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#Soulmarks AU
unfinishedslurs · 1 year
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soulmarks (stobin)
Robin is born with bruises on her knees. 
Her parents tell the story all the time. We were so worried, they say, but the doctors told us it was normal. Her soulmate must have just been learning to walk. That poor boy must have been quite the adventurer, the bruises never ceased! 
As she gets older, the odd marks keep showing up. On her hips, her arms, her shins. She’s sure she’s leaving her fair share of marks on them, too. They’re clumsy, both of them. 
When she’s eight, a set of fingers are clear around her wrist. Her parents look at each other sadly and murmur about things Robin doesn’t quite understand. 
They ask her to tell them if she ever gets a mark like that again. None ever appear. Their relief is obvious. 
Her mother sits her down. “When you meet your soulmate,” she tells Robin, “make sure he knows he is always welcome in our home.”
Robin thought it would be obvious. What’s hers is theirs, after all, and vise versa. Two halves of the same soul.
As she gets older, the idea rakes at her. Make sure he knows, her mother said. He is always welcome. 
She doesn’t know if it would be the same, if her soulmate was a girl. They have to be. After all, Robin is realizing, there’s no way her soulmate is a boy. 
When she’s fifteen, bruises appear on her face and knuckles and her mother shrieks at the sight of her. Robin just sits, quietly reeling. Girls don’t get in fights like this, she thinks numbly. Girls don’t…
That evening, three gashes scar across her body. Somehow she already knows they’ll be permanent. She cries herself to sleep. 
She keeps her head down, and barely even hears about the fight Steve Harrington got into with Jonathan Byers. It doesn't matter. She’s got bigger concerns than Steve Harrington. 
Things are quiet for the next year. Hardly any bruises, which makes her happy and upset in equal measure. She doesn’t know why the universe would do this to her. Why would it give her someone she can never fall in love with? Maybe the universe is homophobic, she thinks, but doesn’t laugh. It sure fucking feels like it. 
She tries to leave less bruises on them, too, as an avoidance technique. It doesn’t work. She’s got soccer practice, and marching band, and she runs into a pole when a pretty girl smiles at her across the street. Dammit. 
November comes back around, and with it, new marks. 
They’re awful. 
It starts out with a couple of scratches that look similar to the three from last year that she still wears. Then her mom has to watch, horrified, as new bruises appear on her face. When she pulls her shirt up, they’re on her ribs. Worse than they’ve ever been. 
She pretends to be too sick to go to school for the two days it takes for them to fade, to avoid the questions and the gossip. Last year was bad enough, after someone started a rumor her soulmate was in a gang. 
Something that doesn’t fade is the thin scar along her hairline. She pulls her hair down to cover it, and swears quietly at whoever the universe decided to gift her. 
(She worries about them all the time.)
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greyskyflowers · 9 months
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I have all these half hearted soulmate AU ideas and I hate to just delete them, so I'm just going to post what I have and roll with it. Please enjoy some rough draft soulmate AU ideas that I'll never finish ~
💙
Visible soulmate marks
Strings - brook
All his strings are tangled in his rib cage.
Vivid red that's thickly woven and caught between several ribs, always moving and pulling Brook forward.
Dark green tangled up, knotted and fraying in some places but still one of the strongest looking strings he has.
Grey blue that's tied securely towards his inner ribs, usually tangled up with the dark green, and close to where his stomach would be if he had one. Yohohoho
Shimmering orange ribbon that shines on the edges and doesn't pull so much as guide with gentle tugs.
Brilliant yellow in twine, multiple smaller pieces braided into one larger stand and tried off on the bone is a messy knot.
Peaceful pink that's carefully tied with a bow and drapes in gentle loops to a lower height before fading.
Deep purple silk thread, it's thin and slides like water over bone, deceivingly sharp to the touch.
Neon blue wire that's bent on a few places but strong, wrapped over bone in multiple coils.
Flower tattoo - robin
Sunflowers cover her back in messy lines, sprouting into long leafy stems and then giant detailed blooms, a heavy and bright presence always at at her back.
Gladiolus grow up her left forearm in thick inked lines that intersect with fine perfect ones, and lush blooms, one of the larger blooms sits where her arms cross.
Blue stars cover her right forearm with elegant and surprisingly subtle line, the most stunning one parallel to the Gladiolus and they meet when her arms cross.
Dahlias grow around her ankles, beautiful and healthy with lines like a rough sketch, looking wind swept and rain drenched.
A mix of peonys grow on her collarbones, they're sweet and inked in childlike handwriting, the blooms hide playful behind each other in a bunch of petals
Clematis bloom on her chest, they're the largest bloom and are messily arranged, the lines are reminiscent of blueprints with scales and measurements.
Daffodil climb up her left side in elegant white ink and tangle together in all stanges of life: bud, bloom, and wilting with petals dropping.
Marigolds cover her right side in ink that mimics paint strokes, the blooms more detailed than any of the others and look like something from an old gardening book.
Color spots - luffy
Luffy is cover in color, everything from pale, watercolors to vivid metallic
Green covers his right hand and forearm, always visible and on the side that he throws the first punch with.
Pale blues mix on his left hand and forearm, intermixed like different depths of water.
Gold drips down the right side of his chest like spilled ink, a shine to it that catches the light and gleams.
Yellow shines like sunlight on his left knee, it's a burst of courageous color and quick to draw the eye.
Pale pink is whispy on his lower back like cotton candy, edges soft and happy.
Crisp, black is in sharp lines against his left ribs. They site between each rib like a shadow and curl like skeletal fingers.
Purple stains his fingers dark like fruit, it finds its way into his finger prints and trace the shape like it's memorizing it.
Solid grey wraps around his ankles like bands, gleaming like metal and strong looking against his skin.
Moving tattoos - zoro
Zoro is full of life, even when he's fast asleep
A sun, filled in with all the colors of a sunset and whispy, white clouds that roll lazily over the design before fading away and reforming again on the other side. The only mark he ever wants on his back
A part of a map wrapped around his upper, left arm. It flutters like it's catching the wind and the edges shine vivid gold and copper.
Flowers bloom on the back of his right hand, they drop petals that fade like they're sinking into water before the flower starts as a bud again.
Gears turn on his left side, little blue stars tumbling between them before flickering out and reappearing at the top.
The going merry circles his left ankle, it bobs happily under a half circle shape with 5 prongs on the inside.
There's a sheet of music wrapped around his upper, right thigh. Binks Sake, the notes jump like they're being played.
Smoke curls around his right forearm, spitting embers and flashing flames in dark smoke before settling back into a gentle grey.
Hoof prints walk in happy, steps around on his right ribcage. They're there and gone in quick black prints like soot in snow.
Names - nami
Luffy curls around her right wrist, vivid red ink that forms the letters in playful strokes.
Zoro is inked on her lower back in a strong, green.
Sanji rests in greyish blue under her left collarbone in clean, neat lines.
Chopper is a warm brown that wraps around her left ankles, the O replaced with a little hoofprint.
Usopp wraps around her right ankle in messy yellow like paint.
Robin is on her right ribs in dark purple, it's a beautiful cursive.
Franky is neon blue and sits on the back of her neck in block letters.
Brook is one her left ribs, black ink spelling his name in thin, curling strokes.
Usopp - constellations
Taurus in red like blood across his collarbone, a rough circle with proudly raised horns growing off to the sides.
Scorpio in black ink around his upper left arm, razor thin lines that raise high and curve before dropping back down and closing off in an arrow.
Cancer like copper coins behind his ear in tight, storming swirls and long tails.
Pisces in silver around his upper right thigh, two curves back to back and gleaming.
Aquarius in pearl around his fingers in waves that creast in points.
Capricorn in bronze on his right ribcage dripping down and up before curling into a circle and trailing off
Pisces in cobalt on his left shoulder blade, a second pair of curves sliced through but this pair is has thicker lines.
Aries in platinum down his spine, the curve starting by one side of the neck before dropping all the way down his back and back up to the other
Something from home - Sanji
A jungle tree cover his right arm, a small treehouse tucked in between all of the leaves and branches.
The outline of a small building rests on his lower back, the large doors are open and even though he hasn't seen it in person he knows it's a dojo.
A orange tree has roots on his right ankle and grows up his leg into a tree baring healthy, ripe oranges.
The outline of a snowy mountain covers his left ribs, the tops snow tipped and the shadows adding a depth.
A whale rests on his left hip, it's got a scar and a sprout of water above it
A trains follows it's tracks in loops around his left ankle and up to his kneecap
Another tree grows on his left leg, smaller around the base and larger around the middle with little dots like windows in the trunk.
The going merry sits between his shoulders, she's bittersweet but he's honored to have her on his skin.
Franky - bands
Red band that ties like an anchor hitch knot and the edges are wavy like the sea
Green band that's frayed and threadbare in some spots with 3 razor sharp lines carefully cut
Gold band with a little bow and faint maps designs almost light enough to overlook
Purple band with a design like lace, elegant flowers and hearts mixed in
Yellow band with textured like a rope and a little ship he knows but never met sailing on top
Brown band that looks like gauze and just barely covers a little hoof print behind it
Blue band that looks like fish scales and has smokey edges
Couldn't decide what to do for Chopper so let's just say his fur covers them 😀
💙
Soulmate AU ideas
Where you share parts of everything with your soulmate. Random thoughts, wounds, knowledge, etc will sneak through before disappearing
Luffy saying something he absolutely should not know and Robin grinning
Nami sharing in the heavy sleeping feeling from Zoro
Usopp showing off the brief wounds he gets from Sanji like they're his own before they disappear from his skin
Chopper being musical in a way someone with hooves shouldn't be
Franky having medical knowledge that a cyborg doesn't have much use for
They all know they could weld Zoro's swords if they needed. None of them trained in any type of swords style but they can feel the ache of the repetitive motions that come with training and way it feels to attack with the intention of killing. His swords are weary of them, aware of the power soulmates have. They all know what happened at Thriller Bark, felt the acceptance of death because it meant their captain wouldn't have to.
They all love Ace as their own immediately, memorizing everything about him in the way you do for a loved one. They have a fondness for Shanks and others that they've never met besides in stories. Their hands have been busted again and again, the skin splitting over broken bone. They've felt fire in their chest, a loss far deeper than skin.
They've all felt wind against exposed bone, even with there own safety wrapped in skin and muscle. They've felt strings under their fingers and hum melodies they've never heard. There's a loneliness in their heart that speaks of a lifetime lost, one they never lived.
They all felt the foreboding feeling of knowing a storm is coming while looking at clear skies. They wipe at their fingers like ink stains them and there's an itch that only comes from old scars that always sits on their shoulder. They trace maps in their heads and itch for a pen, calculations springing up in their minds for properly scaling.
They've all had situations where their hands knew what to do before they did, their eyes tracing over someone and seeing all the injuries like it was written on their skin. They've felt their noses itch with a influx of scents, knowing immediately what belonged to who. They've felt the zip down their spine of that animal instinct when in the presence of a predator.
They've all felt the feeling of being too big, metal where skin should be and a loss of nerves. They've felt the heavy satisfaction of building something new and impressive, constant bigger and better in their minds.
