Gumball made it downstairs and sat down on the living room couch. He was excited. Just then, he heard Nicole make her way down too.

'Well, here goes nothing...' he thought, tightening his grip on his wrapped gift.

Nicole made her way into the room with a slightly nervous step, but did her best to hide it. She was a bit stiff and her hands felt clammy.

'Come on Nicole, it's just a gift. Nothing to worry about. He should like it either way...right? What if he doesn't? What if- no. Stop it. Just...focus.'

She let out a quick breath before speaking.

"Hey Gummypuss, I see you are all done with your gift wrapping."

"And I see you are done with yours as well..." he spoke smugly, leaning back into the couch.

"W-what?" She asked worriedly, before clearing her throat and asking again with a calmer tone.

"Come on~, I know that look. You just didn't want me to feel left out, didn't you?"

'Am I seriously THAT easy to read?' She thought.

Nicole lowered her ears in defeat.

"Gumball, I-I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you earlier; and...yeah. I didn't want you to feel bad. It felt only right to return the favor..."

Gumball set his gift aside and got up, outstretching his arms for a hug. Nicole let out a sigh of relief and set her gift down before hugging him warmly.

"Thanks for understanding..." she spoke softly, scratching gently the back of his head.

"No problem, Gummybear~"

They then both pulled away and brought their gifts over to the couch.

"Well, since I said that I would have a gift for you, why don't you open mine first?" Nicole mentioned, holding it out towards him.

Gumball smiled warmly, before taking it out of her hands.

"Alright. Thank you."

They both sat down and Gumball began to untie his gift. When he finally undid the sheet, his eyes grew large and he quickly looked up towards Nicole with true joy and excitement. It was like he was a kid again opening a wonderful present on Christmas morning.

"It's a ship in a bottle! I love it!" He quickly exclaimed, setting it down gently before enveloping her in a tight hug.

Nicole took a second to process all that considering all the previous doubts she had about the gift, but instinctually wrapped her arms around him in return. She now felt loads of joy.

small chuckle* "well I'm glad you like it Gummypuss. I thought of you when I picked it out."

'He likes it, He likes it, HE LIKES IT!!!' Screamed her inner mind. Luckily, her outer face didn't express the entirety of it. She was proud of herself for having mastered that somewhat.

Gumball eventually pulled himself back, before admiring his gift closer.

"It's so well crafted too. Is it okay if I put this in my room later?" He asked, giving her his best puppy dog eyes.

"Of course Gummypuss. Put it anywhere you like."

Gumball raised it in the air in excitement before setting it down again and clearing his throat.

"Well, now that I've received my gift, I think it's only fair for you to receive yours." He said, grabbing for his gift and handing it to her.

Nicole noticed the gift appeared to be a bit smaller than hers, and felt it was quite light in weight. As she pondered what it could be, she slowly untied the wrapping. After moving it out of the way, she looked at her gift with curiosity.

'A box?'

Opening it, she noticed the lovely carved out area on the sides with the center box closed.

'Oh! Well this is neat. I can put some of my smaller belongings in this. He's so thoughtful...'

"I love it! Thanks sweetie~" she said, reaching out to hug him.

"Wait!" He said, pulling back a little, confusing her.

"Check the inner box."

Nicole looked back at her gift before opening it again. Gumball soon began to smile.

'I truly hope she likes this...' he thought, crossing his fingers.

She seemed to stare at the inner closed part of the box for a brief second before slowly opening it. As she did, she couldn't believe her eyes.

'Am...Am I daydreaming? Is that...what I think it is?'

"Gumball..." Was all she could muster.

She felt her hands start to tremble slightly.

"D-Do you like it?" He asked, smiling broadly.

He slowly felt his smile start to diminish after she didn't seem to reply to him right away.

"N-Nicole?" He asked again, reaching his hand towards her.

'Oh no...she doesn't like it. Maybe it's too much. I should have picked something different. May I-'

He quickly lost his train of thought when he felt her arms quickly wrap around him in a tight squeeze of a hug. One that even outdid his just a moment ago.

