I. 

“God dammit Jackson, that’s my cherry oak table! Put your drink on a coaster if you want to set your drink down! Seriously, were you born in a barn?” 

Giving Mark a nonchalant look, Jackson can only reply, “Mark, stop being such a worry wart. Especially since it’s more than a little disconcerting that you care so much a wood table that you didn’t even buy, but got off the streets,” while he just disregards the other man’s directions and keeps his beer on the table, as if to spite the older man.  

Shooting the other a glare, Mark can’t help but growl, “I know you like to keep your things messy, but I like to keep mine presentable. So put your damn beer on the damn stupid coaster. I bought them for a reason you know!”

Chuckling at the other’s words and stance, Mark looking positively murderous with his hands on his hips, spatula in hand, Jackson couldn't help but think that the whole situation was rather comical instead of serious. Especially when Mark looked like an angry housewife from one of those terrible dramas that his mother used to watch, that it was just hard to see him as someone intimidating like he was clearly trying to make himself seem to be.

It was kind of adorable really. 

“Jackson, I’m not going to say it again. Put your beer on a coaster and keep it there whenever you are not drinking it. And stop laughing. It’s not even remotely funny… How would you like it if I trashed your things, hmmm?”

Ignoring the question, Jackson can only say with another laugh, “Whatever you say darling,” before he's finally placing his beer on the center of a dark green coaster like the good boy that he is, knowing when to stop.

Especially when he didn't really mean any harm and that he was just trying to rile up Mark a bit.

He didn't want him furious with him or making him angry enough that he was actually threatening him with bodily harm. And even if Mark looked cute rather than imposing, Jackson really didn't want to find out if Mark actually knew how to use a spatula as a weapon opposed to it being used for cooking.

Seeing Jackson put down his beer on a coaster, Mark can only give a sight of relief, his table finally safe from beverage rings, that he can't help but remind him for what seemed like the thousandth time since he had known the man, “Don’t let me see you putting your beer on the table without a coaster again or I might have your head.” 

The threat doing nothing but going over Jackson's head as he can only reply with a huge smile, eyes glinting with lvoe and tenderness as he says, “Ah, Mark, you don’t need to worry, I’ll keep your table safe from any more harm, Scout’s Honor."

Unable to keep himself from glaring at the other man, Mark can only give him one last harsh look, before he's gong back to work, muttering about how Jackson was never a boy scout and that his promise didn’t mean jack. Especially since he was more than sure that it would happen again in about twenty or so minutes when Jackson would forget what he had said and would do it again, his orders going through one ear and right out the other. 

And with how Jackson seemed to be a glutton for punishment, while Mark was a bit of a pushover when it came to the other, he would probably just yell at him again instead of actually going through with any of his threats. A fact that Jackson probably knew, but let him think he didn't.  

“Yah! I was too a boy scout!” Jackson can't help but yell back, having heard the other’s brief mumbling about him, Mark having not been quiet enough with his words.

While Mark could only reply while he went back to preparing some food, “For less than two hours, so no you weren’t! Stop with the lying already, next thing you know you’ll tell me how you’re an acrobat or something.”

Unable to stop himself from being cheeky, Jackson can only call, chortling, “Only in bed!”

Dropping the spatula he had onto the pan with a pang, Mark can't help but fume a little in silence, angry at the fact that Jackson always has to have the last word whenever the two of them conversed, Jackson just being that much wittier than him, that Mark can't help but be a little angry at him.

However, despite that, he's also a little impressed that someone can actually keep up and run circles around him from time to time.   

II.

“Uncle, Uncle! Are the cupcakes done yet?”

Jackson heard Soohyun asked excitedly, the boy jumping up and down as he did so, unable to sit still enough to wait for the little cakes to be done.

Sweets being something that had always gotten him a little excited, especially since his papa and daddy weren’t too keen on letting him eat that many sweets, trying to get him to eat healthy all the time, instilling good habits into him as he got older. 

While Soohyun’s sister, Nayoung, could only ask, just as excited, “Yeah, are they done yet? I really want to eat the pink one!” 

