"Aaaand, done!" Gumball said to himself as he stepped back and admired his handiwork.
It had been several hours now since he had left the house and started setting up stuff for their "special date". He had crafted a small elaborate campfire spot, complete with smooth stones surrounding it, a blanket set out not too far away, along with a few decorative pieces placed and tied onto the ends of branches of the tree nearby; causing light to scatter below in a plethora of colors like a disco ball. Finally, after so long, did he think he was done at last.
'Well done me, well done...'
Wiping his brow, he let out a sigh of relief.
'Alright, time to dress fancy, get the ring...and hopefully make this evening one of the most important ones of my life...no pressure.'
Just thinking that made his heart start to beat faster. To say he was nervous would be an understatement. He could hardly imagine what he would feel when he did decide to propose.
'Oh man...I REALLY hope I don't faint...'
This brought a smile to his lips.
'Ah come on brain, that isn't gonna happen. You got this...don't worry.'
Deciding to clear his mind now of this before it manifested into pure fear and anxiety, he started walking and heading back home. Walking almost always helped clear his head as a kid; one way or another. As he nearly got out of the park, he felt his mind already start to free up itself from his previous thoughts. Something he was quite grateful of.
As he entered back into the house, his nose was instantly greeted by a blend of mouth watering aromas in the air.
'Öoooo, now THAT smells good...'
Deciding to have a peek for what he was in store for tonight, he rounded the corner and waved towards Nicole.
"Hey~ I'm back."
Nicole instantly stopped what she was doing and turned around to face him.
"Gummypuss! I'm glad to see your back." She said excitingly, walking over to him now and giving him a warm hug.
Gumball returned the favor with a big one of his own before pulling back a little and focusing his gaze behind her.
"So, what did you make since I was gone, M'lady?" He asked, reverting back to his theatrical tone.
"Well, my dear suitor~" Nicole started. "I have crafted the FINEST pie in the land, along with various entrees of fruit, vegetables and exotic dips made of treasured delicacies."
"Ah, yes, I see~" Gumball replied, pretending to put on an invisible monocle. "Well, shall we still commence this prom...date...uh, I mean...fine occasion this coming evening?"
Nicole snickered a little.
"Indeed. But...it appears I'm still missing an ingredient for tonight."
"Oh? W-what is it?" Gumball asked, now breaking character in confusion.
"Sugar." She spoke, stepping closer.
"But, I thought we HAD sugar. After all, I thought you needed that to make the pie in the first pla-"
Gumball was cut off by Nicole kissing him deeply and passionately. This, of course, made his mind go blank. When she finally pulled back, his realization on what she meant by sugar suddenly clicked.
"Ooooh, you meant THAT type of sugar..."
Now Nicole was full on laughing. Flicking her tail at him, she turned around and went back to her dishes for further preparation.
"You're slow to things like that, aren't you?~" she called out to him behind her back, prompting him to develop a blush on his cheeks.
"I...*sigh* okay, maybe just a little..." he sheepishly admitted, lowering his gaze.
Noticing his change of tone, Nicole decided to lighten the mood.
"Hey, why don't you go pick out some of your favorite dress clothes? I won't be done for about another hour or two, so that should give you plenty of time to find something you like for tonight."
Perking his ears up at that, Gumball nodded to himself.
"You're right. I'll go do that. Thanks for telling me." He said, before quickly scurrying off and out of the kitchen. Nicole simply smiled to herself before shaking her head.
Just as she heard him start to walk up the steps however, she heard him scurry down and back towards her.
"Hm, what is it Gummypuss? Did you forget something?"
"I did actually..." he responded, walking up to her and stepping up on her toes lightly before kissing her on the lips briefly.
"Thanks again...for all this." he lovingly said, gazing at her eyes deeply before stepping off her and running back out and up the stairs towards his room.
Nicole brought her hand up to her lips and stroked them before turning around and looked back down at the counter before sighing contently.
"What would I do without you?" She whispered to herself before continuing her work cutting more fruit.
——
Rummaging through his closet, he managed to find what he was looking for. His fancy tuxedo was still looking brand new as he pulled it out. Gumball had only really worn this type of fancy attire maybe once or twice in his life. There rarely was ever an occasion or need to wear it back at Elmore.
Pulling out the matching color dress pants from the closet too, he laid them out and started putting on the dress shirt, followed by the bow tie, then the suit jacket.
