Edited 6/19/22.

A/N: This chapter contains mild swearing, implied sexual content, and referenced homophobia.

***

"You sure you're feeling better, Honey Bun?"

"Yes, Tiger. I honestly think that woman had some sort of ability that made her venom more painful. I've been bitten before and have never reacted that badly. Either way, it's been awhile- and I think it's cleared. I don't feel like I'm burning from the inside out anymore, so that's progress."

"Marsh."

"It was a joke, my love. I'm fine. Really." A tender caress is placed against a trembling bicep. "I know it was hard for you to see me that way."

"...More than you might think," Paul answers, his tone nothing but honest.

"But I promise you I'm okay now- everything's back to normal. There's no need for you to worry about me."

A short hum is given in response to Marshall's comment. The small noise seems noncommittal. He doesn't say anything when a kiss is pressed against the back of his hand. It's a gesture used to hide lingering fear and panic. It's also a sweet indication of love and appreciation.

Soft lips are hot against his skin. Now that his body no longer feels like it's boiling, he can actually enjoy physical displays of affection again.

Some lingering pain is still felt beneath the bite scar. It's more a minor inconvenience than it is painful, however. There's a faint stinging sensation in the vampire's muscle that's reminiscent of how someone's arm would react after getting an injection. A slight annoyance, sure, but definitely not something worth fretting over.

Marshall's hand is set back down. It stays clasped in Paul's larger one. Their arms swing habitually between them. Quiet steps are taken up wooden stairs. After passing dark tinged planks, both men cross the threshold into the Uley house.

The smell of cooking pasta is hovering in the air. Jared and Embry are sitting at the dining table together, the guys talking with lighthearted expressions. Emily is consulting with Sam as he's stirring the contents inside of a boiling pot of water. Hushed music is playing from a speaker on another counter.

It's a casual atmosphere that's halted once the second couple is noticed.

"Marsh!"

Voices laced with genuine surprise catch Marshall off guard. Everyone sounds excited to see him. There are also hints of worry or concern—maybe both—hidden beneath astonished tones.

His eyes widen when Emily books it out of the kitchen. She runs straight into the vampire's frame. If not for Paul's fast reaction of grabbing Marshall by the shoulders, he would've toppled over.

Thinner arms wrap around his torso. Smaller hands clench against the fabric of his jacket. He feels his own form of shock because he knows his skin is ice cold, yet Emily clings to him like she doesn't feel it. If anything, the temperature makes her sigh out in relief.

"Oh honey- we're so glad you're okay!" She looks up with tearful eyes. "We were so scared for you. Paul said you weren't doing well after what happened- and then we didn't hear from either of you for a few days. We've been so worried."

Marshall's wide eyes soften. A pit of guilt builds in his stomach.

He doesn't want anyone to feel bad about what happened to him. Especially since his actions saved the life of someone he cares about.

A delicate smile is offered. Strong arms wrap around Emily in a tight embrace. She leans into the touch as if she's afraid Marshall will disappear. The gesture is met with a single pat atop her head. The same hand runs down soft locks of hair before settling on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he tells her. "I didn't mean to make any of you worry. I won't lie- I wasn't in good shape. I'm glad Paul didn't say anything because it probably would've made you guys worry more. Still, I'm alright now. And I'm- I'm flattered that you guys care so much. It's not something I'm used to, but it is appreciated."

Emily doesn't release the hug. She just tightens her arms even further.

Marshall feels a second pair wrapping around his shoulders in a tender embrace from behind. Next thing he knows, the other pack members are joining in. It becomes a sudden group hug with the vampire sandwiched in the middle. He looks around not really knowing what to do.

Aside from Brad, and occasionally Rose or Esme, Marshall's never been hugged much by other people. Not before he got into a committed relationship. It's a form of physical intimacy that frightens him; because it shows that someone might care. He's not used to that. He's not used to so many people worrying about his safety. He's not used to people openly expressing their concern for him.

Back when he was still living with the Cullens, Marshall always had to look out for himself. No one helped him with his problems—he had to deal with every single hardship alone.

That isn't the case here.

It's... different. And a bit overwhelming. But he'll also admit that it's something he wouldn't mind getting used to if it's from his newly established family.

"I'm just glad that no one else was hurt," Marshall adds as everyone pulls back. "I don't know what I would've done had something happened to you, Em."

"But nothing did- because of you. And that says a lot more about your character than anything else does."

Such a kindhearted, genuine statement fills Marshall with glee. It also fills him with slight embarrassment. He buries his face in the collar of his jacket to hide a phantom blush. It causes the others to break out into cheerful laughter. A tense atmosphere shifts back into a jovial one.

A fat kiss is planted on Marshall's neck from Paul before they part ways. Golden eyes watch as all shifters leave to go fetch Jake for a group hangout.

The thought of him makes the vampire sigh.

