"Oh my goodness, this is so exciting!" Pepper exclaimed as she put various dishes in the dishwasher. I had just told her about the date today and she's very ecstatic, to say the least. "What are you two gonna do all day? And what are you gonna wear! Oh I can't take this! I'm just too happy!" She squealed.

I laughed at the red haired woman before me. "I don't know, Marshall said it was a surprise when I tried asking him. And I was thinking about something casual, Marshall isn't the formal type. Plus it's only our first date, I don't need to go all out," I said and picked up my phone to check the weather for today. Warm with clear skies. Nice.

"It's almost a quarter past 12, you should get ready soon," Pepper winked. "Don't wanna keep yo man waitin'."

"Oh glob, Pepper," I sighed, my face heating up. I made my way upstairs and into my bedroom, sifting through my large closet. "What to wear, what to wear..." I mumbled to myself.

After a while of pulling out different clothes and putting them back, I decided on a simple outfit. A baby pink Ralph Lauren polo tucked inside light mint colored shorts, paired with my favorite tan, suede boat shoes. With a matching belt, of course.

I smiled at the outfit laid on my bed before entering the bathroom and taking a quick shower. I brushed my teeth and did my usual hair routine before drying off, getting dressed and spraying on some nice cologne. As I looked at myself in the mirror I couldn't help but grin. I looked hot. Kind of dressed like a watermelon but whatever, it's still basically summer out still. Checking the time, I realized it was already ten till one, which means Marshall would be here soon.

Speaking of Marshall, I just received a text from him saying he was on his way. And here come the butterflies. I quickly grabbed my phone and wallet and ran down the stairs, almost tripping in the process.

"Aw, honey!" Pepper exclaimed once she saw me. "You look great! Oh, I'm so happy for you," she said hugging me. "Your mother would be so proud of the young man you've become. And your father too, wherever he is." I hugged her back, thanking her.

The ringing of a doorbell sounded through the house, interrupting our moment. "Oh glob, he's here," I whispered.

"I'll get the door, go wait upstairs and pretend you're doing something," Pepper said.

"Wait, why?" I asked.

"Just do it! You don't want him to think you're just waiting around for him!" She whisper-yelled. I rolled my eyes and ran up stairs as quietly as I could and went to my room. I heard her open the door and greet Marshall.

"Hello, Marshall Lee, nice to see you! You look so handsome! And that looks lovely! Come in, come in!" What? What looks lovely? I couldn't see.

"Thank you, you too, Pepper. You look gorgeous, as always," I heard him reply. I rolled my eyes. Typical Marshall to charm the lady.

"Oh, stop it! You're making me blush... Bubba is upstairs. BUBBA! You're lovely date is here!" She sang. I took a deep breath and exited my room, making my way downstairs again. I glanced at Marshall and instantly blushed. He definitely did look handsome. He was dressed in a light gray button down with the sleeves rolled up, a pair of dark wash jeans, and black leather Converse. Stunning. The outfit hugged his frame gorgeously. And his hair, wow. His dark, wavy locks were pushed back, but not in a slicked way. It looked as if he lazily ran a hand through his hair and it stayed like that. It was still messy, but like it was on purpose.

He made eye contact with me and instantly smiled. "You look great," he grinned. I blushed and smiled back.

"Thank you, you look amazing as well," I replied, looking down at Marshall's hands and noticing he was holding a potted flower.

"This is for you," he said handing me the pink flower. "It's an orchid. Symbolizes true affection. Cheesy, I know." He laughed.

"Wow, it's gorgeous. Thank you, I love it!" I smiled and hugged him, him hugging me back.

"Glad you like it," he said as I pulled away. "Well, I guess we should go now, we have a lot to do today."

"Alright, you boys have fun! Not too much, though," Pepper winked. I blushed and rolled my eyes, handing the orchid to her. " And don't stay out too late!"

"Don't worry, Pepper, I'll have him back before ten," Marshall smiled charmingly.

We exited the house shortly after saying goodbye to Pepper and made our way to Marshall's car. Like a gentleman, he opened the door for me, shutting it gently after I got in. He got in on his own side and started the car, driving off after our seat belts were on.

"Are you excited? I'm excited. This is gonna be fun!" Marshall said after a few minutes of driving. I laughed.

"I am. Where are we even going?" I asked.

