Alligator Eyes

Chapter 14

Mark worries about the trip greatly. He doesn't know or trust Namjoon and hes confused by Jinyoung's actions. He didn't say anything when Jinyoung told him he loved him. He didn't know what to say. They barely knew each other, only having met a few weeks ago, if even that. Was it longer? Mark wasn't sure. 

At least Jackson was there and kept Namjoon occupied, always talking to the point that he started more than a few fights. Nevertheless, Mark is grateful. They are able to pass all the way back to his village without outside interference. 

Although no one was exactly intimidated by the others, Namjoon didn't seem to know what to do with them. He must have known Jackson for the fighter he was because he never let the fights escalate past shoving or threats, no matter how mad Suga got. None of them knew BamBam so while Hope kept a close eye on him, he got nothing from it. The only thing BamBam ever did was hunt, the only time he was away from the group.

BamBam stuck very close to Mark too. He seemed unsure of what to do with the group himself, what with Jackson constantly fighting, and Yugyeom remaining as detached as he could, BamBam was left with only Mark acting normal. Mark did ask Yugyeom about it one night, as quietly as he could, why did he seem so mad?

Yugyeom had shrugged, tipping his head carelessly to one side. He said "I just don't like 'em"

Mark figured there was probably more history between them than anyone was willing to tell him, and it only made him more curious. Namjoon, Hope, and Suga never made any attempts to talk to Yugyeom, they never looked at him, and although Namjoon was keen on keeping the piece. All it took to stop a fight was Yugyeom stepping in between Suga and Jackson—his back usually to Jackson—and Suga would walk away. 

It wasn't anything like the journey to the temple. They already knew the way back and they didn't like or trust each other. Tensions were high. Mark was nervous, he hardly slept, even when Jackson insisted he would watch out, that Mark was safe, his mind wouldn't rest. He was anxious to know what his family would say and think, how they would treat the outsiders. 

They made it back one afternoon, cresting the hill that led to the small outcropping of trees that completely obscured their huts. Namjoon wouldn't believe they were on the right path, complaining endlessly until he saw the evidence of one abandoned hut. A Farmer who had died just last year, so Mark helped his widow and their kids move closer to the center so they could be looked after. He trails one hand along the side of the hut fondly. Normally they would wait to years before taking it down or moving it, out of respect, but if this went well they'd have to cut the time short. 

Seeing Mark's family was the when the true challenges began. First he had to explain what he had found, what he wanted, then he had to convince his family that it was worth the journey. At first they wouldn't hear anything about it. They were so focused on feeding Namjoon and the others that Mark was momentarily pushed to the side. He stayed close to Namjoon, even though he made him uncomfortable, and even angry at times. He didn't want to give him any room to attack his family, or try to escape before fulfilling his end of the deal. 

It turned out not to be a problem. As soon as Namjoon agreed to join dinner, he opened up a little, clearly surprised by the hospitality. After the party, Mark tried again to convince his family to come with him. His father raised the same concerns Mark had. Tilopen. 

How would they get through? What if they were stopped? How many people were they willing to lose for this? (The answer was, of course, none) Plus some objections Mark wouldn't have thought of. What would the king think of their mass movement? Would this interfere with their peace? What if Epsil became hostile towards them as well? Where would they be safe then?