jeanmarcosolstice

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Day 7 - Golden

JEANMARCO SUMMER SOLSTICE 2025 ひまわり畑にて

[jeanmarcosolstice]

last day!!! and ending it with a bang that is the midest piece out of all of them (i am not redrawing it) the prompt was machine age romance!!

happy i partaken in the challenge, i can feel difference in my art skills after this whole ordeal!!

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Day 6 - Sunburn

JEANMARCO SUMMER SOLSTICE 2025 おそろいでつけてみた！

[jeanmarcosolstice]

JeanMarco Solstice: Golden

Jean’s eyes lift to his, and Marco is struck with another bolt of pain, this one directly in his chest. There’s so much there, so much in those golden irises and the perfect blackness of his pupils…

"Obviously I needed you." Jean lets go of his hand. "I’ve always said you were always right, and you were. You knew where to look. You found her."

"Jean," Marco doesn’t resist grabbing him again, surprised that Jean doesn’t yank away. "It’s not… I’m not…" He struggles for something that won’t sound completely lame… "I’m sorry."

June 21, 2025

for the finale, a little angst from "Say You Will (Or That You Wish You Could)" by @friedcheesemogu 💝

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR A GREAT JEANMARCO SOLSTICE/JEANMARCO WEEK!!!!

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Somewhere Only We Know

JeanMarco Solstice Day 7: Golden

Far off from the training grounds, just passed an old oak tree, lies the perfect place to see the summer solstice. It makes a great resting spot for two boys to talk about their dreams.

Everybody was busy inside so that made the perfect opportunity for the two cadets to slip away.

They looked around to see if anybody was still patrolling; including their scary, bald instructor. Thank goodness everything was cleared or they would be in big trouble. One of the boys was still skeptical.

It was too late, however. Once they stepped out of the doors there’s no turning back. Out of nervousness, the anxious one grabs hold of the other’s hand, he didn’t mind it and so ran at a moderate pace to keep their footsteps light. Shut eyes are held - despite them doing this already a year prior - and are kept that way until they made it towards the big cliff.

Big sighs of relief were shared and up they climbed.

-

As the fields glowed a tint of orange, and more grass appeared as they ran forward, they knew they were nearly there. With the weight of being caught left their shoulders, the freckled boy could smile again, keeping in his excitement to experience this yearly event.

The other boy, the one with the undercut, also had positive emotions but was more tame compared to his friend. Now the latter was the one pulling him by his hand as they reached closer to the location; looking back at him from the angle he’s at made his smile seem brighter.

“Hurry, Jean! We’re almost there!”

Rushing forward as fast as they could, the hill getting more steeper and… there it was! An old, huge oak tree. Now the journey came to a halt.

Taking a small moment to catch their breaths, the sun remained at its position in the sky - the perfect position for a glorious sight.

“So…” Jean began whilst panting. “Looks like it hadn’t changed when we left, means we didn’t had to run all the way here… like the many times before.”

A light chuckle escaped from the other smiling boy. “Hehe, sorry. It’s kinda a forced habit of mine to make sure I don’t miss it.”

That laugh seemed to always get Jean smiling more than he usually did. And not the cocky, arrogant grin he gave around others, an honest smile. Marco’s optimism worked like a disease in a way.

Anyhow, they eventually took their seats right by the oak tree, laying their backs upon the cool patch of grass, and slightly squint as they watched the horizon. It felt very magical, growing more so every summer they went there. The sunset reached a point in the sky which caused the entire atmosphere to give a gentle, golden glow. Some clouds could still be seen but they were very small and thin in comparison to the bright circle up there. Marco could stare at the scenery for hours - Jean had grown quite accustomed.

They stayed silent for a moment to really reel in the beauty, and of course, Jean couldn’t help but layout his curiosity. “So why is it exactly that the sunset is much higher on this particular day?”

“It’s the summer solstice.” Marco happily replied. “My mother told me that right in the middle of the season, the sun moves to its highest point in the sky, causing it to be the one time of the year which the day lasts longer; and takes longer for it to set.”

“Heh. Never thought you’d be almost as nerdy as Armin.” Jean joked, laying his elbows up till his hands were behind his head.

He briefly thought he sounded a bit harsh but pushed it aside right when Marco laughed again.

