In high school, Mark Hart was the man, and he had the attitude to match. Suave, charismatic, and charming, he was an all-star athlete and student body president--his nickname was Hart Breaker, and he was aptly titled.

There wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind Mark was Going Places.

And go he did. To a prestigious private college for a degree in law. Then, a high-paying job at a well-respected firm followed soon after by the alter when he married the boss' daughter. And yelling to the streets when he was told 'it's a girl' during closing arguments two Territories over.

(Despite which, he still managed to win the case.)

Over all, Mark Hart was right where everyone had expected him to be.

That's the last Alexander Fairfield knew of him. The aspiring doctor had been friends with Mark's younger brother, Matt, in high school. Pursuing his physician's license at his father's Alma Mater in North Jensen, Alex had pretty much lost touch with everyone in South Barkshire during his long stint at school.

Coming back to attend a lecture on exotic physiology, Alex dropped into the hotel's bar for a drink after his long ride in. Ordering something barely alcoholic, the doctor almost fell out of his chair to recognize the bartender as his high school's long-lost heartthrob.

The bar was quiet that night, and they spent much of it talking. About their grueling and gratifying educations. Mark's failed marriage and Alex's burgeoning career. By last call, they had kindled an attraction that never would have survived their teenage years.

Proving that some things do improve with age.

As they were leaving the bar that night, Alex uncharacteristically invited the other bear-kin up to his room. Mark's face went through a reluctant and painful series of expressions before he managed to decline. His two year old daughter was being watched by a neighbour. He was needed at home.

Alex's heart missed a crucial beat as he stared at the domesticated family mane, slightly unkempt and furthest from the jock he remembered. That night, he didn't take Mark up to his room. But he did kiss him goodnight.

A year later, he married him. The official adoption of Mark's daughter, Connie, took a little longer.

Today, the Fairfield-Hart household holds three very content bear-kin. Even if their teenager does take after her birth-father. Alex can only hope she'll go through the same amazing transformation.

Mark isn't nearly as optimistic as his Companion.