Welcoming Committee - Markson

trois • F

Jackson sighed, leaning against the gate and checking his phone for the fifteenth time. Ignoring the encouraging messages from his old friends - he'd answer them later, when he had interesting things to say -  he stuck his hands in his pockets.

When was Mark coming? They weren't joking when they said he was always late.

He was starting to worry that perhaps this was a joke, or Mark got hit by a car on his way here. He was anxious for his first day, and the fact that he would be going inside late didn't help with his nerves.

The sound of sneakers smacking against pavement drew Jackson's attention, and he looked up to see a boy running over. A satchel was bouncing against his thigh, and when he stopped, his hair collected over his face.

A few huffs, and his wrist raised to his face. His sleeve rolled up, revealing a watch. A small smile rose to his lips, "yes, I'm early."

Early?! Everybody else was already inside, and this boy is 'early'.

"Mark?"

The boy finally looked up, and Jackson's chest tightened.

This boy was beautiful. A regular old flower boy. Well, he definitely wasn't regular.

Jackson suddenly felt nervous, but he put on his best smile and followed Mark as he began walking.

"Jackson, yeah?"

Jackson nodded, and Mark fell silent.

It would take some time to get used to this boy and his quiet ways, but Jackson was willing to wait. Maybe, when they weren't strangers, he could actually converse with him. For now, he was happy enough as Mark showed him around.

When they met up with the others, Jackson's mood brightened, having so many people to talk to. He was grateful to have people to talk to, so he wasn't alone at this school.

But he couldn't ignore the funny feeling in his stomach every time he looked at Mark.