Edited 6/16/22.

A/N: There aren't any warnings for this chapter. Just feel free to enjoy something wholesome!

***

It's a chilly winter's night in mid December. Trees have become bare with the changing of the season. Crisp air has slowly become more frigid. People are adorning thick layers to combat biting temperatures. But even with such a not-so-pleasant outdoor environment, it's actually rather easy to find joy in the little things. Like the Annual Forks Christmas Celebration, for example.

Marshall is greeted by the event's glimmering overhead sign when he gets out of Paul's car. Bright lights are an array of colors ranging from red, white, green, and blue. An occasional bulb pops out in vibrant purple as well. Surrounding the sign are a few candy cane decorations. A large gingerbread man is also comprised of festive lights. Against the darkness of a navy colored sky, it's a beautiful sign that makes Marshall smile.

He's always loved the Christmas season. Due to his coven's want to remain unknown and unseen, however, he's never been able to freely attend any holiday celebrations. No tree lightings, no holiday villages, no light shows—nothing. The most he's done is the occasional caroling with the other members of the theater and choir groups. Those were usually for charities though, and didn't happen every year; much to his dismay. This is Marshall's first year attending the Annual Forks Christmas Celebration. And he couldn't be more ecstatic.

Sam, Emily, and Jared—along with his imprint, Kim—exit their cars in different parts of the parking lot. Paul exits his truck, locking it after shutting his door. He crosses around to the passenger side to meet his boyfriend. Warmth builds inside of them when they meet for a kiss. A pleasant temperature settles against any exposed skin, and it pulls delighted sighs out of both men.

Marshall pulls back with a soft exhale. He puts one hand into the pocket of his black trench coat. The other takes hold of Paul's gloved appendage. They fall in line with each other while strolling over to their other friends.

Emily is beaming because she's also never attended the Forks Christmas celebration. The others have, but they've never gone as a big group the way they are now. It really is an invigorating feeling to be together in such a bright, festive environment.

"Marshall!"

Recognizing the voice, he turns around. His smile widens at the sight of Brad and Yasmine approaching.

Both are clad in thick winter coats with additional accessories used to keep them warm. Slightly trembling hands are clasped together as a public display of affection; and as an excuse to benefit off of each other's body heat. Brad is holding his free hand up in a waving gesture.

It's noticed by a few people how he's wearing the same red pants as Marshall. Both men are also clad in the same style of boots as well. Whether their matching outfits were done purposely or not, it's cute to see them so dressed up for the occasion.

"Brad, Yasmine- it's good to see you both," he greets. "How are you?"

"Good, thank you." Yasmine offers a smile alongside a one armed hug.

"I'm stoked to be here, dude!" Brad cheers, pausing for a moment to kiss his friend's cheeks. "You know I love the lights and the songs- and the hot chocolate! We need to go get some!"

Clear excitement coats every word. Small puffs of condensation gather near his mouth as he speaks; the warmth of his breath combating the biting cold.

Marshall notices his friend's nose and cheeks are red due to the low temperature. Yasmine, along with the other women in the group, are the same. Hot chocolate actually does seem like a good idea for the sake of keeping everyone warm.

"Yeah, sounds like a plan. Lead the way, Romero."

Brad does as told with Yasmine in tow. Marshall trails behind with Paul; the couple leading their own group of friends. After passing the welcoming sign, the vampire's eyes widen at the beautiful décor in front of him.

Every single tree and streetlamp is wrapped in shimmering lights. A tall archway with hanging bells leads throughout the entire plaza. Metal beams have a multitude of hued lights cascading down their lengths. People underneath are submerged in a rainbow of colors.

Small food stalls are lit up with greens, whites, and reds. Decorations resembling reindeer, gingerbread people, candy canes, igloos, and penguins are seen everywhere. In the distance, Marshall can make out a section for kids to play with foam blocks mimicking the likeness of snow in different shapes. A couple of people are walking around in mascot suits. Flashing of cameras goes off every now and again when pictures are taken. An upbeat Christmas song is playing from a loudspeaker. And to top it off, there's a small flurry falling from the sky. It's not snowing hard enough for anything to stick, but it definitely adds to the festive vibe.

A laugh is pulled out of Marshall when he's twirled in a playful manner. He takes residence in Paul's side, and the couple share a snug embrace. A hand stays firm on the vampire's hip as they stand in line for hot chocolate.

