"Uh, hey Chase... you wanna go into town?" Walker asked, kind of out of the blue as he packed up what he'd intended to cook to put away.

He wished that he could turn off his connection with his brother, but unfortunately, that was a no-go. Whenever Ranger got distracted, his thoughts kind of spilled over... and if he didn't get out of the house soon, Walker was going to need some mind soap.

Marsh was suddenly next to him in all of his naked glory. Walker felt his face warm as he quickly yanked his shirt off and pulled it down over Marsh's head. It used to cover him pretty well, but now it just barely hid the important bits.

"Uh, go upstairs and get some clothing on real quick," he told him before glancing at Chace. "We'll take Marsh, too. I don't think he wants to stay, anyways."

Marsh nodded and hurried to get changed. He'd never seen the guy move so fast. He was back downstairs in five minutes and handed Walker his shirt back.

Chase chuckled and stood, fishing his keys from his back pocket.

"I've got you guys. Let's go get something to eat?" he said, making Marsh immediately perk up... and also making Walker notice the egregious amount of honey still on the young man's face.

Standing up, he grabbed Marsh's arm and tugged him over to the kitchen sink. There, he wet a few paper towels and began to wipe off the sticky gunk.

"I was saving it for later..." Marsh mumbled as the paper towel swiped past his lips.

He had no doubt that the guy wasn't lying, but he couldn't bring him into a restaurant covered in honey.

"I'll find you more later," he said absentmindedly.

He realized his mistake when Marsh put his hands on either side of his face and planted an aggressive, sticky kiss on his mouth.

Chase is here, Marsh!

Marsh let out a loud growl in response, but refused to break the kiss, or even slow it down so that Walker could get in more than a few tiny breaths.

Good. He'll know you're mine.

"I'll take that as my cue to wait in the car. Don't suffocate him too badly, Marsh," Chase said with humor to his words as he walked out the door.

It took Walker another five minutes before he could break free. At that point, they'd wrestled each other to the floor, and he was on his back, panting hard as he held Marsh just far enough away so that he could breathe.

What has gotten into you?

Marsh licked his lips several times as his bear growled from his human mouth. It was clear that he was at least trying to reign himself in, but it wasn't working all that well.

Thankfully, though, he managed to calm down after a few moments and sat back on his heels, allowing Walker to sit up.

"Why did you do that?" he asked aloud, clearly angry.

He'd been being such a good bear, and then he had to go and do that?

Marsh looked down at his hands and let his shoulders sag.

"I'm sorry, Walker."

He was still a bit frustrated, but an apology was a big step in general, so Walker made himself sigh out the rest of his anger, then moved to sit beside his bear.

"Why did you do that so suddenly? Chase has no interest in me," he said, trying to catch Marsh's eyes, though the young man kept looking away any time he got close to meeting them.

He was about to ask again when Marsh jerked his head up and looked him in the eyes with his own wide, watery, brown ones.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be a good bear. Chase... I don't dislike him, but he was here. And I know this isn't my den, but my bear side, for the first time... we are seeing things differently. I didn't want to hurt him... but I really didn't mean to hurt you, either."

Sniffling, Marsh looked down again, but Walker just couldn't be upset anymore. He'd been the one to bring him home in the first place. Considering how Marsh had lived previously, he was doing amazingly well. With a warming smile, he tugged the guy into his arms and lifted one hand to pat his soft, messy hair.

"You didn't hurt me, sweetheart. I'm sorry I got mad. Are you still wanting to come with us? Do you need me to cancel the outing?" Walker asked.

Marsh quickly shook his head and stood up, then offered Walker a hand.

"He was fine outside, so I want to come with you guys."

Walker nodded, taking Marsh's hand after grabbing his wallet and keys. They quickly put on their jackets, then met Chase at his truck. Marsh climbed into the back before Walker took the passenger side.

The drive was quiet, with some comfortable small talk to pass the time. Marsh was silent, but Walker could sense him in the back of his mind as if his bear was pacing uncomfortably.

Thankfully, they pulled up to their destination faster than expected. Walker quickly got out, but Chase had already pulled his own chair forward to let Marsh out. It was relief, too, when Marsh accepted the kind gesture and hopped out from the driver's side.

