Hello there! Haven't seen you in forever. Here is another chapter, and I made sure to make it extra long for you guys. Sorry it takes so long to write must be a pain to wait for my chapters. But patience is a virtue! Happy reading.
NoLifeQueen
Chapter 5
Just Business
"Oh… was I.." The blond girl shifted nervously, she knew she talked to herself at times but almost no one had seen her do so. Her heart began to raise for every second of silence, she lightly pinched her leg to regain her focus.
"Talking to yourself? Yes." Marceline shrugged and changed her backpack's strap to her other shoulder. "Everyone does it once in a while. 'S'not a big deal."
"Wait… it isn't?" Bubblegum's voice rose an octave in surprise. She's so odd. Marceline thought looking her in the eye for a few seconds before dropping her gaze to the ground, "Miss President, may I ask you a question?"
Bubblegum narrowed her eyes and her jaw tightened, she asked in a rather hostile tone, "Are you mocking me?" Marceline's head snapped up and her eyes slightly widened, "Beg your pardon?"
The blonde's spine straightened purposely making her stature appear taller, she lifted her chin and hissed defiantly "I don't know who you think you are Miss Abadeer, bu-"
"You've got it all wrong." The other girl calmly stated. "I was only trying to ask a favor of you." Bubblegum dropped the glare but her guard was clearly visible. What an interesting girl. Marceline though as she took a second to look at the Student President over, she weighed her next words carefully. "There's this new girl, her name is Fiametta and I was wondering if you could take her under your wing." She continued, cocking her head to the side in bewilderment, approaching someone for help was a first of her.
"So you two are something more!" Bubblegum gasped covering her blushed faced with her hands. "LSP suspected it but I never thought it was true! She's way younger than you plus I never knew she was your type!" The blond girl said shaking her head in disbelief and pointing an accusatory finger at Marceline, who in turn gave her a puzzling look. "Do you two live together!? Are you tw-" Bubblegum was suddenly interrupted by Marceline's long finger on her lips.
"I wonder if you ever stop to take a breath?" Marceline wondered out loud, gently taking her finger back from the girl's lips. "I know you're quite popular and people respect you. That is why I'm asking for this favor." Marceline said looking at the blond straight in the eye. Bubblegum shook her head to clear her thoughts before firmly stating, "People respect you too."
Marceline snorted humorlessly. "People fear me." Her eyes darkened and her smile turned mean, "That is quite different Miss President." Bubblegum took half a step back and tightened her hands into fists, the sudden change in atmosphere put her body on high alert. As quickly as the dark mood came it was gone, leaving only silence and emptiness."I'm afraid my reputation won't help Fiametta in this situation."
"I see." The blond looked off into space, slightly biting her bottom lip. The small pain helped her brain focus on the task at hand; for she knew she had only one chance and wanted to word it right. "This would mean you are willing to offer me something in return." Marceline's eyes narrowed, she felt a small growl forming deep within her chest. "I don't like owing anything to anyone." I don't like where this is going. I hate depending on other's help. She fought hard not to start thinking of ways of making her hurt.
Bubblegum fought hard not to smile for she knew it would ruin her opportunity; once she made up her mind she nodded and pretended to think more by scratching her chin, "Hmmm, I have an idea on how you can repay this favor." Her body betrayed her and a small grin appeared as soon as she finished her sentence. Marceline tried her best to make her face as blank as possible, she didn't want to give away how anxious she really felt. She counted till three and took a deep breath before answering in a flat tone, "Is that so?" Father would be proud in the way I'm handling this.
"There is this… concert I've been interested in attending. Perhaps you can accompany me." A concert? I thought… but she has my head on a silver platter!
"A… concert?" Something must be up. Perhaps an ulterior motive.