"Enjoying yourself, love?" Paul asks.

"You bet. It's so amazing here. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?"

"Yeah, I have."

Paul's grin widens. His gaze doesn't leave his boyfriend for a second.

Marshall experiences a phantom blush throughout his entire face. He's found himself doing so more often ever since he confessed about his honest feelings.

As of that day, the vampire has been feeling more human than ever before. It may not beat, but his heart flutters in his chest. He may not bleed, but heat pools all over his body. When he sleeps, his dreams consist of future scenarios with Paul.

Marshall's never experienced these things before—he's never felt like this before. He never would've thought that falling in love would feel so... cozy. He never thought it'd give him some humanity back. And he's more than grateful that he gets to experience these feelings every day with his mate.

"You're daydreaming, Honey Bun."

"I can't help it- there's this really handsome, strong, hunk of a man who has my attention."

"Is he bigger than me?"

"Eh, he's about your size."

Paul fakes a pout in mock hurt before reclaiming a lax expression. Brad passes out cups of hot chocolate to everyone who wants one. Marshall accepts one for the sake of appearances and nurses his with one hand. Heat against his cold palm and fingers is nice. He passes off the beverage when Paul asks for it.

The group continues further down the plaza. They stop at a few stores to look at some books and apparel. Brad stops in front of a children's toy store because of an impressive model train driving around in the front window. Pictures are snapped of handcrafted ice sculptures resembling animals. Sam gives a friendly wave to a police officer—his name tag says Chief Swan, so it's presumably Bella's father—who is working security. He gives a short but kind nod in return. Emily snags a few pictures of Santa sitting down on a chair with a line of kids leading up to him. Jared and Kim take a commemorative photo with ol' Father Christmas just because they feel like it.

Paul walks Marshall beneath a trail that has realistic ice crystals dangling from the overhead. White decorative lights make the clear crystals glow. Any visible wiring is hidden by sections of fake garland that smells of cinnamon and pine. It's a picturesque environment straight out of a fairy tale.

Around them, children are chasing each other with half eaten candy canes in their hands. Other people are taking pictures together. Emily gets the couple's attention to do the same for them.

A hand is snaked around Marshall's waist again like clockwork. He reciprocates the gesture by laying a hand on Paul's chest over his heart. Large, goofy grins are flashed toward the camera. Genuine laughter emerges from the posing duo.

After a moment, Marshall looks up so he can get Paul's attention. The vampire is greeted by a love-struck, tender expression meant just for him. His own features soften when a chaste kiss is planted onto his forehead.

Emily captures the moment on camera with a knowing smile on her face.

"Oh- guys, guys!" Brad calls. "The show's going to start soon."

"Already?" Marshall questions. "Crazy how much time's already gone by."

"That's what happens when you're having fun with people you love," Paul adds.

The group make their way over to a large stage set up in the center of the plaza. A lone platform stands behind it; the area housing a towering, unlit Christmas tree. A center walkway separates two sides where onlookers are supposed to congregate for upcoming performances. Since some of the women are on the shorter side, the group settles closer to the front.

Other people start crowding around them as minutes continue to pass. On stage, a few crew members are making small talk with the mayor. Marshall looks over the scene before pulling his attention to Brad. The two make eye contact. A discreet nod is shared between them.

"Might've had too much hot chocolate- gotta pee!" Brad rubs the back of his neck. "Marsh, come with me so I don't get lost?"

"Sure, sure." Marshall pats Paul's shoulder. "Be right back, Tiger."

"Try to be quick, Honey Bun. Don't want you to miss anything."

"Don't worry, I won't."

Marshall and Brad walk away without another word. They follow in the direction of the restrooms until they're no longer able to see anyone in the distance. A few more quick strides are taken. They make a sharp left, and a second parking lot is revealed to them. Some trailers are parked beside each other, the vehicles acting as dressing rooms for tonight's performers. Fast walking shifts to light jogging. A quick greeting is given to security before both men enter a trailer specifically for them.

Once inside, they take off their coats. Shimmering red costume jackets and black undershirts are revealed. Boots are replaced with black tap shoes; the sides and heels housing small golden accents. Black gloves are slipped on to protect their hands from biting wind. Brad takes the initiative of doing their eyeliner because he's better at making the wings sharp. The two give each other quick glance overs before exiting the trailer. Even quicker thanks are given to security as the dancers make a beeline for the stage.

