Affinity // (GOT7 Markson)

Chapter Sixteen - Masquerade

The next day Mark met Krystal in a park near their apartment, she had stayed at a friend's place, worried sick after Mark told her what happened the night before. There were dark clouds in the sky above, and Mark could smell and feel winter coming.

"So that's it, then?" Mark said, nibbling the inside of his cheek anxiously, "You just didn't think too far into the whole thing?"

"Exactly." Krystal spoke softly. "It was stupid, I know."

Mark raised his voice, "Not stupid Krystal. Completely INSANE. Not only illegal but extremely dangerous."

Krystal looked down towards the sand and sighed, there was a look of guilt in her face.

"You lied to me." Mark said, swinging beside her. The air was cold and biting, and Mark's fingers were going white at the touch of the chain holding the swing up, every breath of his leaving a foggy aftermath in the air around him. "You knew I liked Lee, and you lied right to my face multiple times. You know how much that hurt me?"

"You know I didn't want to do that to you, you're my best friend. It's just... I was just so fucked up at the time. I believed even my own lies." she finally answered, getting off her seat to pace around the swing set. She slowly walked behind Mark, and began giving the boy gentle pushes.

"I knew that it was wrong, but Lee was so madly convincing. He kept telling me that we were doing nothing against the law. I didn't even realize what was happening until I started to take the pills myself. I felt like I had to try them to see what the hype was about. Next thing you know, I'm losing three, four, five hours from my memories. Days, even." she continued.

"What are you going to tell the police?" Mark asked, looking down towards her as he swung.

"I don't know." she said staring off into space. "I guess I'll just tell them the truth. I became hooked on the pills, but I never sold any to anybody, that was all Lee. He tried to get me to do it but I didn't. I only took the small supply he gave me. It only went on for less than a month. I can't get into too much trouble for having a drug problem, can I?" she ask back, worried.

"Nah, I think you'll be okay. You did know about it, but the police know just how coercive Lee can be. And the bruises that you have are more than enough proof for them to be convinced that you were being controlled against your will."

"I swear, I'm never touching another drug in my life!" Krystal said, making a fist. "This has been the most traumatic month ever. You'll forgive me, won't you Mark?" she begged, looking at her friend with a sorry expression.

"It'll take some time, but I think we'll be alright." Mark told her, swinging himself higher.

The police were waiting at the apartment when the two returned, just as they'd expected. Mark gave Krystal a tight side hug before wishing her luck. She stepped into the back of the single cruiser and drove off with the two officers.

Mark unlocked his apartment door and stepped inside, "Honey, I'm home." he said in a whisper.

Jackson was asleep in his bed, surrounded in three pillows. Mark could only see a small portion of his face, his hair covering it wildly. Mark heard soft snores coming from the mountain of bedding.

"Wakey wakey, handsome." Mark said, sitting beside Jackson on the bed. He touched the sleeping boy's thigh, rubbing it in a little shake.

"Huh? Hrrrrrmmmm~" Jackson groaned, stretching his arms and legs out as far as they'd go.

"Boy you look cute in my pajamas." Mark smiled, laying down beside Jackson.

Jackson smiled back and scooted over, giving Mark more room before using one arm to pull Mark into him, placing the boy's head onto his chest. He squeezed Mark gently into a hug and swung one thigh over him, nestling his face into the boy's hair before snoring again.