Edited 6/20/22.

A/N: This chapter contains implied sexual content.

***

A kind mariner offers one last wave before making his way back toward the mainland. Light purring of his motorboat's engine becomes muffled by growing distance. Both the boat and the man disappear after a matter of seconds. It leaves Paul and Marshall alone on the dock in front of their rental.

It's a moderately sized bungalow with glass walls making up the exterior. Windows are tinted to give a semblance of privacy; though, it isn't needed since the house is the only structure for a couple of miles. A glass door is half covered by wooden blinds. A partially hidden pool is off to the side. Its color mimics that of the gorgeous aquamarine ocean surrounding them. A metal ladder hanging from a small porch also leads directly into the tropical water.

"It's even better than I imagined it to be," Marshall states with a dreamy tone.

He leads into the private rental. With the air conditioning on full blast, it's a lot cooler inside than it is out. Such a drastic change in temperature makes him shiver.

Suitcases are set beside one of two white couches. Marine knick-knacks line a short coffee table, as well as a taller dining table. The surface is occupied by dual place settings. A ceramic bowl sits in between them with decorative fruit displayed inside of it. A white chandelier hangs above from a reflective chain.

Further down, a long hallway leads to a small bathroom. Two narrow closet spaces make up a heavily stocked pantry. An open kitchen sits off to the side. It consists of granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Complimentary chocolates sit in a white basket atop one of the counters.

Marshall's attention is drawn to the outdoor seating area by the kitchen. He opens a set of sliding glass doors. Pleasant sea air encompasses him. Two lounge chairs are sitting next to each other with a wooden table in between them. A straw overhang keeps the furniture under a blanket of cool shade. Closer toward the pool is a large hammock. It looks big enough to hold more than one person.

Warm hands wrap around Marshall's waist. He smiles. Turning around, the vampire takes in Paul's clear excitement. A playful smirk is adorning his handsome features as well. The couple share a quick kiss before going back inside.

Another glass door leads to an underwater level. After climbing down a wooden staircase, both men are taken aback by their spacious bedroom.

Glass walls give them a 270 degree view of the ocean.

Fish swim by without a care in the world. The tips of wavy kelp stalks rub against the bottoms of glass panes. Sunlight from above the surface engulfs everything in a vibrant blue hue.

A large bed sits in the center of a back wall. All white sheeting appears turquoise. Another basket with more chocolate, rose petals, and a bottle of champagne sits atop of the mattress. Two nightstands take residence on either side of it. Orange hued lights keep the room at a dim level of brightness.

Overall, the bungalow is enticingly intimate.

"This place is..." Marshall sighs. "Beautiful."

"Picked a real winner, Honey Bun."

He walks over to a glass wall. Gentle fingertips tap against the cool surface. Golden eyes take in the sight of marine plant life further down on the ocean floor.

Seashells and rocks can be seen, but shifting water makes stationary objects appear like they're moving. Beautiful coral reefs stick out in numerous shapes. A small crab is scurrying along the sand with its little pincers tapping against each other.

"There's about another hour until sunset. What would you like to do until then?" Marshall asks as he turns around.

Paul is lying back on the bed. He's propped up on a single elbow, and his hands are clasped together. One leg is dangling off of the mattress. The other is bent with his bare foot sitting near the edge. His head rests against his shoulder. A defined facial structure appears a bit chubby as he defaults to puffing his cheeks while thinking.

"We could make dinner? The boat guy said there were some food supplies in the fridge. I think I saw a cookbook on the counter by the stove. If anything, we could have a dinner date with the sunset. Sound nice?"

Instead of answering, Marshall climbs onto the bed. He straddles Paul's lap when the shifter sits up. The vampire traces a sharp jawline before submerging his hands in soft hair. He leans forward to press a delicate kiss onto a pair of inviting lips.

A different type of warmth fills Marshall's chest.

He's come to realize that displays of affection feel strange here. It's not bad. It's just that kisses and hugs and caresses feel even more breathtaking. Every time his partner's warmth meets his body, the vampire erupts in goosebumps. He wants to smile every time those radiant brown eyes meet his.

Maybe it's because this doesn't just feel like a vacation. If he's honest, it kind of feels like a honeymoon.