They've all spoke of books they've never read and place they've never been. They have felt multiple spines break and necks snap under their hands. There's knowledge in their heads that feels heavy and overwhelming, it wants to spill out from their mouths to make room. They miss a place and family that they never knew.
They've all had that vicious huger, the desperation only caused by starvation. They've felt the fleeting attraction to a stranger and also the beauty of genuine love. They have the itch for nicotine, lungs begging for something they've never had.
They've all had times where the day is clearer, a haze they didn't realize was there lifting off their eyes and letting them see further than they had before. They've felt the snap of a slingshot and the swelling urge of creation in their chest.
They never held Zoro's swords
They never mourn the loss of Ace the way Luffy has
They never taste a storm on the back of their tongue the way Nami has.
They've never aimed with the knowledge that people will get hurt if they miss like Usopp has
They never felt hunger as fiercely as Sanji has
They never saved someone's life with enough confidence the way Chopper has
They've never ran their fingers over the last of something the way Robin has
They've never traded skin for metal the way Franky has
They've never met death quite like Brook has
💙
Soulmate String of Fate AU?
Strings tangled in or around:
Zoro's swords
Luffy's hat
Brook's ribs
Robin's fingers
Sanji's wrists
Chopper's antlers
Franky's arms
Nami's bracelet
Usopp's hair
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nat-20s · 4 months
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For the ask meme: pov?
POV — something that’s already happened, retold from another character’s perspective
MARTHA TIME BABEY!! this is set in season 3!! also this got longer than i was anticipating so uh readmore time <3
Martha knew about the (in her opinion, a bit on the nose) rosebush that resided splayed across The Doctor’s ribs, and how it didn’t used to have thorns wrapped around it. She obviously knew of and thought fondly about the caduceus snuggled to his clavicle that matched her own. (and oh, how she remembered that day, him and his confusing heartbeat and his eccentricities, including pulling down the collar of his shirt with an enthusiastic “This one is you, isn’t it!”.) She was even aware of the swirling vortex wrapped around his wrist that faded in and out, belonging to one Captain Jack Harkness. That one was..interesting, to say the least.
But The Doctor tended to stay rather bundled up. Logically speaking, it was entirely possible that he had several more marks that she would never bare witness to. She just kind of assumed otherwise, though. The Doctor hardly seemed the type to accumulate soul marks willy nilly, and even when he did, they didn’t seem like they would be all that private. Definitely not a soul mark on the upper thigh type bloke, by any means.
Then he had to go and get himself shot. Sure, she wasn’t an expert in xenobiology (yet- she had some plans), but generally speaking, large wound treatment was the same regardless of species. Step 1: get them into a position where you can accurately assess the wound, for the love of god, Doctor, stop being a baby, take off your shirt, and stay STILL. Step 2: Stop the bleeding. Luckily the shot through the shoulder had been from laser fire rather than a bullet, cauterizing the wound. Clearly meant to injure rather than kill, thank god. Step 3: If bleeding is under control, clean the wound. She didn’t have all the resources she’d like, but the Tardis did provide a fairly extensive first aid kit, including sterilizing wipes that The Doctor, uh, probably wouldn’t have a bad reaction to. Hopefully. Step 4: Make the open wound no longer open: aka bandage it up and threaten to put a cone on him if he starts messing with it.
The final step, which was really only in this specific case, was stop focusing on the wound and see a large dark spot out of the corner of her eye. Curious, and just a tad worried that there was some Other thing going on, Martha actually studies the blotch between his shoulder blades. It’s not a blotch, or a wound, or a rash, but rather the spitting image of a beetle. Oh, interesting. Clearly a soulmark, though the color is slightly faded, and she couldn’t think of who it might go to. Swallowing down just the ever so slightest twinge of jealousy over The Doctor being connected to yet another someone, she couldn’t help but ask, “So who’s this one then?”
She even threw in a slightly cheeky grin, because she genuinely was more curious than anything. Instead of direct response, of course, The Doctor only replied with a “Huh?”
“The beetle? Smack dab in the middle of your back? You know the one!”
With a scoff, The Doctor hastily puts his (first) shirt back on, and sucks in a breath through his teeth as he pulls on the brand new bandaging. “I most certainly do not know the one. I don’t have a mark on my back!”
Martha rolls her eyes at him. “Do you really not know? It’s not exactly subtle.”
The Doctor turns to face her, stares for a moment, then...sonics his own back. Apparently that does something for him, because as he squints down to the readout? he lets out a classic, “What?”
“I mean, it’s not that odd of a mark, is it? Almost terrestrial, for you.”
“No, that’s not. It’s not the mark itself, it’s, well, I don’t know who it belongs to.”
“Wait, I thought you had this sort of thing all, I dunno, cataloged out? Filed and color coded and everything.”
“Yeah, I mean, it could be her-”
Martha’s eyebrows raise and she covers up another of the littlest, ittiest, bittiest pang with a teasing, “Oh her? You’ve got a mystery woman out there? Or should I say another one?”
“No, no, no, not like that, just someone I ran into-”
“Yeah, right, someone you ‘just ran into’ is someone you have a soulmark with.”
He grimaces ever so slightly, at it’s not from that stupid shoulder of his. “Yeah, you’re right. Can’t be...Well, should be interesting to find out, anyway. Now, where were we? Trensalor, right?”
He’s dashing off to the Tardis console before she can respond, and she lets out a sigh. She knows full well this conversation isn’t getting anywhere any time soon, so might as well go with it. Privately, she hopes that whomever this mystery person is that is now written on The Doctor’s skin is decent. Maybe even someone she could get on with, ideally.
She hasn’t yet discovered the beetle wing on her back.
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lunar-serpentinite · 19 days
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heheh soulmarks au but harry doesn't know what his soulmark is, because dudley burnt it off his skin when they were children :3 meanwhile draco's soulmark has been dulled and smudged since he was a child. what a weird coincidence, am i right ? >:3c
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crimsonlyinglilly · 2 months
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Soulmarks
Putting this up even if I never get back to writing for it again.
Enjoy.
-----
Soulmarks appearing on Vampires hurt, they sear into the skin, Nature’s spirit begrudgingly giving their gifts, but making the ones they hate suffer for it.
Not that Finn would know, not with Sage’s as dark as it was as a human, or Kol who the last gift from the nature he was loved by was spared that feeling.
Elijah had grown used to it during the last century, as every few years Celeste’s name would rebrand itself to another part of his body only to vanish completely years later to return, the original place her name sat, still held her name greyed with the hollow feeling beneath as all dead marks did, from Tatia to Celeste.
He accepted it, it was the least he deserved for failing to protect her for losing the precious years they should have had. He was fine dealing with it as a reminder of his failure and leaving her to do whatever she wished, he would have left it as it were.
But she had forced him to bring it to an end, she knew the moment she brought it to his family, for all she had the right for revenge against him and Klaus, he would not stand by and let her destroy his family.
He was expecting her first mark to flare in burning pain as she was returned to her original body. He had mourned her for centuries so there was little hesitation as he sunk the blade into her heart.
He had thought he’d have a few years at least before a new soulmark, one he would ignore for their own safety, would appear so he was a little confused as he felt a light stinging burn around his neck when he finally returned home.
That was the only warning he got before the heat and pain brought him to his knees, a scream cut off by the location of the searing.
In the silence afterwards, he panted, before raising his hand to feel the slightly heated lettering, something was wrong, it was too many, too much apparently wrapping around his neck like a collar.
Within a second he was in front of a mirror, increased eyesight helping the way speed had brought him there he stared.
Two names; one of the left of his neck, one to the right coming to meet in the hollow of his throat.
Like a collar indeed.
Names he knew, the placement was going to make it difficult to hide, and he would need to hide it.
Andréa Labonair.
Jackson Kenner.
—--
Werewolves marks have a useful and sometimes concerning addition that was never shared outside the pack, the touch of a mate to the mark would bring calm.
Turns out it works on Vampires.
Elijah finds this out when his body relaxes against his wishes, as the wolf he’s certain is Jackson noses his neck, right where his name is under the concealer.
There goes over a year of hiding he thinks as the threating growl turns into a quieter warning one when he attempts to move.
He’s pretty sure having his throat torn out would be less humiliating. 
----
Update, there's more
Part 2
Part 3
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babybatscreationsv2 · 11 months
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Marked ch 4
Marvel | Starker
When Tony's soul marks first appeared he was afraid he wouldn't be good enough for his soulmate. When Peter's marks appeared he was afraid of what the blood and bruises meant. Now they're left dealing with the consequences of a dangerous lifestyle and a lot of distrust.
Warnings: violence, murder
It felt weird inviting the man into his apartment. He was a complete stranger and yet sitting across from him felt like the most natural thing in the world. Their souls really did know each other. Peter was nervous, sure, but it felt right to be here with him. Yet, it felt so strange. Truth be told, he didn't know how he felt. He felt too many things all at once.
Peter looked at Tony from across the coffee table. He looked so out of place on his faded second hand couch. Him and Ned had gotten it off of Craigslist. Same with most of the other furniture here. The stained coffee table between them held a stunning bouquet of flowers. Nothing about the scene added up in Peter's head.
"How did you find me?" He asked. His voice interrupted the silence, but it did nothing to dissolve the tension.
"It's what I do," he answered plainly. Peter could see how guarded he was. Even his voice was masked. Just the way he sat as if claiming the couch, leaning casually against the arm, it was all calculated to give a certain impression.
"You find people?" Peter raised his eyebrows. "What are you, a detective?"
Tony smiled. "Not exactly."
Peter took a breath. He clasped his hands together. "Everyone thinks you're trouble. Ned and Mr. Octavius. I don't even dare show my aunt the bruises."
"I'm sorry about that. I'll try not to get punched in the face next time." He smiled apologetically.
"Did someone attack you?"
"Would that bother you?" His voice remained measured but Peter caught the excitement in his eyes. Still, he didn't know this man and he wasn't going to be talked in circles.
Peter scowled. "Has anyone ever told you that it's rude to answer a question with a question?"
Tony smirked. "It's a good way to get answers though isn't it?"
"And I suppose you're in the business of getting answers, too?"
"Now you're getting closer."
Peter ran his palm down his thigh. He hoped he wasn't visibly sweating. They weren't getting anywhere and if anything the tension felt worse. "Yeah, it would bother me. Just like it bothers me when they all tell me you're trouble. But that's crazy because I don't even know you."
Tony sat back. "I feel the same way. Only I know a lot about you and I guess that's not really fair is it?"
"No, it's not."
His mouth twitched like he might smile again. He was an awfully smiley person for someone covered in scars. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything."
"Why don't we start smaller scale?"
"What do you do for work?"
"Something else."
Peter rolled his eyes. "Fine. Where do you live?"
"Manhattan," he answered too simply.
Peter narrowed his eyes.
"I have a condo," he relented. "I've lived there about six years, it's a fairly new building. Of course I move around a lot anyway."
"For work?"
"You're not ready to know what my job is, Peter." The first real frown crossed his face.
"You're an assassin?" He said it like he was teasing, but he half meant it.
Tony leaned forward. His expression was firm, serious, urging Peter to take him in. "I'm never going to lie to you. So I need you to stop asking for now."
