And I ain't even done with the night

No, I ain't even done with the night
No, no, ain't even done with the night
No, I ain't even done with the night
No, no, ain't even, ain't even done with the night
No, no, I ain't even done with the night
No, I ain't even done with the night

early on in his romantic relationship with Lazaro, feeling unsure and inexperienced
very sweet and tender vibes which suit Mark well
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Lyrics for Wonderful Tonight

It's late in the evening, she's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her makeup and brushes her long, blond hair
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight"

We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight"

I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all is that you just don't realize
How much I love you

It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh, my darling, you were wonderful tonight"

more tender love, this time about an established relationship with his love
Mark admiring and taking comfort in the presence of Lazaro, who he feels is more charming and attractive than himself

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