Note: So, fun fact: I had never intended to write out a full blown wedding scene when Marshall and Paul did their commitment ceremony at city hall. I've attended a city hall wedding before, and they're actually really quick. Like, when I witnessed it, it was legit like a "do you take this person? is it reciprocated? cool, you're married." Really fast. Plus, I wanted to leave the important vows and things like that for the bigger celebration at the end of Pretty Boy.

Still, I did think heavily about how the night went after the commitment ceremony was over with Marshall and Paul now donning their new roles as husbands. Switching from just boyfriends to being legitimately bound to each other, not just in terms of the imprint, was and still is an extremely important, emotional shift for them. I wanted to flesh that out, both to capture how much they really feel about each other along with how those emotions are amplified since the big fight with Victoria's army is looming over their shoulders.

This is going to be extremely emotional and heartfelt. Get your popcorn. Get your tissues. And, as always, please enjoy!

Also, character details I never mentioned: I always thought it was cute to have a pretty substantial height difference between Marshall and Paul. So even though Marshall himself is a big guy, standing at a staggering 5'11, Paul is even bigger, standing at 6'4. That five inch difference normally leaves Marshall at just about chin height to Paul (which is adorable!).

***

"It is here, on this day, June 14, surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones, I hereby bind you, Marshall and Paul, together as committed partners. May life's journey be full of warmth, laughter, love, and happiness. Finally, in honor of your union to one another, you may now seal your promises with a kiss."

With their commitment ceremony now at its end, Marshall could no longer contain his excitement. A small, delighted hop was followed by him standing on his toes. Doing so made it easier for Paul to lean down without having to bend too much. 

As their lips collided, both men let out pleased sighs that were drowned out by the excited cheers coming from the pack. 

A thumping heart could be felt against Marshall's chest. His hands were wrapped, blanketed, in enveloping currents of blissful heat. Additional warmth caressed the skin of his cheeks, courtesy of Paul's apparent blush—one which bloomed across his skin at their shared declaration of "I do".

Even though Marshall wasn't capable of blushing himself, his chest swarmed with rampant fluttering. Goosebumps frolicked across his bare arms, giving texture to the vibrant patterns of his intricately done tattoos. The nerves in his hands felt abuzz with excitement. He was able to feel every fold in the palms and fingers pressed against his own. He was able to feel light trembles of exhilaration.

His heart swelled in genuine happiness, and a new form of adoration swept over him.

Marshall was pulled into a hug at the conclusion of their quick smooch. His head was cradled against his now husband's chest. Additional kisses were peppered against his scalp. Delicate rubs were made along his upper back, instilling a sense of comfort.

Being in his partner's arms had never felt more homey than they did in that very moment.

Both men allowed themselves to be whisked away by their pack mates. Laughter and cheering followed them out of the main hall.

Glass doors were pushed open, cool, somewhat humid air greeting everyone along with the salty smell of oncoming summer. Streetlights with white bulbs illuminated the stairs and sidewalks. Parked cars reflected vibrant streaks in their windows. Trees ruffled in accordance with a minor breeze. Flower petals fell from thin branches to dance along the pavement in an uncoordinated waltz.

Surrounding brick-faced buildings were lively and bustling around them. Patrons walked around with glee as they made their way in and out of nearby venues.

Catching sight of a few eateries brought a fond smile to Marshall's face. He looked up at his husband, pressing a hand against his abdomen. "Want to dine out to celebrate our union?"

"You read my mind, beautiful." Paul chuckled. "I'm kind of feeling a place with outdoor seating. Maybe somewhere near the waterfront too. Eating under the moonlight just sounds really nice."

"If you want to do, like, beachfront, I know that the barbeque shack a few blocks from here is open really late since the season's about to change," Emily piped up. "We could do that. Y'know, get some burgers, fries, milkshakes- make it seem like a cookout."

"Sounds good to me, Em. What about you, Tiger?"

"Sounds perfect to me too, Marshmallow."

"Good! But before that..." Emily reached into her purse to grab her phone. "We're taking a million pictures first!"

Marshall nodded in approval. He expected this turn of events because Emily had a knack for capturing almost all of their moments in the forms of pictures and videos. Whether it be for small outings, formal events, or the occasional night out when supporting one of Marshall's productions, a camera was always at the ready to snap a photo. And considering the evening's turn of events—since getting married hadn't been a planned affair—the only way to capture memories of tonight was through the utilization of a cellphone.

Besides, regardless of whether the pictures were taken by a friend or a highly paid photographer, they would be priceless either way.

"Okay, guys, give me a cute pose!"

