Edited 6/6/22.

A/N: This chapter contains implied sexual content.

***

"I honestly didn't expect you to run away into the night with me." Brad chuckles. "Can't say it's bad though. I've never had this sort of freedom before."

Marshall brings his attention away from the audience toward the actor beside him.

Brad's not wearing his silver crown anymore. His slicked back hair is now a nest of tight curls. His bright suit has been replaced by a dark brown shirt and black pants. Even his shoes are smudged with enough dirt to make them look cheap.

The vampire mirrors his counterpart's appearance with a ripped wool shirt and brown pants. Both of their handsome faces are marred by fake specks of dirt.

Brad is leaning against the railing of an old balcony. His back is toward the audience, but his face is turned enough for everyone to see him. His smile is soft. A hard shoulder is touching Marshall's as both men are standing close.

Dying flowers and vines line the crumbling concrete railing that's being leaned upon. A black curtain acts as a background piece behind them. A dim spotlight illuminates both actors. The audience is quiet. Everyone listens intently to the final scene of the play.

"No offense, your highness" —Marshall offers a teasing smirk— "but I don't think anyone should be confined to four walls. No one should be forced to be rooted to one spot. You can do that when you're dead. Alive though, you should live as freely as you can."

"We're equals now, you know." Brad turns toward the audience. "You rescued me when I didn't even know I needed it. My father made the mistake of only seeing you as a peasant. I'm glad to have been able to see you as a friend."

"Of course, your majesty."

"Please, call me Arthur."

"Arthur." Marshall looks out toward the audience as well. "There's nothing holding us back anymore. What shall we do now- where would you like to go?"

Brad smiles. His gaze settles on a far point in the distance. "Wherever our hearts take us."

The spotlight turns off, and everything becomes engulfed in black. The room erupts with loud, excited applause.

Both actors climb off of the balcony set in a rushed manner. Crew members pull it toward a back wing, which opens up the needed space. Other actors and extras come on stage. Marshall and Brad, having been the lead roles, are in the center of the crowd.

Multiple overhead lights turn on. It takes a quick second to get used to it, but every performer looks out at the audience with delighted smiles. Rows and columns of seats hold a sea of people. They're giving the cast a standing ovation.

Marshall's eyes sweep across the room as he waves. He blows a few kisses. His smile widens at the sight of Paul standing in one of the middle rows. He's clapping, and a bouquet of flowers is held in his arms near his chest. When the two make eye contact, Paul nods his head. Marshall does the same right back.

The director for the play comes on stage once everyone quiets down. He addresses the crowd by thanking them for coming to the debut—and for giving the musical such a warm welcome. He also thanks the actors for giving such a fantastic performance. It's informed that the newspaper plans on doing a piece on the musical. Any people who want to are requested to give quotes on how everything was received.

Once finished, the director stands back and presents the cast once again. They grab each others' hands. In one long straight line, the group gives a grateful bow. An even louder applause is given. With one last wave, the cast members exit the stage.

Marshall bumps fists with Brad on the way to his dressing room. The vampire enters and switches on the light. He's met with a small item sitting on the surface of his large vanity. It turns out to be a blue box with a yellow tag dangling from it.

Careful hands pick up the random item. 'To Marshmallow' is written on the tag. It makes him smile. He opens up his gift and swoons at the sight of a beautiful black choker.

It has a silver paw print pendant hanging from the fabric.

Marshall slides on his new accessory with excitement. The pendant sits in the space of his throat above his collarbone. Before fully checking over his appearance, he changes his clothes. The costume is switched out for a simple salmon colored crewneck and black skinny jeans. He also makes sure to take off his makeup.

After putting on his boots, he turns toward the mirror. The choker pops against his pale skin. It's a simple but breathtaking addition to his appearance. It's also a staple of a newly established romantic relationship.

He grabs his jacket and turns off the light before exiting the dressing room. Small waves are given to any straggling cast or crew members. Slender hands are hidden inside fleece lined pockets.

When Marshall gets outside, he's met with the sight of Paul standing against his car. He's talking happily with Brad. Yasmine is at the Spaniard's side as she showed up to support her boyfriend.

All three heads turn at the sound of the exit door closing. Marshall offers a wave with a small smile.

"There he is." Paul opens his arms, his left hand holding onto the bouquet.

It's a gesture that makes the vampire feel butterflies in his stomach. A phantom warmth can be felt building in his cheeks as well.

He jogs forward into a pair of strong arms which settle around his waist. His entire form is blanketed in pleasant heat. He leans his head against his mate's chest. Soft, rhythmic thumping can be heard. It smells of musk, pine, and lightly of dog.

All of these fragrances are appreciated when Marshall inhales. He finds his skin tingling when a kiss is placed atop his head.

"Hey there, Tiger."

"Hey, baby" —Paul pulls back— "I see you got one of your gifts. Here's the other one."

The shifter presents the bouquet. It's a mix of red roses and bright sunflowers wrapped in pink paper.

Marshall holds the thoughtful gift against his chest. He revels in a delicate, sweet smell coming from his floral display. Soft petals are glistening with tiny water droplets. It makes his smile widen. "Thanks, honey- they're beautiful."

Brad wraps his arm around Yasmine's shoulders. The two share a knowing look before proceeding to do little dances in their spots.

It seems both people are just as excited for Marshall to be dating as he is.

"You guys are so cute..!" Brad splays a hand over his chest before resuming his previous stance. "Any plans to celebrate a productive debut?"

"Yeah, but it's a surprise." Paul winks. "I think we'll have a good time though. What about you two?"

