There were a few things that Bonnie had learned about Marceline in the three days since their intimate encounter in the caves.

Firstly, she was a massive blanket hog. If it were summer, it wouldn't have mattered so much, but it was February and the weather was barely creeping above freezing. At least twice each night, Bonnie would wake up shivering to find Marceline wrapped in a burrito unconsciously constructed out of two thick comforters.

Twice each night she'd shake Marceline roughly to wake her, and twice each night, Marceline would grumble something and refuse to wake up. Unfortunately for her, Bonnie was nothing if not persistent, and so every time she eventually won back at least one blanket, usually coupled with Marceline mumbling something about her being a "fuckin' homophobe", whatever that meant.

Secondly, Marceline was the most cuddly person anyone had ever met. On the surface she didn't seem the type- she had such a classic cool attitude. Bonnie had known already that the cool exterior was mostly fake, but she hadn't realized just how affectionate her roommate- her girlfriend – could be. While they were in the cabin, they made a habit of watching an old horror movie after they'd finished exploring for the day and the sun had set. Marceline proved quickly that she had no shame in displaying affection in front of her family, as she cuddled up to and nuzzled Bonnie's neck. Hell, she seemed to like getting comfortable in Bonnie's lap, even. In front of her family! The thought would never have even occurred to Bonnie in front of her own family.

Then again, her family wouldn't have been nearly as supportive.

That was the third thing Bonnie learned- Marceline's family was disgustingly sweet and supportive of them, though not without their light teasing. Even the sweetest family members tease you when you're caught kissing in a cave, she supposed. Simon did nothing but gush over Bonnie and how apparently cool and smart and 'neat-o' she was. She wasn't sure how to handle it, if she was being honest.

On the final night before their departure home, Bonnie awoke cold once again. She sighed and rolled over to wake Marceline, to find her once again wrapped tightly in blankets. Her resolve to wake her faltered when she saw her face. She looked so at ease, though maybe that was universal when one was asleep. Her mouth slightly open, probably dreaming of something she'd forget immediately once she woke up. With a sigh, Bonnie gently kissed her forehead and flopped onto her back before picking her phone up off the nightstand.

It was six thirty. They'd have to get up in an hour anyway.

Bonnie kicked her feet lightly. It was possible Lady was awake. She was an early riser, much to Jake's chagrin. She unlocked her phone and typed out a text message. Her belly churned as she read it over.

Bonnie: hey so, I might have a girlfriend. You can probably guess who

After much deliberation, Bonnie added a peace sign emoticon at the end. Perfect, she had truly mastered text messaging protocol.

She hit send and awaited a screeching reply.

It came in thirty seconds.

Lady: AAAAAAAAAAAH

Lady: OH MY GOD

Lady: WHEN

Bonnie smiled up at her phone, her belly knotting with a familiar excitement as she typed out a reply and sending it.

Bonnie: a few days ago. Sorry for not telling you

Lady: What?

Lady: Oh my god

Lady: Rude? But congrats oh my god is she a good kisser sober?

Lady: Nevermind. I'm making a reservation for laser tag tomorrow, and you're coming.

Bonnie sighed. She knew there was no arguing with Lady when she made up her mind like this. She was stubborn that way, and if she wanted a double date of sorts, that's what she was going to get.

Bonnie: Fiiiine.

She turned her phone face-down on the bedside table and began to tap Marceline's nearest cheek repeatedly. Marceline groaned and swatted her away. With a sly grin Bonnie clambered on top of her and began to trail soft kisses up her neck and along her jawline.

Eventually, Marceline let out a soft sigh and rolled over, kissing her back in turn, "Whaddup? Is it time to go already?"

Bonnie kissed her again, "No, but you woke me up again. We're gonna have to work on that. Anyway though, how do you feel about laser tag?"

Packing was the worst part, but that didn't stop Marceline from waiting until the last minute to do it. Every single time. Bonnie paced anxiously as Marceline checked over her items once again. Seven sets of clothes were lined neatly in her bag- more neatly than usually, thanks to Bonnie. What else was there?

3DS? Check.

Toothbrush, tooth paste, travel shampoo? Check.

Antidepressants, Blockers, Estrogen? Uh, no.