"Indeed. I've never been to one, and I've always wanted to study how a large group of people would interact in such scenario. It's killing two birds with one stone really." Science junk? So she's a nerd! I swear to glob if she had glasses she would be pushing them up all nerd like right now. Bubblegum nodded enthusiastically before continuing, "I already have the tickets and I can get a ride the-"
Marceline raised a finger in the air motioning for her to stop, "Giving you a ride is not a problem, as long as you tell me where you live." She took out her phone from her buttpocket and typed a few keys before handling it to the blond. "And as to the concert, I would need to know when it is and where it's taking place." Bubblegum took the phone and typed in her own number before answering.
"The concert is tonight at around 9:30." Giving the phone back to Marceline she continued, "Once in the car I'll direct you to the place." She reached out her hand and smiled. "Do we have a deal?" Do I have another choice? Marceline grunted in agreement and shook her hand. "I'll pick you up around 7:30 then." Giving her a quick salute Marceline turned and began walking away. Bubblegum was about to call after her when all of a sudden the raven haired girl as if reading her mind said, "Bell rang a long time ago Miss President." The blond could have sworn she heard a mocking chuckle in her voice. "Don't wanna be late ya know." Was the last thing Marceline said before disappearing into another hallway. "You butt." Bubblegum murmured before walking towards her own classroom.
"How was your first day?" Marceline asked as soon as Fiametta got in the car and closed the door. She gave her a once over and knew hell was about to be unleashed. I'm still pissed at you Marceline, and you won't escape my wrath so easily. Seconds of silence went by and Marceline began to wonder if the younger girl was ever going to answer when all of a sudden Fiametta sarcastically asked, "Do you really care or are you just asking to be polite?"
"Just curious." She responded looking out the window. "So… umm… anything good happened?" Marceline rubbed her hands on the side of her jeans nervously; she had never talked to anyone about their day like this so she was afraid of messing it up. Is she nervous? Seems like she's really trying. Fiametta's temper slowly began to diminish at the sight of the older girl struggling for words.
"It started very lousy, got lost a few times after you left but once I found my way I was fine." Marceline sighed in what seemed like relief and started the car. "I made some friends too." Fiametta casually said turning on the radio and playing around with the stations. Kinda fishy actually, I've never made friends so fast before. If I didn't know better I would think… Fiametta suspiciously glanced over her shoulder to look at the older girl whom was eerily still. "Marceline." The tone of Fiametta's voice made Marceline shift nervously in her sit, yet she remained silent. "Could it be that you had something to do with that?" She turned her body towards Marceline and crossed her arms frowning.
"Ah well, you see…" Marceline started, avoiding the younger girl's stare as best as she could. I don't think I have seen her this vulnerable. I think I'll be evil and take advantage of this. Fiametta thought as she took off her buckle and began to climb over Marceline's lap. "What… what are you doin'?" She panicked and slammed her feet on the ground making her body go up the sit giving Fiametta more room to wiggle herself in. The younger girl leaned over and huskily whispered in Marceline's ear, "Tell me the truth Marci, did you threatened anyone?"
Marceline gulped and lightly shook her head, "Not a threat per se. I..." Just then did she notice Fiametta's exposed neck and her mouth watered instantly. Is that... h-hunger in her eyes? As if something snapped, Marceline's eyes darkened and her body language changed. Licking her lips, she gingerly placed one cold finger on the younger girl's vein; feeling her pulse quicken only encouraged her more. W-what is she doing! Fiametta shifted her weight around not sure of how to react.
"I don't remember giving you permission to give me any pet names Fiametta." The raven haired girl purred, hooking her thumbs on the girl's belt she slightly pulled at her jeans so that more of her soft tanned skin showed. A low growl escaped her lips as she dug her fingernails on the young girl's hips making her yelp at the sudden pain. Marceline's silver eyes flickered towards Fiametta's honey golden ones before leaning closer to her neck. I can't seem to fight back! It's like I'm in a trance... Fiametta thought, fighting hard the moan that had begun to grow at the back of her throat.
"I might have to punish you for that."
Punish? Fiametta's eyes widened in surprise, but her body felt too hot and heavy to fight back. Her neck itched, craving to be touched by more than one finger. My chest is really hot. I want her cool touch all over… She blushed at the thought and lightly shook her head.
