With winter being in full swing, the sky had darkened several hours ago. Overhead clouds were thick, completely shielding the moon and constellations. A light, delicate flurry fell from the heavens to paint the earth with soft, gentle white. It had yet to fully stick to the grass surrounding the estate, however, vibrant blades felt more crunchy when traversing across them. 

A long stone pathway leading away from a single gazebo was illuminated by fairy lights woven into tree branches and nearby plant sculptures. Tall windows made it possible for indoor lighting to shine outside as well, bathing certain sections in a more saturated champagne color. Reflective crystals on hanging chandeliers had tiny rainbow slivers revealed because of the lightbulbs' intensity. They were seen in sporadic areas around a lone shadow, its owner quietly leaning against the open doorway.

Since the initial ceremony had ended a few minutes ago, all of the guests, aside from the wedding party and grooms themselves, were waiting in the reception area. A jumble of familiar voices melded into a series of random conversations to keep people occupied for the time being. 

From his spot down the hall, Marshall could catch a miniscule glimpse, between a gap in the doors, of his friends and extended family members in white formal wear. Everyone dressed in that distinct singular color caused his own attire to come off as that much more extravagant.

Marshall was clad in a black, satin dress shirt; a satin red tie; a golden waistcoat with slightly brighter accents etched into the material; a textured red and black frock coat; black pants with golden accents running down the legs; and a simple pair of black cap-toed Oxfords. A plethora of golden chains and decorative trinkets helped to vivify a few pieces of regalia he'd just been given since a few post ceremony pictures had just been taken. To further enhance an Enchanted Fairy Tale theme, both grooms were given a matching pair of single-shoulder capes and beautiful crowns—symbolic pieces meant to signify royalty.

Paul was still in the process of putting his accessories on, so Marshall was given a bit of time to get his bearings by himself.

He brought his attention down to the sweetly-scented bouquet held near his chest. The bundle was composed of roses and sunflowers; the same types he was given after accepting Paul's request to take their platonic relationship to the next level. Even though about two years flew by since then, receiving those flowers from his new boyfriend felt like it happened yesterday. And now...now they were at their wedding.

When pondering about it, Marshall believed his life had panned out quite like a real fairy tale: he started out living a life he wished he could change, met the man of his dreams through odd circumstances, had to face a few hardships, and then, finally, he was able to get to his long awaited happily ever after.

He'd been swept off his feet by his handsome knight in shining armor so easily, Marshall could only be thankful that, all things considered, he was able to get to this point. Where his life was filled with love, happiness, and a genuine intrigue in how the future was going to pan out for them.

His apparent delight was so encompassing, the colorful bouquet was gently pressed further against his chest in a tender embrace. The change in position also allowed the smell of the flowers to become richer, bringing an endearing smile to his face.

A quick camera shutter got his attention.

The photographer, Brad, Paul, and the rest of the wedding party all had either a camera or a phone up, having just taken Marshall's picture.

"Sorry to disturb, pendejo. We just couldn't pass up the opportunity." Brad took another set. "Seeing you all dressed up like this- and looking so happy- you really do look like the dashing prince straight out of a storybook."

Marshall chuckled, shielding a portion of his face to hide a phantom blush.

He'd gone vegetarian in preparation for their little get-together in order to change his eye color from red to gold. Because of that, his ability to blush had dwindled since Paul's blood was no longer in his system. Faint traces of heat lingered in Marshall's cheeks, though, giving a reminiscent feeling of his features blossoming with extra color.

"So cute..." Paul sighed happily, pressing a hand against his chest. "And so pretty. Ah, I'm so lucky I married you, Marshmallow."

He practically skipped forward to pull his husband into an excited hug. Several kisses were pressed against the vampire's cheeks for the simple pleasure of hearing his little noises of embarrassment.

Marshall inwardly thanked himself for picking quick-dry lipstick for them to wear. If he hadn't, his face would've surely been covered in at least a dozen kiss marks.

"Okay, okay, c'mon." An arm was wrapped around Paul's waist to get him to hold still. "You can spoil me with affection later, Tiger. I don't want to keep everyone waiting for too long. People are already getting antsy to congratulate us."

