AN: I apologize for the typos in the last chapter! I forgot to read over it and it was really late.
"Fionna!" Gumball called chasing after her.
Fionna stopped when she reached the same balcony she was a few moments ago with Marshall. Her face was still red and she stayed turned away from the candy prince to hide her face. She was partly embarrassed that her vampire had kissed her, but she was also thrilled. But, to do it in front of everyone without having anything established? That the adventuress was not ready for. The gossip will be fierce as everyone loves to gossip.
"Fionna?" Gumball softened his voice still trying to gain her attention.
"Eh, um hey Gummy." She tried to speak plainly, but her mind was still flustered about Marshall Lee.
"Are you okay? Marshall can be a real jerk sometimes." He stated coldly. Fionna turned to face him for sounding so cold in his remark.
"I'm fine. Are you alright?" She asked lifting a brow.
"Well, I am hopeful that I will be." He replied searching her eyes.
Fionna looked back with a mixture of confused and anxiety. Prince Gumball walked up to her grabbing one of her hands in to his own.
"Fionna, there's something that I want to ask you. Well, it's really something I would like to tell you." He said walking a few steps towards her closing the gap between them. He was basically inches from her face.
"Fionna! Oh baby cakes, I'm so sorry." Cake burst through the curtains of the balcony with her voice full of worry making the two jump apart.
"What Cake! What's happened?" Fionna's voice matching her feline sisters.
"I got the time change confused for going to see Lord Mochro's parents. We're not leaving tomorrow afternoon. We're leaving tonight at midnight! Which means I have to leave now and pack!" Cake's eyes started to water. Fionna felt a pang of sadness. She tried to put on a good face for Cake.
"It's alright Cake. I'll be fine. I am almost seventeen and I'll be able to hang out with PG and Marshall Lee. You need to worry about talking to his parents, not me!" Fionna tried to make her voice sound reassuring. Cake eyed her to make sure. Fionna sighed. "Cake! I am not a child. I will miss you but I do have the new phone you gave me! I know this is important." She added a big smile to the end of her statement. Cake smiled clearing her eyes of tears.
"Thanks for being so understanding. I was worried you would think I'm just running out on you tonight. I have to go now, because we have to stop at his place first." Cake said giving a big hug to her human sister. "I love you, baby, and I will be back soon. You be careful now while I'm gone." Her tone soothing. "And be sure to always carry your sword with you… even if you have a man around!" Her tone now teasing. Cake walked away giving her sister a knowing wink making Fionna blush.
"Ugh, I love you too! Have fun and good luck!" Fionna called to her sister.
Fionna stared at the direction Cake went as her smile faded. She had so much to talk to Cake about that she would now have to work out on her own. Prince Gumball watched Fionna gaze after her feline sister.
"She'll be back before you know it." Prince Gumball said trying to comfort her. He walked over to the blonde with the attention of giving her a hug and she stiffened a bit. Marshall finally caught up with them opening the curtain walking out onto the balcony.
"Fionna-" Marshall started until her saw her expression and how close Bubba was to her. Marshall growled "Whatcha doing Gumbutt?"
Gumball glared at him with unhidden irritation. "Trying to console her. In case you haven't noticed she is upset about Cake." He snapped. Marshall snarled.
Fionna looked down. Tonight was turning out to be a challenging night. First FP, then Cake, and now PG and Marshall. Fionna sighed.
"Knock it off you two!" Fionna yelled irritated. They both jumped at her outburst.
Prince Gumball softened his gaze over to her. Marshall walked over to Fionna giving her a hug. She went right into his hug without hesitation.
"I'm sorry Fi. What's going on with Cake?" He asked stroking her hair. Fionna hugged back taking in his comfort. He had a knack of always showing up when she needed him.
Gumball tried to hide his jealousy of how Fionna is always so comfortable with Marshall. She so easily hugs him and relaxes when he is around. When it's her and Gumball she seems tense and guarded. Like she can't be herself and confide in him.
"Cake is leaving with LM for a couple of weeks to announce the news of her pregnancy. I thought I had until tomorrow afternoon with her, but she is leaving at midnight instead. She still needed to pack, so she's gone now. But I really wanted to talk to her about stuffs." Fionna explained resting her head on Marshall's shoulder. "But I mean, it's important for her to go, and it's not like I can't handle it. It's just….. it will be so quiet and kinda lonely without her. But I am happy for her." She said trying to make it sound like no big deal at all, and feeling embarrassed that she was upset in front of them.
"Things will be different, but it'll all work out. It's normal to be a little upset. You and Cake have a wicked tight bond. Ain't nothin' gonna come between that! Besides, while she's gone I can keep you company. It'll be like she never left." Marshall replied in a reassuring soothing tone and rubbed her back a couple times.
Gumball stood there watching the two and decided to add his input. Since it should be him giving comfort; not Marshall Lee.
