A/N: Sooo... this could be the last chapter... and if we don't get any reviews, it might be... ;-) I mean, the „main storyline" - aka, the first big storyline – is over with this chapter, but like I already mentioned in the last chapter: We have a lot more... but it would also involve other characters, so it could be that there are chapters from Alex' and April's POV and such... so if you don't want this, we undersatnd, if you do, just let us know and there is more to come... the „new storyline" would involve Jackson's brother (we made up) and yeah... a lot of backstory about Jackson (which we made up, too * lol * ) - just tell us if you want more or not... we're not angry if not... =D
And now have fun with the last (?) Chapter ;-)
Jackson Avery POV:
Mark's surgery had been one of the most stressful that Jackson had ever done. The man would need a surgery to help repair his arterial heart muscles, but at least Jackson repaired the vena cava and manged to release the pressure on Mark's chest.
Eventually Cristina would have to go in and fix the damage completely, but he should be okay until the woman was back on her feet.
Mark was currently under heavy medication and resting for the next few hours. After making sure he was going to be okay Jackson met Alex in the cafeteria for a bite to eat.
"So, how is he?" Alex asked as he took a bite of his sandwich.
Looking up from his veggie plate Jackson gave a wary smile "It was touch and go, but I think it's going to be okay"
"That's good to hear"
Jackson could see how down the man looked "How's Arizona?"
"April says she's doing as well as expected" Alex said "she may have to get a steel pole in her leg, but considering how bad it could have been..."
"You haven't had a chance to see her?" Jackson asked.
"I'm not sure what I would even say, not that Torres would let me anywhere near her"
Torres blamed them. It was obvious from the first moment they tried to talk to the woman after coming back from Miami.
"So what are you going to do about Miami?" Alex asked and it was obvious both men felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.
How could they leave now that their family needed them, even if they didn't want Jackson or Alex around.
"I'm pretty sure Hunt hates me" Jackson said.
"Why?"
"Mark was going into cardiac arrest and they were going to stop working on him and I stormed in and did an emergency Thoracotomy"
"It saved Sloan's life" Alex said "he should be thanking you"
"I may have told him to shut the fuck up after he questioned my ability to do it" Jackson replied "I'm pretty sure cursing your chief out is a bad career move"
Alex laughed. One of the biggest and haughtiest laughs that Jackson had heard in quite a while and it made him join in. It could be chalked up to stress or the release of tension, but both men needed it.
They were still laughing when Callie walked up to the table and caught both men off guard.
The laughter died immediately as the woman stood in front of them.
"Can I talk to you two for a minute?" she asked.
"Yes, of course" Jackson said "how's Arizona?"
"She's going to need a few more surgeries, but I think the worst is over" Callie told him "I came over to apologize for the way I've been acting"
The words surprised Jackson "It's okay" he said "this situation isn't easy to deal with"
"That's still no excuse. You and Alex probably saved Derek's career and you saved Mark's life Jackson, I can't begin to thank you enough"
Jackson absorbed the words and it felt like for the first time Jackson realized Mark was going to live. Having Callie say it made it seem more real.
"It's just..." Callie started to say before drifting off.
"It's just what?" Alex asked.
"When your offers from Miami come you two need to take them"
It was another punch to the gut to Jackson and looking at Alex's face the man shared his sentiment.
"You two made your choice and that choice put my wife on that plane and made Mark take a flight he wasn't even scheduled for" Callie spoke softly, but her words still cut like a knife "seeing you here every day and knowing what it cost is going to be unbearable"
Jackson felt the haze of shame and guilt invade his head. The same feeling he had in Miami after hearing about the plane crash. Mark took the flight because Jackson ignored him and he needed a distraction.
"I should have made her stay, but she wanted to go with him to Boise"
Derek's words as Jackson rushed him into surgery came back to him like a bullet. Did Lexie only go because Mark was going too?
Jackson felt like he was going to be sick.
"How dare you?" A voice said from behind Callie "how dare you talk to them like that"
April stood behind Callie. She was angrier then Jackson had ever remembered seeing her.
"Kepner-" Callie started before April continued.
"Jackson risked his career to save Mark's life today" she said "he and Alex just saved the hand of one of the top neurosurgeons in the country. They are amazing and if they want to stay here this hospital would be stupid to let them go"
Callie finally turned her body to face April "It's about more then that Kepner"
"It's about a plane crash that was tragic and horrible, but was in no way their fault and for you to make them feel guilty for wanting to take a chance somewhere else is shameful. Shame on you Callie Torres"
"That's not what I meant" Callie said "I didn't mean it that way"
"In all your righteous indignation did you think about them at all?" April asked "They lost one of their best friends and both nearly lost their mentors. Do you think they're not feeling what we all are?"