"I told you, it's a surprise! Now hush, we're almost there." I looked around trying to figure out where we'd be going. We were downtown where all the little shops and cafes were, I just didn't know which one we'd be entering. Soon enough, Marshall parked along the street and we exited the car (Marshall opening my door), walking past the stores. I followed Marshall to a homey little cafe on the corner.

"Tree Trunks? This is my favorite cafe ever!" I exclaimed as I walked through the door Marshall was holding open.

"I know! That's why we're here!" He grinned.

We walked up to the counter, being greeted by the old couple behind it. "Hello, you two! Nice to see you again! What can I get for you boys today?" Mr. Trunks smiled.

"Hello, Trunks, it's good to see you too! I'll have the usual, please," I said.

"Of course. And for you, Marshall Lee?"

"Can I get a blueberry bagel with strawberry cream cheese and an iced coffee, please?"

"Sure thing," the old man smiled. Mrs. Trunks got our food while we paid her husband. I tried to pay for us but Marshall insisted that he would instead. And after a few minutes of bickering, Marshall ended up paying for the both of us. By the time we were done arguing, our food was already in front of us. We thanked the sweet couple and grabbed our orders, sitting down at a window table.

"So," Marshall started, taking a sip of his drink, "usually this would be the time normal dates would get to know each other... But, I mean, what don't we already know about each other? So uh, let's play a game instead."

"Alright," I laughed. "What game?" I unwrapped my strawberry muffin and took a bite. Marshall looked around outside, tapping his chin in thought. Suddenly his face lit up with a smirk.

"A game called confessions. It's like truth and dare, except only truths. But like, super secret stuff you haven't told anyone." He winked.

I squinted at him, holding my cup of tea with both hands. "That doesn't sound like much of a game. Plus didn't you just say we already know everything about each other?"

He shrugged. "I mean, yeah. But there has to be something you haven't told me, right? Everyone has secrets. Anyways, I'll go first. Ask me something you're dying to know."

I paused for a moment, sipping on my tea thoughtfully. What did I want to know about someone I already knew too well? There is one question I've been wondering...

"How and when did you know you liked me?"

Marshall smiled and took a sip of his coffee before answering, "My junior year, when we first got to know each other." His smile grew, "One day when we were working on that song together in the library, I remember looking over at you and just thinking, 'Wow... This guy is really smart, and really handsome.' You were so caught up in trying to write the lyrics. Your eyebrows were scrunched together, and you just looked so frustrated. Probably because I was annoying you... But since then, I knew I liked you and had to get to know you better. And here we are now," he laughed, a slight blush dusting his cheeks as he stirred his drink with his straw. I smiled widely at him.

"That's cute... I guess that's the same time I started liking you too. The second you walked into the door that first day, late, of course, I was head over heels. The way you strutted into class like you owned the place. So cocky, but oh so alluring," I winked. Marshall raised an eyebrow.

"Got a thing for the bad boys, I see," he smirked. "Classic love story: the goody two-shoes falls for the bad boy. Who's also his best friend. And teacher. Someone should write a book about us..."

I rolled my eyes, "You're a goof."

"That I am. Anyways, it's my turn now... So, Gummy bear, got any kinks?" Marshall wiggled his eyebrows. I choked on my tea a little, staring at Marshall with wide eyes.

"What the hell, Marshall! No! This is not something we should be discussing in a coffee shop..."

"Oh come on, who cares, there's gotta be something. What gets you all hot and bothered just thinking about? Something that makes you think 'damn, that's hot'... I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours," he sang. I could feel my face burning. Why the hell did he want to know this? For future purposes...? I blushed harder.

I imagined different dirty scenarios in my mind, all of which making my face heat up more and more. "Being in control..." I whispered, not making eye contact. I heard him hum in response. "But also being submissive..." I continued. I look up to see Marshall looking at me intently, his chin in his palm and a smirk on his lips.

"So like, being a top or bottom?" He asked.

"I guess so," I blushed.

"What else? Anything crazy or weird?"

"Oh my glob, stop this. I don't need to think about these things with you sitting right there. Especially with you looking at me like that!" I covered my face with my hands, feeling embarrassed. Of course there were more things, but nothing weird or anything like that. Normal things that would make anyone blush if they thought about them.

"Gummy, it's called confessions for a reason. Tell me more about this being in control thing. Like, what about topping is super hot to you?"

