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***Sebastian's POV***

"You okay?" I walk up to Mark, running my hands over the small of his back. I smooth my palms over his hips before I pull his back to my chest. I can feel his heart pounding erratically.

Mark holds his phone in his hand. He stares blankly at the dark screen as he shakes his head. Spinning Mark around, I pull him to my chest to cradle his face against my heart. I consistently smooth my hands over his chest as he sighs into my skin.

"Can you tell me what is the matter, love? I want to help. Please." I lift Mark's face so I can look into his watery blue eyes. The depths of his despair are prominently showcased to me. I push his lips to my own, trying desperately to soothe his pain. I don't know what is the matter. Whatever it is, I am more than happy to help wash it away.

"That was my sister." Mark cuts off his explanation with a large exhale. I don't understand the weight of his burden, however I do try to convey my love and support through our contact.

"Anything wrong? Do we need to book a plane?" Worry starts its way in my stomach. I mean, I know they are vile but if Mark needs to go see his parents then that is what we do.

"I'm not even sure. Macy was so fucking vague. All she said was that Dad was having surgery and Mom thought that it would be nice to see me." Mark groans into the air as he crosses his arms over his chest and throws his head backwards.

"Do you want to see them?" My question is full of interest. The last time we talked about this was way too long ago. At that point, I was confident that I was never meeting his dna donors.

"Want? No. Need? Maybe." Mark shakes his head before running his hand down his face. I pull his hand away, laying a kiss on his palm before closing my fingers around his.

"When are you leaving?" I know my man. His heart is too good to let an opportunity for fractured bridges to mend go. He's going.

"That sounded as if I am going alone?" Mark turns towards me eyeing me incredulously.

"Nothing against you love, I don't think I am very welcomed in that circle. I completely understand family ties. I however have none to them aside from you. They don't have to like me. They probably won't. I'm exactly their type of poison. I am of mixed breed and I am a guy. I don't think this will go over well." The idea of missing the chance to confront their prejudice is not lost on me. I'm just unwilling to stress out my love by purposely stepping into the lion's den.

"I'm not going if you are not. I need you babe. I can't do this alone." Mark wraps his arms around me, squeezing tightly as he snuggles into my chest.

"I guess it's settled. Two plane tickets." The idea gives me instant anxiety. If they do a single thing to upset my boyfriend than I will be forced to fork over bail money.

"It's kind of urgent, we will need to use Daddy Parker's jet. There is no way to get a ticket so soon. Macy checked." Mark separates himself from me before he walks off towards our bedroom. I follow quietly behind him.

I follow Mark's lead as he packs his bag. I take notice that he only grabs a small travel backpack. Instead questioning him, I just mimic his choices with my own. If he isn't planning a long reunion, I am okay with that. I am more than okay with it actually. Knowing the background on why he isn't close with his family, I do not blame him.

Mark puts in a call to Grey who promises to keep an eye on the house. Daddy Parker gives us the go ahead to use the plane. In no time, we are flying down to Georgia. I asked Mark why his parents didn't live here any longer. A shake of his head made me tuck the question away for another time.

The flight isn't too long. A little over two and a half hours pass quickly. Mark pretty much tears at his cuticles or his hair. I spend the majority of the time trying to stop him from destroying his nail beds and hair follicles.

I really do comprehend the weight of Mark's decision. I don't pass judgement because there is no reason to. Sometimes we have to do what is uncomfortable because it seems as if it is the right thing to do. This seems to be one of those situations.

"Just a short taxi ride now, we should be at the hospital soon." Mark walks robotically through the airport. I follow behind, refraining from saying much. I can see how stressed he is. I just want to silently support him until he needs more.

Once at the hospital, we grab visitor badges and head upstairs. The nurses guide us to the room. I wait behind Mark until he turns to pull me inside of the room with him.

The tension is instant. The way Mark stands shows absolutely no confidence. He immediately becomes a shell of himself. I am already prepared to vacate our plans. I don't like seeing my love like this.

"Marcus." An older woman turns to look at Mark. I notice the name. I don't comment. I wouldn't use that name if I were Mark either.

"Mother." Mark nods his head without emotion. He moves his head, darting his eyes around the room suspiciously.

"Come in. Don't just stand there. He's sleeping for now." Mark's mother stands ram rod straight. She carries a strong air of prudence. No warmth seeps into her form. Her eyes are much the same as Mark's without any depth.

"Where's Macy?" Mark steps inside of the room, crossing his arms over his chest. I move with him, making sure not to touch him. I don't want anyone to bring up our relationship status. Judging by the clear dismissal of my presence, I'm not expected or welcomed. It's a bit uncomfortable.

"She went home to check on Danielle, her daughter." Mrs. Fletcher turns away from us. She bends down to grab her phone. We stand there aimlessly while she taps away at her screen.

"What is he having surgery on?" Mark moves forward towards the bed where his father lays. He doesn't do much more than look. It's heartbreaking honestly. You can see the strain on the bond between parents and child.