'I'm glad it still fits...although it seems like ALL the clothes in my closet still fit me...not that I'm complaining. Thanks magic closet...'
Gumball then pulled up his dress pants and tightened the belt around his waist. Although he didn't have matching black socks to go with it all, he made do with just some heel length ones.
'Perfect...'
As he headed into the bathroom to check himself in the mirror, he had to admit, he looked sharp. After enough posing and pretending he was a secret agent, complete with finger guns, he made his way back to his room and shut the door.
'I really hope this goes well...' He thought to himself as he plopped back down onto his bed.
Gumball then looked towards his side dresser, remembering the ring. Sitting back up, he reached down in between and pulled up the ring and looked at it closely in his hand.
'I truly do...'
——
Nicole finally finished her dishes for tonight and set it all neatly on the table for later.
'Not bad...' She thought to herself as she headed up stairs to pick out her dress for tonight.
As she entered her room and closed the door behind her, she opened her closet and sifted through her choices, she really was starting to become disappointed in herself. Her collection of 'fancy dresses' seemed slim to none. Although she rarely ever had to dress up for such luxurious events, it still irritated her that she didn't have a wider selection for such occasions.
"Nope. Nope. Definitely not THAT one, nope. *sigh* Surely there must be SOMETHING in here for tonight..." She said to herself, moving through her choices.
'Geez, it's like none of these wor-'
Nicole stopped. There, right near the end of the closet, rested a dress that she had LONG forgotten she had.
"Oh my god..." She whispered, covering her mouth. "It's perfect..."
Pulling out the dress, she felt her eyes widen in awe and fascination. It was a dark blue formal dress with a gold trim pattern down the sides, complete with spaghetti straps. It was beautiful...
'I can't believe I still have this...'
The dress was one of the few gifts from Richard before their marriage. He wanted her to have something nice to wear before their wedding, besides the gown at least. He thought it could work for their honeymoon, but that never was the case since she ended up packing a different one instead; leaving this one completely forgotten all those years ago...
Their honeymoon...
Richard.
Nicole closed her eyes before refocusing on the dress. Feeling it's texture, it felt so silky smooth and pleasant to the touch. It was truly perfect.
"Let's hope this still fits..."
Heading into the bathroom, she removed her old clothes and tried on the dress. To her joy, it fit.
'Oh thank you magic closet...'
Observing herself in the bathroom mirror impressed her. She found the dress provided a tight, yet snug fit on her waist and body. Better yet, the dress stopped around her shins, enabling her to walk with ease and not worry about possibly tripping on it.
'I hope Gumball likes this...I want tonight to be special to him. Especially if I'm his first prom date...right?'
For some reason, Nicole felt something...off about that. Why did he want to wait THIS long to ask her to be his prom date? Why didn't they ever just do this sooner? Surely he would have remembered something like this beforehand, right?
'Come on Nicole, let it go. He's been though so much...If he wanted to wait for a prom date and dance until now, let him have it.'
Nicole shook her head and decided to focus on cleaning her face a little for tonight.
'I really hope this goes well...'
——
Nicole made her way down back into the kitchen and started placing the food and drinks into the basket for tonight. As she did this, she suddenly heard footsteps coming down the stairs and walk towards the kitchen.
"Ah, there you are Gummypuss. Are you ready for toni-"
She stopped. As she had gazed up to greet Gumball, what stood before her actually shocked her. There he was, dressed in a fancy suit that fit him so nicely; complete with paw combed hair and such innocent eyes...He looked so perfect to her.
"Gumball...you're...so handsomely dressed." She muttered, stumbling her words partially due to being so in awe at his presence.
Gumball smiled, blushing a bit as he swayed a bit, side to side, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Awww~ come on, you're making me blush..."
As he glanced at Nicole again, his innocent eyes seemed to scan her body throughly.
"W-wow Nicole, you really outdid yourself with your outfit." He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
This time, it was Nicole's turn to blush.
"Thanks Gummypuss..."
The two awkwardly stood in silence for a few seconds before Gumball cleared his throat.
"S-so, you ready to go?"
"Yeah. I'm ready."
Gumball walked over to the basket and took it by the handle.
"Is this all we need to take?" Nicole questioned, walking over to help him.
"Yeah, this should be it. Don't worry, I can carry it." He said, lifting it off the table and making his way towards the door.
As he opened it with his free hand, he bowed slightly and made room at the entrance.