Peter sat back in his chair. "So they're all right about you then. You're not a champion boxer."
Tony laughed. "Is that what you thought?"
"It's what I wanted to believe, but I'm not stupid. I wanted to believe it was paint on my hands, but I know blood when I see it. And you're covered in a lot of it sometimes."
"You know a lot about blood, do you?"
"I fall down a lot."
"Is that how you got that scar on your knee?"
He nodded. "Tired to jump a staircase." He grimaced.
"Why?" Tony laughed.
Peter shrugged. "One of my friends said I couldn't. Guess he was right."
"Sounds like you need better friends."
"Do you have many friends?"
Tony thought for a moment. "Not many, but the ones I keep are loyal."
Peter huffed a laugh and shook his head. "Everything you say is so ominous."
He smiled softly. "I'm not making a very good first impression."
"No, it is good. You seem like someone who doesn't usually get nervous." But he was nervous about talking to Peter and nothing could be more flattering.
Tony just looked at him. He looked as if Peter had seen into his soul. Maybe he had. Maybe that was how all of this worked. He wanted Tony to see him, too.
"Let me take you out."
"Like a hit?" Peter drew back in mock surprise. "I was right!"
Tony smiled. "I'll pick you up tomorrow after work. We'll have dinner."
Peter crossed his arms. "Will we?"
Tony held out his hand in appeasement. "Excuse me. Would you please join me for dinner tomorrow?"
Peter smiled. "I would be honored, Tony."
----------
He had to make the right impression. Something impressive, something honest, something Peter would enjoy. He was used to simple things. That didn't mean he wouldn't enjoy a grand gesture. Besides, Tony liked expensive things. Dressing down and taking the guy out for a cheese burger wasn't his regular type of outing. Not if he was looking to have a good time.
He put on a suit, but left the tie behind as a compromise. The restaurant he'd made their reservation at didn't require them, but he was certain it was still a nice place. Definitely outside of Peter's budget. He had to admit it was thrilling to know he had the honor of treating his soulmate to all the things he'd been missing in life. Fancy food, expensive clothes, he'd give him everything. But he had to do it right. Desperate wasn't a good look on anyone. Or was it? Maybe Peter was into that. Damn, he hadn't been so nervous since he had to tell his dad that he crashed the Ferrari. At least this was guaranteed to have a better outcome. They were soulmates after all. He'd never seen soulmates that didn't work out in the end.
Tony took a last look in the mirror. The sight of his aging face made him hesitate. Peter was giving up a lot by choosing an old man. What could they possibly have in common with an almost 30 year age gap? Yikes. He sighed. His head fell forward, hanging down between his shoulders.
On his forearm little black lines began to appear. They swirled around and twisted into the shape of a rose. Then a sunflower. He couldn't help but smile. Who was he to decide for Peter that he wasn't good enough? He was happy. He was excited for their date. That much was clear. So, what the hell?
He took the elevator down to the garage. Steve and Bucky were hanging out, two of the few allowed anywhere near his home.
"Good luck, tonight," Steve called.
"I look alright?" Tony did a turn before he passed them.
Bucky looked at his watch. "You got time to change?"
"Watch it, Barnes."
"You look great, Tones. Go get him," Steve called. "Just don't lay it on too thick. You'll scare him off."
"Glad you're both so supportive," he scoffed.
"Happy to help, boss."
Tony climbed into the car and started the engine. He wrapped his hands around the wheel giving himself a moment to relax. It was practically a done deal yet the anxiety wouldn't leave him. He'd dreamed about having a soulmate once and he'd given up on it. He couldn't mess this up.
He left early. Maybe too early. Peter wasn't outside yet when he pulled up in front of rec center. A few kids were wandering out the door. He hoped Peter wasn't far behind. He found a spot to park on the street and sat with his leg bouncing impatiently. The awkward phase couldn't last forever, right? He couldn't believe he was nervous, but then again when was the last time he actually wanted to impress someone?
When Peter came outside, Tony's heart skipped a beat. He grabbed the handle of the car door and stepped out. Peter smiled when he saw him. He had a gym bag on one shoulder and his hair was damp. The outfit was barely going to make the dress code for the restaurant, but no one was going to say anything to the man on Tony Stark's arm. Still, he was gorgeous.
Tony walked around the car and met him on the sidewalk. "Ready to go?"
Peter nodded. His cheeks were blushing the prettiest pink. "You look great," he said.
"You look amazing," Tony answered. He took a step back and grabbed the door handle to open it for him. It was so sweet the way he blushed and ducked his head as he clambered into the car.
"How was work?" Tony asked as they pulled away from the curb.
"The kids wanted to play dodgeball, today." He laughed. "There's always the one kid, Grayson, who's afraid of getting hit."
Tony smiled. "Sounds like a sweet kid."
"Yeah, they're all great. Some of them have problems at school. Or at least their parents keep saying they do, but I don't see it. They're good kids."
"Maybe you bring out the best in people."
"Nah, I don't think it's me," he said, but he turned his head towards the window as if he were embarrassed. "What did you do today?"
Tony hesitated, realizing that the honest answer was wait for you to get off work. "Lots of boring phone calls."
"Must be nice to get out of the office then." He caught Peter looking at him, trying to gauge his reaction. He couldn't help but smile. He was too curious for his own good.
They pulled up to the restaurant and Peter gaped. "Here? I've never been here before."
"I thought a first date deserved something special."
"I'm not really dressed for this place. Don't they have a dress code?" He looked at the crowd walking into the building. "Everyone's wearing a tux. I can't go in like this."
"Hey, am I wearing a tux?"
Peter looked at him. "Well no, but still..."
"Trust me, alright?"
"Okay..."
Tony stepped out of the car and left the door open for the valet. The man greeted him and stood patiently to the side as another valet ran to open Peter's door. Tony offered his arm to the blushing young man. Even dressed down as he was, he was still far more beautiful than anyone else there. Even as they entered the building and walked beneath a dazzling gold and silver chandelier and over white marble embedded with gold and past a water fountain with shimmering orange and yellow fish, Peter was the most beautiful thing in the room.
The hottest spotted Tony and quickly stepped up to greet them and lead them to a table. Tony preferred the tables that were tucked against the far wall. There was a fire exit nearby if needed and they were more quiet than the tables at the center. She led them over to one before disappearing, only to be replaced by the sommelier. He'd barely spoken when Tony realized how overwhelmed Peter was.
"We'll pass on wine for now, thank you," Tony said. The man gave a small bow and hurried away. Peter visibly relaxed.
"You don't drink?" Peter asked.
"I thought you might like a moment to settle in. Someone will be by with fresh bread, they won't mind taking our drink orders."
"I'm okay, don't worry about me."
Tony reached across the table and took his hand. "You don't have to be anything you're not Peter. If this is too much for you, we can leave right now."
"No, I love it! I've just never been to a place like this before." He ducked his head a bit. It was so enticing watching him speak with his lips nervously bitten red, looking up through his lashes. He was beautiful in pictures, but in person he was enchanting. "Maybe you could order for me?" His laugh was self-deprecating. "I can barely read the menu, it's all in French."
Tony paused, debating whether or not to tell him that it was actually Italian. He looked so uncomfortable already.
"You're in good hands," Tony promised with a squeeze to his fingers. He took his hand away as the promised bread arrived. The comfort of warm bread seemed to help Peter relax. Tony led the conversation, keeping to light and easy topics. Peter talked so easily once he was relaxed and his inability to stay on topic was charming. He said every thought that came into his head and he didn't seem to know how unusual that was. No wonder everyone adored him.
They were getting their meals in front of them when Peter frowned. He was looking over Tony's shoulder.
"Do you know that guy?"
Tony turned to look. His heart caught in his throat. Fuck. That cheap suit and greasy hair. Quentin's people were here. He turned back and spared the dining room another glance. Sure enough, three more pairs of eyes were on them. Mother fucker.
He took out his phone and sent Happy a quick SOS. On the outside, he kept his expression calm. He put his hands flat on the table so they wouldn't shake.
"Peter, listen." Peter's eyes met his. He watched them wide slightly as he caught on to the grim energy surrounding them. "Remember how I can't tell you what I do for a living?"
He nodded.
"That's because it's bad. I didn't want you to think less of me before you even got the chance to know me. But I need you to trust me now. Can you do that?"
Peter glanced behind him again. "Tony what's going on?"
"Don't look at them, look at me." He paused while Peter turned his eyes back to Tony's face. "Can you trust me, Peter?"
"Of course. But what-"
"Get under the table," Tony cut him off. There was Quentin. He'd been sitting at the back of the room hidden behind a woman in a wide brimmed hat. He stood now, sharing a slimy smile with her as he walked towards their table. They were surrounded.
"What?"
"Down. Now!" Tony pulled the gun from his jacket, adrenaline pulsing through his veins. He upended the table and Peter sunk down, using it to block them both in. Their backs were to the wall and either side was Quentin and his people.
Tony shot the guy at the back, the one Peter had been staring at. The first shot was good, but the panic in his heart had the second going wide as he shot at the next guy. He'd never felt like this before. Was he having a panic attack?
He looked at Peter, crouched low, trying to make himself small even though he was all gangly limbs. He wouldn't let anything happen to him. Not to him. No matter what.
Shot hit against the table and the wall behind them. Tony took a breath to slow his racing thoughts. There was a fire exit behind Quentin. He would have men at the door in case Tony got out. And a car for a quick getaway. Getting out wasn't going to work. But Tony had loyal bodies in the kitchen. That's why he came here.
He grabbed Peter's arm. Peter looked at him with terror. "Listen to me, you listening?"
Peter nodded. It worried him that the man wouldn't speak, but there wasn't time for worry.
"I'm going to draw them away. When you see an opening, run for the kitchen. Tell them Tony Stark said they're to protect you. Understand?"
He nodded again. Then he swallowed. "Yeah, okay."
"You'll be alright. I promise." It hurt to fail like this. To fuck up such an important moment. He didn't know how he was going to fix this, but he'd find a way. For now, he just had to get them both out alive.
Tony looked over the table. A shot grazed his forehead and landed in the wall behind him. He fired once at the guy left blocking the kitchen and he went down. Then he looked at Quentin. Just him and three of his men. None of Tony's had made it in yet. There must have been fighting outside.
He vaulted over the table and used the next to jump over the dividing wall that separated the back dining area from the front. A hail of bullets followed him just a hair too slow, but he swore he felt the heat of them at his back. He spared a glance to make sure they followed him, but he didn't dare look at Peter and risk reminding them that he wasn't alone.
Another shot, another one down, but he was still outnumbered. Where the fuck was Happy?
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He started paying closer attention.
Yeah, Jango had known most of the Nulls and Alpha-class clones were scrapped before reaching an age where he could start teaching them the basics of combat. He’d figured, at the time, that they turned out poorly, the genetic manipulation resulting in something that couldn’t become a proper soldier.
None of the Kaminoans had ever mentioned soulmarks, or else he would’ve- he would have-
Something. Jango would have done something.
(Soulmarks existed as a reminder. You are important to me. You left your colors on someone else’s skin because somehow, someway, you cared about them, or you were going to.
