Thursday, April 11th

She couldn't say she was necessarily awake but was in some way conscious. Even as only just now coming to, a dull pain had already begun welling up inside of her. But, the level of discomfort she felt was higher. There was also another feeling that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Much like the grogginess and fuzz she had felt when she was attacked, a film prevented her from feeling as if she were present-or even awake at all.

That seemed to explain the light digging its way into her blurring vision. Even through her closed eyelids she could tell just how painfully bright the light in the room was. So bright in fact, that a migraine started pulsating in her temples.

That's right...I was attacked. Had I blacked out?

The closest thing she could recall was a feeling of fear and not much else. It would slowly come back to her as she was weaned.

Her other senses slowly came back with each passing second. She noticed little things. Her clothes felt thin and scratchy. She could feel the cool ac on her still and stiff body, even under the blanket currently over her legs. She couldn't quite process what she was smelling, but could only describe it as clean and comforting. Her eyelids were heavy. She could feel a hand on hers. Someone how she knew it had to be Marcelines.

It comforted her to know that Marceline was there waiting for her to wake up.

Blinking the grogginess away, Bonnie looked around the room, her eyes landing on the only other person in there with her. And did Marceline looked relieved.

She expected to awaken in an uncomfortably bright hospital room, possibly even shared with another person. She'd be in nothing but a blue hospital gown with an IV stuck in her arm. Of course, she'd be forced to reenact any dramatic action scene where she would rip the IV out of her arm. But no, she was in her bedroom with Marceline sitting on the bed beside her, book in hand.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." Before she could stop herself, tears had welled up in her eyes and streamed down her face. For some reason, Bonnibel couldn't feel a reaction or any emotion to her girlfriend crying. "I'm so sorry."

"We're home..." A sudden heaviness inhibited the movement of her right arm. It was only then, she found her wrist tightly wound in bandages and ribboned with a bright pink shell of bulky casting. In her current state, it felt like the cast was made of concrete. The rest of her right arm looked to be more purple than her usual skin tone. "He broke it…?"

Perhaps, she should have been feeling relief and gratitude for surviving at all. But she couldn't. It all left a bitter taste in her mouth. Her brain seemed to stall its functions for a moment. Leaving only one thing in her system to concentrate on: the purest rush of rage. It was all too much.

"Do you not remember talking to the doctors? We were at the hospital for some time."

Bonnie tried to recall but nothing came. It felt like no time has passed since she was last conscious. It was as if her consciousness has been totally extinguished, if only for an instant. Yet she knew a considerable amount of time had passed. At least 24 hours. "The last thing I remember was calling the police."

"They must have given you some damn good medication." Holding onto her hand tighter, Marceline spoke. "They caught him."

She began to recall the event, however hazy. Recalling the way his eyes were crazed, the way he spoke to her as if she were nothing made her shiver. You are nothing-a placeholder. The words refused to stop itself from swirling around in her head like a tornado of doubt. One that had no reason to brew into existence. Yet she found the words falling out of her mouth. "Am I a placeholder?"

"What?"

"For Ash?"

It was obvious that the words hurt Marceline by how her expression dropped. Maybe she had been holding back tears before, but they were everpresent now. "No, honey." Her voice cracked and reverberated, almost as if cracking her heart. "You were never a placeholder. You have always been the person for me."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

Under the film that covered her mind, she felt helpless and more than frightened. Grasping onto her girlfriend's shirt, she threw herself into her arms. Marceline was warm and solid. She squeezed Bonnie's small body against her own desperately, stabilizing her. Both of them clung to each other, holding back tears.

"It's my fault." Marceline mumbled into Bonnie's shoulder.

"It was a drug-induced psychosis. It's not like you could have predicted it."

"I could have." Marceline's grip seemed to stiffen. "That's the issue. I had gone through his idiocy before. I just didn't think..." She trailed off and seemingly collected herself. "Anyways," The word hung in the air for a moment and pulling out of Bonnie's hug only slightly to kiss her forehead and look into the pinkette's eyes. "I convinced my dad to have the family lawyer take care of this. I don't want you to worry about the bill or legalities."

"Don't take on too much. There are other things like school and work you have to focus on." Bonnie let out a sigh, allowing herself to speak without a filter. "Plus, it's not like you have the money to pay it off yourself." It came out light-hearted. Bonnie thought it did, at least.

It had been a while since Marceline had shown her the cold look she was presenting her now. The sharpness in her glare cut open her heart. Bonnie felt so exposed. So hurt. So vulnerable. Even in her arms. With a very pointed jab, she responded, "We both know that's not true."

