Safe place (Markhyuck)

54

Thank you to everyone who went on this journey with me. Sorry it took so long to finish but here it is. I appreciate every read, vote and comment. Thank you.

When Haechan enters the building he's clutching onto Mark's hand. He's been here numerous times since he surprised his dad but the fear of failing is what is making him so scared now. Mark calmly walks with him to the elevator bay after picking up his work badge. The smile on his face says a lot.
"I never thought I'd have one of these." He says as he examines it in the elevator. Mark smiles and squeezes his hand.

He is going to take him up to his floor today and any other day that he wants him to so he can comfort him along the way. When they get to his floor he takes a deep breath and walks toward the main desk. Mark doesn't leave his side until he stops and turns to face him.

"Thank you Mark. I'll go from here, don't worry about me ok? I'm ok. I'll call you if I need you." Mark just stares at his eyes for a moment before he nods and takes a step back.
"Ok, I love you. Have a great first day." He says softly. Haechan quickly pulls him into his arms for a hug then kisses him softly on the lips. When they pull apart they can hear the woman behind the counter scoff.
"That's gross." She only half whispers. Mark looks worriedly at Haechan, he doesn't need any set backs on his first day. Haechan just smiles and kisses him one more time.
"I love you Mark, see you after work." Mark watches as he calmly turns and whispers something to the woman before walking by. He giggles as he walks away and knows he will be ok.
Mark: what did you say to her?
He questions on his ride down to his floor.

Haechan: I said "you're just jealous that you can't get any dick".

Mark cackles as he exits the elevator, and thinks that he will definitely be ok.

"Your receptionist is homophobic, you know." Haechan says after his father paged him to his office. He frowns.
"Should I fire her?" Haechan chuckles.
"No, I think it will be fun to watch her stomach churn every time Mark comes with me and kisses me goodbye." His dad chuckles.
"Well if it becomes a problem, be sure to let me know. Now let's get you orientated into this. Normally I would have her teach you some things but if you aren't comfortable, I can do it." He says with a soft smile.
"Thanks dad, I'm happy for this opportunity and there will definitely be times when I need a breather or a little help from you but for the most part I'd like to try to treat this as any other job. I want to do my best to succeed on my own." His dad smiles proudly.

"Ok, but can I get at least one hug from you? It is after all the first day, then we can be professional." Haechan smiles widely and walks forward with his arms open.
"I love you dad. Thank you." His dad squeezes him.
"I love you too son. I'm so proud of you."

They go through part of the process together then he asks the receptionist to help with the basics. She does so with no argument but of course Haechan can tell she doesn't like him. He doesn't care though, his fears have nothing to do with people liking him or not, it's only if he feels threatened that he would be in fear. So he takes it in stride and learns everything he can from her. By lunch he is beyond relieved to see Mark. He goes down to his level by himself, in an elevator with other strangers, it's a little unnerving but he manages. Mark is surprised to see him, he was planning to go to him.

"Hi baby, how's it going?" Mark asks in his ear while he gives him a small hug. Normally this kind of behavior would be frowned upon in a workplace but everyone knows his circumstances and everyone is very aware who his father is. He smiles widely and kisses his cheek.
"It's going really well, but I miss you." He says with a pout.
"Let's go have lunch, just the two of us today?" He smiles brightly at this. He will soon eat lunch with Mark's friends and sometimes his father but today he wants to be with Mark alone. They find a small cafe just down the street that doesn't look too busy and sit side by side in a booth so Haechan can touch Mark. He needs to hold on as a sense of safety and Mark doesn't hate it.

"If it gets to be too much tell me or your father, it's ok to step back a little." Mark says while rubbing his arm. He nods and rests his head on his shoulder.
"I feel better already." He says softly, tapping his fingers on the table.
"The work isn't too hard and the people are ok, I think I just started to feel overwhelmed because I was away from home for so long, and knowing the day is only half over didn't help."  Mark squeezes him closer.
"Maybe you should only work half days?" He asks softly to which Haechan shakes his head no.
"I just need to see you, as soon as I did I felt home." Mark is silent for a minute, he doesn't even have words to express just how that makes him feel. So he does the only thing he can think of and kisses him deeply.
"I love you Haechanie." He says softly onto his lips.
"I love you Markie." Haechan says cutely, making the other chuckle.
They talk over their hour long lunch break and Haechan already feels better. Having Mark by his side is more of a blessing than he thought.

Haechan is exhausted, he's put in an eight hour day and is so proud of himself. Jeno, Renjun and Jaemin are taking them out to dinner to celebrate and even though he's really tired he's excited to go.
"You guys, I just need you to know just how special you are to me. You have all played a part and helped me get further than I've ever thought possible. I love you so much." Haechan says with his hand held firmly by Mark beside him.

"Well I for one am so proud of how far you have made it. I always wanted the best life for you and I'm glad my cousin came along and gave you that final push to get through the barrier. We all love you too Haechan, and will always be by your side." Jeno says fighting his own tears. This wasn't meant to be an emotional dinner, but it can't be helped. The five of them have been through a lot and will find that they will forever need each other and all have an unbreakable bond as friends, as family.

After Mark and Haechan finally make it home from Haechan's first day of work it's more emotional for the younger than he thought possible. He walks in and sets his keys on the table and hangs his jacket in the closet after he takes off his shoes and places them on the rug. Every little thing he does is memorable for him. He goes to the kitchen and heats some water for tea and turns to Mark who is just watching his every move with the fondest of smiles on his face.
"Stop watching me and hug me." He says with a soft smile. Mark walks up to him and holds him in his arms for a long while. No words are needed, no passion filled exchanges, just a soft loving embrace from the other half of him, his soul mate, his safe place.

"I love you baby, you did this. Everything you have accomplished is because you are strong and capable." Haechan nods as the tears freely flow down his cheeks.
"This is a whole new beginning, a whole new journey and I only want to take this journey if it's with you." Haechan says softly to Mark who's tears are non stop as well.
"I wouldn't dream of it any other way." Mark says before he softly kisses his lips.

End.