Chapter Text
“Brian!” Suki called for him.
“Yeah?” He slid out from under the Hyundai he was working on, wiping his hands on a rag before looking up at her.
“Lunch time. It’s on me.” She dangled his keys in her hands.
Guess I’m driving, Brian thought, shaking his head as he stood.
They hopped into his car and headed to their usual spot—a small, slightly rundown diner that probably violated at least twenty health codes. Still, the food was too good to care, and the old lady who owned it always gave them free dessert.
As soon as they sat down, Brian could tell Suki wanted to talk. She had that I need to talk look on her face as soon as they sat down.
“You’re making me nervous. Just ask,” he said, tapping his fingers against the table.
She sighed. “You were born with your mark, right?”
“Uh, yeah.” He raised an eyebrow, wondering where this was going.
“Do you think maybe your mark isn’t… American?” she asked, a little hesitant.
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it. Why?”
“It’s been over a year since you turned 18, Bri. You should’ve gotten the call by now.” Suki’s voice softened as if she was trying to be gentle with him.
Brian glanced down at the table. Right. He hadn’t told her.
“I didn’t register,” he admitted, keeping his eyes on the table.
“What do you mean, you didn’t register?” Her brows furrowed, confusion creeping into her voice.
“The timing wasn’t exactly ideal.” He shrugged. “Grandma had just passed, there was the funeral, and with all the crap the school was pulling… it just didn’t feel like the right time.”
Suki’s expression softened. “Right, sorry. I should’ve known.”
“It’s okay. You didn’t know.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve kinda been putting it off. I’m not sure if I’m ready.”
She reached across the table and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Take your time. You’ll know when you’re ready. You don’t have to rush this.”
Before Brian could respond, the waitress arrived with their food, and the topic was dropped. Which he was grateful for.
🌊
He couldn’t sleep that night, He tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable, but every time he closed his eyes, he saw his grandmother. It was always that same memory—two days before she passed.
Back then, he had finals, so he’d bring his books and study on the visitor’s couch in her hospital room. The exam he was cramming for was chemistry, which wasn’t exactly his strong suit, so frustration had crept in. He tried to hide it, but she knew. She always knew.
“Take a break,” she’d said, patting the bed beside her.
At the time, he complained about how he wasn’t a kid anymore. Now, though? He’d give anything to lie beside her again, to feel her run her fingers through his hair and tell him a funny story from her childhood. But that day was different.
Instead of comforting him with her usual warmth, she had a grim look on her face. When he asked what was wrong, her words stayed with him—echoing over and over, even now.
“Marks are a special thing, Brian.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “We’re lucky to have something that connects us to our soulmates. Once you meet yours, everything will be different.”
Different. That word haunted him. Change could be good, sure, but it could also be bad. And there wasn’t a way to know until it was too late. Was he ready for that? He honestly didn’t know.
He sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day,” he muttered to himself, staring up at the ceiling.
🌊
The registration center reminded Brian of an army enlistment office, except this place was far more crowded. Most of the people in line seemed freshly 18, some accompanied by their parents, while others looked like they had come alone.
Brian approached the nearest counter and gave the woman behind it a polite smile. She glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow. It was clear she wasn’t thrilled to be there.
“Hi, I’m here to register,” he said.
“Forty dollars,” she responded flatly.
“Sorry?” he asked, confused.
She rolled her eyes, a gesture Brian found more than a little rude.
“You have to pay forty dollars to register,” she repeated, raising her voice slightly.
He hadn’t known that he had to pay. “Oh, right. Okay.” Brian pulled out his wallet, fumbled for his card, and swiped it to pay.
Once the transaction went through, the woman grabbed some papers and handed them to him. “Fill these out and bring them back to me,” she said.
“Thanks, but could I borrow a pen?” he asked, feeling awkward.
She stared at him for a few long seconds before reluctantly handing over a pen. “Thanks,” he mumbled as he walked away.
Brian found a seat among the scattered chairs and started filling out the forms. The first sheet was pretty straightforward—basic information like his full name, birthdate, gender, and occupation. The second sheet got more personal, asking about his medical history, surgeries, and illnesses. The third paper was a mixed bag of seemingly random questions: Did he own any property? Was he in debt? Was he married?
He wondered briefly why all this information was necessary, but decided not to dwell on it. He completed the forms and returned to the woman at the counter, handing them back.
She flipped through the pages, carefully checking them. Brian guessed she was just making sure he hadn’t missed anything.
“Alright, everything looks good,” she said, before handing him a smaller piece of paper. “Take this to that room over there. They’ll photograph your mark, and then you’re free to go.”