Couldn’t always tell what the bond would be, from a first touch, especially if the pair of souls involved were meeting for the first time. But the bit of colored skin always served as a reminder: watch that one. A piece of them stayed with you for a reason.)
CC-5052’s mark came out a bright, brilliant blue, with scattered yellow specks like starbursts. 3636 created a swirling mix of greys, a few faint wisps of white giving the illusion of clouds, or perhaps fur. 1010’s marks were sharp red, crossed with thicker bands of white and thinner ones of black. And 2224, he left behind shining patches of gilt, which no one could quite agree on the color of.
“It’s yellow,” the boy himself tried to insist, waving a dismissive hand at the streak down 5052’s bare arm.
“I’d say gold,” 3636 stated, clearly just to be contrary if his smirk was any indication.
“Nuh-uh-uh,” 1010 cut in, holding out his own arm in a spot with less direct light. “Definitely orange.”
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chacusha · 7 months
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Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Odo/Quark Summary: An AU where everyone has a mark that designates either their greatest love or their greatest enemy. For Quark and Odo, this… doesn't change much. Word count: 5649 words
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Chapters: 15/? Fandom: Captain America (Movies), The Avengers (Marvel Movies), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes/Sam Wilson, James "Bucky" Barnes & Steve Rogers, Steve Rogers & Sam Wilson, Steve Rogers & Natasha Romanov & Sam Wilson, Wanda Maximoff/Vision, Wanda Maximoff & Steve Rogers & Sam Wilson, Sam Wilson & Sarah Wilson, James "Bucky" Barnes & Sarah Wilson, Steve Rogers/Sarah Wilson Characters: James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson (Marvel), Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Sharon Carter (Marvel), T'Challa (Marvel), Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Wanda Maximoff, Shuri (Marvel), Sarah Wilson (Marvel), Helmut Zemo, John Walker (Marvel), Karli Morgenthau, Ayo (Marvel), Vision (Marvel) Additional Tags: Basically all the avengers show up at some point, Slow Burn, Getting to Know Each Other, Soulmarks, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Angst with a Happy Ending, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Steve Rogers Is a Good Bro, Bucky Barnes Recovering, Bucky Barnes's Metal Arm, Sam Wilson Is a Good Bro, POV Sam Wilson, POV Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson's Wings, Steve Rogers Ships It, Falling In Love, Boys On The Run - Freeform, Starting Over, Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes, Developing Relationship, Getting Together, Bucky Barnes Has Issues, Friendship, Feelings Realization, Hand Jobs, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Grief/Mourning, Canonical Character Death, Oral Sex, Anal Sex, Bisexual Bucky Barnes, Bisexual Sam Wilson, Blow Jobs, Rimming, Anal Fingering, Hydra (Marvel) Series: Part 2 of Chasing Ghosts Summary:
As a boy, Sam prayed he’d find his soulmate. He dreamed about waking up and finding a soulmark tattoo on his skin. He’d take markers, drawing out different designs along his wrists or forearms or thighs – wings, a clock, even once a red star. His mother laughed, called him a hopeless romantic and helped him wash it off only for him to start all over another day. But he never gave up, never stopped believing that one day his would appear.
And now he has one. Bucky’s.
---- I know it’s been awhile but chapter 15 is now up!
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truly-morgan · 2 years
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Fandom: Team Fortress 2 Rating: General Audiences Relationships: Scout/Sniper (Team Fortress 2) Additional Tags: Soulmates, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, you get sick if you don't tell your soulmate Chapters: 2/2 [13k words] Series: Part 2 of speeding bullet - soulmate AU
Summary:
“Everyone has a soulmate, somewhere on that planet, who has the same mark as yours. Sniper didn't escape to this rule, but after forty years in which nothing, or no one, came up, he gave up on that idea. Not that he really minded it anyway, being alone wasn't really a problem for him, it only means he didn't have to interact with others more than he needed. But of course, things couldn't stay that simple, could they?”
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bluemari23 · 4 months
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hello soulmate | min yoongi
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summary: your first day on the job doesn't turn out the exact way you envisioned
pairing: min yoongi x hype employee reader
genre: soulmate au, soulmarks, fluff,
warnings: running, unhappy coworkers, some injury
word count: 1.7k
masterlist
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Running was not your forte, and neither was breathing apparently as you choke trying to get air into your lungs as you reach the fortunately empty elevator. 
You were running late, and you were seconds away from being fired on your third day of work. You had just gotten the job as one of the content creators for a variety show through one of the big four entertainment companies, and today was the first official day at the company. 
HYBE was bigger than you imagined, and thus, the reason you were late. You had gotten lost on the first floor and then there were issues with your ID card getting past security. But you manage to reach the 12th floor in record time and use the piece of paper you received the last meeting to find the correct room. 
It was slight chaos when you opened the door, unsurprisingly as you now realized who you would be working with for the variety show. Everything was kept top secret until you were approved by HYBE and showed up on the first day, after signing numerous NDA’s of course. 
The BTS boys were having fun and running amuck as they waited for the shoot to start. It was supposed to be just a fun shoot, numerous arcade games set up throughout the room and a table set in the middle where some challenges were going to take place later on. 
You looked around after taking in the room, trying to set eyes on your director. Eventually you find him talking to your fellow creators, going over the different challenges that would be taking place. 
“—After the water bottle challenge, we’re going to move onto the karaoke booth.” You arrive just at the tail end of the run through, but you manage to understand anyways, seeing as you all had a copy of the schedule for the day. 
“Where have you been? Never mind, you’re working on the individual camera today.” Your director questions you but doesn’t give you any time to explain yourself before moving on and assigning you your task. You quickly nod your head, before moving to grab one of the video cameras from the table. 
You would be in charge of taking individual behind the scenes videos and photos for the social media accounts. You had seen episodes of Run BTS before and knew how much moving you would be doing today. 
Again. Running wasn’t your thing. 
“What are you doing?” You turn your head to see a slightly older woman in front of you, her hands on her hips as she looks towards the camera in your hands. 
“I was assigned individual shots today, Ma’am.” You respond as politely as you can, getting bad feelings from the woman in front of you. 
You could almost feel that you would be having problems with her. You tried to be respectful though, not wanting to step on anyone’s toes on your first official day. 
The woman just looked you up and down, her nose crinkling a little before she spoke. “Just don’t get in my way. I’ve been doing this longer than you have and don’t need some inexperienced newbie messing up my photos.” 
You can only nod before she is walking past you, bumping into your shoulder on her way past. 
‘What the heck?’ you think, turning to watch as she steps forward and begins to talk to one of the supervisors who was in the middle of talking to Namjoon. Shaking your head, you move to the edge of the set, close to the basketball arcade shot game. 
You had a good view of the other games from here and felt you could maneuver through the set easier from where you were set up. Bringing your camera up to your eyes, you begin taking some practice shots, making sure the lighting was good and the settings on the camera aligned with what you wanted to photograph.
It took you some time, but eventually you were able to begin taking photos of the boys who had come back to mess around with the games after getting changed and before the actual shoot started. 
You were so focused on the pictures that you didn’t even notice one of the boys moving up to you. 
“Hi! You must be one of the new creators! I’m Taehyung.” The bright eyed man bounced right up to you when he noticed you, hand held in front of you to shake your hand as he introduced himself. 
You put your camera down, smiling softly as you brought your hand to meet his, introducing yourself. As you did, you caught his attention on your wrist, where your soulmark resided. The initials of your soulmate were written in short, quick writing, the gray M and Y staring back up at you since the minute you turned sixteen. 
Taehyung’s smile only seemed to widen once you introduced yourself, a twinkle in his eyes that wasn’t there before. You could barely blink before the director was calling for the boys to get into place; the shoot was about to begin. 
You smile as you watch him bounce away again, his energy levels palpable as you hold your camera up again. 
The next hour was spent moving slowly throughout the edge of the set up game room, trying to get as many good shots as you could. You noticed that Taehyung gravitated towards you and seemed to pull Yoongi with him to play the basketball game, Jungkook following behind to try and battle against the basketball player. 
You moved closer to get a picture of both boys making a basket and scoring a point when someone stepped on your foot causing pain to radiate up your ankle and shin. A gasp leaves your lips as you look towards your left to see the woman from earlier, a glare set on her dark eyes as she almost pushes you aside. 
You end up tripping over the cord to another game and just barely manage to catch yourself on the corner of said game before injuring yourself or ruining the shoot. You were so focused on the pain in your foot you didn’t even notice the burning in your wrist as your soulmark gets darker. 
You didn’t notice the three men witnessing the entire thing, nor the dark looks Taehyung was sending to the older woman. A break was luckily called soon enough and you tried to move away back to the far wall but a hand on your arm stops you.
“What was that? I thought I told you not to get in my way?!” The older woman steps in front of you, her hand still gripping tightly to your forearm. 
“I’m sorry, Ma’am. It won’t happen again.” You grit out as politely as you can, the pain in your ankle making you want to sit down but you knew you needed to just go along with what she was saying, not wanting any trouble. 
“No. Don’t apologize.” You both turn to your right to see Taehyung, Yoongi and Jungkook, all three eyeing the hand gripping onto your forearm. The woman is quick to release you when she realizes what the boys were seeing. 
“Oh boys! Don’t worry about this. I’m just giving some advice to the newbie.” The woman was quick to put on the sweet tone as she speaks to them. You just want to roll your eyes. 
Pulling your arm back to your chest, rubbing against where you knew her grip was going to leave some bruises. Your sleeve had rolled back down and your forearm was on full display, along with your soulmark. 
“Advice? It seemed like you stepped on and pushed someone out of the way. That is not okay nor something we want to see happen between our employees.” Yoongi’s voice was low, each word spoken slowly as if to ensure the woman knew exactly what she had done. 
Jungkook moved to you while Taehyung and Yoongi were talking to the woman, his hand holding onto your own, softly and a huge contrast to the woman as he tilts your forearm around to see the spot where the woman held you.
The skin was red and he knew it would bruise. This was unacceptable and he would make sure that the woman would be reprimanded for her actions. As Jungkook continued to look over your arm, his attention was caught by your soulmark, his hyungs initials on the inside of your wrist. 
‘No wonder Taehyung kept bringing him to where you were…’ Jungkook mused, a small smile on his lips as the thought of Taehyung trying to bring you two together. 
Well, no time like the present. 
Taehyung agreed, as his next words caught the attention of everyone. 
“You hurt Yoongi’s mate.” Your eyes widened as your head turned quickly to see Yoongi already staring at you, your faces both sharing the expression of shock. Jungkook was still holding your wrist, bringing you the two feet until you were right in front of Yoongi. 
You were silent, trying to process everything as Yoongi looked down at your held out wrist, his initials written in his own handwriting. Slowly, he pulled his own sleeve up, showing you his soulmark. 
Your initials were written in your own soft script, smooth cursive showing on his inner wrist, the same spot as your own. 
You were lost in your own world, oblivious to all of the noise and emotions happened outside the two of you. Yoongi slowly brought his hand to your wrist, his thumb rubbing over the top of your soulmark, gray turning to a dark black as the soulbond snaps into place confirming Taehyung’s suspicions. 
“Hello, soulmate.” A gummy smile burns into your retina, a memory you never want to forget as warmth erupts in your soul.
