Soulmate AU requested by the ever lovely _ImJustCaitlin_

Thanks for all the love lately and all the requests which I'm making my way through; Creativity is at an all time high for me right now thanks to all you <3

Mark, at this point thinks that the whole soulmate thing is a myth his mother told him when he was younger. She had told him that when you are sixteen, your soulmate will write to you and the words will blossom upon your skin and you may write back until you come face to face with one and other, and the letters are replaced with a mark resembling one of your soulmates features after you meet. His mothers mark was something looking like a smile; because his father always did smile or laugh - in fact he was the most joyous person Mark ever did get to know and he didn't know how his father managed to smile so much through the years as life became more cruel to him and although Mark tries to smile and laugh as much as he can; its difficult sometimes, and sometimes the laughing or smiling is replaced with tears falling from hazel eyes and a frown. Marks on the verge of eighteen, with nothing from his soulmate - all his other friends are always raving about their marks, or recent letters from their soulmates, it makes the raven haired man roll his eyes. Maybe hes one of the few without a soulmate. The world had been crueler to him in the past so it wouldn't surprise the school soon to be college, boy.

At least him and Jack have something to talk or not talk about, as he hasn't heard from his soulmate or tried to contact his either. He has a beyond chronic fear of rejection and slight anxiety about the entire thing so Jack hasn't had the courage to contact his soulmate yet. Mark does try to give him the nudge every so often but he can't blame the boy for feeling strange about it, it is strange that the earth assigns you a stranger which you can contact via doodling on your skin, and that its up to you to find them. Mark thinks he'd rather his chances at fate.

;

One day Jack is sat beside him and Mark thinks something or someone must've got through to him because he says that today, he'll try to contact his soulmate in the hopes,hopes whoever and wherever they are that they'll write back. Mark has known Jack since his early years and hes always been the nervous one of the two; thinking before he leaps and Mark well, Mark never thinks before he leaps he just does. But seeing as he was always told he'd have some contact by now regarding the soulmate thing, he hasn't really bothered and its been the least of his problems with applying to colleges and being up to his eyeballs in homework. Hes happy for Jack though and he hopes his soulmate does write back because he knows the nervous man will be heartbroken if they don't, Jack has always also worn his heart on his sleeve whereas Mark shuts off his feelings.

Come to think of it, Jack was the first person he had expressed his feelings towards and perhaps that's why they are so close now. Mark admires the man for everything he does, although hes more often than not, nervous - Jack takes the plunge eventually. Its odd how close they are; they're rather opposites in most things. Jacks arty and loud, Marks more sporty and quiet. But they work together and have done for years as they balance one and other out.

Jack snaps his fingers at him and it breaks him from his trance and he smiles softly as his eyes fall back on the man he was just thinking from as he giggles at him.

"Away on a beach? We're gonna be late to biology." Jack comments, adjusting his backpack and Mark shyly nods - not wanting to admit he was thinking about the man in front of him so much as they run down the painted hallways hands intertwined, weaving through people to get to the class. Mark doesn't even have time to react to Jack grabbing his hand and almost pulling him off his converse-clad feet.

;

Mark rises with marks on his upper arm and not just any markings, letters. Its messy and looks hurried - he notices it as he wakes and stretches. He even double checks in the mirror that he isn't seeing things. There is indeed, a small hello, accompanied by a sorry next to it. Marks assuming the sorry is for lack of contact and it sort of burns as he runs his fingertips along the messy writing. Mark is a little shocked and decides he'll deal with it later, he has to get to school - its the rundown to his final days in school and he has tests coming out of his ears, besides - he wants to know if Jack really did contact his soulmate yesterday and more importantly, if he received a reply.

He meets Jack by the lockers as hes trying to shove heavy looking textbooks into it and slamming it in frustration. 

"Fucking hate these lockers."

He utters and Mark gives him a helping hand - slamming it shut and wobbling the entire row of lockers which seems to startle Jack. He hadn't realized how much strength Mark had but he has been working out. Normally Jack would have more patience for the lockers but not today, today is not his day - no reply from his soulmate, he spilled his coffee over his gym kit, bumped into the cute receptionist boy and tripped over his words and feet all before his first fucking class; come to think of it maybe he'll just ask Mark to punch him in the face to give him an excuse to go home.

"Anything from your soulmate?" Mark asks and Jack nearly snaps at him but just utters a harsh no.

"Their loss." Mark murmurs before the subject is dropped and the words ring through Jacks head; hes always the one to make him feel better.

