"Ah, for shame! Such a sin to fall such a flower as you! If I could amend such a transgression it would be a miracle among miracles, even then envying the miracle of your beautiful eyes! Ah, but nothing could compare-"
That's usually as far as he gets. Despite the pain in his ribs, he smiles. He's sure his soulmate will be a joy to be around. Funny at the very least.
It is funny, after all. He's still, even after 20-some years, never read the whole thing. He's memorize the first and last sentences. It starts at the very top of his left arm, unusual for a Mark. It's usually just one sentence imprinted on the forearm like a tattoo, the first thing your soulmate says to you. In Osomatsu's case, his Mark starts at the top of his shoulder and goes down to his wrist. And again. And again. In such a small font, wrapping around his entire arm giving him a full sleeve of text.
When he was born his parents were, frankly, horrified, the font was so small then, they couldn't even read it. Embarrassed for their son they always put them in long sleeves until he was old enough to pick his own clothes. Most kids had already shared with their classmates what their Mark said, and never believed Osomatsu when he said his was too small to read, even the teacher told him lying was bad. So he took off his shirt to prove it. Everyone was shocked, which amused Osomatsu to no end. He also got in trouble for taking off his shirt.
Today felt like a good day. He woke up around eight and headed to the bookstore he worked at, opening the store at nine. He had just lined the shelves with his good friend's latest manga and knew that there would already be a line of people waiting to buy it.
The clock hit nine and he open the door, and a flood of girls surged inside. He tried to move out of the way in time, but just as he was about to be in the clear, a young man was pushed in his direction, toppling them both to the floor. Osomatsu groaned as he sat up, and the other man moved quickly to stand.
He was wearing a black hoodie and blue apron that said 'Flower Akatsuka', his hair looked extremely similar to Osomatsu's and he had sunglasses on his head. He bowed down, hand extended for a Osomatsu's. Osomatsu took it and stood and opened his mouth to thank him but before he could-
"Ah, for shame! Such a sin to fall such a flower as you! If I could amend such a transgression it would be a miracle among miracles, even then envying the miracle of your beautiful eyes! Ah, but nothing could compare-"
Osomatsu's mind went blank. He. Was he dreaming? He knew these word. He took in the man speaking, posing dramatically, occasionally taking Osomatsu's hand again. He was actually pretty damn attractive and his voice was alluring, despite his words being so... painful.
"-perhaps my darling flower would like this flower? A rose, symbol of love-"
He had been talking nonstop for several minutes. Osomatsu remembered that line, it was just over halfway through. The farthest he'd ever gotten. He can only continue staring, feeling his ribs crack.
"I pray I can earn your forgiveness someday and perhaps even your love, what do you say my flower?"
There, that was the last sentence. It was his turn to reply. He had to make it matter. He opened his mouth and...
"Well, fuck me, that hurt worse than the fall."
Welp. Oops.
The other man froze, his smile dropping. His eyes went wide and his face went red.
"It's you," he whispered.
Osomatsu rubbed under his nose, laughing. "It's me! Name's Osomatsu, nice to finally meet the guy that gave me a full sleeve!" he said, gesturing to his exposed, text covered forearm.
"Ah, so I did. My name is Karamatsu, it is truly a pleasure to meet you, love."
They smiled at each other and laughed lightly.
"Oi, do your job, we want our books!"
"Shh, they're being gay, I want to watch!"
Suddenly remembering where they were, Osomatsu started for the register. He turned back to his soulmate.
"Gotta handle this. Wait for me?"
Karamatsu smiled gently. "Always."