Chapter Text
I picked another juicy strawberry, cutting it in half as I hummed along to the music that had been playing in the background.
"Strawberries, hm? My favorite." Marshall spoke from behind me, causing me to jump slightly in surprise. He then gently wrapping his arms around my lower torso, “Sorry Bubs.” He added, a small smirk on his face.
"I am making Strawberry Shortcake." I replied as I continued to cut up Strawberries, letting Marshall hold me.
"Mm-hmm" he hummed as he pulled my hand up towards his face, eating the strawberry that I had been holding.
"Marshall! I need these, you can’t eat them until i’m finished.” I turned to scold the older male, watching as he seductively licked the juice from the Strawberry off of my finger.
"I’m hungry though, Baby.” He replied, that same smirk plastered on his face.
I pull my hand away from him before continuing to place all of the cut Strawberries into a bowl, "Shouldn't you be studying? Finals are soon.” I questioned.
"I’ll study later. There are more important things on my mind.” Marshall replied as he began to grind against me. "How are you even passing? No, how did you even manage to get into such a University?”
"Oh c’mon, I’m smarter than I look.” He laughed, his hand began to gently rub my front. I knew what he was doing.
I gripped onto the edge of the counter, trying not to grind against Marshall in return. "Marshall, I’m busy right now-” I spoke, a small moan escaping my lips.
"You have been working for a while, My Love. You deserve a break.” He whispered in my ear, a small chuckle escaping his lips before he traced his finger over the zipper of my jeans.
I let out a soft moan, leaning into Marshall’s touch. Giving in to his touch.
Marshall, “Bedroom?” He asked as he took my hand, ready to walk towards the room we shared until he heard a knock at the door.
He paused for a moment before continuing to walk towards our bedroom. I stopped, looking up at him before speaking, “It could be important.” I spoke, looking over at the door when I heard another knock.
“Persistent bastards.” He added as he let out a small sigh, making his way towards the door. He opened the door, only to quickly shut it seconds later.
I opened my mouth as if to speak, ready to question my boyfriends actions until someone that I recognized much to well shoved the door open. "It is quite rude to close the door on someone.” He spoke as he walked in along with several other men.
They were going to take me back.
"Sir, It is time for you to come home. Your Uncle Lemongrab misses you.” Peppermint spoke, his voice emotionless as per usual.
"Get the fuck out of our house!” Marshall spat, standing protectively in front of me. His hands were balled into fists.
I watched as Peppermint let out a small sigh before he suddenly snapped his fingers. It had been some sort of signal for the men that followed him, they began to make their way towards Marshall and I.
I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist, dragging me towards the door. I kicked and yelled but it was to no avail, I was not strong enough to fend for myself. That factor scared me more than the present issue.
As I looked over , I saw Marshal being held back by two of the men. Not allowing him to reach me.
“Let go of him you fuckers!” Marshall shouted, attempting to fight of the men that had been restricting his movement.
“Peppermint tell them to stop! They are going to hurt him!” I yelled before I felt someone’s hand cover my mouth. Not allowing me to speak.
He ignored my concerns as he began to leave the room, motioning for the man that had been holding me to follow. “Don’t leave too much of a mess.” He added before he closed the door, blocking my sight of Marshall.
"Gumball!" I heard him yell as I was dragged away, tears streaming down my face. Unable to respond.
I suddenly woke with a gasp escaping my lips, I quickly sat upwards, examining my surroundings. I then realized that I am only in my room, It was just a nightmare. How can it be a nightmare when it still lies when I wake?
I have relieved that moment in my sleep ever since It occurred. I have relieved that memory in my sleep ever since it occurred. It is always a slight bit different than the last and I have questioned which is the truth. I haven’t figured that part out yet.
I pushed the thought of Marshall out of my mind as I got up from my bed, walking to the washroom so that I could freshen up a bit. I should stop fretting about Marshall, I thought in all honesty. I should be over him already, It has been five years.
I continued to have a slight argument with myself until I heard the phone ring, I began to walk towards it. Knowing exactly who it was.
"Good Morning Sir." Answered my Secretary Peppermint.
"G'morning." I replied, stifling a yawn.
"The Yokohama Corporation called, they would like to reschedule the meeting." He spoke, his voice expressionless as per usual.
I poured coffee into my black coffee mug before speaking, "Okay, I'll see to that when I get there." and with that, I hung up. I hate it when Peppermint calls me early in the morning about work related topics, as if I don't already know.
