Chapter 7 – A Small Front to Keep the Demons Back

A week had gone by since Marshall's outburst with Fionna, and hardly a word had been uttered between the two of them. Marshall had tried his best to at least make eye contact with the young blonde, but her once-shiny blue orbs held a cold and icy stare towards any direction except for his. He wasn't surprised by this after what he said; it was his fault after all.

Marshall had been contemplating a lot on his own after the encounter with Ashley he had, much of it being blocked out subconsciously. Marshall knew what had happened to him, but it left him in a state of confusion, almost like a numbness that hung around him in a nearly noticeable cloud that attracted his friends' attention. After walking out from class to lunch, Marshall was about to turn down his usual pathway towards his tree spot when a light hand was laid gently upon his shoulder.

"Marshall. What's the deal lately?" Marshall turned slowly to see the concerned face of Marceline staring up at him, concern and frustration apparent in her gaze. "I know you like to zone out and shit during school, but this isn't like that, is it?" Her tone was aggressive, almost accusing. Marshall contemplated for a moment, his face remaining expressionless as he met her gaze.

"I don't know what you're talking about Marcy," he said nonchalantly.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about you butt!" Marceline exclaimed suddenly, a fury building in her eyes. "You're off in your head way too often! You don't pay any attention to your friends, you haven't spoken to Fionna in weeks, and the rest of us are actually worried about you!" Marceline continued. Marshall's eyes widened as she spoke, his mind racing through his options. She knows about me and Fionna. How much did Fi tell her? Should I keep lying? No. I should tell them the truth, I need to talk to someone abou-

Marshall. They wouldn't believe you…

Marshall's heart stopped as he heard her voice manifesting itself in his ears. You know they'll never believe you. They'll think it's all a joke. They'll laugh at you. Make fun of you…

Stop it… you're wrong!

Oh please. I'm never wrong.

Go away! You're not a part of my life anymore!

*SMACK* "OW, my cheek-meat!" Marshall exclaimed.

Marshall winced, a hand moving immediately to cradle his left cheek. Marshall looked back down to Marceline only to see her turning away and walking the opposite direction. He knew he had to do something. I'll fight my own battles. He thought to himself. The others don't need to be a part of this. I just need to make sure I stay in control.

"Wait, Marcy! Come back!" He called after her, jogging to catch up to where she had stopped. Her eyes were downcast and anger was still very much written all across her face. "Look, I'll be honest with you. I'm going through a little bit of stuff right now, but it's nothing you or the guys need to worry about, okay? I promise. As for Fionna, I know how I'm gonna make up with her. And the rest of you too!" Marshall put on his best killer smile, his old confidence once again returning on the outside. But on the inside he knew he was lying.

"We're gonna have a big group party this weekend at my house. And when I say group, I mean our group. You can bring your girl-toy if you want, but none of your crazy party-animals. Does that sound good?" Marhall Lee stared into her eyes, a pleading look meeting her stone cold gaze, he could see the gears turning in her head. With a 'hmph', Marceline continued walking to their normal lunch table. As she reached the end of the hall she turned back and shouted to Marshall.

"There better be good booze!" she yelled with a small grin. With a simple nod, Marshall turned around and walked in the opposite direction. I have to make up with Fionna first. But what do I do?

Fionna POV

Fionna stepped off from the bus, stretching her arms over her head and letting out a big yawn. She had stayed late to help her a foreign exchange student with their group project for the week. She believed him nice enough, if not a little weird. B. Mo was his name? I couldn't really hear him. She thought to herself. She glanced over at Marshall's house, a defeated sigh escaping her lips. I want to make up with him, but I've already been so cold… But he deserved it! He should come to me! Fionna huffed to herself and headed off to her house. Walking down the small dirt road that lead her to her house, a confused look crossed her face as she glanced towards the front of her house, spotting a familiar red motorcycle parked out front with the helmets strapped to the back. She continued into her house, her mind racing as she thought about what she would say when she'd see Marshall.