The two god children's excitement easily causing Mark to laugh, that the older man couldn't help but say, voice filled with a happiness that Jackson wasn't exactly used to hearing, especially since Mark was usually never like that with many people, that he couldn't help but notice how fond the other really sounded when he gave, “Sit still you two, the cakes will be done when they are cooked and don’t look like cake batter. We still have five more minutes until they are done, so just be patient, okay?"

The other's words making him feel a bit warm, despite not being directed at him, Jackson couldn't help but continue his way around the kitchen, unnoticed as of yet.

While Jinyoung and Jaebum, the two fathers of the children, were too busy entertaining their parents and a few of their other guests that Jackson couldn't help but want to get away, wanting to see Mark help the children out with their baking. Jinyoung finally allowing the two to have some sweets instead of the carrots and celery that he usually tried to force feed them all the time. Something that made Jackson twitch his nose and feel a bit sad for the two children since he was sure that candy and sweets were a thousand times better than the healthy choices that Jinyoung always wanted his kids to eat. The man being a bit of a health freak when it came to his son and daughter, while Jaebum was forced to follow his suggestions or secretly take his kids out for some unhealthy snacks from time to time. 

The other man unable to say anything to the other, especially since he didn't know how to cook and didn't exactly want the other to stop cooking for him and the kids, despite how healthy their food choices were some days. At least it tasted delicious most of the time and wasn't gross or bland. 

The thought of having to eat the type of stuff that Jinyoung made every day for his family for the rest of his life didn't exactly sound too appealing to Jackson, even if Jinyoung was a decent cook and knew his way around a kitchen. But compared to Mark's cooking, which he had tasted a few times before, would definitely outstrip anything that Jinyoung had to make, even if Mark made the same thing. 

Mark had a gift like that, a gift that made Jackson like him even more. Especially since the best way to win someone over is through their stomach and Mark had already done that already, even if he didn't know it yet. 

But quickly finding a spot to watch the three continue what they were doing, wanting to take the moment between the three in before he did something like pronounce his presence just yet, knowing that making himself known to Mark would cause his hackles to raise just a tad, Jackson found himself watching the three in silence. Only for Mark's smile to rock his world a bit, the younger man not expecting to see the other smile so openly as he did with the children. A smile so beautiful that Jackson couldn't help but want to see again and again, especially since he had never really seen him smile that brightly before. 

Sure, he had seen the man’s quick lift of his lips or the small smiles he gave when no one was looking, but nothing had prepared him for how blinding his genuine smiles were, especially when he had never thought it was possible for the quiet man to smile like that.

A smile that he couldn't help but wipe off the other's face when he finally decided to make his presence known a few minutes later, “Ah, Darling, I never knew you baked. And, you are even wearing a cute apron to match, very much your style, love.” 
 
Mark’s smile disappearing at his words while an annoyed look took over his face, his hands gripping the edges of his maroon apron in frustration, Mark couldn’t help but be a little miffed at the other man, especially since he knew that Jackson was making fun of him and what he was wearing.

The frills and cupcake pattern that were on the apron were more than enough to do a good job of embarrassing him in front of the other male.

But instead of thinking that apron was stupid or made Mark look dumb, Jackson actually thought the other looked quite adorable in it. 

It was really cute and it was something that Mark easily pulled off.

Hearing what Jackson had to say, excited to see her other uncle, Nayoung couldn't help but ask, quite excited at the prospect of Jackson possibly wanting an apron too that she gave, “You like it Uncle Jackson? I can make one for you too; we learned how to do it in girl scouts last year.” 

While Jackson could only rub the back of his neck at the thought of him wearing an apron, especially one like that, Jackson couldn’t help but chuckle, “Ah, sweetie, I don’t think I would look as good as Mark does in his apron if you decided to make me one too. Can you make anything else, instead? Don’t want to give you a scare is all.”

Not upset in the least by Jackson's answer, Nayoung was quick to think of something else as she asked, “Yes! How about I paint you a picture, is that okay?”