I walked over to my closet, I decided to wear a nice white button up shirt along with a pair of black dress pants. Simple yet sophisticated.
I grabbed the mail from my mailbox before entering my car.
I placed my mail in the passenger seat beside me, planning on sorting through it once I reach my company.
Five years have passed since the incident. I am now the CEO of ‘Candy People’ Corporation. Which is one of the many popular companies that sell all sorts of Candy and sweets. We have franchised all around the globe, the corporation is worth billions.
I took over the company after my Uncle’s death, I had no choice in the matter. I sighed inwardly as I exited my car, making my way towards the back door of ‘Candy People.’
Staff members greeted me cheerfully as I passed them, I placed a fake smile upon my face in response.
When I reached my secretary, Peppermint greeted me firmly as he opened the door to my office for me. He told me what was on the agenda for today, as if I didn’t already know. Though, I still listened.
"Thank you Pepperment, you may resume to your work now." I said as I dismissed him.
Once Peppermint left the room I let out a small sigh, leaning back in my chair in defeat. Here we go again.
I then remembered that I had gotten mail, so I decided to take a look. Most of the mail I had received was just spam except for an odd blue envelope. The only person that I know that sends letters encased in blue envelopes is Fiona.
I haven't seen Fiona in over three years. After she graduated, she became a freelance writer, she started touring around the world and writing about her adventures. Therefore, we didn’t talk much.
I sighed as I opened the letter, beginning to read what she had wrote while I drank my coffee;
"Greetings Gumball,
Hey! I'm coming back from my trip to Tokyo in two days, and when I do I will be hosting a party. You better come! I am putting so much into this party and I miss you, we all do. Do you know how upset I was when you didn't come to the last party I hosted a few years ago! Neither you nor Marshall Lee came. You have to come this time because the party will be held at Lps's exclusive club, Lumpy Space. I hope to see you there.
Your mighty adventurer,
Fiona.”
There was a ticket attached to the Letter, I stared down at the invitation with a slight sad smile on my face.
I was debating whether it was a good idea to go this time or not. I didn't go last time because I was afraid I'd bump into Marshall. I didn't want to meet him, and I don't think I'm ready to meet him again. Fiona had said that Marshall did not attend the last party, maybe because he was avoiding me as well? I would not be surprised if that had been the reason.
I sat back in my chair pondering on the thought. I did miss them. I miss the all. Is it worth it though? I don’t want to ruin everything with my problems. I don’t want to ruin Marshall, again.
"Sir, you have business meeting in ten minutes." Said Peppermint when he suddenly opened the door to my office, surprising me, immediately I stashed the letter and the ticket inside my pocket and replied, "Right- Thank you, Peppermint.”
Peppermint eyed me suspiciously before speaking, "Is everything alright sir?"
"Yes everything is fine Peppermint. There is no need to worry."
"I worry how the company would fair, if its CEO had not been doing their job properly."
I smiled weakly and looked down at my desk, "I understand."
There I was, standing in front of Lps’s club. I did not know what I was doing. I felt the sudden urge to just turn around and leave but the thought was quickly disposed of when Lps noticed me, his oddly purple eyes widening as he let out a gasp.
"Gumball! Is it really you?" I heard him suddenly yell as he walked towards me, a large smile on his face. “It’s me, Lps.” He added, taking my hand as he walked me into the building.
“Hello, Lps. I- I uh, It’s been a while.” I replied, a slight smile on his face as I let the other male lead me into the Club. It wasn’t that I wasn’t glad to see him, I am. It’s just that I feel guilt. Unknown guilt.
I listened as Lps continued to ramble on about how long it’s been, he mentioned that everyone was here which scared me a bit. Did Marshall decide to show? Did he expect me to not arrive? I’ll find out soon enough.
"Oh my- Gumball! It’s been so long, five years!” I suddenly heard someone yell. Fiona. She then reached in for a hug, a crooked smile on her face.
"It has, hasn’t it? How are you, Fiona?” I replied, returning the hug with a slight smile on my face.
"I'm living the dream!" she exclaimed as we both pulled away from the hug.
I laughed slightly at her enthusiasm. “I’m happy to hear that.” I added.
"I'm really glad you made it. Now that you are a wealthy business man, I thought that maybe- maybe you forgot about us. About me.” Fiona added sadly, a weak smile on her face.
"I’d never forget you, Fiona. I’d never forget any of you.” I replied, speaking the truth.
