24th April
Marceline floated up to the wall, paint brush in hand. Princess Bubblegum stood next to her, holding the bucket of lilac paint. They were both wearing a set of white overalls and had their hair tied back in ponytails. Marceline dipped the brush into the bucket before leaning up, coating the wall with the lilac paint. Before long both the walls and the monarchs were covered in paint. Marceline wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, leaving a streak of purple paint on her grey skin. A few stray strands of hair had drifted loose from her ponytail and now trailed down over her shoulder. Princess Bubblegum smiled. She liked Marceline like this, her hair, so long and wild, escaping its bindings, free like the Vampire Queen herself. She leaned up, placing his kiss on Marceline's lips. Marceline cupped her face in her hands, smearing purple paint over her cheeks as she returned the kiss.
They then began laying down the deep purple carpet. At Marceline's insistence Princess Bubblegum sat back for much of the process while Marceline knelt at the edge of the carpet, laying down the tacking strips and underpad.
They stopped for a break at midafternoon, leaning back against the now dry walls with grateful sighs.
"What's next?" asked Marceline.
"Next we have to set up the cot," replied Princess Bubblegum, "Then we're pretty much done."
"Good," smiled Marceline, "Looks great so far, doesn't it?" Princess Bubblegum nodded as she took another gulp of tea.
"Yep, we've done a good job," she replied, "And it was really kind of Lady to let us have the pups' old cot."
"And if it can hold five rainicorn-dogs, it can hold two bubblevamps," chuckled Marceline.
A few minutes later they got up and went next door to fetch the cot from their bedroom where it had been leaning against the dresser. It was made of oak wood with wood carvings of oak leaves and acorns on the head and footboards. It took them several minutes and several trips back and forth to the bedroom to fetch all the parts before they could begin assembling it.
Princess Bubblegum knelt down on the floor, screwdriver in hand. She picked up a screw and screwed it into place, joining the two pieces of wood together.
"Damn," Marceline cussed under her breath.
"Something the matter?" asked Princess Bubblegum.
"Can't get these two pieces to go together," muttered Marceline.
"Umm, I think you've got the wrong...," replied Princess Bubblegum, pointing to the instructions.
"No, no, I don't need to see the instructions," said Marceline stubbornly, waving her hand dismissively in the direction of the sheet of paper. Princess Bubblegum smiled to herself. This was a display she'd seen many times. Marceline wouldn't be Marceline if she didn't stubbornly do things her own way without instructions. She returned her attention to the instructions, reading the next stage. She felt Marceline's gaze over her shoulder and she knew Marceline was taking a quick peek without her knowing, or so the Vampire Queen thought.
They lifted the dropside into place, screwing it onto the head and footboards before screwing on the corner posts. Marceline screwed the stabilizer bars into place at the bottom of the cot before lowering the crib spring into place. Princess Bubblegum put in the mattress which was a pale purple, a few shades lighter than the walls. It was decorated with little yellow ducks. Marceline placed a pale yellow blanket down on the mattress. She hung a mobile above the cot while Princess Bubblegum brought in an array of stuffed toys, setting them in a toy box in the corner. Marceline set a nightlight down on the bedside table before turning to the Princess.
"We're done," she smiled.
"I'll go run us a nice hot bath," said Princess Bubblegum as she made her way out of the room and down the corridor to the bathroom. She hummed to herself as she turned on the taps and fetched a few towels out of the airing cupboard. A few minutes later Marceline joined her in the bathroom. They undressed before getting into the bath. Princess Bubblegum sighed, leaning back as the water soothed any aches brought on by the day's work. She sat up quickly as Marceline splashed her playfully, staring an impromptu water fight. She grinned at the Vampire Queen as she sent a cascade of water in her direction.
An hour or so later they got out of the bath and towelled themselves dry before changing into some clean clothes. Steam puffed out of the doorway as they exited the bathroom, making their way down to the kitchens to grab a few snacks.
"How is it going, your majesties?" asked Edith who was busy kneading some dough ready for baking.
"We've just finished the kids' room," smiled Marceline, "Now all that's left to do is wait."
"Ahhh, I remember the day when you both announced to the Kingdom that there was to be two new additions to the family," said Edith, "What a wonderful day that was."
And so it had been. They had made their way down to the dining hall, having invited all the monarchs and dignitaries of the neighbouring kingdoms. It was then that they had made their announcement. As was tradition in the Candy Kingdom, the Princess announced the pregnancy in a quiet manner. It was tradition that the pregnant monarch should drink from a specific cup known as the expectancy cup. It was a richly decorated glass goblet covered in intricate etchings. Parts of the goblet, particularly around the stem, were made from frosted glass and the brim curved outwards slightly.