"Ladies first~" he spoke, causing her to smile as she made her way through.
"Thank you, my good sir~" She replied, brushing sensually against him near the very end of her passing.
As Gumball reddened even more in the face, he shut the door quickly and made his way to her side as they ventured down the pavement road towards the park.
As they neared the grass, Nicole decided to break their brief silence.
"So...my lovely suitor, what do you got planned for us tonight?"
Gumball turned to face her with now excited eyes.
"Well, I thought another surprise would help set things tonight, so I don't want to spoil TOO much...but, I really think you will like this...prom...date, thingy..."
Nicole put her thumb and index finger under her chin in contemplation.
"Hmm, interesting. You want to give any hints?" She questioned.
Gumball lowered his gaze, pondered for a few seconds before facing her again.
"Alright. How about this...It involves something warm."
"Well~ That sounds lovely..." Nicole spoke before pulling her hands behind her back. "Do you think we could dance by 'said thing that's warm?' "
"Perhaps~" Gumball said smugly.
"Ha! I guessed it right." She returned, pumping the air with a fist.
"Aren't you just a smarty pants tonight..." Gumball spoke, rolling his eyes and smiling.
"Come on, I ALWAYS am..." Nicole replied, puffing out her chest a bit and striking a pose.
Gumball laughed at this before flicking her with his tail.
"Really?"
"Really~"
As the two finally reached the grass and pavement divide, Gumball stopped them.
"Alrighty, let's do what we did last time. You stay put, and I'll make the final touches and come back for you, my Gummybear...does that work?"
Nicole nodded before hugging Gumball.
"That works. Take your time..."
"Of course, M'lady..." he responded, pretending to tip his imaginary fedora.
"Aaaand one more thing..." she mentioned, drawing him back.
What's that?"
Pulling him close, she cupped his cheeks and kissed him lovingly before resting his forehead against hers.
"Come back to me..."
"Are we really going through with this again?" He said, pulling back a bit. "Come on, you know me. You don't think I'm gonna leave a lovely woman like you out here in such a stunning dress like that, would you?"
Nicole laughed.
"Alright, alright, fair enough. Go on, I'll wait here."
Gumball smiled back.
"I love you."
"I love you too~"
With that, he headed with the semi-heavy basket towards the park's hill.
——
'Alright, the fire is now lit, the food and drinks on the blanket are all set out...and now, all I need is Nicole.'
Nicole...
Gumball reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver ring.
'Alright buddy, you got this...don't chicken out. Or pass out for that matter.'
He gripped it tightly in his palm.
'Do it for her...'
Gumball then placed the ring back into his pocket and took a deep breath before walking down the hill.
——
Gumball made his way over to the grass's edge where Nicole was waiting patiently.
"That was quick." She admitted, walking over to him.
"Yeah...Well, since I basically set up everything beforehand, I really feel like I helped speed up the process...heh."
Nicole could tell he was nervous, but decided to help him out a bit by sticking out her hand towards him.
"Why don't you lead the way, My lovely suitor?" She spoke in a posh accent, giving Gumball the queue.
"Oh, uh, right. I mean...*ahem* Ah yes, my dearest. Allow me to guide us towards our spot of entertainment for tonight..."
With that, Gumball took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers as they made their way toward the hill.
"Do I have to close my eyes again this time too?" Nicole asked.
"Hmm, you know what...how about you don't. I want you to see this as we enter it. *ahem* In fashion of course..." he spoke lastly in his theatrical tone.
laughs* "Alright Gummybear~, we can do that."
As the two approached the top of the hill, Nicole was in awe. Everything was so well crafted for tonight. The fire, the sparkling ornaments in the tree branches, the blanket with the food and drinks...it all was gorgeous.
Nicole let go of Gumball's hand and used it along with her other hand to cover her mouth.
"Gumball...you came up with all this?"
"You bet! And look...I, I know it's somewhat similar to when we had at that picnic date, I just thought that...well-"
"Shhh..." Nicole said, putting a finger over his lips. "It's perfect Gummypuss, don't worry. I love it all the same."
Gumball breathed a sigh of relief and nodded before leading her over to the blanket to have their evening meal.
The sunset combined with their meal was something Nicole had longed for ever since they had done this the first time. It was such a lovely experience. Tonight so far was no different.
As Gumball was eating some of his fruit, he paused as he remembered something.
'Etiquette...'