Paul presented his most convincing puppy eyes alongside an adorable pout. "But I love you."

"I love you too, baby." Marshall pressed a kiss onto those soft lips. "Now, behave."

Paul immediately perked up, giving off the mental image of his wolf tail wagging with great enthusiasm. He presented his arm, like the true gentleman he was, for his imprint to take. Once they were linked together, they moved as a unit toward the large doors separating them from their guests.

The photographer snuck her way inside to keep anyone else from seeing the wedding party.

Once she was gone, Brad turned around, pressed dual kisses to both of his friends' cheeks, and pulled them into a rather tight hug. 

"I couldn't wait anymore- I just wanted this to be a private moment." He looked up at them with pure delight shining in his eyes. "You both look amazing. I'm so happy you guys get to finally have your day."

Paul used his free arm to hug back, keeping his hand atop Brad's waist. "Well, we're happy that you could be here this time. It wasn't the same doing the initial ceremony back in June without you. Now, we'll be able to make up for it."

Marshall agreed wholeheartedly. 

While their commitment ceremony had been a memorable affair, it really hadn't felt right to celebrate something so grand without Brad being there. He'd done so much—been such an important figure in Marshall's life. And since Brad was still believed to be human at the time, Marshall wanted them to experience as much as possible together until they physically couldn't.

Marshall had always been terrified of Brad dying one day, as all humans had to.

Now that he was a vampire too, they didn't have to be afraid of the inevitable passage of time tearing them apart again.

Just like with Paul, they were going to be together forever.

Marshall gently released his husband's arm. He took the opportunity to wrap both around Brad. A shaky inhale made it possible to savor the fragrance of vanilla, cementing the fact that Brad was safe, he was alive, and he was here.

He would always be here.

"Marsh..?"

"Thank you," Marshall said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for being with me."

Brad froze for less than a second. He followed the gesture by wrapping both arms around his best friend in return, pressing another kiss to his cheek.

He didn't let go of their hug until Marshall did.

"Hey, come on- no crying. You'll make your mascara run," Brad teased, his own voice slightly wavered. "I don't have any plans of ever leaving. So you're stuck with me for the rest of eternity."

Marshall laughed, giving himself a moment to blink his tears away. A deep breath allowed his body to sag in relief. "I love you, Romero."

"I love you too, hermano. I love you both."

Paul took hold of his companions' hands, rubbing them gently, to focus on them instead of the way his heart began to beat faster.

Tethered the way they were, physically and emotionally, they came to a mutual consensus at long last: altogether, the three of them, really had been soulmates in their own special ways. And despite so much in their lives which previously tried to keep them all apart, in the end, they were always meant to be here. They were always meant to find, uplift, and love each other.

They could only thank the universe or some form of divine intervention for allowing them to find one another in this life.

Energetic music coupled with the DJ's voice was a signal for everyone to get themselves ready to enter the ballroom.

The first to do so were Jake, Quil and Embry—who decided to greet everyone by doing their own individual dances. Behind them, Seth walked in with Jared at his side, one nearly dragging the other as the younger teen frolicked happily toward their friends. Emily and Sam followed, applause becoming more intense since they were regarded as parental-type figures for the grooms. Joining their hands, Brad and Leah entered the room, a plethora of his old work friends cheering upon seeing him after a lengthy time away from the theater.

Marshall lightly clenched the fabric of the arm he was holding.

Paul placed his hand over his lover's to support him. "Nervous?"

"A little. I feel like my jitters are going to make me trip."

"I'd never let you fall, honey. And even if you did, I'll always be here to pick you back up."

The couple shared a brief moment of eye contact, seeing their own reflections within their partner's gaze. They leaned forward to make their foreheads touch, reveling in the soft graze of their skin.

Music becoming softer brought them back to reality.

"And now, the moment we've all been waiting for, I'd like to formally introduce our two grooms: Paul and Marshall Lahote!"

Securing their hold on one another, the couple slowly made their way into the ballroom. Hyperactive camera flashes greeted them upon stepping foot on dark marble flooring. All around, party guests were grouped around their specific tables.