Of course, he quickly ran around to the other side and took Walker's hand the moment his feet his the ground, though.

Such a good bear.

They walked inside, and to his surprise, it was quite busy. Marsh immediately shrunk against his side, and Walker swore he could hear a low growl coming from him.

Are you alright? We can order to-go if you aren't comfortable.

Marsh quickly shook his head as the host walked up to them.

"Hello there, guys. Three?" she asked with a too-wide smile that spoke of excess caffeine.

Chase looked back at Marsh with a questioning smile, but Marsh quickly nodded in response. That had his friend replying in agreement. Thankfully, they were lead to the very back corner and seated in a booth. Both him and Chase let Marsh pick where he wanted to sit, but to Walker's surprise, he gestured for him to scoot in so that he could have the outside.

I'm not comfortable in here, but I will always protect my husband.

Feeling his face heat with the awkward statement that was thankfully not said out loud, Walker hurried into the booth, then watched as Marsh sat beside him and Chase sat across from them.

"What kind of food do you like, Marsh? They have great waffles here. Their sausage and wild berry pancakes are also pretty great."

Walker didn't even need to look to know that Marsh had perked up at the mention of the pancakes. He felt his excitement in their bond.

"You can add whatever you want to that, too," he said, not worried about the cost. The place was cheap, but had great ingredients and never disappointed. He always made sure to tip really well since it was rare to find such a great restaurant.

When the waiter came by to take their order Chase got himself a huge breakfast platter. Walker mirrored him, and Marsh got himself the pancakes with a side of bacon, sausage, and bread with honey.

Considering how much honey he'd eaten earlier, Walker was actually surprised that he'd ordered it, but at the same time... bear.

"What have you been up to? How is Jake and Fen?" Walker asked as he leaned back in the booth, completely full, even though he had left about half of his food.

Chase chuckled at his question as he swallowed a bit of hash browns.

"They broke up."

Walker sat up straighter at that little bit of information.

"Really? Your brother had been trying to get him to look at him for months, but then they just break up only a week after getting together?"

Chase shrugged one shoulder and stabbed a piece of sausage.

"He said that he was too toxic."

There seemed to be humor in his words, as if it were more a joke than an actual issue, but Walker just let it slide.

"That's a shame. He'd spent so much time on him..."

Chase nodded.

"He said that the dude was ripped and definitely knew how to use his junk, but was impossible to keep," he said as he shoved another big bite of food into his mouth.

Oh... kay.

With that odd conversation seemingly ended, Walker looked toward Marsh to see that the guy's plate was empty and he was staring hungrily at his own half-eaten one.

"Have at it," he said as he took Marsh's empty one and exchanged it with his own.

It didn't take the guy long before he'd devoured the remaining portion with ease.

I would say that I'm not sure where he puts it all, but considering the weight his bear has gained... yeah.

"Hey Marsh? You like honey right?" Chase asked.

Like is not a strong enough word.

Marsh nodded quickly. The gesture made Chase signal their waiter. He whispered something to him, and after a five minute wait, a plate with a steaming cinnamon bun was set before Marsh.

Instead of icing, the restaurant always topped, and even filled, their buns with fresh honey. The look on Marsh's face made Walker's heart warm.

I like this person. We can keep him... in the barn.

The thought had Walker laughing as they both watched Marsh destroy the pastry. By the time they'd gotten the check and left the tip, he was done and, finally, full.

"I don't envy your food bill, but I can't argue that you have one aggressively adorable bear on your hands," Chase said as he stood from the booth and stretched.

Walker followed Marsh from their own side, taking his hand as they headed for the doors. The crisp breeze blowing in the parking lot was a life saver to his full stomach.

When they got back to the truck, he stepped aside to let Marsh in the back, but the guy refused to release his hand, making Walker climb into the cramped space with him.

There were technically two seats, but Marsh didn't seem to think so. They also didn't seem to be made for two adults, anyways, so Walker didn't complain when Marsh climbed into his lap and immediately went into a food coma. He calmly buckled the guy to his chest, then leaned his head against the back wall with a content sigh.

"I think that one's yours," came Chase's voice as Walker noticed him looking back at them in the rear-view mirror.

