#serendipity fic

[arduinae]

🌙 New Chapter - Serendipity: a Destiel Medieval Fantasy AU 🌙

Chapter 12 — Unspoken

Dean Winchester. King of Earden.

When your travel companion turns out to be the enemy king... 🔗 Read on AO3

[heylookitsbeanz]

I just...

I just finished my first fic. Ever.

Not even did I manage that back on wattpad. Not unless it was a oneshot.

This was an actual long-haul fic. And I finally finished it.

I'm so proud of myself.

[inawickedlittletown]

Serendipity - Notes about Henry/Jasper

There was no way for me to fit season five of Serendipity within the fic itself, but I wanted to finish out season four and that’s what sort of made me write the last few chapters the way I did. But that also meant that of course the show doesn’t have a conclusion. But I know what happens next because I did spend way too much time thinking about it so I want to give you guys a bit more info about Serendipity the show from my notes: 

I’ll start with Dean. Dean’s whole deal is about Henry’s immortality because he too is immortal — but younger than Henry. I think Henry actually does know that and maybe they have run into each other before, but what he doesn’t know is that they’re related somehow. Despite that, Henry still somehow expects for Jasper and Dean to be Soulmates even though one of his reasons for not wanting to be with Jasper is that he knows he will outlive Jasper. It’s one of the few things that Dean understands about Henry’s reluctance and also why he doesn’t understand why Henry insists on Dean and Jasper being together if they are Soulmates. 

Henry and Jasper are Soulmates. Jasper’s love/attraction prompted him to get a Soulmark meant for Henry and the first time that Henry touches Jasper after Jasper acquires the Mark is when Jasper is passed out so he doesn’t actually feel the touch. Henry — without having Jasper’s Mark — does not notice. 

And a little note about this that doesn’t make it into the fic is that I originally wanted to portray Jasper’s lack of Mark as being more connected to his sexuality and more specifically about it being connected to demisexuality. It never quite fit in part because platonic Soulmates also exist and that brings along the question of what would happen with someone that is Ace/Aro so that’s an aspect that would be interesting to explore…but a further explanation for why Jasper didn’t have a Mark until he meets Henry and also doesn’t get his Mark for a while yet after meeting Henry. 

But it is Henry’s own love for Jasper that leads to his fading Mark from finally disappearing. It’s something very rare and yet in a lot of ways possible only because Henry is immortal and had so much time to move past his first Soulmate (so the popular belief is that you can only have one Soulmate because the connection is so strong you wouldn’t ever be in a place to be able to get another)…but it doesn’t go until he knows that Jasper loves him and has picked him and until he allows himself to see that he can’t not be with Jasper. I don’t think Josh will ever lose his own Mark or that he wants it to go no matter what he feels for Matt (who still has a close friendship with his own Soulmate). 

Ultimately, I see Henry developing his Mark over several weeks at the start of S5 and being angry about it because of his other Mark being gone. His anger is the reason he keeps away from Jasper despite how much he wants him. I see him keeping it from Jasper but telling Dean and the two of them getting so close that Jasper starts to feel left out until he blows up at Henry and they touch and Henry reacts to it. He’s happy but has a hard time with finding out how long Henry knew and they’re both dumb for a while until finally getting together at last. Really there’s just a bunch of bouts of miscommunication and one or the other assuming things that aren’t true about the other. 

One element that I never managed to bring into the story of Serendipity is one of Henry’s goals with his work involving figuring out how to stop being immortal. It’s one of the reasons Dean showed up because he wants that too. Because the creators had a five year plan the end of S5 is them discussing really working towards figuring that out but being in a good solid place for the show to end. It would conclude the whole arc of storyline that wanted to be told. 

So in seasons past five they work towards finding a way to fix that and they eventually figure out not how to stop immortality, but how to give that to Jasper as well. Dean would find his Soulmate along the way as well and Jasper would have to make the choice about his future. 

As I admitted to someone in the reviews, the weird thing is that Henry and Jasper are named after characters in a book I am writing. Characters that are nothing like the ones in Serendipity. So I now have two versions of them in my head. And I know a lot of people have suggested that I do more with the storyline of the show and Henry and Jasper and I think one day I might work on something related to them because there is just so much to work with. I do want to revisit it and figure something out, but for now I have to actually get back to the book I’m supposed to be writing. 

If anyone does have any more questions about Henry and Jasper or the show or the fic itself throw them at me. I probably have answers. Thank you again to anyone that read the fic and anyone invested enough to come read this post.

[tothemeadow]

Serendipity [Chapter 1]

When the kingdom of Ainamoryp falls, a motley crew of unlikely allies must come together to save the country. 

warnings: swearing, mentions of death, mentions of blood

words: 3.8k

(a/n): All characters range from 19-20. Reader insert, reverse harem.

Dinton Keep, Ainamoryp, May 3rd, 492, 00:43

“The king! The king is dead!”

As soon as the declaration is shouted, there’s a growl of pain, then the unceremonious thump as a body hits the ground.

All around, flames lick at the stone walls, set the sky ablaze. The inky hue of the night is abruptly ruined by a brilliant orange, the smell of burning wood and bodies drifting along with the night’s breeze. The clamoring of swords crashing against each other rings throughout the air, seemingly traveling for miles. Horrified screams and blood-thirsty growls make for a gruesome, twisted melody, one that imprints itself on the brain and promises itself its unholy stay.

Heavy pants, cloudy eyes, a desire for murder.

This is what keeps Prince Shouto pressing forward.

Flanked by two guards, the three scramble through the narrow halls – the hidden passageways hidden behind the castle walls. A mere torch is their only source of light, a pitiful flame compared to the hellstorm raging through the city’s streets. Their movements are rushed, silent; there’s no time to be discussing the finer details of the invasion when the only thing playing on their minds it escaping. Gods be damned if more royal blood be spilt on the stone, seeping through and leaving a burgundy scar.

Despite the silence cloaking them, Shouto grits his teeth, the urge to turn back and fight ever present and growing. That’s his kingdom who’s suffering, hundreds of innocent people dying, suffering. And for what? Power? Wealth? If it were up to him, he’d go back and slaughter those intruding the lands, planting their flags and proclaiming their victory.

This isn’t how things were supposed to go.

“Please, my prince, we must keep moving,” the guard in front throws over his shoulder, as if sensing Shouto’s inner turmoil. “We have to get you away immediately.”

Funny how this works, how simple guards think they can control their prince, a member of the royal family. He could easily rip them a new one, put them in their place and insist they stand their ground, but he knows they’re right. There are too many enemies, even by Shouto’s standards. Even if he stayed around and fought, there isn’t a doubt in his mind that he would be slain right there on the spot.