;

Its when hes sat daydreaming in his current class that he remembers the messy writing on his arm and decides to reply to the stranger that wrote to him out of the blue, a simple hello back, Mark isn't sure what else he could say - part of him wants to put this on the back burner but the other part is of course, curious. He wants to ask details of there appearance, where they are from but doesn't want to come off too strong and scare them off. Its in the same class he receives a reply, which was unexpected - it burns his arm slightly and he watches the words appear on his skin; like an artist beginning to work on a blank canvas. Mark supposes the whole soulmate thing is like an artist painting. Each painting or words in this case telling a different story on somebody's canvas.

"Should we ask questions about one and other? I don't know how this works." Mark laughs at the blunt statement written across his arm, he respects whoever this is, honesty.

"Yes. - Where are you from?" Mark writes; neatly joining some letters together and its strange to write so prettily with his fingertips but its kind of addicting.

From there, its back and fourth between them and Mark tries to reply whenever he can but sometimes he needs a break when his arm burns too much - or he has to focus in class. Hes daydreaming today more than usual, his mind racing from the letters written on his skin and from realizing that hes lucky enough that his soulmate is in the same country as him - but its also a thought which makes him dizzy. Its like everything has come at once and Mark isn't sure if hes ready for it, still doesn't like the idea of the earth choosing somebody for him - like everybody is built to have a soulmate, it all seems so surreal and always has to the raven haired man.

Jacks always been the one that's been enthusiastic about soulmates and thought it was beautiful, that this way love is never biased and that the earth knows who is right for you, regardless of looks or gender. That is why Mark knows how much it means to him that his soulmate wherever or whoever they are replies otherwise they're missing out on somebody who is nothing short of perfect.

;

And soon, Mark just sort of gives up with the back and fourth with his soulmate - vibrant letters fading; he hasn't got his official mark yet but hes expecting it to turn up soon it'd be just his luck to bump into his soulmate and not know. He doesn't really feel anything for the person scribbling on their skin which appears on his and hes starting to think the soulmate thing is overrated. Plus, Jacks soulmate has stopped writing and Mark hopes the person doodling on the other end does not have too much attachment to him although hes not sure how they could at this stage. Maybe its teenage rebellion but Mark doesn't want to follow this path of love - the almost forced way everyone has too.

 So he starts writing little notes which he leaves on Jacks desk. Mark admits that in the beginning, he started to leave them just to cheer Jack up from the whole soulmate thing but as soon as he say those blue hues light up at the small messages written on the notes, he couldn't lie he wanted to see them light up over and over again.

It just sort of became part of his routine, sneaking the notes in before Jack got into class, they hadn't spoken to one and other properly in awhile but Mark knows its a stressful time right now - hes off to college in less than a month and the leaving high school party is less than a week away - they hadn't even discussed what they were gonna wear nor who they were going with.

Today's note says;

'I'd rather look into your eyes than up at the stars.'

Mark finds himself more and more feeling like he wants and needs to make Jack happy - like he'd do anything to see his eyes light up and the smile to spread across his features; like he'd tell a million jokes even if one made him laugh - the words across his skin don't mean anything to him but seeing Jack happy it does, it makes his heart beat a little faster and his day just a bit better, knowing hes made the person that matters most to him - happy.

Jack comes in looking a bit down until he gazes upon Mark and its like all he wanted to do was see him as he rushes over to sit next to him, his name already out of his mouth before he even gets to sit down. Then he pauses mid sentence as he picks up the note and a small slight blush dusted his features. Mark tries to keep the wide smile off his face as the man fumbles over his words as to what he was saying.

"We need to pick outfits for the whole prom thing and who are we going with?" Jack asks sticking the note to his skin and although Mark cannot see, it covers the words from his soulmate, the one that hasn't responded in days and Jacks beginning to wonder what happens if your soulmate has no interest in you.

"We can go with each other, I don't have a date and I was thinking like a red suit or something." Mark murmurs, casual but anything but. Jack seems to be ecstatic about Marks suit idea and they make plans to meet up after schools over.

Mark knows that the leaving party and him going to college won't be easy on Jack, they're going to different colleges because of their contrast in interests and its going to be strange not seeing each other like this, strange not sitting next to one and other - Mark will just have to mail him notes in that case. But he wants the leaving party or prom or whatever - to be the best night, to wave goodbye to the place where they've had numerous ups and downs in, forever.