Looking down at the guy snoring quietly in his arms, Walker leaned his head back and grinned.

"That obvious, huh?"

Chase gave a quiet laugh as they turned onto the main highway.

"Dude, considering that I've never even seen you look at someone else for more than a minute if it wasn't one-hundred percent business related... yeah. You also wouldn't just stand for someone kissing you out of the blue like that, or in general. Yet you two came out of the house after only a few minutes holding hands. Give it up."

Walker pursed his lips and looked out the opposite window as the forest around them flew by.

"I... don't really know how," he confessed quietly.

Chase was one of the few people he trusted with just about anything. Sure, they didn't talk often, but whenever something happened, they were always there for each other.

"You love him?"

To his surprise, Walker replied immediately.

"Of course I do."

Chase nodded, not even trying to slip in any sort of joke or poke fun at him.

"He like you?" he asked instead as a follow up.

That had Walker laughing quietly.

"He's insane about me. He has been working really hard to become a good bear so that I would choose him instead of a different bear," he said, adding a little humor to his own words due to the stress of the situation. "He called me his husband when we went shopping for clothing a while ago."

The truck slowed to a stop at a red light and Chase looked back at them over his shoulder.

"Why not give him a shot, then? You both like each other, and the worst that could come out of it is you both going your separate ways... but the best that could come out of it is an adorable wedding with your horny brother and his happy horse, me, and a lot of honey."

Walker grinned, but then frowned.

"The separate ways possibility is what bothers me," he mumbled as he gently stroked Marsh's hair.

Chase returned his attention to the road as the light turned green.

"There's a much higher possibility of that happening if you choose not to accept him."

Walker felt his heart sink his chest. He knew that. He just didn't want to think about it. Thankfully, there was no more talking for the rest of the ride, but when they finally stopped, he lifted his head and looked out the window.

They were at the entrance to their property... but the road went back a good mile or so before actually getting to the house.

"I think you guys might want to spend a bit of time together and maybe burn off some of that food?" Chase asked as Marsh began to stir in his arms.

Seemingly having heard a bit of his question, he squirmed until Walker undid their seatbelt, then climbed into the front seat before opening the door and sliding out. He then turned and pulled the car seat forward after a few failed attempts.

Smart bear figuring things out fast.

"I guess this is our stop. Thanks for taking us out, and stop by any time," Walker said with an honest smile.

Out of all of his hunting buddies, he really did enjoy being around Chase the most. The guy was so chill and had even forgiven Marsh before even meeting him after the attack. Unlike their other friends, who just kept wanting him gone.

"I'll hold you to that. I hear your mom cooks a darn good thanksgiving dinner," he said with a smirk.

Note to self. Buy extra for the next holiday.

"We'll see you then," he said with a nod.

Chase gave a slight wave, but then pointed at Marsh.

"Take care of your man, bud. Don't let any other bear steal what's yours."

Before Walker could chastise him for instigating, Chase leaned over and pulled the door shut, then turned his truck around and sped away with a laugh that he could hear even through the closed windows.

I'm going to eat your portion on thanksgiving...

"Can I eat you on thanksgiving?" Marsh asked, making Walker spin around to see the guy grinning at him.

At first, he felt his face heat with embarrassment, but as he thought about it, and what Chase had said earlier, he realized that he needed to try and relax a bit more.

You like him. He likes you. What's there to be worried about?

A lot of things, according to his mind, but he managed to push those thoughts aside when he felt arms wrap around him.

"You like him," Marsh said, repeating the thought he'd clearly overheard.

He couldn't argue.

"I do. I do like this strange, not-so-little anymore bear I found out in the woods," he said as he mussed up Marsh's hair.

The action didn't bother the guy one bit, and instead, it had him leaning back slightly, then up just enough to steal a kiss.

"This strange bear loves his husband."

Husband.

Before he could stress about the title, Marsh took his hand and began tugging him down the dirt road. They did have quite a walk, and when there was no more talk about their relationship, he relaxed and started focusing on keeping up.

Except... it didn't take long for Marsh to start running.

Walker tried, but out of him and his brother, Ranger was definitely the more athletic. He could do chores around the farm, of course, but as for endurance and running, especially right after eating a lot? Yeah, nope. His brother always joked that his name was Walker for a reason.

