Monday, March 6th

The restaurant was a hive of activity. Light chatter and the clinking of silverware duly reverberating through the dimly lit room. The soft light casting ever present shadows, though hard to see.

Hutson was dressed to the nines, coming just after he had gotten out of a meeting with a new business partner. Though he should have celebrated with the rest of his firm, he decided not to post pone this dinner any longer.

He glanced down at his watch and tapped on the cloth of the table nervously. It was so unlike him to feel so worried. Then again, this was about his children. It was impossible to act like they were a piece of his business.

He pouted in thought. How would this conversation go? Simon is too unsystematic in conversation to know or plan what he would say. Unlike most people he worked with, Simon was honest and that's all he could really ask for.

Just then, he was greeted with the kind smile of the man he was waiting to meet. As always, he was wearing his grey suit. How characteristic.

"Sorry," He exclaimed. "I was caught up in mountains of paperwork."

Hutson allowed a small smile. "I completely relate. I'm glad you found time in your busy schedule to visit with me."

"Well," Simon breathed, adjusting to the seat. "I can't say no to such an old friend."

The waitress appeared, giving her greeting and began asking what their order was. They both agreed on the same red wine that they always asked for when they met. This restaurant brought back too many memories to count. After all, this is where Hutson proposed to his wife before everything happened.

"Simon," He sighed, looking down at his hands that were clasped together in front of him. "I asked you to meet me here so I may ask of my children."

Simon gave a nod. "As I presumed. Isn't that why you usually call me?"

As much as he didn't want to admit it, what Simon said was true, and it stung.

"I hope that's not how you see me." Hutson let out a breath. "Marceline, much to my frustration, rejects my offer every time I bring it up to her. I know that Marshal struggles with schooling, but I wondered...Is he capable of taking on the responsibility instead? Do you honestly think he's worth the investment?"

Simon gave a nod, the corner of his mouth pulling upward. "Yes I do. As much as he wants to major in philosophy, and as good as he is in it, I still believe he would very much like you to ask him."

The waitress approached and started to pour the wine in their glasses, setting the bottle of wine down on the table when she was finished. "Are you ready to order?" She asked politely, taking out her pen and paper.

"Ah, yes. Filet minion medium well, and a side salad. House dressing is fine." Hutson said, hardly looking at the waitress and handing over his menu without having to look at the contents inside.

She gave a nod before looking at Simon, waiting for him to order as well. Simon however did look at her, giving his usual smile. "I'll have the same but with chicken and gnocchi."

"It'll be out soon for you." She claimed before walking toward the kitchen.

Simon let the smile fade as he placed his napkin on his lap. "I've seen him mature quite a bit this last semester before he finally settled down with Garrison. His grades have also improved since then. He's spectacular at time management and has your mind for business, Hutson."

Hutson nodded, taking a sip of wine. "I'm sorry for my rash behavior all those months back. I've lost my patients."

"It's fine, old friend. You know, they're both in same sex relationships."

Hutson clasped his hands together in front of him. "I knew of Marshal and Garrison and approve of the relationshi[." He said in a low husky voice. "I saw that coming from a mile away. It really wasn't hard to see." Hutson admitted with a chuckle. "But I never knew if Marceline would get into another relationship after Ash." He took another drink before asking. "What is she like?"

"Bonnibel? She's a genius and one of the kindest people you'll meet. She's studying epidemiology."

"I see."

"She's very formal and comes from a wealthy family."

Hutson waved a hand. "I'm not worried about her family's wealth. I want to know if she makes my daughter happy, Simon."

"So much so that they moved into a rental house at the beginning of the year."

Hutson's mouth creased into a large smile. "What do you think of her, honestly?"

Simon took a sip of wine. "The first time I had ever met her, Marceline barged into my building, yelling at my assistant to move her out of the Sorority." Simon chuckled. "When I arrived they were bickering like a married couple. That's when I knew."

"Should I expect to make arrangements anytime soon?"

Simon shook his head. "I don't think Marceline will ask for another year or so."

Hutson sighed. "But if she's the one for her-"

"Then it'll happen when it does." Simon interrupted, cocking his head to the side. "For now, we have to let them figure it out for themselves."

"When can I meet her?" Hutson asked suddenly.

Simon wasn't sure how to respond. "That's up to Marceline. You should contact her yourself."

Hutson only nodded. "If she'll even respond, Simon."

"You both are so hard headed. And as much as Marceline would disagree, you two are very similar in a lot of different ways. I think it's time you should both make amends and move forward. Don't you think?"

Hutson gave a solemn nod, taking in the last of what was in his wine glass. "Simon," He looked up at his friend, something in his eyes showing something close to passion. "I will do whatever I can to make this right. I did wrong. I've known that for a long time. But I want my children back."

"They're not children, but I understand your meaning. Just don't treat them like children any longer. They're 21."

Hutson nodded again.

"Please tell me about them."

Simon smiled and proceeded to do so over more wine and a classy atmosphere.


Tuesday, March 14th

It was becoming late, the sun retreating to it's home beyond the horizon. Yet for the group, the night was only beginning.

"Okay, next up," Jake noted, taking out a sheet of paper from his pocket and unfolding it to check off the next item. "We have the underground concert at 9."

Finn stuffed the rest of his burger into his mouth, struggling to chew it and giving a pain ridden smile as he finished. "We're going to a rave?" His smile widened as Jake shushed him.

"Keep it down man." His brother whispered, looking around, suspicious as hell.

Rain rolled her eyes, wrapping an arm around Jake lovingly. "It's not that big of a deal, you dork." She then faced Finn and gave a wink. "But yes, as an adult, I figured you'd like to see what the big deal was, yeah?"

