A/N: Do you guys realize how hard it is for me to imagine an older Gumball and Marshall!? No matter how hard I try i can not for the love of me see them as 30 year old men! Can you guys see it? Do they sound like older men? How does 30 year old men sound like anyways? I dont know how 30 year old men act like?! Please excuse me while i panic over this.
Chapter two: Café Buttercups'
I tapped my pen impatiently while staring at my computer screen. I was supposed to be working but instead here I am brooding over Marshall Lee. It has been over three days exactly since the reunion party, and that Vampire managed to smuggle his way to my thoughts. I sighed heavily and tossed my pen away, if Marshall was really here in town that means there was a very high chance of me bumping into him! I gritted my teeth and scratched my head, having Marshall back in town is making my life really hard. I'm going to have to refrain myself from going anywhere beside my company, also avoid any places that attract Marshall especially bars and clubs. Not that I visit them anyways.
I suddenly sat up realizing that Marshall had yet again succeeded in invading my mind. I cursed under my breath and scooted closer to my desk trying to focus my attention on my work, Even though I really wasn't in the mood for it. I scowled while reading an email I had received from one of my business partners in Italy; they were requesting a shipment of one of our newest creation, Bubbly Space, a bubbly chocolate bar. I quickly typed him a reply of how much he wanted and how long it will take for the shipment to be ready, then I typed another email to Peppermint telling him about the details of the email and letting him handle the shipments and all.
After few hours of working I pushed myself off my chair and stretched my body; I hated sitting in the same position for too long. I checked my watch and decided it was time for me to take a break.
"I do deserve it." I said to myself
When I opened the door of my office and stepped out, Peppermint immediately stood up from his chair and gave me a questioning look.
"Is there a problem, sir?" he asked
"No." I shook my head, "I'm taking a break. Maybe grab me some food too." I said patting my stomach
"If you're hungry then there is no need for you to leave the company. I can get you someone to go and grab you some lunch."
"Um no that's fine. I kind of wanted to stretch my legs also." I said hoping he'd let me go
"There's still no need for you to leave. You do know this company has a recreational center right? It also has a cafeteria." He said firmly
I sighed and scratched my head before saying, "I know Pepp, I know. But I want to go out; I need to get some fresh air. I've been sitting in my office since morning and I can't stand it.
I saw Peppermint press his lips together in a thin line and spat, "Fine. Just don't be gone for too long."
"Thanks. It won't even take a minute." I said smiling as I jogged towards the elevators.
I put my sunglasses on and took a deep breath of the fresh air and let it out in puff. Smiling, I almost skipped down the streets but managed to control myself, I took long strides enjoying a slow walk to my favorite café. Buttercups'. I still had a smile on when I opened the door hearing the usual chime that indicates a customer's arrival when I saw the devil standing at the doorway. Marshall Lee and I stood in our spots gaping at each other.
"I don't see you in 10 years, yet I see you twice in a week? Who should I thank fate or destiny?" he said flashing me his lopsided smile.
It took a while until the warnings bells in my brain went off. What the hell was I thinking? Here I told myself not to go anywhere beside my house and my company to avoid any bumping into Marshall, yet here I am doing the exact opposite! And look where it got me!
"M-Marshall Lee…what a coincidence." I said faking enthusiasm.
"Yo move it dude!" said the guy behind Marshall
"Sorry man." Replied Marshall as he moved to stand beside me allowing the people behind him walk out.
Every hair on my body stood and even though his arm wasn't touching mine it still felt like it was, How in the name of science can I feel his body heat? I yelled inwardly yet managed to keep a stoic expression.
"Marshall, you coming man?"
I looked to see three boys and one girl standing a bit far each holding a drink. I recognized the girl immediately; she was the one who flung herself on Marshall during the party three days ago. What was her name again? Ash? Nash? No it was probably Ash. Well whatever her name was she and those guys seem to be friends with Marshall, which meant that he was busy which also, means that Marshall is bound to leave with them and I'll get the afternoon to myself free of Marshall. I smiled and took a step in towards the café when Marshall spoke tossing his arm around my shoulder pulling me back against his chest,
"Nah, I think I'll stay, got a lot to catch up on with this guy here."
"Whatever. See you later." Said his friend as they turned around and left. The girl, Ash, blew Marshall a kiss before following after them.
I tried prying Marshall's arm from around my neck mainly because I was in an embarrassing position, but when Marshall removed his arm voluntarily and I thought I was free for good I suddenly felt his hands on my back pushing me towards the café.
"I'm not letting you go Gummy. We've got a lot to catch up on." He said as he dragged me all the way to an empty seat.
"Look Marshall I think we have conversed enough at the"-
"Conversed? We didn't talk enough, plus you ran away in the middle of the party. Anyways stay here I'll be right back."
And with that Marshall left me sitting by myself at a table for two. I sighed and took my glasses off; I should've listened to Peppermint! I should've stayed in my company and eaten the cafeteria food.
Dammit!
