•Ash•

"So you still haven't given Dominick an answer to his question."

I look up from my lunch to see Dom is suddenly sitting across from me. I'm currently in the Candy Kingdom palace's lunchroom, eating the lunch I'd packed for myself earlier.

And I was eating it in peace and quiet until Dom showed up.

I reluctantly put down my sandwich and give him a look. "You've been pestering me for two days, and during those two days I've told you no multiple times."

Dom just smirks before he suddenly takes my apple off the table and sucks the red out of it. Then he puts it back next to me. "That answer doesn't work for Dominick, so he's going to keep pestering you until you give him a more favorable answer," he tells me, still smirking.

I narrow my eyes at him before I snatch my now gray and tasteless apple off the table. "First off, get your own food. Second off, why the hell are you suddenly talking in the third person? Are you going to keep doing that? It's really weird."

Dom shrugs. "Dominick thinks it's cool."

I raise an eyebrow. "Ash thinks it's lame."

Dom smiles.

"Damn it," I curse when I realize what I just did. Talking in the third person is kind of cool.

"So, anyway," Dom says, putting his elbow on the table, "when are you going to say yes? How long will I have to keep hounding you? Everyone's almost done packing up their things. It only took them about forty-eight hours. I heard moving day is supposed to be tomorrow, yet you still refuse to accept the generous gift Marceline gave you. It's kind of rude, to be honest."

"Well, so sorry I'm not jumping at the chance to move in with the world's biggest fuckboy...! That just doesn't appeal to me."

Dom scoffs. "It should. Do you know how many people would kill to be in your position? I mean," He smirks and tosses his head to the side, hair flipping, "look at me. Is there really anything else to say except hell yes?" Several blonde locks fall in front of his eyes, and I advert my eyes from the sight before he can catch me staring.

I then give him a look. "Um, how about buzz off?"

Dom rolls his eyes at me. "Come on, Ash. It's a good offer; a place to live for free, a place to sleep that isn't a hardwood floor, and you get the privilege of being around me every second of every day and night—sounds like a no-brainer if you ask me!"

"I'm not asking you."

"Ash. Think about this. Where else do you have to go? I'm sure that Fionna and her family are getting tired of sharing their tree house with you, and I know you're getting tired of sleeping on that uncomfortable floor. So, really, what other options do you have?"

I chew on my bottom lip, deep in thought. There has to be some other option... "Um... I'm sure there's a nice tree I could sleep under or a park bench or something like that," I shoot back weakly. A tree and a park bench? That would be even more uncomfortable than sleeping on the floor, so what's the point of that?

"Seriously?" Dom says with a raised eyebrow and a snort.

I cough. "There are... there are other options...!"

Dom shakes his head with a sigh. "No, Ash, there really aren't. This is literally your only choice. Unless you enjoy sleeping on the uncomfortable hardwood floor of a tree house," he tells me, giving me a look that says just give it up already.

It's then I realize that, unfortunately, he's right. There's literally no other option. Unless I want to spend the rest of my immortal life sleeping on a horribly uncomfortable floor, moving in with Dominick "Horndog" Harrington is the only choice I have.

So, with a sigh and a defeated feeling, I say something that's definitely against my better judgement.

"Fine. I'll... I'll move in with you."

Dom beams before he looks smug. "Finally! I knew you'd eventually see reason. You just made the best decision of your life," he says before he flips his flawless hair again. "You'll get to look at me literally whenever you want, because I'll be available day and night for you and your staring pleasures... and maybe other things if you come around to it," He winks before he emits a satisfied sigh. "It's the gift that keeps on giving."

I feel goosebumps erupt all over my skin at the images now flashing through my head that the words other things produced. I snort while trying to keep the involuntary blush that's creeping up my face at bay. "Yeah, you wish."

Dom smirks. "Judging by your face, I really don't think I do or need to," he shoots back haughtily.

That only serves to make me blush harder. "Shut it, pervert. I don't know what you're on, but it must be something crazy because it'll be a cold day in hell before I do anything even remotely sexual with you," I respond, my eyes narrowed.

Dom just winks at me again. "Whatever you say, gorgeous. You can believe whatever you want. One day, though, you'll change your mind and happily end up in my bed, undoubtedly very satisfied. One day, I'll have you in my bed," He licks his lips. "And you definitely won't be complaining when that day comes. I know I'm right."

I glare at him as I feel my cheeks get even hotter. "What happened to that's definitely never going to happen? What happened to you knowing that you'll never get into my pants?" I question, reminding him of what I made perfectly clear to him—what he agreed to—the day he suggested we be just friends.

Dom looks like just he remembered that before he smirks. "Oh, I know I won't be doing anything. I won't need to. I mean, have you seen me? Does it look like I need to do much to get someone in my bed? A good amount of the time, I don't have to do anything. Who says I'll be the one getting into anyone's pants? Really, Ash, I think it'll be you getting into my pants. In fact, if this discussion and the look on your face are any indication of that, I probably won't even have to lift a finger from now on to get you to sleep with me."

My stupid blushing continues as I glare even harder at him, fighting the very strong urge to slap the crap out of him. I really wish he would stop flirting with me—stop saying incredibly annoying things like that—but something tells me that won't ever be happening.

Yet I agreed to move in with him anyway. Hooray for me.

I resist the urge to back out of moving in with him as I stifle a groan. I look away from Dom and, instead of glaring at him, I glare at the floor.

"Keep dreaming, Harrington, because it's never going to happen."

Dom's chuckle brings my gaze back to him. He just smirks again, not looking the least bit doubtful. "We'll see."

What have I gotten myself into?

——————————

•Marshall•

I groan sleepily as I roll over on to my other side. In my half-asleep state, I'm able to hear the annoying chirping of the birds outside and the soft snores of my still-asleep girlfriend next to me.

