To say that things are different would be an understatement. So I'll save some time and just say what progress has actually been made. That will make everything so much smoother and less boring. A true reflection of what has become the world that I live in.
If people looked at myself and Mark when we first met, they would never have imagined the bond we would share. When became closer, no one would have thought that feelings would develop into something deeper. When we became boyfriend and girlfriend, everyone would have laughed at the concept of Alexandra Hart falling in love. And then she did. And all seemed good.
But that wasn't the half of it, was it? Oh no. Alexandra Hart and Mark Sheehan are not who they thought they were. Not that we thought we were anybody particularly important. In fact, to many people, we still aren't. But to us, we're the most important people in the world.
We are each other's past. Our present. Our future. From the tender age of four, from what I can get from the fragments of my memories, we knew each other. How we met, we have yet to remember. And what it was that we were a part of is still a fuzzy mess in my head. There was something very wrong happening in The Sanctuary, whatever that place was. And we are going to find it out, even if it kills us.
But not yet. Not just yet. We're still floating on the little cloud of happiness that has encompassed us with the revelation. I'm Echo. He's Kappa. I mean, come on. Who could have predicted that? And how close have we gotten since? So much more. Sex is now even more intimate. Now that we've crossed our personal boundaries, let the other break down the walls that have been up for so long, the love we share is indescribable. There is no safer place than against his body, his arm hooked underneath me, holding me like he's scared I'll run away. But why would I? It's him. And I love him.
But right now, we're apart. A rare occurrence, I know. But he's still sleeping. Another heavenly night resulted in a little too little sleep. I didn't want to rouse him from the peaceful lull of his dreams, so I decided to wander out to the living room. Although I can't help but wonder if he's dreaming of us. The past 'us', or the present 'us'. Or maybe even the 'us' that's yet to come. That thought isn't enough to wake him, though. So, for now, I'll have Danny as company.
That's all I mean. Company. When he wandered in, I was lost in a film. And he knows not to disturb me during films. Glen tried once. Mark had to hold me back. And the day that Sam announced her wedding...well, everyone knows how that went. So when he saw me, he joined me on the settee and we've been sat here in silence ever since.
I like this. The lack of obligation to try and say something to him. Not that it's difficult to speak to him. I just simply don't want to right now. And it's nice that I don't have to try and force it. I can just sit here, watching my film, letting the easiness of my new found home settle me into a happy place...
Something catches my eye. Or rather, someone. Donned in less clothing than I'm used to seeing him in other than in our room. I feel my gaze being drawn to him, my eyes widening in both surprise and pleasure at the sight of his exposed chest. The muscles rippling along his stomach as he walks quite casually through the room, almost as if Danny and I don't exist. No matter how many times I see them, I don't think I'll ever get over those arms of his...
“Mark?”
I hear the hint of amusement in Danny's voice, but it doesn't really matter. As soon as Mark's attention is drawn to us, my eyes drag over every inch of his torso. Taking in the details I've come to perfect in my head over the past few weeks, trying to come to terms that they are not bottled up in the safe-haven of our privacy. And I mentally try and rip those jeans right off of him, knowing that what lies beneath is what can only be described as heaven.
