Monster

51

The construction finishes smoothly and the new crew goes home, pledging their eternal loyalty to Jackson should he ever need the help again. Jackson waves them off as they drive away, smiling all the while.

Jaebum has been very hesitant about allowing Jackson to change crews especially to one full of strangers but it worked out for the best. The new crew was nice and knowledgeable and most importantly, they were discreet.

Mark had his doubts about the plans but as he tours around his own section of the house he feels like a prince. It has its own kitchen, its own dining room, a bed room, no living room, but it does have a loft with a door leading to a small room that leads to Jaebum's room.

And Youngjae and BamBam's rooms are impressive too, with a similar nook to the one they had loved so much in Jinyoung's room.

Mark only gets a quick look, interested in the general design of it, but it's not his so he'll see if he gets invited in. He might think it's silly to respect boundaries that haven't been laid, but sticks to his decision sauntering down the hall to the kitchen.

Youngjae and BamBam are moving in next week, right before their lives as college students start.

Jinyoung has had him in a frenzy, every inch of the house needing to be spotless and free of any evidence there was any construction at all. He doesn't mind the work, though, it keeps him busy in the moments he isn't looking for a job.

He's scared for what the future will hold, if he's being honest. He hasn't told anyone, and doesn't know if he should, but it keeps him up some nights. But what scares him the most is, if it came down to it, would they choose him over BamBam? He doesn't know the answer, and he can't say he would blame them if they didn't.

Jinyoung is making lunch, Jackson collapsed on the counter, snoring lightly. He's been working himself to the bone to finish the construction as quickly as possible.

"Jinyoungie," Mark calls softly from the doorway to announce his entrance. Jinyoung turns to look at him, his hands covered in flour and egg from the breading for the chicken. "When will lunch be ready?"

"I just have to put this in the oven and then about an hour" He answers as he returns to his work, laying the last chicken breast in the pan and then sprinkles the remaining seasonings on it. He slides it into the oven and sets his timer, turning back to wash his hands. "Are you that hungry? I can make you a sandwich to tide you over"

"No, I wanted to see if you wanted to go for a walk, through the old path"

"Oh, I would love to" Jinyoung takes his apron off and clasps Mark's outstretched hand.

Its a beautiful day in autumn and the air is cool, the sun high in the sky. Since getting the house, Mark has loved fall, for the way it colors the leaves of the trees and the way the way the pines stay green, the unchanging guardians of their home. The path is barely worn, from Yugyeom's occasional runs, and the isolation of the area.

Sun streaks through the golden aspen leaves, lighting the ground, it makes him feel like he's walking the path to heaven although he knows that in a world where there is an afterlife, hell is his only real destination. Jinyoung squeezes his hand, a beautiful smile on his face. Mark wonders when the last time they had a moment like this, just the two of them, where Jinyoung seemed completely happy.

He knows it's been a while.

"Jinyoungie," Mark stops them on the path and turns to face him, taking his other hand. "I love you"

"I love you too"

"And you don't have to wear it or anything, but I'd like it if you would, but I get it if—"

"You're rambling" Jinyoung laughs, liking how flustered Mark is, his ears are tinted red and he's having a hard time looking Jinyoung in the eye.

"This," Mark pulls out a small box from his pocket and holds it out to him. "I had 7 of them made, but I wanted to give yours to you first"

He opens the box and inside is a simple ring with a single pale pink gem on it. Jinyoung gasps.

He can't stop the tears that drop down his cheeks. He's so overwhelmed, nodding and trying to speak around a lump in his throat. Telling himself to calm down, he holds out his hand and Mark slips the ring onto his finger, a perfect fit.

"You like it then?" Mark laughs, stumbling when Jinyoung throws his arms around him, crushing him in a hug.

"I love it! I love it I love it I love it I love it!" Jinyoung assaults his face with kisses. He sticks out his hand to marvel at it, still leaning his full body weight on Mark. "It's beautiful"

"Good" Mark kisses him, pressing their foreheads together. "I hope everyone else will like them"

"I'm sure they will" Jinyoung kisses his nose and tugs him further down the path.

"Do you think we should turn back?" Mark asks , worried about the chicken. "I thought you were cooking something?"

"Oh no!" Faster than Mark can react Jinyoung has sprinted past him. Mark speeds after him, catching up quickly to only a step behind. Jinyoung is not graceful as he crashes down the path, but he is careful not to get lost, the trees look denser as they fly threw his vision, like they could swallow him whole.

He shivers, cold in the rushing wind, thinking about Mark threatening to bury a contact in these woods, no one would have found him. But he throws the thought away as he burst from the trees and rushes through their lawn to the back door.

Jackson is standing by the open oven door, his arms covered in goosebumps, he barely flinches as Jinyoung barrels in.

"I heard the timer, but I didn't know what to do" He yawns, sitting down on the floor next to the heat wave, it feels nice on his freezing skin, he might try to curl up inside the oven.

"That's okay, it doesn't look burned," Jinyoung pulls on some oven mitts and takes the chicken out, "careful"

He nudges Jackson away from the oven with his foot so he can close the door, Jackson sways a little but doesn't fall, already falling asleep again.

"Please don't sleep on the floor, in the kitchen" Mark says, bending down to help him up. Jackson does not come up willingly, too tired to move his legs anymore.

"Carry me to bed" He whines, flopping against Mark.

"You're such a lump" Mark drags him to the couch and leaves him there, joining Jinyoung by the island.

"Jaebum texted me, he'll be home soon, so we can eat" Jinyoung passes Mark the plates and together they set the table, putting the dishes down in the center.

When Jaebum and Yugyeom get home they all sit down to eat. Its quiet at the table, everyone imagining what next week will be like. Everyone except for Mark. He doesn't want to think about it, he knows he wont get to do this as much anymore, and it just makes him sad.

But for now he'll treasure the moment, by following Jinyoung to his room tonight.