Marshall squealed as he was effortlessly whisked off of his feet into a bridal carry. His arms habitually wrapped around Paul's shoulders, holding him close. Their faces were close enough for their noses to touch. Fluttering of eyelashes could also be felt when Paul pressed their foreheads together. 

Letting out a dreamy exhale, Marshall's eyes closed to give him a chance to revel at the tender contact.

Frantic camera shuttering was met with hushed laughter from the grooms.

*

Cabrón (Marsh):

Hola pendejo

I know you probably won't see this because of your whole no-electronics-while-on-vacation thing

But I just wanted you to know...

(image attached)

Ya bitch is now married

🥳🥺🤪😝😘😍

It was super unplanned but it happened and I really want to tell you all about it when you come back

I know your flight is supposed to be in a few days

But if you magically decide to come back home early just lmk and I'll give you all the juicy details LMAO

Love you

Miss you

Really can't wait to see you 🤗🥰

Marshall watched his phone screen darken. The device was set onto the picnic table he was currently occupying. A long wooden surface was hidden beneath a white and red cloth made of lightweight plastic. Longer ends bellowed in the wind and made contact with one of his legs. 

Since his body was facing outward, the breeze tousled his hair in a way to make silky strands curtain over his ears. A portion of his bangs were tucked away to make it easier to see. 

Even though the establishment was close to the shore, nearby light pollution robbed anyone of the ability to peer up at the stars. Only the occasional cloud could be seen when floating near a bright, lonely moon.

Something Marshall stared at, hands folded in his lap, in complete silence.

"Hey."

An airy chuckle escaped him. "Hey."

Paul sat down. His weight jostled the bench for less than a second. He leaned back with his legs stretched out to brace his elbow against the table. The fingers on his free hand extended. Shifting movements made the bright red gem on his wedding ring shine under the moon's light.

"Did you order what you wanted?"

"Yeah. I had offered to wait to grab my stuff, but Seth kind of shooed me away. I think they just wanted to give us an excuse to have some alone time."

Marshall shook his head in a fond manner. "I'm not complaining. Being alone with my charming husband is my favorite way to relax."

"Mm." Paul continued to fiddle with his ring. "...That's definitely going to take some getting used to. Not referring to you as my boyfriend anymore- but as my whole husband. Like, that's still wild to me."

Marshall's delighted expression fell by a small margin. A hollow emptiness settled in his chest. A tightened grip pressed his finger pads further into his knuckles.

Referring to each other as a married couple would take a period of adjustment.

But would they even have the chance to experience it?

Paul took the liberty of moving closer. He began toying with a few strands dancing atop his lover's head. "Talk to me, honey. Walk me through whatever has you so distracted."

"I don't want to ruin such an important night with my pessimistic thoughts."

"And I don't want you trapped in those pessimistic thoughts when I'm willing and open to listen to anything that's bothering you, my love."

Marshall deflated, his resolve diminishing before having a proper chance to build.

He'd always found it difficult, both in the beginning of their relationship and now, to say no to Paul. Whenever there was a request for Marshall to vent about his honest feelings, the vampire didn't have the strength to decline what was being asked of him. Because he knew, no matter what he revealed, he was in a safe space. Everything he said would be listened to in confidence. Nothing would be told to anyone else if he didn't want it to be.

If he truly needed the floor to speak his thoughts out, Paul was always an open, attentive ear, as well as a sturdy shoulder to cry on.

There...really wasn't a point in hiding things from him.

"...It's hard. To pretend like I'm not still thinking about tomorrow. That I'm not still terrified."

Paul nodded in understanding. "What exactly is getting at you?"

"Honestly? It's not the prospect of losing my own life. It's the thought of losing you. The possibility of losing everything that's finally given me happiness. I'm scared of having all the things I love and hold dear get snatched away. Because, throughout the entirety of my existence, I've always been prone to bad luck. I've always been prone to losing what little things I legitimately care about."

For a moment, Michael Hale's face—one that mirrored Marshall's with the exception of his blue eyes and slightly longer nose—came to mind. For a moment, Marshall thought back to his days as a human when baking with his father was the only thing he found genuine pleasure in.

The only thing that made his life worthwhile.

"Y'know, growing up, I constantly felt like I was lost." Marshall leaned back against the table, his gaze still on the sky above. "I always thought something was wrong with me because I didn't have many things that legitimately meant a lot to me. Yeah, I had my mom and Rose- but the bond we had always felt forced. I loved my sister out of a sense of duty. Out of a sense of fulfilling the older brother quota. Raising Rose didn't instill me with a sense of joy. It instilled me with a sense of fear- of doubt and longing. Because she was the first person who made me realize that my wants and needs came second.

"Even as a young child, I never put myself out there in terms of making close connections. I thought they didn't mean anything. All of the neighborhood kids were such an enigma to me because I couldn't understand how anyone could be friends with someone one day, and just completely cast them aside for ridiculous reasons the next.