“Well… we also saw it as a symbol of a brighter future ahead of us; nothing nerdy about that one.”

Jean paused after Marco’s witty retort. “Brighter future, huh?”

This got him thinking back to their very first day in the camp. How he announced loud and clear on his lifelong dream to live within the Military Police, how he’s been working his damn ass off to reach those high scores to get in, and how a certain tempered baby called him out for being a coward for it. Recollecting those memories got Jean distracted enough to have him not look back at Marco and notice his reddish cheeks.

“Say, uh…” The former continued whilst rubbing his neck. “Are you sure you wanna stick with your plans on serving the king?”

Marco turned his head over at him. “Y-Yeah. Of course I do.” He replied. “W-Why did you ask?”

Jean didn’t like the way he was stuttering with his response or his questioning back; for all he knew he could be hiding something.

“Curiosity I guess. I mean relaxing within the interior with all the drinks we can get sounds much more appealing to me, I could have you tag along with me too.” His smile faded with the memory stuck inside his head. “But then I saw how hard you trained today and talking to Jaeger of all people - about the scouts no doubt, right?”

The freckled boy nervously shifted his eyes away from his friend. “Well… yes. We were only discussing on his goals to join them and what he’ll do once he does. That’s all.”

“Alright then.” Jean relaxed and layed back down on the grass.

That sudden moving on from the conversation had Marco curious. “We’re you worried that I’d changed my mind and become one?”

“N-No! I… I didn’t mean it like that!” Now Jean was the one blushing like a rose.

“I-I know. Don’t get me wrong, I think it would be nice to do something heroic for everyone in the walls - as Eren described it - and Armin made seeing the outside world feel fascinating, but… I don’t know. Titans do still kinda scare me.”

“Pfft, only an idiot wouldn’t be.” Jean mumbled to himself.

“Besides…” Marco smiled again, blushing lightly again. “I think you’d be the better scout out of the two of us.”

“That again? Hate to keep reminding you, man, but I’m nowhere near the skill for that sort of bs.”

Marco almost flinched at hearing his friend being doubtful about himself again. He understood Jean was very insecure but still, he needs to be aware on his own hidden talents - which is why he faced towards him with a sad yet firm expression.

“Jean, I told you. You have a lot more skill than you realise, you’re smart, honest - a bit blunt at times though - and that’s how others can sympathise with you. I know it’s hard for you to understand now but if ever comes a time when we have to face danger, I know you can lead us to victory.”

No words were shared afterwards; just two teens keeping eye contact with their heads facing towards each other. One couldn’t express his thoughts on that speech, while the other didn’t realise his blushing was getting a little redder. Why you may ask? It’s due to the truth he was about to spill:

“I-I still dream of joining the MPs… but now I want to do so at your side, Jean.”

His eyes were still locked onto his freckled friend, and yet he didn’t pick up on why he was embarrassed to admit that.

“I see…” Jean spoke. “I guess if anything does eventually happen, such as the titans, I’ll be prepared for it… Sorry about that.”

Once Marco’s blushing died down a bit, he responded. “It’s okay, I do get it.”

With all said and done, they continued to gaze at the setting sun as it last. This reminded Jean on how far away they were from everybody else. He’d never talk about his own flaws to anyone like that, how weak he can feel, but Marco is a different story. The guy could read him like an open book, notices his weak points, and yet didn’t judge him for it - instead he saw the good that comes from it. And since nobody else knows about the location by the oak tree, he can probably take Marco hear anytime just to watch the sunset together. To laugh and chat at ease.

Jean relaxed his narrowed eyes and takes a small breath in, turning his head again to look at the calm freckled boy next to him. His smile was only half-visible, probably still a little upset, which wasn’t a good sign to finish the evening with.

“Marco?” He said in a quiet tone.

“Hm?”

“W-Would you mind if we could come up here some other time? Just the two of us?”… and it doesn’t have to be the next solstice.”

(Why does he feel his face going really hot?)

Nothing else could’ve made Marco any happier than hearing that. He found himself scooting closer to express words for only Jean to hear.

“I would like that very much.”

