Everyone's soulmark is different is different and unique. They tell about their soulmate, describe them in a way it's breath taking. No really knows how or why but Aaron frankly doesn't care. His soulmark is the most joyous thing in his life.

It's a golden bell on his wrist, it gleams and glitters, and with a touch it sways and Aaron swears he hears wedding bells. Whenever his uncle isn't looking, he rubs his mark and watches it glitter as it moves. Aaron believed with all his heart that his soulmark is better than anyone else's. Better than his sister's open book that turns pages. Better than the hurricane that swirls non-stop on Eliza Schuyler. No, his was the best because as far as he knew he was the only one with sound. Maybe it was just in his head but Aaron really didn't care. It was so beautiful and special; he couldn't wait to meet his soul mate.

As he grew older and wiser he wondered how on earth he'd find his soulmate. There must be a million meanings to a bell, and there were more than million people on this earth. As he grows and goes to Kingston, the dream of finding his soulmate gets dimmer. He doesn't focus on finding his soulmate and instead focuses on his studies. School isn't so bad, he's got Bellamy.

Bellamy and Aaron had meet in religion studies before Aaron switched to law. Bellamy was this ball of energy and quirky personality, he had a habit of bouncing on his toes and fidgeting with his hair, and Aaron really didn't know how someone could be so happy in the morning. But Aaron really appreciated the man. Bellamy treated him like an adult, despite the four year age gap and Aaron being thirteen. Bellamy never spoke to Aaron in any condescending manner. So Aaron confides in him.

"Maybe it means you'll marry a preacher," Bellamy jokes when Aaron shows his soulmark.

"Ha, ha," Aaron says flatly.

"Whatever, sour puss," Bellamy teases. "What do you think mine means?"

Bellamy's soulmark was unique. It was a regular hourglass but the sand didn't move, it was just frozen on his skin.

"They have a bad sense of time," Aaron jokes.

Bellamy rolls his eyes but grins.

They were like that for three years until Aaron graduates. Only sixteen but his mind was older his parent's legacy rested on his shoulders, and he would make history look at him. The idea of meeting his soulmate is dead and gone; the logicality of it is stacked against him. So he might as well try making a name out of himself.

"You're joining the army?!" Bellamy says when he finds out. "Are you crazy? You'll get slaughtered!"

"I'll be careful," Aaron promises.

It doesn't comfort Bellamy. There's worry and dread in his eyes and Aaron can't blame him. Bellamy pulls him into a tight hug, holding him close. There's this shock and Aaron gasps. He hears the same noise come out of Bellamy. They just hold each other tighter, as if they would be gunned down or lose each forever. Bellamy pulls back and cups Aaron's face and they look at each other. Bellamy reads Aaron's eyes as if they are the most interesting novel. Aaron's not sure who moves first but they're kissing and Aaron feels his heart trying to pound out of his chest. It feels right and so good, it's like there was this hole inside him that he never knew needed to be filled. When they part, Bellamy is looking at him dreamily.

"Stay in New York," Bellamy begs.

Aaron shakes his head sadly. "I've already signed up and I'm being deployed tomorrow."

"Just... stay safe."

"Of course, Bells," Aaron says grinning.

Bellamy snorts. "Who knew the universe had a sense of humor?"

They kiss one more time before Aaron leaves. He's put under General Montgomery's command and it doesn't take long for him to be in his good graces. But the battles and war is just a background story for his romance with Bellamy. Despite the distance, their relationship only grows with every letter. They talk, confide, and romance each other. Aaron swears that his heart will one day jump out of his chest. He calls Bellamy his "Bell" and Bellamy calls him his dearest soldier. Aaron writes promising that they'll be married when this war is over.

Then Montgomery dies. Aaron grieves, he had grown close to his commander and Monty's death blasts a hole in his chest. Bellamy writes letters upon letters consoling him. Things move in a blur and Monty's death is an ache as he is placed under Washington's command. Who does not like at all. Bellamy is always there for him though.

Until the letters stop and his soulmark changes. The glittering bell became a relic, rusted and cracked. What hurts the most is he can't hear the bell anymore. It confuses him and scares him. Aaron writes, begging Bellamy to give him a sign he is okay. The only response he receives is a letter telling him his Bell had passed away.