"That was also why I never got into a relationship when I came of age. Sex was really just a means for me to let off steam. It was never something used to anchor me to someone else. It never filled me with the desire to stay with someone. Affection and romance were just fairytale concepts to me. At least, that's how it was until I met you."

Marshall turned to face his husband. 

He wasn't surprised to see calculative brown eyes already settled on his person.

"I always felt like there was something missing. Inside of me. That I never felt whole. And it's crazy to me that a chance encounter with you flipped my entire world upside down. That the void I was constantly feeling in my chest- the empty space nestled beneath my ribs, waiting to be filled- it wasn't meant for my heart. It was meant for yours. 

"Learning with you, growing with you, hell, just being with you...it's changed everything. The night we met at Bobby's bar and you said hello- you really have no idea how much that encounter brought me to life. Because, in the span of time we've gotten to know each other, you've given me so much. You've given me companionship, warmth, love, patience. You've restored my broken perception of what it means to be safe. You've given me the chance to experience a life I never thought could be attainable.

"And I'm terrified of losing that. I'm terrified of the maybes and the what-ifs. I'm terrified of thinking about what could happen tomorrow."

"Well..." Paul scooted closer until his body was pressed against Marshall's. "Like I said earlier, we've still got tonight. You're right- we don't know what'll happen tomorrow. And your fears are completely warranted and valid. Still, though- we still have time to experience our little eternity- even if only for a single evening. We still have the chance to experience our form of heaven just by sitting here with each other. And I wouldn't trade this up for anything in the world."

Paul took hold of Marshall's left hand. Great tenderness was used when planting a delicate kiss on his ring finger.

"I won't lie and say that I'm not scared too. I am. Really, really scared. But just being able to hold your hand gives me so much strength, Honey Bun. When I'm with you, I have the courage to face the unknown. So, even if tomorrow is full of uncertainties, I'll continue to give every piece of myself to you. I'll continue to love and cherish you. I'll continue to be bound to you until the end of time. Because just like your heart flourishes within my grasp, mine does the same in yours. I've never been more proud to have had the pleasure of meeting you, sweetheart. And I know, if I died tomorrow, I would've lived a life with everything I could've ever needed."

"...I would wait for you, y'know." Marshall pursed his lips, looking between his husband's eyes. "I would wait until you come back to me. Until we meet again in the next life. I know it wouldn't be guaranteed, but having even a chance at being reunited...I'd wait for however many years, decades, or centuries it would take to have you by my side again. 

"I know the pain of losing you would be unbearable. I can't say for certain if it would become too much to bear. But I do know, especially if you asked it of me, I would continue to live on- even if only to carry you in my memories. Because you're worth that to me.

"I would crawl through the deepest pits of Hell. I would tread through the most dangerous of oceans. I would watch this planet burn and decay and rot, only for it to rise from the ashes...just to be with you. If I lost you, I don't care if I'd have to wait a million lifetimes just to hold you in my arms again. I would do it. Because you're worth that to me."

Marshall leaned forward to press his lips against Paul's.

The kiss was full of unspoken grief, heartache, desperation, and pain.

It was also full of love, passion, gratitude, and devotion.

They clung to each other—both in fear of ever being separated and in appreciation of having the luxury of being here, in their little pocket of happiness, together.

Paul released a shaky sigh. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve you, baby."

Marshall answered with a playful hum. "As a wise, very handsome man once said: 'There was nothing to do. You just deserve to have good things in your life'."

"You're a cheeky little thing, aren't you."

"Mm. But I'm your cheeky little thing."

"And don't you ever forget it." Paul laughed, pulling back to gaze into golden eyes full of adoration. "So. I know neither of us are very traditional in...any sense of the word. But...now that we're married, there is one thing I still want to experience with you. One tradition that actually means a lot to me."

"Of course- anything."

"...Now that we've officially tied the knot, I think it's time that we..."—his phone was placed onto the table, and a single button was tapped—"have our first dance."

Soft vocals erupted from the phone's speaker. The singer was backed by an acoustic and bass guitar with spaces of instrumental silence sprinkled in between lyrics.

Paul rose to his feet. He turned around with a radiant smile. He put his hand out expectantly.

"Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me, Marshall?"

The vampire shielded one of his cheeks out of bashfulness. He reached forward, cold fingers caressing warm ones. They took hold of his, acting as a guiding point to pull him into a standing position. 

One hand braced atop Paul's shoulder.

Another settled on Marshall's lower back. 

Together, with full hearts and teary eyes, both men began to sway.

They didn't notice the other pack members watching from afar, food in hand and phones recording.