Hey guys and gals! I know it's been like, forever, but I just had competition on Saturday, and we placed 3rd in our division! We made a 93 overall. You probably couldn't care less about that, but it was PRETTY FUCKING AWESOME. SO

Any ways, enjoy the story!

!

Marceline stared at Marshall, a swarm of emotiojns overtaking her.

Shock. Why didn't Marshall tell me about this?

Pity. It sucks that things didn't go well for them.

Doubt. What if Bubblegum is like that?

Anger. How dare he try to rule my love life?!

But, in the end, Marceline's reasoning skills rationalized everything.

He's my cousin. He got burned by a bad situation, and he's just tryin' to look out for me.

Finally, Marceline responded, putting her hands on Marshall's shoulders.

"I understand what you're trying to do, Marshall, and I appreciate the thought, but I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. I already screwed up with Bonni once, and I managed to get a second chance, so I'm not gonna let that pass me by."

Marshall sighed in defeat. He looked into Marceline's eyes, taking the hands on his shoulders in his hands.

"Okay, Marceline. I know you're a big girl. And you gotta do what you gotta do. But if that girl just leaves you high and dry, know that you still have friends, okay? We'll be here for you when she's not. But," He started when he saw the anger forming in Marceline's eyes.

"We'll play nice with her if you wanna bring her around. Just, promise me that you won't be like Jake. Promise me that you won't forget us." He finished, a pleading look in his eyes.

Marceline smiled, and cupped his face.

"Of course I won't, ya goof." And with that, she gave her cousin a bone-crushing hug.

After a minute or so, they both pulled back.

"Now" Marceline said, slinging an arm around Marshall's shoulders.

"What would be the best way to ask out a fiiiine girl like Bubblegum?"

!

Brrriing! Brrring!

"Bonnnibel Bubblegum."

"Heeyyy, Bonni."

"Marceline! Hey!" Bonnibel quickly made her way to her room from her massive living room to gain a bit more privacy. She shut the door, locked it, and began speaking again.

"I was beginning to think you stood me up." She said nervously, chewing on her lower lip.

"Of course not, Bonni. Just planning the perfect date, obviously."

"Oh? And what might that be."

A short pause on the other end of the line made Bonnibel even more nervous.

Did I say the wrong thing?

"I-It's a surprise." Marceline's voice was shaky, and even through the phone, Bonnibel could tell that Marceline was uncomfortable.

"Did I say something wrong, Marcy?" She asked, laying down on her bed.

"O-of course not. What makes you think that?"

"Because you sound, almost scared."

Another short pause, followed by a sigh.

"It's just. I've never really liked someone like I like you. I've always been like, Wow, that chick has a smokin' hot bod. But with you it's more like, Wow, that chick's really smart and sexy and I just wanna be around her 24/7 because she says really complicated things but it's cute when she explains stuff because her nose crinkles up and she has the cutest look on her face and I just wanna grab her and kiss her and never let go and-"

"Marceline."

"Y-y-yeah?"

"You're rambling."

Marceline cleared her throat on the other end of the line.

"Sorry. The point is, for whatever reason, I can't get you outta my head. And I don't want to screw this up. Not again. I just want everything to be perfect so that you'll have no choice but to be my girlfriend." Marceline said, gaining confidence in her voice.

Bonnibel's heart melted.

"Marceline, I think you're amazing as it is. As long as I get to be with you, our date will be perfect."

Bonnibel could practically hear Marceline's grin through the phone.

"Really?"

"Really. Now, why don't you at least tell me when I'm supposed to be ready for our date?"

"Hmmm. Friday. Around 6ish. That good for you?"

"Let me check." Bonnibel rose from her bed and went to her desk, pulling out her bright pink planner. Inside, various dates were marked, some highlighted, and others underlined in bold, red pen.

On the Friday in question, Bonnibel had 3 tests, and a weekly meeting with her father after school to discuss her career options. However, thankfully, from six o' clock to her curfew at 11, Binnibel was free.

"It looks like I'm free. I just have to be back by 11."

"Sweet! I'll come pick you up. I think I remember how to get to your house. Just dress warm. And comfortable. No cocktail dresses. Though you'd look hella sexy in one." Marceline's smirk was heard this time.

Bonnibel blushed a deep crimson color.

"I'll take your silence as a yes?"

"Of course, ya big patoot."

"Oh, Bonni, your words, they wound me." Marceline chuckled.

"They should. I have to go. My parents will be expecting me for dinner." Bonnibel sighed, looking at her clock. She honestly wanted to keep talking to Marceline.

"Aww, that sucks. But it's cool. Your fam must be tight. I'll see ya tomorrow, Bonni."

"I'll see you, too, Marceline."

Click.

Bubblegum sighed in contentment, holding the phone close to her chest like a lovesick schoolgirl.

And, though she'd never admit it, Marceline was in her bedroom, doing the same thing.

!

Hey, guys and gals! It's been too long. I apologize for the lack of updates. My life's just been pretty hectic as of late. But, I think I'm gonna start asking a 'food for thought' question.

So, first FFT question: What is considered cheating?

Feel free to answer in the reviews, or keep it to yourself. Liked the chapter? Hated it? Lemme know in the reviews, and have a lovely day!

-Z