-

Jean Kirstein finds himself walking across an empty land, however, the entire scenery remains familiar to him. There’s not as many patches of grass as there use to be, but the pathway is still visible and he knows it like the back of his hand. He slowly walks up the hill at a steady pace to really reel in the sense of melancholy. One memory at a time flow right back.

He continues his walk of recollection ‘til he approaches the distant view of the signature landmark - only now the oak tree has fallen.

What once stood proud and strong with its branches swaying in the wind has been knocked down due to events which occurred not too long ago, a particular event changed their island for good, probably represented by said oak tree’s condition.

A mournful smile spreads upon the man’s face; he gives one of its big root a pat as a way of respecting it. And so moves on ahead until he finally reaches the top of the hill. Everything goes still for Jean as he gazes at the horizon, it all feels the same as it was from the beginning: the glistening grass beneath, small clouds floating by, calm breeze making his mullet dance within and the sun’s position in the sky giving the view its magical, golden glow.

Jean can sit here and be amazed for hours upon end, take off his suit jacket and soak in the warmth of the sunset, but there’s something he must do first.

Right behind him lies a stone. This stone was never here during his constant visits with his friend, in fact, Jean was the one whom planted it here himself. His signature handwriting can still be evident although the stone needs cleaning, and right in front of it lies a small bottle full of a grey sandy substance.

The man bends down on one knee, a hint of sadness in both eyes as he begins his piece:

“Hello there… it’s been a while hasn’t it? I apologise for taking about three years to come and see you again, it’s just… things have been crazy lately. At least I can tell you the titans are no more and will never be seen again. That was one of your old fears, huh? Anyway, I’m still keeping busy still. The scout regiment may be extinct as well but its name is being soiled by a bunch of rebels still wishing for the rest of the world to suffer. But I’m doing by best to fight back - we all are.”

Through instincts, Jean takes his seat right next to the marker. His gentle hand covers the top as he stares wonderfully at this year’s summer solstice.

“Heh. To think that we use to climb all the way up here to talk about our plans for the future, one which we thought possible. Well… I’m still going to do so, and I’ll tell you all about it. Don’t worry, nobody else knows about this place but us still. I would ask if you don’t mind but… I know you too well by now. E-Especially now than before.”

He can feel a lump building in his throat. A flash of a memory quickly crosses his mind; one of which pictures the young, freckled boy staring right at him with his cheeks as red as roses. He use to think it was due to the sunset, but it wasn’t, and he was too naive to understand.

“I-I’m very sorry to have let you slip away… before you could have the chance. It’ll probably take many years until you can take it again. B-But I’m still here, and I’ll tell you as many times as I need to every time I visit you. To make up for being so stupid…”

Tears build up in his blinking eyes, trying not to let them out but failed, a couple of sniffs escape before he can finish and does his best to smile upon the bottled ashes resting.

“I love you too… Marco.”

Jean finally got to say all the things that have been kept inside throughout his absence, they’ve all been flushed out and he begins to feel at ease - enough for him to turn back and face the sunset.

It’s been years now but Jean remembers that solstice crystal clear; the calming breeze to the golden sky itself. It feels ridiculous to believe, however, in honour of his lost love he keeps ahold of the belief of the solstice meaning a brighter future. One which he can see yearly and keep his hopes up to continue bringing peace back into the world. A world he’d be proud of.

Although, there’s a certain something about it which will never make Jean feel fully happy.

The sun doesn’t shine as brightly as Marco’s smile.

[jeanmarcosolstice]

For Lemonade prompt 🍋

[jeanmarcosolstice]

JeanMarco Solstice: Sunburn

"I found your body. Identified it. Pieces were missing. Half your face and upper body. Watched you burn-"

He stopped again, biting into the knuckle of his other hand, fighting back tears. I rubbed my thumb along his, adjusting our hands so that my fingers threaded between his.

"Shh… you don’t have to say anymore, Jean. I’ve heard enough."

June 20, 2025

from the other half of Like a Drum, "My Beating Heart" by Lownly / @yolownly. such nostalgia 🥹

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Hot, Hot, Hot!

JeanMarco Solstice Day 6: Sunburn

While suffering from a horrendous sunburn, Jean learns a little more about his boyfriend as he tends to his wounds.

“AGH! HOT! FUCK!”

