After recently viewing the episode "Five Short Tables", I realized that Peppermint Butlers counterpart is a butterscotch butler with a Scottish accent. However, I am sticking with Peppermint Maid for this story. Seeing as there are years in between Fionna and Cake episodes, I'm not always aware when there are new ones. I think we can all agree we need more of them in general.

Enjoy!


GB

After a long day's work in my lab, I am finally getting ready for bed. Although science is technically a hobby for me, it still consumes a large amount of my time. I didn't make any major breakthroughs today, but it was productive nevertheless. After briefly checking in with the banana guards, I donned my royal pajamas and headed to the kitchen for a late night snack. Pouring myself some milk, I stood with the cupboards open, trying to select tonight's treat. Nothing too big, but just a nibble would lead to wanting more. I need the perfect portion. Hmm…

Before I could make my decision, Peppermint Maid entered the kitchen and made her way over to the sink, preparing to finish the last of the dishes. I regarded her with a smile which she returned, and she continued with her task. I returned my attention the the snacks and eventually chose a box of small fish shaped cheese crackers. I poured a few into a bowl (eating out of the container is too barbaric for my liking) and settled down at the table. The sun had already set, and the moonlight shone off the plates in the sink. Peppermint Maid temporarily abandoned her task and turned to face me.

It wasn't until this moment that I noticed she had attached that eerie amulet onto a necklace. It stuck out amongst her maid uniform, looking otherworldly and sending a shiver down my spine. I almost questioned her about it, but she spoke first.

"Your highness, may I ask you a question?"

"You may." I tried to sound as sweet as possible, but I was honestly nervous about what she was going to ask. Peppermint Maid usually keeps to herself.

"Have you been making the correct decisions recently?"

...what?

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"Your decisions. Have you been thinking them through?"

In all my time as prince of the candy kingdom, no one had ever questioned my decisions. I didn't know how old Peppermint Maid was, but I knew she had been around longer than me. Had I done something wrong? I tried to think of all my recent decisions regarding the kingdom. I'd started no wars, changed none of our treaties, passed no major laws. WAIT! The Banana Guards! I had recently reduced the amount of them on duty at certain times when I felt crime was at its lowest! I've left the kingdom exposed!

"I'm sorry! I'll fix the guards schedules first thing tomorrow! Please don't tell anyone about the mistake I made!"

"This does not concern the Banana Guards, Prince Gumball. I was referring to your recent behavior." Peppermint Maid seemed to become irritated at having to spell it out for me. Her explanation hadn't really helped me understand. My behavior is as it has always been: princely. How else would I behave? Ugh, I'll never understand her crazy ramblings. Now is not the time to deal with this. Now is the time for sleep. I slid my empty bowl and glass over to the sink along with the other dirty dishes.

"Goodnight, Peppermint Maid." I turned and began to leave the kitchen, heading for the stairs. I figured she wasn't going to reply seeing as I had ignored her previous statement. I was on the first steps when she gave her faint response.

"Be on your guard, young prince. Don't let the music play you."

.I don't think I'll be having anymore late night snacks.

Trying to shake her strange words from my mind, I ascended the stairs and arrived at my bedroom. I turned out the light and walked over to my bed, but stopped upon hearing the unmistakable sound of a guitar being played. Could it be? The sound came from my balcony and, faster than I'd like to admit, I put on my slippers and stepped outside. My hopes were confirmed as I immediately caught sight of the Vampire King, floating and idly strumming his bass above my balcony. The moonlight cascaded across his skin, almost making him glow. His eyes met mine, and I felt every gummy bone within me begin to melt.

He's so enchanting.

"Marshall." His name escaped my throat softly, almost like a quiet moan. I was immediately embarrassed, and quickly composed myself. This proved easier said than done, my stomach doing somersaults at an unhealthy rate. "What brings you here?" That's casual right? Regardless, I was curious to hear his answer. He stopped strumming his bass and floated over to the edge of my balcony, taking a seat on the railing. He patted the spot next to him, and I didn't hesitate. I had planned to leave plenty of space between us, but my brain failed to send the message and my legs were centimeters away from touching his. Pull it together Gumball. You're just friends.

"Well I finally finished this song I've been working on and I need someones opinion. But it's kinda sappy, and my ghost friends would probably just laugh. Fionna too maybe. I don't usually write fluffy stuff like this, but I figured I'd give it a shot. You're a pretty fluffy guy, so I figured you'd make a great test audience." He smirked at me and I failed to fight off the grin that snaked its way onto my face. He wrote a song, and he won't share it with anyone but me! I hoped he couldn't sense my obvious excitement. Gotta play it cool. Gotta be chill.