"We've got reservations at a Colombian restaurant," Yasmine answers, her own thick accent coating her words. "Our time slot is in- oh! Soon! The restaurant's deeper in Port Angeles, so we should get going. Sorry to have to leave so suddenly."

"Don't worry about it. You guys have a good time- and be safe. Brad, I'll see you tomorrow night for the second show." Marshall offers a bright grin.

Brad nods his head. With one last wave, the couple make their way toward their own car.

Marshall turns his attention to his boyfriend. The vampire doesn't get a chance to make conversation, and he almost jumps at the sensation of lips crashing against his own. His momentary surprise is short lived. It doesn't take much further coaxing for him to melt into the kiss.

A soft, barely audible moan escapes him. Both men hear the sound clearly. He's gently pressed against the door of the truck. Large hands grip at both of his hips. It's a deep kiss, but it's not rough. It still excites him in more ways than one.

"Careful, Tiger," he warns, a slight rumble reverberating from his chest. "You're going to start something that I may have to finish. But then again, you'd probably like that."

"Oh, I'm counting on it," Paul flirts back. "But not yet. I wanted to go out and celebrate tonight. You did a wonderful job during your show. Since I knew you would anyway, I also booked us a reservation at a restaurant. I know you won't be eating- but based on what I know about you, I think you'll love the atmosphere either way. It's a short drive from here, so we can go whenever you're ready."

"You got me all excited- let's go now."

Marshall gives one last kiss to his mate before the two separate. The vampire walks over to the passenger side of the car. He climbs in and sets his dual colored bouquet down on the center storage bin. After getting comfortable, he syncs his phone to the radio. It's a regular routine that's been happening since before the two even started dating.

An old school tune from the seventies comes on. Marshall is tempted to skip it because he knows it's not something Paul normally listens to. The song change is halted though, the shifter telling his imprint that he can play whatever he wants. It's mentioned that ever since Paul started listening to Marshall's music, he's been much more open to different genres.

The go through a few artists before pulling into a small parking lot.

A bright red, black, and white sign is lit up atop a darker toned establishment. Part of the sign is in English. Another part is in Hangul. The words 'authentic Korean bbq' catch the vampire's attention. He gasps in excitement and lightly smacks his hands against both legs while laughing.

Marshall thinks back to a recent conversation the couple had about previous vacations.

Genuine enthusiasm coated his words when talking about his prior trips to South Korea. He honestly thought his excitable demeanor and comments would be absorbed in passing. He never would've thought that Paul would surprise him by bringing them to an authentic Korean restaurant. Marshall also never would've thought that it'd take place during their first romantic date.

"Paul!~ You're the best!"

The comment makes the shifter laugh.

He exits the vehicle and walks over to his imprint's side. Like the gentleman he is, Paul opens the door. An expectant hand is put out. The vampire takes it with a large grin.

The two keep their hands clasped together while walking. It's done with happiness and pride.

An employee opens the door for them with an excited 'annyeong haseyo'. Marshall surprises his date and the employee by responding in Korean as well. Small talk is made when the couple is led to check-in.

Around them, different types of realistic murals line the walls of the establishment. From a bright residential strip in Seoul, to the beautiful, colorful nature pathways of Jeju island—picturesque landscapes encapsulate the sensation of actually being in South Korea.

When the couple are led to their table, they walk passed other patrons. Upbeat K-pop resonates throughout the room from overhead speakers. Television screens with bright music videos line higher up sections of the walls. Cooking meats and vegetables produce a strong yet mouthwatering fragrance.

Paul pulls Marshall's seat out for him. He accepts the courteous gesture with a polite 'thank you'. Sitting down, he looks over a familiar spread on the surface of the table.

A large stove-top grilling pan sits above a small fire. The pan has small sections toward its outer edges for cheese fondue. Two pairs of chopsticks, cups, and metal bowls are also set in place.

A waiter with a thick accent comes over to take their order. Marshall takes it upon himself to switch to Korean to remedy any possible linguistic barriers. The waiter perks up at the change in language. He takes down a drink order for two bottles of soju; and a large portion of steak, squid, chicken, enoki mushrooms, kimchi, and seaweed salad. A quick bow is given before the man walks off.

"This is so cool." Marshall shrugs off his jacket and leans against the table.

"Did I do good?" Paul asks.

"Yes. Yes, you did."

He soaks up the praise with a dorky smile. "I was actually surprised to hear you speak so fluently. I know you said you vacationed there, but I didn't think it ran that deep."

"I actually lived in South Korea for a few years in the past." The vampire rests his cheek against his palm. "It's a lovely place, really. After I moved back to the states, I made sure to go back every once in awhile to just appreciate the sights and culture."

"Maybe in the future we can go together."

"I'm holding you to that, Tiger."

Paul's offer causes Marshall's features to soften.

In the middle of a different conversation, two soju bottles are set on top of the table. Multiple types of foods are placed on top of the pan. Each piece of meat and fish added causes the metal surface to let out a loud hiss. Marshall can admit that everything smells nice even if he doesn't have any desire to eat.

It may not be the most typical date, but still. He's never actually been on a romantic date before. So sitting here with Paul fills the older male with a euphoric sense of glee.

It's caught as eye contact is made over the table. An intense stare down is also supremely exciting.

"So tell me- I know our first date started off okay, but it wasn't the best night. Is this better for a second try? And for our first romantic one?" Paul asks.

Marshall's loving gaze melts into a more suggestive one. "I'll show you how good it is after we leave. How about that?"

"Ooh- dinner and dessert? Sounds good to me, Marshmallow."