Disclaimer: I do not own Adventure Time.

A/N: Sorry for the delay with 'How to Kiss a Princess'. It's being worked on and a chapter should be out this week. I've been spending most of my free time working on cosplays and then this short thing happened.

Why are we hugging?

A simple handshake would suffice. It was good enough for all the other ambassadors. Why not her?

It was not even a proper hug, something forced, the two consciously trying not to touch more than necessary. Arms linked around each other distant and loose, like a slacked chain.

Because of the uncomfortable nature of the embrace it did not last longer that it had to and they both pulled away, eyes uncharacteristically averted.

This was the start of an uncertain acquaintanceship.

Could you even count a dance as a hug? I think I will. Our arms are around each other after all.

Though the start was rocky, both the Queen of the Night and the Princess of Sweets came to find refuge in each others company during long and tedious royal functions.

This was no exception. Bonnibel did not care for these types of parties much; she faired much better in meetings with a minute keeper.

Marceline, however, was in her element. Her carefree attitude betrayed the rigged steps of the dance and lavish surroundings. It made everything bearable.

With a contagious grin and a whisper, there was an exchange of giggles.

This was the start of a cheerful friendship.

When had it changed?

The pink haired girl felt herself be caught in a pair of arms, stopping her suddenly. The gray arms held fast in an attempt to calm the shaking body.

Trying to calm her breathing and nervous jitters the pink girl exhaled deeply, returning the embrace.

How long did they have before they had to part again?

Hours?

Minutes?

Mere seconds, they knew.

And this was the only place they could meet, away from the Banana Guard's security cameras.

This was the start of a secretive love.

It's complicated. If asked, that's how I'll put it.

Standing at the beginning, the very place they had first meet and started down the path that lead them to this point.

Their eyes met. No acknowledgement of any sort aside from the glance. Just a glance, to anyone else, but to the owners of those strong, beautiful eyes-

a hug-

one closer and more earnest than any that had shared before.

This is how it was now, and for better or worse.

This was the start of … something