The air was thick between the group. Callie looked at both Alex and Jackson and if Jackson didn't know any better he would think April's words had gotten to her.
"What's going on here?" Owen said as he walked up to the group.
Callie wiped a stray tear from her face.
"Nothing, sir" Alex said "just talking about where Mark and Arizona go from here on out"
Owen nodded his head "About that" he said "I need to speak to you and Avery in my office, now"
Mark Sloan POV:
Mark didn't know how long he had been out, but he knew he lived. He lived because of Jackson. Because he didn't want to let go of him. Because Jackson couldn't just let him die. It was strange to see himself laying there in this hospital bed with Jackson fighting for his life, but maybe it was neccessary for him to see it, to go on fighting. Jackson obviously really cared about him. Okay, Jackson had told him he loved him, but Mark still didn't know if this all had been real. If Jackson really loved him or just said it so he wouldn't break Mark's heart again.
When he opened his eyes he saw a frame, but it definitely wasn't Jackson.
He blinked and then he recognized Callie. He felt still pretty weak, but he knew it would take time for him to completely heal. If he even would be able to heal completely.
"Ca...Callie..." he mumbled and immediately she turned to him.
"Mark... there you are again," she said getting up and gently caressing his cheek. "You scared the hell out of me with passing out and flatlining like that. I thought I'm gonna lose you."
"Me too," Mark stated. "And I'm really sorry."
Callie nodded slowly. "Just promise me not to do it again, okay?"
"Okay," Mark gave back, looking at her. His mouth still felt dry and every word he said hurt in his throat because of it. "Can I have some water?"
Callie grabbed the cup standing on the nightstand. "Of course, let me help you."
Mark hated it already to be this helpless. He felt like a little child that could do nothing on his own. It was pretty difficult for him to get up enough to get a few gulps of the water but it felt so good once the wet fluid watered his mouth and ran down his throat. Yes, that was better.
When he was finished, he leaned back again and Callie was sitting down at his bedside.
"I'm so glad you're still alive, Mark. I don't know what I would have done without you. Arizona told me what you said. That Lexie is waiting for you. She made it almost sound like you wanted to die," Callie started speaking again.
Mark bit his lower lip. "Maybe I did," he admitted. "Maybe I thought it would be best for everyone if I was just gone. You and Arizona wouldn't have problems with me anymore and Jackson could go to Miami without feeling guilty."
"What are you talking about?" Callie shook her head. "If you think, Avery would be able to go now, you're wrong. I told him he should take the offer of Miami and leave, so he doesn't do more damage again, but he..." Callie started, but Mark cut her off mid-sentence.
"You what?" he asked irritated.
"I asked him to go," Callie replied truthfully. "All he had done lately was hurting you, and without him you wouldn't even have been on that plane. I don't know what exactly was going on between the two of you, but I saw you were suffering. Because of him. He should get as far away from here as possible."
"No!" Mark replied and when he felt anger bubbling up within him, his chest started hurting again, and only a couple of seconds later the heart monitor started beeping, because Mark's pulse was way too high.
"Calm down, Mark, please. You shouldn't get so worked up about it, please. That's not good for you," Callie begged.
Mark rolled his eyes. "You know what's not good for me? Him not being here, with me. I... I need to talk to him. I need to see him. There are so many things between us. Things you don't know about. Things I need to discuss with him."
Callie let out a sigh. "But why?"
"Because I love him," Mark said, and it was the first time he admitted it so directely to another person. Derek had needed to push him to admit it, but all of a sudden it felt so easy to say it. It felt right.
"I was afraid so," Callie replied softly. "But I don't think he's good for you."
"You know what?" Mark said, still ignoring the beeping sound of the heart monitor. "I don't care what you think. You should probably go now. I need some rest."
"But Mark, I..." Callie started, but Mark just waved her off.
"Go, okay?" he demanded and with those words, Callie really turned around and moved towards the door.
"Take care of your wife, and leave me alone," he shouted after her and then he saw her leave.
He waited a couple of seconds just to be sure she was really gone, before he rang for a nurse, and was surprised to see Nurse Eli rushing in shortly afterwards.
