Bones Exposed - Fifteen
A cool, gentle breeze passes into his bedroom from the open window. The temperature gives his bare skin goosebumps that quickly disappear once he puts on his pajama shirt. This evening has an exceptional calmness to it, and he plans on relishing it. Rather than going straight to sleep, Bubba grabs a book before getting under his covers.
An hour or so passes. The lights suddenly go off, leaving only the moon's glow to keep the room lit. Bubba does not need to look up to know why they went out.
It seems like now it's finally his turn.
He hasn't seen or heard from Marshall Lee in almost a month. This does not annoy him, however. Quite the contrary, actually, since he knows Marshall Lee was with his mother the whole time.
Marshall Lee lazily flops onto the bed like he owns it as Bubba closes and sets aside his novel. He props his head up with a hand and grins. "Miss me?"
"Not really."
The laugh Marshall Lee responds with sounds genuine and full of life. "You don't need to lie to me, baby. I know you left your window open for a reason. I'm not gonna judge you for your feelings. I understand how irresistible I am."
Bubba can't help but smile as he rolls his eyes. "More like insufferable. But you're right, I did miss you."
"Sorry I took so long."
"Don't be. Reconciliation with your mother is far more important than it is with me."
Marshall Lee's sigh is affectionate and a little over-dramatic. "I probably shouldn't bother with you anymore. You're too selfless for someone like me."
"I disagree," Bubba caresses his cheek, a touch the vampire leans into, "I'm just as selfish as you are."
Presumably understanding the meaning behind his words, Marshall Lee sits up and captures Bubba's lips in a kiss - and several others afterwards.
"Are you just as impatient as I am, too?"
Bubba rests his head on Marshall Lee's shoulder. His words are spoken against his clavicle, "You know the answer to that question already."
Marshall Lee hums and rubs Bubba's back. "Guess I'll have to behave, then."
They stay silent for a while. Bubba takes this time to shamelessly bask in the comfort of this familiar scene, an intimacy he's been desiring to experience again for ages. Just the two of them. No distractions. No noise. No worries.
There's actually nothing to worry about this time around. This makes him very excited for their future. He won't need to reflect on the past anymore. All he has to do now is look forward to what's to come. He has no doubts that Marshall Lee is going to be an even better and even more transparent partner.
Not yet, though. Bubba needs to keep waiting, just for a little while longer until he can no longer pretend he hasn't already fallen in love again.
What can he say? Seeing Marshall Lee work for his affection sounds interesting, and maybe a little hilarious. Who is he to prevent that from happening?
"Butterscotch Butler said she was the one who summoned your mother here in the first place. Apparently they're good friends."
Marshall Lee laughs. "That sounds like a hell of a story."
"You can ask her yourself later. It's not important right now."
"Yeah. You're the only thing that matters right now."
He's incredibly flattered to hear those words, the statement making his heart flutter, but.. "Did you just call me a 'thing'?"
"Oh come on. I'm over here trying to be romantic, and this is how you take it?"
Bubba smiles at him. "I'm teasing you."
Marshall Lee's cheeks darken. "You better be," he grumbles. Despite his embarrassment, he meets Bubba's eyes when he sits up and does not shy away when he kisses him.
As to be expected from one of the most arrogant beings on the planet.
The touch only seems to boost said arrogant being's ego. His hands move down to Bubba's hips, and he deepens their kiss.
Bubba does not let him get carried away. He lays his head back onto Marshall Lee's shoulder.
"Fallen in love with me again yet?"
Yes.
"No. It's going to take a lot more than this to do that."
"I see, I see. You're tryin' to watch me squirm, huh? That's okay. I don't mind. I did say I'd do whatever it takes."
Those words send butterflies swarming through his stomach. Marshall Lee has always had a smooth tongue, but his comments feel so different now. It makes him really happy.
"I'm still holding you to it."
"What, like I can't hold myself accountable?" He laughs. "Hey, there's no need to glare at me. I'm just messing with ya."
Bubba sighs and puts his arms around Marshall Lee's neck. "You really are the worst."
"But you want me anyway."
"Stop talking."
For once in his life, Marshall Lee listens. Several quiet moments pass. It really is so refreshingly relaxing to be able to do this. He doesn't think he could ever get enough of this.
Is it cheesy of him to say he'd like to stay like this forever?
Bubba's eyelids start to feel heavy. He doesn't think he'd mind falling asleep like this, but there's still something he needs to say before he can allow himself to do that.
"I'm sorry I didn't go with Fionna and Cake to help you."
"Huh? Why are you apologizing for that? You don't need to feel bad about it at all. It wasn't your battle to fight," Marshall Lee pauses briefly, "Besides.. If you were there, I'd have been even more reckless. I'd do anything to protect you, you know? So I'd have tried my best to make sure nothing happened to you and get myself killed in the process. Then.. she'd have probably killed the three of you, too."
Judging by the stories he's heard about Marshall Lee's other, that's likely very true. Perhaps it was for the best, then.
"..Yeah, you're probably right."
"Oh? You're admitting it?"
"I'd slap you if I weren't so sleepy."
Marshall Lee laughs. "Sure you would."
"Don't test me, Marshall Lee."
"I won't, I won't."
Bubba shifts to make himself more comfortable. "That's what I thought."
He's not sure how much longer it takes for him to drift off. The last thing he remembers is the slight tickle of hair and the warm feeling of cold lips against his forehead.
There's no one else in his bed when he wakes up. Sunlight fills the still room. The window is now closed.
His tiny pang of sadness quickly disappears when he takes notice of the yellow rose laying atop his book on his bedside table.
Ah. So begins Marshall Lee's march to reclaim his heart.
He doesn't bother trying to stop the wide smile that appears on his lips as he picks up the flower and brings it to his nose. It smells sweet and just as elegant as it looks.
How promising.
The future looks bright, indeed.