Bursting through her chest. That's what it felt. Like her heart was bursting attempting to break free of her ribcage.

Marceline pulled away from her, her gaze lingering somewhere else. Now her stomach fell and mangled itself somewhere inside her. Her guts twisting themselves in knots.

Why? Why the sudden shift? She hadn't been the one attacked. It was Bonnie who withstood the pain, the fear. It didn't feel like Marceline was in front of her. No. This wasn't the woman she had come to love. She felt like the stranger she met at the beginning of last semester who shot daggers with her glances.

For the briefest of moments, Bonnie faltered, rendered her speechless.

She reached out to take her girlfriend's hand, only for Marceline to pull her hand away angrily before she could even touch her. The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them. "You're being an ass."

It didn't seem possible, but the cold look turned into an even colder glare. "I'm trying to make sure things are taken care of. Because it's my fault and I have the money and resources to help. Is that not enough for you?"

"I didn't say I was ungrateful. I was only asking you not to push yourself so hard."

"I have to. You have to make up for your mistakes." Her voice began rising angrily at Bonnibel.

The only way for her to look past it, is through logic, right? "What exactly is your mistake here Marceline?" Bonnie asked. "What do you think you did?"

"I didn't protect you."

"I was at work. You couldn't have protected me all the way from home."

"I should have known."

"Known? Known he would show up at my work to kill me?"

Oh my God, he tried to kill me.

A wave of nausea caused her throat to feel sore and fragile-to prepare her to throw up her anxious butterflies.

Pushing through the terrible feeling, Bonnie stated, "You've already shut down. You do realize it's taking all of my energy to even think comprehensively because I'm heavily medicated, right?"

As if it had just clicked, the rocker's facial expression softened and her hand returned to hold hers once again. The room still felt cold. All Bonnie wanted was for her to come closer and share her warmth with her.

"I'm sick of hiding it from you." Her tone was so drastically different. It was softer, gentler. Her vulnerability was evident.

"I thought you would have trusted me enough to tell me by now, especially since we live together."

"I do trust you."

"Then...why? Why tell me now? Like this?"

She waved a hand in the air, as if doing so helped collect her thoughts. "Because you already know and it needs to be out in the open." The same hand brushed a wavy strand of hair behind her ear. "Because I want you to know that you don't have to stress over finances. I need to prove I can take care of you. So you don't feel unsafe. So you don't leave."

Could she blame Marceline for that doubt? Maybe someone would have blamed her for overlooking the danger in his presence, but she couldn't bring herself to blame her for it.

Still, this was something they would have to talk about regardless. And with the medication coursing in her veins, there was nothing to stop her from being blunt about how she felt. Though, her emotions were much more prominent as well.

"I work full time and then I found out that I didn't have to."

"We still have to pay bills."

"But I could be concentrating more on school."

Marceline carried her heart on her sleeve. You never had to wonder how she felt. Her expressions and actions showed you, regardless of if she wanted you to know or not. With the way her mouth creased into a hurt expression, she looked away and almost whispered. "You didn't have to move in with me."

Bonnie's one good hand landed on her girlfriend's cheek, raising Marceline's face to meet hers. Marceline was now forced to look at what was making her uncomfortable. Forced to see how tired Bonnie looked in her shirt that was oversized even on Marceline. "I wanted to move in with you more than anything." Bonnie spoke in a hushed voice. "I couldn't imagine not living with you."

"I got a job too, you know."

"You didn't need to though." Again, she couldn't stop herself from speaking her mind. "Was that all for show? Because I'd have to give you props on such a coverup." Bonnie's voice lowered and wavered.

"Don't pull that." She groaned, obviously becoming more irritated, but didn't pull away-possibly in fear of hurting Bonnie any further in this conversation. "Of course it wasn't a show. I wanted the extra money. There's only so much a scholarship can pay for."

Scholarship? "Hold on, I'm a little confused."

Marceline cocked her head to the side, questioningly. "About what?"

"Rain said you had millions."

"Well, kind of. It's a trust fund. I won't have the money until I have my bachelor's degree in hand."

That was the missing piece. A miscommunication forgotten through Bonnie and Rain's drunken interaction. No wonder this important detail was overlooked. "...Oh." She faltered.

Marceline raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I was under the impression you had it now. Rain told me the rent on the house was expensive, so I didn't think about the possibility of you not currently having it."

"Like I said, I had a good deal on it. Since I was no longer paying for room and board, I paid the rent with the money I got back from my scholarship refund. I had to dip into my savings for the deposit, but I thought it would help you with your debt with you having to pay out of state tuition and all."