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adriancatrin · 3 months
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soulmark au sketches. the idea of sokka in proven ‘soulmates are real’ universes consistently intrigues me—how would that impact his skepticism/interpretation of fate/destiny/free will? personally i think he’d be very angry for a very long time and probably not even understand why
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pineapple-frenzy · 2 months
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For your post finals art request, how about something from your Zutara scars au? Maybe Zuko gently kissing the scars on Katara's hands, with Katara looking absolutely flustered.
Thanks for your consideration and time.
I love soft scar kisses so much, I hope you don’t mind that I added a touch of angst to this
I saw something recently that was like what if Zuko thinks he’s the one that burned Katara’s hands, and I really like the idea so I wanted to incorporate it into this au. So here’s a little comic about Zuko apologizing for burning Katara’s hands (which he did not) insipired by your request :>>
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purpleyoonn · 6 months
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baby (you complete us) 12
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C H A P T E R   T W E L V E 
Summary: Soulmates were a common occurrence, so common, in fact, that the world sought an easier way to find your other half: A bracelet that would scan your mark and match you with those who shared your mark. Within recent years, soul groups were becoming normal, and your own bracelet said you have seven matches.
Or where you wear your bracelet for ten years, and finally give up the hope you would find your soul group, only for BTS to put theirs on and see what they were missing.
Genre: soulmate au, idol au, angst, fluff, eventual smut,
Pairing: Idol BTS x Disabled MC
Warnings: angst, mentions of depression, disabled mc (Ehlers Danlos syndrome), eventual smut, fluff, lots of fluff, mentions of disability, simp bangtan
Chapter Warnings: protective bangtan, anxious mc, mc has a panic attack, more of mc’s background, mentions of bullying, some issues with consent, mc has all the feelings, Hobi bonding with mc, some cuteness overload, 
*Words in Italics are spoken/written in Korean*
beta’d/edited by the lovely @babyarmybias​
masterlist // chapter 11 // chapter 13
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Previously on baby (you complete us):
“Thank you for doing this, Noona! We will tag you when it gets posted!” Yeonjun exclaims once you were done filming in front of one of the portraits outside of the café.
“Thank you! It was fun. I could really go for a drink now though!” You laugh as the boys agree with your statement, Taehyun and Soobin pulling your arms and dragging you into the café.
     The café was one of the things you didn’t get to see on your tour with Songun, given it wasn’t near the meeting room you met the boys in. You were still shocked when you walked in and realized the café was more like a cafeteria, with many different food options, vendors, and drink options galore. You were awestruck, ignoring the laughter coming from the boys as they dragged you to the smaller coffee vendor.
     “What drink would you like, Noona?” Taehyun asked you as he began looking over the options. You looked over the menu but didn’t see anything you recognized so you just told him to pick something out for you.
     His eyes grew wide in excitement, animatedly looking over the coffee options as you turned around, looking for a seat nearby. Your knee was giving you trouble as you could feel it shifting with every step you took, and you needed to massage it soon before it inevitably popped out.
     You didn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your new friends, and a sure-fire way to do that was to have your body work against you. You couldn’t stand the looks you would get whenever you had to pop something back in or massage your body to counteract the pain you felt in your joints.
     You moved to the counter to pay, only after receiving a weird look from the barista did you realize you forgot you didn’t have to pay for anything. You nod your head awkwardly, not waiting for the boys as you moved to the closest seat and began massaging the muscles around your knee cap. You couldn’t stand up any longer or you knew your kneecap would pop out.
     You sit down slowly, with care, and place your drink on the table before bending down a little to massage the muscle to the side of your knee cap. It was a long-practiced massage, something your specialist recommended to you when you were in school and always on the move. You were regretting not bringing your cane with you today, thinking you wouldn’t need it.
     You always did this to yourself. You had a good day yesterday, so you thought you would have one today. But of course, why would you have two good days in a row?
     “Are you okay, Noona?” Taehyun had come up to you, noticing you had disappeared from next to him.  He was concerned that you were hurt, seeing you rub at your knee. The entire building knew about your disability, a few concerned words overheard by one of the staff after walking past Jin and Sejin had spread to everyone within the span of an hour.
     Your head shot up at Taehyun’s question, not realizing he was standing in front of you.
     “Y-Yes, I’m okay.” You nod your head as you speak, trying to reassure him you were fine, but failing to do so as your stutter gives you away. You try to play it off as you forgot the word for yes, but he just shook his head.
     “Do we need to go get hyungs?” Taehyun asks just as the others walk over.
     “Go get hyungs for what?” Beomgyu questions Taehyun before seeing you and the way you were practically cradling your knee. “Ahhhhhh.” He nods his head in understanding.
     “Do you need us to go get the hyungs?” Heuning Kai ask you softly, leaning over so he was almost whispering in your ear. You appreciate the sentiment, but it seems people were beginning to look your direction anyway.
     You look around shyly, not wanting everyone to know what was going on.
     “Everyone is curious about BTS hyungs’ soulmate.” Yeonjun states, seeing the way you were looking around. “The announcement was pretty big, especially after the one they put out about trying to find you.” You let out a sigh at his words, understanding what was going on but that didn’t mean you necessarily felt comfortable with all the looks.
     “Why don’t we take you back to Hyungs? They should be having a break right now…” Yeonjun trailed off as he looked at his phone.
     “Okay.” You stood up slowly, testing your weight on your knee, hiding your wince at the sharp pain.
     “Oh! I promised them I would bring them something back from the café!” You make for the counter again but hands gently push you back into your seat.
     “Rest, noona. We will go get hyung’s favorites!”
-*-*-
     And grab their favorites they did. Not only did they arrive back to the table with three drink carriers and two paper bags filled with pastries, but they insisted to helping you to bring everything back to the practice room, Soobin even assisting you in walking once he realized you were favoring your leg.
     “You better put your arm back by your side, Soobin!” You chastis for the third time, seeing him bring his arm back out to try and carry you. He kept insisting that he didn’t want you walking on your leg and that he should carry you back to the room, but, of course, you insisted the opposite. You weren’t fragile and didn’t need to be carried anywhere.
     “Hyung, will you get the door please!” Beomgyu and Taehyun plead out, trying to not have the drink carriers fall as they make it to the door. Soobin looks at you again, before moving over to the door of the boys’ practice room, music still blasting from the speakers. You recognized the song this time as the chorus to Idol plays. As the door opens you begin to limp over to Yeonjun who holds one of the pastry bags and a drink carrier.
     “Here, give me one.” You hold your hand out, but he shakes his head.
     “Noona, you’re hurt. It’s okay.” He steps back, moving towards the open door but you just follow him.
     “I’m fine though! I promise. I just want to help.” You insist again, stepping into the room and still reaching for the pastry bag.
     “Noona you’re hurt. You don’t need to be carrying anything.” Yeonjun is stubborn, you’ll give him that, but unfortunately, someone overhears his words. Footsteps come pounding towards you and Soobin and suddenly you are picked up, your chest pressed against theirs and your thighs tossed around their hips.
     “Jungkook, I’m fine!” You whine as soon as you realize who picked you up, his scent making you feel calm despite your embarrassment. You slumped in his arms, trying to hide yourself in his sweatshirt hood as he walked away from the younger boys.
     “What happened?” You hear Namjoon ask Heuning Kai as he was closest to the leader.
     “Y/n Noona hurt her knee at the cafe.” Was his simple reply, not exactly knowing what happened to your knee.
     Jungkook carried you over to the seat you were sitting in before, and proceeded to kneel in front of you and holding your leg up so he could look over your knee. He instantly became a “doctor” prodding and running his fingers over the expanse of your knee, trying to feel for anything out of the normal.  
     Yoongi and Taehyung also came over, leaning over Jungkook and looking at your knee, the three men ignoring your attempts to push them away. You were bordering the line between feeling embarrassed and humiliated and it had your cheeks red and eyes blurring with tears.
     “Please stop. I’m fine.” You repeated, trying to get their hands off of you. You didn’t care that they were your soulmates at this moment, you just wanted to go back to your hotel.
     “Please stop touching me. I’m okay.” You tried to push Jungkook’s hands away, but he was more focused on your knee, even though his touch wasn’t helping in the slightest. You could tell that the others could hear you, Jimin and Namjoon glancing your way and Hoseok trying to get the focus of everyone off of you by asking the boys what they had brought.
     You felt like you were in school again, getting made fun of for your knee dislocating in gym class. You hated everyone watching you, trying to see if you were faking or not, ignoring the pain and tears rolling down your cheeks as your gym teacher stresses over your disfigured knee, wondering if she should call and ambulance.
     The insults “attention whore” and “lazy” running through your mind from when you were younger as everyone in the room continues to look at you now, Namjoon and Jimin beginning to walk your way as Jin says his thanks to the boys. One final prod of your knee from Yoongi has you snapping, pushing them away from you and pulling your knee to yourself.
     “I asked you to please stop touching me.” You push out, trying to stop the tears already flowing down your cheeks. You were even more embarrassed now, crying in front of them. You hated how emotional you get, especially when you get stuck in your head with your past.
     “Baby, I—” You cut off Yoongi, his face shocked at your actions.
     “I think I would like to go back to my hotel now.” You whispered, withdrawn, and looking down at your lap. You felt a tug in your chest as Jungkook moved closer, trying to get you to look at him.
     “Baby, We’re sorry. We just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
     “We got worried when we heard Soobinnie say you were hurt. Our instincts took over.” Taehyung finished Jungkook’s thought. Namjoon tried not to interrupt, but he knew he had to.
     “Our instincts don’t make us ignore the words of our mate, though. We all heard her ask you not to touch her.” Namjoon scolded the three, even Yoongi looking down in guilt.
     “We are all so sorry, Y/n. We should have listened to you; there is no excuse.” Yoongi spoke up, his eyes piercing your own as he spoke.  
     Jimin, Jin, and Hoseok stood a couple feet away, watching as you close in on yourself. Jimin couldn’t believe how everything changed so quickly. They were making such good progress with you, their bond with you was growing and solidifying and now, he was only hoping you didn’t change hotels and block their numbers.
     “Honey, please stay. I know that you want your alone time, but you just entered the next stage of the bond with Jungkook. It will hurt both of you if you are alone for two long now. At least, until we all have completed the bond.” Namjoon explains. “Besides that, I don’t think you really want to be alone right now.” His town turning in on her.
     And he was right. The first stage of the bond had just solidified with Jungkook the night before. You knew what would happen if you were apart for long. You also knew you didn’t want to be alone. You hated that he was right about that.
     All you wanted was to be comforted, to be wrapped in their arms and told that everything was okay. You’ve never felt like that before. Usually you want to be alone, lying in bed and wrapped under the covers, completely hidden from view.
     Now, all you wanted was to be comforted by your soulmates.
     One look from you was all it took for Jungkook to lift you off the chair and into his arms, sitting himself down and holding you in his lap. The tug in your chest finally settling, the embarrassment and insecurity slowly ebbing away the longer he held you to him.
     Once the others started moving away, Jungkook having motioned to them while you weren’t paying attention, he began to comb his fingers through your hair, massaging your scalp as he did so. He knew it helped soothe your mind and calm your body.