The two aren't necessarily on bad terms; Jacob just isn't as open as Embry when it comes to being around Marshall. He understands though. He knows it's going to take some time for instinctual discomfort to die down. Fortunately, progress has been made. They're able to sit in the same room without making snide comments about each other. That's a win in Marshall's book.

"What're you making today, Em?"

"Something simple- angel hair pasta with lemon butter shrimp. I've given the sauce a taste, but it seems like something's missing."

"Have you added anything extra?"

"Just some salt to taste. Why? Am I missing something?"

"Either minced garlic or garlic basil seasoning. It's light, but it'll give your sauce that pungency you're looking for."

"Mind cutting up some garlic for me then, sweetheart?"

Marshall nods with a grin. He unzips his jacket and drapes it over the back of one of the dining chairs. He rolls up the somewhat baggy sleeves of his—well, used-to-be-Paul's-but-not-anymore—yellow crewneck. It's a bit large on the vampire, but it's cute on him. So he doesn't care.

He waltzes into the kitchen with prior knowledge of where everything is. Marshall and Emily have cooked so much together, he knows her kitchen just as well as he knows his own.

Two cloves of garlic are pulled out of a drawer in the fridge. After a knife is passed his way, expert chopping skills are used to mince cloves into small specks. A spiced aroma becomes more pungent when the cut up vegetable meets the pan. Loud hissing erupts from the metal surface. Emily mixes it all together, and the smell of cooking fish adds to the overall fragrance.

"Since my taste buds are different, I won't be able to tell you right away if you need more." Marshall grabs a spoon. "So could you give it a taste? Just so I know whether or not you want me to add something else."

Emily takes the spoon presented to her. She dips the metal utensil into her bubbling sauce. It looks just a smidge too watery. A dash of wheat flour is added in to give the sauce a thicker consistency. After stirring, she tries a small portion.

"That's a lot better, actually. I might add some other spices to it, but it doesn't need much. Just, like, black pepper or something to give it that extra little kick. I think the guys will like it though. Thanks, honey."

"Always happy to help."

Marshall's attention shifts from the stovetop to his phone vibrating in his pocket. He pulls out the device after wiping both hands clean. His eyes grow into saucers after glancing over the screen.

Rosalie is calling him.

"Hey, uh, Em- I'll be right back. Have to take a phone call. Mind if I use the bathroom?"

"Go right ahead, dear. It's down the hall- first door on your right."

He exits the room with fast steps.

The light is switched on when entering the bathroom. A moment is taken to appreciate the wooden wall paneling before the door is closed. Marshall sits on the edge of the tub. His elbows rest atop his knees. A quick breath is taken, and the call is accepted.

"This is Marsh."

"Hey, haven't heard from you in a little while," Rosalie says with a soft voice. "I'm sorry we haven't been able to talk more. Things are just a bit busy up here."

"Things are busy down here too, no worries." He fiddles with one of his pant legs, dragging a finger over the same spot absentmindedly. "How have you been?"

"Good, good. I've been really interested in cosmetology. Considering going into beauty school for my license. I might get a job at a salon just to give myself something to do."

"Hn, yeah that sounds like you. As long as you're happy." Marshall chuckles. A fond smile stays planted on his face. "Things have been going well here too. Work's been good and all that."

"I actually saw you on television during Christmas time. I was searching through channels and saw your performance during a segment on the news. Your costume looked really nice on you- and you looked like you were having fun."

"I was. It was a gorgeous event. Some friends and I went to enjoy the festivities. Hot chocolate, ice sculptures- things of that sort. It was beautiful. Probably the most fun I've had in ages."

"I'm glad." Rosalie giggles. "I've never heard you sound so excited about something before. You really must like it over there."

"Of course I do, Rose, my family's here."

The line goes silent for a moment.

"Well, some of them anyway," Marshall is quick to add.

"How's your... boyfriend doing?"

The older male's mood changes from delighted to annoyed. "Is that a real question?"

"I just want to make sure you're being treated right despite the... circumstances."

"And what circumstances are those exactly?"

Rosalie stammers on the other line. She tries to answer Marshall's question without coming off as rude. But her initial comment in itself was rude, so there's really no saving this conversation.

He rolls his eyes, figuring he may as well stop things from getting even more awkward."...We're doing well. Very well. I couldn't be happier. Crazy how things work when you get to be with the person you love."

He nearly facepalms at the accidental slip.

Marshall's gotten so used to saying that he loves Paul, the statement kind of just came out. It's a natural part of the vampire's daily life to openly profess his romantic feelings. He's also extremely proud of his relationship.

But his coven mates still don't know he's that exclusive with his boyfriend.

Deafening silence on Rosalie's end doesn't make him feel any better. It actually makes festering irritation shift to anger.

Even with the Cullens not being in the same state, they're still causing problems for his relationship.

"Are you- are you serious? You're in love- with him? I don't- Marsh, I don't understand."

