Pretty Boy: Paul Lahote Love Story

A Gift of Our Own

Edited 6/16/22.

A/N: This chapter contains mild swearing.

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Fast paced swing music plays in the background from a speaker in the kitchen. It's an instrumental tune with an alto saxophone leading. The horn is backed by powerful low brass and drums. The song is unfamiliar to Marshall, but he still bobs his head along with the beat. His body sways in its spot with every swanky rhythm.

When choosing her tune, Emily claimed that a trend crossing the internet right now was for popular music by well known artists to be transformed. Modern hits are redone to encompass musicality from previous eras. Marshall will admit that, although not exactly like music from prior decades, it's still executed well.

Quiet hums fill up the silence between both people. Their collective attention is more focused on getting the house ready for a small get-together.

It's Paul's birthday, and Marshall wanted to celebrate by throwing a surprise party the way he was for his own birthday. The vampire knows though, that his boyfriend is more comfortable with smaller gatherings consisting of close friends. So the party will only really consist of pack members and Emily.

Sam, Paul, and Jared are currently on patrol. It's not really for an active threat; it's more a diversion to keep Paul busy. Keeping him occupied has given Marshall and Emily time to prep. Considering how the moon is rising in the sky, the wolves will be back soon.

Marshall gives a quick glance over at Emily, her taping up a few decorations along the wall by the front door.

She's wearing a simple yet pretty above-the-knee dress. It's in a flattering shade of deep purple. Dark hair is pooling over her shoulders, and shining silver earrings dangle above them. Overall, she looks beautiful. More so than usual, of course.

A cupcake is being expertly frosted in Marshall's hands, the vampire careful as to not stain his own wardrobe.

He's clad in a pair of black dress pants, a bright red dress shirt, and a black formfitting vest with lace patterns on the back. His tie is also patterned with an array of red shapes accentuating its black base. The look is completed by his most flattering pair of Oxford dress shoes. His choker is sitting in its rightful place around his neck as well.

He may be a bit overdressed, but the party is giving him an excuse to get all dolled up. Plus, Marshall knows he looks attractive when in formal wear. This gives him an excuse to flaunt his appealing physique to Paul. There's no doubt that he'll appreciate it too.

Streamers are falling from the ceiling in random spots. Different types of board games ranging from Disturbed Friends to Jenga to Cards Against Humanity are sitting on the fabric bench across from the kitchen. A plethora of foods are lined up in disposable tins. The fridge is stocked with juice and soda for anyone who doesn't want to drink; but a cooler by the dining table is full of ready-made alcoholic beverages. Some gelatin shots are sitting on the table alongside fresh brownies, cookies, and muffins.

Due to all of the baking that just transpired, the house has a sweet aroma emanating from it. It makes the space feel just a bit more homey.

"And done!" Emily calls out. "What do you think, Marsh- are these straight?"

"You're asking the wrong person about things being straight." Marshall chuckles. "I'm kidding. Everything's looking good. Thanks again, Em, for helping me set this all up. I know it wasn't the simplest thing to do."

"Don't worry about it, honey. I had fun getting all this together. And it's nice hanging out with you. I'm glad you're here."

He can't help but smile. A sensation of bashfulness overcomes him, and phantom warmth settles in his cheeks. He hides slight embarrassment by bringing his attention back to his previous task.