“Jean! What have I said about staying still?!”

Marco Bodt has been sitting in the beach hut for over twenty minutes trying his best to tend the sunburn of his idiot boyfriend, and all he’s been given in return for his helpful nature are whines of agony.

I mean, it was his fault for not waking him up or setting a timer for Jean beforehand, but still, the guy should’ve known better.

“I-I’m sorry. For both my shouting- hsss!.. and for staying out too long.” Jean hissed at the pain. “I honestly felt like I was only asleep for a few minutes.”

“On the contrary, if you feel like you’re falling asleep, you should move into the shade to avoid such a nasty burn.” Marco responds irritatingly.

Now Jean is feeling afraid.

He rarely sees Marco get this angry at him - or even anyone -this much before. Usually when he does stupid things in the past, the freckled boy would take breaths and shrugs it off; sometimes passing on smart words to him. But here, it’s like his whole bottled up anger can’t be denied anymore.

As the taller man tries to go with the hotness of his burns, he keeps his eyes on Marco as he seems to notice something. When they arrived at their hut he had a bag of medications already prepared within, he places out small bottles of moisturizers and picked between which one to use, not to mention overanalyzing Jean’s body to find any bad patches of peeling or rough skin.

Curiosity gets the best of this cat; and so he opens up with this question:

“Why does it feel like I’m sitting in a doctor’s clinic right now?”

Marco looks up at him in sudden surprise. When Jean glances over himself he can see a bright blush visible upon his freckled cheeks. Talk about a big 180; one moment he’s annoyed at him and now he’s back to an embarrassed mess. Reminds Jean a whole lot of the shy, awkward boy Marco used to be before they started dating, honestly.

Silence spreads through the hut… then a stutter comes out.

“Well… I-uh… I’ve been studying about treatments to serious conditions.”

“And why’s that?” Jean asks confusingly. “What are you going to use it for? Hopefully not for any more sunburns in the future.”

Before he can reveal his answer, Marco hands over a glass of water to Jean and shyly rubs the side of his neck, big brown eyes shifting away as if avoiding eye contact. “Actually, it’s for my career.”

Jean nearly spits out his water but carefully gulps it down before talking. “What career? You have a job that I didn’t know about?”

“Oops! I meant to say future career. Sorry.” Marco flusters a little at his wording. “I-It’s something I’ve been passionate about for a few years now, and I really enjoy studying on various illnesses and what I can do to cure them. The kind doctors I’ve met in the past have taught me a lot as well. So I might wanna pick some courses for our next few years of college. You see what I’m saying?”

He’s expecting Jean to remain confused or even upset that he never told him before despite dating. Fortunately, he smiles at him and gently pats his knee (fighting the pain in moving).

“Marco, that’s great news. Knowing how calm and compassionate you are, you’d be a great doctor for others to be inspired by. How come you never told me that before?”

Marco’s eyebrows give of an miserable expression; it has Jean feeling the same way. Before he can guess himself, his boyfriend sighs in sadness. “B-Because… promise me you won’t be upset? The college I want to study for is far out of town.”

Jean pauses for a minute.

“…Oh.”

“I’m very sorry. I really want to follow this path of achieving this career, but I knew you’d be upset so I tried my damn hardest not to tell you. I may be a bit angry at myself and took that onto you earlier.”

Really? He was more mad at his own decisions and not his stupidity for snoozing underneath the eighty degrees fahrenheit weather? Or perhaps it’s both. Either way, Jean swallows his sorrow and assures his boyfriend on his own words of wisdom - which he picked up from a certain someone else.

“Marco, if this is something you really want to do with your life, then by all means go for it. Yes, I’ll admit that it’ll get a bit lonely without you with me physically, but there are ways we can keep in contact you know? Texting, face-time, letters, you name it. Just don’t beat yourself around the bush okay? Do what you think is best for you. I’ll be a good boyfriend and support you all the way.”

The freckled boy is speechless; in the good way. A slight tear builds in his eye and his usual sunshine smile reappears after half an hour.

“Thank you Jean. I’ll do my best.”

He hasn’t felt this happy all day, so much so that he quickly grabs into Jean to hug him tightly. The loud yelp he’s gifted with breaks the mood unfortunately.