Her eyes alight with the idea, especially since she had just learned how to use watercolor paints the other day and hadn’t gotten to try out her set of paints her daddy had bought her yet.

“Can I help too?” Soohyun interrupted, wanting to paint a picture for Mr. Jackson too.

He may have sounded funny, Hong Kong accent making his Korean sound a bit odd, kind of like how Uncle Mark's Korean sounded, but in a different way, Soohyun knew he was also nice like Uncle Mark was too.

Giving the two a smile, Jackson softly replied, “Sure, a painting sounds like a great idea. You can paint one for me later, after the cupcakes are decorated and we have had dinner, alright?” 

“Okay!” The two children agreed, smiles on their faces, as they tried to wait patiently for the cupcakes to be done, only to fail at trying to sit still. Their little bodies squirming in response, not used to waiting for long periods of time yet. 

While Mark could only ask, voice even, yet quiet and perfect sounding in Jackson’s ears, “Wang? What are you doing here?”

“Checking up on you and the kids, I wanted to see what you were doing. Is that such a crime, Love?” 

“Coming from you? Yes, yes it is.” Mark gave with a slight lift of a brow, ignoring the way Jackson said Love and how it made his stomach feel a bit funny despite how annoying those types of pet names were.   

“Well, you're just going to have to live with it, because I have just volunteered to help you and the kids decorate the cupcakes.” Jackson replied with a small smirk, unable to stop himself from going on, “You’ll be surprised by what I can do with some icing and cream.”

Eye twitching a bit at the blatant flirting, Mark could only growl, “Wang, we don’t need you to do that. So get out of my kitchen and go bug Jinyoung or Jaebum. We don’t need you handling anything here, especially with how dirty you sound. No need for you to make those cupcakes dirty with your dirty mouth.”

Chuckling at the other’s statement, at how pissed the other sound, Jackson couldn't help but counter, “You are such an innocent little housewife, darling, trying to kick me out of the kitchen, almost as if I don’t belong. Think I’m going to start a fire or something?”
 
“Wang, I told you to get out.” Mark quickly barked before he was leveling him with a glare, spatula in hand, and ready to attack. Only for the apron and the task of him baking cupcakes to soften the effect…

He looked as harmful as puppy and didn't scare Jackson in the least, especially since he had gotten quite immune to Mark and how he handled his cooking utensils, the boy too worried about ruining them that it was hilarious that Jackson had even been afraid of him in the first place.

Mark was quite the cutie. 

But knowing that Mark wasn't going to let him stay unless he played a little dirty, he decided to go to the children instead, disregarding what Mark wanted so that he could actually help out, “Nayoung, Soohyun, is it alright if I help you two decorate the cupcakes? I’m really good at it.”

That and the fact that he loved the two almost as much as he loved Mark. It was kind of hard not to love the two children, both so cute and kind in their own ways, always thinking the best of him, telling him how cool he was. 

“Yeah! You can help us with the sprinkles and the icing!” 

Smiling, Jackson could only turn to give Mark a grin, secretly telling him that he had won the game. A game that Mark didn’t really want to play, but was pulled into playing time and time again when it had came to the other man (A game he actually liked to play, but always denied liking.), Jackson never taking no for an answer. 

Something that should have made Mark pissed, but whenever Jackson just gave him that eating grin, teeth white and eyes playful, he couldn’t help but want to melt a little at the sight. Because as much as he wanted to deny the other man’s existence, Jackson was extremely good looking, especially when smiled or laughed or did anything that Mark would find remotely attractive, it was hard not to feel a little weak in the knees. But not wanting him to realize how he sometimes made him feel, he could only continue to glare at the man.

“Fine, but you better not mess up any of the cupcakes.” 

“Never Love.” 

 
III.

 
Jackson was soaking wet when he had stumbled into work that day, his hair matted to his forehead and his clothes clinging to his skin when he had stepped into the warehouse, only to notice that Mark was already working away at his computer. The smell of coffee was still present in the air, almond flavored too... 

Jackson’s favorite.
 
“Is that almond coffee I smell?” 
 