Jack thinks he'll make a compilation of all his favorite moments - and the pair can watch it together, although Jack has a love-hate relationship with high school; hes happy he got to do the whole thing with Mark and would probably do it again. As for the notes, he hopes whoever is writing them can come forward so Jack can thank them for all the sweet praises and soft compliments which stay in his mind as he drifts off to sleep at night. For his suit, he isn't sure how hes going to make it stand out from every other suit that most likely the guys will be wearing, maybe a bright tie - or decorate it with patches. However he wont get Mark to help him if he has to do D.I.Y, hes useless at it - always gets mad because things take too long and then he ends up spilling the glue or something.

One time he glued his hands together and Jack got stomach pain from laughing so hard and had tried his best to keep a straight face when checking him into A&E.

;

Its the night before prom and they're sat in Jacks bedroom huddled close looking at different types of suits and some inspiration for Jacks suit. They're reminiscing about their favorite memories together in high school;

Some of Marks favorite memories consist of;

- The time Jack got his hand stuck in his locker trying to reach something at the back of it.

- The first time they met and how Mark told Jack the worst joke ever and he laughed.

- The time they bumped into one and other after a fight, in the cafeteria and ended up spilling their lunches over each other - laughing and apologizing.

And Some of Jacks are;

- When Mark had stood up for him because there was rumors going about and he told that one popular girl she looked like a sewer rat.

- The time the pair hid in one of the tiny bathroom stalls from a teacher because they were skipping math class.

- The time they pretended to date to make Marks ex jealous, and Mark had accidentally kissed Jack, which happened to be his first. That's more one of his favorite because he can just picture Marks shy-shocked face and how he stumbled upon his words and apologized frantically.

Jack takes a note of some of Marks favourites to be sure to add it in when he gets the chance. But for now, the pair fire ideas back and fourth for prom.

"Who do you think is sending these notes, then?" Jack asks, wondering if Marks ever seen the mysterious person leaving them at his desk.

"I couldn't tell you. They're always at your desk when I come in, too." Strange, the person must come in pretty early to leave them if they are there before Mark is, he comes in earlier than most students for breakfast and to squeeze in extra study time. Jack just hopes the person approaches him at prom, it'd be a good ending to the night. Plus, his soulmate hasn't written in weeks now - Jacks beginning to think they really aren't interested.

;

Before Jack knows it hes standing in his glittered up suit adjusting his tie and awaiting on Marks arrival. He wonders if the cool-headed man is just as nervous as he is - this is it, the end of a chapter and the very beginning of a new one. Jack wonders how they'll cope going to different colleges and hopes things won't change too much. His mother is ogling over Jack and he can see there are traces of her tears in her eyes but also noting less than pride. Jack hugs her and tells her he'll be okay and hes going with Mark. Speaking of which, the doorbell rings and Jack rushes to get it, drying his hands as he does so. He opens the door and a very dapper Mark greets him.

Hes clad in black suit pants, with white shirt to go with; red tie peeking through and raven hair swept neatly, glasses placed perfectly on his face. He looks nothing short of stunning and Jacks honestly, a little stunned. Hes never seen Mark like this - well accept when they were kids for his parents wedding but this is much different. Mark seems in awe of Jack as he is Mark himself, just standing in his doorway staring at his beautiful suit now clad with glitter, its not too overboard but its perfect and there are glitter shapes here and there.

Mark coughs shyly and mumbles a soft are you ready to go before Jacks mother comes running and insists they take photos and almost yells about how handsome Mark looks.

After perhaps more than enough photos the pair get in the fancy car they worked so hard to pay for.

"You looked amazing. You did such a good job on the suit, I didn't think you could do it in time." Mark utters, not meeting his eyes and suddenly they don't feel like childhood friends but more a couple who have just started dating and Jack rarely sees the shy side to Mark but doesn't bring it up, hes nervous enough as it is but hes glad him staying up all night paid off.

"Thank you, you scrub up well. Red tie was best." The pair had fought over which tie Mark would wear for the prom pink or red - for ages and Mark insisted on pink but Jacks happy he decided to go with his choice, it compliments his hair and eyes better, the pink drew to much attention to the tie rather than his features.

;

Mark hates prom. Not because of who hes with, or because the blaring music and cheesy speeches made by popular kids, no. Because every time he tries to speak to Jack about the notes that its him leaving them, he always seems to get interrupted by someone who offers compliments or from someone who wants to speak to him or Jack. The nights almost over and he wants to tell Jack here, tell him he doesn't care who his soulmate is because they'll never come close to Jack; He looks so beautiful tonight and Mark wishes he could scream it from the rooftops.

But a chance does arise, when the DJ asks for them to grab a partner and the first person hes reaching out to is Jack, which perhaps tells you a thing or two.