When the congregation spotted the Princess drinking from the goblet they knew immediately that the Candy Kingdom was to have an heir, or in this case, two. There was much celebration that night. Toasts were drunk to the soon-to-be royal parents and songs of merriment were sung. The celebrations had gone on late into the night until Marceline had finally made herself heard over the babble and announced that she and the Princess were to retire for the night.
Marceline looked into the fire in the grate with a fond faraway look in her eyes as she remembered that night.
"Reminiscing?" inquired Princess Bubblegum. Marceline nodded.
"Me too," said the Princess, resting her head on Marceline's shoulder.
22nd May
Time passed quickly in the Candy Kingdom. The May blossoms flourished and the birds sung as they flew to and fro, fetching food for their young broods. Everywhere there were signs of new life from the tall to the small.
Princess Bubblegum sat in her lab, preparing a science experiment. Science scampered about on the desk, following her instructions with small squeaks of acknowledgment. By now the Princess was finding it difficult to work on her experiments. Her girth was such that she could barely reach the beakers on the desk and several times she had to sit back to catch her breath. Marceline came into the room, carrying a tray on which rested a glass of orange juice and a scone.
"Here you go," she smiled, pecking the Princess on the cheek, "Thought you could do with a little refreshment."
"Thanks Mar," replied Princess Bubblegum, taking a bit of the scone before draining half of the cup.
"How're your experiments coming along?" asked Marceline.
"It's slow work, I'm afraid," conceded the Princess. Marceline watched as the Princess made to pick up the beaker but fell short by a few inches.
"Hey, why don't you leave the experiments for the next while," suggested Marceline, "Dr. Princess did say to take it easy after all."
"But there's so much to do," protested the Princess.
"Yes, but it's more important for you to rest," reasoned Marceline, "They know full well that you're pregnant so they should have some consideration." The Princess looked thoughtful at this.
"Besides," continued Marceline, "Science can take care of things, can't you Science?" Science squeaked, raising his paw in salute. "So, that's that," said Marceline, "You're to rest. Now, it's almost time for dinner. Let's go." Before the Princess could protest she led her out of the room and down towards the dining table.
"You were right, Mar-Mar," smiled Princess Bubblegum as they lay in bed that evening. She was reading a book and she stole an affectionate glance at the Vampire Queen.
"I wonder what our kids will be like," she mused, "I wonder who they'll take after. Y'know, in appearance. Will they have your eyes? And maybe my hair colour?"
Marceline didn't answer and lay back, looking up at the ceiling. She had another question in mind. She wondered if they'd inherit her powers. Would they be able to fly and shapeshift like her? It would certainly make parenting interesting if nothing else. But she knew that whether they had powers or not was have no consequence. The fact that they were hers and Bonnie's was more than enough. She felt a head on her shoulder as arms tugged her closer and the sweet smell of Bubblegum filled her nose. She smiled, tugging the Princess closer.
"Goodnight, Bon-Bon," she murmured.
"Goodnight Mar-Mar," Princess Bubblegum murmured in response.
25th June
It was a warm summer's night and the air in the palace was muggy and stifling.
"Hey, why don't we head out into the courtyard for a bit?" asked Princess Bubblegum.
"Sounds good to me," replied Marceline as she picked up her axe bass. They made their way down to the courtyard. The sunflowers swayed to and fro in the slight breeze, filling the air with the scents of summer. The moon hung in the sky like a pearl and the stars twinkled overhead like little beacons of light. They sat down in the shade of the juniper tree and Marceline balanced her bass on her lap, strumming a few chords. The moon climbed higher in the sky and the clock struck eleven. Princess Bubblegum sighed, leaning back against Marceline as she began to drowse.
Suddenly she sat up as she felt a twinge. At first she thought she had imagined it and she settled back. She looked up at the deep purple sky where a few clouds drifted lazily past.
There it was again, this time she knew she didn't imagine it. She mentally calmed herself. It had been about six minutes since the last twinge. She began to feel a little nervous and her palms began to sweat. There was another one.
"Marceline," she gasped. Marceline looked over at her and her expression immediately turned from one of calm to one of concern when she saw the look on the Princess' face.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I think you'd better call Dr. Princess," gasped Princess Bubblegum as she felt another contraction, "It's started."