AN: Update! Yay! Anyway, enjoy the chapter, guys. There's some swearing in this chapter, but it isn't super excessive. Enjoy!

Much More Than Maternal

Chapter 13

The Finale

Family. A simple word, yet this small word carries bottomless significance for every single person. The bonds we share with the ones we call our family are unbreakable, immune to any and all damage. But sometimes something unfathomable comes along and this thing of horrid proportions has the uncanny ability to place such great burdens on these bonds that they weaken and shatter. And repairing a broken familial bond is close to performing a miracle, sometimes the pain is just too great for one to fix it. But then again, who's to say it's impossible?

For the Wattersons, who were seated around their dinner table, the act of repairing their ruined familial ties had already begun when a rather small fish had come across a certain woman. The chain of events that followed their conversation had been akin to clockwork, the older blue cat always had a knack for fixing things that were once thought to be irrevocably broken. Though she knew there would be a great deal of pain lurking in the near future, Nicole knew deep down that she had to have this talk with her husband. Even if it meant they both ended up walking away hurt, which was the most likely outcome to something like this. Nicole met her husband's pained gaze and she steeled herself, there was no way of knowing how this would go and she didn't want to make things worse.

"Okay, let's talk," Nicole's gaze was unflinching and she felt her resolve strengthen when Gumball squeezed her hand gently from under the table.

"I'm listening," Richard said from across the table, his own gaze remained fixed on his wife.

"I need you to understand me, Richard. This conversation will not be easy and we are both going to end up hurt."

From where he sat, Richard was adamant he wanted to hear what Nicole had to say. "I understand, I just want to know why and how you fell for our son. I deserve to know"

"Agreed, you do deserve to know. Kids, can we have some privacy, please?," the children obeyed without question, Gumball was the only one who seemed reluctant to leave.

Nicole sensed his apprehensiveness and she gave his retreating hand a warm squeeze to comfort him. It didn't help as much as some spoken words would have, but the gesture was enough to calm Gumball's fears by a small degree. The two parents watched their children ascend the stairs one by one except for Gumball, who loitered back to give his mother another uncertain look. She smiled at him and he returned it, albeit with a small measure of weakness behind it. When the sounds of Gumball's footfalls had faded from ear-shot, Nicole turned in her seat to face her husband. Before she could think of any meaningful words, Richard spoke.

"From the beginning, Nicole. Tell me everything."

"Very well. I suppose my feelings for Gumball started some months ago, the night of our anniversary, to be exact," Nicole saw a momentary flash of pain on Richard's face before he hid it and she continued, ignoring the rising feeling of dread that crept up and settled in her stomach.

"I was on the couch crying when I sensed someone was beside me. When I looked, Gumball was there. He didn't say anything and nor did I. My feelings for him became real on that exact night."

"Okay, why were you crying?"

Nicole sighed. "Everything leading up to that night just became a bit too much to bear for me."

"What did you and Gumball do?," Richard sat back, the chair creaked loudly in protest.

"He hugged me, that's all."

"That's it? You threw away our marriage because Gumball hugged you?"

"No! I had been grappling with the thought that I loved my son for far longer than that. It's just what happened that night cemented the fact that I did love him."

"Why though? Where did these feelings come from?"

Nicole shook her head. "I don't know where they came from, Richard! I never planned on falling for my own son!"

"Why did you fall for him then? Is it because I don't have a job? Or is it my weight?," Richard leant forward and his chair sighed in relief.

"No, that's not the reason," Nicole shrunk back in her chair and wished she'd made her son stay.

"Then what is the real reason, Nicole? Am I not good enough for you?," Richard gestured wildly at himself, his volume rose with every word.

Despite her best efforts, Nicole's anger sparked momentarily. "No, it's because you never showed me any fucking affection!"

"What? That's not true!"

"Is it, Richard? Think long and hard. Go ahead, I'll wait," Nicole crossed her arms and glared at her husband.

Surprisingly, Richard did think about what she had said before venturing an answer. "Is this because I forgot our anniversary?"

"Richard, you almost always forget our anniversary. I'm talking about love and affection, you showed me neither," Nicole's anger still smoldered within her like some untapped well of flame, she smothered it reproachfully.

"I did! I courted you, I took you out on dates and-," he paused when Nicole shook her head.