Reluctantly, I slowly open one of my eyes and take a peek of my surroundings. Sunlight would be pouring through the windows in Fionna's—our room if Fi hadn't closed the curtains tightly last night.

I open my other eye and begin to blink away the sleep in both of them. Last night I spent my first night in my new home, sleeping in my new bed next to my girlfriend who I had just moved in with. I had finished getting my things all packed up and, with the help of my friends, I moved my things here. Currently, they're all still sitting in boxes, ready to be unpacked. I haven't gotten to that part yet, though. Since Fionna's room is pretty big, all my boxes fit comfortably in here.

It's been a whole day since I officially moved in with Fionna, a whole day that we've been living together, one morning (this morning) that I've gotten to wake up to the love of my life sleeping peacefully right next to me, and one night (last night) that I've had the privilege of falling asleep with her by my side as we live together. Exactly twenty-four hours ago, I had woken up bright and early to take all my things here as Fionna, Finn, and Flame Princess (who had recently returned from the Fire Kingdom) helped me move in. Of course, we helped FP move in as well. Once we were finished, Flame Princess and I had officially moved in with our significant others. Bubblegum and Marceline are supposed to be moved in together also in the Candy Kingdom palace, as well as Dominick and Ash in Marcy and I's house. Of course, we all still have to get our things unpacked, but we decided to leave that for a little later. For the rest of the day, FP and I had started to get used to living with Finn and Fionna before it was suddenly night and time to head to bed.

Meanwhile, Cake and Jake are in the process of moving out of the tree fort because, according to them, they wanted to "give us couples privacy". Finn, Flame Princess, Fionna and I had insisted they didn't need to do that, but they insisted that they did and actually wanted to; they frequently missed Lord M and Lady R and had wanted to move in with them for awhile now so they could spend more time with them. Of course, both Lord and Lady are one hundred percent behind the idea and are currently helping to move Cake and Jake in with them. Apparently, the idea of moving in with your significant other appealed to everyone, and they've all decided it's a good idea.

Now I've woken up on the start of the second day my significant other and I have been living together, and no surprise, it feels just as amazing as the first day, if not more now that I've spent the night with and woken up to Fionna.

Sure, we'd spent the night together and woken up together before, but it wasn't anything like this; we weren't living together then. Usually, when Fionna slept with me, she spent the night at my place, and when she woke up in the morning, she'd head home for the day.

But now there's none of that.

Now when we wake up, neither of us have to leave and go home, because we're both already home. We share a home now. We live together now.

Fionna and I have officially reached the next big step in our relationship, and I honestly couldn't be more elated.

Usually (from what I've heard) when couples move in together, it means they're getting really serious. The only other person I've moved in with before was Ashley, and that didn't even get off the ground. We were in the process of starting to live together when Ash and Ashley told Marcy and me that they had sold both Hambo and Hamba to a witch. So, of course, we didn't stay living together, and technically we never were. Marceline and I had moved our stuff in with them and were getting ready to move in ourselves right when we learned what they did. And even then, that wasn't anywhere near as serious as this situation is. I didn't feel for Ashley a fraction of the affection that I feel for Fionna. That relationship was not as serious as this one is.

Fionna and I were already really serious before we moved in together, so this must mean we're even more really serious. I can feel it. In fact, I could feel it the first minute I was officially moved in with her, and I feel it even more now.

This is meant to be. This is so right.

I sigh in contentment to myself just before I feel movement right next to me.

I look over to see Fionna shifting slightly on her side of the bed right before her beautiful face scrunches up adorably and her eyes slowly open to reveal her breathtaking crystal-blue irises.

Fionna sleepily grins at me and lets out a yawn. "Hi," she whispers.

I can't stop the stupid smile that no doubt overtakes my face. "Hi," I whisper back.

Fionna smiles wider. "Good morning, Marshmallow."

Bursting with joy, I lean forward and softly cup her face with my hand as I use my other to place my fingers under her chin before I bring her face up and give her a loving peck on the lips, pulling away quickly so (hopefully) she can't smell my morning breath. "Good morning, my bunny."

Fionna shifts closer to me, placing her body right against mine, fitting us together perfectly like the pieces of a puzzle. She gently lays her head right under my chin, against my neck. I smile and let my chin rest comfortably on the top of her head. "How did you sleep last night?" she asks me as she winds her arms around my waist.

Happily. Amazingly. Perfectly.

"Like a very content baby," I reply, my thumb soothingly rubbing little circles on her wrist. "How about you, love?"

"I slept amazingly," Fionna replies with a happy sigh. "I can't remember the last time I slept so peacefully and soundly."

I can't remember the last time I was so in love with someone. Probably because there never was a last time. Fionna is my one and only, and I'm perfectly fine with that. In fact, I wouldn't mind telling her that everyday—everyday I wake up to her.

I wouldn't mind waking up to her every morning for the rest of my life.

I hug Fionna, joy flowing through my entire being. "I love this," I whisper contently, still holding her against me. "I love you."

Fionna looks up at me, moving her head from under my chin. "Ditto, Abadeer," she whispers back in response, love shining in her eyes.

It's then I realize that I wouldn't mind selling everything I own if it meant I got this every morning—waking up beside my amazing, beautiful girlfriend who I'm madly in love with. I'd gladly do anything if it got me this everyday. This is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my mornings.

This is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my life.

Fionna suddenly kisses my jaw before she sits up and stretches. "Well, how does some breakfast sound? I'm starving."

I smile at her. "Breakfast sounds great, babe. You want help?" I reply.

Fionna shakes her head as she stands up. "No, it's fine. You still seem a little asleep. I'll let you rest for a few minutes more," she says before she leans down and gives me another kiss, this one lightly on my lips. She pulls away and heads towards our bedroom door. "I'll let you know when it's ready."

The stupid smile stays on my face as I watch my beautiful girlfriend open the door and exit the room.