“GAH! FUCK!”

“Oh god! I’m sorry! I forgot!”

Jean grinds his teeth together. “Nnn…no, you’re fine. I’ll roll with it.”

Marco just sighs in relief. He squirts more moisturizer on his hands and begins rubbing it over Jean’s chest once again. He gestures his hand as to tell Jean to turn around, he does so and gets the cream covering his reddish back.

“You know…” Jean widens a grin now that he’s facing away. “Once you come back from your studies, we can probably play a bit of doctor next time I get HOT!”

Marco smacks him in the back of the head for that teasy tone of his. “Don’t think that after I told you my plans gives you an excuse to burn yourself again. You have to take care of yourself too.”

“Alright, alright. I’m only kidding.”

His boyfriend shakes his head in dissatisfaction, but cracks a small smile in order to say ‘what am I going to do with you?’

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Day 5 - Garden

JEANMARCO SUMMER SOLSTICE 2025 てんとう虫もやすんでる

[jeanmarcosolstice]

again, and again, and again and again

[jeanmarcosolstice]

JeanMarco Solstice: Garden

Suddenly, the air was filled with ear-splitting ‘pop’s and ‘bang’s, the sky glittering with explosions of color. Outside the door, shouts of ‘Happy New Year’ rang out, and below the balcony where I stood, my parents’ party guests were pouring out into our garden to enjoy the fireworks. It was 2014.

"Happy New Year, Marco."

"….Happy New Year, Jean."

June 19, 2025

"His Beating Heart" of the infamous Like a Drum by Lownly / @yolownly. need i say more?

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Hello! When is the last date that you will be accepting late submissions for the JeanMarco week?

There is no cutoff for submissions! The only thing is, I may be checking the tags less often so it might take me longer to reblog content that during the event. Cheers!

[jeanmarcosolstice]

instagram decided they want to see opulence and decay prompt first so you get it too😋

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Our Buds Are Growing!

JeanMarco Solstice Day 5: Garden

The first thing Jean and Marco Kirstein do for their first free day back on Paradis, is bringing their children to a fully in bloom garden.

The sun has risen over the horizon and yet the overworked 22-year-old man refuses to open his eyes. He can feel the heat reflecting onto his half-naked body, slipping through the thin curtains, he simply turns to face away from the morning light.

Yesterday was such a pain in the ass that he’d much rather lay underneath the cozy bed sheets all day; lying next to the one he holds dear. Speaking of which, he suddenly feels a much better warmth placing onto his arm. It shifts closer until its lips press against his forehead. The man cannot help himself opening one eye to gaze upon the smiling face before him.

“Good morning, Jean dear.”

“Mmm, you too Marco.”

Such soothing voices they love to hear every morn.

“What time is it exactly? Feels like I’ve been sleeping forever.” The taller man rubs one of this eyes as he sits up in their bed, the other eye stares out of the window.

“About eight at least, so not too long.”

“Really? *yawn* bit early don’t you think?”

His husband is more of an early bird than Jean is; always right as rain to give him his best smile to wake up to. However, he’s not sure on why still so early, as today is suppose to be their first day off in a long while. Guess some habits never do go away so easily.

Sorry, but you know how a little someone will get cranky if we sleep in.” Marco reminds him, gesturing his head towards two cribs over in the corner of their bedroom.

Jean’s sleepy eyes get the picture. “Oh yeah.”

Standing up steadily, the taller man walks his way over to those said cribs, staring away adoringly at two small buds snoozing soundly. One of them being a brown haired boy clutching onto his blanket, the other, a girl with a similar brown shade of hair like Jean, nibbles her nail in her sleep. Such precious angels for the young couple.

When was the last time Jean felt such peace when looking at them like this? Normally he’d end up feeling sad for as soon as he got up, he and Marco would call in a sitter while they prepare for a long day of ambassador work. Yes, they could’ve gotten some days off but some tasks were never easy for just their friends to tackle alone; especially when it came to dealing with the Jaeger Faction.

But now that things have quiet down for the time being - thanks to Historia - they’ve been given their needed day off to spend time together as the new family they should be. On such a warm day too.