"Hey, Bon, can you get my-" she paused. Estrogen. She glanced up at Bonnie, who stared at her expectantly. She wasn't ready for that conversation yet. Soon, but not yet.

"Nevermind, I'll get it," Marceline was up and out of the room before Bonnie could stop her. She grabbed the small orange containers off the counter and shoved them into the front pocket of her suitcase, "Okay, now I'm ready."

Bonnie eyed her questioningly, but luckily said nothing. They were in a rush, not that it actually mattered that much. If they missed their flight they could bum around in the airport for a few hours until the next flight, but she knew Bonnie wouldn't be pleased with that idea. She liked to be on schedule.

The group was silent on the drive to the airport. Simon always grew silent when it was time to say goodbye, and Betty wasn't one to force conversation. For the most part, though, it wasn't uncomfortable. Bonnie sat beside her and lay her head on her shoulder, but it didn't bring as much comfort as it had the previous days. The thought of her medication lingered in her mind.

Her gender had never mattered in their relationship previously- it didn't matter if your roommate was trans or not. Well, it could, if the person was enough of a jerk, but it wasn't something she felt the need to bring up. As a romantic partner though? Well, she didn't want to wait until they got any closer.

She clenched her fist. If Bonnie noticed, she didn't say anything.

Laser tag wasn't something Marceline had any experience with, and by the way that Bonnie spoke vaguely about it, she assumed the same could be said about her. However, Bonnie seemed convinced that there was no getting out of the occasion, and Marceline wasn't about to argue with that. She was sure it would be fun anyway, in spite of the anxieties that were continuing to weigh down on her, even the day after their arrival back home.

They took the bus with Lady and Prismo- Jake had unfortunately come down with the flu and couldn't make it, but Lady was chipper nonetheless, stating that Jake had a competitive streak and would have made the teams uneven anyway.

It was a long bus ride- about a half hour, which was longer than she cared to be in any smelly, over crowded vehicle, but at least she had her arm wrapped comfortably around Bonnie and could feel her girlfriend's hair tickling her neck as she leaned on her shoulder. It was a small comfort. One that she hoped she wouldn't miss after tonight. She swallowed hard and forced the negative thoughts out of her mind. That would come later. For now, it was time to focus on kicking butt at laser tag.

The building in question looked like it had been designed by the fourteen year old sister of whoever invented Hot Topic. Not that she knew if he had a sister. The information on him was limited, as she'd learned from a curious Google search one day. There was next to no information on the guy, and that seemed fitting enough for the person who founded Hot Topic.

What she wanted to express was it was a black building with obnoxious neon lettering plastered in the windows and on the entryway sign, in a font she wouldn't touch if she was above the age of fourteen.

The inside was just as much an eye sore. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but it wasn't this. Bonnie giggled as she squinted against the black contrasted with neon greens and pinks. In the background was bizarre, alien sounding ambient noises, featuring warping sounds and what she assumed were meant to be laser guns. Even the employee who waited for them at the front counter matched the decor. She wore all black aside from a belt, which was neon green. Her hair, too, was a short, bright green undercut. She didn't even know they made dye that colour.

Lady took the initiative to request service at the counter as Marceline continued to marvel at her surroundings.

Before she knew what was happening, she was being herded further into the maze of darkness and fitted with a black vest which featured neon lights, and handed a gun-like object.

"Okay," Lady said, smiling widely, "the objective is to not let Prismo and I kick your sorry butts every time. It's no fun if you guys are big pushovers," he grabbed Prismo's hand and began walking away, "see you in a bit," she added as she rounded a corner.

A moment later, Lady popped back around the corner, "But you won't see me."

She disappeared again, before reappearing a moment later, "Because I'm better than you, okay, bye."

Bonnie rolled her eyes and tugged Marceline deep into the maze they'd found herself in. Bonnie dragged her around multiple corners, and Marceline didn't offer any resistance to that. She could barely see in this damned place, never mind navigate.

After Bonnie determined that they'd moved far enough, she crouched down in a corner, urging Marceline to do the same.

"Okay, so, here's the plan," Bonnie said, her face close to her own and eyes glimmering with intensity, "Follow my lead and stay close to the walls," she gestured upwards, "they have the experience, but those dorks are so tall we can probably see the tops of their heads over these walls, got it?"