In a short time Marshall returned and handed me a sandwich and a cup of tea. I stared in disbelief at the food in front of me. Marshall bought me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and iced tea…my favorite. There was no way he still remembered, it must be a fluke! I mean I don't even remember what I had for dinner yesterday! Which, by the way, I do I had Salmon.
"A PBJ sandwich with iced tea, your favorite, unless that changed." He said as he sat opposite of me with an iced cappuccino smiling.
"No. It's not my favorite anymore." I lied yet I picked the slice of sandwich and took a small bite.
"Oh um well, that's a shame." He said propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his hand
The PB&J sandwich didn't last long, in a matter of seconds I devoured it all. I hadn't realized how hungry I was. When I swallowed the last bite I licked the jelly from my fingers and from my lips and took a long sip from my iced tea.
Marshall who was watching me the whole time chuckled and said, "I'm glad that some things didn't change about you."
Feeling myself blush I chugged my drink and avoided eye contact with him. When I noticed my reaction I scowled at myself for acting like a teenager and put my drink down looking back at Marshall.
"Marshall I don't see the need for us to 'catch up on'. There is nothing for us to catch up on, everything ended 10 years ago."
Marshall looked down at the table with a sad smile that tugged at my heart, I almost wanted to take back my words and hug him. Almost. "How do you know it was over? I mean we didn't even try to meet up for the past 10 years."
We didn't even try? Something flashed, a memory, but before I could grab it, it was gone. I shook my head and decided to change the subject. "What brings you back home?"
"I missed you." He suddenly said looking me right in the eye and I could tell he was serious. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at him wide eyed. What is he thinking?
"Marshall wha-"
"Why did you take over that old fart's company?"
"Huh?"
"What happened to living your dream?"
I looked away taking interest at the invisible thread on my cuffs, what am I supposed to tell him? After my uncle's death I was forced to take over seeing as I'm the only eligible family member?
"My dream is long gone. It died like everything else in my life."
"You have the right to refuse to work in that shady business!"
"You don't understand Marshall. I have no say in this. I never did." But it won't be like that for long, no it won't.
Marshall cursed and I noticed his grip on his drink tightened.
Does he still care? No! Gumball! Stop thinking like that! I cleared my throat and asked, "I uh I see you got yourself a nice girlfriend."
He looked at me puzzled so I said, "Ash?" hoping I got the name right.
"Oh, Ashley, no we're just friends. I don't date, haven't since we broke up." He said whispering his last words
I almost choked on my drink when I heard him, there was no way he said what I think he said.
"What about you? Heard you got a hot fiancée, what was her name again Betty?" he said changing the subject
"Brittany." I say bluntly "And it's nothing but a business relationship."
Suddenly my phone buzzed loudly making me jump. Marshall looked at me one of his eyebrows raised.
I pulled my phone out to read a text message from Peppermint saying that I was very late and had piles of papers on my desk that needed to be done immediately. I was gone for merely 30 minutes yet it felt like 5.
"Do you have to go?" asked Marshall
"Yes. I'm quite busy you see." I said slipping my phone back into my pocket. After thanking him for buying me lunch I left my seat and walked out of the café just to be stopped by Marshall again.
He held me from my arm tightly as if fearing I would disappear, "Wait, Gumball. Can I at least have your phone number? I want to be your friend again." He said smiling
For a second I was about to say yes, I was about to accept his offer. But I managed to stop myself in time. As gently as I could I took his hand off of my arm and said, "Look Marshall I'll say it to you again, what happened between us is gone, whatever it is. We should move on and forget we ever knew each other."
With that I turned around without looking at Marshall's face and fast walked back to my company. When I got to my office I found out that Peppermint was not kidding about the pile of paper on my desk, there was at least 3 piles all sitting there quietly waiting for me. I dragged my feet to me desk and sat on my chair.
"You were gone for a really long time. Please don't do that again." Said Peppermint before leaving my office.
I sighed heavily as I grabbed my pink pen and started working; already wishing I could go back to sitting with Marshall. That reminded me, Buttercups' Café, was where I met Marshall for the second time and where we first shared a kiss.
…
[I run. I run as fast as my legs can go. I think my calves are going to fall off. My legs burn and my chest feels tight. I have never run this hard in my life. I turn my head back and make a quick scan for him. I see him. He's far, very far. I think I might be able to out run him. All I have to do is turn right at the next intersection and I'll be, omf-
"Woah! Watch it dude."
I look and realize that I bumped into someone, someone who looks vaguely familiar. Especially that black hair and those red eyes. But I don't have time to chat I had to get away. I look back searching for him my eyes scanning the crowd quickly.
"Gumball? That's you? Wow man I haven't seen you in a month!" says the guy, I briefly turn my head back at him and realize why this dude looked familiar. This was the guy who ruined my last chance to be free that time, what was his name again?
"It's me, Marshall remember?" he reminds me
"Yeah, yeah." I nod scanning the crowd once again; I can't let him ruin my chance of freedom this time. I turn to walk away when I suddenly get pulled back. I look and realize that he's grabbing hold on my arm.
Dammit! Why won't he leave me alone!
