Finn was insurmountably conflicted. What did this all mean?
While, she did insist on asking him for a 'date', did that mean she still loved him? He kissed him too, twice now.
Let's just calm down for a second...
'Dates' are different right? Dates are an experimental thing... They're for finding out if someone is right for you, if you have a connection. It's not like it means... What I think it means... Right?
"Finn?"
"Huh? Oh sorry." Finn responded to FP's call.
"Is something wrong?" She asked.
"No. N-Nothing. Just thinking."
If I address it again things are just gonna get awkward...
Just go with the flow man. Finn thought to himself.
That is, 'going with the flow' was proving a difficult task for him at the moment. His hand in hers, walking down the pathway now lit with cieling lanterns from the darkening sky, it was reminicent of their intimacy when they were closer... But now it was without the knowledge that she knew about his feelings, or him about her.
I want to tell you... But I'm scared out of my mind. He thought.
Flame Princess felt asking him about it would be insensitive, as she knew he was trying to sort everything out.
Looking over at her again though, it became clear to Finn. He remembered Jake's previous words of advice.
Gob Finn... What are you doing? You're focusing on the wrong things. Don't let this all take away from why you're here...
From why we're here.
I'm gonna make this the best date of your life.
"Hey FP?"
"Oh! Yes?"
"Let's go have some fun."
Finn took the initiative to guide her along with his hand. Flame Princess was a bit shocked by his sudden swing of mood, and was unsure where he was taking them, but she happily followed along.
They were once again amazed by the number of street performers that littered the paths. On one occasion they encountered someone playing plastic pipes, each with different lengths and creating different tones of sound.
FP insisted again on grabbing some cotton candy, she could almost say she was obsessed with it.
The first scheduled festivity they stopped at was an archery contest. There were five games; Eight guests would try to hit a target three times, and their scores would be compounded and compared against each other. FP and Finn arrived as the third game began to start.
Peppermint Butler was hosting the event, standing in a booth with a microphone.
"Contestants! Please make your way to your assigned position!" He shouted.
Finn and FP approached the fence, watching as some already registered guests made their way to the line.
Finn half expected to see Huntress Wizard, this basically had her all over it, but she never showed up.
Finn was more surprised though, to see that of Gravy, who was making his way to the seventh position. Same getup he's always seen him in, mask and all. The crowd surrounding them could be heard muttering to themselves. FP became curious herself.
"Who's that?" FP asked. Finn leaned over to whisper.
"Gravy."
"What? He owns this place?"
"Yeah, that's him. Not everyday he decides to go out in public though, he's kind of a hermit." He said.
Flame Princess now understood why the crowd was acting strange. The eighth spot was empty however, nobody approached it. Peppermint Butler took notice with minor confusion.
"Contestant eight?" He asked, but nobody came. Another candy person, a truffle, approached him and whispered in his ear. Listening intently, he nodded.
"It seems our eighth contestant is unable to participate at this time. Would anyone like to volunteer?" Peppermint asked.
Multiple people raised their hands, meanwhile Finn was leaning up against the fence, eyeing Gravy.
What are you up to... You old geezer... He thought.
"Please welcome the Princess of the Fire Kingdom as our eighth participant!" Peppermint said. The crowd cheered, and Finn was immediately caught out of his trance.
"WHAT!?" Finn shouted.
He looked to his left, Flame Princess wasn't there. He looked frantically around and realized she was making her way onto the firing range.
With the biggest smirk he had ever seen sprawled across her face, she flashed a wink at him. Finn couldn't help but blush, and unknown to him, FP enjoyed his reaction.
The same candy staff that addressed Peppermint Butler rushed down the line to give FP her bow, and some archery gloves.
"They're fireproof." The truffle said.
"Thank you." FP responded. She took her mitts off and put on the other gloves, and took hold of her bow. She drew it a couple times to get a feel for it.
Gravy took notice.
"Well you don't see that everyday." He said, and FP raised an eyebrow.
"See what?" She asked.
"Someone who knows how to draw a bow."
Flame Princess cleared her throat.
"Is that a challenge?" She asked.
"I guess we'll see, won't we." Gravy replied.
Peppermint announced each archer to fire their first shot sequentially; first, second, third, fourth, and so on.
None of the contestants managed to hit a bulls eye so far, either getting luckily close or hitting way off mark.
