I am so sorry that she is short, however if any of you love Marcus as much as I do, you will still love it. He doesn't get enough love, and at first even I was guilty of such. It wasn't that I forgot him, it was the fact that he is very difficult to write. However, I hope I have brought enough light to this character for you all, in all of my stories not just this one. Without further ado.

Warning: This chapter is extremely cute, and a little heart tugging. You may experience a bit of trauma to the eyes, similar to if you left raw onions in the room. You have been warned.

Venus sighed, as she walked to the gardens with Marcus by her side. He carried a basket for her, so she may eat while they spoke. Her deep brown eyes scanned the green landscape, noting to her surprise sunflowers had been added. Turning to look at her mate beside her, knowing this particular flower had been a childhood favorite.

"I listen, cara. I thought it would be a nice change to have the large yellow flowers tower over the field of green and red." He explained softly, while walking to the gazebo where a small white granite table and two chairs resided.

A soft smile appeared upon her lips, as she gazed at the scenery. "Beautiful." Her voice barely a whisper, as she took in the sun. The very thing she had missed the most since being gone, only to return and stay in the castle due to her stubbornness.

Marcus was silent, as he waited. Trying to form the words in his head, that refused to roll off his tongue. Unpacking the wooden basket, to reveal a slight pasta salad that he had made, her favorite monster energy flavor, and a mini lemon bundt cake. "I hope everything is to your liking." He said softly, while pulling out a silver canister for himself.

"B-negative right?" She asked knowingly.

"How did-"

"I know my mate." Venus replied interrupting softly, while turning to her food. The pasta salad smelt like a chicken caesar, which made her stomach growl. "You wanted to talk to me?" She asked, while opening the can of soda.

He took a swig of blood then, very nervous. "Yes."

She met his terrified red gaze, and her heart could have stopped. Deep down she knew this was another apology, but seeing his fear. Knowing the idea of losing someone else he loved, being rejected by a mate felt worse than death. He had already lost so much. "Marcus, shh." She finally said, standing to move to his side. Arms wrapping around him, gently. "Just say what is on your mind. I know you are sorry."

"Sorry?" He asked, as he looked at the landscape; before turning to her. "Sorry does not give what I feel any justice. I want to desperately be on my knees, and beg for your forgiveness. Promise you that we will never do this again. However, as you know my brothers and I thought to be doing the right thing. We could not handle the thought of losing you, but we went about it all wrong." His voice shook as he spoke the words, his heart had all but shouted at him. "I thought to do the right thing, when we stopped contact. Fear courses through the venom of my veins, for if they had found you while the Cullens were out hunting..Knowing Demetri and Felix had to feed as well. However, none of that matters now as the truth was brought to my attention. It was I and Aro who caused your misery. Caius wanted no part in it but we forced him to see our way."

Venus stayed silent as he spoke the words, her heart clenching at the tremble on his breath. Warm lips touching his ever so softly, she understood why they did it. "I deserved say, in all of the decision making." She finally spoke."I knew going to the Cullens was the right thing to do, I agreed to it. But, the three of you promised to stay in contact. Then made another decision, or you lied to me. Neither of which was fair."

His red eyes searched his, desperate as he was. "Nothing I say, can change what I did. Nothing." He whispered. "I can't apologize for the behavior of me, nor my brothers, though Caius has chosen his words. However, if you will let me. I will try not to repeat it, if you can forgive me."

Brown eyes softened, as she touched his cheek. "Baby. I never said, you would not earn my forgiveness. I said it would take time, time I want us to have." She told him, hope entered his eyes. "The four of us have a lot to work out. Aro's pride needs a fix-" she went quiet at that, as once upon a time she and that particular brother were so close. She still had his cloak hidden with her stuff, but it doesn't smell like her mate anymore. "However, we are here now."

He nodded, appreciating that though she wasn't ready just yet for complete forgiveness; they had begun making progress. "Venus, my Goddess." His voice shook softly, as he sighed the words. "May I embrace you?"

"You can always embrace me." Venus replied, as his arms were wrapped around her as soon as the words left her lips. "Oh Marcus." She whispered. "I love you."

"I love you, Venus." He said in response, his head nuzzled into her stomach. Cool lips touched where her shirt rode up, causing a soft giggle. Her fingers went into his hair gently, before a soft tug made him look up. It was then she bent to touch her lips to his, once again. Butterfly wings, is what it reminded him of innocent and soft. She lingered long enough that he yearned for more, her sweet scent lingered in his nostrils as they flared gently. His red eyes, though darkened, did not fill with lust as they had in the past. This was not a kiss of passion, but one of potential. How they could be once more, and that was exactly what Marcus needed to feel.

Beginning to stand slowly, he pressed a bit firmer to her lips. The kiss obliterated every thought. For the first time in forever Marcus's mind was locked into the present. The worries of the day evaporated like a summer shower onto a hot car. His usual mode of hurrying from one thing to the next was suspended, he had no wish for the kiss to end. Drunk on endorphins his only desire was to touch her, to move his hands under her smooth summer layers and feel her perfect softness. In moments the soft caress has become more firm, he savoured her lips and the quickening of her breath that matched his own. This kiss was so much more than two mates coming back together, this was a kiss that promised a new beginning.

How do you feel about this cute take on Marcus for this chapter? How should her conversation with Aro go? Caius was filled with passion and need, Marcus was gentle and loving, where does that leave Aro? Leave your ideas in your reviews, please.

Nature Faustus