Mark thought that Jackson was annoying. It wasn't as if he didn't gave him a chance. Okay, lie. He judged him the minute he walked trough the school gate. Jackson was extroverted, he was funny, humorous, energetic, he knew he was fun and had no problem to entertain his classmates. He made friends quickly and he's always bright and always happy but he sure stands up for himself or even others and has no problem at all to tell you that you when you do. Jackson does eveything Mark often wants to do but just can't get out of his shell. That's why Mark thinks that Jackson is annoying.

Problem was that Mark's group of friends got friends with Jackson, so that the latter was (far too often) around Mark. And the elder has to confess that it sometimes, only sometimes though, was fun around Jackson, because the younger had his ways to make Mark laugh and to make him do and say things he usually wouldn't have the courage to. Still there was this odd feeling between the two of them. Which may be there because Jackson keeps following Mark around and Mark just got really pissed and snapped at him but Jackson. Just. Wouldn't. Leave. Him. Alone.

It was around 2 days later when Mark whined about how he took these homework to get extra credits but it was French and it was all stupid and he hated everything. That's when Jackson opted to help him. And it was weird because Mark rarely saw Jackson without his trademark grin. But he was all serious when he offered his help. That made the elder kinda suspicious. 

"Why would you help me?"

"You know that I like you." Ah, there was the grin again.

"You know that I know that that's bull."

"You know that I know that you are lying and that you like me too."

"You know that I know that you know that's bull and I hate you."

"You know that I know that you know that I actually know that you don't hate me. In fact you like me. You long for me. Tho you didn't say it directly, but...the way you said 'stop stalking me, you tard' I...I just know."

Jackson made a far too serious face and slowly turned it into an adorkable grimace.

Mark couldn't help but bite down his smile.

"Get over here idiot and help me."

So Jackson jumped up from his seat and sat down next to Mark in the library. They were done in less than 20 minutes and Mark hates to admit it but dang. If this boy was good at one thing, it was languages.

They walked to the subway station, Jackson rambling about how he just likes languages, why he learned them, how he likes the opportunities it offers and Mark finds himself paying attention because it's actually interesting. Because Jackson is actually more interesting than annoying. Though it maybe be only a tiny bit.

Mark is about to change his opinion again, because 5 minutes later he found himself sitting across Jackson in the subway and having a ridiculous starring competition with him.

"I will not leave until you lost."

Starring.

"That was your station, Jackson."

Starring.

"I know."

Starring. 

"You dont care?"

"I don't care."

"You sure you don't care?"

"Pretty sure."

Starring.

"Because it gives me an apoplogy to stay at your flat."

The pure absurdity of this thought made Mark blink.

"Ha! You lost! YOU LOST!"

Next thing Mark knew was Jacks jumping up, his finger almost in Mark's face. People gave them weird looks but Jackson didn't seem to give a damn and Mark didn't know if he should laugh or cry when he grips Jackson by his sleeve and drags him outside, while Jackson was still singing 'i am the champion you are the loser' with his already loud voice on full double extra volume. When Mark let go of his sleeve, the boy started to make enthusiastic arm gestures while Mark just makes sure that he won't get hit by any car. Or passenger. 

After being out of breath, Jackson stopped and panted. Mark can't hold it in anymore and bursted out in loud, careless laughter. Jacksons looked at him happily and smiled and then joined in.

Mark of course invited him in. He likes to tell himself, it was just out of courtesy but we all know that's a lie. And as Jackson just moves around his room like he belongs here and nowhere else and they just spent their time doing nothing and talking and making jokes, Mark changes his mind again. Jackson was interesting. But still annoying.

"Wanna go for a walk?", Mark asked and turned his head in Jacksons direction. He expected the boy to be all yeah sure no big deal.

Instead Jackson eyed him suspiciously.

"That is the moment where you tell me someone died, right? Or that you're a vampire who sparkles like a discoball in the sunglight? Or are you going to murder me?" 

Matk rolled his eyes at him and sighed.

"I just want to go for a walk Jacks. The sun is setting and I want to catch the last warm rays of light. "

"Hmmmm.", Jackson hummed and nodded his head as if he was deeply thinking about it. Then he suddenly shook his head. "I don't trust you."

"Smoothies. My treat. Just around the corner.", Mark offered.

One second later, Jackson was already half in his shoes.

"Grab you stuff, Morrrk. We're leaving."

Two seconds and he's out of the door.

"Why so slow? C'mon, c'mon!"

Mark heard him cheer from outside. As he grabbed his keys, Mark couldn't help but smile.

"Idiot."