"The fuck is there to understand?" He stops himself. "...Sorry. Look, I don't want to do this right now. I didn't even mean to tell you that in the first place. I'd appreciate it if you kept what you heard to yourself. Your reaction alone makes me not even want to think about how the others would take that."

"...Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, okay. You were so angry when Alice was watching your decisions before. I don't want you to feel like your privacy was breached again. I won't tell them."

"...But? I feel like there's a 'but' here."

"You're going to have to at some point."

Marshall can't help but sigh. He knows Rosalie is right. One way or another, his coven is going to end up finding out about Paul. They're going to find out that their relationship is actually serious. That the two are actually in love.

Marshall's hoping that doesn't happen any time soon though. He isn't ready for that can of worms to be opened just yet.

"Hey, listen- I have to get going. Don't be a stranger, yeah?"

"Same goes for you, Rose."

"Right. Well, I'll see you, Marsh. Love you."

"Love you too. Take care."

Marshall slides his phone back into his pocket once the call ends. A sigh morphs into a groan as he drags his hands down his face. It rests against his palms. Both cheeks mush together, but he pays no mind to it.

He has to admit—that call could've gone a lot better. But it also could've gone a lot worse. It's the first time he's spoken to Rose since she left Forks. Marshall expected their conversation to at least be a little more tense.

A small wave of pride drowns out some of his anger.

Rose going to beauty school—that'd be good for her.

He's glad to know that she's still thriving where she is. The big brother in him is more delighted about that than anything.

Turning off the light, Marshall exits the bathroom. He pinches the bridge of his nose while closing his eyes. His feet carry him back into the dining room. An apology forms on the edge of his tongue for taking so long, but he pauses in his spot after getting his vision back.

Embry and Jared are sitting at the dining table. They're enjoying heaping plates of Emily's completed lunch. Across from them though, leaning against the wall by the fabric bench, is someone Marshall definitely doesn't expect to see.

"Bella..?"

Well, shit.

"Marshall?" Confusion is written clearly on her face. "What're you doing here?"

"I-"

He's unsure of how to really answer.

If Bella is here, then she probably knows about the wolves. She probably also knows about the distaste their differing species have for each other. Marshall doesn't know if she saw Paul on her way here. If she did, then Bella must be even more confused; her having the knowledge of them being romantically involved.

There's a multitude of things the vampire can say. But for some reason, the words just aren't coming out. He feels exposed in front of Bella. And he doesn't like it.

"It's a good thing he's here, or else he would've put Jake on his ass for attacking Paul," Embry cuts in.

That gets Marshall's attention. "What? What happened?-"

"I mean, he kind of deserved it for being an ass. At the same time though, he probably wouldn't have phased had Bella not slapped him," Jared adds.

That really gets Marshall's attention.

"She did what?!"

Everyone in the room freezes at the hostile tone. Bella backs up in response to the vampire's clear anger.

She's not used to seeing him in such a way; she's never seen Marshall lose his temper before. She's used to him acting like the cool, calm and collected older brother that he usually portrays himself as. It seems that he has a sharp tongue that could very well give Paul's a run for its money.

No one dares move a muscle. Not even when Jake and Paul enter with their arms wrapped around each other. Hushed laughter makes the silence even more deafening. It's only then that they notice a rather pissed off vampire.

"Uh-oh," Paul mutters before speaking up. "Easy there, Marshmallow- I'm fine. A little slap isn't going to hurt me."

"That doesn't fix shit."

Everyone tenses at Marshall's harsh voice. His posture is stiff, and he's staring Bella down with the eyes of a predator. Paul winces.

He walks over to his imprint. Warm hands cup soft, moldable cheeks. He attempts to lift Marshall's face up to block his vision. It doesn't help.

Paul sifts through his brain to find a way to get his boyfriend out of fierce protector mode. A sly grin makes its way onto the shifter's face when he comes up with a plan.

There are two easy ways to get Marshall's attention. One being sex, of course. Another method is causing him to go through an adorable bout of minor embarrassment. With such a stagnant atmosphere lingering in the air, perhaps using both methods might help.

"C'mon, Marshmallow- you think a little slap from her is going to do anything?" Paul leans toward his lover's ear. His voice takes on a sultrier tone. "You fuck me up a lot better in the bedroom, sweetheart."

Normally, Marshall wouldn't mind talking about sex so publicly. But since his focus was elsewhere, that didn't give him much of a chance to come up with a witty comeback.

"You!-" He hides his face in his partner's chest. "Babe, you- you can't just-"

"Cat got your tongue, Honey Bun?"

Golden eyes pull into a halfhearted glare. Humor is seen in them as well. "You're such a tease. And you're gonna get it later, you little shit."

"Is that a threat, or is that a promise?"

Paul's smirk is confident. And it's all Marshall needs to forget about Bella entirely.