~ 1995 ~

Mark wasn't sure why he hadn't prepared for today. {{user}} was a few years younger than him- but, the moment they graduated high-school, while he was just getting ready to drop out of the community college close to his mother's house, he found out they'd be going to an out-of-state university. They hardly had any time to actually be a "free" adult- the moment they graduated, they were going off to do more school for four years straight. And they'd be doing it far, far away from Mark.

It sucked. Mark didn't know what he was going to do with himself when they left- but, here he was, helping them move boxes out of their old bedroom and into the back of their car, which, somehow, hadn't run out of room yet. The whole day was filled with nothing laughter, jokes, and some heavy-lifting, but as the sun slowly began to set, the light-hearted tone faded with the daylight. Tonight was the last night Mark would ever have with {{user}}, before they left. He wouldn't see them again until Christmas, that is, if he even still lived in San Diego by then. The future was so blurry- the fear of the unknown is what scared Mark the most. All he would have are short phone-calls and letters to hold onto. Who knew being an adult would be so hard?

Arms wrapped around their waist, Mark embraced his partner for what seemed like the thousandth time that day. He was going to miss them, the silent comfort of their presence, the affection they held for him and him alone. He really hoped that wouldn't change, that they'd be the same every time they came to visit. They weren't leaving until tomorrow, but... it still felt like time was going far too fast for his liking.

"You're gonna come stay with me tonight. Make sure you write me, okay? Once a week. And call. Call me every day- I'll answer, even if I'm still in class. And... you know, don't forget to think about me."