Safe place (Markhyuck)

23

It's been a couple of weeks of constant trying and now Haechan is able to go all the way around the block. The first time was such a great day that Mark accidentally kissed him on the lips, neither minded. Haechan has been warming up to the idea of dating now even more and he loves little Renjun too. He hasn't had him over to the house or anything but he's heard Jeno, Jaemin and of course Mark talk about him and he can't wait to meet him.

Haechan has asked Mark to sleep over again and the latter of course said yes. He vowed to himself that he can't get swept up in the moment, he isn't going to ruin this one. They never finished all of the movies so they will be finishing them and Haechan is planning to try some new things. He's so excited but Mark is trying to down play it in his mind as just a friendly trip. He of course wants to be free and have fun much like last time but he isn't going to mess things up.

When he gets there he receives a big hug from the younger.
"Thank you for coming. I wasn't sure if you would say yes after I ruined the last time." Mark sighs and drags Haechan to the couch to sit.
"We need to talk about this now. You did not ruin things. Sure I was sad but Haechan you have just as much right to your feelings as I do mine and if you don't want to date me right now or ever that is completely up to you and you are allowed to feel how you want about it." Haechan looks at the floor with sadness in his eyes.
"I think the reason I feel so bad is because I really like you a lot but I'm afraid. Some days I trust you 100% and other days I trust no one. I'm afraid you would get bored or mad that I am scared of everything." He wipes his eyes as he has started to cry. Mark can't help the smile he has.
"Just you saying you like me is enough. You don't have to date me if you aren't ready but I am happy to hear that you like me." Haechan blushes and turns away.
"You need to understand that this." Mark gestures around him.
"Doesn't scare me. I fell for your charms knowing all of this, but I'm ok and we are fine and you did nothing wrong. So stop feeling like I won't come back because I will come back time and again, until you won't let me anymore." Haechan covers his mouth as he omits a small sob. He buries his face in Mark's neck as he hugs him, when he pulls back he softly kisses his lips.

"Thank you." Mark looks confused.
"For what?" He asks gently.
"For coming into my life and being here for me always. I know it hasn't been that long but I often feel like if it weren't for you, my life would be terrible or even nonexistent right now. Before you, I was starting to go down this path of self hate and disparity that I didn't think I would come back from." Mark holds his hands in his and squeezes.
"I never told Jeno how bad it had gotten because I didn't want him to think he wasn't doing enough when I know he was doing everything he possibly could for me." He sobs in Mark's neck again and the other just sits and holds him until he's ready to back away.
"You are strong Haechanie. You may not see it but I do, Jeno does, your father, we all see it. We all love you and support you and we always will so please don't underestimate yourself because we will always be here to remind you." Haechan finally calms in his arms and reaches up to touch Mark's face. He doesn't speak he just leans in and kisses him in a way that tells him everything he needs to know. He pulls back looking in Mark's eyes.

"I'm not afraid of you anymore. You take my breath away. If you will have me still, I want to be with you." Mark feels his heart beat speed up, his smile is stretching slowly across his face and Haechan can't help but giggle.
It takes some time but eventually Mark can speak actual words.
"I can't even tell you how happy I am right now." Haechan giggles again.
"I want to overcome my challenges with you so we can date like a real couple someday." Mark smiles softly and kisses him even softer.
"Just know I have no expectations, I want to take it day by day and just live in the moment with you." Mark says brushing the hair off the sides of Haechan's face before cupping it and kissing him again. His lips linger even as he starts to pull away, he already can't get enough. 

They make a meal together and cuddle some more after. They still haven't started a movie yet because neither one can focus on it anyway.
"So what's up with Jeno? He always comes over on Tuesday to play while Jaemin is at school but he called and canceled last time." Mark clears his throat and plays with Haechan's fingers.
"I wasn't supposed to tell anyone this but he's in a bit of trouble." Haechan looks shocked.
"He helped Renjun get his stuff back from his ex that night because Renjun was scared. When they got done Renjun was so happy he kissed Jeno. Like really kissed, and Jeno kissed him back." Haechan's hand flies up to his mouth.
"No, why would he? Jaemin is going to be so sad. Oh my god no." Haechan pouts. Mark just smiles solemnly.
"He's going to tell him this weekend so we will see what happens. I have a feeling Renjun will be needing a place to stay soon." Haechan crosses his arms and frowns.
"Serves him right, he is a home wrecker." Mark sighs, it's such a tough situation all around because Renjun is his friend but Jeno and Jaemin are first in his heart.
"You won't let him kiss you right? Now you're mine." Haechan says firmly making Mark giggle and pull him closer.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't let that happen." Haechan smiles big and kisses his cheek. Mark pouts and puckers his lips. The other giggles and gives in immediately.

By the next day Mark had texted Jeno to see how everything was and all he said was "fine".
Mark just lets it go because he doesn't want their drama to ruin his perfect weekend so far.
"Are you ready to go Haechanie? We will be crossing the street today. " Haechan comes walking down the stairs in a pair of denim shorts and a pink shirt, looking as cute as ever.
"I'm ready Marky." He says cutely making the other blush. They go to the end of the street and Mark takes his hand as they enter the crosswalk. Haechan looks around cautiously and takes a step. Mark of course let's him take the lead every time. Each step Haechan can feel his heart get lighter until he reaches the other side.
When he realizes what he has done he jumps into Mark's arms and kisses him deeply, Mark reciprocates obviously and they only break apart when someone honks. Haechan jumps off, slightly frightened but surprisingly it doesn't set him back.
He stays calm and smiles at Mark.

"You have accomplished three things already." Mark says making Haechan confused.
"Not only did we cross the street but you survived PDA, which you initiated and someone honking at us." Haechan laughs and twirls around before sitting on the curb.
"Now that I'm here, I just might stay all day." Mark chuckles and sits next to him.
"We should have packed a lunch." Haechan says cutely.
"You are too cute today, stop. You're driving me crazy." He puts his arm around him and lets him lean on his shoulder.
"Thank you, for being here with me. Should we walk around this block?" Mark is a bit shocked but quickly stands.
"Lead the way."

They ended up circling the two block radius twice and Haechan couldn't have been more thrilled. Mark give him a lot of celebratory kisses but that may have been for his own benefit.
"Will you sleep with me again tonight? I like it when you hold me." Mark's heart speeds up again, it's been doing that a lot lately.
"Of course." They go to bed cuddled together a second night in a row.
Mark feels his heart beat rise when Haechan lays his head on his chest and of course Haechan can hear it and it's music to his ears. He feels better everyday about his decision and Mark's erratic heartbeat tells him that it was the right decision.