"Unfortunately, you changed that tune."

"What? I don't recall that ever happening," he seemed to speak truthfully.

"It started some years after we were married. The change in you was so gradual I didn't see it until it was too late. Whenever I came to you for support or love you would say you were too busy to talk," evoking this somber memory was more painful than Nicole thought and she had to resist the urge to cry.

"I was stressed."

Nicole's rage rose violently at hearing this and Richard recoiled from his wife. "Stressed? From doing what? Sitting on your ass and stuffing your fucking face while I worked my fingers to the bone?!"

Richard's hurt expression filled Nicole with a sick sort of satisfaction and right on the heels of this, was cold hard regret. Getting angry and hurting him was the absolute wrong way of going about this and Nicole took a deep breath before speaking, she'd rather not have a repeat of the last time she was here.

"I'm sorry, Richard. I didn't mean to lose my cool like that."

"I see," again, his short sentence provoked Nicole's ire but she pushed the fire in her chest back down.

"Don't pull away from me, talk to me, Richard. I wasn't happy, how could you not see that?," despite Nicole's vain attempts to curb her roaring anger, she slammed a hand down on the table and a plate beside her took flight like a frightened bird.

Richard winced as the plate shattered on the floor, he swallowed before leaning forward to his shaking wife. "I thought you were happy, Nicole. I mean, after Anais, we had three healthy kids. You seemed to be so happy around them."

"Yes, that's because I spent the majority of my free time with them, but I wanted the love only my husband could give me and you never showed it," her voice wobbled precariously.

"Why didn't you try to talk to me?," Richard frowned when Nicole shook her head.

"I tried so many times, Richard! You would just give me the same excuses. You were too busy, too tired, a show on the television was too good to miss," her eyes were welling with tears now, but these weren't tears of anger.

"If you weren't happy, why did you stay with me for all these years? You could have left if you weren't happy with our marriage."

"To be honest, I was thinking about leaving but I was stuck trying to think of a reason to stay and..." Nicole trailed off, she could see the pain in Richard's eyes.

"Wait, stop there, you...you actually wanted to leave me?"

Nicole paused to think, the way Richard was looking at her provided no comfort, she felt only shame. "Yes, I've contemplated leaving you many times."

When Richard kept quiet, Nicole continued and the pain in her heart kept building with every passing second. "I had everything planned out, I would pack my bags and throw them into the trunk and leave. There'd be no warning, I'd be gone before you even realized it."

"That's-," Richard stopped abruptly, Nicole had burst into tears.

"It was a cowardly thing to do, I can see that. But I was unhappy and tired of feeling unwanted and I came so close to walking out once," she hiccuped, sobbing quietly.

"What stopped you?," Richard's chin quivered like jelly as he spoke.

"Twelve years ago, my bags were already tucked away in the car and I was working up the nerve to walk out the door when the phone rang. You should remember this, it was the day we learned we were going to be parents," Nicole could see the realization spread across her husband's face like a rising sun and despite the circumstances, he managed a weak smile.

"I do remember, I could never forget that day, nor the look on your face after you hung up the phone."

Nicole's face broke into a small smile, this particular memory always filled her with joy. "We'd tried for so long and to finally be told I had fallen pregnant was indescribable."

"It was one of our better moments," Richard said fondly, his smile shrunk but did not disappear outright.

"I can agree with you on that."

Richard nodded slowly, blinked then opened his mouth. "But that still doesn't answer my question on why you decided to stay."

"The pregnancy, Richard. A small part of me stubbornly held out hope that having the baby would make you revert back to the man I fell in love with," Nicole's wiped her tears away but still more flowed from her eyes in an infinite flood.

"I cared for you when you were pregnant, I'm sure of it."

"Yes, during my pregnancy you did change back to the man I loved. You cared for me and comforted me and I was truly happy...until I reached the third trimester. Then you changed again," Nicole placed a hand to her belly unconsciously.

They were silent for a while as their minds processed what had been said. Nicole was reluctant to keep going, she wanted to find and hug her son. Richard looked ready to say something but he closed his mouth, his brow furrowed deeply. Nicole waited patiently and when he made no move to resume whatever it was he had wanted to say, she took the initiative and spoke first.