"I knew it. Anyway, this is a party! Let’s go!" she said as she dragged me towards the center of the Party.
I socialized with almost everyone I met; talking about our past with each other. Remembering the good memories. Even the great.
I’ve been at the club for a little over an hour now, saying no signs of Marshal. Which I am very grateful for.
I was currently sitting on a stool at the bar, taking small sips of my Cherry Cola. Fiona had insisted that I drink something real, but I refused. I had to drive home and I had plenty of work to do anyway.
I turned towards the crowd, laughing slightly as I watched my old friends attempt to dance. I quickly turned back when I saw someone that strongly resembled Marshall, though. I began to focus on the glass of Cherry Cola before me, hoping that the male had not seen me. It couldn’t of been him.
Suddenly I heard someone’s voice coming from behind me, “Gumball, Is that you?”
I turned towards the voice, fearing the worst. There stood Marshall Lee, his appearance hasn’t changed much except for the fact that he is seemingly more muscular. Maybe an inch or so taller as well.
"Marshall?” I replied shyly, looking up at him. I tried to hide any revealing emotion from my expression.
Marshall smiled as he sat down on the stool placed beside me, "Finally." He said quietly, before his eyes roamed over my body, "Five years, huh?" He added as he directed his gaze back up to my own eyes.
I smiled slightly, trying to make the least amount of eye contact possible. “Yeah.”
"So, how have you been?” He asked, trying to make conversation.
"Fine.” I replied simply.
"Right. So, you took over your uncle’s company? I thought that you didn’t want to work for him."
"Things change.” I spoke, my voice sounding a bit too tense. “What about you, Marshall. How have you been?” I asked.
I honestly do not know why I am asking. Trying to make conversation, maybe? I already know that Marshall is a very successful musician. He has been for the past few years, only recently going solo.
"I am fine, as well.” He replied calmly.
I don’t know what to say. There was and is nothing to discuss. Most people I have talked to tonight have discussed our past but I would prefer not to talk about my past with Marshall.
"Say, Gumball. How old are you now?"
"Twenty Three.” I replied. This conversation reminded me of the first time I met Marshall, I was Fourteen and he was Sixteen.
"Hm,” Marshall was about to continue speaking when a girl suddenly wrapped herself around him. Clearly intoxicated.
"Marshy,” She spoke, slurring her words. Or word.
"Ashley? What are you doing here?” I watched as he replied.
Ashley began sucking on Marshall’s neck, attempting to give him a hickey. Marshall then gently pushed her away before helping her stand up properly. I was incorrect, she was not just intoxicated. She was very intoxicated.
"Let’s go home~” She purred, gripping onto Marshall a bit too tightly.
"I am busy at the moment.” He replied, now focusing his full attention on the woman named Ashley.
I turned away from the scene displayed before me, unable to watch as Marshall interacted with what I could only suspect is his girlfriend. I quickly got up from my seat, making my way towards the exit of the club.
"Gumball, wait!” I heard Marshall call out to me, I chose to ignore him though.
I continued walking until I felt someone suddenly grab my arm, pulling me towards them.
“Marshall-” I began, about to tell him that I just wanted to leave. That was until I realized that the person that had grabbed me was an unknown male. Clearly older than me along with being much taller. I wasn’t very tall to begin with anyway. I had never met him before, so I was confused as to why he grabbed me. Maybe he thought that I was someone else?
“I’m sorry but I believe that you may be looking for someone else-” I spoke, trying to make sense of the situation.
“No. I’m pretty sure that you are the one i’m looking for, Sweetheart.” The male replied, his voice deep. Even intimidating. He gripped my arm tighter, his other hand making its way to my waist.
“Sir, could you please release me.” I replied, my anxiety suddenly rising.
“Oh, C’mon baby boy. Let’s dance.” He licked his lips as he examined my body with his eyes.
I was about to reply until I felt the man’s grip on me suddenly release, I looked up quick enough to see Marshall’s fist make contact with that man’s face.
Ouch.
“He told you to let go.” Marshall spat, looking at the man. His eyes filled with a sense of anger.
I watched as the man mumble several curse words as he walked away, balling his fists.
“Are you okay?” Marshall suddenly turned towards me, his eyes now filled with concern.
“I’m fine, thank you.” I replied softly, “I- I uh, I’m going to head out. I’ll see you later, Marshall.” I spoke before I exited the building in a hurry. I truly hoped that I wouldn’t see him later.
I got into my car, making my way home. Ready to just sleep all of this off.