More dirty images flowed through my mind, all consisting of Marshall and I, which sent shivers down my spine just thinking about. In a good way. Too good.

I took a deep breath and removed my hands from my face. I glanced around the cafe, making sure everyone was minding their own business, and not paying attention to us. Luckily, the place wasn't too packed and where we sat was pretty secluded. I turned to Marshall, my face instantly heating up just making eye contact with him. He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, seeming amused.

We were pretty much alone, and I could trust Marshall with this information. Again, I'm not into anything weird, it's just super embarrassing to talk about sex with someone you're really into.

"I-uh. I think the thought of having someone beg under you is, quite alluring... And being in power, making someone feel... good, because of you, seems like a satisfying feeling." That 'someone' being Marshall, of course. Not that it matters... "I just think, rough... intercourse... is a steamy situation that I simply wouldn't mind being involved in. Top or bottom," I finished, rushing the last part. Surely my face was as red as a tomato by now. Marshall looked at me surprised.

"Who would've thought. Barnaby: Prince in the streets, freak in the sheets," he winked. I rolled my eyes.

"Enough of this," I mumbled.

"Nuh uh, I haven't told you mine yet," he smirked.

"Oh boy... Why do I feel like your into some crazy stuff like knife play or something like that?"

Marshall's eyes widened. "No no, that's too extreme. Nothing sadistic like that... But I can agree with what you said before, about the whole... Top or bottom thing... And yes, rough sex is something I'm not opposed to. Anyways, I think biting is super hot. Not enough to break skin or anything, but a angry little nibble, you know?"

"Sure, I guess... Biting someone, or being bitten?"

Marshall thought for a moment. "Depends... Both? I don't know. It's hot either way. I also like my hair being pulled, I don't know why. Being scratched. Sexy," Marshall looked out the window, picking at his lips. He let out a breathy laugh and turned his attention to me. "By the way, I'm just thinking about it now, going to back to your "control" thing... As much as I agree that being in control is nice, it's always been a deep dark fantasy of mine to be, under someone's control..." He trailed off, stirring his coffee again. "Like, handcuff me and have your way with me, kind of way... Know what I mean?" He looked up at me, cheeks flushed.

"Sounds... Kinky," I simply responded, making a mental note to keep that in mind. I hate to say it, but Marshall and I were very similar when it came to this stuff. He was just more verbal about it than I was.

"Of course, I enjoy taking it slow too. I think it's more romantic and meaningful that way. Especially with someone you love. Because it's just you two caring for each other lovingly and thoughtfully in ways you didn't think we're possible. A special feeling only meant for you two..." He trailed off, staring into space while fiddling with his straw. I watched him for a moment, wondering what he could be thinking about.

"I completely agree. Making love, not just having sex." He simply nodded in response.

"What is wrong with us?" Marshall suddenly laughed, shaking his head. "Who just sits down in a coffee shop and talks about the frickle frack like its no big deal? We're messed up."

"Us, apparently."

After our long conversation about sexual intercourse, we continued our confessions game with lighter topics until we finished our food. As of now, we were back in Marshall's car, on our way to our next date destination. Marshall's only hint was "we're both quite fond of this", which could mean glob only knows what.

Soon enough, Marshall parked the car and opened my door once again. "Ta da! The art museum!" He exclaimed with wide arms, gesturing to the large building behind him. "I figured since you love all things history and we both like artsy stuff, why not combine them and visit the place where they have both?"

"Wow, this is the last place I would've imagined you to enjoy," I said, smiling at the building. I haven't been here in forever.

"Guess I'm just full of surprises," Marshall winked.

We made our way through the parking lot and up the stairs, finally entering the fancy building. As soon as we walk in we are greeted by a crowd of people scattered everywhere, all admiring the different paintings and sculptures.

Marshall and I wandered around for quite some time, studying different works of art. I always made sure to read the little cards next to it. Sometimes they had really interesting stories about the art or the artist. Whenever I'd try to tell Marshall about something he'd pretend to listen, but I could tell he didn't really care. Every once in a while we'd stop in front of a painting and one of us would ask "what do you think it means?" while we shared opinions. And sometimes we'd come across sassy looking portraits, where Marshall would take out his phone and put them on snapchat with a funny caption.