Brian followed her finger to the room she was pointing at. The door was open, so he walked in. Inside, a man fiddling with a camera noticed him right away.
“Oh hey, you got the paper?” the man asked.
“Yep, right here,” Brian replied, handing it over. The guy looked it over before nodding.
“Alright, where’s your mark?” he asked.
“It’s near my stomach, lower left side,” Brian said.
“Okay, just lift your shirt so I can get a clear shot,” the man instructed.
Brian complied, raising his shirt so the mark was visible. The man snapped the photo, and that was it.
Finally, Brian was done and could leave.
🌊
Brian arrived at work with one mission: find Suki. He spotted her at her desk, probably sketching up a new design for her car. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his nerves in check.
It’s not a big deal, so don’t make it one. Just stay calm and cool, Brian, he told himself.
If only he could actually follow his own advice. “Good morning,” he greeted with a smile that probably looked too forced.
Well, he screwed that up immediately.
“Morning,” Suki said, turning around with a knowing smile. “What did you do?”
Busted. “I didn’t do anything!” he defended, but the look in her eyes said she wasn’t buying it for a second. She narrowed them, clearly catching on to his nerves.
“Okay, fine,” he sighed. “Don’t make this a big deal, but… I registered.” He paused, then added quickly, “But again, don’t make a huge thing about it.”
Her eyes widened, though she was clearly trying to keep herself from overreacting. “Brian, that’s amazing!” she said, her voice controlled, but her hands were fidgeting like she was holding herself back from giving him a hug.
Brian couldn’t help but smile at her. “Alright, c’mere,” he said, opening his arms for her.
Suki let out a small squeal, leaping up to give him a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you, Bri,” she said softly as they pulled apart.
“Don’t get too happy yet,” he teased. “I haven’t gotten the call. Save it for when I actually do.”
Suki rolled her eyes, but there was a grin tugging at her lips. “Yeah, yeah. Now get to work, mister,” she chided playfully.
Brian chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days.
🌊
He heard the front door creak open, but he hadn’t invited anyone over, so who—?
“Brian!” Suki’s voice called out.
Suki? Why was she here?
“I’m in the kitchen,” he responded.
As soon as she stepped into the kitchen, she froze, her eyes widening. “He—wow! What are you doing?”
Okay, so maybe Brian had gone a bit overboard. In his defense, he was stressed—and when Brian was stressed, he cooked. A lot.
Also… why was she here?
“Are you okay?” she asked, her tone shifting to concern. “Tej told me you left work early because you were sick.”
Fuck. Of course Tej told her.
“I’m fine,” Brian said, trying to sound casual. “Just wasn’t feeling great.”
He hoped she’d drop it, but when had luck ever been on his side?
“Not feeling well?” She walked up to him, placing a hand on his forehead. “You don’t feel warm.” She frowned. “Was it something you ate? I keep telling you not to eat leftovers after two days.”
Brian sighed as she made a beeline for the fridge, probably planning to toss out everything in there, like always.
“Suki, I’m meeting my mark tomorrow,” he blurted out as nonchalantly as possible.
Her hand froze on the fridge handle, and for a second, her whole body tensed. Then she turned around, eyes wide. “What? Oh my god, Brian! When did you get the call?”
“Today. That’s why I left early.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
“Wait, you got the call today? So why aren’t you meeting them until tomorrow? When I got the call about Tej, I met him the same day.”
“Well, the thing is… he doesn’t live in Florida. He’s in California—LA, to be specific. The lady on the phone said the nearest flight’s tomorrow, so he doesn’t really have a choice.”
“Wow, California, huh?” Suki leaned against the kitchen table, taking it in. “That’s pretty far.”
“Yeah, it is,” he sighed, before nudging her playfully. “But hey, distance has never been a problem for us, right? Look at Han and Rome. How long has it been since we’ve seen them?” He winced. “Okay, maybe Rome’s a bad example, but Han—we see him every few months. He’s still part of the family.”
Brian threw an arm around her, pulling her into a side hug.
Suki smiled gently. “I’m not sad, Bri. I’m happy for you. Seriously.” Her voice softened. “God, you’re growing up so fast.”
He rolled his eyes. “Oh please, you’re only two years older than me.”
She laughed, pushing him lightly. “No, but really—I am happy for you. I remember when I got the call about Tej. I was so nervous, but it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. And I know this will be the best thing to happen to you, too.”
Hearing her say that made him feel a little less nervous. That was Suki’s gift—knowing exactly what to say when he needed it most.
🌊
“Okay, so what are we gonna do with all this food?” Suki pondered aloud, hands on her hips, surveying the kitchen full of dishes.