White clothing stood out amongst black table cloths, golden runners and dinnerware, and standing vases full of thriving red roses. Hanging chandeliers had been partially dimmed, giving additional fairy lights strewn along the walls a chance to bathe the area in more intimate lighting. At the end of the dance floor, the couple's table stood triumphantly with an extra piece of decor, saying Mr. & Mr., at the very front. Behind it, an overhead projector was playing a slideshow of Paul and Marshall during the entire duration of their relationship up to this point.

Marshall took it all in with butterflies swarming his stomach.

The DJ picked up his mic again. "Before we get the festivities started, let's give our grooms a little moment to share their first dance."

Excited hushed voices came from the audience, people pulling out their phones to capture the moment on video.

Emily stepped forward to take Marshall's bouquet so both hands were free. Once they were, he was guided by his husband to stand in the middle of the room. Like the sweetheart he was, Paul bowed the way a prince or king would before initiating a dance. Wanting to play along, Marshall grabbed the ends of his frock coat and curtsied in response.

The beginning of a well-known French love song began to play, a full orchestral opening reverberating through standing speakers. Colored party lights on the DJ booth flooded the dance floor with an alluring shade of bright blue.

Paul and Marshall approached each other. The former wrapped an arm around his husband's waist. The latter reciprocated by bracing against his lover's shoulder. Their free hands met, palms resting against one another with fingers wrapping in a comfortable hold.

Thus began their very first waltz together.

And the world around them faded into the background.

Marshall's lips parted in astonishment while taking in his mate's features up close. The cool tint on his smooth skin, the burnt-orange color staining his lips, the pronounced shape of his nose, the gorgeous sparkle in his brown eyes.

Having such little space between them made it easy to feel the natural contours of his body. His scent was also amplified, wafting outward from his person and the bonding mark he'd permanently engraved into Marshall's skin.

Paul was a beautiful, positively stunning man in his entirety. 

As they flitted along the dance floor, both men found themselves reminiscing about the last two years they shared with each other.

Meeting face to face at Bobby's bar; ending that same night in a flurry of tangled sheets, kisses, and a promise of more get-togethers; learning about each other's familial lives, jobs, personal likes and dislikes; meeting their dearest friends and watching them become a closely knit family; the first time they said they loved each other after cliff diving; spending their birthdays together for the first time; exchanging promise rings; moving in together; their Bora Bora trip which shed light on how true and honest their love actually was; deciding to prove how much they were devoted to each other by getting married; slowly piecing their lives back together when everything felt like it was falling apart; finally reaching a point of happiness where they didn't have to want for anything—because they had everything their hearts desired.

Marshall didn't react to more cameras flashing. Nor did he react to giggles and delighted squeals from those watching him. He didn't pay any mind to anything except the man holding him close, looking into his eyes as if he were peering into the depths of the most precious treasure to ever exist.

As the song reached its conclusion, Marshall felt weightless when pushing himself onto his toes to meet Paul for a soft, tender kiss. Their embrace felt like it was holding him down to keep him from drifting up toward the heavens and the cosmos.

Because, as ethereal as everything was, he belonged right here, in his husband's arms.

*

Never, in his decades upon decades of life, did Marshall ever see the day where he would be surrounded by this specific group of people. 

With a half empty glass of champagne in his hand, he silently watched as his Denali cousins made lighthearted conversation with Billy, Charlie, and Sue. They all smiled and laughed together, acting as if they'd been friends for years. It was still surprising to see Irina hitting it off so well with Billy considering what happened to Laurent because of the pack; but Marshall guessed she'd followed in his footsteps by putting certain things she couldn't change behind her.

It made him hopeful to know the old, naturally occurring stigma both species used to have toward each other really didn't mean anything in the end.

They were capable of being civil—they were capable of being family.

All because a vampire and a wolf made an unforeseen claim on each other and chose to actively work at keeping their bond afloat.

Smiling to himself, Marshall let his gaze move along the room. He caught sight of Jake, Embry, and Quil talking to a few musical theater performers while chowing down on some hors d'oeuvres. Quite a few orchestra members and Dance Company performers were at the photobooth with Jared, Kim, Bobby, and his wife. Seth was in the process of bringing the DJ a soda and full plate of food. A majority of the guests were occupying the dance floor, Sam, Emily, Leah, and Brad partying to an energetic Spanish song.