Up ahead, a rickety wooden door comes into view, a heavy bolt holding it shut. The metal creaks as the frontmost guard slides it loose and opens the door. Heavy smoke hangs in the air, slowly spreading towards the surrounding woods and farmlands. Shouto’s heart clenches at the sight, at the putrid odor of death, the sounds of petrified screams. Closing his eyes, he tries to calm his rapidly beating heart, the anger boiling in his blood twinging the outlines of his vision red.

He’s a complete and utter fool for abandoning those who need him most.

Still, he allows the guards to lead him to an awaiting horse, a brilliant beast the color of ivory. Swinging up and onto the saddle with graceful ease, his cloak flutters behind him.

“Go! Now!” the guard with the torch bellows, eyes latching onto a group of enemy soldiers scaling a wall. “Get out of here!”

“You’ll be killed, dammit!” Shouto proclaims, his anger finally boiling over. “I refuse to have anybody else shed their blood!”

“You’re the prince, your highness,” the guard shoots back, both he and the other one drawing their swords. “There’s a watchpoint south of here, hidden away in the woods. Get there, seek for help. The soldiers there will lead you to safety.”

“Bastards, the lot of them,” Shouto hisses, “I can stay and fight.”

“No! You must go!” Before Shouto is given a chance to say anything in return, the guard strikes the horses rear. Letting out a shrill whinny, the horse rears up, landing back down heavily and taking off at a breakneck speed.

Cursing under his breath, Shouto watches over his shoulder as the two guards confront the enemy soldiers. They soon disappear from sight, leaving only the smoldering haze and raging fires encompassing the silhouette of Shouto’s childhood home. As the castle and surrounding city grow smaller and smaller with each impounding trollop of the horse, he can’t tear his eyes away, even long after it disappears from the horizon.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

Levalon, Ainamoryp, May 3rd, 492, 10:14

Easy does it now, easy does it… Don’t get too close… And… Gotcha!

Snatching his hand away, Zenitsu quickly stashes the pigskin coin purse underneath his cloak. Heh, suckers, the lot of them. Most of them couldn’t tell the difference between their right hand and a horse’s ass, much less when someone steals their coinage. Briskly turning on his heel, he walks away, whistling casually.

It’s so easy.

On the market streets of the town, a large sea of people roam from stall to stall, buying smoked meats, freshly baked breads, the farmers’ latest pickings. It’s a jolly scene, the constant chatter of patrons and high-pitched yelps of young boys trying to direct potential customers to their father’s stalls. Zenitsu grew up on these streets, raised right alongside other peasant boys with no home or family to call their own. Perhaps it’s a sad story, one meant for lonely nights and listening ears, but it’s Zenitsu’s lineage. It’s what made him into what he is today, a thief with deft fingers and a pair of legs that could challenge a horse in a race.

An easy smile comes to his face. He’s long since grown used to the smell of piss and sweat clinging to the cobbled street, the hollow-eyed children staring long after the people carrying baskets and sacks of food. Everything is so horribly imperfect, but this is home. Hell, although he’s making his living in a dishonest way, it’s enough to keep a roof over his head and food in his tummy. And maybe, if he saves up enough coin, roll around in a bed of hay with a large breasted whore.

Sidestepping the crowd, he makes way towards the local tavern (Ye Olde Wife, can you believe that?), breakfast and busty barmaids on the mind. If possible, the patrons inside the tavern are nearly as loud as the ones outside. Kicking the door shut, Zenitsu heads for his usual spot at the bar, sliding onto the wobbly stool and shucking his hood down. Ale and body odor permeate his nose, the smell foul yet welcoming. Nothing is more greeting than sweaty men and alcohol.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” the owner’s crackly voice says.  A stout old man with wild hair and a bushy mustache, he’s about as rough as they come, but to Zenitsu, he’s probably the closest thing to family that he’s ever had.

“Oh, come on, Gramps,” Zenitsu says, tapping the bar top with his fingertips. “You love seeing me, eh? I bring you plenty of service-“

“You flirt with the girls in here more than you order anything,” Gramps spits. Even so, he starts to step away, already heading to the kitchen to fetch Zenitsu something to eat. “Ungrateful bastard – it’s a wonder you’re not a father yet.”

“Yet!” Zenitsu calls after him. “Don’t jinx me, Gramps!” Easing back, he turns around, resting his elbows on top of the bar. Now that he’s closer to the kitchens, the smell of succulent meat turning on a spit makes his mouth water and his stomach growl. Gods, he is hungry. While he could easily steal something from the stalls lining the market street, he normally comes to Gramps’ tavern for a proper meal. And yeah, maybe he ogles the barmaids while he’s at it, but it’s merely a dinner and a show for him.

“Oh, shit,” some random man sitting at a nearby table says. “You mean you haven’t heard about the capital?” Along with him sits another man – they’re most likely miners, if their builds and dirty fingernails say anything. Knocking back his cup, the other merely shakes his head. “Them bastards from the north – Nialliv – they stormed it. Took Dinton Keep as their own.”

Now, it’s usually polite to not listen in on others’ conversations, but this is Zenitsu here. For as long as he can remember, his sense of hearing is astronomically better than the average human’s, and it’s actually quite a useful tool when it comes to his particular jobs. But this… The capital city being taken over? How come he hasn’t heard anything before?

“You’re telling me that Dinton Keep isn’t ours? Watch the shite spilling from your mouth,” the other man grumbles.

“Aye, it’s true. Took in the wee hours of this morning, I tell you. Apparently, the king is dead.”

At that, Zenitsu stiffens. The king? Dead?

“Fuck,” the companion curses. “And they haven’t said anything yet?”

The first one shakes his meaty head. “Only a few know, I guess. The messengers probably all got their throats slit. Gods bless their souls. It’d be a miracle if we’re all not dead by the end of the month.”

“How many are dead?”

“Hundreds, I take it. Mostly guards and members of the royal court, probably. No point in killing civilians if you don’t want to clean up the mess.”

“And the prince?”

“Disappeared. Haven’t heard if they found his body or not.”

“Oi,” Gramps barks, slamming a plate down on the bar before Zenitsu.

With a jolt, Zenitsu yelps. Whipping back around, he flashes Gramps with wide eyes. “Gramps,” he whisper-yells, “is it true?”

Cocking a bushy brow, Gramps leans forward, arms crossed over his chest. “Is what true?”

“That the king is dead,” Zenitsu says, slowly. He can hardly believe the words are coming out of his own mouth.

Pointing a thick finger at him, Gramps flashes him a warning look. “It’s not your damn business spreading the news around. People are gonna be in a panic when it goes public.”