I am suddenly struck with a feeling of utter giddiness. I'm sure that stupid smile stays plastered to my face.

This is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my life.

I slowly sit up as that thought once again crosses my mind. I realize then just how true that statement is, just how much I mean it.

This is how I want to live the rest of my life; waking up beside Fionna. Living with Fionna. Loving Fionna. Being so amazingly happy with Fionna.

I want to spend the rest of my life like this.

Another thought enters my mind before I can even begin to anticipate it, but I wouldn't have stopped myself from thinking it even if I knew it was coming.

I want to spend the rest of my life with Fionna.

I've known for quite awhile that I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but now when I think it, it's different.

Because, before I can spend the rest of my life with her, I need to do something, something that I've thought about here and there. Something that will take a whole lot of guts. Something that's major.

Something that'll change our lives.

——————————

"Gentlemen," I say as I pace at the front of the room, looking at everyone who showed up, "I'm sure you're wondering why I called you all here."

About an hour ago, I called all the guys and told them to get to the tree house as soon as they could. Luckily, everyone I called showed up without haste.

With what I'm going to announce, I knew that I was gonna need my dudes with me. Now that they're all here, I can tell them what I've been constantly thinking about for the past hour.

I made sure we were going to be the only ones here—that Fionna and the rest of the girls were going to be gone. There's no way I can let Fionna or any of the girls find out about this (not yet), so it's just us guys.

"Yeah, that's exactly what we're wondering," Finn pipes up, and everyone else murmurs in agreement.

"Why did you call us here, Marshall?" Gumball questions.

I take a breath and swallow nervously. I clasp my hands together. Just mentioning it makes me lightheaded, but in a good way.

A few seconds of silence pass before I speak.

"I called you all here because... well..."

Everyone's eyes are trained on me. I have their complete attention.

I swallow once more before I continue. "I'm going to propose to Fionna," I finally say. "I'm going to ask her to marry me."

The room immediately explodes in gasps and shouting.

"You're going to what?!"

"When?!"

"You're going to propose to her?! When was this decided?!"

"You and Fionna are getting married?!"

"Hopefully," I say, nervously biting my bottom lip. "That'll only happen if she says yes."

Finn scoffs. "Who are you kidding? Like she'd ever refuse you."

"I can't believe this!" Dominick speaks up from his spot on the couch, beaming at me. "Congrats, man. I'm really happy for you. You deserve this."

"Yes," Ash agrees with a smile. "Congratulations, Marshall."

I actually feel warm and fuzzy at their statements. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot, but I haven't even proposed to her yet. You should save the congratulations for later, after I've asked her and, hopefully, she's said yes."

"She'll say yes. There's no way she'll turn you down. She's going to be ecstatic," Gumball says, and I smile at him.

"I sure hope so," I tell him and everyone else, "because I've been thinking about asking her for awhile now, and with what just happened... the world almost ending and everything... I realized that life really isn't guaranteed and anything can happen, so I knew it was time."

Jake beams, his smile nearly taking up his whole face. "Dude, I can't wait for you to ask her! She's totally gonna flip out; I can just imagine it!" he says with a dreamy expression on his face. "It'll be better than those incredibly cheesy rom-coms! It'll be exactly like a soap opera, but even more amazing! It'll be so romantic and touching, bro! And the wedding will be amazing too! Great food, great flowers, great decorations, great everything! And can I be the best man?" When Jake gets going, he can ramble and ramble for hours on end. He could probably have a day-long conversation with a brick wall if he wanted to.

At Jake's last comment, Gumball scoffs. "Like he'd pick you to be best man when there's a prime candidate right here." He points at himself smugly, clearly believing he'd certainly be the most amazing best man on the planet.

Finn snorts. "Please. Let's be real here; it's obvious I'm the best man!"

"Uh, hello!" Dominick says, waving his arms in the air before he gestures at himself. "Who here has known Marshall the longest? Yeah, that's what I thought."

Ash rolls his eyes. "For all any of us knows, I could be the best man." It's obvious he means it as just a joke, but the other guys glare at him anyway.

"Come on, dogs are man's best friend," Jake points out with a huff, "therefore I'm definitely the best man. You guys are just backups in case I'm not available, obviously—"

"Um," I cut into their debate, "I actually haven't decided on who the best man is. I haven't even asked Fionna to marry me yet! The wedding is just a possibility right now; nothing's set in stone, and nothing will be until after I've proposed."

Jake throws his arms in the air. "Okay, do it already so I can be best man!" he demands impatiently.

"Dude," I tell him, getting impatient, "it doesn't work like that. It's not that easy. I can't just waltz up to her and randomly blurt out 'Will you marry me?' That'd be so half-assed and there's NO WAY I'm half-assing a marriage proposal to the love of my life. This proposal is important, and important things take time; it'll take time to form a plan, and I need one of those. Actually... I kinda have the start of an idea of what to do, and with what I have planned so far, I'm going to need you guys' help."

"Well, Mars, by all means," Dominick hums, smiling, leaning back in his seat, "enlighten us, for we are at your disposal."

——————————

"Mm hm~!" Jake lets out as he bites into another one of Gumball's cupcakes. Ever since Gumball brought them out, Jake's been stuffing himself like a pig. Then again, I just finished my third and am about go for fourths.

Ever since I told the guys that I'm going to propose to Fionna, the days have gone by in a blur. I've been so absorbed in planning my proposal that I hardly noticed the days come and go. It was two whole weeks ago that I revealed my wanting to propose, and I barely even noticed the time that passed.

During those two weeks, the guys and I spent our free time planning my amazing proposal to Fionna, from what exactly I'm going to do to what exactly I'm going to say. I already know when I want to propose, and that's awhile away, which means I have plenty of time to decide and perfect what I'm going to do. For the past two weeks, the proposal is all I've been thinking about and will continue to be until the very second I ask Fionna to marry me.