"Hey Gummybear~" he called out to her, drawing her attention.
"Yes my Gummypuss?"
"Here, open wide." He spoke, holding out a piece of sliced strawberry towards her. "I've heard from someone special that THIS is what lovers do..."
Nicole seemed surprised by this for a second, only to have it replaced by sheer childish joy.
"You remembered!" She said excitedly, before clearing her throat. "Sorry..."
She then took the piece of fruit in her mouth and chewed it before swallowing. To her, that fruit tasted the sweetest any fruit could taste. It's like Gumball's magic touch had made it truly sweeter. Who knows, maybe it did...
"Well, that was delicious. I think I need to return the favor..."
With that, Nicole held out a grape towards him. Gumball leaned in and was about to take a bite of it, when suddenly Nicole pulled it back a bit.
"You gotta get closer to it." She said to him with sultry eyes, bringing it closer to her lips.
Gumball caught on pretty quickly and smiled a she leaned in further towards her. Nicole stopped the grape just a few inches from her lips as Gumball finally took a bite of it and pulled it from her grasp. As he chewed and swallowed it, he stared sensually at her.
"You proud of me?" He asked.
Nicole seemed a bit confused.
"Proud of you for what?"
"For having lovely manners of course~" he replied, raising his pinky towards the corner of his lips.
Nicole snickered before shaking her head.
"Fine, hahaha, yes. Yes I'm proud of you Gumball Watterson..."
"Wonderful..."
With that, he clashed his lips with hers, eliciting a sigh of relief and approval from Nicole.
Nicole's mind was swimming in a sea of pleasure right now. It all was so wonderful. Gumball really was like a drug to her. She just couldn't let him go. From his comedic relief, to his surprising progress in flirting; it was just too good.
Pulling back, Nicole drew a few deep breathes.
"Well done Gumball...you have impressed me so far..."
"So far?" He asked, turning his head a bit.
"You have yet to impress this lady with a dance. After all, I'm your prom date tonight, right?"
"Oh...yeah, right. Heh. Sorry." He spoke, standing up and straightening out his suit before reaching down for her hand. "M'lady?"
Nicole smiled and took his hand. Now was his time to shine.
"Show me what you got, partner..." she whispered in his ear as she held him close.
Gumball felt nervous when she had wanted them to dance, but now...after that remark...he would accept her challenge.
'Alright, let's sweep her off her feet!'
They now started to twirl. The duo stepping in sync with each other to a rhythm like no other. As Gumball raised his arm, Nicole used his momentum to spin her body through it before facing him again.
"Nice one Gummypuss..." She admitted, before giving Gumball a turn by copying his move.
Gumball spun beautifully in her eyes, impressing her once again. With this, Nicole decided to give Gumball more control now, since he seemed to be able to adapt more quickly.
Feeling her loosen her grip and give him an ever more sultry look, Gumball got the queue.
'Time to step it up a notch...'
Gumball took full control of the reins and guided them into a vast set of fancy spins, twirls and complex footwork. Both danced to their own tunes in their minds and to the beats of their hearts as they eventually came to a slow and climatic stop; both breathing vigorously.
"Wow..." Gumball could only say as he heaved and rested his head on her chest, utterly exhausted.
"Well...done...Gummypuss." Nicole replied, clearly exhausted as much as Gumball. "I'm...surprised you...were able to take us...that far."
"Not bad...huh?" He spoke, now looking up towards her.
Nicole decided to walk them back over to the fire for a much needed break after all that. They truly needed it.
Taking a big drink of water from a bottle, she handed it to Gumball, who without hesitation downed the rest of it easily.
"You truly did improve your footwork since we last danced Gumball..."
"Really? I thought I was a bit clumsy back there..."
"Nonsense. You did wonderful sweetie." Nicole said reassuringly, rubbing his back.
Plopping down onto his back on the grass, Gumball gazed up towards the sky.
"Hey look, we danced until the stars came out..."
Nicole looked up towards the sky and saw millions of twinkling stars above her.
"Wow, I guess you're right. I barely noticed...as strange as it is..."
Gumball laughed a bit and looked over to her.
"What's that? You considering me right?"
Nicole gave him an exaggerated, annoyed look.
"Oh haha, really funny..."
Gumball snickered before turning back towards the sky.
Nicole walked over and laid down next to him.
"Hey...did you know there is supposed to be more stars in the universe then grains of sand on Earth?" He said, causing her to face him.