"I didn't even know you're still working here," he said, looking at the other man.
"And I didn't know you're still alive," Eli gave back, but still coming closer. "Is something wrong, Doctor Sloan?" he asked and Mark nodded.
"My chest hurts... Do you have any painkillers?"
Eli checked the infusion and looked at him. "You're already getting pain medication, but I'll check out if I can give you something else."
"Thanks," Mark nodded, feeling slightly better, now Callie was gone and he didn't have to deal with her anymore. He still couldn't believe that Callie would just send Jackson away. She was his best friend and should want what's best for him, but she had done the exact opposite.
"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Eli asked and Mark thought about it for a moment, before he nodded.
"There is... Can you see if you can find Doctor Avery? I need to talk to him."
"Sure," Eli replied, before turning around. "I'll be right back."
Mark watched him leave and leaned back into the pillows, closing his eyes. He was curious about how long he was out and if Jackson would even still be here. What if he had listened to Callie? What if he was already on his way to Miami? He couldn't bear the thought of losing him again. Not, before they had really talked about everything that was going on. If Jackson wanted to leave afterwards, it was fine for Mark, but not like that.
Jackson Avery POV:
Owen Hunt didn't say anything to either Jackson or Alex as the two men walked towards his office.
Jackson was preparing to get his walking papers with a stern reprimand that talking to a superior the way he did was simply unacceptable.
Entering Owen's office the man took a seat behind his desk while Jackson and Alex sat across from him.
It was silent for almost 10 seconds before Owen finally spoke.
"I want to thank you guys for the outstanding work you've done today" he started "Derek and Mark are expected to make excellent recoveries and that is thanks to you"
"Thank you, sir" Alex said and Jackson could already see he was starting to fidget. He, like Jackson, was just waiting for the next shoe to drop.
"We got word that Miami has accepted you in their programs" Owen remained stone faced as he said it.
Jackson didn't know what to say. He and Alex had burned so many bridges and inadvertently caused so much damage that Hunt was well within his right to dismiss both men without another word.
"I would like to ask you to reconsider" Owen said and the surprise came across the men's faces instantly.
"Excuse me?' Alex asked.
"This hospital is in an influx right now to say the least and if today has proven anything it's that this place works better with you two in it"
"I have to say this is unexpected" Jackson said.
"I'm not sure why you felt the need to leave, but I'm prepared to offer you a competitive rate if that's what you're looking for" Owen looked as if he wasn't up for negotiating and Jackson was pretty sure anything he and Alex wanted Owen would do his best to get.
All they really wanted was to stay.
"So what will it take?" Owen asked.
"Sir we-" Jackson started before Alex interjected.
"Kepner" the man said "word has it that you plan on ousting her at the end of the fiscal year?"
"Unfortunately, we just don't have it in the budget to keep her on" Owen said and to the man's credit he did look genuinely disappointed.
"You were just going to give me and Jackson something that matched Miami General's offer and I have to tell you sir their offer was damn good"
"That was going to come at a cost Karev" Owen told him "Kepner being one of them"
"You pay us regular rates" Alex said "no frills or bonuses"
Jackson looked at the man and he had to say he was pretty impressed and surprised that he was fighting for Kepner so hard.
"Me and Jackson have managed to share an apartment for 6 months now, I'm sure we can do it for another year" Alex looked determined and unwilling to take no for an answer.
"It's more then that Karev" Owen said "she failed her boards and right now we have more qualified candidates waiting for their shots, it wouldn't be fair"
"Kepner stays and we stay" Alex proclaimed "Kepner goes and we go, right Avery?"
"R-Right" Jackson said, turning his gaze from Alex to Owen "what he said"
"I have to say Karev, I didn't expect you of all people to lobby so hard for her" Owen said.
"She's family and we've lost too many of them to just let her go" Alex responded.
Jackson, Alex and April were a family now and for better or worst they were going to sink or swim together.
"Deal" Owen said "but I have a condition of my own"
"What's that?" Jackson asked
"With Robbins and Sloan temporarily out of commission I'm going to need people to head those departments" Owen said "just until they make full recoveries. I'm currently in the process of acquiring someone for the Cardiac department to replace Teddy and Cristina if she still decides to go, but I'd rather have it be in house for Plastics and Peds if possible."
"You can't be serious?" Alex said
"They would still handle the supervisory stuff, but surgeries would be performed by you and whoever you chose to assist"
"Are they okay with this?" Jackson asked. He certainly wasn't about to step on Mark's toes or make the man feel like the hospital was trying to push him out.