Looking up from his laptop, glasses perched almost precariously on his nose, Mark was quick to notice how soaked Jackson was, silently taking in the way his shirt clung to his body, “Yeah, what’s it to you? It was the last stuff we had and since Youngjae made the last of mine yesterday, I had to make something.” 
 
“Just wondering, no need to be snippy.” Jackson replied as he quietly rung out his shirt, wondering if one of the guys had an extra shirt and pants that he could borrow for the day since he was absolutely soaked. 

Damn weatherman.

While Mark did not deem it necessary to answer him before he was standing up from his chair and walking out of the room, only to return seconds later with a towel and a change of clothes, a t-shirt and some sweat pants for Jackson to wear, not wanting the other to get sick. The gesture being somewhat out of character for Mark that Jackson didn't know what to think, except that maybe Mark was starting to warm up to him and actually care for him a bit, instead of telling him how much he disliked him all the time.

Even Youngjae's cat got better treatment than he did sometimes, but then again, that dumb cat seemed to love Mark more than anyone else, even Youngjae, who had actually bought the thing.

But heart feeling slightly warm at the thought of Mark caring for him that much, at not wanting him to get sick, Jackson couldn’t help but let himself flirt a little bit, his flirting being almost second nature when it had came to his and Mark’s conversations now, “Ah, thank you darling, you’re an absolute doll.  Didn't know that you cared so much for my health?” 

Frowning at his words, but cheeks a light shade of pink, Mark could only turn his body so that he could return to his desk, hoping that Jackson didn’t notice his blush, “I don’t, but if you get sick, it will be me doing your work and I’d rather not.”

Smiling at the slight pink of the other’s cheeks, feeling good to get a reaction like that out of Marks, especially after the other had gotten him some clothes, Jackson couldn’t help but softly pur, “Don’t worry Mark, I won’t.”

Cheeks turning even more red, Mark could only count himself lucky that his back was turn, glad that Jackson couldn’t see how red his face was getting. Especially since he would have never lived it down if Jackson had seen him blush like that, too embarrassed to think of such a thing. While Jackson couldn’t help but grin at the way Mark’s ears turned red and how much he seemed to care, despite trying to play it off like he didn’t. 

He couldn’t help but think that Mark would make a lovely housewife… A somewhat feisty one, but a lovely housewife nonetheless.

 
IV.

 
Mark was spouting that lovely maroon apron again when Jackson had finally found him that day, the rest of their little gang conversing in the living room, too busy to have noticed that Jackson was missing. The dark haired boy having left to see what Mark was doing, ready to flirt and hopefully get him to blush again, hoping that he would actually get a better look at it and how it made Mark's face seem hundred times more attractive than it already was.  

Silently wrapping his arms around the thinner man, surprising him with the gesture, Jackson couldn't help but ask with a small chuckle, “Pet, why have you been hiding from me?”

Jumping at the sound, Mark couldn’t help but hiss, “Wang! I have not been hiding and I am definitely not your pet or love or darling or whatever name that you would like to give me! I have been cooking dinner, and if you do not leave, dinner will be ruined and I don’t want that, so get your filthy hands off of me before you give me some of your diseases or something.” while he quickly did his best to shake off the other's hands, ignoring how good they felt against them. 

Jackson's arms feeling strong and warm across the expanse of his back, solid and sturdy in a way that made Mark shudder a bit, his mind betraying him as he couldn't help but think about how he liked Jackson's hold, his touch, even if he didn't want to admit it.

While Jackson could only hide a snort at the other man’s response to his hug, knowing that Mark had actually liked it and was just lying to him, the other's body telling him everything that he needed to know. But not wanting to upset the other man and call him out on it, he quickly moved to the side and a foot away from the other so that he could turn his back to the counter and lean against it, given a clear view of the other man's beautiful face. Quietly watching the other for a bit, taking in the maroon apron and how cute it made the other, while Mark's pants were quite tight, giving him more than a few ideas, he couldn't help but smile a bit as he continued to look. A pastime that he more than enjoyed doing, especially when it made Mark either blush, stutter, or constantly find himself looking away, unable to deal with the way that Jackson’s stare felt along his face and body.

