The doors to the Candy Kingdom swung open. With a delicate, flaming motion, Flame Princess glided into the large castle accompanied by her vassal, CinnamonBun. She dreaded the meeting ahead of her. It had already been a difficult week for the queen. She had to deal with a small riot in the Fire Kingdom, she was beginning to feel suffocated by her boyfriend, Finn, and now she had to come and have a meeting with Princess Bubblegum. PB wasn't Flame Princess's ideal ally, but the riots in the Fire Kingdom were caused by a small group of folks who had been talking to Flame Princess's crazy brother-they wanted the demise of the Candy Kingdom. FP was heading there as a sign of peace: to show Bubblegum that the riots were small and there was no need for any fear. She was going to sign an official peace treaty between the two conflicting kingdoms. But too much was on her mind for her to focus on these relations.
Lately, she had been feeling like Finn was becoming too attached to her. She enjoyed his company, but it was beginning to get in the way of her Kingdom's needs. He was in the Fire Kingdom almost every day and she was at the treehouse nearly every night. Now, as she was distracted, riots began breaking out. Was her relationship beginning to put a strain on her authority?
"Princess Bubblegum requests that you proceed alone" a candy man stood guard at the large door in front of Bubblegum's 'business room'. FP sighed. She hated these things, especially if she couldn't bring in her comfort, CinnamonBun.
"Wait for me here, CB. Hopefully this won't take too long." She entered through the door to her dismay.
"Phoebe!" Bubblegum exclaimed. "Please, have a seat. How have you been?"
"Skip the formalities, Bonnibel. I'm not in the mood to pretend. Let's just get this over with." Flame Princess dropped into her chair.
Bubblegum furrowed her brow. "Ooookay...so what's going on with these riots? Can we put a stop to them with this treaty? The news really has my citizens worried."
"I honestly don't know what I'm doing wrong, PB." Flame Princess felt like she was going to explode if she didn't reveal her feelings. "Do you think having a serious relationship can come between you and your kingdom?!"
PB stared wide-eyes. She took a big gulp. No one really knew of her relationship. For a year she had been quietly dating Marceline, the vampire queen. Finn and Jake knew, but besides them, it was the best kept secret in Ooo. She understood the feelings Flame Princess was having. Her stomach churned. Could she, too, open up?
"I-I, well..." Bubblegum began, "yeah, I guess it could get in the way of your ruling. I mean that's why I've stayed single, heh heh.."
Flame Princess twisted her face. Finn told her EVERYTHING. Including this. "PB, you don't have to lie. I know what's really going on. Do you understand at all what I'm saying? Have you ever felt like being in a relationship was just wrong at the time? Or are you just perfectly happy in yours?"
Bonnie blushed hard. It was almost like Flame Princess could read her thoughts. Her relationship was beginning to wear her down, as well. She was considering ending it, but the thought made her sick to her stomach. She loved Marcy, but having her secretly around was difficult.
"I don't get any sleep..." Bubblegum rested her cheek in her hand. "I'm up all day governing my people and then up almost all night with her. I'm exhausted and frankly I'm questioning if this is still a good idea."
PB was actually opening up with Flame Princess. She was shocked. "I feel the same way! I love Finn, I really do, but I can't get any work done! He's always around and I'm worried no one is taking me seriously anymore! Hence, these ridiculous riots. Do you think we need to stop now? Before we get in too far deep?"
"I'm way past that point, Phoebe. I'm in deep. I'm worried too deep to come up for air. I don't know, I just need a break, ya know? It doesn't have to be permanent..."
FP was filled with confidence that ending it with Finn temporarily was a good idea. Bubblegum had given her the push she needed. It would only be a break. Only temporary.
"I'll do it if you do." Flame Princess felt like such a child. At eighteen she should be fully capable of doing these things on her own. But it felt nice to have a...friend.
Bubblegum perked up. "Really? Do you think we should?"
"Just for a bit. What's the worst that can happen, ya know?"
It felt weird that they were both deciding to do it. Hopefully Finn and Marceline wouldn't think it was planned out. Breaking up at the same time did seem suspicious. Maybe they wouldn't notice.
"I think we need to focus on this peace treaty..." PB changed the subject quickly.
"Right, where do I sign?"
The two finished their business, but the thought of taking a break from their significant other lingered in the air. Perhaps it was time to rethink their situations.