As a prequel to the one shot, The Gates of Heaven and Hell, this is supposed to reveal Jackson and Mark's preciously regretful past, something that shapes them and who they are in the end.

WARNING:  BLOOD, GORE, GRAPHIC CONTENT (not enough for an r-rating), AND FOR ALL MARKSON SHIPPERS, THIS WILL NOT BE ROMANCE.  I don't ship them conventionally, as is said in my oneshot, so please, don't read if you don't want to read a fic about the growing and deepening friendship that develops around these two.

This story is dedicated to gyushi for her help and support.  :)

The song that I imagine emcompasses this fic is Lead On, by Phillip Phillips.  If you listen to it, then you'll understand when I say that this fic isn't about an abusive relationship or anything, but I felt that the perhaps undeserved devotion he has to here is like Mark's loyalty and feelings about Jackson.  Obviously the song is a love song, but still, I feel the words fit pretty well anyways.  Also, Heavy in Your Arms is pretty good too, by Florence and the Machines.

Here is a poem that I've written to couple this story...

Broken bits and troubled things,

I could not find a rope to bring,

so let's sit back and say our prayers,

and hope tomorrow, we can bear,

for both our sakes, I wish you well,

without each other, there'd be hell,

so I'll sit back and say my prayers,

and hope tomorrow you can bear,

for broken bits we both may be,

but this is our reality,

try as hard as one could try,

there's just no changing you and I,

so by your side I'll always stay,

and trudge through mud to make a way,

we may have broken bit by bit,

but still our puzzle pieces fit.