"Richard, my pregnancy with Gumball was the hardest on me and the final months were horrible. Morning sickness, dizzy spells, you name it, I had it. And whenever I looked for you for support and comfort, you were too busy for me, despite the fact you had no job."

"I was there for the birth though," Richard said, he sounded hopeful that he would appease his wife.

Nicole nodded. "And that was a nice surprise but things quickly went back to normal when we brought Gumball home."

"I also helped you with Gumball, I was just as excited as you to have a child," Richard insisted, he scratched his head as he wracked his brain for the relevant memories.

"You did, every now and then you would help me feed him or put him to sleep, but the majority of the time, you were on the couch in front of the television," Nicole said despondently, she wished again for her son to be beside her.

"Nicole, I never realized you've felt this way for so long. If I'd known how unhappy you were, I would have made more of an effort, I swear."

She looked down at her lap as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "I should have tried harder to talk to you, I should have done more to prevent this from happening. You're not the only one that failed this marriage, Richard."

"Did you ever think of seperating after Gumball was born?," he sounded reluctant to ask.

"I did. But I ignored it and focused on our son, he helped me forget the pain. Then we adopted Darwin and we had a few blissful years. And after we found out about Anais, I didn't think of seperating again."

Richard's gaze dropped like a stone, he looked about ready to burst into tears, just like his wife. The shame they were both feeling was intense, more so for Nicole. Her tears were still falling, she had never longed for Gumball's embrace this badly before. She wanted him to hold her, to comfort her and push the sadness and pain away. He was the only person who could do that but Nicole had promised to finish this talk before she could go to her son. She owed her husband an explanation and she was going to give him one, no matter how much pain they had to endure.


Gumball leaned forward on his hands and knees, his mother's voice came to him from downstairs and his ears twitched in response. He could hear her quiet sobs and Gumball felt his chest tighten in despair. There was nothing Gumball wanted more than to run down the stairs and embrace his mother. The sound of her crying was grating to his senses, it only offered the boy pain and he sat back on his legs, he was finding it difficult to keep quiet. As the young cat was rather deep in his own thoughts, it took a couple of seconds before Gumball realized someone was talking to him. With an almost physical wrench, Gumball tore himself from his constricting mind and faced his sister.

"You're gonna need to repeat that, Anais," a lonely sob from downstairs made Gumball frown, his ears wilted to mirror his mood.

"Why are you listening in on Mom and Dad?"

"I'm not interested in what they're saying, it's just I could hear Mom crying. I want to comfort her," Gumball pressed his hands together anxiously.

Anais' expression changed to match her brother's and without a word, she moved closer to him . Gumball's attention remained fixed on the foot of the stairs, their father's voice could be heard and their mother's followed a second after, they were both talking with low voices.

"I want to go to her, Anais. Hearing Mom cry hurts," Anais could hear the pain in his voice and she placed a soothing hand on his wavering shoulder.

"I know you do and I think it's sweet that you want to be there for her. But right now, Mom and Dad need to talk things out. Alone."

"Why are you helping us? You were pretty set on keeping Mom and I apart before," Gumball turned his eyes to his sister.

They made eye contact and Anais did not turn away. "Because I want Mom back here. You may not believe it, but I miss Mom too."

"Well, I suppose you did let me know where she was when you found her, so I do find that believable in spite of everything that's happened."

Shame bolted through her and Anais almost looked away but she held firm. She hated lying to Gumball but Darwin had made it abundantly clear the previous night that he didn't want any of the credit for finding Nicole.

It was just like Darwin to do this, it was always the fish who cared more about his family than himself. It was infuriatingly sweet of him but lying made Anais feel horribly untrustworthy, it always did. But if Gumball ended up trusting her again, then maybe the dishonesty was worth it in the long run. Gumball's ears twitched again and Anais also listened, their mother was speaking. They couldn't make out any words, Nicole's voice was too low to discern what her exact words were. While Gumball listened to his mother's voice, Anais gave her brother a prod with a finger.

"Mind if I stay here with you?"

He didn't move to look at her. "Not at all, I'd actually like some company."

With a small smile spreading across her face, Anais moved to sit directly beside her brother. He afforded her a small glance before gazing back down the stairs.