Zenitsu pales. “No way…”

“I had a carrier pigeon come in this morning,” Gramps continues, voice tight. “Unless they kick them bastards out of Dinton Keep, Ainamoryp can kiss its ass goodbye.”

Glancing down at the steaming meat and eggs in front of him, Zenitsu’s body immediately says that his appetite is gone.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

Roman Sea, off the coast of Ainamoryp, May 3rd, 492, 12:39

“Captain! Land clear up ahead!”

“Well, what the fuck you waiting for? This ship isn’t going to dock itself!” you screech.

The sky above is a limitless blue, not a hint of a cloud in the sky. The sun itself seems in a good mood, as does the waters. Your ship heads towards your homeland gracefully, the waves slapping against the sides in a hello, welcome back. As much as you love sailing and exploring new lands, home forever beckons for you, calls you back with welcoming arms. There’s nothing as relieving as setting foot on familiar land.

Although you’re young, you’re powerful. Already a captain of your own crew, the proud owner of The Pearl Lady, you’re meant to go places and the gods are surely smiling down at you. Granted, the overexposure of sun and salt water may have left your skin permanently freckled and mind scrambled, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re a force to be trifled with, and all be damned if they dare challenge you.

Hands settled on the wooden railing, you watch as the rest of your crew scrambles to prepare for docking, lowering the sails and readying the anchor. The coast of Ainanomyrp glimmers under the afternoon sun, truly a sight to behold, but something feels… off. Normally, other boats come to and from the mouth of inland, the capital city of Endeavor being a major port. However, there’s not another boat on the water, not even the small dingeys for fishing.

Your ship glides in smoothly, coming to a gradual stop by an open dock. Your crew pushes the anchor overboard, the salty water giving a final splash as your boat jolts to a stop. Hell, even the docks are unnaturally silent, not even a single ship hand or merchant in sight. All other vessels are docked, their decks bare of any people. Your crew shifts uneasily, clearly noticing the strange lack of other human beings.

“Uh, Captain?” the quartermaster asks you, hand instinctively landing on the butt of his pistol as he glances around, “Should we lift anchor and sail to another port?”

“Like hell we are,” you grunt, narrowing your eyes. Something’s coming. You can feel it.

Stepping away from the railing, you saunter down to the main deck, heading to the side where your crew set the bridge down. The clunk of wood striking wood echoes into the air; instead of it being a relieving sound – a sign that you’re truly home – it’s ominous. It’s only a matter of time before disaster hits.

“Keep your eyes peeled,” you tell your crew, “Something isn’t right.”

“Halt!” an unknown voice calls. Straining your neck forward, you catch sight of a small patrol of guards in dark gray armor clamber down the cobblestone steps leading from the streets to docks. While it’s somewhat of a relief to see actual human beings, you’re immediately on edge, body stiffening. Those are not the given uniforms of Ainamorypan soldiers.

“Fuck,” you grumble, biting the inside of your cheek.

Metal clanking against wooden boards fills the tense atmosphere as the patrol comes up to your ship. The group stands ramrod-straight, faces stoic, eyes sharp. The leader steps forward, neck craning as he looks up at you. “Who goes there?” he barks.

Clicking your tongue, you lean over the side of the ship, elbows resting on the weathered wood. “A bunch of merchants returning home. Everybody’s got to make a living somehow, eh? Now, if you’d kindly fuck off, I’d like to step on some actual dirt for once.”

The guard sneers, expression turning ugly as he flashes yellow teeth. “All incoming and outgoing ships are to be registered. And, as far as I’m concerned, your shitty dingey isn’t on the list.” With a metallic snap of his fingers, one of his followers hands him a clipboard and a hunk of charcoal. “Ship name, captain’s name, date of arrival and planned dismissal.”

At that, you bark out an incredulous laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? When was this instilled?”

“Just this morning, actually,” the guard snips. “Since I’m feeling merciful, I’ll let you off with a warning just this once. Follow these orders or we’ll have no other option than to imprison you.”

Prison? Seriously? Just who did this dickhead think he’s talking to?

Scoffing, you draw yourself to a full stand, placing your hands on your hips. You could easily pull out your pistol and try to shoot one of the damned guards, but lead balls aren’t going to do much against a full suit of armor. “And I’m pretty sure I told you to fuck off.”

The same guard who gave the leader the clipboard and charcoal steps close and leans in, whispering something into the leader’s ear. The leader spares you a single glance, his eyebrow cocking in interest. With a wave of his hand, the rest of the patrol storm the ship, drawing their blades. Your crew readies their own blades and brandishes their pistols, murmuring unsure words.

“Captain (l/n) of The Pearl Lady,” the lead guard says, scribbling it onto his parchment. “Such a pleasure to meet a wanted criminal.”

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

Dinton Keep’s dungeons, Ainamoryp, 492, May 3rd, 13:00

“Oi, oi! Keep your grubby hands off of me!” you bark, shoving yourself against the guards holding you by the biceps.

“Shut your damn trap, you filthy pirate,” the guard on your right seethes, his putrid breath clogging your nostrils. “Thinking you can just waltz right into Endeavor? What are you, an idiot?”

“Far as I was concerned, Endeavor used to be leagues more friendly than this horse shit.”

“I told you to shut up,” the guard barks. Lifting a hand, he cracks up alongside the back of your skull, leaving a thrumming ache. The other guard merely stays silent as he shoves you into the other’s arms, fishing a set of keys from his side and opening the door to a cell. “Fucking rot for all I care,” the guard spits, pushing you into the dingy space.

You sputter as you crash onto the jagged rock, your palms scraping against the surface. You hiss in pain as the guards slam the gate shut and lock it. The one who mocked you takes off with a bark of laughter as the other simply follows behind. “Bloody bastards,” you grunt as they disappear from sight. “I oughta wring their necks and hang them from the bow.”

“Are you alright?” a new voice speaks.

With a screech, you fling yourself to the side, your hip screaming in pain as a sharp rock digs into the flesh. You instinctively reach for your sword, only to be left blubbering curse after curse after remembering that the guards confiscated all of your weapons. Perched on the windowsill sits a boy no older than you, head topped with messy green curls and a face adorned with a sea of freckles.

“Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” the stranger proclaims, waving his hands frantically before him. Hopping down from the wall, he holds his hands in front of him, much like he’s encountering a vicious wild beast. Which isn’t totally wrong, but still.

“Bullshit you didn’t! I’ll kick your ass, mate!” Scrambling onto your feet, your press your back against the cold stone wall, bloody hand clutching your bruised hip.

“I swear it! It’s just… Well…. Look, your hands are bleeding,” the stranger says, turning his hands so his palms are facing upwards. “Let me treat them.”

Your face curls into a snarl. “And why would I do that?”