"Damn, PG," Jake says as he swallows, disrupting my train of thought, "these cupcakes kick dessert butt, dude."

Gumball smiles awkwardly with a chuckle. "You've mentioned that five times now." Anyone can tell he's still feeling smug about it though. Gumball loves it when people compliment his science and he loves it even more when they compliment his cooking. He definitely prides himself on his culinary skills.

"I'll gladly say it five times," Fionna says as she bites into her third cupcake. "These are really amazing, Gumball. Just when I think your culinary skills can't get any more on point, you prove me wrong."

Gumball's cheeks turn a little red. "Thanks, guys. There's definitely more where that came from."

"As delicious as these are," I say, biting into another cupcake, "I want to know why we're all here. You said you needed to tell us all something, so what is it? Is it good? Is it bad? Both?"

Gumball smiles at me and, standing beside him, Bubblegum smiles as well. "It's new," Gumball replies, he and his sister's smiles suddenly growing secretive.

"It's new?" Cake repeats, now eyeing them dubiously. "What's new? What are you two saying?"

The smiles stay on their faces as Bubblegum clears her throat. "Not too long ago, Gumball and I came up with an idea of sorts," she tells us before she gives Gumball a knowing look. "And we both believe it's a great idea."

"And what's this 'great idea'?" Finn questions, an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. What's this about?" Breakfast Princess backs Finn up.

"Well," Gumball says, pressing his lips together before he continues, "it has something to do with... the war."

I blink. The war?

"Wait, the war? As in what just happened—the war that just happened?" Flame Princess gapes. Since returning from the Fire Kingdom not too long ago, we've all noticed FP doesn't like talking about what happened; it did a number on her parents and their kingdom, after all. She's come back, but there's still a lot of work to be done, according to her.

"Yes, FP, the war that just happened," Bubblegum replies.

"Can we even really call it that? A war?" Jake says, his face scrunched up in thought. "I mean, it lasted, like, a day and we totally kicked Flame Prince's and Ashley's asses."

The expression on Gumball's face darkens. "Flame Prince declared war on us, and we had to work with all the other kingdoms to combine an army big enough to stop him and Ashley, plus the fact that we all nearly died and had to fight tooth and nail for our lives... so, yeah, we can call it a war, because it definitely was a war."

Jake nods at this just as Finn speaks up again.

"How is this something you want to tell us related to the war? What's this about?"

"My brother and I have been discussing this for a little while now," Bubblegum replies, "and we've decided to throw a grand celebration to commemorate our war victory—to celebrate the fact that we're all still alive. This celebration will be grand and, hopefully, a very big deal."

"What kind of celebration is this going to be?" Dominick questions. Ash, who's standing next to him, gives Bubblegum and Gumball a curious look.

"Bonnibel and I...," He pauses for a moment before he continues, "Bonnibel and I were thinking of a festival."

A festival?

"And not just any festival," Bubblegum puts in, "but an amazing, incredibly grand festival. Bubba and I have been planning this ever since the party, and we called you here because we wanted to know what your thoughts on this idea are. Nearly everything's ready; we've prepared an announcement to give to our citizens and we're ready to spread the word to the other kingdoms. However, before we do anything, we want to know if you all think it's a good idea."

"Why does it matter what we think?" I ask, curious.

Gumball turns to me. "Because you're the heroes—the people that went head-to-head against Flame Prince and Ashley, the people who risked their lives to save the world. Bonnibel and I fall into that category as well, which is why we made sure we were all here to discuss this. Besides, everyone knows who all of you are now; if you go somewhere or do something, they'll immediately follow. It'd make for great publicity for the festival if all of you declared it's a good idea, and people would most definitely show up if they knew you guys were coming. That, and you're our friends, and we care about what our friends think."

We all look at each other, trying to silently determine what everyone else thinks about this war-victory-celebration-festival idea.

When no one protests after a few seconds, I clear my throat and give Bubblegum and Gumball a smile. "I think it's a good idea," I speak up.

Everyone looks to me and are silent for a second before they begin voicing their own opinions.

"I'm with Marshall; it's a good idea," Finn says.

Fionna nods. "Yeah. I think it sounds fun."

"A festival sounds darling!" Breakfast Princess says with a smile in Gumball's direction. "It's a really good idea. Great thinking."

The compliment is obviously meant for both Bubblegum and Gumball, but with the way BP said it, it seems more directed at Gumball. And considering the way Gumball blushes again, it doesn't go unnoticed.

I frown. Okay, there's something going on between the two of them. I've been picking up on something for awhile now, and now I'm sure I'm right. It's the way they look at each other—like they're fighting the urge to suck each other's faces off. That's how I look at Fionna and how Fionna looks at me.

Are they dating? Or is it a "friends with benefits" type of thing? Hm... I doubt that—Gumball's WAY too much of a prude to go for something like that. I'm one hundred percent sure he's still a virgin.

Are they really dating, though? Are they official? If they are, they certainly haven't told us anything.

Soon, as I put those thoughts aside to think about later, everyone has voiced their support for Bubblegum and Gumball's festival idea.

"Really?" Gumball asks, seeming a bit surprised. "You all like the idea?"

"Yeah, man, it sounds awesome," Jake replies.

"Totally," Flame Princess says with a smile. "I mean, if you guys think it's a good idea, why wouldn't we?"

Both Bubblegum and Gumball smile back, clearly glad we agree with them.

Then, Bubblegum's smile grows wider before she simply says, "Okay. Let's do it."

——————————

•Ash•

Throughout the week, details have been falling into place regarding Bubblegum and Gumball's war celebration idea. Since deciding it's indeed a good idea, Bubblegum and Gumball have been devoting nearly all their time to planning the event. Gumball somehow still finds the time to teach me, though, and I appreciate that even if he's a little distracted when he does.