Nonetheless the dance together under the light of the large disco ball, surrounded by couples who are more than likely drunk. Although the music is loud, Mark knows Jack will be able to hear him over it considering how close they are.

"Jack, I need to tell you something." Mark states, a little nervous. He can normally mask it quite well but here he feels almost vulnerable. The man nods in response, probably worried about what the raven haired man is going to say.

"I've been writing you the notes." Mark says, hurried just in case he gets interrupted even here. Jacks shocked expression makes his heart sink, he hopes he isn't crossing the line.

"I don't care who the world has chosen for me unless its you. I meant everything I wrote on the notes." The song ends and Jacks dragging him away from the crowds and heading for the doors, Mark isn't sure if he wants to let him down gently and away from everyone or not.

The air hits him like a tone of bricks and its nice, it helps calm down the flames of nerves hes feeling right now. Jack turns to him, softly.

"I want to show you something." Jack murmurs, pulling something from his pocket - his phone by the looks of it and brings Mark close.

A video plays across the screen; displaying a very young look Mark and Jack at some play park. They're laughing and it looks like Jack is the one recording it.

More memories play out on screen and it has Mark watching closely, his heart racing at the trip down memory lane and how much Jack really does mean to him. Once the video ends and the screen goes black, their reflection in the screen is only then when Jack says something about Marks confession.

"You're right. It doesn't matter who my soulmate is - they'll never be you." Jacks so close; and Mark watches his lips as he utters words he thought he'd only hear in his dreams and the world seems to pause for the pair as they get closer, closer; the air in the night suddenly feeling warm rather than cold.

And their lips connect in a soft long awaited kiss; and they fit perfectly together frozen to anything else going on in the night - When they pull away Mark rests his forehead against Jacks as he listens to him breathe heavily and listens to the sound of his own heartbeat in his ears.

"Soulmates?" Jack utters against Marks lips.

"Soulmates." He murmurs back before kissing him sweetly again.

;

Its a bad anxiety inducing night for Jack, hes stressed about college and tonight Mark is coming over - the pair plan to see if they really are earth chosen soulmates by writing on their skin in front of one and other. Jack had brought it up; just to put his mind at ease. Jacks scared that even though Mark doesn't care, that he will if they aren't. He feels guilty if they aren't chosen by earth for one and other because that means someone, somewhere is left without their chosen soulmate without a choice and its all weighing on him. Hes trying to keep his anxiety at bay but its hard and the knocking at his room door pulls him from his thoughts.

He opens it to find Mark with several takeaway boxes in his hands and the pair sit on Jacks bed, which is littered with all of his college supplies.

"Your mom let me in and I stopped by the takeaway before visiting, I got your favorite." Jack smiles at the sentiment and it puts his heart at ease a little, but Mark seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to Jack and his feelings.

"You okay?" Jack nods, shoving a slice of pizza into his mouth and then rolling up his sleeve to write across his skin, he doesn't want to leave it any longer, the suspense is killing him. Mark seems to get the hint as he rolls up his sleeves too.

They wait in silence, Jack staring at Marks skin intently and as no new letter appear across his skin. Jacks chest heaves and he starts to struggling to breathe, his eyes clouded with tears which start to spill out and he begins to sob openly; eyes squeezed shut.

He isn't Marks true soulmate and Mark isn't his.

Mark comforts him immediately, shoving the boxes filled with different foods to the side as he draws near the man sobbing in front of him.

"Hey, hey its okay." Mark says, stroking his hair as comfort.

"But I'm not your true soulmate..." Jack trails off, words murmured through sobs.

"You are Jack, I choose you and only you."

"Do you still love me and will you even if your... real soulmate appears?" Jack asks, his anxious brain and feelings telling him otherwise.

"Who said I stopped? I always have and that'll never change. We're soulmates by choice not by force. I love you, Jack."

The words comfort the sinking feeling in his stomach and he opens his teary eyes, to meet Marks.

"I love you too." He says through labored breaths. Mark always knows how to ease his anxiety and calm him when he needs.

;

Jack stares at the promise ring across his middle finger, the silver shining in the light and he turns to the man that just placed it upon his finger, the man who promised to give him the world and more. Something he isn't too sure he deserves. 

"Soulmates?" Jack utters; just like he did almost three years ago at prom, when they stood in the cold and Jack got to show Mark the memory video he still has on his phone to this date.

"Soulmates." Mark beams; looking at Jack like he puts stars in the sky and he does; he puts stars in Marks sky and Mark knows that they are soulmates no matter what earth says.

Sometimes you have to chose your own path in life, no matter what the earth is telling you to do.