Jackson turned as he heard the rhythmic footsteps of his friend moving towards him only to get a face full of partially naked man. It didn't matter how many times he saw the big lad's chiseled abs and barrel chest, it still made him gasp audibly to this day. He questioned why he had never bothered to get buff like him, the man was an absolute Adonis. As his gaze moved to the hazel eyes and wild, wet hair on the strong-jawed face Jackson questioned if it was even about his strong body. Maybe Mark had always been the picture perfection of masculinity. This admittedly strange train of thought was cut off by the comforting words of his friend assuring them that they would watch a movie tonight. The selection of Labyrinth was a comfort to him, as was Mike moving to put on pants. He gave a teasing reply as he walked off.

"That's what I'm talking about: 2 hours of Bowie bulge!" he sarcastically joked, yet he had picked up the case and was already putting the movie into their system.

As they went to talk about Jackson's grandma, the boy sighed. It was true he hadn't talked to her much. The last time he did was senior year of high school as they were moving out. They stopped in for a Christmas dinner with his mom and a few uncles and cousins. Jackson's dad didn't live with them, he was over in North Carolina with a new wife and kid so Jackson always felt a little uncomfortable there. The plethora of older siblings Jackson had at the dining table all seemed to fade away as soon as dinner was over and eventually, only Jackson, his grandparents and Mike remained. Even as eighteen-year-olds they were allowed a few glasses of brandy with Jackson struggled to get down and when he was too tipsy to drive he stayed the night singing carols until he passed out. The whole thought of it reminded him that the holidays were sneaking up on them. Winter always was like that. Jackson groaned as he suddenly wished he hadn't wasted so much of his newly obtained dough on such a petty distraction, he had gifts to deliver to 3 siblings. And then there was Mike. Both of them knew that they didn't need to get the other anything, but Jackson was far too empathetic to let that stop him from finding something. Maybe a trip to his grandparent's would be nice for both of them, it was always a soft spot for both of them and they hadn't eaten a real dinner since they got here.

"That's not true. My older sister, Ila, says you always knew how to cheer me up" He stated matter-of-factly in an attempt to help make his roommate a bit less self-conscious about being around the family. He failed to mention that she also told him they would make an excellent couple on multiple occasions.

As both thought over the plan to see her Jackson nodded his head. He could probably take up a few extra shifts if he could force himself to drink those god-awful energy drinks. Working a bar during the day probably wouldn't do him much good for tips but he was getting paid salary these days and that cash in his pocket was worth the damage to his kidney. Especially if it meant a nice few days back home. As Mike plopped down next to him, Jackson was very generous with the blanket, giving them each an equal share and moving in close with his gelid body touching the searing hotplate that was Mike. 

"We could see your folks too if you want" He replied a bit softer. 

Jackson felt it was a much more somber feeling there. The house was always a bit more barren than his own and Mike's father was an enigma to the tiny boy that continued to puzzle him as he developed. To this day he's not sure what kind of man he is. He remembered going on rollercoaster rides with the man and them both awkwardly sitting together while Mike waited below, too much of a softie to get on something with seven loops going backward. Neither one of them made a single noise as they sat there, yet the man was kind enough to take a strangers child with him. Still, Jackson never disliked Mike's home. Sharing a room with two brothers could make getting some quite hard, and Mike was never one to turn him away if he just needed to lay down. Jackson yawned as the movie started to play, scooting in closer so that his cheek rested on Mike's shoulder. It may not sound like it to many, but he found it rather comfortable.