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***Sebastian's POV***

It's as if everything is finally on track. I press the control panel on the treadmill, relishing in the burn that flows through my calves. The sweat drops down my back as I make the final stretch in today's therapy.

It is incredible being in this life, this world. As time marches on, I am so very thankful for the breaths that God has blessed me with. I was never ready to exit this Earth. My heart, that pounds out of my skin, provides me with a continuous reminder of the battle I am winning.

The treadmill slows while my legs slow down to match the tempo. Looking around at all of the others, I see so many difficult journeys. Some are just beginning. Others have been going far longer than me. The people who occupy this facility are all heroes who have walked miles in shoes that many could never even try on.

I stare at Robert. His leg is gone. The artificial limb that stands in its place is a trophy of sorts. Robert had the custom piece painted to mirror his previous limb. The tattoos show where he has been. They show where he is and where he hopes to go. Robbie just looks so comfortable as he moves fluidly around the gym, making his rounds on his regimen.

Having the strength to move forward, to excel, when a terrorist took your God given leg, is a testimony. Robbie's wife smiles while her husband shows off for his new bride. That type of love is beauty in its purest form. I know that kind of love. I live it. I breathe it.

Hale uses his arms as if they were a part of him. The kid had no hope of recovery. Doctors did not think he would live through Leukemia, let alone be here preparing for a boxing match. The teen jabs left before blocking the undercut that threatens to knock him down. Witnessing his lithe movements is like a live silent film. He moves with grace while pride burns in his eyes. The trainer hugs him after he wins his match.

All around me these warriors stand. Their remarkable lives are on display for my greedy eyes. I drink them in while happiness fills me. I am one of them. I'm a survivor. I am a warrior.

Stepping away from my machine, I throw a hand up to Carly. She's definitely one of my favorites. At five, she has went toe to toe with a vicious opponent. Her threat was not natural, incurable or even fate. The universe did her ugly. The burns that cover over ninety percent of her body map out a five year battle with death. She won. She wins.

Victoriously she runs around the perimeter of the gym. Her thick eyes glasses hide the glass eye that sits in her right socket. Her natural orb, the bright blue one, glistens with joy. She has completed the whole track today. After a year, her skin has become pliable. It moves freely allowing her to be a child for a day. She deserved to be a child for every day that she has breathed.

Unfortunately, a life with a psychotic parent robbed her of everyday experiences that most children take for granted. They should. It's not their job to worry about counting blessings, thanking the stars or trying to make memories just in case they aren't around to see adulthood.

Carly fought for a year in a burn unit when the man that helped to create her set her ablaze. After unsuccessfully smothering her, he poured gasoline around her bed to extinguish the last of her breaths. He failed. She runs with scars that are apparent, but she runs.

Her eyes don't allow her to see the colors that surround her. Her right ear barely allows nature to sing to her in sweet melodies of winds that rustle through the tree limbs or birds that call out to one another softly. The bastard that shares her dna saw fit to push a screwdriver through her ear drum. Unlike the rest of us, she doesn't get to hear her foster mother clearly. Sweet Anita kisses the child on her temple while signing how proud she is. I am proud too. Five is a small number for such a big heart.

I blow a kiss to Carly as I head towards the showers. I have a dinner date with my love. We are celebrating life. There has been no singular milestone that I have reached today. No, the only mountain I have climbed was programmed into an incline machine. It's still a victory. It's my victory. I'm here. That's my goal. I just want to exist in this tremendous world that gives more than it takes. My only hope is that I too, give more than I receive.

I wash myself thoroughly before stepping away from the steaming water. I dry off completely then prepare to spend a night giving Mark Fletcher every single ounce of my attention. I love being with him. I just love Mark.

Mark Fletcher. He has no horror story of his own. He is just who he is because he wants to be that person. Incredible. Mark is one of a kind. Every single day I watch my boyfriend push himself to the side. He waits on me hand over foot. He encourages both Gavin and Mak to be anything they desire to be. He gives advice to Grey and Kip. Mark spends time with my angel of a mother, along with each of my siblings. I relish in being able to share my family with a man who takes pride in being a part of it.

Mark is not just a part of my world. He is my world. That man hung the moon. Tell me I'm wrong. Change my mind. Seek to do the impossible. Mark is my blessing. In my moments of pure weakness, Mark has strength for both of us. Hell, he has some to spare. His ever extending hand reaches across barren land to feed the hungry, shelter the broken and manifest life where none has taken root.