Nicole stifled a cry and wiped her running eyes, she absolutely hated feeling like this. It was getting harder to face her husband, he'd burst into tears and in doing so, had made her start crying again. It was good to see him cry though, it meant he wasn't holding in his emotions anymore and that gave Nicole some small semblance of comfort. Through his loud, braying sobs, Richard was able to cough out a question.

"What kept you from leaving me through all the years? Was it just the pregnancy?," Nicole had trouble understanding him but she nodded after figuring out what he'd said.

"The children also played a part in me staying. After I found out I was pregnant, there was no way I was going to break up with you. We finally had a family and if that meant I had to be unhappy, then it was a price I was willing to pay to keep our family together."

"So you didn't stay because you loved me?," Richard's voice was high with pain and Nicole had to look away momentarily.

Nicole shook her head, fresh tears stained her cheeks. "No, I stayed for them."

Richard's crying had gained strength and Nicole fell silent. Even though Nicole's feelings for the man were no longer present, she still despised the fact she was causing him a great deal of pain.

"I'm sorry, Richard. I know I'm hurting you, I feel horrible knowing this," if he'd heard her, he didn't show it and Nicole wiped her eyes again.

"Please answer me, Richard."

He finally looked at her, his eyes red from crying. "Did you ever love me?"

"I did, Richard, I truly did love you. If I'd felt otherwise, I would have never married you."

As Richard resumed his crying, Nicole left her seat and sat beside her bereaved husband. He did not look at her, his face remained buried in his hands. His weeping sounded even worse up close and Nicole pushed back a sob.

"Richard, I know this will sound like a lie, but the years we spent together were some of the best years of my life," Nicole put an arm around her husband's massive shoulders as she spoke.

He finally afforded her a glance, his voice was cracked and tired. "I should have done more though, I treated our marriage like a joke and I can't take what I did back. And now I've lost you."

"We're both at fault, Richard. Don't pin this all on yourself."

"I feel like such a failure," he wiped his runny nose on his sleeve.

Nicole shushed him gently. "You never gave up when we were told we had a low chance of conceiving and in turn, you gave me not one, but two healthy children. I'd hardly call that the work of a failure."

"Two? What about Darwin?"

"Well, technically, I never gave birth to Darwin and you originally bought him as a pet for Gumball. But I do see what you mean so, in essence, you gave me three healthy kids. That's admirable work."

He began to cry again and Nicole stayed by his side, she would pat his back every couple of seconds to help soothe him. She waited for him to calm down and when he finally did, she placed her free hand over his.

"Richard, I still care about you, you're family after all."

His eyes stayed fixed to his lap as he answered her, the tone of his voice wobbled with sadness. "But you don't love me anymore though."

"I know it hurts to say it like that, but at the very least, take solace in the fact that I did love you," Nicole hugged him, her arms were barely able to get around his gut.

He was nodding, whether in agreement or not, Nicole didn't know. His tears were still falling but he was now looking at her instead of sobbing into his hands.

"I didn't fall in love with Gumball to hurt you, Richard."

"I believe you, I can't wrap my head around it but I know you're not the type to spite me like that," he said softly.

Nicole placed her cheek on his shoulder, the hand she had on his back moved in small, reassuring circles. Richard cleared his throat before looking Nicole in the eyes.

"What happens now?"

"Let me come back, Richard. The kids miss me and so do you, I know it won't ever be the same like it once was but there's no harm in trying to get past this, as a family."

He nodded again as he echoed her. "We stay a family, for the kids."

"That's all I ask, Richard. I understand that the knowledge of Gumball and I being together hurts you, but it's what he and I want. You don't have to accept our love, all I'm asking is you tolerate it."

"I won't make any promises, Nicole. But I will try," Richard said morosely.

"Does that mean I can come back?"

Richard sighed, took a second to think it over then bobbed his head. "Yes, it hurts that I'll never be with you again but I want the kids to be happy. It's all I really want and if they're happy, then I'm happy. And I suppose the kids do need their mother in their lives."

Nicole kissed her husband softly, it was short but meaningful. She pulled back with a smile on her face.

"I'll never forget what we had, Richard. Thank you."

"What was the kiss for?"

"Think of it as a final goodbye to the love we once shared," she hugged him again and he mustered a strained smile.

"I'll never forget the times we spent together, Nicole. They were the best years of my life," Richard hugged his wife back.

"I couldn't agree more," Nicole replied, she moved away from her husband and wiped a small tear from his cheek.