"Sounds perfect, Tiger."

They share one more kiss before standing up. Marshall kicks his socks and shoes off near the entryway, walking back upstairs shortly after. He enters the kitchen with some pep in his step. A blue rimmed cookbook is picked up.

It's composed of international dishes instead of territorial ones. An unexpected gesture, sure, but still an intriguing one all the same.

Golden eyes skim through a plethora of recipes. Most have some form of fish, while others are vegetarian. A vibrant dish with yellows and reds catches Marshall's attention. His mouth forms into a small pout as it's his default expression when thinking.

"You ever had Paella?"

Paul stops rummaging in the pantry. His head tilts to the side. "No- what's that?"

"It's a Spanish dish with seafood and rice. Recipe also calls for tomatoes, a bit of lemon, and some spice called saffron. Looks simple enough to make." Marshall holds up the cookbook for his mate to see the dish. "What do you think?"

"Looks tasty. Sure, let's try it out."

"You allergic to any type of shellfish?"

"Nah- don't worry, Honey Bun. I'm good."

Marshall sets the book down onto the counter top. He gathers a few tomatoes and lemons. He also grabs multiple glass containers with fresh shrimp, mussels, and clams. The items are set onto some free counter space near the sink. He turns on the faucet to wash his hands before preparing everything.

"I know you like things a little spicier, so see if you can find some extra seasoning. Maybe, like, red chili flakes or something," the vampire suggests, speaking over his shoulder.

He puts a full pot of water onto the stove, along with a large pan. The former sits on a back burner with the latter sitting toward the front. Different types of produce are washed before being set aside. A small amount of olive oil is poured into the pan. Quiet sizzling comes from the metal surface. Seafood is looked over to ensure proper preparation. The entire serving of shrimp is placed into the pan. Only half of the clams and mussels are used with the rest being put back in the fridge.

Marshall stands off to the side to give Paul some room to step in. He stirs some boiling rice to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Heat is lowered to a simmer, and a glass lid is placed on top. A knife is grabbed from a drawer next to the sink. He's actually rather quick in his slicing and dicing of produce. Raw tomato is tossed into the pan to cook with the seafood. The smell of fish becomes more pungent with every passing second.

Paul stirs the contents of the pan. He adds in a bit of salt, chili flakes, garlic basil, and some lemon juice to give it flavor. He glances over at the rice to make sure it's cooking well. His attention then draws back to cooking fish.

"Look at you knowing your way around the kitchen." Marshall feels genuine pride swelling within his chest. "You're doing very well, actually."

"I've been learning from the best." Paul keeps his gaze on the pan, but still offers up a smile. "You're actually making me like cooking a lot more than I thought I would. Since I'm with the pack right now, patrol is my form of work. But I'm considering going to culinary school after we settle down elsewhere."

"Hm, I think you'd enjoy yourself. Hell, maybe I'll even join you. It's been awhile since I've taken a cooking class."

Marshall checks the rice when it's finished. He joins it with the seafood in the pan. Saffron is added and mixed in. White rice turns yellow, and a vibrant shade adds to the picturesque beauty of an almost completed meal.

The stove is turned off. A few more dashes of lemon juice are added. The dish is also garnished with some cilantro. Paul grabs a spoon from the silverware drawer to taste how everything has come together.

"Could use a bit more of a kick, but overall it's good." He turns toward his boyfriend. "I know you don't really eat, but do you want to give it a taste?"

Marshall ponders the question for a moment. With a shrug, he opens his mouth. A small portion of seasoned rice and tomato is set into his mouth.

He expects the food on his tongue to immediately taste terrible. But it doesn't. A few chews are given before the tiny helping is swallowed.

Nothing—he doesn't hate it. He knows that he doesn't have the capability of digesting it, but Marshall can admit that he actually likes the food.

"It's... good?"

The comment also catches Paul off guard. "It is?"

"Somehow, yes."

The two share a laugh in disbelief.

As Paul starts piling some food onto a plate, Marshall walks outside. He revels in the cool breeze. The smell of salt water is strong enough for him to almost taste it. Birds are seen flying in the distance. They appear like small black specks in front of an orange and pink backdrop.