"And you are always welcomed to hang out here in the Candy Kingdom." Gumball cheerfully added, but his eyes glaring daggers at Marshall. Who of course gave a smart ass smirk.
Fionna pulled back and looked at the two, who quickly changed their expressions, tilting her head. "Thanks dudes." She said with a small smile.
"Now, I believe you saved a dance for me." The candy prince smiled holding out his arm for her to take. Marshall wanted to rip that arm off.
"Oh, okay. Next dance Marshy?" Fionna smiled glancing Gumball's way and taking his arm. Marshall smirked in "HA!" expression when the prince looked over. Fionna glanced over her shoulder at Marshall, and he winked at Fionna floating onto his back wrapping his hands around his head.
"Of course, babe." He said cool toned bad boy voice. Fionna's heart jumped and she smiled with a blush walking away with Prince Gumball.
While PG escorted her into the ball room for a dance Fionna wondered how many times she could blush in a twenty four hour period and not faint. Her body had to feel like it was pumping to a new organ. Inside the ballroom LSP was singing My Princely Lumps and attempting to dance, but it looked more like seizing. Fionna put her hand to her mouth to hold back laughter. Her and Prince Gumball stood exchanging snickering glances.
"Oh my glob dude, that is hilarious!" Fionna laughs out pointing at LSP.
"Yes, it is quite funny!" Prince Gumball laughed out as well. This took Fionna off guard.
Usually PG would have told her to not be rude or something of that sort. She stopped regarding him for a moment looking him over. She noticed that he wasn't dressed as fancy as he normally does. Fionna blinked her eyes a couple of times taking in his appearance. She felt dumbfounded for not noticing before, but in her defense she was pretty distracted.
"You look different PG!" She stated pointing at him. Gumball smiled.
"Well, this is a music party, not a ball." His voice full of prince charm making Fionna feel butterflies.
"Oh… right." She said now feeling stupid for pointing it out. He did look good, though. He looked more down to earth and displayed a more approachable air about him. He wore a light pink button up, dark blue skinny jeans, and pink and white sneakers. Pretty common style of clothes for the candy prince. "It's a nice change of style. You look like you're ready to go out to do something other than staying in the palace."
Prince Gumball smiled at himself more than her, because he wore this attire to specifically catch Fionna's attention. It's more of a statement that she didn't know everything about him. Meaning that it would intrigue her to want to know more out of curiosity, and he would gain more time with her. To be honest; there were things that she did not know about him simply because Gumball would not allow it. He wondered how she would react if she knew about his tainted past with the vampire king. Especially a few other things he indulged in every so often.
"Fionna, I do more than just stay in my castle." He tried to not sound offended, but he did feel a little defensive. She looked over at him looking somewhat guilty. She did think he lived a completely pampered life. Besides, why wouldn't she if he sends her out for almost everything. Prince Gumball picked up on her thoughts.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like –"
"No need Fionna, I know how it looks. I call on you to do things for me." He said in a genuine tone. "I sent for you to have your company with me, because I enjoy your presence. I guess it turned out to look the opposite." He said with a smile.
A slower song started to play as Honey Buns sang in a soft undistinguishable tone. Her voice came out more like short and long vocals that did not sound bad nor good; but neutral. Fionna felt relieved that it wasn't a sappy love song to make her feel awkward, but she wasn't exactly happy about slow dancing with the candy prince either.
Prince Gumball and Fionna stepped forward to each other to dance. Gumball flashed a dashing smile as he placed his hands onto her waist. She put her hands onto his shoulders smiling back making sure to keep a reasonable distance between their bodies. They started to sway into the dance, and Fionna noticed all the couples around them. She sighed.
Marshall went invisible when he saw the candy prince put his hands on her waist. He glowered over at them not giving Gumball the satisfaction of seeing his anger. The other side of the room stood Flame Prince with flames of jealousy clearly light into his eyes. Marshall put all of his attention and senses onto the two dancing. He strained his ears to hear their conversation. The extra effort he put into listening usually wouldn't be needed, but it was hard to hear over his own thoughts.
"Are you enjoying yourself tonight?" The candy prince asked starting conversation.
"Yes…." Fionna furrowed her brows. "Why is FP here? I mean…. You said he would never be welcomed back." Her voice sounding somewhat betrayed. Prince Gumball pushed his guilt down as he answered her.
"He is here due to politics with the Fire Kingdom. Right now we are working out beneficial trading amongst other things." He partially lied. Yes, FP had arrived into the kingdom for that particular reason. BUT it wasn't necessary for him to be invited to the party. That was done specifically to interrupt her date with the vampire in hopes that they would fight and Fionna would tire of the demon.
"Oh, I understand." She said looking down slowing the dance to a stop. PG took a hand from her waist placing it under her chin for her to look at him.
"I would not invite him otherwise. What he did is unforgivable, but I have duties to uphold for our kingdom."
Fionna's eyes widened. She had never heard him say "our kingdom" before. It had always been "my kingdom". PG couldn't stifle the giggle at her expression.