Richard gestured at the stairs behind her. "Go on, tell the kids the good news. I'll make some sandwiches for lunch."

"Richard, before I go, I-," Nicole began but Richard stopped her.

"I know what you're trying to say. I'll move into the spare room upstairs and Gumball can sleep with you. I understand."

The tears came again, but they were ones of happiness this time and Nicole threw her arms around her husband's wide girth.

"Thank you, I know this is hard on you but thank you for being so understanding."

"It is difficult but I understand you completely. Now head upstairs and go talk to the kids. I need to clean up that broken plate before I begin making lunch."

Nicole went quickly, she paused with a foot on the first step to give her husband one last glance. He noticed her and much to Nicole's surprise, he smiled at her.

"Go on," he said, he had tears in his eyes.

"Thank you, Richard. This means the world to me."

He acknowledged her sentence with a short nod and he watched silently as Nicole went upstairs. Watching her go was like releasing a piece of himself and Richard felt a stab of sadness pierce him directly over the heart. The pain was so sharp he found himself wondering if he would be able to heal from this. But as he bent to pick up the broken plate, he realized he was smiling. As long as the kids were happy, he would be happy and Richard was content with that.


Gumball sighed and sat up on his bed, he just couldn't stop thinking about his mother. He scratched at his left ear, there was no sounds of talking coming from downstairs and he wished desperately that nothing bad had happened. Gumball thought of going down there, he wanted to make sure his mother was still in the house. If she was gone, he didn't know what he'd do and Gumball shivered, it was best he didn't think about that. He sighed again, drawing the attention of his siblings, who were at the computer. They turned as one with worry plastered across both their faces and Gumball gazed back from his bed.

"You okay?," Darwin said, he inched forward in his seat a little.

"Not really. I'm worried Mom will get kicked out again," Gumball wasn't just worried, he was downright scared that he would go downstairs and find out she was gone.

"She's still here, I've been keeping a close eye on the front lawn. I haven't seen Mom leave and her car is still out there," Anais said, she peeked out the window to make sure, Nicole's car was indeed still parked out the front.

"I know I shouldn't be so worried but I just can't help myself, I don't want to watch her drive away again."

Darwin moved and sat beside his brother, Gumball's bed creaked as the fish plopped himself down. He threw a fin around his brother and with the other, lightly tapped him on arm.

"There's no need to be worried, Mrs. Mom won't leave you," Darwin shook the cat gently, he was trying to make his brother smile.

"Everything is going to be fine, Gumball. I'm positive Dad will let Mom stay after he's heard her out," Anais said, she looked out the window again.

"I hope you're right, Anais because-," Gumball stopped, his ears spiked upwards and he spun to face the closed door.

Someone was coming up the stairs but he was unsure as to who it was. The footsteps were slow and deliberate, as if whoever was coming up was taking their time. All three children were now listening intently, the footsteps were coming closer and Gumball steeled himself, he half expected his father to come strolling in and announce that Nicole was gone. But when the door opened, all of Gumball's worries evaporated in an instant. Nicole stepped in and closed the door wordlessly, she turned to the three children and gave them a smile. Her expression was one of happiness and Gumball 's heartbeat quickened its pace. Nicole pressed her hands together and Gumball left his bed to move closer.

"Your father and I have talked and we've come to a decision."

Gumball stepped nearer, he was within arms reach of his mother. "And? Are you allowed to stay?"

Nicole dropped to one knee, her smile was even wider. "Yes, sweetheart, I'm staying."

All Gumball heard was 'yes' and he was already between his mother's arms before she had the chance to finish her sentence. Nicole held the crying cat close and as the realization of what she'd said finally hit her, she began to cry alongside her son. The relief at her words was indescribable and Gumball only cried harder, he was beyond happy. Anais and Darwin soon joined the two cats in a warm hug, all four were crying now. After she had gathered her wits, Nicole sat back on her haunches and turned her teary eyes to Anais and Darwin.

"I'm so grateful for everything you two have done," she said, she was crying but her voice was overtly happy.

"We just want you to be happy, Mrs. Mom."

"Don't be so modest, honey. You've done so much for Gumball and I and so have you," Nicole pointed at Anais, the young girl was taken aback.

"Mom, I can't accept your thanks. Not after what I did."