"Since this is your first offense," Marceline's voice felt distant and grew quieter as the world around them started spinning. I need her. Fiametta thought blushing a deeper red. "I will go easy on you." A light pain just above her collarbone was the last thing she felt before passing out, that and a thought. The sudden realization of need Fiametta felt towards the daughter of the most feared and respected man in the world.
"I do hope I did not interrupt your busy afternoon Marceline." Hudson's dark presence seemed to take away the oxygen around him but it didn't seemed to affect her as much as usual. Fia should be awake by now. I wonder if she's mad I left her with those two. Straightening from her bow Marceline looked up to see her father studying her intently. One day it will be me who will cause such fear and respect in people with just one glance. "Father, I'm never too busy to carry out my duty. What will you have me do?"
The man nodded; throwing an orange folder at her feet and not bothering to see if Marceline caught it, he turned holding his hands behind his back. A quick glance at the papers was all she needed before frowning, "This needs to get done tonight?" If I get too dirty I won't be able to pick her up in time! Marceline did her best not to frown in disappointment; instead closed the folder and put it under her arm.
"The goblins have never been a threat to the Family before." Hudson's voice boomed with such power, Marceline fought hard not to cover her ears. "I believe someone else is pulling their strings. I want you to go and deal with it." He turned then, his eyes sparkled with controlled rage. "Unless of course you're too busy to cut the snake's head." I'll just have to be quick about it. How hard can it be to kill the leader of an incompetent gang? Swallowing her anger Marceline nodded once, "It will be done Father."
It was 5:30 and Bubblegum had decided to start getting ready. Never in her life had she been so nervous to hang out with anyone. But this isn't just anyone… "This is Marceline…" she mused out loud, the sound of the other girl's name tasted sweet on her tongue. She had taken a very thorough shower and drowned herself in perfume before deciding she was ready to choose an outfit. Some jeans, skirts and dresses had already been laid neatly on her bed and were patiently awaiting their trail. She carefully walked around the mess of books and papers her desk was and stopped at the foot of the bed.
"A dress won't do, there will be moshing and the like, so it won't be practical to wear one." Bubblegum murmured as she tossed several dresses aside. "I want to be comfortable yet…" She blushed at the thought of wanting Marceline to think she was cute. "A black skirt then, classy and functional." Black like her hair… it's so shinny and looks so soft... She shook her head and forced herself to focus once more, "Perhaps… some hot pink leggings to go with it and a hot pink tanktop." The blond nodded making her mind up, and taking the outfit from the bed she held it up to her body.
Bubblegum turned to look at herself in her walk-in closet's mirror, her nose immediately scrunched as she mentally criticized herself. Why should I care what she thinks of me, it isn't rational to feel this way after only knowing her for such short time. How will I do my hair anyways? Should I do my nails? I don't really care what she thinks. I should probably match my shoes too… hmmm…
2 hours after ironing her clothes to perfection, of putting on makeup and reapplying it, doing her nails, curling her hair just to end up putting it on a bun, brushing her teeth a billion times and going over topics that might strike a conversation, she was ready. Alright I have everything in place, some money along with my ID and the tickets. I'm all set! The blond sat at the edge of the bed, her hands neatly tuck over each other on her lap, and waited for what seemed like hours but was really only a few minutes. From her bedroom's window she could see dusk settling in, bringing forth the starry night sky. She counted 3 headlights passing down her street before sighing. Maybe she isn't showing up after all.