But taking pity on the other after a minute or so, he went to ask, “So what are you making?” 

While Mark could only hear the slight pop in the other's words, almost as if Jackson was smacking his lips while he was saying them, making him feel a bit hot, he was quick to give, trying to focus on what he was doing instead of trying to steal a look to see how good Jackson looked, “Lasagna.” 

“Mmm, my favorite western food.”

Unable to stop himself, Mark couldn't help but mutter, without thinking how it would sound as soon as he said it, “I know."

Only to curse himself for his stupidity for saying such a thing, not used to doing stuff like that, especially in front of the Hong Kong native that usually left him frustrated in more ways than one. Especially when it was Jackson and would easily use it to try and get a rise out of him, something that was getting less annoying as the two found themselves get closer, work forcing them to be more comfortable with each other. 

Eyes widening at the other’s slip up, Jackson couldn’t stop the huge smile that suddenly graced his features, glad to have gotten something like that out of the American boy, his charms finally working on the other, that he couldn't help but quip, “No need to be upset, it’s cute that you know my favorite dish, it’s almost as if we’re finally friends now.”

Feeling his face heat up, Mark couldn't help but turn away from Jackson to hide his blush, muttering something about how Jackson didn't need to be there and that he should bother someone else. Only for Jackson to just grin even wider at the slight breathy sound that he could hear in the other's voice somehow, “Nope, I’m staying right here."

Not caring if his words pissed the other off, it didn't take long for Mark to turn to him and tell him off, “Get out.”

But unable to take the other's statement that seriously, especially with how much progress he had been making lately, Jackson smirked, “Not going to. I need to make sure you make this correctly. Plus, you look very lovely today, that apron really suits you. I should send Nayoung a thank you card for it.” 

Glaring at him, Mark's dark eyes filled with something akin to like, maybe even love, despite the slight frustration that was there, Jackson could only continue, flirting, “Don’t worry Mark; I’ll make sure it won’t ruin dinner. Maybe I’ll even give you desert.” 

Blushing, Mark could only snap, unable to deal with the other's presence at the moment, “Get out of my kitchen, now.” 

His words making him seem like a real killjoy, almost as if he hated having fun, Jackson couldn't help but be even more attracted to him. Especially since Mark was the type of person that didn't take crap from anyone, especially him, that it was quite refreshing to the younger man, a challenge really. 

A challenge that he hadn't stopped trying to do since day one.

“Only if I get a kiss~” Jackson sung. 

Coloring even more at that, Mark quickly voiced, "Wang! Not even in your dreams, you sleaze ball," as he was slightly embarrassed at the thought of them even doing that, at him even thinking of it, the picture clear as day in his mind.

A picture he didn't really want to remember... Or maybe he did.  He didn't know.  

“Darling, it’s just a small kiss.” 

Shaking his head, Mark couldn't stop himself from thinking about how much of an the other was... An adorable , but an nonetheless. And with how he still needed to finish dinner, Jackson really needed to stop being an absolute moron right now.

Gah, he was incorrigible. 

“Fine, but you better get out of my kitchen afterwards, because I’ll be pissed if you don’t.” 

“It’ll be painless, you’ll see.” Jackson was quick to whisper to him, before he was reaching out to grab the other’s waist, pulling him close before he was leaning in, whispering, breath hot against Mark's ear, “No need to worry.” 

Feeling Jackson's lips latch themselves onto his, softly kissing them by taking his upper lip and gently on it, Mark found himself unable to move for a few seconds before he found himself unable to hold back, almost surging forward to kiss him back too.

Mark really had no idea that Jackson would taste that wonderful, would smell that good, would feel that great underneath his hands, or how he actually enjoyed such a simple kiss, despite how much the other annoyed him sometimes. The other able to get his blood boiling and make him feel things he didn't really want to be feeling. 

But it was Jackson, incorrigible, loveable Jackson, and Mark couldn’t really deny him anymore, especially with the other pulling him even closer and kissing him for all he was worth.