Jean is so overjoyed from the inside he can’t help but lift his sleeping daughter into his arms - he does his best to not wake her up. Doesn’t last long as the little girl blinks awake, rubbing her baby blues in the same manner as her daddy did earlier. A grumble escaped.

“Sorry, baby.” Jean whispers. “But good morning to you.”

All she does is rest her head into his shoulder for comfort. Marco, whom is right beside them, smiles blissfully and the wholesomeness of the interaction. He reminds himself to pick up their son from his sleep as well; he’s not as fussy as his twin sister as he remains asleep when lifted.

It feels like an hour of the men just gazing and gently rubbing circles on each toddler’s backs, but it’s all they really need right now. Despite that, Marco is the first one to speak.

“So you think it’s about time we get changed and have breakfast?”

“Isn’t it better to wait for them to fully awake first?” Jean asks in a half-pleading tone, as if he just wants to stay holding his daughter all day.

Marco lightly giggles. “We have all day to play with them. Right now we all need something to eat.”

“Alright, alright.”

The content couple agree to carefully have their children lie down on their bed, with one of them keeping a close eye whilst the other changes in the washroom. It doesn’t take too long for each of them to slowly wake up by themselves - the girl getting instantly confused once her eyes fully open.

“Dada?” She speaks suddenly.

Hearing that word makes Marco’s heart feel full.

-

It’s around some time after half-past eight now and the stomachs of the Kirstein family are filled up. They remain seated in one of the hotel’s private eating rooms, attempting to feed their little ones with what’s left on their plates. While the boy’s a bit fussy, their daughter gulps it all down like it’s nothing - she does have big enough appetite for her age.

The warmth from outside continues to shine through the windows and onto Jean’s skin, he cannot resist looking out at the clear sky weather, and on that note also notices the hotel’s back garden.

Summer has just came into season and so has all the flowers out there. There must be dozens of different colors blossoming in the sunshine; there’s some blue, some purple and most yellow. Not to mention many touches of green from the trees, hedges and plants surrounding the place. Everything together appears more stunning than any painting Jean’s ever seen.

His husband along with his daughter seem to both notice the awe on his face. “Beautiful out there, huh?”

“Hm?” Jean turns around. “Yeah, definitely.”

”When was the last time we ever saw a garden in full bloom?”

Jean knows Marco isn’t attempting to lower the mood at all, but it still brings back some sorrowful memories. He’s right though; throughout the past years there’s been nothing but plain fields left to right. They were very thankful to have seen the vegetation on Paradis growing well.

“Couldn’t say.” He replies softly with a smile. “But it’s nice that the moment is now.”

He stares down at his little girl, who herself is staring out at each flower bed. Turning towards her freckled dad on the opposite side of the table, she babbles in a slightly demanding tone:

“Walk.”

The men should be surprised to hear one full word coming from their daughter’s mouth but they have been told by the sitter a few times that their kids have been developing their sense of speech very quickly for their age, so they’ve been expecting this. What they didn’t expect was for her to sound super instructing.

“Walk?” Now the little boy speaks too, only more like questioning as if it’s what they’re doing next.

“Well Rosie, we could go outside but only if you ask nicely. Okay, sweetie?” Jean gives her the ‘fair but firm’ look down at her.

For a few seconds, Rosie plays with her fingers while looking a little sad in her eyes. Her pouty face reminds Marco of Jean from their youth a lot - he thinks it’s cute.

“Walk pwease?” She repeats, more politely this time.

“Of course we can.” Jean smiles.

Marco thinks to himself as he picks up their son - whom I should state his name is Philip -from his lap: ‘I never thought I’d see him acting so doting yet understanding to children, including his own. Seems we really made the right choice that day.’

-

One step out of the door and the tender, calming breeze is the first thing they experience. The ringing of an old wind chime somewhere in the garden only adds to the natural atmosphere, so peaceful and so inspirational. Jean and Marco take a good look around and spot a wooden bench over by the patch of daisies, in fact, Rosie happily points to the area like she recognises it (the sitter must’ve taken them out here times before) and so they decide to go and sit.

Well, actually, Rosie keeps on babbling in joy, pointing at any flower they cross, nearly falling out Jean’s arms from her squirming. Good thing he has a good grip or else her fragile toddler body would get seriously hurt from the stone tiles beneath. She seems to really love this place as much as her dads do, so once she’s done wriggling does Jean place her down on her feet to go exploring.

