Bubblegum's eyes whipped back around and widened perceptibly. Her head told her it was a bad idea, stupid and fanciful. Her heart wailed as it fought against having its precariously reassembled pieces torn apart. But her hand didn't listen to either of them and Marceline smiled, tightening her hold on Bubblegum's wrist, drawing her onto the dance floor.

Her chest felt tight and she knew she'd regret it later, her heart was hammering on her rib cage, shrieking at her to turn and run. She knew what would happen, it already had. But… anything to see her friend smile…

Marceline spun her around, sending her carmine skirt twirling. The band picked up a song and without breaking stride, Marceline stepped into the beat. It surprised her, somewhat, how easily Marceline danced to a ballroom number.

"I didn't know you could dance," Bubblegum said as Marceline spun her out till they were at arms' length in a graceful movement. She wasn't even floating, it was ridiculous.

The other woman just smiled again. "Everyone has their little surprises, Bonnie," she said, spinning her back in till they were face to face. "And I am a thousand years old. I'm bound to have a few extras tucked up my sleeve." Bubblegum swallowed, her friend's red eyes, filling her vision with whatever demonic mesmerisation she had, making her mind go completely blank. "You didn't answer my question," she continued, resuming a regular step. "Why didn't you invite someone to dance with? It's your party; you can get anyone you want to attend. Are you getting lazy?" Over Marceline's shoulder, Devlin, the son of one of her staff, waved brightly at her and Bubblegum smiled back. He was a nice fellow and always brought his mother gifts from his travels.

"I did invite someone to dance with, Marceline," she said, returning her attention to their conversation. She opened her mouth to continue, but Marceline had already let her go. Let go like she'd been burned actually. She whirled, her feet lifting from the tiles absently, and caught sight of Devlin and his mother who had started up a conversation with Manfried.

Marceline's eyes turned inwards and she fled out the window. Bubblegum didn't even have time to call after her before she was gone. Inside, a sing-song voice was chanting 'I told you so'. Her chest felt like it was being crushed, fine black lines spider-webbing across her heart. She sat back down, eyes already unfocused.

"That was a quick visit," Finn commented to Flame Princess as they watched Marceline streak through the window. He put his foot down without thinking and stepped on Flame Princess' foot. Her hair flared up briefly, but died down just as fast. She was trying to teach him a proper dance and failing.

"She looks sad again," Flame Princess muttered; her eyes on Bubblegum. Finn's gaze followed hers and he realised that PB had taken up the same position she'd been in before Marceline arrived. He scratched his head.

"You think? I still reckon she's tired."

Flame Princess sighed gently, making her foil dress shine. "Come on, I want to ask Lady a question."

"You speak her language?" asked Finn, hurrying after her.

"Not very well, but enough to ask my question." Flame Princess didn't get out much, but she did have a decent education… because she's a Princess. At least, that's how Finn justified it to himself. "Also, she's wearing her translator." Finn blushed, having forgotten that bit.

"Hey buddy!" Jake said happily when they reached him and Lady. "How's your party moves coming?" he asked, undulating his arms like a wave. "Getting sophisticated yet?"

Finn laughed as Flame Princess went off to ask Lady her mystery question. "I'm pretty bad at dancing like that, Jake."

"Just don't push her too far," his friend whispered. "You know she can be a bit crazy when frustrated."

Finn frowned, but couldn't argue the point. Not without being called a dinkus again. "Hey what do you think of PB tonight? She's all… bored looking."

Jake sighed. "Don't be getting ideas Finn," he said in his serious voice.

"Tell me she doesn't look bored," Finn said, huffing at the accusation.

"Huh," Jake replied, stretching up to see PB over the crowd. "She looks sad. What happened? What did you do bro?"

"What me? What makes you think I did something?" he almost screeched. "And what's with everyone saying she looks sad?"

"Who's everyone?"

"Flame Princess said it too."

Jake nodded sagely. "Girl stuff."