“I’m a healer,” he continues, stepping forward and snatching your wrist. You yelp at the sudden contact and try to rip your hand away, but his grip is strong. Now that he’s up close and personal, you can’t deny the fact that he’s tall and muscular, the sleeves of his tunic rolled up and exposing the veins and scars riddling his forearms.  

Holding your wrist with one hand, the other hovers above your scraped, bloody palm. A golden light emits from his hand, casting a warm glow over your own. Ah, so this guy is a magic wielder. While it isn’t uncommon for people to practice magic, you yourself have never taken an interest in it. Magic can be a finnicky force to deal with, and one who cannot rein in its power may be subjected to a world full of hurt.

With a sigh, you keep your emotions under control and allow this stranger to continue his treatment. For one, this guy is healing you for free, and secondly, he appears as though he can easily throw you through the stone wall with little effort.

“There,” he says once he’s finished, gingerly retracting his hands and flashing you a tiny smile. “It’s all better now, see?”

Staring down at your hands, you flex them into fists, noticing how whatever tension that was in them had disappeared along with the scrapes. Magic can truly be a wonderous thing, but in the wrong hands… Well, things don’t turn out as pretty.

“I don’t get it,” you say, sidestepping the stranger and planting yourself on the pile of dirty hay strewn about the floor, “why is a healer in a dungeon, of all places?”

At your question, the stranger visibly perks up. He follows your movements, getting onto the floor and sitting across from you. “I guess a proper introduction is needed, huh?” he says, scratching his cheek in embarrassment. “My name is Izuku. Izuku Midoriya. It’s a pleasure!”

“I didn’t ask for your name,” you snap. “I asked you why you’re here, not who you are.”

At that, Izuku huffs and physically deflates. “You remind me a lot of Kacchan…”

“By the gods, do you know how to answer a simple question? You know what, don’t even answer that-“

“The king is dead,” Izuku says, cutting you off. His large eyes don’t hold their friendly glow anymore, but rather one of determination and anger. “He was killed last night.”

You blink rapidly at him, your mind throwing itself in for a loop. Wait, wait, the king is dead? How is that even possible? The king isn’t a weakling, and you’ve heard stories of him being a powerful fire sorcerer. But now that you think about it, it would explain the change in guards, the lack of people filling the once busy docks and streets…

You inhale sharply. “How?” you ask, voice small.

“Forces from Nialliv intruded the country last night and took Dinton Keep by force. People were…” Izuku stops, wets his lips. “People are gone,” he finally forces out. “The king is dead, the prince is nowhere to be seen, and all of Ainamoryp is going to lose hope.” Wringing his hands, his gaze drops. “I was here when the intrusion happened. I was fighting off enemy soldiers with all my might, but I couldn’t save the city. People are dead because I didn’t work hard enough.”

“And then you were captured,” you say. “But why not killed?”

“They found out I was a healer – well, I specialize in herbology, but the point still stands. They had men and women on their side who needed medical attention, and I was simply another pair of hands to them,” Izuku answers dryly. “They threw me in here once everybody was treated.”

“Then why’d you help them? They’re the enemy, you fool. You wanna know what I would’ve done? Slit every single last one of their throats.” Shaking your head, you lean back against the wall and laugh, but there’s no humor to it. “When you have the opportunity to fuck your opponent over, you take it.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Izuku snaps, clenching his fists in his lap. “I can’t stand seeing others hurt. I’m a healer, for gods’ sakes. Not everyone is some filthy, selfish pirate like you.”

Snapping your attention back to him, you send him a steely glare.

“Wait, wait,” Izuku hastily says, reaching up and smacking himself on the forehead, “I didn’t mean that-“

“You said what you said,” you interject. “And you know what? You’re right. I’m so fucking filthy and selfish that I’m the captain of The Pearl Lady. I bathe in blood and gold, you pathetic little twat. And I like it. So, do us both a favor, shut your damn trap, and leave me the hell alone.”

Izuku audibly gulps, his hands falling limp in his lap. You almost want to laugh at him; whenever somebody hears of your infamous title, their reactions are all the same. Despite the stigma towards pirates, you’re still pretty damn powerful, and your crew voted you as captain for a reason. Turning away from Izuku, you settle onto your side, willing for either sleep to take over or for Izuku to magically disappear.

Your quartermaster was right – you should’ve lifted anchor and docked somewhere else.

Anywhere else.

[toomuchpineapples]

Hi! I was reading Serendipity and I found your blog and I saw the character sheets for the two Sasaki sisters and was wondering if we were going to get some character sheets for Yuu and Noeru? Can't wait for the next update on Serendipity tho!

AHHHH THIS IS THE FIRST ASK I RECEIVED FOR SERENDIPITY IN A WHILE THANK YOU I AM SOBBING FOR YOUR INTEREST!!

For now I don't think I'll be making official sheet for my princes but I do want to!! I'm just bad at drawing full body boys....LOL I've been feeling a bit burnt out in writing but I'll do my best!! Thank you for your support ToT

Here's a little doodle I did of these 3 tho! Check out my IG for more art!!

[inawickedlittletown]

Serendipity - Masterpost (Complete)

Summary: 

Soulmate Marks were personal, they were the most personal thing that a person could have. They were the connection to your other half, the thing that linked you so completely to someone in a way that was magical and unexplainable and they were supposed to be yours and your Soulmates and no one else’s.

-

When Buck’s Soulmate Mark is leaked to the world, ruining his plans of meeting his Soulmate organically, he has no idea that fate has him covered.

Meanwhile, Eddie has never watched an episode of Serendipity, but starting the show involves becoming a fan of one Evan Buckley and finding out that the Soulmate he wasn’t looking for is a famous actor responsible for his new favorite show.

Notes: Serendipity is defined as: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Read on Ao3

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Notes on Henry and Jasper

[inawickedlittletown]

Serendipity - Buddie Soulmate AU - 25/25

Summary: Soulmate Marks were personal, they were the most personal thing that a person could have. They were the connection to your other half, the thing that linked you so completely to someone in a way that was magical and unexplainable and they were supposed to be yours and your Soulmates and no one else’s.

When Buck’s Soulmate Mark is leaked to the world, ruining his plans of meeting his Soulmate organically, he has no idea that fate has him covered.

Meanwhile, Eddie has never watched an episode of Serendipity, but starting the show involves becoming a fan of one Evan Buckley and finding out that the Soulmate he wasn’t looking for is a famous actor responsible for his new favorite show.

Notes: Serendipity is defined as: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Read on Ao3

Masterpost

-

Chapter Twenty Five

 Having Buck at his side was almost a distraction while watching the episode. Their shoulders were pressed together and Buck’s hand was in his and on the screen Jasper and Henry were finally having a conversation that didn’t involve yelling. And yet, by the end nothing had changed between them. They did finally seem to get a better understanding of what the other was feeling and it was just so emotionally charged because they were both definitely longing to be with each other. 