"Alright, let's hear it then." I gave him my friendliest smile. Despite this, I'm sure my eyes were conveying a very different and more passionate emotion. Fortunately, he looked away from me and down at his bass to begin playing.

"The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting

Could it be that we have been this way before

I know you don't think that I am trying

I know you're wearing thin down to the core"

Ohhhh his voice. A sound that once filled me with dread but now fills me with a warmth I cannot describe. It felt as though it was pulling me in, and I had to resist the urge to move closer to him. His fingers effortlessly slid across the strings, creating a melody that enhanced his already captivating singing.

"But hold your breath

Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you

Over again

Don't make me change my mind

Or I won't live to see another day

I swear it's true

Because someone like you is impossible to find

You're impossible to find"

My brain was overloaded. My ears were bombarded with the beautiful sounds Marshall created so easily, but I was also playing with the words in my mind. It was a love song. A love song he has played only for me. One he maybe… wrote for me? No. I must not make such assumptions. He simply wanted my opinion, that's all. After he finished, he returned his bass to it's place on his back and leaned backwards until he was afloat again. I slid off the railing back onto the balcony and rested my arms on the railing, placing my head in my hand. I stared up at him in awe, as he floated just out of my reach.

"Soooo?"

"I thoroughly enjoyed it. You have stupendous talent Marshall." My first instinct was to tell him I thought it was beautiful, but I decided that wasn't a wise choice.

"Thanks. I wasn't sure at first. It's hard to write a love song when you're not exactly sure what it means to be in love. Guess I did something right." He seemed to think for a moment, before that devilish smirk crept back on his face. "You're a smart guy. What do you think it means to be in love, gummy?"

Uh oh. This isn't a good topic to discuss with him. What if I accidentally reveal my feelings? I must go about this carefully.

"I don't believe there is any set definition. It is a feeling, and feelings are difficult to describe. I'd say it's when you really enjoy someone's company and you want to be close to them, emotionally and physically, and you want them to return those feelings, and you experience sadness if they do not."

Good work Gumball. Against the worst odds, I am usually able to talk my way out of a corner. I still had to look slightly upward to meet Marshall's gaze, but he floated a bit closer before he spoke again.

"Have you ever been in love?"

Oh. My. Glob. Quick, say something. I can't tell the truth, but I'm a terrible liar. Reflect it. Reflect!

"Have you?" My voice sounded slightly shaky, but I felt confident my inner turmoil had not affected my facial expression. Marshall said nothing at first, and he remained almost perfectly still in midair, just staring at me. I stared back, trying not to shrink away from the intense look in his eyes. I looked for a sign of any sort of emotion, worried that I had reminded him of something sad. As usual, I couldn't find anything. I wish I could read him.

He finally looked away, flipping over so that his back was now facing the ground.

"My heart doesn't do a whole lot, gummy boy. I'm already dead."

That statement makes my heart feel dead too. I didn't know how to respond to that; my fingers fiddled with each other as I waited for him to say something else. Hopefully nothing else heart wrenching.

"Well, I'm sure his majesty needs sleep. Oh, Fi and Cake are coming over to my place tomorrow night for a jam session. You should come too."

My stomach continued to perform acrobatics as I considered his offer. Invited to another hang out? This time by him, at HIS house! These are all steps in the right direction. As long as he doesn't play anymore love songs. Unless...he waits until the girls leave. And plays it only for me. Should I?

"I'd love too." I normally don't agree to late night outings, but in my current love struck state, I'd thrown caution to the wind.

"Cool. See ya tomorrow gummy boy." And with that, he floated off into the night. I had to hold in my swoon until I was back inside, collapsing onto my bed with my thoughts racing. His song replayed in my mind over and over, and like a lullaby, eventually helped me drift off to sleep. My last thoughts were of my apparent new nickname gummy boy, and it brought warmth to my cheeks.


PM

As I finished scrubbing the last of the dishes, I couldn't help but worry about the poor prince upstairs. He's one of the sweetest people in all of the candy kingdom, and I can't bear to imagine something bad befalling him. His sweetness is also a weakness, however, and it could be taken advantage of. He's usually so good about being careful of who he trusts, but I have been warned that he will soon slip up.

After drying my hands, I make my way to my sleeping quarters. The moon shines especially bright tonight, and I pause to admire it's beauty. I see something moving out of the corner of my eye and turn to see a figure up in the sky. I almost break into a sprint to alert the banana guards, but upon closer inspection, I notice it appears to be flying away from the kingdom. Confused, I approach the window and squint so as to see it better. In an instant I recognize him. It's the nightosphere brat. No doubt I know what he was doing here.

I grip my amulet as I watch him float away, and I feel it's scorching heat radiating from within.


The song used here is "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade. Thanks for reading! And a big thank you for all reviews. They really make my smile :)

More coming soon.

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