Gravy was next.
He drew his bow extremely quick, and fired a half second later.
The arrow landed dead center in the target, and Flame Princess, along with everyone else watching went silent.
It was so fast, she almost didn't have time to process it. Even more amazing was how he was able to hit the target with such accuracy.
"G-Gravy hits the bulls eye! Dead in the middle! Ten points!" Peppermint said. The crowd eventually cheered for his skill, Finn less so.
He was impressed, sure, but he was more interested in how FP would fair. He had never seen her use a bow before.
"Contestant eight! Fire when ready!" Pepbut said.
FP shook herself out of her trance, and focused on the target.
She grabbed the arrow, drew her bow, exhaled, and let it lose.
FP hit her mark exactly, hitting the bulls eye.
The crowd were too, impressed, applauding her. Finn was the most ecstatic, he clapped and cheered her on more than anyone else.
"Bulls eye! Ten points for Flame Princess!" Peppermint said.
"How's that for a challenge?" FP asked Gravy.
"Hm, impressive, I can't deny you have experience.
But we'll see how far it gets you."
FP huffed, and crossed her arms. Her frustrations were immediately dismissed though when she looked back at Finn, who she caught staring dazily at her before he quickly turned away.
Keep watching...
The first six guests shot once more; number four, being a young slime person, managed to hit a bulls eye. It was clear he was surprised himself, and the audience applauded. Most were focused on the two at the end of the line, and if they could repeat themselves.
Gravy was up, and drew his bow almost faster than the shot before, hitting the center of the target once again.
The audience cheered, and FP became increasingly nervous.
Where did he learn to shoot like that...
"Your turn, your majesty." He said.
Your majesty? I'll show you...
FP pulled back her bow, taking aim.
The crowd grew dead quiet, allowing her to concentrate.
Letting the string lose, everyone gasped. When it struck the target, she was met with applause once again, hitting the center a second time.
"Ten points!" Peppermint said.
"Ah, a second time. Not bad at all." Gravy said. FP didn't respond this time.
"Well what did you expect?" FP responded.
The third round came, and everyone took their shots. Admittedly though, the rest of the participants were more interested in their two overqualified opponents.
"Number seven! It's Gravy's turn!" Peppermint announced.
The next sound that was heard was the arrow striking hay. He was too fast for the audience to even notice.
The audience cheered, prematurely however, as Gravy failed to hit the bulls eye. Just shy of the center, his arrow barely struck the next zone over.
"...What?" He muttered.
"Oh my! Eight points for Gravy! Flame Princess is up next. If she achieves another perfect shot, she will win the game!"
She then turned back to the target.
Come on FP... Finn thought.
Drawing her bow, she let in some air, then exhaled, letting the arrow lose.
She feared she wouldn't be able to keep the streak going for a third time, but the arrow struck the center, just like the last two.
"Flame Princess takes the game with thirty points!"
Finn stuck out like a sore thumb with his cheering. He was waving his arms, screaming, complimenting, everything. She may have gotten recognition from everyone, but impressing him was the only thing she cared about.
Then she looked back to Gravy, who was still in shock that he missed.
But eventually, he shrugged.
"Guess I'm just getting old..." He said.
"Hey old man." FP said, Gravy turned toward her. She reached out her fist for him to bump it.
"We gave a good show." She asked.
Gravy set down his bow, and bumped her fist in return.
"Yes, I guess we did..." He said. FP nodded in response.
Everyone who participated began to make their exit out of the range. Upon seeing her, Finn rushed forward and hugged her, laughing joyously.
"Whoa whoa!"
"Flame Princess that was amazing! You're amazing!"
"Finn I'm burning you!"
Finn did have to let her go rather quickly, and he went back to holding her hands. FP didn't forget to grab the mits before she left.
"Like I care! You were totally awesome!" He said.
"Jeez come on- it was just a little-"
"I could kiss you right now!"
"R-Really!?"
"..."
"..."
"Uh... You know, like..." Finn struggled to say.
"...Here."
She motioned to a spot on her cheek. Finn hesitated doing so for a moment, but eventually racked up the courage.
He approached fast, made a light peck, then went back.
FP smiled at him for a time, and so did he. Their reunion was cut short when Gravy came out behind her.
"Well look who it is." Finn said.
"Yeah yeah, laugh it up." Gravy said.