Instead of rejoining their friends, Brad and Marshall sneak their way backstage. They didn't tell anyone that they would also be performing tonight, so it's a surprise that no one will see coming. A quick fist bump is shared before everyone moves to their designated spots.

Marshall is leading the line of performers, whereas Brad is at the tail end. A few other male dancers are sprinkled throughout a group mostly composed of women.

The vampire shakes his hands out to get his nerves under control. His tap shoes make small clacking sounds against the cobblestone pavement. He takes in a breath when the mayor asks for everyone to quiet down.

"Hello, and happy holidays!" His voice resonates from multiple speakers. "Thank you for coming to the Annual Forks Christmas Celebration. I hope you've been enjoying the festivities. We have an outstanding show for this year, and I'm very excited for you all to see what we have planned. So without further ado, let's begin!"

No further warning is given before railroad signals can be heard. A blaring train horn catches the audience's attention. People who know what song starts this way begin to let out cheers. Kids can be heard giggling.

Marshall smiles. He stands to his full height. In cadence with the song, himself and the other dancers repeatedly stomp their feet. Questioning whispers erupt throughout the crowd. Familiar voices from some pack members are picked up as well. All comments are put to rest when the mayor's voice comes back in.

"Introducing, for the first time ever at the Forks Annual Christmas Celebration: I bring to you the esteemed Forks Musical Theater and Dance Company performers!"

Every single dancer switches on in response to the verbal cue. Loud clapping blares against the speakers, but the music can still be heard clear as day. Marshall prances on stage with a confident stature. His steps remain in cadence with the song. He leads his fellow dance members trailing behind him. Roaring applause becomes even louder before quieting down. The dancers turn to face the audience while continuing their movements. Marshall catches Paul's gaze and winks.

Stage lights shine an array of colors as Marshall dances. He stomps and spins and jumps and claps with glee. His smile shines as brightly as the lights around him. His feet are quick when they need to be. The clacking of his tap shoes fall in line with the beat of the song. Paced steps are used to skip along the front of the stage. He waves, and his fellow dancers follow.

Upon musical cue, all performers turn around. Outstretched hands are pushed straight into the air. The large town Christmas tree lights up from bottom to top as they do so. Excited applause can be heard again.

The dancers turn their attention back to the audience to continue the routine. Marshall finds his elation rising when he completes his last twirl. He stops in the middle of a straight line. Both arms are put up, settling behind the backs of two female dancers.

A professionally executed kickline ensues, and it drives the audience wild.

During the last section of the song, each dancer kicks up an individual leg. It's done one person at a time to portray an image of a wave. When Brad completes his kick, everyone lets go of each other. They complete a half spin. The routine ends by each person propping one hand against their hip, while the other gives a bright salute.

Marshall fakes breathing heavily to make it seem like he's winded. His smile is bright, and it causes the corners of his eyes to scrunch up. He catches Paul clapping and cheering from his spot. All members of the audience are doing the same.

The dancers walk back into a straight line. All at once, they give a deep bow. Waves and blown kisses are given toward a sea of people. Most members walk off stage with tired yet grateful expressions. Marshall and Brad stay on. They accept hugs from the mayor in thanks for the performance. They also accept the microphones given to them. Together, both men walk toward the front of the stage to greet the audience.

"Hello, everyone!" Marshall cheers. "Thank you all for coming!"

"¡Hola señoras y señores!" Brad adds in Spanish. "¡Gracias a todos!"

"My name is Marshall Hale, and this is Brad Romero. We're the lead choreographers for the Forks Dance Company. We're also two seasoned actors down at the theater." Marshall lets Brad translate before continuing. "We have two more performances for you all. Brad and I will be singing a duet in Spanish, and I'll be closing out our performance with a little surprise. Again, thank you all for attending tonight- and please, enjoy the music!"

"¡Disfrutar de la música!"

*

By the time Marshall completes his performance, a radiant smile is still plastered on his face. By the time he meets back up with Brad to grab their belongings, the two are still bouncing with adrenaline. By the time they meet back up with their friends, Marshall can barely handle the overwhelming warmth he feels inside of his body. He comes to a certain realization after being pulled into a group hug filled with praise and laughter.

This—this is what it means to have a family that adores you. This is what it means to be cared for. This is what it means to have people you never want to let go of.

This is what it means to be loved.