     “I am so sorry, baby. I need to open my ears and become more aware even with my instincts screaming at me.” He squeezed you a little tighter. “Please don’t be mad at me. Please don’t leave.” You could truly hear the fear behind his words, thinking you would leave them.
     Jungkook had really thought he messed up everything. He thought you were going to reject them now; he was so sure about it. He tried not to imagine the pain the others would feel at your absence, and only hoped he could fix things between you.
     “I may not…understand the bond like you do.” You started, still trying to find your words. “But I wouldn’t reject you all over something as small as this.” Almost immediately Jungkook began to protest.
     “It’s not ‘something small’ if it makes you cry.” He adjusted you on his lap so you were now facing him. “We are all still getting to know each other, still growing the bond our souls have. I can understand if you don’t want to talk about it now, but I would like to know what made you cry so I can fix it.” He brings his palm up to your cheek, cupping it. “I hate seeing you cry. It makes me want to fight who or whatever it is that made those precious tears fall.”
     You look down again, trying to decide if you had enough courage to tell him the real reason behind your tears, or a slimmed down version of your feelings.
     “I uhm, was embarrassed.” You decide to tell him, to try and explain what was going through your head.
     “When I was younger, before the doctors had figured out what was wrong with me, I was just known as “clumsy” and “lazy” by everyone. No one ever taking my pain or injuries seriously. Even doctors just told me it was my weight, despite being healthy. I was told I was just looking for attention.” You tried blinking away your tears, feeling them begin to pool on your waterline.
     “It got really bad when physical education became a class in middle school and high school. I hadn’t received a diagnosis yet which meant I had to push my limits for a grade. One day…” You pause, swallowing down the choking sob so you could talk. 
     “We were supposed to be running the mile for our fitness test. I was in eighth grade and barely lasted one lap before my knee dislocated. It wasn’t the first time any of my joints fully dislocated, but it hurt all the same.” You began to explain the memory you flashed back to. You couldn’t help but grip his shirt tighter, your body full of anxiety.
     Jungkook almost wants to tell you to stop. That he doesn’t need to know, not if it makes your heart hurt, or if you are pushing yourself to open up to him. That was the last thing he wanted to do, to push you into anything.
     “I remember falling to the ground, my knee in excruciating pain. I hadn’t gotten used to the feeling yet, but I didn’t want to have everyone looking at me and wondering “What did she do now?” like I did this on purpose. I didn’t want anyone’s attention and I remember swearing to myself that I would finish the mile. So, I moved to put my knee back into place but the teacher had already seen me on the floor.” You grimace, remembering vividly how she ran up to you.
     “Her voice seemed to be attached to a microphone as she yelled across the field, telling me not to touch my knee and asking if I was okay. She made a huge deal about it, sitting next to me and trying to figure out if she should call an ambulance. She even got another teacher involved.” Jungkook was confused, wanting to know what you meant by making a big deal out of the situation.
     “I had spent months already putting my knee back into place and with everyone looking at me I just remember starting to cry, pushing my teacher away. Everyone’s stares on me, the whispers I could hear and the laughter coming from some of my classmates had me feeling humiliated. I felt even worse when my teacher did call an ambulance.” You whispered the last sentence, unable to stop the tears from slowly falling down your cheek.
     Jungkook now understood everything, with the help of some of the Soul Bracelet messages he remembered reading. (read: that he continues to read every night so he doesn’t forget anything)  He recalled reading multiple messages where you vented about growing up hearing that you needed to stop “attention seeking” and that you were faking your injuries, with classmates making fun of you, and no one believing you, that day was just a culmination of everything at once. Your dislike of attention and being the center of it, especially when injured, now made complete sense.
     He couldn’t help it, cupping your cheek and tilting your head up so he could see you. The feeling of your wet skin under his thumb as he wiped away your tears was something he didn’t want to feel again under the circumstances. Placing a soft and slow kiss to your lips, trying to push through his feelings of love and admiration for you, he held you close, closer than he already was.
     He knew he would tell the boys this later on, somehow, but for now, you needed him.
     “I am so sorry, baby. For everything. I will do my absolute best to stop that from happening again now that I know.” Jungkook kissed your mouth again, a chaste kiss that had your lips tingling. You don’t think you will get used to that, ever.
-*-*-
     You were able to be held by Jungkook only for a little bit longer, seeing as they did have things to do today. But after receiving his hoodie again, you were happily snuggled into it eating your forgotten watermelon cup from earlier. You had borrowed Namjoon’s headphones, after repeatedly asking if he was sure, and watched TikToks on your phone.
     You don’t know how long has passed before Taehyung is placing kisses to your face in a quick attack to steal your attention. A squeal escapes your lips as the headphones fall off your head and another set of kisses is aimed.
     “Oh baby! We’re all finished which means kisses!” Taehyung sings, making you laugh at the reminder.  But before he can give your face even more kisses, he is pulled away by Jin.
     “Hi, baby. We have some recording to do in the studio, but after that we were hoping to take you to dinner. Then maybe some movies at our place?” Jin smiled at you, seemingly nonchalant but on the inside, he was freaking out. His eyes showed the hope he had for the evening, showed his desire to just get to know you more and spend time with you.
     To you, it sounded nice. Just a simple night with all seven of them. It’s not something you’ve had the chance to experience yet. You make the first move this time, moving forward and putting your lips on his plump ones, shocking the man. Jin was in heaven at the feeling of your lips on his and he almost cried when the kiss was over, your big smile aimed at him ones he opened his eyes again.
     “That sounds nice, Jinnie.” You verbally respond to his words, making the others silently cheer at your acceptance.
     You move to snuggle back into the couch, only for Jin’s hand to move into your line of vision, his palm up and ready for you to take. You look up at him, confusion written on your face.
     “You didn’t think we were going to leave you here, did you?” Jin’s tone was teasing but held a real question, wondering if he didn’t make the plans obvious enough.
     You did actually think the plan was for you to stay in the practice room. You didn’t know what rooms you had access to yet, despite the boys saying you had access to everything they did. You didn’t know if they were just saying that or not.
     “Oh uhm, okay.” You didn’t answer his question, but the blush of embarrassment on your cheeks did. But Jin, nor the others, said anything about it. They knew the relationship between you all was still so new, so innocent that they didn’t want anything to go wrong, not like the incident earlier.
     You took his hand and he helped you up off the couch, not letting go of your hand as he led you out the doors and through the building until you reached the studio he was talking about.
     On the way to the studio, you walked by numerous staff members but your eyes stuck on the trainees who passed by as well. There were a couple groups of them, probably going from class to class, you thought. They bowed to your group a couple of times, some of them even stopping to bow a full ninety degrees. It was weird seeing it, but you knew it was a show of respect for the boys.
     Jin was first up to do his thing in the studio, your eyes barely catching the soft wink he sends you as he gives your hand a small squeeze before letting go and moving into the booth as your vision swept over the recording studio. There were buttons and keys of all kinds and you were curious and wanted to push every single one, needing to know what each button did.
     Hoseok caught your eye and put his hand on your lower back, moving you to sit in the producer’s chair and he knelt by your side. He knew it would take some time for Jin to get himself ready in the booth, so he took the time to indulge your curiosity.
     The others watched on as Hobi spoke animatedly about the digital audio workstation, pressing buttons and telling Jin to speak into the microphone to show what each button did. Hobi loved the way your eyes lit up when a particular button made Jin sound like a chipmunk. He loved the sparkle in your eye and the fascination with the workstation. He couldn’t help but imagine you and him in the studio one day, making a song together.
     When Jin was ready, Hobi let you stay in the chair, telling you what buttons to push while he instructed the room. Hobi, along with Namjoon and Yoongi, were in full producer mode now, but still held patience as you pushed the buttons and used the workstation.
     As each member went into the booth, Hobi would let you know how to save the audio and would give you the biggest smile and praise you for your work and help.
     “You could be our producer!” He smiled so wide that you ended up blushing under his praise. You felt like a little kid, wanting to do anything to make Hobi smile and praise you again.
     “No, no. I’m just pushing the buttons.” You tried to play it off but he just shook his head, shaking his finger at you.
     “Nope! You are now our producer.” He stated it with such conviction that you had to look away from him, not wanting him to see you blush, your cheeks surely lobster red by now.  
     Once the boys were done, two hours or so had passed. Hobi explained to you that they just needed to record some adlibs for their final song for the album, and that it would be quick. Having seen some “Bangtan Bombs” where the boys were in the studio, you could only guess they were normally here for hours and hours a day.
     You had been so relaxed and at ease that you didn’t even realize Hobi had slipped his hand in yours, intertwining your hands together so he could hold it. It took him helping you out of the chair for you to notice. You didn’t realize how easy it was to feel comfortable with Hobi, to feel like you had known him forever.
     Being with Hobi was easy and simple. Effortless.
     It was like you could go to him for anything and you knew he would just smile and listen to you. It also helped that he had a penchant for squeezing your hand in reassurance, as if speaking to you in morse code. He just smiles softly at you and hums under his breath. His actions speak louder than his words, the silence filled with so much that you don’t even notice the silence when you’re with him.
      As you all move to the big SUV to go to the restaurant the boys rented out, you pull Hobi so sit next to you, feeling the same way you did with Jungkook the previous day. You wanted to see who he was beyond the cameras of Bangtan that you got to know him from. You had a sweet smile on your face, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as you laid your head on his shoulders, smiling softly, wanting to stay in this moment for a little longer.
      The car ride was filled with music and lots of talking; Taehyung asking what the name of the restaurant was, Namjoon asking what kinds of movies we all wanted to watch that night, Jungkook asking what snacks we were going to have, all while you and Hobi just talked. You asked him about his family and he asked about yours.
      You already knew about his older sister, and he somewhat knew about your siblings, but he
still listened attentively as you talked about your family.
       “My older sister is protective and was the one to help me get my diagnosis after my mom passed. She went to every appointment with me and made sure I was eating and drinking. She actually made a joke at one point that you all would be my soulmates, and after I got off the phone with you the first time, I immediately called her.” Hobi smiled as he listened, glad to know that you had someone there for you when they couldn’t be. It hurt to know you suffered through so much in such a short time frame.
         He rubbed his thumb across the top of your hand, trying to soothe you as he noticed your voice shaking a little.
        “My brother, on the other hand, is also protective, but like the stereotypical older brother way. He is the only other one of us who has met his soulmate. Lena is super sweet and they met in middle school. She’s like an older sister to me.” At some point, everyone else in the car had stopped their conversations to listen to you. They wanted to know everything they could, and they loved knowing you had a supportive family by your side.
        When you got to the restaurant, you ended up sitting in between Hobi and Jungkook at the large booth. Jin took control of ordering the food, while Hobi and Jungkook whispered to you what Jin was ordering so you knew what was going on. It was really sweet.
       While waiting for the food, you joined in on the movie conversation that Namjoon and Jimin had started. They seemed to be fighting over two different movies and you questioned why you couldn’t just watch them both. They looked at you and began trying to get you to see their point of view.
        “We don’t want to watch it again because its boring…”
        “He always falls asleep during the best parts!”