The thought of liking him, of actually not hating him like he thought he did, it was kind of hard to deny how much he actually looked forward to their verbal sparring matches, to Jackson's pet names for him, to Jackson just being Jackson. He actually cared for the other man, even if he annoyed Mark to the brink of insanity, but Jackson was still able to get under his skin with ease and he liked it. He liked how Jackson was able to do that, even if he didn't want to admit it or give in. 

But Jackson challenged him in ways that others didn't, Jackson was always there for him, even if he didn't want him around and was being the worst person on the planet to him, and despite how flirty and gross Jackson got with him, it was pretty easy to tell by his kiss that Jackson actually loved him too and that he wasn't just playing games or was having fun because of the chase.

And because of that, Mark couldn't help but wonder if he should just stop with games, the fake anger and the teasing that he had taken to using, hoping the other man would see past it, because Mark was too prideful to admit that he liked such an oddball of a man. 

God, he was so screwed, but it was Jackson, and it was probably inevitable for him to fall for the younger man, because Jackson didn’t know when to give up, and at the end of the day, that’s what Mark needed.

He didn't need someone weak and unable to keep up with him, and Jackson wasn't that type of guy, even if in the beginning, the signs had pointed to yes. But now, Mark knew that Jackson wasn't like that at all. 

He was stubborn and strong and capable and he didn't like to give up; he was infuriating really, and with how much passion he could feel from the kiss, he was a good kisser too.

Unable to keep the kiss going for much longer, Mark couldn't help but break away, panting, “There, now get out. I have dinner to finish, you idiot." 

Laughing, Jackson could only reply, “Oh, fine, I’ll go, but just expect something later, alright?”

Mark couldn't stop the blush that rose to his cheeks once again.

"Just get out of here!"

Jackson didn't need to be told twice.

 
V.

 
“Jinyoung, Jaebum, call me tomorrow about the babysitting.” Mark reminded as he saw his friends out.
 
“Don’t worry, we will. Nayoung and Jinyoung will probably remind me anyways, they just absolutely love when you visit.” Jinyoung told him with a smile, while Mark couldn't help but think that it wasn't exactly that, but the fact that the kids actually liked him for his baking skills and what he made for them whenever they were over.

But not wanting to say something like that, Mark just chuckled before he was waving and shutting the door, saying goodbye to his friends.

Once he was sure that the two were at least down the hall, Mark couldn't help but lean against the wood and sigh. The dinner that he and his friends had may have gone well, but his living room was a mess and he didn't exactly feel liking cleaning it, despite him being the host for their littler get together.

His friends were such pigs sometimes, and it .
 
However, before he could even think about getting a dust pan and a broom, Jackson quickly caught him by his waist, an apron in one of his hands and a sultry smile on his face, he couldn't help but blush when he heard the other's voice in his ear, “No time, finish the cleaning tomorrow. We have business to take care of.” 

Giving a quick look around the room before looking at Jackson, chest right in front of him, muscular, defined, and quite y looking, it didn't take him long to decide. 

“Okay, but you’re helping tomorrow, no getting out of it.” 

Eyes darkening, Jackson could only give, “Whatever you say Darling, now get your up to your room and take off your clothes, time's a'wasting.”

Wanting to growl a little bit and possibly punch the other in the chest... Maybe even kiss him along his throat too, Jackson couldn't help but cut off his train of thoughts as he handed him the apron that had been in his hand, “And don’t forget to put this on.”

Almost sighing in relief when he had noticed that it wasn't the apron that Nayoung had given him, but some new number that Jackson must have bought for him instead, that he couldn't help but feel his stomach flip flop a bit in response.

The apron being quite cute with a picture of a muffin and a 'Kiss the baker' across the chest area that Mark couldn't help but laugh, genuine smile across his face as he mumbled, "Jackson, you are such a bastard," just loud enough for Jackson to hear.

While Jackson could only offer, nonplussed by such a thing, “I know, I know, but you know you like it, so get up there. I’m not going to wait all day.”

That Mark couldn't help but find himself grabbing the apron and swiftly making his way to his room, beckoning Jackson along.

Jackson was in for a real treat that night.