Marceline had to drive full speed if she wanted to make it in time, her last minute assignment had ruined her carefully planned schedule and she was a bit annoyed. I double checked there was no blood on me, everything should be fine. She thought trying to calm her nerves. Turned out killing the bastard wasn't the hard part. Finding him and making sure she didn't make a mess of her hair and outfit was what made her be so late. Looking up at the rearview mirror every couple of minutes to make sure her hair was alright, Marceline made her way towards her destination. She was glad the School Body President had texted her address a few hours prior the meet up time, so she didn't have to waste time going in circles trying to find the house. The raven haired girl blinked a couple of times before focusing on the map in her head and grunted. "3 blocks down and it should be on my right." She murmured absently; tasks like this are one of her favorite. Keeping her mind busy and out of dark thoughts was always challenging, but she found that by giving her brain a series of tasks through the day help her keep it in check. Marceline looked down at the clock as she pulled up the blond girl's driveway, "5 minutes early." she took 45 seconds to even her breathing and settle her thoughts before getting out of the car. No need to be nervous, it's just business.
Finn had texted her the weather report and according to it tonight was going to be nice and warm, but she knew better. Living most of her life in the shadows of the night had not only made her paler than the usual person, but had also made her one with her environment. No matter what any weather channel said tonight was going to get chilly, Marceline felt it in her bones. Pulling her black leather jacket closer to her body she slowly made her way towards the door and rang the doorway. The door swung open almost immediately making her instinctively ball her hands into fist; ready for a fight her spine straightened out and her pupils dilated. She was surprised to find a rather bulky man in a butler suit standing there, his head slightly bowed towards her.
"Good evening, may I help you Miss…?" He greeted before straightening himself, he must be a foot taller than her and a few pounds heavier. Marceline noted a few light scars on his chin and neck. He looks awfully familiar…
"Abadeer. I'm looking for Bonnibelle sir, we're going to a concert tonight." The man stood aside and motioned the girl to come in. "Ah yes, Bonnie could not stop talking about it. Please do come in, I'm afraid it'll be a little while before she comes down." He chuckled at a memory of the girl's mother being just as late when she was younger.
Marceline nodded as she step through the door, "I am a bit early." she offered as an excuse while looking around the hallway. They are certainly not rich, I can tell by the furniture and the paintings on the wall. Sure her family is well off but couldn't possibly afford service like this. There must be more to it than I can see. She made sure to keep track of every window and door there were as they both made their way towards the living room. As soon as they arrived her eyes quickly scanned anything she could turn into a weapon only to rest on the mysterious man. If needed be, could I take him out? He's heavier and has longer arms, which is a huge advantage for him, but that just means I'm lighter and probably faster. If I can manage to keep him at arm's length I could probably land in a few punches and step back into safety before he can strike back. My best bet would be to tire him out then go for the kill. The man's sudden attempt at breaking the ice by clearing his throat made her snap into attention. "Forgive me I did not introduced myself properly. My name is Pe-"
"Peppy it's already 7:32! Why hasn't Marceline shown up?" Heavy steps were approaching them fast, and by the sound of them the person was quite mad. "I never took her for one being late!"
"I'm not." Marceline calmly said as soon as Bubblegum entered the room. She surely can pull pink off.
"Glob!" The blond shrieked in a mixture of surprise and terror, dropping the tickets she was holding. "Don't scare me like that!" She glared at Marceline and accusatively pointed a finger at her butler. "And YOU! Why didn't you tell me she was here Peppy!"
He smiled and raised his hands in the air apologetically, "Sorry love, I just wanted to get to know the girl you're going out on a date with." Peppy said winking, which made Bubblegum turn bright red. Marceline looked over at her and raised an eyebrow waiting for an explanation.
"It's n-not a d-date!" The blond stuttered, which only made her even redder. Her face almost matches her outfit, heh. Marceline thought trying not to laugh.
"Well, whatever you youngsters call it these days." The butler insisted, ushering the two down the hallway. "Take care of her Miss Abadeer, I do hope to see you again." He opened the door for them and gently pushed them out, "Oh, and tell your Father his old friend Pepper says hello." He waved them goodbye and without warning closed the door behind them.
"That was odd." Peper… The Pepper Mint? Now it all makes sense. I've heard stories about his accomplishments since I was a kid! He's a legend. She thought looking back at girl's house in awe. "I'm so sorry. He gets his kicks by embarrassing me." Bubblegum explained, her face still red.
