Happily Melancholy
"We are gathered here today to farewell Marco Bodt. A loving husband, a caring friend…" The preacher looks up briefly at Jean and attempts to study his expression. Jean's glance is fixated on the coffin that has become the home of his beloved husband, Marco. There's a distant look in his eyes. Marco's death was completely unexpected. Now that Jean had completely come to grips with what happened, he felt more lost than he had ever felt before. Marco was Jean's constant, the one who would always be there and without him – nothing seemed worth it anymore.
[FLASHBACK]
It's morning and as always, Jean is the first to awaken out of the pair. His eyes slowly fluttered open as he slipped back into consciousness. A wide smile spread across his lips as he discovered Marco sleeping right next to him. He'd never be able fully adjust to how amazing this feeling was, waking up to your soul mate was an experience only bested by holding your soul mate. He slowly leaned in towards him and pressed a soft kiss aganinst the brunette's lips. And, just like that, Marco was awake.
A soft chuckle escaped Jean. "Just like Snow White," he teased, kissing his drowsy husband once again.
Marco's face crinkled slightly. "That's not how you say good morning. Want to try again?"
Jean nodded, leaning in close once again before pressing soft kisses onto Marco's lips.
A smile pulled at the corner of Marco's lips, growing wider with each kiss. "Better," he mumbled softly against Jean's lips.
Pulling away reluctantly, Jean laid his head back onto his pillow. Marco watched Jean for a moment, moving closer towards him. "Jean…" He started, interlacing their fingers together.
Jean simply nodded in response. The brunette pressed a soft kiss onto his husband's shoulder, "I want a baby."
"You think we're ready?" Jean simply asked, looking at Marco.
Marco nodded. "I really think we are. We've come a long way and since we're married, it only seems fitting that you or I impregnate a surrogate the old-fashioned way through IVF."
The blonde's glance moved towards his husband, a smile on his lips. "If we get you a baby, does that mean I can finally get a dog?"
"Don't try to bargain with me," Marco snapped back in response, "I know you want a baby just as much as I do. I can see it in your eyes." Smiling, Marco pressed his lips against Jean's. "You're not fooling anyone."
Jean slowly pulled away, a low groan escaping him. "I still really want a dog."
[END FLASHBACK.]
The preacher finishes his monologue that he has prepared for the occasion. "Jean?" The preacher asks, his voice soft.
Reluctantly, Jean tears his glance away from the coffin to face the voice.
"Your rose." Jean nods at the preacher's request and places his rose onto the wooden coffin.
As they slowly lower Marco into the grown, Jean closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. His eyes slowly open when he hears Marco's new wooden home hit the ground. "I love you, Marco Bodt," he whispers, tears welling up in his eyes.