PULL (BXB)

Anniversary

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***Mark's POV***

Two innocent boxes.

They are scary. I am afraid. I do not want to push my Seb away. Thinking back to my decision at the jeweler's, I am second guessing my choice. Maybe we are far past this. Hell, it feels as though we have lived a hundred lives in this one year. Yet, the time seems not long enough.

"This isn't an engagement ring. It probably should be. Fuck, it's supposed to be. I'm sorry. I just wanted to give you a tiny glimpse into one day. Shit." I fumble. The box tilts on it's side. I try to correct it before it thumps against the table. I'm too late.

"Baby. Calm down. Whatever it is, will be just right. Let's try again, love." Seb steadies my shaking hand. I close my eyes, trying to give myself a calming breath.

"I love you Sebastian Royals. I didn't expect you, but I am so fucking lucky to have you. This is a symbol of what I hope we one day share. A love beyond our rational thoughts is all I am asking for. A future that entails you, me and maybe a few kids." I open the box, revealing a white gold band that actually has a match. In the corner of my drawer, tucked away from sight, a very sparkling ring sits. It waits for the day that my love is healthy enough to walk down an aisle that leads to matrimony.

The row of tiny channel set diamonds on this ring is just the prelude to the diamond that concretes our future.

"You sure that isn't an engagement ring?" Sebastian stares at me with a smile. His blue eyes sparkle with building tears.

"I would be on one knee. You would not need to question." I take the band away from its pillow, sliding it on Seb's right ring finger. He squeezes my hand softly before pulling me towards him for a kiss.

"I love you Mark. It's gorgeous." Seb opens his present for me. I stare at the necklace that he has sitting in front of him. I sort of just stare. I have never seen one so up close. St. Christopher stares at me. I can feel an ache in my chest. I know my Sebastian. He is very religious. He knows that I am not. I feel suddenly condemned by the inoffensive charm.

"Don't. I'm not pressuring you. I would like our children raised in a home where God is our focus. This is just a representation of one of God's many helpers. In our travels, he protects us." I watch in awe as Sebastian presses against the medallion, revealing a break in the charm. He pulls the necklace from the box and stands. I accept his offering while he puts it around my neck. It is only then that I witness him remove his own chain. He slips the second half of the charm along his necklace. We are two parts of a whole.

"He is particularly helpful during travels." Seb sits back down, staring at me while he takes a large breath.

"Where would we be traveling?" I have to ask. I'm confused as to why my boyfriend is suddenly leery.

"I have a contract that has been offered. It's only for a week. You are welcomed to join. You can stay here if you like. I'm ready, baby. I'm so ready. This isn't anything huge. It's stateside. I promise, if you agree, I will only accept assignments that are short. I won't ever leave you for long." Seb rambles. I try desperately not to chuckle. He is way off the mark.

"Sweetheart, accept the job. I knew who you were when I signed up for this. I would never stand in your way. This is your dream. Please don't belittle my love for you. I would never ask you to give up who you are. Never." I pull him close while I seal my words with a kiss. I would follow this man to Australia. He has got to know that by now.

"That was easy." Seb huffs out his worry. I chuckle. He worries so much about things he should already know. You do not date a super model without the expectation that he will be a traveler. That's insane. I tend to veer more towards practicality. At least, I hope I do.