        “There are so many mindless plot points that…”
         Your head was whipping back and forth as you tried to keep up with their arguments, the boys speaking so fast you eventually had to give up. You sat back down in your seat, returning the soft smiles that Jin and Yoongi gave you from across the table.
        “It’s okay, pretty girl. They always get this way about movies. We tend to just pick one out and put it on before they notice anyways.” Hobi leans over and whispers in your ear, making you nod your head in understanding.
         “They get passionate like this over movies, huh?” You ask, almost rhetorically, as you watch it firsthand. You smiled as you watched them, Jimin throwing sass making Namjoon roll his eyes at the younger man.
         “They are more alike than I think they realize.” Hobi whispers back, “They are both passionate beings. Just in different ways. But they both have strong feelings about what they believe in, which makes the debate about which movie to watch an entertaining and sometimes chaotic event.” Hearing his words, you had a new perspective for the two boys, not even just in the capacity of arguing. It was like a new light shown on the two men and it had you wanting to know more about them.
         After Hobi’s words, a multitude of waiters came over and placed plate upon plate of food down on the table. The entire table was covered with food and it was at this moment you realized just how much food the boys could eat. You guessed most of the plates would be empty by the time you all were ready to leave.
         Your guess was cemented once Jin grabbed his first piece of food, signaling to everyone else that they could start. You didn’t know what to grab, everything looking so good, that you were kind of sitting there in awe. You were shaken out of it though once you saw chopsticks placing meat onto your empty plate.
       Hobi, on pure instinct, was making sure you had enough food on your plate before everyone else got their pick. He tried giving you a little of everything, but he also gave you some extra meat pieces, knowing you had a liking for them from your KBBQ trip with the maknaes.
       Once Hobi put the first piece of meat on your plate, however, Taehyung and Jungkook noticed and also began putting food on your plate. Soon enough your plate was overflowing with food, and you had to stop your mates from continuing to give you more food.
        It was a sweet gesture, but you couldn’t even make a dent in your plate. You ate slowly, savoring every flavor and taste you could. Despite not being used to Korean cuisine yet, you were slowly falling in love with all of it. Unfortunately, you could not handle any spice. You wanted to, but your mouth would slowly descend into flames if you even tried to eat anything even remotely spicy.
        So, at one point, you’re pretty sure you asked for a drink refill three times within ten minutes.
        “Are you okay?” Jungkook asked you, noticing you fanning your mouth from the heat as you slowly chewed your food.
        “Uhm, yeah.” Your voice was pitched higher as you tried to reassure him you were fine, eyes watering and cheeks heating up.
        Jungkook just quirked his eyebrow at you, automatically catching you in your lie. Taehyung was the same way with spicy foods, so Jungkook knew you were battling against the foods he had put on your plate. He didn’t mean to, he only wanted you to be able to try everything.
        Movement from the side caught your attention, as Hobi found a small empty plate and began removing everything on your own plate that was spicy and depositing it onto the smaller plate with the help of Taehyung. They both had seen how you reacted to the food and Taehyung helped tell Hobi everything that would give you trouble, knowing from experience.
         It was nice and heartwarming; it didn’t make you feel like a burden. Normally if this happened, if you tried to do something about it, like ordering a glass of milk, you friends would make fun of you, or your family would complain that they had to always go through the trouble of not getting what they wanted because you couldn’t handle anything spicy.
        Despite having a supportive and loving family, it was hard not to feel like you were a burden growing up. Sometimes a single scoff or deep breath of air from someone could have you becoming silent, trying to hide behind your hair.
        The boys didn’t make you feel this way. They didn’t make exaggerated movements as they removed the spicy food from your plate; they only sent you reassuring smiles and glances as they made sure they removed everything.
        “It’s okay, baby. I don’t like spicy foods either.” Taehyung reassured you again, before starting to eat his food, not giving the situation a second glance or thought. It was nice and left you smiling as you continued to eat slowly, still struggling with using the chopsticks you were given.
        For your first meal with everyone, the boys wanted to document it.
        “Okay everyone, smoosh together!” Jin yelled out so he could get everyone into frame on his phone. He was the one taking the selfie, his long arms giving him the advantage as he sat at the end of the table.
        You had your cheeks almost pressed to Hobi’s as he had an arm around your shoulder. Your height was not giving you any advantage as you tried not to be hidden by anyone. You were standing on your tippy toes and smiling as big as you could, showing just how truly happy you were in the moment.
        This was the first time you truly felt a part of the soul group and connected to each of the boys.
        “Okay…and 3, 2, 1!” You blinked as the flash went off, hoping that your eyes weren’t closed in the photo. Jin took a couple of pictures, each one had everyone doing something different, at one point, Jungkook and Hobi both pushed their fingertips into your cheeks causing laughter to bubble from your throat.
        “Are you gonna post those on Weverse, Hyung?” Jungkook asked once the photos were taken and everyone was moving towards the doors, content from their bellies being full.
        The boys had all tried being active on all of their social media, but they were all still partial to Weverse, liking that they got to interact firsthand with Army. They loved reading the comments on their posts and hoped that you would come to as well.
        “Yeah, but I don’t know which one to post.” Jin responded but knew he would probably post a different one to each of the Bangtan Official social media accounts.
        He zoomed into your face on the last photo, laughter clear on your face as your eyes were closed. He wanted to take more pictures of you, thinking you were the perfect muse for his camera. He couldn’t help but to think you were the perfect fit for them, for their soul bond.
        Jin was happy you were their missing piece.
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stevesbipanic · 2 years
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Soulmate Marks Steddie AU but instead of like a guitar or dice or something for Eddie they get a nail bat and a nail shield.
Steve had grown up very confused with his soul mark. The crudely made shield with nails wasn't like anything he'd ever seen, normally soulmarks were something that represented his soulmate and helped him find her. People had flowers and sports equipment and things like their name. Tommy had a Christmas Tree for Carol and she had Tommy's favourite car. So what his soulmate was a Viking??? Maybe she was super into history, he signed up for AP history in hopes of finding her, but no luck. His parents hated that he didn't want to cover it up, it's not very feminine, what will people think Steve, but he didn't care He loved his soulmark and his soulmate, whoever she was. He knew Nancy wasn't his soulmate even though she matched the warrior personality he'd created in his head of his soulmate and he wasn't surprised her camera matched Jonathan's notepad and pen.
He kind of forgot about his mark for awhile. Too busy with Upside Down stuff and the kids and Robin and work and his parents always being away. He had a bisexual crisis in the Family Video bathroom with Robin when she said it was ok to like both, eerily reflecting Starcourt.
When it all came back again he swore that he felt something for a brief moment when Eddie pushed him against the boathouse but then there was the lake and Eddie talking about how soulmarks aren't everything if he truly loved Nancy and the chaos of getting out of the Upside Down.
Maybe if Eddie and Dustin weren't always so loud, their laughter cutting through the gloom of the situation, Steve wouldn't have noticed what they were doing. But there they were, battling each other with shields that Steve was all too familiar with. He almost dropped the makeshift molotov.
There was no time to confront this though, they had a job to do, a Hawkins to save. Eddie had stopped him for just a moment and he almost said it then. Oh how he wished he'd said something then, when he'd come back to Dustin's screams, a rush of bloody bandages, a slurring dying Eddie in his arms and a speeding van to the hospital, police be damned.
Steve didn't move from his bedside for a whole week. By then the party had seen the soulmark on Steve's hip, they knew why he was there. Steve had never seen a more beautiful sight than Eddie finally opening his eyes.
"Those bats bit off half my bat tattoo those ironic bastards" was one of the first things Eddie said. Steve couldn't help but laugh, Eddie was still being Eddie despite everything.
"shit they better not have-" to Steve's alarm, Eddie was pulling on the edge of one of his bandages, "oh thank fuck it's still there," and there it was, Eddie's soulmark, Steve's nail bat.
Guess Steve's soulmate was a warrior after all.
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crimsonlyinglilly · 3 days
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Day 24 No Time to Rest
Days late for day 24 of whumpril
and a return to the Soulmark Au, which I need a better name for it, any ideas?
Pretty much just JacksonXElijah as Hayley off to yell at Klaus, took me far longer to write this than I planned, also this was the one that started off for 'Touch staved Day 20'.
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Jackson had fallen asleep the night before with both soulmates in his arms, it wasn't perfect with Hope not with them and as Elijah had been suffering through their combined venom to settle the new bond that would protect them and the pack from ever suffering the Crescent curse again but it was almost there.
So he wasn't that happy when he woke up to the sound of Hayley getting out of the shower, alone in Elijah's bed.
They had convinced Elijah not to deal with the side effects of the venom alone. And being on the other side of the river was the least amount of distance from Niklaus Mikealson that Jackson could be happy with; he knew that would be shrinking sooner than he’d like.
Like it or not they shared a daughter, because while Hope wasn’t his blood he loved that little girl, she was family, and Klaus’s reaction to them taking her somewhere safe but away from her was to curse the entire pack, so they would settled close enough that Klaus could see and hear his daughter, and with Elijah staying with them he would have even less to complain about.
He was going to miss living in the Bayou but living across from the Mikaelsons would ensure he could keep track of the threats they happen to lure to the city which means he could use it to help protect his pack. 
Elijah had already arranged the apartment across from the abattoir into Jackson’s name during the month since he had been discovered as their third mark while also working to create the spell to free them.
“What are you doing out here?” Hayley's voice carried to the bedroom, the reply came softer forcing Jackson to rely on his supernatural hearing. 
“I had to get a drink.” Elijah sounded better than the night before letting Jackson release the last bit of tension he had been holding since the vampire had revealed his plan to suffer thought to effects of their bites after they had bitten him.
At the reminder one of his hands reached up to trace the small scars left by Elijah's fangs, set in place to match where his name appeared in Elijah's neck.
The anchors for the magic that had joined them all, Hayley had a matching set while Elijah had two larger scars, his bite on the other man's forearm and Hayley’s just above his hip, where they had both had grown up with the strange symbols they had learned were the runes of Elijah's name.
Four scars to bind Elijah to them and the pack and Hayley and himself to Elijah. It had appealed to Jackson when they had explained, an escape from the curse, future protection and Elijah becoming part of the pack in a way no one could argue.
Then Jackson had witnessed as Elijah suffered through the venom and realised Elijah had just added them to the list of people he would harm himself to help and Jackson didn’t like the idea he was now stuck watching as someone who was meant to be important to him care nothing for himself.
Jackson understood loyalty but Elijah took it to another level, he had little to none for himself, which was something he and Hayley would need to change.
“And couldn't make it back?” Hayley’s quip called him from his thoughts, he could see her expression, the slight smile, silent judgement and arched eyebrow.
“I didn't want to disturb either of you.” Elijah excused.
“Waking up to you missing disturbed me more than anything else you could have done returning to bed.” Hayley managed to explain his own thoughts as well.
“Are you going to pick up Hope?” Elijah ignored the clear reprimand in Hayley’s tone to ask.
“Yes.”
“I’ll-” Elijah started,
“No,” she cut him off quickly, “you stay here and recover.”
“I'm fine.” Elijah tried to argue but against Hayley and after they had spent most of last night watching as he suffered from the venom and his nightmares he was going to lose. Jackson’s pretty sure if Elijah hadn’t woken up before them Hayley would have found a way to keep him in it all day.