"Dude what are you doing? I took you for an introvert." Finn joked.
"Well, if you're gonna set up your little playground on my turf, I'd might as well get in on a little of the fun. Especially if it's something I know."
Finn crossed his arms.
"How did you learn to shoot like that?" He asked.
"Yeah, I've never seen speed like that before, even from my most experienced archers." FP added.
"Oh, it was a family thing. Tradition." Gravy said.
"I see..." FP responded.
"Ahem... well it was fun, but I'm still old. Gotta rest these old man bones." He said.
"Take it easy man." Finn said. Gravy began making his way back to his little lodge.
Finn felt FP take his hand again.
"So... What should we do now?" She asked.
"Why don't you choose this time?" Finn insisted, and FP giggled in response.
"You may have chose the contest but I basically had all the fun."
"Not all of it. I had a lot of fun watching you."
"...You did?"
"Yeah! Really, you choose. Here."
Finn took the map out of his pocket and handed it to her.
"If you insist... Okay." She said. FP took the map and opened it.
There were a number of things available to do on the schedule, and FP looked on with curiosity.
"Actually, I'd like to go see some more street performers. Where do you think most of them are?" She asked.
"Here, let me see." Finn said, and FP made room for Finn to look.
"Probs where most of the shops are. I'm guessing they'll be in the west district." Finn said.
"Can we head over there?" FP asked.
"Of course, whatever you want." Finn confirmed.
FP handed Finn the map back and he put it away. She then reached out her hand, and Finn gladly took it in his.
As they made their way to the district, Finn couldn't help but admire the beauty of the cave once more. There were lanterns marking the paths, and the sun was setting at about this time. The sunlight that made its way into the cave created a warm orange hue throughout it, and it looked mesmerizing. The path they took was mostly empty save for a few wanderers and some people simply laying down in the grass, reflecting on the location.
"It's beautiful." FP said.
"I was thinking the same thing...
So, I know where Gravy learned to shoot but... Since when have you been so good with a bow? I've never seen you use one." Finn asked. Flame Princess giggled, as if remembering a past experience.
"I actually picked it up from Torcho. Saw him training our soldiers one day... I blame myself for saying 'bah, that looks easy, anyone can do that', I mean how much different could it be from shooting fireballs? ...So he made me do it, in the courtyard, in front of half our archers. It was embarrassing."
Finn hissed in imaginary pain.
"...Ouch."
"But it sort of made me appreciate them more, being able to hone a skill like that. I wanted to show them I was able to do it too, so I practiced, and practiced... And practiced.
Torcho caught on to my little plan, but he offered to help me out. We made a mutual agreement not to tell anyone, and that he would also act like he didn't know when I decided to show off.
The looks on their faces were priceless." She said with a mischievous grin.
"Hahahaha, that's awesome. You know, Huntress Wizard is a pretty good shot too. Maybe you two could go at it some time."
Flame Princess' thoughts then wandered to that of the forest guardian...
"Have you heard any word back from her?" FP asked. Finn sighed.
"No, but I'm pretty sure she's taking care. I never hear from her anyways, it's just how she is."
"Right then..."
The sound of drums became more prevalent as they approached the west district, so did the abundance of booths and guests. Soon other instruments could be heard, and eventually they started to see more performers across the paths.
They walked around admiring their creative acts. Finn enjoyed seeing what kind of gigs they came up with, and he was happy FP was intrigued as well.
Eventually they came across a fairly wide open field. Finn was surprised to see some of the house people made it to the festival, and they were playing string instruments creating very pleasing and comforting music. Many of the guests were picnicking in the open area, and suddenly, Finn's heart stopped.
This... This is it...
Little known to him, FP's did as well.
This is your chance.
""Hey you wanna-""
They both said in unison.
"S-Sorry." Finn said.
"No no it's fine, I was just gonna suggest we grab a blanket?" FP asked.
"Uh- T-That sounds like a great idea!" Finn said.
There was a booth handing them out for such an occasion, and they were complimentary. Finn took one, but FP stopped him.
"...Two." She said.
"Hm? We only need one."
"Dang it Finn just get two."
"O-Okay."
He grabbed two blankets, now they needed to find a spot. Finn insisted FP choose, and she led them towards the outer area.
"Here good?" FP asked.
