A Marshmallow's Guide to Loving a Complete Idiot (Inanimate Insanity)(Marshple)

31. Have Other Friends

Hotel OJ loomed in the distance, its lights making it stand out against the dark landscape of the night like a beacon in a port.

"It won't be long until we're on camera now."

"Yeah."

There was a certain majesty to the moment. Marsh's heart pounded out a rhythm that was part nervous, part anticipation.

"The trick is to not spend that much time around one another."

"But Marshmallow, we're a team! Partners in crime! The bestest of best friends!" Apple hugged her arm, practically hanging from her shoulder. "We can't be separated!"

'...There goes the moment.'

Marsh shook her arm, but Apple didn't let go. She groaned. "We actually do. It's not healthy to spend every minute with someone."

Apple stared desperately at her. "No..."

"Look, I'm really sorry, but we just can't. It's counterintuitive. Er- that is, it goes against the point of what we're doing."

Apple sobbed dramatically; Marsh couldn't tell whether it was real or fake as she pried Apple off her arm and patted her comfortingly. "It'll be one week. It's not like I'm going off to war or something like that."

"That doesn't change that I'll miss you!"

"You were the one who insisted we do this. That means getting some space. Our goal is to keep the press at bay, so that means not clinging to me every second. It's just a week, okay?"

"But Maaaaarsh-"

"I'm not your mom. You shouldn't have to hold my hand to make other friends. Prove that you're mature enough to date me this week."

Apple finally stood, though she still looked miserable, even the leaf on her stem sagging. "I didn't realize you were personally trying to juice me..."

"I don't want to be here either! You thought it was a good idea, and we're doing this. I think it's a good idea to keep the relationship secret, so we should."

"Can I at least get a hug first?"

Marsh was caught off-guard, but thought she hid it well when she said, "O-okay."

The hug took longer than one might expect: a full ten seconds. As she pulled away, Apple looked marginally less miserable.

"...Look, just..." Marsh sighed. "I believe in you, okay? Just be careful, for both of our sakes."

"So it'll make you happy if I keep it secret?" Marsh nodded affirmatively. "Okay. I won't talk about you too much."

'It's so weird that I'm reassuring her when I'm the one shaking in my boots.'

Marsh picked up their suitcases as they walked closer. Nervous anticipation bubbled inside of Marsh the entire time, all her doubts nearly paralyzing.

How would anyone respond to seeing them for the first time in years, anyway?

How would they respond if they knew that the hatchet was buried under six feet of drawings and dates, tokens of a strange-seeming relationship?

The familiar sound of party music was coming from inside. Apple knocked the towering door.

OJ soon answered, looking surprised. "Marshmallow? Apple? What a surprise."

He stepped aside, and they walked in. Marsh giggled nervously. "Funny how things work, right?"