"I only had to take a thousand or so out when living on campus that first semester. I had scholarship returns too, even with having to pay out of state tuition and paying the penalty fee for breaking the room and board contract."

"So you didn't have to work either?"

"I thought it might be a good idea to save it for a rainy day. Both of us take a week off for spring break or something."

Again, Marceline was someone you could easily read. Right then, Bonnie could tell just how relieved she felt. The burden of keeping such a secret was finally lifted from her shoulders. Her smile seemed lighter too. Though, she didn't see that light smile for long, before her lips fell into Bonnie's.

This was the first time they had kissed since she had woken up. Marceline's hand softly caressed the back of her head, her hip. Somehow Marceline tasted sweeter than she remembered. Softer.

"Let's just be honest with each other so we never have to deal with anything like this again." Marceline murmured.

"So now is the time to tell you that I'm secretly a vampire?"

"Not believable. I'd obviously be the vampire in this relationship."

"Because you're so punk?" Bonnie questioned sarcastically.

Then it appeared. "More punk than you, princess." Her trademarked Abadeer smirk showed itself at with her comment.

"I think I've become more accustomed to the stupid nickname you gave me."

"You'll always be my princess."

"Always?"

With a peck on her lips, she whispered. "Always." in return.


Bonnibel couldn't begin to imagine how much of a pain in the ass it was to explain to all of her professors that her dominant hand was broken and that she needed extensions for her paper because she couldn't physically write or type for the next 3 weeks. Thankfully most of them were understanding, however, there's always that one professor that needed a doctor's note of some sort. As if wearing a cast to class was some ruse. Maybe if she sent the medical bill they'd believe her.

And although she wanted to work, Jake refused to allow her to for the first week. Something about adjusting to meds and feeling bad about leaving her alone in the first place.

At least it's paid leave...

Her classes were over by 10 on Mondays. So being the lovely best friend she was, Rain picked her up at lunch and took her to their usual spot: A popular Chinese restaurant on the East of campus.

"Oopsies, I must have forgotten to mention that part. Sorry about that." Rain began.

"I can't really blame you for that. We were both under the influence."

"Still," Rain huffed, setting her head lazily in one hand. "It must have caused a lot more strife than I thought it would. Plus, it really wasn't my secret to tell."

"Lesson learned then?"

"I'll make it up to you by buying all the ice cream you'd ever want and more."

"You're going to fatten me up so I can't beat you to bits."

"Even with being a pacifist, I could just throw you over my shoulder." Rain scoffed.

"Fair."

Peering down at Bonnie's wrist, she asked, "How's your wrist?"

"It doesn't hurt, except when I clumsily smack it into things."

"Try to avoid that."

"It wasn't like I purposefully slam my hand into shit." Twisting her arm get a better angle of just how sizable the cast truly was, she settled it carefully back down on the restaurant's table. "This cast is bulking as hell."

Rain giggled a little to herself. "You're starting to sound like Marceline."

"Ugh," grumbled Bonnie. "Jake said the same thing last week. Am I really getting a mouth on me?"

"Noticeably."

"What a bad influence."

"Well, the whole circumstance kind of was her fault." Her friend waved her fork in Bonnie's direction. More specifically at her arm.

Bonnie eyed her friend. "I'm surprised to hear you say that."

"By your demeanor, I can assume you don't think so?"

Am I the only one who doesn't think so? "No. I don't blame her for it."

"Sure, but she had her part in it."

She didn't understand. Why would everyone blame Marceline for such a thing? Ash was a completely separate human being with his own thoughts, dreams, and ambitions. No matter how malicious. Marceline had obviously not coaxed him to do so. Was the danger overlooked? Yes. Both had overlooked it. Bonnie was just as much to blame if there were blame to be had. But no one would blame her because she was the victim.

"Let's not talk about this."

"Alright, fine. But it is something we'll have to discuss later." Not if Bonnie had anything to do with it.


Even though there were worse injuries to be hand, Marceline took a short leave of absence to take care of Bonnie. Outside of school, she was there for her beck and call. And though Bonnie would hate to admit she loved the attention, she had already figured out this was part of Marceline's plan to 'make up for the accident'.

With how independent Bonnie was, she could only count the days she would allow Marceline to do everything for her.

Thus being awoken to the clattering sound emitting from, what she believed to be, the kitchen. Annoyance rose from deep beneath her, not because she was upset with her partner for waking her, but simply because Bonnie was crippled and drugged up on painkillers-which was ultimately her fault in the first place.