“Remember, don’t let go of me while we’re here.” Jean informs the distracted Rosie, but she nods anyway.

As they slowly walk at a pace to have her at his side, Marco keeps an eye on Philip, keeping him close to his chest on the bench. Seems he can’t take his eyes off of those daisies either, naturally, it gives him an idea.

The flowers all look much prettier up close than from the window; all of them dance in the summer breeze delicately. Whenever Rosie walks across one which she likes, she bends down to gaze and take a whiff. Jean occasionally does the same when Rosie pleads him to do so - he does stop her if she tries to pick any of them too.

“Wantit!” She whines over a pinkish dahlia so badly that her voice pitches to a squeak.

“Sweetie, we can’t just pick flowers from the hotel’s gardens. Besides, if you pick those flowers they’ll die.” Jean attempts to be calm and explain to his fussing daughter.

Thank god it took less than a minute for her to calm down - usually she’d move on to the crying - and buries her face into the crook of her dad’s neck.

“Don’t be sad, Rosie.” Jean coos whilst rubbing her back. “Do you wanna see what papa and your brother are doing?”

Sniffling is all he receives.

They both head back now only to be greeted with a stunning surprise. Marco has Philip sitting next to him on the bench, weaving together daisy crowns as steady as a turtle. Their son already has one upon his head so the other small one Marco is currently on must be for Rosie. He jolts a little once he notices his husband standing next to him.

“Oh! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” He chuckles.

“I-It’s fine. I… knew you can braid hair but daisy chains as well?”

“Growing up with a younger sister, you’ll end up doing these sort of things.”

“I see. Can I maybe try?”

Marco gives a confused look at his husband; not that he finds Jean making flower crowns weird, he’s just never asked him before. He scoots over on the bench to make room for Jean, which he does and then turns Rosie over to show her papa’s masterpiece.

“Look darling. Papa has made this for you. What do you think?” Jean smiles once again.

Instead of being moody and turning her head back again, she gleefully perked up and shows grabby hands towards it. Marco gently places it on top of her head as if crowning a little princess. She returns the favor with a tiny giggle which is like music to both of her dads’ ears.

“Do you like it baby? What do you say?”

“Than’ wou.” Rosie attempts to say ‘thank you’ with her babbly way of speaking at her age.

“Aww, you’re welcome sweetie.”

Her smile is almost as bright as Marco’s. Whenever they see it, they can’t help but smile back. So now that she’s happy again, they leave her at the side to play with her brother, their little crowned prince. As they watch them play, Jean places his arm around his freckled husband in awe of the familial moment. Marco lovingly gazes back at him… and then back to Rosie… pondering.

“You know, she’s growing to become more like you, Jean.”

“Really? How so?” He asks.

“One minute she can pretty grouchy and act in charge, the next she shows a much sweeter side. A lot like you if you ask me.”

“Har har. Very funny.”

“I mean it. Things have been rough on you for the past few years, but every time you see our children you act like your usual self again. I can’t wait for the day for things to eventually calm down so we can be like this again. Be a real happy family.”

Jean feels like crying happiness right now. He’s extremely lucky to have married this man, his closest friend to his lover, whom wishes the same as himself - a wish they’ll for certain make true. Looking back at the baby twins smiling, their own little buds are still growing, and they wish for them to sprout within a peaceful world. One where they can play in and have fun as children should; a far cry from the walled in military they grew up in.

The couple stare at each other once more before leaning in for a quick kiss on the lips. Jean breaks it first for his response:

“I wish for that to come much sooner.”

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Day 4 - Endless

JEANMARCO SUMMER SOLSTICE 2025 いつまでもどこまでも

[jeanmarcosolstice]

Day 1 - Adventure ⛰️

I just happened to be on an adventure of my own at the start of JeanMarco Week up in the White Mountains! The background image on this piece is a pic I took from one of the viewing sites at the peak of the Kancamangus Highway.

I instantly wanted to draw our sweet boys experiencing this view for themselves for today’s prompt ☺️ and I think I’d like to make more with some of the other pictures I took!

[jeanmarcosolstice]

i almost forgot to post this...