Finn nodded excitedly.

Marceline rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Finn. You're gonna lie to them and tell them that you've never gone to a rave? That you've never smoked?"

Her girlfriend elbowed her in the side, but Marceline didn't flinch, truly interested in Finn's reaction.

A pout materialized onto his smooth baby face as he turned a dark shade of pink. "I'm not faking it." He crossed his arms over his chest in defense. "I really haven't done this kind of thing before."

He obviously wanted to impress the rocker, and by his answer, she could tell that he was embarrassed because of his lack of experience. In all honesty, she was envious. She wish she hadn't started so young, drinking and smoking, hanging out with the people she did. Not that Keila and them were bad, but there influences weren't always so positive.

The rocker shook her head. "Well, nothing to stress over, now you can smoke legally. Well, at least the tobacco part."

Rain and Jake nodded, making googly eyes at each other.

"Well," Bonnie interjected. "Lets head that way, we have a busy night ahead of us." She stood, shooting Marceline a sly smirk.

"I'll buy first round." Marceline agreed, quickly following Bonnie to her feet, pressing a kiss against her cheek.

Finn jumped to his feet. "Yeah, lets go!" He shouted, already running out of the building. Jake was only able to chuckle, before getting up himself and running after him.


Sometimes Bonnie neglected to notice how beautiful the sky was. How the radiant stars allowed their sparkling splendor to illuminate that infinite darkness.

Yet, as she looked up into the vast open air, she thought it was nothing in comparison to girl beside her. Marceline's hair flowed graciously behind her, her stride so relaxed, yet confident. She smelled of tobacco and liquor, which wasn't completely uncommon now, but if Bonnie was honest, she didn't mind. If anything, she found it somewhat attractive at times.

Marceline noticed the sparkle in Bonnie's eyes as she looked over at her. She couldn't help but smirk at the girl. "Take a picture. It lasts longer."

"The real thing is better." Bonnie remarked back, swiping Marceline's hand from her pocket, looking forward again as they walked.

These were the moments she lived for.

Marceline glanced over at her friends, who made small talk as they aimlessly walked down the street. Jake and Rain were hand in hand, while Finn walked backwards on the street, almost falling over every few steps. He wasn't as coordinated as he liked to admit.

"Hey guys," The rocker called, captivating their attentions. "I want to show you guys something before we go to the casino."

Agreeably they followed her back to the campus, which conveniently wasn't too far down the road. Slipping them through the music building with her key card, they found a large practice room. As of department requirements, there was a piano, ready for use.

Here we go. She thought before settling down on the piano bench, letting her fingers travel around the piano.

Blushing, she started singing. "If I could begin to be half of what you think of me, I could do about anything." She glanced up at Bonnie smiling. "I could even learn how to love. When I see the way you act, wondering when I'm coming back, I could do about anything. I could even learn how to love like you."

Sheepishly jerking her head away she took a deep breath to steady her shaking hands. Bring on the charm.

She continued playing, glancing up at Rain at the second verse, with a smirk as she brought it up an octave, hitting the notes perfectly in pitch and she sang, "I always thought I might be bad, now I'm sure that it's true. I think you're so good, and I'm nothing like you." Marceline gave a wide smile at her friend. "Look at you go, I just adore you. I wish that I knew, what makes you think I'm so special..."

The music died down before she smiled over at Finn, who immediately smiled back.

"If I could begin to do, something that does right by you. I would do about anything. I would even learn how to love." Finn started clapping at the part.

Lastly was Jake, who wrapped an arm around Rain, cuddling into her as she sang. "When I see the way you look, shaken by how long it took. I could do about anything. I could even learn how to love like you..."

Her fingers played out the song in individual melodies, softly fading into a final chord.

Sighing, she looked up at her friends who all smiled widely back at her.

Of course Finn was the first person to jump up an give her a hug. "It's so beautiful." He exclaimed, his arms encasing her. "Record it with Marshal, Keila and the band, put it on youtube. It'll be a hit." He demanded, stepping back to let her see his wide, toothy grin.

Marceline played with the ends of her hair. "It's really nothing."

Bonnie then strode over to her, sitting on the bench beside her and pulled her into a rough kiss. "Don't say that. It was something." He breathed, grasping onto the hem of her shirt.

Her mind rushed a million miles an hour, her heart banging heavily against her rib cage, as if it were trying to break them. She needed to tell her. Bonnie had a right to know how she felt. About the money, about her past, about her mother. She had to come clean.

Jake clasped his hands together, killing the moment between them. "There's only one more thing to do before our night concludes." Jake eyed Marceline, going unnoticed by everyone else.

He was right, Marceline needed to be sensitive to Finn, and not show too much affection to Bonnie. After all, it was his birthday for God's sake.

The group moved out of the practice room. Finn and Jake obnoxiously ran around the hallway, pushing and shoving each other as they went. Rain tried to follow and stop them from making so much ruckus, which, alas, was a failed attempt and ended up making even more noise.

"Bon?" Marceline asked quietly.

Her blue eyes met Marceline's and she froze. "Hm?" She hummed.

"Uh...thanks, for...back there..." She was choking on her words, her heart racing. She jerked her gaze down to her feet, as they continued forward. Her hands, deep within her pockets.

Then soft lips pressed against her cheek. "Anything for you, Marceline."


Review Time!

Shovel Knight: My Valentines Day literally consisted of ZombieLand and also writing the skeleton for this chapter. And I actually updated on time too! Look at me, getting my life together. I hope your Valentines Day was as great as you hoped.