"I love it..." Gumball heard her say, only then realizing her voice sounded like it was faltering.

'I-is she crying?' He thought, attempting to loosen her vice grip of a hug.

Eventually she let go and after catching a much needed breath of air, he looked towards her. He noted the tears streaming down her face.

'She was crying...'

"Gumball..." she said again, attempting to collect herself.

"This necklace is so beautiful. I've never received something like that before...Thank you..."

Gumball let out a sigh of relief. She liked it. After looking at her attempting to wipe away her tears, he then knew he was wrong. She didn't like it; she loved it.

——

It was all true. When Nicole saw the necklace, she felt like she was in shock. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry she had ever seen! And to think Gumball had got it...for her.

The gift was for her...

She couldn't hold back her emotions from this. It was too much.

"Gumball..."

She was at a loss for words.

"N-Nicole?"

She turned to face Gumball. He looked nervous as he outreached his arm towards her.

'Gumball...'

Gumball. The very person who had given her this lovely gift. The person who desperately cares for her. The person who loves her...

'Gumball...'

With great speed, she wrapped her arms around him with all her might, not wanting to let go. It was all so overwhelming for her. As she did, she knew she was safe in his embrace. With that, her tears came. She didn't care. She needed this. In his embrace...she was free. Truly free...

——

"Well, I'm glad you like the gift Nicole." Gumball said, now rubbing the back of his neck.

He truly wasn't expecting such a sincere hug from her like that. It was like she very much needed to do that to him. Regardless, it truly took his breath away...literally, in fact.

"You feeling alright Gummybear? I had no idea this meant so much to you." He asked, placing a hand on her lap.

Nicole wiped a final tear from her eye before speaking .

"It's alright Gummypuss. I-I didn't know it would affect me like this either. This really does mean a lot to me sweetie, more than you know."

Gumball nodded.

"Hey, uh, I know...this might be something I shouldn't ask, but...did...dad ever-"

"No." Nicole quickly cut in. "He never did. With the exception of the wedding ring, he never bought me any. The only jewelry I had before was a few pieces I had managed to pack before I ran away from home as a teen..."

"I-I'm sorry I asked." He spoke solemnly, lowering his gaze and ears slightly.

"It's fine Gummypuss. I don't mind." She responded, grasping his hand on her lap for reassurance.

"Also, I probably look like a bit of a mess right now."

Gumball knew she was simply trying to lighten the mood. He even smiled at that with her.

He then got an idea.

'How about I put that book's info to the test...'

Gumball thought of something flirty to say before taking his shot. After a few seconds, it came to him.

"A mess? You look more beautiful everyday I spend with you. I don't see any mess; only delayed beauty."

'God that was cheesy...let's hope it worked.'

Nicole chuckled before laughing. She was...actually laughing.

"Mr. Flirter strikes again, huh?" She replied, pulling him close.

Maybe this is working. What next?'

Gumball then eyeballed the necklace.

'Bingo!'

Nicole watched as he reached for the necklace and carefully removed it from the box with his hands. He then gazed into her eyes.

"Let's see how this looks on you, M'lady~"

Nicole snickered at that before leaning forward. He slowly placed it over her head and around her neck. He then leaned back to admire his work.

"Well, how do I look?" She asked, grinning with anticipation.

'Wow! She's stunning! But...what do I say?...Oh! I got it!'

"Well, remember that 'delayed beauty' I was talking about?" He said, inching closer.

"Yeah?"

Gumball then leaned very close to her and got right up next to her ear.

"Well it's showing brightly now."

Nicole felt shivers down her spine. That was new. The way he had spoke to her so...sensually in her ear like that was so unexpected from him. She...liked it. No. She loved it.

Gumball pulled back a little and looked into her eyes again, carefully observing them. He knew she was thinking something. But what?