"Uh, yeah, and Bon-" she was cut off as Bonnie pulled her into a kiss. Marceline stiffened in surprise for a moment before leaning in.

"Sorry," she said, "I always wanna kiss you when you're that close."

Marceline blinked, "Sure, so, after this can we-"

"Hey, lovebirds," Lady's voice cracked as she rolled- literally, rolled, into view. Bonnie shoved Marceline to the side as Lady readied her gun.

"Move it," Bonnie gasped and bolted around the corner.

"-Talk," Marceline sighed, and followed after.

Marceline trembled the whole ride back. She blamed it on the cold when questioned about it. Laser tag had gone well, and for a few hours, she'd been able to forget her worries, but as she exited the building, they came back in full force.

Bonnie held her hand the ride home, occasionally offering a reassuring squeeze which only served to tighten the knot in Marceline's chest. She had to do this- she knew it was a necessary part in any relationship she entered, but it was also probably the scariest.

Ash had been, well, she supposed "okay" with it wasn't exactly accurate. He often acted like he was entitled to her simply because he dated her in spite of who she was.

He made it seem like he should be grateful for him, even if he was a disgusting sleezeball.

As she gazed at Bonnie, her hair almost touching her shoulder now as she complained about how badly she needed a hair cut, she desperately hoped it wouldn't be the case.

She'd waited so long to kiss this girl- she didn't want to ruin it with something she couldn't change about herself. Lady had reassured her it would be fine, but regardless doubt lingered in her mind, present and suffocating as it held her.

When they got off the bus Bonnie glanced at her and her eyes grew round with concern.

"Marceline, are you crying?"

Marceline blinked away the tears that were welling in her eyes, "I-it's just the cold air, ha, I guess I'm not good with the cold. Weird, right?"

Bonnie furrowed her brow and stepped closer, her eyes gentle, "Marceline, is there something you want to talk about?"

Marceline stared at her, mouth slightly open. Snow had begun to fall around them, and it rested gently atop Bonnie's pink hair. She was so, so gorgeous. The way her hair gently curled as it grew out. Her soft, round face. She couldn't stand the thought of losing her.

Marceline swallowed hard before forcing the words out of her mouth, "Bonnie, I'm trans."

Bonnie was silent for a moment, her eyes flickering with something unrecognizable. Then, she placed a hand on Marceline's cheek and lay a soft kiss on her lips, only for a moment.

"I love you, Marceline."

Marceline's chest twisted, this time with joy, and tears returned to her eyes, "You do?"

Bonnie smiled and kissed her again, "Of course."

Marceline croaked out a sob and pulled her into a tight embrace, "Thank you Bonnie."

Bonnie laughed- a tender, loving sound, "You actually kind of told me once. You were drunk."

Marceline pulled back, once again wiping tears from her eyes, "What?"

Bonnie smiled, avoiding eye contact, "Well, you mentioned how you needed to take your pills, and you said something like they made your boobs good?" she shrugged, "Lady used to call her hormones booby pills. I just kinda figured."

Marceline laughed genuinely and loudly now, grasping her knee with one hand, "Wow, did I really say that?"

"Uh, yeah, you we're pretty out there that night."

Marceline straightened up again and pulled Bonnie into another hug. She felt the other girl's arms wrap around her and squeeze tightly as the snow began to fall thicker around them. She pulled away just enough to face Bonnie, her own nose touching hers, "I love you," she whispered, and pulled her into a kiss, longer this time.

Bonnie was warm against the cold around them. She felt her hands move into Marceline's hair as they deepened the kiss, and then her teeth brush teasingly against her lower lip. With a soft sigh, they broke apart, both smiling tenderly.

"Let's get home," Marceline whispered, her voice echoing with joy.

Author's Note: I really wanted this fic to encompass the entire first year of their university life, and that would mean the start of their relationship, too.

I've dated two people, and for me, I love yous always came quickly. I'm very liberal with who I say I love you too- I say it to my friends regularly, and so saying it to my gf has never been a big deal to me.

I worried a lot when writing this chapter that it might be a let down after the sort-of climax of last chapter, but I hope this fic continues to be enjoyable.