We strolled around some more, glancing at different artworks, before finally stopping in front of a large, blown-up X-ray of two people kissing. All you could see were the skeletons of the two. No distinguishable genders, race, or religious beliefs. Just two people kissing. We stood behind the crowd of people, just staring at the simple picture with a powerful message. I felt something cool touch my hand and as I glanced down, I quickly discovered it was Marshall intertwining his fingers with mine.

A smile rose to my face a long with slight warmth as I looked up at Marshall. He was smiling as well, and when he turned his attention towards me, it only grew wider. He gave my hand a small squeeze and walked along with me, hand in hand through the museum.

We walked around like this for quite some time, just enjoying the scenery and also each other's company, until we decided to head out. Marshall mentioned we had to be somewhere at 6:30 so we had about an hour to just chill. We decided to take a little stroll through the park nearby.

"There's a lot of people here today," I said, noticing different kinds of people everywhere. A man playing catch with his son, a woman sitting on a bench cradling her baby, a young man playing frisbee with his dog. Marshall glanced around and hummed in response.

"Let's go sit over there," he announced, pulling me over to a bright green patch of grass near a pond where it wasn't as packed. Marshall sat down, crossing his legs and leaning back on his hands as I sat crisscrossed as well. We sat in comfortable silence for a while, entranced by the sun reflecting off of the surface of the pond's water quite beautifully.

Marshall suddenly laid back, stretching his legs out and resting a hand over his stomach while his other grabbed mine, giving it a small tug as if to tell me to lay down too. I obliged and leaned back until I felt the soft grass underneath me. I gazed at the sky above me, mesmerized by the gentle movements of the clouds passing over the bright blue sky. Then Marshall spoke up.

"What are your ambitions in life?" He asked out of nowhere. No one has really asked me that before... Nor did I really have an answer.

"My ambitions? What do you mean?" I asked instead, turning my head to face Marshall.

"You know, your goals. What do you wanna go to college for? What do you wanna be when you grow up?" I thought for a moment, staring back at the sky, searching for an answer.

"A great scientist. Or maybe a doctor. Or both perhaps. I don't really know, part of me just wants to own my own little bakery off in the country, you know? Get away from all the chaos. But, I'd like to help people and create cures for serious diseases... Why do you ask?" I faced Marshall again.

He had a smile on his face, and was rubbing my hand gently with his thumb. "I was just interested. I think you'd make a great doctor-scientist/pastry chef."

I laughed a little, "thanks. What about you? What do you want to do?"

"I wanna be a musician," he said almost instantly. "I don't care if I'm famous or not, I just wanna make music and have people enjoy it. And I want them to feel something when they hear it, too. Because that's what music is, it's a feeling, it's something you feel deep inside you," he said passionately, his hand clutching at his shirt over his heart. "And I've realized through these few days of teaching, that you can't teach music. You can teach someone how to do to this and that, but you can't teach them to make it and feel something... Anyways, I just want to make people happy with my songs. That's all."

"Wow. You're really passionate about this, aren't you?"

"Absolutely. And I have no shame in it. Music means a lot to me. It's been there for me when I needed it the most," Marshall turned his attention towards the sky, staring at the clouds thoughtfully. "And I think it's really fascinating that we can remember people and their stories through their songs. Like, Kurt Cobain, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, hell even Mozart. The list goes on and on... It's incredible how we can just capture someone's voice, someone's sound, or image, and preserve it forever, and their music lives on long after they've passed... I want to be remembered like that one day..."

"I'll make sure to remember you, just as long as you mention me in your speech when you win a Grammy," I laughed. He turned his attention back to me and smiled. He leaned in for a quick kiss and squeezed my hand gently.

"Will do."

>>>>><<<<<
End of part one

Good God I'm a slow writer. And I'm sorry! I told y'all I'd update more in the summer, and now here we are, school starts in 7 hours, and this is my only update. Don't hate me! ):

I really really really wanted to make sure this was a good chapter and I actually planned it out before I wrote it! (How responsible of me, right!) That's also why this took so long. Quality work takes time! (If I can even call this quality)

I'm also writing this in two parts because it'd be horrendously long if I didn't. But don't worry, I'm being a good author and writing most of that one before I publish this, so that will be out soon, I can promise that!

Blah blah blah - ❤️ thanks for reading and supporting this story! See ya in the next chapter!😉