 “That took forever to film,” Buck said when the episode was over. “Josh kept messing up my takes.” 

 “I did not,” Josh said. 

 “You definitely did,” Matt said. 

 There was something going on there, Eddie had noticed it when they arrived and yet Eddie couldn’t quite explain it and yet it would make sense. 

 Everyone left earlier than they usually would and Eddie saw through what they were doing. They wanted to give him and Buck more time on their own. He was grateful and happy for it. Even Isabel accepted a ride home from Maddie and Chim even though she’d been planning to stay the night. 

 Christopher got Buck to make him hot chocolate before bed, drawing out the whole thing by drinking it slowly and asking Buck all kinds of questions about his time away. Eddie let him stay up later than usual, and then Buck was the one to read him a story and tuck him in. 

 “He’s going to be cranky tomorrow,” Eddie said when they left Christopher. 

 That night they had the kind of sex that was all lingering touches and loving glances and kisses that went deep and for so long that there was no mistaking the devotion and love that both wanted to put across. Waking up with Buck wrapped around him meant that Eddie was reluctant to leave their bed at all, but his alarm told him otherwise and Buck was the one that got up and made Eddie get up with him.

 Eddie took the task of waking Christopher up and Buck made pancakes to make the morning easier on all of them. 

 “I’ll come with you guys,” Buck said when Chris was getting ready for school. 

 Eddie was happy to have him tag along. At Christopher’s school a few of the parents and teachers were well aware of Eddie being Buck’s Soulmate and no one had bothered him about it. No one had bothered Christopher about it. As expected, there had been some interest in Christopher back when all the stuff with Taylor Kelly happened, but she’d had a lot of backlash because of it too and then no one really cared to bother Eddie. 

 Buck had gotten a lot of questions when he was doing press for Serendipity, about Eddie and about Christopher and about finding his Soulmate. He was good at fielding questions and giving them just enough information while leaving so much else out.

 The one thing that had sort of caught them unaware was the video of the visit to the fire house because people had gone crazy about what they called his and Buck’s heart eyes for each other. Twitter had had so many gifs and Chim had made a point of texting him every single morning with a different one for the whole month after the video went out. Meredith said that the video had done more to show that they were Soulmates than anything else could have. It had also overshadowed the whole Taylor thing and the incident at the grocery store. 

 After they dropped off Christopher, promising that Buck would be there for pick up, they went back home and the weird thing about it was how amazing it felt to do something so absolutely mundane. They had only ever gotten a few random days here and there where they were both at home together without any other responsibilities and it was fun to hang out with Buck and just be. Looming over them was the fact that Buck would be going back to Atlanta the next day, but he didn’t think about that too much. Instead, he focused on talking to him and kissing him and distracting him when he was trying to make them sandwiches for lunch. 

 That afternoon, instead of going home after school, Buck insisted that they go to the zoo. Eddie had his reservations because the few times that he and Buck had gone out they had been noticed and there had been pictures online but Buck pointed out they couldn’t always be home all the time and that it really wasn’t as bad as other celebrities got. 

 “The zoo is fun, daddy,” Christopher added. “I want to see the monkeys.” 

 “And the monkeys want to see you.” 

 A few fans did approach Buck, and it was always amazing to see how Buck dealt with that because he was just nice. It wasn’t even that annoying. Buck even took pictures with them even if he first got them to promise they wouldn’t be posted on social media until the next day. Eddie pulled Chris out of the way of the fans, but a few times they were happy to see both him and Christopher there and Buck dragged Eddie into a couple of pictures. And while some looked on curiously at Christopher, no one addressed him and Chris went mostly unaware. Eddie appreciated the respect even though he was aware that some people wouldn’t act that way. 

 Buck carried Christopher to the car when they were done after having visited almost every single animal. Buck was just as bad as Christopher even as he rattled fact after fact about each of the animals. Eddie could not love him more. 

 Buck refused to pick up take out, insisting on cooking for them even if it meant that they had to stop at a grocery store to pick up ingredients. Eddie and Christopher waited for him in the car and Buck returned with a couple of bags fifteen minutes later. 

 Seeing him in the kitchen when they got home, made everything feel like it was right and it reminded Eddie again that Buck would be gone again soon. 

 “Stop missing me. I’m right here,” Buck said when he handed him a beer. 

 “But you won’t be tomorrow,” Eddie pointed out. 

 Christopher was busy with his homework and Eddie could tell that he was tired both from staying up the night before and their time at the zoo. Eddie thought he and Buck could persuade him into bed early. And sure enough, after dinner — that consisted of spaghetti and meatballs — it wasn’t hard for them to get Chris into bed. He didn’t even make it through the whole bedtime story. 

 —

 Buck hugged Eddie to him from behind. They were in bed and Eddie’s back was warm on his chest. Buck was going to miss cuddling in bed. It was one of those things that Buck had never had before Eddie because so many of the people he’d ever shared a bed with had been there for one thing and one thing only. With Eddie everything was different. Better. 

 It was too bad that it would be weeks before he would get to sleep next to Eddie again. Buck hadn’t even brought up his idea for having Eddie and Christopher join him in Atlanta yet. 

 The alarm went off and Eddie grumbled as he reached for his phone. 

 “Why do kids have to go to school so early?” 

 Buck chuckled. “If you want to stay in bed, I’ll take him and maybe even come back with breakfast.” 

 “I shouldn’t,” Eddie said. 

 Buck kissed him soundly on the lips and then his cheeks and forehead. “Sleep. I’ll get the kid to school. After all, you’re tired because of me and tomorrow you’ll be doing this on your own again. It’s only fair.” 

 Christopher was easy in the morning because he was so self-sufficient. They were out of the house in no time and Buck had to explain to Christopher that he was actually not going to see him after school. 

 “But why?” 

 “Because I have to go back to Atlanta and I’ll be at the airport when you get out of school. I think Carla is gonna pick you up today.” 

 Christopher gave him an extra hard and long hug when they got out of the car and he had to head to school. 

 “I love you, Bucky,” Chris said. “You promise to come back?” 

 Christopher’s eyes were wide and his lips were pressed together and Buck was struck by how often Christopher had had to ask that of a parent. Eddie who had left to go to the army and then his mom who had left and then returned only to pass away. And Buck — Buck supposed that he fit in that category too. 

 “I will always come back. You can count on that. I’ll call for bedtime, alright?” 

 “Alright.” 

 “And, Christopher, I love you too.” 

 “Okay.” 

