Under the Influence

XXIII.

"How come?"

"Because I'm getting old as fuck! I'll be dribbling on myself soon".

Marshall laughed at my bluntness and ran his fingers through my freshly straightened hair. "It'll be good".

"Please don't make a big deal out of it, you promised me you wouldn't". I pushed myself up onto my forearms and stared at him.

He cheekily grinned and kissed me quickly on the lips. "I won't...but I still got something for you". He hopped out of bed in just his boxers and rifled around in his suitcase till he came across what he was looking for, shoving it behind his back.

"Marshall we agreed no presents".

"Yeah well, I lied". Jumping back on the bed beside me he handed me a handmade card with a messy "Hapy Birfday" scribbled across it. Inside the card read; Happi birtday Cassie! We luv pleying with you and luve wen you do our hair for us! You make us happy. Luv Hailie and Alaina xxxxxxx. Heart and smiley face stickers were stuck all over it, making it even more special.

"I love it" I smiled at Marshall, hugging the card to my chest. "I really really love it".

Marshall nodded and nervously scratched the back of his neck. "Look, I know this is fucking corny but you told me ages ago that you wanted it so here you go" he handed me over a piece of paper. "I know it's not that good but-"

"You remembered" I cooed as I intently stared at a drawing he'd done of us. In the picture he'd drawn us as superheroes of some sort, mine inspired by Wonder Woman and his Superman, except the 'S' on his chest was replaced by an E. We sat on the edge of a tall building, dangling our legs and over looking the city. "This is so cool!" He smiled as I pulled him in for a thankful kiss. "You're so talented Marshall".

"It ain't that good just a quick sketch".

"Shh. It's perfect" he raised his eyebrow at me doubtfully. "I mean it".

"Hold up. I got one more thing for you". He pulled a simple white, gold trimmed box from behind him.

"No Marshall. No more please".

"Just shut up and take it" he laughed forcing it into my hand.

I huffed and cautiously lifted the lid, locking eyes onto the most gorgeous necklace I've ever seen. Gold weaved and twisted it's way around sets of simple yet impossibly shiny diamonds, into the shape of a cross. I carefully stroked the precious jewellery and looked up at Marshall in awe. "I can't take this Marshall. I absolutely love it, but it's too much".

"It's not too much Cass".

"It must've cost a fortune" I muttered whilst I delicately picked it up and placed it in my palm.

"Yeah, well. You deserve it".

"No I don't" I chuckled shutting the box. "If I took it I'd feel greedy. I don't need presents from you, it's okay" I smiled stroking his cheek.

Marshall sighed and opened the box. "Look, you're my girl and if I wanna treat you I can". He unclasped the necklace. "I bought it for you cause I wanted to, so turn around and accept the fucking necklace" he laughed. I blushed and reluctantly turned, letting him place it around my neck. "Flip it over".

I did so to find a few tiny words engraved into the gold, so only Marshall and I would know they were there; 'For my only'. A stupid grin leapt onto my face and I wrapped my arms around Marshall, placing my head against his warm chest, kissing his bare skin right where his heart lay.

"Love you" I told his heart, smiling as it sped up the slightest bit.

"Yeah? I guess I love you too. Sometimes".