Two pairs of golden eyes met across the room.

Brad's narrowed, a mischievous smirk coming onto his face.

Marshall chuckled, an eyebrow raising in confusion.

His body perked up when taking note of the song change. The drums, bongos, congas, piano, horns, standup bass, cowbell—he knew each individual sound by heart. It was another song in Spanish. This one, however, instead of being merengue, was one of their favorite salsa tunes. One they'd always danced to together whenever it came on.

Marshall was about to put his glass down when the DJ made another announcement. "As per request by the best man, I'd like everyone to clear the floor for Marshall and Brad!"

Another round of applause rang out.

Brad was quick in shedding his suit jacket and rolling up his sleeves. While doing so, he'd begun to sway his hips with both feet moving to the rhythm of the song. A single finger beckoned his companion over.

Marshall took the liberty of draping his frock coat over the cape already left on the back of his chair. His champagne was left near his crown beside his dinnerware. He accepted a quick kiss from Paul before setting his sights onto his best friend, the entire room, guests and staff alike, watching their exchange.

It was common knowledge that both Brad and Marshall were professional dancers, so everyone knew they were in for a treat since their routine would be from a different culture.

Paul took his phone out to make sure he caught their little moment on video for them to see later.

"You didn't think I would forget to dance with you at your own wedding, did you, cabrón?" Brad teased.

Marshall shook his head, offering his hand. "I wouldn't dream of it, pendejo."

He was spun in a rapid circle, coming out of it by being held against his friend's chest in time with the full instrumentation and lyrics coming in. They'd danced dozens, if not hundreds, of times before, so falling into a rhythm together came as second nature. Fast step sequences were executed flawlessly. Their bodies moved with impressive fluidity, as if they were a single entity. Occasional twirls, dips, and unpredicted yet perfectly done flips mixed their way into their routine.

Marshall was fascinated by how much easier it was for Brad to dance his heart out without showing any signs of fatigue the way he used to.

It appeared he was now even more comfortable in his body as a vampire than he was as a human.

*

"Ladies and gentlemen, now that dinner and the cake cutting are done, it's time for..." The DJ did a quick drumroll against a neighboring table. "The garter and bouquet toss! But you know how this goes- while Marshall already has his bouquet, Paul has to retrieve the garter before we can get started!"

While everyone cheered, howled, and whistled with genuine elation, Marshall, in the middle of his last forkful of tres leches cake, looked up at his husband, puzzled. "You mean the little band thing you're supposed to wear on your thigh? But, I don't have one on-"

He jumped as Brad skulked up from behind, securing a lace, frilled, stretchy band around his friend's pant leg with two metal clasps. "Now you do.~"

Paul's only response to everything unfolding was a cheeky smile—meaning he'd planned this ordeal in secret, specifically to surprise his imprint.

Marshall laughed, nibbling on his bottom lip out of intrigue.

He was led to sit on a lone chair in the middle of the dance floor. Melodic jazz switched to a slowed/reverbed version of a pop song. Sensual lyrics began telling the story of a person's desire to claim their partner with no holds barred, choosing to lose themselves to passion rather than holding anything back. Marshall himself had this song saved in one of his...private playlists meant for the bedroom. So he was caught off guard, and even more interested, about what was going to happen.

He silently watched as Paul made his way over to the chair, only to sink down to one knee in front of his husband.

"Uh- aha..." Marshall nervously chuckled to draw his own attention away from the phantom sensation of his entire face heating up. "Can't say I expected to see you in this position until after the wedding is over."

Paul smirked. Smoothing his tongue over his teeth, he openly gawked at his lover's physique with a confident sweep of the eyes.

A single nod was given to the DJ to show they were ready.

"You know the rules, Paul- to retrieve the garter, you can't use your hands! So go on, and get creative!"

Maintaining eye contact with Marshall, Paul reached down. His large, warm hand wrapped around a dainty ankle. It was lifted to rest on his shoulder, completely straightening the vampire's leg. A featherlight kiss was pressed against the spot Paul had grabbed. Then, a series of inherently provoking grazes of the lips traveled up. 