Around three days ago, Bubblegum and Gumball sent notices about the Ooo Festival to the other kingdoms so see what their opinions were on the idea. To Bubblegum and Gumball's delight, they each sent back a reply that stated it was indeed a good idea and that it sounded like fun.

Since then, Bubblegum and Gumball began to move forward with planning the event. The first thing they did was make an announcement regarding the Festival to the Candy Kingdom citizens. After the citizens reacted fairly positively to the idea (after all, they heard the Saviors would be there), Bubblegum, Gumball, and Dom began working on publicity flyers. They put Dom in charge of the publicity for the Festival, which makes sense since he's an ambassador. He had suggested flyers, and Bubblegum and Gumball were right behind him.

"I think the flyers look great," Dom boasts as I help him hang some up around the kingdom, "don't you think so? I came up with the design myself!"

The design actually looks good. Who knew Dom had an artistic side? "They look great, Dom. You and Bubblegum and Gumball sure put a lot of work into them, and it shows. Good job," I tell him as I hang one up. We've been going at this for awhile now. A few Candy Kingdom citizens watch Dom and I curiously, the younger ones with looks of wonder on their faces. It makes sense; they are in the presence of two of the Saviors. As far as the world's concerned, Dom and I are celebrities along with Marshall, Fionna, and the others.

Even now, I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that I'm a celebrity. People smile when they walk past me, they say hello, they actually seem genuinely happy to be around me.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming—they'll sometimes ask for an autograph. I'll turn around and expect them to be asking someone else, someone who's definitely not me, but they're always asking me and seem very content when I give them my autograph. It's a nice feeling, but I still find it a little weird. To be honest, I'll probably never get used to the feeling of being famous.

Dom smiles as he hangs another flyer. "Why thank you. I do pride myself on my work!"

I chuckle. "Oh, I'm sure you do," I say in response right before I finish hanging the last flyer in my pile. "Well, I'm done. Do you have anymore?"

Dom shakes his head. "Nope. I'm all out. Just finished hanging the last one," He smiles again. "I guess this means we head home for the day?"

Home. I nod. "I guess so. Let's go, then."

"You go on without me. I'll be along soon. I have something to take care of first," Dom says with a shrug. "You know, work stuff."

I nod. "Alright, if you're sure," I say before I turn to go, giving Dom a wave. "See you at home." Dom waves back before I send him a small smile and walk away towards the exit of the kingdom.

Home. I frown at the word. I've been living with Dom for about three weeks now. Really, though, it feels like it's only been three days; it seems like I only just agreed to move in with him, when in reality, that was nearly a month ago.

Surprisingly, living with Dom hasn't been as horrible as I'd made it out to be in my head—it's actually been pretty okay and Dom hasn't once made a pass at me since the day I agreed to move in with him. At times, though, I'll find his words swirling around and around in my head on an endless loop.

Whatever you say, gorgeous. You can believe whatever you want. One day, though, you're going to happily end up in my bed, undoubtedly very satisfied. One day, I'll have you in my bed. And you definitely won't be complaining when that day comes. I know I'm right.

I shake my head and scoff at those ridiculous words as I walk home. Who does he think he is? Even after three weeks, I can't quite get over what he said and how he said it. No one has ever talked to me like that in my entire immortal life!

Until Dom.

Then I chuckle as I think about how different my life is now from what it was before I helped Dom and the rest of them—my life had been nothing but bleak, exhausting, and miserable before I helped the people that were considered my enemies.

Before I met Dom.

Now... Well. Now my life is so different that I almost can't believe just weeks ago I was a completely different person; I had no job, no friends, I was trapped and abused by my evil sister, barely surviving in the seemingly endless cycle of hopelessness and depression that was my life... Just weeks ago, I was downright miserable. And technically still an enemy to Marceline and her friends, even though I stopped being on my sister's side a long time before my life changed so drastically.

Suddenly, my train of thought is interrupted as I approach Dom and I's cave (it stills feels a bit weird calling it that). I keep walking and stop when I'm at the front door...

Which is standing open.

I freeze, my hand barely shy of grabbing the doorknob.

I know I had closed and locked the door when Dom and I left for work this morning.

I would never purposely leave it standing open, and Dom wouldn't either.

Did someone break in?

I swallow nervously at the thought. What if there's someone in the house right now? I immediately form a flame in the palm of my hand just in case I need a weapon—something to defend myself against the possibility of an intruder. If there is an intruder, how did they get the door open? Either it was unlocked (which I already established it wasn't), or they somehow had a key (which can't be possible, because the only people who have a key to this house are Dom and myself).

I begin to calm myself down. Maybe Dom came back to the house at some point earlier today and, when he left, forgot to close and lock the door. That's a perfectly logical explanation for why the door is in the condition it's in.

Still, I leave my flame burning and slowly, quietly, push the door open more before I enter the house.

Some of the lights are on, which I find odd because Dom and I always turn them all off before we leave. It's dead silent, but someone could easily have heard me come in and be waiting for just the right moment to pounce.

I gulp. At that thought, I make the flame in my palm bigger and hotter, making it so it would be a lot more painful and effective if I had to attack someone with it.

I slowly and quietly walk through the house, through the seemingly empty living room and past the dark kitchen; that light hadn't been turned on, and the kitchen seems empty too.

Then I walk past the stairs, which lead to the second floor where someone could easily be lurking. I don't climb them, though; I want to search the entire first floor before I get to the second.

As I continue to search the first floor, nothing jumps out at me and no serial killer and/or rapist attacks me. Apart from the door standing open and some of the lights being on, nothing seems out of the ordinary.

That is, except for the back door.

Which, like the front door, is standing wide open.

I make sure my flame is still burning as I slowly approach the back door. As I get closer, I feel a slight breeze blow into the house.

Soon, I'm standing right in front of the door, listening for any sounds that might indicate that there's someone outside on the deck.