"You were their most prized students, I can't imagine they would want anyone else" Owen told Jackson "will you do it?"
"If it's okay with Robbins and Sloan then I'm in" Alex said and Jackson quickly agreed.
"Thank you, sir" Jackson said as he and Alex stood.
"No, thank you" Owen said "and please no more cursing me out, at least not in front of the other doctors" he added with a smile.
"Sorry, sir" Jackson said returning the smile and he and Alex left his office.
Once the two were a safe distance away they looked at each other and jumped up with a joyful scream as they hugged one another.
"We did it" Alex said.
"I can't believe it" Jackson responded.
They were still celebrating when Eli walked up to the two.
"Avery" the man said and turning around Jackson greeted the man with a wide grin "Hey Eli"
"Hey" the man responded "Karev" he said with a nod to which Alex returned.
"Can I help you with anything?" Jackson asked cordially.
"Sloan is awake and he wants to see you" Eli said.
Just like that the giddy joy was gone. Faced with an expected nervousness.
"Okay" Jackson said and was about to follow Eli before he looked back at Alex.
"You good?" he asked the man.
"Yeah" Alex said "good luck"
"Thanks" Jackson responded and made his way to Mark's room.
April Kepner POV:
April couldn't believe what Chief Hunt had just told her. She had already found closure with the fact that she wouldn't have a job anymore pretty soon, and now that? It was almost surreal. Hunt had April offered to stay. Stay in the hospital. And when April had asked him what had changed his mind, she was told that Alex and Jackson - especially Alex - had campaigned for her, and that if it weren't for those two, she wouldn't be able to stay.
She leaned against the wall and a smile crossed her lips. Her heart started beating faster when she thought about Alex and what he did for her.
After their 'almost sex' she was sure Alex hated her, and sometimes he was really mean to her, but deep down he seemed to be a really nice guy.
Of course she had to thank Jackson as well, but Jackson was her best friend. Had been her best friend since med-school. She would have done the same for him. Not that she took him for granted, but with Alex it was... different. She didn't expect anything like that from Alex of all people. It really made her happy.
She turned on her heels and made her way to the pediatric ward and when she left the elevator and moved into the hallway she saw him standing there, leaned against the counter and writing something down in a chart.
Immediately her heart started beating faster yet again, and she just wanted it to stop.
She just couldn't fall for Alex Karev again. She was over this. At least she thought so. But why was she so nervous all of a sudden? Why where her hands shaking?
This was so not a good idea and she almost regrettet being here, so she turned away, but suddenly, Alex' voice came from behind her.
"April, hey!" April heard him shout and then she heard his steps coming closer.
'Oh my god, what do I do?' she thought, trying to compose herself, but without much luck.
It took her a moment to be able to face Alex and when she turned around and looked him in the eye, her knees went weak. God, why did he have to look so good? Why did he have to smile like this? She didn't want to have those feelings for him, especially since she knew they were unrequittet. There have been rumours that he and this intern Morgan had a thing going on, and she definitely didn't want to get in between something. Alex deserved to be happy.
"Hey, Alex!" she finally said and smiled at him.
"Hey!" Alex said again. "Have you heard the news? Jackson and me are staying."
April nodded slightly. "Yes, Yes, and that's so awesome." She hugged Alex and when she felt his arms around her waist, she wanted him to never let her go again, but the moment was over way too soon.
"And I guess I really have to thank you for what you did for me. Without you, I still would be without any perspective, but thanks to you I can stay here." She looked up at Alex, feeling her cheeks burn. She was sure her face must have turned bright red, but she couldn't help it.
Alex waved dismissively. "Nah, that's okay, really," he replied. "No big deal."
"Of course it's a big deal," April disagreed. "Hunt told me that you passed on all the offered bonuses and everything, if I just stayed. This is big."
Alex scratched the back of his head. "But it wasn't just me. Jackson as well," Alex replied.
"I know... and I'll thank him later. But it was still somehow really awesome of you." She had to get up on her tiptoes to reach Alex' face, and when she did, she kissed him on the cheek. "I will be forever grateful for that. You're my hero."
When she wanted to take a step back, she stumbled over her own feet and tripped, almost waiting for the big bang that would came once she would meet the floor but it never happened. Instead two strong arms caught her and pulled her back.
