Different: A Markson Story

Chapter 13: A New Jackson

Jackson and Mark were suddenly alone in the practice room. The two were kneeling and sitting directly across from one another. They were silent for a few minutes when Mark suddenly spoke. "You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did Mark."

 "Why?"

 "Because I--," Jackson hesitated. 

"Because I care about you." Mark stared at the younger male his eyes about to pop out. Mark knew he didn't get any sleep, but he definitely heard Jackson right. Jackson cared about him. 

"But...why?" Mark curiously asked. The two were so different, they barely knew each other before this so of course, Mark wondered why Jackson cared. 

"Because Mark I don't know...everything about you is so different. When I put you down like that, the guilt I felt was crazy. I could barely sleep I felt so guilty about what I did to you. I've never felt like that before...about anyone or anything I've done. I'm not like you. I live life recklessly. The more and more I thought about it, the more and more I realized I care about you." Mark blushed at the younger's comment. 

After a brief pause, Mark spoke again. "But you're always so quick to remind me to that you're better than m--."

Jackson suddenly moved up to the older and wrapped his arms around him in a hug. "I know but I said I'm sorry." As mad as Mark wanted to be at Jackson, he definitely saw the younger cared. Mark wasn't the vindictive type, he was compassionate, caring, but above all, forgiving. 

"I forgive you..." Jackson's eyes met with Mark's. Both of them had a certain shine to them and the vibe between the two suddenly changed. Mark was the first to look away. 

"I'm not that interesting. I don't know why you would care about me so much. You could've gotten in trouble too." Jackson was silent for a minute. Though he barely knew the boy before they became trainees, Jackson's feelings were definitely genuine. Not too long ago Jackson admitted he didn't even like Mark and didn't even want to get to know him but now it was the exact opposite. After a brief silence, he finally began to speak but wanted the older male to look at him, and see how genuine he was being.

Jackson grabbed Mark's hand, wrapping it with his own before placing their hands on Jackson's lap. Mark turned back to face the younger. He noticed a certain softness in his face and expression. Jackson took his other arm and grabbed his neck. "Listen, I care because I'm the one who did this to you," he said with a slight blush. 

"Before we met, you were determined, focused, hardworking and really inspirational. But after we met at the auditions I've done nothing but ruin your life and stress you out. I was an idiot and let my pride get in front of me. Like I said before, you're so different and I've never met anyone like you. I tried to intimidate you and make your life a living hell, but I hate seeing you like that. Though we may be different, I don't want to break you, Mark...I have way too much fun when I'm with you. I feel like the world just stops when I'm with you. I wish time could just freeze when it's just you and I. I don't even feel so happy around Bambam. I want to get to know you more and just spend time with you."

Mark blushed, obviously speechless at the younger's words. "And don't worry I'll make sure you're in tip top shape and impress our instructor. Just please Mark give me another chance and don't--don't leave me." Mark looked down and his hand, which Jackson was still holding. 

"Oh sorry," Jackson said, obviously flustered. The younger's awkwardness and obvious embarrassment caused Mark to chuckle. Almost instinctively Mark took hold of Jackson's hands causing him to blush. "Thank you. I needed that. And I--I'd really like that," Mark confessed with a smile. 

Jackson warmly smiled back at Mark and squeezed Mark's hands. "So let's get started."

 "Yes, let's." Mark stood up and took his position to dance with Jackson. He liked this new Jackson and was hoping the two would never butt heads again.

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Omg guys Markson ship preparing to sail? I hope you liked this chapter and seeing them finally connect ;) I really enjoyed writing this chapter and I edited it like 349583x. Softness and uwu levels about to skyrocket these next few chapters. Fasten your seatbelts. :)