Gumlee One-Shots

Slow Dance With You

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"You're here?" Gumball gaped holes into the man before him, quizzically scanning around as if to make sure what he saw was real and not just an illusion.

"Pfft, you look like I'm your long-lost dead friend that just came back- Well, technically." Marshall cackled a little, resting his feet on to the ground from his floating position.

Gumball was still in shock. He'd just come to the punch bar to get a drink for his previous dancing partner, enjoying his lovely masquerade-themed ball when he was surprised with the appearance of the least likely person in all of OOO to show up. "And you're dressed nicely?" Ignoring what Marshall had just said, he reached out and fixed the other's collar that had lifted, in a rather slow and cautious manner - unaware if Marshall was ever going to ruin things or not. The vampire was quite well known for being a troublemaker and rather impulsive. Therefore, the gums' concern was quite acceptable.

Marshall had forgotten he was actually here for a civilized experience rather than wreaking havoc like he usually did. Shocking, really. He looked down, trying to remember what he'd worn, reminded as soon as his eyes fell on his black vest, skinny ripped jeans (that he couldn't bother with changing) and a maroon button up shirt that had a few of its top buttons unbuttoned much like his open vest. Not for long, however, as Gumball's hand slid down the collar, they moved to close said buttons as well, perfecting the imperfect look. Or as much 8f it as he could.

Marshall stuck out his tongue when Gumball pulled his hands away, mischief itching at his very core to taunt. "Blegh, look at you caring for a rebel."

Gumball fought back a scoff and instead pushed his lips into a straight line. "If you are trying to behave; I'm only trying to assist." He merely stated before returning to the punch bowl and pouring two glasses. One for himself and another for Lee, disregarding his prior dance partner. Marshall awkwardly played with the cuffs of his sleeves, hating how he had to, for once, behave and not act on impulse. It was really rare of him to try and control himself, after so many years of being able to do whatever he wanted, it wasn't easy to just undo his free will. Awful experience from Lee's perspective.

When he was handed a glass from Gumball, he simply and respectfully declined. Disregarding his parched throat. (Though, technically that didn't matter either since he wasn't going to drink the liquid.) Gumball further pressed his lips in a thin line, sensing something was drastically off. Putting the second glass aside, he slightly leaned against the table, standing next to the vampire. He'd been running around the ball all afternoon, greeting, and entertaining the guests all the while making sure his servants were doing as told do so, he took this chance for a break. Even if it meant hanging out and talking to his vampire counterpart. "What made you change your mind? I mean, I'm sure there's a reason you're not wreaking havoc at my ball."

The prince was right. There was a reason. Marshall hated to admit it to anyone but there was only Gumball here. Surely, the prince wouldn't make fun of him, right? Who was he kidding though, the prince would 100% make fun of him but lying never worked on the other either. Somehow, he always knew when the vampire was lying. So, with a reluctant sigh, Marshall explained: "Fionna finally got Flame Prince to go to this dance with her so she forced me to promise her I wouldn't ruin this for her. And to make sure I don't get anyone else to ruin it for me, she made me come to this junk. I mean, I don't have to listen to her but..."

Gumball finally let a smile break on to his lips. "You're a man of your word." He took a sip from his drink, recalling quite well, that Marshall doesn't break a promise. But he also didn't make many, so it was quite a shame. "I appreciate it." Marshall looked away, sighing, and stuffing his hands in his pocket. He was embarrassed, just a little, by how well the other had paid attention to know him but also wary of just how much the taffy knew. Lee works hard for others to see a side of him he's comfortable showing. It isn't his true self, but he prefers it that way. "So where is she anyway?" The younger asked, scanning through the crowd, only to feel disappointed as he couldn't find the prominent bunny ears or the locks of vibrant gold ribbons in the sea of dancing crowd. Surely, he should've greeted them as they entered, and he maybe had, but after meeting so many guests, everyone eventually became a blur in the taffies brain. That, or he tunes out, so he can keep as much of his sanity throughout the event.