; Another epic fakeout. The story doesn't say, 'Completed', for a reason. The story must go on, but there could still be a sad ending.

'One last try.', Marceline decided.

With nothing left to lose, she exhaled into Bonnibels mouth, the umpteenth time rolling in lts grave. Aghast, the effort was still in vain. Still, Marceline never broke the kiss. And then when she least expected lt, Marceline noticed a slight change. There was vibration. Bonnibels heart began beating again. And even more shocking, Bonnibel was kissing back, now breathing heavily. Marceline didn't dare stop & was too' afraid to celebrate early. They remained this way for awhile, horror & loss shifting into pure content. All good things eventually come to an end. Afterward, they stood up from the ground, never breaking their gazes. There were questions that needed answers.

Around them the air was calm & unassuming, the evening sky adorned with the occasional cirrus cloud. Kingu was a nice, visible crescent in the deep void of the far-reaching black sky. The street lights gleamed their iridescent orange at the inanimate vicinity, as the occasional passing car would contribute a pleasant ambience to the milieu. Waverring streaks of stray light reflected off of lonely parked cars & old windows out at the atmosphere. The night carried an unforgettable aura, such that one might imagine experiencing on their ascent to Heaven. The magic of lt all distracted the girls from each other, just long enough to absorb lts majesty. Blissful silence led the girls to take the time to appreciate Bonnibel still living. The thought of this reminded Marceline of just how confused she was about these unfolded events.

"I thought you...".
"Marcy, you never let me finish.", Bonni said disappointedly. "I was going to say, 'Sorry, Marceline. I made you wait because I have a bad heart.'. When you told me you love me, I got really excited. My heart was beating too' fast & I was seeing stars. I had to calm down. I could feel the whole world slipping away from me, almost like realizing you're falling asleep. Nonetheless, I remember everything you said.", she rejoiced. "Ofcourse the fortune cookies were right, because I love you too'.".

She kissed Marceline again, like a Medieval maiden. Something Marceline could never grow tired of.

"And I will be your girlfriend.".

They held hands while looking at each other lovingly. But Marceline recalled that tidbit & had to know.

"Bad heart? What's wrong with your heart?", she got worried again.

Bonnie sighed, sadness filling the spaces where the happiness was.

"The doctors said that I have a hole in my heart. I'm not exactly sure how or why, but I do know that I only have one week left to live. I nearly didn't even have that".

Marceline gasped concernedly, a mix of emotions so potent that lt could have lts own secret formula rising to the surface.

"You never told me that before. How can you act so happy & nonchalant when you're going to die?", Marceline nearly appearred angry.
"I just don't want to be reminded. Every time I remember, everything just goes dark.", Bonnibel looked terrified momentarily, but recomposed herself. She continued, "My imagination makes lt much worse. And then I get terrified out of my mind. And then things get very numb & hazy. It's no way to live.".

She was already tearing up from explaining, while Marceline listened to her as though she was explaining the universe.

"I don't want to be sad. I don't want to feel sorry for myself. I'd much rather enjoy this ride to the end to the end & spend my last moments happy, with you.".

Marceline smiled. It was not the deep, victorious kind, but the subtle, fulfilled one.

"And you will.", Marceline determined. "We're going to do everything in the book. You're going to have the greatest final week a person can have.".
"Thank you, Marceline.", Bonnibel hugged her closely.
"I'm going to give you the world while lt lasts", Marcy said softly.

That's just what she did.