Marshall was entranced as his mate slowly glided up his entire shin, over his knee, and worked his way up his thigh.

A hard bite to said muscle made him partially shield a bashful grin.

Paul took hold of the garter with his teeth. The soft material was dragged down until it dangled from his mouth. An enticing wink was flashed, and the band was playfully twirled around his index finger.

Marshall tugged at the collar of his shirt because whew, when did it get so hot in here?

"Yeah- that's what I'm talking about!" The DJ announced, holding his stomach from how hard he'd been laughing. "Now, I know for most weddings, women usually go for the flowers, and men usually go for the thigh band. For tonight, regardless of gender, anyone who wants to take part can feel free to move to the center of the room. We'll have Paul and Marshall throw at the same time, so whether you're going for the garter or the bouquet, you have an equal chance for both!"

Marshall took his husband by the arm so they could walk back toward their table. They stood in front of it, watching as their guests congregated in a giant mass a short distance from the DJ booth.

Since everyone was occupied by getting themselves to a good spot, no one noticed when Marshall retaliated against Paul's blatant teasing by smacking him on the ass.

"Careful, sweetheart. We're still in public."

"Just wait 'til we aren't, you little shit."

Both grooms lightly shoved each other to the side, only to embrace one another in a side hug. They turned their backs to the group to make it fair in terms of where they'd be tossing their specific objects.

"Okay, everybody, on three! One, two...three!"

Marshall threw his bouquet. Paul tossed the garter.

What followed could only be described as a tangle of people laughing, yelling, shoes and heels clacking as certain guests tried to gain more leverage by jumping, and, at last, more cheering as the two items were caught.

The grooms found themselves cackling together when seeing Brad with the garter and Sue with the bouquet.

Another sensual song started playing since the person who caught the flowers was supposed to get the lace band put on their own thigh.

Brad whirled around to face the DJ." Ah, perdón, señor- this is my girlfriend's mom."

The DJ snorted. "Hey, man, I didn't pick the music. Or make the rules. You caught the garter, so you gotta put it on her somewhere."

"Anywhere? Oh, cool- say less."

Brad proceeded to turn back toward Sue. Instead of placing the garter around her leg, he wrapped it around her wrist like a bracelet. A sweet, respectful kiss was placed on the back of her hand; and Sue reacted by pulling her daughter's boyfriend in for a hug.

*

Marshall leaned against Sam's shoulder to rest his head. Emily was on the other side, taking the time to run her fingers through strands of wavy black hair. The trio watched as Paul made his way over to the couple's table with a microphone in one hand, and another glass of champagne in the other.

Everyone looked at him, drinks raised in the air, to hear his parting words to end the reception.

Paul took a steady breath and began to speak. "Wow. It's been one hell of a night. One hell of a wedding. That's still crazy to say, honestly. I never thought there'd come a day where I chose to settle down with someone, or for someone to choose to settle down with me." He glanced at his husband with a soft smile. "But then pretty boy over there changed everything."

Marshall, alongside the other guests, let out a quiet laugh.

Paul nodded to himself. He looked toward the floor for a moment, only to bring his attention back up. Doing so revealed the tears building in his eyes.

"Marshmallow. My sweet Honey Bun. I know I don't need to say it. Just- I can tell you I love you every single second of the day and still feel like it's not enough. I'll never understand what I did right to have you choose me to be the man you spend the rest of your life with. But, I promise you, I'll spend the entirety of mine making you as happy as can be. I promise to always make sure you're taken care of, help you be the best version of yourself, and always support you in our future endeavors. Tonight is only just the beginning. And I can't wait to see where we go from here, my love."

Marshall felt a tear roll down his cheek. 

Gently wiping it away, he left the comforting embrace Sam and Emily offered in order to wrap himself in the delicate warmth from his husband.

Together, they looked out toward their guests.

"We really are grateful to have been able to celebrate with you guys tonight. Thank you for being here for us and experiencing all this with us. No matter how many years go by, I know that tonight will be something we'll look back on with nothing except happiness in our hearts. Really- I know it's been a long journey, but we're happy to have been able to go through it with you by our sides."