Chapter 8

A big celebration was held in the Candy Kingdom for them all, and Princess Bubblegum rewarded them all. PB kissed the Doctor on the cheek, and gifted him with a lock of her candy hair. "For saving my people and for showing them a better future."

"Your people will save themselves one day. Or every day. I don't go in order." He smiled. "Goodbye, Princess Bonabel."

"Goodbye, Doctor!"

"Well, I better be going now. Jake, you are one of the coolest dogs I've ever met!"

"Thanks, man!" They fist bumped.

"Simon Petrikov, I hope you know what a brilliant, kind man you can be if you choose. You were that man today."

"I will be that man, Doctor, from now on. Thank you." He hugged the Doctor tightly. "And here's a gift for you!" He gave The Doctor a small box decorated with ornate markings. "From my antiquarian days, long, long ago."

"What's inside it?"

"It's a secret," Simon whispered.

"Fantastic! Finn, you are a courageous, strong young man. You can make the world a better place."

"I will, Doctor!" Finn promised.

"Now, to say goodbye to... Where is Marceline?"

The vampire was nowhere in sight.

"Be sure to visit sometime, Doctor!" Bubblegum said.

"Oh, of course I will!" I still want to see a real jelly baby, he thought. He walked out of town, back to the hill where Finn and Jake lived to find his Tardis. And Marceline standing in front of the door.

"Marceline. I was looking for you," He said as he walked toward her.

Marceline was silent, and as soon as he was within her reach she grabbed his face with her vampire strength and kissed him on the mouth. He flailed his arms, helpless in her grasp. She let go and he jumped away from her. "Marceline! I-I'm married."

"Whatever,just forget it," she turned but The Doctor grabbed her hand.

"Marceline. Why? Tell me why."

"Just forget it! I wanted to kiss you, so I did, okay! It doesn't mean anything."

The Doctor didn't believe that for a second. "No, Marceline. It meant a lot. And I'm sure it wasn't just an attraction to my charming good looks or magnetic personality."

She rolled her eyes. "Dude, I'm a thousand-and-eighteen-year-old. I kiss people when I feel like it."

The Doctor looked steadily at her. "Oh, Marceline, I know how you feel. Young and old at the same time. You must be so tired."

"I-what? I'm fine, okay!"

"No. You clutched at me like you were gasping for breath after a trip underwater. You grabbed me and wouldn't let go. You kissed me like you needed me. But Marceline, I cannot do it."

"Can't do what…?" Marceline said quietly, threateningly.

"I cannot take you with me."

Marceline was staring hard at her shoes. "Why?" she asked in a small voice, defeated.

"This world needs you. I know in that deep down inside you still feel like that little girl, clutching her teddy bear in fear. But you are so much stronger than that. You can do so much good here. I believe you can help others, you can make this world better, but first you must help yourself."

Marceline was glaring at him now. "You think you can come here and-and try to analyze me? To probe me !?"

The Doctor was silent. She continued, "I-I know I'm not perfect. I get angry, and afraid, and I just want it all to be over." She was quieter now. Her eyes were sqeezed shut. "No one trusts me. Not really. They can't depend on me. I'm just everyone's problem…" She rubbed her eyes.

The Doctor embraced her gently. "Marceline," he whispered," I am going to tell you something very important and you must remember it. It could save your life one day."

Marceline made a soft whimper in response.

The Doctor squeezed her tight, moved his lips close to her ear, and whispered," No matter what happens, no matter what anyone does to you, no matter how heavy your burden is, remember this: You are deserving of happiness."

Marceline nodded, swallowing back quiet sobs. She took a few moments to collect herself, and The Doctor pulled away and looked into her eyes.

"How can I believe you…?"

The Doctor smiled and kissed her forehead. "Trust me. I'm The Doctor."

Marceline grinned and let out a laugh. "Thank you," she said seriously. "Now, I have to ask… The kiss? Was it good?" she asked, smirking.

The Doctor chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Well, I really shouldn't say this, but-"

"WHAT ARE YOUDOING WITH MY DAUGHTER?!" A male voice yelled from across the hill.

"Aw man, it's my dad," Marceline said.

"What kind of man is your father?" The Doctor asked.

"Basically…run."

"All I needed to hear!" He quickly kissed Marceline on the forehead and hopped into his Tardis, waving goodbye to the two vampires as it dematerialized.