 He picked up breakfast, but made coffee for Eddie at home and by the time he had everything on plates, Eddie entered the kitchen still shirtless but at least wearing pants. 

 “I really do have the best Soulmate,” Eddie said. “Thank you.” 

 “Well, I feel like I should thank you,” Buck said. “And I wanted to talk about you coming out to Atlanta in two weeks. You and Christopher. I mean, it’s okay if you don’t want to but I think Christopher will love it and that way we’re not apart for a month again.”

 Eddie just stared and smiled at him. “Of course. Yes.” he said. 

 “Cool. Now, eat.” 

 Eddie didn’t have to convince Buck very hard that they should spend a few more hours up in their bedroom where Eddie made a point of being a tease by spending so much time kissing Buck all over. 

 Instead of a car, it was Eddie that drove him to the airport, and Buck wanted nothing more than to just quit the movie and stay in the car, but in the end he kissed Eddie and held him for a long moment before he needed to actually go. 

 —

 “I’m cursed to never age and I don’t know why. If you were mine forever, then why was forever so short? Why can I love Jasper so easily when I belong to you?” Henry was outside in what was supposed to be his backyard, knees on grass and his head tilted up to stare at the sky. 

 Eddie managed a glance at Josh who’s hand was being held by Matt and who looked just a tad less struck by emotion than Henry did on the screen. 

 Henry’s monologue continued and then he seemed to just give up, dropping forward his fists to the grass and then in a fluid movement he was up on his feet and tearing his button up pajama top open, the buttons bouncing off. His chest was bare and his hands were on his chest rubbing at the skin and scratching, leaving red marks behind. 

 His hands covered the area where the audience knew to be his faded Mark, until the camera was up close and Henry’s hands fell away to reveal that under all the redness there was actually no Mark at all. But Henry didn’t know. Henry was outside in the dark and there was no way he knew. 

 After an episode where Henry had spent the majority of his time trying to locate Jasper’s Soulmate while Dean tried to stop him and Jasper was out seeing a Soulmate Mark specialist about his Mark, no one had expected it to end on a cliffhanger like that. 

 All eyes landed on Matt and Josh as the credits started to roll. 

 “Uh, we know nothing about next season?” Matt said. 

 Soon enough the interview part started and it was Buck on the screen. 

 “Jasper spent almost the entire episode seeing a Soulmate Mark specialist. I didn’t even know those existed before reading the script, but it’s such a cool idea. Specially since Jasper’s experience feels so unique. Except of course, it isn’t. As we find out. And while I’m finding out that someone prompted the Mark to appear — well, the audience is finding out that Henry doesn’t have his Mark at all anymore. Big twist.” Buck widened his eyes and made a motion with his hands. 

 “Tim told me about the twist back at the end of season two,” Parker said. “We’ve been working towards this for a long time. And the thing that will shock most people is that there is so much science and research on Soulmate Marks out there that people tend to just avoid really looking at. And sometimes Marks do fade. And some people really are born without Marks. And like Jasper some people get their Marks later in life. Our intent has always been to tell Henry’s story and we’re so excited for everything to come.” 

 Next came Josh and there was a long beat before he spoke. “Most people know my story. I met and lost my Soulmate early on. I think Henry and I are somewhat similar in a lot of ways because we’ve suffered that great loss. I didn’t know about Marks fading permanently until I was reading the script and I know that if it happened to me I would not be okay. Henry has Jasper — sort of — but I know that he won’t take it well when he finds out. I’m as shocked as everyone else.” 

Eddie kept all his attention on the screen as Matt came on next. 

 “Coming onto this show for this season has been such an honor. I’ve learned a lot from both Buck and Josh — their abilities as actors is mind blowing. And my character. Dean, he’s sort of a mystery still. I do know his whole deal and I think it will be revealed in the next season, but Dean has his reasons for showing up and for wanting to know Henry. And I think Henry does know that because Henry is very open with Dean. He even involves him in the search for Jasper’s Soulmate and Dean helps despite not wanting any part of it. Henry also shares the reason that he’s sort of glad that Jasper has a Soulmate and it’s heartbreaking, but it makes so much sense because if you’re gonna live forever then you know you’ll be left behind by everyone you love.” 

 “So what they’re not officially saying is that they’re Soulmates,” Hen said, breaking the silence. 

 “Maybe,” Karen said. “But we still have to go back to the whole touch thing.” 

 “Unless it didn’t happen because only Jasper had a Mark,” Maddie said. “Would that make a difference?” 

 “I have no clue,” Karen said. 

 Eddie pulled his phone out to text Buck. 

 Eddie: Not sure why you guys keep topping yourselves season after season. 

Eddie: Hen and Karen and Maddie are doing a deep dive. 

Eddie: I think Josh and Matt are together?? They were holding hands. 

 Buck: Aww. My biggest fan. 

Buck: Fan theories! I can’t wait to go on Twitter later. Sometimes the fans come up with better ideas than even the writers — gives me stuff to pitch to them. Although, Parker said that they’ve had the major things planned out for at least five seasons. 

Buck: Are they? A developing thing, I think. 

 “What does the Soulmate have to say?” Chim asked. 

 “That he can’t wait to read fan theories on Twitter,” Eddie said and rolled his eyes. 

 “And all I’m saying is that you live with the guy now, Eddie, and I can just stop by when that first script gets delivered and just take a little peak. No one needs to know,” Hen said. 

 Eddie laughed. “I’m sure you can also con your way into getting invited to the set.” 

 “Can I?” Hen asked, looking at Matt and Josh. 

 Josh laughed. “Sure.” 

 Hen and Karen high fived.

 “You don’t know what you’ve just agreed to,” Chim said. “But can I come too?” 

 —

 Buck waited for Christopher and Eddie in the car, but the driver had gone out complete with one of those signs that in this case read: “Eddie and Christopher” to fetch them. He did spot them through the window when they were heading towards the car and it took everything in him to stay in the car. 

 It was a security thing, but it was still a little annoying. What was less annoying was hearing Christopher.

 “But where is Buck, daddy, he said he’d be here.”

 “I don’t know. But, we will see him soon enough,” Eddie replied. 

 “Sooner than you think,” Buck said when the door was opened. 

 “Buck!” Chris cried out. 

 “You’re here,” Eddie said and helped to get Chris in the car. Buck gathered him in his arms as soon as he could and left room for Eddie to get in. 

 “I couldn’t come out there because of security reasons, but I wanted to be here. I missed you both.” 

 He kissed Christopher’s hair and Christopher pretended to squirm away even though he didn’t try very hard and then Eddie and he shared a kiss over Christopher’s head. 

 “How was the flight?” 

 “Good,” Christopher said. “It was so much fun.” 

 “I’m glad,” Eddie said. 