"Oh?... Right. No worries." Marceline walked her towards the car and made sure to open the door for her. "I'm afraid we are a bit behind schedule." She continued, closing the door and walking to the other side. This girl continues to amaze me. The girl thought as she opened the door and gracefully slid in. She sat there lost in her thoughts, gripping the wheel of the car and staring ahead.
"Umm Marceline?"
"…I'm waiting for directions." She answered flatly, not really looking at anything in particular.
"If you don't feel comfortable coming with me after what Peppy said I'd understand." Bubblegum looked down at her fingers, when she didn't hear a response her stomach dropped. The sudden coldness on her shoulder made her jump a bit; she looked up to find the other girl's hand on her. Marceline had noticed how the blond reacted to her touch but did not miss a note, "You need to relax more Miss President. Now won't you tell me where to go? I dislike being late."
Feeling a little guilty at her rudeness, she looked down at her hands once more and decided to make it up to the girl no matter what. "Bonibelle." The blond girl mumbled; after a few seconds she looked up only to find Marceline's silver eyes on her. She was amazed at how clear she could see the silver in her eyes, and could have sworn there was a hint of light blue hidden on the rim of her irises. Marceline smiled and nodded once, "Bonibelle."
"Why is it that Marceline goes off into the night and doesn't say a word?" Fiametta was upside down on the edge of the bed playing a video game; her red hair flowed like a river of lava around her shoulders.
"Well, the boss gotta do what the boss gotta do." Finn answered without taking his eyes off the TV. Why does he always call her boss? Aren't they friends? Fiametta glanced at him curiously before going back to beating his butt.
"That's a good one bro! Gotta write that down for later use." Jake said walking in the room, trying to balance a huge bowl of popcorn on one hand and three cans of soda on the other. "Heh, I guess that WAS pretty clever!" Finn shouted as he lost for the tenth time. "Glob, Fia you're too mathematical for me." They are trying to distract me. Fiametta thought frowning, she was not going to play along. He threw the controller on the floor with a dramatic sigh and raised his hands in defeat.
Fiametta rolled over and sat up at the foot of the bed. "Did Marceline tell you where she was going?" She pressed on, in the past few hours she was able to get nothing out of them but that wasn't stopping her from trying.
"Girl, is Marceline all you ever think 'bout?" Jake teased winking at Finn, whom in turn started making kissing noises. "Yeah Fia you wanna go to tier two with her or sumtin?" The younger boy taunted, passionately kissed the air around him.
His teasing was met with pillows to his face, "You butt! I'm actually concerned about Marceline and all you do is tease!" Fiametta snarled while glaring at Finn; the more her anger grew the less she was able to see with clarity. How dare they make fun of me. Why I ought to make them hurt! The corners of her eyes had already begun to darken making a tunnel like vision, her breathing became heavy and uneven and her shoulders tensed.
"Woah, we are sorry Fia." Finn said rubbing the back of his neck looking chastised.
"Yeah we didn't mean to upset you Princess." Jake said putting down the junk food and looking anywhere but her.
Fiametta clenched her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white almost immediately, "Why do you call keep calling me that!" She shouted, beating her fists on the bed making the two boys freeze.
"So you really don't know?" Finn's voice became serious so suddenly it gave Fiametta goose bumps. What the hell is going on? There has been a very weird feeling in the air ever since Dad left me here… She decided that the only way she was going to get to the bottom of this was to befriend these strange boys. "Bro we really shouldn't." Jake warned walking over to him and gripping his shoulder.
"I won't tell." Fiametta quickly offered standing up from the bed and walking over to the two. She bit her bottom in the attempt of looking cute, "I promise."
"Well…" Finn blushed and smiled brightly at her. "It's okay right Jake? She said she won't tell." He looked over at the older boy whose stern face made Fiametta gulp. He has a good poker face, I doubt he'll ever tell me. But maybe Finn will…
