Part 7

While Jackson interlocked his fingers with Mark's, Mark was awake the entire time. Mark decided not to move. He wanted to enjoy this moment where they were holding hands, his head on Jackson's shoulder. Mark had finally accepted the fact that he had feelings for Jackson. He couldn't keep lying about his feelings anymore.

They were near the house. Jackson tried to remove his hand from Mark's. Before he could completely move his hand out, Mark squeezed his hand, preventing him from moving any further. Jackson was startled. He didn't expect Mark to be awake.

"Mark...we're home now."

Mark slowly opened his eyes and removed his head from Jackson's shoulder. The bus stopped. Jackson stood up first. Mark still clenched onto his hand, and stood up as well. They both walked off the bus.

"You know you're holding my hand right?" Jackson asked shyly.

"No shit, Sherlock. I'm just holding your hand because...because...it's dark and I can't see! What if I fall and die?!" Mark lied.

"Well you wouldn't have fallen in the bus. Why were you holding my hand then?"

"Correction, you held MY hand. May I ask you the same question?" Mark replied sarcastically. He was basically the king of sarcasm.

Jackson stopped walking, a few feet away from his house. His heart started to thump hard. He was shocked and embarrassed. Jackson was sure that Mark would have pulled away if he felt him hold his hand.

"You...you were awake?"

"Yeah...I don't mind if you hold my hand and stuff, I guess."

"L-Look. This all started off as a way to get my parents to stop me from marrying this girl. But...I feel like this is no longer just a 'plan.' I've...fallen for you. The truth is, I'm actually gay. I know you probably don't feel the same abou--" Jackson was cut off by a hug from Mark. It was the most unexpected action possible.

"I know...I know...I've fallen for you too, Jackson."

Jackson moved his head so he could face Mark.

"You really? I thought you were here just because of the picture I have..."

"You know, I'm not even gay. I just really, really like you. I have no idea why. Words can't explain why. Everytime I see you, I always feel happy. I always want to be close to you."

Jackson pulled Mark in for another hug. They stood in the darkness of the night, the cold air blowing against them. That didn't matter to them, they were warm in each other's embrace.

From the inside of the house, Jackson's mother was looking outside of the window. She saw and heard everything that Mark and Jackson were doing and saying. Her thoughts were no longer suspicions. She decided to bring up the subject with the man of the house...Jackson's father.