 “Yeah, it wasn’t bad at all,” Eddie said. “But I’m so glad we’re here.” 

 “Me too.” 

 Weirdly the two weeks since he’d been home to see Eddie and Chris had felt longer than the month that had come before that. Buck thought that it was the anticipation of knowing that his Soulmate and kid were coming to see him. 

 Christopher leaned against Buck the whole ride to Buck’s apartment and Eddie’s hand was pressed to Buck’s shoulder, his fingers skimming Buck’s neck. They didn’t really talk, other than Christopher telling Buck about school and about the last time he and Denny had been playing together. Eddie smiled at him every time their eyes met and Buck thought that there couldn’t have been a more perfect moment. 

 -

Notes: Here we are. The last chapter. I almost can't believe we made it here. When I began writing this fic it was an exercise in switching writing tasks so I could keep working on my book. I think I wrote the first chapter and left it in my documents for months before I decided to revisit and write some more. I don't think I ever would have finished it if I didn't start posting it so truly, it is because of you, the reader, that this got finished at all. So thank you. 

Because of the nature of the story within a story of this fic these last few chapters were all self-indulgent ways to get through S4 of Serendipity. And as much as I wanted to close up the storyline for Henry and Jasper, I couldn't do it fully and even went and ended it on a cliffhanger. So I want to give you guys an explanation and a confirmation that Jasper and Henry are Soulmates. You can find that here. 

[inawickedlittletown]

Serendipity - Buddie Soulmate AU - 23/25

Summary: Soulmate Marks were personal, they were the most personal thing that a person could have. They were the connection to your other half, the thing that linked you so completely to someone in a way that was magical and unexplainable and they were supposed to be yours and your Soulmates and no one else’s.

When Buck’s Soulmate Mark is leaked to the world, ruining his plans of meeting his Soulmate organically, he has no idea that fate has him covered.

Meanwhile, Eddie has never watched an episode of Serendipity, but starting the show involves becoming a fan of one Evan Buckley and finding out that the Soulmate he wasn’t looking for is a famous actor responsible for his new favorite show.

Notes: Serendipity is defined as: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Read on Ao3

Masterpost

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Chapter Twenty Three

The lights were kind of blinding and Eddie had no idea how Buck was walking without tripping over anything. His hand was holding Eddie’s, pulling him along and Eddie tried to blink as he followed. They were on a red carpet and the whole thing was weird, almost as weird as the days leading up to the premiere because Buck had taken Eddie to a tailor to get a suit made and Eddie had been afraid of looking at the full total of what Buck spent on him that day. 

 That day was not the first time that there were pictures taken of them, but it was the first time that Eddie saw the photographers as they took their pictures. It had led to a very funny picture of Eddie glaring directly into the lens that Chim had taken to spamming him with from time to time. Buck and Josh thought it was hilarious too. 

 Earlier in the day, Eddie had been surprised when getting ready was an hours long event and that Ava and Jules from the Serendipity set showed up to fix their hair and make-up. Eddie was wearing make-up! But Buck had explained that the lights and the cameras sort of required it. 

 “You’re very pretty, Eddie, but even you’ll look washed out under all those lights,” Buck had said and kissed him. 

 A woman with a headset approached them and whispered something to Buck, who smiled and said something back. Eddie hung back, until Buck tugged his hand. 

 “Lowen, this is my Soulmate. Eddie.” 

 Lowen smiled and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Eddie. I know it’s kinda crazy and probably going to get even crazier. Is he walking with you, Buck?” 

 Buck looked at him. They had sort of discussed it and Buck had made it clear it was up to him and yet Eddie somehow thought that Buck maybe did want him to walk the carpet with him and it was sweet how much he worried about Eddie’s experience within this part of Buck’s world. 

 “What do I need to do?” Eddie asked. 

 Lowen smiled at him. “You’ll walk with him. I’ll be with you the whole time so you can hang back with me while he does interviews or just stand by his side. They will take pictures — they’ve already been taking pictures. So you’ll pose for that a bit. It can be a lot, but it’s also simple and a lot of waiting around.”

 “Okay,” Eddie said. 

 “Okay?” Buck asked. 

 “You have my back. I have yours,” Eddie said. 

 Buck kissed the corner of his mouth, a quick peck. 

 The worst part about it were the photographers. They were nuts with the way they shouted Buck’s name and also Eddie’s, the way that their flashes were so bright but Buck gave him tips on how to avoid looking directly at them and Buck pulled him against his side and he whispered how much he appreciated Eddie as they smiled in one direction or another and then it wasn’t all bad. 

 The rest of it was almost fun, but mostly because Buck was so much fun to watch and take in especially when they got to all the interviewers. Josh was just up ahead talking to someone from E!News and he turned halfway through his interview to wave at them as Lowen pointed towards the interviewer waiting for Buck. She was turned away talking to her camera man and Eddie saw as Buck shook his head and instead walked over to Josh, throwing an arm around his shoulders. Josh wrapped an arm around him too and the interviewer seemed to perk up at having the two of them there together. 

 “Oh, shit. Who let her in,” Lowen said and then said something into her headset. 

 It was Taylor Kelly. He hadn’t noticed at first until she turned around and then she smirked when she spotted Eddie. It was no wonder Buck had avoided her. 

 Buck and Josh were laughing and the E!News reporter laughed with them. Eddie ignored Taylor and paid attention to them instead. 

 “Oh, and I see you brought your Soulmate along,” the reporter said. “I was so glad to hear that it all worked out for you, Buck.” 

 “Thank you, thank you,” Buck said. “I still don’t condone what happened to me, but I am very happy to have Eddie in my life.” 

 Buck returned to him when the interview was over. “She wasn’t supposed to be here,” he said. “But best thing to do is ignore her. Josh skipped her too.” 

 Matt appeared, then, and he paused and headed towards them, hugging Buck and then Eddie. Eddie could feel the flashes on them as that happened. 

 “Good to see you, man,” Matt said to Eddie and then it was his turn with the E!News reporter. 

 The next interviewer was for a magazine Eddie had never heard and Buck brought Eddie with him to stand at his side so Eddie could watch as Buck avoided questions about the episode and the seasons and how he navigated the rest of it. He was good at it, very well practiced. It reminded Eddie of those days when he’d watched every one of Buck’s interviews. 

 Buck had just gone on a bit of a promo tour over the last two weeks, appearing on a few late night and day time shows but to Eddie’s amusement, doing a bunch of things for Youtube. He’d even guested on a podcast. Eddie hadn’t been free to accompany him to any of those things, but watching him on the red carpet made him regret not finding a way to be there. 

