Affinity // (GOT7 Markson)

Chapter Twenty Three - Retreat

"Bambi, wake up."

It was 3AM and Jackson's voice was very low, a serious and concerning tone to it.

Mark got up quickly and turned the side lamp on, wondering what was going on.

Jackson had a jacket and two large bags packed, his eyes seemed frantic and a bit angry. Mark checked the time and then turned back to his boyfriend.

"Hun, it's the middle of the night, what's wrong?" Mark grumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"This is going to sound bat shit insane, but I need you to just trust me, okay? Can you do that?" Jackson said, tossing a pair of clothes at Mark's feet, then helping the boy get undressed.

Mark let his body go limp and let his boyfriend pull his pants and shirt off, then assisted him in getting into the fresh pair of clothing he supplied.

"Okay, I'm dressed. Now, you gonna tell me what's going on? You're worrying me." Mark finally asked, placing his hand firmly on Jackson's hand.

"I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about home. About my dad, my company, everything." Jackson said hesitantly. He looked away, pulling out two freshly printed tickets. "I'm heading back to Vancouver tonight. I already called a cab."

Mark's heart began to race, realizing now just how real this all was to Jackson. Before he could say anything Jackson interrupted him again.

"I packed your bag too. There's a ticket here as well. It expires tomorrow, so if you decide not to come I can refund it. The choice is on you." Jackson explained.

"Jackson..." Mark exhaled, looking around and then up to meet the boy's gaze.

Jackson cupped Mark's cheeks between his palms and steadied the boy's face. "Mark, sweetheart. Listen to me, I don't like that I'm putting you in this position. Seeing you and your father together was the best time I've had in a long time, and it made me feel like I was home. Believe me, I wouldn't ever want to take that away from you. That's why I'm giving you this choice. Come with me or don't come, I won't be upset either way. I know you haven't seen your dad in a long time. This is just... I have to deal with this once and for all."

Mark, calming down now, sighed and nodded his head slowly, understanding the severity of what was going on back home. "You're right, it's your family. Your future, it's all in jeopardy. You have to deal with it. I was stupid to think we could just run away and escape all of our problems here. We can't ever, they have ties sewn deep into us and will continue to find their way back into our lives no matter where we go."

"I won't blame you if you stay, baby." Jackson repeated, looking deep into Mark's eyes.

There was an intense look coming from Mark, but after about 30 seconds of thinking he replied, "Just let me say goodbye to my dad at least."

*

"Mark stared out of the window on the airplane, fighting back the tears that were trying to escape his eyes. He didn't want Jackson to see him upset.

Truthfully he would've loved to stay and spend time with his father, but he knew that if he missed this opportunity to tie up the loose ends at home, he may never get a chance to, and his and Jackson's relationship would become rocky.

"I'll make it up to you one day, don't worry Mark." Jackson promised, placing a loving hand on Mark's thigh.

Mark continued to stare blankly at the window, rubbing a little at the hand on his leg. He let out a sigh, and then closed his eyes, wanting to sleep through the sinking feeling in his stomach.

*

There was an Uber at the airport when the boys finally arrived. It was now 6AM, and the lack of sleep was wearing on Jackson.

"I'll drop you off with Kris, make sure you text her. I'm going straight home though." Jackson groaned, slamming the trunk closed and hopping in the back next to Mark.

Mark pulled his hood over his head and nestled into Jackson, the younger boy wrapping an arm around him to allow him to sleep the rest of the way home.

MARK TUAN (text message)

"Kris, I'm here. Come down."

KRYSTAL JUNG (text message)

"Yeeeee~"

Krystal nearly knocked Mark over with her tackle hug. She placed a neat kiss on his cheek and then rushed to greet Jackson as well. Being polite, she took Mark's bag and carried it up to her suite for him.

"Just hide out in Krystal's apartment for now, okay? I don't want you spending time alone. I already feel bad enough robbing you from your dad." Jackson instructed him, pulling him into a tight hug.

"I'll be okay, just go finish this, okay? And babe, please be safe." Mark whispered into the boy's chest. "I'll be here when you're finished."

Jackson pulled Mark's chin up and kissed him slowly and deeply. They hugged for a few more seconds before Mark broke away, letting Jackson get back into the Uber.

"I'll call you in a bit, love you." Jackson said, slamming the door.

"Love you too." Mark hummed as the car pulled away. He sighed to himself and turned around, the gates of The Ambassador were familiar and cold.

Although he was home, it still didn't feel the same. Part of him missed Krystal, Bruiser, dance class, and even Linda. He exhaled and entered the building, going to Krystal's place instead of his own.

He felt a bit lonely now that Jackson was gone. When he looked at his watch it was 7:30AM. He took out the necklace that was hiding behind his shirt, rubbing the silver animal that read Bambi and squeezing it, giving it a small kiss.

"How long until Jackson calls me?" He thought, putting his phone away and walking into the apartment.

A/N: I'm preparing to end this story at long last, so stick around for the big finale. :) It's been a long time coming, but I feel like I should just get it over and done with so I can move onto other projects.