Chapter Text
How the hell did this happen? I stand at the wall of the candy ballroom, a glass of too sweet fruit punch in hand.
It had been a few weeks since my talk with Finn and Jake, and we helped the kingdom with their zombie problem a handful of times more. As promised, I acted better. But now I’m stuck at the third party this week.
I look across the floor, a spectacle catching my sight and bringing a small smile to my face. Finn and Jake were having fun dancing. They always had fun at these events, like the social butterflies they are.
It’s not that I hate these events, but it’s a bit much. It’s a bit intimidating to get into the middle, dancing like no one can see you. It’s funny that this scares me as I’ve fought much worse.
I see movement out of the corner of my eye, someone leaning on the wall right next to me. I think nothing of it…..until that sugary sweet voice speaks up.
“Fun party, huh? You enjoying yourself?”
She smiles, and my hand tightens in my glass. Bubblegum doesn’t make eye contact with me, she’s not even looking. I don’t know if that makes it better or worse.
“Yeah, uh…fun,” I say, taking a sip of my punch. I have to keep my cool.
“I’m glad,” she giggled. Probably fake. “The candy people just love to celebrate your guys’ achievements.”
“More so Finn and Jake’s achievements,” I gave out a laughing scoff, “I just occasionally help.”
“And it’s still appreciated!”
Bubblegum now stands in front of me, taking hold of my free hand in her pink ones. When did she get so close? Why does she look so intensely into my eyes? I can’t help but try and step back, only to be blocked by the wall I lean against.
“The people like it when you’re around,” she continues, “you help them with more than just monster cleanup. Plus, they find you fun to talk to.”
If she thinks she’s making a point, I’ll pretend I didn’t know. The main reason I avoid the kingdom is her. Her and her ever watching eyes….
“Is that so? That’s quite nice,” I plaster a polite smile on my face, pulling my hand away. “Excuse me princess, but I think I’m gonna refill my punch.”
I don’t give Bubblegum a chance to answer, instead making a beeline to the refreshments table. It wasn’t a lie that I needed a refill. If only the punch was spiked…..
I refilled my cup with the sugary red liquid and walked out of the doors. I had been there long enough, I needed a break.
It was upsetting to say the least. I had only spoken to her for five minutes before I needed to leave. I promised Finn and Jake that I’d act better, but I can barely carry a conversation with her.
I take a seat on the palace steps, a sigh escaping my lungs. The moon was rising high in the sky, stars twinkling brightly around it. The silver light beautifully framed this kingdom of sweetness, and I felt myself relax.
I don’t hate the kingdom, and despite my actions, I wouldn’t say I hate Princess Bubblegum. It's just that she rubs me the wrong way, my gut telling me not to trust her. The knowledge of her surveillance system doesn’t help either.
The stars shine brightly in the sky, and I can’t help but watch them in awe and wonder. Each dot a shiny gem in the cosmos. Too lost in thought, I fail to notice the sweaty heroes that snuck out of the party. Both Finn and Jake take a seat on either side of me.
“Fun party, huh?” Finn starts, a bit out of breath from all the dancing.
“Heh, yeah. You two have been surrounded all night!” I chuckle.
Jake grins, proudly proclaiming, “well of course! The people wish to celebrate their totally globtacular heroes.” He turns to look at me “you should join us when we go back in. It’ll be fun.”
I shake my head. “Oh come on guys, you know how shit of a dancer I am. Remember that time at Lady Rainacorn’s birthday bash?” I say that last part with an amused grin.
“Ughh,” Finn groans, facepalming, “don’t remind me. I was stuck in that cast for weeks!”
In truth, the situation itself wasn’t that bad. While celebrating Lady Rainacorn’s birthday, almost everyone had a bit too much to drink. Somehow both you and Finn got on top of the house while dancing, promptly falling off onto the hard ground. A quick visit to the Candy Kingdom’s hospital and you both were good as new! Save for the matching arm casts.
The conversation died down into a comfortable silence. I was feeling better, the fresh air and laughter helping clear my head. It was quite late, but the party wouldn’t be ending anytime soon. Most celebratory events held like this lasted until dawn. Must be all the sugar.
Finn and Jake got up, concluding their break. I sighed, following. Might not be my style, but whatever.
I held up one finger. “One dance. But that’s it!”
The two gave each other a large grin, quickly grabbing my arms and dragging me to the center of the floor. Now there truly was no escape. The candy people were excitedly talking, throwing sweet moves all around. Unbeknownst to me, a certain pink Princess was curiously watching.
My moves were clunky and awkward, the air of self consciousness and insecurity forming a thick miasma. Both boys could only look at each other, a silent conversation being held.
“Hey come on girl,” Jake called (the use of girl being gender neutral), “let’s show up these sugary chumps. Shake what your mama gave ya!”
To prove their point, the idiots I call friends started busting moves like this was the last party on Ooo. It was silly, cringey, and downright ridiculous. I put a hand in front of my mouth, trying to stifle a laugh. Oh what the hell! It’s a party, might as well enjoy it. So I followed their lead.
Next morning I awoke extremely sore, and hanging from the party banner. Candy citizens were everywhere around the entrance hall, and I could even see Finn and Jake amongst the messy crowd. As expected, that perfectly pink princess was nowhere to be seen. Probably left once things started to go crazy. Who knew a game of truth or dare could end up like this!
Groaning, I slumped forward, sliding like a slug off the banner into a flip to land on the floor. Nothing was broken but my legs stung like a bitch. I stretched, vertebrae popping in both my back and neck. It felt good to get loose, my body tense. Once that was done I glanced around the room, a frown finding its way onto my face. It was hard stepping through the crowd, some snoring and occasionally rolling over. My goal was the human and the dog in the center, carefully sneaking over to my prize.
It was a bit difficult to sneak through the sleeping candy people, their varying shapes and sizes requiring careful movements. But I found it to be like child’s play. I'm a great adventurer, surely this wasn’t going to stop me!
It went well enough, never mind the frosting on my shoe. Crouching down you shook awake the boy and his dog, voice a hushed hiss.
“Wake up!”
“H-huh?” Jake was the first to awake, and with a snort that is. He seemed dazed before yawning.
Finn was quick to follow, rubbing his eyes before mumbling a good morning, blinking blearily. I loved these goobers. Loved them enough to tell them you guys needed to go home. Afterall, they had some animals and BMO to take care of. Thus with the sun climbing higher into the sky, we took our leave, heading home to the rolling hills of Ooo.