 Closer to the end of the carpet Lowen let them stand off to the side. Josh joined them there with Amy who greeted both of them with cheek kisses. Eddie really didn’t know her and he knew she was only in the first episode. He hung back while the cast all got together for pictures. It didn’t take long and then Buck was back at his side, offering Eddie his elbow. 

 —

 Buck didn’t know whose idea it had been, but every Sunday night when a new episode aired, everyone seemed to show up to watch it in Buck’s movie room. He loved it, because while he and Josh had sometimes gotten together to watch the premiere when it aired, usually Buck didn’t watch the episodes when they aired at all. There was something strange about seeing himself on a screen. But, watching it with other people was different, especially watching Eddie’s reactions to the episodes because Buck really had had no idea how invested Eddie really was in Serendipity. He should have known from how often Eddie told Buck to not give him spoilers. Or how excited he’d been to go to the premiere with Buck a week or so before the episode aired not because of the experience of the red carpet because he was getting to watch the episode before the rest of the world.

 The first episode it had been his and Eddie’s second time watching when they watched with the others and it had made the whole experience that much more fun in terms of he, Eddie, Josh, and Matt already knowing what was going to happen while everyone else didn’t.

 Karen was fun to have around because she was so analytical that it made him and Josh really think about character motivations and world building in a way that they hadn’t before. Buck almost wanted to suggest that she join the writing team. Chim and Maddie were great about making fun of Buck for little things that didn’t matter. And to solve the having kids around while watching something not meant for kids, Eddie’s Abuela would come to stay and she would entertain the kids down in the living room. Buck was kind of obsessed with Isabel and most especially her cooking so any excuse to have her over using his kitchen was one Buck would take. 

 Eddie’s arm was thrown casually over Buck’s shoulders and Buck leaned back into him. They were halfway through the season, on episode five. Buck had already warned Eddie earlier that it was the episode where Jasper and Henry had sex, giving him an out from having to watch it, but Eddie had just rolled his eyes and kissed him. When the scene did start, he felt Eddie tense, so he reached up and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. Eddie kissed his cheek.

 On screen Jasper and Henry were kissing and taking off their clothes. It had been awful to film. Josh had made it nearly impossible at times and it had taken forever to get all the necessary shots. Buck remembered that he’d gotten grumpier and grumpier the longer the whole thing went on. 

 Buck didn’t really watch, keeping his attention on Eddie because he hoped that if Eddie did get uncomfortable with it, he would let it show. 

 Maddie was groaning from her seat and Chim was laughing at her with Josh. And he felt it when Eddie gasped, so he looked back at the screen. 

 Henry had noticed Jasper’s Mark and that was how the episode ended on Henry’s heartbreak. 

 “Anyone see that coming?” Josh asked. 

 Matt, sitting at Josh’s side laughed. “I think it was obvious.” 

 “You were there when we filmed it,” Josh said and nudged his shoulder. 

 Buck had been thinking for a while that something was going on between them, but he couldn’t be sure and Josh hadn’t said anything to Buck about it. But the two of them had gotten closer and closer as filmind went on and Buck hadn’t found out until one of their last days of shooting that Matt had been sort of staying with Josh while he looked for a new place. He was still staying with Josh. Buck was also aware that since finding Eddie, he hadn’t been as available to Josh as he used to be and that it had maybe pushed Josh to making new friends.  

 “I mean, I did wonder if he would see it,” Karen said. 

 As the credits finished, the promo for the next episode popped up and it caught everyone’s attention. It teased the fight that Jasper and Henry were going to have and Buck just shrugged when they looked at him. 

 “You guys really don’t want to know,” he said. 

 More of the promotional stuff they shot was on next and Buck always thought he looked awkward answering the prompted questions and giving insight into the episodes. Josh was more natural at that type of thing. 

 “That wasn’t that bad was it?” Buck asked Eddie after everyone had left. 

 They were in the kitchen, drinking beer and snacking on chips and guac. 

 “No. Not really. I mean, it’s odd, but I also do know you’re mine, Buck.” 

 At one point, he’d gotten Eddie to admit that he had actually been a bit jealous of him and Josh because of how close they were. Eddie had laughed at himself and his past insecurity and explained that when first seeing Buck’s Mark in pictures, he actually hadn’t been convinced that Buck couldn’t be his Soulmate. It had made him question everything. 

 “Good,” Buck said. “And I’m glad I was here to watch it with you.” 

 “Me too.” 

 Buck had sort of arranged it that way, knowing that it was an episode Eddie might need him there for. It did mean he’d be cutting it close on getting to Atlanta. His bags were already packed and ready for his flight in the very early hours of the morning and he knew that everyone else had flown out early that day, so he’d be on his own. He was excited about it, excited to be involved in such a larger project, and yet he hated that it was placing so much time between him and Eddie. A part of him wondered if he would have taken the role, or fought so hard to get it, if he’d known Eddie then and known that they’d be apart for a few months. 

 Being sure that the two of them could make it with some time apart did make it easier, but Buck was also still trying to figure out if the filming schedule might let him go back to LA at any point for even a day or two. Buck was also trying to figure out when he could get Eddie and Christopher out there to visit him. 

 “How much time do we have?” Eddie asked him when Buck made a point of putting his luggage by the door to make it easier for when the driver came to pick him up. 

 “Five hours. Ish. Why?”

 “I guess I just want them to count,” Eddie said with a wicked grin and a glint in his eyes. 

 “Yes, but at least a half hour is gonna be spent putting Chris to bed. Come on.” 

 Eddie let Buck take care of bedtime, and Buck was grateful because it was going to be a while before he could physically be there to put Christopher to bed, so maybe he dragged it out a bit until Chris was asleep and then he lingered at the door until Eddie pulled him away. 

 “You’ll see him again soon.” 

 “Yeah,” Buck said. “I’m just going to miss him a lot. I’m going to miss you a lot.” 

 Eddie inhaled a breath. “Yeah, I think that goes both ways, Evan.” 

 Buck had never been the one going away. At least, he was never the one going away when he was leaving someone behind that he cared about. When Eddie took him to their room and he kissed Buck and took his time undressing him and then he seemed to almost worship his body it was a whole different way of having sex. Of making love. 

 Their kisses were lingering, their touches were whispers of “don’t forget” and “we’ll have this again soon”. And when Eddie took him inside, Buck was slow, he was careful and he kissed Eddie and caressed his skin. His fingers like always lingered on the Mark. Eddie touched the one on Buck’s body. 

 “Faster, Buck, make me feel it,” Eddie whispered against his lips and their lovemaking changed. 

 It was him pumping his hips and Eddie meeting him, dragging him closer and leaving his mark on Eddie’s skin. 

 “Love you, love you, love you,” was whispered into Buck’s ear and Buck kissed Eddie. 

-

Chapter Twenty Four