He thinks about it from time to time, but it doesn’t mean anything to him until after he’s enlisted. Well — to be specific, it doesn’t mean anything until he meets Gale. Because John had always assumed the Gale on his arm was a woman — some women spelled it that way, anyhow — and then there’s this quiet guy, skinny, full mouth pursed around a toothpick, and he says, “Name’s Gale Cleven. Pleased to meet you.”
John doesn’t remember what he said, how he introduced himself, if he smiled or frowned or seemed indifferent. He remembers Gale’s hand in his, a firm handshake with a dry palm, callused fingers. The zing of that contact singing through his body, digging its talons into his lungs and bearing down.
Anyone else would’ve stayed away. John’s not that kind, though.
Source: but sweethearts few, by addandsubtract – Masters of the Air (TV 2024) [Archive of Our Own]
Adult. This is a perfect soulmarks fic – I’ve rarely read one that still includes period-typical homophobia, which lends an extra edge to the relationship. *chef’s kiss*