'Was that too much? Yikes I hope she doesn't like...slap me or something. Maybe that was too creepy for her. Ugh, maybe those tips from the book aren't all what they clai-'

He felt unexpected warm lips press again his. He quickly refocused himself. He felt her hand make its way to the back of head to push him deeper into the kiss. His mind was swirling. This kiss felt...different. It felt much more passionate than many of the ones he had with her before. It was hard to describe.

After a few moments, Nicole pulled back and let them catch their breaths. Gumball was thankful. He was out of breath; again. It seemed like this was becoming a common theme today from her; taking his breath away. As he looked towards her for a possible reason why for the sudden passionate kiss, he saw her give him a very sultry look with half lidded eyes while clenching her necklace. It looked like he had gotten part of his answer. She then made her move closer to him, causing him to lean back into the couch. She then used her hands to interlock his and raise them above his head.

Gumball was only growing more and more confused. He had never experienced something like this before.

'What is she doing?'

Just then, he felt her lean in ever so closer towards his head before making her way over to his left ear.

"I love you..." she spoke sensually, before kissing it.

Gumball, upon experiencing that, felt goosebumps all over his body. That wasn't normal for Nicole at all. He also felt his cheeks start to burn flaming hot. Sweat seemed to be developing on his forehead. What was happening to him? One part of him wanted this all to go back to normal...but the other part of him was loving this. It didn't want this to stop. It wanted to go further...

To this part of him, it seemed to be in luck, for Nicole then peppered him with kisses on his neck. Gumball groaned with delight, but couldn't reach out to her because she still had his hands occupied. It was a strange sensation indeed, but Gumball eventually gave in to it, and closed his eyes.

After kissing his neck softly, she pulled back and looked down at him. She saw his face full of pure bliss. Just then...it happened. He started to purr. This lasted only for a few seconds however before he seemed aware of himself. Clearly embarrassed by his own involuntary actions, Gumball quickly turned his face to the side, attempting to hide his face. Nicole smiled warmly at him and let go of his hands in hers before turning his head to face her.

"Don't worry, you don't need to hide it." She spoke, kissing his nose softly.

This made him seemingly relax a bit before he began to speak to her.

"W-What was that?" He asked curiously, still half in a daze.

All that stimulation had made his head rush. It was all so much for him to take in.

Nicole chuckled.

"You liked that? It was something I have been wanting to try for sometime. Although I will admit, I may have added a bit of a twist to it. Inspired by yours truly of course~"

Gumball was stunned. It appeared she WAS a fast learner. She took his flirtation and used it against him.

'Man, she's clever...well played.'

He then half chuckled.

"Your too good at this..."

"Indeed I am~" she replied.

Nicole then leaned back and held up her necklace from her chest to admire its beauty closer. It was truly breathtaking to her. She was going to keep this close to her for as long as she could. After running her hand though it a few times, she thought of something.

'Well, since we are both in such a happy mood, perhaps I could try out some of my favorite jokes.'

Swishing her tail in excitement, she thought of a good one to start with.

'Ooo! I got one...'

"Gumball?" She asked, drawing his attention.

"Yeah?"

"As you know, I'm a person of many talents..." she started, inching closer to him.

"I also happen...to know a few jokes~"

Gumball gave her a rather curious, yet intrigued look.

"Oh, is that so?"

She flicked her tail playfully at him.

"Do you really doubt my ability in that department?"

Gumball made a bold move by interlocking his hands behind his head and laying back into the couch.

"Perhaps. Why don't you prove it~" he said, grinning and gesturing with his head for her to continue.

Nicole took a breath before rubbing her hands excitedly against each other. This was going to be good. With her witnessing Gumball in such a bold position however, she decided she needed a different joke to compete with his smug attitude. That's right, she would be bringing out...the corny jokes.

"Prepared to get blown away." She said, straightening her back and putting her hands on her lap.

Gumball quickly rolled his eyes.

"Alright, give me all you got. I can take it. Stop stalling." He eventually pleaded.

Nicole chuckled quietly at that before collecting herself again.

"Knock knock."

"Really?" Gumball said, shaking his head.

