Edited 7/10/22.

A/N: No warnings for this chapter-- just feel free to enjoy something wholesome!

***

"Could we add some dandelions to this one?"

"Sure thing, Ness."

Two sets of slender hands are working on a crown composed of fake flowers. Using metal wire as a base, a plethora of floral plants—ranging from dandelions to hydrangeas to lilies—are being used for decoration. When given direction to do so, Renesmee snips any excess stems that are in the way with a pair of scissors.

Marshall weaves faux stems with expert hands as this particular craft is a newfound hobby he's come to enjoy in his free time. It gives him something to do, while also allowing for any stresses to wash away since his focus is on lacing plants together.

A section of hardwood flooring is covered in fuzzy pipe cleaners that have been cut in varying lengths. Printer paper is also cut up with some having random drawings scribbled onto their surfaces. Capped markers are strewn about, along with a few crayons. Pieces of metal wire are in random heaps as Ness has taken it upon herself to group them as such.

Soft Christmas music is playing in the background. Small flames are dancing in the fireplace. Many vampires are sprinkled around the room, occupied by their own amusements. A few people, Paul included, are out in the woods collecting a tree.

They figured that some holiday festivities could help everyone feel a little less tense. With Christmas being only two days away, it's perfect timing to bust out a box of old decorations.

"Do you think uncle Paul will like this one?" Renesmee asks.

"I think he will." Marshall smiles. "Especially if it's from his two favorite people. And since the flowers are fake, he'll be able to keep it forever."

"You don't think he'll mind the pink, do you?"

"Not really. The lilies are pretty pale, and they're closer to white if anything."

The duo fall into a comfortable silence as they continue crafting. At some point, Ness shifts her position so she's sitting closer to her uncle. She lays her head against his shoulder.

Light body heat is pleasant, and Marshall gives a gentle hum in response to it. He also leans over to place a kiss atop his niece's head. A scarlet gaze is pulled back onto a nearly completed flower crown to finish their work.

The vampire starts mouthing along to some lyrics from a popular Christmas song. He's quiet as a means to not disturb the peaceful atmosphere. A few people still look over in his direction. Delicate smiles make him sing a bit louder. The gesture is met with more grins and more people visibly relaxing.

Marshall's voice is smooth to match the ballad playing. He's in a comfortable register in terms of his tonality, and he doesn't really pay mind to random vibratos when they unconsciously slip out.

Singing helps to calm him further. No one says anything when he continues to do so with almost every song change.

Marshall manages to finish the flower crown when he hears shuffling feet coming from downstairs alongside people laughing. His serenading must be picked up, however, because loud noises immediately quiet down. Ascending footsteps against wooden stairs soften. Rustling of pine needles are heard, but it doesn't make much noise.

Scarlet eyes look around and take in the sight of people swaying in their seats. His voice becomes just a smidge louder.

He finds himself smiling even wider when a familiar voice joins in. Butterflies swarm the vampire's stomach as warm arms wrap around his waist. Heat envelopes him from behind, and Paul's head settles against his partner's free shoulder.

Both men continue singing together until the song finishes. They're met with applause from around the room.

"You chose great timing to come back." Marshall turns around after his body is freed. "Ness and I made something for you."

Paul remains in a crouched position while his husband sits on his knees. The vampire carefully places the completed flower crown onto the shifter's head. Yellow, pink, and blue blend well with his complexion. The darkness of his short hair makes bright hues seem even more saturated.

A soft laugh escapes Marshall. "I think it looks rather cute on you."

Shimmering brown pools soften in response to the comment. Paul takes a moment to feel the patterned floral arrangement. Wandering fingers are gentle, appreciating the careful craftsmanship.

Marshall tilts his head when the crown is pulled off. He aims to pose a question but stops short. Phantom warmth settles in his cheeks as said floral display is set atop his dark waves. Strands of hair are moved out of the way to frame his face.

After everything is said and done, Paul offers his own tender smile. "There we go- now it looks perfect."

Both men take in each other's love filled gazes before everyone's collective attention is brought to a large pine tree carried in by Emmett and Carlisle. A metal base on the floor sits in a corner of the room, being made use of once the tree is set down into it. Small pine needles fall to the floor, and a pleasant syrupy smell derives from the large plant.

Looking toward the window behind the tree, Marshall notices a small flurry beginning to fall outside. It makes a festive mood feel even more cozy.

Esme takes it upon herself to clean up the small mess made from floral crown crafting. Marshall takes the opportunity to approach the pine tree in need of decorating.

A large box full of ornaments is looked over. He scours through lots of green, silver, and red—as well as a lot of glitter. A couple of differing shades of blue and purple are mixed in too. Most ornaments are simple balls, while others have more intricate designs on them. There are also some hanging décor in the shapes of candy canes, snow globes, and gingerbread people. Bundles of lights are piled closer to the bottom of the box.

"So what's the plan?" Marshall asks.

"A few of us can decorate in here while Esme starts cooking. She'd like to bake some desserts just for the fun of it," Carlisle responds. "Whoever wants to help can feel free to do so, but it's not mandatory. Then maybe a dance party- or a festive movie. Whatever anyone wants, really."

"Sounds good."

Marshall braces the flower crown against his head with one hand while reaching down to grab a set of lights with the other. His face pulls into a grimace in response to clumps and wads of tight knots.

How the wiring manages to get in such a state when barely being touched—he'll never know.

Chuckling, the vampire begins untangling the lights with some assistance from a few others. Paul does his part by draping unraveled sections over his shoulders like a scarf. The decision to do so actually helps when the wiring starts pooling on the floor.