Then I hear it.

Whistling.

As loud and clear as day, someone whistling some sort of tune.

And it's coming from right outside.

The deck.

Someone definitely broke into the house.

Before I even really think about it, I swiftly step outside and ready my flame in case I have to attack...

The second I step outside, the person who was whistling spins around and gives a shout of surprise.

"God! What the hell, man?! You scared the shit out of me, Ash!"

I extinguish my flame and let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Marceline standing across from me on the deck.

Thank God it's not some psycho murderer or something even worse.

"I'm sorry," I say, trying to catch my breath. After all, I was thinking only a few seconds ago that these might be my last moments alive. "I didn't know you were here. I thought... I thought maybe someone..." I pause. "How did you get in?"

Marceline gives me a look. "Um, hello... This used to be my house," She reaches into one of her jeans pockets and pulls out a key. "I still have a key. I never got rid of it."

I blink. "Oh." How could I forget Marshall and Marceline used to live here? Of course they still have their old keys!

You're an idiot, Ash.

I seriously thought there was a murderer or a rapist that broke in and was out to get me, when in reality it was just Marceline here for—

I frown at the Vampire. "Why are you here?" I ask her.

"To see Dominick. I came here wanting to talk to him, but he's not here, so I ended up coming out here and waiting."

I nod. "Ah. Yes, he's not here. He's still at work. He said he'd catch up with me," I explain.

"Oh," Marceline replies.

"Yeah," I say.

Then silence. Awkward silence. Marceline and I haven't been alone together in a very long time. The last time... I can't even remember the last time we were alone.

So, needless to say, of course it's awkward and we're at a loss of what to do or say.

Marceline and I avoid eye contact with each other for a few tense seconds. I awkwardly begin to shuffle slightly, one of my feet constantly moving.

Then, just to end the awkward silence, I purposely cough. Marceline scratches the back of her neck, still avoiding my gaze.

I clear my throat and speak up. "So..."

Marceline looks at me. "So...?"

"So...," I repeat, clasping my hands together, "how's living with Bubblegum been?"

"Oh," Marceline says. "It's been great. Really great. She and I are very happy."

I give a nod. "Cool..."

"And, uh, how about you?" Marceline questions me. "How's living with Dominick? What's that like?"

I bite my lip. "Um... Well, let's just say it could be worse... and it certainly could be better," I reply. The truth is, as I've already established, living with Dom hasn't been bad. But there's no way I'm telling anyone that. If word got around to Dom, he'd have a field day with that information—probably gloat and laugh in my face about how he was right and I was wrong, although that's definitely not true as I still have absolutely no intentions on sleeping with him and I never will.

Still, though, he'd brag anyway.

Marceline gives a little snort. "That's not surprising. It's Dominick, after all. Frankly, I'm surprised he hasn't tried to talk himself into your pants."

I swallow uncomfortably. If only she knew. "I mean, he's flirted a bit, sure—" That's an understatement. "—but that's about it, really... He's actually been pretty tame." Sure. If Dom's tame, then Ashley's sane and Gumball's the manliest man alive.

However, I guess that's not completely, totally untrue; it's not like Dom's tried to drag me to his bed. He's actually been pretty bearable...

I guess he has been pretty tame.

He still annoys me, though. That will never change.

Marceline raises an eyebrow. "Really? I'm impressed. That's not at all like him," she tells me.

"Yeah," I say back, "I figured."

More awkward silence. God, this is more painful than having teeth pulled. Marceline and I look away from each other again.

Maybe I should leave. But then again, this is my house.

Maybe I should tell her to leave. But that would be rude, and I'd like to think I'm not a rude person anymore.

But maybe I won't outright tell her to leave—instead I'll nicely imply it. Dom's going to be here any minute, and I don't want to involve an innocent person in this terribly awkward encounter.

But I do something else entirely.

"I wanted to tell you I'm sorry." The words slip out of my mouth before I can even think about saying them. I've wanted to apologize to Marceline for awhile, but I didn't think it'd be right now.

Apparently, my mouth has other plans.

Marceline looks back at me, her eyes widened. "You... What? You're... sorry? For what?" she asks, obviously surprised at what came out of my mouth just then.

I give an awkward shrug as I look down at the ground, avoiding her eyes. "I... I wanted to apologize to you for everything I've done. You and I haven't been getting along lately, and that's my fault. I did things I shouldn't have done."

Marceline raises an eyebrow again. "Like what?" she questions, sounding curious.

Seriously? "Come on, Marceline, you know what! I was cruel to you! I did bad things to you and Marshall! For one, I helped Ashley steal memories from your brains. For another, I was a horrible boyfriend to you. Ashley wanted me to date you because she was dating Marshall and she thought that if we were dating it would bring her and Marshall closer; their siblings would be dating, after all. So, I asked you out and you said yes. At first I was only doing it because of Ashley—because she told me to—but as time went on, I got to like hanging around you and began to enjoy your company. But I didn't do a good job of showing it, and for that I'm sorry and I'll always be sorry," I explain to her.

Marceline blinks in shock before her eyes soften. "Really?"

I nod, ashamed. "Yeah, really. I should have told you that sooner, I know, but as we've established, I was a total jerk. I didn't realize I was so wrong until after the memory-stealing thing," I scratch the back of my neck, still very uncomfortable. "After Finn and Fionna saved you and got you to remember, I realized just how messed up I was. I learned that day that love isn't something you can force—it has to happen naturally, and it can only happen with someone you love who loves you, not someone you try to make love you. I know I realized all this too late, and for that as well as many other things, I'm sorry. And I know I should have apologized sooner, but I... chickened out. Pathetic, I know. It's just...," My voice trails off and I feel tears welling up in my eyes. Then I pause for a second before I continue, "I couldn't face you. You're someone I hurt, and for that reason I couldn't face you. I was terrified at how you'd react to my apology, if you would even listen to it. I didn't want to cause you any more trouble than I already had, but I eventually realized you needed to hear this; you deserve to hear this. Not to mention that I was later a complete ass to your friends; I'm sorry for that too. They also deserve an apology from me, and I promise they'll get one."