"Really? Wow...I didn't know that."
"I know right? That's SO many..."
"I just wish we could be closer to them..." Nicole said, reaching out an arm towards the sky in a futile attempt to touch them.
"Yeah..." Gumball said sorrowful, reaching out too.
As Gumball thought about what it would be like to float around in space towards one, he suddenly felt his mind spark an idea for the two of them to perhaps get closer in another way...
"Hey, I got an idea!" He said excitedly towards her.
"What is it?" She asked, questionably raising an eyebrow.
"Take off your shoes and follow me." He instructed as he started untying his own.
Nicole was now more curious then ever to find out what Gumball had in store for them as she followed his demands.
The duo took a few steps back and were now at the base of the tree. Gumball leaned against its bark and gave Nicole a rebellious look.
"Do you trust me?"
"What is that supposed to mean? And why are you-...oh no. No no no. Mr. Gumball Watterson, I know what you have planned...and it's NOT going to work."
"Come oooon, how would you know that it won't work? Have you tried it? I've heard that some things in life are worth taking risks for."
"Well, Gumball, I can say I haven't tried climbing up a tree in fancy clothes before, and frankly, I don't want to take that risk."
"Pleeeease, I really think it will be worth it in the end gazing up at the stars from there."
"But is it really worth this much risk?"
"Well I think it is." Gumball said proudly. "Besides, it doesn't seem that risky."
"What could be riskier then climbing up this tree, on a hill, wearing fancy attire?" She huffed, obviously now a bit frustrated.
"Hm, I don't know...maybe kissing and falling in love with me?" He shot back.
"I..."
Nicole stopped. She really didn't consider that in her moment of irritation. Perhaps he had a point...
sigh* "...I guess you got a point there..."
"Ha! Told ya!"
Nicole glared at him.
"Heh...sorry..." he replied nervously. *cough* "w-well, anyways, come on. I'm sure this will be fun."
Nicole let out another sigh as she crossed her arms.
"Alright...But I want YOU going first. I'll let you be the tester of this 'Grand Plan' of yours. If you succeed, I'll try myself. But, if you can't reach up top, I'm not climbing. Also, if you fall, don't expect me to catch you; I want you to learn your lesson on judging risks."
"Sounds fine with me." He said nonchalantly, readying his claws as he started to grip the thick tree by its bark.
With a mighty leap, he dug deep into the wood and hoisted himself higher. Eventually he reached a branch and drew himself overtop and onto it fully.
"Ta daaa!" He cheered down to her below with open arms. "Ha Ha! I did it!"
"Indeed..." Nicole said impressed, obviously expecting him to tumble down and prove she was right all along.
Nicole had misjudged his climbing abilities in that suit. Although she was impressed by his ability to trick her in the woods when he and she were playing Hide and Seek Tag. Perhaps she had underestimated his abilities to some degree. Although she hated to be proven wrong most times...she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy this time; especially from something like this.
"Come on up. The leaves don't bite, I promise." He assured her as Nicole snapped out of her thoughts.
sigh* "Alright Gummypuss, I'm coming up. Make way..."
'God I hope this dress stays intact...' She said to herself as she got ready.
Lowering her body, she leapt up with great force and extended her claws just in time to reach the branch Gumball was on. As she dug into it, she crunched her lower body upwards and wrapped her legs around the tree before turning her body over onto it.
"Wow! Not bad..." Gumball said, throughly impressed, clapping softly.
"Thank you, Thank you...no need for applause.." Nicole replied, brushing bits of bark out of her dress.
"Alright, now just a little higher..." He called out as he started to ascend the tree, watching his step doing so.
Nicole followed suit and made sure to place her feet exactly where he did, just in case a branch broke beneath her.
Finally, they reached a good spot near the top that supported both of their weights and allowed them a clear view of the night sky.
Gumball laid back against a branch and let out a peaceful sigh.
"It's so beautiful up here..."
"I guess you was right...looks like this was worth taking the risk for..." Nicole admitted again, closing her eyes for a minute and just enjoying the peace and quiet while the wind blew softly by her, rattling the leaves gently.
As she opened her eyes, she turned to face Gumball, she saw him reach out towards the stars.
"We're ever so close to them...yet, we are still so far away..." He spoke, still seemingly to yearn for their touch.
"I see a pair of stars pretty close to me..." Nicole said.
