Gabriel and Mark

Gabriel and Mark is a frenemy relationship that is seen throughout all Carter Corp route with the exception of Adam Peterson's and Jake Stewart's route due to Mark being absent in Adam's, while in Jake's route, it was due to Gabriel Simons' position as the Director of Communications. This relationship is too absent in Colin's season 2 given Gabriel inherited Mark's position as branch manager as Leviels headed to run off a new branch.

## Overview

Little is known why the two men had such a frenemy relationship. This was pointed from the start of Gabriel's route, it was first implied by Matt Ortega that Gabriel and Mark have a competitive relationship and that Gabriel wants Mark's position as the branch Director of Carter Corp. This thirst was also portrayed further in season 2 and in other routes too like Matt and Ryan Carter's. Both men have also been involved in rumors regarding Cassidy Sparke which was later seen in Season 2 of Ryan's and this was further elaborated or mentioned in the final season.

Both men are only seen together in professional relationships and appearances, and in most of Gabriel's season 2, if both men crossed paths or were at an alliance, it was only for sale of welfare of Carter Corp in Mark's case, while for Gabriel it was for a promotion. However, in Ryan's season 2, chapter 10, Mark hung out with Gabriel along with Cassidy in Starlite as Mark and Gabriel actually do go to Starlite together sometimes. So, despite being frenemies and hacking a lack of personal interactions, fans have still assumed that Mark isn't close to Gabriel despite the two still being on friendly terms. Mark knew that Gabriel was in love with player for a long time and he even stated that in Season 2, Chapter 10 of Gabriel's route instead of being annoyed like a regular boss would, he approved of the relationship and wishes the best for them. Although, one could understand why Gabriel dislikes Mark because of the workload he puts on him and him being younger than Gabriel by 2 months and being his boss. Gabriel always seemed to be after Mark's position and this was implied by him in many routes. He finally inherited his position in Ryan and Colin's routes. In Ryan's final season, it was shown that he was unhappy about the promotion given the recent events and also seemed to know that he had a sick son and felt sad for him. Gabriel however isn't seen to be missing Mark nor referring where he went away in Colin's second season. He also gets annoyed when he is put into rumors along with Mark, this was seen in Ryan's final season where Gabriel was unhappy by the hateful stares he was getting from people who blamed him and Mark for conspiring against Ryan.

As contrast to Mark's relationship with Ryan where they had less to no arguments, Gabriel and Mark had disagreements that were shown in Matt's, Daryl's, Gabriel's and Ryan's routes where Mark would scold Gabriel or get into arguments with Gabriel. In season 3 of Ryan's route, this aspect was shown more as Mark was upset with Gabriel collaborating with Laurens Van Daele, the man who was a close associate of Leopold Williamson, the father of Alicia Boone and Ryan's former rival. Both men were also implied that they had private discussions in chapter 6 by Derrick Tremblay, landing a red herring on the two men for being a part in Ryan's attempted murder and downfall. In season 2 of Gabriel's route, Mark has shown no bitterness to Gabriel despite knowing that he was in a relationship with the player, as he knew the whole time and was supportive despite Cassidy's annoyance, and expressed that he was okay with Gabriel and the player's relationship and scolded Cassidy for being unprofessional, which made Gabriel appreciate him as a friend.

It was also implied by the player in Ryan's season 1 that Gabriel actually disliked taking orders from Mark when he was asked by Mark to deliver the files to Ryan where he was presenting the menu for the charity event and sent her instead to deliver it. While little is known what Mark feels for Gabriel, but given by his kind nature, it is assumed that he cares for him like his other employees despite Gabriel's jealousy. Gabriel though does seem jealous of Mark but it doesn't seem personal, as he also seems to respect him as a college and sometimes as a friend.

## Trivia

* They are 2 of the 8 original characters and 5 original love interests.
* Cassidy Sparke has had an interest in both of them but neither of them seem to like her.
* They are the same age, both starting at 28 and being 31 in Ryan's season 3 and Mark's season 1.
* They are both on the cover of the Is it Love? Art Book and have art featured in it.
* They were both based off of real life actors, Gabriel was based off of Chris Hemsworth and Mark was based off of Matthew Bomer.
* They both used to be on the cover of Gabriel's story route (until it was updated).