"Ash...," Marceline says softly, looking at me as if this is the most surprising yet serious moment of her immortal life. "I... I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything. You don't have to accept my apology. And your friends won't have to accept it either. I totally get it if you don't, and I'll totally get it if they don't either; I really don't think I deserve to be forgiven and I probably wouldn't accept my apology if I were you or them, but I had to tell you I'm sorry, anyway. I was wrong to be a jerk and mean to you and your friends, and it's completely my fault even if Ashley made me do it," I tell her before I let out a breath, a few of those tears beginning to slowly leave my eyes. "So... yeah. I'm sorry, Marceline. Really, I am. I'm sorry for being cruel to you—for being a shit boyfriend. I'm sorry I stole your memories, I'm sorry for all the things I said and did to you and your friends after that, everything that was ever against you all. I'm sorry for the things I didn't do. I'm sorry for everything Ashley did, for all the things she's done to you and everyone else! And I'm sorry I didn't come to the realization earlier that I was being a total asshat," I close my eyes and shake my head. "I'm sorry. For all of it. I'm just... I'm so sorry for everything. I couldn't be more sorry."

When stop shaking my head in shame and I open my eyes, Marceline is giving me a small smile. "Well, apology accepted, and I'm sure my friends will accept it too. I can tell you're really sorry," she says, and I give her a small smile in return. She seems very genuine, and I couldn't be happier because of that. "But you really weren't that bad of a boyfriend," she surprises me by saying.

I scoff at that as I begin to wipe my tears away. "Apart from selling your most cherished stuffed animal to a witch and stealing your memories, you mean? On top of that, I... I was just not good at being a boyfriend. We obviously weren't right for each other, but I ignored that because of Ashley and the fact that I liked being around you and I thought that, with time, maybe I'd actually develop feelings for you... but that never happened, and because of that I was frustrated, so I was a very shitty boyfriend to you. I should have told you that too, but we've already established I was an asshole and an idiot."

Marceline gives me a pitying look. "Why didn't you tell me any of this? I would have understood if you'd just explained it to me."

I raise an eyebrow. "Once again, we've established I was an asshole and an idiot," I reply.

Marceline chuckles. "Yes, we have established that," she says with an amused smile. "Look, Ash, I've already said I forgive you, and I do. I forgive you for everything. I even forgive you for selling Hambo; that was a long time ago, anyway—I got over it."

I chew on my bottom lip and look away before I face her again. "Speaking of, I want to show you something."

Marceline blinks, looking curious. "Okay, what?"

I smile at her, hoping she'll like it. "You'll see," I say before I turn and leave the deck, going back inside and heading upstairs to my room.

Once I get what I was looking for, I leave my room, go back downstairs, and head back outside to the deck.

When I get there, Marceline is waiting for me in the exact spot she was in; she hadn't moved.

She looks at me curiously, her gaze falling to my hands behind my back, concealing the thing I'm about to show her.

"So," Marceline says, still eyeing me, "what is it? Is it good? Bad? Both? Just show me already! I'm getting antsy."

I chuckle at her obvious restlessness. "Okay, then."  Then, revealing my hands from behind my back, I show her.

The second Marceline spots what I brought, there is a noticeable change in the atmosphere; the awkwardness and uneasy friendliness evaporates, and the air grows serious.

Marceline's jaw drops open at the sight of Hambo in my arms. Her eyes grow wide in surprise. "Hambo?" she whispers in awe. Then, once she stops gawking at the stuffed animal, her eyes drift to me again. "But... What? How? How is this—How do you have him? You sold him, remember? How can you have him...?"

I avoid her eyes once again. "After the way you reacted to me telling you I sold him, I felt awful. I didn't think I would; after all, I got a great deal for him," I pause for a moment, biting my lip. "But... when I saw the look on your face and how you reacted... I felt horrible. I was a cruel person for doing that. I didn't think he was important because he was just some old stuffed animal. However, that obviously wasn't the case; he was obviously very important. So, after I told you I sold him and we broke up, I tracked down the witch I sold Hambo to and I was able to get him back. I tried to get Hamba back too, but the witch would only give me Hambo."

"So... all this time?" Marceline mumbles. "All this time, you've had Hambo? He's been in your possession all these years?"

I nod. "Yeah. I wanted to give him back to you, but I was a coward and couldn't bring myself to face you. Plus, I was pretty sure if Ashley found out I'd gotten Hambo back, she'd be pissed. After all, she told me to sell him to that witch; she thought we could get something decent for him and Hamba. I wanted to give Hambo back, I swear I did, but I knew you hated me... I didn't want to bother you anymore. I knew the last thing you wanted was to see me again. So, I stayed away, or tried my best to; Ashley made me do some things that made it hard to keep away from you and Marshall, as you've probably already gathered." I hold Hambo out to her, motioning for her to take him.

Marceline gives me a soft smile before she takes Hambo. "Ash...," She goes silent before she speaks again. "Thank you. Really. This means so much to me."

I smile back. "You're welcome. It's nothing. I just knew that it was time to set things right—put the past behind us," I say with a shrug.

Marceline's smile grows as she hugs Hambo to her chest. "I guess you weren't such an asshole after all," she muses.

I snort. "Oh no, I was a total and complete asshole. There's no doubt about that," I retort.

"Maybe. But maybe you weren't as big an asshole as you think you were. After all, you felt bad for what you did and even for everything Ashley did. And you got Hambo back. A total and complete asshole wouldn't have done that; a total and complete asshole wouldn't have felt bad at all," The expression on her face turns thoughtful as she continues smiling. "You're not at all like Ashley."