"This is the kingdom that you protect. You are our hero, and you consider it yours." He said smiling and bringing his hand back to her waist starting to dance again. "But…" He pulled her closer, "it could be ours equally one day." He said lowering his voice leaning in closer looking into her eyes. Marshall growled loud enough to make some candy people close by to jump. The candy prince and human seemed to not notice though.
Fionna stopped moving and stared at the candy prince blankly. She couldn't believe her ears. PG ushered her off the dance floor and out into the hall closing the door behind him. The two of them remained completely unaware of the invisible vampire king that followed them through the doors and remained only a foot away. Gumball kept his eyes fixed to Fionna's.
"I want to say now what I was trying to say before when we were on the balcony. I have waited long enough and you are finally of proper age." She said nothing, only kept her eyes on his intently. "Fionna, all these years I have always loved you. At first it was an adoration, love for a sister or a friend. However, as you got older it became something more. You started becoming more and more irresistible making the emotion deepen. I can no longer hold back my feelings for you. I love you, Fionna."
Marshall was stunned and angered. Fionna stood completely in shock. Her heart pounded and her brain scrambled. She didn't know what to say, think, or feel. The candy prince continued to say more.
"I wish to start courting you with the intent of making you my queen. Paperwork to make you a lady of my kingdom can easily be done allowing me to declare you are of proper age to have a suitor. It will clear us of any political and legal issues." He paused observing her still shocked expression and her head trying to wrap around his words. Her jaw had dropped leaving her lips partially parted.
He continued on using a softer voice. "Please wait before answering me right away. Think about everything that I have said and what it means. I know it's a lot to take in all at once, especially since I've waited to tell you. But please, understand that I only meant to wait for you to be older before pursuing those kinds of interests. My hope is that you will take time to consider me again. You mean more to me than you know."
The shock had worn off a little, but Fionna still remained quiet. Marshall held in the breath he didn't need trying to contain himself from killing Gumball on the spot. He observed Fionna thoroughly. Fionna was slightly shaking and her face was paled. Her breathing was faint uneven rhythm.
"I… I don't know how to react right now….. " Fionna said taking a steps backwards to lean against the wall for some support. She felt like a total flip flop mess of heart gut emotions. A war of emotions started.
Gumball moved in front of her touching her cheek. "Take your time. We can be really happy together ruling the candy people. You would have everything you could ever ask for. You could travel to all kinds of kingdoms with me for grand parties. Be a representative for me to help solve disputes without using violence. All of the finer things in life would be yours. You'd be able to have a normal life." He leaned in and kissed her lips softly for a few seconds and she did not move a muscle.
Marshall was about to lose it but the doors swung open loudly as Flame Prince walked into the hall. FP spotted the candy prince with Fionna and his flames became larger. With the attention on FP Marshall turned visible again. Tension raised in the room as everyone stood quiet. The guys all glared at each other surrounding Fionna, and she was thrown into loops for a few moments. Then she snapped out of it.
"What the hay hay guys? Why are you guys giving each other the hairy eye?!" She yelled feeling this immense amount of anger rising.
All three of the guys looked over at her before looking to each other again.
"Whatever! I'm outta here!" Flame Prince shouted pissed walking away.
"Go ahead! I know that's what to expect!" Fionna shouted surprised at herself. Her anger was replaced with a hint of fear and sadness. PG and Marshall Lee looked over at Fionna surprised. 'Oh hell, now I opened up a closed box..' she was now about to regret the outburst. But somehow saying that made her feel better, so she stood her ground.
Flame Prince stopped and turned. "What did you just say?!"
"You heard me. I didn't mutter!" she said locking eyes with him. At first he flashed into hotter flames, but then they faded as he felt the shame rise inside of him.
"Well, being around wasn't doing any good. Leaving is the best thing to do." His voice was calmer. His words were meant to be part of resolving issues, but it resulted in pissing off the adventuress.
"Are you stuck in poo brain or something!? When you do something you regret or feel bad about you're supposed to stay and fix it or say sorry! Not run off and try to resolve it on your own. That just leaves the other person hanging with questions and no answers! It makes it worse!" she shouted putting her arms by her sides making fists.
Flame Prince put his hand on the back of his neck and rubbed it taking a step forward. "I thought it would be better." His voice softer.
"No, it wasn't. You walked out like I was nothing. Like, we never meant anything at all. That you could just throw me away without a second thought." With her emotions being a roller coaster she felt tears pulling into her eyes, but she held them back.
"That's not how it was. I was…. I was ashamed. Guilty. I was afraid I would end up doing worse to you. I was unstable, and it got out of hand." His face was filled with pain and remorse as he spoke. "I was a real jerk. A big dirt maggot."
Fionna's anger subsided when he said that. She took a step forward and everything went black. The last thing that her consciousness registered was all three of the guys shouting her name with footsteps rushing to her.