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"I think my soulmate is part of the royalty" that was the first time Marco has ever heard Jean talk about his soulmate. For someone so arrogant and cocky, he has always avoided the subject when brought up.
Now there was no one around to bring the subject up. The stars were bright and heavy in number, with no cloud to cover them. It was Marco's idea to sneak out and watch them ; it reminds him a lot of home and how he used to watch the stars with his siblings. Jean wasn't looking at them, his gaze glued to the ground ; for how long he's been doing that Marco doesn't know.
"Is that why you truly want to join the Military Police?" there were many questions he had for Jean, all of them piled up in the back of his mind waiting for the right moment. Marco was a patient soul, aware that someone like Jean was best left alone. It was that patience and willingness to not push that made their friendship blossom so beautifully.
Jean half strughs, not really answering the question. Marco nods, knowing the true meaning behind the gesture. Once again he doesn't push, for now content with the small information Jean was willing to disclose.
"Mine might be a chef" at that affirmation Jean moves his attention away from the ground, his gaze landing on Marco.
"My tattoo is of an omelet. When I was younger I thought it means that my soulmate truly loves them, so I begged mom to teach me how to make the perfect one" he adds when Jean's attention is fully on him, a soft smile painted on his face. "Mom said it probably means he's a good cook, but taught me regardless. Her theory makes more sense than mine anyway"
His laugh is the only sound they hear in the darkness of the night, Jean's own chuckle joining soon enough. There was a slight blush on Marco's face of embarrassment, one hidden well by the lack of light. Jean saw it anyway.
"My mom… She, um. She makes really good omelets. I could teach you her receipt?" now it was Jean's turn to blush of embarrassment, something that didn't go unnoticed by Marco.
There was a flow of warmest going through Marco's body, filling him with happiness. He couldn't remember a time when he had smiled so bright, happy from both gaining Jean's help and getting his friend to open up to him even more. The news were like a Christmas gift to him, one that he was never going to forget.
"We can trade. I could use another option on the way I make my omelet"
The smirk he got to associate with Jean came back on his friend's face, the promise made between them without any further words. It was moments like these that made Marco glad he didn't listen to the other cadets and actually gave Jean a chance.
"Then let's do it!" Marco's smile fell instantly once Jean said the words, his friend getting up from the ground and walking towards the cafeteria. He has to rush to get up and follow his friend, his heartbeat running a marathon in his chest.
It was also moments like these, when Jean would let his impulsive thoughts guide his actions and do reckless things, that made Marco regret some of his life choices.
"Right now?! What if we get caught?" he couldn't help but worry, aware of how harsh Keith Shadis could be. No one has forgotten Sasha's punishment back on their first day as cadets, even after such a long time.
"We won't. Everyone is asleep." upon noticing the worried look on his friend's face Jean let out a dramatic sigh and put his arm around Marco's shoulders, bringing him closer "C'mon Marco, live a little! There's no better time than now"
The smile on Marco's face was shaky, but enough for Jean to know that everything was going to be alright.
Jean was in another world altogether. It wasn't like his mom's omelet, no one was going to make it as good as her, but it was one of the best he has ever eaten. He didn't bother to slow down, eating the food like a starved man. There was a deep warmest in his chest, one he had only felt around his mom when he was younger. Love, he vaguely throught.
"Your soulmate is going to be so lucky, you have no clue" the words were spoken through a full mouth, it was a miracle Marco has said nothing about it.
Instead he was smiling, a bright and full of life one. Marco's smiles have always been like that, filling Jean with a happiness he has never thought possible. Jean never understood it, how could someone bring so much brightness in a person's life.
"Yours is going to be just as lucky"
Jean shook his head at the compliment, used to it by now. It was easier for Marco to compliment back than accept the compliments and praises said to him.
"You dork" he said once he swallowed what was left of the omelet, a smirk on his face, "Now is your turn. Try mine before it goes cold!"
The last time Jean felt so anxious was when he was seven, on his first day of school. It was like the time wasn't moving at all while Marco was taking the first bite ; it was only then that Jean realized how much Marco's opinion on it meant to him. He wanted for Marco to love it, the same way he loves it.
Marco's eyes widened ever so slightly before he let out a laugh, one that was filling his eyes with tears. At that moment Jean felt his heart sinking in his stomach, his cheeks warming with embarrassment. His shoulders hunched in defense, harsh words already on the tip of his tongue waiting for Marco's mean words ; he didn't need them in the end, not when Marco gave him a look full of love and wonder while taking another bite of the omelet, tears falling freely over his cheeks and highlighting his freckles. He looked beautiful in that moment, in a way only in dreams made any sense.
"Jean, this is amazing! I have never tasted something so good in my life!" he confessed between bites, another laugh full of life following soon after. At the positive words Jean let himself relax, joining Marco in his laughter.
Jean has never felt so good before ; he has never had friends growing up, Marco being his first and only. In that moment he wanted nothing more than to stay by Marco's side for the rest of his life, so they could enjoy more moments like these together.
"Hey, Jean" a long time has passed since they stopped laughing when he said the words, attracting Jean's attention. Only when Jean looks directly at him does Marco continue, a content smile on his face, "We are going to join the Military Police together, right? You're going to find your soulmate and I'm going to give my heart and soul to you two. Protect the royal family with all I got!"
"Don't be ridiculous" knowing Marco, he was truthful at that moment. Jean shook his head in disapprovement, a small frown on his face. "You're going to find your soulmate too. Then we're going to live a comfortable life inside the walls, the four of us. Together"
Marco's eyes softened at the words, his smile small and soft.
"Alright. Together"
"What are you doing here, maggots?!"
The new voice startled the two boys, making them jump away from the table. Jean hit his hip while doing that and Marco nearly fell on the ground, but they both got up and saluted instructor Shadis.
By the look on his face, their punishment wasn't going to be an easy one. But Jean thought everything was worth it ; it was for Marco after all.
((He withdraw the sentiment on the third day of night training))