"I will help!" Marsh said as he promptly sped up, pulling Walker along.

You're going to run me ragged! he thought as his mouth worked on trying to take in enough oxygen in order to stay on his feet and not throw up his breakfast.

After what felt like forever, Marsh allowed them to slow down and finally released Walker's hand. He immediately put his hands on his knees and sucked in as much air as he could, but after a few moments he had to sit down near a decent sized tree by the side of the road... then flopped over onto his back.

After calming down for a few minutes, he opened his eyes to see Marsh staring down at him.

"I'm sorry Walker. I didn't realize you were so much not good at running."

So much not good, huh?

He gave himself another few seconds to recuperate, then abruptly reached up and shoved Marsh over, then rolled onto him before crossing his arms over the guy's chest so that he could rest his chin atop them.

"I don't usually run races with bears right after eating," he joked, knowing darn well that they'd barely run as fast as Marsh could have.

Instead of fighting him over their position, or really saying anything at all, Marsh simply gave him a rare, boyish smile and leaned up. When the guy's tongue slid along the side of his cheek, Walker blushed and sat up abruptly. Of course, seeing that he had the advantage now, Marsh continued his licking onslaught, catching him several more times on his face, neck, and once even on his nose, before Walker's hand grabbed the guy's hair and forced his mouth to his own.

They broke apart after a minute, both sides panting quietly.

"You kiss there, you darn bear," Walker rasped as he wiped off his face with his sleeve.

When he didn't get a verbal response from Marsh, he looked up... only to be pushed back down to the ground before lips covered his own again. He thought about pushing him off, but to be honest, he didn't mind the attention.

I can kiss a lot of other places, too.

That had Walker grabbing the guy's ear and tugging it until he leaned back enough to break the kiss. He was going to reprimand him that little perverted thought, but again, Chase's words came back to his mind and he bit his tongue on what he'd planned to say.

Instead, he licked his lips and pushed his heart back down his throat.

"Oh yeah?" he eventually whispered, making Marsh's eyes dilate as a cool breeze rustled their hair.

When the guy started inching one hand beneath his shirt, Walker felt a smile slip onto his face and reached down, grabbing the hem of it and pulling it up over his own head. Taking the obvious hint, Marsh got busy on his chest, nipping and licking as if Walker had just revealed that he was made out of honey.

You taste so sweet.

The guy's words had his heartbeat, which was already going crazy, straight-up try to beat out of his chest. He was just about to stop him as he finished his fifth hickey just below his throat, but caught himself at the last moment.

To his surprise, however, Marsh leaned away just enough to sit up on his abdomen.

"Is Walker okay with this? I want my Walker to be happy."

Blinking up at him, Walker took in and blew out a few calming breaths, then reached down and slowly undid the button for his jeans.

Of course, Marsh's eyes were glued to that area, and he even backed up a little so that he could watch better. He might have also been drooling slightly, but that just added to the cuteness... right?

"Where else would you like to kiss?" Walker asked as his voice deepened.

Marsh reached forward and carefully, gently, gripped the zipper and slid it down.

"Here," he rasped as he began to lean down.

"I want to kiss here."

When Marsh's hands moved to either side of his of his waist to grip Walker's jeans, he carefully lifted his hips just enough to allow his pants to be slid down. Thankfully, he didn't try to remove his boxers, because wearing them while sleeping was one thing... but this was an invitation to do more. He wasn't ready for that kind of more, but it seemed like Marsh was more than happy with what he was getting, because he immediately got busy pressing kisses to just about everywhere he could reach.

He also might have snuck a hand beneath one unfortunately loose side of Walker's boxers, but he was too busy trying to keep his breathing manageable to bother realizing where the guy's hand was touching.

"Is it okay?"

It took him a bit to realize that Marsh had asked him something, then another minute before he could figure out what it was. He considered replying with words, but there really was no need. Instead, he reached down and grabbed the guy by the hair, then pulled him up until their mouths met.

He wanted to get used to letting someone love him. It might still take a bit more time, but while he was definitely out of his comfort zone right then, he was honestly enjoying the attention from his...

Husband, Marsh filled in through their bond, making Walker grin against the young man's lips.

Alright, husband.