"Which ones? Those ones? Or...Those ones perhaps?" He questioned, pointing out at different stars in a group of constellations.
"Not quite. I meant...closer ones..."
Gumball then turned to her.
"W-what do you mean?" He asked.
Nicole let out a small laugh.
"I mean, your eyes. Silly goose."
Gumball gave her a smile.
"Oh, r-really? You really think there's stars in my eyes?" He asked lovingly.
Just as he finished speaking, Nicole could have sworn she saw a faint twinkle in his eyes...This made her smile at him warmly.
"I do..."
Gumball felt bubbly. Something about her saying that to him made his heart pound harder. He could feel his cheeks redden too.
'Man...she's good at this...'
"Well, I see stars in your eyes too."
"Really?"
He saw it. There, just as she said it...he saw the twinkle in her eyes. He was certain of it. His eyes weren't playing tricks on him. She really did have stars in her eyes...
"Really." He said warmly, reaching his hand over to grasp onto hers.
Nicole felt her own cheeks flush red with that.
She then leaned towards him and pulled him close before locking lips with him. Steadily, she lowered them down and balanced them on a large branch. Gumball laid back against it while Nicole loomed overhead, holding them in place with one of her powerful legs.
As Gumball eventually pulled back, he heaved several heavy breathes as he looked up lovingly at her, mesmerized by her and the faded background of stars.
"You look stunning..." He whole-heartily said, feeling his pupils expand dramatically viewing her.
"The same could be said about you, tiger."
"Awww~ come on..." Gumball squeamishly said, turning away.
"I mean, look at me, I'm sure my suit is a bit dirty and-...uh oh." He spoke before stopping and gazing at a tear by his shoulder.
Nicole followed his gaze until seeing the tear for herself.
"Oh great, now look what you caused. Perhaps climbing that way was dooming you to-...oh no." She stopped her little speech after discovering a tear on her own dress.
There, just on her lower left side, was a decent sized rip; something she could have sworn wasn't there just a minute ago.
"Uggghhh" Nicole whined, face planting into Gumball's chest.
"Ah, looks like we are both in the same boat, huh?"
"Unfortunately..." She mumbled, lowering her ears.
Gumball rubbed her head gently.
"Come on, don't be like that."
"How can I not be? Our clothes are ruined for the evening..."
Gumball had to come up with something to cheer her up, and fast. That's when...it came knocking on his brain.
With a smile, he spoke.
"Hey Gummybear..."
"What..." she groaned.
"What object in space is full of cows?"
Nicole rose her head off his chest and gazed at him with frustration.
"Really? Here? Right now?"
"Yes." He returned, causing her to roll her eyes and plop back down comically onto him again.
sigh* "alright. What object in space is full of cows?..."
"The MOOn." He said.
Gumball heard a sudden snort coming from her before feeling a wack on his stomach.
"Ow, haha! What?! Didn't you like it?" He said smiling, now starting to laugh.
"Maybe a little..." she replied, before snickering to herself and nuzzling into him. "Thanks. I needed that..."
"You're welcome Gummybear..."
Gumball stroked her back, causing her to sigh contently. To him, this was a good sign she was feeling a little bit better.
"Alright, I got one this time." She spoke, causing Gumball's ears to perk up a bit.
"Let's hear it." He said, laying his head back.
"Why did the crab never share?"
Gumball pondered for a second before giving up.
"Why?"
giggles* "Because he's shellfish."
Gumball actually started laughing.
"God that was bad...hahahaha!"
Soon the pair were giggling like little schoolgirls and their faces were beat red as they continued to laugh even harder as they both watched each other spiral deeper into laughing fits. It seemed to almost be a never ending cycle until Gumball started coughing and gasped to breathe.
cough* "Wow...that was so corny...*cough* but so freaking funny...Damn it haha!"
"You're...welcome...hahaha..." Nicole sputtered before inhaling much needed air.
Eventually things settled down and the two laid back down and gazed up towards the stars again. Although the moon wasn't present tonight, or the MOOn in their case, they still enjoyed the beautiful details of the flickering cosmic lights above them. This went on for about an hour before Gumball felt Nicole start to shiver slightly.
"Would you mind if we climb back down and sit by the fire? I'm starting to get a bit cold..." she said, rubbing the sides of her arms.
"Sure." Gumball nodded, sitting up and slowly making his way down, Nicole close by.