"Come on Gummypuss, I know you can handle it."

sigh* "who's there?"

"Orange." She spoke, causing him to raise his eyebrow at that.

"Orange who?"

"Orange you glad I didn't say banana?"

Upon hearing that, Gumball quickly placed his hands over his face and groaned.

"That was so baaaaad~" he whined, causing Nicole to stifle her laughter at his reaction.

"Looks like you couldn't take it mister~" she taunted, making Gumball wave his hand in defeat.

"Well, for your information, I...was simply caught off guard, that's all..." he stated, causing Nicole to be the one this time to roll her eyes.

"Alright. My turn."

Nicole scoffed.

"Fine. Give it a go sweetie."

"Knock knock."

Nicole smiled.

"Who's there?"

"Police." Gumball said, confusing Nicole.

"Police...who?"

"Police stop with the knock knock jokes!" He spoke, grinning evilly towards her.

"Wow, thats...actually pretty good..." Nicole admitted. "Did you come up with that just now?"

Gumball shook his head.

"I actually used that joke back in middle school against Darwin when he kept pestering me with knock knock jokes non-stop."

"Ah, I see..." She said, coming up with a different joke.

"Well, how about a better one this time?"

Gumball waved his arm for her to continue.

"Just...no more knock knock jokes...please?" He requested.

"Fine."

Gumball nodded before leaning back again.

Nicole cleared her throat again before continuing.

"What did the corn say when he received a compliment?"

Gumball contemplated for a second before answering.

"What?"

Nicole grinned.

"Aw, shucks."

Gumball seemed to now writhe in exaggerated agony as he buried his face into the side of the couch and moaned loudly.

"Looks like your pain is now my gain." Nicole devilishly added, before playfully laughing like a villain.

Gumball removed his face from the couch and gave a look of annoyance.

"Really?" He said.

"Really~"

Gumball covered his face again with his hands.

"Why must you make me suffer with such bad jokes? I thought you knew of some good ones..."

"Well I thought they weren't half bad..." Nicole admitted.

"Ok boomer..." Gumball slashed back, causing Nicole give him a confused look.

"What does that mean?"

"It means-...never mind." He said, clearing his throat. "Anyways, I think you aren't as good at telling jokes as you claim to be."

"One last try?" She begged.

Gumball rolled his eyes.

"alright, fiiiiiine. But make it good, please?"

Nicole nodded.

'Alright, time to use my all time favorite one. Hopefully it works...' she thought, crossing her imaginary fingers in her mind.

"Alright Gumball. Where do naughty rays of light go to?"

Gumball was truly puzzled by this.

"Uh...I don't know. Where?"

Nicole smiled again before continuing.

"Prism."

Gumball seemed to process that for a second. Nicole was about to feel saddened that he didn't seem to like her best joke...until he seemed to stifle a giggle.

"Prism...*snort* that's...thats...ha. Hahahahahaha!!!" Gumball half spoke in between giggles and laughter.

It worked. The joke book actually worked! Nicole actually enjoyed that one too. Seeing Gumball now actually fall onto the floor in a pool of laughter only seemed to make her realize how contagious his now uncontrollable laughter was. She started giggling herself before joining him in near unbreathable laughter. She soon followed suit and collapsed onto the floor, all while holding her painful sides from her continuous giggling. It hurt so bad but she just couldn't seem to stop.

After a few solid minutes, Gumball finally died down his laughter and wiped the remaining tears from his eyes. He could barely breathe...once again. He turned his head towards Nicole and noticed she was still giggling and snorting slightly. He would admit, it was cute. It appeared that the joke she told him was so stupid that he couldn't control himself and broke down into a mad laughing fit. He only seemed to be fueled further when she joined in. He would truly remember this moment, for he was still reveling in this moment.

He watched as she finally ceased her laughing fit, and could breathe again. Resting her head to the side of the floor, she let out a delightful sigh before opening her eyes and glancing towards him. Their eyes soon met. Gumball was loving just looking into her tired eyes as she seemed to love looking into his. This lasts only a few seconds before she gingerly reached one of her tired hands out towards him. He quickly interlocked his with hers, causing her to let out another sigh.