Once his set of lights are finished, Marshall backs up. Royal blue wings sprout from behind him. Added appendages are utilized to reach taller sections of the Christmas tree. He only keeps them out for a few minutes before pulling them back in. When he's able to decorate from his normal height, Marshall continues wrapping lights around branches. He starts humming again while doing so.

Pale hands are delicate in order to not break any pine needles or smaller twigs. He uses a keen eye to place lights in specific spots. An unconscious habit of sticking out his tongue in concentration is caught by Paul.

"You're adorable, Marshmallow."

"Marshmallow?" Rosalie questions with a teasing smirk. "I don't think I've heard that one yet."

"Rose, please." Marshall feels phantom warmth in his cheeks again. He also looks to the right in slight embarrassment.

"Hey, I'm not saying it's bad- I think it's cute."

"And you're never going to let me live it down, are you."

"Nope!"

Marshall deadpans as his sister and husband laugh together. He tries to hold his serious expression, but it's difficult to not snicker when their laughter becomes more hysterical.

This is just like when Brad and Paul shared a laugh back at Bobby's bar when Romero learned of his friend's nickname.

Without realizing, Marshall's smile slowly falls. A slight ache settles in his chest.

Pursing his lips, he takes hold of the Barcelona pendant hanging over his heart. The gesture is caught by multiple people from his previous coven. He receives knowing looks of sympathy.

Paul gives a long kiss to his husband's bonding mark. "It's alright, Honey Bun. Just remember to be warm. You know he'd want it that way."

Scarlet eyes fill with tears. Marshall blinks them away before any have a chance of falling. He takes a deep breath to better gather himself. Delicate fingers trace against the exposed skin of his lower triceps before warm hands take hold of them.

Both Lahotes take a moment to silently grieve over Brad.

It's ended by the vampire turning around and giving his husband a quick peck in return. "Thanks, Tiger."

Their collective attention is brought back to the open cardboard box sitting a few feet away. One by one, ornaments are grabbed and placed onto the tree. Marshall takes initiative by decorating the bottom section of it.

He sits down against hardwood panels. Both legs cross over each other. His posture becomes more lax with every ornament picked up.

Silk threading is smooth against his fingertips as he places decorated balls in designated spots. A couple of ornaments with bells make small jingling noises as they're moved and bumped. Glitter gets on his hands, but he doesn't mind.

Once that's finished, Marshall places decorative garland around some free sections. He makes sure to leave everything spaced out enough to keep things from looking cluttered.

The floral crown moves a bit when the vampire stands up, but it's put back in place before getting a chance to fall. With a hand braced against his head, he takes a few steps back to get a full visual of the Christmas tree.

Final decorations are being put up by other people. Even unfinished, the display is beautiful. It'll look even prettier when completely lit up.

"Alrighty- before we get the lights going, we need to put up the star." Carlisle looks over toward his son. "Marsh, would you like to do the honors? I know it's your favorite part."

The younger vampire's excitement skyrockets. He nods his head with great enthusiasm. The last ornament is passed over, and its design is admired with glee.

The star itself is simple with red and silver shapes bringing out a pretty brass color. The accents are composed of shimmering swirls and wisps.

Marshall's eyes travel upward, giving him a better gauge in terms of the distance between his full height and the tree's height. He aims to pull his wings out again, stopping short when Paul kneels down. Understanding the gesture, Marshall sits on a presented shoulder.

His husband stands to his full height with ease considering the added weight. He also makes sure to keep a supportive hand against the vampire's side so he doesn't fall.

It's enough added height for Marshall to reach the top of the tree by stretching out his arms. His tongue peeks out again when he places the star down in its rightful position. He checks to make sure the ornament is leveled before removing his hands. A radiant smile widens in response to a triumphant piece of added décor.

The vampire is set back down onto the floor. He takes a relaxed position in front of Paul, who responds by wrapping his arms around his husband's waist again. Both men, along with everyone else, look up at the tree when it's finally plugged in.

White, red, and green lights turn on all at once. Silver garland is enhanced by splotches of color, and a sparkling sheen reflects off of multiple surfaces. Ornaments follow suit as well in terms of shimmering beauty. Twinkling bulbs are seen on tinted windows, adding specks of illumination to falling snow.

Smiling, Marshall brings his gaze upward to address Paul. But the vampire freezes. He takes in the sight of his husband's enamored expression.

Pink lips are parted slightly, and a bit of white from his teeth peek through. Light shadows form in contoured sections of his cheeks. Light caramel skin is tinged with a bit of red. Rich brown eyes are brought to life by small lights reflecting in them.

It's an image of pure beauty.

Marshall finds himself forgetting all about the Christmas tree. Instead, he stays transfixed on his husband.

Scarlet eyes continue to stare even when Paul looks down.

Marshall feels his own features soften when pools of brown glance over multiple sections of his face. They settle onto his lips. Paul's gaze is brought back up to Marshall's.

And they just stare.

They take in each other's features in the added lighting. Both of them forget that other people are around. They even stop hearing any music playing from a quiet stereo.

They find themselves in their own little world of adoration.

Scarlet irises lower toward pink lips. Marshall's eyes close completely when a tender kiss is placed onto his forehead. He revels in the warmth permeating from every portion of his body. He relishes in the love being poured through a gentle kiss. A particularly dreamy sigh is given in response to the sweet gesture.

When he reopens his eyes, the vampire is met with one of the softest expressions that Paul has ever given him. They take a moment to further appreciate each other before moving to observe a gorgeous, twinkling Christmas tree.