"Careful," Alex almost whispered and when April clung to him to get back her balance she literally drowned in his eyes, not being able to look away. Those deep feelings caught her off-guard and she couldn't look away for even a single second. This would so not take a good end.
Mark Sloan POV:
Mark layed back in his pillows with his eyes closed when he heard the door open. He sat up a little bit and opened his eyes, only to see Jackson closing the door and leaning against it.
"Eli told me you wanted to talk to me?" he asked and looked somehow nervous. Almost as nervous as Mark felt.
He didn't even know what he wanted to say, because there was so much on his mind right now. Too much. There were so many thoughts in his head, and he had no idea where to start, so he said the first thing his brain told him to say.
"Listen, Jackson... I'm really, really sorry. For everything. Mostly for the way Callie behaved."
Jackson tilted his head. "But that wasn't your fault."
Mark nodded slowly. "I know... but she's my best friend and she had no right to talk to you like that. To tell you to leave. That's not up to her. It's your decision whether you want to stay or go."
"Maybe... probably," Jackson replied. "But you're her best friend, and she had every right to be mad at me. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even have been on that plane, and then Callie wouldn't have almost lost the two people she loves most in the world."
"That's not your fault, Jackson, so please, don't blame yourself for that." Mark almost begged.
"It was my own decision to fly to Boise and help with the surgery..." He hated it, that Jackson was standing a few feet away from him, but he didn't want to push Jackson. The situation between them was still so unsure, even though they had told each other that they loved each other. But Mark was still not sure if it was just out of the moment or if Jackson really felt it. And he was afraid to ask. He was afraid his dream world would collapse if he did so. He wouldn't be able to take another heartbreak. Not now. Not after everything.
"Yeah, maybe. But it was because you needed some distraction. Because of me," Jackson gave back and he looked really guilt-stricken.
"But because of you I'm still alive, right? So we're even." Mark said and a sad smile appeared on his lips. "You saved my life and I can't thank you enough for this. I wouldn't even been here without you."
He let out a sigh.
"This might sound totally stupid, but when I was... dead... or something like that... I was in a haze and then I saw Lexie. I talked to her like she was still alive. Or like I was dead myself," he started to tell Jackson. "There was a light and I wanted to follow Lexie there, but she said it wasn't my time. And... and that you needed me, and that I couldn't leave you right now. I even saw myself. And you. I saw you fighting for my life. It was pretty strange." He bit his lower lip. "But when I saw you there, I knew I wanted to live. I knew I wanted to see you again. Just one more time. I wanted to look into your green eyes and see your smile, even if everything you said wasn't true."
"What do you mean?" Jackson asked, looking slightly surprised.
"When... when I first woke up," Mark started. "You... you told me that you love me. I don't know if it was just out of the moment, and if so, I don't blame you. I mean, it were exeptional circumstances and after all I did to you, I don't really deserve you, but still I love you so much. So much, that I even fought with Callie."
"Mark, I..." Jackson replied, but Mark cut him off.
"It's okay, really. I just couldn't let her treat you like that, no matter what she thinks of you. I made the mistake, and not you, and I have to live with the consequences." he didn't even let Jackson say anything in between his monologe, he just wanted to say everything he had to say. Life was too short to wait, and if he knew anything now, that was it. "I hope, at some point we can be friends again or anything like that, even if you're in Miami, because I... I already miss you. And I will miss you every day once you're gone. But I don't want you to stay just because you're feeling guilty. This is your life and it's not your job to take care of me."
He watched Jackson moving towards him, feeling his heart beating faster. He didn't know what Jackson was about to do, but he was willing to find out, so he just looked at him, waiting patientely.
Jackson Avery POV:
Jackson walked closer to Mark and grabbed the man's hand as he took a seat beside his bed.
"Mark" Jackson started "I would never say I love you if I didn't mean it. Those words are important to me and you are important to me" Jackson felt the coldness of the man's fingers and began to rub them gently to generate some heat.
"I'm sorry about Lexie" Jackson said "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that she's gone" and at the words Jackson felt the heaviness lie on his heart.
"I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you" he told the older man and Jackson could see the pain fresh on Mark's face and Jackson thought forcing Mark to remember every horrible moment would only do more harm then good.
He decided it best to change the subject.
"Hunt offered me and Alex positions at the hospital and we accepted" Jackson said and the cloud that was on Mark's face disappeared and was replaced by a warm smile.
"Really?" Mark asked and Jackson nodded his head.
