Disclaimer: I do not own Adventure Time.


"Now I see, everything; and yes

I've known it all along

I was so lost, but I'm back

And I finally know now where my heart belongs."

- The Scene Aesthetic, Come What May


Marceline's POV

Wind brushed through my hair, making it flutter from beneath my straw hat. It bit my exposed flesh but I heed it no attention, although it itched and goosebumps managed to race down to my elbows. The satchel I had slung over my shoulder weighed heavy from its contents making me grip it tightly. Coming to a stop near the familiar pink gates, I ran a nervous hand through my hair, my eyes continuously flitting from one place to another.

I'm nervous. Glob, so nervous. I bit my bottom lip before heaving out a sigh. "If I'm going to do it, better now than later," I mutter as I fisted my palms and straightened my posture with steely determination.

I floated past the gates.

A sigh once again escaped my lips as varying scents of many sweet things rushed through my nose, leaving me a dazed. I let my eyes wander and smiled at the different wonders, houses, views and familiar candy-people that came to view. I seem to be gawking at anything with an awestruck look in my face but I could care less if anyone saw. Traveling by myself without any company of my past is such a pain since everyday and every night, I could feel myself longing to come back. And every minute made that yearning grow.

Now I'm back and I miss the feel of it-feel of everything. I could spare a few minutes to just watch, can't I?

"Miss Marceline!" a voice that could only belong to Peppermint Butler made me swivel around. I smiled at the small jogging butler.

"Hello, Peps!" I greeted, still smiling. He stopped short in front of me, his circular form shaking from gasps and pants. Bags of groceries occupied his arms and I rose an eyebrow at it. "Doing errands, I see."

"Oh, yes," he replied once he regained his breathing. "Princess Bubblegum is currently busy and has asked me to shop for materials she had forgotten to buy." I floated close to look at the contents of the brown paper bags before crinkling my nose, seeing bolts and metal nuts and screwdrivers. "But enough about that. You are here! When did you come back, Miss Marceline?"

I blinked before chuckling. "I came back just last night. Seems that there aren't that many new things on the other side nowadays than I thought there would be," I said, shrugging. Humming in thought, I looked back at the previously surprised butler. "Hey, since I'm going to the castle like you are, why don't I carry those for you?"

He shook his head and declined but I wouldn't have any of that. Quickly, I flew to his side, tickling him with the one free hand until he surrendered. "Fine!"

I smiled before gathering the bags on one careful swoop. He chuckled at me before sighing. "Princess does miss you dearly these past few years," he started softly as we continued our way to the castle. "Finn the Human was even more devastated by your sudden absence."

"He was?" I couldn't help but ask Peppermint Butler. Of course, I know he would be sad but devastated? Isn't that a bit too much? Although bombarded with booming thoughts, I couldn't help but feel the fluttering of wings that does not fail to make me freeze.

I am glad Peps didn't notice my sudden misstep. He nodded. "Yes, Princess would even make me check up on him from time-to-time. But after some months passed, he had gone back to his original happy and righteous self again."

"Oh." That's what I said, after all, what can I say.

Silence drifted between us, although not uncomfortably as I had initially anticipated. It wasn't long until we reached PB's castle. Nothing is ever too long in Candy Kingdom, especially when thoughts are a tangled mess in your brain.

"Right this way," Peppermint Butler said and it was all I could do not to roll my eyes as I followed him closely. Really, I know this castle like the back of my hand, why do I need to follow him? I rolled my eyes again before chuckling silently under my breath. Oh, why do I even think like this when all he's doing is his job? I smiled at him, thanking his obliviousness. Why am I even thinking such rude things when, in reality, I miss his mumbling complaints about my frequent pranks?

"Hey, umm, other than Peebs, who are in the building?" I asked as I floated up the stairs. I blew a stray strand of my hair away from my face.

"The maid staff, of course." I laughed and he chuckled alongside me. Of course, duh! "Other than the Princess, Cinnamon Bun is also in the premises. Heroes Finn and Jake are expected to arrive in a matter of minutes from a mission too."

I nodded silently as the world turned silent. Fluttering of wings now reached my throat which seemed to be impossible just a few moments ago. I had to swallow down the lump that managed to form without me knowing. Seriously, what is happening to me?