"Nonsense, you helped us in the end and that's what matters," Nicole said and Anais' bottom lip quivered.

"I'm proud to call you my children," that set the two kids off and they hugged their mother.

Gumball waited patiently for his turn to hug his mother and the second his siblings stepped away from Nicole, he was upon her. Nicole held her babbling son to her chest, she shushed his incoherent cries with a kiss.

"I know what you're trying to say, I love you too," Gumball said something unintelligible into her chest and Nicole rubbed his back.

The thud of a closing door from the hallway made them jump and Nicole got to her feet, Gumball's arms ended up around her waist. With her arm around her son's head, Nicole opened the door and they spotted their father. His arms were laden with sheets and he was attempting to open the spare bedroom's door with his hip.

"Help your father, kids," Nicole asked and the fish and bunny was off in an instant to render aid.

Gumball gave Nicole's shirt a tug and she gazed into his wondrous eyes. "What's Dad doing, Mom?"

"He's moving into the spare bedroom and you'll be moving into the master bedroom with me."

"We'll be sharing a bed? That's awesome," he tightened his grip around her waist.

"I did tell you I no longer want to wake up alone," she leaned down a little. "I want to fall asleep with you in my arms, honey."

Gumball felt his cheeks redden and he buried his face in her side, his voice was slightly muffled against her. "I can't argue with that."

"I knew you'd agree, Gummypuss."

"Wait, Mom, what'll we do with the bunk-bed? I won't be sleeping in the bottom bed anymore."

"If Darwin is up for it, he can have your bed instead of sleeping in his bowl. If not, we'll have to get Anais a single bed sometime down the track," Nicole dragged a finger through his hair as she spoke.

He chuckled and nuzzled his cheek into her side. "If someone had told me a few months ago that I'd be in love with my mother, I'd have laughed like mad."

He looked up at Nicole, smiling brightly. "I regret nothing, Mom. And I don't regret last night either."

"And neither do I, sweetheart. It was the night we became a true couple and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"You don't feel bad about hurting Dad?"

Through misty eyes, Nicole watched as her husband and two children walked into the hallway, they were laughing and seeing Richard laugh eased Nicole's suffering slightly.

"I do feel bad about it, Gumball. Your father is not a bad man and I didn't enjoy hurting him. But it had to happen so you and I could be together, plus your father and I needed closure. But he did do something for me that I'll be eternally grateful for."

Gumball's face scrunched into a look of puzzlement. "What'd he do?"

"He gave me you," Nicole said, she leaned down and kissed her son on the head.

Gumball's pressed his cheek into her hips as a stream of tears ran down his face. "I love you, Mom."

"And I love you too, sweetie."

The happy couple were noticed by Richard and he waved at them, an act which surprised them.

"I'll let you know when lunch is ready," he said, he disappeared down the stairs, flanked by Anais and Darwin.

"Is Dad really okay with you and me having a relationship? I don't want him to go behind our backs or anything," the fear in Gumball's voice was clearly evident and Nicole moved to her knees to be level with her son.

She put a hand on both his shoulders before talking. "He isn't completely okay with it, but I think he understands that we are truly happy together. And that's all your father really wants, is for you to be happy."

"I suppose I should be thankful Dad allowed you to come back."

"Why don't you go tell him that? I know what he did upset you but I think it'll be good for you two to talk," she kissed Gumball's cheek.

"Yeah, you're right. I haven't really spoken to Dad in a while. Usually I answered him with one liners or nothing at all," Gumball said, he stepped back from Nicole.

"Then don't you think it's time to fix your relationship with your father? He did allow me to come back so we could be together even though it was terribly difficult on him," Nicole smiled and hugged her son.

"I suppose so."

"Then go talk to him, I don't want any animosity between you and your father."

"Will you come with me?"

Nicole shook her head. "No, honey, this is something you and your father need to talk about. I have already said what I needed to say."

"Okay, I'll go talk to him now."

"Thank you, your father is in the kitchen. I'll be in the living room if you want me."

Gumball's eyes darted to her chest then back up to her eyes, seeing this ignited a a spark inside her. Gumball spoke up a split second later and it was like he'd thrown a canister of petrol over the spark and turned her insides into an out of control inferno.

"I always want you, Mom."