"Yo Marshall, what's keeping you?" Marshall and I both look to see his friends waiting for him.
Of course he has friends. Didn't he say he was new in town? For a second I feel a pang of jealousy, this guy just came here last month yet he was able to make friends quiet fast. And me? I've been in this town for 5 years yet I haven't made any friends yet.
"Sorry guys, I can't go anymore." Says Marshall and he wave his friends goodbye before turning to look at me smiling. "Why haven't I seen you since then?" he says to me
I look at him bewildered. Did this guy really think I'd be friends with him? Is he even for real? I turn my head around to scan the crowd of people again and I see him. My butler. I tug at my arm wanting to leave. "Let me go." I say trying to pry his hand off.
"What's wrong?" he asks
He won't understand. I don't have time. I must go now before it's too late! I tug harder and slap at his hand but his grip only got tighter.
"What's the matter, Gumball?" he says a look of concern painting his face.
I ignore him and look back at the crowd. He's closer. In few minutes he'll find me and he'll drag me back. I shake my head and pull at my arm until I think it's going to rip off. Suddenly the guy, Marshall, yanks me hard and pushes me against the wall. I glare at him about to give him a piece of my mind when he suddenly does something that makes me go blank. It happened so fast I didn't have time to react. Marshall pressed his lips against mine, and I couldn't help but think wow his lips are soft.
I probably look like an idiot. Standing there, frozen in my spot, my hands hanging at my side uselessly, while every fiber in my body tries to process What the Hell Was Going On? Out of the corner of my eye I see Peppermint. I breathe in sharply and I guess Marshall notices because next thing I know was his hands are cradling my face gently as he tries to hide my face from the passerby's.
When Peppermint disappears from view Marshall slowly pulls away. "I guess he's gone now." He says as he licks his lips. It takes me awhile until I regain my self-control, and I when I do I push him hard.
"What the hell was that for?" I say
Marshall chuckles and says, "Not going to thank me? I practically just saved your ass."
I step on his foot hard and say, "I didn't need your help!"
"First, ow! Second, you need to calm down because I need to know what the fuck was going on."
He grabs my hand after that and drags me to the nearest café.
"You're not leaving until you tell me everything." He says once we are seated
"Make me." I say when my stomach suddenly growls loudly. A feint blush spreads across my face and I look down at my lap feeling very embarrassed.
Marshall on the other hand laughs at it before saying, "That makes both of us. What do you want? I'll buy it for ya."
"Peanut butter and jelly sandwich." I whisper
"Got it." He says as he walks to order. I look at him and wonder, just who is this guy and what's his deal?
Within a minute he's back placing my order in front of me. I practically inhale my food, I haven't eaten anything since breakfast which was seven hours ago, and this was the best PB&J sandwich I ever had!
"Slow down, Gum. No one is after you or your food!" chuckles Marshall as he chews
I feel embarrassed for my lack of manner, so I try to slow down but I fail miserably. After I finish my sandwich I lick the jelly from my fingers and my lips.
"So, now that your stomach is full are you going tell me what's wrong?" he asks smiling
"I'm running away." I say before I could stop myself
"Why?"
"Why not? I don't want to live with him, my uncle, he's awful and I hate him."
"Hey." He says gently, placing his hand over mine, "it can't be that bad?"
I knew it, this guy wouldn't understand. No one does. Everyone sees my uncle as a great person, but no one knows who he really is. Feeling stupid for opening up to this stranger, I stand up and walk out of the café.
"Hey! Gumball, wait." I hear him as he suddenly grabs hold of my arm again refraining me from running away. "Okay look I'm sorry. So maybe your uncle is horrible and all but have you thought this escape through? Do you know where you will be staying?"
I realize that I haven't thought pass the escaping part. I didn't know where I will be staying I didn't have any money on me. Slowly I shake my head.
"Thought so." He says "Anyways, wanna stay over? I'm sure my mom won't mind, actually she wouldn't care."
"Really?"
"Yup!" he says as he pats his jeans; he curses under his breath and says, "I left my phone inside, wait here. Don't leave!"
I stay and decide that maybe he's not so bad after all. Plus I'm starting to like those red eyes of his and his oddly shaped ears; I mean who has pointy ears anymore?
I smile and think maybe things are finally starting to turn good for me. I shouldn't have thought that because immediately I feel a strong hand on my shoulder. I whip my head and look to see Peppermint standing over me out of breath.
"I thought I saw you standing here. Come on, let's go home. This is the worst attempt of escape I've ever seen."
"No, wait you can't." I start.
Peppermint's nails dig through my skin as he says, "You better keep your voice down, and you don't want this on the papers now do you? You've already caused your uncle a lot of trouble. I don't want to see you attempting anything stupid anymore, you get that?"
"Please Peppermint, hear me out! You can't do this!" I plea
But Peppermint doesn't listen to me; he continues to drag me all the way back to my uncle. And the only thing on my mind is Marshall, and what will he think when he realizes I'm not there anymore.]
A/N: So, apparently I dont know what CEO's do. I'm just improvising here, I know you understand right?