Work Text:
Marc's curiosity piqued as he overheard Betty and Wilhelmina discussing raising funds for her father's legal expenses. Despite his mixed feelings towards her, Marc can't resist the temptation to eavesdrop. After Wilhelmina writes Betty a substantial check, Marc seizes the opportunity to corner Betty in the women's restroom to have a private conversation away from prying eyes. The bright fluorescent lights give the room an eerie glow against the tiled walls, only adding to the atmosphere.
"What was that all about?" Marc asks conspiratorially.
Though he doesn't particularly enjoy Betty's company, the chance to uncover a juicy secret makes him eager to know more. Betty just lets out a tired sigh.
"It doesn't matter," she replies wearily, "I doubt I'll even cash it."
Marc leans closer, catching a glimpse of the amount written on the check. His heart skips a beat, and a mischievous grin spreads across his face. The figure on the check is far from insignificant. Bouncing from excitement, Marc's words spill out in a rushed, whiny tone.
"Come on, Betty-nator!" he pleads, using a playful nickname for her. "You've gotta tell me something! What's the deal with that check?"
Betty bites her lower lip, eyes darting around nervously as she hesitates. After a moment, she meets Marc's gaze, recognizing the sheer curiosity. Yet, she knows she needs to be cautious about what she spills in the fast-paced world of fashion.
"Okay, Marc," she concedes with apprehension and determination. "I'll give you a taste, but promise me you'll keep it under wraps."
His eyes widen, extending his pinky finger in a playful promise. "Cross my heart and hope to accessorize."
Taking a deep breath, Betty's resistance crumbles, and she reluctantly spills. "Alright, alright," she sighs, "My dad's got this secret, and it's somehow linked to this mysterious guy my mom used to be married to in Mexico."
Marc's eyes widen in excitement, exclaiming, "Wait, seriously? I'm from Mexico!"
Betty raises a skeptical eyebrow, her gaze fixed on Marc as she studies him intently. He stands there, tall and lean, his dark hair perfectly styled, radiating confidence. His piercing green eyes hold a glimmer of mystery, while his flawless skin seems to possess sophistication. From head to toe, from his sharp suits to his designer shoes, he screams elegance. And that mischievous yet charming smile of his... it only adds to his magnetic appeal. During the prolonged pause, Marc's smile wavers as he senses Betty's skepticism. Adjusting his suit with a self-conscious gesture, he tries to regain his composure.
"I know, I might not fit the typical stereotype," he admits, sounding a little vulnerable. "But believe me, Betty, Mexico runs through my veins. My family's heritage has always been a part of me, even if it's not as obvious." As her skepticism starts to fade, Marc tacks on, "Okay, listen up, because I don't tell this to anybody. My parents were Rosa Vasquez and John Weiner. And I was unexpected. My dad lived in Schenectady, New York, and my mom lived in Mexico where she was married to a wealthy banker and landowner. Hence my being raised in America.
Betty's eyes widen in surprise, her mind reeling. "Okay. Mexican-American. Got it. But hang on, where does the name 'St. James' come from?"
Marc playfully rolls his eyes and fluffs his collar. "Oh, come on. I obviously changed it. I mean, who wants to be known as Marc Weiner in the cutthroat world of fashion? It just doesn't have the same ring to it, you know?"
Before they can delve deeper, Wilhelmina's sharp call reverberates through the corridor. Panic flashes across Marc's face, and a hint of regret tinges in his voice when he apologizes to his coworker.
"Sorry, Betty-nator, duty calls."
He doesn't add the expected 'this never happened' as he swiftly turns on his heel and darts down the corridor, leaving Betty behind.
Betty determinedly arrives at MODE bright and early the next day. She sees Marc chatting with Amanda and wastes no time rushing over to him, eager to share the latest news. She quickly drags him away from Gossip Central, hiding them in an empty storage closet.
"What's up?" Marc's eyes light up with excitement, a mischievous glimmer in them. "Is it about the check? Did we finally hit the jackpot?"
Betty's expression changes, urgency and seriousness taking over. "Yes and no," she starts, her voice filling with importance. "It's about something deeper. It's about my dad."
Marc's eyebrows shoot up. "Do tell."
Breathing deeply, Betty unravels the hidden secret. "My dad's name is Ignacio Suarez," she starts, her voice steady yet emotional. "And my mom, Rosa Vasquez, was previously married to a prominent banker and landowner before she married my dad."
Marc's eyes widen, momentarily lost for words. "Wait, you mean..." he stammers, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I have another sister," she confirms. "Dad says Mom had a daughter before me. Not Hilda. Hilda is Dad's, but she's my step-sister. But your mom is also my mom, and maybe we have a sister." She pauses, "I think. Maybe your mom and my mom just had the same name. And husband."
"No, Betty, actually... you have a brother," Marc reveals, his voice strained as he massages the bridge of his nose.
"A brother?" she asks confusedly. "But Dad said Mom had a-"
Marc shakes his head, his expression serious. "I didn't just change my name for fashion, Betty. There's a reason why I became Marc St. James."
"Oh?" She asks, her head tilting as she connects the dots. And then, "Ohhh," as the realization of his words catches up. "You changed your name because..."
"Yes," he sighs, relief and pain flickering across his face as he stares at the floor. He wills away unshed tears but, before he can fully grasp the weight of this moment, Betty playfully punches his arm, making him jump in surprise.
"What was that for?" he asks, rubbing his arm.
"For being my long-lost brother," Betty replies, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "Welcome to the family, Marc."
A bittersweet smile tugs at the corners of Marc's lips as he looks at Betty, his newfound sister.