I cursed myself silently. Why do I ask when I know the answer? I sighed as Peppermint Butler turned to the right. I followed suit.

Instantly, I could smell the scent of gasoline and burning metal-something that made my nose itch-followed by the sound of drilling. I smiled as I floated through the metal doors, coughing once I breathed in smoke.

"You really ... should do this welding ... s-stuff outside, Bonnie!" I said in between gasps. I heard a creaking sound.

"Well, I'm not exactly the outside-y person, am I?" her voice drawled out as she placed the welding helmet on top of the table. She crossed her arms, a frown on her face. "Had fun in your little vacation?"

I laughed at her. Her her frown deepened and had now placed both her hands on her arms. Before she had the time to demand, I placed my satchel on the table carefully, zipping it open and digging inside until my hands felt a soft object. I smiled, brandishing the object to her with a happy "ta-da!"

I waited patiently for her response, waving the shirt playfully at her. She gaped, dumbfounded. I know she would. "I-Is that really what I think it is?" Bonnie asked in a small voice.

"Yup! The last vintage shirt of the band Merri Angelia," I said proudly before ducking behind it. I peered at her from behind the black and green colored token in mock fright. "Apology accepted?"

Laughter erupted from her throat and I found myself consumed in her embrace. Hesitantly, I returned it. "I've forgiven you years ago," she said before pulling away, her lips in a sudden shy smile. "Even when you weren't there in my wedding."

My breath stilled. Wait. Wedding? She got married? I forced a smile as I tried to grope for some kind of resemblance to collectedness. Wedding?! What?! Umm ... uhh-wait, I think I might have heard someone mention about an engagement in one of the calls last night ...

A voice called out and my breath stilled again. This time it's not. I'm not sure who this person is but I have a biting inclination not to know who it is.

"You're done already?" Bonnie gasped as she looked at the source of the voice. Unlike her, I remained rooted on the spot, eyes wide and mind pulling a blank. "That was fast."

The voice chuckled before its laughter trailed down and I felt a shiver run down my spine and under my skin. Ah. Now I understand. I glanced back my shoulder and flashed him a wry smile. "Hey, Finn."

A pause, a beat. And then: "Marceline!" I twirled around.

I was right. He wasn't so little anymore. I looked away and stared at the floor with a burning intensity once our eyes met. They were so blue-sharp yet calm sapphires that drew me in. Another shiver crawled under my skin. I scratched my elbow absentmindedly. Bonnie shifted her weight on the balls of her feet awkwardly. "Uhh, I better go ..." was what she said before walking quickly away-that is, after collecting the shirt.

Timidly, I looked up at him and had to stifle a sharp exhale. Glob! Why is he smiling like ... like that? Like he's seen something amusing? That thought ticked me off and I don't exactly know why. I scowled. Who cares if Finn became more charming and handsome, I really want to punch that pretty face of his! Ugh. I can't believe that even that turned out to be a compliment! I let out a growl.

"What are you smiling at?" I demanded, my eyes flashing for emphasis. I don't get it but he began snickering. My scowl deepened. "Finn!" I am this close to throwing the drilling machine at him.

He stopped snickering before smiling sheepishly. "Sorry," he started to say and I couldn't help but realize how deep and mature it sounded. "It's just that ... I'm not sure what to say. I don't want to be sappy but I don't want to come off as standoffish. And, well, just smiling and laughing is the only thing in between that I could think of."

I nodded, pursing my lips in a thin line. Pushing a lock of hair away from my face, I dug through the satchel. A glint of silver shined through the opening of the taupe colored bag and I grabbed it. I glanced back at the mildly confused teen. "Finn, catch!"

With great ease, it fell on his outstretched hands. I could see him stare at it, making me antsy. A thought popped up and I couldn't help but relay it to Finnigan: "Exactly, how did your arm grow back?"

A gentle laugh graced the lab. My smile widened and butterflies once again swarmed inside me. Yes, there is absolutely no place like home.


Gosh, guys, I am so grateful for all the feedbacks you've given! Thanks a whole bunch! I hope you had enjoyed this second chapter like you did the first. Well, see ya guys soon. - Rae