“You could take some home with you,” Brian suggested, leaning against the counter. “I doubt Tej made dinner, and it’s definitely better than takeout.”
Suki nodded in agreement. “Yeah, and I’ll take some for work tomorrow. The others would appreciate a home-cooked meal instead of that junk they eat every day.”
“Problem solved!” Brian clapped his hands with a grin.
“Yup,” she said with a smirk, “and since that’s outta the way…” She turned to him, crossing her arms. “What’s the plan?”
Brian tilted his head, confused. “What do you mean?”
“Well, your mark’s arriving tomorrow, right? So, when are you picking him up? And where’s he staying? Here or at a hotel?”
Brian exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “His plane lands at 2, so I’ll be there to pick him up. And he’s staying here, of course. I just need to set up the guest room.”
“Good,” Suki said with a nod. “I know some people say it’s wrong not to let your soulmate sleep in your bed right away, but don’t listen to them. Even if he is your soulmate, you don’t know him yet. He could kick in his sleep for all you know.” She shrugged.
“Yes, mom,” Brian groaned dramatically. “I wasn’t planning on sleeping with him until day three, anyway—in both ways,” he added with a wink, smirking.
Suki rolled her eyes, but a grin crept onto her face. “Well, make sure you ask if he’s got any weird fetishes. You don’t wanna be mid-way through, and suddenly he’s sucking on your toes.”
“Eugh, why would you even say that?!” Brian grimaced in disgust.
Suki just laughed as she walked into the living room, plopping down onto the couch. Brian followed closely behind and sat next to her.
“Put on something scary,” she said, settling in. “I never get to watch horror with Tej around.”
Brian chuckled as he reached for the remote. “You should make him watch The Conjuring and tell him it’s a comedy.”
Suki snorted. “Please. He’d shit himself, then blame me.”
They both burst into laughter as Brian flipped through the options before settling on a classic horror movie. As the opening credits rolled, they relaxed into the couch, still chuckling.
🌊
After the movie ended, Suki stretched with a yawn. “Alright, I should head home. Tej’s probably wondering where I am by now.”
Brian nodded, standing up. “Let me pack up some food for you.”
He quickly put the leftovers into containers while Suki gathered her things. Once done, he handed her the bag at the door.
“Thanks for coming by,” Brian said with a small smile.
“Anytime. Good luck tomorrow,” Suki replied warmly. “You’ll do great.”
Brian nodded, though the thought of meeting his soulmate still made him anxious. “Good night, Suki.”
“Night, Bri.”
As she left, Brian locked the door behind her. The house suddenly felt quiet. He turned off the lights, darkness filling the empty space. Walking to the back door, he double-checked the lock, the click echoing in the silence.
Instead of heading straight to his room, Brian walked down the hall toward the guest bedroom. He flicked on the light and stood for a moment in the doorway, surveying the space.
Better get this ready, he thought.
Thankfully, the vacuum cleaner was upstairs, tucked away in the hall closet. He grabbed it and quickly began tidying up,his mind wandering as he worked. This wasn’t just about making the room neat—it was about trying to make sure everything was perfect for tomorrow. For him.
God, what’s he gonna be like?
Brian shook the thought away, finishing up and putting the vacuum back in its place. He headed to the linen closet, pulling out fresh sheets and pillowcases, he spread the sheets over the bed, smoothing them out with care. After fluffing the pillows and setting them just right, he stood back, satisfied.
With the room ready, Brian turned off the lights and made his way to his own bedroom.
He stripped down, tossing his clothes into the hamper, and grabbed a towel. A hot shower was exactly what he needed to relax. In the bathroom, Brian stayed under the water for a moment, letting it run down his body, as if it could wash away the stress and anxiety that had been building up all day. He squeezed a dollop of shampoo into his hand and worked it through his hair, The familiar scent of lavender from the body wash Han sent him from Japan filled the air, a comforting reminder of the people who grounded him.
Once he’d rinsed off, he stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist. The cool air hit his damp skin as he wiped the steam from the mirror, catching a glimpse of his reflection. For a second, he stared at himself, wondering what his soulmate would see when they met. Would he be happy with what he found?
Brian shook his head, letting the thought drift away as he towel-dried his hair and pulled on a clean pair of underwear. He switched off the bathroom light, Brian climbed into bed. As the quiet of the house settled around him, His thoughts still swirled—about tomorrow, about the mark, about what meeting his soulmate would mean for his life. But for now, as his eyes began to close, all he could do was hope.
Tomorrow would be a long day, but tonight, he just needed to rest.