Marceline dashed to the kitchen in her somnolent state without even a glance at her surroundings as she did so and tumbling over the laundry basket set right in front of the bedroom door. Bonnie looked at her in surprise as Marceline spilled the entirety of what was in the basket as well as herself onto the living room floor.

"Oh!" Bonnie squeaked. "Are you okay?"

"Agh...do you need help?"

"Do I need...?" Her girlfriend stifled back laughter, finding her way over to the rocker and help her up. Marceline tried not to think of how distracting Bonnie's lack of clothing was. Her outfit basically consisted of a wrinkled oversized t-shirt. "I didn't want to wake you."

"It's okay to ask for help, you know."

"I was going to attempt to make spaghetti. The strainer is all the way on the top shelf and..." She trailed off and giggled at herself. "This is not how I thought this would play out." Bonnie went to brush her hair with her hand, only to realize that her usual slender wrist was still casted.

Marceline smiled sadly. "Are you in any pain?"

"Well, that's what the medication is for, silly."

"Bon, I'm sorry."

"None of that." Stopping her girlfriend from continuing on a ramble of apologizes, she took her hand in hers, tugging her toward the kitchen. "Help me cook?"

Giving a nod, Marceline purred, "Anything for you."

The pastel princess's features noticeably changed to something Marceline didn't see often. Almost as if she were trying out the trademarked Abadeer grin. They hadn't even made it to the kitchen when Bonnie turned and snickered, "I thought of how you can make this all up to me."

By her expression, Marceline could tell she was saying it jokingly. "Hm?"

"You have to let me adopt a cat."

"We don't have time for a cat," Marceline stated simply.

"No, we don't have time for a dog. This is a cat. They're super independent and I want it-so we have to."

"The way you phrased that made it seem like you already have one in mind..."

She was obviously correct by the way Bonnie began fidgetting before stating, "...I do."

"Fucking hell."

"And his name is Timmy."

"Oh my God...babe-"

"I'll feed him every day!" She began begging, holding tighter onto Marceline's arm. Again, it should be noted they had only made it a few steps from their bedroom door frame.

"You barely remember to feed yourself when studying."

"That's why there's two of us. You can feed him when I forget."

Marceline rolled her eyes. "You're like a child."

"So I take that as a yes?"

"I don't think we should get pets until one of us graduates at least."

"That's a year from now. I need someone to cuddle when you're not here."

"You'll just have to save your cuddles for when I get back then."

Bonnie pouted. "I just want a cat to love on."

"You have me. I'm close enough to a cat."

Reaching out, Bonnie took a strand of Marceline's hair and twirled it in her fingers. "You shit in litterboxes?"

"Oh my Go-when did you take your medicine?"

"Maybe thirty minutes ago, why?"

"That explains it."

Pouting again, Bonnie stepped closer, placing a hand on her girlfriend's waist and her nose in the crook of Marceline's neck. "Don't change the subject. I need him."

Standing firm and being the responsible one of the two-for once, Marceline stated, "No."


They got a cat.

Marceline was unsure how this happened. One moment she was telling her no, she blinked and somehow they were at the pound signing papers for the cat Bonnie had previously mentioned-Timmy. She wouldn't lie, he was cute. He was a fluffy white cat-a large one at that. And from what she could tell he seemed well behaved.

Their soon to be cat was now in a small cage in the waiting room. With Bonnie being medicated, Marceline had the most fun job of signing the papers while Bonnie played with Timmy. It was love at first sight, for both Timmy and Bonnie, who gave each other so much affection upon their arrival. He left white hair as a gift on our clothes, a reminder of his ownership of us. Because that's how it works with cats.

At the very least, Marceline was happy to see how sweet of a smile Bonnie wore. She could practically feel her teeth decaying.

It was odd to see them place Timmy in a small yet sturdy cardboard box with holes in the top. Somehow that was their great idea of carrying a predator home. Then again, carrying him out without one could prove to be more dangerous. There was no telling how he'd react to being in a car. He could possibly tear up her seats.

"I love you so much, Marceline." Bonnie cooed, cuddling up into her side as they walked out of the pound. It felt as if Timmy was rolling around inside of the box, unsure of what was happening in the world outside.

"Are you happy?"

"So happy."

At those words, Marceline felt herself smile. "I'm glad."


Review Time!

Krugerfan18: I think we can all agree Ash is a total wad.

Adadeerly: Thank you for taking the time out of your day to reread it! It makes me very happy.