"Mmm, well, we'll have a freshly made bed tonight, up for some celebrating when we're alone?," she was blushing and Gumball snickered at her.

He kissed her chin, his face creased into a sly smile. "Or maybe some other time?"

"Don't tease me, Gumball," she had tried to look indignant, but her tone gave her away and Gumball laughed as he made for the stairs.

He winked at her as he disappeared and Nicole realized her panties had grown uncomfortably damp.


Gumball stopped at the foot of the stairs, the shrill whistling of his father was coming from the kitchen and Gumball headed straight for the kitchen. As he walked, Gumball noticed his pants had become almost painfully tight and he readjusted his belt to make some much needed room for himself. He was so ingrained in fixing his pants that the clueless cat walked headfirst into the wall, he'd only just missed the arch. Rubbing his nose gingerly, the hapless cat entered the kitchen with a small sigh. Gumball's father turned to greet him, a plate piled high with sandwiches was balanced in one hand and Richard gave his son a toothy grin.

"Just in time, son! Lunch is ready," he made to walk past but Gumball stopped him.

"Dad, wait. I want to say something."

Richard's smile morphed into a frown in an instant, the plate wobbled dangerously but Richard caught it in time.

"Sure, Gumball, what is it?," his jovial tone was gone.

"I wanted to thank you. For letting Mom come back. It means quite a bit to me."

Richard's smile returned and he gave his son a pat on the head. "No problem, son. I did it for you, Anais and Darwin."

"Dad, I know you're upset that Mom and I are...together. And I don't want that to tarnish our relationship. I love Mom but I also love you, you're my dad after all," Gumball caught a tear slipping from his father's eye before he wiped it away with a sleeve.

"Son, I won't lie to you and say I'm okay with it because I'm not. But you're talking to me for the first time in weeks and you don't seem as sad as before, I'm positive I did the right thing."

Gumball couldn't have been happier and he snared his father into a hug. "You did, Dad. Thank you."

"Come on, buddy, let's have lunch, as a family," Richard gestured and the plate in his hand clattered to the floor.

They stared at the mess, the spilled sandwiches were a mosaic of colors. Richard clicked his tongue then looked at his son, who shrugged.

"Fried chicken bucket?," Richard offered quickly.

Gumball was the first to laugh and a second later, his father joined him. The two were still engaged in their loud guffaws when Nicole poked her head in to see what the commotion was. They froze, both were mentally preparing for her outburst. Instead, Nicole held her keys up for them to see.

"I'll drive."

Laughter struck them again and they followed Nicole into the living room where Darwin and Anais were seated on the couch.

"We're going to get some fried chicken, want to come with?," Nicole said, she didn't need an answer, their gleeful faces were all the answer she needed.

The three kids were out the door before their parents and Richard stopped his wife.

"Do you think this will work, Nicole?," he said, and Nicole nodded.

"I believe so, Richard. The love Gumball and I share is not the norm for a family, but I'm confident we'll work through anything life throws at us and we'll do it together, as a family."

"I'm sorry for kicking you out."

"It's in the past, Richard. I've already forgiven you," she rubbed his arm reassuringly.

"Mom, Dad! Let's go, we're hungry!," Gumball shouted, the two parents shook their heads and made their way to the car.

As they all piled in, Nicole looked into the rear-view mirror and she saw Gumball staring right back. They shared a smile before Nicole started the car and she turned into the busy street. The rather unassuming station-wagon joined the flow of traffic seamlessly and was soon lost in a sea of moving metal. And in the sky where a pair of fluffy cloud floated, the sun continued to smile down at the city of Elmore. Population? Weird.

AN: Is this the final chapter, I hear you ask? Unfortunately, it is. This has been a kickass journey. I hope that you've enjoyed reading the story as much as I have writing it. So just for the faithful readers who have stuck with me from the very first chapter, I'll give you a hint on the next story I have planned. If it's been done, please let me know so I can start thinking up another, different story. I haven't been able to find any stories like my idea but one can't be too careful. Okay, next story is a re-imagining of the Joy Virus, notable differences include: Zombies will be highly aggressive to those that aren't infected, there will be violence and some gore. Basically if you've seen the movies 28 Days/Weeks Later, you'll know what I'm envisioning. Anyhow, thank you all for the reviews, I feel I've gotten much better since I started this story. Until next time, mates!