"Bypass. He had a heart attack. He has some sort of blockage." Mrs. Fletcher doesn't bother to look up from her phone. If I was a betting man, I would wager that this isn't exactly a romantic pairing. She seems too cold to have a loving side.

"Oh." The one word seems very heavy. Mark doesn't say another word as he stares at the sleeping body. I just want so badly to wrap my arms around him. I won't. But, I want to.

"Did you bring a friend?" A new voice comes into the room. Mark and I turn to see a very attractive young woman walking in. She bypasses me while heading straight for my boyfriend.

Mark sighs as Macy wraps her arms around him. I can tell that this is the real reason we are here. Mark instantly seems a younger version of himself as Macy rubs his back. He squeezes her tightly as he brings them even closer.

"Sebastian, this is my sister Macy. Macy this is my boyfriend Sebastian." I think I actually feel the shift in the air. The quick intake of breath that comes from Mrs. Fletcher is loud. The gasp wakes the older gentleman from his sleep.

I feel instantly out of place. Suddenly, I want to shrink against the wall to melt into the cold steel grey paint. I was not aware that we were making announcements. I may have warned Mark to just keep us on the down low.

"It's nice to meet you Sebastian. You sure are a looker. Actually, you look familiar." Macy hugs me lightly after shaking my hand.

"Thank you. It is nice to meet you as well. You're quite beautiful yourself. I do not believe we have ever met. I doubt I am familiar." I try to separate myself from the truth of how exactly she would recognize me. I do not enjoy people accepting me based on my success. Either you like me for me or not at all.

"Did you say boyfriend? As in, couple? Marcus Fletcher, explain yourself." Mrs. Fletcher looks about ready to join her husband in the waiting line for surgery. I take a small amount of pleasure in pissing her off.

Mark comes over to me, wrapping his arm around my waist. I just grip his hand tightly. I think I may need the support right now.

"I did. Sebastian and I have been dating for some time." Mark smiles softly at me, melting my heart instantly.

"Excuse us Sebastian. You can stand in the hall." Mrs. Fletcher looks at me before pointing to the door. I shrug before turning to walk away. I'm not keen on dismissal but, I don't like her so I don't fucking care to correct her.

"I don't think so." Mark's voice comes out rough, raw. I haven't heard that tone before. It freezes me in my place.

"Son, listen to your mother." A raspy cough follows Mark's father's demand. I don't move this time. I'm ready to support Mark in this act of defiance. If we go down in flames, so be it. It's their grave, not mine.

"Anything you wish to say will be done in his presence. I let you fuck up my life once before. I will be damned if I am a repeat offender." Mark stands his ground firmly. I can't help the pride that swells in my chest.

"We did not raise you to participate in such heinous abominations." Mrs. Fletcher looks as if she would be willing to stomp her foot in order to make her point stick.

"If love is a sin, call me a sinner. I'm not here to discuss the ins and outs of your religion, Mother." Mark glares at his parents. I take a look at Macy who looks nothing less than impressed.

I'm with you girl.

"Son, what made you think this was okay? How did you think we would accept you bringing your black boyfriend into our presence? This is wrong. God won't forgive you." Mr. Fletcher looks at Mark incredulously.

Honestly, I should be offended. I just can't be. Mark's portrayal of his parents was spot on. I'm neither shocked nor impressed. They aren't really my type of people. I just want to get this over with so we can be surrounded by the family that matters.

"I obviously made a mistake." Mark pinches the bridge of his nose as he shakes his head.

"Damn right you did. Take that boy outta here." Mr. Fletcher shakily snaps his fingers and points back to the closed door.

"Oh, we're leaving. First, though, let me get a few things off of my chest. Number one, fuck you both. You're shit. The color of someone's skin holds no weight to the density of their heart. Number two, gay or straight, my love for Sebastian is stronger than any family ties that you think bind me to you guys. Number three, don't call me again. I don't give a fuck if you're bleeding out and I am the only viable donor. You aren't to contact me further. Number four, I wish I had never come. Five, God isn't as fickle as you pretend. He knew what he made before he gave me life. Don't push your false religion on me. It's not going to work. Finally, Macy, I love you. If you want to visit, you are welcome. I would love to meet my niece. Other than that, kiss my white ass. Although, you may have to take Seb's lips away from it first. Peace the fuck out." Mark grips my hand as he pulls me through the door. I just walk behind him as though this is a totally normal exit.

As we slip through the door, Macy follows. She grabs Mark quickly. During their embrace, she kisses his head.

"I will take you up on that offer. I'm sorry. I really thought seeing you would melt away some of the hatred. I guess not. Some things never change." Macy walks away with a few I'm sorrys leaving her lips.

"Come on baby. I'm sorry." Mark pulls my lips to his as he kisses me briefly. I silently accept his unnecessary apology. We head back down the halls towards the exit.

Thank. Fucking. God.

That was more than I imagined would transpire. I'm ready to get our asses back to Manhattan so I can brag about how strong my baby was. Mark is a saint for even attempting that reunion.