"There's something else, though"
"What is it?"
"While you and Robbins are recovering Hunt wants us to head the surgical aspect of the departments" Jackson told him "but we only agreed if you two approve of it"
Mark continued to smile at him "Of course it's fine" the man said "I wouldn't trust anyone else"
The words created a swell of pride in Jackson's chest.
"So, I guess this means you're staying?" Mark asked with a smile which Jackson returned.
"Yeah" Jackson said "you just make sure to get better and don't put me through any of this again".
Jackson leaned over and gave Mark a light kiss on the lips "I'm so sorry for everything" he said "I'm going to do whatever I have to do in order to make it up to you".
He was about to pull away before he felt Mark put a strong hand around his neck and kiss him deeply and it made Jackson feel the warmth in his stomach. Just like the first time the two kissed.
"Don't mind me" Eli said as he walked in and the two men broke apart quickly "just here to check up on my patient"
Jackson couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at being caught in such a public PDA.
As Eli went over to check Mark's vitals he smiled and looked at the two "I do have to say I'm glad you two finally wised up"
"Me too" Mark said as he smiled at Jackson and for the first time in a long time Jackson felt like everything was going to be okay.
Mark Sloan POV:
Mark almost couldn't believe how lucky he was. Jackson really meant it. He loved him. And Mark loved Jackson. And now they were together. Maybe. Mark hadn't asked Jackson about it, and if he would, it would maybe sound stupid. Also, whatever they were having: it didn't need to be labeled. It was good the way it was and he was happy. He was happy, Jackson would stay and he was happy Jackson was his now.
"Eli?" Mark asked when Eli was standing at his bedside.
"Yeah?" Eli looked at him.
"How's Arizona? Doctor Robbins, I mean. Is she okay?"
Eli smiled at him. "Yeah she is... she's gonna need some more surgery, as far as I've heard, but she will be fine and her life isn't in danger anymore," he explained.
Mark nodded. "That's good, thank you."
"I need to draw some blood now," Eli informed him and Mark grimaced. "Really?"
Eli grinned. "Oh come on, don't be stupid. You're gonna survive it, I'm sure. And now be a good boy and give me your hand."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "And if I don't?"
Eli rolled his eyes. "Then I have to talk to my supervisor what to do about it."
"Let me do it," Jackson interfered and took Mark's hand in his, gently caressing the back of his hand. "I promise, I won't hurt you."
"He can always kiss it better afterwards," Eli joked and now it was Mark who rolled his eyes.
"Shut up!" he gave back and let Jackson draw his blood and give it to Eli afterwards.
"Thanks. I'll leave to two of you alone now... so you can..." He waved dismissively.
"Whatever..." He was already at the door when he turned around again. "But you know, no Sex for a while. You're still not perfectly fine and you need to recover. Too much stress and excitement could kill you right now."
Mark looked shocked. "Are you for real?"
"I'm afraid so. But I'm sure you're gonna survive." Eli said and left the room.
Mark sighed. "That I'm not so sure."
"You're so nymphomanic. Is there anything else you think about all day?" Jackson asked.
Mark shrugged. "Don't think so, no!" He grabbed Jackson's arm and pulled him close to his body, before touching his face. "I can't believe you're really here... with me..." he admitted. He leaned forward, kissing his forehead and then his eyelids and his cheeks. It felt so fucking good to be able to do all this. To be able to really be with Jackson.
"You know what?" he started when he stopped caressing Jackson.
"What?" Jackson asked curiously.
"When I thought I would die... right before the plane crash... all I could think about was you. And how much I wanna see you one more time. How much I wanna look into your beautiful eyes for one last time. And now I'm having all this and so much more." He pressed a sweet kiss on Jackson's lips, leaning back and letting out a yawn.
"Are you tired?" Jackson asked.
Mark didn't want to admit it, but somehow he knew he couldn't lie to Jackson. Not anymore. And he didn't want to either.
"Terribly." he replied. "But I'm afraid if I fall asleep right now, I will wake up and everything was just a beautiful dream."
"It wasn't," Jackson reassured him, crawling onto the bed with Mark and laying down next to him to wrap his arms around him.
Immediately, Mark slung his arms around Jackson's waist and placed his head on Jackson's chest. "Stay with me," he whispered. "Just until I've fallen asleep." He knew he sounded whiny, but he just needed the feeling to be close to Jackson and the warmth of his body felt just good. He felt save. Save in Jackson's arms.
