Savage Love || An Eminem Fanfiction

Chapter 47

Marshall's POV

Want You Bad - The Offspring

I rolled over, groaning as the early light filtered through the blinds. My hand brushed over warm skin, and I glanced down, catching sight of Blair beside me, her face soft in sleep, dark hair fanned across the pillow. The sheet was barely covering her, and I couldn't help but smirk, remembering the night before.

Last night was one hell of a birthday. Best one yet, no contest. Hours tangled up together, the two of us talking, laughing, and... well, not talking. She'd stayed beside me through the night, her presence grounding in a way I hadn't expected. It wasn't just physical—though that had been incredible. For the first time, we'd stripped down everything holding us back, laid it all on the table, no BS. I hadn't realized how much I needed that until she gave it to me.

Until last night, I'd been telling myself Blair was just a friend, my best friend. The one who managed to annoy the hell out of me and yet somehow keep me steady. But last night blew that out of the water. When she gave me those custom notebooks, something shifted, broke through whatever wall I'd put up. She wasn't just Blair, the 28-year-old pain in my ass I'd been chasing for a year. She was Blair—someone I didn't want to lose.

She started to stir, her eyes slowly opening. I watched her wake up, her green eyes locking on mine, and she smiled, reaching for the sheet as if she'd just realized she was naked.

"Mornin'," she mumbled, a light blush creeping up her cheeks.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Blair, baby, I've seen every inch of you, and you're gonna get shy on me now?"

She rolled her eyes, sitting up a little, still clutching the sheet around herself. "I know... just feels different in the daylight, I guess."

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened hanging between us. Finally, I reached over, taking her hand.

"Things are different between us now, aren't they?" I said quietly, glancing at her.

She laughed softly, nudging me playfully. "No shit. Who knew all I had to do to shut you up was tell you how I felt? I should've done it ages ago—could've watched Younger in peace without your running commentary."

I shook my head, grinning. Typical Blair. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close until she relaxed against me, that lopsided grin I loved back on her face.

"I've got another interview next week," she mentioned after a moment, breaking the silence.

"That's great," I replied. "How about you come by the studio after, and we'll head back here to watch Power?"

"Will there be food?"

"Would I ever invite you somewhere and not feed you? I know your priorities, Blair."

She laughed, then paused, her gaze softening as she met mine. "I'm glad we finally talked. It... it makes me feel like we're heading somewhere real."

"Me too, baby," I said, my voice low but steady. "We're taking our time, and it feels right."

She gave me a shy smile before getting up, reaching over to tug on my beard as she walked to the bathroom. I watched her go, letting out a quiet sigh. This was going to be the longest wait known to man. But damn, I was here for it.

———

Sitting at the studio later that day, I found myself staring off into space, completely distracted as the beat played through the speakers. My thoughts kept drifting back to the other night with Blair, and apparently, it showed.

"Yo, Earth to Marshall?" I heard Denaun say, snapping his fingers in front of my face.

"Sorry, what?" I blinked, shaking off the daze.

"Man, you've been off with the fairies all week," Royce said, kicking his feet up on the soundboard. "What's up? Popping pills again?"

I rolled my eyes, closing my notebook. "Hell no."

"Then why are the lights on but nobody's home?"

I hesitated, glancing between the two of them. They were my closest friends, and if anyone would get it, they would. I knew I needed to talk about this because, knowing myself, if I didn't, I'd start overthinking and self-sabotage.

"It's Blair."

Denaun snorted, shaking his head. "When isn't it Blair? What kind of drama has she got going now?"

I gave a sheepish smile. "It's... not drama, exactly. After my birthday, we, uh... we laid everything out."

Royce and Denaun exchanged a glance, then looked back at me, grinning.

"Finally!" Royce laughed. "We're happy for you, man. I mean, everyone saw this coming, but damn—it's about time."

I let out a sigh. "We're not there yet."

Denaun raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what do you mean?"

I ran a hand over my face. "She's working on herself, you know? She wants to be all in, but she needs some time. I get it—she's had a rough year."

Denaun nodded, leaning back. "Yeah, she's been through a lot. Everything with the fertility stuff and all that... it's a lot to process. You're a good man for standing by her and giving her the space she needs."

Royce slapped a hand on my shoulder, grinning. "This girl's got you hooked, man. Changed you for the better, and you don't even see it. I don't know what's more amazing—her patience or yours."

I shrugged, laughing. "What can I say? I guess I'm whipped."

Royce smirked, pulling out his phone. "Oh, Fifty and Paul are gonna love this update."

"Don't you go running your big mouth!" I pointed at him, and he held his hands up defensively, but his grin didn't fade.

"So, you're actually thinking about dating her?" Denaun asked, leaning forward. "You haven't dated in years, man. You ready for that?"

"Yeah," I said quietly, thinking it through. "I am. She gets me, you know? She makes me feel... different. And she knows me as Marshall, not any of the other bullshit."

Royce nodded. "It's wholesome as hell, man. She's good for you."

Denaun chuckled. "It's crazy, but I kinda saw this coming. She doesn't take your crap, challenges you, sees parts of you that even you don't. It's what you needed."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Yeah, I think you're right."

"Guess she's got you whipped, huh?" Royce laughed, dodging as I tossed a water bottle his way. But all I could do was smile because, damn, they were right. And I wouldn't have it any other way.