I heard the stories of Mark as a playboy. God, in this group you hear so very many stories. Mark waltzed through girls hearts just like he climbed from their beds. My man has a reputation. Had, he had a reputation. All I can say is this, if it takes plundering through the lonely souls of countless women to become who he is today, plunder away. Mark is a gem.

I walk through the gym waving goodbye as I make my exit. My time here has come to a close. Before I started today, I said my see you laters to the many friends I have made. It's been a long road to recovery. I am in remission. Technically, I'm not out of the danger zone. But, I feel it. I'm good.

When I see him, I smile. Dropping my bags in the already open trunk, I leap forward to meet his arms. Mark takes no time in grabbing me. He pulls me forward to swaddle me in his warm arms. My cheek sinks into he shoulder. It has been a long day. Mark worked while I prepared my body for nothing but him.

"I missed you." Mark kisses my cheek before I turn his face with my palm. I capture his words on my tongue. Washing away the bitter taste of his absence, I fill my soul with his kiss. His tongue finds mine, dancing around my flesh as he reminds me that he is mine, as I am his.

Our kiss quickly builds. Our bodies press together firmly, allowing no space to separate us. I slide my hands around his neck, locking my man against my body. Mark delves deeper, taking more than he gives. I smile into his mouth as I receive his love ten fold.

Oxygen begs to be taken in. I slowly remove my lips from his as I pant harshly. Mark is a thief. First he stole my heart. Now he continually robs me of my breath.

Silently, Mark leads me to his car. With his hand intertwined within my own, he uses his free hand to open my door for me. The chivalrous bastard hardly ever lets me take the lead. I'm not mad about it. That's just a known observation that has spawned a few too many jabs from our friends.

I'm not a submissive. Mark isn't a dominant. We are neither yin nor yang. We are perfectly meshed beings who happen to complete one another while standing independently together.

"We have reservations." Mark announces what I have concluded by myself. I nod quietly while tracing his features slowly. I don't ever want to take my eyes away from him. It is inevitable. When I get the chance to memorize his beauty, I take advantage,

We drive, in companionable silence, down the darkening streets of Manhattan. I have said it before. This place has always been home. It feels like home.

As Mark pulls in to one of the oldest Italian establishments in town, I smile. This man knows I can eat my weight in pasta. He is probably trying to make me fat. I will oblige.

I quickly get away from my seat to rush to Mark's side. I want to treat him with the same respect that he always shows me. Mark takes my hand with a grateful acknowledgment of my adoration. I kiss his palm before we walk slowly towards the restaurant.

Mark takes my lead, walking through the door with my hand pressing against the small of his back. I secretly lust after him when I feel the deep indents of his muscular form. His body is a shrine that many gods should be jealous of. He is extremely active. I do my part to keep him that way. Our sex life is alive and thriving.

"Two for Royals." Mark holds up two fingers while I chuckle. He could have gotten the reservation under Fletcher. Our names are well known. The table would have been acceptable regardless. Sometimes I think Mark allows my fame to be the focal point when we are in public. It's just a job to me. Mark is my legacy. One day our kids will be our greatest accomplishment.

"Right this way." The hostess leads us to the balcony while we follow behind. Mark helps me to my seat before ordering wine. I agree with a nod of my head.

The server quickly files behind the hostess with glasses and a cold bottle. I stop him just shy of a full glass. Wine makes me tipsy. I want to remember this night along with every night that includes Mark.

With a soft thank you, Mark allows the server to be along his way. I grip Mark's hand over the table. My foot inches closer to him so that I can feel the heat from his body surround me. I smile while looking into his denim blue eyes. He's breathtaking.

"I love you Sebastian. I love you so much." Mark leans forward to place a soft kiss upon my lips. I allow the brief exchange, knowing that later we will ravage one another like beasts.

"I love you baby. You are my everything." I promise my words across his pink lips. Our breaths fan between our flesh. He causes shivers to ripple through me. I doubt he even knows the effect he has on me.

"I wanted to celebrate us. Every day, I want to show how truly appreciative I am that you allow me to take a part in this life with you. Happy Anniversary." Mark slides a small box to me. I close my eyes while silently offering God above my appreciation. iPhones are majestic devices that so graciously reminded me that today was our milestone.

Taking the small box in my hand, I reach in to my pocket. I pull out the crush velvet box that holds a gift for my love. My fingers smooth across the dome before I pull it out to set it on the table.

I surely hope he likes it. I have waited some time to finally be able to share this with him. Closing my eyes I take a large breath before contemplating how I will say what I need to.