She means it as a compliment, I know. However, even if she didn't mean it as a compliment, it'd still be a compliment to me; I never want to be anything like Ashley. Maybe I wanted to awhile ago, before I knew what kind of person she truly was, but that was then and this is now—I'm a changed person, no longer a cruel asshole, and I'm never going back to who I used to be.

I smile yet again. "Thank you," I tell her, hoping she knows I mean it.

Marceline, yet again, smiles back. "You're welcome, Ash."

Then we both fall silent, just standing on the deck and staring at the back of the cave.

It's silent for awhile before I speak up. "Marceline?"

"Yes?"

I look to her. "I know you think I cheated on you, but I never did."

Marceline simply blinks at me, surprised at what I said. She looks kind of guilty too, like she's ashamed she thought something that low of me.

"I just wanted you to know that," I tell her as she continues to look surprised. "At least I didn't fail in that category of the boyfriend department. I've always had a feeling you suspected I cheated, like Ashley did to Marshall, so I wanted to tell you I never did. I'm not a cheater and I never was."

Marceline doesn't speak for a few more seconds, but then she does. "Another example that proves you are nothing like Ashley," she says with another smile.

Then I hear a door close, telling me that Dom's finally home. Marceline hears it too.

"Ash?" I hear Dom call. "The door was open. Are you here?"

"Thanks for having this talk with me," Marceline says, looking content. "It means a lot."

"Of course," I reply. "I'm glad we put the past behind us."

"Me too."

I begin to play with my fingers nervously. "Maybe we could... um... be friends?"

Marceline gives me another kind smile. "I'd like that," she says in response, and I smile at her answer.

"Ash?" I can hear Dom's footsteps getting closer.

Then, without another word from either of us, Marceline turns into a bat, now flapping her wings as she hovers in the air, still holding Hambo. "See ya', dude. I'll talk to Dominick later."

Then she flies from the house before she changes direction and flies around the house, probably leaving the cave.

Just as she leaves, Dom arrives. He steps on to the deck. "There you are," he says with a smile.

"Here I am."

"What are you doing out here?" Dom asks curiously.

"Just getting some fresh air," I tell him.

Dom gives a nod. "Ah," Then he nods his head towards the inside of the house. "Wanna watch a movie?"

I smile at him. "Sounds good."

With that, we both leave the deck, closing the back door behind ourselves, and head into the living room.

And, as we sit down on the couch, beginning to pick a movie, I happily think about the fact that I had made amends with someone I never thought I'd get the chance to make amends with. We might even be friends.

Then I realize, just by putting the past behind me and reconciling with Marceline, that I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

A huge I weight I didn't know had been there until it was gone.

_______________

It's the next day and right now it's lunch time at the Candy Kingdom, so pretty much everyone's on break.

And I should feel good about that like I usually do, because who doesn't like lunch breaks?

But really, right now all I feel is nervousness; I'm about to apologize for every shitty thing I've ever done to Marceline's friends.

I got Marceline to invite the whole group to the Candy Kingdom palace to have lunch so we could have everyone together for my apology.

This has been coming for a long time, even if no one realized it, and I really hope they forgive me. Marceline did, so I'm at least a little hopeful.

Mostly everyone's already here; we're really only waiting on Marshall, Marceline, and Fionna.

"God, I'm starving," Jake says as he opens his lunch box and gets his food out to eat, setting it on the table. "Bon appétit, baby...!" He then eagerly takes his sandwich in his paws and opens his mouth wide.

But he doesn't even get to take one bite as Cake suddenly leans over and smacks him on his shoulder, causing him to flinch and cry out "Hey!" before he drops his sandwich back on the table. He then sends Cake a glare. "What the heck, dude?"

In turn, Cake glares back at him. "Um, hello...! Don't you notice some people are still missing? We should wait for Fionna, Marshall, and Marcy! It's rude not to, dummy!"

Jake just blinks at her before raising an eyebrow. "Seriously? You assault me just because of that?" He rolls his eyes and picks up his sandwich again. "They won't care! In fact, they'd want me to eat my sandwich right now because they're nice like that."

Before Cake can argue her point further, Fionna, Marshall, and Marceline finally enter the palace cafeteria with their lunches and each take a seat at the table.

"Hello, all!" Marshall greets us with a smile. "You're welcome for gracing you with my presence."

Gumball rolls his eyes slightly. "Yeah, thanks so much, Marshall," he says sarcastically.

Marshall's smile becomes a smirk. "Like I said, you're welcome."

Fionna nudges him in the side, and he pokes her in hers, giving her a flirty wink. She giggles, and good God they're such a perfect couple it's almost nauseating. When they're finished being disgustingly cute, Fionna turns to the entire group with a smile of her own. "So, is there a particular reason we're here for lunch?" she asks before turning to just Marceline, since she was the one who invited everyone.

Marceline nods before nudging me in my side, and I swallow to steel myself.

"Yes," I say, everyone now looking at me. I swallow again. "Uh, I asked Marceline to call you here because... um...," I take a breath, trying to will away my nerves. "I have something... uh... important to say..."

Everyone continues looking at me, now seeming curious and slightly serious (well, except for Jake, who doesn't look serious as he's been stuffing his face with food since the very second our missing guests sat down at the table). They're waiting for me to finish, and Marceline patiently nods again at me. It's okay, you can do it, her eyes say, You got this.

I send her a grateful look before I continue. "I just...," I nervously play with my fingers, and most of the group leans in toward me, now seeming really curious and serious.

So, I take one more deep breath before diving in.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry."

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Yikes, what a long chapter! I definitely didn't think it'd be this long, but here we are.

Over ten thousand words... God, I might have a problem. I should probably get help... but I'm not going to.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the very long chapter. Of course, there is more to come.

Comment, vote, follow!

-RadipDagger✌️