Dropping down with ease, the two walked and sat down by the fire, enjoying the sudden warmth emanating from it. Gumball rested his head on her shoulder as she smiled and wrapped her arm around him in return.
The crackling and warmth of the fire brought a new wave of calm within her as she glanced over at him.
Smiling, she ruffled his hair a bit.
"Even if we got a bit torn up there, I'm glad we did it. Thank you Gummypuss..."
Gumball turned and looked up towards her with a charming and happy look.
"You're welcome."
He then pecked her lips before returning to his old position and sighing contently with himself. Gumball felt like this couldn't get any better. He didn't want this feeling to end. He felt so relaxed...
"So, does my lovely prom partner want another round of dances for the night? That is what you wanted right? I'm...sorry we got distracted for so long up there..."
Then it hit him...the ring. The proposal...the stress. It all was coming back now.
Sighing, Gumball felt his hands start to shake. He felt nervous again...the finger biting, nail ripping, limp shaking type of nervous. He had fear...
"Gumball?"
Breaking thought, Gumball turned to face her.
"Oh, no. Sorry."
"Are you sure Gummypuss?" I don't want you thinking this prom wasn't special..."
Gumball turned away and got up slowly. He walked away from the fire and stood at the edge of the hill, overlooking the woods and the skyline full of stars.
'It's now or never...'
He clenched his fist.
"Gumball? What's wrong? Are you alright?" She asked, getting up also and walking towards him.
Gumball continued to face away from her.
"Nicole..." He started. "There is something I need to tell you..."
Nicole stopped. She noticed his tone. It sounded...different. It sounded...serious. But why?
"What is it?" She cautiously asked, not moving any closer.
"I...I didn't come out here for prom." He admitted, surprising her as she processed that.
"Then...why the fancy clothes? Gumball, we didn't have to dress up so fancy for a simple date."
"But...I didn't want this date to be simple..."
Gumball turned to face her now.
"I wanted it to be special..."
Nicole felt his eyes seem to gaze into her soul. Something felt off. This wasn't like him. She saw fear in his eyes. Was it her that he feared...or something else?
"Gumball...I don't understand..." she said, feeling the wind dance around her dress, causing it to flutter ever so slightly.
Gumball let out a deep breath as quietly and effortlessly as he could, hoping Nicole didn't notice. He then reached into his pocket and quickly slid the ring out and behind his back. Slowly stepping forward, he stopped only a few feet away from her.
"Nicole, I want to ask you something special...something that means a lot to me..."
Nicole froze. It was like her whole body locked up. The look in Gumball's eyes, the fear, the sudden change from cheerful to seriousness, the fancy clothes...it couldn't be. Was he about to-
Gumball looked into her eyes and gazed deeply before looking towards the ground. Dropping onto one knee, he gazed back up towards her, and pulled his silver ring from behind his back and raised it up towards her.
"Nicole Watterson...the love of my life..."
"Will you marry me?"
Nicole didn't move. Those four words now echoed throughout her body and caused every happy feeling; every joyful experience from today, to come crashing down. Her blood seemed to suddenly turn ice cold. It was like she was becoming frozen from the inside. As she gazed at Gumball, she saw his seriousness replaced with a face of pure joy, happiness, and eagerness. This seemed to warm a part of her heart; a just a sliver. The memories of him being born, her holding him in her arms, the joy of his tiny arms reaching towards her. All the memories of him, every single one that she could remember, came flooding back.
As she turned to face the ring, she felt the ice return within her. That sliver of warmth and happiness was snuffed away by the impeding cold. The ring...a wedding ring. Like the one she threw away in the bathroom. The one she had hoped to lose forever. It belonged to her husband. Her husband...
Richard.
Her eyes widened.
Richard.
The man who proposed to her.
Richard.
The man she married.
Richard.
The man who she had children with...
Richard.
The man...who loved her...
Richard.
The man...who yelled at her...
Richard.
The man who was an addict to food...
Richard.
The man who never worked, nor really cared for the kids...
Richard.
The man who thought it was okay to fight...
Richard.
The man who never seemed to care for her...
Richard.
The man who scared her...
Richard.
The man...no...the beast...who slapped her and made her bleed in front of him...in front of...
Gumball...
Gumball...
"Gumball..."
Nicole fell to her knees on the ground. Tears came flowing slowly down her cheeks. She felt herself shaking.
She lowered her head to the ground.
"Gumball..." She wept.
"I can't..."