Nicole then slowly closed her eyes, giving herself a moment to recover better. Taking advantage of this, Gumball observed her better. He noticed her fur was a bit disheveled, but still had its lovely blue shine to it. Her clothes were a bit wrinkled, obviously, from practically rolling on the floor in laughter. The only spot on her that didn't seem wrinkled was around her shirt. There he noticed a tight band of fabric around...

"Getting observational are we?~" He suddenly heard her coo, snapping him out of his trance and gaze.

"You know my eyes are, in fact, up here right?" She asked, using her hand to make it on an even level as her eyes.

"W-What? Of course I know that!..." he quickly stated defensively, turning just a tad bit more red in the process.

Nicole giggled, before clutching her side as she winced in pain for a split second.

"E-Easy tiger. I was just joking. Speaking of which, it seems you liked my last joke a little better than I expected."

Gumball smiled before resting head to look up towards the ceiling.

small giggle* "You could say that..."

"That was the hardest I've ever seen you laugh before, ya know." Nicole said, causing him to face her again.

"Really? That was the hardest I've ever seen you laugh too." He replied, causing them both to smile.

"That probably WAS the hardest I've ever laughed before. Ever."

"You had such a good laugh I thought you did that all the time at work or something." Gumball spoke, causing her to look seemingly deeper into his eyes.

"R-Really? You liked my laugh? I always thought it was a bit...weird."

"I loved it. I think it's cute." He admitted.

Gumball then saw what he thought was a few sparkles in her eyes again. Something he missed seeing.

"You think it's cute? You really mean it?" She asked softly, inching towards him ever so slightly waiting for his response.

"Of course! I kind of wished you laughed more often like that."

Nicole gave him a very loving, tender smile before dragging herself over to him. She then enveloped him in her arms and he returned the favor. After a few minutes, the pair broke apart and ended up settled on the couch.

"Gummybear?" Gumball asked her, wiping his eyes.

Nicole kissed his head.

"Yes sweetie?"

"Can we rest here tonight? I don't want to go anywhere further. My whole body feels exhausted from the laughter."

"Mine feels very tired too. Alright, we can rest here, but I expect you to get a shower first thing in the morning. I don't want you stinking up this house~" she said, tickling his stomach.

"Sto-ahahaha! Alright I'll do it! Just haha- Stop. I can't laugh anymore tonight or my sides are gonna burst." He playfully whined, slapping her hands away from him.

"Alright. Fair enough."

With that, she pulled him in close and rested his head on her chest. As she nestled herself into the couch pillows below her, she heard Gumball let out one last tiny laugh.

"What was that about?" She questioned.

Gumball raised his head ever so slightly to meet her gaze, before giving her a smirk.

"It seems we are even now..." He said, pointing to her chest.

Still puzzled, she looked where he was pointing, before realizing her situation.

"I'm sorry Gummypuss, I was...just excited from all the laughter."

He raised an eye brow.

"You sure that's the only reason?"

"W-Why do you ask?"

"Well, considering that was several minutes ago, surely they wouldn't still be hard, would they?" He asked, causing her to turn an ever more clear shade of red in the face after every passing second.

"W-what would you know about that stuff anyway, perv." She shot back, causing Gumball to smile back at her.

It seems like his theory was right, but it was best he didn't get in her bad side, especially now.

"I'm sorry..." he said, lowering his ears.

Nicole, buying his sympathy, loosened her muscles and breathed out a sigh before pulling him in close again.

"It's alright Gummypuss. Don't worry about it." She softly spoke, kissing his head.

Gumball then took his hands and placed them on either side of her face and looked at her sincerely.

"I love you." He said before pecking her on the lips with a kiss.

Nicole returned the favor before resting her forehead against his.

"I love you too Gummypuss. Goodnight."

With that, they both returned to their little snuggle session before slowly drifting off to a very exhausted, but delightful sleep.