"Yeah, it's... Perfect." Finn replied.
He laid the blanket down, and sat on it. He was still curious as to why FP had another one, she was still standing with it in her hands while looking fairly conflicted.
"Um..." Finn said.
"Here." Flame Princess sat on the blanket and crisscrossed her legs. She took the other, unfolded it a bit, and set it on her lap.
Finn was confused as to what she was planning, until she saw her pat the blanket with her hands.
"Are you...?" Finn muttered.
"Gob Finn just... Come on." She said, patting the blanket again.
Finn hesitantly moved over and lied down, resting his head on her lap.
FP didn't really know how to continue after that. Luckily, Finn took the initiative.
"This is really nice." He said.
"You think so?" FP asked.
"It's... Warm, and comfy."
Just shut up and get to the point man.
"So... Flame Princess. I've been meaning to tell you something. I've wanted to for a long time now. But... I don't really know if it's right for me to say."
FP looked down at him with wonder.
"I don't really know how you'll react... But I just want to get it off my chest." Finn said.
Flame Princess brushed Finn's hair back ever so carefully.
"The thing is... I have something to say too, a lot like what you're talking about." FP said.
They both went silent for a moment.
The violinists filled the air with their soothing sound.
To make it even more fitting, the ground began to light up with bright green lights. It had gotten darker out, and the prevalence of their glow became even greater.
Then they took to the air slowly, they were fireflies.
Finn didn't want to address it, rather, he just wanted it to attribute to the importance of what he was about to say.
Flame Princess thought the same.
"Would you like to go first?" Finn asked. FP shook her head.
"You." She simply said.
Finn nodded, and took a deep breath.
"Flame Princess... I know what happened... Happened... But, I never wanted to forget. I couldn't. I tried, but... You were just so special to me. You filled me with so much joy and happiness... I could never let those feelings go. I remember every burn, every hug, every kiss.
I can't stop thinking about you. It's... Because I..."
Finn looked up to her. Her eyes were glimmering, her hair was twirling. Looking at her right then and there, it gave him the courage. Because this was why.
"I love you. From the bottom of my heart. You're my princess, you're my flame.
You're my everything."
The next thing Finn felt wasn't gratification. It wasn't depression. It wasn't sadness.
It was pain. A small drop of lava fell on his cheek, and he quickly jumped up from the burn.
"Yowyowyow!" He yelled, waving his hands on his cheek to try and cool the point of contact.
When it stopped, and he turned back around, Flame Princess was in a state of utter shock. She looked at him wide eyed, with tears running down her cheeks.
But then it turned into one of sadness, as her eyes slimmed, and she looked down.
"...Why?"
"...What?" Finn asked. FP looked at the burn mark from her tear, and it also lead to her eyeing his arms, blistered from the hug he gave her. Then the other burn on his cheek from her lips.
"All this time... I've caused you pain. Pain... Every time we get close. How can you still love someone... Who hurts to touch?"
Flame Princess looked down, but Finn closed the distance between them. He slowly slipped one of the mitts off her left hand.
He then put it on, and used it to raise her head up to face him, holding her by the cheek.
"You're not wrong. It does hurt... I want to act like it doesn't, but it's the truth..."
FP brought her left hand up to grasp Finn's touching her cheek.
"But it's who you are, and I love who you are. I told you I would defy nature for you, and I will. A thousand times over."
"Finn..."
She took his covered palm and brought it down. She then took her other, and held Finn's with both her hands.
"I've never felt the same since then... Every day... It was like something was missing. When you came back... When we raided that dungeon together, when we hung out in the forest...
When you took me here, I've never felt fuller.
That something was you Finn.
I love you. I love you so much."
They both smiled gleefully. They were both ecstatic, full of insurmountable joy.
"I... I know I'm really busy now. I won't be able to see you as often..."
"It's okay. I'm willing to wait, I want to wait. If I'm waiting for you, it's all worth it."
Flame Princess took the blanket off of her lap, unfolded it quickly, then flung it around Finn. It surprised him, but realized it was just to make way for the loving hug she offered. Holding him tight, she nuzzled her head into his chest.
"I love you Finn."
"I love you FP."
So I wanted to thank everyone for the support. Didn't really expect this story to gain traction at all really but it's seriously awesome you're all enjoying it. I'll try to keep at it; keep me posted on errors.