“Still, Freya is going to be there and you said you already arranged for the place next to the abattoir.” Hayley refreshed the plan, Elijah had only managed to tell them before the impromptu bonding ritual and had too quickly fallen to the venom to explain after, however Hayley had been texting Freya for details.
“I have.” 
“Then I'll explain the plan, Klaus can deal with having her out of his sight for the night and we’ll move in tomorrow.” 
“Are you sure?” Elijah asked.
“Yes, maybe while I deal with your brother, you and Jackson can start packing.” Hayley told Elijah and Jackson listened as she walked further away towards the door, before she called back “Oh and we're taking your bed, large enough for the rest three of us and it may be the months I've spent as a wolf but that was one of the most comfortable things I've slept on.”
Jackson agreed with that as he stretched out on it but it was better with two other bodies beside him though.
“Of course.” Elijah replied just before the door shut.
Jackson forces himself up from the bed as the quiet grows, there was no point being alone in the bed no matter how comfortable, when Elijah was in the living room, it wasn’t like he could get back to sleep, .
He finds Elijah draped across the couch in the sun. Long and lean, for once out of a suit and in looser fitted clothes, Jackson had to drag his eyes away from the bare strip of skin shown from where his shirt had ridden up.
He hadn’t really allowed himself to admire the other man before, only seeing him as competition and since discovering he was their third mark he was mostly dealing with trying not to lose control of his wolf instincts that wanted nothing more than to cover the man in his scent.
Something the other had listened to since Jackson had found more than a few pieces of his clothes in the other man's bedroom, mostly his flannel shirts and Jackson wished he could see the man in them, it would at least help him with the fact he still wanted to drown the man in his scent.
He’s not sure if it easier on Hayley due to her past with Elijah or as a hybrid the wolves instinct weren’t as loud but Jackson is deeply aware that his desire of cover the other is a remnant of his recent time trapped in the body of a wolf full time, it still isn't enough to stop him.
Elijah tensed as he drew closer but he doesn't ask him what he was doing or even open his eyes, Jackson kept watching carefully for any sign that Elijah couldn't remove him, he still wasn’t happy that the pack inbuilt protection for their mates had left Elijah helpless even if it had forced him to stop hiding.
Still he didn't open his eyes as Jackson placed a hand on the back of the couch, his shadow falling over the other making it clear what his plan was, he stayed almost frozen, Jackson noted as he kept watch while he carefully positioned himself over the other.
Slowly so the other could tell him to stop if he wanted.
Once he had settled he moved the hand he had placed on the back of the couch and slipped it under Elijah’s lower back, Elijah reacted only to lift himself up to make it easier.
Jackson was careful with his hand as he realised it had settled just above where Hayley had left her mark, while marvelling that he could wrap his arm around his wrist, the man was slimmer when free of his layer of fabric and suits.
Mentally he sighs, setting his head on the other man’s chest, with his awareness spread out through his body where they touched it was a constant reminder of the freedom from the curse.
Two legs, two arms, fingers, human.
The heart beating under his ear is slower than a humans but still a soothing rhythm.
“You're cooler than you were last night.” he said to fill the silence and to get the other to speak.
“Side effects of the venom,” Elijah explained and Jackson smothered the urge curled around the other tighter from the sheer apathy in his voice as he talks about the thing that had left him crying in his sleep the night before he should care more about something like that, “it caused a fever as my body had to fight it off.”
“So it's more like an infection than venom,” he questions instead of giving into his instinct, “This your normal temperature?”
“Yes.”
“Well that explains how you can walk around in suits in the height of summer.” he said to led them away from the more sober topic, he was pretty sure Elijah wouldn’t want to know why both he and Hayley want to kill his mother again.
“Yes, I suppose it does spare me needing to change all my wardrobe every season.” Elijah replies and Jackson has a small moment wondering about his wardrobe filled with suits that cost more than Jackson could ever imagine, some likely older than New Orleans itself.
“You're colder than Hayley.” he says instead, he thinks bringing up the cost of Elijah clothes might make him a little ill if he thinks too much on it, how much did the suit he ruined last month cost? the one he remembers chewing on as a wolf.
“Hayley’s a hybrid,” he explained ”we're both cooler than you.”
“Then I will be sleeping on you during the summer.” he smirks at the idea, it might be nice to have a cool body to rest on during the height of the humid nights, while watching the other’s face for any reaction.
“You prefer a cool pad over a soulmate.” Elijah opened his eyes, raising an eyebrow to look up at him with an almost expressionless face, Jackson looked down to meet the dark eyes.
“Why pick, when I have both in you.” he told him, softening his smirk to a smile he normally only shared with his family and Hayley.
Jackson watched as Elijah slowly grinned.
Jackson starred as he noticed Elijah’s grin was crooked, he hadn’t really noticed before, Elijah Mikaelson was a flawless immortal, near untouchable and unchanging, like a cold marble statue.
Yet he was, flawed, touchable, warm underneath Jackson, he stared more even as Elijah noticed his inspection, smile vanishing to be replaced by once again the cool look and a raised eyebrow.
It's the sheer contentment he feels, free of the curse, his pack safely returned to their families, his missing soulmate now known and in reach and Hayley to return with Hope today to start a new life tomorrow with all of them, that leads him to speak.
“Your smile’s adorable.” he grinned himself at the other man taking even more pleasure at the open shock and almost shy way Elijah looked away from a moment.
It was a shame he couldn’t blush, Jackson thought.
They settled back into quiet and Jackson let his eyes close, he could rest for a while before they had to plan for the move.
It was the surprise, which he blamed as he didn’t stop himself from letting out the almost moan of pleasure as strong fingers carded though his hair, he opened his eyes to look at Elijah.
The vampire once again had his eyes closed but Jackson knew this was a sign of trust and besides the soft smile of his face was one he had only seen being directed at Hayley or Hope, it seemed he was going to be getting the chance to see beyond the mask the vampire normally allowed the rest of the world to see.
His eyes followed the arm up until he had turned his head slightly to catch sight of the new scar on Elijah's forearm.
He smothered the urge to press a kiss to it, to trace the mark with his tongue, he and Hayley had agreed while Elijah was lost in the delirium to take it slower with their soulmate, besides they both knew Elijah would be more receptive from Hayley.
He was still struggling to deal with the idea that Elijah had known for a year and never admitted to it, had pushed Hayley to marry him while knowing he belonged with them, had tried to convince them to forget it after they discovered the truth.
He blamed the witch Celeste for hiding them from him first and then Elijah's family for somehow convincing him that his soulmates would be better off without him.
That was the first thing he and Hayley were going to unteach him.
He was blaming the soulmarks, to explain his own softening feeling to the formally cold manipulative bastard, so now he could see why Hayley was in love with the man besides the fact he looked pretty in the suits.
Not that he was any less cold and manipulating now, it was just that Jackson also knew what he looked like when he was crying out for his mother to stop or wide eyed as his lies were seen though and lost for words. 
He was reminded of that after about half an hour as Elijah’s fingers vanished from his hair and he felt him freeze beneath him. It was strange to realise how relaxed the other man had been before as he was faced with a throwback to the stone faced man who he first met as he opened his eyes to find a flat eyed expressively vampire staring back at him.
“Two of your pack arrived outside.” Elijah explained shifting himself up on his elbows, Jackson already missed the soft half smile.
“Yes,” he nodded, sliding his arm free from Elijah’s waist to place his hand on the arm rest behind Elijah’s head, he ignored the fact he was clearly straddling the other and Hayley would complain if she returned to find them like this, Jackson was meant to wait but he really didn’t want to let the other move to far from him now, ”they wanted to talk.” he explained, he had gotten the call while Hayley had been trying to get Elijah to drink and keep it down last night to he had been short with them, annoyed at their concern over the trust worthiness of his mate while the man in question suffered a room away..
“About?” Elijah asked as Jackson settled other hand on the other side of Elijah’s head, framing him.
“You.” he answered without moving, Elijah could move him by force he was stronger, he could ask him to move instead Elijah hummed in response.
“More of a reason for us to move.” he implied but made no attempt to escape.
 “I’m comfortable here.” he smirked, his weight resting basically on the others thighs.
“Jackson.“ Elijah sighed, and he realised he wasn’t the only one who had missed intimacy, he and Hayley had been trapped as wolves most of the time, Elijah was alone dealing with Klaus, looking after Hope and mourning his lover, the one Jackson had heard Klaus had made kill herself in front of him.
“I’m comfortable here,” he repeated, leaning closer to the other’s face.
“They won’t be comfortable speaking while I'm here.” Elijah reasoned instead of showing any true want to move himself.
“They speak their objections or they forget them.” Jackson shot back, soulmates were part of a pack the moment they accepted the bond, the names marked down in their pack’s book the moment they appeared on the skin. Elijah’s runes had been written in the book before Jackson had officially had his own name.
Besides Elijah was part of the pack, not just because of his marks but for the hours Jackson had watched him suffer from the venom to free them and protect them from the curse. Sure his family, mostly Klaus were a problem but not one they could remove so what were they expecting any of them to do about it.
“It’s not like you won’t hear them in the other room.” he added after a moment.
“I do have noise cancelling headphones.” Elijah replied.
Jackson blinked at a dozen mental images from the strangeness of a big pair of headphones clashing against the crisp cut of his suits to wondering if the vampire had the same oversensitivity that heightened senses caused freshly triggered wolves.
He knew the older the vampires the stronger they got, did that include their senses? Or had the Originals always been the same strengths?
His life was a lot easier when he didn’t need to care about these things.
“You're the reason, we’re back on two legs.” he tried instead,
“I don't need any appreciation for my deeds.” Elijah sighed
“Proof in that after a thousand years of watching Klaus” he snapped back before he could stop himself, there was a flicker of pain in the other’s face before it vanished as if never there, Jackson reacted without thinking, letting his forehead rest on the other man in silent apology before adding “Your part of the pack now, they need to get used to you.”
There was no noise in the apartment as they're eyes stayed locked inches from each other, Jackson smiled when the other gave in as Elijah sighed and dropped back from his elbows.
“Must I get involved in their little fights?” Elijah asked, his head rating on the arm rest, hair a finger breath from his hand, it itched to reach out and touch the surprisingly silky strands as he had the night before when Elijah was too out of it to remember.
“It would help once but i’m sure you’ll wipe the floor with them,” he grinned down before adding seriously  “just no teeth, for anyone, i've seen enough of you sick.”
“You were such kind nurses.” Elijah smiled, only a hint of mocking it his tone, before Jackson could stop himself he started leaning forward.
A knock at the door stopped him before he kissed the other and broke his promise to Hayley so much for needing to go slow.
“No time to rest.” Elijah spoke and Jackson had to swallow as he almost felt the words on his lips. 
“Doors open.” he called, sitting up slightly but not removing himself from Elijah.
He grinned at the pair of men that entered when he caught the reaction, the moment they recognized the shorter brown hair of the body beneath him wasn’t Hayley.
“Afternoon gentlemen.” Elijah greeted them as if he hadn’t just been arguing against his own inclusion, and that his place laying on the couch under Jackson was completely normal for them.  
Jackson wouldn’t mind if it became that.
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