Chapter 3

"You hold me without touch.
You keep me without chains.
I never wanted anything so much
than to drown in your love and not feel your rain.
Set me free,
Leave me be.
I don't wanna fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me."
-Gravity, Sara Bareilles

Across the Land of Ooo, the vampire queen tossed and turned in her bed. Even though it was midday, she could barely keep her eyes closed. Did last night really happen? Had the love of her life finally returned to her? Her mind raced with questions. What happens next? Will Bubblegum ever let her guard down? Or will Marceline end up with her heart broken again? The thought of the pain the princess caused put a sour taste in her mouth.

She remembered how her dearest Bonnie broke it off the first time.

"Marcy, I just don't think this is working."
"Ya think? You're the one who's dating someone else!"
"I'm moving on with my life! I can't keep playing these juvenile games! I have to grow up now! I have responsibilities. This is how it has to be."
"Sorry I'm not perfect for your little world. Whatever, Bonnie. Ugh, I'm done!"

Remembering the conversation sent chills down Marceline's spine. After that, she began her travels throughout Ooo. She knew she was really just running from her pain. No matter what she did, Bubblegum always came back into her mind. She dreamed about her at night. She saw her face in the sky during the day. Marceline traveled Ooo like this for centuries. Even getting back into the dating scene couldn't truly erase the memories of her princess.

Would Bubblegum be willing to be open this time? What has really changed? At this point, Marceline wasn't sure if she wanted to risk the pain again. She was under Bonnie's spell-she didn't want to end up a wreck. If she were going to continue to see Bubblegum, there would need to be rules. They'd have to come out. There was no question about it. Marceline needed commitment, and this time she was serious.

Then it was a plan. She'd visit PB's castle this evening and lay down the law. There was no compromising.

That evening, Marcy flew across Ooo straight towards Candy Kingdom. She hovered above the princess's balcony and listened quietly for voices. Everyone in the palace should be asleep by now. She heard nothing, and flew into Bubblegum's room.

There she was. Sleeping softly in her large pink bed. Marceline's heart melted. She'd never admit it, but in the past she'd sometimes watch Bonnie while she slept. She loved to watch her at such a vulnerable state, no walls, no guards. Just a little princess dancing in her dreams. Marcy's determination wavered, like she knew it would, as she made her way towards the princess.

Marceline lied her body next to Bubblegum's, wrapping her in her arms.

"Mm, Marcy?" Bubblegum turned a sleepy head towards the vampire. Marceline just smiled.

"I'm so happy you came," Bonnie cooed, turning her body to face Marcy's, burying herself in her chest. Through muffled words, she said "I thought you weren't going to make it. I was so sleepy."

"Of course I came," Marceline whispered, combing her fingers through Bonnibel's gummy locks. "But, Bonnie, we have to talk. About all of this. About us."

"Yes, talk..." Bubblegum mumbled, falling back into sleep.

"No, Bonnibel, wake up. This is important." Marcy sat up straight in bed. She was surprised at her new found strength. Maybe she would be able to do this after all.

Bubblegum immediately shot up. "I'm awake, I'm awake. You sound upset. What can I do? Are you ok?

"We need to come out."

"That was blatant." Bubblegum's tone became very serious. She was wide awake now.

"Bonnie, I'm not gonna play this game. I don't want things to turn out like they did last time. You hurt me more than I can explain and I can't end up like that again. I know you probably don't want to but..."

"Shhhh..." Bubblegum put a finger to Marcy's lips, "I want to come out, too. But slowly. I don't want any candy people exploding."

Marceline was surprised by Bubblegum's compliance. Maybe she was really ready this time.

"Where do we start, Bonnibel?"

"Easy," the princess pulled Marcy back down to the bed. "Finn and Jake."

Marcy smiled as they cuddled in bed. Right where they belonged.