Fionna opened the door and was immediately greeted to the smell of coffee and the ringing sound of laughter, recognizing both voices immediately. She followed the sounds into the kitchen her mouth agape as she examined the scene in front of her. Her mother, laughing loudly, Marshall Lee sitting opposite her, Marshall sipping coffee from her favorite mug. As if this wasn't enough, her cat was purring and curled up on his lap!

The pair before her had both turned to her with smiles on their faces, her mother being the first to address her.

"Our new neighbor is quite an interesting young fellow, Fionna. And he makes some mean java," her mom giggled. "He was just telling me about all the help you've been to him in school. You two seem to be getting along well." Fionna's mom looked at her daughter with a sly grin causing an explosion of red across Fionna's cheeks.

"MOM," Fionna screeched, her voice cracking which elicited only more blushing.

"Well, this has been lovely Mrs. Mertens, but it would seem my study partner has arrived. We'll try to keep the volume to a minimum." Marshall said with a wink, flashing his trademark grin.

"Please, Marshall, just call me Cathy. The whole 'Mrs.' thing makes me feel old." Cathy said politely.

Marshall offered a simple nod as he rose from his chair, Fionna's cat quickly climbing up to lay along his shoulders as he made his way towards Fionna.

"Shall we?" Marshall offered lightly for Fionna to lead the way. Her disbelieving look was quickly struck away with annoyance as she stomped past him, looking back to see her cat staring at her from her perch on Marshall Lee. Traitor…

After conquering the stairs, the three quickly made their way to the final door on the floor, Fionna opening it to reveal a very blue, very unique bedroom. Fionna watched as Marshall's eyes traced the walls of her bedroom, where many posters of exotic landscapes and vacation areas were intermingling indiscriminately with many, many hand drawn images. She waited a few seconds for Marshall to glance over everything before finally opening her mouth to speak.

"What are you doing here Marshall?" She wanted to be mad, but couldn't muster up the courage to put any real malice into her voice. He sat in a sky-blue chair where her desk was, lifting a hand suggesting she sit opposite him on her bed.

"First off, I want to sincerely apologize to you for how I acted last week. I was dealing with a few personal things and I took my feelings out on you, which isn't cool at all." Marshall took a quick breath before continuing. "You're really cool Fi, and I want you to stick around with me. So if there's anything I can do to make this up to you, let me know. I'll do anything, short of it being felony, if it'll make up for what I did."

Fionna stayed silent for a few moments, taking in what he said and gazing into his eyes, looking for any reason to believe him insincere. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, she just had to be sure she wouldn't regret accepting his apology.

"There's only one thing I want from you Marshall," Fionna said quietly. Marshall leaned forward slightly, his eyes having a determined gaze about them. She could tell he really felt remorse and closed her eyes. "Honesty. I just want honesty. I know we're still getting to know each other, but I don't want there to be any secrets. I want to be in your circle too, just like the others. And I think all of us would appreciate a bit of communication from you." Fionna opened her eyes and met her shining eyes with Marshall's darker pair, noting the small smile on his face.

"Okay Fionna. I'll tell you whenever something's bothering me." Marshall smiled a genuine smile, content to see that Fionna was willing to work with him. "Now, I hope you've cleared your schedule for this weekend." Marshall stood as he said this. "Yours truly is having a little get together this weekend, and seeing as you're now a part of my circle, it means you get automatic invitations." Marshall gave a quick wink, only to be met with a roll of Fionna's eyes. "Now, do my eyes deceive me or is that fine acoustic instrument yours?"

Fionna laughed as Marshall made his way over to her guitar, picking it up and immediately settling his hands into a playing position. She was glad she could talk to Marshall. She saw how he looked that day she had stopped by. Something was wrong and she knew it, but she trusted Marshall to tell her if it was that serious.

All she really wanted was to see him smile, like he finally was now.

AN: Well, I honestly hate the lack of attention I've given this story. But of course i had to come back to it eventually, even if it's like 3:40 AM like a year after I started this. I hate that I didn't stick with it after all the attention it's gotten. I'll do what I can for this story and hope it won't die. As always, R and R is appreciated. Message me for comments, questions, concerns. You know this. I want this one to work out so I'll keep working on this as much as I can.