Marshall takes a seat in one of the lounge chairs. He leans back, closing his eyes and soaking up the warm rays coming from a setting sun. He listens when a plate is set onto the center table. Both eyes peek open when a second plate follows.

"Hm?"

"You said you liked it," Paul answers with a shrug, "so I figured we could eat together."

Marshall beams. "That's sweet of you, Tiger. I appreciate it."

Paul walks back inside. He comes out with two glasses and the bottle of champagne from downstairs. Marshall takes his plate to make room for the additional items. Soft fizzing of poured champagne battles against calm waves. He takes a small sip before digging into his portion of Paella.

*

The moon is beginning its steady ascension. Stars are waking up to make an appearance against a navy sky. Multiple automatic porch lights are turned on, as well as the underwater pool lights. Two empty plates are stacked on top of each other. A half empty bottle of champagne sits beside two glasses. A pair of joined hands are dangling right in front of them.

"Good day, Marshmallow?"

"Yeah. Being here is like a dream. Gorgeous views, nice weather, it's just us. Everything is just... peaceful. I don't know how this could get any better."

"I do." Paul smirks. "Want to go skinny dipping?"

Marshall's laugh is soft. He doesn't give a verbal response; he just starts stripping.

Thin layers of clothes are tossed into the house through an open entryway. He's picked up with ease. Firm hands settle under both thighs. His own hands settle atop hard, muscular shoulders. Another kiss is shared when entering the pool.

Paul sits down on one of the steps. Water is high enough to reach his upper ribs. A slender hand runs along the edge of his jaw. Cold fingers moisten heated skin beneath them. A gentle touch settles on his cheek.

And Marshall just watches.

He looks over the curves of pink lips. He looks over the light follicles where a fuzzy beard and mustache could be. He looks over the smooth ridge leading to a rather cute nose. He looks over those glimmering soft brown eyes.

And he just stares.

Marshall is overcome with an overwhelming sense of adoration and love and pride. He stares with an open gaze filled with warmth.

For a moment, he isn't looking at Paul. Marshall peers into the depths of his boyfriend's soul instead. A moment is taken to truly appreciate the miraculous being that is his partner.

"It makes me weak when you look at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like I'm your whole world."

Marshall continues to observe unabashedly. "Good. Because you are."

The two meet once again for a long kiss. It causes goosebumps to erupt all over the vampire's body. His legs wrap tighter around his lover's waist. A quiet moan slips past captured lips. There's so much warmth enveloping Marshall's body. He wants to give it all to Paul.

Marshall needs to—he needs to give every single thing that he can to the man in front of him. The man he's come to fall for. The man he's come to care about more than anything else in his entire life.

"I love you, Marsh."

Paul's face is captured by trembling hands. Golden eyes fill up with tears. Not out of sadness, but out of intense happiness. Intense love.

Marshall feels so blissfully open. He feels free. He feels like there's nothing else in the universe except for them.

"Show me." His voice is nothing short of desperate. "Show me- please- show me how much you love me."

Fast breaths are sprinkled throughout hard kisses. Gentle swipes of the tongue are pressed against slippery lips. An arm snakes around Marshall's waist with great fervency. He's carried back inside. Little attention is paid to water dripping along the floors.

He's placed atop the bed with a cognizant amount of delicacy. A warm body slots against him and nestles in between his legs. Hands wander his frame until they press him against the mattress. Firm hips roll into his own. Gentle licks are placed against the shell of his ear. Soft nibbles scrape against his neck and collarbone. A hard, meaningful kiss is placed onto his bonding mark.

And it makes his heart feel like it's singing.

Marshall gasps when encompassing, glorious heat enters his body. His thighs tremble in response. Both hands tighten around the ones holding his down. A symphony of moans is hushed by a deep kiss.

What ensues is the most heartfelt experience either of them has ever gone through. It's the first time that it's more than just sex. They actually make love. They're both inherently slow and careful.

It's the first time that they're not sleeping together in order to chase relief; they're sleeping together in order to experience what it means to really be one collective being.

Marshall and Paul both shed delighted tears because they know that nothing is ever going to be the same again between them. They've become more than just partners. They've become more than just boyfriends.

Now, they've realized what it means to truly be someone's soulmate.